Dien's Entombed with the Pharaohs (Inactive)

Game Master dien

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It is indeed very hard to tell much about the scene before you from so far away and with dark goggles on your eyes.

As for asking for an audience/getting closer, the woman has already told you to enter and beckoned you closer.


Male Musetouched Aasimar Bard 6 (archaeologist) - HP 45/45 (-1 Wis) - AC 21/T: 15/FF: 17 - Perception +13 - F: +3/ R: +9*/ W: +5 - CMB: +6 - CMD: 21, Speed: 30, Init. +4

"I say we call their bluff," whispers Lyrian in modern Taldan. "This is a trick."

The aasimar has a twitchy look in his eyes, a sure sign he's considering something dangerous.


HP:12 | AC:16 ; T:11 ; FF:15 ; CMD:16/15 | Fort:+4 ; Ref:+3 ; Will:+2 | Init:+3 ; PER:+6 (Darkvision)

Shaggar hovers around the outside of the group, trying to avoid drawing attention to himself and decidedly unwilling to bend a knee to anyone.

He comments quietly, "What did the doors leading in here say?"

Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 2 = 25 v Humans

FWIW - I'm staying silent because diplo isn't Shaggar's forte but I don't have an issue with what anyone is doing. You've got my support.


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

Thing is the pharaoh, as I see it, is now addressing the remainder of the group - if you guys stay silent, I might just say you don't understand the language. Though I am still missing that point in Bluff I have been whining about for some time now :D


HP:12 | AC:16 ; T:11 ; FF:15 ; CMD:16/15 | Fort:+4 ; Ref:+3 ; Will:+2 | Init:+3 ; PER:+6 (Darkvision)

Hmmm... I've been waiting for the Pharoahs to respond more to your "knowledge" angle which is pretty much the approach I would have taken. Re-reading Dien's bit - it does sound like we are being asked to kneel, which I missed before. Given what the door said, I think we play this out.

Shaggar steps forward and takes a knee. He gestures to Hatyah who comes forward and sits down heavily and then drops a bone-cracking yawn and looks bored. He looks at the remaining team members with a 'you comin?' look. He says in ancient Osiriani, "How should we amuse you? Would a gnoll with desert manners and a friendly hyena meet your approval?"


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Rosalia looks from face to face of her colleagues before she huffs to herself and follows Shaggar in. She wordlessly takes a knee as well, though makes no attempt at obeisant words.

The three figures at the other end of the hall continue to watch you all.

"A jackal-man," says the tall, blue-robed man slowly. "An omen, perhaps: an emissary of Pharaz-mat's Hounds..."

"Or he is what he says he is, and a gnoll," the woman says in a dismissive tone of voice to the other's musing.

"Two of your number have yet to offer courtesy. If knowledge is truly what you seek.... it can be found in a scorpion pit as surely as it can in a scroll-- and the lesson lasts longer. Bow, you two, before I lose my patience for this droll game."

(Though she does not gesture specifically, it seems probable she is addressing Javi and Lyrian, as the two who have not knelt. I think Lyrian made his own views clear on the subject ;) -- Javi, are you doing anything in particular?)

(Let me know to what extent you are moving into the room: moving on the map is good if you can, or text description, whatever. The first square into the room stops right between two large statues facing it, so I don't know if people are actually stopping in that square or moving past it, unwilling to be standing there.)

(And no, Javi has seen no traps so far.)


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

"My apologies" - Heldar interjects, looking at the beautiful woman - "Not all my companions understand the language - I will translate"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

Then turning to the others, he smiles - "Best we play along, or quickly find another solution my friends"


HP 54/54 NL 1 :: AC 23 T 18 FF 16 :: CMD 23 :: F +8 R +12 W +4 :: Initiative +6 Perception +12 (-4 sight-based/+2 traps) :: Google Doc

Javi shakes his head as he follows Rosalia in. ”Let it never be said,” he grumps quietly at the group (though you can tell his curiosity about the pharaohs is getting the better of him), ”that Javi isn’t a team player.”

He drops lightly to a knee, taking a moment to tap the reflective floor-stones as if checking to see if they’re real.


HP 54/54 NL 1 :: AC 23 T 18 FF 16 :: CMD 23 :: F +8 R +12 W +4 :: Initiative +6 Perception +12 (-4 sight-based/+2 traps) :: Google Doc

Just so I'm not being a complete jack-ass, I have no idea what to do here, either ... Javi just doesn't like bending knee to folks. :)


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Lyrian, four of your team is goin' for the kneelin'. Just confirming that you're staying upright, and seeing if you had anything else you wanted to do before the pharaohs get a chance to respond. ;)


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I'm not 100% certain where Lyrian is right now, or what he's doing beyond his last-stated desire to not kneel, so...

When the archaeologist makes it clear he has no intention to kneel there is a momentary silence throughout the hall. Then the woman's laughter rings out through the room, echoing off the marble walls.

"That is new. How-- quaint. Well. You will kneel in death if you will not in life, little seeker. Anok Fero, a wager?"

"Must you draw everything out-- if you want him dead, then slay him and be done with it; I have no patience for your games, Ankana--"

"A wager," says the third figure, the masked one, silent until now, in a dry and rasping voice. "What terms, and what stakes?"

"That the proud one shall be the first one dead."

"I decline. Too easy for you to arrange, and handily win."

"Bah! And if I swore on the Pact that I would not attack him, nor my servants?"

The two pharaohs argue terms for a moment, their voices sinking too low to be heard on your side of the throne room, and then the woman's voice rings out again.

"Very well! What knowledge did the rest of you want? Quickly, now: the sooner I've granted your audience, the sooner you're getting that one killed, and the sooner I win. On what subjects do you wish education?"

Rosalia's head ping-pongs between those people in the group who can provide translation and are doing so in low voices.


Male Musetouched Aasimar Bard 6 (archaeologist) - HP 45/45 (-1 Wis) - AC 21/T: 15/FF: 17 - Perception +13 - F: +3/ R: +9*/ W: +5 - CMB: +6 - CMD: 21, Speed: 30, Init. +4

Ironically, it's Lyrian who is doing much of the translation.

In for a shield, in for a crown, thinks Lyrian.

"Can I get in on that wager?" he asks. "I've got one hundred gold crowns that says you're wrong."


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"No," the woman drawls.

Perception 30, or Sense Motive 20:
It's not exactly easy to tell much about the pharaohs from some eighty feet away, where the minor tics of facial expression cannot be seen, and all you really have to go on is a voice. That said...

There is something that does seem subtly off about all this. The pharoahs move very little-- there was gesturing and crossed arms when you first entered, but the pharaohs have settled into regal postures in their thrones, still facing you, but unmoving-- they do not turn their heads to one another when they speak to each other, for instance.

The voices of the pharaohs also seem exceptionally clear given the distance between you and them-- but then again, that could just be a function of the great acoustics of the audience hall.


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Rosalia Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Rosalia Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Rosalia looks at Lyrian as if she's not sure whether she's impressed or just thinks he's an idiot, once his words to the pharaohs are translated, and the pharaoh's words to them.

"...what sort of horrible curse do you think I'll end up with if I ask to be given the knowledge of this dead old tongue," she mutters in irritation. "This is maddening."


HP:12 | AC:16 ; T:11 ; FF:15 ; CMD:16/15 | Fort:+4 ; Ref:+3 ; Will:+2 | Init:+3 ; PER:+6 (Darkvision)

Hmmm... gonna have to test the limits of what they can do and try to trip this possible trap. Sorry, Hatyah.

Shaggar considers the word well. He indicates Hatyah, "My companion would be interested in mastering the art of stealth."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16


HP 54/54 NL 1 :: AC 23 T 18 FF 16 :: CMD 23 :: F +8 R +12 W +4 :: Initiative +6 Perception +12 (-4 sight-based/+2 traps) :: Google Doc

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26; -4 visual, +2 traps
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Javi frowns, then begins looking around the room, keeping his voice low. ”Yah, something’s wrong here … with those pharaohs. I’m guessing we’re in someone’s presence, but the question is ‘who?’.”

He stands up, making a show of dusting off his knees as he steps away from Rosalia. His voice is louder as he speaks to the ‘pharaohs’, ignoring for the moment the fact that they have only spoken in ancient Osiriana so far. ”Can I just get some gold or something? Knowledge is usually lost on me, anyway.”


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The woman makes an irritated scoffing noise at Shaggar's request. "Oh? And should the Ascended crawl about on four limbs to teach your little corpse-eater to sneak? While it is true I could use a new court fool, so far your attempts at humor are not distinguishing you for the position, dog-man.

"But let it not be said the Radiant Pharaoh breaks her word. I will teach your 'companion' the first part of stealth: caution."

There's a slight pause.

Shaggar:
And then Shaggar can hear a noise-- like a mosquito, almost, that high-pitched sound you're not sure if you just imagined or is there really something buzzing around your ears-- but it builds, to Hatyah's obvious distress and discomfort for Shaggar as well. Hatyah seems more affected than Shaggar, but the others in the group don't appear to hear or notice anything amiss. For Shaggar, it feels like the sound is pressing at his eardrums, painfully so.

Hatyah will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Hatyah growls and shifts restlessly, then drops to her belly and paws at her ears miserably a few seconds-- then yips sharply, and bolts from the room, running back into the previous chamber, unless Shaggar or someone restrains her.

The woman laughs. "Now that's funny."

Javi, were you speaking in modern Osiriani, or Common?


HP 54/54 NL 1 :: AC 23 T 18 FF 16 :: CMD 23 :: F +8 R +12 W +4 :: Initiative +6 Perception +12 (-4 sight-based/+2 traps) :: Google Doc

The stuff to the group was in Common. The openly-spoken stuff was in Osiriani. Sorry.


Male Musetouched Aasimar Bard 6 (archaeologist) - HP 45/45 (-1 Wis) - AC 21/T: 15/FF: 17 - Perception +13 - F: +3/ R: +9*/ W: +5 - CMB: +6 - CMD: 21, Speed: 30, Init. +4

In Taldane, Lyrian says "Yeah, I've had enough chuckles. Let's find out what's really going on here."


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(Gonna give Shaggar a chance to rep before I move forward.)


HP:12 | AC:16 ; T:11 ; FF:15 ; CMD:16/15 | Fort:+4 ; Ref:+3 ; Will:+2 | Init:+3 ; PER:+6 (Darkvision)

Shaggar lets Hatyah flee. He growls in terse Common, "That was an irritating sound attack." The gnoll turns flat eyes on the Pharaoh, gauging what her reaction tells him about them, their attitudes, and their possible limits. His look is unreadable as he reverts to speaking ancient Osiriani which he translates into Common. He words are polite and emotionless, "Time has passed and much about your reigns have been forgotten. I would know those lost facts, such as what the Fiend Pharaoh did to earn your wrath and his name."


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

At Shaggar's and Hatyah's reaction, the Oracle's eyes narrow, staring intently at both the scenery, and the pharaohs before them - he knows this cannot be true, unless they were thrown back in time through some immensely powerful magic, just by entering the room - it is an option he does not immediately discard, but one he is not ready to accept yet.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Speaking in Common to the ones closeby:

"This is all wrong - they almost do not move, and their voices are too clear for this distance" - he comments - "As if this was all inside our head..? We need to move closer, and if we do, we go decisively as a group"

There isn't much he can do to prepare for whatever may happen from then onward, but he feels somewhat reassured by the tingling feeling that connects his life force with his companions.


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"I say that when I get close enough to tell what sort of spell is up on them, I'll cast to tell what magic this is," Rosalia mutters in quiet Taldane as well. "But if they attack us at that... well, I guess we'll be ready for it? Unless anyone doesn't want me to cast a spell."

It sounds like people are okay with moving closer? Rosalia would need to be within 60' to cast detect magic and get the pharaohs within its range.

"My, you do take your time, don't you? It is a wonder you have survived so long to reach my.... our... throne room," the woman sighs.

But at Shaggar's words, she lets out a small, disgusted noise. "We don't speak of the traitor, little jackal. He broke faith and broke pact. I grow bored!"

(To clarify, by this point it should be solid party IC knowledge, due to various checks you've made and things you've read, that the pharaoh names are/were as follows:

Fiend Pharaoh/Hetshepsu
Radiant Pharaoh/Ankana
Cerulean Pharaoh/Anok Fero
Pharaoh of Numbers/ ?

Unless Shaggar was just asking for the Fiend Pharaoh's name to fish for info/reactions, in which case, ignore me. ;)


HP:12 | AC:16 ; T:11 ; FF:15 ; CMD:16/15 | Fort:+4 ; Ref:+3 ; Will:+2 | Init:+3 ; PER:+6 (Darkvision)

My mistake. I thought it was Fiend Pharaoh not the Pharaoh of Numbers whose name is unknown. I was trying to ferret out that guy's name figuring it might be useful later.


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

Heldar is ok with moving closer - time to unmask this charade! :D


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The little group moves cautiously closer, feet scuffing over the smooth, opulent marble. Somewhere back in the room behind them, Hatyah lets out an anxious whine at Shaggar getting further away from her. Rook is nowhere to be seen-- she ran off with Hatyah, it seems.

(Forgot that Rook would probably be able to hear it too. Cats!)

As soon as Rosalia is within sixty feet, she begins to cast a spell, trying to stay slunk behind the others so that it's not immediately evident what she's doing.

"--nff. Yes. Lots of magic," she whispers to the others. "Let me try and focus on auras--"

At that point there's a shout from behind the group-- a male, human voice-- echoing somewhere from the rooms they've already come from.

In Taldane: "Imivus! Get back from it! Oh-- gods--!"

The pharaohs do not appreciably react to any of this.


Male Musetouched Aasimar Bard 6 (archaeologist) - HP 45/45 (-1 Wis) - AC 21/T: 15/FF: 17 - Perception +13 - F: +3/ R: +9*/ W: +5 - CMB: +6 - CMD: 21, Speed: 30, Init. +4

Lyrian prepares to cast haste as soon as any more foes may be seen.


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

Imivus... - Heldar recolected the name. It was the one described as maybe an astronomer, who died at the hands of his companion - heart torn out from his chest. He remembered the tale, and could not help looking back.

Turning around, he focuses his eyes on the path they came from - "This place is haunted like no other I have ever seen" - he whispers, trying to discern if there is actually anything or anyone behind them or not.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28


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Heldar looks back into the room from which they came. Given the angles of the respective doorways, he cannot see past the open double doors that led into that room. He does see Hatyah and Rook, growling uneasily (in Hatyah's case) and hissing (in Rook's case).

The sounds seem to be coming from past those double doors. As Heldar listens, they rise to a gurgling scream that is abruptly cut off.


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

"Do you hear that?" - he questions his companions - "We need to unmask this charade. Something is terribly wrong here" - he urges them to move forward.

Actually waiting for people to move their counters in Roll20, as I don't think Heldar should take point ;)


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Javi, Shaggar, gimme your reactions if/when you can. I know you in particular are busy right now, Javi. ;) If I don't hear from people tomorrow, I'll GM Shaggar and Javi and Rosalia. SUCH JUGGLING!


HP:12 | AC:16 ; T:11 ; FF:15 ; CMD:16/15 | Fort:+4 ; Ref:+3 ; Will:+2 | Init:+3 ; PER:+6 (Darkvision)

Apologies, Dien, for not pushing things along. I wanted to give Javi a chance to post (if he had the time) as I know your game is one of his faves. I moved Shaggar forward per Heldar's request last night but I was wiped out and forgot to mention that in thread. Sorry for that as well. I pushed Shaggar forward because that seemed to be the plan before we heard the ghost sounds behind us so I think we should carry through on that, have Rosalia scan for magic, etc.
The ghost sounds behind us could be a distraction. If not, well Rook and Hatyah will see the problem coming.

Despite getting the name wrong in my post, Shaggar would have asked for the Pharaoh of Numbers name - just testing how fake these guys are...

Shaggar doesn't take his focus off the Pharaohs as he approaches. He notes - but doesn't comment on - the Shining Pharaoh's evasion of his question about the Fiend Pharaoh. "And the name of the Pharaoh of Numbers, o' Shining One?"

Sense Motive (in case she throws out a BS name): 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 4 = 22 v Undead

Status:
AC:20 | HP: 69 / 69
Non-Lethal: 68 /69
Effects:
Heroism - 70 min - +2 on ATT/Saves/Skills


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No problem, Shaggar.

Neither the Radiant Pharaoh nor either of the other two pharaohs make any response to Shaggar's question. He pads forward across the marble, claws clicking, and eyes narrowed for any tells.

The three seated figures seem to have stopped moving entirely. Their heads do not track Shaggar's approach, as might be expected when a gnoll walks up within thirty feet of one's throne.

Rosalia's voice says uneasily, "So we're just going to ignore those sounds? Rook, can you see anything?"

The cat yowls from the other room, which Rosalia seems to take as a 'no'.

"Right, then," she says, and continues her focus on her spell.

The noise from out in the previous chambers rises to a calamity of feet racing on stone, like a troop of guardsmen thundering down a hallway, perhaps... or a band of Chelish adventurers fleeing a dark fate, who knows?

Rosalia ignores it.

Rosalia Kn Arcana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Rosalia Kn Arcana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Rosalia Kn Arcana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

"...there's a lot of magic in here," Rosalia says after a few seconds, over the clamor from several rooms away. A little sweat stands out on her pale brow. "I can't quite identify all of it, but it must have been a pretty powerful wizard to cast these... Lyrian was right, though: It's mostly all illusion. Some evocation over on the windows?"


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

"I am not ignoring the sounds Rosalia" - Heldar retorts - "But Imivus is dead - we know that since we left the capital. This can only be a haunting, or some sort of magical effect. And it seems we have other, more pressing matters to look at first" - he adds reslute, continuing to follow their companions towards the pharaohs - "As an illusion, it is is persistent as I have ever seen - why can't we just shake it away?" - he ponders aloud.


HP 54/54 NL 1 :: AC 23 T 18 FF 16 :: CMD 23 :: F +8 R +12 W +4 :: Initiative +6 Perception +12 (-4 sight-based/+2 traps) :: Google Doc

Javi’s dark eyes flash from the fake pharaohs (fake-roahs?) to the door behind them. ”I don’t know. Not at all that I’m beginning to suspect everything in here is some elaborate trap, but if this room is some elaborate trap, maybe the pharaohs are meant to keep us distracted while we get hit from behind … though usually the threat from behind would be quieter were that the case.”

All this is said as the small former thief is skulking quietly forward. His blade rasps into his hand. He continues watching for traps as he prepares for whatever’s about to happen.

Moved Javi deeper into the room, mirroring Shaggar's movement, but along the wall.
New Trap check (in case the new vantage point allows it)..
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14; -4 visual; +2 for traps.

As he gets deeper into the room (and towards the Rosalia-noted magic effects), he can’t help but ask, ”So, evocation is … like … big boom magic, huh?”


Male Musetouched Aasimar Bard 6 (archaeologist) - HP 45/45 (-1 Wis) - AC 21/T: 15/FF: 17 - Perception +13 - F: +3/ R: +9*/ W: +5 - CMB: +6 - CMD: 21, Speed: 30, Init. +4

Against his better judgment, Lyrian moves forward in support of Javi, still ready to cast haste at the first sign of trouble.


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Rosalia spellcraft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Rosalia shrugs. "It does seem really persistent... but I've never heard of an illusion that could carry on a long conversation with someone, either."

Javi, meanwhile, slinks along the wall. He discovers no traps. He's very close to the open windows with their ongoing view of the bustling city and the surreal sight of an immense cascade of water pouring from mid-air.

However, he notices the air in this room now seems still again, as opposed to the desert breeze he felt coming from the windows when he first opened the door.

Behind you, the noises from the areas you have already come through fall silent. The three pharaohs sit motionless and regal.


HP 54/54 NL 1 :: AC 23 T 18 FF 16 :: CMD 23 :: F +8 R +12 W +4 :: Initiative +6 Perception +12 (-4 sight-based/+2 traps) :: Google Doc

"Makes one wonder," Javi responds in Taldan, "if there is some unseen person making these illusory puppets dance, no?"

He continues in Osiriani as he continues slowly, quietly forward. "Our pharaohs seem to have gotten a bit stiff. Maybe someone else here is willing to have a chat?"

Map position updated. Lyrian, if Javi is stretching your ability to get us all Hasted, keep your priority on retaining a good strategic position. I'm trying to fish out whatever-it-is that we're dealing with here, but don' want to get you out of position if you're uncomfortable.


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

Heldar follows his companion's queue - "Perhaps too coward, or simply ugly" - he chuckles - "To show itself..?"

Keeping close to his companions he adds - "We'll find out soon enough. It is... Inevitable..."


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It does make one wonder.

And yet, as Javi creeps forward.... nothing happens. The stones beneath his feet still feel solid. The pharaohs do not move or look at his approach. The musicians that stopped playing when he first entered stand with their arms lowered and heads bowed-- it's all as still as a painting.

You can all hear low, hyenic (hyenoid? Hyena-ish?) growling and snarling from the room where Hatyah and Rook fled to.

Shaggar only, Sense motive 15 or Handle Animal 15:
Shaggar, that is clearly a hyena's snarl... but it's not Hatyah. You'd be hard-pressed to explain exactly what the difference in sound quality is, but you know Hatyah's every yip and whine, and that's not her.


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

Now Heldar hesitates - he is not sure whether to move forward, or backtrack. His mind races, trying to understand what seems like a game of cat and mouse. Could the sounds they heard from behind them be related to what seems like an illusion in this one?

When he listens to the sounds, the oracle instinctively looks over his shoulder, trying to shift his position to peer at where Hatyah and Rook are supposed to be.

Perception?: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34


HP 54/54 NL 1 :: AC 23 T 18 FF 16 :: CMD 23 :: F +8 R +12 W +4 :: Initiative +6 Perception +12 (-4 sight-based/+2 traps) :: Google Doc

Already committed to his search, Javi continues skulking around the perimeter of the room … wary of trap or illusion. While his concern that this is a distraction grows, the past few days and weeks have given him confidence that his teammates can watch the other direction as he makes sure there is nothing but figments and falsehoods to be found in this end of the room.

Position updated, took another single move action, continuing around the perimeter.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24; -4 visual, +2 vs. traps
Stealth: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28


HP:12 | AC:16 ; T:11 ; FF:15 ; CMD:16/15 | Fort:+4 ; Ref:+3 ; Will:+2 | Init:+3 ; PER:+6 (Darkvision)

Shaggar's ears slide backwards. "Whatever growls... it isn't Hatyah. We should precipitate things here or fall back and see what lurks in the hall." Shaggar lays aside his axe and pulls out his bow, eyeing the Pharaoh that hasn't spoken.

Let's bust a move peeps. If we want to trigger things here, I'm going to put arrows into the Pharaohs and see how stupid that is. If we want to fall back, say so and I'll follow suit.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

Arrow to the gut is my vote ;)


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HP 54/54 NL 1 :: AC 23 T 18 FF 16 :: CMD 23 :: F +8 R +12 W +4 :: Initiative +6 Perception +12 (-4 sight-based/+2 traps) :: Google Doc

Oh, sure, wait til I'm way over here in the corner THEN decide to go with that option. :)
I'm good either way. I agree that we need to quickly determine what we're dealing with here so we can address what's going on outside.


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

You'll be fine - Javi is a resourceful fella :D


HP:12 | AC:16 ; T:11 ; FF:15 ; CMD:16/15 | Fort:+4 ; Ref:+3 ; Will:+2 | Init:+3 ; PER:+6 (Darkvision)

Seeing the nods from his comrades, he wastes no more time. His bow twangs twice as he puts arrows into the pharaoh who hasn't spoken followed by the woman.

FULL: Longbow (crit: 20/3x/110'):
MODS: Magic, ???
HIT: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
DAM: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

HIT: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
DAM: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Technically, all three of the pharaohs have spoken by this point, but I knew which one you meant. ;)

Javi tiptoes, and Shaggar says 'to hell with this' and sends two arrows zipping through the air into a man who should be long dead.

GM:
Javi: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 4 = 12
Heldar: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 4 = 20
Lyrian: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 4 = 10
Rosalia: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 4 = 26

Shaggar, Rosalia, Heldar:
You see Shaggar's arrows pass right through the body and thunk into the back of the throne, burying deeply into wood and gold. For a moment, there's a weird overlay where you can see the chair, the arrows, and the body simultaneously-- then you blink and the room... changes.

You can still see the resplendent beauty of the room, but it seems merely a thin layer of translucent paint over the actual room. The light from the windows is not as strong: the flaming brazier is empty and long-since cold; the water-fountain is bone-dry and dusty. The dais holds only empty and abandoned thrones, each inhabited by the see-through, illusory image of the regal figures.

Interestingly, the scene outside the windows is actually still quite vibrant and moving-- the water flows, palm trees wave in the wind, people bustle by on the streets-- but in this room, the only motion is you yourselves.

Javi & Lyrian:
You see Shaggar's arrows strike solidly into the torso of the pharaoh with a noise like they had hit solid wood. The pharaoh doesn't flinch, and no blood appears at the impact point where the arrows jut from his black robes.

The third pharaoh's dry, rasping voice says in Ancient Osiriani, "If mere arrows could slay me, mortal, I would not still be here."


Male Half-Elf Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 7 || Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +14 || - hp 51/51 Spell slots: 3rd (3/5) - 2nd (7/7) - 1st (6/8) - 0 (at will) || Channel (1/8) || Energy Body (7/7)

Dien:

So the Pharaoh, or an image, or something similar, is still there Dien?


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Heldar:
It's an illusion spell. You have successfully disbelieved the illusion. The rules are rather vague on what happens when that happens, but I am interpreting that as you can still 'see' the illusion, but you know it's false, and it no longer takes precedence over you seeing the reality of the room beneath/behind the illusion. Basically you see a wispy, translucent image of the pharaoh sitting there. Make sense?

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