Personally, I think Nijena's got the idea. Society will have next of kin information. And I promise as GM that I won't have any wild animals interfere with the body nor will I use the bad energy within the crypt to make her an undead of any kind.
When the party is ready to continue, just say where you're goin'. Looks like three doors you've not currently gone through: 1) the locked one with the shrieking. 2) the locked one in the pool room. and 3) the one in the room of a thousand arrows.
Given the circumstances, I can understand Blossym's absence. Will bot her during combat as needed and provide any applicable skill checks to not leave you too stranded.
Male Tiefling Inquisitor 2 | HP 21/21 | CMD 15 | AC 20, t 12, ff 18 | Fort +6 Ref +2 Will +6 (+2 vs. emotion) | Init +5, Perc +8
Kuran warily returns to the room with the death trap, and with light feet advances to the doors, trying to open them all. But before that, he makes sure to check them for traps.
Take 20 on every door, can't be too careful now. Total 27.
"You check that p-pillar," Kuran whimpers, pointing at the ominous threat, "make sure it no longer k-kills anyone."
Neither door is trapped, nor are they locked any more. The door to the east leads back near the door with the screaming and yelling coming from behind it. However, it still has no way to open it from the other side. If you go through it and it closes behind you, you have to go the long way around.
The southern door leads further into the compound.
The pillar is still in shambles and no one has been through to reload and repair.
Female Aasimar Paladin 4 HP 40/40; AC 20; TCH 12; FF 18; F +8; R +7; W +9; CMB+6; CMD 18; Speed 30FT (20FT in armor); Init +2; Perception +5
We rested for several hours for sure. At least half of Nijena's NL damage in hours. GM, how much was this? Did Nijena get any lethal damage? I lost the overview...
Male Tiefling Inquisitor 2 | HP 21/21 | CMD 15 | AC 20, t 12, ff 18 | Fort +6 Ref +2 Will +6 (+2 vs. emotion) | Init +5, Perc +8
Safer to say we rested for a night. Kuran gets one point of strength back too. Also, we can use Tessa's rations to keep on going longer. No famine and such.
There was no lethal damage from the arrows, and I don't think you incurred any previously.
So with Blossym needing to drop, with the group's blessing I'll take on the full GMPC for him. Or would you rather I bring in a pre-gen GMPC?
Ready to go, the group opens the door. A continuous carving of mourners runs along the walls here, leading to a staircase on the south side of the room.
Along the floor you can see distinct tracks in the dust leading to the stairs which indicate something of decent size was recently dragged through here.
Male Tiefling Inquisitor 2 | HP 21/21 | CMD 15 | AC 20, t 12, ff 18 | Fort +6 Ref +2 Will +6 (+2 vs. emotion) | Init +5, Perc +8
With shaking hands, his legs quivering, Kuran steps bravely into the chamber, shield and sword raised high. He takes careful steps as in not to step on possible pressure plates and other traps, and keeps a keen eye for anything threatening.
Take 20 on perception all the time for anything evil, like traps and such, square by square. Totals 27.
The party enters the chamber only to be met by four skeletons, what remains of their flesh hanging from their ivory bones, blood still dripping from their lifeless veins.
Before the party can respond to the threat, one skeleton lunges forward at Kuran and swings a bloody claw at his face! However the dagger-like fingertips miss in the air in front of him and rake against his armour!
Green Claw on Kuran:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 MISS
Seeing an opening and feeling oddly reckless (teehee...), Blossym moves up to another skeleton and tries to slice it with her wakizashi! What would be a decent blow seems a little less impressive as the blade mostly just skitters off the skeletal remains of the beast...
Wakizashi on Yellow:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 for 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (3) = 7 HIT
Order:
Green skeleton
Blossym, Darren, Nijena
Blue, Red and Yellow skeletons
Kuran
Male Tiefling Inquisitor 2 | HP 21/21 | CMD 15 | AC 20, t 12, ff 18 | Fort +6 Ref +2 Will +6 (+2 vs. emotion) | Init +5, Perc +8
Kuran's turn:
Deathly afraid of the undead in his current state, Kuran can't think of anything but saving himself and his companions. He takes a step back, knowing he is useless in battle in his weakened state (still 8 points of strength penalty, resulting in -4 to nearly all rolls). Behind the line, he begins casting a defensive spell on Darren. (Provoke an AoO from one skeleton behind cover)
Free: 5ft-step; Standard: Cast protection from evil on Darren.
"K-kill them, Darren! B-but don't use th-that rapier!"
Darren, meanwhile, encourages the group to back up... but they're already in. "At least they're flanking as a group," shouts Blossym, "rather than independently!"
Darren strikes at the skeleton, but the aim is obstructed by his fellow party members!
The remaining skeletons converge on the party! The following strikes are impressive to see, but nothing connects on the adventurers!
Blue on Nijena:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 MISS
Blue on Nijena:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 MISS
Red on Blossym:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 MISS
Yellow on Blossym:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 MISS
Yellow on Blossym:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 MISS
Kuran steps back and casts a spell from behind the protection of cover (cover prevents an AoO, so yay!). He recalls not only are these skeletons, but bloody skeletons. They are a special variant of undead which regenerates, even after being destroyed! The only way to truly destroy them is to destroy them in a hallowed place or sprinkle the remains with holy water! They also have the standard DR/bludgeoning and undead traits.
The final skeleton has its go at Nijena. It swipes once at the air before raking the paladin's flesh through a gap in her armour!
Blue on Nijena:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 MISS
Blue on Nijena:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Possible crit
Blue on Nijena:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Not confirmed
Blossym thinks for a moment on Kuran's words before drawing her hando and bashing at the skeleton. Not a bad strike for a little one!
Hanbo on yellow:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 for 1d4 ⇒ 4
Order:
Green skeleton
Blossym, Darren, Nijena
Blue, Red and Yellow skeletons
Kuran
Male CG Kitsune Swashbuckler/2 - HP: 18 - AC:18*/T:14/FF:14* *+1 when adjacent to only one foe - Fort:0, Ref:7, Will:-1 - CMB:+3, CMD:17 - Speed:30 - Perception:+3 - Init: +4 - Panache 1/4 -
Darren steps forward without missing a beat. Polearm still in hand, he punches at the skeleton on his right, then leans forward and tries to crush its bones between his jaws!
Crunch:
Notes: Here's to hoping I got all the useless rolls out in one fell swoop, eh?
Darren will use Opportune Parry and Riposte with his cestus against the first attack against him from either of the skeletons.
Round 2 action: 5' step
full attack action vs green skeleton, then red skeleton if first one goes down
Darren flails madly stepping into melee form with the skeletons while Nijena manages to land a hit on a skeleton!
Apologies, I missed the skeletons' HP total, so Blossym actually felled one with that last strike. It hadn't gone yet, so no ret-con needed.
The blue skeleton retaliates on Nijena as its bones slowly realign themselves.
Claw on Nijena:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 MISS
Claw on Nijena:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 MISS
The other swings its claws at Darren! Feel free to do your parry and riposte stuffs as applicable. 1 Blossym, 2 Darren:1d2 ⇒ 2 Claw on Darren:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 MISS
Claw on Darren:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 MISS
Order:
Green skeleton
Blossym, Darren, Nijena
Blue and Red skeletons
Kuran
Male Tiefling Inquisitor 2 | HP 21/21 | CMD 15 | AC 20, t 12, ff 18 | Fort +6 Ref +2 Will +6 (+2 vs. emotion) | Init +5, Perc +8
"Ohhh, we need all the help we can get! Iomedae, grant us your blessing!" Kuran whimpers, and as asked a blessing is granted to all the allies fighting evil skellies.
With the battle remaining constant, Kuran calls a blessing on those around him, seeming to fighten the skeletons as they know what comes next. That does not stop them from trying to enlist you into their ranks of undead vileness.
1 Darren, 2 Nijena:1d2 ⇒ 1 Claw on Darren:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 HIT
Claw on Darren:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 MISS
Blossym starts beating on the remaining skeleton near her after trying to dance around it. Trying being the operative word as the skeleton lashes out at her as she passes. She hold on, however, and smacks the skeleton with her hanbo!
Acrobatics:1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9 Hanbo:1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 = 22 for 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (2) = 3
The skeleton between Darren and Blossym swipes again at the halfling, which is enough to fell her! With a cry, she falls to the ground bleeding out.
1 Blossym, 2 Darren:1d2 ⇒ 1 Claw on Blossym:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Claw on Blossym:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Order:
Green skeleton
Blossym (-1/9 hp), Darren, Nijena
Red skeleton
Kuran
Kuran's strike is unable to connect as the skeleton merely reaches out and catches his blade. With a shake of its head, it raises a single index finger and... wags it at him...?
The greenish skeleton then returns its claws to Nijena! The second claw finds purchase on tender flesh and tears a few more scratches into it.
1 Darren, 2 Nijena:1d2 ⇒ 2 Claw:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Claw:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Arbitrary Stabilization Check for Blossym:1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 - 1 = 20Wow. NOW I roll that...
Order:
Green skeleton
Blossym (-1/9 hp), Darren, Nijena
Red skeleton
Kuran
Male Tiefling Inquisitor 2 | HP 21/21 | CMD 15 | AC 20, t 12, ff 18 | Fort +6 Ref +2 Will +6 (+2 vs. emotion) | Init +5, Perc +8
While himself nearly useless in a fight, he sees a spot for him to help his comrades. Feeling the need to act quickly, he seems to move about much faster over on the other side of the skeleton. With his sword drawn he gives a fighting chance to Nijena by distracting the undead.
I'm going to adopt this crunch spoiler tagging.
Crunch:
Swift action: Relentless footing, +10 feet to land speed for 1 round. Move action: Go around the skeleton, avoid AoO, provide flank to Nijena. Standard action: Aid another (Nijena's attack) Aid another (Nijena attack):1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 4 = 15Success!
With some help coming Nijena's way, the skeleton takes a few swipes at the distracting tiefling! And it is not a pretty sight to behold as the skeleton flails as threateningly as a newborn kitty...
1 Darren, 2 Kuran, 3 Nijena:1d3 ⇒ 2 Claw:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Claw:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
With the aid of her allies, Nijena lands the flail squarely on the skeleton's head. Things seem to stop as the skeleton turns around, looks at her with a confused look, and collapses to the ground in a heap of gorey bones!
Out of combat!
From this room, stairs lead down into who knows what.
Male Tiefling Inquisitor 2 | HP 21/21 | CMD 15 | AC 20, t 12, ff 18 | Fort +6 Ref +2 Will +6 (+2 vs. emotion) | Init +5, Perc +8
Kuran looks around in panic, then presses his fingers on his eyes to concentrate. "Let's carry these skeletons to the deep water pool. Drop them there. I doubt they swim very well," Kuran says, "unless we have holy water with us, we should spray them with it to end their evil curse!"
Kuran then quickly realizes Blossym went down and rushes next to her. "No no no no!" Hastily, he checks to see if Blossym is still alive.
Heal:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13I'm guessing checking a pulse is a DC 10, tops.
Kuran is relieved to know Blossym is still with the living. "W-we should back out, again. N-Nijena, can you heal h-her? A-and Darren, keep s-stabbing the undead."
I thought we didn't have holy water, but apparently Nijena has 4 flasks. I'm guessing one flask is enough to spray each skeleton?
With a tentative nod, the party moves down stairs.
At the bottom of the stairs is a circular chamber with three passageways leading from it. In the center is a small stone pedestal. The sound of dripping water can be heard coming from the eastern passageway, while the stench of rot emanates from the west. The only thing which stands out about the southern passageway is the sheer silence coming from it.
Male Tiefling Inquisitor 2 | HP 21/21 | CMD 15 | AC 20, t 12, ff 18 | Fort +6 Ref +2 Will +6 (+2 vs. emotion) | Init +5, Perc +8
"This place is th-the worst!" Kuran shrieks, again keeping his sword and shield held high. He's peeking above the edge of the shield to look where they should go next. "It's all futile! W-we could go... there, where it's quiet."
