My PC already fell back, so unless circumstances change she plans to wait for the air to clear or another oppportunity to present itself to navigate through the smoke.

Max isn't going to be the first to move forward. If Rodin goes forward successfully, he'll move in the direction of the sound of his voice. Of course, the last thing Max said was that they should go outside again to talk things over.

  Rodin Sethilaud Wood Elf, Ranger     Rodin follows along the wall and keeps moving till he is out of the cloud. He pulls his dagger as he moves along since he can't see far enough for the bow to be of any use. I get my hands on this guy and I am going to pluck his wings, if he has any. OOC Moved him to the edge of the map, but he will go further down that way if he can, until he is out of movement.   Elven Lowlight vision, so he can see 40' a if full lit rather than the normal 20 of the torch. Will take 10 on Spot and Listen checks for a total of 15 each when not in combat. It gets a +3 bonus if any of those are applied to Drow or large spiders. AppearanceRodin stands at 6 feet tall and appears a bit more muscular than the average elf. His skin has a light brownish tan look to it. His hair is brown with streaks of copper highlights through it and hangs down to just touch his shoulders. It normally has a bit of a wild windblown look to it. His eyes are a medium green which reminds most people of the color of leaves. He wears studded leather armor that has been dyed a camouflage pattern of browns and greens. His cloak is held closed by a brooch the shape of a silver arrow with green fletching. Aside from his dagger on his belt, the only weapon he carries is his longbow, which looks a bit thicker and sturdier than most bows.      

Please keep in mind that the fog obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. That said, please be a bit clearer, as if we were in initiative, what the actions you're taking are moving forward. We're not in combat per say, but without seeing where you're going, saying you "move forward" is a bit too vague. Are the others entering after Rodin, whom you can all clearly hear intends to move forward? Will you risk stepping into the pool if you do? If not, how do you avoid doing so? Etc... Just some possible questions you might address.

Hope you're feeling better already! Apologies for not responding sooner. Get well, that's the priority!

    Separated and unable to see each other or the extents of the cavern, you find yourselves, nauseous or otherwise, in a moment of decision. "A stink for those who would defile my grave with their own! Bring me the head, or a worthy trophy, and I shall weigh your worth!"   OOC   Note 1:  Added the area of the fog for reference. However, none of you can see its extents IC. The fog obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. A creature within 5 feet has concealment (attacks have a 20% miss chance). Creatures farther away have total concealment (50% miss chance, and the attacker can’t use sight to locate the target). Anyone ending a turn in the cave and the bottom of the stair must succeed on a DC 15 Fort. save or be: Nauseated Experiencing stomach distress. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move action per turn. MAP [For sake of clarity, any reference to cardinal directions in posts will assume that North is Top of Map as posted, unless a Compass Rose is visible.]

Aeruiel Moonshadow   Half-Moon Elf Barbarian from Ashabenford Aeruiel is surprised by the smoke and covers her mouth. Want to find a safe space to breath she retreats from the smoke. Annoyed she asks, "What is that smoke?" OoC Stop advancing and retreat. AppearanceFemale half-elf, age 17, blonde, blue eyes, fair skin, 5'-7" tall weight about 125 lbs. She is described as a willful and free spirited young woman, who likes playing pranks, and flies into fits of rage when bullied.      

Thanks! Could be worse. At least I can breathe with minimal congestion. I have sat upright for a few days allowing my body to clear the phlegm from my lungs by coughing every few minutes and blowing nose every 10 minutes or so to stay clear. Also spent a bunch of time in a super hot hot tub allowing the steam to keep the nose moist and to get through the nights. Getting better though, so it's headed the right way.

  Jessie nods affirmatively when it is suggested that the group simply try to move forward into the ghostly realm that lay beyond the stairs. However, when a burst of smoke suddenly starts to fill the chamber the Halfling rogue is glad that she had just moved to rear flank of the group. Quickly moving a step further back, the burglar reaches into a hidden pocket in her heavy dark green cloak and produces a small fancy mask which she immediately places over her face to help protect her should the smoke continue to expand, or the party decide to move forward through the stinky mist. OOC FILTER MASK: A filter mask is a fine cloth mesh, usually of silk or cotton, that covers your mouth and nose. Cords or straps fasten the cloth around the back of your head to provide a good seal. A filter mask grants a +2 bonus on saves against gas-based effects. It negates the effects of suffocation from dust and sand, as well as the effects of supernatural or magic dust (such as slumber sand) for up to 4 hours. After this time, the mesh is clogged with grit and can no longer allow air to pass through freely. A clogged filter mask requires thorough laundering before it can be reused, but most travelers simply replace it with fresh fabric.  (Sandstorm pg. 100). Free Action: Swift Action: Move Action: Draw Filter Mask Standard Action: Put on Filter Mask Move: 5 ft. step back Jessie Tosscobble III's AppearanceJessie is small standing at 2 foot 8 inches and weighing a mere 27 pounds. As such, the lass intentionally keeps her brown hair long to cover her halfling features, which allows the rogue to pass herself off as a small humanoid or even young human or half-elven child when convenient or necessary. Dressed dark purple clothing, which is overlaid with attractive black leather accoutrements, Jessie keeps the paraphernalia of her 'profession' secreted upon her person, and especially the authorities, except when in use. Her friendly blue eyes and warm, sincere smile are disarming and allow the lass to paint a picture of a young girl who is completely unintimidating by all appearances, an assumption often made by others which suits her well and which she actively cultivates. To promote this look of youth or innocence, most of Jessie's weapons, alchemical doodads, pack, and other equipment are kept hidden under her clothing and also by her large heavy dark green cloak.  

Sorry to hear that! I went through it a month ago, and this variant seems like a particularly nasty one, symptom-wise. Get well soon!

Well, take care of yourself and worry about the games once you feel better.

I have Covids. My head is pounding and haven't slept in days. I'm trying to catch up, but its so bad my vision is blurry.

Maximilian Cornelius Spurbright   Human Wizard from Cormyr With the smell of the fog cloud going up his nose, Maximilian begins feeling nauseous, his breakfast threatening to repeat on him. He realizes that the nausea is the only thing he can think about, and he knows that he couldn't cast a spell even if he wanted to. His stomach starts heaving, but he tries as hard as he can not to actually vomit in the cave. He wants to run back out into the fresh air, but his wand is still down here somewhere... OOC AppearanceMaximilian is a tall, slender, bookish young man with slightly tan skin and the brown hair and eyes common among Chondathans. His clothing is simple and understated, but very well-tailored and well-made, as would befit a noble who isn't attempting to advertise wealth to others. He wears a high-collared, brown woolen overcoat over white collared shirts (often frilled collared shirts). The rest of his clothing is simple, functional, and well-tailored, and he keeps them immaculately clean with prestidigitation. He wears a gold ring with a small ruby set in it on his right middle finger.

  Rodin Sethilaud Wood Elf, Ranger     Rodin coughs a little, but seems no worse for wear. Still upset with these idiot Fey, he moves further into the cave, trying to clear the stinking cloud they created. Really? A smelly cloud is your proof you are some ghost. Stop playing your damn games! You don't want to work with us, fine. Let us pass and we will leave you and your chamber unmolested. OOC   Elven Lowlight vision, so he can see 40' a if full lit rather than the normal 20 of the torch. Will take 10 on Spot and Listen checks for a total of 15 each when not in combat. It gets a +3 bonus if any of those are applied to Drow or large spiders. AppearanceRodin stands at 6 feet tall and appears a bit more muscular than the average elf. His skin has a light brownish tan look to it. His hair is brown with streaks of copper highlights through it and hangs down to just touch his shoulders. It normally has a bit of a wild windblown look to it. His eyes are a medium green which reminds most people of the color of leaves. He wears studded leather armor that has been dyed a camouflage pattern of browns and greens. His cloak is held closed by a brooch the shape of a silver arrow with green fletching. Aside from his dagger on his belt, the only weapon he carries is his longbow, which looks a bit thicker and sturdier than most bows.      

    Perhaps it is your words, perhaps it is your actions, but this ghost, or whatever it may be seems displeased. In a shrill voice it shouts out. "Charade?! Know the wrath of Galath's ghost!" The small cave is suddenly filled with thick billowing fog, white, but dense enough to hide anything beyond your nose. What's more, you immediately begin to feel nauseous! Sick to your stomach to where it is hard to bear.   OOC   Note 1:  Anyone in the cave and the bottom of the stair must succeed on a DC 15 Fort. save or be: Nauseated Experiencing stomach distress. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move action per turn. MAP [For sake of clarity, any reference to cardinal directions in posts will assume that North is Top of Map as posted, unless a Compass Rose is visible.]

Maximilian Cornelius Spurbright   Human Wizard from Cormyr Listening to the description of the creature that whoever was speaking wanted them to kill, Maximilian suppressed a grin. He had a plan that, if Lady Luck was with them and his Art was up to the task, could get them a tidy sum of gold. "My friends," Maximilian began. "Let us not provoke the ghost of Galath, especially as we are his guests here. Perhaps we should go back to the surface and talk things over?" He gestures that they should go back the way they came, at least temporarily. OOC AppearanceMaximilian is a tall, slender, bookish young man with slightly tan skin and the brown hair and eyes common among Chondathans. His clothing is simple and understated, but very well-tailored and well-made, as would befit a noble who isn't attempting to advertise wealth to others. He wears a high-collared, brown woolen overcoat over white collared shirts (often frilled collared shirts). The rest of his clothing is simple, functional, and well-tailored, and he keeps them immaculately clean with prestidigitation. He wears a gold ring with a small ruby set in it on his right middle finger.

Aeruiel Moonshadow   Half-Moon Elf Barbarian from Ashabenford Aeruiel is not sure what to make of this interaction. Ghost or not, this encounter is another obstacle to their plans. Looking to her companions she asks, "Can we not just attempt to move forward? While everything we have encountered has been dangerous, we can't be afraid of a lone voice. Let's put it to the test. Let's approach and see what happens." OoC She will attempt to step forward with her shield and battleaxe in hand. AppearanceFemale half-elf, age 17, blonde, blue eyes, fair skin, 5'-7" tall weight about 125 lbs. She is described as a willful and free spirited young woman, who likes playing pranks, and flies into fits of rage when bullied.      

  Well Jessie didn't need to be told twice. Once the so-called ghost indicates that the offer of honey and tin of sweet crackers are not welcome, the diminutive Halfling quickly moves forward, scoops up the goodies. Next, the pickpocket falls back to the rear ranks before stuffing the items back into outer pockets of her pack. Works for me, she thinks to herself as she quickly transitions from worker to soldier. Thereafter, Jessie presses against the wall that is covered in shadows while drawing her short bow and nocking an arrow before the rogue whispers, "I never heard of any ghost acting like this before. Seems like a ruse. Question is, who's pulling the strings behind the curtain?" "Can Fey or Kobolds alter their voices in such fashion," the burglar asks truly not knowing the answers to her queries? OOC Free Action: Swift Action: Standard Action: Move: Jessie Tosscobble III's AppearanceJessie is small standing at 2 foot 8 inches and weighing a mere 27 pounds. As such, the lass intentionally keeps her brown hair long to cover her halfling features, which allows the rogue to pass herself off as a small humanoid or even young human or half-elven child when convenient or necessary. Dressed dark purple clothing, which is overlaid with attractive black leather accoutrements, Jessie keeps the paraphernalia of her 'profession' secreted upon her person, and especially the authorities, except when in use. Her friendly blue eyes and warm, sincere smile are disarming and allow the lass to paint a picture of a young girl who is completely unintimidating by all appearances, an assumption often made by others which suits her well and which she actively cultivates. To promote this look of youth or innocence, most of Jessie's weapons, alchemical doodads, pack, and other equipment are kept hidden under her clothing and also by her large heavy dark green cloak.  

  Rodin Sethilaud Wood Elf, Ranger     Rodin continues to move into the chamber shaking his head is is getting a bit frustrated with these idiot fey. We have already stated we know they are fey and not some ghost, but the continue to play their stupid games. Look, we are not killing anyone for you. We know you are not a ghost so stop this stupid charade. If you and this little dragon have a problem with each other than either fight him yourself or leave the area and find somewhere better to live other than this dank cave. We are going through and going to find a back way into the kobold layer. They have something that belongs to us and we aim to get it back. As well as drive them out. He moves into the chamber and looks for other ways out and heads for them. OOC   Elven Lowlight vision, so he can see 40' a if full lit rather than the normal 20 of the torch. Will take 10 on Spot and Listen checks for a total of 15 each when not in combat. It gets a +3 bonus if any of those are applied to Drow or large spiders. AppearanceRodin stands at 6 feet tall and appears a bit more muscular than the average elf. His skin has a light brownish tan look to it. His hair is brown with streaks of copper highlights through it and hangs down to just touch his shoulders. It normally has a bit of a wild windblown look to it. His eyes are a medium green which reminds most people of the color of leaves. He wears studded leather armor that has been dyed a camouflage pattern of browns and greens. His cloak is held closed by a brooch the shape of a silver arrow with green fletching. Aside from his dagger on his belt, the only weapon he carries is his longbow, which looks a bit thicker and sturdier than most bows.      

    The echoing voice is quick to respond in its ghostly cadence. "Leave... Leave?! I am the ghost of Galath, I am bound to this place, it is my torment! Now you wish to torment me too!? I've no need to honey or sweets! Go, go forth and find this beast. It is small, elusive, scaly and rust in tone with curved horns and bat-like wings. A small dragon it seems! Bring me the head so it may torment me no more and a cut of the treasure of Galath shall be yours!"   OOC   Note 1:   MAP [For sake of clarity, any reference to cardinal directions in posts will assume that North is Top of Map as posted, unless a Compass Rose is visible.]

Maximilian Cornelius Spurbright   Human Wizard from Cormyr Listening to the exchange and considering an alternative, Maximilian decides to ask a question. "Your offer of one-tenth of the treasure is most generous, and we would like to be helpful. Can you tell us what the winged creature looks like? It would help us if we knew what sort of winged creature to look for, as there might be quite a few different winged creatures up there." OOC AppearanceMaximilian is a tall, slender, bookish young man with slightly tan skin and the brown hair and eyes common among Chondathans. His clothing is simple and understated, but very well-tailored and well-made, as would befit a noble who isn't attempting to advertise wealth to others. He wears a high-collared, brown woolen overcoat over white collared shirts (often frilled collared shirts). The rest of his clothing is simple, functional, and well-tailored, and he keeps them immaculately clean with prestidigitation. He wears a gold ring with a small ruby set in it on his right middle finger.

  Rodin Sethilaud Wood Elf, Ranger     Rodin lets Jessie move forward and offer her piece offering, but he thinks over what was said. I am sorry, but we have encountered no winged creature up there. We have encountered giant stinky beetles and giant ants and some kobolds, but no winged creatures. There is the voice from the big tree that has talked to us, but we have not seen what is making the voice so cannot say if it has wings or not. If that is who you mean, then maybe we can broker some kind of truce between you. I mean for the most part he or it seems to be more about having fun and surviving, which sounds a lot like what most people think of fey too. If you want to leave we could ask it to let you pass and then you two won't have to deal with each other any more. If you wish to stay, then maybe we can make an agreement between you to work together or at the least leave each other alone. He hopes these guys and whatever is up the tree can be reasonable, but with fey, one can never be sure.   OOC   Elven Lowlight vision, so he can see 40' a if full lit rather than the normal 20 of the torch. Will take 10 on Spot and Listen checks for a total of 15 each when not in combat. It gets a +3 bonus if any of those are applied to Drow or large spiders. AppearanceRodin stands at 6 feet tall and appears a bit more muscular than the average elf. His skin has a light brownish tan look to it. His hair is brown with streaks of copper highlights through it and hangs down to just touch his shoulders. It normally has a bit of a wild windblown look to it. His eyes are a medium green which reminds most people of the color of leaves. He wears studded leather armor that has been dyed a camouflage pattern of browns and greens. His cloak is held closed by a brooch the shape of a silver arrow with green fletching. Aside from his dagger on his belt, the only weapon he carries is his longbow, which looks a bit thicker and sturdier than most bows.      

  Jessie frowns when her buddy Rodin's attempts to negotiate safe passage with the Fey supposedly living in the caves below the fortress ruins is met with a booming voice claiming to be Galath. Well, this is going nowhere fast, thinks the tiny Halfling to herself when mention is made of killing the winged creature living in the oak tree above.   Whispering to her colleagues, the diminutive rogue says, "This could be a trap. Could even be a Kobold ruse, but let me find out.  If attacked, I'll hit the deck and tumble back to you. You guys be ready to react, if needed." Stepping forward with the large pot of honey and a tin of sweet crackers, Jessie calls out in her high-pitched voice, "We are not glory-seekers, snivelers, nor are we here for Galath's treasure." "In fact, we came to add to Galath's treasure with a gift," she proclaims!  "The Kobolds are killing the bees who live here too, and these bees are the local source of honey, as I'm sure you know." "Since honey now is in short supply until we can deal with these Kobolds, we brought a crock of fresh clover honey and tin of sweeties for you if you will allow us to simply pass through and back safely," she adds with a smile. Assuming there is not a negative reaction, the Halfling burglar will reluctantly part with her precious honey by stepping forward, putting the crock down and placing the tin of sweet crackers beside of it, and then slowly backing off awaiting the reaction. OOC DM - Contingency - If there is a negative reaction, Jessie will not set the gift down and will simply fall back into the middle of the party's ranks Free Action: Swift Action: Standard Action: Readied action to tumble and roll backwards toward party should an attack begin or hostile action be initiated, thus making her small profile even smaller and harder to hit during the tumble Move: Jessie Tosscobble III's AppearanceJessie is small standing at 2 foot 8 inches and weighing a mere 27 pounds. As such, the lass intentionally keeps her brown hair long to cover her halfling features, which allows the rogue to pass herself off as a small humanoid or even young human or half-elven child when convenient or necessary. Dressed dark purple clothing, which is overlaid with attractive black leather accoutrements, Jessie keeps the paraphernalia of her 'profession' secreted upon her person, and especially the authorities, except when in use. Her friendly blue eyes and warm, sincere smile are disarming and allow the lass to paint a picture of a young girl who is completely unintimidating by all appearances, an assumption often made by others which suits her well and which she actively cultivates. To promote this look of youth or innocence, most of Jessie's weapons, alchemical doodads, pack, and other equipment are kept hidden under her clothing and also by her large heavy dark green cloak.  

    Rodin is met with silence once more. A moment later, the shrill echoing voice, booms out in a ghostly cadence once more. "Who are you to summon me forth?! More glory seekers! Something to earn my trust say you?! The treasure of Galath is for Galath alone! But know this! There is a winged creature who lairs above, and it mocks me, day and night. Bring me the head of this beast, and a one-tenth share of the treasure shall be yours!"   OOC   Note 1:  A Knowledge (Engineering) Check or Knowledge (Geography) Check might reveal more of this location. MAP [For sake of clarity, any reference to cardinal directions in posts will assume that North is Top of Map as posted, unless a Compass Rose is visible.]