1.1 - The Wyr River: Into the Earth

So many Fumbles.... a GM's dream... sometimes. PMs on the way.

Osred fumbling every first interaction with a new player will become a tradition.
Since I already failed to live up to my descriptor and my focus, I'm accepting suggestions on how to fail as a Jack.

Wifts of stench drift on the air, air that should be still. As you pass the intersection into the east, a slight commotion is heard behind you. You turn and see a young woman rush into the rest of your party. She has a hand on the hilt of a curved blade and the other holds a glow globe, set on its lowest setting and offering dim light. While dirty, she does not appear to be one of the mud men.

You turn again to the east, listening, searching. There... that stench again. Focusing ahead in the eastern tunnel, you see a glow and hear the sounds of footfalls. One, two, three, 4 5 6.... you think you hear 6 people. The sound echos and it is hard to tell.

About 50 yards ahead, a man appears, then a second... they came from the right, appearing out of the wall. Then a third, holding a light stick. You see in the shadows dancing ahead an archway on the left, and the two in front continue walking. The third turns around, looking from where he came. He lifts his hand and makes a gesture. A forth man enters your sight, pulling on a rope. As he approaches the arch, you see a creature being led, rope around its neck. As it approaches the arch and the third man, it lashes out. The person holding the rope tugs tight, preventing it from reaching his comrade. One of the first two steps back into the intersection and points a device at the creature. It wails in pain and crumples to its knees.

Since this fumble is player interaction, I have sent a PM to the person you are trying to interact with giving him suggestions. Ultimately, the decision shall be his.

Darazen bristles at the response. Speaking in a whisper he says, "Really? You are out numbered and you want to start a fight? Relax, put your weapon away and we will be good. In case you haven't noticed we are in a tense situation here, we are trying to be quiet, which is why I spoke to you silently. There's no time to explain who we are. Either join us as a friend or be on your way. Either option we won't harm you. Attack us, and you won't be the only problem we have."

The woman grasps the situation with a slight blush. (whispers) "Okay, okay, you lot just startled me!
Well now that we're friends, any bright ideas?" She nervously smiles, then fully draws her elegantly curved blade. "Because the mudmen were behind me last I checked."

Khoren, Yui, Osred and Darazen: As things start to calm down, you realize that there is no longer a glow coming from the south tunnel. You are hearing a clicking sound, skittering and a sound like something is being dragged, but no footfalls.

(whispers) "sounds like insects..."

I'll listen closely and hope I pick any other sounds up...

(intellect roll to listen)

Indeed, the chittering reminds you of young Slicer Beetles, and from the sounds of it, there must be two or three in the cavern. You also know there is more room to move around in there, and the sound might not carry as far.

Darazen nods and whispers to Kai, "Glad to have you along. But you came from the south, and you saw mudmen that way, with the bugs?"

It seems that there are threats all around them, but at least the girl has calmed down, and now there's only two to deal with.

Noting Utazo and Khoren are scouting to the east, and there appears to be insects to the south, Darazen decides prudence is wiser than valor. Tensing to react, Darazen continues to monitor the southern noises, hoping they don't approach, while staying alert to a signal from the scouts.