All's Well that Ends in a Well

Game Master Choon

With a not-confident-at-all voice, Simon adds:
"I fear ... None of us can destroy the sword-frch.
It is to powerful ... and evil."
Turning to Archibald:
"That was a very dangerous decision,meowor!
You should have talked to us first.
How is it secured-miii?
Are you sure, no magic can just pull it out of that pack?
Last thing we need is that Saracek gets his sword back in the middle of the fight-frchhh."

Have you tried to destroy it? Usually you just have to hit something long enough. I bet Grelthe could do it.

Archibald looks confused again. It's in my pack. And I have FOUR people who's only purpose here is to make sure I'm safe... at your request! You're the heroes! You're supposed to walk into danger like this! Why are you acting scared?

Vance looks resigned. It looks like we must earn our storefront once again, boys.

Hearing her new companions describing what they are to face, Grelthe's complexion seems to drain of her characteristic green. "This Saracek sounds like a formidable foe, indeed. Perhaps resting before we face him is a good idea after all. Is there a safe place down here where we could do so?"

Finding out the daft noble brought the cursed sword with them, she haggardly draws a hand over her face. Kurgess give me strength. Nothing about this is going to be easy. To Archibald she explains, "It is not courage but foolishness to not be afraid of challenges that test your abilities. It is precisely because of our experience we are aware of exactly how difficult this battle will be. It is why we are still alive when so many other adventurers have not returned from the dungeon. It will take all our resources and we still might have to flee to keep our lives. I share Simon's concern Saracek might be able to get the sword back from your pack through magical means, it was probably not the best idea to bring it. In any case, when we get down to that area you and your guards should probably stay well back."

Zadira reacts to Archibald by turning away and grumbling under her breath

Not at MY request, you clueless, blustering idiot. I wouldn't have been able to stand talking to you for more than five minutes, let alone brought you along.

She decides that when he dies she is going to snag his magic backpack.

Vuzi stomps up to Archibald. Fire in her eyes, "How exactly did vu get the sword if vu have not paid for it? Dis is unacceptable. Vu should have not been given possession if vu had not paid. De transaction has not been completed."

She waves a hand at Cain, "Gif the sword to Cain, und ve vill complete the transaction and gif you the sword back after you "see" what you came to see, and ve get our coin. Dis iz an evil creature, und an evil sword. Vy you would bring dis vith you makes no sense. I'm not a hero for vu. I agreed to bring vu to see where we got de sword. There were never any words about defeating said creature. If vu want dat done it's up to vu."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

"Ohoh, her blood is up-meeewioh."

Archibald shrinks back, Fine! I'll give up the sword, but know that having its former owner alive and well qualifies it as stolen, specifically crypt-stolen, and renders it too risky to purchase. You want your cash? Kill Saracek!
He opens the pack and draws out the sword. The room, which is dim at best to begin with, seems just a little darker.

"Haf you not been listening. He iz not alif and he certainly isn't vell."

Undeath counts!

Kayla travels along somewhat toward the rear of the group. she pulls out a pastry to nibble on as the move on.

all the while she keeps an eye on this Archibald fellow. she is almost looking for an excuse to go back to the ways she has been taught.

not to put a damper on things, but, whats in this for me. or I should say my friends. exactly what is our take in this? Also, I had hoped to return to town for a bit. I had some appointments I needed to take care of.

”you are welcome to return to town of course, if you want to”

Archibald shrugs. I don't know. Less chance of death?

Nikki stops her investigation of stone work and architecture when the bickering breaks out. She stands likely unnoticed, but keeps reaching her hand up with small keeps and 'pardon mes'. Failing to break the conversation she will walk over to Grelthe who she has taken to be the face of this other faction. If she must the rat thing will tug on her armor for attention. "Lady Grelthe, I feel it neccesary to point out that I am brand new to this group and had no part in my decision making. That said we now have someone who clearly has no idea what they're doing waving around a sword of apparent great evil power. I do not think the sword is safe in any individuals hands and suggest we put an immeadiate end to this course of action. Miss Vuzi does have a point about our legal standing I believe, as Mister Cain does about our tactical standing." The witch Tempest lowers her hands. Holding them together at her waist, rather satisfied in her analysis and almost awaiting orders.

Sorry Kayla. We do need to go back to town, but the stupid teleporters kind of got us off track. We'll go after we clear this level, okay? ... And yes, I know I said that last time. Sorry. Maybe we'll find some nice poison or goop of some kind for you down here. It smells bad enough.

Um... do you have an extra pastry I could have, maybe?

Vuzi keeps glaring at Archibald, but steps back. "Dere vas the toilet monster. It might hav some poison. It stank bad enuf to be poisonous."

Kayla glances up to Zadira, thinking for a moment, she reaches in and pulls out a second pastry and hands it to Zadira.

stay out of pits.

Archibald hands the sword over reluctantly. He's clearly in a sour mood, but, thankfully, he's not overly whiney about it.

The party heads south, quickly dispatches a few ghouls, turns east, and then north as they pass the ogre lair (still vacant) and the natural cavern where they made their stand last time. Vance makes a point of checking that the area is still vacant. He seems rather possessive of things on this level in general. You start to realize that he's totally serious about this level being his.

Half way up the corridor, right where it was last time, stands the ornate door that leads to Saracek's sanctum.

Possibly of note: the not-a-sheep is still there, though it needs more food and looks kinda thirsty.

For the new guys:
This door is different than all the others so far seen in the dungeon. It is finely crafted, made of ebony wood and bound with gold. The door has an obvious internal lock, also of fine quality. Strange runes are rudely carved in the door. Simply looking at them makes one uneasy.
The door itself is worth 500 gp intact.

The door is currently closed.

What is the "not-a-sheep"?

Zadira thanks Kayla for the pastry, and nods at her about staying out of pits. She also suggests that Kayla should follow up on the toilet monster that Vuzi mentioned if she wants some nice poison.

She eats the pastry while they walk around to places the other group has already been, listening to the commentary of their past trip and asking a few questions. Which might come up later, for now... onward.
____

When everyone is ready, Zadira casts Open on the ornate door, wondering if they could carry it out of here to sell.

Make sure you are where you want to be on the map... we're still waiting on some pictures there as well.

So... no resting then.

Grelthe looks down at Nikki's insistence. "What course of action do you think we should end? Fighting Saracek at all? I agree the sword is not safe, but it will be unsafe no matter who is carrying it." Thankfully Archibald relinquishes the sword shortly after.

What is this not-a-sheep thing?

You may still rest if you wish. The Not-a-Sheep is a goat.

Can we just say "we rested" or do you want to play it out?

If the group wants to rest just say so and I'll write up your experience. No need to back track.

After hearing what all Saracek can do, yes, I would like to rest to get all my channels back.
"Did Saracek appear to be undead? I have special attacks that only hurt undead that may be useful."

”he was very definitely an undead. Some kinda skeletal monster

"He vas most certainly dead." She feeds the not a sheep whatever she can find to feed it.

Taking a cue from Vuzi, Grelthe will find a little divot in the uneven cave floor to pour some water out of her waterskin for the not-a-sheep. She then makes eye contact with each member she can see and asks "Ready? Is there some trick to the door or do we just push?"
Is everyone positioned where they want on the map?

Beyond the ebony door is a richly-appointed anteroom. Runes and frescoes adorn the walls, depicting a heroic man in the prime of life fighting evil creatures. The last frame of the fresco, however, shows the same man kneeling before a black altar with a shadowy demonic figure above him. An intricately locked door, similar to the one just entered, appears to lead to a tomb beyond.

The inner door is also closed and worth 500g intact. You can see a few signs of the previous battle here: a broken bolt, a few shards of bone, and other subtle things.

The night before is harrowing, but you manage. The watch group, whever that is, gets assaulted by ghouls, ghasts, zombies, skeletons, rats, and all manner of dungeon scavengers seeing what has come to be dinner. Constant vigilance is the name of the game. Noone feels truly rested (though you are, mechanically) when you set out again, but you're as good as you're going to get.

know dungeon stuff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

something doesn't feel right, whatever that thing is, it knows we are here.

first thing's first, she says as she pulls out a small bag. She then pulls out several small cookies and hands everyone a single fortune cookie. It isn't much, but it may be the last thing some of will eat.

Once that is done, she puts away what's left and draws her sword. I have a few smoke bombs it may help with keeping our position a mystery.

Cain manifests three psionic powers, thickening his skin, expanding the bone armor over his skin and setting his sword on fire, using the arm without the sword coming out of it, to take the cookie “I am ready”
spending 6 power points to increase my DR by 2, my natural armor by 1 and my sword to get the flaming and psychokinetic (+1d4 untyped damage) enchantments

Vuzi takes the offered cookie, and snacks on it. Then she pulls out her wand of Bless and casts that on the party. She casts Armor of Bones on herself, and makes sure Vance is still their ally.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Knowledge Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Wasn't Saracek a famous paladin who went with the army of light in pursuit of the evil priests of Orcus many years ago?

Zadira, wary of getting too close to a negative channeler, steps inside the first room in order to get close enough to cast Open on the second door, and then does so, and then raises her bow, ready with blunt arrows to face the undead threat.

Although if past experience is any lesson at all, it probably takes a magic weapon to touch the guy, which she does not have.

Okay, so we rested. I was only down a few spells anyhow, I think. Did anyone need healing before we rested?

I see an undead guy and two birds on the map. Is that our new undead "ally?" (forgot his name)

Catarya steps up beside Zadira. She murmurs a few words and her spiral tattoo seems to flash with light for a moment.

Casting divine favor before we go in.

"Alright, ready," Catarya says as she holds her daggers before her.

+++ Earlier +++
The catfolk stands apart as the 'discussion' with Archibald happens, clearly uncomfortable with the fighting between his companions.
Once the mood starts to settle, he will offer a few words to Archibald in a low tone.
"Sorry for that ... I ... uhmm ... we just had a very bad time last time with Saracek-frch.
And ... everything that might end up making the coming fight even more difficult ... doesn't sit well with us, yes-miii?
Just wait and stay alive. After the fight, the mood of my companions will be much better, you'll see-meow."

+++ Now +++
Simon inspects the offered cookies with great interest, but waits until someone else unwraps and eats them, then tries to replicate the way he or she did it.
"Those are nummy-nom, Kayla, thank you-purrr.
But ... why is there paper in the cookie-miii?"
Once ensuing small-talk is done, Simon will sit down cross-legged and takes Emilys had into his hand, looking the black pantheress into her yellow eyes. While he talks to her, magic is flowing around Simon and washes over her as well. buffing
"We're going back there, now-purrurr.
You know where we are and what will await us-meow.
We've gotten stronger and we have more friends with us than last time as well.
We can do this, sister-purrurr.
The days of that evil-bone-man are count and Gozreth will be happy to see him gone-purrr."

I'm assuming that at some point, someone from the old party will point out that the last time Sarecek was fought he opened with a fear that literally sent 30% of the party fleeing from the room. Any protection vs evil or fear effects would be beneficial

The witch Tempest will be busy in thought when the cookies are offered. So far no one would of been witness to the rat-imp eat a crumb, but she is far too polite to decline it. After she picks it up it shrinks slightly to scale with her. "Thank you ever so much Miss Kayla."

She will break the cookie into pieces and eat them in a way that is dreadfully apparent that she doesn't entirely recall how one is supposed to chew food. She will read her fortune.

As the party gets ready for the assault, she will start by making a series of complex hand gestures.

Casting Haste, I can select 6 Targets. I'm open to other options, but going with
Cain
Simon
Emily
Zadira
Catarya
Grelthe

Nikki will also quietly walk over to Simon and ask in a hushed voice "Are you sure about this?" Nikki will take hold of Simon's tail. Her eyes will roll back into her head as she chants. When they come back into focus the gray cat will now be half his previous size.

Reduce Person cast

"Sure, Nikki-purr.
See, just now I got less frightening for you, did I not-mehmehmeh?"

Nikki's lips will curl in a a flash of lack of self control "By my count, you are the only one to have fallen in battle, doesn't sound like there is much to fear anyway *feline*." Nikki will look as though she is startled by herself "Oh my, I apoligize Mr. Simon. I am sure you will live longer this time, perhaps I can assist in that."

Nikki will cast Mage Armor and Protection from Evil on herself. She has a spare Protection from Evil left to share with anyone who would like it.

She will speak to the entire group as this is their first planned strategem together. "Unless anyone has a compelling arguement to the contrary, I think I should like to make the first move."

The moment before 'go' and just before the others cast the doors open, Nikki will speak almost in tongues. It looks like prayer, but sounds nothing like it.

Closest I can get before rounds start, casting Summon Monster III

A glowing speck of light appears before the door, growing alowly in size as a Lantern Archon forms in front of the party. "Rather this one will, to light our path"

Her voice will turn into something of great beauty, almost as though it should be backed by harp music

Simon is badly startled by the unexpected outburst of Nikki and meews softly.
"I thought you were frightened of me, Miss Nikki-purrur.
Thought ... now that I am smaller ...
I would appear less frightening for you-meew."

some Dice you should probably be concerned about: 4d20 ⇒ (1, 6, 1, 12) = 20
Those two ones are surprisingly thematic.

The door opens and the room beyond, or the little you can see of it, is clear. You see another door across from you (an ordinary one) and that the room opens to the right, but nothing else. The archon floats in...
2d20 + 5d6 ⇒ (13, 17) + (4, 2, 4, 2, 6) = 48
A bolt of utter darkness shoots in from the right his it square in its heavenly core! The darkness seems to eat it alive to the sound of harp strings being cut.
Hollow laughter echoes in from the room beyond...

Party is up. We are now in combat rounds. Nice summon. I had that ready for someone else. :)
Also, double check your positioning. I don't think Cain wants to start that far away.

Was our portable lamp of good insta-killed or is it still there?
If moving into the intermittent room, can one see anything further?

Your lamp buddy was killed entering the inner room. The intermediate room is where you are now.

"I think he's home-meew."
Simons rather laconic whispered comment is pretty obviously tainted with fear.
"Who's next-miii?"
Quick-Search for Traps at the second door: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Can we retcon that Zadira coated her arrows with the holy weapon balm that Simon offered in discussion? If not, I use that this round. If we can, then:

Zadira cast Open on the second door, and

--if it opens, she dashes across into the other room (where I placed myself on the Map), trying to get line of sight without immediately ending up like the Archon.
--if it does not (locked), she stays back, waiting for someone else to go first. Preferably the undead who couldn't be hurt by the negative channeling.

Cain will kick open the door if it's locked and the others don't find any traps

with a player through the door now, can we get an update on Saracek's actual positioning? I have line of sight stuff that requires it