Pathfinder 2e: Legacy of Nex (IC)

[Syless]

Adrian nods, then slips a sheathed scimitar from the back of her robes. "...just to be safe. We don't know what's here. Ms. Marns, would you like to lead?"

[Xacha]

"I'd be honored. Everyone keep their eyes peeled for easy slopes or side tunnels."

Zarachia drapes Goopy across her shoulders and loosens her shortsword in its sheath. Then she heads back down the tunnel where she heard the footsteps. Seems as good a route as any to start exploring.

[DigoDragon]

Ellie
It takes Koma a second. Ellie can tell he's uncertain about this whole affair, still unused to trusting those outside his tribe. But if his choice is between someone who understood his worries, and someone who was praying off of them, he knows which makes more sense. After a pause, finally the little goblin nods. "That fine. Deal." He takes Ellie's hand, giving it a firm shake, before passing her his pack outright. The only things in there are indeed the three treasures she'd seen earlier.

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Add all three items to your inventory, Digo. Good job! And now Ellie has a pack to store loot in! Just needs a way out of here

"Alright, now to find our way out. This place looks like it was never used, or maybe once if that judging by the beds." Ellie ponders their predicament. She looks around at the armor and kopesh sword, but nothing comes to mind. "Not sure what this black pulpet is supposed to mean. Maybe this was just a place to hold meetings? I don't know..."

She goes to the armor and takes a closer look to see if it's just a suit or if there's something more to it.

Perception (1d20+5)[7]

[Gwynfrid]

The little gnome is visibly elated. A Big Important Person is listening to him! His professional opinion as a wizard makes him a key witness!

"Well, I think I remember this very clearly, Sir. She did hold the wand, not for long but she did the goblin was trying to grab it from her hand but she lifted it high out of his reach! I regret I cannot say for sure if she commanded it to call magic power forth but it sure looked like it. Then, the arcane blue light, and both of them, gone. And there is something else, Sir! The power of the wand resonated in the pit, I know that because immediately after there was a huge blow of wind all over and all the platforms and everything started to shake! Definitely, these phenomena were related to the wand action Sir, I can swear to it on all I know about wizardry!"

[Inspector Valin]

Ellie
The armor is very well preserved. Osirian, beyond a doubt, dating to the kingdom's declining period. Which would fit with it being contemporary with the founding of Nex as a nation. A brief knock to the torso confirms this isn't a golem - it lacks the heft and weight of the city's construct defenders. Ellie bends closer to study the armor - some kind of preparation has been applied to the steel, holding it stable and preventing rust. This is an absolutely fascinating find, and she should probably make some notes on this preservative.

Which makes it rather a shock when the armor starts to move.

With a kreek of aching joints, the armor swings its blade towards the likely startled alchemical explorer. Two blue flames spark up behind the eyes of its helmet, and a discordant golem voice sounds out."In-in-intru-ders."

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Remember kids, if a wizard just Fantasia'd it, it doesn't need all the internals!

Roll initiative! Which is Perception still!
(1d20+6)[15] Sentinel
(1d20+7)[24] Koma

---

Belginabo & Sachni
"Really."

The silver haired gnome in black who'd escorted Sachni to the meeting eyes Belginabo with something almost beyond skepticism. He snorts, "The wand not only teleported two beings just by being held aloft, but shook the earth as it did so? What next, thunderbolts?" He turns to Borume, shaking his head, "Sir, pay no mind to this idiocy. The boy's proven himself unreliable, and his testimony untrustworthy."

Borume smiles, but shakes his head. "He didn't quite say that it was the wand, Valash. He implied it, as any witness might. But he left himself an out. He was paying attention."

Valash harrumphs at that, taking a step back as the Grand Alchemist turns his attention to Bel. The two figures look somewhat alike, both grey haired and in sedate clothes, but Borume's tone is warm as he starts to explain the matter to Bel. "Using a wand requires training, training that the woman you saw does not possess. But there's a further issue here. The wand you're talking about has no inherent magic to speak of." He gestures to the irritable gnome at his side "Valash authenticated it, as did the Archive Bureau. Old, extremely well preserved, but it did not contain a single spell. It was still an interesting trinket, intended to act as a formal gift to Absalom in advance of the Seven Veils, but its actual value is... minimal."

Borume sighs, looking back down into the pit. "So either half of my city's greatest experts on the arcane made a mistake - " Valash rolls his eyes at the mere idea of that. "Or whatever teleported Ms. Sprocket and the Goblin away was not the wand. But was enough to make the ground shake, winds blow, and agitate the oozeforms to the point of triggering a recursive thaumaturgical..."

He trails off, muttering to himself, still not sure what to make of this testimony. An irritated Valash adds, sotto voce. "Or the clown here saw two beings fall to their deaths, couldn't process it, and made up a fairytale to make himself feel better."

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Sooo yeah, meet Valash. Or as I hereby dub him, Nega Belginabo! Right down to the drab colour scheme, the irritable manner, and actually being a wizard. IDR if PF2 core brings up the Bleaching or the Bleachlings, Gwyn, if you don't know that stuff ask in the OOC. Bel would know.

Sorry for the weird stopping point - the NPC conversation can and may evolve on its own from here, this just felt like a significant revelation that may lead to further questions before we get much further.

---

Zarrachia & Adria
Nihnin and Peridora nod, both happy to concur with this plan. Soon enough, the little thrown-together group are walking deeper into the caves, now walking past the fungus that they'd heard rustle in the wind before. They're rather pretty in the light - a collection of greens, blues and purples becomes apparent as the group pass the entryway into the tunnel Zarra'd followed the shadow into. The floor grows rougher, with more moss and lichen further from the base of the slope. From somewhere above, the party can hear the faint glooping sound of an ooze ambling along in the other direction.

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Ohkay, you're on the move! Which means we're in Exploration mode. I'm gonna need a Survival roll from Zarrachia since she's leading to Sense Direction - this is an easy environment to get lost in. AFAICT this doesn't require an action though, so both feel free to take one, as per the Exploration Mode rules (Or not! Your call, as always )

[Anyr]

Sachni stood silently. This conversation was far beyond her. She just awaited further instructions.

[DigoDragon]

Roll initiative! Which is Perception still!

Ellie Sprocket, Alchemiss'd her perception
Initiative: (1d20+5)[17]


"Eep!" Ellie blurted out, stumbling with the armor telegraphing a swing at her. "No no no! Not intruders! We're just visiting!"

[Gwynfrid]

It takes a moment for Belginabo to digest Borume's information. So, the wand itself wasn't magical. Well, unless his experts are as incompetent as they are pompous, always a possibility. The wand is of great importance, anyway.

When he opens his mouth again, it's with an indignant glare at Valash. "They did not fall to their deaths, they evidently were under the influence of a falling feather spell or similar. As she went down I had time to call out for Lady Adria to tell me her name and she had plenty of time to answer and I am not a clown I am an apprentice wizard. Sir."

"And Sir I must insist", he pleads with Borume. "I most respectfully request the authorization to mount a search party and find those who are down there now." He turns to the Vuldrani woman. "You helped with the arresting of the goblins Madam will you help me with the search for the victims?"

[Xacha]

Zarra pauses to kick the mossy muck off her boots while making a face of displeasure. "Just to be clear, this is not my natural habitat."

Spoiler: Survival

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Not her strong suit: (1d20+1)[19]

If we're in Exploration mode, Zarrachia will be Searching for hidden passages or signs of humanoid activity. Or more ghosts, whichever.
Perception, if necessary: (1d20+6)[14]

[Syless]

Adria can't help but crack a wry grin. "I'm almost surprised to hear that, given your friend on your shoulder."

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception- (1d20+7)[18]

[Inspector Valin]

Ellie
The armour does not seem to care about Ellie's distinction. The khopesh darts towards her a second time, before being caught by Koma's curved blade. The little Cindersnout snarles up at the monster. "No. Hurt. Ellie!" before yanking his sword away and hammering down upon the hilt. With a flash of light, the edge of the blade gave way to rows of sharp metal teeth, spinning along the line of the chopper before folding down the defensive end. With a "YAAA!", the goblin commando presses the attack, lunging and swiping at the automaton while trying to buy his friend time to back away.

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Koma first, then Ellie, then the Sentinel. Trying to draw a balance between threatening encounters and not just killing Ellie, hence handing the gobbo a pretty fancy weapon - but not buffing his actual fighting skills. Let's see if it's enough.

(d20+10)[20] Attack - [roll]1d6+1d12+3[/roll]
(d20+6)[9] Attack - [roll]1d6+1d12+3[/roll]

Zarrachia & Adria
The group sets a good pace at the start - they're deep, but Zarrachia's sense of direction serves her well, and the main hold up is simply navigation by the comparably low light of Adria's spell. The chill is the notable thing - it'd been a cheery midday up above, but down here, it feels as chill as a Gebbite nighttime. Peridora can't help but shivering, and even Nihnin is rubbing her hands together before too long. Further, a strange cloying fog is starting to become apparent the further the group proceeds, limiting their light still further.

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(1d20+7)[20]
(1d20+7)[16]

They almost slip by in the darkness. But fortuitously, both Zarrachia and Adria turn their heads towards the ceiling at just the right moment. What'd sounded like the skittering tread of an insect on the rock face above then turns out to be something much larger, and much closer. Two somethings. with taunt grey skin, and four clawed limbs, a thin head, two slanted eyes, and a mouth full of razor sharp fangs.

"SKREEE!"

Before there is any time to react, the two claw-beasts jump, lunging right at the group with outstretched talons and gaping mouths. They look hungry.

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Initiative! Roll here, I'll have to roll in the OOC, cause this is an edit. It's still Perception. And I think you guys were Scouting, so take a +1 to your rolls. You were ready for... not this, but something

[Xacha]

Zarra swears sulfurously in halfling as her training kicks in. Customs agents aren't guards, but they have to be able to defend themselves in a pinch.

"Peri, Nihnin, to the rear. Adria, blades out!"

Spoiler: Initiative

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Perception + bonus: (1d20+7)[16]

[Syless]

Adria readies her blade and magic. "Nihnin, if you're going to stay back, then protect Peridora above everything."

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception- (1d20+7)[9]

[DigoDragon]

Ellie scrambles back from the armor. "Be careful, Koma!"

This was her first time in a real fight. Like, for her life! She took some training classes, sure, but against combat dummies that didn't swing swords at her.

Ellie raised the crossbow she had acquired earlier. She steadied her aim, fear swallowed back, and fired at the suit of armor ((1d20+6)[7]). Once fired, she picked up another bolt in her dress belt and loaded it quickly.

[Inspector Valin]

Ellie
Ellie's panicked bolt is wide by a mile. Koma may be more experienced in fighting, but he's not doing too well against the strange room's protector. Swipe after swipe leave the little goblin with nothing but sparks to show for his efforts. "Not good. Nothing to hit! All metal!"

Meanwhile, the sentinel is in no way so limited, slashing almost freely at the Cindersnout to try and force him back, and find the one who disturbed its rest. Koma tries to parry as many of its blows as he can, calling out to Ellie behind him. "Got a plan?"

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Sentinel's pretty straightforward. Koma's in melee, so three attacks
(1d20+9)[20] Athletics check to shove Koma out of the way. DC 19
(1d20+6)[15] Attack (1d8+4)[11] Damage
(1d20+1)[11] Attack (1d8+4)[10] Damage

Koma's delaying to better coordinate with Ellie, meaning he now acts after her in the initiative cycle.

---

Zarrachia & Adria
Nihnin readies a hefty looking polearm, positioning herself between Peridora and the monsters, but still close enough to back up the two main fighters. Peridora herself sticks to the back for now, her eyes wide at the creatures menacing them.

The first beast is on Zarra in seconds, first lunging with its wide, gaping jaw, then batting at the unfortunate customs' officer with its claws, the screech of which playing across Zarra's blade is ungodly. They might be bone, but they're strong as any steel.

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Claw Beast #1 is going for Zarra
(1d20+9)[13] Attack, Damage (1d6+1)[7]
(1d20+5)[18] Attack, Damage (1d4+1)[5]

Now it's Zarrachia's action. As to the question on the OOC... no. And that fact is strange. Zarrachia's hung out with Fitzig and a bunch of former slimehands, and heard a ton of creepy tales about things hidden in the pit. Even allowing for exaggeration, (like the brain eating brain monster) there's nothing that matches up with these creatures. And with how long the pits have been open, and the extant losses and risks to the slimehands, Zarra's pretty sure she'd have heard something about these things. Even if just a rumour.

However for Adria... (1d20+7)[23] Religion

[Xacha]

Zarra winces as one the claws tears through her the uniform on her shoulder and draws blood. This day kept getting worse.

She cuts towards the creature's face - only to pull back ...

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Feint. (1d20+6)[25] She's a Scoundrel, so a success leaves the opponent flat-footed against her for two rounds.

... the drives a blade towards center mass.

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Strike. (1d20+4)[21]
Possible damage: (1d6)[4]
If feint is successful, additional (1d6)[6]

With a pivot, she back-heels a rock to the side tunnel, creating a clatter.

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Final action, Create a Distraction/Diversion: (1d20+6)[19]
If successful, she is Hidden to every creature whose Perception is exceeded by the roll.

[DigoDragon]

"Got a plan?"

"Plan? I guess? We could?" Ellie shoots again ((1d20+6)[11]), very nervous to fight for her life. Not to mention Koma actually looking to her for direction. That's a first from anyone she didn't make herself.

She backs away further and gets a little bit of inspiration when she reaches for another crossbow bolt. "Koma, lure it to the weapons. We'll trip it."

[Inspector Valin]

Ellie
Koma nods... and in nodding is almost knocked off his feet by the surprisingly swift sentinel. The little goblin follows Ellie out the door swiftly, the two of them turning back into the barracks. The armor clanks after them, rounding one door, then the other. Soon enough it's in the barracks, clanking slowly towards the back of the room, where the hefty weapons shelves are located.

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I'm gonna say luring it in like that will take a few rounds, but it's a round from each of you, then a round from it - I'll handwave it to let you get into position with the sentinel advancing. Roll an Athletics check to shove the weapon racks over! (Koma will go if you can't, but the delay gives Ellie first shot)

Zarrachia & Adria
Peridora stifles a scream as the slash to Zarra's shoulder draws blood. Nihnin grits her teeth. The ghoul grins, but before it can snap at the forward rushing hand, Zarra twists, landing a near textbook blow towards its torso. The creature squeals as the agile official steps back, bringing down a small rockslide. As fast as these monsters are, it looks like Zarrachia is faster still. The second ghoul glances briefly towards the rocks, but diverts its attention swiftly back to Adria, lunging right at the priestess of the sun with fangs bared.

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All those rolls hit! NICE! Zarra got the damage in, the feint off, and is now concealed from her mark

Ghoul 2! You're up! Show these humies what you learned back in Ghoul School.
(d20+9)[29] Attack - Damage (1d6+1)[6]
(d20+5)[7] Attack - Damage (1d4+1)[5]

Next round, Beast 1 will delay to put it in line with 2, so we're at alternating initiative as of this post- you guys go, then the NPCs go, then vis versa.

Also, entering battle next round
(d20+5)[19] Nihnin
(d20+2)[21] Peridora

Belginabo & Sachni
"Oh, master of magic's name, really?"

Valash steps between Belginabo and Borume, shaking his head firmly. He has gone from proud, to proud and exasperated. "You want to launch an expedition into the ooze pits to find people who 'vanished', with the only evidence of their survival being your testimony. Your testimony that instead of a deadly fall, they are simply stuck in a high risk environment, surrounded by wild oozeforms and other lethal creatures. And you'd drag a guest of the city with you along for the ride."

He waves behind him at Sachni before turning back to Belginabo, adjusting his glasses to best affix the younger gnome with a withering glare. "If you seek to be called a wizard, you should learn a little rational thinking, the ability to weigh risk and make considered judgement." The insults have seemingly put Valash in a better mood. He chuckles. "Further, if you're a officially sanctioned wizard, even as an apprentice, that makes you an official of Nex. And subject to my orders, as Castellan of Oenopion. Who is your 'master' supposed to be?"

"I'm unsure I could permit this regardless, Ms. Mittacharikh." As his official engages in withering condescension, the Grand Alchemist takes Sachni to one side, speaking with her more quietly. "I know the pajibata have some responsibilities, and you may wish to show your valor saving lives. But you are here as my guest. Would it not be inhospitable of me to allow you to put yourself in harms way so?"

[DigoDragon]

Spoiler

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I'm gonna say luring it in like that will take a few rounds, but it's a round from each of you, then a round from it - I'll handwave it to let you get into position with the sentinel advancing. Roll an Athletics check to shove the weapon racks over! (Koma will go if you can't, but the delay gives Ellie first shot)

Ellie Sprocket

Ellie runs up to the weapon racks and grabs the end of one of them. "Let's knock this thing over, Koma!" She pulls as hard as she can (she kept herself fit, but was certainly not built for labor) to knock over the rack and create a hazard for this creature.

Athletics: (1d20+3)[11]

[Anyr]

Sachni was quick to assuage the alchemist's concerns. She'd been born to serve others. Her own desires were a distant second to those of her superiors. She wasn't exactly eager to jump into a slime pit. But if doing so would aid the grand design, then she'd immerse herself up to the eyeballs.

"Sir, I was sent here to affirm the bond between Nex and Jalmeray. That role is more than just words in a ceremony. Feel free to use me as you wish."

[Gwynfrid]

Belginabo is taken aback by this rather brutal reminder that he's a newcomer to this city, and not an important one by any means. Facing the disdain of the Castellan - what the heck is a Castellan? - and not finding any support or even acknowledgement by the Grand Alchemist or the visitor from Jalmeray - I'm from Jalmeray too, but that one is a bigwig apparently - he keeps to himself the witty retort that was forming in his mind. There's no point in angering this old fool any further, it's clear who would have the upper hand.

"Master Zalenko agreed to take me as his apprentice today, Sir", he replies with as much dignity as he can muster.

[Inspector Valin]

Ellie
The shelves are hefty, and at first Ellie isn't sure if she can shift it. But by pushing against the wall, putting her weight against the back, the proud set of old arms finally gives way, scattering on the ground before her. With a cry of triumph from Koma, a second set of weapons are likewise strewn, making the pile all the larger. The jumbled mess is too much for the unfortunate sentry - a few more steps and it crashes to the ground with a clatter of steel bouncing off of steel..

Spoiler: OOC

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The sentinel is prone! It can get up again next round, but you've got a free round to go to town on the thing!

Belginabo
This revelation seems to completely puzzle Valash. The old gnome peers over his spectacles at Belginabo, seemingly taken aback at the name the little traveller has produced. "Who?"

"That'd be me, Val."

The voice carries above the low background murmur of the crowd. Zalenko strides forward out of the crowd, staff in hand, still in makeup with his robes flowing behind him. Valash's eyes go wide at the sight, before the official placed a hand to his forehead, groaning. "Oh. You. Because today just couldn't get better. I should've figured that some no talent leger..."

"Hey!" Zalenko is intimidatingly close to the monochrome gnome, glaring down at his fellow wizard. He kneels to speak softly to the Castellan, with only Belginabo close enough to hear. "Say what you want about me. But the kid's the real deal. He's got magic, and a flare for showing it. Repaired an old show-golem I was lugging around and had it working better than new. He ain't a fraud or a liar. If he says people floated, they soddin' floated."

It's rather a heartfelt moment. Even Valash can't bring himself to deny it, as Zalenko steps up and back. And this does seem to alter his calculations of the situation somewhat. The old wizard coughs, taking a second to collect himself. "Very well." Trying to collect himself, he turns back to Bel. The condescension is still evident on his face, but scorn has been replaced by mock exhaustion. "Well, Apprentice Charlatan Belginabo. By the authorities and laws of Nex I must ask you one final time, in the presence of your master. Are you sure you wish to proceed with this stupid fools errand that will probably get you and everyone around you killed?"

"Ahm sorry. You said it wrong. Let me help" Zalenko takes a step back, stamping his staff upon the ground. A thunderclap rings out across the pit, drawing every eye towards him. With a smile, the street mage turns to Belginabo, his voice raised enough to carry across the now attentive onlookers. "Apprentice! Are you ready to embark on this quest to save the poor lost souls trapped at the bottom of the Ooze pit?"

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Aaand earlier successes come through to help you out! Gimme a Diplomacy to sell it for the crowd. And rub it right in Valash's smug stupid face.

Sachni
"What I wish..."

Borume is silent briefly, pondering. His gaze turns back down to the pit. "What I wish is to understand. We know too little about this situation. I have sages and scholars enough to investigate given time... but my instincts tell me that time is not on our side. Events are already moving swiftly - if we do not keep up, they may overtake us soon enough. We need someone willing to venture into danger and give the city the answers it needs."

He waves a hand towards the spot nearby, where two gnomes and one large human are now apparently arguing. "Accompany the gnome, Blingabo or whatever his name is. He has some skill with the arcane, he can likely answer any technical questions you have. But your mission is to find out whatever information you can about today's events. Why the goblins tried to steal from us, what happened to Ms. Sprocket, and what caused the earth to shake."

The old man chuckles softly, "Not the traditional role of the pajibata, I know. I send a soldier to make deductions. But you seem insightful, and I doubt you will be able to answer these questions without a little fighting. If you are able to return to me with a better understanding of today's events, I will personally reward you with an item from the city's vaults. One considerably more valuable than the wand. A service to Oenopion such as this should be repaid in turn. Does that sound fair?"

[DigoDragon]

Ellie Sprocket

"Now, Koma! Before it gets up!" Ellie swing the crossbow up into her hands again and takes a shot, then reloads the weapon.

Spoiler: Action

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So if I understand how combat actions work:

1 action: interact with crossbow to ready it.
1 action: fire the crossbow ((1d20+6)[10])
1 action: reload the crossbow.

Edit--
The consistency of my low combat rolls is getting uncomfortably uncanny.

[Anyr]

Sachni listened intently to Borume's words; While doing her best to ignore the arguing wizards. Monk arguments tended to be more polite. When the alchemist was done speaking, Sachni gave him an obedient bow. He needn't have offered a reward. She'd have heeded the call regardless. But if he wanted to show kindness, she would accept it.

"More than fair, sir. I shall accompany the..."

Uncertainty crept into her voice.

"Sage? Ahem. I shall accompany him into the depths; And investigate to the best of my ability. You need only point me in the right direction."

[Inspector Valin]

Ellie
The little goblin doesn't need to be told twice, batting away at the mystical guardian and trying to pry away joints of its armor. With no room to move, the guardian isn't able to fully defend itself. Eventually, with a cry of triumph, Koma has half of its chestpiece away, revealing a glowing red light within the centre. Ellie's bolt flies right through the hole, clattering against the strange thing inside there, making it flicker.

TCCAAAAAH

The guardian's roar is harsh, cutting rather than echoing. Moving more quickly now, the thing is on its feet, and its blade swings round in a wide arc, looking to catch both of these intruders out.

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Standing. Then two attacks.
(d20+11)[19] Attack Ellie - Damage (d8+4)[7]
(d20+6)[26] Attack Koma - Damage (d8+4)[5]

[Xacha]

Hopping back from the distracted Ghoul #1, Zarra side steps around to strike at Ghoul #2's flank as it bites at Adria.

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Action #1: Stride (If I'm reading the description correctly, she can do that without coming out of Hidden.)

Action #2: Strike Ghoul #2: (1d20+4)[14]

I'll let you put in the -2 AC penalty for flanking if you think this is workable. Theater of the Mind and all that.

Damage: (1d6)[4]
Precision bonus: (1d6)[5]

Zarra glares down at the grey-green "blood" on her blade, and contemptuously flicks it at Ghoul #2.

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Demoralize: (1d20+6)[9]
Can ghouls be demoralized? Seems odd, but there's nothing to say they can't. Guess these ghouls are more like Lovecraft's meeping ghouls than the old "fast zombie" ghouls.

[Syless]

Adria feels a burn as she takes the strike... remembering what ghouls can do to people... her eyes open in panic. It's curable, it's treatable, if she gets out of here in time, she just can't die... worst comes to worse, she has her vial of holy water... but she'll speak with Zarrachia once the fight is over. For now... she puts a hand to her holy symbol and starts to channel a spell, a wave of divine light pouring out of her to heal herself and wound the ghouls.

Spoiler: OOC

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Casting the three-action Heal, healing myself and injuring the undead for:

(1d8)[5]

[DigoDragon]

Ellie Sprocket

It was a sharp touch like a thin wire across her skin. Then a burning painful sensation. And blood. Ellie's face went white from the stab wound she took. Her heart raced in her little chest. She was going to die, wasn't she? Her and Koma, never to be found and just forgotten... Ellie stepped back from the guardian's reach. Her legs were shaky. She fired again at the guardian. 'Divines help me. I don't want to die here.'.

Then grabbed another bolt from her dwindling supply. She had three shots left.

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1 action: Taking a 5-foot "Step" back.
1 action: Firing the crossbow (1d20+6)[20]
1 action: reloading.

[Inspector Valin]

Ellie
The bolt clatters around inside the armor's power source once again. It falters, the breaking of its power flow disrupting its concentration. And that's when Koma springs. "Just DIE ALREADY!" the Cindersnout calls, ducking under the khopesh and ramming his sword right into the creature's chest cavity, again and again until the ancient automaton finally, blessedly stops moving.

Koma looks up towards his new friend. Ellie can see he's bleeding too, a patch of red starting to stain his blue dyed coat. The goblin barely seems to notice, his focus on his companion. "Ellie? You hurt too?" He moves to the bed, taking one of the sheets and starting to cut it to provide some material for binding wounds.

Ardia & Zarrachia
Adria's pulse of holy light is enough to reduce the ghoul Zarrachia had been sparring with to ash. The second monster screams, its skin burning a charcoal black against the power of Sarenrae. And that's when the remaining members of the party join the fray. With a quick chant and a gesture, Peridora sends a bolt of silver lightning cascading across the tunnel. The ghoul is fast, dodging backwards from the surge of power, but not fast enough to escape a sing to its leg and a searing pain. Nihnin presses the advantage, stabbing and slashing with her spear until the undead monster finally hits the ground.

Spoiler: OOC - All

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WHOO! It's over!

Party gets 140XP from the two fights. I ain't tracking individual totals. That should bring us to 740 XP overall, right?

[Xacha]

Zarrachia

As soon as the last creature crumbles, Zarra is rummaging in her pack for medical supplies.

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Now would be a good time to examine the vials she ... liberated from the incubation cave. Anything interesting?

She comes out with bandages and a wine skin and starts looking at the bite marks on Ardia.

"I guess we have to assume this is infected. The good news is that we've got a couple of days until it gets serious. It just means we've really got to get out of here."

Zarrachia looks around, "... which raises the question of where 'here' is. I've spoken with alot of the old pit-hands, and none have mentioned fog like this. And no one has even hinted about undead humanoids down here. My best guess is that we've wandered into some old chambers that were just unsealed." She gestures towards the moldering ghoul corpses, "Maybe something from the last Geddian war."