Chapter 8: A Puzzle

[jstater]

It's okay with Grumm

[Hywaywolf]

Thrown oil has a short range of 10', 30' medium and 50' long range (-2) penalty. Of course its a really big snake so probably should be easy to hit. But still I don't want to miss with the oil and lose that initiative. And I definitely don't want to get within 30' of it the first round. So I like the idea of using bows first, all fire at once with the cleric using a sling if he has it or throwing a rock if he doesn't (any damage helps). What I can't decide is if I try to use my hide ability and let it go after you 3 and I then backstab it for double damage, or use the oil when it gets in range. Once I attack it I probably will become engaged in melee with its tail (LOL) even if its head doesn't turn toward me. I did like Grumm's idea about spreading out so that that whoever it attacks someone else would get a chance to attack it from the rear.

One disadvantage of using oil and fire is that if this is a constrictor and its on fire whoever it wraps around is going to take fire damage as well. Most times , really big snakes are constrictors rather than venomous and either squeeze you to death or swallow us little guys whole.

[Solomoriah]

So I like the idea of using bows first, all fire at once with the cleric using a sling if he has it or throwing a rock if he doesn't (any damage helps).

Neither you nor Arven can see the snake without advancing. Before you go ahead with your plan, you need to tell me how you plan to resolve this.

[jstater]

Tossing a torch into the room would be the simplest way to do it. Since Grumm and Timorel are the only two who can see in the dark, we should be separated - Grumm and Arven can take the south passage, and Shybolt and Timorel the north passage.

[Solomoriah]

Okay, this is getting confusing. I thought you were planning to stand together at the west entrance.

Please work this out, and make clear, concise, and complete action statements when finished.

[Hywaywolf]

OK, this is what I recommend, Timoril and Grumm attempt to sneak into the south passage since both of them can see in the dark they won't need torches. Arvin and Shybolt stay back in the passage we are in for a short count to give you time to get there and ready your bows. If the snake moves to attack you shout out and we will come running. Otherwise we will creep back up to the passage mouth and stand side by side. Having been giving a general idea where the snake is, Shybolt will light his wicked oil flask and toss it as hard as he can at that location. If he hits he hits, if he doesn't then at least their will be light in the room. Its a big target so I should have a fair chance to hit it, and if I miss there is still a chance of a splash if its nearby. The rest of your can fire your bows and sling immediately after I throw.

Then it will probably come for the attack at Shybolt and Arven, unless it notices the others shooting bows, but there is no telling who it attacks first. But whoever it doesn't attack should backstab/attack from behind. And if a lot of little snakes come with it, use the dang sleep spell. 35' from each passage so you don't get us. Or 35' away from those backstabbing.

[Sir Bedivere]

All OOC:

Question for Solomoriah or anyone keeping track:

How many torches do we have? Shybolt and Arven each started with 6.

Also, has anyone been keeping track of anything else, like money, experience points, etc.? If so, can we get updated record sheets so we can follow this from here on out?

Maybe we should start updating record sheets on a regular basis, e.g., at the end of each chapter, or each time we make it back to the inn and before we go back down.

[Sir Bedivere]

Timorel agrees with Shybolt's plan except, can he hit the snake with thrown oil from the mouth of the passage? I thought the snake was farther than the range allowed.

He also agrees Grumm & Timorel should stay together; if we split up, then our Darkvision would be worthless.

[Solomoriah]

How many torches do we have? Shybolt and Arven each started with 6.

I don't keep track of your stuff, I just check every now and again to make sure things look sensible. You should have burned a torch each time you descended into the dungeon, based on your usual stay-time.

Also, has anyone been keeping track of anything else, like money, experience points, etc.? If so, can we get updated record sheets so we can follow this from here on out?

You can, and should, edit your own sheets in the Character Sheets thread. You haven't gained any money, and I haven't yet awarded XP, so the only change would be what you've consumed.

[Hywaywolf]

from the map the snake looks to be right at 50' from the passage, which would be a -2 penalty. Even if I miss, or can't reach it, its the same as throwing a torch (with a chance of splash).