[PF] Dragon's Delve - Team A (In Character)

[Richter]

Any inquiries regarding gathering information about the Dragon's Delve or a place for a traveler to stay would have you pointed to the Lost Shepherd. The sign over the front door of the Lost Shepherd Inn lives up to its name, showing a robed shepherd with a crooked staff but no flock. The building is well tended to and kept in good repair, but looks like it has seen a lot of years pass.

Inside, the taproom is warm and comfortable, fires crackling in hearths spread through the room to ward off the early evening chill. The room is populated, but not crowded with perhaps a dozen townsfolk scattered among the different tables. There is a doorway behind the bar, which from the sounds seems to lead to the kitchen. A closed door on the back of the room, likely leads to either the owners quarters or private offices, and a flight of stairs up leads to the rooms available for rent.

A middle-aged halfling with black hair slicked back into a ponytail and a gold-toothed smile bustles behind the bar, giving a nod as you enter and a young human woman is moving out among the tables with a serving tray to busy to notice new arrivals.

To one side of the room, an older dwarf who looks rough and tumble and heavy armor and a greataxe beside him roars with loud laughter, holding court before several peasants. Its difficult to tell if they are amused by his story or just by his antics.

Sitting back in one of the corners you can spot a tall elf, wearing loose fitting clothing, picking at a plate of food with a knife and fork, appearing to purposefully ignore the rest of the crowd.

Finally, sitting at the bar itself is a broad shouldered middle aged human. He has short brown hair and a scar across his jaw, with a longsword on his hip and longbow perched beside him.

The room is welcoming with several large open tables and well worn chairs awaiting claim.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Being new to the adventuring lifestyle as he was, busy taverns and roadside inns never ceased to amaze Quinn; each night they filled with a new amalgamation of races, professions, and lifestyles all coming together to create an environment that was truly unique. Shaking off the chill of the outside air he returns the halfling's nod and takes quick a quick glace around the room as he begins to make way toward one of the empty tables near the wall. Noting the dozen or so inhabitants he wonders where each of them might be from and what brought them to the Lost Shepherd.

Unslinging his backpack and shortbow he places them against the wall near his chair and flops himself down, the wooden seat being quite the reprieve after a day on his feet.

Do either the dwarf or the scarred man sport any sort of colors or insignia that I'd recognize?

For your use if needed: [roll0]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron steps in out of the waning sunlight, a weary smile on his face. Looking about the common room his smile grows a little wider at the sight of the happy people around him. "It is so different from the dour expressions you might find in Cheliax," he murmurs to himself before seeing a familiar face. Walking over to Quinn's table he asks, "Mind if I join you?" before settling carefully into a chair and ordering a light meal from the serving maid as she passes.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton enters the building with a gait that seems to declare ownership of all within his field of vision. He finds a seat at the bar, and returns the tender's nod. "Evenin' pal! Let me start wit ha pint of whatever you brew around these parts. I've more than a day's worth of dust to wash out of my gullet!" From his elevated vantage point, he takes the time to turn around in his seat, taking in the sights and sounds of early evening at the Lost Shepherd. His eyes linger warily on both the muscle-bound human to his right and the ludicrously-armored Dwarf, but neither command his interest for long.

He offers a short whistle of appreciation as the serving made walks past. "Heya, sweetheart! What's on the menu tonight?" He smirks at his own two-edged jibe, both seriously interested in food and seriously interested in... other things.

Turning back to the barkeep after her response (or lack thereof), he smiles. "I can't even begin to say how comforting it is to see so many of the small folk about. Your little town has already won my heart!" He raises the mug of ale in a one-man toast, and takes a swig.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Mildly lost in though and just soaking in the atmosphere of the place, Quinn hadn't even noticed the entrance of someone he recognized. "Ah ha!" he exclaims at Aaron's request. "Of course! Barely settled in here myself, just starting to get comfortable." He explains as they attempt to flag down the ever-busy server as to each order a small meal. "Quite the crowd this evening eh?" He remarks, his comment punctuated by another hearty outburst of laughter from the grizzled dwarf.

[Richter]

The man has a small crest on his tunic that indicates he is likely the sheriff.

The elf without armor or weapon and doesn't look very muscular, but nor do you see any pouch that you would expect to carry spell components either.

The dwarf is just wrapping up a story about his time in the delve.

The dwarf's hands are scarred and calloused to the point that he must have been striking thing constantly, far more than would make sense for a warrior. Much more likely a woodcutter or miner.

The server glances over her shoulder at Hopton and looks like she's about to say something sharp when the barkeep interrupts by slapping down a mug of frothy ale in front of him. "Sure thing, chap. Lots of folks like to pass through here. Big. Small. Don't matter much. So you and your friends passing through town, or passing through..." As he trails off he gives a bit of an eye waggle.

A middle-aged human peeks out from the kitchen area for just a moment when the waitress is hit on, a protective glance, though he disappears back into the room when the bartender intervenes.



The serving girl takes much more kindly to Quinn just waving her over, and she ducks over to the table and flashes a smile. She's pretty, though not beautiful by any stretch and probably in her early 20s. "Newcomers? Name is Taran. What can I get ya?"

[Harhoult]

Archibald climbed wearily from his spot on the wagon, his joints aching from the long journey, unaccustomed to day-long walks and sharing a seat with bags of beets. He also notice, a bit ruefully, that the other travelers that he'd come to know on the trip seemed little worse for wear. That unflappable halfling, for instance, had disappeared almost as fast as the caravan-master could point and say "tavern".

Which actually sounds pretty good, Archie thought to himself. At the very least, I need to keep those fellows in sight.

The thought of wasting time here in this backwater town until someone else capable came along was almost as unbearable as the thought of braving the Delve without bodyguards. As impatient as Archibald is, suicidal he is not.

A short walk later that did little to ease his aches, Archie pushes open the door to the Lost Shepard. Several of his traveling companions had already made themselves comfortable; that Cheliax noble Aaron visiting with the waitress, and Hopton already mug in hand at the bar. The other patrons Archie dismissed for now; if the were of any importance, he'd find out in due time. He certainly had more pressing things to do than deal with that tin-can of a dwarf and the grating, raucous laughter coming from his entourage.

Archie pulls himself straighter, and decided to join Aaron at his table. As fun as it was to talk with Hopton, he would leave that for when he had the energy to deal with the halfling's excess of it.

Impressions are everything, thought Archie as he stepped up to the table with as much dignity as he could muster. With Aaron occupied with the waitress, Archie turned to the other man seated at the table.

"Greetings sir, may I join your table?

(Unnoticed by Archie is the large red stain on his lower back. The casual observer could infer that he was either recently stabbed in the kidney, or had leaned up against a jostling bag of beets for too long)

[RPZip]

In Asmodia's experience, there's exactly two ways to enter a tavern. You can either make a normal entrance, sliding quietly into an empty seat, or you can make the biggest entrance. Tempting as it is to go make a splash, the little halfling got there first and it'd be impolite to just eclipse him like that. So a more subdued approach it is.

Asmodia returns the bartender's nod and beelines for the laughing dwarf. Dwarves were pretty good at finding treasure, right? It stood to reason. And finding treasure was why she was here, wasn't it? It was indeed! With a smooth motion she pulled out a chair from the table and plopped down into it, catching the dwarf's eye as he took a breath. "Ho there, friend! Heard any good ones lately?"

Perception check: [roll0]

[Harhoult]

(when the waitress gets around to Archie)
"Yes, if you would, I'd like a hot meal, a warm bath, and a cold drink, preferably in that order."
As Archie turned back, he caught sight of the other traveler he'd had an eye on. Asmodia, the other one from Cheliax. He'd come to know here as a force of personality on par with Hopton... though perhaps with a bit more guile. Noting her taking a seat near that dwarf, he almost felt sorry for him. Well, at least if the windbag knew anything pertinent, she'd get it out of him.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

[Upon Archibald's arrival]

Quinn responds with a slight nod of the head and a sweeping 'by all means' gesture of the hand toward one of the still empty chairs at the table. "Of course, of course! Sit, relax!" A grin spreads across his face as the man sits and he snaps his attention briefly back to the server who seems to have noticed them and is heading their way. "Fancy your timing the both of ya, just in time for some food."


[Once the server is at the table]

"Good evening Taran." Quinn starts, giving a small smile before continuing. "Name's Quinn, a bit new 'round here I suppose, and just looking for a quite bite and a good drink." He extends a hand and motions towards Aaron first then toward Archibald, he considers introducing them but figures it best not to steal their thunder.

Once the introductions are done and she begins detailing the food options, Quinn will order a simple meal like chicken and a cheap ale to accompany it.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton smiles all the wider as the waitress' look and poignant lack of response. A short bark of a laugh is interrupted by the introduction of a tankard of ale to his field of vision. "Marvelous! I'll have to make a mental not to commend the service!" He extends a wiry hand in greeting with a wink. "The name's Hopton! -And may I ask who has the pleasure of being my first acquaintance in this charming town?"

Gazing at the tankard as if it were a long-awaited lover, Hopton takes a deep breath and spends a full 9 seconds with the mug against his lips- bottom in the air. A few stray trickles make their lazy way down the small man's chin, as an empty mug resounds hollowly with the bar. An expression of near-unbridled ecstasy hangs upon his easy smile as a wiry arm draws sleeve across his face.

"Ahhhh. That. Was a magnificent start! Can't hardly say how it tasted, so I think I'll need another- ah, but with food this time! Shall I- ahh..." Hopton affects a thoroughly false look of embarrassment as he tips his head in the direction of the waitress. Still facing the barkeep, he competes the thought: "Shall I make the request of yonder lass?"

His meal duly ordered, Hopton turns to his nearest fellow patron: the scarred human. "Ho there, friend! Pray tell, how might an amicable fellow make merry without finding himself afoul of neither the good senses nor the lawful authorities? It seems prudent to ask a local, after all- and it wouldn't do to get in hot water before half the town knows your name! Haha!"

[DarkOne-Rob]

As Archibald and Quinn speak, Aaron nods with a smile, silently taking in the sights of the common room. It is only when Taran asks for his meal order that he speaks. "I'll have whatever your special is tonight, along with a light ale, please," he tells her, continuing to silently watch as the halfling from the caravan - "Hopton, that was his name..." - and Asmodia each enter and go their different ways. He seems content to listen at the moment, his eyes constantly moving about the room as he takes in the sights.

Knowledge (Nobility) [roll0] (Untrained)
Perception (Elf) [roll1]
Perception (Dwarf) [roll2]
Perception (Cook?) [roll3]
He notes the cook's (?) protective glance at Hopton's comments regarding Taran with a satisfied nod, apparently pleased at the man's protectiveness.

[Harhoult]

Pulling himself straighter, Archibald announces, "I am Archibald Ironfist, of the Taldor Ironfist line", more for the room's benefit than the serving maid's.

(After orders have been taken)

"Quinn," says Archie as the waitress leaves, "if I may impose, I have a few questions about some comments you made earlier. More precisely, the rumors surrounding the old duchy that was once near here. While I've read a thing or two about it myself, those accounts were... thin, at best."

[Richter]

The dwarf raises a brow at the newcomers approach and gives a gap toothed grin. His voice is gruff and think with the smell of alcohol as he replies. "Supposin' that depends on what you mean by good, or by lately, eh?" He chuckles some at that, as if amused by his own little joke, and several of those who were listening to his stories manage to fade their attention back to their own tables, the newcomer giving them a reprieve from having to listen. "What tales do you seeK? I've battled, explored and woven tales all over this area and below, if you catch my drift. I always enjoy sharing a story, if you are happy to share some ale."



The waitress nods her head to Archie with a smile. "Sure enough, though an offer for a bath comes with a room. Common room closes in a few hours, so depending on your bath you might want to shuffle your priorities. 5 silver pence a night for a room, no more than two guests to a room, Judello can give you the key." She pauses in her practiced spiel to nod towards the Halfling behind the bar. "Taproom closes at tenth bell, there is a back entrance for guests. There is a kettle stove outside the shared bathrooms where you can ready yourself a bath." She nods her head to Quinn and Aaron with another smile. "Certainly, I'll get a tray and pitcher brought over for you and your friends."



The halfling behind the bar shakes Hopton's hand with a grin. "Names, Judello. Pleasure to meet you, certainly, always welcome newcomers especially the adventuring sort. Never know when they'll actually return with some coin to spend." He winks at that, taking the tankard back and refilling it below the bar. "The lass handles the tavern proper, but I can deal with requests here. I assume your friends and yourself need a room?"

When Hopton's attention turns to the tall human, he turns to him and gives a small nod and a smaller smile that doesn't look as if it comes very naturally to him. His voice is low and slow, but it seems he's clearly educated. "Making such a request is a good start, I imagine, though if you are one of the trickle passing through following after tales of glory and gold then you likely already lack those same good senses. We are as quiet a town as we can be, don't fight, don't steal and don't rabblerouse and you should do fine. Weapons are a necessary evil in these parts, so you'll have no trouble with them on your person though I expect them to remain properly sheathed while you are in the town proper. I spend much of my time with the farms surrounding, they deal with most of the worries, so if you have any questions flag down a constable, they'll help you out."

[Farmerbink]

Hopton's grin only widens at Judello's amicable response. "Well, I brought more than enough for a few days, and I can assure you: you're near the top of the list of folks who'll know if I find more!" His eyes narrow in honest interest "Now, when you say return, from whence are you referring?" As Judello looks ready to answer, Taran walks by- distracting Hopton.

"Ah.. Miss! Miss? I- uhhh, I was serious, earlier. I'd love to know what meal you have prepared. I've journeyed far the last few days, and am in desperate need of finer fare than hard tack and crusty cheese." He offers the serving girl his most winsome and disarming smile, before making an order and turning to the scarred fellow- his previous question lost in the bustle of keeping bar.

He listens to the man respond, responding jokingly, "Hmmm, I enjoy a good fight, but wouldn't dare start one, stealing is cruel and dirty, but.... I'm quite fond of rousing rabble, if you know what I mean! Hahaha!" The man's forced smile and steady speech continues onward, and Hopton's eyes grow ever more wary. "Waaaaait a second..." The Halfling eyes the taller, serious man, with an expression mixing disbelief and the attitude of a cornered cat. "You said you, personally, expect them sheathed? You, ah..." A few long seconds tick by, as Hopton thinks over his previous words.

"BAWWW HA AHAHA!!!" A wheezing gasp of breath is all Hopton can squeeze between the uproarious laughter. "Hahaha! You're the-" gasp "You're the bloody-" gasp "the sheriff?! Bahaha!!!" gasp

The little man all-but falls to the floor, tears streaming down his face as he laughs at his own spectacular social faux-pas. One hand holds desperately to the bar's surface, belaying his wiry frame. Still sniffing back the tears, he chokes out a question. "Did I- did I introduce myself? You can call me QUINN! BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" The wooden thud of Hopton making contact with the floorboards puts only a brief paws in the small man's mirth, as his hiccuping laughter continues on the floor.

[Harhoult]

Pulling himself straighter, Archibald announces, "I am Archibald Ironfist, of the Taldor Ironfist line", more for the room's benefit than the serving maid's.

(After orders have been taken)

"Quinn," says Archie as the waitress leaves, "if I may impose, I have a few questions about some comments you made earlier. More precisely, the rumors surrounding the old duchy that was once near here. While I've read a thing or two about it myself, those accounts were... thin, at best."


Perception roll determining how much of the sheriff's and Hopton's dialog I caught:
[roll0]

The explosive laughter from Hopton interrupts Archie's train of thought.

"Though that may have to wait until there are fewer halflings about besmirching your character"

[Bounty Hunter]

"Certainly, I'll get a tray and pitcher brought over for you and your friends."

"Much obliged, we're looking forward to it for sure." He says clapping his hands together in subdued excitement and then rubbing his palms together as he turns back to his companions.



"Quinn, if I may impose, I have a few questions about some comments you made earlier. More precisely, the rumors surrounding the old duchy that was once near here. While I've read a thing or two about it myself, those accounts were... thin, at best." Quinn's interest was suddenly piqued. He was still trying to get a feel for Archibald as the pair hadn't spoke to any great extent during the caravan journey, and he was certainly eager to find where the man's curiosities lay. "Of course, not often that tavern table conversation drifts into realm in which I have the expertise." He gives a sly dart of the eye toward Hopton at the bar chatting it up with the bartender and anyone who will listen. "Usually folks just want a good drink and to do some boasting eh? What sort of questions are on your...." He trails off as the explosive laughter from the bar suddenly attempts to trump all other noises in the common room.




"Though that may have to wait until there are fewer halflings about besmirching your character""That would seem to be the case..." Quinn mutters to the table as his attention turns to the ruckus currently unfolding at the bar. It was his luck after all that something like this would happen at the least opportune time. "At least he had the common decency to pull the stunt within earshot rather than we find out about it in the worst of ways eh? Who's turn is it to go pull him out of a mess this time?" His worries that this might some how mar their standing with the sherrif, and the town proper, were only overshadowed by the sinking feeling that this might somehow delay his first real meal in some time.

'Couldn't he have waited until we'd had a full meal and a good nights rest...?'

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron watches and listens, smiling at the foolhardy joke developing. "Sometimes you wonder if the good luck is worth having them around..." he says to Archibald, gesturing at the halfling rolling on the floor. "He's only had one beer too!"

With an aloof decorum practiced over many, many social events with his family, Aaron deliberately observes without engaging in the tomfoolery he knows Hopton loves so much. "This will likely get more entertaining before it gets less..."

[Richter]

Judello looks surprised by the question, and is just about to answer when the laughter starts. The sherriff, for his part, takes the outburst in stride. He leans back against the bar again on his elbows, giving a slight shake of his head. "Don't worry about introductions. If you are like most adventurers in these parts, I won't need to learn your names."

Taran passes by, setting a steaming stew and fresh mug before the laughing halfling before continuing on to drop a large tray, along with a pitcher and several tankards at the main table. The Sheriff casually picks up the mug from beside Hopton's plate and takes a long pull from it before speaking to the waitress. "Quinn here will be needing another."

[Farmerbink]

The sheriff's first words come like a shot to the gut. Hopton's laughter quickly subsides, and he scrambles back into his seat. "You wound me, good sir!" But his interest has obviously been piqued. "So... You're saying you get a lot of adventuring traffic? Is it all about that ehh... what was it called? Some cavern one of my caravan-mates kept blabbering on about, or an old abandoned castle or something? A... duck, uhhh ducky- no, that's not right.."

"A duchy?"
"Yes! That's it! A duchy! An old abandoned duchy! That's where all the adventurers go, eh? And what, most don't come back?" Just as Hopton reaches out for it, his tankard is procured by the sheriff. Frowning in mock disbelief and dejection, the Halfling settles for a bite of stew as Judello fills another mug- at the sheriff's deadpan request.

Hopton can't help but release a laughing snort around a mouthful of stew, as the man calls him the wrong name. For a moment, it looks like he might choke as a laughing fit threatens to overpower his hunger- but in the end, Hopton's belly prevails. His breath regulates and he swallows the bite. One finger projects almost accusingly, "Well, you'll see. I'll go check out this Duchy thing, and be back before you know it! You better not forget me!"

[Harhoult]

Archie stifles a laugh behind a gloved hand at Hopton's antics,hoping anyone watching would mistake it for a yawn. The halfling's antics over the last week or so had often gotten a smile out of Archie (not that he'd admit it).

The sheriff's indifference, however, irked Archie's elitist side. His face did a few small cold things that would have made those more familiar with him take a step back.

"Even if you do not note our names now, you will come to recognize our prowess in due time. I swear this on the name Ironfist!"

Archie paused and took a breath. Calm yourself. Deeds, not words, move these people... and you've none yet. Attempting to back down gracefully, Archie had a thought and smirked a bit. Perhaps he could get in a jab at Hopton after all...

"Besides, I myself look forwards to the day when the deeds of "Quinn" are echoed far and wide; though he best master staying on his seat first."

That out of the way for now, Archie turned back to his meal, a bit embarrassed from his outburst. Some sort of stew, with fresh bread on the side. After a cautious sampling, Archie digs in with barely contained gusto.


1d20+4



(The attentive observer would notice that Archie has left his gloves on for the meal.)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron listens as the sheriff speaks, before stepping forward and saying, "Sir - I couldn't help but overhear that you represent the law in town, but I did not catch your name. How would you like to be addressed, should we have need of you?" Looking at both Hopton and Archibald he continues, "Please excuse the antics of my two companions - we have been traveling for several days and they are clearly itching to make trouble of one kind or another. The halfling is not, in fact, named Quinn at all. That gentlemen," he points to the real Quinn, "...is so named. The halfling is Hopton, and Archibald Ironfist is the passionate one at our table. My name is Aaron Tanessen, and should you have need of a willing arm, either to help around town or in your work, please consider me. I have much work to do to improve my family's reputation and remove the stain of Cheliax from our bloodline..."

Then, after listening politely to the sheriff's response, Aaron excuses himself to continue eating. He seems unaware of Asmodia's presence, though it is not clear if he would have presumed to introduce her without her permission in the first place.

Diplomacy rolled in OoC - 22

[RPZip]

Asmodia studied the dwarf, her eyes flicked down to the man's tough, calloused hands. Those were the hands of a day laborer, not the adventurer he'd claimed to be. Part of the local color, presumably, given the other's reaction to his story. Braggarts still told interesting stories, of course, but -

Well, having her erstwhile traveling companions making such a scene seemed more important. Asmodia gave the dwarf a practiced wink that promised more attention later before turning on her heel and heading for the other table, flashing the sheriff a quick smile. "And I'd introduce myself, but given your stated preferences that might be somewhat rude. I'll just have to remain a mystery. Now, I don't suppose you've heard anything interesting lately?"

Had to type this on my phone, power went down at my place last night which was a fun surprise. I'll fix any grammar/bbcode problems once I get an actual keyboard. Not super happy with this post but don't want to hold everyone up anymore either.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton's mouth falls agape at Aaron's admission. "Aw, you spoilsport!" A distinctly more sullen Halfling resumes consuming his meal. Despite the ousting, the food is still good, and the company is pleasant enough. Of course, Judello smirks more than a little- having previously been intruded and overheard the tirade.

Hopton looks up as Asmodia saunters towards the bar, offering the woman a bigger-than-genuine smile. His eyes wait till hers are averted to more obviously admire her frame and poise. "Judello!" Hopton calls. "My beautiful friend here is distinctly lacking in the ale department! Be a pal and rectify that for me, won't you?" Hopton offers the Aasimar a wink, and ostensibly returns to focusing his attention primarily on the food. The canny observer might notice more than a few stolen, appreciative glances.

The canny observer might have to top a stealth check of [roll0] or a bluff check of [roll1], if such a check is appropriate to hide his chauvinistic appreciative behavior.

[Richter]

The halflings light questions cause the sheriff to take a sad look on his face and shake his head slightly. "You really don't know what you are getting into do you? You'd best learn quickly as this isn't an area to fool with. There are creatures here not found anywhere else and monsters flock in numbers to the delve. Most adventurers don't come back. You are in the fallen duchy. We were ruled by a duke and duchess a century ago, from a castle overtop the entrance to the delve. Until they were found to be cavorting with devils. The people overthrew them and burned the castle down. That was the last true government this region had, which is why we hold that name. If you wish to be technical, we fall under the sway of Mivon, but they lose more tax collectors than they earn in this area, so we aren't quite worth their attention."

"We see a lot of your kind come through here, and not many come back. Those who do certainly don't normally stop running this close to the delve. So my friend, keep your sense of humor about you," He nods a moment towards Archie "Think your name will protect you, but don't think that going below is a joke." As he finishes his speech he takes up his mug again, drinking deep from it with a look that clearly says he's given this talk often and seldom had it taken to heart.

He sighs some at Aaron's question, pushing up from the bar to give a nod of his head towards him. "The name is Erro Mansan. I am the Sheriff in these parts. I understand the need for a ruckus, tensions are often high here and people need to release them somehow. But I've seen too many people lost to not giving this area its proper respect. You seem to have your wits. Don't let your friends make that same mistake." To the rest of the questions, he gives a small smirk. "There is often trouble around, though if I'm doing my job most of that is stopped before it reaches the village proper. If you deal with any of the bestial host or something that has roamed into the area, I'd certainly appreciate it. If you need help, I am most often out of town, so it may be easier to find my constables."

Judello places out a mug before Asmodia, giving a bit of a nod, though he seems to stay out of the way of the sheriff. The sheriff gives a bit of a shrug of his shoulders at the question. "If you want rumors of the delve, you were already talking to the right person." He nods a bit towards the dwarf, then again towards the elf in the back corner. "If you want facts, Felstor's likely to be better help. My concerns have been more of the surface sort. As I said, we get a lot of trouble here you might not see elsewhere, adventurers aren't the only ones who seem drawn to the delve. Damnable Host has been growing strong again of late, I suspect they have new leader that has been riling up the troops and bringing in some new members. I had to deal with an ogre the other day along with the orcs and goblins that normally make up their rank and file. Been having some issues with more classic brigands too, though I can't imagine what their thoughts are. If you're a local, you probably don't have much and if you aren't then you at least think you are an adventurer and not the best target. Fools, all of them."

[Farmerbink]

Hopton shrugs, for the moment either legitimately or falsely affecting a more somber presence. "All due respect, I'm not so sure anything in life isn't a joke- most of them bad ones. I may try my hand to this delve you're talking about- not out of any recklessness or bluster, but to see what I see. One way or another, I'll life free, find my fortune, and just maybe- if I get the chance- give a little payback." He raises his tankard, in something resembling acknowledgement or self-mocking toast.

A smirk floods back into his face. "At any rate, I see two options for tonight. First, we could sit about, moping about one thing or another- gods know there's plenty of source material. Or, we can enjoy a hot meal, a soft bed, some fine ales-" he inclines his head to Judello- "and celebrate! TO LIFE, FREEDOM, AND TREASURE! Judello! Next round's on me!"

Hotpon's tab: 2 ales for himself, 1 for the sheriff, 1 for Asmodia, +1 more each, for whoever in the tavern wants one (brings the current total to at least 5, as Hopton is going to have a third).

[Harhoult]

(After Hopton's proclamation)

"Hear hear!" Archie raised his glass to the halfling.

Dispite what Archie felt about Hopton personally (the erratic, eccentric, crude thing he was), he couldn't help be infected by his cheer. For the first time in months, Archie felt that things might be looking up. If there was a quarter of the treasure in the Delve that the bards spoke of, he would soon be a very, very rich man. Far richer than he'd be gaining wealth in any legitimate way, anyhow. Rich enough to hire mercenaries, good ones and...

But that was a thought for another time. Besides, a few things the sheriff had said nagged at Archie.

He didn't recognize the name Ironfist? Does that mean Roland didn't come here after all? Or, if he did, didn't come back?
No. He is too strong for that. Besides, the sheriff himself said he doesn't try to remember names. Perhaps someone else recalls...

Archie sighed into his drink. Well, that happy moment didn't last long. Archie glanced around to take his mind off of ... unpleasant topics, and settled on Quinn.

"Ah yes, that's a version I'd not heard before. Consorting with fiends? Certainly... imaginative. What I heard was more a straightforwards peasant revolt brought on by taxes or whatnot. Though I suppose they needed more justification after the fact..."

Archie grimaced as more painful memories surfaced. He banished them best he could by finishing his ale with a flourish.

Perhaps this wasn't the best conversation to start. Best be thinking of the future and keep moving forwards. That damnable Hopton was right. Either I can mope on what's happened, or charge forwards. Life, Freedom, and Treasure, indeed. Lots and lots of treasure.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron watches and listens as Asmodia joins the discussion, raises his glass to Hopton's toast and has another round too. Wearing a thoughtful expression he sits for several moments, concentrating and thinking. "Sheriff, I am unfamiliar with this 'Damnable Host' group - are they somehow involved with the Delve?" he asks the man between bites of his meal.

[Richter]

The sheriff smirks a bit, though he does nod his head a bit to the toast. "Fair enough, and I wish you luck in that adventure. Be safe in your search for all those things."

Aaron's question brings a sigh to the Sheriff, though its clear that he is more comfortable speaking of those sort of details than the thoughts of revelry. "The Bestial Host is a monsterous cult that worships Lamashtu and has been a thorn in the side of the area. We aren't sure of the leadership that spawns them, but they have an impressive collection of creatures that stalk the surrounding areas and the dungeons itself. They don't seem to want much more than chaos, but you should be on your guard for them. Whatever has brought them together does a good job of it, you'll see gobbos alongside ogres alongside subhumans. I've even dealt with a troll or two and some giantkin among their ranks. They are a dangerous force."

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

[Prior to the Sherrif's speech]

Quinn puts up the good fight of not letting the halfing's antics get the best of him, even if it was his name being tossed around like a plaything. He enjoyed a good joke and a free spirit as much as the next guy and just hoped that their somewhat unconventional introduction to the town (and more importantly the sheriff) wouldn't leave a bad taste in folks mouths. He imagined that for places like Bridenford could easily tire of the steady stream of caravaning adventurers dreaming of only gold and glory... and as much has he dreamed of those things he didn't want to be pegged into that particular stereotype in a negative light.

Being pointed out by Aaron brings him back into the conversation and he gives the mime of tipping a non-existent hat and an earnest smile; he opts not to cut a word in edgewise as the man continues speaking with the sheriff.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

[After Hopton's toast]

The scholar raises his mug to the call of Hopton's toast, despite how it might be received by the sheriff. "To life, freedom, and treasure indeed." He mutters to the others at the table with him, a bit of a chuckle cracking into his voice.


"Ah yes, that's a version I'd not heard before. Consorting with fiends? Certainly... imaginative. What I heard was more a straightforwards peasant revolt brought on by taxes or whatnot. Though I suppose they needed more justification after the fact..."

"That's the issue with history I'm afraid, seldom just one side to the story and each side likes to paint itself with the noble cause... or at least sling a bit of mud toward the other." Quinn replies as he begins to run his fork through the platter of food before him, mixing a few of the ingredients together before scooping them up. "And more often than not the version that prevails goes to the winner of whatever squabble or war. After all, it doesn't matter who's right... just who's left." He chuckles again and continues eating a bit more while tumbling over a few questions he might have for the elf the sheriff had singled out.

[RPZip]

Asmodia shoots Hopton a thankful look as she sips her ale, listening to the sheriff's exposition. Any admiring glances the halfling may or may not be giving her are written off as merely the appreciation she is properly due. The elf - Felstor, apparently - gets a speculative look for later, but this Damnable Host sounds fascinating. She catches the eye of the serving girl and makes an order for dinner, something to match the ale, before turning back to the sheriff.

"You mentioned being thankful for any help with the Damnable Host. Would that thanks come in the way of tangible rewards?" Asmodia smiles at him, softly tapping a finger to her lips. "As you say, the Delve is dangerous. And we do intend to pillage it, of course. But perhaps it'd be best if we did some exploring above ground first. It would be quite annoying to have to fight off an army of orcs and ogres while already laden down with treasure, after all."

She takes a long sip of her ale, watching the sheriff closely over the lip of the mug. "And besides, if we are doomed to vanish and never return from the depths, you'll at least have gotten something out of us first. An example for the next group of adventurers, perhaps, to pay more attention to your words and work more concretely for the town. So what do you say, Sheriff Mansan?"

[Richter]

The sheriff glances over to Archie and Quinn and gives a sad smile and a shake of his head. "History can be re-written, certainly, but you haven't seen the moontree. Her sacred beauty was written of, wondrous paintings made to try and capture its grace, it was a symbol and helped these lands for generations before that keep was built around it and their foulness infected it. It was brought down with the keep, but even its roots stick out black and twisted. A gift of Glarias herself, soiled so. You'll not tell me there wasn't some foul works at that keep that led to their downfall."

Asmodia's practical question leads him to consider with a raised brow. "I'll not be responsible for you going hunting and getting yourself killed. They are far more dangerous than you give them credit for, its much more than just a scattering of gobbos. Still, I'm sure that if you come to the aid of anyone they would be happy to reward you and I may be able to scrape up some sort of bounty for their symbols, though we ain't so rich a town. If you find their leader... Now that may be a deal we could work out, but with the kind of forces he has command over, I wouldn't recommend taking on that kind of challenge."

[DarkOne-Rob]

As Aaron finishes his meal he catches the attention of the server and asks, "How much is a room for the night?" After receiving her answer he turns to those who traveled with him in the recent caravan and says, "Well, I didn't come here for personal fame or glory - I came to try and find a corner of the Inner Sea that I could make into a better place. That means I will be doing something over the next several days that the good sheriff would consider dangerous and foolish. If any of you wish to join me, be ready to go tomorrow morning after breaking your fast - I will first go to see the destroyed manor, and from there...well...who knows? Maybe I go into the Delve, maybe I just roam the countryside. Either way, I need to start doing something to earn some coin and make a place for me in this community. See you in the morning!"

From there he rises, taking his leave and heads to a room. Once alone he spends over an hour in prayer (barely audible through the door) and maintenance of his weapons and armor. After everything is as prepared as he can make it he settles down to sleep and is dreaming within minutes.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton mutters a brief curse, as Asmodia's eyes glitter with recognition. Dumb, blasted Halfling! You're smoother than that!

After the near-instantaneous internal pep talk, he notes the woman's expression- one of appreciation and not dejection. That's about all he needed to know.

For the moment, he allows himself to be caught up in conversation about Damnable hosts, Ogres, Goblins and Giant-kin, and nods along, even more intrigued than his face lets on. Nodding eagerly, despite the sheriff's admonishment and warnings, he finds himself daydreaming about hauling some hideous head into town and declaring his trouble overweigh. A brief shake of the head both dispels the image and reminds the Halfling that pints are larger when you only weigh just over 30 pounds.

Somewhat dazed by the bottom of his third drink, he looks up to Asmodia, likewise enthralled by the sheriff's words. "Say, you know- that Stephen guy might've been on to something. As I recall, the lass said somethin' about no more'n two guests a room?" He leaves the implied question lingering, and reaches out to take the young woman's hand- if she offers it.

Of course, he's currently standing atop a barstool, so actually leading her to any room is bound to end amusingly.

Hotpon's tab: 2 ales for himself, 1 for the sheriff, 1 for Asmodia, Aaron, and Archibald == 6? + a meal and a room ==

[Harhoult]

Archibald mulled over Aaron's speech a bit as he mopped up the remnants of his stew. Odd words, coming from a Cheliax nobleman. Certainly not what he'd come to expect from the breed. Though it would be welcome enough if Aaron continued to be as... should we say philanthropic? as he had shown.

In any case, now that his belly was full it was time to deal with his smell. He hadn't a decent bath in weeks, and was looking forwards to whatever it was the tavern offered. Probably a barrel and a kettle. A far cry from "decent", but at least it'll be warm.

Archie bids his company a good evening, and goes to settle up his bill.

5sp for meal, 5sp for room, 5sp for lock, 4cp for ale, +1 ale on the house (thanks Hopton) = 1gp, 5sp, 4cp. Deducted from character sheet.

(Insert any parting dialog here)

This done, Archie gathers his belongings and head out back, down the well-worn path towards the outhouses. Thankfully, there's a light breeze keeping the smell at bay.

The bath is a simple affair: a slatted platform, a few flimsy walls, a good sized kettle, and all the necessary tools and firewood. While a bit put out that it wasn't a bath per se, Archie did think it was better than nothing. He pulls off his gloves and with a word and a gesture, a fire springs to life in the stove.

Cantrip: Spark (Light unattended flammables as though with flint/steel, only faster)

As the water warms, Archie disrobes and begins going over his clothing carefully, cleaning them with another simple magical trick. I simply must get some proper garments now that I'm here. He thinks back enviously to the fine noble's outfit Aaron had been wearing, and regretted his decision to sell his own finery in favor of traveling gear.

Archie regards the large beet stain with horror, worrying sheepishly if anyone had seen it. This, too, he makes vanish with a touch.


Cantrip: Prestidigitation. Effect: cleaning clothes.

Just as he was finally about to enjoy his bath, a few drops of red suddenly appeared on the clothes he'd set out. Archie stared at them suspiciously. Was that... blood? With a rustle of feathers, something dropped on his head and rolled off to further stain his clothes: a bird's head.

Archie started back in alarm, and from above there was an almost laugh-like shriek. In the trees above the bath perched a large hawk, clutching the remains of a dove under one taloned foot.

"Griffy!" Archie scolded, quite cross at his familiar and (sometimes) friend. "How long have you been waiting to do that? Get down here, you're soiling my clothes!"
Griffy regarded her "master" with a cold eye, then resumed picking at her supper, dripping bloody feathers directly on the freshly cleaned shirt.

Archie sighed. While useful, that bird was quite trying most days. He held out his left arm and gave a sharp whistle. At that command, Griffy acquiesced and descended from the tree. As she landed on the arm, her form shifted, became more abstract, and melded into a tattoo like mark across Archie's forearm.

Archie sighed again, surveying the mess of feathers. Cleaning this up would be so...demeaning, yet he couldn't suffer the embarrassment of getting the staff to clean it up. In any case, it'd have to wait until after his long-awaited bath.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn enjoys the conversation as the night winds on, finishing up his meal and slowly emptying his cup of ale. As much as he loved good food and a stiff drink he wasn't looking to get quite so relaxed as Hopton had; tomorrow was a fresh start in a new town and there was much to be done, especially with the temptation of The Delve as close as ever. He contemplated what sort of things might be done around town to stabilize the area a bit more...making it safer for both townsfolk and traveler alike. The fabled secrets and treasures of the dungeon certainly had a tight grip on his fantasies, but his more practical side knew that those things were only of benefit to the living.

He finishes up both meal and drink and places the appropriate coinage (with a small tip) upon the wooden tabletop alongside his dishes before leaning back in his seat. 'Straight to the manor on the first morning?' He thinks to himself as Aaron makes his intentions known causes him to reevaluate his thoughts on the young nobleman. 'Some stones on him after all.'

As the group begins to head off to their various rooms Quinn will offer to bunk with someone who has a free space and pay half the rent but if no bunks are available he'll simply rent his own room and lock.

[Richter]

Everyone passes through their own rituals and then falls asleep in their own time. The rooms are small but comfortable and each person has their own bed. In the morning, setting off for the dungeon itself is an easy enough task. Most of the town doesn't have an early start, and those that do generally are located at the temple of Saranrae.

Passing south out of town towards your objective, the walk is actually quite lovely. You can see farmland to both the east and west, but southward, towards the delve itself the land seems to be unclaimed. The paths are well worn and easy to walk, along rolling hills that are lightly forested with a mix of silver maples, boxelders, and the occasional firethorn. The ruins are just over 2 miles out of town.

At the center of the Fallen Duchy lie the ruins of Chordille Keep. This ruin offers no intact structures--only vine-grasped piles of stones, overgrown outlines of foundations, and the furtive hint of walls and arches. The entrance to the dungeon itself is little more than a twenty-foot wide open pit with an exposed stone stair that descends into darkness. Various explorers and treasure seekers have left the entrance well-cleared. Likewise, the observant adventurer may notice the remnants of cooking fires and other signs that previous delvers have made camp near this pit.

The ruins themselves have been brought down to the point that it is difficult to determine what each structure originally was. About 50ft north of any of the ruins is a massive stump of a tree, more than 20ft across itself. The stump looks like it has been chopped down and then burned, but the wood itself is a deep black with crimson lines running through it.



Looking down the wide stairwell into the dungeon itself, you can feel the dank air of underground flowing up and out. The stairs run down several stories before reaching a landing that looks like it branches in three different directions.

Ruined Keep (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2itiC4_SqgqeFhkTnZWTUU2ZWc/view?usp=sharing)

Stairs Down (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2itiC4_SqgqQUcyMnp4T19vdkE/view?usp=sharing)

First Floor (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1o4D5TQELRFy2DUWuOGRdKNY-okQ0wuyudivutjda2pI/edit?usp=sharing)

[Farmerbink]

Hopton rises easily, having become relatively well-acquainted with the aftereffects of ample libations. After he breaks his fast on biscuits and dried cheese, he gathers the necessary accouterments and meets the rest of the party in the common room.

Whistling pleasantly on the gentle hills, Hopton all-but skips southwards, anxious as he is to see this delve with his own eyes. As they plod up the last hill, he lets out a low whistle. Pointing northwards, he says, "That must be the moontree Ol' Sourpuss mentioned last night." He turns to Asmodia. "You ever see someone so upset to be given a drink? Good grief, you'd have thought I cut a hole in his kidney, the way he sneered into his mug!"

As soon as the others look away, Hopton dashes up the hill. "Hah! I win!"

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron is up before dawn, though not to worship with the Saranaens - instead he is drilling and practicing outside the inn. Anyone who is awake and passes him will find him stretching, doing some basic exercises, and then practicing the motions of combat diligently until breakfast is nearly over. He then heads inside, eats his meal, cleans up in his rented room, and meets those interested in the Delve outside the inn.

As the company makes their way to the dungeon he tends to discuss strategy and tactics, explaining several of his own intentions first. "I am primarily a swordsman, so I will need to be in the front. When combat begins, something happens to me and you may hear the accursed language of the Nine Hells coming from my mouth. It is not insanity or treachery - just my own personal curse, I guess you could say. That said, I plan to push through and engage aggressively, and may adjust my tactics suddenly. I will always appreciate good teamwork, though. Obviously fighting an enemy from both sides will help to dispose of them quickly..." After explaining his own methods he drifts off, listening to anyone else who wishes to share their preferred approach to combat and working out a marching order.

The nobleman smiles, amused at Hopton's quips and then his enthusiastic dash to the top. Once at the site of the ruins himself, Aaron looks around thoroughly before approaching the pit. "What with the sheriff's warning last night, it wouldn't do to go down there and not be able to return or get ambushed on our way outside. Is anyone good with drawing maps and willing to keep track of our exploration? If so, please draw a rough outline of the ruins here too, so we can refer to it as we exit," he says, some of his (obviously) military training presenting itself with his detailed approach.

[Harhoult]

Archibald

Archibald found himself a bit relieved when Aaron took charge. He was finding it surprising hard to manage people who didn't bow at his passing. Well, that would have to change soon.

With the warnings of the sheriff still fresh in mind, Archie bade Griffy to soar ahead and keep a lookout. This she did gladly, more for the freedom of traveling at her own pace than loyalty to Archie's commands.

[roll0] That ought to spot something, if only a rabbit. Which Griffy promptly eats.

Archie also appreciated Aaron's upfront description of his abilities. Other than his magical talents, he was sounding more like Roland every day. That curse though; it wouldn't surprise Archie if Aaron was hiding something. He was a Cheliax noble, after all. Then again, it's not like Archie had himself been completely forthcoming. He decided to play ball for now.

"I am a mage of not a little skill. I've mastered a number of simple wizards' tricks, such as confusing foes, conjuring lights, or armoring myself with force. My real talents lie with fire sorceries; those stand before us shall be put to the flame!" Archie eyes seem to glimmer with excitement. He pauses a moment to calm himself. "Griffy you've already met. Though a bit.. stubborn, she is loyal and her eyes are keen. And, at the very least, she'd quite good at fetching rabbits."

Once the party finally crests the hill:

"From the way it was advertised, you'd think every misbegotten goblinoid and hulking monstrosity from here to Cheliax would be perched on this hill. Instead, we get a pleasant walk in the countryside. Not that I'm complaining, mind, it's just that I was expecting something more, well, you know... " Archie trailed off as Hopton tore up the last bit of slope with glee.

Archie suppressed a grin at Hopton's enthusiasm, and hurried up the slope after him. While the ruins are themselves impressive, he is drawn to the massive felled tree. He marvels at it's size, and feels a strange somberness take hold of him as he examines what once was a wonder of the world.

"What a waste," mutters Archie, "Something so grand, to be felled by peasants..."

Griffy, feeling the change in her master's mood, perches on some nearby rubble. Not really grasping the cause of his melancholy, she busied herself with preening rabbit blood from her feathers.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton plucks a small pick from his teeth- where did that come from?- and nods at Archie's observations. "Yeah, seriously. I halfway expected to be ambushed the whole way here... I suppose it would still be foolhardy to just time in without taking some precautions."

He fishes a torch and flint out of his bag. He transfers the flint to a pouch at his waist and draws a narrow rapier. Blade in one hand, unlit torch in the other, he looks over his shoulder. "Well? Give me some clearance- I don't fancy getting gutted 'kuz you folks can't keep quiet!" He chuckles a bit at the obvious juxtaposition of stealth with his mouthiness, and prowls onto the steps. Surprisingly, he can shut up, when the need arises.

1: What can we expect regarding lighting? Is everything dark after a few paces, or are there other sources of light anywhere?
2: stealth= [roll0]
3: perception= [roll1]

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

[In Town]

Quinn rises early and begins preparing his adventuring pack for the day that lay ahead of him; a tightly compacted bedroll, spare clothes folded neatly, messkit packed in a way to keep it from rattling about, hammer and other tools ready for quick access, and so on. Organization was an often-overlooked part of the adventuring lifestyle he felt. Regardless, once he's satisfied with the state of his gear he sets off downstairs to explore the town a bit until his companions are ready to head out. He hoped that they'd get to spend at least a bit of time in the small settlement every once in a while, it would certainly be interesting to see how that changed the demeanor of the sheriff. After his little walk around the nearby buildings the man returns to the common room and awaits his companions.


[On the Road]

The journey south toward the site of the ruined keep was much more pleasant than he (and apparently at least a few of his companions) had expected. Rolling hills and green trees were certainly preferable to some sort of badlands or ruined landscape. But as the group starts discussing combat tactics a small wave of uneasiness begins to claw up from deep down inside him. Certainly the had need of his skills and knowledge or he wouldn't have been invited along, but he still worried that his lake of physical combat skills might make it seem like he wasn't pulling his fair share. "Mmhmm" or "Uh-huh" he'd mutter as he made note of how the others would be fighting when the time came. "I'll mostly be keeping things simple for now..." he added at one point, tapping the bow slung from his pack.



[Atop the Hill]

"Much more a pleasant sight than I was expecting for sure." Quinn added to Archibald's comment on the state of the ruin-crested hill top. "Here I was thinking it would be some blasted hellscape covered in thorns and twisted spikes. I suppose I've been reading too many book though..." The scholar chuckles to himself and begins to survey the area a bit better before making his away up toward the entrance proper.

Seeing Hopton retrieve a torch and make ready his flint and steel, Quinn will search for a small pebble upon which to cast light and offer it to the halfling. Preferably a stone small enough it could be enclosed in even his small fist. If the offer is refused he'll simply keep the lit stone for himself for when the group begins its descent.

[Richter]

As the group begins to make their way down the stairs with the halfling in the lead, there is an odd sense of foreboding. The walk here was beautiful and easy, but there is a strange feeling that comes as you move deeper into the earth and the air grows cooler.

Reaching the first landing you can see three paths before you, all even lower beneath the earth. You can see flickering torchlight vaguely to the north.

You see a massive chamber filled with cobwebs and dust. A shallow pool twenty feet across lies in the middle of the room, with tall pillars to the east of it, each carved to look like a tall, beautiful, human woman. The ceiling is vaulted, and a crescent moon has been painted at the highest point, which is directly above the pool. Although the paint is chipped, it still retains a peculiar luster that reflects light with a glistening glow. The walls sport a few empty sconces, and you see an imposing set of bronze doors on the east wall. These double doors bear images of winged horses rearing majestically.

This hall runs north and south, the walls adorned with painted frescoes of humans riding, running along with, or chasing horses. A few ride winged horses high in the sky.

A skeletal corpse lies near the bottom of the stairs.

An ancient hall of mortared stone stretches before you, littered with small bits of rotten, splintered wood and grimy tatters of cloth. A dim torch in a sconce ahead reveals a number of wooden doors, all closed. It stinks of urine and sweat here.

At the far end of the hall, a narrow flight of stairs rises to a slightly higher chamber.

With your excellent eyes, even from a distance you spot a small string with a bell on it running between the walls in the northern chamber.

[DarkOne-Rob]

From his spot behind Hopton, Aaron looks down each of the directions for several breaths. "That skeleton could be the remains of someone who died to a trap, or it could be a distraction..." he says, pointing to the west. "There is an unusual amount of splendor down that way, considering this is one of the first rooms of the place..." the nobleman continues, pointing east. "Finally, I find it highly suspect for there to be a lit torch down that way..." he gestures north. "Hopton, assuming you are as skilled with traps as you claim, would you take the lead down the path of your choice, please? I will stay about three paces behind you, unless you think stealth to be necessary..."

[Harhoult]

Archibald's attention is pulled from what remains of the tree to Hopton preparing to enter the Delve proper. A bit nonplussed for having the march stolen on him, he quickly went over his equipment.

After a few hesitant moments, he pulls off his gloves and tucks them into the pack. As much as he hated showing his tattoos, shedding the gloves in battle would waste time. Besides, it's not like he could keep them hidden much longer.

Spotting Griffy nearby, Archie called out. We're going underground, and you're coming with me. Well, what will it be? On or off?

The hawk considers this for a bit before leaping to Archie's outstretched arm and melding back into a tattoo.

This taken care of for now, Archie goes to stand at the head of the stairs leading into... what exactly, he couldn't honestly say. Adventure, certainly. A thrill of excitement banished a little of Archie's irritation. So many heroes had started out like this, the subjects of so many stories... And here he was, mere steps from embarking on his own.

With Hopton slinking into the gloom and armed-and-armored Aaron a few paces behind, Archie takes a deep breath and follows after.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton chuckles. "You read books?" Shaking his head in amusement, he stops short when Quinn offers the well-lit pebble. "Oh, dang! That's nifty! Thanks!" Hopton crams the torch unceremoniously into his jumbled mixture of a bag, and slings it over his left hand- the one holding the pebble. He tosses and catches the rock a few times before heading into the dungeon proper.

At the first landing, Hopton frowns as he looks at the three options. He nods, acknowledging Aaron's words. "Well, first off, there's a simple trap over there-" he points northward. "Just a bell on a string, but it'll alert anything over there if we get tripped up on it. Of course, that works both ways, so we'll go there last."

He gives the other two only cursory glances before stepping eastward. Humming quietly, he slinks down to the room with the pool. choosing between a dead guy and sexy statues? That's a no-brainer!

"Remember, if you hear a bell ringing, we've got company!"
I'll let you tell me when another roll is appropriate. +12 stealth and +6 perception.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn ignores the chuckles and headshakes of the halfling. "Write to be understood, speak to be heard... read to grow." He says matter-of-a-factly, the quote rolling off his tongue alluding to him having used it before when teased in regards to literature. Still, he hands over the glowing stone and begins to unsling his bow from it's place across his back, running his fingers along the string with a slow familiarity. He reaches into his quiver and pulls out an arrow which he hangs loosely against the bow as he waits for the others to enter the darkness below. Once it's his turn he will attempt to descend the stairs as quietly as possible.

Once he's made it to the landing himself he inspects each direction in turn, starting from his left and working his way to the right. "Odd indeed for there to be so much near the entrance..." he whispers to the group as he attempts to make heads or tails of what the statues and paintings could be in relation to.

Bow is drawn and ready.

Would like to see if I know anything about the figure(s) represented by the statues or if the pegasus motifs mean anything to me:

+7 to Arcana, Dungeoneering, and History
+3 to all other Knowledge checks.

[Richter]

Moving down to the east towards the pool, you find little of threat beyond spiderwebs and damp air.

The pool has a small stone lip around it, and looks to be about a foot deep. Its surprisingly pure and clear.

The large bronze doors appear to be locked, but the lock looks to be for little more than show.

Looking down the south-eastern hallway, the room at the end looks to be empty but for some simple old rotten furniture, a bench and a table that may have indicated this was a guard chamber. The door north out of that room is a standard wood door and doesn't appear to be locked. The door going south from that room is made of a strange blue tinted metal that isn't easily identifiable and doesn't appear to have either a handle or a lock.

The two doors along the north-eastern hallway are both made of heavy reinforced wood and have well built locks.

There is a faint scratching sound coming from behind both the north eastern doors.

There is a hidden door along the northern wall, it looks like a loose sconce acts as a release.

The images on the ceiling and the pillars all relate to Glarias, Goddess of the Moon. She was considered to fall under the tutelage of Desna. Hers is a minor and mostly dead cult focused on secret lore and divination that once flourished in this region.

[Harhoult]

Archibald gazes about at the serene chamber, marveling at the unexpected temple-like beauty of it.

[roll0]

"While I confess I do not know much of the religion in these parts," Archie says while examining the statues and motifs, "This strikes me as the family temple for the old Duke. And, the townsfolk's claims aside, it does not strike me as particularly fiendish."

He turns to Quinn. "We never did finish our conversation concerning the rumors of this place. What do feel are the odds that this rumored fiendish involvement was just that, a rumor? Perhaps we will find the truth as we explore further. It would please me greatly to exonerate the the Chordille duchy and bring back proof of what actually happened."

"Of course, I'm getting ahead of myself. Here we are, but feet from the entrance. Still, one can hope."

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Not all that glitters is gold, and not all that is beautiful is celestial," murmurs Aaron, more to himself than to argue with Archibald. He continues to look around cautiously, apparently not trusting himself to immerse himself in the chamber's artistic decor...

Perception #1 - [roll0]
Perception #2 - [roll1]
Knowledge (Religion) [roll2]
"What do you all think of the blue door down that way? It seems quite unusual...Shall we have a look?" he suggests, looking down the hallway to the right towards the furnished area.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton looks up from where he stands, appreciative of the picturesque statues. "Eh, wot? Oh, right. Blue door. Sure!" With a look vaguely akin to disappointment, he begins slinking that direction, his eyes never staying fixed on one object or area for long.

He rolls the pebble between three of his fingers, casting an eerily blue dance on the walls and stones around him. Smiling vapidly, he approaches the door.

[Richter]

Going to make a few minor assumptions here just to help get the details out at once.

Checking over the door doesn't give many more answers. There don't appear to be any traps set on it, but nor does it have any clear ways to open it. It is clearly distinct from the surrounding wall, but doesn't have handle, lock or hinges. Touching it shows that it is definitely solid, with some sort of very strong metal that isn't readily identifiable but is slightly cool to the touch.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron approaches Hopton after it is clear that the blue door is not immediately dangerous. Tapping the halfling on the shoulder gently to get his attention, the nobleman nods towards the door directly north. He then gives a questioning look to the halfling and steps back, drawing his longsword and readying his shield, just in case...

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinnstudies the statues of Glarias closer as the group begins to fan out into the room. 'Quite the show of respect to the goddess of the moon, I wonder what has prevented it from being plundered or at least ransacked by the denizens of the delve and explorers alike?' He wonders, partially regretting having given up his light so early, the way the shadows down dances around the room made it harder to inspect the finer details of the carvings.


"We never did finish our conversation concerning the rumors of this place. What do feel are the odds that this rumored fiendish involvement was just that, a rumor? Perhaps we will find the truth as we explore further. It would please me greatly to exonerate the the Chordille duchy and bring back proof of what actually happened."

"Can't say I know for sure." Quinn replies, still forcibly keeping his voice low considering the chance that danger might, and more than likely did, lurk around every bend. "I've not found any official proof of such in any of my readings only heard it passed along in rumors and stories." He breaks his gaze away from the statue to face Archibald properly. "But of course you know that official texts aren't quick to make those sorts of claims. Its much easier, and far safer, to simply chock it up to a peasant uprising and turn eyes to more pressing matters. He begins to follow after Hopton as the halfling makes his way toward the strange blue door. "I certainly would fancy uncovering the truth of the matter if it indeed lies somewhere here beneath the fallen keep. For better or for worse it would be quite the discovery and might bring some solidarity to the region."

When it becomes apparent there is no way to open the door of its own outright accord, Quinn begins to check for possible hidden switches; ie torch sconces, bricks that don't quite match the surrounding wall, etc. He'll move closer and see if he can discern where hinges might be and attempt to decipher if the door opens toward them or away.

Quinn moves from the statues and stands near AU48.

Once Hopton has given the door a good look over, Quinn will move to AW50 to investigate.

Dungeoneering [roll0]
Perception [roll1]

Quinn is enjoying the conversation with Archibald and has made a note to seek out solid proof of what led to the falling of the duchy.

[RPZip]

Asmodia kept her mouth shut as she followed behind the boistrous group. Normally she'd have been all for the chatter, but something she'd eaten this morning had not agreed with her. At all. It was only her iron will, firm disposition, and not realizing how awful she'd felt before they were too far for her to easily turn around that had kept her trudging along with the rest of the group.

With a visible effort she masters herself, forcing down the rumbling of her stomach and looking more around the room. Asmodia's eyes trace the lines of the moon on the ceiling, noting the distinctive shape. "This looks like... Glarias, perhaps? A fallen god of the moon." Her lips curl up into a smile. "Some caution would be sensible. Moon deities can be tricky, assuming any of the temple's defenses are still active after all this time."

With a motion that looks only marginally clumsy Asmodia retrieves her longspear, holding it in her hands as she steps behind Aaron. She gives her fellow Chelaxian a pat on the arm, subtly infusing it with a bit of power as she does so. "Not all that is beautiful is celestial, but it does work the other way around," she says with a wink.

Using one of my daily charges (4/5 remaining) of Mesmerist Trick to implant Aaron with Spectral Smoke. The next time he's targeted by an attack or spell that requires an attack roll, the trick activates as a free action and generates thick smoke in his square and in a 10' radius around it. The cloud of smoke functions like fog cloud, giving adjacent attackers a 20% miss chance and ranged attackers a 50% miss chance (including on the triggering attack), and lasts for one round.

The frontline Oracle seems like he might need more help than the halfling with Dodging Panache, although it might make it easier to use Underfoot Assault - in the future I can change who'll be receiving it, but I had a good in to use it on Aaron here.

[Harhoult]

Archibald frowns a bit as Quinn turns and heads to the blue door. To be honest, he had things other than "solidarity" in mind for any evidence they uncovered. Such as, personal validation and wiping the smug look off that sheriff's face. Still, Quinn has proving quite knowledgeable about such things and handy to have around, despite his altruistic leanings.

Archie trails behind the group, lost in his own thoughts. "Do you suppose..." he begins, stopping when he sees Quinn's concentration on the door. "Ah, nevermind. How about some more light?"

Four white-blue flames rise from the markings on Archie's upturned palm, shedding light but not heat. These float in a ghostly manner around the blue door, further illuminating it for Quinn.

Dancing Lights spell-like ability from Mage's Tattoo, 3/day. Casts light like a torch for 1 minute.

"That's better. Doesn't have the longevity of your own spell, but it will do. By the way, you simply must show me how you did that..."

[Farmerbink]

Hopton frowns as his search of the doorway illuminates exactly zero options for opening it. "Well that's annoying," he pouts. After a suitably lengthy pause, he shrugs. "There are other doors, and that one must just be opened from somewhere else? Probably a handle or a switch on the other side, somehow..."

Content to explore other, more accessible areas, Hopton turns on his heels and moves to the northern door. There, he approaches cautiously, falling in and out of his focused silence as he makes himself familiar with the new surroundings.

[roll0] stealth while approaching the northern door
[roll1] perception in the area around it- particularly searching for traps and listening for sounds beyond it.

[Richter]

There aren't any clear switches or levers near the bluesteel door that look as if they would cause it to grant access to whatever secrets are beyond, no sconces that pull or secret bricks.

Attention is turned to the door just north of it, and a careful inspection shows no sign of traps or noise from within and the door appears to be unlocked. Pushing it open slowly doesn't reveal much. This chamber is filled with wrecked wooden furniture, mostly chairs, tables, and bookshelves, old and rotten. A few rotted and useless books lie amid the wreckage, but nothing of value.

Buried amongst the scattered objects is a large bronze key.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron looks into the room briefly...

Perception [roll0]
and just as he is about to turn away says, "One moment..." Leaning down behind a decaying chair he reaches for and then pulls out a large bronze key. "This could prove handy," he says, passing it to Hopton. "Might save us some time and effort instead of you picking a lock later. Let's head to the next door, the big double doors..."

[Richter]

Checking over the Large Bronze double doors shows them to be locked, though the lock isn't of terribly high quality. There isn't any sign of traps and no clear sound from within.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron nods at the double doors, his weapons ready for when Hopton opens it. "Try the key first?" he asks, quietly.

[Harhoult]

Archibald

Archie moves to an advantageous position behind Aaron and Hopton. As the two fuss with the double doors, his attention wanes, drawn to the pristine pool in the center of the hall. The ghostly lights having expired by now, Archie relents and grudgingly prepares a more mundane source of light by retrieving a torch from his pack and lighting it with a simple magical trick.

Thus illuminated, he peers into the pool, half expecting to see a scattering of coins tossed in by the superstitious. Reflecting on what Asmodia had said about moon deities and trickery, he decides that it's far too early to press his luck. After a bit of internal haggling, a copper coin is flipped into the pool.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Much obliged" Quinn says with a nod, thanking Archibald for the extra light as he eyes the mysterious blue door. "Though even still I dont see any sort of way to get the blast thing open. It must be controlled from the other side or perhaps by some sort of magics." Disappointed, he stands and faces this companion for a moment. It's nothing too special I'm afraid, I've picked up a few useful cantrips through my studies. I truly wish I had more of a natural gift for it, but for now I can be content that what I do know tends to serve quite the practical purpose... especially given my more recent change in lifestyle."

"Regardless, I could definitely explain the spell sometime quite easily!"



Once the group has key in hand and moves to the double doors, Quinn once again readies his bow and nocks an arrow loosely. Their trip thus far had been strangely quiet and it seemed like any minute now there were bound to have some fiend or another come wandering past or open the door to a group of goblins.

[Richter]

As if to echo Quinns thoughts on the odd quiet nature of the trip thus far, the coin Archie drops into the fountain rings out with a single 'bloop' and then sinks to the bottom of the fountain. The water is clear enough that even in the dim light the coin can still be seen sitting on its base, but otherwise the water appears to be undisturbed.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn's eyes quickly dart over his left should toward the noise of the coin breaking the calm surface of the water. He hadn't paid the water itself too much thought when he'd entered as the statues and carvings had snatched up his curiosity quite quickly. Seeing he still had a moment before the door ahead was unlocked and swung open, he mutters a quick incantation under his breath and releases the arrow to motion through the air with his right hand. 'Perhaps there are unseen forces at work that have persevered this chamber so well.'

Cast Detect Magic, focusing on the fountain area.

I should have done so on the blue door but spaced on it completely. I can come back to it or we can retcon etc.

[Richter]

Checking the door, it is overwhelming in its magical essence. There are several aura's at play, but the strongest one is conjuration.

The pool is also overwhelming, almost blindingly so. There is very clear divination magic associated with it.

Its hard to see as it isn't directly on top of the ground, but there is a trail of magic that leads from the pool and then branches, moving to each of the doors somewhere under the top layer of stone. It appears to be alteration.

I'm fudging the detect magic rules a bit here in terms of spotting the school, just for ease of use.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton looks up, key halfway to the keyhole. He looks over to Quinn, and lets his mouth fall open slightly. "What do you see, Quinn? I recognize your look- is there anything there we should know? "

Hopton finds himself likewise enamored for a moment, taken aback by the impressive clarity and pureness of the waters. He fiddles with the key, flipping it over his hand in discomfort.

[Harhoult]

As the ripples in the pristine pool die away, Archibald turns around to see the party (apparently) staring at him. A bit embarrassed, he glances between them self-consciously.

"Err... Well, what is it? Something on my face?"

[RPZip]

Asmodia fidgets, eyes darting from Hopton to Quinn. Her stomach is still acting up, and the sudden halt is making her impatient. "Come on, what's the worst that could happen?"

Ah, tradition.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn is immediately shocked at the blinding glow of magics emitted by the pool but more importantly is surprised to find the network of energies beneath the floor leading to each of the doors. He follows the path with his eyes until it reaches the blue door, a beacon of bristling auras in its own right. 'Aha! perhaps this is why the forces of evil haven't yet established a foothold here.' He thinks to himself as he attempts to discern what the spells might do. As he looks up he sees some of his companions staring back at him, apparently waiting.


"What do you see, Quinn? I recognize your look- is there anything there we should know?"

With his free hand he traces a line from the pool to the door near the halfling. "There are lines of energy beneath the floor... springing from the pool and leading to each of the doors. I hadn't noticed it before..." He attempts to discern if the lines stop at the door or travel beyond into the next room. "Perhaps the divination magics are what have ensured this room remained so relatively untouched...the blue door is practically screaming with energy."

[Farmerbink]

Hopton nods slowly. It's clear to anyone with much training in the arcane arts that the small man doesn't really understand the implications of Quinn's words. "I see... So... does that mean I shouldn't open this door?" Without waiting for an answer, he tries the key in the keyhole.

Hopton can't do much with that, so onward! :-D

[Richter]

A quick twist of the key causes the lock to click and the doors to slowly creak open. Beyond the doors is an old library, although much of it lies in ruin, with broken shelves and rotten books. The dampness in the air has ruined much of what knowledge could have been here and it looks like the room has been hastily ransacked in the past.

Each of you can spend a minute searching here to find 1d6 books, a total of 6d6 can be found(If some of you guard while the others search, they can search twice to get that number). Other than dancing lights, I don't think you guys have anything going that is on a timer right now, so I am assuming you guys are going to end up doing that. If you do, you'll find 27 books that you would guess are worth about 79 gold. They vary from farmers almanacs(dated 100 years prior), to works of fiction, to prayer books.

One of the books that is in reasonable shape seems to have a very minor magic aura about it. Its an alteration aura, and from its condition its a pretty good guess that it is some sort of protection placed upon the book. The book is titled Glarias' Pool.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton nudges the door open, one hand on his rapier, eyes wide in excitement. As the door eases open, his expression falls, confused and then disinterested. "Well that's not as... thrilling as I expected." He notices that his companion's expressions aren't quite as unenthused as his own, so he steps out of the way.

"I guess I'll make sure your back is safe while you poke around, eh Quinn?"

[Harhoult]

Archibald

Archie's brow furrows as Quinn speaks, following the scholar's explanations.

[roll0]

"Divination magics? I would suppose that means the pool was used for divining at one time by the Glarias cult? I wonder if, should the appropriate rites be found, it could be used for our own purposes. One could also assume that such rites may also open that metal door."

[roll1]

Watching Quinn's gaze, Archie realizes he must have cast some sort of investigative magic. That man is proving ever so full of tricks, Archie thought, good for us, I suppose.

His thoughts are interrupted by Hopton opening the double doors. When nothing particularly violent happens, he follows the others into the moldering library.

EDIT: Forgot the DC to id a spell, it was higher than I guessed.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Putting away his blade, Aaron inspects the room cautiously. When it is clear that there is little of value here (save a rare book or two) he says, "I don't mind helping to carry some of these - if they are really worthwhile - but I am not particularly well versed in such things. Hopton, shall we begin inspecting the next doors?"

He then walks with the halfling to the next door (to the right going out of the ruined library) and waits patiently for the little man to inspect the door for traps.

[Richter]

Both doors to the north are stout and well constructed, and have very well made locks on them. There are some scouring on the doors where it looks like they have been hacked into at some point in the past but were not breached.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

'A library!' The scholars excited mind jumps into gear as he eagerly plays with the notions of what might light within. Once the room is said to be clear he makes his way through the group to enter the small chamber. "Of course Hopton, I'll just have a quick look around and we can continue. Being so close to the entrance we can always pick through the shelves again later." He says with a grin as he begins to browse the various spines looking for anything that strikes his fancy. The others might not be as interested in the books as he, but some were sure to be worth at least a little coin and if nothing else he'd have something new to read around the campfire or riding in caravans in the future.

"There are a few tomes here worth mention." Quinn informs the group as he begins setting them aside. "And this one... this one here might provide some insight to the reflecting pool." He says, holding up the book emblazoned with script reading Glarias' Pool. He'll stow it in his own pack for now, and divy up the books between anyone willing to carry a bit of extra weight, carrying extra himself if there aren't enough volunteers. Once ready, he follows as they head to the first of the remaining door.

"It might not be something shiny, but at least we have something to show for our efforts so soon." He adds, matter-of-a-fact-ly, as he notes the locking mechanism of the doors. Reaching into his belt pouch he retrieves his pack of thieves tools and makes ready to attempt to pick the lock. (should the key not fit, and if it looks like the sort of lock he could pick at).

Lockpicking : [roll0] Attempting to unlock the first door if it looks like the sort Quinn might be able to tease open etc.

[Harhoult]

Archibald

Archie held his torch up to the shelves (not too close, mind) and examined the splines with growing interest. While lacking the scholarly interest shown by Quinn, Archie was drawn to the few still legible tomes. He thumbed through one containing old tales, the same sort that once enthralled him as a young boy in his family library.

"Amazing!" Archie exclaimed in spite of himself. "These stories here are almost identical to ones I read as a boy... the usual sort of gallant knights, heroic deeds, fortunate millers' sons..." He shakes his head in bemusement. "I suppose some things never change... Oh look, and original Gotrek and Felix!"

Archie ends up helping Quinn collect the legible works, though he focuses more on cheesy adventure novels than things of historical significance.

Once the library has been searched, he joins the party before the northern doors. He can't help a smirk at the sight of a temporarily deflated Hopton as Quinn replaces him at the door.

[DarkOne-Rob]

With a quiet start, Aaron steps out of Quinn's way as the man unexpectedly begins to pick the lock. Looking at Hopton in momentary confusion, the nobleman shrugs and stands back, ready to defend the others at a moment's notice.

[Richter]

Quinn
Archie
Hopton
Asmodia
Aaron
Enemy

Map is updated (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1o4D5TQELRFy2DUWuOGRdKNY-okQ0wuyudivutjda2pI/edit?usp=sharing)

When the lock finally clicks and the door swings open, what looks like a gaunt human corpse stands on the other side. Its skin is tight and stretched, its nails have grown long into claws and sharp fangs protrude from between nearly absent lips. On its forehead is what looks like a brand of a crescent moon, but for the fact it glows with a bright blue light. It was clearly pressed against the back of the door and when that brace moves it momentarily loses its footing and whatever surprise it may have offered.

The room behind it is a twenty by twenty square of stone with little to it other than specks of gore.


Following the line of magic that came to this room, it looks like it branches, part going to the center of the room and forming a glowing circle somewhere beneath the stone, the other branch leading up the inner side of the door itself.

The creature is a ghoul, a fairly weak undead.

Ghouls feed on the flesh of humanoids. They carry a disease that can easily be spread and their attack can cause paralysis.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron Tanessen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=891528)
Male Human Oracle, Level 1, Init 1, HP 11/11, Speed 20 ft. (30 ft. base)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 15, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 1, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 0
MW Longsword +5 (1d8+5, 19-20/x2)
Masterwork Chain Shirt, MW Spiked Light Steel Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Marital Flexibility
Caster's Champion
Tongues Curse (Infernal)
With a shout in the accursed tongue of the Nine Hells, Aaron pushes Quinn away from the door and strikes at the undead, his sword glowing with a light that seems to flow from Archibald...

"Back friends! It's a ghoul - they can paralyze with a swipe of their claws!"
Knowledge (Religion) [roll0] vs. DC 10.

Move Action to activate Martial Flexibility (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/oracle/archetypes/paizo---oracle-archetypes/warsighted) to gain the use of Caster's Champion (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/caster-s-champion-combat) for 1 minute.

Swift action to activate Caster's Champion for a +1 to damage and treating his longsword as magical.

5-ft step to the left, into the square directly in front of the ghoul (once Quinn moves), and attack the ghoul.

Attack the Ghoul with his MW Longsword [roll1], [roll2] (19-20/x2), [roll3] slashing magic damage, [roll4] critical strike damage

[Harhoult]

Archibald (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892256)
M LN Human Tattooed Sorcerer (Red Dragon), Level 1, Init 3, HP 8/8, Speed 30
AC 12, Touch 12, Flat-footed 10, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Heavy Mace 1 (1d8, x2)
Light Crossbow (20 bolts) 2 (1d8, 19-20x2)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 18

The first thing that hit Archie was the smell. The hideously putrid ...thing made his stomach lurch and his feet take a reflexive step back, smacking into the wall. Archie's right arm shot up and he began to chant in the language of magic.

Just as quickly, he glanced about and an annoyed "tsk" replaced the chant. His allies were doing their job all right... but had he continued, he'd have caught them up in his spell as well. He instead dropped his hand to his mace, bringing it up in a ready stance.

Lots of fluff, followed by:
Move action: Draw Weapon
Ready action: Attack if foe comes in range

[RPZip]

Asmodia leans around the door, peering curiously past Aaron as he shouts in surprise.

"What do you mean, a gh- oh bugger."

With a startled cry she brings up her spear into the ready position, staring intently at the ghoul and fixing its image in her mind. Without breaking her focus on the ghoul she lifts her spear high, above her allies heads, before stabbing down towards the creature.

Using Hypnotic Stare on the Ghoul as a Swift Action. It takes -2 to Will saves, and the first time each round someone hits it it takes an additional 1 damage.

Going to poke at the ghoul with my longspear as a standard action. I don't see any way to get around my erstwhile allies, so the ghoul should have soft cover (+4 AC) against the attack. [roll0].

And hey, I actually speak Infernal! Praise Asmodeus.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

'Gah!' Quinn grunts out in surprise as the door swings open to reveal the fetid corpse. Still kneeling, he haphardly scrambles backward away from the door, his fingers clawing for, but missing, the remaining kit of tools laying on the stone floor. Once a few steps away from the threshold he rights himself and tries to gain his composure a bit; Luckily the others were there to quickly file into the gap between himself and the creature. It takes him longer than he'd freely admit to reach for his bow and begin to make ready an arrow...damned thing had given him quite the fright.


Level 1, Init 3, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 1, Ref 5, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow +3 (1d6, x3)
Rapier +1 (1d6+1, 18–20/×2)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 16
Condition None

5 ft Step: From AT35 to AU36

Drop : Theives tools.

Equip : Shortbow

End My Turn

[Farmerbink]

The door falls open, and Hopton jumps about double his height. "Yikes!" comes a high-pitched cry, and he lashes out with his rapier, not aware or not caring that the blade will pierce with limited efficacy, at best.

Hopton Longbottom (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892417)
M CG Halfling Swashbuckler (mouser), Level 1, Init 4, HP 12/12, Speed 30
AC 18, Touch 15, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 7, Will 1, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 1
rapier +7 (1d6-1, 18-20, x2)
dagger +6/+6 (1d3-1, 19-20, x2)
alchemical +6 (-, -)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition None

[roll0] attack
[roll1] CC (25+, x2)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[Richter]

The sudden appearance of the ghoul is a shock, until now the quietness of the dungeon and the journey here was easy to lull one into complacency. It seems a sharp reminder for everyone that many of them didn't have their weapons readied, or were out of position while checking doors.

As some draw out their weapons or strike ineffectively with what they had readied, Aaron lunges forward through the others, calling out in his hellish tongue. As the light pulls from the nearby caster to his blade it flares brightly as it connects with the creature, cutting clean through its sinewy flesh and bone until the spine is visible. The crescent on the creatures forehead glows bright for a moment and then fades to a pale blue as it topples over backwards before it ever has a moment to regain its footing.



Beyond it, the room itself may seem empty. Beyond what was magically detected before, this seems to be almost a large prison cell. Smooth blocks of stone forming the walls, floor and ceiling.

The ghoul itself has no equipment and no other markings to identify it beyond the symbol on its brow.

[Harhoult]

Archibald

As the creature collapses with a sickening burble into it's own ichor, Archibald stares at Aaron in mixed awe and confusion. The man's reactions had been superb, his strike masterful. Again, Aaron had reminded him of his brother; this trait was what had drawn Archie to the swordsman to begin with.

But, what had happened, right before the strike? Archie's expression shifts from awe and confusion to confusion and growing anger.

"What was that? A spell? Archie turns to face Aaron accusingly. "You shouted...something in a foul tongue" (the memory of which made Archie's skin crawl), "then power... MY power... flowed out and into your blade before you struck." He points at the sword, still dripping with dark fluids. "I feel it still, humming in your blade, a bit of myself."

Archie's expression settles in a dark anger.

"While I appreciate your your sword-arm, and you've certainly proven it's effectiveness (gestures at the corpse), you'd best explain yourself!"

[DarkOne-Rob]

Before answering Archibald, Aaron takes a deep breath, cleans his blade of the ghoul's gore, and looks inside the room. Once confident that there is no additional threat he says, in clear common, "I have no idea what you mean - I warned you earlier that in the heat of combat something comes over me. Through divine providence or curse I find myself speaking and understanding that infernal tongue and nothing else.

As for your power, thank you, but I could not explain how it happened. Are you noticeably weakened? Do we need to stop? If I borrowed power of yours, it is likely more of the mystery that afflicts me during battle. I am sorry if it upset you..."

Aaron keeps his blade drawn, but not in a threatening manner. Instead he continues to scan the area for new threats, the scene with the undead and following accusation leaving him unsettled.

[Harhoult]

Archie's eyes flash and he opens his mouth to say something at Aaron's suggestion of weakness... but this is quickly replaced by puzzlement as he realizes just how little was taken.

"Weakened? No, not in the least. Just... startled. To draw out magic for a spell is one thing, to have it drawn out by another is something else. And this happened spontaneously? That's interesting."

Archie gives the fallen corpse another look.

"Still, if a bit of my power aided in your strike, then I would call that a fair trade. A trade I had not agreed upon, mind you, but we cannot argue with the results."

Archie gives Aaron a long look, then a slight nod.

"Very well. As long as it contributes to our success down here, I suppose I have little argument about your "borrowing" a little help from me. And as for this mystery of yours... well, we all have our secrets, don't we?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

"To say 'secret' suggests that I know the answer. If I did, I would gladly explain it, but I don't. It really is something of a mystery - it only seems to happen in combat, though. Perhaps that is a clue..." Aaron says with a shrug.

[Harhoult]

Archie stares at Aaron for a long moment. Slowly, he starts an unnerving chuckle that grows into an alarmingly loud laugh. He reigns himself in and looks back at Aaron with a final sigh.

"You mean to say that you are down here in the famous Delve, relying on a power you know nothing about, that does things you may not be able to control... Oh this is just too much!"

Archie takes a sudden step closer to Aaron. "Interesting! Very interesting! We will have to see how this plays out!"

With a final chuckle, he steps back. "Very well then. Let us see what else waits to jump out at us, and what other secrets we have waiting for them!"




My first post for this wasn't crazy enough. So I added about 30% more crazy, to represent how unnerved Archie is what with sudden undead and strange abilities from his party. Don't worry, he'll calm down.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Well then..." Quinn mutters, mostly to himself, his voice almost cracking from the fear and nervousness even as it begins to fade away. He fidgets with his arrow and scans the room for any further dangers, shooting a worried glance toward the door to their immediate right in case the noise and yelling had startled someone--or something. It was only a matter of time until they happened upon danger in The Delve but he had hoped to at least be ready when it had happened instead of scrambling out of the way without his weapon drawn. Luckily for him the attention for the moment seemed to be on Aaron's sudden show of combat prowess rather than on his sub-par performance.

"Did you see the glowing brand on it's forehead?" He asks, toward Asmodia or Hopton depending on which is free at the moment. Tapping it slightly with his boot, he steps over/past the creature into the room to inspect both it and the glowing traces of magic better.

Knowledge Check on the marking to see if I've heard or read about it before or might be able to sort out what it meant. Was it a spell animating the corpse etc?

Arcana +7
History +7
Religion +3

Prefer the DM roll knowledge but I can start doing it if needed. I just like to 'not know' that I rolled low =P.

[Richter]

Having seen enough of them in the previous room, the symbol on the creatures' forehead is clearly the symbol of Glarias. As far as anyone is aware, she didn't have any favor or subdomains that would have leaned towards domain.

Being able to study a bit better, you would suspect that the trail of magic that goes from the pond to the door likely is a method for opening the door based on things done with the pond, exactly what may cause that is less clear. The traces that pass through the door itself also probably strengthens the wood, as it doesn't look very damaged from the clear signs that someone once took an axe to it.

The circle on the ground is unusual, but has similarities to the types of circles used in summoning and binding of creatures. Best guess would put it as involved in either trapping the creature here, creating it, or used in summoning on here.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn kneels and scoops up his remaining thieves tools, packing them away in his belt pouch hastily and not-yet putting everything back into it's proper place. "The lines from the pool lead into here and form a circle." He points out to the group and traces the glow that he can see with the arrow still held in his right hand. "It might be some sort of cell... or perhaps a summoning chamber..." The scholar muses over the possibilities and rambles a bit aloud.

"But what would be the point of either? Having a lone caged ghoul doesn't seem much worth the effort and it didn't even fare to well against a single attack."

[Harhoult]

Archie casts his gaze from Aaron to Quinn and back. He leans into the room and gives it a quick once-over as Quinn speaks. He doesn't seem too eager to actually step into the gore-strewn space, and quickly steps back.



"But what would be the point of either? Having a lone caged ghoul doesn't seem much worth the effort and it didn't even fare to well against a single attack."

"It is possible that it was simply locked up in there", Archie mused,"by people not as adept as our Aaron here."

A grin (can we say... a ghoulish grin?) spreads across Archie's face.

"Or... Does the door unlock from inside? Perhaps it wasn't always a ghoul, and perhaps those gribbly bits in there were once it's companions... A grisly fate indeed, though not a likely one I admit."

Archie returns his mace to his hip and holds his torch aloft.


"My money is on that book you recovered, Quinn, to provide valuable clues. Let us secure this temple best we can, so you can focus on revealing it's secrets."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron nods, and readies himself at the next door. "Go ahead - lets get these doors open and then see what the book can tell us..."

[Richter]

The next door is of similar make and construction, with a similarly built lock. The only true distinction is that it doesn't appear to have suffered from an axe at one point as the other had.

It wasn't noticeable in the other room until the door was open, but this door has the stench of rot seeping out from its cracks.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton frowns in appreciation as Aaron cuts down the undead. "Well struck, friend! I-" he's cut off by Archibald's sudden outburst, and stands- mouth slightly agape- dumbstruck by the man's vehemence. And then dumbstruck by the man's offense.... and finally dumbstruck by his awkward, apparent attempt at humor.

"Ahhhh... Yes, what he said?" The diminutive swashbuckler steps into the room, more curious than expecting to be helpful. His frown shifts into one of distaste as he gets a better look at the fallen ghoul. "Oh, that's nasty!" He chuckles, and shakes his head. "Remind me to not piss you off, big guy!" Strutting back into the hallway, Hopton half-prowls half-wanders towards the next door. His nose wrinkles upward as he tries to listen through the crack.

"No. I lied," he begins stepping away from the door. He points towards it's seemingly unoffending facade. "That's nasty! All yours, Quinn! Heh!"

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"I suppose we'll find out soon enough...I'm just not terribly keen on accidentally setting off some sort of ward or alarm or something of the sort." Quinn comments, it's becoming apparent he's at least slightly anxious that he hasn't yet deciphered the magical workings of the rooms. But, he knew it best to keep pressing on for now and hopefully secure the area that they might investigate more and give some attention to the magical tome.

He scrunches his face, causing his nose and forehead to wrinkle, as Hopton recoils from the door and offers it to him. "You didn't want to get some practice in...?" He says dryly as he retrieves his tools from his pouch again and slowly approaches the lock to get to work.

Disable Device +7 : Attempting to lockpick.

[Richter]

The stench that some picked up from outside the door is nothing compared to what rolls out as soon as the lock clicks and the door swings open. The smell is so overpowering that it leaves everyone's stomach rolling and hands shaking as if it was draining the very strength from them not to give up their breakfast.

Beyond the door, is a sight much as seen before, a leathery human, with overgrown fangs and teeth peering out at them. It too has a glowing blue crescent on its brow, but this one is not the lean small creature from before, this one appears to be built of muscle and it is much more alert and ready. Still, Aaron and Hopton seem to push down their nausea faster than most and are ready to face the threat.

Rather than a ghoul, this creature is a Ghast, they are similar but more powerful with a stench that can make one ill.

Aaron
Hopton
Baddie
Quinn
Archie
Asmodia

Alright, that was a brutal set of rolls, but as the smell washes over you, all of you are going to be sickened for the next minutes(duration rolled below). Aaron and hopton beat it in initiative to kick things off.

Duration [roll0] Minutes

I'm updating the map next so we'll be ready.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton expected... well, he expected something. The hideous creature staring back at him through the doorjamb wasn't it, whatever it was. Struggling to master the sudden sensation of weakness and near-palsy, he raises his sword arm to the newfound foe. "Why," he stammers out, "all the nasty stuff?" With a shudder, he takes up a primarily defensive stance.

Hopton Longbottom (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892417)
M CG Halfling Swashbuckler (mouser), Level 1, Init 4, HP 12/12, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 17, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 7, Will 1, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 1
rapier +7 (1d4-1, 18-20, x2)
dagger +6/+6 (1d3-1, 19-20, x2)
alchemical +6 (-, -)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Size, +2 dodge)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition None

[roll0] attacking defensively (-4 attack, +2 AC)
[roll1] CC (23+, x2)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron Tanessen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=891528)
Male Human Oracle, Level 1, Init 1, HP 11/11, Speed 20 ft. (30 ft. base)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 15, Fort 0, Ref -1, Will -1, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 0
MW Longsword +3 (1d8+3, 19-20/x2)
Masterwork Chain Shirt, MW Spiked Light Steel Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Tongues Curse (Infernal)
Sickened
Caster's Champion
With another grunt, Aaron moves between the new enemy and the rest of the party, bringing his sword down as well as he can despite the illness he feels at the creature's vile stench.

Knowledge (Religion) [roll0]

5-ft step to strike at the ghast and block its access to other (squishier) PCs.
Move action to gain the use of Caster's Champion (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/caster-s-champion-combat) again.
Swift action to activate Caster's Champion (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/caster-s-champion-combat).
Standard Action to attack with Longsword [roll1], [roll2] (19-20/x2), [roll3] slashing magic damage, [roll4] critical strike damage

[Richter]

Aaron takes his place at the forefront of the party, and swings his sword powerfully, trying with valiant determination to keep his watering eyes from causing his aim to falter. The creature is quick however, nimbly dodging away from both Aaron's blow and Hoptons following stab.

It doesn't give the others time to add to the attack as it lunges forward, lashing out with fangs and claw. It spreads out its violence, and Aaron is able to deflect its bite, but both he and the halfling are raked by swipes of claw.

Both Aaron and Hopton take 1 hit from its claws, that is 5 damage and you'll need to make a DC15 Fort save or be paralyzed for: [roll0] rounds.

Quinn is up next, but everyone goes now before the enemy, so anyone who can get up your post and I'll order them with my responses.

Quinn
Archie
Asmodia
---------
Aaron
Hopton
Baddie

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron Tanessen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=891528)
Male Human Oracle, Level 1, Init 1, HP 11/11, Speed 20 ft. (30 ft. base)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 15, Fort 0, Ref -1, Will -1, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 0
MW Longsword +3 (1d8+3, 19-20/x2)
Masterwork Chain Shirt, MW Spiked Light Steel Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Tongues Curse (Infernal)
Sickened
Caster's Champion
Paralyzed (round 1/4)
As the enemy's claws strike, Aaron feels his body lock up, his weapon and shield held motionless in his hands...

Fortitude [roll0] vs DC 15

If not paralyzed, Aaron will attack again after reactivating Caster's Champion:
Longsword [roll1], [roll2] (19-20/x2), [roll3] slashing magic damage, [roll4] critical strike damage

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

[Round 1]

Quinn half considers making a sarcastic comment about being ready when the door opens but the fumes that emanate from the room leave him quite content to keep his mouth closed. Fishing around in the tumblers is no easy feat, but is made much harder from watering eyes fighting to stay open. Finally, when he gets the tell-tale feeling of the lock opening to his charm he motions with his head so that the others are ready and then quickly tries to get out of the way.

With much better grace he takes up his bow and nocks an arrow, attempting to line up a clear shot as the...thing...lunges toward his companions.

Attack the Ghast with Shortbow. -4 Penalty for shooting into melee.

Attack : [roll0] (Then apply Sickened)
Damage : [roll1] (Then apply Sickened)

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

[Change of Plans] - See my next post

[Round 2]

As the fumes burn his eyes and the battle before him causes his line of sight to constantly be in question, Quinn's first shot goes nowhere near its intended target. This cramped hallway and narrow door was not the optimal arrangement for the finer points of archery after all. Assuming the battle continues on as it began, he quickly retrieves a second arrow and hopes that this one might find better luck than the first. He pulls the string all the way back and tries to focus hard on resisting his urge to cough... breathing played a key roll in aiming and for now it was a major problem...


Level 1, Init 3, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 1, Ref 5, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow +3 (1d6, x3)
Rapier +1 (1d6+1, 18–20/×2)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 16
Condition: Sickened

Attack the Ghast with Shortbow. -4 Penalty for shooting into melee.

Attack : [roll0] (Then apply Sickened)
Damage : [roll1] (Then apply Sickened)

End My Turn

[Harhoult]

Archibald (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892256)
M LN Human Tattooed Sorcerer (Red Dragon), Level 1, Init 3, HP 8/8, Speed 30
AC 12, Touch 12, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Heavy Mace 1 (1d8, x2)
Light Crossbow (20 bolts) 2 (1d8, 19-20x2)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition Sickened (The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.)


Archie reels from the nausea, eyes watering and stomach clenching from the reek. Blearily he sees the source: another undead beast, obviously stronger than the last.

He felt a twinge of guilt as Aaron threw himself in the creature's path, obviously protecting Archie and the others.

As the creature dodged and struck, Archie tried to concentrate on a plan...

Plan A: Pull Aaron out from in front of the door, falling over and pulling Aaron atop himself if he has to, if Quinn doesn't do this first.
Plan B: Slam and brace against the door, shouting for help.

Either case may need a Str check? See OOC

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

[New Action]

[Round 2]

Still reeling from the stench, Quinn's mind begins to flash at a million miles a minute as he starts to see all the ways this encounter might play out. He considers backing into the fountain room to put some distance between himself and the creature (along with the smell) and hope for a better shot to open up. He considers staying put and simply trying to hold him aim true. And finally he considers that perhaps a tactical reengagement... now that they knew what was in the room, would it be best to regroup, prepare, and try again... if at all?

'Live to fight on our terms...' He thinks to himself, solidifying his choice. He drops his bow to the ground (he really was going to have to try and spend five minutes without throwing his belongings around) and attempts to grab his companion to pull him out of way. "The door!" He half screams, half chokes, as he attempts to drag and pull Aaron out of the way and away from the ghast.


Level 1, Init 3, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 1, Ref 5, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow +3 (1d6, x3)
Rapier +1 (1d6+1, 18–20/×2)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 16
Condition: Sickened

Grab Aaron, pull him backwards far enough the door could be slammed.

Strength Check [roll0]

End My Turn

[RPZip]

Asmodia winces as the spectral smoke pours from Quinn's immobilized form, frozen in position after the touch of the ghoul's claws. She could try to immobilize it, but given everyone else's reactions... time to try to salvage this.

Plus, her stomach was killing her.

Asmodia rushes forward to help move Quinn from his precarious position, and then to hopefully shut the door before things get even worse.

Trying to help either move Aaron out of the way, or if that's already completed by my initiative, slam the door shut and keep it shut. [roll0] for a STR check.

The fog cloud should vanish at the end of this round.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton suddenly becomes still, and uncharacteristically silent. He doesn't even grimace at the impact of the creature's claw

Hopton Longbottom (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892417)
M CG Halfling Swashbuckler (mouser), Level 1, Init 4, HP 7/12, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 17, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 7, Will 1, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 1
rapier +7 (1d4-1, 18-20, x2)
dagger +6/+6 (1d3-1, 19-20, x2)
alchemical +6 (-, -)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Size, +2 dodge)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition Sickened for ~ 9 minutes

paralyzed: round 1 of 4

[Richter]

The burst of fog from around Aaron makes the wild flurry of activity within it seem all the more chaotic.

The bard, manages to grab Aaron through the stench and the cloud and pull him back out of it, as the others rush forward and slam their shoulders into the door. The creature braces against it, and for a moment it feels like there isn't going to be any give, but then the door slams shut with a satisfying 'click' and furious scratching on the other side.

Within a few seconds the fog begins to dissipate and you are left with two companions wounded and rigid in their stance, slowly regaining feeling in their limbs.

[Harhoult]

Archie's confidence evaporates as Aaron and Hopton stiffen in their tracks, the sudden cloud of mist surrounding Aaron further confusing matters.

What was that? Toxin? This is not going as planned. At all. Archie races through his options, none of them good. Only his stubborn sense of honor keeps him from bolting down the corridor, anything to get away from that... thing.

Quinn's actions break Archie from his paralyzing fear. He surges forward against his instincts and throws his weight against the door, slamming it into the thing's face.

It slams back, nearly knocking Archie over. It's filthy claws scramble at the door's edge, it's fetid stench making Archie's head spin. He has a brief impression of jagged teeth lunging for his exposed neck...

A sudden impact drives the beast back, and Archie just about faints when he hears the lock click. Still pressed against the door, he turns his head to Asmodia in surprise at her strength... and at this moment, infinity thankful for it.

"Thank you!" Archie wheezes, "That was clo-"

He jumps back from the door as the thing slams into it, its' claws making horrible noises against the wood.

"Oh gods... is that door going to hold it?!"

The thought of flight returns, and Archie indulges it. Hauling the paralyzed Hopton after, he retreats to the pool room for now.

[DarkOne-Rob]

As Aaron recovers and is able to respond to the situation again he looks to Quinn with admiration. "That was quick thinking. Well done, and thank you," he says, coughing and eyes watering from the stench of the enemy. "I feel as if we should attempt to destroy that creature, just to be sure that it threatens no one ever again. However, we should be better prepared - ranged weapons and defensive maneuvers will help guarantee that it does not overwhelm us instead. What do you all think?"

[Harhoult]

"I think you're crazy." Archie blurts out, still shaken from the encounter. Taken aback by the fear in his own voice, he quickly collects himself. Shame at his cowardice burns his cheeks. How to save face...

"Still, you have a point. While your concern for whomever may come across that thing is touching, my thoughts concern our own hides and leaving something that dangerous at our backs. I see no reason why, if properly arrayed against it, we cannot be victorious and restore our pride. Besides," Archie's eyes flashed with anger, "I once promised you a flame against our foes, and I am eager to deliver on that promise."

That said, Archie turns to hide the redness creeping up his face. He busies himself with finding a sconce to stick his torch, to free up his hands for the task ahead.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton shakes off the willies just a few tics after Aaron, and bursts out laughing at Archie's response. "You can say that again! You saw them marks on the first door, right? If some freak with an axe can't break through, I don't see that thing breakin' out, neither!" He pauses for breath, and notes what appear to be expressions of surprise and disappointment. At least, that's what he thinks he sees.

"By which I mean... uh... Fine, fine, yeah we'll kill it! If I know it's coming and can keep it's attention, I aughta be able to avoid them nasty claws a bit better..." He looks more irritated than injured, though a sizable bruise is clearly in the works under the thin scratch lines on his upper arm. He flexes the arm, rotating it back and forwards a few times- wincing just a bit. As an afterthought, he looks up to the blonde sorcerer. "Thanks for that save, though. Dunno exactly why I couldn't move, but it doesn't take an archmage to figure out what that freakin' thing had in mind.... I owe ya one."

He looks back to the group, as he pulls a bag out of his backpack- about the size of a small pumpkin. "If you think we need it, I got a few of these goo-bags I could chuck at 'im. Keep him stuck in one spot while we do whatever it is you hand in mind to kill 'im..." He tosses the tanglefoot bag up and down in his left palm, chuckling at the sodden softness of the alchemical creation.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)


Quinn does what he can to make sure that both the door and lock hold fast then promptly puts some distance between himself and the smell. Once nearer the fresher air of the pool he breathes a deep sigh of relief. "Well that certainly could have gone better eh?" His comment coming out as a dry sarcasm rather than a more upbeat sort of humor. He was glad at least that no one had been seriously wounded.

"I'm fine either way." If we feel the door would hold the creature as it has thus far I say let it rot in its cage." He bites his lip slightly. "I didn't see much of importance in the room or on the thing." He weighs a thought in his mind. "But of course not having it behind us, or waiting to ambush the next group to wonder through does provide it's own benefits."

[Harhoult]

Archibald turns back to the group after securing his torch and regaining some composure.

"If that is what we are going to do, we best outline a plan this time. Engaging it at range down the corridor seems the most prudent." Archie unslings his crossbow, puts it to his foot, and draws back the string with a smooth motion.



If you think we need it, I got a few of these goo-bags I could chuck at 'im. Keep him stuck in one spot while we do whatever it is you hand in mind to kill 'im..."

Archie eyes the bag dubiously. Well, there has been stranger things. "Not to slight your... goo, but perhaps we should have something arranged should it fail?" He frowns and glances about, eyes settling on the door to the "library". "The bookshelves... They could be broken and serve as a short wall blocking off the corridor. Enough to slow it down a bit more and keep its' claws at bay."

Archie grimaces a bit at the thought of once again being near that stench. A thought comes to him: "We must avoid that things' paralysis at all costs! I do know a spell that can help with that, if only a bit. A charm to fortify the body against toxins and whatnot... it should help against that stench as well. And should the beast get close enough, I have a much more satisfying spell in mind..." Archie's eyes seem to gleam as he contemplates how the creature will fare against conjured flame.

"Of course, since I will not be opening the door for the beast nor meeting it in melee, I will do my best to support those who are... and that includes listening to their ideas how best to proceed." This last bit is accompanied by a glance at Asmodia; her strength had surprise Archie, and he was curious of what other talents she was holding.

As the party elaborates on the plan, Archie gives the exit a sideways glance. He holds out his left arm, and Griffy the hawk rises from her tattoo. A few whispered commands later, and she wings off into the darkness and out of the Delve.

If anyone notices or comments, Archie states: "I haven't forgotten the warning we were given of monsters on the surface. Griffy will take a look about the hill; if we should be expecting company, she will let me know. Little sense to prepare for this foe in front, only to be ambushed from behind after all."

[Farmerbink]

Hopton rubs his legs, apparently still suffering from questionable response time to his mental commands. He looks up at Archie's commentary, and all-but jumps into the ceiling when his hawk tattoo turns into a hawk. "What was that!?" The sorcerer patiently explains, and Hopton nods, wide-eyed, completely not understanding. "Uh huh. Uhhhhh.. ok." He rubs his eyes, as if trying to dispel some figment troubling him.

A few shakes of his head and he turns back to the doorway where the ghost is currently trapped. He appears uneasy.

[Harhoult]

Archibald smirks at Hopton's confusion. I suppose a more thorough explanation wouldn't hurt. Besides, didn't I just get done accusing Aaron of withholding his secrets?

"Perhaps a little better explanation is in order. Griffy is my familiar, bonded to me by magic in the tradition of wizards; in this case, bonded in a more literal sense due to the particulars of my own magic. She can take the form of a tattoo as she wills, usually when she tires of flying."

Archie follow's the Hopton's worried gaze, and cuts his explanation short.

"Though perhaps it would be best to leave it at that for now, when we have more time."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron listens and nods, agreeing to the plan to fight the enemy more carefully. "I will take point, unless someone more able to resist the creature wishes to stand between it and the rest of us. I can wield a bow passably well, though it is not my first choice," he says, before deferring to the rest to continue making the plans.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn frowns. The thought of utterly smashing up the library for the sake of possibly slowing down the creature didn't set well with him at first. Though, after a bit of weighing the pros and cons he'd begrudgingly help with the task as needed, keeping an eye out for any books of interest that may have been missed the first go-'round. "Suppose some of you are getting use out of the study after all eh?" He'd comment, or at least something along that line, dripping of sarcasm.

The man will attempt to make himself and his bow ready near the wall and try to keep the best line of sight to the door that won't be mucked up to easily by the others charging to meet the ghast head on. He hadn't had much luck with the first arrow, but perhaps being more prepared would afford him a better shot.

"All set." He remarks solemnly as he draws the string back.

[Harhoult]

With the short barricade up, Archibald begins weaving his own magical preperations, spells to bolster his companions and shield himself. That done, he takes up his crossbow, fits a bolt, and takes a practiced stance a few paces from the barricade. Stock tight against his shoulder, he forces his breath into a steady rhythm as he aims down the corridor...

Mechanics: See OOC

[Richter]

The wood is old, which makes tearing it down to create the barrier easier but doesn't give the most confidence in how well that barrier will hold up. Still, it is certainly enough to delay the creature from continuing toward the rest of the group so easily.

Once everyone readies themselves behind the barrier, defensive spells cast, the halfling creeps down the hallway to the door and gingerly tugs at the handle only to find it stuck. A careful investigation of it shows the door to be locked again, and the lock is beyond Hopton's skill to open.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton sighs, hanging his head in abject shame. "Damnit. Quinn, how'd you work this stupid lock thing, anyway? I can't get it back open." He beckons the bard over, his gesture more a request for guidance than replacement. Still, he waits by the door, rapier bared, for Quinn's response.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron nods as Hopton takes the lead again, deferring to the willful halfling and asking, "I regret to have to ask, but does anyone have a bow or crossbow I can use? Otherwise, I am really only prepared for melee combat..."

Depending on the answers from his allies, Aaron prepares accordingly, mentally preparing himself to face the undead creature.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)


"I regret to have to ask, but does anyone have a bow or crossbow I can use? Otherwise, I am really only prepared for melee combat..."

Quinn extends his bow and unslings the quiver of arrows from over his shoulder. "You're welcome to mine comrade. I'll head up and assist with the door, so you'll get better use out of them anyway." Assuming that Aaron takes the gear, Quinn retrieves his lockpicking tools once again and makes his way through the temporary barricades and into the waiting stench.

"Sorry, the lock completely escaped my thoughts through all the excitement." He utters, trying not to inhale any fumes if he can help it. Kneeling before the door, he begins to work the tools into the lock but does so in a way that Hopton might be able to see what was going on over the man's right shoulder.

Give Bow and Arrows to Aaron.

Join Hopton at the door and begin unlocking it.

Be ready to run like a mofo once the door is unlocked.

[Richter]

Quinn's bow in Aaron's hand, the bard approaches the door. The halfling eases back, bracing for what is to come as Quinn works the lock with falsely steady hands. It truly is challenging to pick, and long moments pass before that click is finally heard. When the door swings wide, the stench is even worse than remembered and immediately causes them to double over.

The creature is quickly upon the two of them, but the group is ready for it this time.

Aaron
Quinn
Ghast
Asmodia
Archie
Hopton

Unfortunately, Quinn and Hopton are back to sicked. For [roll0] Minutes.

Everyone but Quinn gets a standard action. Aaron and Quinn are up with a full turn before the creature, so if you want to post your actual turns too, feel free.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Doubling over from the reek and scrambling to get away from the creature Quinn does is best to slip past it and retreat down the hall toward the barricades. Running might not be the most well thought out plan but he knew that he stood virtually no chance in a toe-to-toe bout with the ghast.

I'm ready to get wrecked.

Quinn retreats down the hall toward the barricade if possible, sticking along the southern wall. Double move if needed to make it safely behind the group.

Bring on the Attacks of Opportunity I suppose.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton tries his best to force himself to ignore the repugnant stench. He holds his blade out in something of a humorous stance, with the tiny rapier interposed between himself and the ghast. "Come on then, ugly. I haven't got all day!" Hopton waits until the last moment to flick his rapier, driving the fiend's claws, hopefully, away from his person...

Hopton Longbottom (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892417)
M CG Halfling Swashbuckler (mouser), Level 1, Init 4, HP 7/12, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 19, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 7, Will 1, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 1
rapier +7 (1d4-1, 18-20, x2)
dagger +6/+6 (1d3-1, 19-20, x2)
alchemical +6 (-, -)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Size, +4 dodge)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition Sickened for ~ 9 minutes

Full defense, included above.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron Tanessen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=891528)
Male Human Oracle, Level 1, Init 1, HP 6/11, Speed 20 ft. (30 ft. base)
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, CMD 15, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 1, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow (No AoOs)
Masterwork Chain Shirt, (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Tongues Curse (Infernal)
Aaron silently takes aim and fires, doing his best to hit the enemy and not his sickened allies...

Use a move action to apply Martial Flexibility and use Point-Blank Shot to his attack.
Shortbow (with Point-Blank Shot) [roll0] attack, [roll1] (20/x3), [roll2] damage, [roll3] critical strike damage

[Richter]

As the creature comes out, Aaron's first shot flies true and strikes it in the shoulder, causing an angry hiss and a snarl but doesn't seem to slow it down. Hopton drops down into a defensive stance, doing his best to distract it, as Quinn ducks and weaves out of its reach, scrambling back towards the barrier.

As mentioned above, I was going to give you all effectively a 'surprise round' on the creature to simulate your readied actions, so Asmodia and Archie both still get an action in on it before its turn is up. Also, Aaron, you could have done your martial flexibility while Quinn was popping the lock, so if you'd like to take another action(since you are top of the round and your attack could have been your surprise) feel free.

Quinn, your action would have been a real round, so you could withdraw and get away without any AoOs.

[Harhoult]

Archibald gave an involuntary shudder as that thing leaped into view again, sending his bolt wide. He curses under his breath (unlike Aaron, what he says is in plain Common, though no less shocking if in polite company) and quickly ratchets back the string and fits a new bolt. The angry hiss and the sight of an arrow striking home gives Archie hope that this may actually work! Though if he was going to use his sorcery against it, he'd have to be closer...

Well, let's just see what happens.

With that, Archie levels his crossbow and lines up another shot... Hopton's sparring was going to make this difficult. Still, Archie appreciates anything that stands between himself and the monster.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron Tanessen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=891528)
Male Human Oracle, Level 1, Init 1, HP 6/11, Speed 20 ft. (30 ft. base)
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, CMD 15, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 1, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow (No AoOs)
Masterwork Chain Shirt, (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Tongues Curse (Infernal)
Aaron aims again and fires, a pleased smile on his lips.

Shortbow (with Point-Blank Shot) [roll0] attack, [roll1] (20/x3), [roll2] damage, [roll3] critical strike damage

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn, still nauseated from being reintroduced to the unholy stench of the creature, continues his less-than-heroic retreat from the hallway. He rounds the barricades and scampers to the back of the group of allies fortified behind them. After a quick dry heave, he reaches and draws the rapier dangling from his hip, sets his feet into a steady position and levels the blade in the direction he'd just come. Hopefully the creature would be felled before it had a chance to get around, over, or through the barricades and actually require him to use his blade... but it was best to be ready in that event.


Level 1, Init 3, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 1, Ref 5, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow +3 (1d6, x3)
Rapier +1 (1d6+1, 18–20/×2)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 16
Condition Sickened

Move : From AN37 to AJ36

Equip: Rapier

End My Turn

Getting to safety and waiting on it to come to us. I somehow failed to bring back up ranged items like daggers, so I'm basically waiting to see if I need to get involved with my rapier.

[Richter]

The wounded Ghast moves towards Hopton, ducking several arrows that fly its way. It seems that Asmodia locks eyes with it a moment though its focus seems to be on the halfling. Still, the halfling is ready, and as it swipes out with several powerful blows and snaps forward with its jaws but Hopton is able to keep it just out of range with his rapier, ducking and dodging nimbly.

Archie
Hopton
Aaron
Quinn
Ghast
Asmodia

The ghoul missed all of its attacks, Archie and Aaron's(second) shots missed as well. Asmodia doesn't have a true ranged weapon, so she used hypnotic stare, which will let her add a little damage when someone else hits it. She's also readying with her longspear to strike it over the barrier.

You guys are back up!

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron Tanessen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=891528)
Male Human Oracle, Level 1, Init 1, HP 6/11, Speed 20 ft. (30 ft. base)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 15, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 1, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 0
MW Longsword +5, 1d8+4 (19-20/x2)
Masterwork Chain Shirt, Masterwork Light Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Tongues Curse (Infernal)
As he sees the halfling dart inside the undead's reach, Aaron cries out in surprise. Dropping his borrowed bow he draws his sword and shield and runs back towards melee, getting as close to the undead as he can, his shield between the undead and him...

Free action to drop the shortbow, then move actions to draw sword/shield and move into melee.

Shortbow (with Point-Blank Shot) [roll0] attack, [roll1] (20/x3), [roll2] damage, [roll3] critical strike damage

[Farmerbink]

As the abomination swipes high, Hopton ducks and nimbly steps between its legs. He continues his acrobatic mockery as he deftly avoids a few more attacks, still focusing his efforts on not becoming the next adventurer to never return. In a voice firmer than he really feels, Hopton calls out, "Hey, Aaron, forget that crap and come give him a sword! I'll keep him busy!"

Hopton Longbottom (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892417)
M CG Halfling Swashbuckler (mouser), Level 1, Init 4, HP 7/12, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 19, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 7, Will 1, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 1
rapier +7 (1d4-1, 18-20, x2)
dagger +6/+6 (1d3-1, 19-20, x2)
alchemical +6 (-, -)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Size, +4 dodge)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition Panache: 3/4
Sickened for ~ 9 minutes

During the Ghast's attack, Hopton will use Underfoot Assault, (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/advancedClassGuide/classOptions/swashbuckler.html#underfoot-assault) 'kuz that's pretty much what he does. During his turn again, he'll continue total defense, so as to not become a grease stain.

[Harhoult]

Archibald (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892256)
M LN Human Tattooed Sorcerer (Red Dragon), Level 1, Init 2, HP 8/8, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 12, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Heavy Mace 1 (1d8, x2)
Light Crossbow (20 bolts) 2 (1d8, 19-20x2)
Shield spell (+4 Shield, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition Lvl 1 Spells : 3/4 Remaining. Resistance: +1 to saves


Archibald watches in amazement as Hopton actually gets closer to the monster, deftly dodging and weaving, and from the enraged noises coming from his victim, being a terrible annoyance. With it such occupied, the others began to move in...

His mind spun over the tactical possibilities, and came to the conclusion that his sorcery, the power he had just bragged about, would not be needed (barring accidents). An annoyed twinge turned to a slow unreasonable anger. It was to be MY victory, MY prey to burn...

The seal on his heart grew warm as his inner flame struggled against its' bonds and a feral sneer crept across his face.

Archie took a deep breath, and mentally ran through his calming exercises. They are doing their job, and doing it well. This is why I chose to travel with them, after all...

With a sigh, he readies his weapon again to do his part.

This assumes that Aaron moves into melee (or in that direction), that the ghast swings futilely at Hopton, and Asmodia moves up to support Aaron. In this case, Archie fires on the ghast again and prays. If Asmodia hangs back, he will draw his mace and support Aaron/Hopton, though he won't get into melee this round.

Ranged attack: Crossbow. to hit: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] Crit confirm(19-20): [roll2] Crit damage: [roll3]

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn kept his blade leveled toward the creature, ready for action, but knew better than to rush back into the fray. Martial expertise was not the cog he played in this particular machine and he knew better than to risk his life and limb just for the sake of trying to help. 'They're doing their job now, so that you can do yours when needed.' he assures himself as he watches his companions fend off the undead abomination.


Level 1, Init 3, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 1, Ref 5, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow +3 (1d6, x3)
Rapier +1 (1d6+1, 18–20/×2)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 16
Condition Sickened

Ready Action : Attack Ghast with Rapier if it moves within melee range of Quinn.

End My Turn

[Richter]

Archie lets fly an arrow, a remarkable shot for all the chaos of the battle, but at the last moment the ghast bats it away in a amazing show of dexterity for something dead.

Hopton slides in close to the creature, despite its foul smell, circling and moving around it, making it turn to track him, and giving it some distraction. As he does it becomes clear the fight may be taken to the creature, and soon Quinn has rapier in hand and Aaron is again beside the creature. Its stench still proves to be overwhelming, even with the magical assistance provided by Archie and he finds his stomach in knots even as he readies his blade.

The Ghast, for its part seems infuriated by the halflings dancing around it and lashes out with a wild assault, snapping at him with its jaws and swiping with both hands. It comes close, but is never quite able to catch the nimble fighter.

Asmodia moves forward, still focusing on the Ghast so that whoever may strike it first will have the wound worsen, but she is able to reach longspear range.

Alright, Archie, you barely missed. Hopton, you were missed completely by the ghast but only because of your full defense on several of those attacks. Aaron and Asmodia are now in melee range.

Map has been updated, we are back around to the rest of the group's turn.

Archie
Hopton
Aaron
Quinn
Ghast
Asmodia

[Harhoult]

As his allies close in on the creature, Archie frowns as they inadvertently block his next shot. He can't help recall the chastising of his old magic instructor at Archie's preference for flashy, flame based magics as opposed to something more long-ranged and accurate; such as the bolts of force Master Arnhiem used to demonstrate...

Well, no helping it now. For a moment he considers simply biding time and letting the more martially inclined finish the job... though standing about twiddling his thumbs was not his style at all. It would be a hard shot to make, made harder still while avoiding his companions. Or, as risky as it was, he could abandon this barrier and try and get in to use his magic...

For now, Archie reloads and takes steady aim down the hall, firing when a gap opens in the fighting line.

Archibald (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892256)
M LN Human Tattooed Sorcerer (Red Dragon), Level 1, Init 2, HP 8/8, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 12, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Heavy Mace 1 (1d8, x2)
Light Crossbow (20 bolts) 2 (1d8, 19-20x2)
Shield spell (+4 Shield, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition Lvl 1 Spells : 3/4 Remaining. Resistance: +1 to saves

Move Action: Reload
Standard Action: Fire Crossbow. To hit: [roll0], Damage: [roll1], Crit Confirm: [roll2], Crit Damage: [roll3]

Archie sighs, and speaks to his fellow back line-er, "What do you think, Quinn? We're little use up there, and less so back here. Unless you've a tea set we can lay out, of course" with a bit of dry humor.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron Tanessen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=891528)
Male Human Oracle, Level 1, Init 1, HP 6/11, Speed 20 ft. (30 ft. base)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 15, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 1, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 0
MW Longsword +5, 1d8+4 (19-20/x2)
Masterwork Chain Shirt, Masterwork Light Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Tongues Curse (Infernal)
Seeing the undead attack Hopton, Aaron takes a measure of confidence from the halfling's daring approach and slashes with his sword at the enemy. The tell-tale sign of power being drawn from Archibald returns momentarily as the young nobleman subconsciously draws on the other man's arcane power...

"Asmodia! What is he doing, fighting so close to the thing?"
5-ft step if necessary to flank, use Martial Flexibility to exchange Point Blank Shot for Caster's Champion (by my reading this does not use an additional use per day) then attack (attack rolls do not include flanking bonuses)
Longsword [roll0] attack, [roll1] (19-20/x2), [roll2] magic damage, [roll3] critical strike damage

[Farmerbink]

Hopton's eyes widen as the ghast's claw tears a thread from the fabric of his coat. "Yikes! Close one, that!" It's other claw comes down just as close on the other side, eliciting not so much a cry as a squeal of terror from the little man. "Come on, guys! No time like the preseeeeentt!!!" He continues his terrifying dance, inspired to greater heights of daring by the two close calls. The canny observer just notices a smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth, as Aaron delivers a solid blow.

Hopton Longbottom (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892417)
M CG Halfling Swashbuckler (mouser), Level 1, Init 4, HP 7/12, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 19, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 7, Will 1, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 1
rapier +7 (1d4-1, 18-20, x2)
dagger +6/+6 (1d3-1, 19-20, x2)
alchemical +6 (-, -)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Size, +4 dodge)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition Panache: 3/4
Sickened for ~ 9 minutes

Underfoot Assault (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/advancedClassGuide/classOptions/swashbuckler.html#underfoot-assault) is going to remain in effect until either Hopton goes down, the ghast goes down, or I'm given a really good reason to change my mind. Also, at the risk of being really boring, I'm gonna keep on total defensing. Hopton isn't too keen on the whole death thing, and knows he doesn't exactly hit hard.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)


"What do you think, Quinn? We're little use up there, and less so back here. Unless you've a tea set we can lay out, of course"

"Black... or herbal?" Quinn responds in a deadpan tone as he watches the 'festivities' currently unfolding down the hall. He continues holding his rapier, albeit uselessly, at-the-ready should the creature make its way toward him though it was clear that contingency was quickly fleeting. He considers taking up his bow and trying once again to pinpoint a shot between the frenzied bodies of his allies, but alas he'd given up his quiver as well.

"I could attempt bind some wounds... but it'd have to get in close. Likely best to wait." He says in an almost defeated voice as he approaches the barricade and continues observe the efforts of his allies.


Level 1, Init 3, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 1, Ref 5, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow +3 (1d6, x3)
Rapier +1 (1d6+1, 18–20/×2)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 16
Condition Sickened

Ready Action : Attack Ghast with Rapier if it moves within melee range of Quinn.

End My Turn

[Richter]

As the group closes in, Aaron's sword takes on a faint glow again, leaving trails through the air when it comes down in a devastating blow. It strikes true, lopping down from behind the Ghast's head while it is distracted by the quickly moving halfling and severing it cleanly. The decapitated creature slumps to the ground over the smaller fingure, the illumination fading from the mark of the crescent moon upon its brow. The stink in the air the only remaining signs of its previous actions.

[Harhoult]

Quinn's comment drew a grin from Archie dispute the danger about, as he tried to figure how serious the man was.

"Both sound delightful, but we may need something stronger after this mess."

Archibald suppressed a shudder as a sliver of power once again flowed from him into Aaron's blade. As before, the change was hardly noticeable, and his logical self supported anything that bolstered his companions... yet that dark, selfish part of him watched the power go with barley contained avarice.

Though one couldn't argue with it's effects. Aaron's strike was a thing of beauty.

"Well done! To the both of you, well fought!"

(after the party has had a chance to catch it's breath)

"What shall we do with these...ah...cadavers? Re-dead undead? They're not going to get back up again at some point, are they? I would recommend burning them to be sure, though it would be best to haul them to the surface first. Not that I have any desire to actually touch the things, mind..."

[DarkOne-Rob]

As the ringing in his ears subsides, Aaron looks at the undead with distaste. Then, as he cleans his blade carefully, he says, "Mr. Hopton, I did not understand what you said in the middle there, but that was either incredibly brave or foolhardy or both. Will you be fighting that close to the enemies in the future? If so, I will plan to be a bit closer myself - though not so close that I can smell them, like you seem inclined..."

Once done, Aaron looks at Archibald and nods. "These won't likely threaten anyone again, but I would be loath to leave them here permanently. For now, though, let us mend any wounds we need to heal and keep going. We can come back for these corpses later."

Aaron is down to 6 HPs of his max of 11. I don't want to drop a Cure Light Wounds yet if we have any better options (like Channel Positive Energy). Does anyone else need healing? How do we want to address that?

[Farmerbink]

"Hrmmpgh!! Gerrof!" With a mighty heave (for one so small), Hopton half-shoves, half-weasels out from under the bulk of the deceased... uhh.. thing. "Eh, what's that?" He looks up to Aaron and his expression gives away that he heard the question, but hadn't parsed it yet.

"Oh, right. Well, I've found that folks with long arms don't much like it when I'm closer than their arms can really reach. It tends to be more of a distraction for them than me, and well..." He gestures to the fallen ghast. "Good hit, by the way! I forget that you can't understand me when you fight... kinda weird that, isn't it?" The small swashbuckler shrugs.

"I'm happy with either, by the way." A wide grin splits his face. "Foolhardy or brave, I mean."

He looks down to his torso, and the torn threads and soiled fabrics. He pits a thumb through the torn seam at his neckline. "Oh, man! That was a brand new shirt!"

Hopton looks up at the sound of Archie's query. "Oh, uhhh.... I'm always a fan of burning things that should be dead. Pretty foolproof way to make sure it stays that way, right? At least, that's what... well, that's what my friends always said." It seems like he was about to say something else for a moment.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"I must say, I'm quite impressed as well." Quinn adds to the conversation. He'd simply assumed that Hopton was like many who were so quick to boast and laugh--all talk and no substance--but the halfling had truly shown himself already. He wondered how things might play out should they cross paths with the sheriff again, assuming the group continued to prove themselves here in the Delve. Sure they had only cleared a handful of rooms and dispatched two measly undead, but he felt quite accomplished already.

"I can set to binding small wounds if needed." he responds to Aaron, making way to retrieve his dropped bow and borrowed arrows.

[Harhoult]

"At least, that's what... well, that's what my friends always said." It seems like he was about to say something else for a moment.

This last comment elicits a raised eyebrow from Archie. Even the halfling has secrets... I'll have to watch that...

Though for the moment, Hopton's dismay at his ruined clothes gets a some sympathy and a chuckle from Archie. He knew too well the struggle to stay properly groomed on the road with only a few garments to his name.

Well, while I can't do much for the mending, Hopton's earned a cleaning at least. Can't have him carrying that stench about, after all. Even if it is *shudder* maids work...

"Hold still a moment, Hopton!" Archie barked out, a little more gruffly then he'd meant. A simple arcane charm later, and the vile stains began to lift from the halfling's clothes.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"For now, shall we retire upstairs? While I confess to have lost track of time, I do believe it must be time for a midday meal, if not afternoon tea. And food would be far more palatable away from that smell" *waves vaguely at the corpses* "With any luck, the smell will have dispersed some by the time we've eaten and mended."

And will put off actually handling those... things. I'm beginning to regret suggesting burning them.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton jumps slightly as the worst of the grime and ichor is magically lifted from his garments. "Oh, that's neat!" He turns to look up at the sorcerer. "Any way you could teach me how to do that? It'd save so much time on laundering!"

[Harhoult]

A bemused smirk crosses Archie's face at Hopton's enthusiasm.

"I want to make one thing quite clear. I did not spend the better part of a decade mastering the basics of magic to become your laundry service. While teaching you sorcery for this purpose would indeed save me the trouble, I haven't a decade to spare on futile endeavors."

Archie sighs as he realizes his own berating tone. "Do not get me wrong. As much as I would like to educate you, the problem lies in the differences between the sorcery I use and wizardry. The latter, while rigorous in it's own right, can be taught to others with relative ease. The former has some rather unique requirements and restrictions... something that vexed my own magic instructor to no end."

Seeing the halfing's attention wane, Archie decides not to launch into an oration on the specifics of magic. As much as he enjoyed lecturing his lessers, Archie was keenly aware how quickly his audience may be bored to tears.

"In any case, for my own sanity, I will attempt to keep your filth to a minimum...if only to counter the smell." Archie finishes with a smile.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Not only that..." Quinn interjects excitedly since the conversation was back in his realm of expertise. "...it can save you a fortune when it comes to your wardrobe!" With a motion of his hands and a quick muttering of a few key words he casts Prestidigitation attempting to turn the halfling's blue wide-brimmed hat into a blazing shade of canary yellow. "Nothing says practical like knowing your outfit will always match. Hah!"

With a final long glance in the direction of the two downed undead, the archaeologist makes way to return to the surface in tow behind his companions. A bit of a rest and perhaps a snack would be nice, but he was more excited to have a moment to begin cracking the mysteries of the magical tome they'd recovered from the library.

[Richter]

Gathering up their things and brushing off as best as possible the discussion continues upstairs. Its an odd feeling coming from the cool air of the dungeon, laced with the foul smell of the undead into the warm sun of a lovely day on the surface.

It is only approaching noon, with the light high in the sky, but beyond that not much has changed on the surface. The oft used firepit nearby has several stones pulled in around it that would make serviceable chairs, while one gets their bearings.

The book reads as a text on the beliefs and rituals of Glarias, known as the moon goddess. It sounds like her faith was quite popular in this region at one point, and the book itself has the duchess of Chordilles name marked in the cover. Skimming through, something that jumps out at you immediately is a section discussing a ritual for 'The Oracle Pool'. The pool is described as having been created by the goddess herself and imbued with her essence. A small prayer and show of faith to her is enough to allow you to speak with her directly.

The book does warn that abuse of the Goddess' attention will draw her wrath, causing her to send her guardians to punish the transgression. The gift of her voice should be heard no more than once per cycle of her gaze.

There isn't anything mechanically required for the ritual but a few minutes of time. The prayer needs to be spoke and the show of faith is in asking for her blessing.

[Harhoult]

Archibald pulls up a chair, so to speak, and begins to absently chew on the bland rations he packed for the occasion. He unconsciously touches his left arm, where the hawk tattoo normally resides, as he casts his mind down the emphatic connection he shares with Griffy. He hadn't felt anything alarming on the way out, only the focused excitement of a hunter. Now that she'd been "released", so to speak, she would be unlikely to return until she'd caught something.

A sip from his waterskin reminds him of a more urgent concern.

"While it looks like we've packed enough dry food to hold us over," Archie speaks with concern in his voice, "water may be a worry soon. I did not see the old keep's well on the way up... unless it is down one of the other corridors. I hope it is still sound; I do not relish the idea of stomping up and down this hill more than necessary."

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn finds himself a half-decent place to plot down and places his backpack in a manner that will allow him to lean back against it while he pours over the tome and grabs a quick bite to eat. He fishes out one of his trail rations from a side pouch and begins to absentmindedly work on some of the dried meat while running his index finger along the words as he reads. "Just don't go filling your canteens from the pool of course..." He jokes, though he has the mind to heft his own waterskin to guage how full it might still be after their trek here. "I know there are spells capable of creating a supply of fresh water, but sadly not currently something in my repertoire. It tends to be more of a divination than one of my simple arcane tricks"



Assuming that the group rests long enough for him to have reached the correct passages, Quinn will explain the books teachings about the ritual. "It seems here that the pool was created by Glarias herself and that she imbued upon it a portion of her essence." He continues on whether folks are in fact listening to his findings. "With a small prayer and a display of faith one is supposedly able to commune directly to the moon goddess herself." He chews on the inside of his lip a moment, pondering to himself the possibilities of the next passage before uttering them aloud. "Finally, there is a warning here that abusing this sacred ritual via transgression or by calling upon the goddess more than once each cycle will result in her calling down her wrath and sending guardians to deal with the transgressor."

[DarkOne-Rob]

"I lack such magic, unfortunately," Aaron says in reply to Quinn's mention of water-conjuring spells. "That said, before we return to the underground, we should do what we must to be ready..." He walks over to Hopton, where he intones a prayer and gently touches the halfling, healing his wounds. Afterwards, the noble says a prayer for himself as well.

After that is done, he sits near to the stairs and eats quietly, watching the entrance carefully for signs of threats from below...

Cure Light Wounds, cast twice (once for each PC), healing [roll0] and [roll1] HPs respectively.

[Harhoult]

Archibald watches Aaron's prayers with interest, even more so as they seem to make wounds close and fade.

"That is divine magic, is it not? I have not had the privilege of seeing it performed before, though it was touched upon in my studies. This makes your earlier... talents fall in line as well. Must be nice, having a deity looking over your shoulder like that." There is a trace of bitterness in Archie's tone, though it doesn't seemed aimed as Aaron as such.

Seeing Quinn lose himself in a tome, Archie gets up and stretches. "Still, if your patron will not draw water from the air for us, the question of finding a well or similar remains. I will take a look about these ruins, not far of course.

Archibald spends the next half hour or so poking about the ruins, in theory for a well, but mostly mulling over old thoughts and new revelations. When he does return, it is with a rather satisfied hawk perched on his shoulder. Thus refreshed, he is ready to return to the Delve.

(In response to Quinn)

"So, if one so desired, they could ask whatever they wanted of a goddess, once a month roughly? That all sounds... oddly convenient. Not convenient enough to risk annoying her though."

Archie casts a long look in Aaron's direction at all this talk of goddesses and whatnot. With a sigh, he continues.

"That leaves the question of, well, what to ask. If this is ritual does what that book suggests, it could be quite powerful if used wisely. I, for one, can think of a few things I would like answered... though I confess they have little bearing on our here and now."

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Perhaps we should have scrounged up a cleric as well then eh?" Quinn jokes, finishing up his ration and packing the rest of his items back into his backpack. "Suppose we'll just have to keep our eyes out for a well, or perhaps the hordes will have water barrels and the like."

"I think it might be best to leave the pool be for now... unless we have some reason to commune with the goddess. I'd hate to draw her wrath simply for calling on her without reason. Which other tunnel should we investigate next?"

He gathers up his gear and, once the group is likewise ready, he follows then once again into the Delve.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron looks at Archibald with some hesitation before speaking. "I do not know that I have a specific deity watching over me. Most of my experience is with...the Archfiend of the Nine Hells...whom I have deliberately left behind me in Cheliax. He holds no claim on my soul, nor do I offer him my faith or arm. However, I have been told that some rare few people champion moral philosophies and tenets, and still fewer seem to be cursed with divine power outside of their control. I suspect I fall into that last category.

But yes, I suppose you are right - this is divine magic of a sort. I am no cleric or priest, nor a holy warrior or paladin, but if I can lessen the wounds of our party, then I feel I should do so when the need arises."

The noble looks distinctly uncomfortable, especially as he discusses Asmodeus. He does not look at Asmodia at all during his explanation, but instead focuses on a space between himself and Archibald. As the other man drifts away to look for water Aaron says, "I will try to pray for power to conjure water and see if something happens there. Perhaps the gods will bless us in that way too..." He then returns to watching the stairway down, content to guard the party from anything that might emerge from the Delve below.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton sits, comfortably listening to his companions talking. He winces, favoring his right arm until Aaron approaches and bestows the prayer upon him. Suddenly feeling better, the small man smiles up at Aaron as he eats his own ration. After a few moments, he lays back and stares into the sky, continuing to listen to his companions, but offering no interjection.

Some time later, when the party returns to the Delve, it takes a slight nudge to wake the small man. His eyes open and a smile alights on his lips. "Hmm? Must have dozed off... It's really quite peaceful out here, if your focus is in the right place. Makes you wonder why the castle's old masters screwed things up so badly..."

On the stairs, Hopton gestures towards the trap- still unsprung- and nods in satisfaction. "We've still got something of a rear watch in that direction, so let's look over here! Oh, can I get another one of those fancy rocks?" Equipped once more with a beacon, Hopton prowls westward, leery of the skeleton lying near the bottom of the stairs.

[roll0] stealth
[roll1] perception

[Richter]

As Archie searches the grounds, he doesn't find any direct sign of a well on premises, nor any signs of odd growth where one might have been boarded over and let be reclaimed by the moss and grass. Perhaps not so unusual, with the underground chambers that have been uncovered so far as its unclear just how far they may extend and a dug well would likely find a room before it found water. It seems likely that either the keep had a cleric on-hand, a well or stream nearby but not onsite, or a source within the lower level.

While Aaron speaks and tries so hard to avoid her gaze, Asmodia watches him carefully, studying his evasiveness with a bit of a smirk, though she doesn't add her own comment. No point in drawing attention to her own time in Cheliax.



When the group is ready to return, the halfling again leads the way down the stairs, venturing to the left this time. Near the base of the stairs, lies a skeletal corpse of some sort of humanoid. Its been dead long enough to have lost the meat on its bones, and is partly scattered either from an animal or some other adventurer searching it. There doesn't appear to be anything left upon it beyond rags.

The hall itself runs north and south, walls adored with painted frescoes of humans riding, running along with, or chasing horses. A few ride winged horses in the sky.

On the west and eastern walls, there are oddly curved corridors that look to wind south-west and south-east respectively. The eastern passage has a very slight slope downwards. At the far southern end of the room lies a single door.

The man has been dead for at least several years.

Its unclear what may have killed him, the bones show lots of chips and signs of previous breaks and damage, so its likely that he had seen a lot of life-threatening combat in his time.

From somewhere down the western hallway you hear a low growl, that is met by another, and then both go silent.


Checking over the frescoes, they are well done and quite old. Though time has worn them away, you realize that the horses legs form elvish letters.

The gray lies between the black and the white. The shadow lies between the dark and the light.

In the northwest corner of the room, a small trapdoor is inset within the floor, made to look like one of the stones.


The door has swelled a bit in its frame and is stuck. It likely wouldn't be too hard to open, but would require someone putting their shoulder to it a few times and making some noise.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron looks around carefully, but pauses as he looks at the mural on the wall. "Are those...elvish letters...?" he asks as he points the shapes out. "I cannot read Elvish, but perhaps one of you can..."

Afterwards he turns about and watches for threats to appear, patiently waiting as his allies investigate and study the area more closely.

Perception checks - [roll0] (fail), [roll1](pass), [roll2](fail), [roll3](unneeded)

[Harhoult]

Archie has but a moment to survey the room before growls in the distance and Griffy's sharp alarm call grabs his attention.

"Shh!," he hisses, "we are not alone"...

As to punctuate this, he quickly shrugs off Griffy ( who flutters off crossly) and readies his crossbow.

[DarkOne-Rob]

At the warning Aaron turns, draws his sword, and advances in the direction Archibald indicates. "Get behind me or draw your weapons - what is it you hear, Archibald?"

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Seems like this might be the first bit of magic you should learn." Quinn jokes with a chuckle as he casts Light on another small stone and hands it to the halfling. Magic could certainly be used for great and terrible displays of power but one would be amazed at how much a cantrip could improve everyday life. They had joked about the ease of cleaning your laundry with a bit magic, but it was honestly very easy to bend it to such menial tasks. As they descend the stairs he wondered absently what sort of silly things the mighty spellcasters of the world accomplished through bending the rules of reality.



As his companions make their way around it, he notes the long-dead skeleton at the bottom of the stairs. A quick glance shows it to have been dead for quite some time and barely anything worth mention even remained, he decides to ignore it for now in favor of turning his attention to the art along the walls, again showing flying horses and the like. He moves closer for a better look when he notices the trapdoor hidden among the flagstones. "Watch your step here, there's a trapdoor hidden in the floor here and there might be more around. Wonder where it leads?" Minding the trapdoor lid, he studies the art and picks up on the disguised script just as Aaron speaks up.


"Are those...elvish letters...?"

"Aye, and..." His words trail off as a pair of growls and a warning from Archibald snaps his attention. He readies his bow and keeps his distance as best a possible.

[Harhoult]

Archibald rankles a bit at Aaron's command, and barks out one of his own: "Hold, Aaron! There were growls, two of them, down the west path. Whatever they may be, it is a safe bet they are aware of us by now. No sense in sticking your head where a claw or worse waits..."

"No, far better to flush them out with someone more expendable."

*snicker*

Archibald hold out his right hand. Once again, blue flames float from his palm; only this time they congegate and meld into a faintly glowing humanoid shape. This figure floats towards the passageway as like a ghost, pausing just outside the western route before drifting downwards...

Mage's Tattoo (Evoc) SLA Dancing Lights (1/3 uses remaining). Form: humanoid figure. Duration: 1 minute. Range: 110 feet.

Griffy finds a perch on the steps behind the party and begins to preen herself, not seeming to care about the sudden tension.

[Richter]

The lights move off down the hallway, disappearing around the bend in the windy passage. Suddenly a pair of roars are heard, in combination with a flurry of some sort of movement. Seconds later a low whine is heard, mixed with a very strange sound. Its almost like a snort combined with a growl, but it comes out very rapidly in a pattern, like someone drumming their fingers on a desk.

Whatever you hear is definitely animal-like and large.

The strange sound is called a chuffle, its a way that big cats communicate.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron watches with an awed expression as Archibald's magic gives away the potential ambush. "Nicely done....now, what exactly do you think those were? I doubt we can negotiate with them for safe passage..."

He remains in front, weapon and shield readied in case the creatures choose to attack.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton looks up from where he's prowled to the wall beside the hallway. He offers Archibald a shallow, appraising frown and nods appreciatively. "Seriously, you guys are just cheating..." He snorts quietly before turning towards the hallway. He scoots up to the corner just as the lights pass beyond it, almost vibrating with pent curiosity.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn didn't know enough about animal grunts and growls to be able to identify the species or the sound's meaning. But he could make an educated guess that whatever was crawling around down here was likely less than friendly... and more than likely was not at all thrilled about glowing shapes stomping around in its apparent home. He readies his bow and tries to keep clear line of sight in case the creature emerges.

Ready Action : Use Bow to shoot hostile creature if it comes into line of sight.

[Farmerbink]

The lights pass out of sight, and Hopton holds up a hand- warning the rest of the party to wait where they are. He disappears several steps behind the lights, until the sudden rush of growls and roars echo down the hallway. A moment later, the Halfling reappears, wide-eyed, and shaking his head to dispel some image.

"Couple big cats down there," he whispers, with a hooked thumb over his shoulder towards the hall. "Looks like we might just be intruding on their den- but they don't seem happy about it..."

Spoke to Richter on Hangouts after he saw my last post. This information comes with his approval :-)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron Tanessen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=891528)
Male Human Oracle, Level 1, Init 1, HP 11/11, Speed 20 ft. (30 ft. base)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 15, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 1, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 0
MW Longsword +5 (1d8+4, 19-20/x2)
Masterwork Chain Shirt, MW Spiked Light Steel Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition None until combat begins
Aaron does not allow his ready stance to falter. "We cannot allow them to remain behind us where they might attack when we are distracted. It is tragic, but I see no other way to approach this. Is everyone ready?" he asks, looking around at everyone. It is clear he plans to initiate the attack against the large predators and is asking for everyone else to prepare themselves.

Once it looks like everyone is ready to begin the unpleasant task, Aaron moves forward, sword ready to strike...

Aaron will advance to the corner before waiting for any other melee combatants to take their positions. Once at the corner he readies an action to attack. (I am hoping to avoid bad luck on initiative checks by readying the action prior to combat starting.)

Initiative (if necessary) [roll0]

Readied attack: MW Longsword [roll1] attack, [roll2] (19-20/x2), [roll3] slashing damage, [roll4] critical strike damage

[Harhoult]

"Cats?!" Archibald lets loose a relieved snort. "As in, the things one stuffs and puts in a trophy room? I was expecting more of those undead... things. Heh, cats...

A serious edge returns to his face as Aaron makes his intentions known. "I concur. They are guilty of blocking the way forward. I will bring my lights back up the tunnel; should they follow, we can turn their ambush on it's head."

Archibald wills his "bait" to drift back up the tunnel as he steadies his crossbow for a shot.

The spell text suggests it takes no action to manipulate the lights, so I should be able to ready an action at the same time.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Are they blocking the way forward? Do we need to use that passage or might we simply avoid an unnecessary fight?" Quinn asks, mostly directed toward Hopton but fully expecting folks to chime in.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

While the group discusses their options Quinn turns his attention back to the writing disguised among the artwork. "Not to detract from the feline dilemma ahead, but I've translated the script along the walls and it appears to be some sort of riddle." He traces along the horse legs with his finger, showing the hidden message for any who'd not noticed it prior. "The gray lies between the black and the white. The shadow lies between the dark and the light."

He scans the motifs and searches for anything that might key into those words. Could the second line allude to the sun and the night? Were there any figures dressed in black or white?

[Farmerbink]

"Ehhh, I don't think they're likely to come out and attack us- in any other circumstance, they'd probably just avoid a group of our size. Not when it comes to their dens, apparently... Then again, they don't know how many of us there are, so who can be sure? I figure, if you reeeeaally want to see what's past 'em, you'll have to be ready to take- or give- some punishment for the trouble."

Hopton nods to Archibald. "Yep, that kind. Either one would make a hell of a trophy, so it'll be *ahem* exciting trying to see what's past 'em." He then offers little more than a noncommittal shrug to Quinn. "Not completely sure. There were a couple corners that appeared decidedly occupied, and by decidedly unfriendly lions. It kinda looked like the hallways kept going past them, though..."

If we as a group want to get it over with, Hopton is happy to lead the metaphorical charge. I figure these things are still medium sized, since they appear to take a full square on the map (though Hopton does, too, so perhaps that's not the best point of reference). At any rate, he's not a big-time powerhouse yet, but he is small, and hard to hit, already. Fighting defensively, for win and profit!

In the interest of perfect clarity: I'm about 60% in favor of getting the fight over with. I figure we're gonna come back this way for sure, one way or another.

[Harhoult]

"Hrmph"

Archie grunts at the continued discussion, mind and crossbow focused on the passage downwards. The faint glow from the "bait" slowly fills the room as the spectral form drifts into the room before disappearing in a puff of vapor.

Archie holds his breath. One heartbeat. Two... If the lions were going to investigate the upper room, they ought to show themselves any moment now.

With a slow exhalation, he relaxes his aim and turns back to the group.

"It seems they have no intention of waltzing into our own trap. And yes, I agree in that they will have to be dealt with eventually; either slain or driven off. Though I say we deal with them soon... they have the advantage in stealth after all, and seem inclined to ambush."

He sighs are regards the lower passage. "I am rather disappointed one didn't take the bait. Though if we can find something sweeter, we should be able to spring a trap; they are just beasts, after all."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron Tanessen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=891528)
Male Human Oracle, Level 1, Init +5, HP 11/11, Speed 20 ft. (30 ft. base)
AC 20, Touch 15, Flat-footed 15, CMD 19, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 1, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 0
MW Longsword +5 (1d8+4, 19-20/x2)
Masterwork Chain Shirt, MW Spiked Light Steel Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Tongues Curse (Infernal)
Martial Flexibility - Improved Initiative
Total Defense
Aaron nods at Hopton and says, "When combat begins, I will not be able to understand you. Do your thing and I will lay into the beasts with everything I have." He then looks forward and takes a deep breath. "Alright, everyone - on my mark. One...two...three!" The noble then moves decisively into the room, trusting his shield and sword to protect him from the lurking cats.

If another PC moves to stop Aaron from advancing, he will stop and let them present other options!

Before combat begins, Aaron uses Martial Flexibility to use Improved Initiative. Then he moves down the hallway to around M51 on the map to start combat with the lions.

Initiative [roll0]
Total Defense once there...

[Harhoult]

Archibald (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892256)
M LN Human Tattooed Sorcerer (Red Dragon), Level 1, Init 3, HP 8/8, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 12, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Heavy Mace 1 (1d8, x2)
Light Crossbow (20 bolts) 2 (1d8, 19-20x2)
Shield spell (+4 Shield, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition None

"Onward then!" Archibald declares as Aaron leads the offensive into the depths. "Watch our backs for us, will you Griffy?"

The hawk stares back coldly, practically radiating indignation from the earlier slight. If she acknowledges the request, she gives no sign; instead resuming her preening.

Archibald draws his mace and follows a few paces behind Aaron. A thrill of fear races down his spine. There was something... primal, about descending into a beast's lair to do battle. Bah. Since when was I a romantic? On the practical side however.... Archie intones the spell to create a magical shield, just in case.

With the success of the first dummy target still fresh in mind, he wills forth another ghostly figure and sends it winging away, a pace ahead of Aaron. To any questioning looks:

"What? It seemed to work well enough the first time. And even if the beasts have wizened to the trick, the extra light will be welcome."

Shield: +4 ac, 1 minute. 2/4 lvl 1 spells remaining. Mage's tattoo (evoc): dancing lights. 0/3 uses remaining

[Richter]

One sidenote I just noticed Quinn's post mention that he doesn't know enough about animals without rolling for it. With bardic knowledge he can make any knowledge check, even untrained. Hopton's scouting makes that a moot point, but didn't want it to get lost.

When the lights return up the tunnel, no creatures are padding after them, leaving the long moments of tense delay, followed by the restructuring of the plan.

The mural is examined much more closely, but doesn't seem to apply directly to anything within the room itself, even beneath the layers of dust and grime there doesn't appear to be any black or white paint or stones, and there aren't any external light sources.

The trapdoor down doesn't appear to have any traps of its own, and is unlocked. It looks like it merely should involve hooking ones fingers into the cracks of stone and pulling it upward to release it.

The debate about what to do next seems to abate as several members of the party begin to advance down the tunnel, with the others less choice but to trail behind.



Asmodia
Aaron
Hopton
Quinn
Mountain Lions
Archie

Moving down the hallway, the corner of this odd shaped nexus of corriors is reached just as a low growl is heard and then met by its mate from across the room. Two mountain lions peer out from the darkness, backs arched and ready to pounce. The larger eyes the party from around a corner to the north, the other stands perched just in front of a pile of makeshift bedding composed of scraps of cloth and leather. It the dim light you can barely make out a litter of cubs within.

Asmodia focuses her gaze on the closer of the two lions and then steps forward, preparing her spear for what she expects to be a charge.

Alright, most of you guys go before the lions, so you are at least going to get to prepare a little bit. Both sides were aware of the other so no surprise.

Asmodia swift actions 'painful stare' on the Lion in K49, and will trigger it if she gets to hit with her spear, or when someone else hits if its obvious she won't be able to attack(Its a free immediate action to trigger, adds 1 damage if someone else hits, or 1d6 if she does). Then she is going to ready an action and brace her longspear for a charge.


Map is Updated (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1o4D5TQELRFy2DUWuOGRdKNY-okQ0wuyudivutjda2pI/edit?usp=sharing)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron Tanessen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=891528)
Male Human Oracle, Level 1, Init +5, HP 11/11, Speed 20 ft. (30 ft. base)
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 15, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 1, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 0
MW Longsword +5 (1d8+4, 19-20/x2)
Masterwork Chain Shirt, MW Spiked Light Steel Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Tongues Curse (Infernal)
Martial Flexibility - Improved Initiative
Aaron steps in front of Asmodia, saying,

"Take advantage of your spear's reach - I will cover you from attacks..."
After talking with FarmerBink, I think it is not appropriate to be able to switch Combat Feats without using another charge of Martial Flexibility. As such, Aaron is stuck with the Improved Initiative, since it is his last use of the ability available today.

Also, I did roll for Initiative already, and got a 21 in my last post.

Aaron will take a 5-ft step to M51 and ready an action to attack the first mountain lion to get within melee range.
MW Longsword [roll0] attack, [roll1] (19-20/x2), [roll2] slashing damage, [roll3] critical strike damage

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

[Before Combat]

Quinn was no battlefield tactician but the choice to move in on a den full of lions when so many other options were still available didn't seem the most sound. He hadn't spent too much time studying the predatory habits of large beasts of prey but if it were in fact their den he assumed the animals were likely on the defense simply for the sake of their living space. The possibility had been mentioned that the creatures might sneak up on the group and attempt to ambush them while they explored other segments of the Delve, but this seemed to ignore the possibility they could always be ambushed while fighting the lions... or in fact at any distinct point considering the nature of the place. Something clearly had the mind to set traps like the one along the unexplored tunnel from the main stairs and he'd been surprised the sounds of combat and barricade building had not thus far drawn attention.

There was always the possibility that the trapdoor might lead to a tunnel allowing them to circumnavigate the lions' den if there were passages beyond it, but as choice members of their posse decide to press the attack it seems that further investigation would be set aside until the combat had resolved. He readies his bow and draws an arrow from his quiver, following behind the group by several paces. "Let's hope we're hungrier than they are..."

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

[In Combat]

As they near the lions den proper, the archeologist wishes he'd had more magic at his disposal that might have helped resolve this in a manner other than simply walking straight in. Being able to smoke the creatures out or perhaps even catch them in a sleep enchantment would have been terribly useful. Regardless, he nocks his arrow and pulls the string of his shortbow back slowing as they approach the room and attempting to line up a decent shot through the group. Waiting until either the lions or his companions make their move, he focuses on his breathing and tightens his core.


Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)
Male Neutral Good Human Bard (Archaeologist)
Level 1, Init 3, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 1, Ref 5, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow (Arrows) +3 (1d6, x3)
Rapier (N/A) +1 (1d6+1, 18–20/×2)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 16
Condition None

Adjusted my position to more accurately reflect where Quinn would be.

Ready Action : Attack a lion using Shortbow once combat starts proper. (Assuming a decent shot is available)

If the party prior to my turn moves forward to engage the lions, I would have moved forward to a clearer shot but not entered the room proper before firing.


Attack : [roll0] (-4 if firing into melee) (-4 if cover applies)
Damage : [roll1]

[Farmerbink]

Hopton slinks forward, just a few paces in front of Asmodia and the others. With Aaron at his side, he unconsciously falls into the habit of measuring his steps and lightening their fall. As they move into the lion's den, his eager and anxious expression shifts more to one of irritation. Perhaps disappointment? He nods towards the nesting cubs and whispers, "Think we can get them to leave some other way? Maybe light a few more torches and leave a path clear to the exit?"

Hopton Longbottom (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=892417)
M CG Halfling Swashbuckler (mouser), Level 1, Init 4, HP 9/12, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 19, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 2, Ref 7, Will 1, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 1
rapier +7 (1d4-1, 18-20, x2)
dagger +6/+6 (1d3-1, 19-20, x2)
alchemical +6 (-, -)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Size, +4 dodge)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18
Condition Panache: 3/4

Total defense, waiting for some kind of response from his companions before he considers instigating combat.

[Richter]

Seeing the cubs as well, Asmodia's grip tightens on her spear and she looks between Hopton and Aaron, speaking in infernal.

They will fight fiercely to defend their babies. We should give them a path out, use fire, smoke to chase them away.

[Harhoult]

Archibald was brought up short as the front line hesitated. Hopton's and Quinn's comments, the looks Asmodia and Aaron threw each other, snapped him out of his reminiscence. He had been lost in memories of hunts he once watched, too young to partake in, the hunters bringing back great beasts to mount in the family trophy-hall.

The memories of how, when the occasional cub was found, it was "taken care of" still brought a stab of pain, despite his father's years of scolding. With a start, Archie realizes that scene will play out again should events proceed...

With everyone's enthusiasm flagging, Archie saw his way out of his own trap. "Tsk. Back up slowly then, if you suddenly not going to fight." His usual arrogant tone rang false to his ears, and he hoped no one noticed the thinly veiled relief.

As he had ended up at he back of the group again, he "leads" them back, away from he den, everyone tense and careful not to further provoke the cats. The ghostly figure helps in this by holding the cat's attention long enough for the group to backtrack out of sight.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron allows himself to be pulled back, though it is clear he is frustrated. Breathing heavily, he whispers, urgently, "What is it? Do you all have a different plan?" When the torches and fires are suggested to force the mountain lions out he grimaces but nods, seeing how the others wish to be merciful to the predators. "Fine - just get it going. I will protect you as you work."

He then steps to the side and watches carefully for enemies coming from behind. Once the fire is going and the cats likely to run past he places himself between the animals and his allies, sword drawn and shield readied in case they lash out rather than flee.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Could you tell if the room was enclosed enough for the smoke to build up?" Quinn asks Hopton while reaching into his own pack to offer up spare torches as needed. He wonders if any of the wood and such from the other room might assist in guiding the creatures toward the door but worries that might take a bit more time and preparation than was appropriate. 'Perhaps a few more well placed torches may do the trick?' He thinks to himself as he lights a pair and positions them toward the center of the fresco room in a manner that should hopefully usher the creatures toward the stairs out rather than the frightened creatures becoming cornered in a different room.

Silly as it may be, he quite enjoyed that they were problem solving this particularly troubling situation via a plan rather than simply putting the creatures down. It wasn't something that carried weight like solving the hidden message in the horses, or unlocking some dark secret here in the Delve, but he liked that the group had at least considered alternative options after all. He finishes the preparations he can and assists the others as able before getting into place himself.

Quinn will provide torches as needed as well as magically lighting them.

He'll also place two down in the painting room to help usher the creatures toward the stairs. (added to the map)

Have to cut the post short due to a call from work. But will try to get more in at some point.

[Harhoult]

Archibald blinked in surprise.

"Of course! Smoking them out. So obvious, yet I overlooked it. Doubly embarrassing is how I once saw it done, for much the same purpose, on one of my father's hunting trips... though I get the feeling we won't be setting up a firing line this time."

Archie rummages in his pack and brings out a bundle of prepared torches, pulling out five to contribute to the blaze.

"The merchant who sold me this "Adventurer's Kit" insisted that I take extra torches. This was not what he had in mind for them, likely."

He gives Griffy a glance as preparations are made. If the hawk could be said to wear a disapproving look, this would be it. Archie chuckled a bit at this, "Looks like Griffy's a little sore at us. A mountain lion would eat her in a blink, if given the opportunity... she no doubt wanted the tables turned for her own amusement. Griffy! Arm!" The last bit carried the weight of a command. Griffy hesitated just long enough to signal her poor opinion of humans before flying up and returning to tattoo form.

A quick surveying of the room to see how preparation were going led his eye to the ever-vigilant Aaron. The swordsman's battle-lust from a few minutes ago was not lost on Archie.

Something to keep an eye on. Not that I'm much to talk; I was right behind him, ready to kill what didn't need to be killed. Yes, it would have been safer, in the long run, to cleanse any threat as we found it... but would that have been right? In the end, I am a noble; I decide what is "right"; and for now, this course is it.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Firing line...?" Quinn says in response to Archibald's mention of the hunting trips, confusion clearly seeping into his voice showing he didn't quite follow.

[Harhoult]

Archibald seems only too willing to elaborate, as usual...

"Ah yes, firing line; the nobles on the hunt would take positions with crossbows. Once the quarry was smoked out, they would fire on it in turn until one could claim the trophy. Of course, we had servants with spears then, as well as a tracker to field-dress the beast and a furrier on retainer to properly skin and mount the hide. Ah, good times... though these lions are far to scrawny to bother with all that. Would be a disgrace to my family trophy-hall, it would!"

[Richter]

Falling back slowly from the lions den, the party goes about preparing. A couple torches placed along the pathway is designed to funnel them where you want them to go and are quickly placed.

Hopton does raise an interesting point, the cats are in a rather large room for smoke from torches to quickly build up, but a quick trip to the surface to grab some live wood resolves that, it producing much more smoke as it burns. As Aaron guards the rest of the party, Hopton sneaks down to the junction, lighting several logs and tossing them into the passage. The cats panic for a moment from the fire, both retreating back to their den but within a few moments of Hopton falling back to join the rest of the party a pair of eyes are seen peering around around the corner to check for further danger and both lions move by, dashing full speed up the flight of stairs and out of sight, a cub hanging from each of their mouths.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron watches the cats pass intensely, ready to defend his allies should the need arise. When it doesn't he asks, "Were there only two cubs? Is that it?" Once it is confirmed that the party won't have to deal with the adult predators he helps put out the burning brush and torches before taking the lead again and stepping forward to explore the mountain lions' den.

Perception [roll0] to spot threats
After that, he will take 10 for a 13 on his Perception to check the room for valuables and items of interest.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Well, that worked mostly as intended." Quinn whispers as the two adult lions vanish from site fleeing the smoke that boiled forth from the stairs descending into the Delve. "Lets not forget what other effects that smoke might have though..." He warns the others. "It may have caught attention of other Delve dwellers and of course the pillar that escaped might draw things to the entrance. We shall have to be vigilant and watching for ambushes still."

Once enough time has passed that it's clear the parents aren't coming back (or if someone states that there were in fact only the two cubs) Quinn will assist in quelling the fires that still burned and would gather up any torches he'd used. He'll hang near the back of the group as they enter the den, keeping a watchful eye and ear for any danger.

"Let's not forget about the trap door either."

Adding my torches and such back to inventory.

Keeping an eye on the tunnels behind us as we enter the den:
Passive Perception : 14

[Richter]

With the fires stamped out, it quickly becomes clear that this room isn't quite entirely dark on its own. A sickly green light barely provides any illumination but seems to come in from the southeastern hallway.

Stirring through the den itself provides very little, scraps of wood, leather and cloth make up the bedding and its sprinkled with several sets of gnawed on bones.

Walking the perimeter of the room doesn't reveal any of the fancy artwork of the previous room or any odd doors such as was found in the chamber with the reflecting pool. The strangest thing about this area is its floorplan. To the north, a heavy door is set into the wall, but even to casual observation it doesn't appear to match up with the surrounding architecture. The passage southeast opens into a larger area, though the only thing visible from here is an enormous glass cylinder, 10ft across, that rises floor to ceiling in the center of the room. The dim green light seems to emanate from it.

Very faintly, through the western wall behind the den you can hear bird-like screeches. That they are penetrating the stone indicates just how loud they must be.



For Licht, the journey to the Delve from the village after several months of waiting for new adventurers holds hope, and the warm summer day makes for a pleasant enough walk through the farmland. The sight that greets him, however, is a strange one. As he begins up the hill towards the duchy itself, smoke begins to roll upwards from within the rubble. Larger than what may come from a campfire, the idea of a blaze happening out where no one could easily stop it might hold its own concern. Those worries are likely quickly replaced by confusion as he nears the ruins themselves and two large mountain lions come dashing up the stairs, each with a cub in its mouth. The two look around with some frantic concern before sprinting off back through the rubble and down into the nearest copse of trees.

[BilltheCynic]

Licht stops short and blinks as the mountain lions rush into the forest. His own experience with wildlife in the Delve comes to mind. Immediately worries start flitting through Licht's mind. What had caused the fire? Had it hurt this new party? Were they too trying to escape but trapped and choking on the smoke?

Mudoru perceives Licht's worry and mentally responds, "Perhaps this party was the source of the fire, and used it to solve a problem. Adventurers are not known for their tact or subtlety in such matters."

Licht had to admit that was rather likely. Still, he had heard too many stories of the Delve's dangers to assume the fire was started by friendlies. Assuming, of course, that this party would accept him. The greater concern of the lions, he realizes, is what Mother Gellow and Sheriff Mansan would think when they found out some mountain lions had been driven from the Delve, or the poor farmers and travelers who might suffer from it. Still, that was a concern for when he gets back. He carefully approaches the entrance, trying to avoid the worst of the smoke as he does so.

"Now would be a good time to summon my power now, my host. You know the Dangers of the Delve."

Licht shakes his head before Mudoru even finishes. He'd already considered it, and decided it was best if he first met the party as his normal self, without the devil's influence, and give him a better chance to introduce and explain himself without things coming to blows between them. No need to justify his decision to the fiend, of course. Still, he readies the summoning of a monster should someone try to attack him, just in case.

The tiefling carefully makes his way into the Delve, following the smoke trail and hoping it leads him to the party. He calls out, "Um, hello? Hello? Are there adventurers down here? I heard some adventurers had come to the Delve and thought I might offer to help. Anyone? Hello?"

Ready an action: if something hostile attacks Licht, cast Summon Monster I to summon a fiendish eagle (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/animals/eagle/summoned-creature-eagle) right next to it. (Don't think it's needed right now, but it's what Licht would do)

No bonuses to perception, so passive perception is 10.

If this information is necessary, Licht can hold his breath for 16 rounds if he does nothing but move actions (half that if he takes standard or full actions).

[Harhoult]

"What the blazes is that?"

Archie had descended into the (former) lions' den not really knowing what to expect... and old storeroom perhaps, maybe even treasure left by the lions' victims. Certainly not glowing glass pillars. It grabbed Archie's attention immediately, and he made a beeline towards it.

Not foolish enough to actually touch it outright, he examines it closely. "Impressive... this quantity of quality glass was undoubtedly expensive. Not to mention whatever enchantment it must carry."

Not sure what would apply, going to throw some rolls at it. Please disregard if not applicable:
Perception: [roll0]
Knowledge (Arcana): [roll1]

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn keeps his place at the back of the group as they begin to advance into the former lion den. He was genuinely concerned their smoke pillar may have caught the attention of someone or something and his concerns seem well placed when he hears a voice call out from the entrance stairs. He holds his readied arrow in place with his left hand and gives two quick snaps with his right to hopefully draw the attention of his companions before quickly drawing back his bow. His mind races at the possibilities; an earnest adventurer looking to assist ... or some member of the dark and occult that lay within the Delve... perhaps a bandit looking for easy pickings?



If Licht rounds the corner toward the den he'll see that from the doorway across the room stands a young adult human with bow drawn and ready to let loose an arrow. "Ho there! Who are you and what brings you to this place?" He calls out, not rudely but obviously with a serious tone.

[BilltheCynic]

The tiefling rounds the corner and stops short at the sight of the man with bow drawn. He slowly raises his hands above his head. "Eep. Um, hello. My name is Licht von Dunkel and, well, I would rather appreciate it if you did not shoot me. I was actually wondering if you would be amenable to me joining you and providing what aid I may. I'm an adventurer, and actually came to explore the Delve a few months ago with a different party. Unfortunately, that group sort of fell apart due to external factors, so I wandered for a bit before returning to Bridenford for a couple of weeks to volunteer at the Temple of Sarenrae and wait for another party to organize. Unfortunately I missed you guys when you were getting together, so I chased you down hoping to meet you here. Assuming that you are the party that left this morning. I admit I didn't get many details before I set out, just some names and basic descriptions."

Licht tentatively points at the archeologist and asks, "By any chance, are you...Archibald?"

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn lowers the bow slightly and gives a slow nod, but clearly keeps the weapon half-drawn and ready to use at a moment's notice; his arrow pointed at the floor roughly halfway between the two men. He listens to the newcomer's explanation and tries to pick up on any hints of falsehood: It wasn't entirely far-fetched that another group had come seeking adventure in the Delve and fallen apart, especially considering their warnings from the sheriff. "Just another Delve seeker hunting glory and treasure?" He asks, mostly rhetorically.

"Me?" Quinn responds when the inquiry about Archibald is raised, he doesn't turn his head to see if the pointing may have been at the real Archibald behind him. "No no, I'm Quinn...hopefully you've not heard too many rumors." A joke about Hopton's introduction to the Sheriff slips in even though the man may have not been privy to that information.

Assuming a feeling of earnestness is perceived, Quinn will lower his bow further as a sign of increased trust. Otherwise he'll keep it in place halfway between them for now.

Mostly for fun:

Sense Motive : [roll0]

[BilltheCynic]

Lichts shrugs his shoulders and smiles in embarrassment. "Well, yes. Treasure mostly...but it's for a good cause."

"Oh, Quinn. Sorry, I didn't names and details I got weren't very clear. Nice to meet, even if it is at the aim of a bow. Um, actually the bow part isn't really that nice."

Licht slowly lowers his arms as Quinn lowers his bow. "Rumors...well, I did hear one story. Something about a halfling asking the sheriff how he could evade the law when he's having fun? I'm sure it got jumbled in the tellings though, if it even happened at all; it was one of those 'friend of a friend told me' stories."

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn gives a slight eye-roll, visible only to a keen observer here in the gloom of the dungeon. "Hardly spent a single night in town and we already have a reputation..." He starts and gives a small sign. "See what you've done." Hopton would hopefully gather that the archaeologist was, of course, implying him. He drops his bow the rest of the way and studies the stranger, giving him a solid once-over. 'If he's being truthful another hand could certainly assist in exploring the place, especially if he can hold his own in combat.'

Another respectful nod (and the lowering of the weapon) hopefully conveyed to Licht he was clear to approach that they might begin proper introductions.

[BilltheCynic]

Licht nods approaches the group, trying to look more confident than he felt. "I, uh, guess I should probably tell what I can do. Like I said, my name is Licht von Dunkel, and I have a, um, connection with some of the other planes. I can work some minor magic and temporarily summon creatures from beyond this plane. I...can also draw on this power to greatly enhance my physical attributes, though it also makes me look a bit, well, monstrous. It takes a while to draw the power, about a minute actually, and when I do it blocks my summoning channels, so I cannot do both at the same time. I also know the languages of the outer planes: celestial, infernal, and abyssal."

"Now, I've only heard very general information about you guys, and what I have heard hasn't been entirely clear. Would you mind telling me a bit about who you are and what you can do?"

[Harhoult]

"This is amazing... Quinn, come take a look! ... Quinn? Hellooo? Where did everyone go?!"

Achibald tore his gaze away from the pillar, suddenly realizing he was alone. Voices from the Delve entrance gave away his companions, and he quickly hurried up the slope in a huff. Hearing his name spoken a few times added to his bluster, so he was obviously out of sorts when he came upon the group.

"What's going on? We went through all that effort to drive out those cats, and you're all having tea up here? Quinn, there's this pillar you need to... Oh. Hello."

The sight of the newcomer took Archie aback, not just from his appearance (Some sort of...satyr? Is that right?) but that Quinn's bow was lowered and the two seemed to be speaking amiably.

Archibald caught enough of the conversation to see that this newcomer intended to travel with them, and the others were fine with this. Archie was too bewildered by the turn of events to really catch Licht's talents (something about summoning and transforming?), though he got his wits about himself as the party began a round of introductions. By the time his turn came around, he had collected himself enough to present a bold enough front (though he prayed it was too dark to see the lingering red in his face).

"I am Archibald Ironfist, second-son of the Taldor Ironfist line. You will do well to remember that name! I for one am pleased to meet another Delver, and look forwards to a retelling of your experiences."

[BilltheCynic]

Licht turns to Archibald. "Oh, you're Archibald. Right, ok, I'll try to remember that. As for my experiences...well, I admit it wasn't much of an experience. A couple of months ago this den housed some rather irate warthogs. We entered and turned left, and the warthogs charged us in spite of our hunter's best efforts to pacify them. I ended up, well, stopping them. With my body. It was quite painful. Fortunately Percidal, our hunter, and his mount managed to skewer them shortly thereafter. We returned to the town to sell the piglets that we found here and lick our wounds."

"After that, the group sort of fell apart. Percidal was braving the Delve to find his master, who had been lost in here, but shortly after returning to town his master returned from the Delve, albeit a bit...touched in the head. The master had some interesting stories and noble connections, so most of the group left to try their fortune with him. I wondered the surrounding area for a few months before returning to Bridenford to look for another group. That...really is it. Like I said, it isn't all that much of an experience I'm afraid. Sorry."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron turns to see the newcomer and briefly frowns in concern. As the tiefling explains himself the noble steps forward and says, "My name is Aaron Tanessen, formerly of the noble family of Cheliax. You have fiendish blood, do you not? I hate to be rude, but experience has taught me to be somewhat cautious around such as yourself. Why should we trust you amongst us?" It is clear from his tone that Aaron is trying to be genuine and open, but not foolishly naive. The noble looks at Licht expectantly, waiting for an answer.

[BilltheCynic]

Licht winces at Aaron's question, though he couldn't say he blames the man. He grips the iron holy symbol of Sarenrae around his neck,drawing resolve from its promise. Because...because I don't have to let my life be determined by my birth. Because I have no control of my heritage, but I do have control of my actions, and I chose to do what's right. Because Sarenrae promises a place for any who would turn from evil and embrace the light, and by her mercy I try to set a righteous path. I...I understand that it's a lot to ask you to trust a tiefling, especially one you just met. If you don't want me to travel with you, I will leave. But I ask for a chance to prove myself, to lend what aid I can to you in this dangerous Delve."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron nods solemnly. "I do not worship the Dawnflower, but respect her and her flock for the values they champion. To be fair, most who know anything of my family's reputation would ask the same question of me, so I will not hold you accountable for the actions of your ancestors. I will extend my trust for now - please be worthy of it," he replies, not taking his eyes off the newcomer. Then, with a deep breath he gestures for Licht to follow and explains, "Apparently a pair of adult mountain lions decided to make a nest where your warthogs used to live. We just finished routing them from their dens and were about to continue exploring. If you wish to prepare yourself for combat, you have time now while we look about the room..."

The noble then turns and walks with Archibald back towards the unusual glass pillar, looking at the strange items curiously. "Go ahead and inspect it closer, Archibald. I will guard your back as you do."

[Richter]

People are beginning to get accustomed to the new arrival, well enough that Archie can move forward and take a closer look at the large tube in the room.

The room itself is bathed in that odd green glow, not enough to be bright, but it does allow every corner to be picked out easily without torches. Three doors exit this room, one to the north(likely making its way back to the chamber with the frescoes) one in the south-east corner, and one along the southern wall.

As the cylinder is moved towards, two things become apparent. First, it doesn't simply sit within the chamber. It looks like it moves a few feet into the stone of the roof before dead ending, and it drops down into the floor, the tube extending beyond easy sight. Second, the 'tube' doesn't appear to be made of glass at all, though it is perfectly clear. Trying to size it up, you would suspect its some sort of force effect.

As it is inspected, movement is seen from the pit and suddenly a creature drifts upwards rapidly. A gray-brown beast of unique and bizarre appearance. Spherical, it sports a massive central eye, with a number of eyes on long stalks on top, and long tendrils dangling from beneath it. The whole being stretches approximately five feet across. It glares at you as you peer in. Taking advantage of its surprising appearance, it lets loose a burst of rays from its eyestalks, though the rays hit the tube and stop. The thing seems amused by whatever fright this may cause, looking to be roaring with laughter, though no sound is heard from within.

It can't actually get to you through the tube, though it isn't clear where the tube may lead or whether its actually trapped in there or not. The tube is essentially indestructible to anything you guys have available to you at the moment(probably for the best), so feel free to respond how you wish with that info.

This creature is known as an Ocular Tyrant. They are powerful denizens of the underdark, known for enslaving the living.

They are able to stop magic with their central eye, and fire a variety of rays from their smaller eyestalks.

They secrete a toxin that causes those they smear it upon to become stunned.

The cylinder shows an overwhelming aura of abjuration.

The door has a rune carved on it in draconic. It also has a lock of remarkable quality on it.

The rune is the number '4'

The door is well locked. Listening at it, you can hear what sound like howling winds on the other side.

A small loose stone is found along the southern wall, which appears to be attached to a switch of some sort.

[Harhoult]

Because...because I don't have to let my life be determined by my birth. Because I have no control of my heritage, but I do have control of my actions, and I chose to do what's right. "


To be fair, most who know anything of my family's reputation would ask the same question of me, so I will not hold you accountable for the actions of your ancestors. I will extend my trust for now - please be worthy of it,"

Archibald follows the interchange with interest. While "tiefling" brings old wives tales to mind and leaves an unpleasant feel, he can't help but be moved by Licht's speech... if not a bit uncomfortable with it's finer points.

"I concur with Aaron, and I trust his judgement. I for one care not of your heritage, good or ill; it is results I want. And I will not lecture a man I just met on the responsibilities that accompany heritage." This, with a sideways glance at Aaron. "As for my own thoughts, nobility is in a noble's blood; to cast it aside would be as like a bird that cats aside flight to swim as a fish: clumsy and comedic. "

Those more familiar with Archie can probably see the speech coming on, and as not everyone has introduced themselves yet, may do well to interrupt before he gets rolling; after which he returns to the Pillar. Out of time for now anyways

[Farmerbink]

"We shall have to be vigilant and watching for ambushes still."
Hopton scoffs. "I'm always vigilant and watching for amb-woah!" As the diminutive swashbuckler trips over the rough rags and cloth that until recently formed bedding for large felines, he snorts. He rises to his feet and continues stifling the nearby torches.

His ears perk up at the call from the entrance, and Hopton hurriedly hustles back to where Quinn serves as rearguard. A narrow smile plays upon his lips as the Tiefling comes into view, and Quinn immediately assumes the worst.
"Ho there! Who are you and what brings you to this place?"
-snort- "He just told us that" Hopton mutters under his breath.

".... Something about a halfling asking the sheriff how he could evade the law when he's having fun?"
A quiet groan escapes Hopton's lips. "Ugh, couldn't even remember my name?" He pouts quietly in the corner. A grin splits his face at Quinn's comment, followed by an innocent shrug. As the newcomer announces his abilities, Hopton's attention wanes at a precipitous rate. "You can't hardly be the weirdest one down here. That other fellow can't even talk right when he gets excited..."

He remains quiet and actually has to stifle a yawn as Archibald comes forward, announcing himself and of course that last name of his... Behind the man's back, Hopton rolls his eyes as the sorcerer makes his introduction.

At Aaron's rather abrupt quasi-accusation, Hopton almost interjects. Walking around with a last name like Tanessen and he's accusing them? Psht. Another roll of the eyes meets Archibald's own comments, and sparks Hopton into action:

Stepping forward, Hopton clears his throat. "I, for one, have met a few other Tieflings with similar outlooks. Far be it for me to guide your steps- in the metaphorical, spiritual sense, at least. Here in the delve, I highly recommend you allow me to do exactly that," he finishes with a grin. "Of course, it's only right that we save the best for last. I am Hopton Longbottom," he bows, flourishing his small hat. "You may not have heard my name, but you have heard of my exploits," he adds with a laugh. "I'd rather my actions speak for themselves, but in the interest of introduction, stay behind me and you'll be alright!"

As usual, the Halfling leads the way towards the eerie green cylinder. As the others look around, he draws his rapier and tentatively pushes it towards the edge of the shape. Focused on the tip of his blade, the sudden appearance of a relatively massive beast behind it causes him to leap backwards, falling onto his rump on the hard stone floor. "What in the nine hells is that!?" he cries, his voice cracking slightly in surprise.

His attitude rapidly shifting to indignation, he leaps to his feet. "Fine then, ugly! Come out of your blasted hidey-hole and fight if you think that's so funny!" His blade drops threateningly for only half a heartbeat before Hopton thrusts it towards the cylinder and the monster lurking within.

I officially apologize if this gets us all killed. Hopton is entirely too fearless and foolhardy for his own good.

[BilltheCynic]

Licht decides not to get involved in Archie's discussion on noble blood; he was hardly one to talk about the responsibility of his heritage. He smiles at Hopton. "Can't talk normally? That's...interesting, I guess. Thank you, Hopton. Yes, I believe strongly in letting someone's actions speak for them. I'll, um, try to remember to stick behind you."

Licht follows the group i to the room with the cylinder. He jumps when they eyes-ball shoots rays at the tube. "దయగల డాన్పుష్పం*, what is that?"

Mudoru rages at Hopton's actions. "Imbicile! The weak mortal intentionally drawing the ire of a much more powerful creature and stabbing at a magical containment field?! Is he trying to get everyone killed?!"

Licht turns to Hopton and tactfully translates, "Um, I don't want to tell you how to do your job, but threatening the strange monster and stabbing the strange magical tube might not be the wisest course of action."

Merciful Dawnflower

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn wasn't sure what to say when the conversation turned to the topics of noble blood and life paths. He'd obviously been bored into a position of priveledge--his family had the pull and the funds to provide him a proper education and shelter him from the hard life most people were saddled with--but he had not claim to any family legacy or bloodline, let alone one that warranted announcing his family name and father to others on the road. He'd obviously quite enjoy leaving his mark on the history books of the world, but that would be accomplished through his achievements not from his heritage.

Things seem to be going well enough and after a short while they once again set out to move deeper into the dungeon. Quinn remains near the rear of the group attempting to keep watchful eye and keen ear on the group ahead as well as covering their flank. He does make a mental note of the groups new distribution, keeping in mind how folks follow behind Hopton as he leads on, so that he might best be able to position himself for clear lines of fire as needed.



Entering the room with the green glowing column immediately drew in Quinn's attention like a sponge. Luckily there was no ambush from behind to take advantage of the moment because this room instantly piqued his interest and held fast his curiosity. When the creature rises his draw nearly drops and he fumbles to ready his weapon... but as the burst of rays issues forth from the eye stalks he finds his heart in his throat.

"What is that thing?" He manages to stammer out, thinking back to his teachings he couldn't recall having learned of such a best. Perhaps the others had heard rumors or tales with their more real-world experience. "It seems contained within the column... be careful that we don't accidentally trip some sort of release mechanism."

[Harhoult]

As much as Archibald wished to examine the pillar further, it was the newcomer Licht that drew his attention on the way back down. His... unusual features disturbed Archie more than he would ever admit, more due to the memories they brought back and the uncomfortable thought that, had it not been for Arnheim's seal, his own appearance would likely be similar...

Realizing that he was staring, Archie quickly fished about for something to discuss with Licht.

"I am afraid I missed part of your introduction... Something about summoning and transformation magic?

assuming Licht provides a short recap of his abilities, won't make you repeat if you rather not

"Ah. You specialize in conjuration and polymorphics then?" Archie summarizes, trying to fit Licht into a preconceived box,
"I have a preference for evocations myself. I look forwards to seeing the craft of a fellow mage."

He waves a hand absently towards Quinn and Aaron, who have taken the lead as the pillar comes into view. "Those two use some interesting magics as well. It would seem that there is far more variance to magic than my instructor let on. Tell me, did you atte... GOOD GODS WHAT IS THAT!?!"

Archibald is abruptly cut off as an abomination suddenly floats into view, and he ducks reflexively as it seems to fire something at the party. Hopton's reaction, coupled with the creature's own hideous-looking mirth, elicits a few shaky chuckles from Archie.

"My, that's an ugly brute. For better or worse, it does not seem to be an unthinking beast though; Aroden's ashes, I hope it stays in there."

While keeping a careful eye on the pillar, Archibald stays near Quinn as the scholar investigates the room. Archie has become keenly aware of his own inattention to details the others have picked up on. His pride would allow no such admittance, but he felt that his own skills could only benefit through observation.

When the search turns to the southern door, the rune upon it triggers a strange noise from Archie, something guttural as he apparently attempt to swallow his own tonsils.

"Vrarr. It's draconic, the language of magic. Vrarr equals the number Four in common, though what that has to do with this door escapes me."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron watches the rest of the party patiently until the abomination appears. Where most of them react by leaping back, instead he leaps forward aggressively, brandishing his sword and shield. When Hopton's blade point does not pierce the column he slows but does not lower his guard. "I have no idea what that is, but would prefer to avoid it for now - can you please stop poking at it, Hopton?" Once things settle and it is clear the party is not under immediate threat the noble looks around and notes Archibald moving towards one of the doors. He then places himself between the party and the other doors, trying to keep an eye on their flank.

"Four? What does that mean, you think?" he asks when the arcanist describes the door. "Is it locked?"

[Harhoult]

"Locked? Yes it is, in fact; though that hasn't stopped our Quinn before. As for the number..." Archie shrugs. "If there is a vrarr, then I suppose there must be a fogah somewhere, possibly a jlatak. Only exploring further will tell."

Archie frowns and glances back at the abomination. "Though I wish that thing would stop looking at me! It's quite unsettling, I wish it would back whence it came. No, never mind... I almost prefer it where we can see what it's up to, now that it's here."

"I don't suppose... we could try communicating with it? While it seems sound does not reach it, it may understand written language." Archie gives another shaky laugh. "It can certainly see well enough!"

Fogah = 3, Jlatak = 5; because I too can use fancy shmancy tongues!

[Richter]

The halflings blade strikes the wall of force with a bit of a jolt, jarring his hand and skidding off to the side which only brings another burst of silent laughter from the creature.

As the party explores the room, its gaze follows them, even if they split to various portions the eye-stalks divide up and seem to watch everyone at once. Now and again, when it feels it can, it tries to startle someone by lunching at the wall of the tube or firing its rays again.

If anyone has knowledge history, feel free to make a roll. Probably going to be a pretty hard check, trying to determine about whether there might be something known to give a clue about.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Still off-put by the presence of the creature in the column, Quinn tries not to take his eyes off it for too long. He slowly makes his way around the room and toward the southern door alongside Archibald. "No, no, I don't think it's denoting this door as the fourth in a set... I think it might be a reference to The Four." He explains, pausing a brief moment to see if there was an air of recognition from any of his companions before elaborating. "A group of quite powerful sorcerers is fabled to have made their headquarters deep in the Delve, calling themselves The Mages Four."

He shoots another worried glance at the creature and then focuses his attention on the stylized symbol for the door. "They supposedly used the symbol Vrarr as their calling card. But...that would have been going on near a millennium ago now... these markings and door look quite recent." He scratches his chin as he muses over this new puzzle, nearly forgetting the trapdoor they'd left behind, and leans in to study the lock a bit closer.

What are we looking at lockwise? Does this look like something worth trying to pick or is this well beyond my skill?

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron glares in annoyance at the creature before pointedly ignoring it as he watches for threats. "That is all very interesting, Quinn. Thank you. Now, can you open the door or not? We should continue forward - I would prefer to not have this thing staring at us all day..."

The nobleman sounds genuinely interested, though frustrated by something. Based on his body language he seems particularly nervous at this intersection where so many opportunities for ambush abound, especially given their silent companion. He begins to pace back and forth, looking down the hallways and at the doors one by one. "Hopton - would you quick poking at that thing and help someone do something? It feels like that thing is crawling right up my spine, and I don't like it!"

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Actually, it looks to be beyond my skill for the moment." Quinn answers Aaron before sarcastically adding. "And even if I could the information seemed relevant enough to share with the group before simply charging onward."

Another worried glance at the creature proceeds him moving along the wall to the south eastern door to properly investigate the door there.

Sarcasm : [roll0]

Perception : [roll1] Looking for traps on the SE Door
Disable Device : Take 10 for 17... otherwise [roll2]

Unlock it if possible but dont yet open it, someone else should go first.

[Harhoult]

Quinn's revelation piques Archie's interest, which has him set aside plans of communicating with the Watcher for now.

"Mages Four, eh? Interesting. If they still lived, they would be quite powerful indeed... though it is far more likely that someone else has been using their mark, hoping to capitalize on the reputation it apparently carries."

Aaron's urgency was infectious, reminding Archie yet again that they were in no way secure here. Still, there was little to do until Quinn could open a way forwards, or the group decided to backtrack. Though as long as there was time...

"Aaron. I have a suggestion going forwards. Whenever there is room to do so, it would behoove yourself (and most likely Hopton) to leave a gap in your ranks to permit the use of my magic. I would simply hate accidentally catching one of you in my flames..."

[BilltheCynic]

"Ah. You specialize in conjuration and polymorphics then?" Archie summarizes, trying to fit Licht into a preconceived box,
"I have a preference for evocations myself. I look forwards to seeing the craft of a fellow mage."


Licht smiles weakly. "Well...my craft is rather limited. I can only conjure a couple of relatively weak monsters, and I have but one form I can polymorph into. Still, I try to do the best with what I have. It probably isn't anything special compared to what a dedicated mage as yourself can do."


"I don't suppose... we could try communicating with it? While it seems sound does not reach it, it may understand written language." Archie gives another shaky laugh. "It can certainly see well enough!"

Mudoru muses, "The obnoxious mage might actually have a point. I guess even a lame dretch can catch a soul once in a while..."

Licht listens for a while, then tactfully translates, "That...might be a decent idea, Archibald. Oh, uh, Ironfist, Archibald Ironfist. I...doubt the creature will be intentionally cooperative, but we can probably learn a lot about it by trying to communicate. Does it prefer to play mind games with its prey or just scare and attack, if it is more devi-...uh, lawful or chaotic, it might even betray some of its knowledge and abilities to us, or even why it's spending time watching us. Actually, that last reason is probably because it's scouting or observing us and our abilities. Maybe we should block its view?"


"No, no, I don't think it's denoting this door as the fourth in a set... I think it might be a reference to The Four." He explains, pausing a brief moment to see if there was an air of recognition from any of his companions before elaborating. "A group of quite powerful sorcerers is fabled to have made their headquarters deep in the Delve, calling themselves The Mages Four."

He shoots another worried glance at the creature and then focuses his attention on the stylized symbol for the door. "They supposedly used the symbol Vrarr as their calling card. But...that would have been going on near a millennium ago now... these markings and door look quite recent."

"Could the mark on the door be magically self renewing or sustaining? Actually, better question: do you think the Mages Four were responsible for the creation of the tube? If so, why?" Licht hesitates for a moment, then adds, "Um, I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but I have to ask, did the Mages Four have a reputation as good guys or...not so good guys?"


"Aaron. I have a suggestion going forwards. Whenever there is room to do so, it would behoove yourself (and most likely Hopton) to leave a gap in your ranks to permit the use of my magic. I would simply hate accidentally catching one of you in my flames..."

"Uh, I should probably state now that when transformed I can better withstand fire than most. Not extraordinarily well, it would still hurt and I would prefer you not hitting me with flames, but if it is necessary I can withstand some heat. Actually, now might be a good time for me to transform for battle. But, um, I'd rather not do it in here, where the creature can see what I'm doing. If it's all right with you, I'd like to go back to the warthog...I mean, uh, lion room and change there. Any of you are welcome to watch me if you'd like, I'd just prefer that, well, that thing doesn't."

Licht starts for the door, then hesitates and says to the others, "Also, my combat form looks a bit...monstrous. It's still me though, so please don't attack me on sight."

Licht heads out of the room, just far enough to be out of sight of the creature. He promptly falls to his knees and clasps his iron holy symbol in both hands. Head bowed and eyes closed, he prays in celestial:

డాన్ యొక్క ఎప్పుడూ ప్రకాశవంతమైన దేవత నేను మీరు మీ దయ మరియు సదుపాయం కోసం నా మీద ఈ రోజు మీరు ప్రతి రోజు అందిస్తాయి ధన్యవాదాలు నేను మీ దయ మరియు అవగాహన నిత్య కృతజ్ఞత వద్ద కూడా నేను నాశనం తీసుకుని మరియు నా రక్తంలో డెవిల్స్ పాల్పడకుండా మీ సహాయంతో నీతి మార్గం నడవడానికి ఉండవచ్చు జన్మించాడు నేను చెడు అవినీతికి మీరు స్టీల్ నా మనస్సు గుండె మరియు ఆత్మ అడగండి మరియు మీ జ్ఞానం నా మార్గం మార్గనిర్దేశం చేసే నేను చీకటి వ్యతిరేకంగా ఒక కవచం లోకి కాంతి వ్యతిరేకంగా ఒక ఆయుధం పరిగణించబడుతున్న చెయ్యడానికి మీ దయ మరియు న్యాయం యొక్క సాధనంగా ఉండవచ్చు ఇప్పుడు నా ప్రాణము రంధ్రాలు మరియు బానిస స్పాన్ నేను మీ బలం నాకు హెల్ యొక్క శక్తి హెవెన్ కారణం సేవించునట్లు పిలువు

Ever-bright goddess of the dawn, I thank you for your grace and provision upon me this day, as you provide every day. I am eternally grateful to your mercy and understanding, that even I, born to bring destruction and with the taint of devils in my blood, may walk the path of righteousness with your aid. I ask that you steel my mind, heart, and soul from the corruption of evil, and that your wisdom will guide my path. May I be an instrument of your compassion and justice, turning what was to be a weapon against the light into a shield against the darkness. Now spawn of the pits and slave to my soul, I summon your strength to me, that the power of Hell may serve the cause of Heaven.

As soon as the prayer finishes, Licht's tattoos seem to flow like crimson rivers of lava, and from them a charcoal-like hide grows to coat his entire body. Licht grimaces as his fusion with the fiend twists and deforms his body; his muscles swell grotesquely, his frame painfully grows much taller, his hair fuses into clumps of blood-red tendrils, his hands become disproportionately large talons, and his mouth elongates and fills with dagger-like teeth. Licht stands up more gracefully than his new form would imply, and his eyes open to reveal to two smoldering pits.

He tentatively walks back into the room, trying as best he can to move in a non-threatening manner. In a voice now deep and gravely he says, "I am ready to proceed."

Performing one minute ritual to summon eidolon. Licht gains:

Temporary Hitpoints: 9
Strength: 16
Dex: 12
Con: 13
BAB: +1
Natural AC: +4
Fire Resistance 5
Bluff +8
Bite 1d6
2 Claws 1d4


http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/assets/180288/Pit_Fiend.jpg

[Richter]

Quinn works for a few seconds at the south-eastern door, but while the lock is within his talents, it also is non-trivial and will probably take more effort to unlock.

I'm delaying a little bit to let Hopton catch up and get a post in, I know he's been busy this weekend. He's the only one who hit the high perception check and I want to give you guys a chance to know all your options before we advance through one of them.

Also, the lock Quinn is working on would require a pretty high roll from him, so you guys are probably looking at taking 20, spending 2 minutes. If Licht is going to transform, that takes a minute anyway and I don't think there are any effects going right now that require time anyway. Just means two minutes of being anxious in the open.

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Both the symbol and the door look to be quite recent." Quinn pointed out any key places along the door that may help emphasize his point. "I honestly wouldn't have even an inkling if they might still be around. Though I must say I'm not a fan of riddles I can't solve and this is the second room of this wing so far to offer up just that. In fact, this is the second mysterious door barring our way as well."

[Harhoult]

Actually, that last reason is probably because it's scouting or observing us and our abilities

Archie waved a dismissive hand at Licht's stammering, still pleased from the tiefling's praise. "Just Archibald is fine for now. You raise a good point... we must be cautious that we do not tip our hand to the abomination. There is no telling just how well, if at all, that thing is imprisoned. In addition, I do not see a way to block it's view in a manner more efficient than simply moving to another room."



when transformed I can better withstand fire than most.

This elicts a raised eyebrow and a chuckle from Archie. "That sounds useful, assuredly! I promise not to take advantage of it too much."

At Licht's invitation, Archibald is all to glad to observe his ritual; partly out of occupational curiosity, partly to get a better look at Licht's tattoos, and partly out of a sense of duty to watch his back. The nervous, stammering man was quickly growing on Archie; that Licht also seemed to possess a sharp mind helped.

The summoning ritual puzzled Archibald greatly.

That is not a magical chant... sounds almost devotional. The language is odd too, though pleasing to the ear.

At the ritual's culmination, Archibald actually steps nearer to Licht's new form. "Marvelous! A great force of magic, bound and directed into physical power... As I understand it, such a polymorph would be very draining. How long can you maintain it?"

The glowing lines of magic crossing Licht's form drew Archibald's eyes. I see. Similar, yet not. If only I had my master's notes, I could decipher it... A masterful creation in any case.

Archibald steps back as Licht stands, giving the now bulkier form some space. He looks upon the changed tiefling with a newfound respect... and envy.

[BilltheCynic]

Archibald's open admiration of the form makes Licht distinctly uncomfortable. True, the power is quite, well, powerful, but it is also distinctly fiendish, even if Licht was trying to pass it off as a simple polymorph. How could anyone express such fascination in the infernal powers when they were accompanied with such evil and cost? Of course, Licht knew he really had no right to judge, since like it or not he is actually using it himself, not just showing a craftsman's curiosity.

Archibald's question about how long he can maintain it does give him pause. He'd always summoned the power for exactly as long as it was needed, then either dismissed it the moment it was not or had it forcibly stripped from him by too much damage. He grudgingly asks Mudoru, "Mudoru, how long can I maintain this power?"

"For as long as you consciously desire it, my host. The fiery might of Hell does not dim easily."

Licht shivers, causing a slight grating sound as his hardened hide rubs against itself. He answers Archibald, "Well, theoretically, I think I can maintain it until I stop focusing on it, though if I take too much damage it will ruin my both my body and mind too much to keep it up. However, I, well, generally don't like keeping it up all the time. Most people don't react as, ah, scholarly as you do, not to mention it is rather...uncomfortable to maintain."

[DarkOne-Rob]

In spite of his earlier acceptance of the newcomer, Aaron's expression turns to one of horror and disgust as Licht takes on his devilish skin. "If I had not given my word to trust you first, we would be at blows right now..." he says to Licht, his eyes watchful. "I have seen forms such as that in Cheliax, too often. Frequently they were summoned for grisly or heinous rituals of the Church there - take care that you do not inspire more memories of the like." Aaron then moves up behind Quinn, waiting for the door to be unlocked.

[Farmerbink]

Hopton stumbles, unbalanced by the unexpected and forceful resistance to his blade. The blade clatters noisily as he catches himself on all-fours, turning quickly with a look of undisguised hatred towards the eerie beast. As it demonstrates nothing resembling capability for pursuing the diminutive swashbuckler, he rises, indignantly brushing dust from his knees and hands. "Stupid magic wall," he mumbles- alongside more incoherent complaints and derision.

"Oh, hey! Did you guys see this? Uhh, guys?" At this point, Hopton realizes that their newfound companion and Archie have left the room, Quinn appears enamored with yonder door's keyhole, and Aaron's distinctly discomfited pacing draws attention to the nobleman's impatience. With no one paying him immediate attention, Hopton begins to fiddle with the stone, carefully prodding around to see what it might be connected to. He waits, more patiently than Aaron (though that's not saying all that much), until Licht and Archie return. Hopton's eyes widen at Licht's entrance, and he stammers a "Ye-yeah... I, for one, am glad you made your introduction before. Anyway, uhhh... come look here!"

He points resolutely to the floor, indicating the loose stone and the switch to which it attaches.

[Richter]

The rock Hopton points to is loose, and with very close examining it appears to be attached to some sort of cord. Pulling it will likely act as a switch. There isn't any clear sign of a trap there.

When Licht moves back into the room the central eye focuses on him with an intense gaze, leaving the eyestalks to watch the others.

Finally, Quinn is able to pop the lock, only the door doesn't wait for someone to open it and takes the initiative on its own. As soon as the last latch clicks into place, the door swings wide caught by a powerful wind, hard enough to send the archaeologist skittering onto his back. What was a dull sound through the door, inexplicably appears to be a full blizzard within the next room. You can only see a few feet within as flurries of snow fall sideways on gale force winds. The door swings hard on its hinges, bashing against the stone wall next to it with loud crashes.

Alright folks, this next room has a number of challenges to it and may be something you guys will want to purposefully prepare for before tackling it.

Things that are immediately obvious:

Snow is thick enough you can only see 5ft, winds are loud enough you won't be able to hear each other
Winds are hard enough you would have to fight to keep your feet(it does seem to be blowing west, so you could follow that wall, but you'd be plastered to it)
Its cold. Enough so that it will likely be damaging if unprepared.
The door looks like it will lock itself when closed, but may put up a fight to get it that way and quiet it down


To pre-answer some expected questions, you can stay against the west wall or secure yourself and move at half-speed with acrobatics checks, but that will come at some risk. The wind looks like it will blow you around pretty hard. You can crawl to negate most of those risks, but then you are suffering the cold without knowing how far you need to go, or if there is a door opposite you are missing, ect and are basically swimming through snow.

[Harhoult]

Aaron's proclamation at Licht's return brings a smirk to Archibald's lips. As tightly wound as he is, it's a wonder he didn't just stab Licht and be done with it. As it is, if this monstrous form is as strong as it looks, Licht will earn his keep quickly enough.

Hopton seemed to be wanting attention again, so Archibald made his way over. He suppressed a shudder as the route brought him near the thing in the pillar; at least fewer eyes were on him this time. On a whim, Archibald attempts to black out a patch of tube with a simple prestidigitation; more out of an idle curiosity than an expectation it would work.

The sudden slam of the door and howling winds make Archie jump out of his skin. The sudden blizzard takes precedence, so he hurries over to offer assistance.

"For once, I'd like there to be something sane behind a door down here!"

(if people are trying to close the door, Archie will assist if needed, else: )

Archibald frowns at the absurdity beyond the door. He hesitantly puts forth his mace; when he pulls it back a few moments later it is ice-cold and caked with snow.

"If that is an illusion, it is a very convincing one. Unless one of you have been hording coats, or know a suitable spell, we will have to seek another route."

[BilltheCynic]

Licht averts his eyes from Aaron, both ashamed and somewhat relieved that Aaron and Hopton have a more normal perspective of this than Archie does. "I've...never been to Cheliax, but I know of them and will try to with all my soul to follow the guidance of Sarenrae, not Asmodeus."

Licht jumps when the howling winds and cold erupt from the door, certainly not expecting, well, that. Mudoru says, The creature. What is the creature's reaction to the door? Turn now."

In spite of himself, Licht spins around to see how the creature reacted to what was on the other side of the door, whether it was surprised, amused, or some other emotion. After gauging this, he turns back to the group and tentatively raises a claw.

"Um, if I may ask, does anyone here have magic that will let us endure the cold more comfortably? I do not, but if no one else can either, there are priests and a wizard back in town who could probably sell us such an item."

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

Quinn scampers away from the howling storm and composes himself once more--standing and straightening his armor and pack. "Well, that path is off the list for now I think." He says with a tone somewhere between disappointment and sarcasm. "I'm afraid I dont have much in the ways of assisting there. We still have other options in regards of unexplored rooms and can always come back when better prepard."

[Richter]

The creature, for its part, doesn't seem shocked by the sudden flow of snow. It does seem endlessly amused by the display being put on, even inaudibly its laughter is cruel. When Licht watches it, it stares back and there is a coldness in its gaze that seems to trump that of the blizzard.

(Assuming) a few people put their shoulders to it, you are able to push the door closed again with some effort and get a feel for just how strong the wind within that room is. Even from outside, it feels like its trying to pull you off your feet and send you flying. Once the door slides back into its frame, the lock clicks back sealed again.

It sounded like most of the party was veering away from trying their hand at the blizzard for now, so I made a bit of a presumption there.

Sounds like the current options are:


Try the stone Hopton found
Check the door north of the lions
Check the trapdoor
Check the stairs north of the main entrance
Or of course go back to town and rest/study/equip


Mysteries you know of involve the bluesteel door, what is beyond the blizzard, and what happens if you use the fountain, and the tube.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron is breathing heavily and rubbing his hands together after the party finally gets the door closed again. "What manner of sorcery is that?" he asks, exasperated. "I knew the Delve was home to magic, but this is on a whole new level! I can hardly imagine how one would conjure and contain such power!" Shaking his head, the nobleman turns his back to the door to see the abomination still chortling at the party. With an ugly look and gesture he turns back to the party and says, "We cannot proceed that way without better preparation...Hopton found a lever a moment ago. Let's look at that next."

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"What if it releases the beast?"

[Harhoult]

"So what if it does? The beast will parley with us or perish. Such does it mean to subjugate this Delve; we cannot quake before every door, switch, and lever! Every move we make carries a risk, we accepted that when we set foot on this hill. Regarding this particular device, I, for various reasons I needn't elaborate, do not believe that freeing this beast is the lever's purpose. Though if it makes you feel better, dear Quinn, I will prepare for that unlikely event."

With that said, Archibald takes a position by the pillar to catch the beast in a spell, should the lever indeed free it.

[BilltheCynic]

Licht bristles at the gaze and purposely turns his back on the beast, both to avoid looking at it and so it cannot see his mouth. "Um, if I may. The beast did not seem to be surprised by what was on the other side of the door. It instead was amused by our reaction. I believe that the beast is quite familiar with this room at least, and that it sees no need to hide its reactions or emotions from us. Perhaps we can trick it into revealing whether or not the lever will release it, or even what it does. One of us, perhaps Hopton, makes as if to walk over and throw the lever with no precautions while the rest of us are scattered around the room keeping an eye on the beast and Hopton. Hopton goes as if to flip the lever but stops at the last second, the rest of us observe what the beast's reaction is. If its reacts eagerly and ready to fight, we know it will probably release the beast. If it instead seems amused and looks to be paying attention to a particular area or one of us more than usual, we can guess where in the room the lever will take affect. Also, maybe we should try not to let the beast see our mouths when we talk? It might not be able to hear us, but we don't know if it can read our lips."

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"We'll, I meant more of 'What's our plan in case it does' rather than 'We shouldn't in case it does.'..." Quinn remarks at Archibald's drawn out comments about quaking before levers and doors.

He readies his bow and watches the creature and it's responsestill to what was about to happen.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Pride comes before the fall, and discretion is often the better part of valor, Archibald. We would be arrogant in the extreme, and likely die to our own hubris if we were to underestimate a dangerous opponent. My gut reaction to this abomination is that it is an extremely dangerous opponent, so let's not assume that we are ready to face such a foe yet, please," Aaron says, politely chiding the other noble. "I am not opposed to trying to learn from its reactions, however. I will guard the northern door, but keep an eye on the creature as Hopton moves as if to pull the lever."

Aaron then takes up a position between the party and the northern door, his weapon and shield readied and his attention split between the tube of force and its prisoner and the closed wooden partition.

[Richter]

Making a little presumption that Hopton is going to proceed with the plan to pretend to pull the stone at least, since that is only going to give information.

As the group readies itself for either fight or flight when the halfling reaches for the stone, the monsterous form narrows its eyes upon him, watching closely as he moves in towards the rock.

If you were to guess, there is curiousity in the creatures eyes. It may not know what that stone does.

[Farmerbink]

As the door flies open, Hopton is all-but lifted from his feet by the force of the wind, even several feet from the door. He stays out of the way- knowing better than to put his thin frame against any force that makes wooden doors flit like that- and watches as the larger members of the party force it close. "Well, that was totally unexpected..." he mutters.

He looks up at Licht, with a smirk playing on his lips. Angled just away from the tube, he nods. "You know, if this switch released the thing, why would it go back into it's own cage? You might be on to something, seeing what he knows about it, but I get the feeling that this ugly's just here to spook us. All bark and no bite, know what I mean?" He turns back to the creature.

"Well, maybe plenty of bite, but still... He can't reach us, so it's... aca... uhhh... ac.. academy? That ain't right, bugger it...."

One hand on the switch, Hopton looks into the ground with a scowl, unable for the life of him to find the appropriate word.

[Harhoult]

"It's "academic", so don't strain yourself. If the lever did serve to free this beast, you would have a point; though as it seems as curious about it as we are, I find that unlikely. If we are going to make guesses as to it's purpose, I say it would be quite pleasant if it quelled that blizzard yonder. Though," Archie says with his characteristic dry smirk, "we shan't know for sure until you get on with it, yes?"

[Bounty Hunter]

Quinn Nazari (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=459047)

"Ready and waiting." Quinn says with a nod to Hopton to make with the festivities and lever-ing.

[BilltheCynic]

Licht is still nervous about the lever, but he also knows that the dungeon is dangerous and they won't make any progression if they let every unknown stop them. He readies himself to guard against any danger that might be released with the lever.

"Right. Ok, pull it if you wish."

Taking total defense action to gain +4 dodge bonus to AC (total 20).

[DarkOne-Rob]

Sense Motive: [roll0]
Aaron looks to Archibald with one eyebrow raised. "You could tell that from the creature's response? Good on you - I couldn't make heads or tails of it..." he quips before nodding to Hopton. "Go ahead, I am right behind you - pull it."

[Farmerbink]

Hopton looks up with suddenly bright eyes. "Yeah, that's it! It's academic!" For just a flicker of a heartbeat, he looks annoyed instead. The canny observer might just hear the words, "I was gonna remember..." slipping out of the Halfling's mouth on the slightest breeze of a breath.

He looks back up to Aaron and the others with a sudden grin. "Whelp, here goes nothing!"

Yank.

[Richter]

When the stone is pulled, eyes may be on the tube with the creature within, but instead a sound is heard from the western wall. A loud crack can be heard, the sharp sound of stone splitting as two previously unseen lines form in the rock and the wall itself drops away into the ground. Beyond it is a short passage, perhaps 30 feet long that opens up into a wider chamber.

In the dim light, the room looks to be a lounge or a study of some sort. Dust covered chairs and divans sitting around coffee tables that hold unlit lamps or in one case a large glass hooka. Pantings hang along the walls of peaceful pastoral scenes. The western wall, opposite of the entrance is completely taken over by a large recessed bookcase built into the stone itself sealed with a glass panel. Hanging above the shelf a row of colored square pegs fit into small holes.

No sooner does it feel like you are having a chance to take in the room beyond when a low rumble is heard and the wall raises itself back up, sliding into place with a creak of gears. As it reaches the top, the stone around it glimmers for a moment and seems to meld in together until the cracks can no longer be seen.

It looks like a transmutation spell flared up at the end when the stone reformed.

If you had to guess, its likely some sort of contingent stone shape.

I didn't think you guys would go barreling through the second it opened, so the door would have closed itself as you gathered up and peered inside(after 5 rounds). If someone tests it, the stone will work to open the door again with the same process.

The map has been updated with the room layout.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Aaron's eyes go wide at the sudden difference in spaces. "That looks very comfortable...almost too comfortable. Does anyone else suspect it is some sort of elaborate trap? Maybe I am getting paranoid, but so far things have not seemed so obviously accommodating," he says as Hopton uses the leaver again, confirming that the space is still available. "Do we want to all go in at once, or just one at a time? We don't know how to get back out of that room, so it may be worthwhile to have someone here to pull the lever if we cannot find another inside..."

With a deep breath Aaron steps through the entryway, his weapons and shield ready as he looks around suspiciously from the other side. Once the stone wall reforms he begins looking for something to open the way back.

"Pull the lever, Krunk! Wrong leveeeeeeer!" /Splash - Points if you know the reference.

Perception [roll0] to find something to open the way back.