Way of the Wicked - a Tale of the Fall of Talingarde
Game Master Mark Sweetman

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 Gurthock perception
1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1 Shen perception

Shendalyn appears deaf and dumb while a jaunty tune plays in his head while thinking rather more than a few indecent thoughts staring at Albina.

"It is worth a shot I suppose. It''s supposed to be a useful tool. But how would we use it? Is it a magic item? Perhaps one of us can discern its secrets that way."

Shendalyn will detect magic on the stone. While he's at it he'll turn on the other two doors and the mold. I don't suppose knowledge nature will reveal anything about the mold?"

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Know nature.

Albina will attempt to Appraise the gem Mi'Dre has mentioned, muttering an incantation to the Dark Prince to guide her thoughts, and gripping her holy symbol hard enough to turn her knuckles whiter than they already are.

guidance-boosted Appraise check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"I can possibly kill the mold with negative energy..." she says, as the mold seems to cause Mi'Dre some harm.

"I don't know... throw it at the stuff? Crush it?" he muttered, still flexing and trying to get proper feeling back in his hand.

Yay, just enough Albina :)

Albina picks out a tiny seam around the side of the gem that leads her to believe that the exterior of it is merely a shell that hides a contained substance. Looking closely you can now pick out that the interior is filled with a liquid. Combining that with the tangible sense of cold, you make an intuitive leap and believe that the interior is filled with a substance akin to the anathema of alchemist's fire.
The gem will break when thrown and acts as a cold damage version of alchemist's fire.

Shendalyn's knowledge of nature extends to that which dwells beneath the earth and the mold on the Western door is known to him. It sucks the very heat of the air around it to feed upon it, and you'd wager placing fire near to it would be a very bad idea. Despite radiating cold, any effect that would inflict a freezing effect (Cold Damage) would kill the mold quickly.

Shendalyn shrugs. "Well, let's kill the mold and be done with this. You know this brigns me to another point. Who wastes their money on this? How much did you think it cost to build this room alone, come up with the fun riddles, pay the mason to scrawl it, bring the mold here and encourage it to grow, a no doubt difficult taks considering its specific nature. I could have purchased three of the most voluptuous and well trained pairs of lips in Kaer Maga for the cost of this room alone. Really."

Albina uses the 'alchemist's frost' to attempt to kill the mold, taking as much time to 'aim' as possible, as she doubts she will get a second chance.

"It is wasteful in the extreme. I can see many practical applications for this mold, as well as some that would simply be... entertaining." she says, agreeing with Shendalyn in principle, if not in specific...

The gem bursts open and you feel a rush of chill air flow past you as the frosty contents work upon the door. The mold withers and rots before your eyes, revealing another inscription Thou hast made thy own path and leaving the door able to be opened.

Beyond the door is a U shaped passage that brings you upon yet another door bearing the words Know your enemy. Shatter all that blinds you and then burn thy adversary to ashes.

Ha! If nobody have of made the check that was just what Mi'Dre was going to do anyway :p

Mi'Dre shakes his head as the others bicker about the expense. It didn't seem like Thorn was exactly short on cash despite his branding, however the hell he'd earned that... Mortals were always so worried about cash...

When Albina kills the moss Mi'Dre waits another 20 seconds or so and then cautiously approaches the door again, finally opening it, muttering about the inscriptions. "Slave labour is free you know..." he observes as he pads slowly around the curving corridor.

"I hope you prayed for some fire this morning Albina." Mi'Dre observes as he looks over the next inscription. Fire and... Mirrors? He glanced back to make sure the others were ready and not too close before cracking the door open and peering through.

Shendalyn shakes his head. "Mi'dre, Mi'dre Mi'dre. Slaves are terribly costly! Food, clothes, shelter, medical care, believe it or not my little friend mortals require quite a lot of upkeep if you plan on having them last for any length of time. There is a lot that goes into slave keeping and nine times out of ten it's far less economical than paying some skilled labor to come in and do the job as required. I'm not even factoring in such issues as escapees, revolt, famine, plague, etc. Hells, the feudal system is still cheaper than actual slave owning. Unless your slaves are working to make you a large profit than you're keeping people for no other reason than expensive vanity. Hang on a moment let's not risk anyone important here." With a gesture Grthock grumbles as he sets down the lantern and starts moving down the corridor.

1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19 Stealth
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Perception.

Only the poor loose their mind. The rich are...eccentric
This place is very eccentric. the blackguard says while keeping his sword at hand and looking with suspicion at the walls.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

The door opens into a chamber that is completely dark to normal sight. It is as though a globe of blackness fills the entire room to the entryway.

Mi'Dre frowns slightly at the room beyond, the only response Shendalyn earns is a grunt. He raises his hand and calls forth several balls of bright light, looking to see what effect it has on the darkness before them. If as expected the darkness doesn't change he will simply nod, dismiss the lights, and active his magic sight instead.

"There's a globe on a podium in the centre of the room, and the floor is full of small holes, evenly spaced and sized..." he informs the others, pondering what could be in there, casting his mind to anything that lives in the darkness and hates fire.

Kn: Planes for anything that matches the above: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Albina steps to just behind Mi'Dre, to see if the light from her everburning torch is sufficient to penetrate the darkness. She attempts as well to cast a cantrip, creating more light, upon her shield.

"Perhaps the lantern in the previous room was placed there, to be of use here..." she mutters.

The dancing lights cast forth by Mi'Dre and the light spell of Albina cast back the darkness and allow sight. See darkvision spoiler above - the orb is made of smooth obsidian

Mi'Dre does not know of any creature that would fit the circumstance.

Albina calls upon the gifts of the Dark Prince to open her eyes to the glow of magic, and to help her unravel it's mysteries.

detect magic, checking out the globe, first, then the rest of the room, guidance to give a +1 to the know-arcana check

Knowledge (arcana) to detect school of magic on the globe (DC 15 + spell level), if it's got a spell on it or is magical, +1 for guidance 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Spellcraft check to ID the globe if it's a magic item (DC 15 + item caster level) 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Ooh, nat 20 and a nat 1, in the same post! I am a creature of extremes!

The globe is indeed magical and is radiating a common spell of darkness only.

Hmm, I thought Darkness overpowered cantrips. Not too sure about the everburning torch.

"Well, be ready with the fire. I'm going to go smash that thing. If you need to, then just hit me with the fire too, I should be fine." he advises as his suspicions are confirmed about the globe. He waits to make sure Albina is ready, and then simply walks up to the orb, picks it up, and dashes it on the ground.

"Gurthock, do me a foavor and describe the room."

As Gurthock does so in a grudging voice Shendalyn rubs his chin.

Assumign we are informed.

"Cover the orb."

Albina waits with either burning hands or a firebolt at the ready, depending on the situation that unfolds.

Ready action to burninate something.

For clarity - the globe emits a spell of darkness that is suppressed by both the dancing lights of Mi'Dre and Albina's torch. So Shendalyn can see the interior with his own eyes... whether he still forces Gurthock to describe it to him is up to him though.

Mi'Dre steps into the chamber and towards the orb when he is surprised. A red mist seeps through the holes in the base of the room forming up into a mass beside him... before they sweep forward across his form...
Melee Touch: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 for 1d3 ⇒ 1 Con damage and 1d6 ⇒ 3 bleed
...the movement of the individual motes within the mist then speed up as Mi'Dre feels his devlish blood drained from his body. The mist seeps back through the holes in the floor to what must be a recess under the floor.

Round 1: Mist, Mi'Dre, Shendalyn + Gurthock, Albina, Black Jack

Technically need Knowledge Dungeoneering to get info, but I'll let you roll off on Arcana instead

Edit - Albina, feel free to release a firebolt of burnination as a readied action if you like... it may affect narration.

As the mist envelops Mi'Dre, Albina cuts loose with burning hands, deliberately encompassing the small devil as well, who, she assumes, has endured far worse than her flames in his infernal home.

fire damage, Ref DC 14 halves 2d4 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8

hot stuff, comin' through!

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Ret-con description:

As Albina's conjured flames wash over the room the damage wrought is enough to give it pause and prevent it fleeing after gorging on devil blood.

So mist is still in the room and able to be tangibly affected by all. It's adjacent to Mi'Dre who is 10ft into the room.

Damage Tracker:
Mist - 1

Hmm, I was expecting a swarm... Ow.
Damage: 13 Non-Lethal, 3 Bleed (does he take that now, or just on his turn, or both?), 1 con (doesn't yet affect his hitpoints)

Mi'Dre grimaces in pain as the mist rises up around him. He was hoping that he'd be able to smash the orb before whatever was waiting under the floor occured, but no such luck. The cleansing flame is a pleasant balm, though it does nothing to actually halt the flow of his blood.

Trusting to the words on the door he cautiously shifts next to the podium and grabs the orb, before tossing it at the ground beside the mist.

That's a 5ft step, move to pick it up, standard to smash it at/near the mist

The sphere of obsidian smashes and the darkness effect vanishes... but it does not seem to have any effect upon the mist.

I'd apply the bleed damage at the end of your action - so you've suffered three damage from it.

Next round, Albina will channel to give Mi'Dre fast healing 1 for 10 rounds, but waiting to see if others do stuff first.

"So fire harms the mist? Apologies Mi'Dre this mess will be dealt with shortly."

Pulling a pint of the lamp's oil from his pockets he hurls it into the mist. Then witha smile and a bow to Albina he gives a wide gesture to the msit. "M'lady if you will?"

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 + any applicable bonuses or penalties.

Just need Black Jack's action now

Seeing his foe still in reach Blackjack charges the creature.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15

Dmg: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Albina calls low in Infernal to the Lord of Lies to strip away the illusion of harm, and reveal Mi'Dre's flesh as incorruptible spirit.

Channel energy to give Mi'Dre fast healing 1 for 1 minute with Infernal Healing. This should also stop the bleed effect automatically, I think...

Albina channels the power of Asmodeus into Mi'Dre, as Shendalyn throws a vial of oil...
Chance of lighting: 1d100 ⇒ 41
...which luckily bursts into flames from the latent heat remaining in the stone from Albina's conjured flames.
Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
The mist shies away from the burning oil, that has mostly started to seep into the hollow below the chamber.

Black Jack sweeps through the mist with his blade and does cause some disruption to the mass... but not as much as might be expected. DR

The mist lashes out at Black Jack, sweeping across his face...
Touch Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 for 1d3 ⇒ 1 Con drain and 1d6 ⇒ 5 bleed
Healing: 1d8 ⇒ 6
...and Black Jack begins to cry red tears as his nose gushes sanguine and a metallic tang of blood fills his mouth. The mist appears to be much invigorated by the experience.

Damage Tracker:
Mist - 0

Back to you guys again - the healing effect on Mi'Dre does indeed stop the bleed effect

Albina's hand twists into a claw, as she grips the holy symbol of Asmodeus tight and flames ignite upon it, sending a blazing crimson brand of fire at the mist-creature, in the shape of a burning pentacle.

"Just die, damn you!" she swears, at the thing.

fire bolt, ranged touch attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
fire damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

yowzo, confirming crit 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
extra damage, if crit 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

F$+!, what the hell is this stuff...
Damage: 2 Lethal, 12 Non-Lethal, 0 Bleed, 1 con, fast healing 1/9 rounds

Uhh wait, is it con drain or just damage?

Mi'Dre snarls at the resilient mist as it seems unaffected. It appears he wasted his time with the orb since they could all already see anyway... He lashes out with both claws, hoping merely touching the thing won't harm him like it's attack did.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 for 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Claw 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 for 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Oh, I hope those both hit...

The mist burns from Albina's bolt as Mi'Dre's claws strip through the mist. The density of the mist is much reduced... but it lingers yet.

Damage Tracker:
Mist - 14

Shendalyn sighs. "Please stop feeding the blood draining mist! Thank you!"

With that Shendalyn hurls a flask of alchemists fire at the creature.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 Attack + applicable penalties.
1d6 ⇒ 6 Fire

Dropping his shield on the floor and swinging his sword wildly at the thing Blackjack steps back to the door in pain.
Curse you!

Drop shield free action, two handed attack and step back 5 feet.
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Dmg: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

1 Lethal, 11 Non-Lethal, fast healing 1/8 rounds, 1 con

Claws away.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Confirming:
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Bah, well that's still two hits

Mi'Dre claws wildly at the mist creatures with fierce determination, not backing away, neither having dropped his disguise, nightmares abound for parents everywhere.

Shendalyn's alchemist's fire is ill-directed, causing only superficial burns to the creature - though the last of the oil thrown the round before continues to burn through.
Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Black Jack's powerful swing is easily dodged as he back pedals from the creature.

The mist recoils from the group, seemingly in fear and seeps through the holes in the floor to the hollow below.... which was a good idea in foresight. The twin missiles of Shendalyn have spewed forth burning liquid heat that lingers below and continues to burn. The mist has just retreated into a pressure cooker of heat and flame. You almost hear a keening scream just beyond the reach of your ears as the sentient mist-like being is roasted alive where it sought refuge.

Combat over - well done. Black Jack is still bleeding at combat end, so you'd likely want to resolve that quickly.

Albina whispers entreaties to the Dark Prince once again, sending a second burst of negative energy, this time to begin peeling away the wounds of Black Jack.

Infernal healing on Black Jack, fast healing 1 for 1 minute.

For book-keeping, you're safe for at least a minute - so the two infernal healings both run their course.

Mi'Dre lets out a relieved sigh as the thing sinks below, and dies. The last of his cuts and scratches disappear, and even the pain in his hand from the moss is nearly gone. A slight lightheadedness lingers even after Albina's divine energies fade away however, the thing sucked a fair amount of his blood from him and her spell did nothing to help that.

"Well. Another room down then..." he mutters, looking around and padding northeast, closer to the two barred doors to see if there is some clue as to which they are supposed to take.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Oh, and was the con damage or drain? you said damage for my wound but drain in Black Jack's

Imprecise DM is imprecise - it is Con damage

Both of the doors appear as the other, and there are no external signs that one should be favored over the other.

Retrieving his shield Jack takes a deep breath as the profane magic heals him.
Thank you dearie. smiling to Albina.

"So. North or East? Far as I can tell they both seem the same." Mi'Dre observes, looking back to the others. The riddle hadn't suggested which way they ought to go either.

Is any of those doors locked or boobe trapped?

I didn't specify above, but Mi'Dre did not find the portals locked, and also does not believe there are any traps upon them.

Shendalyn looks over the shards of the orb that was in the center of the room.

"Shame this was destroyed. It may have come in handy at some point."
Taking twenty on perception to search shards getting a 20

The shards of the orb have mostly remained on the floor and not spilt to the void below the room. They appear to be nothing more than non-magical obsidian now, but there's about 20gp worth of the black glass.

"Not as far as I can tell Jack, no. They seem to just be plain, simple doors, almost identical." he replies to the antipaladin, then promptly rolls his eyes as Shendalyn completely ignores the question. Shendalyn may be right, hit probably would have come in handy if it was permanently enchanted with darkness, but once again he had been more concerned about their immediate survival. "Albina? Any thoughts?" he asks her directly, and if she has no good reasoning one way or the other, he simply heads to the northern door and cracks it open.

"We could always just push a victim through and see what happens from the other side." Shendalyn suggests as he starts carefully scooping the broken obsidian into a sack. "Gurthock makes an excellent victim, say yes Gurthock."

"Yes." Gurthock says in a way that would indicate that the answer is an emphatic NO!

"See, no need to harm ourselves with bags of bone and blood to toss in front of us and see what goes splat."

Albina shrugs to Mi'Dre. "One is as good as the next."

As Master Shawn orders his minion to test the door, she grins to Mi'Dre, "Be careful never to be summoned by that one..." she says under her voice, pointing her thumb at Shendalyn.