Don't Go Down the Well! - Rappan Athuk [IC]

[KevSaund]

Many hundreds of years ago, the forces of good allied to destroy the main Temple of Orcus in the ancient city of Tsar. With their temple in ruins, the surviving high priests of this accursed demon- god ed the city with an army of enemies on their trail an army of heroic ghters, clerics and paladins led by elkor, a powerful wizard. The exact fate of these evil priests was then unknown, for not only did the remnants of the followers of Orcus disappear from all human reckoning, but so did the army of light that followed after them disappear as well. Some said that in the eternal scales the loss of so many good men was a fair price to pay to rid the world of so much evil.

The evil cult, however, had not been destroyed. The surviving priests and their followers instead settled on a hill near the Forest of Hope, a sylvan woodland near the Coast Road. There they found a vast underground complex of caverns and mazes, carving out a volcanic intrusion beneath the hill. There, the priests of Orcus found the perfect lair to continue their vile rituals. For many years, they carried on in secret, hidden from the light and from the knowledge of men.

Many years later, their underground delving completed, the evil priests erected a hideous mausoleum and a sunken graveyard atop the hill. It is believed that these graves are in fact the nal resting place of the pursuing army of heroes that had been destroyed to a man. Soon after the mausoleum was erected the peaceful creatures of the wood began to disappear. Though many rangers and druids investigated these happenings, the cause of the creatures’ disappearance was not immediately determined. Some years later a powerful group of adventurers, led by Bofred, a high priest of Thyr, investigated the evil happenings and found the sunken graveyard leading to a labyrinthine complex. Bofred and his companions found great hordes of evil creatures in the complex. Though some of his companions returned from their expedition, telling tales of fantastic treasure and ferocious monsters, Bofred was never seen again—lost in the catacombs beneath the cursed mausoleum.

For the last one hundred years, ranks of adventurers have ventured to the newfound dungeon. Many fell prey to bandits and monsters in the surrounding wilderness. Rumors suggest that of those who survived to reach the mausoleum and sunken graveyard, most were slain by guardians of green stone or perished on the very rst level. Those rare few who return from deeper treks speak of horrible undead and creatures that cannot be slain. All who have explored Rappan Athuk offer this one universal piece of advice: “Don’t go down the Well.”

Idiots kept throwing themselves into the dungeon. There had to be solution, or at least a way to make money off it. So the lottery was devised. Stupid people who fancied themselves adventurers, greedy people who ignored the dangers for the potential profits, scholars who thought they could actually learn something from the depths, actual adventurers, they all bought a ticket for the lottery. And when the courts got wind of it, they took advantage too. Criminals were given a choice, take their sentence or have a number of tickets bought for the lottery that matched the severity of their crimes. It was a chance for freedom, if they survived. They usually didn't.

The time for a drawing has come again on this foggy morning. If there's a schedule for when drawings happen, nobody but the Selectman knows it. But every so often the bell rings and the throngs gather. This is one of those times.

The Selectman stands on his podium and reaches into the barrel. He pulls out five slips of paper and reads off the names printed on them.

"V'ansariel Allani, Kern Cooke, Oghash, Dr. Anton Corvus, Domino." He mutters under his breath, "Are we sure these are names?" Facing the crowd he issues his final command "This whose names have been called will gather was possessions they have, meet at the foot of the Old Coast Road and leave at dawn. Thank you for your time."

[Untarr]

Keys jingle at the end of the hall. She hears the guard talking, but can't make out what they are saying. A raucus laughter erupts just as the door at the end of the block opens. Light pierces into the darkness as shadows dance along the walls. Steps grow louder as the guards march down the block. After a short while, they stop in front of her cell. Lamp light bathes her in its heat. The guard gasps and makes a religious symbol at the sight of her disfigured skin.

She'd never grown comfortable with those reactions. It was distracting and a nuisance. Its why I usually stay covered up. But this is what happens when you botch a job.

Called your name for the lottery. You're going to Rappan Athuk. A whole group of names was drawn. Even that Doctor you tried to rob.

Am I now? Domino's eyes widen a bit in surprise. She'd only thrown her name out as on a whim. Thieves usually had their hands removed when they got caught. Something she'd rather avoid. One deformity was enough she thought. Maybe it would have been better than death. They say that's the only thing that awaits whomever enters that place. She shakes her head. What's done is done.

A smile crosses over her face. Amused.

The doctor. Some scholar type who ended up being a harder prey than she realized. Well, at least this will be interesting.

Domino stands and lets the light reflect off her eyes. The guard lets out another shiver.

"I'll need my things. Clothes. Tools."

"Aye. Captain said as much. Here you go. When you are done, we'll put the shackles on for the escort out of town." The guard opens the cell just enough to throw her pack in. It had been rummaged through, but everything was still there. In no time at all she was dressed and ready. Placing her hands through the bars, the guard obliges her with a set of bracelets.



The walk out to the edge is uneventful. Her dark robes and lower face mask hiding her from whatever eyes decided to be curious.

The guard stops her at the edge of town. They were the first to arrive.

"We'll wait here for the rest of your friends. Once you set out I'll remove the shackles."

Domino nods and waits.

[3SecondCultist]

The edge of the settlement offers little in the way of a change of scenery. He's been travelling for a long time, in a land of unchanging colour. Oak staff beside him and spellbook at his side, Dr. Anton Corvus makes his way forward to the podium when his name is called. He does not look at all surprised to hear that he's 'won' the lottery - indeed, the university professor is every bit as unruffled in adventurer's clothes as he would be teaching a lecture on the comparative physiognomy of humanoid corpses from his favourite pulpit. The pale man waits in silence, his maroon eyes darting around every once in a while to see the rest of his new companions. The only indication that he is anything more than he seems is his distorted shadow, stretching out over the morning ground like some giant beast.

And what a sight it is when none other than the highwaywoman who tried to rob him is escorted in chains. Thankfully his magic prevailed yesterday, and the local constabulary was able to lock up the catatonic woman. Dr. Corvus simply raises an eyebrow at her appearance here, as the barest hint of a fanged smile crosses his face. "Domino, I presume? Or would you be Kern Cooke? Somehow you don't strike me as an 'Oghash'." He doesn't mention yesterday's run-in; it would simply be impolite.

"My name is Dr. Corvus, pleased to make your acquaintance."

[Untarr]

He wasn't kidding about the doctor. she remarks to herself. She watches silently as the pale man approaches her. Alarm bells go off as she notices in the day what she had missed the night before. The memory of what had happened was fuzzy, but she began to understand now what likely occurred.



"Domino, I presume? Or would you be Kern Cooke? Somehow you don't strike me as an 'Oghash'." He doesn't mention yesterday's run-in; it would simply be impolite.

"My name is Dr. Corvus, pleased to make your acquaintance."

No hard feelings then. A professional. Her opinion of the man kept growing. It was hard to find people who understood business.

Not totally unschooled in the art of propriety, Domino extends her unshackled hand to the Doctor. "Domino. It is a pleasure to meet you as well. "

The guard double-takes as he realizes that she has freed herself. She hands him the shackles. "We're fine here. I've been free for the better part of an hour. If I wanted to pull anything I would have by now. Feel free to stick around to make sure I leave if it will make you feel better."

She turns back to the pale scholar. Sizing him up. This man was a wolf in sheep's clothing as the saying goes. He looked innocent enough, but his...she glances at the ground again before catching herself. She smiles politely before continuing her conversation. "A volunteer then. How nice. What the other two names? Kern and Oghash? Interesting. I don't know either of them, but I've heard of Oghash." Domino's eyes look away for a moment. "Nothing good though. If you were curious."

[Farmerbink]

"Oh you're so full of sh!t." Kern rolls his eyes as he tips back the mug. His left arm rises to wipe the meager foam off his lip and he takes another lazy bite of dried bread. Nobody in this hellhole breaks their fast worth a damn.

As Kern grumbles, the young man redoubles his insistence. "I swear it! I was there! Heard 'im say 'Kern Cooke' wit my own two ears, I did!" Sighing, Kern pushes his chair away from the table. It cracks and strains under his weight, threatening to dump the misshapen man on the floor at any notice. Dark green eyes turn to the youngster- more a boy than man, really- and pore into his face with the dull disregard of the hung over and unamused.

"Look kid. Did they put you up to it cause you're the newest guardsman? I know how they like to treat the rookies- if it'll shut you the hells up, I'll play along and they can get their laughs. I didn't even buy that ticket- it was a bullish!t wager in the first place. If he'd-"

"Boy's not lying, Kern." The dark-skinned man looks over his other shoulder, and starts. An older militiaman- Stephen- who's been on more than a few 'sorties' with Kern stands, nodding. "I couldn't say how your name got in there, but sure as the sun- well, if this fog ever burns off- I heard him, too. Said 'Kern Cooke' like you were expectin' it." Realization begins to dawn. Somebody has put Kern's name it the lottery... and it was just chosen.

"Aw, son of a b!tch!"

Almost half an hour before the sun's first rays peek over the horizon, a brutish man- well over 6' tall- saunters up to the gate and the Old Coast Road. His steps carry him lightly across the cobbled stones, belying a grace unusual for such a muscle-bound figure. The handle of a primitive-looking blade projects over a single hideously malformed shoulder. He stops a few feet away, looking literally down on the small gathering of people. "Heard you needed something killed." He spits. "Might as well get this wagon-wreck going."

"Swear on all the gods, if I figure out who did this..."

[3SecondCultist]

As Domino takes his offer, Dr. Corvus grips her hand in a firm but cool shake. The resounding incredulity of the man assigned to guard her turns the smile on Dr. Corvus' face into a full-throated chuckle, but the shadow behind him never changes its shape. "You'll have to do better than that in order to contain her, guardsman. She puts a high price on her perception of freedom." He puts the smile away as the man walks away, leaving the two of them alone for the briefest of moments.

"I'm afraid I'm not familiar with either of those names. I'm... well, not from around here, you see. What words would you use to describe our soon-to-be travel companion?"

Corvus is about to speak again when the third member of their impromptu team arrives. Lifeless eyes size him up instantly, judging him to be a man well acquainted with the intimacy of violence. As large as he is, Cooke's movements have the kind of economy that only comes with years of honed practice. The good doctor might want to study him further. "Good morning," he says as a manner of introduction, and offers his name to the newcomer. "The dungeon awaits, but as my new colleague here was in the midst of saying, we are still a few members short of a roster. And if only to satisfy my curiosity, what is it that you believe somebody to have done? Are you not here of your own accord?"

[MuffinMan]

Vance was whistling a nameless tune, walking through the foggy marketplace when the town bell began ringing. He felt good, energetic, and alive this morning - last night's whiskey hangover was almost abated and he couldn't shake the feeling that his luck was "in" today. Choosing this morning to venerate Chadali (http://pathfinderwiki.com/wiki/Chadali), the goddess of fate and serendipity, he had blindfolded himself and wandered about the traditional fashion, and had only tripped once. Things are going to go my way today... he thought, better see what kind of odds I can get on game of Dragon's Claw...-

The Selectman stands on his podium and reaches into the barrel. He pulls out five slips of paper and reads off the names printed on them.

"V'ansariel Allani, Kern Cooke, Oghash, Dr. Anton Corvus, Domino." He mutters under his breath, "Are we sure these are names?" Facing the crowd he issues his final command "This whose names have been called will gather was possessions they have, meet at the foot of the Old Coast Road and leave at dawn. Thank you for your time."
"Well I'll be blessed..." he exclaims softly, hearing the unsettling pronunciation of his full name in a stranger's tongue. He can't remember having entered the lottery the at all - he hadn't had that much to drink last night and even if he had he almost certainly would have used his adopted moniker, "Vance". Something else was at play, here, but as the crowd begins buzzing and reacting to the list of drawn names Vance turns away with a small smile. He had been praying to The Serendipitous Path herself - maybe this was her form of a sign to him. Slinging his favored weapon over his shoulder - an ornately carved elven longspear - he sets off in the direction of the gathering point for those chosen for (or condemned to) Rappan Athuk. He resumes whistling the nameless tune as he goes.


"Good morning," he says as a manner of introduction, and offers his name to the newcomer. "The dungeon awaits, but as my new colleague here was in the midst of saying, we are still a few members short of a roster. And if only to satisfy my curiosity, what is it that you believe somebody to have done? Are you not here of your own accord?"

"I find that worrying too much over one's own accord leads to nothing but headaches and indigestion. Much better to take things as they come, wouldn't you agree? I'm Vance. I'm to be traveling with you to the Well." As he makes his introduction, Vance's green eyes are rapidly surveying his new traveling companions - the precisely mannered scholar, the masked woman (A mercenary, by her bearing...), and one of the most misshapen brutes he'd every laid eyes on. We're all doomed! a small voice in his head cries out, but he pushes it away with a laugh and extends his hand in greeting. "I have a good feeling about all of this, don't you?"

[3SecondCultist]

Dr. Corvus smiles pleasantly at the half-elf, the one that the Selectman introduced as V'ansariel Allani. An elvish name, and judging by the man's ears and features, a man with elven blood. After performing the same introduction, he takes up the earlier question. "I suppose that depends on one's outlook. Are you a man of happiness, willing to take life and its surprises as they come? Or are you a person of meaning, destined to agonize over the unresolved details of the future? You must pick one, and you can never be both."

[Untarr]

"Heard you needed something killed." He spits. "Might as well get this wagon-wreck going."

No Oghash. Must be Kern. I've seen him before. Drinks too much. Heard he was some sort of bounty hunter. As the good doctor begins to explain to the brutish man that they were waiting for more, Domino took the time to look him over. Big. Ugly. But smarter than your average mook. His unusual hair color threw her off. Domino couldn't place it, but it was certainly not human.


"I find that worrying too much over one's own accord leads to nothing but headaches and indigestion. Much better to take things as they come, wouldn't you agree? I'm Vance. I'm to be traveling with you to the Well."

The conversation begins to develop rapidly as another person joins the group. A half-elf. Dark long hair and nearly flawless skin. A pang of jealousy over that causes one of her hands to twitch before she gets it under control. Either the Doctor didn't know, or he was lying about the names. Domino bows and holds out her hand for the half-elf to take. Gently. Dainty. Like a woman of high class. Let him think you're a catch.


"I suppose that depends on one's outlook. Are you a man of happiness, willing to take life and its surprises as they come? Or are you a person of meaning, destined to agonize over the unresolved details of the future? You must pick one, and you can never be both."

What a pompous ass. Obviously the doctor had too much time on his hands for thinking about things than was healthy.

At some point during the midst of all this, the guard had taken leave. Probably a good idea. This crew looks as likely to serve him tea as they are to kill him.

The three men towered over her, but that was nothing new. She had learned long ago that size counted, but only so far. I can win over the half elf with a few compliments. Maybe a flirtatious gesture or two just to make him think I'm interested. I'll ask the doctor questions and let him explain things to me. Allowing him to be the expert will make him feel better and men always did love explaining things to her. She'd have to watch out for his DON'T LOOK... Kern would be easiest of all. He's only ever had people fear him. No friends there. Not with that shoulder. I can get close just by being nice and not letting his looks bother me. Will definitely need to say nice things to him after their first combat.

"I would say the former." she responds to the doctor. "The gods play with dice and if a man wants to enjoy life, he's got to take whatever opportunities present themselves. Am I right...Vance was it?"

[MuffinMan]

"Well said! And it was," Vance winks at the hooded woman as he takes her hand. "Life's far too short to spend it worrying about things you can't change, in my opinion. But this is all getting too philosophical for this hour of the morning! I count four of us here, but the Selectman read off five names. Who are we missing?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

The wagon that rolls up to the unlikely quartet is driven by two heavily armed guards, with an additional four walking on the sides and one at the rear. All seven men wear grim expressions and don't talk. From their tense stances and drawn weapons one would guess they deeply feared their cargo. "This monster was all but guaranteed to be selected this round - she had no less than twenty tickets dropped into the pool. A fair warning to you blokes - she ate at least that many people before we caught her. Good luck..." says the driver as the wagon stops and the men gather at the rear to escort Oghash out of town.

When the half-orc woman steps out of the wagon, chains around each wrist, ankle, and the neck, the dead look in her eyes is immediately sobering. Covered in scars and tattoos that blend together seamlessly, it is impossible to miss her mixed heritage. Her skin has a pale, almost green tone, and her greasy black hair has clearly not been washed in some time. Perhaps the most disconcerting part is her size - of average height for a half-orc woman, but with bulging muscles and none of the softness of most females. Without expression she steps out the barred door and waits for the men to attach more chains to her bindings before leading her to the party. "It is up to you folks if you want to release her from her chains or not - here's the key. Her equipment is in the dufflebag." Unceremoniously a large canvas bag is dropped about ten feet from Oghash and the guards release her from the chains leashing her, but not those restricting her movement. Then the guardsmen shuffle away, obviously glad to be rid of their charge.

For several long breaths Oghash stands still breathing slowly and waiting. When none of the others move to release her she asks, "Well? Do you want me to go in like this as bait, or would you rather a chance to survive? Release me so I can get ready to do this."

[3SecondCultist]

Dr. Corvus abstains from pressing the cleric's answer any further. His own reply would have been different, but to each their own opinion. The vampire-blooded professor waits patiently for the last member of their group to arrive. And when she does, she does not disappoint. The pronouncement of the guards is met by another small smile.

Then, his eyes glimmering darkly like a pair of midnight stars, Dr. Corvus moves to towards Oghash. His polished black staff rests against the cage, as his sure fingers first find the key, then the locks. As he sets about freeing the hulking half-orc, Corvus' eyes lock onto hers with an ironclad certainty. In a few moments, the last bits of metal fall away. Oghash is free.

"There you are," Dr. Corvus says as he hands over the duffel bag with a considerable amount of effort. "The tools of your craft are heavy indeed. Here's hoping you will prove to us all how well you can paint with such a cumbersome brush."

[Untarr]

Who are we missing?"

Her. Domino says, pointing at the cart approaching.



For several long breaths Oghash stands still breathing slowly and waiting. When none of the others move to release her she asks, "Well? Do you want me to go in like this as bait, or would you rather a chance to survive? Release me so I can get ready to do this."

Oghash. An invisible shiver ran down her spine. Domino had heard stories. Rumors of various atrocities and hints of cannibalism. Seeing her, it, whatever it was, in the flesh only served to validate everything she'd heard. Oh boy. Between Oghash, Kern and that doctor. I wonder what I should be more afraid of. My companions or the dungeon. she looks over just as the doctor picks up the keys and begins to release Oghash. Seems a little too eager. Then again, he's never heard of her. Or he has and this is some sort of setup.

Domino shifts her weight to her toes. Not in any perceptible way, but enough that she was sure she'd get the jump if Oghash and this doctor decided to go crazy. Her wrist sheathes were ready to put a dagger in her hand at the slightest twitch.

"This should be fun. I believe that we are now full..." her eyes look over the group. Their shine belying none of the healthy amount of fear she has..."So if you are all ready, we can begin our journey to Rappan Athuk."

[MuffinMan]

Vance idly twirls a silver coin through his fingers as the wagon approaches, and looks on with uneasy interest as Oghash is unleashed and introduced. He hasn't heard anything about her as some seem to - he casts a quizzical glance at Domino - but the attitudes of the guards and his companions tell him most of what he needs to know.


For several long breaths Oghash stands still breathing slowly and waiting. When none of the others move to release her she asks, "Well? Do you want me to go in like this as bait, or would you rather a chance to survive? Release me so I can get ready to do this."

"Oh, a chance to survive, certainly!" Vance replies as the pale scholar moves forward to release the shackles. "After all, what more can one ask for in this life? But if we're to go down that dreadful well together I believe introductions are in order. I'm Vance, a humble piper and a traveling priest of sorts." He flips the coin up in the air and snatches it back as it falls. "This lovely lady is Domino - she's a good deal more dangerous than she lets on, I think. Over there is Sir Cooke, who I imagine is exactly as dangerous as he looks. And you've already met the good professor, I see." Vance plants the butt of his spear and leans on it with a cheeky grin, waiting to see the others' reaction to his introductions.


"This should be fun. I believe that we are now full..." her eyes look over the group. Their shine belying none of the healthy amount of fear she has..."So if you are all ready, we can begin our journey to Rappan Athuk."

"Ahh, not just yet!" Vance interjects. "No journey should be started without a supplication to The Tender of Dreams, Lady Luck herself! Gather round, my friends, and pray with me for good fortune." He spreads his cloak, revealing no fewer than four wooden holy symbols sewn into the fabric, and bows his head as he intones slowy:

Our Lady Desna, Resplendent Goddess of Fortune and guardian of those who wander -
Be with this company as we embark on our journey to the Well.
Make ready our path and clear all obstructions from our steps.
Look on our efforts with favor that they may reflect your glory and wisdom.
Save us from danger, and deliver us into the glory of the beckoning horizon.
So let it be!


Mechanically triggering the "Caravan Bond" ability of the Devout Pilgrim (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/cleric/archetypes/paizo---cleric-archetypes/varisian-pilgrim) archetype.

[Untarr]

Domino doesn't immediately respond to Vance's prognosis of her abilities. So he's not just a pretty face. she thinks as she bows her head slightly.

As the half-elf starts to pray Domino keeps herself from displaying her disgust. The gods had forsaken her since birth and she had no interest in what they had to offer now. However, it seemed important to him. So, she took the blessing with a solemn nod. "Thanks."

[Farmerbink]

"Good morning," he says as a manner of introduction, and offers his name to the newcomer. "The dungeon awaits, but as my new colleague here was in the midst of saying, we are still a few members short of a roster. And if only to satisfy my curiosity, what is it that you believe somebody to have done? Are you not here of your own accord?"

Kern snorts and spits a glob of grayish... something into the dirt. "My ass, it is. Some smartass put my name in this lottery. Lost a bet." He scowls as he falls back into silence, uninterested or unwilling to offer more details. He watches in stony silence as Vance and Corvus introduce themselves.

As the cart rumbles forward, Kern begins chuckling softly. "You're f***ing kidding me," he mumbles. "Guess it would be too much to have a trip without some sorta freakshow." Oghash walks out, and Corvus approaches with the keys. "Don't know I'd be so hasty to do that," Kern mumbles. Still, the big man makes no effort to directly intervene, only groans quietly as the chains fall away. He raises his eyes to her face. A face he recognizes, and not happily so. "Hi there, sweet tooth. Guess we're on the same side, this time. Oughta hurt less." He flexes his left arm, apparently recalling a previous encounter.

Kern raises an eyebrow as the pointy-eared man starts openly praying. He lets out a long slow sigh, not precisely an interruption, but certainly not indicative of any expectations. "So are we done standing around, yet?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

As he sets about freeing the hulking half-orc, Corvus' eyes lock onto hers with an ironclad certainty.
As their eyes meet a quiet rumble emerges from Oghash's throat as she grins her teeth like a feral animal. The teeth are surprisingly clean for a cannibal - it looks as if she spends some time cleaning them after eating her grisly meals. Oghash's eyes remain flat and angry, though she does not move until the man has stepped away from her. Then she closes her mouth again and silently moves to the canvas bag and begins removing her possessions.

As Vance speaks Oghash looks at each of the others once for only a couple of moments. Her gaze rests on Domino as if assessing the woman. She then shakes her head and looks at Kern Cooke longer than the others, though she doesn't speak until after the large man addresses her...


"Hi there, sweet tooth. Guess we're on the same side, this time. Oughta hurt less."
"My name is not 'sweet tooth' - don't call me that," Oghash says, her voice flat and expressionless. "In my mother's tongue you would call me 'Fiendclaw.' My father called me Oghash." As she finishes strapping on her armor the half-orc lifts her face and looks at Kern. "Several of your companions tasted good - how may of them died from their wounds?"

Oghash watches Vance gather the party together warily, and when she realizes that he is praying a look of confusion and anger becomes plastered on her face. She stands still and silent, but when the prayer is over she mutters something in orcish before moving to the front of the party and stomping off towards the well, swinging her large ax in angry movements as they walk...

"Wretched human goddess - I will cut out his tongue and feed it to him if he tries to include me in a prayer again..."

[KevSaund]

The unlikely band of companions sets off, past the low brick wall which everyone is taught from a young age separates the worlds of safety and danger.

The dungeon is a full day's hike away, and the morning's journey is uneventful. The old coast road is little traveled, but the road is wide and flat, as it winds it's way through the ironically named Forrest of Hope. The party falls into a rough marching order and Domino volunteers to scout ahead for dangers, before slipping between the trees. She isn't seen again until nearly midday, when she leaps forth among the group, calling "Brigands!" just as the first arrow flies at her.

Your money or your life! calls out a voice. Another respondsI told you we aren't giving them a choice anymore, just kill them! This voice is quickly followed by it's owner,clearly the leader of this band of brigands. And out from the woods follow his seven compatriots all with bows drawn.

You're surrounded.


One arrow at Domino for butchering the roll [roll0]
Damage if it hits [roll1]
Roll for initiative!

Link to Battle Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nGMCO1gWd0kd62RptKKprpATtuF-_2B7cCdIsgp5hsg/edit?usp=sharing)

[Farmerbink]

Kern chuckles with a shrug. "Ain't my companions."

"Brigands!" just as the first arrow flies at her.
Startled from his complacent march, a growl begins to form on Kern's lips. "A little warning, lady!? Sh!t!"

Kern Cooke (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1018910)
M Neutral Human Fighter VMC Wizard, Level 1, Init 3, HP 13/13, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 14, CMD 19, Fort 4, Ref 3, Will 1, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 1
Heavy Flail +5 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Horse Chopper +5 (1d10+6, x3)
Cestus +5 (1d6+4, 19-20, x2)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 7
Condition None

[roll0] init

If he's able to move before they, Kern will draw his horse-chopper and step to Y/33. Attack AA/32:
[roll1] atk
[roll2] CC (25, x3)
[roll3] dmg
[roll4] crit bonus

[Untarr]

The arrow pierces through her back and all the way out through her chest before she even has a chance to react. Without a cry, she falls to the ground.


[roll0] vs DC 10 Con check to stabilize or lose 1 hp. (+2 con -3 penalty)

"Domino" (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1021246)
F TN Human Unchained Rogue, Level 1, Init 5, HP -4/10, Speed
AC 17, Touch 15, Flat-footed 12, CMD 16, Fort 3, Ref 7, Will 2, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Dagger +5 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
TWF Dagger +3/+3 (1d4+1/1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Shortbow +5 (1d6, x3)
Leather Armor (+2 Armor, +5 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 8
Condition None

[MuffinMan]

Round 1

"Domino!" Vance dashes forward at the harrowing sight of his new ally falling to the ground. The blessing of his calling imparts extra speed to his steps, and his hand glows with golden energy as he reaches her side. He wills the healing power into her unconscious frame while grasping his spear to ward off any approaching bandits.

Initiative [Roll][1d20+4/Roll] 12, rolled in OOC

Unless another party member is dropped before Vance acts, he moves to X/25 (40ft speed thanks to Travel domain) and converts Divine Favor into Cure Light Wounds, healing Domino for [roll0].

(If another party member has fallen, he will instead Channel Positive Energy for [roll1] and move into range for threatening the leader with his longspear.)

AoO if applicable:
atk [roll2], cc [roll3] (20/x3), dmg [roll4], cdmg [roll5]

V'ansariel "Vance" Allani (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1019444)
M CG Half-Elf Cleric, Level 1, Init 4, HP 11/11, Speed 40
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 4, Ref 2, Will 6, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 0
Elven branched spear +2 (1d8 + 3, x3)
Club +2 (1d6 + 3, x2)
Dagger +2 (1d4 + 2, 19-20/x2)
Studded leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 10
Condition None

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash ("Fiendclaw" in Orcish) (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=552622)
Female Chaotic Evil Half-Orc Bloodrager, Level 1, Init 2, HP 12+2/12+2, Speed 30 ft (40 ft. base)
AC 12, Touch 8, Flat-footed 10, CMD 17, Fort 9, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 1
Greataxe +6 (1d12+12, 20/x3)
Hide Armor (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, -4 Misc)
Abilities Str 23, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12
Condition Bloodrage 1/6 Used (+4 Str, +6 Con, +2 Will, -2 AC)
Power Attack
Charge
With a feral roar that is utterly inhuman in tone, Oghash bursts into motion, charging the bandit leader. Her greataxe comes down in a two-handed swing from overhead, aimed with all her might at the doomed man. "GRAAAAAH!"

Free Action - Bloodrage
Free Action - activate Power Attack
Full Round Action - Charge the Bandit Leader (moving to Z27), drawing Greataxe in the process
Greataxe [roll0] attack, [roll1] (20/x3), [roll2] slashing damage, [roll3] critical strike damage

[KevSaund]

The Half-Orc's Primal scream rattles the brigands to their core. They have never seen someone's head split in half like that. There's a moment of eerie quiet in the moment that follows. Then one of them breaks the spell screaming "That's Oghash!" Within seconds they remainder of the brigands have dropped their bows and run.

[3SecondCultist]

When Domino falls and it becomes apparent that they're surrounded, Dr. Corvus bares his teeth slightly. On the morning soil, his shadow unfurls itself threateningly as the wizard prepares to cast a spell in order to hamper and confuse their new foes. But before he can even do anything, Oghash is moving. The leader of the brigands is already dead, his eviscerated corpse hitting the ground with a satisfying thud. Corvus grins openly, stepping around the rogue's body to examine the half-orc's handiwork, completely unconcerned about both Domino and the retreating highwaymen. The cleric can tend to her wounds easily enough, and they're not worth the effort.

"He didn't suffer," the good doctor says as he looks down at the bloody mess. "I suppose that's for the best. What would you like to do with the body?" He looks at Oghash meaningfully, but offers no suggestions of his own. It's the warrior's kill - the corpse is rightfully hers to do with what she will.

[Untarr]

With a groan, Domino's eyes open at the healing magic applied to her by Vance. The arrow is still going through her, but the healing seems to have stopped the bleeding. "Thanks."

Oh boy. This is the part that sucks. She looks down at the arrow head protruding about 3 inches from the right side of her sternum.

"I'll need you to pull it out. On moment..." She draws a dagger and uses it to notch the shaft a bit before snapping off the head in a clean break. "Alright, do it....but don't tell me when. The body tenses up and it will cause more damage. She turns around and presents the feathered end to Vance.

[MuffinMan]

Vance swallows hard as the adrenaline receeds - the explosion of violence has left the usually-gregarious priest more than a little unsettled. "Ok. This is going to hurt. Look at that tree over there. Imagine what kind of birds like to nest in its-!!!" With no warning, he jerks the shaft free of Domino's torso and applies another healing spell to stop the bleeding. "We're fortunate that you found them first - if we'd walked into their sights unknowingly we'd all have ended up this way! Lady Luck smiles on us this day." He looks - a bit queasily - at the corpse of the slain bandit and Oghash's bloody axe. "Your, ah, reputation proceeds you, it seems." he addresses the half-orc. "I'm glad to know you're on our side. So, now what? Shall we continue?"

Convert another divine favor to CLW and heal Domino again for [roll0]. This uses up Vance's 1st level spells for the day - Channels only until we rest!

[DarkOne-Rob]

"He didn't suffer. I suppose that's for the best. What would you like to do with the body?"
Oghash looks at the man with an incredulous look before she begins rifling through his possessions. "I will take what I want off the body. Then I will leave what I don't want for the scavengers," she says, breathing heavily for several long seconds before seeming to recover from the sudden exertion. As she removes valuables she also carefully cuts the corpse's breeches away from its legs and, using one of the dead man's own knives, carefully cuts away the large calf muscles at the back of its legs. "These will make a good steak tonight over the fire," she says, using water from a waterskin to carefully clean her grisly trophies before placing them in a bag of salt to dry and preserve the meat until later.

Oghash will thoroughly search the body - taking 20 for a 24 if necessary - then take the loot she wants from the corpse and cut two steaks from the man's legs.

"Your, ah, reputation proceeds you, it seems. I'm glad to know you're on our side."
"Your side? For now...Just do your part and keep out of my way - or else I will kill you in your sleep," Oghash replies, with a cold, dead tone that makes the statement less a threat and more a statement of inevitable cause-and-effect.

Once she sees that the rest of the party is ready to continue, she turns back towards the path and begins marching along again, carrying her bloodied ax without concern for the blood drying on the heavy blade.

[Farmerbink]

Kern smirks at Oghash's handiwork, and the undeniable effect it had on the rest of the brigands. "Wonder which one of them will take up the mantle, now..." He shrugs- a decidedly awkward looking gesture with his mismatched shoulders.

"We seriously going to stand around while she carves steaks from that guy?" He looks around and notes Vance and Domino engaged in their own post-combat activities. Turning to Corvus, he shakes his head in resignation. "Guess so."

[Untarr]

Domino gasps with surprise and pain when Vance removes the shaft. With no warning chills are sent through her body as another healing spell knits her up.

Been a long time since I've hurt that bad. Even the Scottsburg job I kept conscious
on.


"Your side? For now...Just do your part and keep out of my way - or else I will kill you in your sleep,"

"She will try." the rogue says in her own matter of fact tone, whispering it into Vance's ear. "But I like you, priest. You earned a friend today. I don't let bad things happen to my friends."

[3SecondCultist]

Corvus watches as Oghash takes a few choice pieces of meat from the dead bandit leader. He doesn't try to stop her, nor does he voice any objections or encouragements. Right now, he is simply an observer. When the larger man - Kern - asks him a question, the man looks back at him with curious maroon eyes. "I apologize, but how exactly did you expect me to intervene? Ought I have asked the orc nicely, or tried my hand at a spell? There is no sense in delaying what was clearly about to happen."

The dhampir turns as though to move away, but pauses before turning back for a moment, seeing that Oghash is out of earshot. He leans in closer, his breath a warm wind against Kern's neck. "Besides, I thought a mercenary's psychology lent itself well to the notion of 'spoils of war'. No, Mr. Cooke. The only way to make use of Oghash is to channel her rage towards those we want slain, and accept the consequences of the aftermath."

[KevSaund]

As she removes valuables she also carefully cuts the corpse's breeches away from its legs and, using one of the dead man's own knives, carefully cuts away the large calf muscles at the back of its legs. "These will make a good steak tonight over the fire," she says, using water from a waterskin to carefully clean her grisly trophies before placing them in a bag of salt to dry and preserve the meat until later.

Among the gristle stained remains Oghash finds various weapons along with the bow and ammunition, rather nice armor for a brigand, a small ceramic vial which seems full of liquid by its weight, and a not insignificant amount of coinage.

You find: 4g 3s
Potion (as yet unidentified)
Masterwork Studded Leather Armor
Buckler
Rapier
Dagger
Shortbow
10 +1 Arrows
40 Arrows

[Farmerbink]

Kern snorts. "Just seemed like a waste of time, 'cept sweet cheeks over there needed a patch job, too. With an unhappy frown, he puts his attention towards the road ahead, leaning ever so slightly on his horse chopper as he waits for the others to be ready to move on.

After a few breaths, it seems like most of the party has recuperated as best they're going to. "We done here?" Kern barks, interrupting a few whispers and otherwise breaking the awkward silence.

[MuffinMan]

"She will try." the rogue says in her own matter of fact tone, whispering it into Vance's ear. "But I like you, priest. You earned a friend today. I don't let bad things happen to my friends."

The cheeky grin has returned to Vance's face by now - although he averts his gaze as Oghash claims her grisly trophies - and he favors Domino with a wink as he returns her conspiratorial tone. "Two women fighting over me - I knew my luck was in today!"


After a few breaths, it seems like most of the party has recuperated as best they're going to. "We done here?" Kern barks, interrupting a few whispers and otherwise breaking the awkward silence.

"I for one am quite done with this stretch of road!" Vance agrees cheerily. "The Well isn't getting any closer! What do you suppose will try to kill us next? Marauding goblins, an owlbear or two, maybe a good old fashioned earthquake? Ah, the adventuring life! Where's a minstrel to compose an epic ballad when you need one?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Ought I have asked the orc nicely..."
"I am not an orc - my father's people wouldn't accept me, so I ate them. Do not call me an 'orc' again," Oghash spits, without turning from her search of the body.


You find: 4g 3s
Potion (as yet unidentified)
Masterwork Studded Leather Armor
Buckler
Rapier
Dagger
Shortbow
10 +1 Arrows
40 Arrows
Oghash pockets the coin and potion without hesitation. She looks closely at the bow and arrows, noting that several are runed, before shrugging and placing the quiver and the bow within easy reach. "The rest is all yours, scavengers," she growls as she stomps to the front of the party.

[Untarr]

Domino walks up to the bandit leader and inspects his armor. Wow. Very high quality. Considering there is a hole in mine, maybe this will work...

Removing it off him takes some doing, but soon the studded leather armor is in her hands. "I'll return shortly."

Domino disappears behind a few trees and bushes for a few minutes.

I'd appreciate if no one tried to go see her change.

Returning back to the party, her out layer has not changed. She is still covered from head to toe in light cloth that hides everything. In her hand is a piece of leather armor with a hole clean through it. She drops it on the bandit leader.

"Let's continue...shall we?"


Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

Not ones!!

[KevSaund]

As your party continues their march, you are even more on guard than previously. However the rest of the day's travel is uneventful. As the light begins to fade you approach your You crest the last hill and finally the complex comes into view. In stark contrast to the lush greenery of the hills lies a large sunken graveyard laid out in the shape of a cross. Rather than towering above the ground, the graves have settled into depressions, and the main mausoleum, a building of strange green stone, rests in the deepest depression some 40 ft. below the ground on which you now stand. At the other end of the grave-filled hollow stands what appears to be a stone well. There are no gravestones near it. The normal sounds of wildlife are gone, and large carrion birds circle overhead. An ominous silence rests about the place. Each of you knows in your heart that you have found the legendary dungeon of Rappan Athuk. And though none dare speak it, you wonder if you will live to return to the warmth of hearth and home.

http://i.imgur.com/5kzxqRf.png

[Farmerbink]

Kern scoffs. "What, you don't wear a shift?" He shakes his head in confusion and derision as Domino retreats behind a small copse of scrubland. "Biggest f***ing cluster I've ever..."

A low whistle breaks the silence. "Well, sh!t. Don't that look just like a big ol' ball of fun. The f*** did I get myself into this time?" He looks around the scene for several seconds, just taking in the immense scope of precisely what he's up against. His gaze shifts to the four figures standing nearby. With a discontented snort, somehow seeming amused, he steps forward.

"We're all gonna die in this damn hole," he mutters.

Map isn't working for me. In either case, Kern isn't going to wait for the rest of the party to start moving. He's going to head into the basin and try to setup camp near-ish the well- oblivious to the distinct lack of typical wildlife.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash looks at the entrance to Rappan Athuk with interest, silently considering the way ahead patiently. When Kern moves forward as if he intends to enter the grounds she snaps, "Wait! See the buzzards? They hang around for food..." she drifts off, looking around some more. "If you don't want to die, think like a hunter and find the ambush..."

Unlike before, Oghash seems content to wait and watch patiently for some time. She doesn't go so far as to stop anyone from entering the graveyard, but neither is she leading the way anymore. "I've slept with dead meat before, but never like this. This is much more dangerous," she mumbles, the words more growl than speech.

Oghash will take 20 on Perception (for a 24), looking for signs of danger that may try to catch the party off guard. She is particularly interested in signs of undead or movement in the graveyard ahead, but sh watches the vultures for indications of danger too.

Only once she is sure there is nothing immediately dangerous will she follow others into the graveyard.

[Untarr]

What, you don't wear a shift?

Domino's eyes catch the knobby man as she reappears. "If you wanted a show, you'll have to do better than that..."




Take 20 on perception (26) for undead/disturbed graves

Lead the party in, I think we're on the south side of theg graveyard based on your description. If so, head to the closest G-5. If we are on the north end, head to G-4.
[roll0] Perception to check for traps as we go (+1 to perception from trapfinding rogue class feature)
[roll1] Stealth

"Staying in the graveyard overnight is a mistake. We should find the entrance."


Domino slips past Oghash and Kern with nary a sound. Her hooded face betraying nothing of her feelings. "He may die, but I've been in tough spots. Keep your head up and eyes open and I'm gonna get out of here alive."

[MuffinMan]

Vance lets out a low whistle at the sight of the sprawling graveyard. "Well, now there's a sight!" he exclaims. "Where do you suppose they've hidden the treasure? Wouldn't it be a colossal joke if it was somewhere aboveground this entire time?" Seeing the more capable (and violent) members of the party stepping forward to scout the terrain, the cleric leans idly on his spear and begins a conversation with Corvus. "So you were a professor, right? What subjects did you say you studied?"

[3SecondCultist]

As the group approaches the graveyard which serves as the entrance to the fabled Well, Dr. Corvus' step grows lighter. He is almost as at home among the tombstones as he would be in his classroom. Although he says little, walking near the back of the group, his pace quickens and he ends up staring out wordlessly over the bleak expanse right behind Oghash. "The poetry of death is in its timing. You have a predator's sense and a survivor's quickness, but even those might not be enough to save you down there. Confronting one's own mortality is part and parcel of an adventurer's life. I wonder what you will do when faced with yours."

When V'ansariel asks him about his previous work, the doctor nods along genially. "I am - or was - a research fellow in the applied necromantic arts. There are some arts that delve too deep for the common mind to truly appreciate. Mastery over death is one such discipline, I'm afraid. Pardon the pun, but I make no bones of what I do. My work is as necessary as an abjurer's. If magic is capable of preventing suffering, how important is its source?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash nods silently at Domino's spoken words and then looks sharply at Corvus when he addresses her. "Humph. I'll 'confront' it the same way I have before - screaming in fury to fight it off. Don't act like you know my life...I've faced death plenty," she growls, her perpetual anger fed by some unspoken memories. The furious woman glares at the scholar as he discusses magic, spitting in obvious dislike before turning back to stare into the graveyard when he begins making puns about his expertise.

"If he tries to pull any death-magic on me he'll get what's coming to him..."
Oghash will be taking the Superstition (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/barbarian/rage-powers/paizo---rage-powers/superstition-ex) rage power at level 8 - assuming we live that long. In the meantime I will not be particularly pleasant around the discussion of magic.

[KevSaund]

As members of the party begin making their way into the graveyard, all are on high alert. Those with keen eyes find much to see. As the western mausoleum is approached, they can see a patch of graves with freshly turned soil and makeshift markers. A tenth grave is freshly dug, but empty. A large marble stone looms above it bearing the name "Domino." The mausoleum itself is shut tight barred by iron doors. You can hear the faint scratching of vermin, not too far away.

There is a statue towards the center of the graveyard, but it is too far away to make out many details.

Though the graveyard is eerily quiet, nothing dangerous yet stands out.

No traps are discovered on the way to G5 (Mausoleum) the graves are at G2 and statue is G1. Vermin noises are emanating from G3

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash watches the party's surroundings closely as they walk, noting the path they took and possible ambush points out of habit. As they approach the mausoleum she speaks up, saying, "So, what is the plan? Are we trying to find the door to Rappan Athuk now, or looking for a place to sleep until the morning?" With a nervous swing of her ax she looks at the mausoleum before the party. "The warning is about a 'well,' not a tomb. The way inside won't be here," she continues before pointing at one of the other nearby buildings (G7). "That one looks different than the rest - why don't we check it out?"

[Untarr]

I am looking for a defensive position for us to use as a camp for the night. ... her voice trails off as she sees a grave with her name on it. Which, isn't something anyone would be happy to see, but in this context, is fairly ominous. She ignores the grave and moves on.

"I am reluctant to try the well, precisely because of that warning. 'Don't go down the well!'. Maybe it's a clever way of telling us to find another door into this place. "

Domino follows Oghash's finger and nods. "We'll see if there is anything interesting about that statue along the way."

to G7 by way of the statue.

[Farmerbink]

Kern grunts, sufficiently displaying his displeasure for the entire group to see. He spits on the ground, hands loosely grasping his large blade. "I suppose that's as good a place to find out if we'll die tonight," he mutters. His blade lowers into a ready stance, and he paces forward, alongside Oghash.

[3SecondCultist]

Corvus' features don't change as they pass into the entrance to Rappan Athuk. *clack* *clack* His quarterstaff taps idly against the odd gravestone as the group proceeds, the necromancer's thoughts a realm unto themselves. He has no quarrel with the suggested path, and so follows Domino, Mr. Cooke, and Oghash as they walk.

"I wonder," Corvus muses out loud, "if we will happen across any animated undead here. They seem like they would be fitting guardians for this place. If we do, I should like to dominate one for further study into local bone physiology and burial customs." He doesn't need to spell out the use in knowing more about those who came here before. Any more information could prove invaulable towards delving into the secrets at their feet.

[KevSaund]

The party pauses on their way to the larger mausoleum. In the courtyard is a life-sized statue of a dwarf on a 4 ft. by 4 ft. stone block. He looks to have been a great warrior, and dwarven runes adorn the front of the pedestal. It seems to be the highest point in this accursed grove, with the mausoleums sitting lower in the ground. This rather large tombstone, crested with the statue of a dwarf, seems to have been visited frequently. the ground around the base of the statue is well trod.

[3SecondCultist]

When he looks at the inscription, the vampiric doctor stops talking mid-sentence. "Hm. The inscription is in Dwarven. I'm not exactly proficient in the language, but I'll see what I can do to translate it. A moment, please." From his pack, Dr. Corvus pulls a pen and paper, copying over the runes and making a quick chart. The whole process takes perhaps a minute.

"I believe I have an accurate translation. The runes read: 'Blessed is he who spares these stones / And cursed be the man who moves my bones.'" He offers no commentary on the content of the message - to translate is to speak through the veil of time, and he will not dilute the tone or mood of the author.

[MuffinMan]

"Hmm, that reminds me..." Vance squints at the statue, "I heard a rumor about this place just a day or two ago - funny how that works out! Anyway, the rumor said that some high priestess was buried here - Akbeth, priestess of Hecate. Funny thing is, she was said to have been turned into a statue - and to have had a ring that let her change shape! Is at you, Akbeth? You're looking shorter than usual, these days!" He grins impertinently at the dwarf's form.


"I believe I have an accurate translation. The runes read: 'Blessed is he who spares these stones / And cursed be the man who moves my bones.'" He offers no commentary on the content of the message - to translate is to speak through the veil of time, and he will not dilute the tone or mood of the author.

"Well, as ancient inscriptions go, that seems pretty plain to me! Leave the poor stones alone, and any bones are on a strict eyes-only basis. Well, are we done here? Best to scout the inside of these buildings before we camp for the night, I think..."

[DarkOne-Rob]

"I only eat fresh meat - the dwarf can keep his bones where they are," growls Oghash as she looks towards the mausoleum. "Come on, we're getting close to the tomb." She then walks purposefully away from the statue uninterested in the history of the place.

[Untarr]

'Blessed is he who spares these stones / And cursed be the man who moves my bones.' The sentence reverberates in her mind for a few moments after the doctor states the translation.

There is something odd about that sentence. I just can't figure it out. I wonder which stones he's talking about...

"What do you think it means? This is weird. We know that the army of light that pursued Orcus disappeared. We also know that this mausoleum and sunken graveyard did not appear until years after that climatic battle." Domino begins to search around the statue and continues to examine graves.

"Why would the followers of Orcus make such a graveyard? And to then curse the remains so that they would remain undisturbed...it makes no sense if they were enemies. Right? I'm no scholar, but even I can see that something is off about this graveyard..."


[roll0] (+1 more if traps)

[Farmerbink]

"That must be the secret," Kern mumbles sarcastically. "Some dipsh!t moved the guy's bones. Now all these bastards moved in and got cursed, and us idiots can't leave well enough alone." Kern snorts.

"Sh!t. What isn't off about this graveyard?"

[Untarr]

"Its more than that. Why bother building a graveyard for your enemies? Domino keeps searching...

"Can anyone identify these tracks?"

[MuffinMan]

"Can anyone identify these tracks?"

"We're hardly the first one to adventure here - or to be sent here, as the case may be." Vance replies. Nevertheless, the half-el crouches and makes a show of examining the prints. "Humanoid, obviously, but I can't make out much more than that. My bet is that they belong to the successive generations of poor souls who came into this cursed place, probably having a conversation about them much as we are now!" He straightens and turns to follow Oghash deeper into the cemetery, towards the tomb. "Some would take that as discouragement, but not I! It means this places' luck is bound to change - soon!"

Perception [roll0] (in general; not looking for anything specific)
Survival [roll1] and Know: Local [roll2] (in case they are relevant to the tracks)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash stops and looks at the others in the party with an impatient grimace. "Don't stand around looking at the ground for long - that's a great way to attract predators. I should know," she mutters as she keeps a watch on their surroundings and not at their feet.

[KevSaund]

Vance feels confident in his estimations about the tracks around the statue. As he examines the ground he notices, along with Domino and Oghash, the door to a small closed compartment. Domino states confidently that it does't appear to be trapped.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash glances down and see the compartment on the side of the statue's base. When Domino announces it is untrapped the half-orc grunts noncommittally, "Well, open it then and see what happens." She then watches to see what happens if the smaller woman does, in fact, open the door.

[Untarr]

Domino shrugs, leans over, and opens the door.

"Lets just agree that if they are bones, we leave them alone."

[KevSaund]

Inside the compartment is a large unadorned iron key. There is a layer of dust around it, but the key itself has maintained its luster.

[Untarr]

"Doc. Get over here and see if there is any magic around this key." While waiting for his prognosis, Domino does her own check of the key.


In the interest of PBP:
[roll0] Perception for Traps

If the key is non-magical and non-trapped:
Grab it.

If the key is non-magical and trapped:
[roll1] disable device
then grab it

If there is any indication of a pressure plate:
Use slight of hand to replace the key with an equivalent weight of something (Indiana Jones Style)
[roll2] slight of Hand

If it is magical, disarm any traps but otherwise do nothing.

[MuffinMan]

"Perhaps I can be of service," Vance interjects. With a small gesture and a few words uttered in the Elven tongue, the half-elf's eyes take on a silvery film that seems to glisten in the light. "Now," Vance's voice is more monotone than usual from the effort of concentrating on the spell, "let's see what we see.."

Cast Detect Magic (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/coreRulebook/spells/detectMagic.html#detect-magic) and inspect the area. If auras are found, Vance will report them and attempt (untrained) checks to diagnose them:
Spellcraft [roll0]
Knowledge: Arcana [roll1]

[KevSaund]

Vance detects a faint magic aura emanating from the key as well as (surprisingly) a faint magic aura from the gargoyles on the roof of the main mausoleum. Both auras seem to resonate with magic from the school of conjuration. Domino can find no traps on the key or in the compartment.

[3SecondCultist]

Corvus' eyes flit to and fro, and so lost in his own thoughts is he that he completely misses Domino's question. Seeing V'ansariel cast the spell before he is able, the doctor blinks twice and does the same. A second diagnosis on the matters of the arcane is important when trekking into places such as this one.

"I apologize," he says softly to the rogue, "my mind was elsewhere. Shall I see if I can find anything further?" It takes him a few moments to study the auras that emanate from both the key and the distant gargoyles, but after he does, he shares his findings with the rest of the group. "I would advise caution, especially around that key. In my opinion, any of us would be likely to be transported elsewhere. Perhaps given time, I could conduct an experiment on it to see its effects on a living being?"

Dr. Corvus will also cast detect magic, and I'll do my Spellcraft and Knowledge (Arcana) rolls here as well.

Spellcraft: [roll0]

Knowledge (Arcana): [roll1]

[Untarr]

Domino pulls her hand back from the key. "If it does transport people magically, that would certainly explain how it is still sitting there after so many people would have found it over the years."

Standing up straight. "Lets let it be. If you have some expendable option, go for it. But I'd rather none of us try."

[3SecondCultist]

"My method will come at no harm to any of us," Dr. Corvus replies with some satisfaction, before adding hastily, "and it will be of no lasting harm to whatever creature touches the key tomorrow." He blinks again, the last effects of the divination leaving his body as the dhampir's eyes return to their normal maroon shade.

"In any case, it might be prudent for us to explore the area before finding somewhere to rest for the evening?"

[Untarr]

"Yes. We need a defensive position before nightfall." Domino takes the lead and heads south to the masoleum.


[roll0] Perception (+1 for traps)

I'm going to assume that Vance will share the part about the gargoyles being magical and not get too close without letting other people give more information.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash watches the more intellectual and magical party members inspect the key and describe its magic with an expression that sours even further that her usual hateful glower. "Foul trickery - handle it however you like, but keep it from me until we know it is safe," she growls before turning back towards the mausoleum and looking at the gargoyles. "They're magic too? Best to destroy them if we get a chance..." She then follows Domino, everything about her looking on edge and ready to spring into violent action at any moment.

[Farmerbink]

Kern grunts, acknowledging his companion's discovery without comment. As Vance and Corvus inspect the key, he quietly draws his polearm, not trusting in the inanimate to stay so. His eyes narrow in suspicion, halfway expecting the key to rise and attack on its own, until Corvus mentions transportation. Kern nods and the moment's tension seems to evaporate. "At least it's not a threat if we don't go about poking and prodding it." He releases a short snort of laughter. "Something tells me plenty of other idiots have learned that lesson the hard way over the years."

Chuckling with soft malice, Kern follows close behind Domino as she scouts towards the mausoleum.

Sorry for the radio silence. I managed to eat a ham sandwich tonight- the most substantial meal I've had in three days... :(

[MuffinMan]

Vance follows Domino's lead as well, and listens to Oghash's grumblings about destroying the gargoyles with some skepticism. "Well, I don't know about you, but they're a deal higher than I can reach. And I don't fancy breaking my neck trying to climb up there, just for the chance to bang on a few magical rocks... Let them alone as long as they leave us alone, I say." The half-elf's ears stand rigid, betraying his efforts to scan for any signs of life besides they party themselves as they march along.

[roll0]

[KevSaund]

The party makes their way back the way they came, along the path to the Old Coast Road. After an hour or so of scouting they find a small clearing about 200 feet off the main road, surrounded by a thick grove of trees. Domino scouts for traps or other signs of danger, but finds little.

This will be as good a place as any to setup for the night.

Watch order? Shift duration?

[Farmerbink]

Without waiting for the rest of the party, Domino immediately drops her pack and begins rooting about in the underbrush just outside the clearing. "I'll take first watch," she offers simply, before disappearing into the woods.

Meanwhile, Kern shrugs out of his own pack, and begins digging into a bare patch that might once have housed a campfire- many moons hence. With a frown he looks up. "I'll admit a bit of embarrassment, but I didn't consider that we'd be sleeping outside and providing for ourselves. In my defense, I didn't much consider I'd be taking part in this fool's errand- but it serves no purpose to complain overmuch. Still, I'm not totally unprepared." He withdraws a simple kit to take mess, and begins gathering small branches to serve as kindling. "Anyone know if she's looking for larger pieces of firewood?"

As per Untarr's request, I'll (gently) bot Domino for the time being. She'll take 1st watch, and is, in point of fact, trying to both scout for suspicious tracks and dangerous points of entry, as well as recovering a few arms full of dry (?) firewood.

Kern is crap at perception. He won't volunteer for a watch and risk the very real possibility that his inobservance gets someone killed.

[roll0] untrained survival (if required) to get a fire going.
[roll1] assist by Kern?

[roll2] perception for Domino during the first watch.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash grunts at the request for party members to stand watch. "I'll take the graveyard watch, if any of you trust me," she mutters, loud enough to hear but not really expecting a response from her companions. After finding a spot several yards away and downwind of the others, she makes her own fire and begins preparing dinner. Anyone watching would see her use a rather complete cooking kit to thoroughly clean, cut into thin slices, and then smoke the steaks she cut earlier. After looking at her meager provisions (one day's worth of trail rations and the newly made human-jerky) she shakes her head and rises again. "I'm hungry and need to find more to eat. The orcs never trusted me to take me hunting and they wouldn't show me good plants to eat either," she growls, glaring at the others one by one. "Can any of you find me food?" she finally asks, the request a mixture of threat and begging.

Oghash is a cannibal for a variety of reasons - not the least of which is her demonic heritage - but perhaps the biggest reason is that she doesn't know what else to do. She has zero ranks in Survival, so she has spent her life on the periphery of other cultures feeding on the weak. This isn't intended to make her more likable or sympathetic (because she will resort to eating her companions if she doesn't get food another way), but her request is genuine.

As a player, I would be interested in her hunting with someone if they want to RP the interactions. She isn't very stealthy in her armor, but she is handy when it comes time to take down a potential meal. In addition, she could help gather plants to eat. After all, even cannibals need some veggies in their diets...

[Farmerbink]

Kern scoffs quietly. "What you didn't bring any food?" His face takes on an unreadable expression as he looks over his companion briefly. "I can't help you with the hunting bit, but if I miss this, we'll already have lived longer than I expected." Without more preamble, he opens a cloth-wrapped bundle of soft cheese and day-old bread. Breaking off a sizable chunk of both, he tosses them to Oghash, before retrieving his canteen and leaning up against his pack, feet crossed before the empty fireplace.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash catches the food and glares at Kern. "I spent the last month in jail. You should know, since you helped send me there," she growls as she begins eating some cheese. "The rations they left me should last me one day."

I actually lacked the funds to buy Oghash more rations since I used her starting gold to pay for the manacles she wore. Not sure it makes sense, but I didn't want to start the game with free chains and mess up my starting wealth. :smallcool:

[MuffinMan]

Vance slings his pack to the ground and proceeds to pop his back in a series of contented sighs. Overhearing Kern and Oghash discussing rations, he steps over to them and volunteers, "I've a few days of rations, myself, but I wouldn't mind seeing what else we can find out here - trail food can get so obnoxiously dull at times!" Rummaging in his own supplies, he produces a mess kit, an iron pot, an a ball of fishing line. Pocketing the latter, he hefts his spear to his shoulder and starts gazing about through the woods. "Now, if I were a path of delicious berries or a plump, juicy rabbit, where would I be...? What, hunting? Can't say that I've ever really done it before - but how hard can it be??? Chadali will provide, you know! I'll be back in an hour - you can tag along if you don't scare off all the game!" He begins whistling a jaunty tune as he sets off before catching himself - realizing it might not be most appropriate accompaniment to stalking prey.

I don't have a particular preference for Vance's watch shift (and neither does he, he'd flip a coin!). Perception [roll0] for that.

In the meantime, untrained survival of [roll1] to search for firewood & nomz.

On the off-chance he can burn a few uses of Bit of Luck (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/coreRulebook/classes/cleric.html#luck-domain) to get extra rolls on either of these, here's another Perception [Roll]1d20+6[Roll] 15 and Survival [Roll]1d20+4[Roll] 22 (rolled in OOC)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash grumbles as she follows the cheerful cleric into the woods. "I'll scare him off," she mutters as she falls into step behind him sullenly.

Is someone going to go with the pair of them to ensure that the "hunter" doesn't become the hunted? Oghash is a cannibal after all...
Stealth [roll0] (untrained)
Survival [roll1] (untrained)

[KevSaund]

Domino takes first watch and disappears into the forrest. She returns a few uneventful hours later to find camp is going strong with a fire and a few small critters roasting over it. Looks like the Vance and Oghash had some success in catching victuals for the group. The rest of the night passes uneventfully, short of Kern hearing something, or a few somethings moving about in the woods just before dawn. Whatever it was must have been afraid of the fire, as it doesn't come closer.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash returns to the camp carrying more meat with an expression that is one part surprise and one part annoyance. "How did I lose sight of him back there? I'll eat this rabbit, but that cleric would have lasted longer..." she grumbles as she begins skinning and preparing the coney. The soup she makes is simple but hearty enough and satisfies her growling stomach with some left over for the others.

The night watch goes by quietly enough. Oghash spends most of it muttering angrily while cleaning and sharpening her weapons. Anyone listening closely would hear a disturbing argument as she debates slitting her companions' throats or letting them live for now. "I cannot cure this much meat - not enough salt. If they die inside the dungeon I could just eat them later..."

When dawn comes the half-or woman makes camp and gathers fresh water from a nearby stream that Vance found the previous day. Once ready to begin she sits and glowers at the others. Her brooding patience seems the most polite attitude she knows how to demonstrate.

[Untarr]

Domino awakes with nary a sound. With a few quick movements, her pack is ready to go well before anyone else is ready.

After eating a few bites of the leftover critters and some trail rations, the rogue shuffles off to one side of the camp. Starting from a sitting position, she spends the next half hour slowly moving through various physical poses.
She's going through a rather intense routine that you would recognize as Yoga. Though, this is obviously the most advanced version of that art.

Finishing off she ends in a one handed handstand with both legs stretched perfectly horizontal. Bringing them back together with a great degree of control, she backbends upright and walks over to the others.

"I am still a little sore from yesterday."
with the 1hp of rested healing, she is now at 5/10

Waiting for everyone to make ready, she leads the party back to the graveyard. This time, heading straight for the large masoleum.


[roll0] Stealth
[roll1] Perception (+1 one more for traps)

[Farmerbink]

As dawn approaches, Kern finds a few smallish sticks and stirs the fire back into a small blaze. The sun breaks the horizon, prompting the man to noisily smack an empty pot into the coals, throwing up embers and ashes and creating a loud banging nose. "Best start moving, people. No sense in wasting 'this opportunity'..."

He pours some of the remaining rabbit stew into the pot and lets it reach a boil before scooping into a simple pewter bowl. He sighs contentedly as he sips on the scalding liquid, eyes facing the rising sun. After several minutes, he rises and does a few jumping jacks before wiping down and wrapping up the pot and bowl. Both are unceremoniously dumped into his one-shouldered sack.

"Well, let's get on with it." He follows Domino towards the mausoleum, horse chopper held lazily atop his misshapen hunch.

[MuffinMan]

Vance remains curled in his blanket until most of the rest of the party is ready to leave, snoring loudly as though oblivious to the world. He jumps up quickly, though, when Kern empties the soup kettle, revealing that he had spent the night in his armor. "Ahh.... morning!" he yawns, lazily rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Nothing murdered us in our sleep - truly an auspicious start to any day, I think! Now, if you'll all just gather 'round- er..." he remembers Oghash's reaction from the previous day, and decides to alter his wording, "if those who would wish it would gather around, I will lead us in a prayer to Desna for straight paths and clear direction. Oh, radiant Song of the Spheres, we beseech thee..."

When his prayer is concluded, Vance notices Domino's condition. "You still look pretty banged up. Here!" He extends a hand radiating with positive energy for the woman to take.

Cast CLW to heal for [roll0]

[Farmerbink]

Kern approaches Vance, with the soup kettle. He raises an eyebrow. "I guess that wasn't a one-time thing." He sighs and extends the kettle, waiting for Vance to produce a vessel or reject the offer. After, he stands still just long enough to humor the cleric before they return to the graveyard.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Nothing murdered us in our sleep - truly an auspicious start to any day, I think!"
Oghash scowls angrily and grumbles as the party gathers around Vance. Shaking her head as she rises she stands at the outside edge of the group and receives the blessings of his deity grudgingly. Then she takes the lead and begins walking deliberately towards the graveyard.

[3SecondCultist]

The good doctor - in perfect keeping with his own resting habits - stares off in the distance for some time after 'waking'. While sleep comes as naturally to him as it would a regular human, actually dreaming remains an elusive concept, and he tends to wake up to the lightest of noises out in the wilderness. As such, the faintest of dark circles has appeared under Dr. Corvus' eyes as he surveys the graveyard in the morning light.

"It would seem that we have been blessed with the gift of continued survival," he says in relation to V'ansariel's prayer, once the half-elf has finished his communion with his god. "The power of prayer must be powerful indeed." There is no sign that Dr. Corvus' words are anything less than completely sincere. He bows his head, as though worshiping his own private deity. For all anyone else knows, he could be. Instead, the half-vampire suffuses himself with the requisite arcane power for the day's trials. The process takes him a few minutes, but when he's finished, he inhales sharply and opens his bloodthirsty eyes to the world.

Upon seeing Domino and Oghash head back towards the graveyard, Corvus gathers himself up with as much gravitas as he can muster. A small smile of anticipation crosses his pale features as he moves after them.

Just a note, I'm swapping out ray of sickening for grease on Corvus' spells prepared for the day. His other spells include mage armor, obscuring mist, and cause fear.

[KevSaund]

The party approaches the mausoleum on the southern side of the sunken graveyard, which looks no more inviting in the light of day. When they get within 15 feet or so, one of the eight large stone gargoyles begins to move. It stretches itself up to it's full height on it's perch, looks at the party only briefly then extends it's wings and flies off to the east.

The stairs in the front of the mausoleum decent to a set of large steel doors. Built into the doors is an intricate lock, which looks worthy of the most legendary dwarven smith.

[DarkOne-Rob]

When the gargoyle moves the reaction from Oghash is instantaneous - with a roar she brandishes her ax and glares at the thing murderously. "What is this trickery?" she spits. "Is that real or a figment meant to trick us?"

[Untarr]

Domino shrugs. "It doesn't matter. Its gone now."

After examining the lock, Domino's head tilts to the side as an idea comes to her.

"What if we didn't actually touch the key? Would it's magic still work? Say we manipulated it with a long stick, or even a piece of cloth. Do you think the magic would still have an effect?"

[Farmerbink]

Kern shrugs. "I've done a little reading on such things, but I'm no expert. Still, most magic seems to pass through all but the sturdiest of materials with little impact. I doubt anyone happens to have a lead sheet on hand..." He chuckles a bit- obviously no one is prepared in that way.

"Still, if you're all that curious, I suppose it's safer than poking about with a finger. I'm not gonna volunteer though, that's for sure. Think you can handle this lock, girl?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash glares at Domino angrily before continuing to scowl throughout the discussion of magical keys. "We are invading its home - it won't be alone and will probably return," she grumbles sullenly as she watches the other gargoyles suspiciously.

[MuffinMan]

Vance also starts at the gargoyle's sudden movement, but he seems more concerned with Oghash's reaction than the suddenly-moving statue. "Um, yes. Why don't you keep a wary eye out, my friend? You can warn us if it returns or if any of the others begin moving..." While Kern and Domino examine the lock, Vance casts a spell and surveys the exterior of the mausoleum, looking for any obvious traces of magical energy.


"Still, if you're all that curious, I suppose it's safer than poking about with a finger. I'm not gonna volunteer though, that's for sure. Think you can handle this lock, girl?"

"I'm sure she can!" Vance claps Domino on the shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "Go ahead - I'll say a prayer to Chaldira for you!"

Cast detect magic and examine the mausoleum exterior, and the door.
Use Bit of Luck (1/7) on Domino - she can make two d20 rolls for Disable Device, if she wants.

[Untarr]

Really need the doctor to chime in. I'll check out the lock for now.


Examine the doors and lock for traps.

[roll0] (if I can't take 20)

[roll1]
[roll2]



Domino gets to work on the lock with a dubious face.

I doubt it. That key goes to this, and that they haven't been opened yet after all these years... her inner voice trails off.

[3SecondCultist]

"Ah yes, the key. Place it on the ground, if you will." When that is finished, the wizard flips through his spellbook until he finds the appropriate summoning ritual he prepared only minutes ago. "I will call forth a beast to touch the key for us, in order to test these waters." The dhampir wizard closes his eyes, focusing his power through the extraplanar lens. When the spell is finished, a black mastiff with ember eyes stands before the group, as though it had been waiting for its next meal to fall into its grasp.

"I love dogs," Dr. Corvus says as he runs his pale fingers through the dark fur with ease. "They'll do anything for you, given the chance. Even die, when the situation calls for it. They're in touch with their emotions... so unlike us. If we were all honest with one another, we might say that human emotions are a gift from our animal ancestors. Cruelty, on the other hand, is a gift humanity has given itself." Nudging the fiendish beast forward, Corvus directs it to place a paw directly on the key's surface, while he begins his own inspection of the lock at a respectable distance.

Casting summon monster I to call forth a fiendish dog to touch the key as the first experiment! Then he'll cast detect magic on the lock and the door if possible. Let me know what he finds out!

Knowledge (Arcana): [roll0]

Spellcraft: [roll1]

[KevSaund]

Vance discovers three distinct sources of magic coming from the mausoleum: the gargoyles (as before,) the walls themselves, and the ornate lock. The aura on the lock tastes similar to that found previously on the key.

Dr. Corvus's investigation points toward a conjuration spell on the lock, and the walls emanate with transmutation energy.

The large summoned canine waits patiently for someone to place the key on the ground, but when nobody steps forward it does it's best to follow it's masters wishes. It picks up the key from it's compartment with a drool filled mouth, drops it on the ground and places it's paw upon it. It looks at the doctor expectantly.

Nothing else happens.

[Untarr]

Domino moves forward and grabs the key off the ground.


Use the key in the lock.

[KevSaund]

There is a click and a series of decisive thuds. As soon as the mechanism seems to stop the key disappears from Domino's hand. The doors swing slowly open.

The mausoleum itself is filled with damp, musty air. Dust covers most of this barren room of solid stone. Several broken and rusted weapons lie on the floor along with the butt-ends of several used torches. The room’s sole feature is a large stone sarcophagus, on top of which stand two brass candelabras, each holding a lit black candle.

[Farmerbink]

Kern grunts from the back of the group. "Well that's good. No one has died." He steps forward and looks down (slightly) at the mastiff with a pleased-looking expression. He reaches towards the creature before taking on an unreadable expression. Looking to Corvus for permission to stroke the beast, he asks, "May I?"

Moments later, he steps up behind Domino- already beginning her search of the room- with his horse chopper in hand. "See anything that would be improved by repeated beating?" he asks with a laugh. Hardly expecting a response, he peers into the dusty room, himself.

He points to the used torches with a displeased snort. "Odd. Lots of used torches. No bodies." He sighs. "Why do I get the impression that we're all going to die?" Slowly, he prowls into the room, approaching the sarcophagus with obvious trepidation.

First things first, I'm not very good at perceptions: [roll0]
Then, check behind the sarcophagus for the thing that's totally not hiding there ready to kill us.

[MuffinMan]

Vance looks impressed at the doctor's pronouncement of the type and strength of each magical aura - he himself had been about to describe them as "red-ish" and "kind of like a mulled-wine feel". "You'll have to teach me how to do that one day - if we live that long!" he chuckles.

He seems similarly poised to remark when Domino opens the door to the inner chamber, but a billow of dust sets him to hacking and sneezing instead. When he can breathe again he begins to survey the room behind Kern. "Dust - seems this place hasn't been disturbed very recently. Well, except for whoever lit those two candles! Doc, any ideas?" He clutches his spear tightly as he makes his way around the perimeter, peering at everything but not picking anything up.

[roll0], or take 20 for 26.
detect magic again unless Corvus does it

[Untarr]

The gates open, much to the shock of Domino. That is certainly not expected.

"I don't like this. That key was super easy to find. How has no one else found it?" She takes a few moments to look around the room, being careful to not disturb the candles. Afterwards, she places he hand near the candles, checking for heat.


Look around for traps

Look around for place to put the key
[roll0] Add one


[roll1]

Check to see if the candles are producing any heat.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash spits from where she stands near the entrance to the mausoleum. "We'll be 'super-easy to find' if we keep talking about dogs and foul magic and luck," she growls, sullenly eyeing several of the party members before scowling back outside. She carefully stands just outside the doors, ensuring that if they are trapped she won't be caught within them if they close. "This would be a bad place for an ambush..."

[KevSaund]

The black candles give off an expected amount of heat, however if you watch them for more than a few minutes it becomes easy to notice that they do not get shorter. Casting detect magic on them shows a magical aura, in addition to the aura from the walls of the mausoleum.

Kern is surprised to find no ambush behind the sarcophagus, but along with Vance's carful searching they discover a hidden door in the floor.

[Untarr]

Domino waves them off of the door and begins to check it for traps or mechanisms.


[roll0]

[KevSaund]

There are no obvious traps on the door, it seems to be just a large slab of stone set into the stone floor, the only thing that gave it away was a cleverly disguised handle. It will require a great feat of strength to lift it out.

[Untarr]

"Hey, resident meat heads. Its your turn to be useful." Domino points to the heavy door. "Which one of you can lift this thing so that we can get going?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

From the doorway Oghash turns and carefully walks inside the mausoleum. Once at the trap door she reaches down and pulls at it with one hand, holding her greataxe in the other.

Do we need strength checks or anything? If so: [roll0]

[KevSaund]

The heavy stone slab seems not to budge at first. But after continued straining and effort it begins to lift away. Beneath is revealed, a circular shaft descending into the darkness below. The smell of death radiates from the pit as it descends down into oblivion.


Congrats! You have successfully found an entrance to Rappan Athuk! You're all level 2 now!

[3SecondCultist]

Kern grunts from the back of the group. "Well that's good. No one has died." He steps forward and looks down (slightly) at the mastiff with a pleased-looking expression. He reaches towards the creature before taking on an unreadable expression. Looking to Corvus for permission to stroke the beast, he asks, "May I?"

"It would be my pleasure," the spellcaster intones, "but you had best be quick about it." Not a moment after Kern has moved away, the hound from hell bays its head in a baleful moan, and then disappears into a miniature column of fine ash. The dhampir doesn't miss a beat, following the fighter and the rogue towards the entrance to the mausoleum.

When Oghash manages to break free the slab and reveal the pit, Dr. Corvus stares down into the abyss and smiles. "Death is only a beginning," he says more to himself than anyone else present. "And one should embrace it, when it comes. It does not stand on ceremony, in any case, and neither should we. Domino?" He indicates that the rogue should be the first one down the stairs.

[Farmerbink]

Kern looks down the stairs with an unreadable expression. "Smells great, don't it?" He retrieves a torch from his pack, and lights it off the magical candles. "So who wants to die first? Hehehe..."

Chuckling somewhat manically, Kern begins his descent.

If someone wants to lead (someone with low-light or dark vision, perhaps), Kern will let them. Otherwise, TALLY HO!

[roll0] perception

[Untarr]

Domino grabs his clothing. "Doctor's Orders." She says with a wink before sliding in front of the man. "Doc. We had this wizard on a job once. Could hear his voice for a good long distance. Can you do anything like that?"



Hoping for the Message Cantrip so that she can be far enough ahead to find stuff, but not out of communication range.

[roll0] (25 for non-traps
[roll1]

Those should be 28 and 19 respectively. Forgot my trait bonus in dim and dark light

I have not updated my character yet, but I know I'll spend the points on Perception and Stealth, which are reflected in these rolls.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Turning from the now open pit Oghash glares at Corvus with an expression between annoyance and disgust. After a shake of her head she bares her teeth at the shaft before taking off her backpack and rummaging through it. A moment later the half-orc pulls a torch from her pack and lights it with some flint and steel. "Don't trust those magical candles...I'll stay in the back so my light won't give us away," she mutters after noticing Kern light his torch.

Once in the tunnels below ground anyone looking back at her would discover that her green eyes do not show any sign of her father's darkvision. Instead, she squints into the darkness to try and see better, apparently no better able to see in the dark than a human girl her age.

[3SecondCultist]

"Of course," assures the good doctor. "I've had occasion to use it before, myself. I can also include one other person in the link." He looks at V'ansariel, Kern, and Oghash in turn, to see if any of them would care to be a second recipient. If any of them speaks up, the mage rolls back his sleeves and pulls out a piece of copper wire to wrap around his neck. He mutters under his breath.

"There, the spell should be carrying my voice." To anyone under the spell's effect, they hear Dr. Corvus twofold: once aloud, the other a whispered echo. "I can renew the link as well, when the magic runs out."

Casting message on Domino and one other member of the party, whoever speaks up and wants it; if Oghash is going rear guard, she would make the most sense. It lasts for 20 minutes, and extends 120 feet.

[Untarr]

Domino nods and disappears into the darkness. When she looks back, there is a shine over her eyes that reflects the light from above.

[MuffinMan]

Vance grimaces down at the beckoning depths, covering his mouth against the sudden rush of putrid air. He casts a Light orison atop his spear, and together with Oghash's torch they do some small good to lessen the ever-present gloom. "Be safe down there - try not to run into any more bandits wielding longbows!" he winks at Domino.

Vance's sheet is all leveled up.

He has a 40ft move speed and is carrying a light source, so it probably makes sense for him to be near the rear with Oghash.

[KevSaund]

The smell of death radiates from the pit as it descends down into oblivion. The circular shaft descends 30ft. below the floor of the mausoleum above to a dirt floored hallway. there are some blood stains and smears on the walls of the hallway, which are made of roughly worked stone, including one rather recent large hand smear of blood on the north wall.

Domino scouts ahead and finds the hallway ends after about 100 feet, ending in an obvious 10 foot deep pit. There is a rope pegged into the wall that descends into the pit.

[Farmerbink]

Kern looks at Dr. Corvus with a shrug. "Guess she wants to be the first to bleed out." He lets out a low, slow chuckle, before listening to Oghash and Vance taking up the rear guards. "That leaves me and you together in the middle, I guess."

With one hand, he pulls the horse chopper over his shoulder, using it more like a walking stick than a weapon as he eases his way down the stairs- about 10 seconds behind Domino. His own torch illuminates the stairs, the blood, and only slightly dulls the rancid smell of death. "Nice decor," he mutters with a grimace.

Kern's perception is about 90% likely to be worthless, and he's not even trying to deliberately be stealthy. [roll0] percep.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Casting message on Domino and one other member of the party, whoever speaks up and wants it; if Oghash is going rear guard, she would make the most sense. It lasts for 20 minutes, and extends 120 feet.
Oghash glares at the doctor as he gazes in he direction, her hostility to magic made clear by her previous words and expression. With bared teeth she growls at him, saying, "Enchant someone else - I want none of your tricks," as she prowls the rear of the party.

[MuffinMan]

"Well, I guess you'd better give it to me, then!" Vance accepts Corvus' cantrip cheerfully. "Whoah-!" he exclaims as the Dr's voice echoes as a whisper in his ears. "This will take some getting used to. You know, I bet you could create an interesting musical effect with enough of these enchantments..."

The sight of the still-wet blood takes him aback. "I'm not the world's greatest physician, but that was done recently-" he points to the dripping blood smears. "Combine it with the candles that are still burning behind a long-locked door - this places gives me the creeps!" He pauses a moment to cast the detect magic orison, peering about the hall for any magical auras in the new space.

[Untarr]

Domino moves to the edge of the pit, first looking down into its depths and then checking the rope and pin.

"The smears of blood make it seem like something pushed them down this hallway. Or maybe even crushed them. I'm no doctor though. Be careful, and try not to touch anything."


Look what's in the pit. Check rope and pin to see if it is connected to a device somehow.

[roll0] + 1 for Traps
[roll1]

Either way, use a grappling arrow on the edge of the pit instead of that rope. Climb down into the pit (assuming there were not any obvious dangers)

[roll2]
[roll3]

Don't touch the ground of the pit. Use a hand to sweep away some dirt and check for stability/triggers.

[KevSaund]

Vance is surprised to not find any traces of magic residue in the hallway, especially considering how magic has had a regular presence so far.

Domino goes to work, methodically testing for possible traps. Nothing stands out about the rope and peg, although the peg seems a little loose in it's anchoring. As she lowers herself into the pit (making sure not to touch the ground) she notices a poorly disguised door on the opposite wall. It seems to have ben covered in dirt to hide it, but there is a small handle about three feet up from the floor. The handle seems to indicate that the door would open upwards into the pit. Her investigations of the floor show nothing of interest; it seems to be dirt all the way down.

[Untarr]

"Move everyone forward, we've got another door in the ground." Domino whispers over the spell. She waits until everyone is closer before moving over to the door in the ground. She pulls the rope with her. "Be ready to pull me out if something goes wrong."

In checking the door in the floor, she also takes a few moments to look up at the ceiling. Assuming everything seems safe, she opens the door.


[roll0] +1 Traps

Open the door
To unlock it or manipulate the mechanism
[roll1] +1 Traps

[Farmerbink]

Kern fairly casually saunters up at Domino's call. Taking the other end of the rope, he nods to the rogue. "I'll get you out if need be. Just make some noise."

[KevSaund]

The door creaks open, and the already disgusting stench becomes overpowering. Some of you even become lightheaded at the smell. The door opens to another short hallway before branching out in a couple possible directions.


Roll a fort save! DC 10, and if you fall you take a -2 on all rolls until I say otherwise.

Also I've added a map that I'll be updating as you explore,you can check this doc (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nGMCO1gWd0kd62RptKKprpATtuF-_2B7cCdIsgp5hsg/edit#gid=1447475816) under the tab "Level 1Map "

[Untarr]

Domino backs up, arm covering her face. "Oh boy...what is that smell? Any of you know?"


As per google chat, a knowledge dungeoneering will do wonders here.

[Farmerbink]

Kern's eyebrows collapse almost comically. "I... feel like I should recognize that scent..." He shakes his head with a scowl.

"Should, being the operative term..."

[roll0] know (dungeoneering)

As the door opens, Kern's eyebrows rise almost to his hairline. Almost immediately, the big guy begins retching- struggling to keep his gorge down. As the rest of the party moves forwards, he slides against the wall, visibly sickened.

[MuffinMan]

Vance studies the bloodstains more closely as Domino investigates the pit ahead, trying to piece what creature might have done the damage - and what did the bleeding.

Vance's Fort save vs stench: (1d20+5)[20] vs DC 10 or else sickened

Knowledge: Dungeoneering (untrained): (1d20)[10]

Heal to infer anything about the blood: (1d20+8)[17]


The door creaks open, and the already disgusting stench becomes overpowering. Some of you even become lightheaded at the smell. The door opens to another short hallway before branching out in a couple possible directions.

Vance gags and turns away with a sleeve over his mouth as the revolting odor spikes up in intensity, but is able to keep his breakfast inside of his stomach - for now, at least. Eyes watering, he holds his illuminated spear aloft over the edge of the pit, looking down at the entrance Domino has discovered. He casts one look back the way they came, and the midmorning sunlight struggling to pierce through the gloom of the mausoleum above. "Well, that looks promising! Multiple hallways? I've got a dice for that, if you want to leave it up to Fate!"

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash notes the blood on the walls with the detached interest of one familiar with gruesome deaths. Once or twice she sniffs at them curiously before shrugging and continuing down into the pit. As the door is open she scoffs audibly, apparently unimpressed by the smell.

Success on anything besides a natural "1" - Fortitude Save vs DC 10: [roll0]
"I don't much care which way we go - through the bones if you wish," she says, shrugging with disinterest at Vance's offer.

[KevSaund]

Dr. Corvus's acute senses get to work as he tries to distinguish what might cause such a foul odor. There are obvious fecal overtones, but they seem otherworldly, and false somehow? Not illusory, as the effects on his companions are quite real, but it is as if whatever is causing the smell was only pretending to smell terrible. And there does seem to be a cause, as the smell gets worse as you get closer to it. It might even be possible to locate the source by following how strong or weak it is. For example it seems almost imperceptibly stronger towards the right branch of the forked tunnel.

[Untarr]

"So, does anyone really want to know what is making that smell?" Domino asks. She moves forward down the right tunnel for a short distance to see if the subject is obvious before returning to the group for a decision.


[roll0]
[roll1]

Move forward about 20 ft to see if the hallway leads to a room. Her goal is to not get caught, not necessarily to see.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash looks at Domino with a look of impatience when the other woman asks her question. "I am not here to investigate every bad smell - either lead us that way or take the other tunnel," she says, apparently unconcerned and unimpressed by the foul odor.

[Farmerbink]

Through gasping breaths, Kern struggles to even respond to Domino's jibe. In the end, he settles for glaring at her back as she disappears down the right path.

[MuffinMan]

Vance idly flips a coin as Domino dissappears for a moment down the right-most passageway.
[roll0]
"Huh, not what I expected." he remarks at the result, offering no other explanation as he pockets the coin again. "But that's half the fun of it, isn't it! I propose we follow Miss Domino to the right when she returns, as long as she hasn't uncovered any traps that would slay us all."

[Farmerbink]

Kern somehow manages to look more put-out, at the Half-Elf's flippant tone.

[KevSaund]

Domino deftly moves down the corridor and encounters a small room. She stops at a door sized opening and sees that the room is strewn with bits of bones and loose dirt. A cool breeze blows by, and whispering can be heard off in the darkness. This room has several small piles of bones looted from the graveyard above. She also spots among the bones a rat corpse that has been eaten as if by acid and has some residual green slime. on the opposite side of the room is a closed wooden door. There is no obvious source of the smell, but her nose tells her she is getting closer.

She moves back to join the party, unscathed and unseen.

[Farmerbink]

Kern looks up at the woman expectantly. With an air of oblivion, he gruffly breaks the silence- completely unaware or unconcerned for potential dangers alerted by such behavior.

"So? What'd you find?"

[Untarr]

"Nothing worth dying for, and more than likely something that would kill us. Lets take the other path."

Turning back down the other direction, the rogue moves delicately as possible a head of the group.




[roll0]
[roll1]

[DarkOne-Rob]

"He asked what you found - tell us! We deserve to know what is down there in case it comes here!" snarls Oghash at Domino as the other woman begins to skulk away. "If I am going to be the rearguard I need to know what might be coming..." she turns and scowls down the right tunnel suspiciously, holding her torch high and peering into the darkness.

[Untarr]

Domino stops a moment to examine the orc. Her eyebrows furl as she twists her head to the side. "Ok, look. Let's not do the yelling thing. I found acid burned corpses covered in green slime. So...take from that what you will."

[DarkOne-Rob]

An audible growl begins in Oghash's throat but fades in a moment as she nods and looks down the tunnel apprehensively. "Lead on, then," she mutters as she follows behind the rest of the party.

[KevSaund]

The party makes their way slowly down the left hand path. A short hallway branches off to the left, but it seems to be an unintentional result of some sort of seismic activity, rather than the worked hallway they are currently in. The worked passage opens into a small room. On the far end, near an archway leading to a passage beyond, rests a coffin without a lid. The passage beyond the archway seems to lead to a collapsed room. Floor to ceiling is nothing but rubble.

Map updated

[Untarr]

"Looks like we have no choice but to face whatever slimed that other room. Doc, help me examine this coffin, and then we can let the meatshields lead us into glorious battle down the other hallway."


Examine Coffin, then let Oghash/Kern lead back to room "1"

[DarkOne-Rob]

At the word 'meatshields' Oghash scowls at Domina, but silently turns and leads the way back to the intersection leading to the first room. Once there she stops and waits, taking her time listening, looking, and smelling the air. "What sort of creature burns its prey with acid?" she mutters out loud, directing the question to anyone nearby as she continues to scour the tunnel. "Shall I go first this time?"

[MuffinMan]

Vance looking on interestedly from the entrance to the room as Domino and the professor scour the area around the sarcophagus for anything of note. A silver coin dances along his fingers in an idle dexterity exercise, and more than once his lips purse as if to begin whistling before he recollects his better judgement with a sigh. "See anything?" he asks.

Still here! Don't have a ton to add while we're in scouting mode, but I'll try to chime in more frequently to at least register Vance's reactions.

[Farmerbink]

As Oghash scowls, Kern snorts, amusement dancing in his eyes. He looks over Corvus' shoulder while the odd arcanist moves up to inspect the sarcophagus, prepared to respond in-kind to any unforeseen violence. He turns aside as Oghash seems to hurry them from the chamber, but offers only a shrug as he dutifully follows.

With his long-hafted blade held at the ready, Kern skulks behind Oghash, brows furrowed in thought. "I don't know," he answers the HalfOrc. "Though I suddenly feel decidedly unprepared. These leathers won't keep me clean of any acid..." His expression shifts to mirror Oghash's pervasive displeasure, and his eyes scan the room warily.

[KevSaund]

A thorough examination of the coffin finds nothing of interest. If there was anything worth stealing it was taken long ago.

The party enters the room at the other end of the path. Nothing has changed, except the rat corpse from before has been fully dissolved by the slime. The patch of slime itself seems to be fairly easy to avoid and doesn't directly block the path to the hallway beyond.

If the party ventures forth, they pass through a small hallway to another room beyond. Broken candelabras and a worm-ridden red carpet have been left long ago by the undertaker in this viewing room. There is a wooden casket in the center of the room that has had its once decorative silver trim rudely pried off. There is nothing of interest in this room. The casket is empty.

On the far side of the room is a stairway leading further down.

Pushing y'all through some of the boring rooms. If you go down the stairs I'll need a marching order.

[MuffinMan]

Vance snorts at the casket with the vandalized top, its contents obviously having been claimed by grave robbers long ago. "Not much to see, is there? Something tells me we're not the first group to come down these halls... Chaldira take it! If I'm risking my life I at least want the opportunity of a decent payout!" His assumes an air of patient suffering as he waits for the group to organize their movements beyond the room.

I think we have been using something like this:
Domino, ...(space)..., Kern, Corvus, Vance, Oghash

That still works for me, but others should correct me if they have different preferences.

[Untarr]

Domino waves her hand for the rest to pause.

"I'll check it out, be ready to come after me."


Move down the stairs slightly ahead of the group. Checking specifically for trapped steps. Do not enter any rooms she finds, look in, but return to the group with information of what she sees. At that point, we'll let the meat shields go in front.


[roll0] - Stealth
[roll1] - Perception (+1 more if traps)

[KevSaund]

Domino carefully walks down the stairs, testing each one as she goes. she reaches the next floor down uneventfully.

Broken furniture is everywhere, and a skeleton sits in a large chair facing you. Red, poisonous-looking ants crawl all over the skeleton and chair. On the table with the skeleton is a deck of cards. A tapping sound emanates from the hallway.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash waits at rear of the party, now looking back the way they came with a watchful eye. "Has she found anything? Why are we waiting?" she whispers impatiently.

[MuffinMan]

Vance follows Domino with the others once it is clear there is no immediate threat. "That's... pleasant..." he offers to the grisly spectacle of the skeleton and the ants. "Poor fellow only wanted to play a game of Three Dragon Ante! Does anyone hear that odd tapping sound?" As the group examines the room, his gaze keeps returning to the deck of cards, the gambler inside him desperate for a look at what the dead man's hand would have been...

[Untarr]

"Its...kind of clear. I'm not too sure I'd get too close to those ants..."

Domino steps about the room, searching for anything of interest. She notices Vance's interest in the cards. "I mean. If you have to you have to. But...be careful..."



[roll0] - Search room, and then locate tapping noise

[roll1] Stealth when looking for tapping noise...

[Farmerbink]

Kern looks on nearby, amused by Vance's almost childlike curiosity. "Acting like that might well get you killed, down here." As the gambler invariably shrugs off the warning, Kern returns the gesture. "Suit yourself."

Pointing to the skeleton, he turns to the scholar. "What can you tell us about those ants, Corvus? Plain as day, they aren't normal..."

[KevSaund]

Kern begins walking down the steps following the all clear, but as he places his weight on the second to last step there is a cracking sound and the stair collapses under his foot. Beneath the false breakaway stair are several downward-pointing spikes on the side wall of the false stair which are coated with a slick substance.

Kern has sustained no immediate damage, but those spikes will make it very difficult to remove his foot.

[MuffinMan]

"Whoah! Look out!" Vance lets his spear fall and dashes forward to pull Kern back by the shoulders, only to halt at the sight of the spikes. He lets out a low whistle. "Chadali favors you today, my friend - this could have gotten very messy! Here, take my hand while you release your foot... I have something that will help..." He does his best to assist the larger man in extricating his leg from the dangerous spikes.

If a d20 roll is needed, Vance will contribute a use of Bit of Luck (2/7) to allow rolling twice and taking the highest.

[Farmerbink]

Kern starts, more than a bit surprised by the false floor. "What in the hells?" As he catches himself, as much on the wall as with his other foot, he notes the obvious barbs and almost-as-obvious coating. "You can say that again, Vance." As carefully as he can, using the smaller man's hand and divine assistance, he tries to extricate his leg from the pit without touching any of the barbs.

[roll0] dex check
[roll1] bit of luck- Thanks, Vance!

Scowling, almost more angry at the hole in the ground than anything else, he blurts out, "Didn't we already establish that we're far from the first people to come climbing into this hellhole? How is this still undisturbed after all this time?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

From behind him in the stairs Oghash sees Kern's misstep and stops, suddenly unsure of her footing. When he is finally clear she carefully descends, lightly jumping over the last couple of steps to the floor. She then silently glowers at the stairs behind her and waits for the others to move forward.

[MuffinMan]

Scowling, almost more angry at the hole in the ground than anything else, he blurts out, "Didn't we already establish that we're far from the first people to come climbing into this hellhole? How is this still undisturbed after all this time?"

"On the bright side, it might mean that we're the first group to make it this far down the right path - perhaps we have already ventured farther and more successfully than any before us!!!" Vance replies cheerily. "Or it might be, you know, black magicks most foul. I prefer to dwell on the positive. Right, Professor?" With a wink at Corvus, the half-elf retrieves his spear and follows carefully down the stairway after Domino and Kern establish its safety. "Huh, so far our lives were in more danger strolling through the forest - so much for the legendary dungeon!" He chuckles, but it quickly falls flat in the enclosed surroundings - you get the sense that the cleric is chattering only to keep the oppressive silence at bay.

[KevSaund]

With a careful (and lucky) manipulation of his foot, Kern manages to extract his foot from the trap.

Domino continues searching, and can tell that the tapping noise is coming from the hallway beyond. As she reaches the archway to the hallway, the floor beneath her drops out.

Roll a DC20 reflex save, or fall in the pit that opens under your feet, taking [roll0] falling damage.

[Untarr]

[roll0]

Note: Domino is very much female.



"Either we are the first to reach this level or..." The ground underneath her suddenly less steady, the nimble rogue jumps back onto solid ground without too much fuss.

"Or someone is resetting them for our enjoyment. Either way, we should expect more. I'll keep my eyes looking, but obviously I will not be 100%"

[KevSaund]

Domino deftly dodges the trap, however now there is a 10 foot wide hole in the floor between this room and the hallway beyond. A quick investigation reveals that there is nothing of interest in the bottom, but it is quite deep, 20 feet at a rough estimate.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash watches the traps before her with growing frustration. At the pit's opening she growls and pushes forward to look down inside. "Just a pit? Move out of the way and let me go first - I will help catch everyone leaping across," she says as she pushes her way to the front of the party. Then, pushing the others back so she has room to run she backs up to get a running start and charges towards the hole, leaping at the last moment towards the other side!

Acrobatics (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/coreRulebook/skills/acrobatics.html#acrobatics) [roll0] vs DC 10 (assumed based on looking at the chart).

Should she miss and roll low: Climb [roll1] to catch the ledge and haul herself up the other side.

[MuffinMan]

"Easy for you to say..." Vance mutters as the half-orc clears the pit with ease. "I can call upon Desna's favor for the rest of us - does anyone have a rope if this doesn't work out?" He waits for the rest of the party to make it across before attempting his own running leap, first flinging his spear and pack across the gap.

Vance has 5 uses left of Bit of Luck, so feel free to claim one if you want some insurance on the DC 10 Acrobatics check.

Assuming everyone else is on board with the plan, Vance will wait until everyone else has jumped (to provide BoL) and then attempt his own leap vs DC 10:
Acrobatics [roll0], Bit of Luck (3/7) [roll1]

[Farmerbink]

Kern snorts, and watches as Oghash clears the pit- his expression rapidly shifting into a frown of surprise and appreciation. "Huh. All sorts of interesting talents coming to display this morning." With a shrug, he gets a running start to attempt the same.

Lol, here's hoping! [roll0] vs DC 10
If failed by less than 5: [roll1] reflex save vs DC 20 to catch
If Kern falls, [roll2] vs DC 15 to ignore the first 10 feet.
[roll3] for 10' fall damage
[roll4] additional for 20' fall damage

So many contingencies. So little significance :smalltongue:

On the other side of the pit, Kern stretches. "That wasn't so bad. Come on, now. Between Oghash and I, you don't even need to stick the landing!" With a low chuckle, he takes up a ready stance at the far edge of the pit, to offer a strong hand to anyone else following the burly pair.

[Untarr]

"While I certainly appreciate the offer..."
Domino leaps across the pit with practiced ease.

She can't fail the DC. :smalltongue:
"That will not be necessary"
She scoots by the orc looking further down the hallway.

"A rope left behind may be useful if we need a hasty retreat."


[roll0]
[roll1]

[KevSaund]

Those that manage to traverse the pit find themselves in a long hallway. The taping sound is quickly identified, coming from a shallow bowl made of silver, which water is steadily dripping into from a crack on the ceiling.

The hallway extends north and south. Even those with less sensitive noses, can quickly identify that the smell becomes stronger to the north.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash looks back at the dark doctor. "Are you coming, or do you need help?" she asks, a hint of scorn in her voice. "Here, catch!" she grunts as she throws a length of rope at the man and sets herself to help pull him across the divide.

Getting set to Aid Another using Acrobatics: [roll0] vs DC 10

[MuffinMan]

Vance chuckles at the sight of the dropping water. "See, nothing dangerous after all! I'm starting to think this place is well and truly abandoned - it's nothing like the stories of mayhem and terrors, at any rate!" He consults with Domino while Oghash and Kern assist Doctor Corvus with getting across the pit. "I'm no expert, but it seems the smell is coming from that way," he points north. "Should we investigate? Whatever's causing it, I'd rather not have the unknown at our backs."

[Untarr]

Domino nods at Vance's suggestion. "Stay here and get everyone across..."

The rogue slinks forward into the dark, searching for the smell.


[roll0]
[roll1]

Go north towards the smell

[Farmerbink]

Kern waits with Oghash, only quietly noting Domino's disappearance further down the hall. Once the pit is dealt with, he turns his attention towards the bowl. He inspects it with only the focus that extreme distrust can generate.

Is the bowl overflowing, having long-since filled with the slowly dripping water? Is it apparently magically emptying itself? Some awkward combination thereof?

[roll0] spellcraft

[KevSaund]

Kern inspects the bowl and it does seem to be magically infused. It is a wide shallow bowl about 18 inches across, made of a shiny deep yellow metal. The water drips onto the outer rim, then slides into the center, creating the noise you've heard before Despite water continually dripping into it, it does not over flow or even reach halfway full. Surprisingly, the water is crystal clear and has left absolutely no mineral build up on the bowl itself.

Domino heads to the north and enters what appears to be a rather large latrine. Three holes in the ground are regularly spaced in a line along one side of this room. They are latrines, as is obvious from the smell. The center hole has a toilet seat of white stone, which appears to be very clean, installed over the hole. The other two holes have no seat, requiring a more traditional "field squat" for one to go about their business.

[MuffinMan]

Vance raps the bowl with a knuckle and listens appreciatively to the ringing. "Magic or no, that looks like gold and might fetch a fair price from a collector..." he muses, "but it's a shame that it's the only trace of riches we've found..." He leaves the water itself alone, contenting himself with a sip from his own canteen.

The half-elf's ears wilt and his nose wrinkles in distaste at Domino's discovery. "Faugh - these are riches I could do without. Let's press on, away from the stench - unless anyone's dying for a closer look!"

[KevSaund]

Oghash's rope is thrown true, and lands across the way. Her initial thought was that the so-called doctor was just out of sight. However her repeated calls fall on an empty room, and it seems Anton Corvus is nowhere to be found.

[DarkOne-Rob]

After several moments of suspiciously looking across the pit, Oghash calls to the others. "Something is wrong - the necromancer has disappeared!" she cries. Drawing her ax she readies herself for an attack that never materializes as she stares into the darkness behind them.

When it is confirmed that the doctor is truly gone Oghash mutters to herself angrily and follows the others into the room. Eyeing the magical bowl and sniffing at the latrines she shakes her head angrily. "This is a waste of time - we should keep moving before whatever got Corvus gets one of us. Let's go!"

She then gestures for Domino to scout ahead and continues to guard the rear, her nerves even more tightly wound now that the party is one fewer...

[KevSaund]

The part begins moving down the corridor, away from the stench of the latrines. Domino is out ahead tapping and testing with each cautious step. Not 10 feet from the end of the hallway she hears a strange hollow sound on one of her taps. A closer inspection reveals that a particular patch of stone is actually cleverly painted wood. Some initial testing indicates the door seems both easy and safe to open.

At the end of the hall is another door, this one clearly marked.

[Farmerbink]

Kern frowns at Domino's discoveries, equally off-put by both the latrines and the incessant maze of false-doors and trapped floors. "Pah," he gripes. "They speak of this place in awe and wonder, but it's nothing more than some rat-infested labyrinth." His glare turns to the far door.

"Might be more fun if a minotaur would show up," he grumbles ironically. His hands clench and loosen on the haft of his blade, clearly eager for something to strike with it.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Fun, huh? Perhaps," mutters Oghash from the rear. "I would settle for something I could see to kill - these traps and disappearing allies have me on edge...more than normal, I mean..." She growls angrily before finishing, "You know what I mean! Choose a door and get on with it!"

[MuffinMan]

"Check the hidden door - that's usually where the good stuff is! The most obvious passageway is likely to be a trap." Vance suggests cheerily. "Unless the trap designers were using reverse psychology, and instead decided to trap the hidden door, knowing that we would discover and open it first - this suggests that we ought to proceed down the main hallway, instead... Hmm, but then if they were so clever, they might have anticipated even that decision and so gone back to trapping the most obvious entrance..."

[Untarr]

Domino fawns over the hidden door for a few moments.

"Ok, step back. Its not trapped, but there may be a...minotaur", the rogue says with obvious sarcasm.


Draw a dagger, open the hidden door.

[KevSaund]

The door slides up and a short narrow hallway opens into a room containing a single occupant. A humanoid shape is before you. It might have been a person once, but now it looks like skin stretched over a frame of bones. Bright eyes take you in over a smile made of incredibly sharp looking teeth. The occupant's fingers seem to taper to points, looking just as sharp as its teeth.

A raspy voice shrieks out "Adventurers! How long has it been? They usually pass me by, onto greater treasures. Maybe I hide to well? I already have a snack lined up, but this will be great!"

The creature sees to be talking to itself as much as to the party.

This is so exciting! Who is up first?"

You can hear a faint thumping from witin the coffin behind the ghoulish creature.

[MuffinMan]

"Hail, -um-, sir!" Vance calls from the middle of the group, craning his next for a better look at the creature. "Technically she is up first as you can see-" he indicates Domino, "- but we are all together. And should you intend us harm, I will have no choice but to smite you down with the unyielding divine fire of Lady Desna herself!" He brandishes his holy symbol as he speaks, still conversational with with an air of menace creeping into his tone.

Knowledge: Religion was 16 in OOC to identify this thing's strengths or weaknesses.

And just for the heck of it, Intimidate [roll0]! Seems to be in-character with the above phrasing.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash freezes at the appearance of the creature. Her quiet hiss of hatred - familiar by now to her companions - matched by the sound of her drawing her heavy flail and placing her ax in its holder. "Kill it! Don't talk with it!" hisses the half-orc woman, her eyes never leaving the undead.

[KevSaund]

"Oh that is absolutely terrifying. I do, in fact, intend you harm. I am going to do my darndest to kill and eat all of you. And if you have the power to back up that threat I suspect it will be quite the challenge!

The creature begins advancing on the party teeth and claws bared.

The pounding from within the coffin is joined by yelling. There is clearly someone inside it who does not wish to be any longer.

Now you can roll for initiative.
Mr. Ghastly Init [roll0]

[KevSaund]

As the ghast moves forward he continues his unceasing monologue. "I always expect great adventurers to come visit here, it's why I set up shop, as it were, in such a well known dungeon. Everyone who comes down here is just extraordinary! So many new flavors to try!

With this last, it makes a lunge toward Domino, attempting to bite off a chunk of flesh.


[roll0] bite attack vs Domino's AC of 19
[roll1] CC
[roll2]Damage if hit
Domino's fort save against Ghoul Fever (on hit)
Domino's fort save against Paralysis for [roll3] rounds (on hit)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash ("Fiendclaw" in Orcish) (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=552622)
Female Chaotic Evil Half-Orc Bloodrager, Level 2, Init 2, HP 26+4/26+4, Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. base)
AC 14, Touch 10, Flat-footed 12, CMD 20, Fort 9, Ref 4, Will 4, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 2
Heavy Flail +7 (1d10+12, 19-20/x2)
Hide Armor (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, -2 Misc)
Abilities Str 23, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12
Condition Bloodrage, Power Attack
"Grah! The dead should not speak so much! Take it down!" Oghash cries as she bullies her way to the front of the party and swings her heavy flail with both hands, aiming a reckless blow at the undead creature!

Free Actions: Activate Bloodrage and Power Attack
Move to melee with the ghast
Attack with Heavy Flail [roll0], [roll1] (19-20/x2), [roll2] bludgeoning damage, [roll3] critical strike damage

[Untarr]

I do, in fact, intend you harm. I am going to do my darndest to kill and eat all of you. And if you have the power to back up that threat I suspect it will be quite the challenge!

Domino warily draws a second dagger, this one obviously silver in nature. Otherwise, she remains still.


With this last, it makes a lunge toward Domino, attempting to bite off a chunk of flesh.

With am impossibly flexible bend of her back, Domino nearly folds in half backwards, pulling her body out of the way of the ghast's claws as they rip the air where she was just standing. She snaps forward and uses the momentum from the movement and a well planted right foot to push herself into a forward flip. Using her arms she pulls herself over the ghast and placing it between her and her allies. As she lands, silver flashes as a knife attempts to strike the beast.


The dodge is from the miss, just fluffing.
Silver dagger.
[roll0]
Move to flank
[roll1] (includes flanking)
[roll2]
[roll3]

CC - (1d20+9)[23]
Dmg - (1d4+1)[4]

[KevSaund]

With am impossibly flexible bend of her back, Domino nearly folds in half backwards, pulling her body out of the way of the ghast's claws as they rip the air where she was just standing. She snaps forward and uses the momentum from the movement and a well planted right foot to push herself into a forward flip. Using her arms she pulls herself over the ghast and placing it between her and her allies. As she lands, silver flashes as a knife attempts to strike the beast.


"Flexible and acrobatic, too impressive!" The knife strikes home, buried to the hilt in the monster's back. Domino uses her downward momentum to pull the knife against any resistance it finds. The monster is split nearly in two. "I believe you have severed most of the nerves in my spinal column, which will leave me paralyzed for the remainder of my life," the ghast somehow manages to exclaim.

Distracted by it's inability to move, it gets a full view as Oghash's flail is propelled directly into it's face. Through broken teeth it gasps out "Congratulations. I'm so proud of all of you," before collapsing into a heap of even more lifeless parts.

[Farmerbink]

Kern grunts as the thing finally comes to rest. "Talkative for a dead sumbitch, ain't he?" For good measure, he lets the point of his blade come to rest on the ground beneath what was, until recently, a rather animate mouth. With the other hand, he points towards the coffin. "Any odds on whether round two's waiting in the box?"

He looks around for a moment, snorting quietly in amusement, as the party moves forward around the fallen undead. Moving towards the casket, he shifts his grip to hold the blade in one hand, and uses the other to search for purchase on its lid. "Only one way to be sure!" he grunts, putting his strength into removing it.

[DarkOne-Rob]

For about ten seconds Oghash stands still over the body of the ghost, breathing heavily. Once she has caught her breath she takes her flail and violently smashes the creature's remains, leaving little to identify the pile of shattered bones and pulped meat. After assuring herself that it won't be reanimating easily soon she steps back, wiping gore from her weapon and clothes. "You people talk too much - if it wants to kill you, don't wait for it to make the first move! Ugh!" she exclaims before returning to guard the rear of the party.

From there she watches Kern move to open the coffin with a distrustful expression, her ax back in hand.

[MuffinMan]

Vance shrugs sheepishly at Oghash's rebuke, re-shouldering his spear as he watches Kern wrestle with removing the coffin door. "All's well that ends well, as Chadali teaches us! That was well struck, my friend! The bards will sing the glory of your victory! Well," he takes another look around at their hostile, subterranean surroundings, "they will if they ever hear of it."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash glare at Vance with a subvocal growl but doesn't otherwise respond to his overly cheerful demeanor.

[Starbin]

The elf awoke in the dark, blinking for a moment as he tried to determine his location. Last he had remembered, he had been with that group of headstrong, overconfident fools that had practically rushed into the deadly dungeon. After only a few rooms in, the group had panicked at something dark, something that smelled of power and death. The group ran, scattered in fear as they got lost further into Rappan Athuk. He had tried to advance with less blind flight, but without the group's trap finder, he fell victim to a trap. The floor have way and he hit his head as he fell. The last thing he remembered were the screams of his companions.

Breathing deeply, the elf shook his head, wincing at the pain in the back of his skull. So this is how the 'mighty' Ahkmathi Sek is to meet his end? Not with a bang but a whimper? I think not. But first I must find out the circumstances of my current situation...

Listening, he could hear a voice, constantly talking to itself. It seemed extremely pleased at its meal, and the prospect of others. A wafting smell hit his nostrils, almost making him vomit; the fearful thrill of recognition kept it at bay. He knew what he was dealing with - a ghast! As he mentally reviewed what he knew of them, but what kept coming back to mind was that he would be immune to its paralytic touch - which would be a small comfort when it was eating his heart, but there it was.

Suddenly he heard another voice, then two more, and the sounds of weapons rasping. If the ghast was distracted, perhaps now was a good time to engineer his escape. Pusahing against his coffin, he tried to push it open, but it was locked from the outside. He considered which spell in his arsenal might help, but he realized it was silent outside.

When the coffin suddenly flung open, Ahkmathi raised his hand in defense, peering at whoever had opened it. Seeing a decidey unghastlike man standing there, he clears his threat and spoke. "Greetings. If this is a rescue, you have my thanks. I am Ahkmathi Sek. I presume that you have dealt with the ghast?"
Tall, thin and imperious, Akmathi Sek tends to stare (openly and often rudely) and whatever - or whoever - has his attention with piercing green eyes under unruly white hair. He has perfected three expressions - the disinterested stare, the glare of disdain, and the sardonic smirk.

When he is unengaged with those around him, his eyes are either turned towards a book or scroll, or unfocused on the horizon as he considers arcane mysteries, both new and old.

Normally, he prefers elegant but simple robes and a finely carved walking stick. Now he wears dirty rags given to him by the guards.

6'4", 160lbs, Silver hair, green eyes
Hullo all!

Status
AC: 13 HP: 12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: none

[Farmerbink]

With the confidence that only a strong, well-trained arm can assure, Kern hefts his blade towards the open coffin. As the figure inside bursts into conversation, he starts- almost dropping the huge weapon. "What the hell were you doing in- you know what? Nevermind, I don't care." He all-but throws his blade into its sheathe over his shoulder, and extends a meaty hand to help lift the man from what might have been his final resting place.

As Kern looks down (only just barely) on the rescued man, he narrows his eyes and grunts. "Ahkmathi, you said?" The huge, hunch-shouldered man asks with a growl. "What the hells kind of a name is that?" he demands, eyeing the man with undisguised suspicion.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash glares at the elf with undisguised animosity. "It's an elvish name, Kern. Isn't that plain?" she growls as she watches the newcomer for signs of a threat. "What was it doing in that coffin?"

[Starbin]

Ahkmathi accepted the man's hand, stepping out of the box. Reaching into his robe, he pulled out a handkerchief with a look of relief, wiping his hands off. He blinked for a moment as he took in the rest of the group, not answering the large human's question immediately. He stared at the huge orcish woman as she spoke, surprised to hear an intelligible response from such a beast of a woman. He nodded at her response, marking the human as Kern. He raised an eyebrow, however, when 'she' referred to him as it. He glanced at those arrayed around the room, eyes narrowing.

"I would postulate you are bound together by circumstance vice mutual admiration. As to the coffin, I was separated from my associates and was knocked unconscious. I regained consciousness within the box - I cannot say why I was placed there."

He began to cast about for his belongings. As he looked, he spoke conversationally. "Given the unknown status of my team, I find myself in need of ... assistance. Perhaps we can find mutual benefit via collaboration?"

more to!

Status
AC: 13 HP: 12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: none

[MuffinMan]

"Well, well, well - the Serendipitous Turn giveth as well as she taketh! Hail, Master Sek. How strange it is, that we recently find ourselves bereft of one of our own company - rather somber fellow, a bookish sort. Have you see-? No, nevermind. As it is we restore ourselves to fullness, as must be the gods' design! I am V'Ansariel Allani, but everyone calls me 'Vance'!" The half-elf flourishes his cloak in a restrained bow, making sure his various holy symbols are easily seen. "Indeed, we are in pursuit of fame and fortune, and we intend not getting eaten by monsters! We would be honored if you would join us!"

[KevSaund]

As the elf steps out of the coffin, there is a clear resounding crack of wood splintering. It appears the coffin had a false bottom. With a small amount of effort the bottom can be removed wherein the party will find the treasure presumably guarded by the ghast before its second death.

Contained within:
200 cp
600 gold coins, that upon closer inspection are actually lead coins painted gold
A scroll (as yet undetermined)

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Vance doesn't speak for all of us, but if you make yourself useful and don't get me killed you can come with us," growls Oghash with a glare at the overly cheerful half-elf cleric. Then she returns to her efforts of guarding the rear of the party, staring in perpetual anger into the darkness behind them.

[Starbin]

Ahkmathi nodded to the priest; he almost answered when the beast of a woman growled her own response. Raising an eyebrow, he realized show was no typical adventuring company, full of eager would-be heroes. It seemed to have a zealous priest of questionable intellect, a male warrior with little patience, a lithe female who watched everything, and a monster of foul temperament. Interesting.

As he began to step out, his foot crunched through the boards in the bottom of the coffin. Raising an eye, he leaned down to pull out the bags of coins and the scroll. He dismissed the copper coins and the fake gold; however, he did glance at the scroll with interest before handing it over to the new group.

"It seems this was beneath a false bottom. I suppose it is your treasure, unless none of you can use this scroll ...?"

[roll0]. I suppose this is to decipher the scroll? DC is 20+spell level (which arms steep!)

+2 vs conjuration spells; -5 vs necromancy and enchantment spells.

Status
AC: 13 HP: 12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: none

[Farmerbink]

Kern grunts at Oghash's interruption. "Stupid Elvish names..." He turns back to the newcomer to make his own declaration when Vance takes off on a tirade entirely counter. The verbose priest's words draw a short snort from the bestial man's nose.

"'Honor' sure would be a strong word for it," he comments gruffly. Turning away from the man, he barks, "don't get lost like that other idiot." The crack of wood splintering draws his attention back to the coffin, and the contents found therein.

"Might be I could read it, but casting the spell would be out of my league. Take it." With a dismissive wave, Kern turns back to his surroundings. His eyes scan the walls, and after a moment, he moves closer and lets his hands follow. "Anything else down here, or shall we move on?"

I know Domino is out of commission until Tuesday, finals being what they are. Based on the map, it seems this room is otherwise empty, but:
[roll0] for a secret door or something?

[MuffinMan]

Vance frowns at the scroll and shakes his head. "I never was much for scholarly pursuits - in fact, I think that goes for most of us! Take the scroll, Master Sek - perhaps you will be able to put it to some use. Ah, what's this? Counterfeit gold coins! They say Fate is not without a sense of humor - haha! What a fantastic joke it would be if the fabled riches of Rappan Athuk turned out to be naught but painted pebbles!" When the rest of the party is slow to share in his mirth he awkwardly clears his throat and regains his composure. "Err, that is - I'm sure the real treasure lies just up ahead. Onwards!"

[Starbin]

Ahkmathi's eyes simply narrowed at 'Kern's' assessment, wondering why the man would think anyone would care about his perspective on racial naming conventions. Instead, he checked that his equipment was all intact and placed the scroll in his pack. He could read it later, but he had not prepared the requisite cantrip to do that immediately. Instead he nodded to the enthusiastic half-breed and pulled out a scroll and cast a spell.

He waited, obviously expecting that one of the others would lead the way.

Cast mage armor from a scroll

Status
AC: 17 HP: 12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: mage armor (+4 AC; 1hr)

[Untarr]

Domino's eyes follow the action without giving away much. The elf wizard certainly came across more like Vance than he did Oghash or Kern. Perhaps their party just got a little less murderous...perhaps not. Either way, she would keep an eye on their new found "friend"

"You can call me Domino." She said with a head nod before leading the group back out and down the hallway.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[KevSaund]

After a thorough exploration, Domino opens the door at the end of the hallway. On the other side she finds a rough hewn passage. The narrow passage is about 70 feet long before opening to a very large cavern. Running through the center of the cavern is a stream, and there are rats everywhere. A shrill female voice is heard from inside the cavern, crying for help.

There are [roll0] normal rats and [roll1] dire rats scampering around the cavern.

[Farmerbink]

Kern follows a short distance behind Domino, and before long his ears pick up on the shrill cries. He makes no effort to dash to the rescue, in fact going so far as to inhibit the advance of any of his more foolhardy companions. "I give it seven-to-one odds that isn't a damsel in distress," he comments or explains gruffly. "Not a damn thing else has been what it first seemed down here, why would that?"

Instead, he steps alongside the scout and turns his attention towards the various rats with a sneer. "Bloody vermin. Not surprising, but Gods that's a lot of them!" With a wary expression, he grips his long-hafted blade. "Never did much care for extermination as a profession, but something tells me they won't step aside and let us cross unmolested." A low growl rises in the short silence.

Declaring satisfaction with the idea of throwing down, sir!
[roll0] initiative!
[roll1] perception to judge anything unusual about the rats (where they're coming from, going to, etc)
and I got it, so why not?
[roll2] know (nature) to identify weaknesses! :smallbiggrin::smalltongue:

[Starbin]

Ahkmathi's nodded to the female, not saying anything in response since he had already his name. He followed the others, using the time to six up his new companionship. Upon arriving at the new room and hearing the screams, he watched Kern's hinder anyone's advances. Glancing at the others, the mage could only presume the priest might be inclined to aid a 'damsel in distress.'

The hordes of rats was problematic; the scream most likely a trap. He knew he could handle quite a few rats with one of his spells, but he searched his memory for something else that might help them.

Okay, any relevant KS checks to remember creatures using illusions or mimicry to trap prey?
[roll0], [roll1], [roll2] (most of my applicable KSs are the same modifier)

Status
AC: 17 HP: 12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: mage armor (+4 AC; 1hr)

[MuffinMan]

Vance is about to leap ahead after the cries when Kern's raised arm blocks his way. The half-elf grimaces at the teeming mass of vermin ahead and sighs as he hears the man's assessment. "I fear you may be right!" he admits as he readies his spear. "Well, what's a few rats? Nothing the five of us cannot handle! May Cayden Cailean strengthen our arms!" The priest casts a spell augment his weapon just before the group advances further into the cavern.

Vance will cast Divine Favor (1 minute, +1 atk/dmg, self-only) just before the group moves any closer to the rats.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash looks towards the open door, her head cocked as she listens to the sound of the swarming rats. "Rats? Kick them out of the way and be done with it!" she grumbles before pushing closer and looking inside the room for herself. "Ugh...let's do this, then..." she says, looking at Kern to help her set a front line against the mass of vermin.

Do we need to roll initiative? I figure that Oghash and Kern should take the lead, followed closely by Domino so she can get flanking. The other two are ranged and varying degrees of squishy, so perhaps they fire past the front line into the mass (avoiding penalties for shooting into a melee by aiming at targets beyond that front line?

Just thoughts and questions.

[KevSaund]

The rats are scrabbling around everything which would make them difficult to hit if there weren't so many of them. As it is. any swing of a hammer is likely to connect with at least one. The voice pauses for a moment before calling out, "Is someone there? You must help me, the rats are trying to eat me!' Her voice grows louder as a frail woman wearing tattered rags appears out of the gloom. She runs in the general direction of the party but turns to the right before scampering over a pile of rubble. out of view of the party again.

Using all of his preceptive powers Kern is absolutely sure there there are a bunch of rats.

Ahkmathi's previous studies taught him that rats are not typically aggressive, but their Dire variants are ore to be feared. He also notices that while there were several rats on the woman as she ran by, none of them appeared to actively be biting her.

Party seems to be moving toward action, so I'll roll everyone's initiative.
Kern [roll0]
Akmathi [roll1]
Oghash [roll2]
Domino [roll3]
Vance [roll4]

[DarkOne-Rob]

"What in the...?" Oghash mutters as she watches the woman rush past. The half-orcish woman makes no move to help, her incredulity obvious.

[Starbin]

As the woman ran by, Ahkmathi raised an eyebrow, commenting casually, "For someone being eaten by rats, she is remarkably free of actual bites. One might expect she would even run in this direction if she truly required aid. As it is, the rats, while normally passive and fearful, would likely have swarmed her already, given the among of the larger, aggressive variants.

I might be able to effect half of them, if we are so inclined to intercede."

Hmmm, what creatures might control rats? [roll0]. Sorry for another blind roll, but I fIgure it's a different question

Status
AC: 17 HP: 12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: mage armor (+4 AC; 1hr)

[Farmerbink]

"Big rats," Kern replies. "Kicking still sounds fun, though...."

He turns towards Ahkmathi with a slightly less suspicious glance. "Right then," he grunts. "Don't let the crazy not-bitten woman too close. Let's go." Without further ado, Kern charges forward, bringing his horse chopper to bear.

Since I already rolled it, can I keep my initiative? It's the only thing that accomplished the laudable goal of double-digits D:

Also, if I may, can I request the map be linked, when it's in use? It doesn't appear to be, for this encounter, but just a thought.

Kern Cooke (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1018910)
M Neutral Human Fighter (VMC wizard), Level 2, Init 3, HP 21/21, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 14, CMD 20, Fort 5, Ref 3, Will 1, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 2
Heavy Flail +6 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Horse Chopper +6 (1d10+6, x3)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 7, Cha 7
Conditions: Shadow hunter: 50% damage to incorporeals
Dirty fighter: +1 damage when flanking

Chaaaarge! literally, if possible. Not going to include the +2 attack nor the -2 to AC. Please apply as applicable.

[roll0] Horse choppered (reach)
[roll1] CC (26, x3)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

AoO if applicable (I got reach, yo)
[roll4] Horse choppered
[roll5] CC (26, x3)
[roll6] dmg
[roll7] crit bonus

[Untarr]

Holding back slightly as Kern and Oghash move in to attack, Domino slips into a low stance and moves after the fleeing woman.


[roll0] - Looking specifically for more information about the rats and the lady if possible.

[roll1] Without a map, I'm not sure exactly where everything is, Domino will move to the right over the rubble where the woman was to keep tabs on her position. If the opportunity presents itself, she'll move into flanking with any of the other front liners. This is likely two move actions, but if there is a way to get into melee by way of the pile, then do that.

Attack (If possible)

[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll=SA_Dice]1d6

SA_Dice - (1d6)[5]



Domino (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1021246)
F TN Human Unchained Rogue, Level 2, Init 5, HP 16/16, Speed
AC 19, Touch 16, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 8, Will 2, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1
Dagger +7 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
TWF Dagger +5/+5 (1d4+1/1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Shortbow +6 (1d6, x3)
Masterwork Studded Leather Armor (+3 Armor, +5 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 8
Condition None

[MuffinMan]

Vance follows just behind Kern, thrusting outwards with his spear. The divine energy of his spell leaves temporary motes of white-gold light as the blade passes.

Vance will move up and attack a rat (from reach), preferring to stay close to Kern and/or Oghash.

atk [roll0] (+2 DF), cc [roll1] (20/x3), dmg [roll2] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll3]

With Combat Reflexes and reach, Vance could get up to 3 AoOs if the rats move just right. I'll make the rolls just in case they're needed:

atk [roll4] (+2 DF, +2 AoO), cc [roll5] (20/x3), dmg [roll6] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll7]
atk [roll8] (+2 DF, +2 AoO), cc [roll9] (20/x3), dmg [roll10] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll11]
atk [roll12] (+2 DF, +2 AoO), cc [roll13] (20/x3), dmg [roll14] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll15]

V'Ansariel "Vance" Allani (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1019444)
M CG Half-Elf Cleric, Level 2, Init 4, HP 19/19, Speed 40
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 15, Fort 5, Ref 2, Will 7, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 1
elven branched spear +3 (1d8 + 3, x3)
heavy mace +3 (1d8 + 3, x2)
dagger +2 (1d4 + 2, 19-20/x2)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 10
Condition None

[KevSaund]

Woman
Oghash
Ahkmathi
Kern
Domino
Vance
Dire Rats


The woman just disappears out of sight as the dire rats begin swarming the party. In moments the party is nearly surrounded. Kern and Vance make short work of a few of them as they advance, but more still approach, and attempt to bite anyone they find. They do not notice Domino, who is sneaking off to follow the woman. Domino uses her near invisibility to reach out from the shadows and impale one of the Dire rats on her dagger. Domino peeks ofer the mound of rubble just in time to see the woman scramble into a tunnel halfway up the wall.

Ahkmathi takes a moment to study their behavior and sees no sign of mind control, even over what little minds the rats may have. Its actually seems that they are acting in defense of each other, as one might protect family members.

Blades flash in the dim light, and the sounds of rat insides becoming outsides is the only noise heard. The wailing has ceased.


Oghash, you can still take your action, which will probably kill some more dire rats.

Also, I looked at the stat blocks for the normal rats and they cannot damage anybody, so they have been tapped by the DM wand and become flavor.

Dire rat Bites
Oghash, 1 bite:
[roll0] vs ac 14
Damage: [roll]1d4[\roll]

Kern, 2 bites:
[roll1] vs ac 17
Damage: [roll]1d4[\roll]
[roll2] vs ac 17
Damage: [roll]1d4[\roll]

Ahkmathi, 2 bites:
[roll3] vs ac 13
Damage: [roll]1d4[\roll]

Vance, 1 bite:
[roll4] vs ac 15
Damage: [roll]1d4[\roll]

[Untarr]

Double Move Action
[roll0] {to avoid AoO}

Move down and around the rats to get to Y,28 to flank with Kern.



Domino flips away from the dire rat she just injured. Crawling around the room, she dances out of the shadows behind one of the dire rats attacking Kern.


*whistles* Yo, big guy. Lets get this one.

Domino (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1021246)
F TN Human Unchained Rogue, Level 2, Init 5, HP 16/16, Speed
AC 19, Touch 16, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 8, Will 2, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1
Dagger +7 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
TWF Dagger +5/+5 (1d4+1/1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Shortbow +6 (1d6, x3)
Masterwork Studded Leather Armor (+3 Armor, +5 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 8
Condition None

[MuffinMan]

Vance skirts back from the dog-sized vermin biting at him, kicking one of its friends off the end of his spear. He twirls it in a mini-flourish before jabbing at the rat again, safely out of reach of its teeth... for now.

Thanks for the map! Assuming the rat in Z/25 is still around by Vance's turn, he will 5ft step to Y/23 and then attack it:
atk [roll0] (+2 DF), cc [roll1] (20/x3)
dmg [roll2] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll3]

And here are some Attack of Opportunity rolls just in case the rats provoke any with their movement:
atk [roll4] (+2 DF), cc [roll5] (20/x3)
dmg [roll6] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll7]

atk [roll8] (+2 DF), cc [roll9] (20/x3)
dmg [roll10] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll11]

atk [roll12] (+2 DF), cc [roll13] (20/x3)
dmg [roll14] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll15]

V'Ansariel "Vance" Allani (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1019444)
M CG Half-Elf Cleric, Level 2, Init 4, HP 19/19, Speed 40
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 15, Fort 5, Ref 2, Will 7, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 1
elven branched spear +3 (1d8 + 3, x3)
heavy mace +3 (1d8 + 3, x2)
dagger +2 (1d4 + 2, 19-20/x2)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 10
Condition None

[Starbin]

OOC - First, Ahkmathi cast mage armor before this fight ... not that it matters for the last round of attacks, but his AC is 17 right now. Second, if we beat their initiative, do we get to go first?

Ahkmathi's face scrunched up in disgust as he stepped backwards, flinging a small handful of colored dust towards the vermin in front of him. The spell flashed outward, sending a rainbow spray of flickering lights.

If the rats already attacked, 5' step to AB22, cast color spray (affecting AA24, AB24, AC24 and AC25). If they were flat-footed, he can move to AD23 and cast diagonally, catching AA24, AB24, AC24, AC25 and AC26). Will save vs DC 16 to negate. Spell effects are here (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/coreRulebook/spells/colorSpray.html#color-spray)

Status
AC: 17 HP: 9/12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: mage armor (+4 AC; 1hr)

[Farmerbink]

Kern turns to see Domino's movement, as she calls to him. With a curt nod, he deftly spins away from the nearest rats to drive his blade towards the one between them.

Kern Cooke (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1018910)
M Neutral Human Fighter (VMC wizard), Level 2, Init 3, HP 21/21, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 14, CMD 20, Fort 5, Ref 3, Will 1, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 2
Heavy Flail +6 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Horse Chopper +6 (1d10+6, x3)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 7, Cha 7
Conditions: Shadow hunter: 50% damage to incorporeals
Dirty fighter: +1 damage when flanking

[roll0] Horse choppered (flanking)
[roll1] CC (28, x3)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

AoO if applicable (won't apply in-melee)
[roll4] Horse choppered (flanking not included)
[roll5] CC (28, x3)
[roll6] dmg
[roll7] crit bonus

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash ("Fiendclaw" in Orcish) (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=552622)
Female Chaotic Evil Half-Orc Bloodrager, Level 2, Init 2, HP 26+4/26+4, Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. base)
AC 14, Touch 10, Flat-footed 12, CMD 20, Fort 9, Ref 4, Will 4, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 2
Claws +7 (1d6+8, 20/x2)
Hide Armor (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, -2 Misc)
Abilities Str 23, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12
Condition Bloodrage, Power Attack
With a groan that erupts into a roar Oghash falls upon the rats, her bare hands shredding them with suddenly sharpened clawed fingers!

Free Actions: Activate Bloodrage and Power Attack
5-ft steps to melee with the nearest rats and make...

Round 1 claw attacks
[roll0] attack roll, [roll1] (20/x2), [roll2] slashing damage, [roll3] critical strike damage
[roll4] attack roll, [roll5] (20/x2), [roll6] slashing damage, [roll7] critical strike damage

Round 2 claw attacks
[roll8] attack roll, [roll9] (20/x2), [roll10] slashing damage, [roll11] critical strike damage
[roll12] attack roll, [roll13] (20/x2), [roll14] slashing damage, [roll15] critical strike damage

[KevSaund]

Ahkmathi, yes y'all went first I took your knowledge check as your desired action, but I'll bump your spell to be round 1 also since a check doesn't actually take one.



Oghash uses her good old fashioned claws to shred three more of the beasts.

Ahkmathi is already proving his mettle as a new member of the party, unleashing a torrent of light and color at their foes, the light just falling short of the rushing Oghash.

Domino and Kern team up against one of the rats, but it is slightly too nimble. Kern's horsechopper gave it quite the new haircut however.

Vance strikes out as two more approach, but is unable to keep them from advancing. He does manage to kill one of them after it attacks.

Those that are left reach out to bite who ever they can with their nearly rotting teeth.


I removed the little rats from play as they were a useless distraction. They couldn't do ay damage, and were trivial to kill. You'll still get some XP from them.

Rats at Z25, Z26 and AB26 are down from Oghash
Rat at W24 taken out by Vance

Rats in spell area
AA24 [roll0] will save vs 16
AB24 [roll1] will save vs 16
AC24 [roll2] will save vs 16
AC25 [roll3] will save vs 16
AC26 [roll4] will save vs 16

Rat attack on Kern
[roll5] vs ac 17
[roll6] CC
[roll7] damage
[roll8] crit damage

2 (at most) attacks on Ahkmathi
[roll9] vs ac 17
[roll10] CC
[roll11] damage
[roll12] crit damage

[roll13] vs ac 17
[roll14] CC
[roll15] damage
[roll16] crit damage

Attack on Vance
[roll17] vs ac 15
[roll18] CC
[roll19] damage
[roll20] crit damage

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash ("Fiendclaw" in Orcish) (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=552622)
Female Chaotic Evil Half-Orc Bloodrager, Level 2, Init 2, HP 26+4/26+4, Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. base)
AC 14, Touch 10, Flat-footed 12, CMD 20, Fort 9, Ref 4, Will 4, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 2
Claws +7 (1d6+8, 20/x2)
Hide Armor (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, -2 Misc)
Abilities Str 23, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12
Condition Bloodrage, Power Attack
Without letting up her frenzied attacks, Oghash lashes out at the remaining rodents.

Free Actions: Maintain Bloodrage and Power Attack
5-ft steps to melee with the nearest rats and full attack

Claw 1 [roll0] attack, [roll1] (20/x2), [roll2] slashing damage, [roll3] critical strike damage
Claw 2 [roll4] attack, [roll5] (20/x2), [roll6] slashing damage, [roll7] critical strike damage

[MuffinMan]

Vance skips away from one rodent that nearly reached his ankle and scares it back with a sweep of his spear. "Lots of them!" he pants as he aims another strike. "What makes them so determined?"

5ft step to gain clearance for reach, if necessary, and then attack the closest rat:
atk [roll0] (+2 DF), cc [roll1] (20/x3)
dmg [roll2] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll3]

A few AoO rolls, just in case!
atk [roll4] (+2 DF), cc [roll5] (20/x3)
dmg [roll6] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll7]

atk [roll8] (+2 DF), cc [roll9] (20/x3)
dmg [roll10] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll11]

atk [roll12] (+2 DF), cc [roll13] (20/x3)
dmg [roll14] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll15]

V'Ansariel "Vance" Allani (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1019444)
M CG Half-Elf Cleric, Level 2, Init 4, HP 19/19, Speed 40
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 15, Fort 5, Ref 2, Will 7, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 1
elven branched spear +3 (1d8 + 3, x3)
heavy mace +3 (1d8 + 3, x2)
dagger +2 (1d4 + 2, 19-20/x2)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 10
Condition None

[Farmerbink]

Kern casts aside his horse chopper, as he's now surrounded and it's length is unhelpful. In one swift motion, he pulls his flail from it's loop and sends it's spiked iron head slamming into the ground- ideally with a rat between them. "Bloody damned pests!"

Kern Cooke (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1018910)
M Neutral Human Fighter (VMC wizard), Level 2, Init 3, HP 21/21, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 14, CMD 20, Fort 5, Ref 3, Will 1, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 2
Heavy Flail +6 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Horse Chopper +6 (1d10+6, x3)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 7, Cha 7
Conditions: Shadow hunter: 50% damage to incorporeals
Dirty fighter: +1 damage when flanking

drop horse chopper
draw flail
smash rat (with flanking? Even if Domino kills the one to the south, a pair of 5-foot steps puts him across from Vance)

[roll0] Heavy flailed (flanking)
[roll1] CC (27+, x2)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

No one adjacent for cleaving. Sad day. D:

[Starbin]

Ahkmathi nodded absently to himself, realizing that his spell had operated about as efficiently as he could hope. The others were still flailing about, so he raised his staff and brought it down hard on the neck of a rat. It might be slow going, but better these vermin didn't wake up.

Besides, the others seemed more martially inclined and suited to dealing with moving rats. .

OOC rolls for spell - 8 rounds of suck for those rats.. [/url]

Status
AC: 17 HP: 9/12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: mage armor (+4 AC; 1hr)

[Untarr]

Attack Dire Rat

Full Attack
[roll0] {-2 TWF, +2 Flank}
[roll1]
[roll2]

[roll3] {-2 TWF, +2 Flank}
[roll4]
[roll5]

[KevSaund]

As the rat population is thinned out by the party, it becomes much more difficult to hit those that are left.

Oghash in her rage, has difficulty distinguishing the living threats from the corpses of their fallen brethren. She lashes out but only further desecrates the one she just killed.

Ahkmathi is workmanlike, methodically crushing the skulls of the rats he just rendered unconscious. They're much easier to kill that way.

Kern shows how the flail earned it's name swinging wildly, but missing narrowly.

Domino's blades stab out from the shadows and manage to take down another of the stinking vermin.

Vance steps back and taunts a rat with a very convincing feint. It looks so much like an attack that the rat being taunted approaches and is impaled.

The one remaining rat attempts to bite the thrashing Oghash.


Two down, one to go.

Bite attack on Oghash
[roll0] vs 14. AC
[roll1] damage

[Farmerbink]

Kern continues to demonstrate why he had to be chosen by prank to venture into the dungeon. His flail casts a solid chunk of stone scattering across the floor, but otherwise serves only to anger and embarrass the huge man. With another thud, its head rises and slams into the ground punctuated by his exacerbated cries. "Sit! The f***! Still!"

Kern Cooke (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1018910)
M Neutral Human Fighter (VMC wizard), Level 2, Init 3, HP 21/21, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 14, CMD 20, Fort 5, Ref 3, Will 1, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 2
Heavy Flail +6 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Horse Chopper +6 (1d10+6, x3)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 7, Cha 7
Conditions: Shadow hunter: 50% damage to incorporeals
Dirty fighter: +1 damage when flanking

smash rat?

[roll0] Heavy flailed (not flanking)
[roll1] CC (27+, x2)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[MuffinMan]

Vance kicks the impaled rat off the end of this spear before twirling it around again, seeking to finish off the last of the vermin with a well-aimed thrust!

Move into range and attack:
atk [roll0] (+2 DF), cc [roll1] (20/x3)
dmg [roll2] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll3]

A few AoO rolls, just in case!
atk [roll4] (+2 DF, +2 AoO), cc [roll5] (20/x3)
dmg [roll6] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll7]

V'Ansariel "Vance" Allani (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1019444)
M CG Half-Elf Cleric, Level 2, Init 4, HP 19/19, Speed 40
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 15, Fort 5, Ref 2, Will 7, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 1
elven branched spear +3 (1d8 + 3, x3)
heavy mace +3 (1d8 + 3, x2)
dagger +2 (1d4 + 2, 19-20/x2)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 10
Condition None

[Untarr]

Seeing the battle die down, Domino breaks back to the rubble to see if the woman has returned.


Double move, second in stealth (half speed) to move to where the woman disappeared at.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Starbin]

Ahkmathi continued to kill the stunned rats as the group surrounded the last moving one. Once he finished, he moved towards the stream, peering both up and down the flowing water.

Guess we'll go with a [roll0]

Status
AC: 17 HP: 9/12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: mage armor (+4 AC; 1hr)

[KevSaund]

Vance's spear strikes true and pins the rat to the ground where it was, perfectly lined up to be crushed under the weight of Kern's flail. A fine pink mist sprays up from what was once the body of a dire rat, but is now little more than an stew of diseased parts.

Domino sneaks back to the rubble, confident she hasn't been heard. As she peeks over the rubble there is still no sign of the woman who attempted to lure them in.

Ahkmathi peers down at the running water, it is quite muddy, and the bottom isn't clearly visible. However he remembers that the dire rats seemed to cross without difficulty, so it probably isn't that deep. As he looks toward the source it seems to come from a small tunnel and continues into a larger hole on the opposite side of the cavern.

All the rats are dead. Well done!

[Starbin]

With all the rats dead, Ahkmathi whispered a cantrip, one that cleaned off his robes and staff from the blood and gore of the rats. He glanced around, then looked back to the route by which both women had disappeared. He pulled forth a thin wand and tapped himself with the tip. As the magiks opened his eyes, he waited patiently, looking to his new companions to lead the way.

Casting Detect Secret Doors from the wand. Ready to roll :smallsmile:

Status
AC: 17 HP: 9/12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: mage armor (+4 AC; 1hr); detect secret doors (1min)

[MuffinMan]

Vancce yanks his spear out of the impact of Kern's strike with a yelp, anxiously looking at the ornate blades for any sign of marring or scratching. Finding none, he sighs with relief and looks about at his companions. Walking over to Ahkmathi, he prods the water with the tip of his spear, seeking the bottom. "Well, that was exciting! What now? Did you see where that woman ran off to, Domino? Or should we follow the source of this water - it seems to be coming from over there."

[DarkOne-Rob]

With a deep sigh Oghash drops to sit on the ground, her bloody hands limp at her sides. Listlessly she looks at her companions as they ask questions and look for the strange woman. For the moment she remains silent and just watches, waiting on the others to decide what to do next.

[Untarr]

"She has to be somewhere down this hall. I'd rather go after her while she's still close than find the river's source. That's not moving. She is."

[Farmerbink]

Kern grunts. "I had him." With a short sneer, he turns away from Vance, to take closer measure of their surroundings. He grunts, kicking one of the squeaking vermin aside. "Follow the woman. Who knows where she came from, but she owes us answers."

[KevSaund]

The spell is unleashed from Akmathi's wand, he can feel the magic flowing through it. But where he would expect to see a something hidden light up wth an etherial glow, nothing happens.

The party gathers at the mound of rubble, where the woman previously disappeared. As the party's light source moves closer to the rubble, the hallway beyond becomes more clear. There are dozens of what can only be called rat holes branching off to either side and Domino let's the party know she saw the woman escape down one of them. about 30 feet further along the passageway the ceiling lowers into darkness. The path slopes downward from there into darkness.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash follows the others reluctantly, her curiosity not yet overwhelming her caution in the face of such bizarre behavior on the part of the mysterious woman. "You aren't planning to talk to her, like you did that dead thing from earlier, are you?" she asks quietly, her dislike of the situation obvious.

[MuffinMan]

"I haven't any plan at at!" Vance exclaims, but a strain in his voice takes away from the levity of his words. "Regardless we have to find her first, and it seems the path ahead of us is clear," he gestures down the descending hallway with the glowing tip of his spear, sending shadows spinning off all the various recesses in the walls. "Unless you fancy turning into a mouse yourself, that is!"

[Untarr]

"Quit the chatter. She lured us here for some reason, and it isn't to be saved. I'll go first. Hang back for a bit so that you don't let the things I'm watching for know something is coming."

Without another word, the rogue slinks off into the hallway....

Move to the hallway where the woman went down and look. Keep following her slowly.



[roll=Perception[1d20+9


Perception - (1d20+9)[18]

[Starbin]

Ahkmathi shrugged, happy to let the woman follow. Of course, itbalso meant that she could be picked off and they would never know it. Whispering to the priest, "Do you know enough about this woman to distinguish between her and a doppelgänger, should the need arise?"

Biding my time ...

Status
AC: 17 HP: 9/12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: mage armor (+4 AC; 1hr); detect secret doors (1min)

[Farmerbink]

Kern shrugs. "I've heard such things exist as can change their form at will," his deep baritone voice echoes off the walls despite his obvious efforts to keep it quiet. His eyes follow Domino cautiously for a moment, until she passes from sight.

His expression fades to one of displeasure, but he follows the scout's advice and holds his tongue.

[KevSaund]

Domino slowly moves through the tunnel checking each nook and cranny before quietly moving on. when she's about halfway through she notices a pair of creatures in a tunnel on either side. These hideously malformed things, might once have been human but seem to have become one with the rodents that surround them. The creatures stand ready with swords drawn, and Domino can see that one of them is wearing the tattered rags of the woman who lured them in. Their stances don't change when she spots them, and she manages to stay unseen in the shadows.

[DarkOne-Rob]

When Domino returns and silently gestures that there is danger halfway down the tunnel. Nodding grimly Oghash draws her massive ax and deliberately steps to the front of the party.

Oghash ("Fiendclaw" in Orcish) (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=552622)
Female Chaotic Evil Half-Orc Bloodrager, Level 2, Init 2, HP 26+4/26+4, Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. base)
AC 14, Touch 10, Flat-footed 12, CMD 20, Fort 9, Ref 4, Will 4, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 2
Greataxe +7 (1d12+12, 20/x3)
Hide Armor (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, -2 Misc)
Abilities Str 23, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12
Condition Bloodrage (4/8 Rounds Used Today), Power Attack

"Let's do this, then..." she growls as she walks forward and then bursts into the tunnel on the left, her ax already slashing downward at the creature inside!

Initiative [roll0]

Free Actions: Bloodrage and Power Attack
Move adjacent to the enemy in the left tunnel
Greataxe [roll1] attack, [roll2] (20/x3), [roll3] slashing damage, [roll4] critical strike damage

[MuffinMan]

At Domino's report, Vance quickly casts a spell to bolster his attacks - the same one he used earlier against the rats. As Oghash begins to charge he is right behind her, spear ready to strike!

If there is time before we initiate combat, Vance will cast another instance of Divine Favor.
Initiative [roll0]

Move behind Oghash into reach range and attack an enemy:
atk [roll1] (+2 DF), CC [roll2] (20/x3)
dmg [roll3] (+2 DF), cdmg [roll4]

V'Ansariel "Vance" Allani (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1019444)
M CG Half-Elf Cleric, Level 2, Init 4, HP 19/19, Speed 40
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 15, Fort 5, Ref 2, Will 7, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 1
elven branched spear +3 (1d8 + 3, x3)
heavy mace +3 (1d8 + 3, x2)
dagger +2 (1d4 + 2, 19-20/x2)
studded leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 10
Condition None

[KevSaund]

Oghash's deliberately and decisively slices into the head of the rat woman hybrid, killing her before she even has a chance to yell out a warning. She also see's another Rat creature hiding farther back in the tunnel, weapon drawn.

Vance is close on her heels, but strikes out in vain against the other target.



We're still in surprise round if y'all want to take an action. I'll roll initiative here for those that haven't gone yet.

Kern [roll0]
Domino [roll1]
Ahkmathi [roll2]
Wererats [roll3]

[Untarr]

Domino, daggers already at the ready, moves down the hall and into a side cave.


Move as far as I can down the hallway starting at O,23. The goal is to get behind the wearat and flank 'em

[Farmerbink]

Kern dashes in, hot on Oghash' heels. Closing most of the distance, with his polearm in hand, the brutish man drives the blade towards the second target. With a laugh, he calls over the cloven form of the downed rat-person, "I like your technique, Oghash!"

Kern Cooke (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1018910)
M Neutral Human Fighter (VMC wizard), Level 2, Init 3, HP 21/21, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 14, CMD 20, Fort 5, Ref 3, Will 1, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 2
Heavy Flail +6 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Horse Chopper +6 (1d10+6, x3)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 17, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 7, Cha 7
Conditions: Shadow hunter: 50% damage to incorporeals
Dirty fighter: +1 damage when flanking

Assuming the woman is a combatant, Kern will charge her:

[roll0] horse chopper
[roll1] CC (27+, x2)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[Starbin]

Ahkmathi listened as the woman reported back. He wondered how these few would plan to engage when the bestial woman showed him - they wouldn't! He stared in amazement as the large woman charged, followed swiftly by the big man and the priest. The small woman showed a bit more sense, slipping into the shadows. Sighing, he moved up to join the group, staying behind the others for now. He held his powers in check, seeing the others did not seem to require assistance.

Move forward to get within sight of the battle

Status
AC: 17 HP: 9/12 Init +3 Move 30'
F +0 R +3 W +3
Spells: prestidigitation, ghost sound, message, open/close; grease, color spray, silent image, adhesive spittle, silent image
Shift: 8/8
Effect: mage armor (+4 AC; 1hr); detect secret doors (1min)

[KevSaund]

The party moves in on the unsuspecting wererats. Kern swings his horsechopper at the thing that used to be a wererat, and his miss perfectly sets up Oghash's killing blow. Domino disappears into the shadows, as the rest of the party advances.

The remaining wererats take up their positions at the mouth of each tunnel, and lash out at those within range, their rapier blades coated in a sickly purple sheen.


Wererat at N20 attacking Oghash [roll0]
cc [roll1]
Damage [roll2]
Crit [roll3]

Wererat at L23 attacking Vance [roll4]
cc [roll5]
Damage [roll6]
Crit [roll7]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Oghash ("Fiendclaw" in Orcish) (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=552622)
Female Chaotic Evil Half-Orc Bloodrager, Level 2, Init 2, HP 20+4/26+4, Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. base)
AC 14, Touch 10, Flat-footed 12, CMD 20, Fort 9, Ref 4, Will 4, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 2
Greataxe +7 (1d12+12, 20/x3)
Hide Armor (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, -2 Misc)
Abilities Str 23, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12
Condition Bloodrage (4/8 Rounds Used Today), Power Attack

Oghash screams in fury at the slash across her forearm before lashing out at the offending enemy!

Fortitude Save [roll0]

Free Actions: Maintain Bloodrage and Power Attack
5-ft step to set up a flank if possible (none of the attack rolls include a flanking bonus)
Greataxe [roll1] attack, [roll2] (20/x3), [roll3] slashing damage, [roll4] critical strike damage