Ascension to Murder (Inactive)

Game Master overfiend_87

RL, perfectly understand. Good to know on the magic items too.

'Well then good, Captain Frakes, please lead us to the temple of Lathander; so, we may properly sequester the prisoner till morning.'

When they get to the temple, Badger asks on what the High Priest knows of a Goddess that uses a three-headed flail as her symbol and might have had a temple in a hill near the town a long time ago.

Badger will also hand over the longsword to the High Priest to hold in trust for Evilbane do to his show of anger towards the prisoner.

'It is a fine blade and I would not see its colour marred with unworthy deeds.'

Badger will also be interested along with Mal and the others in what healing might be available from the priests, on scrolls, or in potion bottles. Badger will also be interested in what sort of armaments might be available from either the temple or the Captain's weapons locker.

Badger has coin from the Orc and what bounty money we might receive for the service of bringing in the heads and the Zhent prisoner.

As you make your way you notice again that it's deathly quiet in the streets. Inside the tavern there was atleast people talking, drinking even a halfling bard telling a tale of great deeds to try and change the atmostphere, which he did well and when you leave it's almost as if you have suddenly done deaf.

You enter the large major temple of this town, Dedicated to Lathander and as the Captain asks for the high priest, the man nods and heads off deeper into the temple, soon returning with a human who looks very old, yet filled with life and wearin the same yellow robes as Evilbane wore. He bows to the group and listens to Badger's questions.

"The temple is active?" he asks seeming pale and starting to sweat slowly "Yes...I-I know of it. My brother was once a member. This was when we were teens and acting out as you do. At the time the head priest there was very charismatic. He claimed that he found the God who was going to replace Bhaal. We knew he was dead but he read out writings from the Oracle who lives in Candle Keep. The writings suggested that Bhaal left mortal children since he saw his death was coming. The children will be in the form of their parents, but Bhaal's power will be inside them." he stops for a moment and then shakes his head "A lot of what I said I didn't understand, but I left because one thing that got through to me was that they were sacrificing themselves and those who did no wish to be sacrificed. I left in time before they hunted me down and before Clerics and Paladins of Torm and other deities got into a big battle there. I don't know why, but they sealed off the door keeping some locked inside. They spoke of people turning into undead before their eyes. Everything from zombies to vampires and shades, but if what you claim is true, these creatures should've been down here back when the first kidnappings started. I'm concerned that these undead have not appeared or that we havn't even seen people ending up dead..." he trails off, not knowing what happened to these undead nor where they went.

"I will take the blade, but I feel he would've been fine if you handed it back to him, yet I do see your concern. Many people would like to see anyone who has anything to do with the children dissappearing to end up dead. I have, like Evilbane, been able to restrain evil thoughts but clearly this man must've pushed him. It's very hard for a cleric to give up the life of fighting evil and instead stay at home, helping people and letting younger generation go out saving the world." he chuckles at this and smiles to everyone but then has a serious face written on his face. "Find his daughter. Anora is a scared little girl and if a father as powerful as him loses his daughter then he may destroy himself and others. For now though, you can speak to my assistant here for healing or buying potions. We don't have many magical items, but if you ask I'm sure he'll produce a few, but the Wizard's guild are the ones who do that sort of thing."

"Well I for one would like to rest before we head out. I need to prepare fuses and catalists and extracts if we are going headlong into danger." And perhaps a little shopping to. Kyras smiles a tight liped, humorless smile as he says that.

'Well, then Captain, I'll leave it to yours and your people's capable hands to handle the prisoner.'

Badger had given his peace and now left it to the fates to work out the rest. He though would sleep sounder this night under the roof of the Morning Lord.

'I agree, let us start forth with the new day. It will give us time to fill our heads with tales and our packs with things we might need. Also, I hate trying to find a trail in the dark. The lantern light to see clearly the trail would be like the call of the will-o-wisp and I'm not keen to see what might answer that call in Orc infested woods. At least not unless I'm setting the bait for a party.'

Fifteen gold a head and a hundred and fifty gold for a leader. There was some good money to be had but the needs of the children would have to come first.

'Kyras, you divy up the bounty's purse. You always seem to make sure each person gets their fair share.'

'I'm sure that people have preparations to make; so, I'll meet with you all at the temple of Lathander when you're able.'

Knowledge: Local to see what she knows about Bloodstone, if anything: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Whisper follows along to the temple of Lathander, looking sullen for unknown reasons. She looks around at the lovely temple, takes in its warm, peaceful, atmosphere, and idly calculates how much the candleabrum atop the altar must be worth. Her hand of its own accord twitches as they pass the donation box, but she holds back; even she figures that showing disrespect to the Morninglord when undead may be about would be a stupid thing to do.

She listens to the priest's explanation of the prophecy of Bhaal. "So what's this successor god have to do with Bane and Zhentil Keep?" She pauses as something occurs to her, and adds in her odd whispered tone. "You don't have a copy of that prophecy, do you? Or any other texts on the matter?

The information could be useful, and she loved to read still, her escape in her youth, though none would believe it to look at the fiendling thief.

"And if you're selling potions, I could do with a couple healing drafts."

She turns to Kyras eventually as the conversation ends. "If you're so Hellsbent on taking a nap, maybe some of us can at least do a little scouting and prep the way."

Note: I don't advocate splitting the party, but she would suggest it.

"Okey, here we go. Thats 41 gold a piece, 2 silver and 5 copper. Kyras starts spliting coins and doling it out. "Wisper expressed interest in the studded leather and the rapier, I don't see why not so here we are. he hands Wisper the leather and rapier. "Did someone take a fancy in theis? he says, holdig up the hand crossbow. "No? Then I'll see if I can sell it. Muttering to himself he gathers the rest of the loot and heads for the door with a 'see you later' and is off to the markets.

DM:

Edit: DM

Knowledge: Local to see what she knows about Bloodstone, if anything: 1d20+6

Whisper follows along to the temple of Lathander, looking sullen for unknown reasons. She looks around at the lovely temple, takes in its warm, peaceful, atmosphere, and idly calculates how much the candleabrum atop the altar must be worth. Her hand of its own accord twitches as they pass the donation box, but she holds back; even she figures that showing disrespect to the Morninglord when undead may be about would be a stupid thing to do.

She listens to the priest's explanation of the prophecy of Bhaal. "So what's this successor god have to do with Bane and Zhentil Keep?" She pauses as something occurs to her, and adds in her odd whispered tone. "You don't have a copy of that prophecy, do you? Or any other texts on the matter?

The information could be useful, and she loved to read still, her escape in her youth, though none would believe it to look at the fiendling thief.

"And if you're selling potions, I could do with a couple healing drafts."

She turns to Kyras eventually as the conversation ends. "If you're so Hellsbent on taking a nap, maybe some of us can at least do a little scouting and prep the way."

Note: I don't advocate splitting the party, but she would suggest it.

The high priest looks at her in shock as she asks if he had these things. " By the Dawnspeaker, no! I burnt those horrid thing texts and we were never given a hard copy of the profecy. I do remember the one line he often sand and was often repeated just before a blade was plunged into the sacrifice." he clears his throat and repeats the words that the Zhent had sang out loud earlier about the Lord of Murder dying and leaving a mortal spawn. As he recounted this the Zhent looked up at him and laughed
"Traitors like you shall be delt with first. The mistress has made me see the truth." he laughs and grins, revealing his teeth which appeared perfect "You fools have caused such disruption, but it does not matter. All will die." the high priest looked to the group, but sighed, nodding his head
"Let's lock him up in the basement. I don't wish him to disturb the rest of my flock." he pointed to the rest of those wearing the same clerical vestmants. All of them looked very good looking. Men and women all the like and they all smile towards to the people of the group, no caring who it was, but doing this in a police way. It wasn't all humans, there were a few other elfs, halflings, Gnomes and even a dwarf or two who didn't look like average dwarfs.

"Okey, here we go. Thats 41 gold a piece, 2 silver and 5 copper. Kyras starts spliting coins and doling it out. "Wisper expressed interest in the studded leather and the rapier, I don't see why not so here we are. he hands Wisper the leather and rapier. "Did someone take a fancy in theis? he says, holdig up the hand crossbow. "No? Then I'll see if I can sell it. Muttering to himself he gathers the rest of the loot and heads for the door with a 'see you later' and is off to the markets.

DM:** spoiler omitted **

Edit: DM** spoiler omitted **

DM:

DM:** spoiler omitted **

Coming back from the shops Kyras will dole out cash to everyone with a 'hear you go' and a 'sorry I forgott you wanted that' as he hands wisper the hand crossbow. He hands each member 68gp, 3sp and 7cp saying 2cp fall on the side in the accounting so he'll say with a wink that he'll hang on to it for his book-keeping.
After spliting the cash he stops in mid stride to his rooms Oh! And the captain is still to pay us for the Zenth agents delivery."
With that he goes to his room and retiers for the night humming a ditty, obviously preocupied.

Badger makes some inquiry for items.

He then makes sure to do his devotions to the Forest Lord as twilight stretches over Beregost.

He would need all the strength and guile the Forest Lord could provide if he was going to be able to aid his companions and the town of Beregost.

cure light wounds spell from a priest 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

DM:

"I can use the hand crossbow, or maybe Badger can use it as a regular crossbow, seein' as it's not sized for his hands right. Won't hurt to have something that can hurt things from a distance."

Whisper sees about purchasing a couple potions of Cure Light Wounds, and a potion of Cat's Grace if she can find one.

Whisper grumbles about the group's decision to wait, but she has little interest in going off and getting herself killed by herself. She does wander about town for a little while before turning in, just getting a feel for the lay of the area, and keeping her ears perked and eyes peeled for any pertinent information.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

When Kyras hands her her presents, she sits quietly in a corner as the others prepare and makes sure the vials are well-concealed but accessible on her person. If I can, take 20 on Sleight of Hand; if not take 10

BTW I may not be online for a little while--maybe not till Sunday night; carry on

** spoiler omitted **

Badger makes some inquiry for items.

He then makes sure to do his devotions to the Forest Lord as twilight stretches over Beregost.

He would need all the strength and guile the Forest Lord could provide if he was going to be able to aid his companions and the town of Beregost.

cure light wounds spell from a priest 1d8+1

The Priest has enough cure spells for everyone and he's beyond first level. After all, he's a priest and trains by healing others. I'll assume that everyone get's brought to max since there are other priests there to heal. All for free.

"I can use the hand crossbow, or maybe Badger can use it as a regular crossbow, seein' as it's not sized for his hands right. Won't hurt to have something that can hurt things from a distance."

Whisper sees about purchasing a couple potions of Cure Light Wounds, and a potion of Cat's Grace if she can find one.

Whisper grumbles about the group's decision to wait, but she has little interest in going off and getting herself killed by herself. She does wander about town for a little while before turning in, just getting a feel for the lay of the area, and keeping her ears perked and eyes peeled for any pertinent information.

Perception: 1d20+6

When Kyras hands her her presents, she sits quietly in a corner as the others prepare and makes sure the vials are well-concealed but accessible on her person. If I can, take 20 on Sleight of Hand; if not take 10

BTW I may not be online for a little while--maybe not till Sunday night; carry on

Don't think many people will be interested in you putting away the items Kyras gave you ;).

Just have to wait for Mal and the Summoner to appear and we can perhaps move to the next day.

Badger gives Whisper the hand crossbow. He'll rely on his sling and the flasks of oil that he has ready to fuse if needed.

Flasks of oil were old school compared to Alchemist's fire but at 1sp each they were much cheaper.

'Here Whisper, this will help you for those tricky situations when you don't want to get too close,' says Badger. 'I just ask that you help me wind up this brute of a crossbow between combats.'

Badger shows a human size heavy crossbow that he has difficulty holding up for long.

Okay, kwel on the healing. That saves me 25gp and with that combined with what I still have in the kitty, I will purchase a Heavy Crossbow of Medium size. It is a size class bigger than the Gnome which means a -2 penalty to use it but the damage die is 1d10 which is worth the increase. I'll likely get off one shot at the start of combats but hopefully that will do the job.

Badger gives Whisper the hand crossbow. He'll rely on his sling and the flasks of oil that he has ready to fuse if needed.

Flasks of oil were old school compared to Alchemist's fire but at 1sp each they were much cheaper.

'Here Whisper, this will help you for those tricky situations when you don't want to get too close,' says Badger. 'I just ask that you help me wind up this brute of a crossbow between combats.'

Badger shows a human size heavy crossbow that he has difficulty holding up for long.

Okay, kwel on the healing. That saves me 25gp and with that combined with what I still have in the kitty, I will purchase a Heavy Crossbow of Medium size. It is a size class bigger than the Gnome which means a -2 penalty to use it but the damage die is 1d10 which is worth the increase. I'll likely get off one shot at the start of combats but hopefully that will do the job.

Temples will most often not charge for healing, but healing potions, scrolls and wands would be another thing entirely since it costs componants and you would be able to use them whenever you can.

DM:

"I dislike waiting to make a rescue attempt. We are giving our enemies an advantage, but I will bow to the will of all of you. The only way we will be successful in our endeavors is by getting along, infighting will only get us all killed", having said that Mal inquires in the Temple about healing potions.

Mal would like to spend at least a portion of the night on the roof (if this is possible) looking to make sure nothing attempts to enter the Temple and slay our prisoner. He will then rest and get ready for the journey the next day.

DM: ** spoiler omitted **

"I dislike waiting to make a rescue attempt. We are giving our enemies an advantage, but I will bow to the will of all of you. The only way we will be successful in our endeavors is by getting along, infighting will only get us all killed", having said that Mal inquires in the Temple about healing potions.

Mal would like to spend at least a portion of the night on the roof (if this is possible) looking to make sure nothing attempts to enter the Temple and slay our prisoner. He will then rest and get ready for the journey the next day.

Quiver of arrows cost that much? Wow...thought 20 Arrows only cost 1 gold...Anyway, assuming you're all done shopping you all head to your respective sleeping quarters, but if there is something else you wanted to do and I've blown you off, you can put it in a spoiler tag titled last night or something.

You are allowed to wait on the roof since you insist and the night passes uneventfully. For the first time in a month there was no screaming of anyone noticing a recent abduction of a child.

As you all sleep:
You open your eyes to find tears in them. A Hogoblin leads you up the stairs out of this dark tomb until you come across a alter and stare around scared. Nearby you see a humanoid creature with pointed ears, bald head and clawed fingers wearing a unholy robe of somekind. The Hobgoblin speaks to this creature.

The Hobgoblin nods understandingly and forces you onto the alter. As you look around, a voice that is not your own screams out in common:
"Help! Someone help me! Mum! Dad!" and tears continue to swell in your eyes. You see in the wooden pews there stand four rotting fleshy beings, approching the alter and as you look back you see the Hobgoblin, speaking again in some unknown tongue.

You get a good look of the blade as it's raised slowly. It appears to be a Kukri that was ceremoniously created for this. Just at that moment, the hobgoblin grins as the undead get in close and he thrusts the dagger down, the voice screaming in you're head and waking you all up in a cold sweat in your own respective resting places.

Knowledge religion to identify the creature in the unholy robe.

Badger shivers and shakes with the disturbing vision.

One murder was stopped but more lived to plague the land.

Sun though would put the daemons on the disadvantage. It was time for them to feel fear of the reprisal that he and his companions would bring.

I got nothing. I am seriously going to have Badger break out a few books and do some reading in the temple here as he gets to level 2. I've got one knowledge skill so far and I need more. hehe.

Before bed:

Rising from a horrible dream with sweat on his brow, Kyras swings his feet over the edge of the bead and sits for a minute resting his face in his palms to calm his breathing and gather his thoughts. What was that. Seemed so real. Nasty looking hobgoblin. Helpless child. Whicked.. what?.. priest? Yes probably a priest. Our target? Vision not dream? his face scrunches a litle at the last one, A divine hand in all this? Great! Just perfect. he thinks scornfully.
Washing his face he sets to work on brewing his mutagen and one catalist for a bomb, thinking it over he decides to wait with the extracts. Better see whats ahead.

Then the above post for coming our of his room.

Mal awakens dresses and seeks out the others. "My reverie was disturbed by visions of evil. I wonder how and why such evil dreams would come to me. Unfortunately I could not understand most of what I saw. I do believe though that such a vision means that we have gained the attention of our foes. I am certainly ready to seek them out now". Mal looks fiercely determined to proceed.

There is a second quiver across his back and he is obviously ready for battle.

The 1 GP was for the arrows, the rest was for the Potions :-)

Mal awakens dresses and seeks out the thers. "My reverie was disturbed by visions of evil. I wonder how and why such evil dreams would come to me. Unfortunately I could not understand most of what I saw. I do believe though that such a vision means that we have gained the attention of our foes. I am certainly ready to seek them out now". Mal looks fiercely determined to proceed.

There is a second quiver across his back and he is obviously ready for battle.

The 1 GP was for the arrows, the rest was for the Potions :-)

'Aye, it is certainly possible that it was a vision sent by our enemies. It does turn the soul to see such things and bleed tears from the heart.'

'But I see no reason in our enemies exposing their pawns to us by letting us know that we face a hobgoblin priest. We also know there are four unholy guards and a fifth that is bald headed with pointy ears speaking in a foreign tongue. This information, no matter how disturbing, benefits us and not our enemies.'

'There is no profit in the forces of Bane and his consort exposing their plans to us. I think this might be a gift from another source. A source that hopes to give us the advantage that we need to be prepared.'

'It also gives me answers to questions that I did not know the answer to. I had talked before leaving on the caravan to a local bird. The bird brought me word of a group of goblin like creatures meeting with the orcs. I did not know what the creatures were that the bird tried to describe. But, now I am sure. It was the same sort of being that was the priest in the vision.'

'It tells me that if we have any trouble picking up the creature's trail from where the Zhent agent told us that we might find a path from where the Orc village lies in the wood. It also, tells us what type of trail we will be looking for. A trail left by the creature in the vision.'

'Last, it has given us an insight into what the altar room of the temple will look like with the pews. That will give us an advantage if we need to fight a battle in that room as we will have seen it and know what enemies we can expect to face in that room. We also know of the sacrificial knife; so, we can make sure that we find it and see it properly destroyed.'

'If this was a vision from the dark powers then we must use it as a weapon of knowledge and turn it upon our enemies. If it is as I think it is. It may not be a blessing because no murder of an innocent child could ever be referred to as a blessing. It is though valuable vision provided to us by some divine power to arm us for the coming battle.'

'Now, I am no priest with the ability to send hordes of undead to their demise by channeling the flow of divine energy. I do though have some training in praying for assisstance and have taken time to purchase several useful scrolls in such a fight. They may not be perfect weapons but they may give us the advantage we need in such a fight. I do though suggest that you consider what you might do if faced by those four grim forms in the vision.'

Whisper looks up over her morning cup of tea. "You dreamed about the hobgoblin too?" She shakes her head. "That wasn't just a foreign tongue, Badger, that was the language of the Hells. I don't know the creature he was talking to, but I would guess from the language, that's either what they use for their religious language, or he's connected somehow to the devils.

"Anyway, if I remember what he said right was... there's a human who was their supplier of children, but he's not doing any more work until they let him buy back a half-elven girl. But Ugly in the Black Robes was dead set on sacrificing her. And something about the Black Gauntlet Lord and the Dark Goddess, the sacrifices fueling her ascension blah blah blah." She rolls her eyes, wondering internally why they couldn't have fruit and coins and wine for libations like normal gods.

"As for who sent it, I seemed to be dreamin' through the eyes of one of the 'sacrifices.' Maybe one of those kids is magically gifted. Or maybe it's a trap to get us riled. Whatever it is, we need to get a godsdamned move-on. I was minding my business through town last night and something's keeping an eye on us, so the sooner we shake that--or fight it--the better.

She organizes the items she purchased yesterday into her pack, and looks up as something else occurs to her. "One more thing. I was thinking about that Bloodstone that the Captain mentioned yesterday, the place he said our erstwhile employer ran off to? I was trying to remember where I'd heard of it, and I'm pretty sure I've heard some guild mates in Waterdeep talk about it... a center for the area's Black Market, and a nasty one at that. You can buy anything and anyone there.

"We got local fish to fry before we think about checking that place out, but it's worth bearing in mind. If Zhentil Keep's got interests there, gods know what 'goods' they're moving." She draws "her" new rapier and flicks it about, re-testing its heft and balance before she resheaths it.

Final shopping list: 2 potions of Cure Light Wounds (100 gp), 4 vials of holy water (100 gp), 30 hand crossbow bolts (3 gp), a day's worth of rations (5 sp)

'Something was keeping an eye on you?

'We must be making progress to gather such attention. Let's head forth. Mal, let's start where we found the Zhent agent and see if we might find a trail leading south to the temple in the hill.'

Survival for tracking to aid Mal 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Perception for watching to see if we have any people shadowing or trailing us as I am alerted by Whisper's words 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

New day so going to use speak with animals Gnomish ability to talk to an animal, either a bird but will accept some sort of raccoon or squirrel in the area that we found the Zhent agent. Looking for word on the goblin like creatures and the temple to the south.

Knowledge (Nature) looking for signs of disturbed plant life or something that might be out of place 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

'Something was keeping an eye on you?

'We must be making progress to gather such attention. Let's head forth. Mal, let's start where we found the Zhent agent and see if we might find a trail leading south to the temple in the hill.'

Survival for tracking to aid Mal 1d20+6

Perception for watching to see if we have any people shadowing or trailing us as I am alerted by Whisper's words 1d20+11

New day so going to use speak with animals Gnomish ability to talk to an animal, either a bird but will accept some sort of raccoon or squirrel in the area that we found the Zhent agent. Looking for word on the goblin like creatures and the temple to the south.

Knowledge (Nature) looking for signs of disturbed plant life or something that might be out of place 1d20+6

Where exactly are you looking for the signs of disturbed plant life?

Badger plans to look for disturbed plant life around where they found the Zhent agent and on the route to the temple

Badger feeds a bird some grain from his mule's feed and quietly chatters to the creature.

'There has been some changes in the night. There appears to be less activity around the ruins that were the temple but it still smells of decay and sound of a child screaming was heard in the nearby woods.'

'I think it is still worth taking a look to clean the filth from the walls.'

'I have other news that there is a band of goblins led by a bugbear in the area. They appear to be bothering a village and particularly a villager near here. It is described as a small group; so, we should be able to run it off with some care. We just have to keep our watch out for that bugbear as they are notoriously tricky.'

'Last, it appears most of the orcs have gone north with their prisoners. The bird that I spoke to thinks there was an exceptionally large one, possibly an ogre, leading them and most of their captives away. There are roughly half a dozen to a dozen left with a few prisoners. Again, if we can take them on in a couple of smaller fights or ambushes then we should be able to clear them from the woods.'

Thumbs hooked into the straps of his backpack and sweat starting to form on his brow from the short walk Kyras puffs a little as they stop to examine the tracks and speak to birds. "Lead on then."

Badger does his best to follow the trail with Mal, heading south towards the temple. Badger will advice not walking right on the trail as that is usually where traps are set to discourage people. Badger will recommend that people walk roughly 10 to 20' to the side of any path even if the going is slightly tougher.

Checking can go back to the trail to verify any tracks and make sure things are headed in the correct direction.

"If anyone possesses magic to cloak themselves it may make sense to use it. This way if we run into a group or groups on the trails we will have at least one surprise for our foes".

Mal will attempt to pick up the tracks of the Zhent in the bushes he was hiding in. If I see signs of other prints (Bugbear or Orc or otherwise) I will note them as well. Any tracks involving Orcs add +2 to my rolls.

Survival - Tracking - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Perception - 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

"The best I can do is a ball of shadow. That's oddly noticeable in its own way, so I'd rather save it."

It should go without saying that Whisper is whispering this, but moreso than usual.

Whisper stays in the center, but stays on the alert as well. She has little wilderness experience, but she still can hear footsteps and the like well enough.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

"If anyone possesses magic to cloak themselves it may make sense to use it. This way if we run into a group or groups on the trails we will have at least one surprise for our foes".

Mal will attempt to pick up the tracks of the Zhent in the bushes he was hiding in. If I see signs of other prints (Bugbear or Orc or otherwise) I will note them as well. Any tracks involving Orcs add +2 to my rolls.

Survival - Tracking - 1d20 +5

Perception - 1d20 +7

It takes some time, but you manage to find your way back to where you all were when you stopped the wagon and grabbed the agent. You notice that there are tracks there, not noticable to normal people, but you are trained in this kind of thing and clearly see them leading off south towards a mountain range. These tracks have been untouched and remain very visable. It appears the man knew nothing of covering up his tracks.

"Hopefully this man's clumsiness is due to his ineptitude and not a clever way to lead foes into a trap". Malstei continues forward along the trail following it to its origins as quietly as possible.

Mal will leep an arrow read in his strung bow.

Stealth - 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Whisper follows Malstei's lead, quietly loading her new hand crossbow, and follows behind him about 15 feet.

Stealth 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Badger has one of the larger folk help load his heavy crossbow.

He then follows Mal's lead keeping off of the path but watching for signs while riding his new dog, Victor. Fox and Hunter follow the larger dog keeping to its heels. Badger's Mule on a lead line follows behind the group. Badger keeps a 100' back of Mal to keep the noise from his animals from interfering with Mal's progress.

Stealth (Badger is +10, Guard Dogs +5(7), Riding Dog +2(4) ) Badger will aid the dogs on stealth (auto with his +10 skill giving them each a +2 on stealth) Just rolling for Badger. 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Perception dogs can assist Badger with their Perception +8 and the roll was previously done or I can make a fresh roll if you like.

Badger has one of the larger folk help load his heavy crossbow.

He then follows Mal's lead keeping off of the path but watching for signs while riding his new dog, Victor. Fox and Hunter follow the larger dog keeping to its heels. Badger's Mule on a lead line follows behind the group. Badger keeps a 100' back of Mal to keep the noise from his animals from interfering with Mal's progress.

Stealth (Badger is +10, Guard Dogs +5(7), Riding Dog +2(4) ) Badger will aid the dogs on stealth (auto with his +10 skill giving them each a +2 on stealth) Just rolling for Badger. 1d20+10

Perception dogs can assist Badger with their Perception +8 and the roll was previously done or I can make a fresh roll if you like.

I was thinking of a roll for them all. A roll for each one as some may catch something and some might not. Also reading the adventure's armoury on Guard dogs or indeed combat trained dogs they are meant to have the same stats as a riding dog.

I have been using the stats for dog, pg 87 of Pathfinder Bestiary for Fox and Hunter and plan to use the stats for Victor as the Riding Dog. The reason is the price on the Core Books equipment list. A guard dog is listed as 25gp and a riding dog as 150gp. The regular dog (small size) is a 1/3 CR creature while the Riding Dog (medium size) is a 1/2 CR creature. I feel it is only fair to pay for the extra combat value of the riding dog by paying the larger price. Also, 1/3 CR is equivalent to something that can be summoned with a level 1 summon monster spell (or holding an extra weapon in your off hand). A 1/2 CR is more in line with a level 2 summon.

Perception Fox 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Perception Hunter 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Perception Victor 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Stealth Fox 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Stealth Hunter 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Stealth Victor 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Staying in the back of the group, Kyras tries to stay out of theyr way as quietly as he can albeit beeing encumberd from his pack.

stealth 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Following along behind the party, some 20 paces or so, is a halfling with a strange large serpent of bright yellows, reds and oranges. The serpent's skin appears to be on fire, but this is just an optical illusion. The halfling, who you were introduced to this morning, is quiet and contemplative, almost a bit shocked by the revelations of the night.

The halfling is dressed in an unusual robe and headgear, more associated with the hot desert regions of Calishan. Her dark eyes peer out attentively from beneath her drab grey hijab, her small nose sits prettily above her unsmiling closed mouth. Her robes and clothes are in equal part drab as the serpent is colourful. She speaks to the serpent, "TzeTing, now is the time for us to be careful, as needs must we shall aid in their quest, for it is our quest. Be ready for action, as they do call us."

She stays at the back of the group with TzeTing, she whispers to Kyras, "Your friends, I will do all I can protect them and you." She lifts her light crossbow, ready to shoot.

Solaria
Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Stealth 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
TzeTing
Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Stealth 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

As he trudges along through the bushes he looks up from his intent gaze at the road before him. Licking his lips as he breathes heavily Kyras raises an eyebrow at Solaria's remark. "Yes, well." he says non-chalantly, "we do seem to have a knack for getting ourselves into trouble." He winks at her and grins a brown toothed smile and turns, again intent on the road.

AS the group continues towards the mountain and get closer and closer you can hear all sound in the area has dissappeared besides you're very own footing.

The entrance to the cave is very obvious. It's not a simple cave entrance, but elaborate with a roof made of stone supported by pillars, though a few of the pillers had fallen over the years as did the roof, but the rubble that you would've expected to see has been moved apart from the large pillars that remain there and a few standing up. Before the pillers are steps, small steps only to take the group a foot off the ground and the raised platform leading into a hole in the wall, carved right into the mountain.

Whisper quietly tells Malstei to hold, signalling she'd like to take a look at the steps and entryway. They are likely expecting them, and she wants to check to be sure they haven't boobytrapped the area.

She slowly steps forward, scanning the steps, pillars, platform and cave mouth for signs of hidden tripwires or other triggers.

Perception w/ Trapfinding bonus 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Speaking softly, 'We should take time to also check out the surroundings. Usually the front door is the most heavily guarded spot on a home with all the locks. If this temple used to house people then they likely had a couple of chimneys or opening to let out smoke or let in fresh air. People occupying ruins often forget these details.'

Perception looking for signs of smoke coming from the ruins or possible holes that have opened up over time from falling structures like pillars or collapsed beams. This would include looking for signs of cracks in the ground where the ground may have subsided. 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Survival looking for types of tracks in the area and the number of different tracks. Also, trying to figure out how recent they might be and if the more recent are coming or going from the hill. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Knowledge (Nature) since the animals have stopped making noise in the area and know from the bird I spoke to that they normally avoid this area, I have an idea that it is unnatural. I am looking for places signs of people doing things in the area like clearing of bushes or hacking with machetes. This type of clearing usually is done to clear things like chimneys or air vents to let in more light or allow for smoke to flow out of a ruin that has been recently taken over. It can also show evidence of gathering of wood for fires, traps, or furniture. It could also help give us an idea of the scale or size of the ruin in terms of number of rooms and possible location of temple as this room usually has a larger size and more vaulted ceiling. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Anyone want to do anything else or head straight into the cave?

Mal will also take a look around to see if he readily identify tracks to try and determine what type of foes they may encounter within.

Add +2 for Orc tracks. Does the entranceway look like there is enough light to get by within without a torch or sunrod? I would prefer to forego a light source unless we absolutely need one.

Survival - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Mal will also take a look around to see if he readily identify tracks to try and determine what type of foes they may encounter within.

Add +2 for Orc tracks. Does the entranceway look like there is enough light to get by within without a torch or sunrod? I would prefer to forego a light source unless we absolutely need one.

Survival - 1d20 +5

It's life enough for you to see inside. There's two statues. One destroyed and another still standing. The one standing has a bowl in it's hands that has fresh oil in it. There are indents in the wall, but without investigating you can't make them out that well.

Badger finishes looking around the area and reports back to his companions.

'I see signs of gathering fire wood but I can't find any signs of smoke burning or a chimney into the place. I also can't locate any other ways into the ruins or make much of tracks on this stone surface here.'

'Anyone able to tell much of what those statues might be? It might give us a clue on whether they're some form of guardian or merely supplicants bringing offerings. I see there are also indents in the wall. Could be for placing offerings, hanging decorations, or murder holes.'

'Whisper, what do you think?'

'Also, we have to decide who's neck we first put in the noose. I hate entrances. It's like the outside of an acorn. It looks tempting but without the proper technique all you're gonna do is end up frustrated with an audience of squirrels laughing at ya.'

I'm thinking either some sort of reflex trap or AC trap. Fresh oil is also a bad sign which means someone took time to put it there. Badger is okay on AC but weak on reflex and would rather not be first down the corridor. I could offer a rope tied to my Dog Victor to help quickly pull someone out if they run into trouble. Oh, should we try burning off the oil before going into the opening? It will more alert people to our presence but I don't think we're as worried on that as having oil splashed on someone and then set on fire.

I have no knowledge skills relevant to identifying the statues; so, they'll remain a mystery to me. I knew Badger should have taken that course in Art History and Art Appreciation ;>

Badger finishes looking around the area and reports back to his companions.

'I see signs of gathering fire wood but I can't find any signs of smoke burning or a chimney into the place. I also can't locate any other ways into the ruins or make much of tracks on this stone surface here.'

'Anyone able to tell much of what those statues might be? It might give us a clue on whether they're some form of guardian or merely supplicants bringing offerings. I see there are also indents in the wall. Could be for placing offerings, hanging decorations, or murder holes.'

'Whisper, what do you think?'

'Also, we have to decide who's neck we first put in the noose. I hate entrances. It's like the outside of an acorn. It looks tempting but without the proper technique all you're gonna do is end up frustrated with an audience of squirrels laughing at ya.'

I'm thinking either some sort of reflex trap or AC trap. Fresh oil is also a bad sign which means someone took time to put it there. Badger is okay on AC but weak on reflex and would rather not be first down the corridor. I could offer a rope tied to my Dog Victor to help quickly pull someone out if they run into trouble. Oh, should we try burning off the oil before going into the opening? It will more alert people to our presence but I don't think we're as worried on that as having oil splashed on someone and then set on fire.

I have no knowledge skills relevant to identifying the statues; so, they'll remain a mystery to me. I knew Badger should have taken that course in Art History and Art Appreciation ;>

Gah, should've been more explicit. You can see the statues and it's in a small anti-chamber. Forgot to mention that there is a double door behind the statues that's closed. Like the walls you can't make them out too well. It's light enough due to light outside, but if none of you are taking interest then none or you are taking interest, or if one of you had some light it'd help. For the statue that stands make me an intelligence check everyone. The new summoner also had that same nightmare. Plus perception for those entering the anti-chamber. I think anti-chamber is the right word. Basically it's like a small room with the double doors you can assume leads to the main area whatever that is.

Kyras stands his ground looking at the group running around with an amused expression. Going in... Not going in... Going there... Going hither...

perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Solaria and TzeTing follow with Kyras.
Solaria looks around the antechamber, wondering about the statue looking down and the great doors barring entry into this ancient complex.

Solaria
Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Intelligence check 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
TzeTing
Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13