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Dragon's Egg - Act II

Ireth

Mythic Scribe
I follow the others in silence, my shield on my arm and my sword at my hip. I look at Baldhart when she speaks to me, thankful that the others can't hear. I nod slowly and try to smile. She's right... I should focus on protecting those with me while I'm able to do so. Especially Líadan.

No, I shouldn't say that, should I? All of them deserve my protection equally, even those whom I am not as fond of as others. As irritating as Ankari is, he at least recognizes my skill in battle enough to appoint me as guard... unless he really meant Matthew. Ankari really needs to learn to address people by name.
 

Steerpike

Staff
Moderator
((Rudimentary map. Has to be small to show the whole hallway. Each square is five feet. The red line shows where the strong smell of oil starts. The hallway is dark, so most of what you make out is in silhouettes and shadows. Aliron thinks he saw some movement by the most distant debris pile (at the top of the map), but it is hard to be sure. It looks like there is a vast, water-filled cavern beyond with a narrow walkway leading out over the water)).

longhall.png
 

Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
I watch down the hall as we pass by. I wonder if the lizards are smart enough not to wait too close to the trap.

After we're in the collapsed room, I ask, "Ankari... when the time comes, is the first set of barrels Nissa's target?"


After he answers, I await instructions. I need to know where to move the rocks and debris before I find a place for the torch. Nissa gives me a vision of her bombing run. I hope the blast is as great as she and I imagine it!
 

SeverinR

Valar Lord
"If Liadan is to guard Branwen, part of the dig time, she really needs to gain the Elfbirds trust. Maybe offer a treat once in a while, a song when passing, anything, so when the action starts Branwen isn't charging around in a panic, when we're ready to spring the trap, or worse running to Baldhart, Mauve or I for protection while we are fighting."
 

Steerpike

Staff
Moderator
Branwen tags along behind Baldhart, Aliron, and Mauve as they head for the caved in room. Darin glances down the oil-filled corridor, expression thoughtful. When you enter the caved-in room, he says "There's going to be an inferno in that hallway. The oil those lizards poured all over the place isn't going to explode - there are some invisible vapors that come up out of the earth that will do it, but I've never seen it from lamp oil. Instead, as soon as we we light it, that hallway is going to fill with flames. Could be a while before its safe to go down it. I don't think the ceiling will come down on account of the fire, but I can know for certain."
 

Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
"Oh? Well... how will this affect the current plan?

"A simpler question, will the inferno make it unsafe to travel from the collapsed room to the gate? I suppose we'll all be gate-side when Nissa does her part anyway, though, right?"
 

Steerpike

Staff
Moderator
Darin shakes his head. "Won't stop us traveling between these rooms. The oil doesn't even come all the way up the hallway. Nothing much to burn beyond where they've actually got the oil poured."
 

Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
"Hmm... I wonder then... will the fire spread to those other barrels?" I look at Keit, then back to Darin. "When you were charmed, I saw from the corner of my eye: Keitsumah sent water from her hands!

"I never paid attention to druids' spells, really... so I don't know how powerful the stream from her hands is." I tell Keit, "I was too busy grabbing charmed people to get a good look at you when you cast it." To Darin I add, "I should have asked Mother more about her magic, but she taught me plenty about cooking. Water does not put out flames on burning oil. Learned that when I was nine. Not a proud moment.

"Anyway, I'm not suggesting a change in plans. Just a possible addition. Suppose Keit sends water down the corridor after Nissa does her part? Unless there's an incline I hadn't noticed, the current should spread the fire in their direction but not ours." I look at Keit. "I think. Sorry, Keit. I should have watched you cast... I should have asked Mother to--" Not now! "Uhh... oh! And, Keit, I'm merely making a suggestion. I would never tell a magic user to use her magic. I'm aware there's a risk you take that I don't with Nissa, so I'd respect your refusal to cast no matter the reason."
 

SeverinR

Valar Lord
{Between 1st debris and trapped room is about 100', from gate room to debris is about 100'. Archers might get a better advantage to know the distance. Probably the red line would also be furthest shot a longbow should attempt}

"If you use an arrow attack, each obstacle is about 100', I would say shoot no sooner then two-three strides this side of the debris. I have been to the first debris pile, and the oil room is about the same distance from there."

[[just to clarify, where are we building the wall?]]

"The distance might be to far for her water magic range." After I hear Baldhart's suggestion.

{I think the dwarf could notice an incline towards or away from us, if you ask him.}
 
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Keitsumah

Grandmaster
I shrug at Baldart. "It is a good idea -but as was said before -there may only be fire and a lot of smoke instead of an explosion. What if we all go through the Gate and close it after the fire is set? The smoke would fill the cavern and suffocate anything within. Plus, it is a great risk to run in blindly with so much smoke still in the air even after the fire has died"

I look down at my burned hand and clench it. I had always had a special affinity for water after i had been injured in the blaze that killed my family. It would take much concentration and might leave me weak for a few minutes, but i could possibly create a strong enough flow of water.

Or...

"Didn't someone mention that there was a large amount of water beneath these caves?" I ask. "I could just bring it up instead of create more water -if the spell will let me bend it that much that is. I do not know if it would work, and it might be risky, but i think it might be more efficient to use a great source of water rather than create more out of thin air."
 

Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
I laugh at myself. "If I had known there were so many druids in the north, I'd have asked Mother to explain these things to me. I had no idea you could either create or bend water!

"Well, perhaps later you can tell me more about your craft... or at least get me to like the taste of Goodberries. Now I better put this torch down and get to work."


I grab a decent sized rock and move it to a good place for the torch.
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Ung... I can barely do this with one hand, but I make it without hurting myself.

I take a smaller rock that doesn't look difficult to carry at all.
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But still, I almost dropped it on my toe!

I wedge the torch between the two rocks. It shouldn't fall over, but Nissa, I think you can pull it out easily.


Now that both hands are free...

I get the biggest chunk of rock I can find!
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Oh! I live for this!

"Where do you want it, Ankari?"

As soon as he points the way, I'll keep up the heavy lifting!
 

Ireth

Mythic Scribe
Líadan

I take heed of Aliron's advice, staying close to Branwen and singing softly as we walk toward the caved-in room -- no particularly relevant songs, just anything that comes to mind. I wish I had some tidbit of food ready to offer her, but I have no idea whether she would like my rations. What does she eat, anyway?

Baldhart starts lifting the rocks and moving them, and I roll up my sleeves and join her, still singing for Branwen's sake.

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I look to Ankari and tilt my head, indicating that I echo Baldhart's question. Where to move the rock?
 

Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
Liadan contemplates a fairly good sized rock. She's so delicate. Maybe I should…

"Liadan, do you need help wi—" Whole E. Crap! "Huh… I guess you don't!"



((Wow—rolled a natural 20 on her first feat of strength! Baldy had to comment.))
 

Ireth

Mythic Scribe
Cadell

I stand guard outside the room, my back turned to the others, but nonetheless listening to what goes on behind me. Baldhart expresses surprise, and I smile. Líadan may look like a flower, but she is definitely not as delicate as one. Even the loveliest rose has its thorns.

I keep my eyes on the hallway before me, scanning it for any sign of approaching enemies, tuning out the others and listening as well as I can also.

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SeverinR

Valar Lord
"Is this a defensive postion for me to shoot from?"
I ask trying to hide my confusion.
"I want a clean shot down the length of the hall.

"Baldhart, is there any lizard meat left? Liadan might do well to offer some to Branwen, along with the songs."
 

Nihal

Valar Lord
A whistle leaves my lips when the elf woman lifts a respectable rock like if it was nothing. "After this I will just stay in my corner and out of the way, hah."

Not bad. I wasn't in the mood to get sweaty and tired anyway. I almost shrug my shoulders.

Aliron's suggestion of giving Branwen a snack prompts me to reply him. "Few things would have more impact on Branwen than you taking her hand, guiding her and delivering her to Líadan. She not only likes you but she will understand the gesture."
 

Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
No one answers my question about a change in plans, so I simply move heavy objects and await the code words that spring us into action. Alin wants cover so he can shoot without being shot easily.

"Darin, assuming we're sticking to the original plan—which leaves you out of combat—would you mind if I borrow your shield? I believe that even in a wide corridor, a shield wall is effective while the enemies are firing projectiles from one direction." To Aliron, I add, "Cadell and I would provide some cover. This might lure the lizards to move the fight to us."
 

Ankari

Staff
Moderator
"I want the barrier to be made twenty feet from the room. Aliron, I want you to double check the first debris pile for any signs of traps. Everyone, get ready, grab some rocks, and move behind Aliron."
 
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