(PFS) GM Alice's First Steps Part II: To Delve the Dungeon Deep [Group 2] (Inactive)

Game Master Alice Margatroid

For the original trio (Clacent, Thayn, Balak):

It's been a couple of weeks since you returned from your rather unfortunate trip across the Isle of Kortos to Escadar. Luckily, with the Aspis agent Ulionestia's plot unravelled, you are able to take the luxury of a ship back to Absalom to report to your superiors (all charges forwarded to the Society, of course).

Venture-Captain Dreng commended you highly for uncovering the ruse and preventing the Society's enemies from gaining control of an Azlanti artifact, although in private he apologises quite profusely for sending you on a fool's errand. "The Aspis Consortium is the greatest threat to our organisation. We should always be ever vigilant against them. If you remember nothing else for the rest of your careers, remember that!"

Just the other day, a messenger arrived at your residences (or trekked through the wilderness to find your current abode) bearing an envelope stamped with a fancy, gilded seal depicting a Tian glyph.

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For the new trio (Yarg, Chasik, and Nicolae):

It's been about a month since your last missive from the Pathfinder Society, whether that is your graduation from introductory training or perhaps your first mission beyond the borders of Absalom. The more paranoid sorts about you might have even been worried the venture-captains were so displeased with your efforts thus far that they were never going to call you up for a second shift!

However, just the other day, a messenger arrived at your residences (or trekked through the wilderness to find your current abode) bearing an envelope stamped with a fancy, gilded seal depicting a Tian glyph.

---------------

For those with some knowledge of the social strata of Absalom or of the goings-on of the Lantern Lodge, you know that only the luckiest or most influential Pathfinders receive invitations to Amara Li's annual Snapdragon Festival celebration, and wise recipients take advantage of them. The promise of a mission from the Society is enough of an allure for the rest; and so, tonight, you set out for the Petal District where the beautiful and exotic estate of the Tian venture-captain is located.

The guards at the door examine your invitations before letting you enter the grounds of Amara Li's home. It seems that the party is well under way. The aroma of blooming orchids and flowing wine mixes with the acrid tang of recently exploded fireworks, and the sound of strangely discordant music comes from a duo of Tian women playing an unusual stringed instrument and a reed flute. Numerous large koi swim in a stone-ringed pond, and a shishi-odoshi occasionally clunks as it overfills from water poured from the mouth of a statue of a leaping fish.

The crowd mingles calmly, most guests clearly hoping to be seen more than actually paying attention with whom they converse. The plum wine seems to have affected many who now move about the lodge's grounds waving sparkling wands of fire and shooting whirring, whizzing fireworks into the sky above the koi wand, and you notice more than a couple of people stumbling a little or slurring their speech. Any of you that arrive in simple adventuring gear or armour, or carrying excessive weaponry, receive scoffs and laughs from many of the attendees who simply cannot believe your social faux pas.

After several minutes of perusing the party, a guard approaches you with a polite bow and informs you that Amara Li is ready to see you. You follow him into a Tian-style building and into the VC's private study, where you find the Tian woman seated on a reed mat before a low table set with an exquisite porcelain tea set. She motions for you to sit with her around the table, and begins pouring hot green tea for all. Once the door is slid shut by the departing guard, she begins speaking in a low, hushed voice without even the hint of a Tian accent.

"Well met, Pathfinders, and welcome to the Lantern Lodge. I hope you find the Snapdragon Festival and my hospitality worthy of your time and energy. Please do take your time to enjoy the event this evening."

Amara takes a slow sip of her own mug of tea as she looks into the eyes of each one of you appraisingly. She carefully returns it to its dainty plate before speaking further. "As you may have realised, I have not brought you here for mere pleasantries. I wish to ask you to partake a dangerous mission on my behalf."

"Long ago, one of my most esteemed ancestors, who was rich in power but poor in sense, gave a gift to a foreign prince--a gift that prince did not deserve and my foolish ancestor had no right to give: a ceremonial jade katana." Her tone of voice is surprisingly harsh at this indictment. "At the time the gift was sent, its recipient was invading this island. He laid siege to Absalom from his fortress in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts. Like those who came before him, the warlord failed to take Absalom and perished in the attempt. On the very day of his defeat, his castle crumbled to dust in a violent earthquake and has been lost to the centuries ever since. My family's heirloom was lost with it. It is a terrible, terrible shame, both for the loss of the katana and on my family as a whole."

Amara takes another long sip of her tea before continuing her briefing. "A recent report by a group of Pathfinders give me hope, however. They appear to have finally found the ruins of the warlord's castle--and that means that I might finally recover my family's treasure."

"I'm looking for an intrepid group to retrieve it for me as a personal favour, and I'm hoping that is you. The fame and wealth you will doubtlessly recover will bring you much honour within the Society, and if you deliver the katana to me, you will have my utmost favour as you begin your careers as full agents of the Pathfinder Society. I will certainly make it worth your time." She gives you a pleasant smile. "What do you think?"

Kind of zooming through the introduction, but you might want to describe/introduce yourselves, since we have some new faces this time :)

A young varisian warrior clad in brightly colorfull clothes, hands full of golden rings and a maching pair of earrings presents himself at the party. He does not pay attention to the scoffs of the other guests due to his battered armor. He has come on business afterall.

The gathering seems pleasant enough, Nicolae grabs a drink and enjoys himself while appraising the other patrons. He follows the guard with a nod.

At the meeting the varisian bows deeply and addressess their hostess in a bass voice full of a strange accent.
Thank you madam. I am delighted to meet you. Your parties are the stuff of legends around this city and its nice to see they are all true. Smiling under the scrutiny while meeting her eyes.

Sense Motv: 1d20 ⇒ 3

At the mention of the rewards Nicolae smile broadens.
Very well Lady. bowing again. You can count on Nicolae to uphold your honor.

Having been hussled to the party at the last minute from a meeting room back at the lodge, the tall imposing figure of one who introduces himself as Yarg seems out of place and not at all dressed for the occassion.

Yarg is clearly of demonic heritage, thickly corded muscles lay under scaled skin and from his appearance many would think he'd be more at place in hellish tableau than a social gathering. His eyes glint red under thick brows of black hair.

It could be that he is socially awkward or unprepared as it could be said he looked to be hiding behind the goblet he has snatched up - at once both embarrassed and seething with a repressed anger.

I apologise for my appearance, I am honoured by your invitation lady but received it after the point by which a change of clothes would make me more than 'fashionably late', Yarg rumbles out in a deep, almost growling basso voice. The 'speech' seems somewhat rehearsed, as if he'd been rolling it around in his mind while the others spoke.

He bows, and then toasts Madame Li.

May this event and your coming year be favoured of the Gods Mi'lady.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

He gives the Tien woman a piercing look as she shares her tale, and he seems to master his anger, pushing it aside for reason. As for my part, I will do what I can to assist..., he says hesitantly. It may be that I do not understand your culture but it seems to me there is more to this tale. If there is more to that we need know then say on, otherwise I'll work with what you have said.

He turns to the others.

I am Yarg, servant of Ragathiel, General of Vengeance, and new to the Society. I am glad to meet you all.

"My name is Clacent, a ranger for the society. Glad to meet you." says Clacent as he enjoys the fine wine they have to offer.

"So you want us to go in the ruins and retrieve a jade katana then deliver it to you. It sounds easy but why ask the society's help for that? Any other things that we need to know before we head out?"

Wow, an invitation to an Amara Li party. I have only heard stories about their greatness, never actually seen one. This I can't pass up. So much for relaxing at home for a quick spell, Chasik thought to himself as he traveled to the great city of Absolom.

Chasik has never been one to be socially graceful. He has manners when needed, but he is a dock worker by skill and has a mouth to boot. He walks around the party nervously, taking in all the sights and sounds and general atmosphere. He stands in amazement at the fireworks going off around him. He also seems to be lost at the social gathering.

He definitely sticks out, he is clad in supremely crafted half plate armor, with a fine crafted heavy flail strapped to his hip. His complexion is tan, from all the sun he gets. His hair a dusty brown, unsure if it is dirt that colored it or not. He drinks a few glasses of good drink, who knows if he'd ever get this chance again.

Chasik sits quietly, and sips his green tea, and waits to address to the gracious host.

Thank you very much for the invitation. I have only heard about such grand parties, and I am overwhelmed at the sights before me. I am not the most knowledgable person in this room, but my fortitude and grittiness is at your service ma'am. I am a fighter by society trade, not the strongest but I know how to take a couple hits if needed. he bows to her and waits to the others signal when ready.

sense: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Balak sticks out like a Goblin at a tea party. He took the effort to dress up a little, sporting a black and red silk tunic embroidered with Tigers and scrollwork in the Tian style. He is a mountain of a man with massive forearms, but this is just the first thing you notice when looking at the man. His skin is an ash grey, and his hair crimson. His eyes are yellow and tusks protrude from his lower jaw. When you first see him, he is standing in front of a tapestry depicting a Tian Oni, to which Balak bears a notable similarity.

He is quiet. Stoic, even. And says very little, but he is not inattentive.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

He nods at Amara Li by way of agreement to take her mission.

While Nicolae have meet many tieflings before its strange to be surrounded by so many of them at the same time. This feels like Cheliax, bad omen. He shrugs and returns the greeting to Yarg.

Nicolae Tiberius. I am also new to the society. Nodding.

The Lodge’s courier found Thayn deep in the surrounding woods. He approached the elven ranger deep in research, surrounded by bubbling pots and various bowls. He clears his throat to get the elf’s attention and Thayn looks up from dissecting something that looks like a squirrel.

The messenger stands presenting him with an outstretched hand holding a letter. Silently, Thayn snatches it from his hand and opens it.

With a visible scowl, Thayn shakes his head as he reads it.

Thank you and I will be attending the event.

……………………

Thayn enters the party and looks around. An attendant reaches out to take his long spear. Thayn looks at the attendant and then around at the other party members staring at him, suddenly feeling uncomfortable realizing he is dressed out of place.

He is escorted to Amara Li. The tall elf carrying a long spear and bow is hard to miss while walking through the crowds. Thayn does his best to ignore the stares and snickers.

Once in the presence of Amara Li, he bows his head ceremoniously.

Madame Li, although I am not used to such extravagance, I truly appreciate your invitation. I do have to ask about this castle, do you have any information of what is inside?

"This isn't a Society job per se," Amara says in response to Clacent. "This is a favour for me personally. There are various reasons why I cannot go myself, primarily the fact that I am incredibly busy as of late. Establishing the Lantern Lodge has taken a lot of effort on my behalf, and continues to consume a lot of my time."

"As for the ruins, I'm afraid I don't know too much. The Pathfinders who discovered the ruins did not venture far into its walls. They fled when one of their member was set upon by some kind of monstrous creature and torn to ribbons, though they were not sure what it was. I am afraid I do not know much more than that."

Amara proceeds to stand from the table and move to her desk, quickly writing down something on a piece of parchment before handing the sheet to the group. "These are the directions to the ruined keep. It's located a couple of hours travel through the Cairnlands to the north of Absalom."

Although the Tian woman seems most pleased by the gushing poetics and general pleasantries, her response to Yarg's question is short and curt: "No, there is nothing else."

If anyone has any more questions for Amara, go ahead and ask them. But there's a fair amount of exposition at the beginning of this module, and considering the time limit, I'm just going to push on ahead somewhat. Feel free to jump back and forth between the conversation with Amara Li and the subsequent scene.

Once the questions from the curious Pathfinders seem to have dried up, Amara stands once more and moves to the door. As she slides it open, she says with a smile, "I advise you to relax for now. Take the time to enjoy the Snapdragon Festival, rest for the night, and venture forth to the Cairnlands with the morning light."

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After leaving Amara Li's offices, you head back out to the party. Most guests ignore you for now, having deemed you unworthy of their superior attentions; that gives you free reign of the party and the food stalls, though. You're now free to enjoy the festivities, partake in the excellent and exotic food and drink, and participate in the fireworks displays that even now light up the Petal District with starbursts of colour.

As you mingle with other guests, chow down on some of the foreign cuisine on offer (such as sushi, red bean jellies, spicy tofu noodle dishes, delicately fried chicken and pork with rich sauces, pickled vegetables, and plenty more... not to mention the exquisite plum wine!) and otherwise enjoy the festival, you are approached by a rather tall and stand-out figure. The handsome man is decked out in the military fineries of an Eagle Knight's ceremonial uniform--a bright blue overcoat with polished gold buttons, gold eagle epaulets, and a fine, black felt tricorn hat. He gives you a confident and charming smile before introducing himself.

"Greetings, Pathfinders!" He says loudly and confidently, almost as if he wants the entire party to 'overhear' his conversation with you. "My name is Major Colson Maldris, representative of the fine and free Andoran nation here in Absalom. It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."

"Ah, I heard on the grapevine that you're headed out into the Cairnlands on official Society business. Best of luck out there--though you look like sturdy enough adventures to me. I've heard you've faced worse before," he laughs merrily with a twinkle in his eyes. "Perhaps not Eagle Knight material... but certainly qualified for the work of a Pathfinder."

"A word of warning, though, friends--beware the walking dead!" Despite his previous merriment, Major Maldris becomes darkly serious at this remark. "The crumbling ruins that surround the city are rife with them, and you're likely to run into more than your fair share of them over the course of your career. Undeath and the undead are more than just a physical peril, however; undeath is the worst kind of slavery there is!" Now, the emotive man seems quite angry, his fists clenched at the indignity of it all. "It should be eradicated as with all servitude, whether to aristocracy or mental control. Being enslaved to the flesh when Pharasma calls one's soul to the Boneyard is a fate I wouldn't wish upon my greatest enemy. Even those Chelaxian fools."

The slight jest(?) about Cheliax seems to improve the major's mood, and he continues with a much more chipper attitude. "So, basically, while you plumb the depths of Asad's Keep, remember your solemn duty to your fellow man--both living and dead. Any undead you encounter along the way should be freed of their earthly shell."

"If you prove your dedication to freedom, the resources of Andoran will be at your disposal in your future endeavours."

Thayn stands close the Major to talk to him without having to raise his voice over the din of the party.

The walking dead are troublesome, Major. They are not created by their own will. Do you know the source of these creatures?

The dead are the enemy of all right minded people Major

Major Maldris nods in fervent agreement to the tiefling before he answers Thayn. "Absalom has weathered numerous attacks on her walls throughout the years. The spirits of the fallen ever linger, and further corrupt those who they come in contact with."

"Truth be told, I know not that the dead walk the ruin for sure... my advice merely comes from years of experience dealing with Andoran agents who have died unholy deaths exploring the ruins of the Cairnlands. I would hate to see more good men fall to them."

Balak goes to enjoy a few morsels at the food stalls. At one he eats half the fellow's hot peppers before he shoos the big Tiefling away. Maldris' interruption to his fun elicits little more than a grunt from him. "I can crush man's head like Sparrow egg between thighs. I'll be happy to do so to any Undead we find." he says, flexing his huge bicep by way of illustration.

Chasik enjoys the food and drink. He is hesitant to try the peppers, he has never been a huge fan of spicy food. He gives in, burns his mouth. But after scolding his tastebuds he gets used to it and continues to try all the various food stalls.

I hate undead so it will be my pleasure, he says in a hushed tone.

So much for secrecy.
Thank you Major. I will remember your warning. Smiling. Since you know of our destination is there any specifics you would require from the place?

As Major Maldris begins to respond to Nicolae, a member of the serving staff, decked out in a finely crafted silken robe, approaches the major and interrupts him, whispering something in his ear. He quickly excuses himself from your company with a sincere apology. "It appears that I have urgent Eagle Knight business to attend to. I wish you good fortune on your quest." And, with a friendly wave, he then heads for the door.

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You spend some more time enjoying the fineries of the party, but in the end, a Pathfinder has paths to find, and your minds turn towards the topic of preparation for your journey tomorrow. As the party winds down and you are getting ready to leave, a well-dressed Keleshite man approaches you, asking for a quick word in a low voice. Assuming you agree, he draws you aside to a nearby alcove where few people are present, addressing you in a slow, level voice with a strong Kelish accent.

"Most honoured Pathfinders, it is a pleasure." The man offers a subtle bow of his head. "My name is Aaqir al'Hakam, Trade Prince of House Damaq."

"Like a fast-spoken djinn, I'll get to the quick. I know where you're going--hard not to overhear the Major speak louder than the roars of lions. And I have some information that may benefit you... as well as a proposition."

"House Damaq of Qadira claim the ruin you seek... but we are willing to allow you access for the price of a small deed easily accomplished during your adventure. You will be well-compensated, I assure you, for the profits are most rewarding when shared. I assume treasure-seekers like yourselves would be most interested by this, hmm?"

Without waiting for an answer, he continues, his eyes intent and his posture rigid. "The ruin is Qadiran, which is why we claim it, and we are willing to defend it, but there are really only certain things left in Asad's Keep we are interested in: trade agreements, of which we believe there to be many within the ruins. All we ask that you do is to turn over all trade agreements you find to us as soon as you return to Absalom, as we will be able to hold the signers to them even centuries after their signing." His eyes seem to sparkle almost hungrily at that comment.

"The satrap of Qadira--nay, the entire Padishah Empire of Kelesh--has much to offer the Pathfinder Society, and I personally have no qualms about sharing those resources with you specifically." He extends a hand, notably decorated with expensive jewellery. "What say you? Shall we shake on this agreement?"

I wonder if that Andoran fool got paid to provide this weasel an alibi or if he just got played into it for free.

S Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Well compensated you say. Very well but how much is that, shall we say in gold pieces?

Balak raises an eyebrow at the Keleshite and listens to his proposal.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

He shrugs. "I don't see why not, seeing as you're offering a reward." he says.

Sense Mlotive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

very well - those trade agreements belonging to you we will return

After speaking with the Major, Thayn stands stiffly along a wall, tightly holding his long spear next to him. His eyes constantly scanning the crowd. He attempts to be polite to those that walk past with an awkward bow of the head and even more awkward small smile, but most probably assume him to be some odd hired guard or just very lost.

Occasionally, he takes small steps in the direction of an adjacent tall potted plant, but then stepping the other way, results of an internal debate to find safety behind the leaves.

When Aaqir al'Hakam approaches the group, Thayn listens without taking his eyes of the crowd.

Yes, yes, of course we will look for it.

Thayn answers without shaking the man's hand and with an urgency that some might believe he would say whatever anyone would want to hear, just to get away from the large party.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Aaqir gives Nicolae a quizzical look, as if he almost didn't expect such a question... or more to the point, a question at all. He nonetheless smiles, a thin-lipped one that doesn't seem to reach his eyes. "I cannot give you an exact figure offhand... only to promise that, yes, there will be a hefty sum of gold involved should you return the trade documents to me. And more after that, if you should prove able to assist the satrap in further exploits."

Assuming nobody has any other questions for the trade prince, he will shake on the deal and leave you with only his cheshire-like smile in return. Night has well and truly fallen over Absalom, but the city is still alive with activity; the City at the Centre of the World never truly sleeps, after all.

Thayn notices nothing of any particular note, except for perhaps the ideal route to get out of the crowded and noisy city as fast as he can manage it...

You're able to do whatever you need now (shopping, etc.) before setting out. Hope that wasn't too rushed for y'all, but the interesting stuff comes after the party. :)

Balak grins. "See you all in the morning. Gotta get some sleep before the real party starts." he says, striding off into the dark.

Seeing the group beginning to make their way to the general direction of the door, Thayn turns and makes a beeline past the guests, out of the party.

I will meet you at the edge of town in the morning.

Clacent, not really a party goer, sees his chance to leave.

"Prepare well my friends."

Chasik will take his leave, after one more quick drink of the excellent plum wine.

See you tomorrow

Nicolae nods to his departing companions and also takes his leave. He would like to stay and enjoy the party a little more but after the meetings with Colson and Aaqir that did not seem wise. There was no way of knowing who else could show up with demands disguised as requests and he did not had the right kind of friends in this town... yet.

Once you've made your preparations and had a good night's sleep, you meet up on the outskirts of town in the early morning light. After some last minute gear checks and whatnot, you set out to Asad's Keep, following the directions received from Amara Li. Despite some conflicted feelings on the whole affair, what with your peek into the messy politics of the Pathfinder Society, you ultimately decide the benefits to you (gaining some powerful allies in high positions in the city and Society... plus the promise of gold!) are worth ignoring those question marks, at least for now.

Travel to the site is arduous; the terrain is rocky and marred with the scars of millennia of wars, making it thirsty work for you to reach your destination. Thankfully, you encounter no resistance during your travel, seeing not a single soul once you leave the outskirts of Absalom.

The directions lead you to a small gully. At the end of the gully, about fifteen feet above the ground on a cliff face, is an ancient, ironbound door. Its wood is dried and cracked. Directly in front of the door is a steep slope of rubble and dust-cracked debris that, as luck would have it, provides a path--albeit a rough and difficult one--right up to the door. Wind-blown pillars of sandstone that has long since fallen from the cliffside are scattered about as well.

Climbing the pillars is a DC 15 Climb check. Climbing the trash pile is a DC 10 Climb check.

Please make a Perception check! If you make the following check, you can act before what happens next...

There's a flurry of movement as a grey-skinned and partially rotting creature leaps down from the cliff top above. She peers at you through matted and black-stained hair, smiling a strangely too wide smile; her eyes are filled with madness.

"How long will it take you to all to cure, I wonder? You seem so full of life... and I am oh~ so~ hungry..."

Does anyone display anything that would openly identify them as a Pathfinder? A badge or anything like that?

------

Here is the map. I'm going to be using Roll20 to display the maps of the adventure, but all rolling and roleplay should still be done on PbP. If you've never used it, it's basically an online tabletop program. You might want to head into the options menu (cog on the top right) to change your display options to NOT automatically broadcast audio/video :)

You should be able to move all your tokens as you wish. Also, you'll need to scroll to the bottom right corner if you're only seeing black when you look at it!

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Religion 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11. Add 2 if monster lore applies.

Yarg draws his huge blade.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Clacent is not wearing anything that might identify him as a pathfinder. I can't access D20 here at work, I'll post my actions when I get home tomorrow.

Monster lore does apply.

Clacent, essentially there's 15 feet between you and the mysterious humanoid. Here's a screencap. I can provide screencaps in combat/map-relevant situations if you guys would like.

screen caps are good.

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Balak walks with purpose on the trail, his pack resting lightly on his back. He offers to carry things for those who might be weighed down as well.

In the gully, Balak peers up at whoever or whatever is confronting them without fear, but his eyes narrow and he readies to put down his pack.

Clacent draws out his greatsword in response to the shady figure.

"What is your business? What do you mean by cure, and full of life?"

Clacent turns to his companions,
"Be prepared pathfinders, I have no previous knowledge about the person in front of us."

"Oh, obviously I mean you're so alive and fresh... the perfect type of meat to cure!" The creature licks her lips hungrily, her tongue surprisingly long for her body.

However, when Clacent mentions the Pathfinders, the woman's gleaming eyes widen and her attitude abruptly changes. Her head jerks back and her expression softens as the foul light of undeath drains from her eyes somewhat. She smiles--still too wide, but somehow friendlier now, not malicious--and rubs her hands together in glee.

"Pathfinders, you say? Friends, it is I, Maurit Zergo! I, too, am a Pathfinder, even in this horrid, horrid form! I can help you... if you would take the help of someone as damned as I." She seems almost normal and living for a second, but soon shambles back to her crooked slouch with a head-jerking spasm.

"Yes, yes... you are so delicious-looking..." she snickers, and then blinks again, almost circumspectly, "But oh how hungry I am for knowledge as well... Oh! Oh! What are you here for, my friends! Perhaps I can help you!" Whatever madness besets her, she is clearly struggling with it.

She seems interested in speaking, but if you want to continue doing combat related actions, you're welcome to act in combat rounds.

"We were not informed that we would meet a pathfinder in these ruins. Although there's one thing we are requested to do," says Clacent as he swings his greatsword at Maurit.

Greatsword, Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 - 1 = 16
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 = 12

", that is to free this place of undeath."

I don't have any knowledge that she is undead except I don't want to be a preserved meat aha!

Prcpt: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Nicolae draws his blades ready to engage at the first sight of the creature but is somewhat taken aback by its sudden and bizarre display of humanity.

We have come here seeking knowledge, among other things. What happened to you Maurit, tell us your tale.

Balak sets his pack down and stays at the front of the group.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Yarg also charges in swinging.

Attack 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 = 12 (incl. +2 for Charge)
Damage 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

If you hit Clacent, your damage is +6, not +4 because you are using a 2 handed sword, also with power attack you add +3. Your total damage 4,4 + 6 + 3 = 17pts

Chasik, not knowing what the grotesque creature stands before him, he is too in shock to react as quickly as his companions are.

Since at least two of the party are deciding to attack, I'll put this in combat rounds...

Initiative: Maurit | Nicolae | Thayn | Balak | Chasik | Yarg | Clacent*

* = next round

Map Screenshot

Status
Clacent: 5/12 HP
Maurit: 17 damage.

OOC
Clacent is top of the initiative, so I took his move above and then moved him to the end of this block. Everyone can take their actions now.

Yarg, you can't charge as Chasik is in front of you...

Clacent's sudden charge catches Maurit by surprise, and she wails as he very nearly cleaves her in two. The somewhat humanlike expression disappears in an instant, completely replaced by a face of rage and unnatural hunger. Nicolae's words fall on dead ears as Maurit launches herself at Clacent, unable to sink her fang-like teeth into him but finding purchase with her sharp claws. They cut ribbons down both his arms, the wounds being filled with unholy energy that emanate from her fingertips.

Clacent, you take 7 HP damage and must make two DC 13 Fort saves.

Everyone is up!

The demonic inquisitor, eyes aflame focuses his divine destructive forces on the blade (swift action: Destruction Domain + 1 damage) as he yells out I judge you and call you to be free of your taint to stand before Pharasma (swift action: Judgement + 1 to hit) and attacks.

Attack 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9
Damage 1d10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15

It seems I have a crappy sequence of rolls ahead of me for a while :)

Thanks for the catch Yarg, I forgot to put the power attack damage, I thought that rule only works for one handed weapons that's held using 2 hands? If I'm wrong then I'm doing it wrong all this time aha!

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"You will not succeed in spreading this curse around, I shall be there to stop you in every step."

triple diagonal move to directly below ghoul, then take a swing

Lets see if you can take a blow from my hammer

hammer: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

You can't move through those big rocks - they are giant pillars of sandstone. You can still move to the square diagonally south-east of Maurit though, and attack her from there.

You can still take an action now Clacent, it'll be in this block before Maurit moves again. If she moves. :)

"How dare you spread your curse around,"

MWK Greatsword, Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 1 = 15
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 + 3 = 12

"Be careful of her attacks!"

Curse of the air swings :(

Thayn moves to the creature's left. Seeing there doesn't seem to be any other option, he attacks.

Knowledge: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Perception, if still needed: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Attack, Long Spear: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9

Moving to a distance for a reach weapon, just to the left of the creature.

After a flurry of misses from his teammates, Thayn pierces through the back lines with his centaur-made spear and jabs it right through where Maurit's heart may once have been. The ghoul screams in rage and convulses around the polearm, gargling and spitting black ichor before collapsing. In scant moments, her body disintegrates into ash, leaving behind nothing but her tattered clothes and the assorted items she possessed during life. Or unlife, as it may be.

Apart from the remains of Maurit's body, all that awaits you is the ironbound door at the top of the rubble pile.

Just to remind you, it's a DC 10 Climb check to get up to the top. You can take 10 outside of combat.