(014) The Ravine

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
The voice of Highbough comes out of nowhere, as he too steps out of the passage and onto the narrow ledge with Mads and Pelenwin.

There is a small drop of 10ft or so from the ledge to the ravine floor.

To negotiate is safely, one must turn sharply right and follow a short route along the canyon wall, and then descend a crude, narrow stair to the floor...

From within, those bearing the heaviest loads complain of their straining arms and backs. "What delays us?" grumbles Thorgrim.

[waysoftheearth]

tombowings wrote:
"Come on," Pelenwin the Brave begins for the cart.

[waysoftheearth]

heartless wrote:
"Gustave how's is going back there", asks Padrig. Padrig will move back a few steps to provide torch light for everyone and keep a look out for any rear/side attacks.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Pelenwin strides bravely into the semi-dark, heading off to his right and down the crude stone stair to the ravine floor. Mads follows more cautiously, sticking close to Ulric who carries his lantern aloft in one hand and his father's old sword in the other.

Highbough, invisible to the others, steps onto the ledge so that he does not bar the others from progressing, and they duly begin to march out of the dunjon, Andaros and Thorgim with the first heavy chest, and Dieter and Olaf with the second, and finally Gustave and Padrig, who has waited to illuminate the rear of the company by his spattering torch light...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Ghostofmarx, your adventure begins.... now.

Nidhogg observes the company of Men from where he lurks in the shadow of a cold rock. His Dwarfish eyes twinkle keenly in the semi-dark, but the lights the Men carry clearly illuminate them as they -- cautiously at first, then more boldly -- exit the gatehouse dungeon via the rear door.

And what is this? Apparently there is a Dwarf among the eight well armed Men, and what is more, they bear two large chests which surely must be full of loot...

[waysoftheearth]

Guest wrote:
Nidhogg crouches low clenching his pick tightly. He mutters under his breath tense, cautious waiting to see how the next few moments unfold.

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
"It's good to taste clear air once again," Ulric says quietly to Mads as they proceed out into the dim morning. "We should make our way swiftly to the cart. I don't like the idea of leaving the bodies of our comrades behind for long. If we tarry to long we will likely find them to be part of another ogre stew. I definitely think that our swords-for-hire should join us in our return. If nothing else they can help carry the next batch of chests. That is if they are still alive."

[waysoftheearth]

mushgnome wrote:
"Be careful!" warns Highbough, "No telling what foul creatures might be hidden amongst those rocks."

For now, Highbough continues to lurk in the shadows within 10' of the door.

[waysoftheearth]

tombowings wrote:
Pelenwin progresses further down the path in search of the cart.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
The company proceeds with some caution from the dunjon, and their general wariness is well advised.

Pelenwin has already reached the canyon floor, and Mads and Ulric are near the bottom of the rough stair. The remainder of the company are strung out along the ledge and stair, with Gustave (the rear guard) still in the doorway. Padrig (with his torch) and the invisible Highbough are also near the door.

"Now!" yells an unseen voice from somewhere close in the shadowy canyon.

(1d6=5, surprised!)

Your attention is turned immediately to the sound to find the shadowy ravine has come alive with sudden activity. Perhaps a dozen figures have sprung out from whence they lurked -- hidden behind rocks and boulders -- to let fly a volley of missiles!

(Determine targets, 1=Mads, 2=Ulric, 3=Andaros, 4=Thorgrim, 5=Dieter, 6=Olaf, 7=Padrig, 8=Gustave; 6d8=1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 7).

(Attack rolls; 6d20=13, 8, 17, 6, 18, 19).

The storm of arrows and bolts streak out the darkness with uncanny accuracy. Mads and Ulric and Andaros are each pierced by arrows for (1dd=5, 2, 4) 5, 2 and 4 hit points respectively. Another bolt thunks into the heavy chest right in front of Dieter's face! And poor Padrig, his torch light making him a bold target, is pierced twice for (1dd=4, 2) 6 hit points!

At the lead of the company, Pelenwin faces a more dread foe. Not a dozen yards ahead of him, a great bulky shadow steps out of hiding. Pelenwin's eyes make out the silhouette of a broad, horned helm, and a fateful axe with many notches. Even by the stink that rolls off it he does recognise his captor ere the monster even speaks.

"You ain't going nowhere, Worm!" sneers Deggerhund, and raises his huge axe...


Nidhogg remains hidden, but is not surprised and can act immediately.

Everyone else, what are your intentions for the following round?