[IC] Reavers of Zan [Sharp Swords & Sinister Spells]

[roryb]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ1NbcoHOcSxpj3-E1lde8K2lJYow5_-J64AA&usqp=CAU

This is the IC thread for Reavers of Zan, a play by post campaign for Sharp Swords and Sinister Spells.

Players:

Quagmire, playing Leonard (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24937233&postcount=3)
Chambers, playing Shiv (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24937143&postcount=2)
Von Alric, playing Rhil Xillos (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24938183&postcount=4)
roryb, GM

OOC Thread. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?627378-OOC-Reavers-of-Zan-Sharp-Swords-amp-Sinister-Spells)
Recruitment Thread. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?626579-Seeking-3-for-Sharp-Swords-amp-Sinister-Spells&p=24915626#post24915626)

[roryb]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRD3VpuAe0fiJyfCpat4tTl2ly0PX1Ed eyUxA&usqp=CAU

Adventure 1: Citadel of the Dutiful Keeper

Formerly a vast empire, Zan was now an endless expanse of wastes and dunes dotted by the remnants of greatness. Crossing any section of this expanse was never wise without provisions, water, and great numbers. This was seldom done save by the intrepid merchants and their trains that ventured between scattered communities still clinging to depleted river ways or oases. Danger was never far away...

And so, when one of Zan's vengeful dust storms blew in pitting exposed flesh by tens of thousands of blasting granules, the initial charge of a surprise attack did great hurt to Zappo's caravan. The tribal raiders were mounted and knew the routes of caravans through the trackless sands by heart. Able to blindly navigate, their lesser numbers were rarely a disadvantage when the torrents of blowing dust would swallow them up like a ghostly apparition. However, this was no small band. They were numberless hordes, or so they seemed.

After the devastation of the initial sortie, the chaos grasped guardsman, merchant and teamster alike. Horses bolted, carts were overturned, and three found themselves separated from the host. They floundered aimlessly on the sea of dunes, flinching at the sudden insinuation of a spectral raider that was not there. The sounds of men and horses receded or were lost in the howling winds and hiss of dust, when suddenly, a shape rose up out of the sands before them.

They made out the squared corners of a facade of masonry. Remnants of a tower protruded up, but as they drew cautiously closer, a half-sunken ruin became material before their eyes. The structure itself was tilted, as though swallowed by the sands, unless it was an illusion of the pitch and climb of each mountainous dune. A vacant doorway in which doors no longer stood guard yawned black before them. Was it occupied? Either way, it was potential safety and cover. At any moment, a wave of riders might appear and strike them down, against which they had no defense.

[Chambers]

Shiv

"Hope no one is home." Shiv mumbled through his face covering, eyes squinting against the stinging wind. "It's here or keep walking to nowhere!" He said, raising his voice to be heard above the dust storm. Without waiting for agreement Shiv stumbles into the doorway, shivering in the sudden cool of the darkness.

[Von Alric]

Rhil

Not hearing what Shiv said, Rhil speaks up. "I think we should head inside." Seeing Shiv move forward, he follows into the darken doorway and takes just one step to the side and focuses on adjusting to the light inside.

[roryb]

No sooner had the three stepped over the threshold when five mounted raiders wielding spears materialized out of the hissing brown smudge of blowing sands. These stopped abruptly, pointing at the structure with apparent perturbation into which the three had stepped. They wheeled their mounts about and suddenly broke in different directions, perhaps looking for an alternate means to ambush their enemies and were gone.

The darkness veiled the further depths of the space into which the three now plumbed. The door had long since rotted away or had been otherwise removed. There were other ruined pieces of stone and detritus piled near to it that could be put up to make a hasty barrier if need be. They found themselves in some sort of entry hall perhaps twenty paces across. The ceiling was twelve feet above their heads. An arched doorway in the north and south walls led to other areas. The passage continued further into the structure than the meager natural light through the open doorway revealed. Sand covered most of the floor, though here and there stone blocks bared their surfaces and regular joints. The hiss of sand continued ceaseless outside, but their newfound refuge protected them from the worst. After a few investigatory steps, their senses revealed that in fact there was a tilt to the foundation of the ancient structure. A noticeable grade led down toward the easternmost portions lost in blackness. What lay further within or to the sides was unknown. They heard no other sound than the blowing elements.

A running map below... I'll keep updating the map as you move around. The link will remain the same, but you may need to refresh your browsers for it to appear correctly.

If I get a majority opting for a common action, I may push forward at times.

https://myth-wiki-public.s3.amazonaws.com/3/36/Dutiful_Keeper.jpg

[Chambers]

Shiv

"What are the odds they were more scared of us than whatever is in this place?" Shiv asks after the horsemen ride off. He slumps to the ground and brings his pack in front of him, digging through it. "Okay, I've got a few torches here." He says and brings one out.

He stands up and slings the pack onto his back again. "Right. Can't go stumbling around in the dark. Let's see where we are." He says and lights the torch.

[Quagmire]

Leonard Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

Leonard looks around the few visible parts of the room, worried about something hiding in the shadows.

“If there is something in here they’re scared of, we should probably find it before they find us. I’m quiet, I can check the doorways.

With the torch lit, Leo tries to move slowly and quietly to the north doorway and look inside. If there isn’t any immediate threat behind, he checks the south and any other doorways as well.

[roryb]

With Shiv's light illuminating the immediate surroundings, ornamented and once frescoed walls and ceilings were revealed, all having since worn away. Large sections of plaster had also fallen loose exposing the bare brickwork underneath in large sections. The place was in a sad state of neglect.

The torchlight was not quite enough to illuminate more than the entries into the northern and southern sections. In both areas, roughly square chambers each, considerable debris and refuse was strewn about and some half buried in small drifts of sand. In the northern chamber, that debris had been piled at the center by someone or something during the unknown past. Another open doorway stood in the eastern wall of the chamber to the north. Although Leonard could not see within, it seemed some daylight streamed in from a breach or alternate exit.

I didn't discuss before, but what do you all prefer? Do you want me to make rolls? I prefer if players do it. And, if you think a roll might be called for, feel free to throw one out just in case.

Old school searching and perception rolls: I'll take the stance that a lot of old games do, that player skill is important. If when searching for traps, for example, a character states explicitly a section of floor they are looking at, and a method of tapping with a pole on possible pressure plates, that stated action supersedes and dice results. If there is something to be revealed from specific action, I'll react accordingly. If nothing is stated, that's where attribute saves and luck rolls may come in.

In our current example, Leonard is just peeking in to get a general sense. If there was an obvious threat, I would certainly note it. Quagmire mentioned behind sneaky, and if they wanted to do that, a roll would be required. At this point, there is no obvious danger (unless it's well hidden), so I don't need a roll for the moment. If I did want to see a roll and the player did not supply one, I'd probably make a roll on their behalf rather than spend any extra exchanges on back and forth.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 10/10 - Luck d6

"Which way do we go? I feel we can move around that pile of stuff since something had to put it there."

[Chambers]

Shiv

"Maybe they left something behind." Shiv says as he moves closer to the pile. "Maybe something we could use in case those horsemen come back."

[roryb]

With Shiv leading the way, the northern chamber was roughly thirty paces square with no windows. The licensed cultist confirmed the existence of another open doorway on the east wall of the chamber, through which a sliver of daylight pierced. Inspecting the pile closer, a sudden explosion of movement took the torch-wielding conjurer completely by unawares.

A huge red and black chitinous horror burst out from under refuse. Massive pinchers snapped, grasping at anything the moved in its lair. A long stinger tail glistened with poison as the pony-sized monster rushed with astonishing speed. Now revealed was a large burrow in the midst of the pile. A second monster began to emerge behind the first. A giant pincher grabbed onto Shiv's ankle, nearly dropping him to the ground. It began pulling him in towards its lair. The second monster was fully out and hissed at the other two intruders.

Surprise attack by these critters (the rules do not specify what happens in surprise...I will say this means automatically gaining initiative). The first round allows only the first to attack. They are 2 HD creatures with two attacks...a pincher attack and a stinger. The stinger carries a poison that can be resisted by Physique after a successful stinger strike for an additional 1d4 damage. The first attack is a maneuver to try and grab Shiv and hold him for a future attack with advantage.

The first attack: Pincher Grab (https://orokos.com/roll/877287): 1d20+1 16. He's effectively grabbed (no damage). Shiv must win a physique test to break free. All tests against these critters suffers a penalty of +/-1 due to their higher HD. We'll call this one scorpion 1. The two have the following hit points: Hit Dice (https://orokos.com/roll/877289): 2#2d8 9 7.

That's it for their actions this turn. Everyone can take your actions. Remember the +/-1 penalty. Add/subtract modifiers to the roll rather than modify your attributes.

Edit: assume a range of close between Shiv and giant critter 1. All others are assumed to be at near.

Map (refresh browser page if the old map shows up).

https://myth-wiki-thumb.s3.amazonaws.com/3/36/Dutiful_Keeper.jpg/361px-Dutiful_Keeper.jpg

[Chambers]

Shiv

"Ahhhhhh!" Shiv screamed as he was snapped up by the huge pincers. "Get it off, get it off!" he shouted and shoved the burning torch into the creature's face.

He'll attack it with the torch instead of trying to break free, on the theory that pretty much everything hates having a torch shoved into their face. Maybe it will give up and let him go!

Torch Attack! (Physique 9 or Agility 8 as you see fit) [roll]1d20+1[roll]

[Quagmire]

Leonard Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

Leonard scrambles backwards to the doorway and gets behind it. ”Giant animals! I thought these things were a myth!”

He unslings his heavy crossbow from his back and gets on one knee, trying to put a crossbow bolt into the monster holding Shiv.

not sure if I’d be able to move back and get a heavy ranged weapon set up in the same turn, but if so here is an attack.

[roll0] wanting to get less than 10
A hit deals [roll1] damage.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 10/10 - Luck d6

A quick flourish and two swords appeared in Rhil's hands. "Keep it busy with that torch and be ready to move!", he shouts to Shiv. He leaps to the left past Shiv towards the creature, swinging one sword down to cut the grasping pincer off and keeping the other one up, warding off potential attacks of the stinger or second creature.

[roryb]

Shiv’s torch hit the thing right between its many eyes. Sparks from the flame erupted as the cultist’s true aim smashed against its hardened carapace. Leonard’s bolt went wide from his slow-loading personal arbalest.

In a flash, Rhil was at his companion’s side and drove a sword point between the monster’s lobstered joints, drawing ichor. An inhuman high-pitched squeal nearly defeated the intruders. The thing released its grip on Shiv, sending him back on his rump — but for the moment free. The thing scuttled back toward its burrow. It’s great claws covered its now blackened head just above its mandibles.

At the same moment, the second insectoid moved forward with astonishing speed, snapping at the swordsman with its pinchers and barbed tail. The mercenary maneuvered and parried, finding the armored tail not unlike a sword-wielding opponent.

Okay, Shiv’s Torch hit (https://orokos.com/roll/877567): 1d4 3. We’ll treat the damage as a penalty to the thing’s morale roll. This is d20 - 2 (HD) + 3 penalty. 10+ equals failure.

Morale check (https://orokos.com/roll/877568): 1d20+1 13. That’s a failure.

That’s a miss for Leonard. @Quagmire, note the 1d8 damage for heavy weapons for the future.

Rhil closes one category and makes an attack against critter #1. As per my OOC post, it sounds like he’s reserving a one die penalty for any incoming attack. I’ll say that can be declared after the dice hit the table. Attack with advantage on critter #1 (https://orokos.com/roll/877569): 2#1d20+1 8 20. Looks like a hit! Sword damage (https://orokos.com/roll/877570): 1d8 2.

Critter #1 has 4/9 hit points and is fleeing into its burrow.

Critter #2 attacks Rhil Xillos with two attacks. Claw / Stinger attack / damage / damage / disadvantage (https://orokos.com/roll/877571): 2#1d20+1 6 10 2#1d6 1 6 1d20+1 21. Both miss.

State your actions.

[Quagmire]

With one scorpion driven back and the other being kept busy, Leonard gets an idea. He drops his crossbow and runs around to the side of the creature. He tries to roll between its legs, and end up on his back under the large creature. Hopefully its tail can’t reach under itself, and he can get his hidden dagger into its underbelly.

Not sure if I can move to under it, pull out my dagger, and attack in the same turn, but I’ll try. If not hopefully I’ll be in a good position for next turn.

[Chambers]

Shiv

"That's my lucky torch now!" Shiv says as he scoots back away from the giant bugs. "Too close together to blast them..." Shiv says, getting back to his feet. "...close enough to drain them though." He takes a step towards Rhil and the giant bug the swordsman was engaged with. He raises his arms and they begin undulating, mimicking the arms of an octopus. Sweat appears on his brow as he concentrates and suddenly translucent tentacles lash out from Shiv, attempting to latch onto both Rhil and the bug.

Casting Transfer Life, attempting to move One Hit Dice from the bug to Rhil.

The difficulty (power level) of the spell is 1.

Willpower 13 [roll0]

If the spell is cast, the bug can resist the spell by rolling higher than my Willpower 13.

[roryb]

The strange spectral tentacles surged reddish in that brief moment before the injured scorpion scuttled away. The creature convulsed and curled into a ball. The second one began advancing. Flinging away his crossbow, Leonard drew his dagger. Flanking the thing was no easy task. The octoped was swift, able to rotate to new threats quickly. Nonetheless, Leonard was quicker, finding an opportunity to roll between the many articulated joints. The fleshy underside of the monster showed ripe for puncturing.

As per our OOC conversation (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24947884&postcount=21), I can assume the rolls going forward.

Shiv's spell kills critter #1 and gives Rhil 4 bonus hp and effectiveness like a 2nd-level Warrior, as per here (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24947129&postcount=18). On second thought, I think a consistency is to tie duration to PL too. So, effectiveness would be 1 turn (10 rounds).

Next is Leonard's maneuver to get into position. This is an Agility test with a +1 penalty due to Powerful Enemies. Agility test at +1 penalty (10) (https://orokos.com/roll/877742): 1d20+1 4. Done! The system suggests the higher the number, while still within the range of your attributes, is better. So this was a bit of a struggle, but by no means barely made.

I'll await Rhil's action before the new round. Critter #2 has 7/7 hp.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 10/10 - Luck d6

As the second creature begins to engage him, Rhil suddenly feels more powerful, more confident. A wicked smile crosses his lips. "Let's end this now, you sand eater." Quickly moving his arms, he creates a whirl of blades, trying to confuse the creature. He waits for the creature to use its stinger so he can deflect it, dance to the side, and go for the kill.

[roryb]

As Rhil moved past, Shiv was able to move to relatively safety behind his doubly armed companion. The creature danced and spun trying to outmaneuver Rhil and the plucky foe underneath it. The thing used its stiletto-barbed feet to bludgeon Leonard who wriggled to remain on target and out of harm's way. It was more difficult than he at first imagined when a bone-hard foot almost smashed his head. A deadly stinger tail lashed out at Rhil, who expertly batted aside the living weapon.

Rhil followed through, driving his blade length into the monster's mouth. It convulsed and pulled back, but Leonard wasn't finished with it. Striking upward with his dagger, he impaled the thing. Ichor spilled out onto the poor accountant along with the bulk of the giant dead arachnid.

Nothing else moved from the dark burrow within the rubble. Other than a befouled and half crushed rogue, the three were none the worse for wear.

Scorpion vs. Leonard: pincher attack vs. Leonard (10); damage (https://orokos.com/roll/877833): 1d20+1 15 1d6 1. Luckily, light armor absorbs all of that hit!

Scorpion stinger vs. Rhil: Attack vs. Rhil at disadvantage (14); Damage (https://orokos.com/roll/877834): 2#1d20 1 5 1d4 4. Whiff of all whiffs.

Rhil vs. Critter #2: Attack vs. Scorpion with advantage (10); Damage (https://orokos.com/roll/877835): 2#1d20 19 9 1d8 4. Critter #2 is down to 3/7 hp.

Leonard vs. Critter #2: Attack vs. Scorpion with advantage (12); Damage (https://orokos.com/roll/877836): 2#1d20+1 11 10 1d4 4. That finishes off Critter #2.

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4


Leonard pushes the dead beast off of him and gets to his face. Wiping the scorpion goo off of his face with a handkerchief , he looks rather disgusted. "That was... unpleasant. But at least we're alive and we know why the riders are afraid of this place."

Leonard kicks the dead scorpion to make sure it was dead, and if it was he kneels by the tail. "Well if I'm already covered in this things blood no harm done if I get a bit more on me. The stingers of scorpions have poison and, although I've never dealt with scorpions before, I have seen see how poison is extracted. Keep watch on the second one, just because it fled now doesn't mean it might not come back out."

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 14/10 - Luck d6

Pulling out his sword, he takes a few steps back from the carcass. Quick snaps of the wrists flicks off any remaining ichor from the blades. "Well, if we can work together like that, we will be good."

As Leonard begins his dismemberment, Rhil reassures him. "That thing doesn't pose a threat to anyone and I don't think it'll have anything useful you can harvest."

As they regroup, Rhil takes a look into the eastern doorway for any other threats.

[Chambers]

Shiv

Not wanting to be left out, Shiv walks over and kicks the dead bug once for good measure. "My thanks to you bravos." He looks at the huge rip in his shirt from the pincer and sighs. "I'll worry about patching that up later I suppose. I don't know much about poisons there, but if we get hungry we could probably cook and eat them." He says.

"Now, for the reason I came in this room. See anything useful in that pile?" He says, holding the torch closer to the pile and looking over it.

[roryb]

Shiv investigated the pile. Judging by the drag marks, the creatures gathered up what remained of furnishings -- a ruined bench of moldering wood, iron works of unknown purpose, several unearths flagstones, and other detritus -- to help conceal their burrow. There was perhaps enough material here to barricade the entry if needed.

At the eastern doorway, Rhil peered into the adjacent room. Although he had no torchlight at his back, the failing daylight came down what appeared to be a partially ruined winding stairwell. Presumably this led up to the ruined tower they saw outside. Blowing grit swirled within the room's circumference. The elements had piled sand here and there in drifts. In another corner, some of the brickwork had given way to create a small narrow window. He could tell litter more without investigating.

I don't have my map with me, so I'll give you the rough description.

Edit: I have the map updated.

https://myth-wiki-public.s3.amazonaws.com/3/36/Dutiful_Keeper.jpg

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 14/10 - Luck d6

He peers for a few moments, making sure there are no movements. He steps back. "Looks like a staircase that goes up, possibly. Want to check the other areas here to see if there's anything useful?"

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

Leonard gets up to follow Shiv and Rhil. He pays particularly close attention to the steps of the staircase, looking to see if any are uneven or otherwise unusual.

When the topic of where to go next comes up, “I say we try to map the rest of this level first, don’t want any surprises coming from behind us.

[Chambers]

Shiv

"Bunch of garbage. Not sure what I expected, really." Shiv says to himself after picking through the refuse. "Staying on the ground's not a bad idea. I'd like to find another exit in case those riders come back and decide they're brave enough to enter."

[roryb]

The three moved across the entry hall into the space to the south. This was a rectangular room much of the same description as the others roughly thirty paces by twenty. Another open doorway lay in the southern portion of the eastern wall of this space. They had peered into the this room upon their initial survey of the surrounding rooms. Little else was revealed beyond their first probe. A few items were half-buried in the sand. There was other refuse laying about, but not so much as the far room to the north where the scorpion monsters burrowed and likely dragged off the largest pieces of junk and filth.

Random Encounter Roll (1-2 on d6) (https://orokos.com/roll/878931): 1d6 3

Map:
https://myth-wiki-public.s3.amazonaws.com/3/36/Dutiful_Keeper.jpg

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

Something about the pile caught Leonards eye as well. He started to pull out some half-buried items, in case any were useful or valuable. He only did so with one hand though, keeping his dagger in the other hand in case there were any creatures for his search to disturb.

[roryb]

Sifting through the rubbish, it is not long before Leonard unearthed a scrap that caught his eye. At first appearing black and formless. However, it was a weighty bronze belt buckle in an ancient style that might fetch a good price by a collector. He found nothing else of value.

Counts as 1 thing and worth 1 treasure point (as per the abstract treasure rules in the Addendum).

Other actions?

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

Leonard turns the belt buckle over in his hands a few times as he appraised its value, before holding it up to the other two and smiling. “Found something shiny here, this ruin might have more if we keep exploring. Where to next!

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 14/10 - Luck d6

"Nice, could fetch a coin or two to the right person. Let's see what is through that doorway." Rhil nods to the opening in the east.

[roryb]

The slant of the room was more discernible here. With another exit in the far side of the northern wall (presumably linking with the original entry hall), this chamber was almost entirely filled in by sand. Sections of wall appeared to have collapsed at some point and the very building threatened to be swallowed by the sands. The sands were deepest in the far eastern side where something stuck out above the silt. It was too far away and too dark to tell for certain, but it almost appeared as though the top portions of a head were sticking through.

Remember the outside description was a half sunken square keep with a tower.

https://myth-wiki-public.s3.amazonaws.com/3/36/Dutiful_Keeper.jpg

[Chambers]

Shiv

"I'm not poking around in that corner. Had enough giant beetles for one day." Shiv says, adjusting his hood to try and keep out the dust in the air. "Look, let's check out the tower. Maybe we can hide out in there, at least until this storm passes."

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 14/10 - Luck d6

Smiling at his bug shy friend, he nods his head. "I'll protect you, don't worry. Let's find a rock or stone and toss it over at the thing over there and see if it reacts. You get behind me and toss it." He gets both swords ready to defend against a sudden rush.

[roryb]

A stone was lobbed to the thick sand, upon which it plopped and then proceeded to roll down the sandy hill. When it hit the bottom, the stone clinked against something metallic like the musical jingle of coins. Nothing else moved.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 14/10 - Luck d6

"What's that?" Rhil looks at the stopped stone. "Alright, watch the sand." He moves into the room and uses a sword to prod the area around the stone to discover the source of the sound.

[roryb]

Getting closer, Rhil saw a few half-buried coins. They were bronze or other tarnished metal -- aged too much to determine their worth by sight alone. Nonetheless, it appeared to be spilled wealth. Closer to the mound, he now made out the head of a buried statue against what might have been the far wall. It was in likeness to a figure wearing a stylized headdress of some sort. Lapis lazuli pieces and other semiprecious stones were placed elaborately in the stone figure. It may have been buried there for ages. Only the top part showed. He detected no sound or movement, nor visible holes where crawling things may burrow.

Random Encounter Roll (1-2 on d6) (https://orokos.com/roll/880478): 1d6 3

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4
Leonard looked at the mound, and the statue head. I’ll get the head if I can, if it’s too heavy I could pry the stones out.

Stepping softly, Leonard creeps up to the mound of sand. He tries to lift the statue head. If it isn’t too heavy, he tries to bring it back to the rest of the group.

[roryb]

Leonard found the head was likely attached to an entire standing statue. But noticing up close, there were more embedded stones of even greater value and gold-chasing around many of the details. He noticed perhaps six feet from that the hint of a second buried statue. Each statue was most likely quite weighty, and also inaccessible until properly excavated. Whether the stones were salvageable apart from the statue itself remained to be seen.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 14/10 - Luck d6

Keeping an eye towards the doorway to the north, Rhil reaches down and clears the sand from the coins and collects them. "Leonard, spend a few moments prying those jewels off. If we have time, we can come back for any others."

[roryb]

To his amazement, Rhil found gold coins. He pocketed at least eight of them stylized with an ancient stamp. There were likely more buried. The more he uncovered from the edge, the more coins he recovered.

1 point of treasure. Whoever tries to pry gems from the statue must make the post.

[Quagmire]

Leonard gets his dagger back out, and brushes some giant centipede off the blade. "It would be worth more if we could get the whole statues out, instead of just some semi-precious rocks. If only we had a team to carry them out."

Somewhat disappointed about how much prying the gems off reduced the value of the statue, Leonard starts prying the stones free from the statue. He tries to get any that are already exposed, but doesn't try to excavate any more.

[roryb]

The stones were very stubborn. Try as he might, the statue wasn't yielding them willingly. Up close, Leonard could see their luster. They shined with a light almost all of their own.

Prying Stones with Difficulty of 5 (Physique) (https://orokos.com/roll/881237): 1d20+5 25. That's a no go. Care to Push the Roll or downgrade Luck (SS&SS p. 8)?

[Chambers]

Shiv

"Hey, those look pretty nice. Be a shame if we didn't live to spend them." Shiv says, stepping forward to hold the torch a little closer. He looks down at the statue, still buried in sand. "I....uh....am not sure about digging the rest of that up though. Maybe some other time?"

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 14/10 - Luck d6

"Right, dead men can't spend any coin. Still, I don't think those raiders are going to willingly come in here. So, unless there is something else here that wants to say otherwise, we have a little time. Let's see if there are any more coins right here then move on. How about you dig for a few while I take a look at this doorway?" If Shiv begins to dig, Rhil will take the torch and move to the doorway to see what is beyond. Otherwise, he will just dig a bit more himself.

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

"I can dig, but I can't get these stones out. Someday though, we should return here with a team to excavate these and bring them back to sell."

Leonard keeps brushing the sand away in search of more coins. However he works carefully and slowly, not wanting to damage the statues.

[roryb]

Leonard recovered four more weighty gold coins, and then six, and the more he uncovered, the more he found until it seemed a real trove lay hidden under the sand. As he uncovered more, the sands gradually but noticeably lowered, revealing more of the statues. Now beautiful gold chased alabaster faces were revealed under the headdress, pure and unblemished. A strange design etched on the wall began to be revealed as well.

Treasure 2 to add to what you've found.

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

Pocketing the coins happily, and looking at the beautiful statues with admiration, leonard says "I think we should stay here a bit longer. I'm curious about it now."

He brushes away sand to reveal the full etchings, trying to identify what they mean. Then he takes some pages from his ledger and some charcoal from the burning torch, to create rubbings of the most significant looking patterns on the etchings. "I wonder who it was who created this place, and what happened to them."

[roryb]

A channel of sand between the two statues was not difficult to clear away, revealing a most peculiar design in the wall. The adjacent statues were frozen in a gesture pointing to the ancient glyph. As Leonard eagerly began to make an etching, a strange low thrumming caught his attention. Before he could react, a bright light blinded the three and then plunged them into total darkness.

They were wholly somewhere else. Their senses immediately honed in on the sudden absence of gusts against the entry doorway and the noticeable colder clime. There was no noise except for the grit under their boots and the echoes of their hastened breathing...and then the unnameable dread.

Your torch is still in hand, but the flame sniffed out.

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

Leonard shivers and fumbles around in the darkness, trying to figure out what kind of place they were in. He is somewhat panicky at the unexpected magical effect, and the fact that they could be anywhere. "We have to get a torch lit, see where we are"

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 14/10 - Luck d6

Rhil starts to curse as the darkness engulfs him but holds his tongue. As the dark builds oppressively around him, he crouches down into a lower stance and places his blades in a defensive fashion. He begins to listen for the sounds of breathing to locate his comrades and then any other sounds that indicate those who may not be friendly. He almost jumps as Leonard speaks. Calming down, he gently calls out. "Shiv? Are you well? Can you get that torch lit or do we need to?"

[Chambers]

Shiv

"Oh, I'm here." Shiv says quietly. "Wherever here actually is...and I'd rather not light up the torch right away. Maybe we'd just reveal ourselves to something else, eh?" He says, keeping his voice low. "Give it a minute or two, see if our eyes adjust. If you feel you'll panic without light right away, here, take it and burn it. Just try and remain calm."

Shiv holds the torch out in case anyone wants to grab it and then slowly squats down until he can touch the floor. He runs his hand in a circle around along the ground, trying to learn something about where they are. "The most important thing to remember...when you suddenly find yourself in an unexpected situation...is to not panic. He who thinks before he bolts may yet win the race."

[roryb]

Such was the complete darkness that even their eyes wouldn’t adjust. However, their ears and touch did. They found themselves in a tight space. It was no more than ten paces from wall to wall except in the only direction they found air space, as though they were at the dead end of a corridor. The silence, other than their own breathing and shifting feet, was ominous. Under Shiv’s touch, he noted less masonry, and more stone — perhaps limestone or sandstone. The walls, too, were rough like carven rock. Without a light source of exploration in the inky blackness, they could discern no more details.

[Chambers]

Shiv

"Haven't been eaten yet, so let's see where we're at." Shiv says. "Here, come hold the torch for me and I'll try and catch a spark with my flint."

[roryb]

It took few tries and soon a flame sputtered back to life. The intense torchlight lit their immediate area, confirming their suspicions. They found themselves in a close area with a passage leading away beyond the reach of their light. How they got there, or where they were was a mystery. Now the raiders were the last thing on their minds. They surmised they were now underground. The tunnel was cut — whether by hands or water or a combination thereof, they were uncertain. The low ceiling was rough and the tone and grit of the makeup confirmed a sandstone composition. There were no markings nor masonry on the walls, floors or ceiling except the rough pits, scars, and erosion worn by time. Only the one apparent direction led them away from their current confinement. Which direction that was, there was no telling, disoriented as they were. Still, they heard no sound nor tell of living thing.

Will update a map after you move into the next area.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 10/10 - Luck d6 (those extra HP probably have already disappeared, let me know otherwise)

Rhil takes in the new surroundings. "Vannessa's Teats! Looks like we chose the wrong statues to mess with. That magic has a purpose and someone intentionally put it there. So, there should be a way back out, maybe other statues. Only way to know for sure," he gestures into the dark, "is to head that way. I'll move first and keep that torch close enough for me to see anything coming." After making sure his comrades are ready, Rhil steps forward, scanning all sides for anything unusual.

[roryb]

With Rhil leading the way and Shiv’s torch near at hand, the shadows fled their flickering fingers of illumination. The way proceeded roughly straight for another forty paces before it widened to a larger chamber of some sort. As Rhil approached the terminus of the passage, he saw works of iron or bronze in the room beyond — mouldering racks and ruined gates of metal bars littered the room.

The room was not unoccupied, however. Skeletal guards went about their way in a mockery of their duties in life until the intruders stood at the threshold of the chamber. Six shambling shapes turned toward the three with blackened and blunted weapons readied with a silent challenge from agape jaws.

Confirming those extra HP go away. Actions? There are six, each 1 HD. While within the passage they can only attack two at a time (as can you).

[Chambers]

Shiv

"I don't suppose you would be open to a parley...?" Shiv asks into the room, appearing from behind Rhil. "No? I didn't think so. Brace yourselves!" He says and steps to the side to get a clear view of the room. "Unblinking Lord of the Depths, hear my plea and answer! Wash away this flotsam that bars our path back to your cold embrace." Shiv intones to his chosen god and points at the skeletal guards. The air pressure in the room suddenly drops like a beach is drained of water before the tsunami and moments later a silent explosion fills the space as several fathoms of pressure explode among the skeletons. Blood drains from Shiv's nose and ears as he bears some of the burden of the pressure himself.

Casting Arcane Blast at Power Level 2. The 'element' I've chosen for his Arcane Blast is force, flavored as the unrelenting and sudden pressure of the deep sea. He's going to use Blood Sacrifice, sacrificing 2 points of Physique to add 2 to his Willpower for the spell casting roll.

Modified Willpower is 15, need to roll a 15 or lower. [roll0]
Deals [roll1] force damage, can be resisted for half damage.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 10/10 - Luck d6

As Shiv begins his spell, Rhil takes a half step back to make sure he doesn't get caught up in anything unpleasant. Seeing the blood begin to trickle out of the ears of Shiv, Rhil steps up alongside his companion and puts himself into an attack posture that allows him to defend the man beside him. He bounces gently on the balls of his feet, waiting for the enemy to come to him for its punishment.

[roryb]

Shiv staggered back. Rhil took advantage of the positioning, interposing himself at the mouth of the corridor. The shambling forms came in with weapons at the ready. Rhil attacked as the first one came into range, reducing the skeletal antagonist to ruin. A second stepped over his fallen companion at two attacked with abandon. The dual blade-wielding champion deflected their ill-timed blows. Leonard currently stood at the rear of the group.

Two undead are considered Close, the remainder at Near.

Rolling for initiative for the round (Agility roll in case of same level/HD opponents):
Agility rolls for initiative (Rhil (14), Shiv (8 at penalty), Leonard (10), respectively) (https://orokos.com/roll/885686): 1d20 14 2d20l1 7 1d20 1

I wrote the wrong code for Shiv, since penalty means keeping the higher die, so that's a failure. However, Shiv's spell was cast and enacted in the first round.

Order: Rhil, Leonard, Undead, Shiv

Next, Rhil performs an Advanced Maneuver (as per his ability) to interpose himself to defend Shiv. Advanced Maneuver (14) (https://orokos.com/roll/885688): 1d20 4. I'll dispense with having them resist since it doesn't directly effect them but rather Shiv.

I'm interpreting "Attack Posture" as meaning Rhil is using both weapons offensively. His attack goes before theirs. Attack at Advantage (10); Damage (d8) vs. HD (d8) (https://orokos.com/roll/885689): 2d20l1 8 2#1d8 7 3. #1 is defeated.

#3 takes #1's place and two attack as a mob (2HD). Undead Attack (>14) at +1; 1d6 (https://orokos.com/roll/885692): 1d20+1 4 1d6 5. That's a miss.

Leonard can still act, but of course, the other two are currently in the way. Any ranged attack will face a penalty die.

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

Feeling a bit guilty about getting the party into this situation by triggering the teleportation trap, Leonard draws his crossbow and tries to help. He tries to line up a shot against the skeleton, but with his party members in the way it is difficult. He seems nervous fighting the living dead, even though he is standing behind the other two.

agility 10, 1d20 roll, 1d6 negative die, 1d8 damage
think I did the dice code wrong here, can you do the rolls?

[roryb]

Leonard’s shaking shot went wide, striking the corridor wall, and then clattered off into the darkness beyond, narrowly missing Shiv.

Attack with penalty (10); damage (d8j vs HD (d8) (https://orokos.com/roll/885742): 2d20k1 17 1d8 2 1d8 5

On a natural 20, this will hit an ally or some other calamity. I’d say a heavy crossbow takes an action to reload.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 10/10 - Luck d6

"I hate undead," Rhil moans. "They just ignore it when you do flashy moves that makes other hesitate. Right, remember Rhil," as his voice trails off into a mutter, "less flash, more slash. less flash, more slash...."

Rhil starts whirling both blades in his attacks against the foes, trying to allow those behind him a chance to attack but preventing the undead from passing him

[roryb]

Rhil swings, reducing another to shards. The shambling skeletal shapes continue to surge forward, faster than the swordsman can ward off. One takes the place of the fallen, and despite his efforts, another manages to force its way through the whirling blades to threaten Shiv. A rusted dagger finds its way through the Sea Lord cultist's embattled defenses.

Rhil takes out #2 Attack at Advantage (10); Damage (d8) vs. HD (d8) (https://orokos.com/roll/887364): 2d20l1 2 2#1d8 8 3
...and attempts to hold the line (advanced maneuver) Hold the Line (Physique) (https://orokos.com/roll/887365): 1d20 11, but barely fails.

#3 and #4 are close to Rhil, and #5 has squeezed past to be close with Shiv.

Leonard reloads a bolt

The undead attack Rhil. Undead Attack Rhil (>14) at +1; 1d6 (https://orokos.com/roll/887367): 1d20+1 10 1d6 6. Miss

#5 attacks Shiv. Undead Attack Shiv (>8) (https://orokos.com/roll/887369): 1d20 17 1d4 1. Hits for 1 damage.

Go for it, Shiv! By the way, Chambers, make sure to put Shiv's vitals in your posts.

[Chambers]

Shiv - HP 5/6, Luck d6, Physique 7/9

Ears bleeding from the spell failure, all Shiv can hear is a loud droning sound as he watches the skeleton guards advance. He cheers as some fall to his companions blades but cries out when one slips past and stabs him in his side. With the sound of the deep still ringing in his ears he can't hear his own words as he shouts the incantation to steal the unlife of the skeleton that attacked him.

He's casting Transfer Life at Difficulty 1, attempting to move one HD from the skeleton to himself.

Willpower 13
Rolling twice for the penalty die
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Von Alric]

Rhil - HP 10/10 - Luck d6

Spitting our a curse, Rhil has a quick thought. He shifts to one side then brings both swords in parallel in an arc across his opponents. Quickly pivoting on one foot, he spins around to bring the blades across the skeletons again, hoping he is lucky enough to destroy both of them.

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4
With another bolt loaded in his crossbow, Leonard lines up a second shot against the skeletons. Taking a deep breath, and feeling calmer since the front line seems to be holding strong, he lets loose another projectile towards the skeletons.

[roryb]

Rhil’s offensive was effective, dropping the one to his left flank and sending shards of broken armor and bone showering from the other. The last shape replaced the fallen. Rhil had opened himself with his overextended maneuver, and the enemy pressed him hard with blows powered by the forces of the unliving.

Behind, Leonard lined up a second shot with his large crossbow, this time at the nearest that harassed Shiv. The shot nearly went into Rhil’s flank and skittered off into the darkness.

Shiv was incoherent with the rotes of incantation, but a bony fist knocked the wind out of him yet again, cutting short the devastating sorcery.

Actions:

First is Rhil. Attack with Advantage at +1 (attacking 2); 1d8 damage at advantage; HD of two (https://orokos.com/roll/887625): 2d20l1+1 4 2d8k1 8 2#1d8 6 4

That takes out #3 and reduces #4 to 2 hit points. Bravo! Almost got what you wanted. (I treated them as a 2 HD mob so the damage could spill over.)

Next is Leonard. Attack (>10); damage; HD (https://orokos.com/roll/887626): 1d20 18 1d8 5 1d8 8. That’s a miss against the closest, #5.

Next, the skeletons. #4 and #6 attack Rhil. Attack (>10]; damage (https://orokos.com/roll/887627): 1d20+1 13 1d4 2. I reduced their combined D6 to d4 due to medium armor. That scores a small hit.

#5 on Shiv. Attack (>8]; damage (https://orokos.com/roll/887628): 1d20 19 1d4 2. Another hit, this time for for 2.

Next, Shiv’s spell. For a complication, the only that comes to mind is to extend the penalty die for another turn.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - 8/10 HP - D6 luck

Seeing the success of the attack, Rhil begins the same steps again. As the bolt streaks past him, he yells back. "Try hitting it with the crossbow instead of shooting! I might survive then!"

[Chambers]

Shiv - HP 3/6, Luck d6, Physique 7/9

Gasping for breath like he just surfaced from underwater, Shiv shakes from a cold only he feels. His teeth chatter in his skull and he barely even feels the knock of the bony fist. "N-n-n-notttt not not work work work workinggg...." He manages to stutter before slamming the torch into the face of the nearest skeleton.

Melee attack with a Penalty die, Physique is 7.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roryb]

Rhil worked his blades finding his rhythm. He grew more effective after whittling down the mindless toughs. Two more lost their animating power, crumbling to bits.

Shiv was having a terrible time toe to toe, but managed to keep just out of the last remaining enemy’s deadline swing. From behind came the click of Leonard’s crank as he readied another bolt.

To recap, #4 on Rhil has hp remaining. #6 is also facing him, and #5 vs. Shiv. Not hearing from Quagmire, I’ll assume Leonard is again reloading his bow. Order as usual: Rhil, skeletons, Shiv (factoring his above attack).

Rhil. Attack at advantage at +1 (vs. 2HD); damage (at advantage); hit points of #6 (https://orokos.com/roll/888815): 2d20l1+1 6 2d8k1 8 1d8 4 takes out #4 and #6 both.

Skeleton. 1d20 (success >8]; damage (https://orokos.com/roll/888816): 1d20 7 1d4 1. Luckily a miss by a hair.

One left!

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

Leonard considers Rhil's advice to run into the fray, mentally tallying up the odds of him dying if he tries it. "I'm good back here, you're doing fine."

With only one skeleton left, he takes aim at it and fires.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - 8/10 HP - D6 luck

As the dust of his foes settles, Rhil beams for a moment. "There's a story for me to tell. It will take more than five ske....." He pauses and quickly counts the defeated in front of him. As Leonard speaks, Rhil raises his head up. "Right, it will take more than SIX skeletons to defeat me!"

Turning around, he notes Leonard training another shot at the undead. He quickly calculates then moves to one side away from the area of fire then leaps forward with blades slashing, timing the attack to happen after the bolt is loosed.

[roryb]

Rhil ducked aside as Leonard's shot released. This time, the bolt struck true, lodging itself in the old mail of the last shambling figure. The animating magic possessing this skeletal warrior was stronger than the rest. It raised up its axe, but Rhil was faster. Going through his practiced maneuvers, his twin blades reduced the figure to a pile of old bones.

The three were still alive. What remained in the chamber beyond was cast in darkness until they could explore further.



Attack at advantage (10); Damage (d8) vs. HD (d8) (https://orokos.com/roll/891066): 2d20l1 8 2#1d8 4 7

Forgot to roll damage with advantage: One more 1d8: Advantage damage die (https://orokos.com/roll/891067): 1d8 7. Thanks to that, the skeletal freak is dead for good.

And, I did this out of order. Doh! Leonard's shot first:

Attack (>10) (https://orokos.com/roll/891068): 1d20 9. That's a hit this time! Damage (1d8) (https://orokos.com/roll/891070): 1d8 3. Not enough to destroy it, but Rhil finishes it off.

If you want to take a few moments, you can recover with a physique roll and a "first rest" for 1d4. I'm inclined to waive the Physique roll for the first rest and give up to 4 hp back. Afterwards, the roll will be required.

[Von Alric]

Rhil - 8/10 HP - D6 luck

Standing over the remains, Rhil begins to get his breath back. As he does, he senses the pain in his chest and glances down at it. Trying to decide how bad it is, he sees Shiv in the periphery. He takes a good look at his companion.

"You look like you could take a few moments to get yourself together. Leonard, how about reload and guard the doorway while Shiv takes a few, wouldn't ya?" Rhil settles down to take a breather and see if Shiv needs anything.

[Quagmire]

Leonard HP 8/8 Luck 1d8 Supply 1d4

Leonard takes a few relieved breaths at the fight being over, before reloading his crossbow and standing by the door like Rhil asked. “Rest is good, but not for too long. Might be more of those things out there.”

Leaning against the wall and looking into the dark hall in front of him, Leonard keeps an eye out for anything that would disturb the other two as they rested.