Sariel, Rathyl, and Renakaris met the young, quirky wizard in the town of Landgard. This is a town built upon a rock and impervious to the Keshnar (what some call the "Angry Earth") that changes the land from day to day and makes it dangerous. Those who venture out for supplies or adventure are considered very brave or stupid.

The wizard introduced himself as Zaron, a follower of Ashe. He is young, in his mid-twenties, if that, and has long black hair. He is a human in flowing robes but he says his magic is still apprentice level, with one exception: he has a gift for reading magic and making it come out perfect regardless of level or difficulty. And reading is what he loves to do.

He sought you out individually, which was odd enough, and then he showed you a rubbing. The parchment it was on is faded and old, and the language is in Ancient Allevian, a dead language using symbols and pictographs that only a few can read. He seems to be one of these few.

"This is a rubbing from the Xren Codex, given to me by my master, Ashe. He gave it to me because it specifically talks of me, and of you. I came here to see, and here you are. We are about to embark on a mighty adventure together." He seems excited and pleasant, but speaks as though you have already agreed with him. He catches himself, "At least, that's what the Codex predicts. We have one other to collect, and we can be on our way."

He pulls out another, much newer, parchment. "We need to travel to the Caves of Chaos and meet others who will be exiting soon. We have very little time if my reading of the runes is correct."

[Private to Renakaris: Renakaris has heard of Ashe. He is a renowned wizard, considered good and decent but also mystical and aloof. As odd as he is, nothing about Zaron seems deceptive or out of place.]

[Private to Sariel Sylvaranth: Sariel has heard of the Caves of Chaos. They are east and are several weeks' journey if you could even survive the Angry Earth. Zaron seems to be the real deal.]

"I came here to see where my destiny may lead me. It seems, this day, My Destiny is named Zaron," answers Renakaris obliquely. She bows a man's bow. "When ready, lead on, My Lord!"

[Private to GM: ======
Knockout opening! Simply wonderful. I'm sooo looking forwards to this. TY!]

Rathyl introduces himself. He is a half-elf with certain innate powers that he has developed over the years. Despite some prejudism for being both half-blood and his natural abilities, which include shapeshifting. They call him a "Shifter."

To Zaron, he says, "I know of these Caves of Chaos. They are quite far from here to the east and it is a dangerous road. How do you propose we travel it, and are there any special provisions? And why are you taking us instead of your master? Where is your master?" Zaron appears somewhat suspicious though not nearly as hostile as it comes out, but that is also his nature due to being so often maligned growing up for his special talents.

Zaron listens closely, nodding with a smile. "Yes, yes, good questions. They call me 'The Chef' because I am good with magical constructs, using magical components, and all that. They call my Master Ashe 'The Maestro,' but he recently disappeared and is not in the picture. Someday I may be worthy to add the 'A' to my name and become 'Azaron of Ashe,' but for now I am still building my powers."

He lifts a finger. "The most important question you asked was how we will get to the Caves of Chaos. That is one thing I need your help with. You see, traveling over the land would be simply difficult and dangerous, maybe impossible. But I have something--"

He pulls out some sort of schematic in a wizarding language.

"This allows me to construct a type of portal to take us to the Caves. But I am missing a few key ingredients. First, let me show you something."

He takes you outside to a covered wagon. It is a disorganized mess in the back, but he draws your attention to a waxy looking barrel. "This is called a 'wardstone barrel.' It will block any kind of non-mundane powers and magics from working from within. What I need to do is collect phase spider hatchlings--at least six of them, to be precise. They must be alive and the only way we can trap them is by putting them in this barrel. Otherwise, they can phase to the ethereal plane. That's how their species has survived so well even despite the Keshnar."

He points to the northeast. "There is a cave about 6 hours' travel from here by horse. We can go to the cave, get the hatchlings, and be back within a day--in other words, before getting caught by the Keshnar's next day turning. Of course, we know little about the contents of the cave. No one has returned from it alive, and there will be fully grown phase spiders there as well that we will likely have to defeat, but that's the price of success, right?"

Zaron adds, "Eggsacs hatch once every year after a full moon. That means that there should be fresh hatchlings within the last two weeks. They should be about the size of your fist. Grown are...well...huge."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:42, Sun 05 Sept 2021.

Unphased by the plan Renakaris asks, "So if they're unconscious they don't go etherial. Got it. Do we need sacks or boxes or something for moving them? And can any body parts be harvested from the huge ones (that can be used for potions or other enchantments)?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:52, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

Rathyl nods at Renakaris' statements and then adds his own question. "You mention that there are other key ingredients. What else are we going to have to collect? Are you going to be any help with spells or anything?"

Sariel was a confident and somewhat refined young Elven maiden. She was the perfect balance between elegance and worldliness. She wouldn't look out of place in the wilds, but she managed to pull off a certain look that still stood out in a nice way.

"I had noticed there were omens. Are you sure this is the answer? Even if we can teleport there, the Caves are too far away and very isolated. We won't have any help if things go wrong." She mentioned her worries. "I suppose we will need to carry the barrel. Am I right? Do you have a cart we can use?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Fri 10 Sept 2021.

While everyone is discussing and introducing themselves, Rathyl explains a little about himself.

He is paired with a two handed sword of bone, armor of studded leather, little in the way of provisions or ranged weaponry, as hunting can be done while in another form more suited to the task and easily provide a meal. Extra equipment just makes it harder to shift form. He says he is bonded with 7 animals.

Being only half elf raised among purebloods, Rathyl was teased and many laughed at his expense growing up. had many a laugh among young elves made at his expense.  Instead of turning to a hatred of the elvenkind, Rathyl wanted more than anything to BE fully an elf. He encountered an old human who offered him a vial to become what he wanted. He was given the power to transform, and the first thing he chose was a full blooded elf. Over time, he developed the ability to change into 6 other animals. All his insecurity goes away when he transforms, and he has spent much of his time until becoming an adult as a transformed animal, shunning society until very recently. Now, he is coming to terms with his true self and trying to accept himself.

The old man approached him again years later and offered him another vial. Rathyl opened it but found himself pulled into the vial. Time has no meaning in the vial, and when he realized how to escape, he found himself many decades in the future. Now the earth has changed and become much more dangerous with the Angry Earth. He proceeds cautiously now, a stranger in a strange land.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:35, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Zaron listens closely. "Yes," he responds after Rathyl speaks, "your backgrounds are part of why you were chosen by the prophecy, I believe. You each must have a special part to play in what is to unfold."

He then starts addressing the questions: "I am not sure if the phase spiders can actually go unconscious. You will likely have to collect them by hand and put them in the barrel to prevent them going ethereal. I do not specifically have any need for older phase spider parts for any ingredients. I suppose you could take them and keep them for later. I do hope that we can avoid the big ones and just take the hatchlings."

To Sariel, he says: "We will use my cart to get us as close to the cave as possible. Then we will need to roll or carry the barrel inside the cave and put the caught hatchlings inside. As far as getting back, it really depends on catching enough hatchlings. If we can collect at least six of them, I should be able to portal us back through--three each way. If we can collect more than that, even better. I believe the barrel will hold up to 12 or so hatchlings--maybe more. I do not read Ancient Allevian very well myself. We need the two gnome brothers, Sark and Jark, to help us with any further translations. But I do believe my master's interpretation of the Xren Codex was accurate."

Then to Rathyl, he says, "I need three additional ingredients. One is the hatchlings of the phase spiders. The second is a fist-sized gem buried with an ancient dwarven king named Rocklayer. I have received permission," and he taps the side pocket of his jerkin, "from the dwarven council to go to the tomb and retrieve the gem. But even the dwarves have not been there in decades because the dwarven king is a despised and evil despot. His place of honor in the tomb is merely as respect for his position as a king. And the third ingredient is...well, how do I put it lightly...an eye of a beholder."

He starts reaching into his pocket as he says, "I know where the phase spider cave is to the northeast, and then after we return here, we can go south to the dwarven king's tomb. It is a full day's journey, so we will not return here immediately after. I know there is a beholder lair somewhere to the south of here but not its exact location. That is where this will help out."

He withdraws from his pocket a small, clear gem like a spherical diamond about the size of a marble. It is attached to a wire frame that he then hooks around his ears. It sits in front of his eye like a monocle.

"This is a gem of true seeing, called the 'Eye of the World.' It will help show us the way when we need it. It can also unlock translation abilities and has other powers that we are still struggling to uncover. At the tomb of the dwarven King Rocklayer, there should be a carved stone with a coded map to the beholder's lair. The Eye of the World should help me decode the map."

He takes a deep breath, and then a swig from a wineskin. "That is a lot of talking from me. Any more questions? We should leave first thing in the morning. I've secured rooms for you at the inn at the edge of town so we can leave immediately after the Angry Earth manifests."

"How much does the barrel weight? And what, roughly, would you say a phase spider, of the size you need, weighs?" asks Renakaris, thinking of Tenser's Floating Disc spell. "Would you know if they can be affected by a Sleep spell? Or a Hold Monster spell? If so, or if you're uncertain, is it possible for me to learn Sleep and Hold Monster before we leave?"
After listening to any reply the drow continues, "With respect to reading Ancient Allevian, I know the Comprehend Languages spell, so if you wish I could check a few pages for you. It would let me read the words but nott necessarily understand the contextural content. I could teach you that spell if you wish."

======
OOC: Changed speech colour as Rathyl uses blue.

"I don't think I could learn a spell..." Sariel mussed. "But, since we have to wait until dawn, why not try to know each other a little better? Do you want me to draw your horoscope?" She talked in a very outgoing and easygoing way. "I suppose we need subtlety and silence to grab the baby spiders. But I'm a bit more concerned about facing the Beholder. It isn't a small feat."

In reply to Sariel Sylvaranth (msg # 11):

"Let's deal with first things first, Sariel. Ummm I've more experience with cavern roofs than starlit skies, but if you think a horoscope will help in some way then fine, we can try that. Anyway, I'd be pleased to get to know you better," responds the drow pleasantly. "But I'd be really, really interested in learning  Hold Monster! Or Sleep!" she adds, looking at Zaron questioningly.


***
If Zaron disappears to look for something such as a spell book or scroll then Renakaris converses further, "Well, Sariel, I'm Renakaris. I'm a refugee from the Underdark, which might be called something else around here. I'm a bladesinger, which means I have some skill with both blade and arcane spell. I think you're pleasant, charming, obviously pretty and I'm pleased to meet you. Now, tell me of you, please?"

======
OOC: @GM - How do you treat things like the darkness produced by the spell "Darkness 15'r"?
e.g. Would Drow magic resistanc make it 'not exist' for just the drow?
And how about beholder's anti-magic ray?
Thanks!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Rathyl expands on his self-description. "I am a ranger by trade, sticking to the forests by day and in rocks and caves at night to avoid the Angry Earth. This was given to me as a gift from the elven lord who raised me." He shows his two handed sword. It is made of bone and is finely etched and polished, clearly magical. "This is boneclaw, hewn from the bones of a giant. Giants are my sworn enemies. I know a couple of cleric spells, but nothing that would probably help us much. No healing or anything. I'm good at tracking and good with animals. Like I mentioned, I'm also good in a fight when I need to be."

The ranger does appear well suited to battle, with some scars on his arms and neck. His disposition is very quiet normally, and his long issues with not fitting in with either elves or humans have made him reluctant to become too involved. His soft demeanor is belied by a tenseness of his muscles. He clearly would be more at home in the wilderness than here.

In reply to Rathyl Dragonbone (msg # 13):

"Well, Rathyl, welcome. Not that that's up to me, of course," says Renakaris with a look in Zaron's direction. "That's a useful skill set to be sure, certainly for where we're headed by the sounds of it. It would have been useful to have magical healing as a resource, but it is what it is."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

Zaron says, "That is a good point. Luckily for you, I do have some healing potions. Each vial has three quaffs. I have five vials."

The barrel itself is the weight of a typical wood barrel with iron bands around it. It can be rolled or carried by Strength 14+ by using both hands, or by other means as you see fit. Zaron says you will only need to take it into the cave, so it should not be overly taxing. The rest of the way, it will be on his horse-drawn cart.

When you indicate, I will advance the night to the morning to get you on the trip.

"That's good, Zaron. Thanks," replies Renakaris accepting a potion or two.

======
Unless learning 1.Sleep or 4.Hold Monster is on the cards, then good to skip to the trip.

Food and water might be a problem unless we can stock up a bit first.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Sun 19 Sept 2021.

Zaron will have food and water for this trip available. No worries there.

Zaron does not have any cleric spells to provide, as he is a mage specializing in magic item creation--the "Chef." He suspects the spiders would be immune to sleep spells, and possibly immune or resistant to a hold monster spell, though that is not his area of specialty.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:10, Mon 20 Sept 2021.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 17):

Time to rest.

======
Good here to skip to the morning.

Time: 7:00 a.m.

In the morning, you set out with Zaron leading the way. He picks a safe path through the Angry Earth, helping you avoid its effects. One thing about the Underdark and other places where the sun does not reach is that they do not feel the effects of the Angry Earth, making them surprisingly safer than travel over land.

You reach the mouth of the cave. It is about 10 feet tall, but the first thing you notice is that, long ago, it must have been much larger. A cave in appears to have blocked a very large part of the entrance at the bottom, and it would once have been 30 feet in diameter. But the cave in was long ago, and it is now covered with dirt and grass.

The sky is overcast on this fall morning, and rain may come soon. The sun is obscured by clouds, but the inside of the cave is far darker. There do not appear to be any signs of life or light coming from within.

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Silent as an elf Renakaris moves up to the cave mouth and stops just short of the shadow to look for webs.

If none are to be seen she steps into the shadow, swords in hand, allows her darkvision time to adjust and then scans around and up, moving carefully forwards until something changes.

Rathyl will follow Renakaris in, bone swords at the ready. Rathyl also takes a healing potion, just in case.

While you walk up to inspect the cave, Zaron pushes the barrel out of the wagon. He also says, "I'm glad you mentioned the webbing. I have this to give you." He pulls out a stoppered vial of milky liquid. This has three doses of a substance that will melt away spider webbing. It might come in handy." He hands it to Sariel since Rathyl and Renakaris are walking up toward the entrance.

Then he begins pushing the barrel with Sariel's help and rolling it up to the entrance area. He says, "I will stay back here and be your back up. I will watch the horses and the wagon to protect them from thieves. But if you get into trouble, just holler. I have one more vial of healing potion and one more of the web dissolving liquid, and I can come running in to help. If you find anything beyond what we are here to collect in the barrels, it's yours to keep. I know there have been some who tried to enter the cave before and never made it out. They might have left behind something of value for you.

Rathyl and Renakaris are peering in the cave, scanning it closely, when Sariel and Zaron get the barrel rolled up the hill.

What you see is a long natural cave with some stone stalactites and stalagmites. "Those are perfect for weaving webs between," Zaron explains. "Giant spiders love them."

You do see some webbing on the walls, but not much. You expect the spiders probably don't come near the exit. The cave goes in deep and then starts uphill as it gets deeper into the mountain. From the entrance, it goes steeply down amid rocks and dirt--like a ramp. You realize this is from the cave in many years ago and it used to be a wide open path leading outside.


This message was last edited by the GM at 01:47, Thu 23 Sept 2021.

Before entering the cavern proper, Renakaris hunts around for something like a six foot long willow twig. Something to use to try and detect webbing in a way siliar to how a rat or cat uses whiskers to guage a tunnel's width.

If something similar is found Renakaris will take point, unless anyone else expresses a preferance for doing so.

Rathyl lets Renakaris take point, but his bone sword is drawn and at the ready. He is ready to fight but also remembers the need to capture the small phase spiders. "Maybe you can roll the barrel in after us?" he suggests to Sariel.

Renakaris quietly and carefully advances until something changes.
If there is a branching of the ways with little to choose between them she follows the left hand wall.

While you are making preparations, Zaron follows you to the top of the cave and says, "Let me make sure I have give you all the instructions and information I have before you go in."

He opens the top of the barrel and points in. You see various rune inscribed jade-like stones. "These are wardstones, which disrupt the phase spider hatchlings ethereal jaunt ability. That will prevent them from jumping to the ethereal plane once you have caught them."

He also hands you a jar that has similar stones. "Each stone will affect a 10 foot diameter sphere. If you place them strategically in an area and lure in the hatchlings, you can prevent them from phasing out while you catch them and put them in the barrel. They are not smart, but smart enough to know that if their phasing is not working, they should move. You will only have a limited number of tries before they flee out of the area."

There are 8 stones in the jar.

"I also asked around to get information about the cave. No one knows much, but one rumor was strange enough that it stuck with me. One patron said there is a dragon in this cave that has been woken up by the ethereal jumps. Another said that it was actually just a giant phase spider that looks like a dragon and that it has been in hibernation for a long time. What struck me is that none of them denied that there is...SOMETHING...very big and dangerous in there. So be careful. I hate to admit this, but I have a paralyzing fear of spiders. That's the real reason I'm hesitant to follow you in, but I will do it if you get in trouble."

He hands you the jar (determine who will take it or if you will separate out the wardstones) and then he says, "One thing I've also come to learn about the spiders is that the constant use of blinking causes an ethereal fog, which is not physically dangerous--at least, I don't think so--but it will create visibility issues. Oh, and these spiders like to phase out to the ethereal plane and then phase in right behind you and attack, and they do have poison, so be careful."

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 26):

"It feels things just got more complicated,"responds the drow. "Well, let's try and makes sense of this. Will the fog be there already? And will something like See Invisible be able to penetrate the fog? Or a anything short of True Seeing? Does it extend to the etherial plane as well as here? Any idea on the range of visibility? Do these stones or the barrel effect the fog? Will the spiders, small or large, be able to break the barrel? Can a spider materialize inside a cave wall and attack me from behind if I have my back to the wall." He pauses for breath and for any answers.

"I guess the next thing is method of capture. Should I try to physically knock one out to then put it in the barrel? Or somehow try to use the stones to herd one into the barrel? Or just try to pick one up from its rear?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

Zaron says, "I would think you could use the wardstones to create an area of effect which will allow you to physically grab the phase spiders and put them in the barrel, which should also be within the area of effect. I do not believe they can phase into material objects like walls. The fog is ethereal in nature. Spells such as Light or See Invisible likely will have no effect on it, and neither will the wardstones or barrel. You could either work with limited sight or draw them out into the open. How you get them in the barrel--whether by just grabbing them or trying to knock them out--is up to you. As hatchlings, though, they are fragile, and you may actually kill them with too much force. Also, they will not technically be 'knocked out,' but might be stunned. With the wardstones in place, you should be able to grab them and try to avoid their bite or perhaps some other method to get them in the barrel."

He says, "The stones themselves do not work unless they are stationary. Holding them and moving them around will not work. Here, let me show you." He pulls out a stone and sets it on the ground. When it is perfectly still, the rune lights up. When he picks it up again, the rune dims again. "The wardstones in the barrel are different because a binding spell has been cast on them by my Master, Azaron."

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 28):

"So how do you want to do this, folks? I'm not the only one here," prompts the elf.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:46, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

Rathyl says, "Let's split the stones into two sets of five. i will hold five and you can hold five. Then we can find a place to put them when we get in there. I think most of the answers probably won't be self evident until we get in there and see for ourselves, so I say let's go in. We can come back here to the entrance if it becomes necessary."

In reply to Rathyl Dragonbone (msg # 30):

"I was thinking of keeping my back to one of the 10' stone-affected areas. Do you want to go first? Do you have any magic for capturing spiders. Or that affects poison?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:46, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

Rathyl says, "No, I have nothing to help with poison, and no immunities to it. I thought a drow might have some resistance. Perhaps only halflings are resistant."

In reply to Rathyl Dragonbone (msg # 32):

"A drow cleric to their dark lady might. I do not. Fine, you want to go first? Or want me to?"


======
OOC: How many small spiders do we need? And is strike to subdue/stun at -4 to hit?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

OOC: You need a minimum of 6 spiders. 12 spiders will help him ensure he can open a second portal, but that is optional.

"Ah, poison, yes," Zaron says, thinking. He scratches his young chin. "As I recall, phase spiders would be classified as Type F poison--very strong and deadly. It will be harder to resist than some weaker poisons. And it is even stronger and more concentrated in the hatchlings than in the adult spiders."

NOTE: Due to the draconian effects of poison in 2nd edition (failed save equals death for this poison), I am using less severe rules more in line with 5th edition, as follows:

Hatchling (-3 to saving throw); adult (-2 to saving throw)
Save success: piercing damage only, no poison

Round 1: Save fail: 1 CON damage (including loss of all constitution bonuses, such as all hit points, 1d4 hp dmg...roll save again next round

Round 2: Save fail: 1 CON dmg, 1d4 hp dmg...

etc. until a saving throw that round is successful.

The bites are cumulative, so multiple bites will compound this.

I suggest you are conscious of your Constitution score and Save vs. Poison numbers as you go in.

OOC: As I recall, Rathyl has both healing and herbalism proficiencies. These may help with some wounds and poison. Here are the rules as to poison for that:
HEALING
A character with healing proficiency can also attempt to aid a poisoned individual, provided the poison entered through a wound. If the poisoned character can be tended to immediately (the round after the character is poisoned) and the care continues for the next five rounds, the victim gains a +2 bonus to his saving throw (delay his saving throw until the last round of tending). No proficiency check is required, but the poisoned character must be tended to immediately (normally by sacrificing any other action by the proficient character) and cannot do anything himself. If the care and rest are interrupted, the poisoned character must immediately roll a normal saving throw for the poison. This result is unalterable by normal means (i.e., more healing doesn't help). Only characters with both healing and herbalism proficiencies can attempt the same treatment for poisons the victim has swallowed or touched (the character uses his healing to diagnose the poison and his herbalist knowledge to prepare a purgative).

HERBALISM
Herbalism: Those with herbalist knowledge can identify plants and fungus and prepare nonmagical potions, poultices, powders, balms, salves, ointments, infusions, and plasters for medical and pseudo-medical purposes. They can also prepare natural plant poisons and purgatives. The DM must decide the exact strength of such poisons based on the poison rules in the DMG. A character with both herbalism and healing proficiencies gains bonuses when using his healing talent (see the Healing proficiency).


ADDITIONAL RULES FROM THE SKILLS AND POWERS BOOK:\
Herbalism: This skill indicates that a character is familiar with the uses of natural plant products for good and ill. If a character spends a day searching the woods, and makes a successful proficiency check, enough herbs, fungi, roots, leaves, pollen, and pulp has been gleaned for 2d6 doses.
The most common use of these herbs is as an aid to healing; one dose of herbs can be used in conjunction with the healing proficiency (by the herbalist or another healer). This dose adds +1 point to the wounds cured by a successful healing proficiency check. Even if the healing check fails, the herbs still restore the 1 hit point. With no healing proficiency, the herbs can still be used, but the herbalist needs to roll a successful check to restore the 1 hit point.
The herbs also can be used to create a poison, either ingested or injected. A single use of poison requires two doses of herbs. The lethality or other effects of the poison (paralysis, unconsciousness, delusions, etc.) must be worked out with the DM.

Healing: Characters with this proficiency can perform first aid on fresh wounds and can supervise the recovery of themselves and others. If the characters tend a wound on the round immediately after it is inflicted, a successful proficiency check means that 1d3 points of damage have been restored (to a maximum of the damage inflicted the previous round). If they tend a wound within one hour of its infliction, they can heal 1 point with a successful check. No character can benefit from this proficiency more than once a day.
This proficiency can also help with long term healing and resisting poison and disease; these procedures are detailed in the Player’s Handbook.

This message was last edited by the GM at 13:17, Thu 30 Sept 2021.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 34):

So can Rathyl search for such herbs? Or have some already?

He has them already. I'm not too picky about that.

Ready to venture in?

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 36):

Might need to tweak spells morised but I'll do that when I'm home tomorrow, otherwise yes.

Rathyl will lead the way in, letting the others follow closely behind him.

Rathyl leads the group in. Zaron stays at the entrance near the cart, telling you to retreat back to him if you need anything. Renakaris follows Rathyl, and Sariel follows in the rear, rolling the barrel on its side. You have the jar of rune-written jade stones and proceed cautiously.

First, you descend down the rocky entrance cave in, and as you look back to the small entrance hole where Zaron stands at the top, you realize a dragon really could have fit in and out of this cave prior to the cave in. It's that large.

You continue south deeper into the cave. The cave tunnel is a naturally occurring cavern, probably formed from a lava tube from some ancient and long dead volcano. The walls are from 30 to 50 feet wide on average and round to a top point between 20 to 30 feet high.

You descend into the darkness about 200 feet before you start seeing remnants of giant webs. At this point, they appear to be long since abandoned cobwebs some of them covering a 10 or 20 foot area. You see and hear nothing. It is dark, and you rely on your infravision to see as much as possible.

Another 50 feet in and you see the cave break off. The south area continues into a huge, cobweb-covered area that looks like a dead end. But the cavern breaks off to your right (west) and left (east). Both sides have cobwebs everywhere.

======
OOC: Do webs usually burn in this world?

Yes. Typical webs, especially old cobwebs, would burn. New webs might have moisture or other ingredients that would prevent burning.

I would probably follow this: https://firefighterinsider.com/spider-webs-flammable/

So they would catch fire but would smolder or melt instead of flashing in flame.

OOC: I learned something new today.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:42, Wed 06 Oct 2021.

Rathyl points to the right. "That way looks as good as any. He will lead them west.

In reply to Rathyl Dragonbone (msg # 42):

"A few momenets, please," requests Renakaris. "I'd like to clear the way a little ands see if anything's lost ot loitering." She indicates the apparent dead end to the south. "Might one of you have a torch? And don't forget if you keep your back to a wall, or back-to-back, they can't bite you in the rear."

If anyone can left her a torch, Rena lights it within the southern cave and sets fire to webbing there (sword in her right hand).

Rathyl had been relying on infravision, but lights a torch and hands it to Renakaris.

In reply to Rathyl Dragonbone (msg # 44):

"Thanks, Rathyl, look away, preserve you night vision," suggests the drow before setting fire to the webs in the southern cave that appears to dead end. She whispers, "Take that!" as she lights the webs.

Renakaris proceeds to light the tightly knit web to the south. It melts and sizzles, and then underneath it all, you see revealed a figure. Though mostly decomposed, it was once a human or elf clad in chainmail. The webbing is tightly wrapped around it. You see in one gauntleted hand that the corpse holds a dagger. In the other, the gauntlet is wrapped tightly around some sort of vial. There is also a rotting leather pouch slung over the shoulder with its top strapped closed, hiding whatever is inside. Other than the gauntlets and dagger, the rest of the armor and clothing is rotting, rusting and relatively useless.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 46):

Back mostly shielded by the wall Renakaris props the torch against the wall, "That was revealing." She liberates the gauntlets, dagger and vial. "Examine these later. See who'd they suit best." She tucks them away in a backpack poacket, taking care to ensure the blade is adequately sheathed.

Renakaris has a quick walk around the dead-end, just on he off chance of spying any discontinuities* indicating a secret passage.

She picks up the torch, "West. Fine. But, Rathyl, want to try the torch trick first? Burn them rather than dodge sticky webs that might be troublesome if we have to leave in a hurry?"


======
OOC: Passive detection 1 on d6 within 10'

Renakaris removes the gauntlets, dagger and vial. There is writing on the vial.

OOC: Note: If any of you have not yet chosen your languages--or read languages proficiency--please decide what they will be. There may be various writings (or spoken word) in  different languages and I typically use the "Language Group" private line to communicate these to you, and then expect those who understand to communicate it to the rest of the group...unless I deem that to be just wasting time.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 48):

The drow tries to read the writing.

======
OOC: Known langauges are on my character sheet. Do I need to do anything beyong that re "language Group"?

Nope. You're good.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 50):

So can Renakaris understand the writing? If so, what does it say?

Rathyl looks through the pouch held by the man.

Renakaris looks at the label on the vial it read: [Language unknown: Ersdayted]

Rathyl looks in the pouch slung over the corpse. In it, he finds a folded piece of cloth with writing on it and a rolled vellum scroll tied with a now rotting piece of twine.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 53):

As Renakaris can't read the vial label by torchlight she passes it to Rathyl or Sariel, "Can you understand this?"

Rathyl nods and says, "It is Draconian. It says 'poison.' With that simple word, I don't know if it is a cure for poison or poison itself. My assumption is that it is a cure for poison since it looks like he was trying to drink it before he died."

Rathyl will check how many doses are in the vial.

In reply to Rathyl Dragonbone (msg # 55):

"Great. Ok, what's the scroll say?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Wed 13 Oct 2021.

No one here can read the scroll. It is not in a language you understand.

OOC: I'm trying to get Sariel's player to start posting. Sorry if this is causing delays. This area is probably too strong for just 2 PCs.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 57):

With her back to the wall Renakaris quietly casts Comprehend Languages to try and read the sctoll.

Rathyl finds that the vial has two doses.

Ranakaris casts a spell to read the message. It reads:


The dragon with eight legs. It lives in harmony with the spiders of the ethereal world. But its breath is poison and its magic is webs. It is instinctive and mad, not to be reasoned with. We think it was brought here from the other plane. It sees and senses all. Our weapons were lost on it. If you see it, run. Run! Do not look back.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 59):

Renakaris translates it for her companions. "Hmmm sounds like a basilisk-type creature. Sounds like maybe it's got a sticky hide and weapons get stuck to it. What do you guys think? And do we have anything that combats poison?"

Rathyl says, "I once encountered a rust monster and carrion crawler. One of those might fit the description too. I don't have anything that combats poison, but I think that vial cures poison, and it has two doses. The way the body is configured with the vial in his hand, I'm guessing he may have been trying to drink it because he was poisoned."

Rathyl checks out the body for signs of poison and the positioning of it to see if his conclusion might be accurate or if anything seems to weigh against it.

In reply to Rathyl Dragonbone (msg # 61):

Renakaris stays on guard while Rathyl tries to confiirm that the death was from poisoning. She whispers, "Honestly, I'd say it's virtually certain. Spiders, bigger spiders and a big leggy reptile, all poisoners." Nonetheless, when he's finished she gets Rathyl to stand guard while she medically evaluates the fallen fellow, still favouring keeping her back to the wall.

======
OOC: Assuming no modifiers, failed in Herbalism but succeeded on Healing skill check by 5!
11:10, Today: Renakaris rolled 5,19 using 1d20,1d20.  Poison diagnosis: Healing 10, Herbalism 17.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:12, Fri 29 Oct 2021.

The body has been there for at least a few weeks and is too decomposed to tell if it has been poisoned. It does look like the hand was being held back by webbing to prevent him drinking. There are also two puncture marks in the neck with purplish discoloration compared with the grayness of the rest of the corpse.

Your conclusion is that he most likely was poisoned by some sort of giant spider after or before being stuck in the webbing.

The word "we" in the note also catches your attention. This means he was not alone, though there does not seem to be any other bodies in this area.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 63):

"So if he's no alone, there are others. Maybe the arachnids have such a bedroom, or larder, each. And the webs seem to be what did for this explorer. Be wary though: some spiders can throw or spit webs. Now, if you want point, fine. But first who do you want to have possession of this Neutralise Poison potion? And now, if you're ready, I'm going to set fire to the next batch of webbing," monologs Renakaris, indifferent to whether or not she's being a boor.

======
OOC: When the others are ready to continue, unless stopped, she plans to burn off the small bunch of webs to the west and then, if things remain uneventful, to set fire to the eastern webbing (essentially aiming to clear all webbing from the currently shown map-tiles).

For clarification, I was talking about the dead adventurer you found, not the spiders.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:40, Tue 02 Nov 2021.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 65):

OOC: Yes, multiple adventuerers. NP. Speculation was that the spiders bagged an adventurer each and had their own areas...

Rathyl nods at Renakaris' deductions. He will wait in the western corridor, guarding and ready to move west when Renakaris is ready.

In reply to Rathyl Dragonbone (msg # 67):

With a nod the drow sets fire to the western webbing, then equipping her sword.

If nothing emerges and the place remains quiet she again takes up the torch and sets the more prolific eastern webbing ablaze, then again reverting to sword.

You set the webbing on fire, but nothing else appears to be hidden beneath.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 69):

======
OOC: So the area visible to both west and east are now clear of webbing?

OOC: Shortly, I plan to add another player to this group. I think you need more here.

Yes, the area is clear of webbing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:34, Fri 05 Nov 2021.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 71):

Sword readied, the dark elf nods for Rathyl to take point again and explore westwards.

======
OOC: Ok, new player would be very welcome
This message was last edited by the player at 08:21, Mon 08 Nov 2021.

Now that the webs are cleared in both firections, Renakaris peers westwards to see what can be seen. She glances at Rathyl and gestures to see if he wants to continue to lead the way. If not, she will.

 [Private to GM: I only just realised Rathyl was an NPC. Not sure how you want to do this, either lots of bits of map in which nothing much happens or the "...you go 170' west and then you see..." and new map segment, approach. I'm fine with either.]

Rathyl will be changed to PC status soon.

Just a little delay as we get our new players in the game.

To the west, you see that the cave is dark and continues around toward the southwest. There is another large spiderweb blocking the path about 80 feet in front of you as it curves.

The dark elf takes the lead and advances along the right hand wall, slowly and silently as only a creature of the underdark may. Her objective is to set fire to the next set of webbing. Again she tries keeping her back turned towards the wall.

======
OOC: OK, thanks. Good to know.

Vegren will be joining this group. He is a straight human warrior.

Vegren: You can start posting here.

(Although a little awkward, we can do introductions and then jump into the actions of Renakaris below. We will assume Vegren has been with the group since the beginning.)

======
OOC: Welcome!

Rathyl will also be switching from NPC. Sariel is still up in the air for the moment.

Renakaris glances back over her shoulder and smile at Vegren, hoping that he's ready.

======
OOC: Hey Vegren! gald to have you on board. Come on down!! Could get difficult soon, fighting phase spiders that we need to capture alive.

[Private to GM: Hey GM! I know the former player of Sariel a bit and there's a story behind the disappearance. I don't want o break confidences but let's say there's a tale of RL issues there that seem to be being worked through but might take some time. I'd be happy to run the character if you want me to do that. I won't abuse the character nor the privilege and would seek to play them as two totally separate beings although I couldn't match Sariell's actual persona.

Reason for offering that is that I love what you've doine here and I want to play in your world! lol]

He's doing some final character adjustments.

OOC:

Hello, dear players!
I'm happy to finally join your adventure! Please note that I have no experience in participating in ADnD 2e adventures (in fact I'm new to playing DnD in general), but I wanted to play it with real people long enough :)
Thank you for having me and I hope we'll have nice time and fun together!

Here is some info about Vegren.

Born in the village at the shore of a bay in southern province.
Being an orphan, he was raised by a harsh man from the mercenaries league in the nearest town.
He’s tall, in a good physical shape, strong and healthy and surprisingly not so clumsy. You could quickly distinguish an intellect behind his bright eyes although you could quickly say he's not a genius. The general positive impression is spoiled by the numbers of ugly scars over his head and face so often he appears quite repulsive and, if it’s dark, even scary to other people.


I've also put my Character's stats into my profile: Link back to this game
This message was last edited by the player at 21:27, Thu 25 Nov 2021.

Renakaris thinks back to an eariler conversation she'd had [OOC: Retcon]) with Vegren. She'd said, "Hello Vegren! I abhor followers of Lolth or Selvetarn and their ilk and, struggle though it is, I strive to follow in the steps of the fair surface elves. I have skill* with the blade and some mastery of arcane spells. I've been told that I'm an amazing cook and passable singer. Now, please tell me of your skill set and aspiration?"

======
OOC: *about a century of trainign with a single blade

Vegren, catches Renakaris's glance and shows thumb up, meaning he's ready. He holds his left palm on the sword's pommel which is still in its scabbard. The 50 ft rope forms a chest coil and looks useful for tying up these naughty spiders.

"Lead on, Renakaris." - says Vegren quietly.

======
[OOC: Retcon continues]
“Hello, Renakaris. It is nice to meet you. I was a mercenary my whole life. I had no choice but it fitted my nature very well as I can see it now. I was involved in different missions performing different tasks from guarding a landlord’s heir room to convoying rich trading caravans on their route to distant countries. I also had a chance to fight meanwhile, as you can imagine. At some point I started enjoying my adventures especially considering they were paid well. Although most of my fights were for a coin, I help simple people in troubles from time to time, if they’re lucky to catch my attention and my mood…"
Then, suddenly, his face changes.
"...And I hate kobolds... I hate them with all my heart. I lose my temper when I see them and urge to battle no matter what.” Frowned, he adds surly and hoarsely: “Filthy creatures!”
*The veins on his skull are pulsating and his cheekbones are covered with red spots. He turns away, tense and full of hate.*


======
OOC: Renakaris, thanks for the welcome! I'm happy to join the party!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Thu 25 Nov 2021.

"You know that these aren't normal spiders, right?" checks the dark elf. "So they have seemingly teleport from one place to another. Actually they go to another plane, the Etherial plane, and then come back to ours. Their favourite trick is to 'dematerialise' in front of you and then 'rematerialise' behind with a nasty attack! And we need to capture a quantity of them alive. You know this, right? And about the barrel? And stones?"

Vegren nods to Renakaris.
“We need to catch at least 6 spiders. 12 or more is even better. Zaron gave us the jar with the runestones that should prevent these spiders from jumping between the planes. We probably won’t need my rope, since we’ll be putting the spiders we caught into the barrel immediately.
Is Rathyl still carrying the jar with the runestones?
I get it that phase spiders or their hatchlings cannot teleport FROM the area covered by runes’ effect. But can they teleport into such an area? If they cannot, can’t we create some sort of path secured by these runes and avoid a sneaky attack from behind while we’re advancing? The troop leader would place the stone every 5-7 feet. Then the one from rearguard could pick the runes and pass them to the ones in avangard. I believe 2-3 stones would be enough, if we stay close.
Btw, I have a torch. I suggest to spare if for later if we have enough light for now.
In any case, tell me at which place you want me in the troop (middle or the rearward ).”
Vegren gets his sword at the ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:10, Fri 26 Nov 2021.

OOC: Moving forward...

As you peer westward, you see nothing but the dark curve of the cave toward the south past the mass of webs blocking you.

You burn through the webs with the torch, and they melt away, shrinking before you like shriveling wax.

You continue about fifty yards to the southwest before the path opens into a giant cavern.

You stop in your tracks and look closely at what is there in front of you. There are about 10 spiders. They look different from ordinary spiders. (Unlike the middle picture below, FYI...) they are a whitish color with pale blue markings (like the bottom picture). (Like the middle picture below...) They crawl over and around a giant mass of webbing hanging like a ball from the center of the room. They seem to be intent on their ball of webbing and have not noticed you yet. Each of the spiders is roughly a foot long in body length, clearly young hatchlings.

The room itself appears as on the map. You are entering from the east-northeast area. There are further exits to the north, northwest, southwest and southeast. Webs are almost everywhere. (To walk through without getting caught in a web will take a Dex check every 15 feet--3 squares.)

In this map, I added a grid letters and numbers so you can pinpoint where you are going. Each square is 5 foot x 5 foot. You are currently all in the 4M area.

When you move, please indicate which squares you step into for each step.

We will move at 6 second rounds, and the terrain is difficult, so you generally move at 3 squares per round, depending on your move speed/encumbrance, assuming you are trying to avoid stepping in webs. You can move faster if you don't care to try to avoid it.

The center brownish mass represents the hanging glob of webbing like seen in the picture.

Spiders you see are at 8A, 4C, 3E, 3F, 7F, 7G, 7I, 5I, 5G, and 2F.


This message was last edited by the GM at 05:16, Mon 29 Nov 2021.

OOC: Just to clarify, if we stick one into the barrel, can it get out when we put another one in?
Or is this more like a lobster pot, once in, heck of a job getting out?

Being not sure if the spiders attention can be drawn by the sound, Vegren quietly whispers:
"Rathyl, place one of those stones at where we are now, so these spiders wouldn't teleport on our necks!"
Then musingly mumbles:
"Are there bodies in the cocoons over there?" - he points at the central part of the cave nodding his head in that direction - "I'd like to search them later, if we have a chance. Who knows what we can find there..."

[TO DM HEATH: Can Vegren try to figure out what else he can se (eg perception check)?]

OOC: 2 questions to DM
1. Do the cocoons, green and dark grey coloured circles indicate objects on the map or merely the decorations?
2. Are the elevations on the map walkable or climbable? (eg at coord. 6B-6C)

This message was last edited by the player at 12:48, Mon 29 Nov 2021.

Once you get it in, it will be considered in for good absent outside interference.


1. They are just remnants of the map I stole. I tried to make the starting points of the spiders coincide with some of them for more easy visibility.
2. You can walk around the cave freely, except that the middle area, you would have to crawl or crouch to get under the giant ball of webbing. Wherever you go, you will be walking around rocks, rubble and of course webbing,.

The ceiling is 15 feet high on the outsides, 20 feet high in the center.

Renakaris whispers back, "The stones only last a limited time. Don't deploy them  'til phase spiders appear here. 'Til then, keep your backs to the bacll. Before anything else though, let me try and clear some of the webbing." She nods, "Yes, keep your torch for later." If nothing untoward, the drow wizard casts Mage Hand* and uses it to deploy her torch, trying to destroy the webs in front of them. With sword in hand, back kept to north or south wall, she tries sweeping the area in front of them clean of webbing.

======
OOC: *Mage Hand, 30' range, lasts 1 minute, 10lb capacity.
Not sure how well (or otherwise) this will work but she tries clearing visible 5' wide sections in front of the group, working north to south and then the next section.
e.g. M3, M4, M5 are web-free, so Renakaris tries to clear L3, then l4, then L5 before moving on to K2, K3, K4, K5 & K6 and so forth.
If an area conatins phase spiders, she won't set fire to that area (5' square ).
This message was last edited by the player at 15:28, Tue 30 Nov 2021.

Vegren stays alerted and holds his back to the cave wall. Sword at the ready.
Renakaris, do you think it is possible that these hatchlings can teleport in the air above our heads?

[TO DM HEATH: Thank you for the clarifications!]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Tue 30 Nov 2021.

"I can't be sure, never having done it myself, but I think a teleportation is a translational process, not including any rotational element. But if, rather than teleporting, they change plane, the etherial I think, then they still have to move. How movement during transition from plane to plane works I don't know. I'd rather one overhead than behind me though," whispers Renakaris in response. "Now, keep your eyes sharp." She starts torching the webbing.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:07, Wed 01 Dec 2021.

OOC: [to DM]
I'd like to confirm that using nonlethal weapon attacks (eg the flat of the blade or with pommel) will result in -4 penalty to the attack roll. Does this rule apply in current setting?

Some clarifications:

The jade stones that block the ethereal jaunt jumping of the spiders do not have a time limit. However, they must be stationary and have a 10 foot radius of effect. They can be reused indefinitely, such as picked up and placed somewhere else. There is a 6 second (1 combat round) delay between setting them down (i.e., making them stationary) and their auto-activation, so planning ahead is helpful.

You can use nonlethal attacks with the penalty to cause subdual damage. There is a chance that you overcompensate and actually kill by accident. (This method will avoid an attack of opportunity if successful -- see below.)

Catching the live spiders is a "Sleight of Hand" challenge, so you can catch them with a DEX roll at -2 penalty upon an attempt. Failure provides them an attack of opportunity. Special skills may nullify the penalty.

Each hatchling has 7 hit points.

Vegren puts his sword into the scabbard and prepares for catching phase spider hatchlings with bare hands, still holding his back to the cave’s wall. In case a bigger monster appears, he’ll draw the sword immediately and fight the bigger monster with it.

Rathyl rolls the barrel out in front of them. "We'll have to keep this within the stone's reach or they will phase out. We could try to lure the spiders to us or chase them down. Neither way sounds all that appealing to me."

Rathyl also prepares to catch them with his bare hands. If the party wants to move, he will cut around to the right, staying close to the walls and trying to maintain stealth. If any spiders get within 15 feet, he will set a stone down in front of himself and stand his ground.

In reply to DM Heath (msg # 95):

"Right, as they can be re-used, let's pop a stone down where we are and then at ten foot spacings as we progress," says Renakaris. "Then there's 100% overlap but then they can't phasec right behind if we pick up a stone."

======
OOC: Is it correct that as Mage Hand can't be used for combat it therefore can't be used to pick up an active phase spider hatchling?
Is there a penalty to try and just use one hand to pick up an active hatchling?
Do we know if spiders react to webs some distance away being melted by fire?
***
For clarity, will stones be placed in the middle of a square? Or at grid intersections?
This message was last edited by the player at 10:10, Mon 06 Dec 2021.

OOC: Hi folks! I wonder if this adventure will be continued? No pressure, just askin'

======
OOC: I'm still here and keen but the GM has some RL stuff to sort out and should be back after that.

OCC: Oh, I see, sorry, I didn't know. Thank you for letting me know. I'm here as well.

Still here!

NOTE: Again, thanks for your patience. Picking this up again...

I am going to make one change because I think we had a player drop. Zaron comes up behind you in the corridor to help, having felt guilty about lagging behind and sending you into danger. The wizard is not really combat trained much but is young and ready to help.

The party moves to H3. The nearest spider at I3 about 10 feet away.

(I got you moving. No danger yet.)

I updated the map below to include your location, spider locations, and Zaron's location. Please indicate at which grid points you are placing the runes.

Remember that the spiders must be subdued, the runes must be stationary to stop them from using their phase ability, etc.

So far, you have been careful to sneak around the webbing in the dark cave and have not been spotted.

Rathyl makes sure there is a Rune at I3, H2 and by the barrel. He then moves to G2. If attacked, he will use the pommel of his sword to fight and subdue. Otherwise, he will try to sneak up on the spider at F2 to subdue it.

OOC: Dear players. Unfortunately I have to admit that I need to leave the game due to the real life situation. I won't be able to play with you at least for some time and I don't know if I'll be able to join the game in the near or distant future.
Thank you for your advices, support and willing to integrate my character into the party.
I wish you a good game and I hope for understanding.

Regards,
Vegren

Thanks for letting us know, Vegren. If you want to join back in later, please PM me.

Given the issues in both parties, mostly caused by my delays, I'm going to also fast forward this and advance us a bit. I had two other interesting cave encounters, but maybe I will use them when we have a full party.


You place the markers around, and when the baby phase spiders come close, they expect to attack and phase out, but they are confused and easily caught.

Before long, you have disabled the bunch and put them in the barrel for keeping.

Zaron leads you back to the entrance. "I think," he says, "That I can use this bunch to teleport us where we need to go."

He makes preparations and when ready, he teleports you all.

You find yourself in a misty forest at the banks of a pond.

Zaron looks around, confused. "Oh, no," he says, "The spell didn't bring us where I was intending. Can you look around for some clues as to where we are? Flora or fauna or some sort of landmark? I have no idea where I've brought us and we will need to find rocky ground before the next dawn."
This message was last updated by the GM at 10:54, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

Renakaris examinines the plantlife surrounding them as best she can and tries to divine where they are. She announces what she's worked out and then adds, "For a supra-mage your teleportations do, if you accept peer critique, intermittantly suck. And the only other things, apart from walking in a random direction, would be to check the bottom of the pool in case it's stone or else get to the top of a tall tree to look for the nearest suitable rocky area that can be seen over the trees. I have Spider Climb.""

======
OOC: 22:38, Today: Renakaris rolled 9 using 1d20.  Herb Lore 17.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Mon 21 Mar 2022.

Rathyl hikes a safe distance down the south path and west path to check for any signs of which way to go, other life, or clues of some kind.

Renakaris examines the plants. They are hard to decipher because of the effect of the Cursed Earth every sunrise. She can tell that there is plenty of water and the earth nearby is a dark volcanic soil. The sky above shows her the proper directions, and she can see that the plants have trees and plenty of verdant growth all around.

The bottom of the pool is primarily large, dark volcanic rocks.

Zaron is already mortified by his miscalculation. "It has to be close. I couldn't have been that far off. Could I? My master, Azaron, was much better than this than I am." Zaron is only about 30 years old and very eager, but seems less self-assured now than he was. Beads of sweat roll down his stringy and curly black hair.

Rathyl scouts the area. The south water exit and the trail to the west converge and head south.

At the intersection, Rathyl also finds several scythes next to some skeletons that have been here for quite some time, possibly 5-10 years. The clothes are rotted, but a small leather sack contains 90 silver coins with an unfamiliar face pressed onto it and a leaf pressed onto the back. 120 copper coins of similar design are also inside. The scythes are small but would be useful to push a trail through the overgrowth that is very dense here.

Renakaris hoists herself up a tree. It is hard to see much because the mist blankets everything. However, there appears to be some sort of clearing area with some small structures and a stone wall to the south. She cannot see where the trail goes as it winds to the northwest.

Zaron looks around at his wagon and the barrel. Everything has transported here without any problems.

"Never mind. get over it and concentrate on what's immediate," says Renakaris, only marginally more engaging than a block of stone.

After sharing what she's seen, the dark elf continues, "We take the sack, coins and scythes. Unless we stand in the pool and hope for the best, direction is either northwest passage to don't know what, or south to a tiny stone settlement. I'd say south. What do you say?"

Rathyl takes one of the scythes, hands one to Renakaris and one to Zaron, or Vegren if he's still here. "Yes, let's head south." He will lead the way with Renakaris, and Vegren and Zaron can take the back.

Renakaris nods and the move south.

Taking the scythes in your hands, Vegren, Rathyl, Renakaris, and Zaron move south cautiously.

As you do, you notice the following:
1) It is pitch dark out. This means the portal took you from around sunset to the middle of the night, so you are likely far away from where you started.
2) The "settlement" ahead of you to the south is not a settlement, something you notice as you approach and see it in the mist. It is actually a cemetery.

The trail leads to the northern gate to the cemetery. Clearly, the cemetery has not been used in a long time, possibly up to even a hundred years. Overgrowth covers everything. Gravestones are cracked or worn or even fallen over, likely due to the "cursed earth" effect as anything else.

Zaron confirms your thoughts. "It looks like this cemetery has not been used since before the Cataclysm, which was about 75 years ago, and which brought about the Cursed Earth."

You look around but see no footprints or signs of recent use. No one has been here in a long, long time, it seems.

"Is there sufficient stone underfoot here or do we need to keep searching?" asks Renakaris.

Zaron says you still have a few hours until sunrise, although theoretically you could stand on top of a gravestone or climb on a stone tomb for safety when the sun rises.

"Ok, so here's our fall back place. Would standing in the water, where the bottom is rock, be preferable to here? What do you think of me using Leomunds Hut spell there? If so, we can try the other direction for an hour or so.."

Before leaving, Renakaris wanders around the graveyard and so forth to see if any secret doors present themselves to her and then does another circuit with the Detect Seci Dooi spell in effect.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:23, Thu 31 Mar 2022.

Rathyl is worried more about a graveyard in the middle of nowhere at the moment, more so than the upcoming dawn. "Let's check the graveyard over first and see if we stumble on more options. We may find some clues about where we are also."

Rathyl will lead the group into the graveyard slowly, keeping his eyes open along the way. The male ranger uses his skills to spot if anything out of the ordinary is on the ground or flora, and he asks if Renakaris has any special vision or skills to help as they explore.

NOTE: I am replacing players for our two lost souls: Sariel and Vegren. Therefore, don't be surprised if you see posts from them or if they voice sounds a little...different. And please welcome them to the group!

Welcome, both!

The graveyard is very large. You stand at the northern entrance facing south.



There are several paths through the graveyard. One leads straight south, and then every 20-30 feet, there is a path cutting left or right. Scattered throughout (as far as you can see anyway) are occasional one or two person tombs made of stone.

Your visibility is about 30-40 feet, so it is hard to tell what is beyond exactly. You don't see the far end.

As Rathyl starts to investigate the graveyard for indications of hidden ways Renakaris joins him, her keen eyes looking for concealed or secret doorways. On any particularly promnising areas she casts the spell to Detect Secret Passages and Portals and that any within a 120 foot area will glow for ten minutes.

As you progress south down the main path, you don't see anything out of the ordinary. There is overgrowth and signs that the Cursed Earth effects have tainted the ground. The graves and gravestones are ancient.

After about 100 yards, you reach what appears to be the center area of the cemetery. The crosshatched rows between graves ends. Instead, there is an old crumbled stone wall encircling the center area.

The graves here are arranged in a more haphazard way as you  walk slowly south past the crumbled wall. Zaron pulls the cart behind you. After about 20 yards in, you see a tomb to the southwest.

Renakaris begins casting...



As the spell is being cast, you hear movement from the south. Humanoid forms are approaching you, but you cannot make them out yet in the mist and darkness. You cannot make out details, but the lead seems to be wearing a dark cloak with face shadowed. The others carry weapons. There are at least six, but it is hard to tell in the mist and shadows.

Renakaris finishes her spell. There is some sort of secret passage or portal, but it is inside the tomb.

But it looks like you have something else to worry about now. One of the shadowed figures in front of you begins casting a spell.

"Inside. Now," says Renakaris, amking for the secret door..

Rathyl follows Renakaris, using the tomb as cover while Renakaris. He yells out as he runs, "We are well armed. Surrender your weapons and do not cast any spells."

Sariel and Vegren: Anything to say or do?

Vegren will not back down easily. He throws the scythe in the direction of the oncoming group and draws his whipsword, the Tail of the Ouroborus, whipping it to its straight, sword form. "I have not dined on blood today, but by the gods, we shall not fall to your evil magic!"

He grasps the sword in front of him with both hands and marches forward, showing no signs of weakness.

Just as Vegren moves forward, a voice from one of those in the darkness says, "We wish you no ill will. We are simply passing through. If you do not attack us, we will continue on our way, peacefully."

Another male voice says, "We are weary travelers looking to pass through.  We mean no harm."

As Vegren approaches closer, he sees that the first one that spoke appears to wear a cleric's robe and is holding a holy symbol. "I am a priest of Tyr..." he starts.

"Passing through to where exactly?" says Renakaris in a voice barely above a whisper as she silently draws her and readies her sword, lower legs swaying with the start of 'the dance'.

Note that when Renakaris went to find the secret door or passage, she found that it is actually inside the tomb, meaning you have to find a way in the tomb first. The stone door is heavy and secured to the tomb.

"We mean you no harm," says another, who appears to be a wizard. But as he says this, he begins to cast a spell. Vegren's body begins to glos, but Vegren shakes it off.

The priest says, "We will not fight you! There is no evil magic here! We, too, seek to stop Tarimar. He is your enemy, not us!" He takes a step back unmenacingly.

He seems to be pondering Renakaris' question.

A voice responds to Renakaris about where they are going: "There is a gnomish village not far from here. We need the help of a healer there to craft a cure for the Black Curse, which we have all been afflicted with. Tell me, do you know of (whatever the name of that Drow man we found at the beginning of this storyline was)? He knew of our coming and tried to help us, but succumbed to the Curse before we could help him."

"Where exactly is the village? By that I mean approximate bearing and distance," presses Renakaris."Tell me about this curse. How is it transmitted? And what doom does it bring?"