[Ptolus/AD&D] IC Thread #2 - Underground (part 1)

[thedungeondelver]

Ylarum draws his sword, slowly and whispers : "Steady...steady.  If something's out there, let it rush 'pon our swords, not us into its teeth."  

(Now focusing my attention northward, as well; still holding the same position.)

[Drohem]

Rissthil merely nods his head affirmatively in response to Ylarum's whisper.

[Benoist]

You hold your positions.

You suddenly hear a long, deep, guttural moan coming out of the shadows.

Then, out of the eastern corridor, you see a huge hulking shape walk slowly to the yellow lantern. It is about ten feet high. It is fat, and it is dead ugly. It has two arms, two legs, a torso and abdomen just like you, a small, round face with no nose, and little, blank porcine eyes with no aim, nor focus.

It drags itself slowly towards the light.  

Above, from the ceiling, you see the basket coming down on its third run.

What do you do?

[Drohem]

Rissthil holds his position and waits to see if the creature notices them or the descending basket.

[thedungeondelver]

Ylarum waits to see what the creature might notice, or what it's intentions are.

[skofflox]

As I exit the basket I draw my longsword, set my shield and start moving towards the others,looking about to familiarize the surroundings,adjusting to the light. I squat and listen to the others not saying much, silently reciting a simple prayer to Charlathan as the stench fills my nostrils.

When I hear the dropping/breaking wood I keep more focus on the N.hallway until I see the creature near the lantern to the east. I grip my sword firmly and prepare to spring in that direction should it see the descending basket.

I keep looking at the beast,closely watching his actions, praying that it leaves before seeing the basket.

(If I get the sense he sees it I will stand, yell a challenge and move around to the N. to flank position whirling my sword in challenge!!)

[Imperator]

I ready the flask of oil for throwing it to the creature. If a fight starts, I plan to douse it on oil and set it on fire. Sword seathed, lantern ready on the other hand.

[winkingbishop]

Othos ducks into the basket as it descends into the chamber, peering to the east and sniffing with his ample proboscis.

"Well, how about that, Ulas?  It looks like the rest of them left this here for us.  Oh wait, they're over there behind us.  Well, this got out of hand in a hurry.  May the Builder keep your bones whole Ulas."

Othos reaches into his pack and slips on a rune-etched helm:

[Benoist]

You see movement behind the hulking creature.

It tries to move past the urn under the yellow lantern and bumps into it. The creature seems surprised the urn didn't just fall off its pedestal. It frowns, a bit like a gigantic infant would, and slaps it hard with the back of its hand. The blow is so hard you feel air displacement from where you're standing. The urn doesn't break, and doesn't even move. The creature slashed the back of its arm against the metal roof of the urn pretty bad. As its large elliptical movement ends high above the creature's tiny head you see some black blood spray all over the area to the north-earth of your position.

Just at the same time, you see smaller, humanoid creatures creep between the monster's legs and aside of it. These look like orcs, goblins, maybe hobgoblins. Hard to make out in the dark. There are at least five of them: three still behind the giant monster, two now stepping on the sickening goo by the urn. You see that the goo reacts to the creatures' steps. Tendrils of flesh, half-digested arms, skulls and guts of vomit caress their legs and provide them with support, even comfort as they walk towards you. They too seem to move in a slow, disjointed manner, like the huge giant-ogre thing, but also seem less absent-minded, their common attention definitely focused on you.

The basket reaches the ground. Othos and Ulas Xegg step out of it.

Who wants to roll for your group's initiative? (1d6)

Initiative for the hulking monster and his buddies: 4.

[Cole]

5

Ulas will try to maneuver over next to Runch and put that cot between himself and the opposition. He'll nock an arrow and try to shoot at the green orc.

[Drohem]

Rissthil sees that the smaller, goblinoid creatures have spotted them and the basket.  He prepares himself for battle.

======================================

OOC: Initiative check = 3.

[Benoist]

Okay. This means you guys act in Segment 4, while the creatures act in Segment 5 (edited after I saw Cole's post).

Declare your spells and general actions during the round (should have been before init but that's okay. We'll let it slide for the round).

[Imperator]

OOC: Do I perceive the stench of corruption? Fuck, I'm sure these critters are undead. Also, the gooey stuff is creepy as Hell.

Gareth runs in a straight line to the basket and throws the flask of oil to the chest of the big monster, trying to douse as much of it as possible with oil. Once he achieves that, he'll go back, watching the creatures and trying to get Rissthil's torch.

"Beware, my friends! Let me get a clear shot!"

[Drohem]

OOC: While still crouched behind the dais steps, Rissthil is going to set down his torch and sword and cast the shield spell on himself.

[winkingbishop]

Othos will attempt a long range lob of ye olde throwing hammer at the forward goblinoid, then take a several paces back towards the party.  He won't begin a descent down the dais, just create more distance from the enemy and cluster in with the group a bit.