Mummy's Mask - Shifting Sands [IC]

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala smirked at Lehasti’s comment, nodding her head for a moment. ”All this talk of destruction when it may be as simple as getting a closer look. But perhaps some other spells may shed light. Vershab, can you check for magicks, particularly those of an illusory nature? I shall see if my mystic helper can lend a ‘hand.’ ”

Smiling at her joke, Natala summons a small glowing app badge and sends it towards the roof ...

Spoiler: OOC

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Mage hand first to see if this is a permanent illlusion. She will keep her eyes down as the hands extends straight up, letting the others watch. Once the hand has either stopped (by hitting the ceiling or 40’, whichever is first) she’ll look. We can use levitation afterwards to investigate the ceiling.

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 57 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 13 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha
Fort +5 Reflex +8 Will +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (7/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (6/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 7/7 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 5/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Slippers of : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: levitate (70 rounds); Spirit shield (+6 AC, 60 min); unseen servant (6hrs)

[Gwynfrid]

Natala and Vershab's tests soon reveal that, while the ceiling may be false, it is no illusion. It will take a significant amount of effort to break the cold, hard stone.

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

The use of two minor spells quickly revealed the mundane nature of their challenge. Turning to the others, she offered a wan smile. ”It seems we must dig after all. Is this something you wish to do with weapons, or perhaps there are spells to help? I could summon a burrowing creature to help, but I am not sure if any who could tunnel through rock like this...”

Natala stood ready to call upon her divine magic to assist.

Spoiler: OOC

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I was considering a Wolverine or earth elemental, but I don’t think either one works per the rules. Levitate is probably the only thing Nat can offer.

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 57 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 13 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha
Fort +5 Reflex +8 Will +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (7/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (6/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 7/7 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 5/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Slippers of : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: levitate (once cast, 70 rounds); Spirit shield (+6 AC, 60 min); unseen servant (6hrs)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Vershab stands back and enjoys the sudden frenzy of effort on the part of his previously un-engaged allies. He seems content to let them work out the problem as he looks through his spellbook for the pages on summoning extraplanar allies...just in case.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Were Vershab to attempt to solve this problem, he would use Summon Monster III for several Earth Elementals, trusting their abilities to quickly bring down the false ceiling. However, to cast it will require using points from his Arcane Pool, which he doesn't want to do yet...

[JWallyR]

Lehasti ponders for a moment, stroking her chin while gazing upward. Evidently having reached a decision, she begins to issue orders in a commanding tone: "First, let us secure what documents we may; the false ceiling will likely collapse when enough has been dislodged. Then, I propose that you," the paladin gestures to Natala, "levitate me near the edge of the room. I will chip at the corner... and, gods willing, I'll be able to break through and begin to pull the rest down in a controlled fashion."

Without waiting for a response, she begins the work herself, gathering the least flimsy bits of parchment and bringing them to Vershab, trusting him to return them to appropriate areas of storage. Azkin quickly follows suit, his bare (and nimbler) fingers allowing him to safely transport somewhat more ancient texts as well.

Spoiler: Actions

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Once the documents are safe, Lehasti intends to do just what I said, until/unless something... unforeseen occurs.

[Farmerbink]

"Good idea, Miss Lehasti," Turi calls. "I'll be right out here."

Spoiler: OOC

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Turi will gladly help with moving delicate things, but wants nothing to do with standing underneath that stuff when Lehasti pulls it down.

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala gave Lehasti a short curtsy. ”My magic is yours ...” As soon as the knight was ready, Natala cast the levitate upon the knight and stepped away from the soon-to-be falling rubble.

Spoiler: OOC

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cast it when she’s ready

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 57 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 13 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha
Fort +5 Reflex +8 Will +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (7/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (5/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 7/7 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 5/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Slippers of : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: levitate (once cast, 70 rounds); Spirit shield (+6 AC, 60 min); unseen servant (6hrs)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Vershab walks back to the intersection before the rotunda, watching with interest as his allies work to clear out the false ceiling.

[Gwynfrid]

It takes the companions the better part of an hour to carry the mass of ancient documents of every shape and size, papyrus, books, clay tablets, to the reading room, the only place large enough to house all of it without blocking a corridor.

Spoiler

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The reading room is the one with the clockwork servant.

That heavy work done, they take position, and Natala's spell causes Lehasti to rise into the air. The woman warrior starts to chip away at the stone, and soon, chinks of cement and small pieces of stone can be seen falling down to the floor below.

After several minutes of effort, Lehasti finally manages to crack the ceiling open. Alas, the architects of old had one more trick in store for her: A violent stream of pebbles falls through the hole and hits her in the face. The crack she just made extends rapidly, and the whole ceiling collapses! Slammed into the ground below, she falls on her knees, but somehow manages to not get buried under the huge mass. The paladin is momentarily blinded by the dust as tons of sand, dirt and rubble stored above the false ceiling crash down over the entire rotunda, with a great deal of loose material engulfing the onlookers in a massive slide.

... And that's not even the worse. Through the dust, the companions see two large, four-legged creatures gently, ever so quietly fall from the ceiling. They're caracals, desert lynxes, but these aren't the normal predators of the parched dunes. They're covered in bandages, their alchemically infused flesh preserved from rot, but clearly not alive. One of them lets out a piercing howl, a sound from the grave that is enough to make the bravest blood turn to ice in any warrior's veins. The other, fangs bared, moves in to attack!

Spoiler

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Spoiler: Surprise round

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Lehasti is directly under the collapse: Refl DC20 (1d20+9)[23], if failed: (8d6)[36] and she's buried, if passed: half damage and she's not buried.
Plus, fall damage in any case: (1d6)[3] and is prone

Vershab, Turi and Azkin are in the zone of the slide: Refl DC15, for half damage (3d6)[14]

Vershab (1d20+4)[23]
Turi (1d20+11)[22]
Azkin (1d20+5)[7]

The trap's inventors have thought this through: The two lynxes are under a feather fall effect. One of them attacks Lehasti (if not buried) or Azkin (if Lehasti is buried):
Attack (1d20+11)[28] damage (2d6+5)[10]; cc(31) (1d20+11)[28] cd (2d6+5)[13]

The other one howls, Will save DC16, the area of effect easily includes Natala:

Vershab (1d20+6)[14] or frightened for (1d4)[3] rounds
Turi (1d20+6)[13] or frightened for (1d4)[3] rounds
Azkin (1d20+13)[19] including +4 from Aura of Courage, or frightened for (1d4)[1] rounds
Natala (1d20+8)[10] or frightened for (1d4)[1] rounds
Lehasti is immune

Lehasti took a total of 31 28 damage and is prone, but mercifully, she's not buried under the rubble.
Vershab took 7 damage
Turi took no damage thanks to Evasion
Azkin took 14 damage

Vershab, Turi and Natala are all frightened and must flee!

The rubble slide covers the whole rotunda and extends all the way to G8-9-10-11. Every square there is now difficult terrain.

(Rolled for initiative in OOC): Round 1 begins, group's turn in any order.

[Farmerbink]

Without a sound, Turi dashes into the northern hallway.

Spoiler: Turi, round 1

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Turi
Male N Human Fighter 1 / URogue 6 (Knife master), Level 7, Init +5, HP 73/73, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, CMD 21, Fort 8, Ref 11, Will 6, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 5
+1 Kukri x2 +12 or +10/+10 (1d4+6, 18-20, x2)
Cold iron dagger +10 (1d4, 19-20, x2)
Silver dagger +10 (1d4-1, 19-20, x2)
Trip attempt +16 (assuming +1 kukri)
Mistmail (mist form- 20% concealment), Amulet of natural armor, Ring of protection (+5 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Nat, +1 Def)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 20, Con 15, Int 11, Wis 14, Cha 8
Condition +1 dmg when flanking
sneak stab: 3d8/3d4
+2 AC (24) vs attack with light blades
Endurance, die hard // Resiliency: 1/1
Vanish: 2/2 (CL 6)
-2 skill checks after failure
ignore first 5' of difficult terrain
poisons, potions
Escape artist R's edge

First round of frightened. Even accounting for difficult terrain, two moves will put him in M/4 or L/4, If he's allowed to cower behind what would hypothetically be cover rather than plain sight.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Round 1-3, Vershab's Status

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Vershab Fethi
Male True Neutral Human Blood Arcanist, Level 7, Init 12, HP 51/51, DR 5/- (vs. Nonlethal), Speed 30 ft.
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 6, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 3
Mage Armor (Extended, 14 Hours) (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 21, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition Frightened
2/10 Arcane Reservoir Available
0/5 Grave Touch Used
Draak 25/25 HPs

Vershab follows Turi, crying out, "Oh no!" as he follows the young rogue around the corner and down the dark hallway...

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Hopefully everyone survives this...we should have seen a trap coming...

Vershab flees to around the same place as Turi. If it matters, let's go with M5.

[JWallyR]

Lehasti spits out a throaty snarl, accompanied by the bits of dust and debris that momentarily caked the paladin's lips. "Crafty bastards..." she grumbles beneath her breath, before closing her eyes in a moment's prayer. After reopening them, she glares balefully at the nearer Lynx, before suddenly (and markedly more quickly than her armored bulk would seem to allow) darting backwards into the comparative safety of the chamber's entryway. "Behind me, Azkin!" she barks to her young companion, who cautiously backpedals away from the undead cats' grasping swipes.

Spoiler: Actions

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Lehasti will:
Swift action to cast Grace, allowing her to move without provoking.
Move to G9
Standard action to cast Ironskin for +4 Natural Armor, 4 minute duration

Azkin will:
Withdraw to G8

Spoiler: Stats

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Spoiler: Lehasti

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Lehasti Gesmeha
F LG Human Paladin, Level 7, Init 1, HP 31/85, Speed 20
AC 23, Touch 11, Flat-footed 22, CMD 23, Fort 12, Ref 7, Will 8, CMB +12, Base Attack Bonus 7
+1/Flaming/Flaming Burst, Continual Flame Flaming Puzzle Falchion +1 +14 (2d4+7, 18-20, x2)
Flail, Heavy +11 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Spiked Gauntlet +11 (1d4+4, )
Breastplate +1 (+7 Armor, +1 Dex, +5 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 16
Condition Falchion is +1, Flaming today
Ironskin: +4 Nat'l armor, dismiss to negate crit/sneak. 40 rds

Spoiler: Azkin

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Azkin
M NG Human Cleric, Level 5, Init 2, HP 49/49, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 12, Flat-footed 15, CMD 17, Fort 8, Ref 5, Will 9, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
Longspear 5 (1d8+3, x3)
Dagger +1 6 (1d4+3, 19-20, x2)
Scimitar 5 (1d6+2, 18-20, x2)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 10
Condition None

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala stood waiting, wondering if she should summon an elemental to aid the knight when there was an enormous crashing sound. Startled, she started to move back towards the room, a question on her lips. ”By the Old Ones, what happened? Are you o-“ The words died as a piercing howl cut through the air. Blades of fear stabbed into her heart, and she lost the ability to rationally consider the cause. Whatever it was, there was no reason - only death!

She stumbled back, turning to rush back to the exit. There, she glanced back fearfully in the direction of the room, hoping her companions showed the same discretion she had ...

Spoiler: OOC

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Double move back towards the entrance, I suppose

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 57 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 13 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha
Fort +5 Reflex +8 Will +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (7/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (5/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 7/7 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 5/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Slippers of : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: levitate (once cast, 70 rounds); Spirit shield (+6 AC, 60 min); unseen servant (6hrs)

[Gwynfrid]

While their companions flee in panic, Azkin and Lehasti make a tactical retreat. The first undead lynx follows to press on the attack, while the other one snarls in frustration, blocked behind its companion.

Spoiler: end of round 1

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Move (can't take a 5-ft step in difficult terrain) and attack (1d20+11)[15] damage (2d6+5)[10] ; cc(31) (1d20+11)[15] cd (2d6+5)[12] - missed

Round 2 begins, group's turn.

[JWallyR]

Lehasti grins viciously at the monstrous, mummified cats, stymied behind their own bulk and the rubble that covers the ground. Standing to her full height, the paladin cries out in ringing tones, "Come, abomination, and be delivered from this unlife!" A fiery glare seems to burst from her eyes, and she adopts a ready stance before the nearest creature. "Azkin, the mist!" she barks quietly over one shoulder at her protege.

Azkin nods, and closes his eyes prayerfully, before spreading them wide; a mist erupts from his outstretched hands, flowing down the halls and obscuring all sight beyond a few feet. His spell accomplished, the cleric quickly rummages through his pack to retrieve a wand...

Spoiler: Actions

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For Lehasti:

Swift: Lehasti activates Smite Evil against the nearer lynx, for +3 attack/Deflection AC vs it, and +7 damage (+14 on first hit)
Standard: Activate Lay on Hands on self for: (3d6)[8] healing

Spoiler: Stats

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Lehasti Gesmeha
F LG Human Paladin, Level 7, Init 1, HP 39/85, Speed 20
AC 22, Touch 11, Flat-footed 21, CMD 23, Fort 12, Ref 7, Will 8, CMB +12, Base Attack Bonus 7
+1/Flaming/Flaming Burst, Continual Flame Flaming Puzzle Falchion +1 +14 (2d4+7, 18-20, x2)
Flail, Heavy +11 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Spiked Gauntlet +11 (1d4+4, )
Breastplate +1 (+7 Armor, +1 Dex, +4 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 16
Condition Falchion is +1, Flaming today
Ironskin: +4 (+3 net) Nat'l armor, dismiss to negate crit/sneak. 40 rds
Smite Evil on UL2: +3 atk/AC, +7 dmg (+14 on first hit)

For Azkin:
Standard: Cast Obscuring Mist
Move: Retrieve Wand of CLW

Spoiler: Stats

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Azkin
M NG Human Cleric, Level 5, Init 2, HP 49/49, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 12, Flat-footed 15, CMD 17, Fort 8, Ref 5, Will 9, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
Longspear 5 (1d8+3, x3)
Dagger +1 6 (1d4+3, 19-20, x2)
Scimitar 5 (1d6+2, 18-20, x2)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 10
Condition None

[Farmerbink]

Turi whimpers, almost silently, hiding in the corner.

Spoiler: Turi, round 2

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Turi
Male N Human Fighter 1 / URogue 6 (Knife master), Level 7, Init +5, HP 73/73, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, CMD 21, Fort 8, Ref 11, Will 6, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 5
+1 Kukri x2 +12 or +10/+10 (1d4+6, 18-20, x2)
Cold iron dagger +10 (1d4, 19-20, x2)
Silver dagger +10 (1d4-1, 19-20, x2)
Trip attempt +16 (assuming +1 kukri)
Mistmail (mist form- 20% concealment), Amulet of natural armor, Ring of protection (+5 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Nat, +1 Def)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 20, Con 15, Int 11, Wis 14, Cha 8
Condition +1 dmg when flanking
sneak stab: 3d8/3d4
+2 AC (24) vs attack with light blades
Endurance, die hard // Resiliency: 1/1
Vanish: 2/2 (CL 6)
-2 skill checks after failure
ignore first 5' of difficult terrain
poisons, potions
Escape artist R's edge

Second round of frightened. Dunno if total defense is even a thing in this context?

[Gwynfrid]

Emerging from the fog, the first undead animal throws itself at Lehasti, all claws bared, but they can't find purchase on her armor's surface, and this attack fails to grab the servant of the Dawnflower.

Spoiler: end of round 2

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Turi and Vershab can't do anything. Natala is no longer frightened, I take it she comes back to the point she was at before the fight started (please correct me, otherwise).

The lynx moves and attempts to grapple (1d20+12)[16] - should have rolled for 20% miss chance, but it misses anyway.

I don't think we need a new map.

[JWallyR]

Dimly making out the limbs of the creature that swipes at his mistress through the mist, Azkin reaches forward, resting a hand gently on the back of the paladin. "Healing Flame, purge all weariness and doubt from your blessed one!" he cries.

Spoiler: Actions

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Convert Dispel Magic to Cure Serious Wounds, healing for: (3d8+5)[21] damage.

Spoiler: Stats

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Azkin
M NG Human Cleric, Level 5, Init 2, HP 35/49, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 12, Flat-footed 15, CMD 17, Fort 8, Ref 5, Will 9, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
Longspear 5 (1d8+3, x3)
Dagger +1 6 (1d4+3, 19-20, x2)
Scimitar 5 (1d6+2, 18-20, x2)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 10
Condition None

Lehasti's eyes remain fixed on the shape of the creature, shrouded by the same mist that obscures its vision of her. With unusually cautious swings, she makes probing sweeps that seem directed more at the claws that rake toward her than the body of the undead creature.

Spoiler: Actions

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Lehasti is Fighting Defensively (reflected in rolls and stats).

Swift action to LoH self for: (3d6)[7] healing

Full-round attack on the nearest, smote cat:
Attack: (1d20+13)[19], CC on 21+: (1d20+13)[29]
Damage: (2d4+22)[27] slashing plus (1d6)[4] fire
Crit damage: (2d4+22)[29] slashing

If first attack missed, add 7 piercing damage (14 on crit) to the below
Second attack: (1d20+8)[28], CC on 21+: (1d20+8)[15]
Damage: (2d4+15)[21] slashing plus (1d6)[6] fire
Crit damage: (2d4+15)[21] slashing

Spoiler: Stats

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Lehasti Gesmeha
F LG Human Paladin, Level 7, Init 1, HP 67/85, Speed 20
AC 24, Touch 13, Flat-footed 21, CMD 25, Fort 12, Ref 7, Will 8, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 7
+1/Flaming/Flaming Burst, Continual Flame Flaming Puzzle Falchion +1 +14 (2d4+7, 18-20, x2)
Flail, Heavy +11 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Spiked Gauntlet +11 (1d4+4, )
Breastplate +1 (+7 Armor, +1 Dex, +4 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 16
Condition Falchion is +1, Flaming today
Ironskin: +4 (+3 net) Nat'l armor, dismiss to negate crit/sneak. 40 rds
Smite Evil on UL2: +3 atk/AC, +7 dmg (+14 on first hit)
Fighting Defensively: +2 Dodge AC, -4 atk this round

[Gwynfrid]

Filled with the energy of the Cleansing Light, Lehasti strikes with caution, but unerringly. Two fast swipes of the flaming falchion draw deep gashes in the undead flesh, and the bandages wrapped around the beast instantly catch fire. It falls, and through smoke and mist, Lehasti sees it's no longer moving.

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala touched the symbol at her neck, a prayer on her quivering lips as she sought shelter in her faith. As she focused inwardly on her divine connection, a vision came to her - a noble warrior, head like a falcon, clad in shining mail appeared before her. His mighty arms were folded over his chest as he gazed in the distance. Suddenly, his head snapped towards Natala, one eye fixed upon her for an eternity. Then, with a slow blink of his eye, the figure was gone ... and so was her fear.

Grinning with appreciation to the gods, Natala sprinted back to join her companions. As she rounded the corner, she saw Lehasti standing in the entryway to the rotunda, eyes shining in triumph, while Azkin stood behind. She moved forward to join her companions, glancing into the mist and asking hurriedly, ”What for do we face?”

Spoiler: Rnd 2&3

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Round two - double move back to G6
Round 3: Move to G7 and try to help ... or if possible slip past her companions to G10, I think
If Nat can see the creature AND she can determine it’s undead, then she’ll cast searing light:
- Miss - (1d100)[48] (low is bad)
- RTA - (1d20+10)[24]
- Damage - (7d6)[26]

Otherwise, she would likely ready her spear and wait

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 57 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 13 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha
Fort +5 Reflex +8 Will +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (7/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (5/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 7/7 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 5/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Slippers of : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: levitate (once cast, 70 rounds); Spirit shield (+6 AC, 60 min); unseen servant (6hrs)

[Gwynfrid]

For a few seconds, a deathly, ominous silence reigns, the only sounds the heavy breaths from the three anxious explorers. Then, another ear-shattering howl comes out of the mist and resonates through the entire complex... Only now does the beast come out, looking for prey.

Spoiler: end or round 3

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Howl, Will DC16
Lehasti is immune
Natala (1d20+12)[24] incl Aura of Courage, or frightened (1d4)[3] rounds
Azkin (1d20+13)[21] incl Aura of Courage, or frightened (1d4)[4] rounds
Turi (1d20+6)[11] or frightened (1d4)[4] rounds
Vershab (1d20+6)[10] or frightened (1d4)[3] rounds

The lynx moves to H9-I10, looking for enemies. Turi and Vershab are frightened again.

Round 4 begins, group's turn.

[JWallyR]

”What for do we face?”

Azkin gasps, freezing for a heartbeat before recognizing the voice coming from the rear. As Natala brushes past the sarenites, the young cleric murmurs, "I s'pose you'll see for yourself soon enough."

Hearing his mistress's wordless cry of triumph, Azkin regathers himself. Reaching forward to rest a hand on the paladin's shoulder blade as though to steady her, he intones, Strike true, and banish the darkness for the glory of the Dawnflower!

Spoiler: Actions

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Azkin uses Touch of Good on Lehasti, granting +2 attack/skills/ability checks/saves for 1 round.

Spoiler: Stats

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Azkin
M NG Human Cleric, Level 5, Init 2, HP 35/49, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 12, Flat-footed 15, CMD 17, Fort 8, Ref 5, Will 9, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
Longspear 5 (1d8+3, x3)
Dagger +1 6 (1d4+3, 19-20, x2)
Scimitar 5 (1d6+2, 18-20, x2)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 10
Condition None

Lehasti grins viciously, bolstered by Azkin's invocation of their shared goddess's favor. Fixing an imperious, nearly glowing stare on the undead creature, she lets out a rising roar, lashing out viciously with wide, sweeping blades of her flaming falchion!

Spoiler: Actions

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Swift: activate Smite Evil on the new target for +3 atk/AC and +7 damage (doubled on first hit).
Full-round attack, with power attack:
Attack: (1d20+14)[22], CC for x2 on 32+: (1d20+14)[15]
Vs concealment (miss on 1 or 2): (1d10)[4]
Damage: (2d4+28)[30] slashing plus (1d6)[5] fire
Crit damage: additional (2d4+28)[34]

Second attack: (1d20+9)[24], CC for x2 on 27+: (1d20+9)[16]
Vs concealment (miss on 1 or 2): (1d10)[5]
Damage: (2d4+21)[25] slashing plus (1d6)[1] fire plus 7 if first attack missed
Crit damage: additional (2d4+21)[25] plus 7 if first attack missed

Spoiler: Stats

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Lehasti Gesmeha
F LG Human Paladin, Level 7, Init 1, HP 67/85, Speed 20
AC 22, Touch 11, Flat-footed 21, CMD 23, Fort 14, Ref 9, Will 10, CMB +14, Base Attack Bonus 7
+1/Flaming/Flaming Burst, Continual Flame Flaming Puzzle Falchion +1 +14 (2d4+7, 18-20, x2)
Flail, Heavy +11 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Spiked Gauntlet +11 (1d4+4, )
Breastplate +1 (+7 Armor, +1 Dex, +4 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 16
Condition Falchion is +1, Flaming today
Ironskin: +4 (+3 net) Nat'l armor, dismiss to negate crit/sneak. 38 rds
Smite Evil on UL1: +3 atk/AC, +7 dmg (+14 on first hit)
Touch of Good: +2 attack/skills/ability checks/saves, 1 rd

[Gwynfrid]

The second lynx meets the same fate as the first one, overpowered by the flaming blame and its divine energy. Both mist and fear eventually dissipate, and the group is left, standing precariously on top of the mount of sand and rubble.

The collapse of the false ceiling reveals the hidden fresco painted upon the dome of the rotunda, one vast illustration, a fresco that must once have been incredibly vivid. The painting is confusing, however, consisting of several scenes surrounded by a mass of hieroglyphs and strange geometric shapes. It depicts the major life events of the great architect Chisisek: his birth, study, marriage, designing the winged pyramid of an Ancient Osirian pharaoh, and eventually, funeral.

[JWallyR]

As the energy animating the second undead lynx dissipates, Lehasti freezes, falchion held in a defensive position. Behind her, Azkin follows suit, gripping his spear tensely in the comparative quiet. It quickly becomes apparent that there are no more foes, seen or unseen, and the cleric breaks the silence. "Uh... Lehasti? Are they... dead? Again?" he murmurs furtively, still unable to see more than a few feet in any direction.

"So it seems, my friend. So it seems." is the paladin's reply. Standing tall once more in his role as a conduit of their patron deity, Azkin waves, the theatric motion (thankfully) hidden by the mist... and it quickly evaporates back into the nothingness from whence it came. Paladin and cleric alike scan the hallway, then the room, and slowly make their way back into the room to confirm the absence of any hostiles.

"I'm gonna... check on Turi. And Vershab, says Azkin, as Lehasti leans heavily against one of the bookshelves lining the wall. "Good. And bring them here," says the paladin, "We will surely need Vershab's insight to decipher all this." She gestures up at the faded, and confusing, fresco.

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala smiled and patted the Paladin on the shoulder. ”Once again you are more than sufficient to the task, Lady. But you are right - we need Vershab’s keen mind.” As Azkin went to check on the others, Natala carefully picked her way into the room, gazing at the ceiling in wonder.

Spoiler: OOC

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Natala will try her hand at deciphering the mural.
- KS History - (1d20+9)[18]
- KS Religion - (1d20+9)[16]
- KS Other - (1d20+4)[6]

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 57 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 13 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha
Fort +5 Reflex +8 Will +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (7/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (5/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 7/7 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 5/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Slippers of : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: Spirit shield (+6 AC, 60 min); unseen servant (6hrs)

[Farmerbink]

Turi finally shakes the lingering echoes of the lynx's scream from his mind as Azkin finds him. "Where's Lehasti?!" he demands, before his younger brother explains their colleagues' victory. "Oh? Huh, well, that's... good." He slinks back to the rotunda to peer at the fresco, giving one of the mummified felines an irritable kick for good measure.

Spoiler: Checks

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Sounds like history/nobility, neither of which are Turi's best go-tos, but;
(1d20+12)[17] perception
(1d20+4)[22] nobility (trained)
(1d20+5)[24] engineering/dungeoneering/local (all trained)

[Gwynfrid]

The fresco leaves Natala rather perplex, but Turi's keen eye recognizes a classic format for the depiction of the funeral for a nobleman of great renown. The entrance of Chisisek’s tomb is shown to be sealed with his double hieroglyph of an owl inside a house. He can't read the Ancient Osiriani text, but Natala deciphers this: The tomb is to be found "across two bridges, where the sphinxes ponder the crook, the scarab, and the sun".

Turi continues his scrutiny of the fresco, and makes another discovery. The geometric shapes on the fresco are far more than just design elements. They represent a fantastic weapon of vast size, used against winged cities populated with strange figures bearing weapons that launch black fire.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Vershab walks into the ruined rotunda as if nothing had happened, only glancing briefly at the mummified lynxes. Once inside he smiles broadly and says, "Now this, this is exciting! We are engaged in true archeology here today, my friends! What a find...the only shame is that we will need to commit what we learn here to memory and ensure it is not discovered by anyone else seeking the Sky Pharaoh...it would not do for us to make the path easier for others with ill intent. While I take some notes and translate the hieroglyphs here, I recommend the rest of you consider how best to destroy this priceless work of art." Then he takes a moment to review his spellbook and casts a spell upon himself, flying up to look at the fresco closely, taking rubbings, and memorizing every detail of the ancient work...

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Vershab will use one point from his Arcane Reservoir to exchange Lightning Bolt for Fly and then cast it upon himself to facilitate a close look at the fresco. He will then do as described, taking enough notes that he can essentially recreate the entire work from memory (minus the artistic skill of the original crafstman). As for skill checks...

Knowledge (Religion) (1d20+18)[24]
Knowledge (Arcana) (1d20+15)[35]
Knowledge (Nature or Planes) (1d20+10)[14]
Knowledge (All others) or Linguistics (1d20+9)[23]

He will also cast Detect Magic and scan the work thoroughly for any magical auras, as well as poke and prod to see if there is anything hidden underneath the tiles making up the mosaic. Perception (1d20+18)[23]

Spoiler: OoC

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I am 100% serious - we need to destroy this thing after we are done, like down to dust if possible. Leaving this behind to give anyone else a clue as to what we are doing is a very bad idea.

[Gwynfrid]

Vershab takes as close a look as he can... He remembers the descriptions of the strange clothing and impossible flying cities: These depict the ancient people known as the Shory, whose history borders on the mythical. Many modern scholars now believe that the tales of the Shory cities' ability to fly to be nothing more than fanciful exaggeration. Assuming the stories are real, they happened all the way back during the Age of Destiny. Their flying cities and many other wonders were accomplished through the use of a form of long-forgotten magic known as Aeromantic Infadibulum.

The young arcanist also makes the connection with the phrase "the sphinxes ponder the crook, the scarab, and the sun". This is a reference to the area between the Crook and Scarab rivers and the Pillars of the Sun mountains - a desert region called the Parched Dunes. The tomb’s exact location, however, is not pinpointed in the fresco.

Spoiler

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Nothing is magical, and there's no secret mechanism.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Vershab relays what he has learned from the fresco, finishing his explanation saying, "...but I don't think we are even close to done - there are still two more rooms left to search. Can those of you not inclined towards research look into a way to destroy this fresco? If need be, I can prepare the extra-dimensional space for us to rest here if it will take too long, but I need to see what we can find in the other rooms...including the one with the Aeons." He looks seriously at Lehasti, his expression off, but clearly referring to the other's unwillingness to confront the dangerous outsiders. Then, the scholar goes into room without potential threats and begins reading some more, his tireless enthusiasm for the academic work likely overwhelming to his companions...

Spoiler: Mechanics

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More d20 rolls with the following modifiers: (1d20)[12], (1d20)[8], (1d20)[18], (1d20)[3]

Religion +18
Arcana +15
Nature/Planes +10
All other Knowledges +9
Linguistics +9
Perception +18