The Sunless Citadel - (Chapter One)

[DM Spiral]

---Everyone---

With Introductions established and miss-communications out of the way, the group made their way over to the general store.  There they found everything they needed before heading back to the Inn just as the sun began to set.  They would set out for the Citadel in the morning.  But for now they all made sure the rooms and baths were secure. Then settled around a table near the fire for diner and a bit to talk. 

(DM - Give me a list of what each of you decides to purchase, if anything. Make sure you subtract the costs from your money.) 

[Athos Blackwind]

Athos had most everything he needed for such an adventure.  After all he had been doing it off and on for a little while now. Still he perused the general store just in case something caught his eye.  He didn't notice anything extra-ordinary that was within his means to purchase.  Of course he wouldn't have minded one or two of the woman's healing potions, but those were far too pricey. 

After they made it back to the Inn, he ordered himself whatever meal was being served today and a nice ale to go with it. Then he settled comfortably around the table to chat with his new companions.

[Arius Dezlentyr]

Arius, having spent his youth sitting at his great-grandmother's knee listening to stories of her adventurous youth with an adventuring party in Waterdeep, delving into the maze of dungeons beneath the Yawning Portal Inn, obviously is preparing for the eventuality that they may get stuck below ground for an extended period, unable to return and resupply. He picksup some assorted items, but the main item he obviously thinks will be needed is a lantern, and plenty of oil, enough to keep it lit for several days.

( list of gear in OoC thread)

[Nightingale]

Nightingale peruses the general store, looking for some items that she thinks might be useful in the adventures.

OOC: Purchasing the following:
3 bags of ball bearings - 3gp
3 bags of caltrops - 3gp
Grappling hook - 2gp
Steel Mirror - 5gp
2 sets of manacles - 4gp
Total - 17gp

[DM Spiral]

---Everyone---

The night was spent with a good stew and a few mugs of ale. The Inn's beds were actually quite comfortable and the next morning everyone set out toward the Citadel. The overgrown Old Road winds through rocky downs, near stands of old-growth oak and abandoned farms. It's roughly seven miles from Oakhurst to the Citadel, so the walk wasn't too bad and turned out to be rather pleasant this early in the morning. 

They continued to follow the Old Road as it passed to the east of a large narrow ravine. Soon they arrived at the road's closest approach to the cleft.  At first glance, Several broken pillars jut from the earth where the ravine widened. Two of the pillars stood straight, but most leaned atop slopping earth.  Most of the pillars were broken, and several had apparently fallen into the depths. A few single pillars could be seen on the opposite side of the ravine. 

After a little closer inspection, it was easy enough to spot a sturdy, knotted rope tied to one of the leaning pillars on their side of the ravine.

[Lovise Cue]

Walking up to the edge of the ravine (carefully, so she wouldn't lose her footing), she looked down to try to see whether the rope could reach all the way across, or all the way to the bottom.

[Athos Blackwind]

Athos carefully moved around the pillars checking for anything strange before inspecting the rope dangling over the edge. 

Investigation: 1d20+3 = 11

[Arius Dezlentyr]

"I do not believe we should be so naive as to trust that rope without checking."

Arius begins checking the knotted rope, first checking the tree about which it is tied to endue it is rooted firmly enough, then he will actually begin to pull the rope up to check how long it is and look for any weakness or poorly tied knots.

[Investigation [1d20+1] = 16+1 = 17]

[Kriv Turnuroth]

Kriv stays away from the edge of the ravine, he was sure his weight would be an issue. But still he was very curious and craned his neck to see if he could get a better view of the situation.

Investigateion: 1d20+6=14

[Mourn]

Perception: 1d20+4 13

Mourn remained on alert as the others set about investigation the area. His hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword, he kept an eye out for any signs of trouble.