Labyrinth Souls (Inactive)

Game Master Mighty Glacier

Kekkle steps forward towards the shade of Altruistic Phila. "Erm, hello? My name is Kekkle, can you hear me?"

The shady phantom does not react to Kekkle's question. She continues staring forward: it seems as if she cannot hear Kekkle, not because she does not want to respond.

As Kekkle positively considers joining the order, he feels an instinctual need to kneel down and lower his head. Perhaps that would confirm the choice, seeing that the recruiter is unable to communicate further.

Confirm?

Kekkle does so, albeit with some reluctance. It wasn't everyday commands spontaneously entered ones head.

Ushio stares in awe at the second of the symbols; the labyrinthine pattern. He unwraps his clothed hand and grips strongly. When he unclasps his hand an equally labyrinth-like pattern is stretched around his forearm, glowing as bright as a torch.
"What - What does this even begin to mean...?"
Popped a daily of Marked by unknown forces.

Ushio's sigil in his palm is very similar, but not identical to the labyrinthine pattern found on the second emblem. Whatever could this strange pattern represent?

Kekkle reluctantly kneels down and waits, confused and excited. After a moment of silence he receives a vision. The scarecrow is surrounded by sheep, each looking exactly the same. The sheep sing in unison, and something large arises from the horizon. He is momentarily blinded by light, and then awakens.

Kekkle joined Order of Sheep covenant!
Lost 4 souls.

Kekkle feels different. It is as if he is oozing life energy: he feels no weakness, no fear. With this much life force, it wouldn't be a wonder if not even death could harm him.

With the contract fulfilled, the first shade manifests in the hallway. The female gnome bows. "Be welcomed, new sheep of the herd. As you may already know, the sheep can never truly die. The shepherd has collected the daily tax from you," she says while pointing at Kekkle's chest. "As long as you pay this tax you can be at ease: the herd will keep you alive even if you were to fall."

"Oh, where are my manners! My name is Phila. If you have any wounds, let me tend them now. We will need all our strength if we are to defeat the monster ahead. Beyond this fog wall awaits a monster that utilizes poison to weaken its target and sheer strength to finish the victim. I also hear the monster is hideous, and must not be looked at. I'm afraid that is all I know." She's a 2nd level Life Oracle.

"Valuable information, Miss Phila. Is it only the creature's face that is deadly or its form entire? I have a flask of antivenom which will likely come in handy- shall we prepare ourselves and enter?"

Elyna checks through her things and eventually settles. "I don't have a lot but I'm up for it."

"We should take the opportunity to discuss who will take this antitoxin, as it's a preventative measure- not an antidote. I'm fairly hardy and I'll be toe to toe with whatever fiend awaits us- perhaps it's best that Ushio or Pahleg drink this down, so that we shore up their resistance? Or I can try to hold its focus while the rest of you attack at range..."

The female gnome named Phila shakes her head. "I am truly sorry. Us faithful sheep oft share our experiences, but I have only heard one tale told of this fiend." She bows her head as an apology.

"Details of its hideousness are unknown to me. I would assume the face... but nay, I cannot say for sure."

"Well I for one cannot say no to help from somebody who has already proven to be so helpful! If you are up for it I say we join forces for some jolly cooperation to take down this ugly beast!"

Yeah, regardless of personal thoughts, Pahleg will almost always be up for inviting any offered shades.

Ulrich squares his shoulders and readies his sword. He hands the vial of antitoxin to Pahleg.
"Here- drink this. We need to keep you on your feet, priest. If you're all prepared, let us begin our assault!"

The party discusses some practical details and, once everyone are set, faces the fog wall. Lead by Ulrich and followed by Ushio, Pahleg, Elyna, Kekkle and the summoned gnome, the party enters through the fog. Once everyone have crossed to the other side, the fog becomes more dense, preventing anyone from leaving.

The area behind the fog gate is revealed to be a massive cavern. Unlike the paved stone you have used to seeing in the Labyrinth, this cavern is a new sight. There are corpses all over the cavern, lying on the ground, some still holding on to weapons and torches. Along with the torches that are still somehow burning, stalactites from the ceiling provide dim light in the cavern.

In the middle of this cavern stands a towering ghost-like aberration. At first you cannot comprehend what it is, but as you gaze at it long enough you start to see it is a giant scorpion-like creature that glows in dark.

The scorpion notices you, and turns at the entrance. You are momentarily paralyzed by fear as it gazes back at you and reveals its shocking aspect: where its head would be is instead a humanoid face. The face is that of an attractive male elf, which smiles in a charming but eerie way. Looking at this ungodly monster is against all natural instincts.

Swallowing your fear, you launch into combat...

Brave-Faced Scorpion

61 / 61

Battle map, now in Google Spreadsheet! Tell me if you can't access the sheet properly. You are now in B16F. You need to scroll down a bit to see the area. Good luck!

"Alright, I think it's best we spread out..." Elyna says as she moves into position and flames gather in a vortex in her open hand, before she unleashes the ball of fire onto the scorpion.

Moving to AE/30, firing my kinetic blast with burning infusion (accepting 1 point of burn = 2 nonlethal damage only curable by a full nights rest.

Your kinetic blast ignites your foes. Whenever an infused blast hits a foe and penetrates its spell resistance, that foe catches on fire, regardless of whether it takes damage. A foe that catches fire takes 1d6 points of fire damage each round until the fire is extinguished. Against a creature on fire from this infusion, any fire kinetic blasts gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls, to DCs, and on caster level checks to overcome spell resistance.

Reflex DC 15 negates the burning

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Ulrich hustles in his heavy armor, rushing into the scorpion's proximity to try and hold its attention.

Double move to AB 35.

Ushio will double move into AC/38, avoiding being threatened by moving around. I assume a dagger was drawn in preparation for the fight. With dagger drawn, he proclaims "Lets wipe that look off your face, vile creature."

Round 1

Elyna moves forward and hurls a searing blast of flames at the enemy. Ref: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 The glowing giant does not seem that bothered by the fire. Elyna, on the other hand, feels disturbed looking at the enemy's unnatural face and its smile, and she feels physical pain. Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3 Will: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8 Take 3 damage from its gaze.

Ulrich dashes at the enemy, hoping to draw its attention. AoO, sting: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 The scorpion's massive stinger attempts to impale him, but Ulrich uses his shield to block the attack. His shield, however, won't block his sight from marveling the abomination's horrid face. Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3 Will: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16 Take 1 damage from its gaze.

Ulrich feels a bond forming between himself and Phila. "Courage, knight!" the summoned healer shouts. You are now under the effects of Life Link oracle revelation. Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3 Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Phila took 3 damage from its gaze.

Ushio dashes around the cavern, trying to find a weak spot in the abomination's defense. He slips past the scorpion's heavy claws while Ulrich keeps the monster busy. On his way behind the scorpion, it flashes a smile at Ushio, giving him chills. Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2 Will: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8 Take 2 damage from its gaze. And yep, you all were holding weapons when you entered, naturally. But why the dagger instead of your masterwork rapier?

The glowing scorpion slams Ulrich with one of its massive claws.
Claw 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 CMB vs CMD 13: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34 Time to google those grappling rules...
Constrict: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
The knight is unable to block the devastating attack, and is caught by the scorpion, grappled by the huge claws.

With lifelink, I'll heal 5 hp damage on her turn next round, correct?

As he's immediately grabbed by the abominable thing, Ulrich grits his teeth as his midsection is crushed, spitting blood in the scorpion's general direction.

Round 1

Kekkle steels himself as best he can against the scorpions unearthly gaze and draws his cards. He was running low at this point; only a dozen left. Time to make them count.

"Talk about counting cards..." he chuckles to himself.

He starts channeling arcane energy, infusing a card with powerful elemental energy.

Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 :(

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cold Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Swift Action to use Arcane Pool to add +1 enhancement to cards. Standard Action to cast Snowball (DC 13). Using Harrowed Spellstrike to deliver the attack with a card.

Everybody, please remember to keep your statlines up to date. If I have nothing else to do then I will attack, but if somebody is hurting I will do what I can to keep them alive.

Pahleg grimaces at the damage the creature is doing from nothing but glances. However, that is not a winning strategy when I am in the battle! "Stay somewhat close to me!" He shouts, running into the room and channeling relieving healing magic into his allies.

Channel: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Move action strait south and using selective channeling to exclude the scorpion

Pahleg gains 2 temp hit points for 1 min and can no longer gain temp hit points from healing today.

Round 1

Correct, Ulrich.

Kekkle imbues a card with arcane coldness and flings it at the scorpion. Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 lol The scorpion flinches and seems to suffer damage, but is not slowed down. Kekkle is hurt when he sees the face continues its unnerving smile. Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 You know the drill I guess? 1 damage. I moved you so that you wouldn't take range penalty (darts have 20 feet range increment, right?)

Pahleg runs forward and calls for his god to heal the wounded. (Phila is at full, Elyna is at full (and her burn damage), Kekkle is at full, Ulrich has 12 dmg, Ushio is out of range) The scorpion gazes at the cleric, looking him in the eyes. Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Take 2 damage from its gaze.

The giant scorpion lets go of Ulrich, dropping him to his feet. It then rushes at party members in the back. Ulrich, while a bit hurt from, takes the opportunity to slash at the monster. AoO: 1d6d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Pahleg is saved by his armor that deflects the attack. What kind of armor were you wearing again? Your gear tab isn't very up-to-date.

The guidance buff is now gone (did not change anything). Ushio, remember your buffs. Same for you, Ulrich, and I can hint that yes the boss counts as Evil.

Brave-Faced Scorpion

39 / 61

Round 2

"You WILL burn!" Elyna exclaims as she steps back while flame gathers between her hands and she unleashes a blast of fire upon the monster.

5-foot step to AF/29, gather energy to reduce burn i take by 1 and use burning infusion again. Using my guidance bonus to hit.

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

I've factored in Pahleg's healing burst- on Phila's turn I'll add the lifelink healing to bring me back up to 20 hp, I believe.

"FACE ME, DEMON!", Ulrich howls, swinging his sword into the scorpion's carapace.

Longsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 171d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

AC is Normal as charging re-balanced it.

Ushio spits up blood as the steely look from the scorpion cuts into him. Roaring with determination, Ushio peddles quickly at the beast with the dagger fixed with the full force of his charge!

Charge into square 34/AC

+3 from weapon finesse, dex. +2 from charge. +2 from flanking.
Charge: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Awwww... Well, good attempt.
If Hit:: 1d4 + 1 + 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (5) + (3) = 10

I'm in a hurry so this'll be brief.

Round 2

I made a GM blunder in my last post and thought that Ulrich's AoO was the scorpion's attack. Fixing: Sting: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 9 damage, but no poison for you.

Elyna shoots, doesn't hit. 1d4 ⇒ 3 will: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12 3 damage.

Ulrich swings, does hit. 1d4 ⇒ 3 will: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2 3 damage.

Ulrich heals 5 hp, Phila takes 5 damage. Phila casts clw on self. CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 And back to full.

Ushio charges, boss gets AoO. AoO, Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9CMB vs CMD 14: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28Constrict: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 YOU DIED

Scorpion attacks Kekkle. Sting: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 12 damage, no poison.

If you see any mistakes let me know.

** spoiler omitted **

I'm in a hurry so this'll be brief.

Round 2

I made a GM blunder in my last post and thought that Ulrich's AoO was the scorpion's attack. Fixing: [dice=Sting]d20+6 [dice=damage]d6+8 [dice=Fort]d20+5 9 damage, but no poison for you.

Elyna shoots, doesn't hit. d4 [dice=will]d20+0 3 damage.

Ulrich swings, does hit. d4 [dice=will]d20-2 3 damage.

Ulrich heals 5 hp, Phila takes 5 damage. Phila casts clw on self. [dice=CLW]d8+2 And back to full.

Ushio charges, boss gets AoO. [dice=AoO, Claw]d20+6[dice=Damage]d6+8[dice=CMB vs CMD 14]d20+14[dice=Constrict]1d6+4 YOU DIED

Scorpion attacks Kekkle. [dice=Sting]d20+6 [dice=damage]d6+8 [dice=Fort]d20+4 12 damage, no poison.

If you see any mistakes let me know.

The charge full round action does not provoke an attack of opportunity. Ushio should still be up.

And while this might be too late, since I acted before the scorpion in turn order on the first round, it was considered flat-footed until its first turn in initiative- which means that it would not have gotten an attack of opportunity when I moved into melee with it on the first round.

Errata Post

Round 1

Brave-Faced Scorpion's turn
The giant scorpion lets go of Ulrich, dropping him to his feet. It then rushes at party members in the back. Ulrich, while a bit hurt from the constrict, takes the opportunity to slash at the monster, (AoO 10) but is too dizzy to hit. (Sting 9 damage, no poison) The scorpion thrusts its stinger at Pahleg, leaving a noticeable wound but no other ill effects.

Round 2

Phila's turn
Phila forfeits some of her life force to heal Ulrich's wounds. She turns her back on the monster, avoiding its gaze. With her back turned, she starts healing her own wounds. (CLW heals 7 hp, back to full) "Beware the fiend's gaze! Avert your eyes to avoid its curse!" she advices.

Ushio's turn
Ushio bravely charges the giant enemy from behind, his dagger burning in sunlight. (No AoO from the enemy) Despite all that, the scorpion's thick hide resists the attack.

edit:

Ushio's turn

Ushio bravely charges the giant enemy from behind, his dagger burning in sunlight. (Does provoke AoO, because movement during charge provokes) The scorpion turns around, swipes Ushio with its massive claws, and crushes him to death. (17 damage) YOU DIED

Round 2

Kekkle cries out in pain as the stinger strikes him. He wore no armor to mitigate the blow and was nearly leveled by its ferocity.

Sorry guys, I don't think I can pull off a the concentration check for a spell and this guy has reach so I'm kind of stuck (I think I'd provoke from the second square with Withdraw), lest I suffer the same fate as Ushio.

Clutching at his wound he shuffles away from the scorpion and covers his eyes, so as to avoid its gaze.

5' step one square north. Standard Action to enter Total Defense (AC is 17 until next round).

Well, it already had one attack of opportunity vs. Ushio... so maybe it doesn't have combat reflexes? But I understand if you aren't inclined to take that risk.

Not with 3 hp, no. 'sides, I only have burning hands and color spray left.

Round 2

Wounded Kekkle hops backwards, avoiding the scorpion to best of his ability, and closes his eyes.

GMPC Pahleg channels energy to heal his companions. Channel: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Ulrich is at 8 damage, Kekkle at 10, Pahleg at 5, and Elyna at 1 damage. Phila is at full. Following the shade's advice and Kekkle's example, he closes his eyes while divine energy soothes the party.

The scorpion with face swipes at Pahleg. Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 The attack is wildly inaccurate; is the monster growing tired? Its face tells otherwise, continuing its serene and mysterious smile.

Brave-Faced Scorpion

31 / 61

Round 3

"Try that on me, bastard!", Ulrich shouts, swinging his sword at the scorpion's rear flank.

Longsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 121d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

While maintaining her distance Elyna gather's energy to hurl yet another ball of clame at the monster.

Again, burning infusion, with gather energy so i don't suffer burn, and 5-foot step to AF/28
Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

No real reason to 5 foot step TBH. Channeling doesn't provoke and if it wants to attack me it will. Might as well provide flanking.

Pahleg tiredly keeps up the healing. They will survive this.

Channel: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I may have forgotten to roll some gaze damage in round 2, but who cares?

Round 3

Elyna continues backing away and shooting fire. Ref: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 Despite being emerges in flames, the scorpion does not seem to catch on fire. Will: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3 1 damage.

Ulrich's longsword almost penetrates the monster's skin, but not quite. Will: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 1 damage.

With her eyes closed Phila bleeds for Ulrich, takes a step back and kneels in front of Kekkle. "Courage, lamb." CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The faced scorpion dashes towards the back, having set its sight on Elyna. The maneuver is brash, and gives opportunities for Ulrich and Pahleg. (Kekkle is in total defense.)
Ulrich's AoO, longsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Miss.
Pahleg's AoO, longspear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 Hit!
Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14CMB vs CMD 11: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32Constrict: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 (22 damage total, 23 with the gaze.)
The scorpion's claw is hurt by Elyna's searing flesh, but catches still catches and strangles her for some time.

"I told you you will burn!" Elyna yells with mad defiance in her voice as she bursts into a sudden wave of extra heat and then goes limp.

I accept 1 point of burn meaning 2 nonlethal damage, so I will go unconscious and take 1 point of lethal damage. For this the scorpion takes 1 point of extra damage from my searing flesh. doubled to two points because he's grappling me.

Ulrich hustles after the scorpion 20 feet to AD31, likely drawing an AoO and tries to carve it up with his sword again.

Longsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 161d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Round 3

Bolstered by the phantoms healing, Kekkle moves into a better position and release a burst of fire from his gullet, adding it to Elyna's own.

Standard Action to use Burning Hands (DC 13) SLA. Targeting AD 30 for the start of the cone, extending east (shouldn't hit anyone else besides the scorpion). Can I still avoid its gaze since I don't LoS for this spell?

Casting Defensively (DC 17): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Burning Hands: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

Round 3

Elyna accepts burn, intensifying her searing flesh. I looked the ability up and couldn't find out what kind of action it is to accept burn in this way, so I ruled it as an immediate action. But I don't think the nonlethal damage would cause you to go unconscious, it doesn't add to lethal damage.

Kekkle releases a burst of fire which scorches the scorpion. Technically you could try to avert your eyes, which would give you 50% chance to ignore the gaze but give concealment to the enemy. Let's see what the dice have to say. Avert: 1d100 ⇒ 82 Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 36 So no averting but no concealment either. Exciting. Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 And look, no damage anyway! Funny how it works.

Pahleg heals the party. Everyone are at full, except Elyna who has 19 damage.

The scorpion releases Elyna, dropping her on the ground. The scorpion remains motionless for a while, being visibly in a weakened state. Its face yet continues to smile as it turns to Kekkle, staring at him continuously. Damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 = 8 Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Take 8 damage, but no other effects.

Brave-Faced Scorpion

7 / 61

Round 4

Elyna delays.

Ulrich charges at the weakened scorpion, whose stinger reacts to the attack. AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Ulrich blocks the stinger with his sturdy shield, and slashes several of the scorpion's legs off.

With that, the faced scorpion collapses and fades to ashes and dust, leaving behind a stream of souls.

VICTORY ACHIEVED

Obtained 100 souls.

Brave-Faced Soul

Soul of the Brave-Faced Scorpion, a monster with elven face.

Use to acquire numerous souls, or perhaps exchange it for something of great worth.

The brave elf appeared in the Labyrinth like everyone before him. He was skilled, charismatic and good-looking, and thus founded the society with the goal of getting out.
Alas, bravery is not always enough.

As you catch your breath and adore the victory, Phila bows and vanishes in thin air. Her contract was fulfilled.

There is no sign of Ushio. Was the victory truly worth the loss of yet another companion? 1d6 ⇒ 2

"Elyna!" Pahleg cries, running past the fallen enemy. With an incantation and a glowing hand, he tries to close her wounds.

CLW: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Ok, I'm officially all out of lv 1 spells.

Kekkle winces as he pushes straw and life-goo back into his open wounds. Once everyone gets themselves back together (and somebody sees to Ushio's remains), he'll start searching the other bodies in the room.

Ulrich stands over the empty leathers and discarded weapons that were Ushio.
"I knew you little, Master Takei, but you died bravely in common cause with me and I salute you. May you rest easy, if rest can be secured from this place."

He picks up one of the fallen fetchling's daggers, pricks a finger with it and writes "USHIO TAKEI" on the ground where he fell before binding up his finger with a strip of his tunic and gathering the late rogue's things.

However what I didn't realize, is that nonlethal damage only becomes lethal damage when it exceeds your maximum hit points, so I could have safely accepted the maximum of 7 burn to deal even more damage.

As for what kind of action it is, I don't know, but immediate seems logical.

Elyna wakes with a start, coughing: "Did... did we do it?!

Elyna's severe wounds close noticeably. She's at 8 damage.

Kekkle examines the other bodies in the room. While he is searching for items, a thought pops in his head: if people who die fade to ash and dust, how can there be corpses left behind?

He pushes the question aside and continues investigating. All six corpses were carrying torches, all still lit: maybe they passed away not long ago? Five of the corpses belonged to males: there is one half-elf, two elves, one half-orc and one halfling corpse. The one female was a halfling as well. All of them have their clothing torn apart, and curiously each corpse has something black on them: some have black scarves, another has a black tabard, black trousers on some and so on.

After a careful examination, Kekkle finds the following: a leathery spellbook, two katanas, a claymore, a large shield, a key, and a soul.

@Elyna: I think you can only accept up to 1 burn per round or something. In the future, put large ooc like that in spoilers or on discussion thread, ok?

"Yes, the beast is slain. Though not without cost..."

Ulrich surveys the corpses, a hit of greed lighting his eye when it lands on that large shield.

"All nonhumans in black. Would this be the remnants of the scorpion-elf's society... or simply some other covenant?"

Pahleg takes a moment to grieve for his fallen ally. "You trusted me to protect you, and I've failed you. I'm truly sorry." He hangs his head in silence for a moment, but turns back to his living allies. There will be more time to properly mourn later, for now he had living allies to consider. "Make sure they're not actually undead just pretending to be dead. Perhaps it has something to do with the black."

Ulrich nudges the fallen halfling with his foot before kneeling to check for vital signs.

None of the corpses show any signs of life; or unlife for that matter.

"Hmm. Living or dead, they aren't moving. Unless someone else wants to cut them apart, I say we leave them."

The one-eyed knight looks around for an exit. "Shall we press forward or return to the merchant or apothecary?"