Avaritia Auri (Kezrian Faction) [IC 1]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Sakura and Robin

Carefully stepping back and keeping their eyes on the cobras at all times, the trio made their way around the clearing without further incident.Working through the jungle as they did, even with Gabriella's guidance, it was another few hours before they arrived at the Salto de Seda waterfalls - but once they did, it was a breathtaking sight to behold. 100 feet high at their peak, the waterfall roared into the river below with an almost supernatural grace, the white foam rippling back and forth like a silk curtain. The cliffs were overgrown with moss and vines of all kinds, and through the canopy of the rainforest, a single large beam of light passed through the mist, creating a beautiful rainbow.

Immediately, Gabriella set to work, leading the group down and around a steep but ultimately manageable path down the hills around the waterfall to the bottom and to the riverbank. After around 10 minutes, she stiffened.

"Footprints that aren't ours. Multiple ones, going behind the falls."

Making their way around the large basin into which the several tons of water were pouring, the group transitioned from sand, to softer soil, to hard rock as they finally came behind the wall.

"And they stop here..."

Gabriella frowned as they hit the rock. She then began looking around, and then, suddenly, pointed. "Halfway up the wall - there's what looks like a secret entrance. And over here." She pointed to a very small moss-covered boulder located on a ledge about twenty feet up - which, upon further examination could be seen to be inscribed with a small graffito of a bird's talon. "This has been moved back and forth, frequently and recently."

Spoiler: Robin

Show

You spot the first thing Gabriella is pointing at just a second later on your own - hidden halfway up the wall behind the falls, there is a large door that appears to be hidden in the cliff - hidden well, but with a distinctly artificial and noticeable seam.

[PepperP.]

Hel held out her hand to her pet ghoul for the sapphire.

"Thank you..." Hel pouted slightly.

"You never told me your name. I shall call you Francisco. Francisco, will you be a dear and press down on the pressure plate the sapphire sat on, please?" Hel asked the ghoul politely and toed her bloody skeletons with her boot to see if they were healed up enough to walk yet.

[Othniel]

"Very clever; I would not have spotted that," Sakura said, praising the keen eyes of the shaman. She looked at Robin and gestured up where Gabriella had indicated. "Shall we if we can gain entry?"

[CockroachTeaParty]

Hollis nodded in approval at Hel's solution. He examined the damage on Ragbag: a bit of straw protruding from a slash in his side, but largely superficial.

After a moment he called out, "Chico, are you still near?" He patted his side expectantly.
A small voice spoke up near his knee, "Yes, Papa?"

"Please scout forward again once the way forward is clear, same instructions as before. Be careful.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Hollis will send Chico out to scout again with all the same modifiers; Chico should still have some invisibility left, as I don't think 10 minutes have elapsed since the spell was cast. The Callback spell is likewise still active.

[Lleban]

Vander quietly booped Koval a second time with the wand of infernal healing. A healthy meat shield is a good meat shield right? Well I suppose Ragbag is also a meat shield, but he lacks even a drop of Elven blood, so how reliable can it be really. It certainly wasn't out of any fondness, no thats impossible.

"I think we should press forward, there is certainly more treasure to be had."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Casts infernal healing a second time on Koval once the first minute of infernal healing ends.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Sakura and Robin

Making their way over to the wall, Sakura, Robin, and Gabriella each made an attempt to scale it. Gabriella, not being particularly suited to climbing, made little to no progress, and Sakura initially made some headway but then lost her own grip. Robin, however, managed to make her way all the way up to the secret entrance and, tentatively giving it a shove, saw that it opened into a small 20x10' chamber. There was a wooden support just inside, which looked like it would be suitable for tying off a rope to.

Spoiler: There is now a map for you guys on the Drive!

Show

Have fun.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hel, Koval, Vander, and Hollis

Obediently, Francisco the ghast pushed down on the stand where the sapphire had been, and the doors opened once more. Softly, the sound of Chico's feet padded away as he went to go scouting.

Two minutes later, he returned.

"I found another room, Papa. There was no door into it, just an open archway. The room had two levels, a higher one where you enter and then a lower level. There was a ladder down, and a big door on the lower level with these two really scary looking skeletal things with glowing red eyes standing on either side of it. And on either side of the door into the room on the upper level were these really, really big suits of armor."

[PepperP.]

"Thank you Francisco, you've been such a big help." Hel favored the ghast with a fond smile which faded as she as she took in the sorry state of her Bloody Skeletons.

"Do you realize how expensive these are? Poor things." She snapped again at Vander for his clumsiness.

Her face softened slightly as she knelt down and placed her hands on her broken toys in turn and began chanting in a soothing tone.

Spoiler: ooc

Show

Cast Repair Undead x 4, discarding 4 level 1 spells. (Windy Escape, Comprehend Languages, Detect Undead, Ray of Enfeeblement.)
Repair Undead 1
(1d8+5)[13]
Repair Undead 2
(1d8+5)[12]
Repair Undead 3
(1d8+5)[6]
Repair Undead 4
(1d8+5)[13]

[Othniel]

"This is it?" Sakura asked quietly, looking around. "Surely there must be more than a small room. Perhaps if either of you have the means of magical detection?"

[Lleban]

Vander was shocked, SHOCKED, that Hel could so casually denigrate his brilliant maneuvering. THough he supposed he'd be upset if somebody flattened his hard work. No thats impossible, its the young people who are wrong. Flipping the wand back into his sleeve Vander replied


Vander even mockingly put his hands to his eyes to mimic weeping

"OH NO what did I do to the malnourished bean farmers."

"Hmph, those skeletons were as useful this life as they were in their last. I wouldn't waste your talents on such filth."

It didn't take heightened Elfen senses to realize he may have pissed her off, but it did help. Vander turned his head and mumbled.

"Tactical errors may have been made."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Hollis tucked his hands into his sleeves and quietly thanked his familiar for the information.

"Well, there seems to be more to explore. I wonder if these suits of armor are constructs? That would make for an interesting research opportunity, although the likelihood of them being malicious spirits inhabiting empty shells is equally likely, if they are animate at all.

How long will that ghoul remain your thrall, Hel? Long enough that our exit won't be cut off I should hope?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Sakura and Robin

"Ask and you shall receive," said Gabriella, hoisting herself up into the room. Pointing her hand at the opposite end of the chamber, she recited an incantation, narrowing her eyes. She turned to Robin and Sakura.

"The wall has nothing, but there are multiple small auras on the other side. Like you would see if someone were carrying magical items."

Not a few seconds later, a small slit in the wall opened, and a gruff voice rang out.

"Who goes there?"

Spoiler: Sakura

Show

From your experience dealing with ninja, traditionally, when entering one of their encampments, a password is offered in the form of a haiku poem. It is expected that it should contain a reference to the host clan's name, the season with which it is traditionally associated, and the name of the ninja who extended the invitation to you to enter - for ninja clans do not allow outsiders to enter their domain without permission from a senior member.

The Yama clan is associated with the season of Winter.

Spoiler: Robin

Show

Unbidden, a tale you once heard of Asahi and its ninja comes to mind. Traditionally, when entering an encampment, a password is offered in the form of a haiku poem. It is expected that it should contain a reference to the host clan's name, the season with which it is traditionally associated, and the name of the ninja who extended the invitation to you to enter - for ninja clans do not allow outsiders to enter their domain without permission from a senior member.

You recall that the Yama clan's headband had a mountain on it, and recall that mountains are usually paired with winter imagery.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hel, Koval, Vander, and Hollis

Proceeding down the corridor, the party found the room exactly as Chico had described it. From their vantage point near the door 20 feet below the overlook where the party stood, one of the skeletal beings with glowing red eyes looked at the party.

"Pass - if you dare."

Spoiler: Hel

Show

You identify the creatures guarding the door as Crypt Things. These creatures are, for undead, suprisingly docile, unless you attack them or attempt to enter the crypt, pass a boundary, or take an item they are guarding. If you should provoke them, not only can they teleport themselves short distances, but also other creatures as well (at random).

If the armor on either side of you were armor - which you can't determine either way; real animated suits of armor are noted for their ability to freeze almost perfectly still - you know that they are very slow, but have a pretty good reach, of 10 feet.

Spoiler: Koval

Show

You spot both of the suits of armor shifting ever so slightly out of the corner of your eye.

You identify the creatures guarding the door as Crypt Things. These creatures are, for undead, suprisingly docile, unless you attack them or attempt to enter the crypt, pass a boundary, or take an item they are guarding. If you should provoke them, not only can they teleport themselves short distances, but also other creatures as well (at random).

You know that animated suits of armor are noted for their ability to freeze almost perfectly still. These ones, big as they are, are very slow, but have a pretty good reach, of 10 feet, and hit hard.

[Othniel]

In reply, Sakura spoke,

"A heavenly rise
Capt in white, wintry disguised:
the child of sand."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

If necessary, bluff: (1d20+12)[16]

[Lleban]

After a minute of team contemplation Vander wondered what the rest of party was thinking as the sight of these creatures. At that moment he remembered an old elfen saying his mother told him, or maybe she just made it up, it was never entirely clear.

Unreasonableness breeds descisiveness in extereme situations.

At that point Vander cleared his throat and struck a dramtic pose out stretching his glowing hand toward the creature shouting.

"No creature of dark tells VANDER VON DARDLARA what to do."

Soon after he turned to his companions to ask, as if he had learned anything from his prior errors

"Somebody tell me if we can't take these because I'm about to start casting in TEN,NINE...."

[PepperP.]

"Creating these creatures are way above my paygrade, but that doesn't mean I can't bend them to my will." Hel threw her head back and laughed maniacally as she sought Command over the Crypt Things.

Spoiler: ooc

Show

Use up 3 Channel Energy uses. (2 remaining for the day)
DC 15

[Lord Of Mantas]

Sakura and Robin

A pause as Sakura delivered the poem.

And then, a click.

At the same time as the wall swung back to reveal a tengu in ninja garb, the Yama clan's symbol emblazoned on his headband, a trapdoor opened up in the ceiling, and bricks rained down upon the heads of the party.

"Nice try, intruders, but Sunako isn't expecting anyone today. Get them!"

Spoiler: Make a DC 20 Reflex save...

Show

If you fail, you take (4d6)[16]. Those who meet or exceed the DC get half.

*** Begin Combat ***

Recovering from the efforts of their attempts to dodge, the party looked out past the tengu guarding the door and saw what appeared to be a bunch of narrow scaffolding suspended over a large pit; at the furthest end of the room, at the other side of the scaffolding, a ladder down could be seen. The whole affair was lit up by a four lanterns suspended over the scaffolding. Three other ninja stood patrolling, and whirled toward the sound of combat. The one farthest away whipped out a potion from its belt and swigged it down; seconds later, where there once was a single ninja, there was a humanoid blur, as if the man were rapidly buzzing back and forth.

Spoiler: Initiative Order

Show

Ninja 4 (above)
Sakura
Ninjas 2 + 3
Gabriella and Robin
Ninja 1

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hel, Koval, Vander, and Hollis

The crypt things stood, and the armors on either side of the party creaked ominously.

"So be it."

*** Begin Combat ***

Spoiler: Koval wins Initiative.

Show

The order is:
Koval
The Crypt Things
Hel, Ragbag, Hollis, and Ximena
The Phantom Armors
Vander (rolled a Nat 1)

[TheDarkDM]

Koval

Cognizant of the threat posed by the animate statues, and gratified to see Hel's magics take hold, Koval disdained the Crypt Things in favor of their armored protectors. Stepping within the reach of the one closest at hand, he brought his adamantine blade around in a two-handed strike, seeking to cripple the enemy before the fight began.

Spoiler: Power Attack

Show

What's the worst that could happen?

Attack: (1d20+7)[14]

Damage: (1d10+12)[18]

[Othniel]

Sakura stepped deftly to the side as the bricks fell, and managed to avoid the worst of the attack, though she was caught on the shoulder and knew she'd have a bruise in the morning. Drawing her katana in one swift movement, the Asahian woman slashed at the ninja before her.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Rolled a nat 20 for a 28 in the OOC, so 8 damage.

Then we attack! Let's try a Power Attack. Including Precise Strike in the damage.

Attack: (1d20+10)[17]
Damage: (1d8+13)[20]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hel, Koval, Vander, and Hollis

Darting to the side, Koval brought his sword down on the first of the phantom armors - only to have his sword glance off of it.

As the burst of dominating energy burst forth from Hel, the Crypt Things stopped and stumbled. The second of them looked up at Hel with a blank stare, the domination having taken hold.

The first of them, however, remained unaffected.

With a burst of light, it vanished from where it was to the location just behind Koval.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Crypt Thing 1 uses Quickened Dimension Door as a spell-like ability to flank Koval. Because Dimension Door prohibits doing any other activities after casting, its turn ends.

Crypt Thing 2 is under Hel's control and so waits for orders.

It is now the turn of Hel, Ragbag, Hollis, and Ximena.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Sakura and Robin

The Ninja in front of Sakura and Robin yelled in pain as the former's katana cut through their armor, steel biting through flesh. In the background, the Ninja's compatriots decided to be a bit more proactive, and quickly drew blowguns, launching darts at both Sakura and Robin. However, this proved ineffective, as the darts thereby harmlessly plinked off both their armor. With this done, the two of them dropped their blowguns and closed in on the intruders.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Both Ninja fire darts at Sakura and Robin, which fails, then close in.

Gabirella, springing into action, leveled a finger at the damaged Ninja. Her voice croaked out, her formerly pleasant voice now dark and grating.

"CURSE YOU."

A pall of misfortune now hung over the damaged Ninja.

Spoiler: It is now Robin's turn.

Show

Have fun!

[CockroachTeaParty]

Hollis spoke a word of power, magically accelerating most of the party, including Ragbag, such that their enemies appeared to be moving slowly relative to their own enhanced speed.
"Protect the east flank, Ragbag, and feel free to smash that animate armor."
He said calmly, as Ragbag moved off to obey, the sight of the large bag of hay moving so quickly even more of an oddity than normal.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Hollis will cast Haste on everyone but the NPC bard because SHE'S NOT REAL; this includes Ragbag but excludes familiars. 5 round duration

Ragbag will move up to A2, possibly provoking if it has reach, but Ragbag's AC is 17 thanks to the Haste boost.

He then will get up and SLAM, and hopefully welcome A2 to the JAM: (1d20+8)[21]
Bludgeoning boys: (2d6+4)[16]

[BladeofObliviom]

Spoiler: Falling rocks

Show

Reflex Save:
(1d20+5)[18]
DC 20 vs 16 damage, half successful

Shielding herself from falling rocks in annoyance and barely registering the blowdart plinking off her armor, Robin lunged with the sharp side of her weapon, striking twice with the sickle!

Spoiler

Show

Brawler's Flurry, Power Attack at Ninja 2 using the slashing side of the Kusarigama for both attacks. On the off chance hit 1 kills Ninja 2 with a crit or something, hit Ninja 1 with the second attack I guess.

hit1: (1d20+8)[20]
dam1: (1d6+10)[15]

hit2: (1d20+8)[28]
dam2: (1d6+10)[16]

Crit threat?

hit: (1d20+8)[13]
dam: (1d6+10)[11]

[PepperP.]

Hel's eyes gleamed as one of the Crypt Things fell under her command.

"Oh isn't this a pretty gift? The craftsmanship? Exquisite!" Hel wrung her hands, overcome with joy.

"What should I call you? An ordinary name just won't do, oh no, not at all." She paced back and forth, seemingly oblivious to the danger around her.

"I've got it!" She slammed her fist down into her palm.

"Everybody! Meet our newest friend, Don Pedro!" She presented her Crypt Thing with a flourish. She frowned as she realized the others had their attention elsewhere.

"Hmph. That's a fine welcome." Her eyes narrowed at the Crypt Thing that had resisted her.

"It's far too crowded in here, don't you think? Let's clear it out a bit. Make some breathing room. You know, for those of us who still need to breathe. Embarrassing, isn't it?" She cracked her knuckles in anticipation.

"Don Pedro, back up a little bit so you don't get hit."

Hel will Command Don Pedro and her skels to move out of radius and then Turn Undead (30ft. Radius) DC Will 15.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hel, Koval, Vander, and Hollis

As Hel unleashed another wave of energy, the first of the phantom armors - the one attacking Koval - fell under its sway, and promptly began cowering in the corner, curled up in a position of total defense. The second, however, remained unaffected. Seeing this, Ximena turned her attention toward it.

"<Glitterdust!>"

Seconds later, a large cloud of yellow sparkles erupted just to the right of the second Armor - not so close as to hit Ragbag, but enough to hit it. Now blinded, the armor began to flail around, and, through sheer luck, managed to hit the skinstitch.

Spoiler: Actions + Initiative

Show

PA1 is Turned and huddles in the corner, using Total Defense.

PA2 blindly swings at Ragbag and hits, dealing 6 damage (11 minus 5 from the DR).

It is now the turn of Vander, then Koval.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Sakura and Robin

Her weapon striking true, Robin dispatched one of the Ninja in fairly short order, sending it sprawling to the ground in a spray of crimson.

"She got Tetsuo! Focus on her!"

The ninja at the rear leapt forward and slashed at Robin, its slash just barely managing to pierce her armor. The one immediately in front of Sakura also tried to hit her, but to no avail.

Spoiler: Robin is hit for a measly 2 damage. It is now Sakura's turn.

Show

Have fun!

[Othniel]

Exuding confidence despite their failure to bluff their way in, Sakura parried another attack and struck again.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Power Attack N1: (1d20+10)[24]
Damage: (1d8+13)[18]

[Lleban]

THREE TWO ONE...

Vander continued to countdown otherwise unaware of the world around him as he decided which of his vast repertoire of spells would be chosen. Of course, it seemed like nobody else understood the cue as everyone started slinging spells here and there. Really with Hel's necromantic power, it was only a matter of time before the undead were disposed of.

At this point all Vander could engage in his true passion phrenology teaching. Vander pointed aggressively at the crypt thing channeling the power of the void.

"Koval two things, first adjust your posture, its unbecoming of your better half. Second, if I were you I'd look closely at the crypt things cranium, the shards of leathery flesh hanging off its enlarged brow are clearly asymmetrical. This indicates both poor stitch work and more likely POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP. In short this is a B- undead made from C+ Necromancers."

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Vander uses Reveal weakness on Crypt thing 1 lowering its AC and saving throws by -2

[Lord Of Mantas]

Sakura and Robin

Sakura struck true, and another ninja fell to the ground with a cry as her katana slashed its throat.

The third Ninja, undaunted by his companion's failure to injure Robin, took a swing of his own at her.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Ninja 3 attacks Robin.

Wakizashi Attack: (1d20+8)[26]
Damage: (1d6+1)[5]

Gabriella, rather than casting a spell, let out a surprisingly high-pitched cackle. Those present could sense that the misfortune hanging around the fourth ninja was not letting up.

Spoiler: It is now Robin's turn.

Show

Have fun!