Legacy of Fire

Game Master Megan Robertson

If the damn lid is not going to blow up on me, I'll lift it for you.

Calain waits for the nod from Amon and if so, attempts to raise the old trapdoor.
Str check 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Then barbarian embarrassingly does not budge. His embarrassment fuels his anger as he RAGES and tries again.
Str check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Silena tries {not very hard}... to hide a chuckle at Calian's failed attempt then steps up as he is trying a second time without comment to give the trapdoor a solid kick in the "right direction"...

Str check: {Aid Other - Calain} 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Success! - Calain + 2 STR check!

Jengren doesn't quite hide his chuckle, "It must be wine from last night Calain, your just a touch off this afternoon." Making sure he has stepped back a safe distance from the raging companion.

There are some grinding noises from the mechanism, but the trapdoor fails to budge!

DD: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 1 = 22

Amon attempts to use the mechanism to open the trap door.

Calain dismisses his rage and takes a moment to catch his breath.
It seems my strength along is not up to the task. Why don't you ask your god to open it for you, drow. I can slap you a few times if it pleases him.

Calain smiles at the cleverness of his joke.

Silena's mirth dies suddenly, and her expression shifts to one of ... mild insult.

She sighs, and in a tired tone, "...first. I am not a Drow... please - do not call me such... and be grateful that I am not! If you must know.. I am half-Nidalian..."

She twirls her spiked chain in hand wrapping about her shoulders and arms as she crouches down and reaches into her Crossbow bolt case secured to her shapely thigh... and pulls forth a single black-fletched bolt...

"...and second. I do not need to call upon the Midnight Lord's power to overcome such a minor obstacle."

With the Adamantine Crossbow bolt wielded like a dagger, she begins to poke holes in the trapdoor's rusted edges, the corroded stone fringe and hinges destroying the door as the Adamantine bolt used like a chisel pokes holes in the metal and stone as it they were made of soft clay...

Crossbow Quarrel - used as improvised weapon {dagger} 1d4+2 [-20 from Hardness]

But the noise is not subtle as fragments are chipped away until the door falls open...

tap-tap-tap tap-tap-tap...

So much for stealth.

Amon and Silena between them manage to get the trapdoor open, revealing a shaft descending 30 feet to a sloping rise in what appears to be a large underground chamber. Bas-relief sculptures of ancient gods cover the sides of the shaft, making it look relatively easy to descend*. At the base of the shaft lies a shattered stone slab decorated with celestial eagles.

* I am, however, going to ask for a Climb check if you wish to scramble down!

Silena satisfied with the opening... replaces her adamantine bolt in her crossbow bolt case at her thigh and unlimbers her grappling hook and 5o'ft of hemp rope from her pack.

Securing the grappling hook to the lip and now broken door mechanism giving it a few solid tugs to set it firmly she takes hold of the rope and begins a slow descent bracing her feet against the wall and holding onto the rope as she makes her way down.

Climbing [Take 10! [-6 Banded Mail, -1Buckler] 10 + 3 - 7 = 6
* Climbing checks with a rope and a wall brace are generally DC 5

The petite attractive Half-drow is in no hurry as she makes her descent...

At the bottom she pans her gaze around int he darkness... her natural darkvision piercing the darkness with ease... the cool darkness bringing relief to her sensitive eyes.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

...just in case others are too stubborn to use the provided rope she will step away from being directly under the shaft so as not to be the one fell upon should someone slip.

With the use of the rope, Samuel has no difficulty getting down as he also takes his time doing so.

Taking 10 to get an 11 on the check.

Jengren is less than confident with as he approaches the rope. A bead of perspiration tricks down his forehead.

climb: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (16) - 5 = 11

His heart races but he manages to get down without breaking his neck.

Silena smiles warmly at the tall quiet Samuel before catching herself and abruptly focusing her attention on the room. She does move forward of him positioning herself defensively uncoiling her cold-Iron spiked chain into her hands... ready to defend and protect the elven witch at her back.

She pivots her position peering into the darkness and making room for others to descend.

Standard Action: Total Defense

Amon will take 10 and descend the rope carefully.

He peers around and then leads the group on.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 11
DD: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Sonya steps up nervously, less so for the climb and more for how this rope will feel on her sensitive arms. She takes the rope in hand slowly working her way down the shaft biting her lip under the veil to muffle the light whimpers of pain this is causing her.

Climb take 10 - 2 skill = DC8

Upon reaching the bottom of the dark shaft Sonya pulls a small gem from her belt pouch and whispers a quiet Kellish incantation as light begins to shine from the gem illuminating the shaft and passageway.

Calain climbs down last. Mostly to guard the hook should somebody happen along to unhinge it while his allies are on the rope.
Take 10

How do you want to do this? The light marks the carrier as a target for ranged attacks. If the light is at the back it silhouettes everyone I front of it. I would volunteer to walk in front with the Light on my armor, the rest of you could follow in shadow behind?

I can scout out front. I am able to see in the dark. I would hate for our champion to be defeated by a trap.. Amon smirks at Silena.

Jengren doesn't hesitate casting light on Calain. "Go get'em my walking nite light." He chuckles.

Calain accepts the casting.
Go on ahead of the Light Amon, try to stay out of the line of site, I will follow.

Amon, would you like a light of your own then?

Sonya readies the casting once more, offering her hand to touch whatever Amon offers for the light spell.

"I believe Amon can see perfectly well in the darkness without light... just like me Sonya..."

Silena moves forward hefting her weapon in hand moving to the edge {20'ft away} of the dim light emitting from Calain's Breastplate armor... but not standing in it.

* This chamber was in total darkness as it is underground so a light spell raises the lighting one level to dim

Perception:: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 = 23
DD:: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

You all eventually reach the bottom, with one or two heart-stopping moments particularly for Silena and Sonya. As you boots hit the floor, ceramic lamps flare up with cadaverous blue flame to light this wide, high-ceilinged chamber. To the southwest, a baboonheaded figure crouches menacingly. A stern-looking pharaoh stares across at it from the northeast. Carved folds of wellsculpted cloth enshroud the northwest statue, and in the southeast niche, the pharaoh is again depicted, his face scarred and twisted with anger. Three arches lead from the chamber, the fragments of shattered doors dangling on ancient hinges.

In the strange light, the figures seem alive... but you then you realise that they are statutes!

Silena regards the Stern-looking Pharaoh and the Baboonheaded figure trying to figure out if they have some religious significance.

Kno {Religion}: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

She comments, "... This is... odd. Of what symbology does this have in regards to NETHYS? Is it possible the 'Refuge of NETHYS' was built over the ruins of something older and more ancient than his worship?"

Knowledge Religion 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Sonya stares in wonder as the lights dance on the walls and the statures.

It's beautiful and terrifying.

She takes her time staring at each statue in the room hoping to identify the figures represented and the possible uses for such a room.

Looking around a the strange room, interesting torches...magically I suspect. He stops short, detecting magic, and slowly looks from torches to the ceiling, to the floor and statutes. Strange indeed...a Temple of Nethys.

Knowledge Religion 1d20 + 5

Sonya stares in wonder as the lights dance on the walls and the statures.

It's beautiful and terrifying.

She takes her time staring at each statue in the room hoping to identify the figures represented and the possible uses for such a room.

Silena grimaces her brow furrowing in distaste, "..Yes, they are aren't they. I'm quite familiar with such dichotomy in my life.. and as much as I try to avoid such ...'encounters' they always seem to find me... I must be cursed or something..."

The last of her words almost a whisper of painful memories and past terror Silena shifts her stance slightly hesitantly. Then suddenly... and fearlessly strides over, her shoulders set and determined, to the foot of the statue with its hooded visage cloaked in shadows...

She is small, child-like in comparison but her eyes blazing with defiance and her balled fists trembling with the intensity of her clutching grip on her spiked chain she scowls angrily without fear up into the darkness under the stone skulpted cloth hood of the figure in shadows above alone an un-cowed. She makes a statuesque figure as a stray bang of her soft white hair falls across her inky black face and her ochre colored cloak stirs behind at her shapely if spiked shoulders.

It must be her way of dealing with fear... to face it head on and dare it to strike her down...

Samuel keeps his crossbow ready as he scans ahead with detect magic and his more natural senses, and tries to stay quiet. He examines the statues with interest as the light flickers off of them.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Knowledge (history) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Knowledge (religion) 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Stealth 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Sonya, you recognise the statues as representing lesser-known spirits of destructive magic.

Jengren, spot on there is loads of magic here! The flames and all the statues reek of it.

As there's light here now, I'll do you a map

The circular blobs are the statues. All three entrances have the shattered remains of wooden doors.

You may investigate the statues, investigate the remains of the doors or just go somewhere... apart from statues & shattered doors, there's nothing else here.

Silena is already regarding the Carved folds of wellsculpted cloth enshrouded northwest statue standing before it... defiantly... daring it to menace her...

She casts Detect Magic

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Calain moves about the scene, not straying far from Samuel and Jengren, thier two most dangerous but least hardy members. He knew enough of the powers of magic to worry about keeping his casters out of harm....

Jengren will go over and explore a torch first, looking a wall sconce, he will remove one of the magical torches to see if anything happens. "The torches and statutes are magical and should be explored in greater detail."

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

This is where the loud boom happens and the whole room pops in a fiery explosion.

"The torches are probably safe enough; I have yet to see any reason to suggest they would be anything more than a permanent light spell; practicality may not be the most common trait displayed by mages, but when it comes to basic needs, they still show it from time to time, and light is a rather important thing for most. The statues themselves are more interesting." Samuel will pick one of the statues not already being examined and look over it with detect magic.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Be cautious, the statues are destructive spirits. I do not know their names but I recognize that much at least.

Silena, the statue definitely has magic... and as you bend closer to examine it, it seems to regard you malevolently. Samuel, you find much the same. Do either of you intend to touch a statue, or will looking alone satisfy your curiousity?

Jengren lifts down one of the torches. It continues to emit the strange flickering blue light, which you notice has no heat. You can even pass a hand through it with no ill effect.

Silena calms her violent gaze and glances around at her companions then steps back out of melee reach of her statue watching it warily.

"Samuel.. there is indeed magic upon this statue.. but I think to learn what it does we will have to touch the statue. I would suggest we all position ourselves to defensive posture before we do... and only touch one statue at a time... just in case they might animate to defend the complex here below."

She smirks and comments further, "We could... of course, avoid them altogether and just not touch them at all.. but I dislike leaving unknown magic of 'destructive spirits' at my back. It could just be quiescent 'magic mouth' spells... or something far more dangerous..."

Calain draws his blade but smiles.
Go ahead then, stick your hand in a wolf trap then.
He did not care to re-state her point that the statues were perfectly harmless at the moment.....

Silena does not turn her gaze turning... reminiscent seeing through the statue almost.

Her tone is calm, cold, softly-whispered... and determined, "..I have done so in the past. Walked ..willingly into a known trap.. and have been snared, at evil's mercy.. abused and tormented - and yet I am still here and undiminished... unbroken. I will endure this as well."

It is not certain who she is speaking to but her voice carries in the stone chamber clearly heard by all... her tone speaking of past harms and a legacy of pain she has endured...

Turning her violet gaze to the party, "...get yourselves into position when you are ready I'll touch the statue to determine the nature of the magic upon it."

Silena casts guidance upon herself... resetting it and assumed a total defense posture buckler held high and ready, spinning chain held firmly in her delicate hands...

Anxiously awaiting in a posture of total defense, guard up cautiously watching the statue Selena is preparing to touch.

Samuel gets detect magic up on the statue Silena is preparing to touch as he backs away to a safe a location as he can and still observe.

Amon stands back and watches.

Jengren is holding an ever-burning torch and standing as far back from the statutes, as possible, and out of the direct line of face.

Silena, smirks at the party's reactions - grimly regarding the statue hooded in shadows, {As usual.. it is I.. alone who dare... there is... comfort in knowing one has nothing to loose... no one to morn thy passing... no loose ends and no regrets... So. Be. It.}

Silena pauses spinning her spiked chain.. and steps just within reach to touch the statue with her off-hand, then bringing her hand back quickly to raise her buckler in defense...

As Silena touches the statue, it emits a gout of flame!

Please make a Reflex save...

Silena dances away from the statue trying to avoid the brunt of the fiery blasting magical wards...

Reflex: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 1 = 16

Now that is why you stand back and out of the direct path of the statue's features. It's not sure thing you'll avoid that bit of nastiness, but common sense would dictate, that it does improve the overall odds.

Calain breaks out in laughter.
Now. What did you learn Half-drow?
Calain motions for Amon to keep on scouting.
Lead on trapsmith. I will follow and I promise not to touch anything you haven't checked first.

Well done, Silena, you only take 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 damage from the flames as you do your best to evade them!

Sonya slips her wand out approaching Silena and quietly whispering to her.

Lightly pressing the wand to Silena, a gentle wash of radiant light surges through her and remedies her burns.
Healing 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

She cries out in pain briefly her pride quickly stifling any more of reaction to the flames,"{Gasp}..argh..."

Silana pats out the fires that threaten to set her aflame...

At Calain's taunt she turns her gaze his way her expression of patience pressed... but her biting reply as to what she has learned... is forestalled... by kind soft words.

And the young half-elf turns a truly surprised look upon the kindness of the desert flower... and her wrath dissipates like morning dew. Her gaze is shocked... almost perplexed... a wash of wariness flashes briefly in her eyes but is ...slowly forced down.

And like a rising sun her expression softens to a... pensive small smile of gratitude. This is a young woman so very use to abuse and hardship... constant betrayal... that simple kindness and gentleness is almost... foreign to her.

"..I .. my thanks to the Dawnflower - Sarenrae's mercy... thank you Sonya."

She looks away embarrassed... and for once shyly...