Lin Zi |
GM, how recently has the sand been piled up here? If it was placed counter to the wind then surely it would have gradually been blown away; how long would that take relative to how much sand is left?
Lin wipes sweat from her brow and speaks up. "Kachu reckons this sand is piled up counter to the wind; impossible. Either there's a freak wind current through this area or someone placed it to discourage raiders."
bwatford |
Finished with the digging, Neferteri took the crowbar that had been provided by Holbrecht and set the steel tip into the crevice. Positioning himself and the tool so that the others might find some purchase. When the others didn't immediately come to his aid Neferteri gives the crowbar a tug as best he could but the door would not move. Repositioning the crowbar in the crevice Neferteri now pulled himself up off the ground and began to swing, gaining momentum with each movement. After a couple of minutes he heard the doors break free.
The stone goliaths let out a echoing sound as they began to budge. Rock ground on sand and rock, like the sound of a giant waking up from a long slumber.
Meanwhile Lin Zi tried to contemplate the mathematical equation necessary to determine the amount of time the sand had been in front of the doors and who might have put it there. The more she thought about it the deeper the mystery became. The only way to determine the length of time the sand had been there would be to have known how much sand there originally was, and this she didn't have the answer to. All she knew is something or someone had been here before them and that something didn't want to make it easy to get inside.
As the bright daylight spilled inside the tomb from the open doors it well illuminated the chamber ahead, they found a rectangular room empty save for some engravings and fixtures upon the walls. To the south in the room was an immense stone wheel set against the wall, set on some kind of track. Immediately Alexander recognized the device, as did the Engineering experts Holbrecht and Neferteri. Such stone slabs were used as doors of a sort in ages past, opened by slaves in a show of strength and obedience. The air in the tomb entrance was stale but free of the stench of rot or death. A thick layer of dust and sand covered the floor, growing in thickness in the south of the room near the stone door. Though the great stone doors had been cracked before, the air and dust made it clear the tomb had not been entered for decades since then, meaning whomever had entered the tomb before was likely long since gone or dead.
All four walls bore elaborate carvings and reliefs along the wall, elaborate hieroglyphs seeming to tell some kind of a story. It was difficult to tell what it may be without looking closer. Small stone faces were affixed to the walls on each corner of the room, staring down with lifeless expression at all those who would enter. Engraved on the large stone wheel was a massive spiral. Having seen the symbol much in the last few days they knew it immediately as the symbol of Pharasma.
Please put the grid location where you will be at the end of each post. If you are not going inside then just state outside as the location,
Holbrecht Knowledge Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Alexander Knowledge Engineering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Neferteri Knowledge Engineering: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
---------------------
Current Location: Tomb of Akhentepi, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 8:17 am, Temperature: 93 degrees
Alexander Pierpoint |
"I imagine the Voices of the Spire have been very busy in the days leading up to the lottery," Alexander replies to Lin Zi's observation, his voice very carefully neutral. He shrugs. "I can't really find it in myself to blame them. While this whole event is a blessing to the advancement of archaeology and historical knowledge, it must be an utter nightmare to the church of Pharasma. Let us be sure not to cause them any more distress than we must; one does not lightly anger the Queen of Graves."
A small sigh escapes the old man's lips as the door opens. "Occultum video," he chants, directing magic-enhanced vision into the chamber. "Luces pendantes saltantes inflammo." Four orbs of light rise from the head of Alexander's cane and fly into the room beyond, taking up points in the upper corners to complement the light of day.
"I do believe it's time for the inestimable Kachu," he says to Lin Zi. "Akhentepi was clearly no pharaoh, but we should not underestimate the inventivity of the ancients."
Once the room checks out as not immediately deadly, Alexander limps inside, takes a journal and pen out of his pack and starts writing down at least a summary of the inscriptions on the walls of Akhentepi's entry room. He translates out loud as he reads.
Alexander checks the room for magical traps, sets up Dancing Lights, and goes to A4 once the room checks out as safe. He starts translating and transcribing the hieroglyphs on the walls.
Lin Zi |
"Aye. In Tian Xia the dead are cremated and never buried with valuables; if they were and the ruler allowed foreigners to rifle through them... the nation would revolt in days." She looks worriedly along the tomb and makes a gesture with her hand, muttering a half-remembered Tien phrase to ward off bad spirits. Undaunted, Kachu steps close to the tomb door and begins carefully examining it.
Kachu takes 20 on Perception for 24, then does the same on each of the statues. Lin stands in A2.
Neferteri Sandyfoot |
Neferteri peers into the anti-room with awe and wonder. My first crypt. he thinks. But not my last, unless I am uncareful. He imagines that every square is trapped with all manner of insidious mechanisms and begins to help search the entry for anything of note. He also wonders aloud. I see no tracks in the sand before us. This appears undisturbed. Alexander must have it right. If someone piled sand outside it was to discourage any entry and not to hide their own. Should we take rubbings of this writing?
He too will take 20 for 24 on the floor where he enters at A2 and will continue to do so in a path to the wheel/door (spending 10 minutes searching - At least its in the shade). bwatford, Can you better describe the faces in tbe corners? Any paint? What are the expressions on each? Eyes and mouths open or closed? Is it the same stone as the walls?
Alexander Pierpoint |
"Rubbings," Alexander mutters while continuing to jot down notes and translate. "Yes. Dash it all, I should have bought rubbing paper! Blasted expenses... Must capture the essence... Yes..."
The magical lights pulse and change colours with the old arcanist's excitement.
bwatford |
Alexander springs to life with his detection spells but as before the old stone of the tomb radiated nothing but sand and dust. Then he utters the arcane words for dancing lights and they flick from his hand and take up positions in the corners of the room. The orbs not providing anymore light than the sun but a safety net placed there in case something or someone managed to close the doors providing the daylight. Alexander had no desire to be enclosed in the tomb in the dark. The orbs of light blink out after about a minute and Alexander recalls them with a few more arcane words. He would have to find a more permanent source of lighting very soon he was afraid.
It takes Kachu and Neferteri about 10 minutes to clear the room for traps before giving everyone else the ok to enter. That scoured every inch of the room with their trained senses. Upon closer
examination of the faces it reveals them to be decorative torch holders, such that when torches are placed within them, a corona of flame surrounds the heads. The stone faces are carved from the wall rock itself and are not a separate entity. Neferteri suddenly speaks up "The two female faces are depictions of Pharasma, the other two male faces are Anubis, the ancient Osirian god of burials and mummification."
The stone wheel against the south wall is 10 feet in diameter and 6 inches wide, and weighs almost 5,700 pounds. The wheel can be rolled to either side along its track to reveal an approximately 5-foot-wide opening.
Alexander steps in the room and begins to translate the hieroglyphics on the walls moving the orbs of light to catch every nook and crany of the inscriptions on the walls. Muttering aloud as he goes. "Akhentepi, a celebrated military commander who presided over the troops garrisoned in Wati prior to the city’s downfall." he says at one point. "The hieroglyphs warn that Akhentepi’s tomb is well defended, and those who defile it tempt the wrath of the gods.” he says at another. On another wall he says "An additional warning advises, The only thing the Lady of Graves despises more than the grave robber is the unsuccessful grave robber,” and then finally translating the markings over the stone with the spiral on it “turn back while you can.”
Map of Current Area
Please put the grid location where you will be at the end of each post. If you are not going inside then just state outside as the location,
Moving the wheel requires a total Strength score of 28; from the north, up to four characters can add their Strength scores together to move the wheel.
Alexander Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Neferteri Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
---------------------
Current Location: Tomb of Akhentepi: Tomb Antechamber, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 8:32 am, Temperature: 93 (Outside) 88 (Current Location) degrees
Neferteri Sandyfoot |
your post made me think of something bwatford. Now that the two exterior doors are open how are they positioned? Are they flung all the way open so the rest against the stone to each side? Is the doorway totally vertical so that the doors are balanced and can stay in any position of being open? And to clarify, have both Neferteir or Kachu taken 20 on the stone wheel door itself? If I understand correctly taking 20 not he square with the wheel accomplishes searching the wheel, right?
Before we go further can we somehow secure these outer doors open? Neferteri asks.
Alexander Pierpoint |
"Cryptic, that," Alexander says, musing over the final warning. "Perhaps, if we manage to enter the tomb, there is something we must remove in order to escape at all...? Regardless, I am not enamoured of trinkets and baubles. As far as I'm concerned, just the knowledge of these hieroglyphs is already priceless. In the end, I would be content if we can trascribe all that is here -- and I would be delighted to hand a copy of my findings to the Pharasmin."
The old man studies the stone wheel, and grunts his agreement when Neferteri speaks.
"We should also jam this wheel to prevent it from rolling shut on us once we are inside. There are spells that could probably open it if it closes behind us, but I do not know them. Now. Let us go forth, while being sure not to cause any more disturbance than we absolutely must. If anything rises which should be dead, we will strike it down. Anything else, we should just leave in place."
The old man starts to mutter the grim prayers of Pharasma, asking for the goddess' forgiveness and ensuring her of the party's good intentions...
bwatford |
your post made me think of something bwatford. Now that the two exterior doors are open how are they positioned? Are they flung all the way open so the rest against the stone to each side? Is the doorway totally vertical so that the doors are balanced and can stay in any position of being open? And to clarify, have both Neferteir or Kachu taken 20 on the stone wheel door itself? If I understand correctly taking 20 not he square with the wheel accomplishes searching the wheel, right?
The doors opened outwards some of the sand that was removed has spilled back into the door space. The doors are opened approximately half way (Forming a L with the front wall.), allowing a 10 foot opening. The doors were never designed to open all the way back against the wall because of the design of the hidden hinges. They would not be able to be closed unless you removed more sand that has spilled in. The sand is kind of acting as a piton holding the outer doors open at the moment.
Yes the wheel got checked when you and Kachu checked adjoining squares. No traps was found.
Holbrecht Bastionne |
As the others move in, Holbrecht recovers the crowbar and reapplies it again as the lynch pin that holds the straps of Nefer's smaller backpack to the outside of his own. As they move inside, he is more interested in the round door more than anything. Allowing the others to check as they move slowly across the floor of the room, he hazards a couple questions for the sake of everyone's comfort. "Now that we are inside, would you guys like a refreshing rinse? I know I do.... a quick splash will do me well... something to take the sand off... Oh, and the doors. Opened or closed? Father always told me 'a door left open is a door not doing its job'... We will be cooler and more secure with them closed, but we risk being trapped in case someone returns to pile more sand in front, granted.... all of us inside pushing.... gives more leverage than outside pulling... may or may not be an issue."
With that he tucks himself into the corner, drops down to his small-clothes as he sets his stuff out of the splash area, and douses himself with another blast of conjured water. He wipes off whatever sweat and sand he can with the quick blast before putting all his stuff back on.
With them taking 20, he should have plenty of time to remove, rinse, and reapply.
Once he is cleaned off, and has helped any of the others that took him up on the offer of a rinse, he heads for the big circular door with his crowbar in hand. He sets it at the base of the circular door to use as a lever, and prepares to move it aside.
Don't know if he can use the crowbar in this instance, but he'll take 20 to open the door giving him 21, or 23 if the crowbar counts. He will need assists with the tool, but won't be able to do it even assisted without.
Ninja'd by 3 posts.
bwatford |
@ Holbrecht
It is pretty much going to take a combined effort to reach the DC of 28 to move it. If taking 20 then you add your strength modifier which is +1 and a +2 from the crowbar so that's 23 so far. Nulyth can offer a +3 so that would be 26, Kachu can offer a +1 so that would be 27. Everyone else either has a 0 modifier or negative to strength.
So even with the three that has the strength to push it you are 1 short of the DC. You are going to have to get creative to get this thing moved. What can you offer in the way of ideas to help get it moved everyone.
Holbrecht Bastionne |
Holbrecht is disheartened by the groups combined inability to move the door, but then he remembers something the young woman had said. "Lin, did you or did you not say that you could call forth such things as ponies? How big of a work animal can you call?" He looks over to Alexander, "You picked up rope correct? I can animate it. If we can open it enough that Lin can create an work animal on the other side, I can animate the rope to grab it. Then we may be able to pull via the rope from both sides."
GM, they may not be able to open it all the way, but how much can they move it? If they all do it, can he see through a gap, or is there a gap big enough for him to try and get a rope through (an animated one that is).
bwatford |
The stone is in a track in the floor and ceiling. It rolls to one side or the other it doesn't open like a door would so calling an animal on the other side of the stone would not benefit. However if a animal would be called on this side to simply help push. the stone could be rolled away enough to allow a five foot opening. The animal called would have to have at least a +1 to strength.
Neferteri Sandyfoot |
Considering the problem the halfling asks Anyone have any oil? And maybe water to wash the grit and sand out of the track first.
A grease spell would be grand. What we need is a take 20 with everyone else assisting. Not a mechanic, I know. Nulyth with the crowbar can hit a 25. If three of us assist that is a max of 31 so only two of us need to succeed when Nulyth rolls that natural. Any possible bonus from a good Engineerig roll? Seems like a lever on the opposite side we are rolling to would be worth something as well.
Holbrecht Bastionne |
Tracking on the rolling. What I was thinking, is to have the animal on the other side with the rope tied to it, and the rope goes around the edge of the door (say on the south side, assuming the door rolls north-south). Then we and the animal both pull the rope north from each side of the door. This allows us to have one more puller than before, but if we can fit one more mover on this side, then it doesn't matter.
Holbrecht Bastionne |
That's why I asked if we could see through whatever gap we produced. That and both Lin and I would need LoS to cast our spell effects on the other side.
bwatford |
With the current strength allotment you can move the stone enough to get a crack for LoS.
Using Alexander's dancing lights the room beyond doesn't seem to be occupied but there is a pit in the middle of the room. Beyond that or if anything lies in wait beyond the sight you can see through the crack is unknown.
Alexander Pierpoint |
"Any summoned beast will have to be manifested beyond the pit, there," Alexander says, beckoning to Lin Zi to show her the pit in question. "See it? Right there."
The old man briefly puts his hand on the young Tien woman's shoulder as he staggers back to his feet -- his knees creak alarmingly and he grunts at his evident discomfort. "Blast. The heat and dry air were doing my joints good. Got too cocky. Excuse me."
Alexander moves over to the wall and very carefully leans against it, his eyes squeezed shut as he fights back the pain.
Holbrecht Bastionne |
"No, I would need it right next to the door if I have to animate the rope to tie to it."
I put it in the discussion, but her pony gets extra Strength, that will put us just over what we need.
Forgot to state it, but Holbrecht will be in E3.
EDIT: so we won't need to do all the casting through, once we know Lin's pony is tougher than the average pony.
Also, did anyone take Holbrecht up on the Create Water wash he offered when we entered?
Nulyth Shenir |
Nulyth remains vigilant while Lin and her strange monkey-creature search the inner rooms for traps. Once it is determined safe, the paladin enters to look around and stares at the massive stone slab blocking their path. He walks forward and gives it an experimental push and discovered it would take a great effort to move the slab.
When Holbrecht offers a bath, the paladin waves away the offer. "Perhaps later, master Holbrecht. I am more concerned about this slab..."
He will keep watch while the others make the determination on how best to open the stone slab. He figures the smarter members of the party would be able to better make the decision. He will be at E2.
Lin Zi |
Lin hesitates a second and shakes her head. "I can summon a pony and direct it a little, emphasis on 'little'. It's still a dumb animal, I'm not sure I could direct it to do something as precise as opening a door... But, I'll never know for sure without trying. And grease... grease I can make. But pony first."
Turning her head to Kachu, she concentrates and he vanishes. Grabbing the rope from Alexander, she ties it to the door and waits for everyone else to get ready; summoning a pony, she ties the rope firmly around it and directs it to move towards the wall with her mind.
Summon Monster ability used
bwatford |
Nefreteri was already in E3 so I moved Holbrecht to E4.
Lin Zi did not state square but since she is helping tie the rope and getting ready to summon and must see in the gap moved her to D4.
Since Alexander was helping show Lin Zi the pit before moving off against the wall I moved Alexander to C4
If you are unhappy where I moved you then please state the square you are in at the end of each post.
As Alexander studied himself against the antechamber wall he lightly traced a few of the symbols with his fingers, awed by their fine detail and state. They were thousands of years old but seemed to show none of the passing of years, one of the benefits of recording history in stone over the less permanent forms of parchment and paper. Even with preservation spells there was something colossal and striking about seeing a story laid out in the hieroglyphs, a visceral and primal emotion that the Wizard rarely felt. Here, in a very physical and reachable representation, was knowledge. Knowledge that had existed for thousands of years and, if the gods saw fit, stand for thousands more. Eyes flicking to the statues in the corners and the large stone wheel as the others began to crow around it.
Equally awed by the door as Alexander was by the history of the tomb, Holbrecht had heard of such things but never actually seen one. Moving closer he felt around the smooth stone slab, and found a few notches and marks that would act as handholds for those wishing to try and force the door open by rolling it along its track. It was designed so that only four men might grasp the thing, two from each side, throwing all of their might into the moving of the door. Further, he knew the wheel could be knocked off the track if need be, but doing so didn't seem necessary if they could open the door normally, though there were certainly negatives and positives to each. He had decided that they would wrap a rope around it and then have Lin Zi summon a pony just on the other side and he would use his animate rope trick to tie the rope to the pony to assist the group pulling the slab aside.
As the group readied for their attempt at the stone slab everything in place now but Lin's magic, she dismisses Kachu in a puff of spoke. Then she got ready to summon up a pony. She had never summoned anything for this purpose and was intrigued in how all the intricacies would play out.
So absorbed in the recorded history of the tomb and moving the slab, everyone failed failed to notice the light clacking of claws behind them until they seemed to be all but next to Alexander. Spinning, Alexander's eyes went wide, a light yelp drawing attention from the others back into the room, surprised at what they saw.
A scorpion nearly three feet in length small sized and with a tail just as big as the entirety of its body, the creatures carapace was entirely translucent, allowing those who gazed upon its visage to see all of its internal organs and the blood bumping through it. The creature snapped its claws territorially at, tail dancing back and forth. This one likely seeking some place to cool off from the heart of the sun. Before Alexander could jump away it struck at him, tail darting. Alexander felt the stinger sink painfully into his ankle. Tearing it away a few droplets of blood came with it, though the wound wasn't too serious. However the poison was another matter.
Scorpion's Stealth Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Lin Zi takes a -5 to perception because of being distracted by the spell casting. Which she has not completed so no summons is wasted.
Lin Zi Perception: 1d20 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 1 - 5 = 11
Neferteri Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Holbrecht Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Alexander Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Nulyth Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Suprise round attack by the Scorpion
Scopion charge and sting: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 23
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Alexander DC13 Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Alexander - 2 hitpoints.
Alexander is poisoned -1 Strength Damage. Roll another Fortitude save on your next turn.
Neferteri: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Holbrecht: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Alexander: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Lin Zi: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Nulyth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Scorpion: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
Round 1 Initiative Order
Group 1
Neferteri
Scorpion
Group 2
Holbrecht
Lin Zi
Nulyth
Alexander
Neferteri it looks like you are up first. Good Luck
Group 2 Please hold from posting until I give you the go ahead. Please keep OOC discussion and combat planning in the discussion thread at this time.
Current Location: Tomb of Akhentepi: Tomb Antechamber, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 8:40 am, Temparture: 93 (Outside) 88 (Current Location) degrees
Neferteri Sandyfoot |
Neferteri, seeing the threat after its initial attack pulls his bow (move action) and fires, but is off balance in his excitement.
Shortbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 91d4 ⇒ 3
bwatford |
Neferteri's arrow wildly misses and breaks against the tombs sandstone wall.
The small Scorpion now brings all of its weapons to bear against Alexander now. Claws and tail swishing in angry succession. Alexander manages to sidestep one claw just as the other snaps into the same ankle that has just been stung moments ago. Wincing in pain Alexander then felt the stinger pierce his left thigh.
Neferteri's arrow is....
1-3 Recoverable, 4-6 Broken: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Scorpion attack...
claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Miss.
claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 Hit.
sting: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 Hit.
claw damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2
sting damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1
Using Alexander's Fort save from the OOC thread. 21
Alexander -3 hitpoints.
Neferteri -1 arrow.
Ok Group 2 You are up next. Good Luck. You do not have to post in any particular order. I will resolve in the correct order once everyone has gone.
Alexander Pierpoint |
Alexander cries out with pain and staggers backwards, blood squirting from the wounds in his leg. Even as he does, arcane force swirls around his body as he gasps out the words of a spell: "Lorica magica me induo...!"
Alexander 5-ft. steps to D3 and casts Mage Armour for a +4 to AC.
Neferteri Sandyfoot |
Seeing Alexander in trouble Neferteri turns on his luck and as the wizard steps back, he moves for a clear shot and fires before the creature can close to melee again. Moves to 1E
short bow: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 151d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Lin Zi |
Lin jumps back from the hideous scorpion, reflexively splaying a hand out and spraying it with acid.
Acid Splash- 1d20 ⇒ 9 to hit, 1d3 ⇒ 3 damage
Next she points and directs her pony to crush the little creature.
Hoof: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Nulyth Shenir |
Nulyth spins and sees Alexander get stabbed by the scorpion. He suddenly charges while all his other comrades fire ranged attacks at the disgusting creature. His heavy footfalls are surprisingly muffled by the dust and sand as he charges, unfortunately at the last moment the very same sand causes the paladin to loose his footing, throwing his attack off just enough!
Charge Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Charge attack on scorpion to C3; +2 Attack, -2 AC until next round.
bwatford |
Holbrect whirls around, trying to get a line on just what type of scorpion this was, but had never seen a translucent one before. So he quickly sprang into action. He quickly drew his warhammer move action and then moved around toward the creatures tail section. move action to C2
Lin jumped as the event startled her and she flung a spray of acid instictively. The acid barely missing its mark and hissing into the sand on the ground just a few inches from the clawed menace.
The surprise attack happened just before you summoned the pony, so the pony is not present yet.
Nulyth charges at the creature while ripping his Scimitar from its scabbard. . His heavy footfalls are surprisingly muffled by the dust and sand as he charges, unfortunately at the last moment the very same sand causes the paladin to loose his footing, throwing his attack off just enough! Nulyth twirled his blade about himself expertly, rays of bright sunlight darting through the doorway and glinting off his blade as he slashed at the scorpion. The creature saw the blow coming and managed to leap free of the slash, claws clacking dangerously. As it moved its tail seemed to dance and weave through the air, bobbing and weaving like a snake ready to strike at any foolish enough to approach.
Alexander cries out with pain and staggers backwards, blood squirting from the wounds in his leg. Even as he does, arcane force swirls around his body as he gasps out the words of a spell: "Lorica magica me induo...!"
Alexander Mage Armor used. +4 to AC
Neferteri, seeing Alexander in trouble moves for a clear shot and fires before the creature can close to melee again. The jumble of melee now disrupting the shot causing him to miss his target once more. The arrow skids across the floor but doesn't break.
Firing into melee penalty applied -4 to your roll. (15-4=11)
Neferteri arrow did not break will be reusable.
The scorpion turns his attention toward his two new advesaries. Striking a claw toward Nulyth which he easily steps aside and makes the creature miss. Bringing the second claw toward Holbrecht with the same ineffectiveness as Holbrecht side steps the blow. However in Nulyth's sudden movement to dodge the oncoming claw he had forgot about the stinger as he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen as the stinger now made its mark. He had gotten lucky however as it didn't deliver its full venom load and he was able to shake off any effects of the poison that remained.
Nulyth -2 hitpoints
Holbrect Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Neferteri recoverable arrow 1-3, broken 4-6
Neferteri's arrow: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Scorpion claw attack on Nulyth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5, Claw Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Scorpion claw attack on Holbrecht: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6, Claw Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Scorpion sting attack on Nulyth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20, Sting Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Nulyth Foritude Save DC 13: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Round 2
Good Luck Everyone...... same initiative order... both groups 1 and 2 may go at your leisure.
Alexander, I need a Fortitude save with this rounds action.
---------------------
Current Location: Tomb of Akhentepi: Tomb Antechamber, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 8:32 am, Temparture: 93 (Outside) 88 (Current Location) degrees
Alexander Pierpoint |
Alexander eyes the battle raging, and his lip curls in disgust as he tries to remember something, anything the group could use to turn the tide against this beast... But nothing comes to mind. With a muttered curse, the old man draws the blade hidden in his sword cane -- and it goes whirling away as if wielded by a ghost! Sadly, the blade clashes uselessly against the oversized arachnid's carapace before returning unfailingly to Alexander's hand...
Alexander holds position, draws his weapon and uses a charge of Hand of the Apprentice to attack the scorpion at a distance.
Untrained knowledge (nature) check on giant scorpion weaknesses: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Ranged attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 damage.
Fortitude save 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Nulyth Shenir |
Going to go ahead and post my action now since I'll be busy all morning until I head into work at 2:15PM CST.
Nulyth grunts in pain as the stinger finds a weak spot in his armor. He feels a burning sensation in the wound as the scorpion pumps some of its venom into his blood; however, the angelkin fights back the remain affects. He returns with a slash of his own!
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Which I don't believe hits..
Lin Zi |
Her acid spashing against the floor harmlessly, Lin grits her teeth and mutters a short prayer- Ancestors, I call on you- calling forth a white pony to smash down on the little creature with its hooves.
Summon Monster a pony in to flank with Nulyth
Hoof: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Hoof: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Neferteri Sandyfoot |
Neferteri, his luck lingering, moves to 1B and fires again., this time finding an opening.
Short Bow: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 221d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
bwatford |
Round 2 Partial results.
I'll have Holbrecht delay which will change his initiative to after Alexander. Since I have everyone else's actions. Let's see if this thing goes down.
In a flash of smoke Lin Zi summons a celestial pony that appears in the doorway behind the creature. The pony rears as it see's the creature attacking with both hooves. As the hooves come down one barely missing the target but the other finds its target attempting to crush the scorpion creature into the ground.
Lin Zi Summon Monster Used.
Math correction on hooves attack:
1d20 +1 = (8) + 1 + 2(Flank) = 11 miss.
1d20 +1 = (9) + 1 + 2(Flank) = 12 hit.
Scorpion - 4 hitpoints
Nulyth however used the distraction of the magically appearing pony to his advantage and found a weak spot in the scorpions defenses and struck with his scimitar, tearing through the tough carapace of the creature as pieces of shell and blood went flying as he cut deep. The scorpion flinching under the blow as the power of the blow was felt.
Scorpion - 8 hitpoints.
The scorpion is at 0 hit points (disabled) but is not dead yet.
With a muttered curse, the old man Alexander draws the blade hidden in his sword cane -- and it goes whirling away as if wielded by a ghost! Sadly, the blade clashes uselessly against the over sized arachnid's carapace before returning unfailingly to Alexander's hand... the pain in Alexander's ankle now causing the old man to double over.
Fumble: Mix It Up: You are unable to make ranged attacks for the next 1d6 ⇒ 1 rounds.
Alexander Hand of the Apprentice Used.
I will hold the action here and give Holbrecht time to post. Once he does I will process his action and Neferteri's action before the scorpion goes again. If Holbrecht does not post by tonight I will act for him again.
Lin Zi summoned pony countdown clock: 54 seconds remaining.
---------------------
Current Location: Tomb of Akhentepi: Tomb Antechamber, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 8:32 am, Temperature: 93 (Outside) 88 (Current Location) degrees
bwatford |
Round 2 final results.
Since the scorpion is at 0 hitpoints, I will act for Holbreicht so we can move things forward and finish the round.
Holbrecht brings down his Warhammer toward the bleeding, bloody creature. 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 and the powerful blow misses its mark with a loud thud on the sandstone, sand covered floor.
Neferteri meanwhile lets loose another arrow. This one finding its mark as it sinks into the creatures exposed torso where Nulyth had ripped away the carapace just moments ago. The arrow completely penetrating through the creature and sticking through into the sandstone below.
Neferteri adjustment for firing into melee (22-4=18)
Neferteri -1 arrow
Scorpion - 5 hitpoints
You can see through the scorpions transparent body that the blow pierced its heart and its beating has stopped as the creature now lies still upon the floor.
END OF COMBAT
We are out of initiative.
Lin Zi summoned pony countdown clock: 54 seconds remaining.
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Current Location: Tomb of Akhentepi: Tomb Antechamber, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 8:32 am, Temperature: 93 (Outside) 88 (Current Location) degrees
Neferteri Sandyfoot |
Is there some roll Neferteri can make to know if anything on the scorpion is worth savaging? Could the poison be removed or applied to a weapon.
While the others work on the door Neferteri studies the creature for a moment, on guard in case it is not alone.
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19
After the moment passes his luck fades. 1 round of luck used.
bwatford |
Ghost Scorpion CR 1/2
XP 200
N Small vermin
Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +4
Defense
AC 12, touch 11, flat-footed 12 (+1 natural, +1 size)
hp 13 (2d8+4)
Fort +5, Ref +0, Will +0
Immune mind-affecting effects
So named for their eerie, translucent carapaces, ghost scorpions are nocturnal desert hunters. A ghost scorpion's body is 3 feet long with a 3-foot long tail, and it weighs 45 pounds.
Your roll was not high enough to get offensive information. DC 21 That would be what you would need to know the poison and to extract a dose.
Alexander Pierpoint |
"Nethys' bursting mask!" Alexander groans again as he sinks to the ground, gently grasping his ankle, sweat gushing down his forehead. "Calistria's gaudy toe-rings! Pharasma's withering smile! Sivana's seventh veil! Ugh! Ezra's* chilly underpants, that hurts!"
After a moment, the old man grits his teeth and speaks in a more controlled fashion: "I do beg your pardon. That was... uncouth of me. This is... not what I am used to, obviously."
* Shout-out to Ravenloft. ;) Hope y'all don't mind.
bwatford |
As Alexander sinks to the ground cursing and complaining... he suddenly slumps over in an unconscious state. Maybe the scorpions poison was stronger than first thought.
As your head swirls and you lose vision momentarily your vision suddenly clears and you are standing at the entrance to a hedge maze. You can smell the fresh cut hedges and grass and the cool breeze that whispers by. You immediately recognize the place. It is where you and your siblings use to play when you were kids. Close to the old homestead you would spend hours chasing each other through the maze. As you take in the sights, your ankle no longer hurts and you instinctively look around at your surroundings.
You see your brother Timothy standing at the entrance to the maze, he is seven or eight years old at the time. He is clutching a leather bound book. He calls out to you "Alex, I got your book. You got to catch me if you want it." Looking at the book now it looks to be the family genealogy records by the Pierpoint family crest that has been branded in the cover. In an instant Timothy is gone running into the maze.
You give chase, your tired and old bones do not hurt and you feel young again. Darting in and out of the nooks and corners of the maze, Timothy always just out of reach but yet taunting you and calling you forward. This goes on for a few minutes and you are lost in childhood memories and are almost giggling to yourself. Having fun in the moment and the memories when all of a sudden you exit the hedge maze and you are instead chasing him through old Osirion tombs.
You look around at the markings and hieroglyphs and you are certain it is ancient Osiriani hieroglyphs. Timothy calls yo you echo down each corridor. You search frantically for the boy now. One corridor leading to another and then another. Until you finally come to a stone door. the door is plain and absent of any markings except for a name and dates carved into its face.
Timothy Pierpoint and the date of his birth and death.
What do you do?
Please let me know your actions inside a spoiler tag marked Alexander's Vision.
Alexander Pierpoint |
"Timothy, wait!" Alexander shouts as he runs after his little brother, marvelling at the sensation of youth. "Timothy... That book is not for playing, you... No, Timothy, you... Timothy!"
He gives chase, tears blurring his vision. He could never really keep up with Timothy, could hardly ever find the right words to convince him of anything. Now, he could not find the words to make his little brother stop so he could hug him, book be damned.
Dread and foreboding fill his heart as the dear old hedge-maze turns into a crypt. Such fear, because he remembers Timothy is dead, and these are the gardens of Pharasma, and... there is the door. Bitter tears roll down Alexander's face as he reads the name and the two dates.
"My brother..." he whispers -- and reluctantly, he puts his hand to the door and tries to open it.
bwatford |
Alexander opens the door to reveal a decorative burial room. It has the Osirion grave vases and urns, 2 decorative chest align the walls.
In the center of the room is a sarcophagus inlaid with gold leaf it is currently closed and the book that Timothy was carrying is on top of it.
Suddenly there is a loud knocking from inside the sarcophagus which causes the book to fall through the floor. You can here the muffled voice of Timothy screaming for assistance as if he was locked in the sarcophagus.
Alexander Pierpoint |
"I'm coming, Timothy!" Alexander cries, as he runs to the elaborate coffin. He searches for some weakness, some seem, any spot at all - and rams the end of his cane into it. Leaning on his cane with his full weight, the old man tries to lever the lid off.
"I'll... get you... out..." Alexander moans as he struggles to free his brother.
bwatford |
Alexander hurries to the elaborate coffin and finds a seam easy enough. Using his cane and all his weight the sarcophagus lid begins to slide and then......
Alexander comes back to consciousness on the sandstone floor. Clearing his head he looks around at the others, still a little disoriented.
Alexander Pierpoint |
"Tim..." Alexander starts to say. Then he winces, his face scrunching up as all his pains and aches come crashing down on him. "Ahh...! Erza's misty garterbelts... If - if anyone has a bit of healing power available, I would deeply appreciate it."