[PF]Duboris's Carrion Hill!

[Duboris]

The sound of rain beat the rickety wooden roof of the shoddy roadside inn. Water poured off of the building as it came down. A man, 6'6, walks outside to look down the road, putting his hands under the water falling off the roof and washing his face.

He returns inside to the silence of no customers, empty seats, and depression. The inn is falling apart, barely on it's last legs, but is the last building before Carrion Hill. He stands at the bar, washing broken glasses with a stern expression on his face. Rain beats him down, just like it does everything else.

"No customers again, today... I see..." He says with a sigh that just seems to carry a part of his soul out of his body. Suddenly, to his surprise, the door behind him swings open. He isn't surprised, and he doesn't turn around. Weird folk always do come through here.

With his back to the door, and a grim shadow cast over him, he speaks. "Be right with you...

And so our story begins...

[Smileybastard]

Alikard walks into the inn, his eyes scan the empty establishment. He shakes the worst of the rain from his hair.
Lovely day. What do you have to drink other than rain water?

[Duboris]

The man turns around, sizing up the man with a look of surprise. The man seemed nice enough, and he wasn't one to turn away a customer, but, his mind was heavy with other thoughts.

"I'm afraid we don't have much besides some no-name ale, milk, and water. Customers stopped coming in a few weeks ago...

His voice sounds craggy, like a long-time smoker. There's a bit of melancholy in his tone, but he answers fast enough. He never makes eye contact, though preferring to busy himself with cleaning the wooden tables.

"What do you want? he asks, seemingly uninterested and lost in his own thoughts.

[Smileybastard]

Well the options are so varied I am at a loss ... but as there is as much water outside as I could wish for and I have been weaned for a long time I guess I shall have an Ale.
Alikard smirks.
So why did customers stop coming?

[Duboris]

He listened attentively to the question, not really looking at him. He stopped cleaning and raised up to start moving toward another table with a rag over his shoulder.

"Fishy business up the road a few hours... Got some real good business a few days ago, but, apparently all the customers were leaving Carrion Hill."

He pauses for a moment, looking at the door. The rain had gotten harder outside and turned into a full storm in just a few moments. A bad omen, but none he hadn't dealt with before. He returned to washing the table feverishly, grumbling to himself.

"What brings you to Uste?"

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

A young girl in a long white cloak, of Tian aesthetic with a white fur trim and a pale red petal design along its hem, slips through the large wooden door and slams it shut behind herself, short of breath. She had clearly run quite some distance to get out of the rain as quickly as possible.

She glanced back over her shoulders and her heavy-with-rain hood fell from her face as she did so. Her large almond shaped eyes were a deep violet and straight sable bangs framed the soft features of her face. She wore a cream top of Varisian gypsy design, which showed her navel and likely was no help in the rain and chill winds of Ustelav, under a long Andoran long-coat with some loose pants, scarlet and of Varisian design. The girl's attire was a haphazard assortment of cultural influences that told anyone who so much as glanced at her that she'd been far and wide.

Shan pulls off her cloak and smiles at the two older men before checking her courier bag for something and finally sitting down on one of the bar stools near the pair


"An Ale please?"

Shan had learned not to trust the safety of water in most places during her travels, and she wasn't in the mood for milk.


"Sorry, if I'm interrupting something please continue."

She finishes with a smile.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard smiles towards Meilin.
That would like the sun apologizing for interrupting the rain.
My name is Alikard and your name?
The Inn keep was just what brings me here, but I was born here, but with you the question promises a much more entertaining tale.
Alikard look out the door behind her his hand moving to his sword.
Is someone or something following you?

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

"No, No, no," she says rapidly waving her hands as if to stop Alikard having to draw his sword "Just a little overzealous reaction to escaping the rain."

Meilin smiled in return at that comment of his introduction and seemed to take an obvious and immediate shine to Alikard "My name is Shan, Shan Meilin, and yeah . . ." she glances down at her mix-and-match attire and blushes "I suppose I do stand out a little. I'm a Pathfinder, I just came all the way from Andoran, I attended a school for Witchcraft and Wizardry there, before that I traveled by Caravan around Varisian and its neighbors, before that . . . oh never mind my lifestory. Are you heading for Carrion Hill too?"

[shugyosha]

Johna

A tall figure in a soaked poncho is next to enter. He stamps feet to the floor several times before taking off his wet coverings. He has handsome a face and a smile.

"We're having a wet one aye?" he says approaching the bar. "Something to drink, please, preferably something to take the chill off the wet."

He smiles at the other two, "Good day, to ya."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard's hand slides from his hilt as his smile broadens as he looks her up and down.
No need to blush at all my dear. Wildflowers are far more beautiful than the ones that have been made to fit some mold perfectly.
Alikard nods.
I am returning to Carrion Hill, so you would like an escort, I would be more than happy to oblige. It is not a place to be taken lightly

As the new figure enters Alikard nods then turns to the Inn Keep, Seems business is picking up.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan nods politely in response to Johna joining the duo at the bar

"Same to you, stranger. Another soul braving the wet and windy to head for Carrion Hill?"

Despite the fact Alikard seems to be laying it on pretty thick Meilin seems to still quite enjoy the rogue and his complements. Her lack of positive attention for the last few years while studying magic is more than likely a little contributory to this. At Alikard's offer Shan lights up

"Yes! I like that very much! I . . ."

She collects herself realizing she should probably act a little more cool-ly

"I . . ugh . . . mean yeah, that would be very nice of you Alikard."

Shan finishes with a smirk and looks down at her mug of Ale a little embarrassed with herself and sips at it, trying to stop her cheeks from going red against her pale skin.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard smiles towards Meilin. Excellent, then it is settled.

Looking back towards the stranger. Well it seems the rain has not let up any. It would be nice if it let up a bit for the last stretch to Carrion Hill.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan draws her wand from inside her sleeve and starts to magically clean and dry her clothing, waving the faintly glowing tip over herself as she goes. It doesn't take her long and once she's finished with herself she offers to do the same for Alikard, her new escort, whose no doubt been made just as soaked and muddy by the journey as she has "May I?"

Once the duo are dried off and clean, for the moment, she tucks her wand away again "I forgot to ask Alikard, why are you headed for the hill, do you live there?"

Just using Prestidigitation (Level 0 Spell) to keep Shan and her new companion presentable.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard watches with interest on more than one level as Meilin cleans herself with the wand and bows with a tip of his head towards her when she offers to clean him.
Thank you my dear, that is most kind of you.

I grew up there and lived much of my life there. He pauses thoughtfully. I can't really say I live there anymore, but then again I really have no home. I find work where I can seek new scenery and adventures. He winks at Meilin.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan doesn't pick up on the 'other levels of interest' as she finishes up with her wand and returns to nursing her ale "Heh, I think we share a calling! I'm much the same. I was raised by Pathfinders, even after my mom died, so I've never really had a 'home' per say either. Now that I'm done with school I just bound from adventure to adventure, sometimes the Pathfinder Society sends me somewhere but other times I just fall into being drunk with a Cleric of Gorum fighting Goblins in a burning tavern at the edge of a cliff.

Have you ever actually considered joining the Pathfinders? You seem like it would fit you like a glove . . ." Meilin stops herself before giving the sales pitch and finishes her drink in one go, clearly a more experienced drinker than her youth, small stature and peppy attitude might suggest.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard smiles looking into Meilin's eyes, his smile slightly fading as she tells him of her never really having a home. A unfamiliar feeling of connection comes over him.
I am sorry you have never really had a home Meilin, it is no way to grow up. I grew up in the streets of the worse parts of Carrion Hill, but I won't sully this conversation with that.
We all need someone to call home.

His smile returns as she speaks of him joining the pathfinders.

I am not familiar with the pathfinders my Dear. Tell me of them and why you think it would fit me like a glove.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin smiles back as Alikard stares into her eyes then glances over to the door and speaks up again

"At least I had people who cared about me to look after me, even after my mom died I still had Little Uncle . . ."

Meilin doesn't mention that her mom might be out there still as a blood-sucking soulless monster

"You haven't heard of them? That's surprising? Well . . . ugh . . . Pathfinders all vary but they're all explorers, in a sense, and adventurers. We search the world for treasure and knowledge. Some see this as an ultimate search for a devil may care life of action, others as the need to delve into long forgotten tombs and lost sites of antiquity. The greatest of these findings and adventures are published in the volumes of the Pathfinder chronicles. Which are probably the single most read publication in all the lands that border the Inner Sea and beyond. Having your adventures published in even a single volume is a ticket to notoriety and fame.

Some Pathfinders use the resources of the society to assist in their fight against evil, just as many use it to make themselves rich and famous, and not always, sadly, by legal means. Some sad misguided few even use the resources of the Society for Evil, but most of those have to be a little more careful with their methods and their reports.

Sometimes the Society just helps keep you on your feet during the bad times, at others it's a ticket to more fame and adventure. It's flexible mission and lax authority are great for the would be travelling adventurer. My mother, Shan Fei was a Pathfinder, so was Little Uncle and my fami . . . the rest of my Mother's party of adventures . . . before they . . ."

Shan Meilin stops herself and dabs the corner of her eyes with her sleeves before continuing

" . . . anyway, I think you could really do well among them Alikard. You might even be famous for your adventures one day if you joined, from the forest camps of Old Varisia across the Cheliaxian Imperium all the way to the free lands of Andoran the name Alikard could be on the lips of child and adventurer alike!"

Shan doesn't mind that she's gotten excited again this time, happy to get her mind off darker times, and motions for the barkeep to pour her another ale.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard listens intently.

Sense Motive [roll0]

Seeing Meilin's face sadden and guessing at the meaning behind her words. When she stops he carefully gives her a brief hug.
He nods at her comment on him and the Pathfinders.
It sounds like something I might like. It ... it is hard for me to trust others. When I was young I had no one.
Suddenly he smiles to cover his sadness and loneliness.

Bluff roll [roll1]

Adventure sounds good and ... friends.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

When Alikard hugs her Shan returns the gesture, probably a little more tightly than one might expect of a stranger, and smiles sympathetically as Alikard continues. Alikard is more than able to hide his deeper pain from Shan.


"Friends."

Shan playfully punches Alikard in the arm


"This is going to be fun!"

She rises her flagon of ale with a cheerful grin for Alikard to clink with his own


"To Adventures To Come!"

Yeah Shan isn't touching that Bluff check with her paltry sense motive.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard smiles broadly at Meilin's playful punch.

Fun indeed.

He raises his flagon to hers and drinks.

I have never really met a witch or a wizard before. Any magic user of any sort really. I imagine it can be very useful.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan laughs

"To be clear I'm a wizard, witches are our hillbilly cousins. Yeah it can be useful to tell the laws of the material universe to sit down and be quiet for a minute, but it's all really about preparation and planning . . . which is about as much fun as it sounds.

For example, I CAN summon a mount which would have made this journey through the rain much easier, but I didn't prepare the spell because I didn't think it would rain today, so I thought there was no reason to dodge the walk. In future I intend not to make that mistake."

Shan draws her wand and taps her head, pretending not to be paying attention to it but whispering something under her breath in Draconic. The outline of a thought ballon in pale red light emits itself from the tip of her wand and is filled with the words 'Alikard Seems Cool . . .'. As the thought balloon floats in the air Shan pouts and makes an exaggerated cute, thoughtful face.

"Sometimes though it's awesome as all hells!"

Shan lets out another laugh and dissipates the light with a few waves of her wand, like scattering smoke.

Casting Prestidigitation (Level 0 Spell) again. :smalltongue:

[Duboris]

The bartender comes to the table on that note, putting down 1 water and 2 ales with a grim look on his face.

"Just as long as you're not a cultist we'll be fine.

he turns around with a "Hmph" and starts to clean various glasses, as well as replacing dishes as well. You hear the house give a little bit, but the bartender doesn't flinch at all, so you assume everything is alright.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard smiles at Meilin's comments about witches and smiles even broader at the word bubble over head.

Oddly he feels happier than he has in longer than he can recall and even odder is at a loss for words.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan smirks at the barkeep's comment and replies heartily across the bar

"Nah, not a Cultist. Never had the faith for it. Unaligned in the religion department myself. Though Cayden Cailean has the right idea, if someone put a wand to my head. Anyone who can start a three day bender and wake up with a hangover and a godhood is alright in my book!"

She laughs again and sips her ale. For a moment anyone who knew of the pirate father she'd never met might guess some of that heritage was shining through.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

I'd like to think I'm not daft enough to be a cultist. I've had enough people **** me over, I don't need the god's doing the same. I care for the gods about as much as they care for me.

Alikard clinks his tankard against Melin's.

To being ignored by the gods.

He drinks deep.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

*Clink*

"To being ignored by the gods!"

Shan takes another sip and ruminates on the idea

"I mean there are SO many gods out there, and despite that not one seems to have given any indication whether it matters to them whether I live or die, but we're still supposed to not sin and be good and worship this god or that. I will happily live my life as I choose instead! Doing good and sinning as I go!"

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

A grin crosses Alikard's lips. I like you more and more Meilin.

I will live my life as I always have. Well ... maybe with one change.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin mirrored the grin "I'm liking you more and more too Alikard."

Shan smiles and nods with a sincere hint of warmth in her voice "Maybe just one . . . yeah."

[shugyosha]

Johna

Johna gives a skeptical look at the water. "I wanted something to take the chill off from the water out there, not more water."

Turning to the others he introduces himself, "I am Johna, my friends, what business do you have at Carion Hill? "

[Smileybastard]

Alikard smiles in amusement. Hello Johna. My name is Alikard and this is my friend Meilin.

As for business, I grew up here and sometimes it is important to return, to remember why I left.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin smiles and continues, as if ending his sentence

"And he's escorting me to Carrion Hill as I'm investigating on the behalf of the Pathfinder Society. What business do you have there?"

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard smiles.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

So what exactly are you investigating Meilin? If you wish I could help you. I know people in town.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

"Well my Venture-Captain had heard of some vague strange events going on and a unique material exported from the hill called Middenstone and he asked me to look into both. Normally he wouldn't send Pathfinders so far on so little but he knows I was looking forward to a long trip and that I could make the journey alone and be okay."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Well my offer stands. I am more than happy to help and as you suggest maybe I will fit in with the pathfinders.

[shugyosha]

Johna


Shan Meilin

Meilin smiles and continues, as if ending his sentence

"And he's escorting me to Carrion Hill as I'm investigating on the behalf of the Pathfinder Society. What business do you have there?"

"Actually I was just passing through, but I did hear of some strange on-goings that has perk my curiosity. Mind if I join you?"

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard watches Johna closely as he waits for Meilin to respond.

Sense Motive [roll0]

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan nods happily in reply

"That's fine by me, if it's fine by Alikard, but it might be dangerous, are you an adventurer of some sort?"

[shugyosha]

Johna

"I've had my share of run-ins with trouble, he says with a smile. "So what is this Middenstone?"

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

"It's a unique mineral exported only by Carrion Hill. I've heard it has unique properties and I'm looking into it to see if it's a discovery worth publishing in the Pathfinder Chronicles. How little I could learn about it abroad meant I had to come here, but I get the feeling there's more going on in Carrion Hill than just rare mineral finds."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Seemingly satisfied with Johna, Alikard looks out the window and seeing the rain. has stopped at least momentarily.

Well, it seems the rain has stopped for now, so I suggest we be on our way. Maybe the god's won't notice.

Winks at Meilin and opens the door.

[Duboris]

The bartender watches the goings-on quietly, enjoying the sudden conversation as he cleans his glasses. He watches closely, worried for a moment about this Alikard, though swiftly loses any suspicion.

As he makes note of the fact that they're preparing to leave soon, he chimes in.

Are any of you familiar with the dark tapestry? I don't know what it means but... one of the more religious members made mention of it as the civilians started to leave.

For those that have knowledge religion, now's the time to use it.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Knowledge Religion Check: [roll0]

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

A rather tall dwarf enters the establishment. His desert red and white robes, as well as his neatly braided brown beard, soaked to the bone. He his perfectly shaven head glistens with the rain as he lowers his hood. He looks rather young, maybe in his early fifties. He has a well-loved backpack and quiver on him as well. He moves up to the bar.

"Something alcoholic please." He turns to the only other people in the establishment. "Greetings fellow travelers. I am Gilgor Nordum, a monk of Irori. What brings you to this... fine establishment?"

[Duboris]

SheilinGods of the Dark Tapestry form two categories, in so far as such chaos might be categorized: the Outer Gods and the Great Old Ones[1], sometimes termed just Old Ones. The Outer Gods are equivalent to true deities, whereas the Great Old Ones are less powerful: more akin to demigods, like the archdevils and demon lords. The Great Old Ones respect the Outer Gods and may be seen as heralds or high priests of their greater kind. Great Old Ones are far less mobile than the Outer Gods being localized in some fashion; indeed, many Great Old Ones are imprisoned unable to move until some catastrophe occurs that unbinds them. At this point of release, some prophecies predict the ending of worlds and the ascension of the Great Old Ones to the realms of the Outer Gods. For mortals, the differences between cults of gods of either category is practically meaningless.

Specific gods include Bokrug, Cthulhu, Hastur, Mhar, Tychilarius and Xhamen-Dor, though knowledge of them is incredibly scarce, save for their names.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Before Shan gets a chance to reply to the barkeep the Dwarf interrupts, politely, and Shan runs through the introductions in slight fast forward with her peppy, broad grin.

Pointing to Johna on her left "Johna. Passing through, heard about some strange goings on that perked his interest, brand new travelling companion of . . . "

She points down over her own head at herself "Shan Meilin. On a investigation into the rare mineral Middenstone and the same strange goings on on behalf of the Pathfinder Society. I'm being escorted by . . ."

Pointing to Alikard on her right"The dashing Alikard, who grew up in Carrion Hill and was just heading back to the hill when he decided to act as my escort."

Shan laughs and outstretches her hands to either side behind the two older men "serendipity! We all just happened to stop here at the same time Mr. Nordum, and now we're travelling, and if we're lucky adventuring, companions."

With her bombastic mini-monologue, she leans back and smiles at the monk before quietly, and trying to go unnoticed, whispers in Alikard's ear shyly "I didn't miss anything did I . . . ?"

It is only at this point that a switch is flicked in Shan's mind and she remembers the myriad knowledge about dark tapestry gods that had piled up in the recesses of her mind over her years in the Academy "Oh. Gods . . .

So Cultists . . . like the worst kind of cultists . . . like worse than devils or daemons or demons bad . . . oh frikkity frikkity frak frak frak.

The Dread Cthulhu . . . Xhamen-Dor The Star Seed . . . Him Who Is Not To Be Named . . ."

Terrified she grabs Alikard wrist tightly saying

"If you want to back out I won't hold it against you but I have to investigate this . . . alone if I have too . . ."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard steps out of the dwarf's way as he comes through the door he had just open and observes the dwarf.
He looks around the Inn in response to Gilgar's question. And says rather quietly. Deperation

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard whispers's back into Meilin's ear. Right on the money.

(added)

I've got your back my dear. I grew up in the sprawl of Carrion Hill and I can see why these cultists would take up residence there, they fit in with all the other *******s.
Not gonna let my friend deal with this alone.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Listens to Shan's and the others responses. His brow grew furrowed at the mention of cultists and his hand goes toward his quiver reflexively. "Maybe that's why I was drawn to the hill. What sort of cultists are we talking about?"

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan stands up, almost wavering for a moment, and makes her way towards the front door of the inn, to leave immediately "There is no time to delay, I'll need to depart from here this instant."

Shan glances back to reply to Gilgar as she pushes open the door "it varies depending on which of the Great Old Ones the cult worships but horrible otherworldly monstrosities and insanity are the general qualities of such cults. Join us if you wish but there is no time to waste."

With that Shan Meilin darts out the front door towards Carrion Hill as fast as she can manage, committing the cardinal sin of leaving a tavern with her drink unfinished.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard charges out after Meilin, surprised at her sudden departure.

Turns and says t the others as he leaves. Better keep up if you want to help of want a guide.

Outside he momentarily takes Meilin's hand. Right here.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin squeezes Alikard's hand and responds with a fleeting, warm smile "I know."

With that Shan runs along the path towards Carrion Hill, 'forgetting' to let go of Alikard's hand so that she pulls him along as they run together, her petite frame propelling her faster than one might expect.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard squeezes Meilin's hand in return keeping his eyes open for trouble and making sure she is going the right way.

So where in Carrion hill are we rushing to?

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan replies after ruminating on it for a bit "Our best bet is probably a town watch or guard of some sort, or any authority figure willing to speak to us."

Knowledge (Local) Check to see if I know what passes for law enforcement in Carrion Hill and who is/are the leading authority figure(s).

Knowledge (Local) Check: [roll0]

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Well I have not tended to have been an ally with the Crows or the government here. I grew up in the filth where they tend not to go, unless they have no choice.
A question to ask would be if the cultists are tied into the government. Maybe we should find a Inn to stay in and open our ears and see what we hear.

Knowledge(local)1d20+5

[Smileybastard]

Knowledge(local) [roll0]

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin nods "Yeah, that's a possibility . . . if we can find some Crows or a government official whose willing to talk I'll use magic to mask my appearance. I'll pretend to be some Varisian or Elven adventurer or something, since I speak Varisian and Elven. All I need is for them not to be able to know my face so they don't track me down afterwards if the cult is involved with the government.

It's just a precaution. I'd offer you the same protection but I don't have the spell to alter your appearance and only you can make use of any contacts you have."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Just no point in letting these cultists know someone is on to them.

Another question. Where did the notion of cultists arise from? Just a wayward comment from the keeper of that Inn?

I suggest we make our questions seem more like comments of a more basic nature. Maybe merchants considering buying a shop in the Tangle and we heard a rumor from that Inn keep. I am ... good at lying if that will help.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin thinks for a moment "Well that barkeep mentioned religious people discussing the dark tapestry, which relates to the Great Old Ones and the Outer Gods, and a cult seems to line up best with that and all the supposed 'strange goings on' everyone seems to be hearing about from Carrion Hill. It seems most likely at least that cultists are involved."

Shan considers the idea before stopping abruptly and looking back towards the inn "That seems like a good idea too, we'll have to ask Gilgar and Johna if they agree when they catch up . . ."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard nods and looks over his shoulder.

[shugyosha]

Johna

Seeing that neither paid their tab, Johna flips the barkeep a gold coin, "For the three of us."

He leaves after he cocoons himself in his poncho and follows the two.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

I presume we're time skipping to Carrion Hill about now then?

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar sighed a little at the loss warmth of drink would be have brought. "Sorry barkeep, looks like I won't be having that drink." He quickly gathered his things and followed after the others after the others, still soaking wet.

[Duboris]

As everyone suddenly decided to leave at the drop of a coin at the mention of cultists, the barkeep simply stood there, washing his glass. The inn seemed to shift for a moment, though he kept washing regardless.

Note to self. Don't mention cults.

As he said that, he looked down at the 1 gold piece on the counter for a moment. Picking it up, he put it in his pocket, then resumed his leisurely tasks.


---------------Time skip~---------------

As the group enters the hill, the rain had resumed an hour ago, heavier than ever. Almost deafening, but the sound of thunder wasn't there, simply rain. They had passed the gate to the city early, and surprisingly, the crows were absent.

Knowledge local 10The crows do not leave their guard posts unless called specifically for disasters in the city.

As your group slowly walks through the city of Carrion Hill, there are no bystanders anywere for a long time. Alikard will note the lack of homeless in the streets, and in the gutters along the roads water is simply surging out of the area, hell-bent on escaping such a lonely town. The rain slows, just long enough for you to hear the sound of someone nearby, a guard dressed in black, obviously one of the crows Alikard mentioned earlier.

Through the rain you hear him say, “Carrion Hill needs heroes! Men of stout heart and bravery are asked to come to Crown Manor with all haste, there to receive a task worthy of their skill and talents and a reward of suitable magnificence. Make haste to Crown Manor! Make haste!”

His voice lingers on every word, sounding rather melancholy. But just as soon as you'd heard it, his image is lost in the rain rather quickly, as well as the tone.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Knowledge(local) [roll0]

Alikard continues to hold Meilin's hand.
Something has changed here. There are no homeless.

[shugyosha]

Johna

He slows at the voice of the guard. Hearing his words Johna taps Alikard on the shoulder. "Where is this Crown Manor?"

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard looks up and points towards the higher parts of the city.
Rag Manor is up there, it is the mayors residence and town hall.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin follows just behind Alikard, allowing him to literally lead her by the hand, but when the Crow erupts in a declaration of desperation Meilin speaks up "I know you don't like the idea of working with the government but something is seriously wrong here and they clearly have answers as to why. Also reward.

I do really hope that men part was just because 'people of stout heart and bravery' doesn't quite roll off the tongue as easily, though . . .

Whatever is wrong here, I doubt it would want it's own minions telling everyone in ear shot something is up. I think it's safe for us to check this out. No we Need to check this out!"

Shan can and will use the puppy-dog-eyes on Alikard if he pulls another 'but I don't trust dem governmen' folks.'

Knowledge (Local) Check: [roll0]

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard nods, squeezing Meilin's hand tighter.
Yes, lets head to Rag Manor. I have no problem working with them, I just don't trust them, but I don't think the situation is anything close to what I suspected.
Let's go and see what we can find out.
Alikard leads the group carefully up through the Tangle to the crown, ever watchful.

Perception [roll0]

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar follows group, not saying anything but listening to the others. Despite the rain and his soaked attire he moves quite unperturbed. A simple nod is his only confirmation that going to the manor is a good course of action. He keeps an eye out for any trouble since cultists were mentioned.

Perception Check:[roll0]

[Duboris]

As the group wades through the drenched streets of Carrion Hill, the only sounds they're met with is that of heavy rain. Vision is difficult, and the rain, cold to the touch.

Nothing happens while you walk through the streets, save for the rain letting up only slightly. The noise isn't that deafening anymore, but for every bit of noise it lost, it was replaced by the sound of crows circling in the air and guttural noises coming from the various water paths.

The shops on the sides of the road are all closed, the homeless somewhere else but here, and absolutely no civilians to be seen. The crows, the guards, walk through the streets in a sprint, trying to get somewhere. They don't even bat you an eye as they do.

As you approach the point of interest, you can make out 2 guards, standing aloof in front of an open door. They immediately perk up as soon as they see you, like color just rushed back into them. They point at you, and beckon you inside.

Knowledge Local 15 Carrion hill is known for it's hustle and bustle. Homeless are common, and the shops rarely ever close. The Crows are also not usually mobile like they were. It also doesn't usually rain this much.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard cautiously heads toward the door scanning for signs of danger, hand still lightly in Meilin's.

Sense Motive on guards [roll0]
Perception to spot threats [roll1]
Slight of Hand to ready a hidden dagger [roll2]

[Duboris]

As alikard walks forward, the guards seem more worried than anything. They definately aren't going to try anything and there's nothing in the perceivable area that's dangerous.

The guards, however, do, notice you hide the dagger which.

"I see you hiding that, but you're not going to need it. The only person inside is Mayor Heggery and 2 more guards."

All of his words have a significant amount of apathy. He seems rather defeated.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard nods and slides the dagger back in its place. He continues to move towards the door shifting Meilin behind him as he does.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar, ever cautious, keeps a look out for hidden threats as they arrive at the manor. He takes up position behind Meilin as the make their way to the door. He nods courteously to the guards as he passes.

Perception Check:[roll0]

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan follows, nodding to the guards as she passes, content to allow the others to keep an eye out for threats. She does check up her sleeve for her wand just in case, though she doesn't draw it just yet.

She remains silent, waiting for them to reach the Mayor.

[shugyosha]

Johna

He nods at the guards and opens his poncho and shows his unstrung bow in a waterproof covering. "Is there a place I need to check it in?"

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard looks around the room as he enters. He dislikes places he doesn't know full of people he doesn't know. He positions himself with his back against the wall, with Meilin behind him.

What the hell is going on? I have never seen Carrion Hill look like this.

Diplomacy [roll0]

[Duboris]

As everyone enters the room, they notice a man sitting leaned back in a high-back chair. He heaves a sigh before noticing you, and nearly jumps out of his seat.

Finally! Someone in this godforsaken town actually has a spine...[b]

He stops a moment to scratch the hairs on his chin. He has bushy hair and a goatee and seems to carry himself in an otherwise good manner. The amount of stress he's experienced recently seems to be getting to him, but, what could cause that?

A hand pierces the air and he waves you forward.

[b]As much as I would love to exchange pleasantries, I'm afraid we're short on time.

“I thank you for attending in our hour of need—Carrion Hill has a long history of battle, yet always before its enemies have attacked from outside our walls. We are fortified to defend against such attacks, but now we face an entirely different threat. Our enemy is already here, dwelling in the tunnels and catacombs below and surfacing to strike without warning."

He heaves a heavy sigh as he finishes the final sentence and looks to you for a retort.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard looks around and recognizes clearly there is no threat in this room. Clearly this is the Mayor or some stand in, but it hardly seems the time or place for honorifics.
He loosens his hand on Meilin's wrist and looks at the man with the Goatee.

So who would this threat be, that has everyone running or cowering?

[Duboris]

He gives Alikard a quick look of intrigue, thinking to himself closely, still scratching his chin.

The first of these attacks occurred earlier this week when something huge came up from below in a part of the Tangles called Slipper Market. It partially destroyed a building and killed a half dozen locals before retreating into the ruined structure. The Crows were swift to reply, led by our own Commander Garus, but when they arrived, they were slaughtered to the last...

His voice seemed to drag along on those last words. He obviously wasn't satisfied with the way things had turned out, and who would be?

As he finished that, he overlooks the group, counts you, with his eyes and sits back down in his chair.

Garus was... one of our best men. The people left after that, and the creature, whatever it is, has broken plenty more buildings since then but no one has seen exactly what it is.

He seems to trail off at the end of his words, as if trying to hold back his horror at the situation.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

So have no eye witnesses survived?

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

One creature, that was good. Well horrific actually, but if this was a single creature created or related to the Great Old Ones that was better than an organised cult, of course a cult could still be summoning it or controlling it but it seemed less likely that something was controlling whatever it was


"To be clear the buildings whatever this is has destroyed have been relatively random, no significant link between them or strategic importance, and you still believe it nests or at least can be found in this so called 'Slipper Market?'"

[shugyosha]

Johna

The charming man smiles and is content to listen to the others questions.

[Duboris]

Heggry pinches the fat between his nose and brow and heaves a bit of a lamentful sigh.

"No, I'm afraid... the beast is most likely not there, but it was the original place it had surfaced. Still, it is very likely that you could potentially learn something of it if you go there. There were ruins we'd found beneath the area, and I had sent one of my men with a crew, shortly after losing garrus, to investigate. None of the men, save for the leader returned and he'd gone mad. He's, since then, been sent to the asylum.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard looks at Meilin and squeezes her hand slightly and whispers I'm still here.

Maybe we should pay him a visit in the mad house? We might learn something and then visit these ruins.

[Duboris]

Heggry practically spins at the words.

Absolutely not. The man is completely mad and of no use at the moment. He's in capable healing hands at the moment, and I would reccomend you hurry to Slipper market to investigate. He may not have been able to, but I'm sure 4 adventurers could.

I'll pay you all, in total, 1500 gold for just information on this thing.

He sounded impatient.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

I see.

Sense Motive [roll0]

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan nods and listens. Her worldly experience meant she wasn't a decent diplomat but her peppy disposition had always left her a transparent and obvious liar, so she'd kept quiet early on to insure she didn't say anything that might come back to bite them while they got the lay of the land.

Now that she had an idea of the mission she could at least focus on that

"Seems a reasonable price, assuming we come back alive."

Though Shan Meilin wasn't entirely sold that the Mayor was telling them everything he knew, she was at least sure that they had gotten all they were going to get out of him, whether he did in fact know more or not.

Finally slipping loose of Alikard's hand, too which she had seemingly become accustom, she reached into her sleeve and drew her mother's . . . her wand.

"Well gentlemen, it appears we have a monster to slay and a town to save. Let's leave the mayor to his tea and crumpets while we send this abomination of the Great Old Ones back to whatever dark, wretched hole it climbed out of."

With that Meilin departs the Mayor's office and the building . . .

And then waits outside for Alikard to follow her out and show her where in heck she was meant to be going. This was beginning to become a pattern.

[shugyosha]

Johna

Waiting till everyone else was finished he asks his question, "Garus, what were his wounds? Cuts, bruises, burns, or only his mind?"

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar listens intently, letting those better social graces then him steer the conversation. He his brow furrowed at the mention of a man driven mad. And when Shan mentioned slaying a beastie, he simply nodded. He did not follow, waiting hear if anything else was going to be said.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard follows Meilin out the door looking directly into her eyes.

I don't trust them, he really didn't want us to go to the asylum, but I feel the reason is some trivial human foible.

Alikard pulls the bow from his back. Listening to see if anything else is being said inside.

THen speak with concern in his voice, Are you okay Meilin?

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin nods, trying to reassure Alikard "Yeah . . . yeah I think so. I guess I'm just rushing this a little . . . finding this thing I mean. It's just . . . if we can stop this thing then every second we wait is another where it could hurt innocents before we do that.

My Uncle . . . little Uncle . . . he used to say that if you can do good, if there are things you can do, only you, to help people, to make the world a better place, then you have a moral obligation to do those things . . .

I remember him having a more succinct way of saying that . . .

I guess I run from place to place when I know that people are in danger because I know the slower we are the more people get hurt. I rush things I guess . . . I'm always running from one place to another . . . I suppose it's one of the many reasons I don't really have a home . . . why I ran from the tavern to here and now to the Slipper Market at the drop of a hat.

I mean, I'm Super-Duper smart but I can't take a second to breathe and plan, it's just not who I am . . .

Meilin forces a laugh in the rain, trying to lighten the mood ". . . Which according to my earlier statements makes me a terrible wizard."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Breath
Alikard hugs Meilin.
People will die and you can not save them all, but if you die trying many more will.
He looks deep into her eyes.
Now let me tell you a little secret. Alikard smiles. Home is not a place, even though most think it is. Home is people.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan nods understanding "I know . . . I just guess I've gotten used to travelling alone."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard nods seriously and then breaks into a smile.

You may need to change. I am a hard one to shake.

[Duboris]

The longer you dally the more people that'll end up like him.

He hands whoever's left in the room 750 gold, dropping a sac directly into their hand rather quickly.

If you must know what kind of condition my dear friend was put in, he was crippled so severely that the clerics couldn't speak to him in the afterlife before they fled. His body was twisted, and it's still.... it's still there... in slipper market.

He puts his hand over his eyes, sort of shamed at the fact he can't do much more than tell you guys to hurry.

Every second, every second is more time for it to crush another building... please. Please hurry. I can send no crows to help you, and I apologize, but they're too involved with surveying the city for attacks. Slipper market is a ways across town, in the tangle. Go. Go now!

His breathing is heavy and ragged, nervous, and full of anxiety. He collapses in his chair, extremely stressed. With a defeated voice, he manages the words,

We're... we're running out of... time...

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Hearing that through the door, Alikard's face grows grim.

Lets move, stick close and don't take any unnecessary chances. We can't stop it if it kills us first.
Alikard nocks an arrow and begins to head towards the slipper market.

Gilgar. Time to take out that bow I think.

He looks at Meilin. Stay close.

[shugyosha]

Johna

"I beg your pardon," he says as a small apology before leaving and taking the gold.

As he exits he tosses the bag of coins to Shan. "Here keep it safe, eh."

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar bows deeply before the mayor before departing with the others. At Alikard's request, he pulls out his compound bow from his quiver's extra dimensional space. "Let's hunt a beastie," he said with a grim smile.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan catches the bag clumsily and gives Johna a curt nod "Will do Johna," before stashing the coin purse in her courier bag.

She glances around as the trio draw bows, not a sword or shield among them, and gulps 'thank the gods I can fly because it doesn't look like anyone remembered to bring the meat-shield to this arrow party.'

Shan swings her wand around a few times, as if testing the weighting of a sword, flips it and grabs it out of the air with a smirk "Gilgar, you're playing my song."

[shugyosha]

Johna

While whistling a jaunty tune, he unwraps his his bow and begins to string it. "Never what to let your bow get wet if you can help it, warps the wood," he explains.

Once done, he smiles a mischievous smile and says, "Lets go."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard moves along at a quick pace, glancing back now any again to ensure all are keeping up, but more so to keep track of Meilin.

Perception[roll0]

I was kind of hoping we would get some chance to learn about each other a bit before we fight, but this may be a good way to learn ... if we don't die.

Bluff to hide the fear in his voice [roll1] 2 higher for Meilin and Johna for being human.


Alikard smirks. He trots a long mulling a few things over in his mind.

I hope since it is supposed to be big it will be slow, but I am not betting on anything.

I assume since you two only have bows that you are good with them. My forte is more in close so if it is not slow I will try to keep it busy.

He laughs.

At this point I am actually hoping for some evil cultists.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar continues to smile and nods at Shan. He walks cautiously as they make their way to Slipper Market. He keeps an eye out for trouble since they were looking for it.

[roll0]

[Duboris]

Leading at the front of the group, morbidly silent, is one of Heggry's crows. The rain is surging, as always, and the sound of the malicious cawing in the air has all but disappeared. The walk takes nearly a half hour, leading to the tangle.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8638274035_9ce21093cf_b.jpg
((The upper map is a map of all of Carrion heal, which I'll update with certain things. The yellow dot is where you are. I'd like for everyone to pick their colors now, if at all possible, as I'll be making specific dots for people to show where they are on battle maps. I'll be updating this on every post I make, relative to where you guys wish to move. Please make sure to explain where you want to be, relative, in movement blocks, to your dot's current location.
That's "Nowhere" for right now, because I don't know your colors.))

You come under no danger while you walk, and if there was anything looking at you, you didn't notice because of the rain. As you approach the market, you see that there are plenty of crows carefully moving around. Your escort lifts a drenched rope barrier, allowing you all to pass under.

Standing in the center of all this, certain things are particularly notable. For starters, carefully-surveying the wide-eyed ruins of 1 particular structure, are civilians, carefully looking out of the corner of their windows, terrified of whatever surfaced. The structure it'self is ruined, crushed from the northern side. A tent properly placed in the upper area of it. (Not visible on the map, but it's at the northern entrance on the west side.)

The rain is still surging, enough to force others to yell if they're not near. To the east side, however, is a shop, though abandoned.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar approaches the damaged building. The damage was impressive, obviously caused by something quite powerful. He carefully examines the scene, taking his time.

Taking 20 on a Perception Check for 32

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard says to Meilin Stay safe.

I then skirt the wall and sneak up close the ruins.

Sneak [roll0]
Perception [roll1]

[Duboris]

Gilgar Searching around the entirety of the area, a few key things of specific interest appeal to you. For starters, the abandoned shop is unlocked, and the front door is partially open with a pool of water easily seeping inside because of it's recent warping.

You notice a distinctive foul, gut-wrenching odor in the air, which catches you a bit off-guard. It's not enough to require any fort saves though.

Under the barely-standing tent and rubble are the 3 dead guards, of which, Garrus is not among them. One of the bodies has been completely crushed from skull to lower waist. The other has had it's lower waist span twice, like some kind of wicked rag doll. Blood oozes from every potential orifice of his body.

The other, final body, has been evacuated of it's insides, ripped in two and laying in the juices that leaked out of him, prior. Above the tent, a red spiral, untouched by the rain, somehow, has been carved with what actually seems to be the dead body, into the wall. It's a foreboding thing that worries you as soon as you see it.

On the ripped body, a small bit of black sludge is within him and over his body, and it seems to be the source of the prior stench.

Alikard The area is pretty heavily patrolled by crows, though, for the most part, you find the majority of what Gilgar did from just carefully looking around. (Read his spoiler)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8639461932_375bedac73_b.jpg

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar says, "Huh, the that's interesting. The door is unlocked and that disturbing red swirl doesn't seem to be washing away in the rain." He moves closer to examine the bodies.

Heal Check:[roll0]

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard slowly approaches the door.

[Duboris]

Gilgar The bodies have been dead no longer than a week, though they haven't been moved for some reason.

The first one died to crushing, which is obvious, though it's coated in a thin layer of black sludge.

The second body was obviously rang like a rag, and every bone in his arms is splintered, leaving them like tentacles.

The final body was used as a paint brush.

Alikard Nothing happens as you approach the door, and the crows aren't particularly interested in your shenanigans, despite the fact that one points you out to the others.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8638392225_7a95b1666a_b.jpg

Update

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard takes a look in the door.

perception [roll0]

[shugyosha]

Johna

With his bow ready he follows Gilgar.

The stench of the week old bodies wrinkles his nose. He takes a look at the sludge. "Yuck."


examination of the sludge
[roll0] knowledge planes
[roll1] knowledge religion

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar nearly vomits as he examines the last body. After taking a moment to compose himself, he says, "They have been dead for about under a week but for some reason haven't been moved. This one (pointing to the first one) got crush and covered in some sort of black sludge. This one (points to the second body) was rang like a dirty wash cloth. The last poor fellow was used paint brush for that strange spiral."

[Duboris]

Johna The sludge doesn't register under any bit of religion, or planes, and as far as you know it's not of this world, or any easily-traveled plane.

However... on another note, the spiral which hangs eerily overhead, as you know, is associated with the Dark Tapestry that's been mentioned so much, prior to this engagement. Perhaps someone more savvy in Religion could tie it to it's exact deity? You're not sure.


Alikard Shelves of shoes line the walls, and a small counter covered with shoemaking tools sits near a narrow flight of stairs to the south that leads
up to a second floor.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard then sneaks over to the ruins.

[shugyosha]

Johna

"Shan," he calls out and points to the spiral. "What do you make of that?"

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin:

Shan raises her wand and whispers in Draconic "<Detect Magic . . .>*" She wearily follows behind her compatriots, not out of fear but because she is fully aware that she's a chewy wizard marshmallow of softness to monsters in comparison to her allies.

Shan allows the wand's crimson light to bathe the area as she searches the fault-lines of magic for anything of note nearby. At the same time she drifts between the places the others have examined, briefly scanning the Sludge and the Spiral as she goes.

Her technique and methodical scanning pattern implies this is not the first time she's had to examine such a season and for a minute she seems like a forensic investigator of some kind.

As Johna speaks up about the Spiral Shan approaches it raising her wand to examine it in the half-light "give me a second and I'll let you know."

She stands there with her wand raised looking up at the harrowing sight, glancing intermittently over to her new allies to make sure they were all still moving around. Even before she got a good look at the Spiral a chill washed over her. The ritualistic nature of the killings implied a malign cognizance. The one bright side, if you could call it that, to dealing with an uncontrolled monster is that there was no greater plot beyond the chaos and destruction, but they did not seem so lucky in this case.

Whatever this thing was it was a murderer not an animal, no matter now bestial it's form. The artistry of its barbarity implied more than a creature's low cunning. She hoped it was merely a monster controlled by mortal worshipers but such thoughts rang out to her as naive optimism. It was a dark night indeed when the idea of a monster from the depths of the earth, controlled by a cult of mad men, could be considered the unlikely optimistic alternative to reality.

*Translated from Draconic for your reading pleasure.
Checks for the Sludge . . .
Knowledge (Nature) Check: [roll0]
Knowledge (Arcana) Check: [roll1]

Checks for the Spiral . . .
Knowledge (Religion) Check: [roll2]
Knowledge (Arcana) Check: [roll3]

Sweeping the entire area with Detect Magic (Level 0 Cantrip) to see if anything pings Shan's supernatural Geiger counter of weirdness.

Detect Magic (For Reference):
Detect Magic
School divination; Level bard 0, cleric 0, druid 0, sorcerer/wizard 0
Casting Time 1 standard action
Component: V, S
Range 60 ft.
Area cone-shaped emanation
Duration concentration, up to 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no
You detect magical auras. The amount of information revealed
depends on how long you study a particular area or subject.
1st Round: Presence or absence of magical auras.
2nd Round: Number of different magical auras and the power of
the most potent aura.
3rd Round: The strength and location of each aura. If the items
or creatures bearing the auras are in line of sight, you can make
Knowledge (arcana) skill checks to determine the school of magic
involved in each. (Make one check per aura: DC 15 + spell level,
or 15 + 1/2 caster level for a nonspell effect.) If the aura emanates
from a magic item, you can attempt to identify its properties
(see Spellcraft).
Magical areas, multiple types of magic, or strong local magical
emanations may distort or conceal weaker auras.
Aura Strength: An aura’s power depends on a spell’s functioning
spell level or an item’s caster level; see the accompanying table. If
an aura falls into more than one category, detect magic indicates the
stronger of the two.
Lingering Aura: A magical aura lingers after its original source
dissipates (in the case of a spell) or is destroyed (in the case of a
magic item). If detect magic is cast and directed at such a location,
the spell indicates an aura strength of dim (even weaker than a
faint aura). How long the aura lingers at this dim level depends on
its original power.

Outsiders and elementals are not magical in themselves, but if
they are summoned, the conjuration spell registers. Each round,
you can turn to detect magic in a new area. The spell can penetrate
barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of
lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Taking puts his bow away, draws two daggers and with extra caution Alikard slips quietly into the ruins as Meilin scans the area for magic.

Stealth [roll0]
acrobatics [roll1]
perception [roll2]

[Duboris]

Those in the ruins This living room is in a complete state of disarray. Doors are smashed open and the northern wall has exploded outward. The furniture is in shambles, and rain leaking in from multiple fresh holes in the roof has done little to wash away the thick layer of sticky black slime that seems to coat every surface— slime that exudes a horrific stench something like an open grave, burnt decay, the air before a thunderstorm, wet and diseased fur, and worse. Scattered amid the slime and rubble are body parts—too many to be from one victim and all strangely bloodless. ((This is the upper left section of the house in the picture. There's still the top right and bottom bits.))

Anyone that enters the ruins needs to make a dc 12 fort save, as the stench is horrific and the slime is everywhere.

Mein Detect magic doesn't find anything, surprisingly.

The knowledge arcane and planes tells you that sludge like this typically comes from things along the lines of extra-planar creatures, usually the abyss. It isn't particularly magical, as it's a poor component for spells... and disgusting.

You know everything about this spiral that Johna does, so go check his most recent spoiler message.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard scoops up some of the slime on a dagger and withdraws from the ruins, fighting back an urge to wretch. Moves to Meilin.

What do you make of this? It is everywhere in there.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard takes a closer look at the slime as he shows it to Meilin.

Dungeoneering [roll0]

[Duboris]

Alikard Holy **** i'm finally back at my computer.

*ahem*

In other news, you know that oozes are particularly frequent in dungeons, however, this doesn't seem to even belong to an ooze. It's more like an excretion, as oozes don't typically leave parts of themselves behind.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin dims her wand as her scan of the area ceases and responds to Alikard "Okay this gets stranger. There's no residual magic here. Sludge like that comes from extra-planar creatures, typically the Demons of the Abyss.

BUT . . .

The Spiral is linked to the Dark Tapestry though, they have a thing for spirals, tentacles and stars," she shudders as if shaking off a bad mental image or memory "I'd need to do research to know which specific Outer God or Great Old One it's linked too . . . which might be a smart move assuming this town has a half passable library. It might help give us an idea what we're dealing with."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard nods and flings the gunk off at the ground.
It is wall to wall in there. I don't really think we want to climb to far into that mess.

[Duboris]

Alikard Though you may not want to enter the gunk-covered room, there happens to be 1 section of the area you hadn't explored before coming back, but, you have to walk through some foul goo to do so.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Meilin, try to magically clean my Dagger. If that works I will try to sneak a bit deeper into the ruins.

[shugyosha]

Johna

The comely man wraps a scarf over his mouth and nose. "I'm not sure what smells worse the dead bodies or the slime." He continues to look around.


Perception take 10 (22 total)

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan leans near to the blade and whispers "<Prestidigitation.>*"

The gunk hops off the blade magically and Meilin responds to Johna "I prefer the gunk, though definitely not whatever made the stuff."

She motions to Alikard to lead the way into the unexplored area "I'll come too just in case."

*Draconic again.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar's pretty sure he missed nothing in his search. So he stands back and let's the others figure out their next course of action, further research or diving into the unknown and see what happens. Meanwhile he'll keep an eye out for trouble.

Take 10, 22 Perception to make sure nothing sneaks up on them.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard hesitates and then nods. Don't get too close in case something is in there.
He sneaks forward moving into the ruins to check out the deeper room.
Stealth [roll0]
Perception[roll1]

[Duboris]

Alikard As you wade through the 2 inches of gunk on the floor, a rush of funk hits you in the face. It smells... It smells like the air before a thunder storm, burning dead, or, a putrid bog. It certainly doesn't smell good, but it's nothing like the smell prior, as the sludge has hardened to a chitinous form.

The room you walk into has a lower amount, but it's severely hard to to the touch. In this same room, you find a staircase that descends into darkness that you can't see the end of. The sludge turns a pale gray and black as it goes down the staircase. The area has been warped from what looks to be sheer size, as it's obvious that the creature came through this stairwell to get into the room.

Jonah Aside from the sludge and slime outside, and all of the mucus chitin inside, there are no tracks. It seems as though it surfaced, and then submerged once more.

Mein Prestidigitation did affect the dagger, and the mucus just falls right off with no trouble. You're detect magic still hasn't found anything.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Having followed only a step behind Alikard Meilin sees the staircase descending into darkness "Okay, first the Mount spell and now the lack of a Light spell. I did not choose wisely this morning. Anybody have a torch, because it seems like we're going to need one."

Meilin shouts back to the others "Hey, Johna and Gilgar, have you or the crows got torches? Seems like we found the hole this thing crawled out of!"

Meilin turns back to Alikard "I mean, I know it's stupid and reckless but I'm also smart enough to know we are SO going down there. I mean, it will suck if I get flayed alive in the dark or whatever but running head long into the spooky darkness is a timed honoured adventurers trope."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

No torches here. I prefer the dark, but it would seem we will need light to go down there.

I can't say I am so certain about going down there as you, but I am not letting you go without me.

Alikard smirks.

Any other spells spells you chose unwisely this morning? Maybe it would be best to reconsider them and then go down?

[shugyosha]

Johna

Fishing a copper coin from his pocket he ignites in with light then tosses the glowing coin down the stair case.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard looks down the stairs as it is illuminated.

Perception [roll0]

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin smirks "I'm more than prepared to blow up whatever we find, don't worry, Alikard."

She looks over at Johna at the casual display of magic "And it seems like we've got another spellcaster to pick up the slack anyway."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard sternly nods at Meilin's comment.

[shugyosha]

Johna


Shan Meilin

Meilin smirks "I'm more than prepared to blow up whatever we find, don't worry, Alikard."


"Good because I forgot my blow up the monster spells this morning..." he jests, "but if you need a quick mend or to start a fire or even a bunch of water I can be of service"

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

I like the sound of the mending, being that I am likely to be the one needing it.

Alikard looks in the stairwell and tries to see if they will need a rope to desend safely.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar takes up the rear, bow in hand and making sure nothing catches them from behind. He whispers, "I sometimes forget the other races can't see as well in the dark as we dwarves."


Perception Check: [roll0]
Stealth Check: [roll1]

[Duboris]

Everyone As the coin falls down the staircase, it falls for a health amount of time, gathering speed and bouncing off of some of the walls. It falls for a couple of seconds before the staircase bends and you lose sight of the light, though the noise is still there.

Surprisingly, the goo only seems to exist in the upper part of the staircase. There's hardly any on the way down, hence the reason the coin kept falling.

The stairwell is warped far and wide down, judging from what the light revealed. As the coin falls, you hear the sound stop, but it took plenty of time, about 14 seconds, actually.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard watches the coin drop and sheaths his daggers and begins to pull something from his backpack.
I think to be safe ... we should use a rope from here. Everything looks warped down there.
He pulls out a rope and a grapple and looks for a place to set it.
perception[roll0]
climb[roll1]

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin smirks at Johna "Good to know, I blow them apart, you keep us together, and yeah Gilgar, we humans didn't start in dark dank caves . . . or you know force Orcs to the surface world for the rest of the world to deal with . . . Anyway, onward and downwards"

With that Meilin continues on down the stairs past the bend, tying her own rope to whatever Alikard does and then to herself before doing so.

I'll roll my abysmal climb if Diaboris says I need one. :smalltongue:

[shugyosha]

Johna

He looks at Alikard and says, "You think that would be long enough? I have 50 ft you can use as well."

Johna takes out some rope from his backpack.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar ignores Meilin's mumbling comments. When Johna mentions having some rope, Gilgar reaches into his haversack and pulls some rope of his own. "In case you need more," he said quietly.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard heads down slowly and silently.

climb [roll0]
Stealth [roll1]
perception [roll2]

[Duboris]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8656474150_317bfab8bf_b.jpg

Descending into the murky staircase, you find the ropes rather unnecessary, as there is plenty of footing and only those who've been lamed could have trouble with walking down this bit of staircase.

The light quickly fades, save for that of the torch among you. In the room ahead, the coin has convenient leaned up against a piece of statue, which seems to be a sarcophagus. The corpse that once called it home, as well as the rest of it, has fallen into the middle of the room, though there are 5 more that encircle the area.

The walk down here was surprisingly long, taking almost an entire 45 seconds to hit the bottom at a natural, yet slow, pace.

At the edge of the room is a door, though it seems rather shunted into the floor. On the other side is a door that's been removed from it's hinges in the floor.

In the middle of the room, a line of black sludge goes from the staircase to beyond the giant wall of rubble on the other side, though it seems dangerous to excavate as this room is barely standing, it seems. You hear the faint sound of rain echo through the staircase, and the catacombs moan under it's own weight. Rather unsettling.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Finding the rope and grapple unnecessary Alikard gathers it back up and proceeds down.

Arriving at the room Alikard looks around and slowly crosses the room to get a better look at where the trail comes from.

perception [roll0]
stealth[roll1]

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin stores her rope again, seeing it was unnecessary and instead pulled out a coin.

"Heads we go right, tails we go left, unless anybody has a burning preference?"

*Flip*

Catching the coin on the back of her hand she moves her other hand away to reveal some king or prince's head "Right it is."

Meilin moves towards the door shunted into the ground to see if the door can still be moved, or if it is jammed or locked, etc.

1 = Heads = Right; 2 = tails = Left

Coin Toss: [roll0]

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Fine by me.

[Duboris]

Alikard As you search the room you find nothing of veritable importance, save for the fact that there is yet another staircase, though, it isn't warped. It would seem that the creature came through the section of rubble, and collapsed the catacombs as it returned in, or worse, out.

The staircase in question is even deeper and darker than the other one, easily out of visual range, and at the drop of a stone, very, very deep.

Mein The door is jammed very tightly. You'll either have to destroy it or have someone who's relatively strong push it open.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin takes a few steps back and aims her wand at the door

"Anyone want to try to smash this door open so I don't have to use my very limited magical resources to blow it open?"

[shugyosha]

Johna

Once down the stairs he takes his time to look around.


Perception, taking 10 (22)
I'm going on vacation, please NPC Johna as needed.

[Duboris]

Johna
Once down the stairs he takes his time to look around.


How long will you be gone?

Also, you notice the same thing's as Alikard. Could you leave a link to your sheet, in case I bring someone in the stand-in for you? Post it in the OOC topic.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar follows stealthily behind Johna. He takes a look around, seeing if anything was out of place or eat their faces.

Perception Check: [roll0]
Stealth Check: [roll1]

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

I'll open it.

Look for traps [roll0]
Pick lock is doable [roll1]
if not STR roll [roll2]

[Duboris]

Gilgar Apart from everything you've already taken particular note of, you find the door to the left is a rather deep, non-warped stairwell.

Alikard While the door does, in fact, have a lock on it, you pick it before opening it. When you go to push the door open with a surge of strength, however, you feel silly, as it doesn't budge in the slightest. However, on the other side, you hear the sound of the door being push echo a little, though not much.

Whatever is on the other side is definitely an enclosed room.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Giving Alikard a moment to step away from the door Shan Meilin says to others with a smirk "FIRE IN THE HOLE!"

She aims her wand at the door, as closely as is safe "PYROUS!"

Going by the Core Book this door should have Damage Reduction 5 & 20 HP; just looked it up, so at least it is possible to break through it . . . presuming it's not magically treated or something . . .

Casting Scorching Ray on the immobile door to try and blow it open;

Damage; [roll0]

Wand Charges 49/50

Scorching Ray; (For Reference)
Scorching Ray
School evocation [fire];
Level sorcerer/wizard 2
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect one or more rays
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
You blast your enemies with a searing beam of fire. You may
fire one ray, plus one additional ray for every four levels
beyond 3rd (to a maximum of three rays at 11th level). Each
ray requires a ranged touch attack to hit and deals 4d6 points
of fire damage. The rays may be fired at the same or different
targets, but all rays must be aimed at targets within 30 feet of
each other and fired simultaneously.

[Duboris]

Damage reduction 4 and 12 hp, actually. Oh, and a destroyed door.

Being that the door was being crushed by it's own weight, as well as the fact that it had been shunted not because of the ceiling, but because of whatever creature coming through, the door surprisingly splinters just about all over the room. On the other end, however, a bit of waist-high rubble is behind it, explaining why it was so hard to push open.

The rubble is just infront of the door and actually spills out a little upon shattering, and it seems rather easy to move out of the way.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Not waiting for Alikard to dote on her and do it for her Meilin rushes forward and starts clearing the rubble behind the door to see the room behind.


Magic rocks. :smallcool:

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard starts helping Meilin dig out the rubble.

[Duboris]

Eventually, given the time, you guys clear out the rubble from the room and the light from the coin shines through, though only a bit as the room is rather dust-filled after the door being destroyed.

The only thing you're met with is silence, as you peep in. The room's walls are rather smooth, and not much rubble is elsewhere. Looking up you see that the rubble didn't fall far, as there's a massive chunk of stone ceiling missing just overhead.

On the other side of the room, moderately concealed in darkness, is yet another door, though, you don't know what to make of it.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8660087667_ffe8a19a4f_b.jpg

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard slips into the room silently looking around for threats and signs of the slime trail.

stealth[roll0]
perception[roll1]
survival(tracking)[roll2]

[Duboris]

Alikard There is no sign of the slime in here, and, aside from the occasional stone that's been misplaced by the rubble, nothing in here.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

It does not look like it came through here. Maybe it was simply summoned out there?

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin motions for Alikard to try the door at the other end of the surprisingly apparently not-trapped corridor "Maybe, give that a try."

Seriously it's a featureless corridor in a underground complex. I mean, we're incredibly deep underground for them to have dug down and left no floors between this one and the ground floor, so this was presumably mined out. Therefore there should be a significant premium on space due to the cost and manpower likely required of the constructors of this place per room. The first area had the excuse that judging by the alcoves with the statues that room likely served as a foyer of sorts, an evil foyer, explaining it's barren nature. Whoever first moved out of this place likely took whatever carpets, rugs, evil ornaments that decorated the place when they first abandoned it.

That doesn't explain why this corridor is devoid of anything of note. Now one could say that could be explained by the original Lawful Evil* architects also removing the ornaments from this room as well but at this depth a completely useless corridor just isn't cost effective. It's unreasonable to presume that the Cultists would have the disposable income to make the construction of a useless corridor worthwhile to them in any way shape or form beyond as a method of killing would be interlopers.

Also it's a dungeon crawl.

Seriously there are taverns that are harder to break into.

*Lawful Evil NPCs are known to dominate the evil housing market as Chaotic Evil individuals lack the attention span to remain at one task long enough to complete construction and Neutral Evil builders are to lethargic to even start the construction.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard nods to Meilin and moves quietly towards the far door. He checks it for traps and if it is locked.

check for traps[roll0]
disable trap (if needed)[roll1]
unlock door (if needed)[roll2]
open door quietly[roll3]

[Duboris]

As you open the door, you're treated to pitch darkness. The coin's light doesn't reflect well enough to reveal anything in the room save for a low-light line that shines across the room into a large pile of rubble. While you did attempt to open the door silently, it's far too rusted to do do so.

However, as you open the door, you hear a couple of rocks fall in the darkness. Whether it's something dangerous or not, you can't really tell, as it's done this quite a few times as you've moved the rocks around and the structure isn't exactly sound. Jonah moves up behind Alikard, bow drawn.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8661567458_c03b683d0b_b.jpg

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin nods towards the darkness, saying to Johna "Another light coin please, front and center."

[Duboris]

Jonah proceeds to cast light on yet another coin, but as a result, causes the one in the previous room to wink out of existence, causing an eerie bit of darkness to appear in the prior room.

As he makes his verbal components, the light in the room ahead completely diminishes, as does the light in the room you're all currently in. Complete darkness covers the entire room, and the only one's capable of seeing are the ones with dark vision.

Alikard As the coin goes in, the room is lit for a split moment, not letting you get a good bead on where everything is. At the point of the coin's landing, darkness swirls out and consumes the entire area, and vision becomes impossible for those without dark vision.

As the coin landed, you heard words to your left, and they sounded alien, and surprised.

Linguistics 20Dark Folk

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8661627200_d704fe46a2_b.jpg

Gilgar: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8660546901_29b66d25fd_b.jpg

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

As soon as Alikard hears that he switches to Total defense and acrobatically moves 10' to his left drawing his two best daggers as he does.

Acrobatics[roll0]
Stealth[roll1]
Perception[roll2](+2 more if they are human)

[Duboris]

[roll0]
[roll1]

Alikard As you draw your weapons and move into the area where the voices are, you almost stumble on some of the rubble as you can't see anything at all.

Nervous, silent yips and biting consonants in their language feel your ears a bit, and despite your precautions, one of whatever's in here catches you in the back left leg.

[Duboris]

[roll0] (unconfirmed Critical)
[roll1] (Damage roll) (It only does 1 damage)

(Initiative rolls made in OOC thread.)
(I laugh at your pain, Alikard.)

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard says something is here and snuffed the light.

Alikard then attacks as initiative allows.
Initiative [roll0]
Attack1 [roll1] should be damage 1
Damage 1[roll2] should be attack 1
Attack2 [roll3]
Attack1 [roll4]

A couple rolls got messed up but the numbers can be transposed

[Duboris]

((I did you're init rolls :U ))
((You weren't as lucky.))

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15117076#post15117076

[Smileybastard]

confirm critical [roll0]

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar looks at the oncoming. He wonders if these things seem familiar. While he ponders this he releases a flurry of arrows at their attackers.

OOC:

Knowledge Religion Check to Identify: [roll0]
Flurry of Blows + Deadly Aim: [roll1] (+1 if within 30'), [roll2] (+1 if within 30')
Flurry Damage: [roll3] (+1 if within 30'), [roll4] (+1 if within 30')

Oh, and I can't seem to the image you posted Duboris.

[Duboris]

For Gilgar http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8668517899_0fff5456cb_b.jpg

As the arrows fly into the room, no screeches of pain are even so much as heard. However, as your turn passes you see a small, ragged figure darts across the doorway. Religion doesn't tell you what these small figures are.

For Alikard

As the arrows fly into the room, the creatures in the room are completely unseeable given the circumstances. Darkness is completely covering the room, and you unfortunately can't see anything. Daggers scrape at you, but as you are in total defense and are being very careful, they somehow manage to miss you.

I'm pretty sure Jonah is back, so I won't bother PC'ing him.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

We need some light!

Alikard maintains total defense and waits for light.

[shugyosha]

Johna

"I have nothing that will light our path but maybe I still can enlighten us," he says and then begins a sermon, "In the blackest night did Erastil stand knowing that danger was there lurking. He did not need to see to feel the stench of evil and vile work around him..."


Starting a performance +2 to hit, damage, and saves vs Fear (moral bonus)

[Duboris]

Everyone Someone care to link me to the ooc, because I CAN NOT find it ;_;

[Smileybastard]

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15156926#post15156926

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

In the darkness Meilin raises her mother's wand into the air and screams out with with rage <"DISPEL MAGIC!">*

Hoping the darkness faded so Alikard and the others could have some clue as to what was going on Meilin barked out "If Whatever these little cretins are wanted to use magic to smack us around than they messed with the wrong wizard girl! Let's kick some ass people!"

*You know the drill

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

As soon as the darkness fades Alikard springs into action attacking the nearest foe.

Attack main hand [roll0]
Damage if it hits [roll1]

Attack off hand [roll2]
Damage if it hits [roll3]

[Duboris]

The darkness in the room fades slowly, shortly after flickering a bit. The only thing left in the room to see is the light from the coin that had been thrown in prior.

Rubble fills the room, and from everyone but Alikard's perspective, there doesn't really seem to be anything inside from just looking. Judging from the easily audible yips and slurs, however, there's certainly enemies afoot.

Alikard: 2 Little waist-high creatures draped in hideous rags are near you, as is apparent. They're each equipped with a dagger that's dripping with something rather foul, from the looks of it. They hiss immediately as light encompasses the room and seem to be dazzled from the sudden increase in light.

For all intents and purposes, anyone that moves in can immediately notice the 2 critters right beside Alikard. They're the yellow dots on the map.

Gilgar You notice that a third figure you'd seen earlier is missing.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8272/8709641636_87bbc11d55_h.jpg

Map.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar takes a step forward, trying for a better shot. "There's a third beastie around here somewhere be on your guard everyone." He takes aim, shooting the first beastie on Alikard and prepared to move to the next one if it falls. He fires.

OOC:Free Action: 5' Step to the Doorway
Flurry of Blows + Deadly Aim: [roll0] (29 due morale bonus), [roll1] (14 due morale bonus)
Flurry Damage: [roll2] (16 due morale bonus), [roll3] (11 due morale bonus)

[Duboris]

Near Alikard there are 2 of the creatures, lashing out occasional, hissing and speaking in their own strange, fickle language. They attempt to lash out at Alikard once more, not knowing that the dwarf just came in.

The dark creatures miss all attacks on Alikard, who's defensive stance is far too much for them.

As one jumps and tries to stab at him, it's pegged with an arrow as the second flies by and misses slightly.

[shugyosha]

Johna

"Lo on to thee that trespasses upon the righteous, Erastil's wrath shall bestow no favor," Johna continues and then weaves a spell.


Summon Monster one: Celestrial Viper. Place it in flanking position for Alikard if possible. It be in total defensive fighting posture.

[Duboris]

Map update. That was the enemy's turn as well, btw.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/8719825486_39f20a0e2f_h.jpg

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard lashes out with his blades, One blade slices over it's head barely missing and the other catches the creature solidly and opening a great gash across it's abdomen.

Damage is 9

[Duboris]

As the blade slinks into it's abdomen and pulls out, the creature falls over unconscious, twitching a bit as it falls over from the pain. (The flanked one is now dead.)

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan twirls her wand between her fingers, more than a little happy with herself after dismissing the darkness, and after a moment points the tip of her wand towards the remaining creatures chest and shouts "Eat Magic, you glorified gremlin!"

With that Meilin fires off a bolt of magic energy with unerring precision.

Presuming Meilin has a view of the remaining critter through the door she'll use her Force Missile Evocation School ability.

The attack auto-hits and does [roll0] damage.

[shugyosha]

Johna

"... and the vile that cameth upon the righteous struck out but their actions weak and their efforts were wasted on the air. When the righteous drew breath all knew that impending doom of those they opposed..." he continued with his sermon. At the same time the viper moved into flank position still keeping itself in a defensive posture.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard Strikes at the second creature.

Attack 1
Damage 1 [roll]1d4+5+2d8
Attack 2
Damage 2 [roll]1d4+5+2d8

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

The beast dodges the strike only to dive into the second strike.

Confirm Critical [roll0]
Basic Damage [roll1]
Sneak Attack [roll2]

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard's blade plunges into the creature piercing its heart.

[Duboris]

The creature slumps over, falling to the floor as the dagger pulls away.

[shugyosha]

Johna

"Amen," he concludes his sermon. Stepping over the dead bodies he knees to the celestial serpent, "Thank you little one, I may need to call on you in the future."

Dismissing the creature he stands and takes in the room.


[roll0] perception

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard looks around the room. Did someone say something about three of those things?

perception [roll0]

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar says, "Aye, there were three of the beasties." He quickly enters the room, bow still in hand. He looks around to make sure no more of those vile creatures are lurking nearby.


Perception Check: [roll0]

[Duboris]

As everyone enters the room and rolls their respective perception checks, you're all disappointed in the fact that if there is a third creature, it's hiding remarkably well.

Looking around the room however, you notice something out of the ordinary in the equipment of the strange, dark-skinned ragged creatures. On one's side is what appears to be a strange, sharpened bone.

MeinThe sharpened bone is very obviously a wand of sorts, though, magical insight will be required to know exactly what it does.

[Smileybastard]

Tellen

What are these things?

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

I haven't the foggiest. Mein, Johna, any idea?

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan kneels down and begins to wave her own wand over that found on the creature <"Detect Magic.">

Once she's examined the wand thoroughly she looks back and examines the creatures, trying to determine their origins.

Spell Craft (Identify Magic Item): [roll0]

Trying To Identify What Attacked Us:
Knowledge (planes) (Identify Monster): [roll1]
Knowledge (Arcana) (Identify Monster): [roll2]
Knowledge (History) (Identify Monster): [roll3]
Knowledge (Local) (Identify Monster): [roll4]
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Identify Monster): [roll5]
Knowledge (Religion) (Identify Monster): [roll6]
Knowledge (Nature) (Identify Monster): [roll7]

[shugyosha]

Johna

The man looks at the creatures and hopes he can say something about them.


I'll take ten on any/all my knowledge skills
16 planes
17 religion
16 arcana

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard hides in the shadows and keeps a close watch on the group, especially Meilin.

perception [roll0]
stealth [roll1]

[Duboris]

Meilin Dark creepers lurk in the black places deep below the surface of the world, venturing forth at night or into neighboring societies when the urge to steal and cause mayhem grows too great to resist. Endless layers of filthy, moldering black cloth shroud these small creatures, leading some to believe that the creature inside is smaller still. Usually encountered in groups, dark creepers flee from bright light, but are quite brave in the dark.

Dark creepers stand just under 4 feet tall and weigh 80 pounds. Their flesh is pale and moist, and their eyes are milky white. Dark creepers exude a foul stench of sweat and spoiled food, owing primarily to the fact that they never take off their clothing—instead piling on new layers when the outermost one grows too ragged.

For all the mayhem and trouble a pack of dark creepers can cause, this is nothing compared to the dangers a tribe led by the taller, even more sinister dark stalkers represents. Dark creepers treat their tall, lithe masters almost like gods, presenting them with offerings and obeying their every whim. Invariably, several dark stalkers serve as leaders to dark creeper tribes, with all of the tribe's heavy work and labor falling on the diminutive shoulders of the creepers, freeing the dark stalkers for their own decadent pleasures. Yet the dark creepers themselves see no inherent imbalance in this arrangement—to a dark creeper, a life in the servitude of a dark stalker is a life fulfilled.

These, however, seem to be far from home.

And in the process of exploding.

Darth Dark creepers lurk in the black places deep below the surface of the world, venturing forth at night or into neighboring societies when the urge to steal and cause mayhem grows too great to resist. Endless layers of filthy, moldering black cloth shroud these small creatures, leading some to believe that the creature inside is smaller still. Usually encountered in groups, dark creepers flee from bright light, but are quite brave in the dark.

Dark creepers stand just under 4 feet tall and weigh 80 pounds. Their flesh is pale and moist, and their eyes are milky white. Dark creepers exude a foul stench of sweat and spoiled food, owing primarily to the fact that they never take off their clothing—instead piling on new layers when the outermost one grows too ragged.

For all the mayhem and trouble a pack of dark creepers can cause, this is nothing compared to the dangers a tribe led by the taller, even more sinister dark stalkers represents. Dark creepers treat their tall, lithe masters almost like gods, presenting them with offerings and obeying their every whim. Invariably, several dark stalkers serve as leaders to dark creeper tribes, with all of the tribe's heavy work and labor falling on the diminutive shoulders of the creepers, freeing the dark stalkers for their own decadent pleasures. Yet the dark creepers themselves see no inherent imbalance in this arrangement—to a dark creeper, a life in the servitude of a dark stalker is a life fulfilled.

These, however, seem to be far from home.

And in the process of exploding.

Mein and Darth reflex's kick in as soon as they realize what they're looking at. Despite not being in the room however, the light that essentially comes forth is blinding to people not even the room.

The light doesn't blind Meilin or Darth as they cover their eyes, and the rest of you merely wince a bit with no trouble. As the light passes by, the only thing left are some filthy rags, and the wand and daggers on the floor.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin coughs and stumbles up, plucking the new wand from the remains as she does so, and turns back to the others "Okay, good news, I know what those things were and they're afraid of the light so at least we should be good if we keep the luminescence up, bad news these things, Dark Creepers, are both far from home and lowest rung of the ladder of bad things in this crappy town. No offense Alikard. They're led by larger creatures known as Dark Stalkers, who they revere and follow.

With whispers of the involvement of the Dark Tapestry and whatever the hell did what we saw on the surface my best educated guess says that their leaders, whatever Dark Stalkers they serve, are probably involved in whatever did what we saw.

Since we just kicked around their minions we might have just put ourselves on their radar.

Though that is assuming the presence isn't a complete coincidence to the ruination just upstairs."

Darth? I'm pretty sure Johna's second name isn't half my user name, unless I missed something significant? :smalltongue:

Also what about my rolls for identifying the wand? Did I succeed or fail on that?

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

No offence taken Meilin. This town is pretty much the arse of the world.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Tucking away the wand for now, assuming no one protests, Meilin makes to lead the way from the room, light coin in hand


"I doubt they built this place, whoever did, just for this one small apparent dead end. Let's make our way to the other doorway, the left one we ignored on a coin flip, and see if it can answer a few our questions.

Too bad I'm broke, wouldn't mind a torchbearer and a couple ever-burning torches to scatter around this place. These Ustelav crypts are . . . creepy. Now Chelaxians, now they know how to build a crypt, red silks, obsidian and just a scattering of rubies. If I die here I . . ."

Shan realizes she's fallen into her 'ramble when nervous' flaw and stops herself before continuing out of the room "Anyway, dark, creepy crypt. Lets get right on that."

[Duboris]

Mein The previous detection of magic on the wand revealed a faint illusion aura.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard smiles at Meilin's ramble. I think maybe you should let me take point.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan motions for Alikard to take the lead "be my guest."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard nods and moves forward cautiously.

Stealth [roll0]
Perception(watching for threats) [roll1]

[shugyosha]

Johna

Kicking the foul creature once then he takes one more look around the room before leaving with the others. "He did say he saw a third," he mutters to himself as he walks around the room.


[roll0] perception

[Duboris]

Johna Among the room there isn't anything else of any particular interest, save for the wand that Meilin left behind. She'd detected magic and left it be. You're not exactly sure why (and neither am I).

Everyone Else The first thing to realize about this staircase, before anything, is that it's deep. Not very wide, but deeper than a dare. The light seems to fade away at 60 feet, as it should, but there's no sign of a bottom to this staircase like the last one. There's no sign of the previous sludge, either, but you don't know whether that's a good sign or a bad one.

[shugyosha]

Johna

He catches up to the others. Looking that the stair he asks smiling, "Who's first?"


Actually I think she did pick it up and "tucked it away".

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

I am first With that he begins to descend.

Stealth [roll0]
Perception [roll1]

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Gilgar raised his hand and say he would take the lead but Alikard beat him to the punch. He sighed and took up position behind the human.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan followed closely behind Gilgar, checking the wand she had previously tucked away as she went.

Yeah she already took the wand Duboris when she tried to identify its type.

[Duboris]

Meilin (Rolled the spellcraft for you) The wand turns out to be a wand of silent image, and it has 4 more charges left.

The descent into the staircase is surprisingly long, as the staircase is easily 800 feet deep. The dive itself takes you through many different kinds of architecture as it goes deeper and deeper into the anals of the hill.

Then, at the bottom of the staircase, just out of sight, a notably violet light plays across the opening to the exit.

[Raynn]

Duboris:
I already rolled for it earlier? As I mentioned twice since I rolled it?

Just curious, is there any reason while you rolled again for it after I already did?

It was marked clearly with all the knowledge rolls to identify the monsters.

The Relevant Post From Earlier:

Shan Meilin

Shan kneels down and begins to wave her own wand over that found on the creature <"Detect Magic.">

Once she's examined the wand thoroughly she looks back and examines the creatures, trying to determine their origins.

Spell Craft (Identify Magic Item): [roll0]

Trying To Identify What Attacked Us:
Knowledge (planes) (Identify Monster): [roll1]
Knowledge (Arcana) (Identify Monster): [roll2]
Knowledge (History) (Identify Monster): [roll3]
Knowledge (Local) (Identify Monster): [roll4]
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Identify Monster): [roll5]
Knowledge (Religion) (Identify Monster): [roll6]
Knowledge (Nature) (Identify Monster): [roll7]



Just asking because you seem to be rolling certain things that we'd normally rolled for ourselves, sometimes after we rolled for them already, so could you give us an idea of which rolls you will just make to replace ours so we don't have any more double rolls?

[Duboris]

Duboris:
I already rolled for it earlier? As I mentioned twice since I rolled it?

Just curious, is there any reason while you rolled again for it after I already did?

It was marked clearly with all the knowledge rolls to identify the monsters.

The Relevant Post From Earlier:


Just asking because you seem to be rolling certain things that we'd normally rolled for ourselves, sometimes after we rolled for them already, so could you give us an idea of which rolls you will just make to replace ours so we don't have any more double rolls?

My apologies, I didn't notice either of the rolls. I didn't mean to do the re-rolls for you. As for Alikard, I did that because I'm not a great fan of rolling out of order, as it gets a tad confusing sometimes. As for nonchalant excuses, my house has a gas leak, and I've been loopy the last 3 days.

That being said, kudos on the silent image wand. I'll try not to do that again XD

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard whispers to the others let me go and see what I can.
He then sneaks down the last few stairs.

Stealth [roll0]
Awareness[roll1]

[Duboris]

Alikard: Poking your head out of the staircase and looking around, 1 thing is very very apparent. This isn't that natural. Directly outside of the stairs are pillars, made from carved stone rather than brick. The area around you has turned to cave, instead of structure, and is covered in a thick, musky fungus. This same fungus seems to be what's giving off this purple light, though, you can't tell if that's natural or magical.

Looking to your right, beyond the pillars where the light starts to dim to a lack of fungus, is a heap of the black sludge from earlier. Taking note of that, the staircase's base actually seems to have a small trace of the black sludge, as if the beast tried to come through here, but apparently couldn't fit. Closer inspection reveals it actually went into the area south of the staircase, heaping up it's muck and throwing things aside, even pillars.

To your left, is something entirely different beyond the pillars.

From what you can tell, a creature is sitting atop an altar, though you can't make good on what it's doing there. Squinting, you notice that it seems to be flipping through a book, and even closer inspection reveals a pasty skinned humanoid, but, you can't make out much more than that.

There seems to also be a corpse in the water, as well as another robed body slumped against the pillar it's sitting on. Oh, and it's in the middle of eating an arm. You can make that out, atleast.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8420/8748596341_1b98769f04_h.jpg

^ Area map

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard withdrawals to the stair well and reports what he saw to the group.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin replies to Alikard once he tells the group what he saw "Maybe I should just step in there and fireball the thing before any of us try to charge it or something."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard shrugs. Possibly. Whatever it is, it seems ... unpleasant, but it would be nice to learn more about it or from it, but I won't protest you cooking it alive .. if it is alive.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin replies to Alikard "Well, seeing as it makes its home here with the Dark Creepers we can presume it's a Dark Stalker, so more likely than not we can't expect it to give us any information before it tries to murder us.

So do we TRY and talk to it, or press our advantage and charge in there to get some magic and arrows off before it decides to tear us apart?"

[shugyosha]

Johna

"A fire ball would destroy the book? I for one would like to know what it is reading."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

I could try to get close and take it. Clearly we would need a distraction as well.

[shugyosha]

Johna

The evangelist rubbs the hairs on his chin as he thinks.


[roll0] know: religion

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Shan smirks, in the way that she does when she thinks of something ridiculous and dangerous "Pfft. I'm magic. I figure I give light a little time off, turn myself invisible, waltz over and swipe the book and stuff it in my jacket, before anyone's the wiser."

She pauses and puts her hand to her chin, her thinking pose "In fact, I could wait to grab the book till you charge into the room. He looks away, I grab the book and fireball the guy in a few seconds flat. If I'm already beside the podium when you give the signal then I should be more than fast enough to stuff the book in my coat AND fireball the damned thing before he can react.

Then you guys shoot the ugly thing full of arrows and we all sit down to read a horrible, evil novella around the nice warm fire and the smell of cooked corpse casserole.

See. Plan. Distraction, Magic and Alikard even gets the opportunity to shout a witty entrance line.

Any problems?"

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

As someone skilled in the art of taking things that don't belong to him, I will tell you it is much harder when they are holding it in their hands. Not too mention that escaping from a mark always seems much easier in the plan than in the doing.

Also creatures generally have ears as well as eyes.

I suggest it would be wiser for me do the sneaking and the taking and if need be the running.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

"Oh I thought the book he was reading from was resting on the podium, not in his hands . . . that does complicate matters.

I suppose I could make you invisible. That's a thing I could do.

Then I'd have to be part of the distraction side of the plan. I make an awesome distraction, I'm great bait.

So, you invisible swipe the clue, run, draw bow, fireball, arrows.

Better?"

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alkard smirks. I am sure you make excellent bait.

And yes I prefer that plan much better.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

"Miss Meilin, perhaps I would be a better distraction. I do not mean to offend, but I am probably more likely to survive being the distraction than you."

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Meilin raises her finger as if to object in impotent protest ". . . but I . . . I was going to turn into a clown . . . with the flying . . . and the ghost sound-ed musical number . . . and . . ."

Meilin, accidentally invokes her puppy dog eyes "my string quartet . . . the explosion . . . fine."

*Grumble grumble*

Meilin kicks a step and looks down like a spoilt child "wizards never get to do the stupid dangerous stuff.""

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

Trying to appease the young women, "Perhaps you could help me better distraction?"

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

Still looking a little forlorn Meilin responds half heartedly "Maybe . . . but you're a dwarf, making you look like a clown might seem racially insensitive."

Shan thinks for a moment

"Anyway, the spell is called Alter Self, not Alter teenager and or dwarf. I suppose I could wait in cover and do some ghost sounds . . . I guess . . ."

Shan pouts and looks up at Alikard "You owe me."

Yes this girl does indeed seem to see turning down the opportunity for cheap thrills through reckless personal endangerment as a serious concession to her new found friends.

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Alikard nods thinking and smiles. Wizards get to do all the best dangerous and stupid stuff, but you need to wait for it. Trust me on that.

[Duboris]

Johna

The evangelist rubbs the hairs on his chin as he thinks.


[roll0] know: religion


Johna Taking particular interest in the figure, it's very obvious that it's undead. However, the fact that it's taken an interest in the book and is actually flipping through it's pages means that it's intelligent.

It's at the very least a ghoul, or worse, a wight.

You know ghouls are capable of paralysis and some awful diseases, but, you're not sure of what kind of disease.

You know even less of wights.

Ghouls however, retain most of their intelligence in their life and often travel in packs with other ghouls, or worse, under a necromancer that summoned it. The fact this one is by itself means it was most likely exiled, if it is a ghoul.

[Raynn]

Shan Meilin

"Well whenever you're ready we can get started, and I'll do my hocus pocus and make you disappear."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard


There is no time like the present.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

"How long do you want me to wait before I start making a ruckus? I'm thinking firing a few rounds should get its attention."

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Give me about 1 minute after I vanish.

[shugyosha]

Johna

"Just to let you know, that thing is undead and most likely a ghoul. Very dangerous, don't let that thing touch you"

[Smileybastard]

Alikard

Good to know. I shall keep that in mind.

[Prospector]

Gilgar Nordum

"Will do Alikard." Gilgar turns to Johna. "Johna, any weaknesses we can exploit or weapons we should avoid using?"