Mummy's Mask - Shifting Sands [IC]

[DarkOne-Rob]

"I offered a trade...I may never understand the living," mutters Ratfolk-Vershab as he begins to follow the shapeshifted sphinx resolutely.

[Farmerbink]

Turi prowls forward, perhaps unintentionally passing close to the muttering arcanist. He snorts, looking down at his companion-turned-ratfolk with an unreadable expression. Struggling to completely mask a smirk, he murmurs, "In some ways, the dead are simpler, to be sure." Glancing back up at the totally normal gecko, he pads along the stony floor, less than enthused about following the sphinx's actual route.

"We're gonna just walk around, eh?" he asks of everyone and no one at the same time.

[JWallyR]

Once satisfied at the health (and apparent friendliness) of the sphinx, Lehasti nods graciously at the former's greeting, while allowing the other members of the party to explain the circumstances. At the creature's sudden movements, the paladin stumbles backwards, before hurrying toward the entrance to watch in amazement at the creature's easy ascent, despite its size and recent injuries... but she notes the anger hiding behind its golden eyes at the state of the pyramid.

Gasping in further surprise at the creature's sudden transformation, the Sarenite fumbles to collect herself, mumbling something under her breath before blushing at her own lapse of decorum. "Come, friends; I suspect our route will be more circuitous than that of our guide, here..." she calls out before following her own advice, Azkin dutifully falling into line behind his mistress after making sure to meet his brother's gaze.

[Gwynfrid]

The group follows the giant gecko, albeit a lot more slowly and gingerly, accounting for the sharp ascension on the narrow and somewhat uneven sandstone arches. More than once, a misstep threatens to send one or the other companion down to the valley floor. After a few minutes, they arrive on a plateau, halfway up the cliffs' height. A small funerary pyramid perches on the cliffs above the valley, almost as if it had fallen from the sky. At the base of the pyramid, a tent squats on a stone platform built where the natural bridge ends.

The gecko patiently waits for the group as they arrive, a little short of breath after the arduous climb. Soon enough, they assess that the cultists who camped there are gone, and indeed, on a ledge nearby, facing the valley, abandoned armor and crossbows, along with small amounts of ashes not yet swept away by the wind, mark the place where the cultists made their ranged attacks against the group the day before.

A ragged hole gapes in the southern face of the pyramid, leading into the tomb’s dark interior. Piles of rubble and discarded digging tools lie on the ground outside the hole.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Should we be worried about tomb guardians, honorable Tetisurah?" asks Vershab as he gestures for Lehasti or Turi to take the lead exploring.

[Gwynfrid]

Silently, the gecko turns to Vershab. The look on its reptilian face is unreadable, but the nod leaves no doubt as to the answer.

[Farmerbink]

"Naturally," Turi mumbles, stepping forward. His tone leaves it unclear if he's referring sarcastically to the presence of danger or in earnest to his role as the scout. Either way, with a modicum of effort his feet begin to pass almost soundlessly against the soft sand and smooth-worn stones. He picks up one of the pebbles, and after a moment, it begins to levitate. "Vershab, would you illuminate this stone, please?" After a moment of distinct effort, the pebble floats about 30 feet in front of him, and Turi begins to pad quietly into the less-dark interior.

Spoiler: OOC

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Turi has Mage Hand as a minor magic talent. I should use it more often. Assuming Vershab is content to cast light on it, Turi can at least put the illumination far enough away that he's in dim light moving forward. He is in dim light, 35-40 feet away from the pebble.

As I understand it, it'll be slower going since he's using "concentration" as a "standard action" every round? But he should still be able to explore somewhat reasonably without OBVIOUSLY outing himself because the pebble is in his hand.

(1d20+18)[27] stealth
(1d20+14)[22] perception

[DarkOne-Rob]

Ratfolk-Vershab looks at Turi with an expression suggesting he is...impressed(?)...before nodding and casting Light on the rock. "Would you like me to join you? I can see in the dark as long as I keep this shape..." he asks, with a twitch of his rodent whiskers.

[Farmerbink]

Turi shrugs, content either way. "Stay behind me and stay quiet."

[Gwynfrid]

The narrow tunnel hewed by the cultists slants sharply downward into the heart of the pyramid, ending in a small chamber that is almost startling in its plainness. A few discarded tools and broken items are present, leading Turi to conclude that the room has been thoroughly looted.

A door, straight ahead, opens into a corridor that slopes steeply to the left. Turi directs his lighting stone that way, revealing that the corridor is about thirty feet long, with two doors at the far end, one on each side. It is otherwise empty.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Ratfolk-Vershab stays close to Turi, silently looking around and sniffing the air.

[Farmerbink]

Turi backs into the daylight to address the Sphinx-turned-gecko. "Are there traps as well, or just something big and angry we'll have to deal with?"

Either way it answers, he will carefully plod back down the hall, and listen quietly at the doors for any sound from beyond.

Spoiler: OOC

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If she answers to the affirmative regarding traps, he'll do so more slowly, checking the floors at least for traps along the way, before checking each door.

perception (1d20+14)[24]

If he needs multiple checks for multiple different areas:
(1d20+14)[16]
(1d20+14)[22]

[JWallyR]

The enlarged Lehasti waves a stray lock of hair from before her eyes as she releases a sharp exhalation from her efforts to navigate the narrow, hastily-hewn entrance to the pyramid. Recovering just in time to observe Turi's previously-unseen ability to lift the pebble, she nods appreciatively at the young rogue's ingenuity before leaning to rest against the stone wall.

Azkin doesn't seem as surprised, but as his brother makes his own preparations, the young cleric walks up to rest a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Dawnflower light the way," he murmurs prayerfully.

Spoiler: Actions

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Cast Guidance: The creature gets a +1 competence bonus on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. It must choose to use the bonus before making the roll to which it applies.

As Turi and Vershab begin their scouting, the enlarged Lehasti looks down at the sphinx-turned-gecko. "Honored One, how best may I contribute to our defense? Shall I take the fore, or follow behind you?"

[Gwynfrid]

The gecko makes a sign that Lehasti interprets to mean she's to take the lead, as Turi engages in the corridor downwards, closely followed by Vershab. The former street urchin's hair stands on edge, all his instincts yelling at him to get out of this rat hole... He isn't truly surprised when, halfway down the slope, he hears a mechanical noise just as he sets foot on what can only be a pressure plate. The noise that follows is a loud rumble behind him, closing fast... In front of the horrified eyes of those who remained behind, a huge sandstone sphere crashes through a plaster wall and rolls down the corridor at great speed!

Spoiler

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The Guidance spell, unfortunately, isn't enough to make any of Turi's roll a success. The trap is triggered.

Damage (12d6)[39], Reflex DC20 for half
Turi (1d20+11)[27]
Vershab (1d20+5)[11]

Turi and Vershab are stuck behind the big stone sphere, which also prevents the opening of both doors.

No damage for Turi (yay for Evasion), 39 damage to Vershab.

Spoiler: map

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[JWallyR]

Hearing the sudden noise, Lehasti gasps suddenly, before shouldering her way past the others in the doorway. With Vershab and Turi hidden from view behind the giant sphere, the paladin hastily stows her falchion and charges down the hallway, stretching her enlarged limbs to grasp at the edges of the boulder, attempting to pull it away to free the pair. "Vershab! Turi! Are ye wounded?" she hisses between efforts.

Spoiler: Actions

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Maybe a strength check is in order: (1d20+6)[26]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Unable to dodge the massive trap, Ratfolk-Vershab gets pinned to the wall with an audible, "Oof!" When Lehasti calls out he groans and says, "Yes - crushed by this boulder. Isn't it obvious?" He then waits to see if Lehasti can move it without his own feeble efforts getting in the way.

[Gwynfrid]

Lehasti stands in front of a stone sphere, close to ten feet in diameter. Vershab's analytic mind estimates its weight at something between 20 and 25 tons. Moving it by the force of arms would be well beyond human ability. Actually, the force of the shock would have smashed Vershab and Turi to a pulp if they hadn't been able to squeeze in the corner: They can see large cracks in the walls at the back and on both sides of the corridor.

[DarkOne-Rob]

As it becomes clear that the boulder won't be moving, Ratfolk-Vershab says to Turi, "I'm going to try and crawl out. You will likely have an easier time than me..." and then proceeds to do so.

Once free it's clear he's injured, but Vershab doesn't deliberately make a big deal of it.

Spoiler: OoC

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Vershab and Turi both could use some healing, IMO, especially as we expect more problems deeper inside the pyramid.

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala followed the group, climbing instead of using her magic. Perhaps it would have been fine, but there was something in the way way Tetisurah approached the pyramid that seemed a subtle message ... or perhaps a caution. When they reached the top, the quickly found where the cultists had broken in. In response to questions of threats, the sphinx-gecko nodded, another clear warning that continued to niggle at the back of Natala's mind.

As the others moved to scout ahead, Natala leaned forward to Lehasti, Azkin and Vlarga. "Have we considered that this may not be the right-" The bone-chilling click followed by a large boulder rolling down the corridor and slamming into Turi and Vershab cut of any further thoughts as the group surged forward to see how they might aid their trapped companions. Fortunately, the arcanist's snarky reply suggested things were not yet as dire as they seemed.

While Lehasti sought to move the boulder with force of arms, Natala turned to peer at the gecko, her eyes pensive for a moment. Aloud, she said, "I think we have an opportunity to mitigate, avoid or at least limit the potential repercussions of further exploration. I think Tetisurah may offer us more insight into the protections within this tomb, but she may not be at liberty to divulge them openly. She initially flew up to the pyramid, but then took this form to climb up and investigate the tomb. Why?
I think it was a subtle way of avoiding traps ... perhaps even the boulder.

She also mentioned a secret entrance ... might that be a safer option?"

Kneeling near the transformed sphinx, Natala asked, "Do you wish to aid us? If so, can you do so openly? Is the secret entrance safer? Can you lead us to the secret entrance?"

---

OOC - Sorry if my thoughts are 39 hit points too late :)

Conditions/Effects: Spirit Shield (up to 8 hrs; 1 hr); Darkvision

Spoiler: Status

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AC 21 HP 72 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 20
Fort +6 Reflex +8 Will +9
Weapon: +1 longspear (+9/+4, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon; Shortbow +11/+6 )

Spoiler: Spells

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0: guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand, enhanced diplomacy (Unlimited)
1st: cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil (8/8)
2nd: cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity (7/7)
3rd: cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster III (6/6)
4th: cure critical wounds, spiritual ally, blessings of fervor (4/4)

Martial flexibility: 7/7 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 8/8 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 6/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +13; KS History/Religion +10; Sense Motive +9; Spellcraft +9; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Featherstep Slippers : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain

[Gwynfrid]

The gecko nods in the affirmative to Natala's first question, in the negative to the second... After a short hesitation, her answer is negative to the third, as well as the last.

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala tapped her chin for a moment then turned to Vershab. "You are among the smartest people I have met. The lot of you are wise, cunning and insightful heroes. Can you help unravel this mystery and garner Tetisurah‘s aod indirectly? "

---

OOC - Riddle-solving powers activate!

Conditions/Effects: Spirit Shield (up to 8 hrs; 1 hr); Darkvision

Spoiler: Status

Show

AC 21 HP 72 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 20
Fort +6 Reflex +8 Will +9
Weapon: +1 longspear (+9/+4, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon; Shortbow +11/+6 )

Spoiler: Spells

Show

0: guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand, enhanced diplomacy (Unlimited)
1st: cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil (8/8)
2nd: cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity (7/7)
3rd: cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster III (6/6)
4th: cure critical wounds, spiritual ally, blessings of fervor (4/4)

Martial flexibility: 7/7 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 8/8 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 6/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +13; KS History/Religion +10; Sense Motive +9; Spellcraft +9; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Featherstep Slippers : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain

[DarkOne-Rob]

Vershab watches the semi-conversation between the shapeshifted sphinx and Natala with passing interest. When she asks for his input he says, "Well, we have two choices. Either remove this obstacle from this entrance or find and take the hidden entrance. While Turi looks for another entrance I will see what can be done with this stone..."

After thinking for several moments the arcanists announces, "Unless we can physically move the stone, I am afraid the power to remove it - via a spell or creature capable of transmuting rock to mud - is likely beyond our abilities at this time. I do not know the spell, nor can I replicate it without a scroll or wand. While it is vaguely possible that I could teleport us past the stone and beyond one of the two doors, we would then be stuck inside without an exit.

No, I recommend we find and use the secret entrance, in spite of its dangers. Perhaps before we go too far we could apply some healing magic to both Turi and my bruises?"

[Farmerbink]

Deftly nestled into a corner where the curvature of the sphere indirectly protects him, Turi lies still and silent for many long seconds after the stone comes to a stop. He closes his eyes and sighs almost imperceptibly as Vershab begins complaining loudly, but blessedly doesn't find himself suddenly on the defensive from some monstrous sort or another. "I don't think you were far enough behind me," the youngster murmurs wryly, as he wriggles free.

"I've no injuries to tend," he comments in response to Vershab's concern. "At the risk of seeming crass, you'll have to get much better at dodging large things designed to smash you if you want to survive unexplored tombs. I'll look around while you try to riddle it out."

An unreadable expression on his face, the young urchin-turned-adventurer prods the walls near the now obstructed doors, as well as the room across the hall.

Spoiler: OOC

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I guess more perceptions? (1d20+14)[15] Particularly looking for secret doors near the stone, at the end of the hall it came from, and in room N14

[Gwynfrid]

Turi can't find any secret door, but the cracks in the wall are wide enough that a nimble and small creature might be able to get through.

[JWallyR]

Ceasing her fruitless efforts, Lehasti slumps against a wall to wipe the sweat from her brow, relief evident on the paladin's face as Vershab makes his comparative safety known in his blunt manner. Azkin hastens forward, brandishing a wand of curative magic to see to the bruised arcanist...

Spoiler: Actions

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Azkin has a wand of CLW with 5 charges, Lehasti one with 8. Are others hanging onto wands that are less exhausted? Presumably as many as can wield them should have wands with a few charges for emergencies...

Gonna make those available to Vershab, but I'll let DarkOne roll for their usage.

Lehasti listens impassively to the discussion with the sphinx. "Well, it seems at the moment that there's nothing for it, at least until the morrow, we must search for this secret passage."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Vershab nods in thanks as Azkin activates the wands, using a total of seven charges (see OOC). Then he watches Turi expecting the other to begin scouting for the secret entrance.

[Gwynfrid]

Assuming that the secret entrance could be found in one of the external walls, the group walks out. On the way, they pass by the collection of excavation tools the cultists left behind.

[SanguinePenguin]

Vlarga wasn’t really sure how to help. While she was strong, she knew she couldn’t move that boulder. Maybe in a better environment, she could roll it. Slowly. None of her weapons were suited for digging either, and bare handed might work with the demon blood flowing, but she would tire quickly. She was also really terrible at finding hidden doors. Gnolls generally didn’t use doors at all - even at Fort Fang, they had removed most the doors. She always had a bit of a blind spot around them, and even what a human described as a poorly hidden door might as well have been invisible. Still, when the push was to look outside, she followed along. She’d look, but didn’t expect much of it.

Then she saw the excavation tools. “Hey, Lehasti! I wager you and I could make short work of those cracked walls inside with these!” Vlarga knew absolutely nothing about the particulars of smashing through a wall, but she figured it couldn’t be too different from smashing through a Behir stomach.

[JWallyR]

Lehasti looks down at Vlarga, clearly nonplussed, but with a shrug, she returns her falchion to its sheath, kneeling down to pick through the discarded tools in search of something like a pickaxe before marching in the direction of the previously-trapped hallway.

Meanwhile, Azkin steps over toward Turi, murmuring a brief prayer before the latter prowls off to search for hidden doors...

Spoiler: Actions

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Cast Guidance on Turi for +1 on his check!

[Farmerbink]

Turi leaves the halls behind, irritated by his own failure that blocked the doorway in the first place. When Vlarga notes the tools, he lights up immediately. "Yeah, I'm sure that will work! The stone hitting the wall seems to have damaged them already. It's borderline desecration, and we'll have to be careful we don't cause a cave-in, but we should be able to tear through what's left of that wall."

Spoiler: OOC

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Turi actually has several ranks in know(engineering). Can he determine the likelihood of bringing down the ceiling (or worse, compromising the structural integrity of the whole pyramid)?
(1d20+6)[12]