Sister Mara thoroughly examines the bronze doors and can find no sign of mechanical trap or magical sigil to bar the party's path.
Pushing open the massive doors, you stand inside of a cavernous chamber, with a ceiling vaulting up to sixty feet, forming an architectural wonder unsupported by any visible columns or buttresses. The doors open upon a wide stone bridge with an elaborately carved railing arching over the chamber from north to south, leading from where you have entered toward another set of bronze double doors on the north side. Below the bridge where you stand, the floor is recessed to a depth of approximately 40 feet, a spiral symbol inlaid in the bottom. Eight staircases lead from this recessed portion of the chamber up 10 feet to a wide ledge.
On the wide ledge stand bronze doors to the east and west. Eight larger-than-life statues stand upon the ledge as well, evenly spaced around the room's circumference- seven carved from white stone, and the eighth carved from black stone.
Knowledge- Religion DC 15:
The eight statues, starting from the southwest and going clockwise:
- A tall man with gems set in his forehead, wielding a flaming glaive
- A beautiful woman with wild hair, holding a ranseur
- A voluptuous nude woman wielding a two-headed guisarme
- A short, smiling man holding a longspear
- An obese man with rotting flesh, wielding a scythe
- A handsome, bearded man in extravagant clothes wielding a lucerne hammer
- An imperious, heavyset woman holding a mirror and a halberd
- The eighth statue in the south-southeast corner is carved from dark stone and is threefold in form, portraying a tall woman with three faces looking in three different directions. One side has a kind face and cradles a baby in its arms, while a second side displays a more stern expression and holds an hourglass. The third face has a crazed look; its hands are empty, but thornless roses twine up both arms.
Knowledge- History DC 15:
Knowledge- History DC 20:
Knowledge- Religion DC 20:
Yang catches his breath, while the others inspect the door. His breathing sounds a bit phlegmy, and he coughs a bit.
Infernal:
** spoiler omitted **
Detressa quirks an eyebrow. “It is your choice. But I don’t think all of us speak it, so it may be less economical if someone has to translate.”
When the doors are opened, Detressa pushes forward to view the chamber beyond, then stops and stares in wonder.
“It is a temple dedicated to lady Pharasma,” she breathes. “The three faced statue depicts my goddess in her three aspects, though such a depiction – and indeed the style of this temple – is archaic indeed. The other seven statues ... I know them, I have read of them in my studies of the history of this city and land. They are the seven runelords of ancient Thassilon. The one with the glaive is the runelord of greed, who it is said once ruled much of what is now Varisia, including this city. The others each represented one of the other seven ancient sins associated with their particular brand of magic. The history of this place ...”
Kua's eyes glaze over as he listens to Detressa lecture on about Rune kings and three headed goddesses. After a moment, he decides that this is a good time to breakout his slate board and map the areas of the crypt that he has seen so far.
Uwais leads Waya into the chamber, patting her soothingly as he looks about. "Very majestic," he says shortly, after listening somberly to Detressa's description.
Standing next to Kua, Badang looks on at the cryptic scribblings and points to a few places here and there where beasts felled and vanquished.
Marveling at the statue's weapons, Badang pauses and mutters the incantations for detect magic.
Know, history: 1d20 + 6
When the doors are opened, Detressa pushes forward to view the chamber beyond, then stops and stares in wonder.
“It is a temple dedicated to lady Pharasma,” she breathes. “The three faced statue depicts my goddess in her three aspects, though such a depiction – and indeed the style of this temple – is archaic indeed. The other seven statues ... I know them, I have read of them in my studies of the history of this city and land. They are the seven runelords of ancient Thassilon. The one with the glaive is the runelord of greed, who it is said once ruled much of what is now Varisia, including this city. The others each represented one of the other seven ancient sins associated with their particular brand of magic. The history of this place ...”
Infernal
When Detressa begins her history lecture, Yang listens intently. As she speaks, however, he begins slowly looking over each statue, looking at the intricate details. (Perception take 20). "Continue, with your history, please," he says when she trails off.
Detressa tests the strength of the bridge ahead, pressing down on the stone hard and thumping with the butt of her long spear. After doing so she turns to Chen.
Infernal:
“Well, this chamber would appear to prove that this ossuary was in use by the progenitors of my religion even in the time of the Runelords – and it is said their reign ended ten thousand years ago, when the sky fell and the world was plunged into darkness ... unless some of the statues were moved in here at a later date. I have read further about the Runelords, if you wish to hear it Master Chen?”
There doesn't seem to be any stairwells or paths down from the bridge you're standing on beyond the path forward to the double doors. The railings seem to support weight- perhaps one could climb down that way.
Marveling at the statue's weapons, Badang pauses and mutters the incantations for detect magic.
Badang:
Yangzhun spends a long time examining the amazing architecture and incredible sculptures, but from his vantage point on top of the bridge he can pick out little beyond the exquisite workmanship of the ancient Pharasmin cathedral.
The statues have magic within, alas only minor. That I do not care, since the arms that they bare are at best ornamental. Could they serve some purpose other than a magnificent sight to behold?
Mara gazes in awe at the wondrous sight of the ancient temple. She listens attentively to Detressa's explanation of the temple and its history.
“This chamber is fascinating and most holy ... but it doesn’t have any evident connection to our investigation. Unless someone wants to try to climb down there to have a better look around,” Detressa glances over the bridge’s railing, “I suggest we continue through those doors over there. Perhaps we should space ourselves a little apart in crossing the bridge?”
That, I would agree. Forward to the North. Perhaps we should cross in twos?
"That the statues are enchanted worries me a bit. Perhaps I should check the bridge for traps as we go."
Detressa tests the strength of the bridge ahead, pressing down on the stone hard and thumping with the butt of her long spear. After doing so she turns to Chen.
Infernal: ** spoiler omitted **
“Well, this chamber would appear to prove that this ossuary was in use by the progenitors of my religion even in the time of the Runelords – and it is said their reign ended ten thousand years ago, when the sky fell and the world was plunged into darkness ... unless some of the statues were moved in here at a later date. I have read further about the Runelords, if you wish to hear it Master Chen?”
Yang listens to the remainder of Detressa's lecture intently. Once everyone begins discussing the bridge, he quietly listens, but nods vigorously at Kua's statement. "Yes, visitors would not be welcome down here, I think. The statues seem suspicious, and their magic worries."
You travel in twos across the bridge, which seems structurally sound in its entirety. A thorough examination of the far doors yields no evidence of a trap, so Badang and Kua shoulder it open to reveal another dusty stone corridor, ten feet in width. Approximately 40 feet forward, the corridor splits to lead east and west, the north end meeting the wall. Echoing through the halls you hear a repeating hollow thump sound. It's tough to tell where it's coming from.
Perception DC 10:
Perception DC 20:
"That the statues are enchanted worries me a bit. Perhaps I should check the bridge for traps as we go."
1d20+8
Kua finds no traps or triggers moving forward on the bridge.
Kua puts his near the right wall and gives an inquisitive look to Badang.
"Do you hear that thumping up ahead? It sounds as though it's coming from the right."
A moment...Casts guidance. I believe you are correct but I sense a creature with leathery wings nearby the area as well.
Perception
We should seek the source of the sounds, that means we should turn right.
"I agree with Badang. Let's check out the sounds to the right," Aylmora says as she stows her hanbo and loads a bolt into her crossbow.
Detressa turns to the right with the others.
Uwais pats Waya reassuringly, casting Guidance as he does. He loads his sling as he goes forward, peering carefully.
About 25 feet around the corner, the corridor widens out on the right side from the 10 foot wide hallway to a larger room. Approximately forty feet straight ahead you see the source of the sounds: two grey skinned grotesque heads fly on tattered bat wings, battering themselves against a wooden door.
DM Screen:
They don't seem to have noticed you yet, focusing solely on beating against that door.
Kua creeps forward carefully attempting to sneak up on the winged monstrosities.
Once within distance, Kua will attempt to bury his great axe in the crown of the left creature's head.
perception
Yang remains oblivious to anything, concerned more with the thoughts in his head and Detressa's historical notes. He vows to study more of these "Runelords" when he gets the opportunity; it's a subject he had heard of before, but never in so much det...
Yang's attention is finally diverted when he notices Kua start sneaking ahead with his axe. He internally curses as he realizes he cannot cast any of his area spells with a companion in the way; he instead begins preparations to cast a force missile at the inevitable confrontation.
initiative
force missile damage
Knowing she cannot match Kua’s stealth, Detressa hangs back, holding her spear ready for any attack that might come. She wonders what the strange creatures may be.
Mara studies the strange flying-head creatures carefully as she sights down her crossbow, ready to fire upon the creatures if they prove to be hostile.
None of you have ever encountered these creatures before or heard mention of them- what could possibly be just a head with wings on it?
DM Screen:
Badang's War Sigh:
Initiative
Round one- Surprise
Flapping heads: 15 (flat-footed)
Sister Mara: 6
Uwais and Waya: 5
Kua: 4 (attack- hit)
Detressa: 3
Badang: 3
Yangzhun: 3 (force missile- 4 dmg)
Kua creeps up silently behind the leftmost head and delivers a perfect chop to the crown of the creature's skull, splitting it like the most disgusting watermelon the Warren's stalls could offer. Viscous, putrid matter spills out as it thuds to the floor and it's companion notices the stealthy half-orc- just as a force missile from Yang thuds into its ear.
Surprise round actions, please.
what could possibly be just a head with wings on it?
Surprise round actions, please.
Badang does what he loves the most, advancing, attempting to deliver a hearty smack to the flying heads.
Move to X7
Attack N -
Damage -
Uwais gives a quick wolf-like bark to Waya, then fires a round with his sling as she moves into the available space to attack.
Not wanting to get into Badang's way, Kua will wait for the warrior to swing his flail, then step forward and finish the thing off if need be.
what could possibly be just a head with wings on it?
knowledge [pick one]
knowledge [pick one] 1d20+8
Yang/Knowledge (The Planes) DC 13:
Detressa readies an action to attack with her spear should an enemy come within its reach.
Mara fires her crossbow at the remaining creature.
As the combat continues, Yang exclaims, "These are vargouilles. Watch their kiss, and the bite is poison. They have a bothersome yell, also. But these are not right, someway. Not in good health. Undead, maybe."
Mara looses her crossbow into the back of the creature's head as Uwais' bullet zips past, flying right over Badang's burly shoulder. Waya snaps at the flapping head, but it proves too agile for her jaws. Badang's flail smacks it in the temple, leaving a grotesque indentation and pulping it's forehead. Maimed, it flaps listlessly, reeling back and forth.
Initiative
Round two
Flapping heads: 15 (bite and slam vs. Badang)
Sister Mara: 6
Uwais and Waya: 5
Kua: 4 (attack- miss)
Detressa: 3
Badang: 3
Yangzhun: 3
The unholy wreck of a flying head clacks its jaws and attempts to bite Badang, then flaps back to gain momentum and smack him with its forehead!
Bite attack vs. Badang:
Slam vs. Badang:
It smacks against the warrior's armor, chomping into the hide as if it didn't realize it wasn't part of Badang's body.
Mharie, mharie choba larghi!
Shifting to X8, Badang unleashes a strike to finish the job.
Attack
Damage
Godsmouth Ossuary Catacombs Map
Round Two:
Grimacing in disgust at the sight of the grotesque creature, Mara reloads her crossbow and fires at the flying head, aiming carefully to avoid hitting her companions.
Seeing the thing chomping on to Badang's armor, Kua attempts to separate the two with a solid chop to the side of the vargouilles head.