PrP: Sinkhole Part 2a

It's easy enough to find the remains of the otyugh and the carrion golems the group had dealt with earlier in the day; a quick duck outside to regroup and get the injured to safety has proved most helpful. Now, though, the slightly revised group has returned down the same corridor and through the door they'd hastily left open. At the end of the 15' wide corridor, all stone and softly glowing red words in that strange language, what appear to have been a similar pair of doors at the end of the corridor have been torn apart, busted clean through as if by something most large.

Kidda's eyebrow makes its way to her hairline as she peers down the hall at the torn-apart doors. "Looks like something big came through here," she points out, stating the obvious as she re-draws her sword, flexing her fingers around the hilt a few times. "Best we keep our eyes open..."

Thanix's cool blue eyes cut through the dust and the darkness, sapphires slicing through the cavernous night.

"Whatever the beasts were," he intones, "They do not seem viable now. The area does not appear to be disturbed." Save for the battle of moments before, and the hacked gouges in the surface of the floor-- marks of a greatsword's miss.

Kroth looks around, frowning as they pass the remains of the otyugh and carrion golems. He looks at the door for a moment, nodding as folks suggest something huge has busted through it.

After having done what disease checks she could at such an early stage Yngvild is moving as stealthily as a giant Aesir cleric in heavy armor can. At least she is making some effort. Glancing to Kidda she nods as her bright blue eyes fix on the doors "Something big" she rumbles as she hefts her hammer and frowns under her helm.

"Let's go," Kidda gestures down the hall with her sword, "keep your eyes open for more of these slivers of metal," she indicates, holding up the small fan of thin, rectangular objects. "They seem to be what opens these doors... not that we need help opening that one," she adds in a mutter, looking left and right, up and down, and seeing if she spots other doors, besides the ones wide open and in tatters ahead.

GAME: Kidda rolls perception: (16)+3: 19
<OOC> Aldean says, "Perception everyone."
GAME: Kroth rolls perception: (9)+7: 16
GAME: Thanix rolls Perception: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Yngvild rolls perception: (16)+5: 21

Kroth nods as he looks at the metal piece Kidda has, then looks around for a moment as they move ahead. "What do they do?" he asks.

GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9 to aldean
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9 to aldean

You paged (Kroth, Yngvild, Kidda) with 'You three all hear it. There's a skittering from somewhere near the end of the hall -- a clicking on stone.'

"Something coming" says Yngvild, her voice is naturally loud but she isn't booming as she often does. Hoisting her hammer is if it were almost weightless she moves to the centre of the group "Angorn..." she says in a firmly demanding tone "..bless these brave souls as we head into battle" she declares as blue light flares over the group. You paged Kidda with 'I may have time to continue the email RP, at least unless a timestop comes out.'

<OOC> Yngvild says, "Premature blessing :P"
GAME: Yngvild casts Bless. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15

Kroth chuckles, "Angoron doesn't bless me unless I prove my worth to him, otherwise he laughs at me and calls me fool." He slips on a pair of brass knuckles, cracking his neck side to side as all macho men do when preparing to fight.

Kidda closes the cards into a single stack, "they're keys," she explains to Kroth, sliding them into her belt pouch, "hss- something's coming!" she adds, stepping to one side of the corridor, "skittering-like..." and she takes the hilt of her longsword in both hands, waiting for a moment, to see if whatever is making the skitter-noise comes into view. She nods at the blessing, "thanks," and flashes Yngvild a quick grin.

<OOC> Aldean ^^ +1 to attack and saves vs. fear.

The metal warrior glances at Yngvile, then back at the tunnel in question. "I do not sense anything," he states matter-of-factly, but preparing his greatsword just the same. A shift of metal joins, a faint hiss of steam-- blue eyes brighten with a flaring gleam. "Initia. Scadorium metronizi."

Nothing comes into view ... the soft light cast by the glowing red words does not seem to be in evidence on the other side of the door, and only the barest of sinister glows spill beyond the twisted and ruined door.

<OOC> Kidda says, "Detect evil"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Nope"
<OOC> Kidda says, "OK. :)"

Kroth grunts, "I have heard it, but it does not approach yet, perhaps it seeks to ambush us?"

"Let's find out," Kidda says between her teeth, taking a step towards the doors, but keeping herself to the side of the corridor, and keeping her sword between her and the (dangerous!) doors. "Maybe it's not aware we're here yet... "

<OOC> Aldean says, "Who's got light of some form up, adn who has darkvision?"

"Angoron will bless all the strong and brave" Yngvild replies to Kroth, her strong voice disapproving. She does however nod to him and consider for a few moments "If in doubt, spring the trap?" she suggests as a bright grin blossoms over her face and she hefts the hammer.

<OOC> Kidda has darkvision
<OOC> Kidda says, "Low-light anyway"
<OOC> Thanix checks.
<OOC> Yngvild can put light up
<OOC> Thanix says, "I have Darkvision to 60'."
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. KRoth, I know you have darkvision."
<OOC> Yngvild needs some magic item with low low/darkvision :P
<OOC> Kroth is oruch! He is strong and can see in dark, grrr!

Thanix is silent for a moment, considering before he nods. "The course of action is sound," he says, hefting his weapon before him. "Prepare. I will spring the trap as you suggested."

Just enough light spills into the room beyond to see that the floor on the other side is covered in some sort of ... liquid. Color is hard to tell without light, but it's coating part of the floor to one side. Those with eyes for the darkness can see more, looking through the massive hole left in the twisted doors, to one side of which a stone set in the wall is gleaming a warning red. A white insect-like leg is briefly visible, scuttling through the liquid in your direction -- and then the whole thing becomes visible. Starkest white, with glowing red eyes, a spider-like being with six legs and two spiked pedipals in front scuttles towards the door, and the people on the other side.

 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  ATTENTION  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
       Aldean has dropped a TIMESTOP!
       Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Aldean to instruct you further.
       For additional in-combat commands, please type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
GAME: Yngvild rolls initiative: Roll: 5 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 6
GAME: You roll initiative for AC Solifugid: Roll: 13 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 14
GAME: Thanix rolls initiative: Roll: 19 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 20
GAME: Kidda rolls initiative: Roll: 19 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 20
GAME: Kroth rolls initiative: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 4

|   Name   |   Race   |   Class   |E Lev| CHP | HP  | AC |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |
|Kidda     |HALF-ELF  |Pal        |  3  | 29  | 29  | 17 | 16 | 9  | 6  | 8  |
|Kroth     |ORC       |Ftr/Mnk    |  2  |  8  | 19  | 18 | 20 | 6  | 4  | 7  |
|Thanix    |WAR_GOLEM |Ftr        |  2  | 24  | 24  | 18 | 17 | 7  | 1  | 0  |
|Yngvild   |HUMAN     |Clr        |  4  | 32  | 32  | 22 | 17 | 7  | 3  | 9  |

GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 20.
     It is now Thanix's turn! Kidda is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Thanix ended.
<OOC> Thanix says, "Advance to attack. Power attack slice."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Thanix. It looks like a white spider with red eyes, except it has six legs and two arm-like things that are spiked, and its legs are coated in what looks to be some sort of blue ... stuff."
<OOC> Aldean says, "ROll to hit."
GAME: Thanix rolls 1d20+7: (16)+7: 23
<OOC> Aldean says, "That will hit, roll damage."
<OOC> Thanix fears NOT blue stuff.
<OOC> Aldean says, "Maybe it's chartreuse. I don't know/"
<OOC> Thanix says, "My bad.. POwer atacking would make that a 22."
<OOC> Thanix says, "Still a hit?"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Yes."
GAME: Thanix rolls 2d6+9: (6)+9: 15
<OOC> Aldean says, "You damage it but it's still moving."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Pose."
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 20.
     It is now Kidda's turn! AC Solifugid is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kidda ended.
<OOC> Aldean says, "Kidda."

Blue-gem eyes gaze cooly on the approaching creature, a thing out of scuttling nightmares. But against something dispassionate, relentless-- Thanix advances, heavy metal feet crunching the gravel along the ground. Up and down-- the sharp blade cleaves into the albino thorax of the creature, splashing blue sludge before tugging free to strike again.

<OOC> Kidda says, "Advance and attack with longsword"

<OOC> Aldean says, "Roll to hit."
GAME: Kidda rolls 1d20+3+2+1: (13)+3+2+1: 19
<OOC> Aldean says, "Not enough."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Pose."
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 14.
     It is now AC Solifugid's turn! Yngvild is next!
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+9: (1)+9: 10 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Aldean snorts laughter
<OOC> Kroth says, "Who coded that!"
<OOC> Thanix laughs!
<OOC> Aldean f if I know but it's funny
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+9: (7)+9: 16
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+9: (7)+9: 16
<OOC> Aldean says, "All three attacks miss. Lucky you."

Darker here, now that the group is deeper inside the building. Kidda looks around at her companions, "if anyone can't see, now's the t--" she breaks off on an oath, and shakes her head, "oh no you don't, you - spider thing, you!" she growls, stalking down the corridor, swinging her sword - and bouncing off the creature without damaging it one little bit. Half-sil face pales, and she swallows spit.

<OOC> Kroth says, "Does this thing look alive at all? Or something else?"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Oh, it's alive as far as you can tell."

Luckily for Kidda, that blow takes her out of the path the thing was apparently projecting, because those spiked mandibles and arm-like things all snap and miss her -- the claws not by much! The exoskeleton clacks in frustration.

GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 6.
     It is now Yngvild's turn! Kroth is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Yngvild ended.
<OOC> Aldean says, "Yngvild."
<OOC> Yngvild says, "Pray and try to smack the thing"
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. :) Roll it."
GAME: Yngvild rolls 1d20+6+1+1: (6)+6+1+1: 14
<OOC> Yngvild lawls
<OOC> Aldean says, "How many of you are fitting through the hole in the door?"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Nope."

Yngvild starts booming out a hymn to Angoron, sadly what she lacks in musical ability she more than makes up for in enthusiasm and volume. She hefts her hammer high as she advances towards it and swings her giant hammer....which manages to miss utterly but does knock a decent chunk from the floor at least, stone chips pinging about.

GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 4.
     It is now Kroth's turn! Thanix is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kroth ended.
<OOC> Aldean says, "Kroth."
<OOC> Kroth says, "Can I get in and punch it?"
<OOC> Aldean says, "You're going to have to slide past a friend to do so, the other three are blocking the door."
<OOC> Kroth says, "What would that require? Some kind of roll?"
<OOC> Thanix says, "Acrobatics?"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Correct. Acrobatics."
<OOC> Kroth says, "I'll try that then."
GAME: Kroth rolls Acrobatics: (19)+7: 26
<OOC> Aldean says, "That's good enough. The roll is to move through a threatened square without provoking AoO."
<OOC> Aldean says, "You can attack."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Singlke attack only."
<OOC> Kroth says, "Stunning fist"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Roll."
GAME: Kroth rolls melee+1+1: (16)+4+1+1: 22
<OOC> Aldean says, "Tht will hit. Damage."
<OOC> Kroth says, "DC 14 fort save or stunned."
<OOC> Aldean says, "What's the DC to resist stun?"
<OOC> Kroth says, "I also do base damage"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Ha."
GAME: Kroth rolls 1d6+3: (6)+3: 9
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+10: (1)+10: 11 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Kroth giggles
<OOC> Aldean ...
<OOC> Yngvild says, "Lawl, fail spider"
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. It's stunned."
<OOC> Kroth says, "May I make an epic pose :)"
<OOC> Aldean says, "You may ."
<OOC> Thanix shall wait for Epic Pose!
<OOC> Aldean says, "Wow. :P"

Kroth runs forward, then leaps onto the wall and jumps over his companions, flying up into the air then coming down hard with a knee right to the back of the spider, before rolling off past it and coming to his feet. Apparentlyt he blow hit precisely where the head connects to the body, cause the thing seems stunned for a moment.

<OOC> Kroth says, "So stunned, and 9 damage"
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. It's stunned but still up."
GAME: NEW ROUND!
     Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 20.
     It is now Thanix's turn! Kidda is next!
<OOC> Kroth says, "No actions, no dex bonus, and -2 AC"
<OOC> Aldean says, "How long does stun last?"
<OOC> Aldean nods. Is familar.
<OOC> Kroth says, "Till beginning of my turn"
<OOC> Thanix approves. "And now. Power attack!"
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK."
GAME: Thanix rolls 1d20+6: (9)+6: 15
<OOC> Aldean says, "No."
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 20.
     It is now Kidda's turn! AC Solifugid is next!
<OOC> Aldean says, "Pose it."
<OOC> Kidda says, "Try to hit it again"
<OOC> Aldean ok.

Up and down the great metal blade. Thanix swirls from one strike into another, using his sword less as a blade and more as a greataxe. But the second blow strikes the ground with a shrill scream of metal against stone; the spider, rattled though iot is, moves to dodge the murderous blade.

GAME: Kidda rolls 1d20+3+2+1: (5)+3+2+1: 11
<OOC> Aldean says, "No."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Pose."
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 14.
     It is now AC Solifugid's turn! Yngvild is next!
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 6.
     It is now Yngvild's turn! Kroth is next!
<OOC> Aldean says, "Yngvild?"
<OOC> Yngvild says, "BS on Thanix, 5 foot step back out of the way"

A shout, another swing, another *clang* - and still, no damage gets through the creature's white exoskeleton. Kidda growls low in her throat, "would that this were evil and I could smite it, but I'll settle for hitting it someplace /USEFUL!/" she snarls, shoving her hair out of her eyes.

GAME: Yngvild casts Bull's Strength. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16

The thing shakes its head -- or what passes for one, sharply as if trying to clear it, but isn't coherent enough to move. Still, the exoskeleton proves a tough thing to crack.

<OOC> Aldean says, "Anyway, go ahead and pose :)"
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 4.
     It is now Kroth's turn! Thanix is next!
<OOC> Aldean says, "Kroth."
<OOC> Kroth says, "Power Attack Flurry! And I know I'm gonna miss :P"
GAME: Kroth rolls melee+1+1-1: (16)+4+1+1+-1: 21
GAME: Kroth rolls melee+1+1-1: (3)+4+1+1+-1: 8
<OOC> Aldean says, "First hits."
GAME: Kroth rolls 1d6+3+2: (5)+3+2: 10
<OOC> Kroth says, "Drat, I should have moved into flanking too"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Next time."
<OOC> Aldean says, "You damage it more, and it's looking a bit beat up. Pose."
GAME: NEW ROUND!
     Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round Three - Init 20.
     It is now Thanix's turn! Kidda is next!
<OOC> Aldean says, "Thanix."
<OOC> Thanix says, "Power Attack."

Yngvild is possibly is more tactically aware than many may think because as her eyes sweep the tiny room and the results of her swing she purses her lips and starts to step back. She does however rest a hand on Thanix's metal shoulder and boom a prayer "IRON MOUNTAIN, GRANT THIS HERO YOUR STRENGTH" and with that his mechanical parts do indeed fill with a holy strength as the Aesir takes another step back away.

The oruch keeps pounding, a quick kick and then a slam of the brass knuckles into the creature cause a small crack in its carapace. The oruch warily moves back and forth, trying not to let it tear him apart if it turns on him.

GAME: Thanix rolls 1d20+7+2: (18)+7+2: 27
<OOC> Yngvild says, "+4 IIRC?"
<OOC> Thanix says, "Correct."
<OOC> Kidda says, "Don't forget the bless."
<OOC> Thanix says, "Included!"
GAME: Thanix rolls 2d6+9+3: (8)+9+3: 20
<OOC> Kidda gris
<OOC> Aldean says, "Sweet. Yep, it's almost gone. Niot quite, though. Pose."
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round Three - Init 20.
     It is now Kidda's turn! AC Solifugid is next!
<OOC> Kidda says, "PLEASE can I just kill this damn thing?!"
GAME: Kidda rolls 1d20+3+2+1: (16)+3+2+1: 22
<OOC> Aldean says, "Yes, you hit XD"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Roll damage"
GAME: Kidda rolls 1d8+2: (1)+2: 3 (EPIC FAIL)

Thanix wrenches the blade from the floor, shifting anew into another stance. Magic is little more than curiosity, but... the warforged pauses at the trickle of... *something* into his system. Metal reinforced. Energy, brimming to the fullest. From there, it is but a simple measure-- rise and fall. Sweep and strike and cleave through the creature to the floor.

"Interesting," the warforged comments curiously, ripping the blade back with a schlick of wounded beast. "Power enhancement satisfactory."

<OOC> Aldean says, "It's enough."
<OOC> Aldean says, "It drops, twitching."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Pose it."
GAME: 'ac' removed from initiative list.
<OOC> Aldean says, "Free RP for the moment."

With a roar, Kidda swings once more, and this time, her sword bites deep... ish. Blue goo flies, and the creature drops to the floor, its carapace twitching as the half-sil pulls her sword back and cocks it for another blow. Instead, she pokes the thing with the end of the blade. "I think we got it..?" she looks at the others.

Kroth nods, moving back and then wiping some of the goo off his brass knuckles. "It was impressive, let us hope there are no more. Angoron did bless me this time, but I have not always found his favor so easily."

Yngvild's gaze flicks about curiously, checking to see if there are any obviously injured "Thank you Angoron" she praises her patron with a smile before glancing over at the corpse curiously. Her gaze moves to Kroth and she smiles "He will bless all those who fight with courage"

GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+7: (16)+7: 23
<OOC> Aldean says, "Carry on."

"Good thing the damn thing didn't connect with me," Kidda shudders mildly at the claws, "that would've been nasty..." she eyes the carapace, "wonder what this blue stuff is," she muses, scraping the tip of her blade through it briefly and bringing the tip up to study it.

Thanix flicks the blade to the side, slinging off a splattering of azure goo. "I am still of the opinion that the Unforged should not partake in such dangerous procedures." A small compartment hisses upon from the warforged's metal thigh, allowing the metal warror to withdraw a rag from within. "While just and capable, you are not made for such undertakings."

Korth snorts, "Yes, but Angoron also enjoys a laugh too, and I think he has laughed at me before." He looks around the room a bit, "Now we move on?"

As it twitches in its death throes -- it's clearly not quite dead yet, the bluish stuff covering its legs begins to run off into the wounds, pooling there with a curious self-adhesion.

Moving more fully into the room reveals a large, open space that lights up as you enter. It has plenty of counters and tables, and a set of racks and equipment that cover one whole wall. Many of these racks are populated with glass jars of varying sizes, some containing materials of various types, others not. One of the racks -- the third one from the door -- appears to have been hit solidly by something large, smashing both it and its contents and leaving glass all over the floor. It is from this that the bluish stuff appears to run, and it seems to be a combination of something brown and sticky and ... it's hard to tell what, judging by the rusty flakes on the floor.

At the far end of the room, the solid worked stone that seems to form the walls here has crumbled, revealing a natural cave beyond.

Kroth turns, watching as the blue stuff covers the spider thing. "Someone chop off its legs, and move them across the room. If it heals, we can at least make it take longer."

Kidda eyes the blue goo at the tip of her sword, and then her eyes go wide, "I don't think it's dead yet," she points out, pointing at the blue stuff, "I think it's healing itself...." as Kroth speaks, she nods, "take it apart," she says in a tone of finality.

<OOC> Yngvild says, "AFK a bit for meds. Yng can crush the head"

Thanix pauses, cloth in hand. "Acknowleged," the warforged wrrior replies, sliding the cloth back in its compartment, the chamber hissing closed as he strides towards the beast. Joining Yngvild as he raises his blade--- proceeding like some determined butcher. Rise and fall and chopchopchochp.

<OOC> Aldean says, "Is anyone touching the blue stuff?"
<OOC> Kidda says, "No way in hell. :-p"
<OOC> Kidda says, "At least, I'm not."
<OOC> Kroth says, "Not beyond when I punched and kicked it....I guess an issue with monks :P"
<OOC> Thanix would have no reason to avoid it, unfortunately. "Preumably touched in the course of ginzuing our twitchy spider friend."
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK."
<OOC> Yngvild nopes

You paged Thanix with 'Touching the blue stuff appears to affect your power levels. They fluctuate ... boost and then drop to normal.'

You paged Kroth with 'There's something curious about the one small smear of blue stuff -- it tingles.'

<OOC> Aldean pages.

You paged Kidda with 'Since you asked, please make me a private perception check.'

Kroth starts wiping his left hand on his robes, frowning. "My hand...it feels odd." He keeps rubbing at it.

Thanix finishes his task of butchery after a few minutes. By its end, the long blade is well and truly coated in gore-- once again to be met with the ragged cloth withdrawn from his hip compartment. "I am certain it is of no concern," he replies, cleaning the broad of the weapon of its azure blue. "However-- request Yngvild's attention." He continues cleaning his weapon, blue eyes glancing towards the old cavern. "Better safety than sorrow/"

Yngvild having finished crushing bits and pieces glances over to Kroth carefully then heads in his direction to examine his hand without touching it, her lips pursing in careful consideration "Hmmm"

<OOC> Yngvild says, "Roll anything?"

The thing chops apart easily enough -- indeed, it's very much like a spider, except for those odd front legs.

Moving through this room proves a bit tricky, between the glass and the blue stuff, but it can be done. More writing in that same odd language is everywhere, on placards on the walls and table.

You paged Yngvild with 'Heal.'

GAME: Yngvild rolls heal: (20)+11: 31
GAME: Kidda rolls ref: (15)+6: 21 to Aldean perception

You paged Yngvild with 'Um. Whatever this stuff is ... it's got a tingle to it. It appears to boost strength.'

Kidda pages: Did you get that?

GAME: Aldean rolls 1d2: (1): 1 (EPIC FAIL)

You paged Kidda with 'I did.'

You paged Kidda with 'I have what I need, you're not picking up anything.'

You paged Kroth with 'You have a temporary +1 STR bonus for the rest of this scene.'

GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24 to aldean
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24 to aldean
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d2: (1): 1 (EPIC FAIL)

"Hmmmm" Yngvild says helpfully as her keen blue eyes look at the blue goo, her grip keeping Kroth in place "Doesn't seem harmful. In fact if I am not wrong it will boost strength" she offers at last with a brief smile down to the monk/

Long distance to Kroth: Aldean gah. So-rry, forgot that piece. You're operating at +1 STR, -1 CON for the rest of the scene.

Kidda looks on as the spider-thing is disassembled all over the room, frowning mildly as Kroth mentions his hand feels funny. She reaches into her belt pouch and pulls out a rag, using it to wipe the goo off her sword... then thinks better of just stuffing it back into the pouch, and folds it carefully with the goo on the inside. Then she looks up at Yngvild's words, "the goo?" she asks.

Kroth arches a brow, then looks at the spider. "Let us hope there is no other side effect to this. Let us move on then, I do not trust this stuff."

GAME: You clear initiatives. GAME: Aldean has cleared initiatives.

Thanix sweeps his cloth along the blade, swift and direct. "As you direct," the Forged intones, a last swipe of the cloth before he tosses it into the corner, leaving it where it has fallen. He turns towrads the cavern, gemstones eyes brightening with a flare. "Please exercise caution. My vision in such an area is reduced considerably."

Before anyone can move, though, there's more skittering from the tunnel, and in the blink of an eye, a second spider fairly leaps out of the cave, impossibly fast, and lands in the middle of the group.

<OOC> Aldean says, "+init please"
<OOC> Kroth says, "Eeek!"
GAME: Kroth rolls initiative: Roll: 18 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 20

"Yngvild, can you call light?" Kidda asks. "I see well enough in the dark, or at least in the dim, but we can't have--" she swears mightily as the spider pops out.

GAME: Thanix rolls initiative: Roll: 14 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 15
GAME: Kidda rolls initiative: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 3
GAME: You roll initiative for AC Solifugid: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 12
<OOC> Kidda moves some time next week.
<OOC> Aldean says, "The enemy gets a surprise round."
GAME: Yngvild rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 18
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. Surprise round spider. The rest of you were looking at the goo, and Kidda's Perception check wasn't good enough."
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+7: (6)+7: 13
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+7: (15)+7: 22
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+7: (12)+7: 19
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d4+3: (2)+3: 5
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d4+3: (3)+3: 6
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d6+4: (4)+4: 8
GAME: You damaged Thanix for 19 points. 5 remaining.

Without warning, the spider leaps into the middle of the group and bites at Thanix. The mandibles miss, but both of those spiked claws strike, tearing deep into machinery and metal and setting blue sparks crackling over the massive wound.

GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 20.
     It is now Kroth's turn! Yngvild is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kroth ended.
<OOC> Aldean says, "Kroth."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Remember what I said about your stat changes. What are you doing?"
<OOC> Kroth says, "Is it on me?"
<OOC> Kroth says, "Or within 5?"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Yes. It now threatens all of you."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Pounce."
<OOC> Kroth says, "Ok, I will power flurry then"
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK."
GAME: Kroth rolls melee+1+1: (10)+4+1+1: 16
GAME: Kroth rolls melee+1+1: (15)+4+1+1: 21
<OOC> Aldean says, "Second hits."
GAME: Kroth rolls 1d6+3+1+2: (5)+3+1+2: 11
<OOC> Aldean says, "You damage it! Pose."
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 18.
     It is now Yngvild's turn! Thanix is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Yngvild ended.

Kroth reacts quickly, turning to face the threat and throwing a quick series of punches, managing for one of them to connect solidly and do a little damage.

<OOC> Aldean says, "Yngvild."
<OOC> Yngvild says, "Just checking something"
<OOC> Yngvild says, "Try to hit it"
GAME: Yngvild rolls 1d20+6+1+1: (15)+6+1+1: 23
<OOC> Aldean says, "You hit! Damage."
GAME: Yngvild rolls 2d6+4: (11)+4: 15
<OOC> Aldean says, "Woof. You made it hurt. Pose it. You see cracks in the exoskeleton from that smack."
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 15.
     It is now Thanix's turn! AC Solifugid is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Thanix ended.
<OOC> Aldean says, "Thanix."
<OOC> Thanix says, "Attempt grappling. Is BUll's Strength still in effect?"

From afar, Thanix also is uncertain about the energy boost of the blue goo.

<OOC> Aldean says, "4 minutes ... I think so."
GAME: Thanix rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19

And suddenly a Spider! Apparently being caught by surprising during a consultation is good for Yngvild's reflexes because with a bellowing warcry her hammer is hoisted up and comes down with a sickening CRUNCH that sends cracks spiralling through the exoskeleton "PRAISE THE IRON MOUNTAIN!"

You paged Thanix with 'Wait ... do WarForged react as humans to poison?' Thanix pages: ...they've been changed up so much-- let me check.

<OOC> Aldean says, "That will hit. Checking something quick..."

Thanix pages: Bah. I'd guess so; the only difference is getting a +4 to saves vs poison.

GAME: Aldean rolls 1d2: (1): 1 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d2: (2): 2

You paged Thanix with '+1 STR, -2 CON for the rest of the scene' You paged Thanix with 'And give me a Fort save at +4'

GAME: Thanix rolls Fort+4: (20)+7+4: 31 (CRITICAL SUCCESS)

<OOC> Aldean says, "So you're looking to grapple?"
<OOC> Aldean says, "You have it grappled if so."
<OOC> Thanix says, "Grappling!"
<OOC> Aldean says, "COMBAT MANEUVERS GO."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Anything else?"
<OOC> Thanix says, "Inflict damage--1d3 I think; same as an armored gauntlet?"
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. Roll."
GAME: Thanix rolls 1d3+7: (3)+7: 10
<OOC> Aldean says, "Explain the +7?"
<OOC> Thanix says, "Normal Strength +4. Bull Strength +2. Wierd Blue Goo +1."
<OOC> Aldean says, "It only adds +1 temp strength, does that put you into a +7 mod?"
<OOC> Thanix says, "Ah! Only +6 then."
<OOC> Aldean k :)
<OOC> Aldean says, "Crunchies!"
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 12.
     It is now AC Solifugid's turn! Kidda is next!
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. It's going to attempt to rbeak grapple."

Metal is torn with a sudden shriek of iron; inner cordsage snaps with a *sprang*, bright blue eyes flaring. "Alert!" Thanix calls (perhaps unnecessarily). Too close for his blade, the 'Forged proceeds to more direct methods. Ignoring the shower of sparks and tiny fires billowing from inside the savagely rent frame, he seizes the spider with both arms-- moving to lock with a grinding, bone-crushing grip! Sparks continue to spit and fly as he increases his crushing grasp, metal man and monstrous arachnid in savage combat. A heavy fist rises as Thanix manages to hold the creature down; it lands with a crunch upon the chitin, a rending given in return as metal fingers dig deep.

GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+7: (6)+7: 13
<OOC> Aldean says, "And it's going to FAIL like FAILURE FAILS."
GAME: Thanix rolls 1d20+8: (14)+8: 22
<OOC> Aldean ?
<OOC> Thanix says, "Opposed roll, yes?"
<OOC> Aldean says, "No, it has to beat your CMD."
<OOC> Thanix finds that rule. Does not grpple often.
<OOC> Thanix says, "Carry on!"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Which is most definitely did not manage to fo."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Do :)"
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round One - Init 3.
     It is now Kidda's turn! Kroth is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kidda ended.
<OOC> Aldean says, "Kidda."

The spider-thing, shrapnel hanging from those spiked from leg-things, struggles in the WarForged's mighty and loving embrace, but to no avail.

<OOC> Kidda says, "Try to hit it someplace other than where the WarForged has it grappled."
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. Also, I missed something, do you have Improved Grapple Thanix?"
GAME: Kidda rolls 1d20+3+2+1: (1)+3+2+1: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Thanix says, "I do not."
<OOC> Kidda says, "Eff."
<OOC> Aldean says, "You can do that, Kidda."
<OOC> Thanix says, "Ah. AoE."
<OOC> Kidda says, "Not with that roll, I can't. :-p"
<OOC> Thanix says, "Er. AoO rather."
<OOC> Aldean nods. Yup. I'll let it go this time though.
<OOC> Aldean says, "Just remember that invoking grapple provokes AoO under normal circusmtances."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Miss, Kidda, Pose."
GAME: NEW ROUND!
     Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 20.
     It is now Kroth's turn! Yngvild is next!
<OOC> Thanix nods!
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. I'll roll for KRoth."

Kidda moves to stab at the thing, but realizes she can't get in, not around the WarForged, at any rate... she pulls back, before she pokes him instead, shaking her head and shoving her hair out of her eyes with her free hand again. "Dammit!"

<OOC> Aldean says, "He didn't show me his sheet."
GAME: Aldean advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 18.
     It is now Yngvild's turn! Thanix is next!
<OOC> Aldean says, "Yngvild."
<OOC> Kidda says, "He specified earlier"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Did he?"
<OOC> Kidda says, "He did say what his rolls were, but I've lost the scrollback."
<OOC> Thanix says, "He did. Let me try to find..."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Oh, I see it."
<OOC> Aldean says, "I have it."
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+3+1+1: (1)+3+1+1: 6 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d20+3+1+1: (17)+3+1+1: 22
<OOC> Aldean says, "One hits..."
<OOC> Thanix says, "Ah, there. +6 tohit, and +6 to damage."
GAME: Aldean rolls 1d6+3+1+2: (5)+3+1+2: 11
<OOC> Yngvild says, "Heal Thanix"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Actually, it goes down under that."
<OOC> Aldean says, "I don't think you can heal a Warforged, I think you have to repair?"
<OOC> Yngvild :(
<OOC> Thanix says, "They can be healed by both now."
<OOC> Yngvild says, "Ah okay!"
<OOC> Yngvild says, "Convert Aid to Cure moderate? or wotever lvl2 is"

Kidda may have missed in her effort not to hit Thanix, but Kroth has no such qualms, and one of his blows strikes true, driving through exoskeleton and into the thing's eye, leaving it to go limp in Thanix's grip.

<OOC> Kidda has lay on hands; will that work
<OOC> Kidda says, "?"
<OOC> Thanix says, "It shall!"
<OOC> Aldean says, "Cure moderate. 2d8+CL (max 10)"
GAME: Yngvild rolls 2d8+4: (13)+4: 17
<OOC> Aldean says, "Cast, Yngvild."
GAME: Yngvild casts Aid. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
GAME: You damaged Thanix for -17 points. 22 remaining.
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. Free RP at this point."

Yngvild maybe got a little carried away with the smiting, so failed to notice Thanix's damage. But as things progress she notices the crushing and sparking things. Having no idea if it will actually working she reaches out to lay a heavy hand on the grappling machine "IRON MOUNTAIN HEAL THY...." she pauses here and hmms "...er...warforged?" she tries a little lamely. Either way it does seem to work at least.

<OOC> Thanix says, "You remain to tell the tale. And leave my eyeballs alone."

"Is anyone still hurt?" Kidda asks, eyeing the creature once more, making sure /it/ isn't trying to heal itself with the magic blue goo... She looks down the tunnel, into the cave where the spider came out of, "hope there aren't any more of those things down there," she mutters.

Kroth takes a moment to catch his breath. "i feel odd. it is not too bad. but i tire a bit."

Thanix holds the spider a few seconds longer, ensuring the beast if very much and quiet thoroughly dead before easing up on his grip. Hissing steam flows in jets from within the iron warrior, but those ease as Angoron's healing force weaves forth. "Curious," is his remark as he glances back towards Yngvild-- accompanied by the wet crunch of albino exoskleleton giving way beneath steam-pressure strength. Thanix releases the spider with a shudderig thump, standing back up as he runs a self-assessment. "Formidable damage," he announces carefully. "Armored chassis compromised. Some internal damage detected. And the blue fluid may be acting as a corrosive upon inner myostands. I may require more substantial repairs."

"Here, let's get out of here for now, go rest, then come back," Kidda suggests, wiping her blade off again on the piece of cloth. "Best we get you out of here..." she tells Thanix, and Kroth. "If you're injured yet," she tells both of them, "I may also be able to render aid... Serriel grants me that..." she sheaths her sword, then, and holds out a hand towards the ailing orc.

<OOC> Kidda says, "If Kroth is sickened, I have the Mercy to take care of that too, at least long enough to get us out of here."
<OOC> Aldean says, "He's not."
<OOC> Aldean says, "It's temporary ability damage."
<OOC> Aldean says, "Oh, I have a question for you."
<OOC> Thanix says, "Ask!"
<OOC> Aldean says, "When you guys leave, do you attempt to close the door in the corridor?"
<OOC> Kidda says, "The unbroken one?"
<OOC> Yngvild would!
<OOC> Thanix says, "That would be best. Thanix cannot stand guard on it grimly anymore."
<OOC> Kidda has the card for the lock. We can try...
<OOC> Aldean says, "OK. You can do so."
<OOC> Aldean says, "That's just something I need to know to set up the next sessions :)"
<OOC> Thanix steeples fingers. "Excellent."