Xavier stands back and casts a blessing whilst Grum successfully grabs hold of one of the shields that the statue uses as a weapon.
Whist the statue is distracted, Romund jumps into its back but immediately slips off, unable to gain a firm hold. The statue swings its only free shield at Grob and catches him on he shoulder. Due to the hit, Grob is unable to grab the other shield, but at least has its attention.
"Come on, big guy... try that again," Grob says despite the pain, trying to keep it focused on him.
Romund bounces in the floor and jumps back into the thing's rear in a cat like movement, stabbing the key like a dagger.
Damn you!
Undeterred, Grobradon tries to grapple the statue again, from a different side than Rommund so he gets the distraction he might need
Unfortunately Grum is unable to wrench the shield from the statue's grip but is still holding on and causing a distraction. Grob joins him and grabs the statue's other arm and has a grip on the other shield.
Meanwhile, Romund is able to jump on the thing's back and gains a good grip.
While trying his best not to lose his grib Romund gives another shot at the key.
Grum, frustrated at himself for failing to wrest away the shield, lunges for it once again. "Curse. this. Statue!!" he exclaims in frustration.
Grob manages to wrench the shield from the statue's arm, whilst his colleagues fail to make progress.
The arm that previously held a shield moves to the statue's side and does not appear to be in use.
[ooc]OK, the next round please. Remember, two successful rolls in a row to achieve anything in grappling.[ooc]
Grum, frustrated at his lack of success, launches himself at the statue -refusing to allow himself to be deterred. "Well done brother!" he shouts.
Romund struggles to to fit the key in its socket.
Romund struggles to to fit the key in its socket.
[dice=CMB]d20+4
[dice=CMB]d20+4
"Weird" He admits, and tries to grapple again, "Maybe we can do something similar with the sword arm."
Grob drops the shield and tries just that. If nothing else, he might be able to aid the others
While bouncing on the statue's back Romund complains.
Why dont we just chop this thing into firewood? Damn easier to do it!
The three protagonists leap on the statue once more. Romund manages to secure a good position on its back, ready to put the key in the lock. Grob and Grum both get a good hold on the statue's shield - ready to wrestle it from its grip.
With the help of his comrades securing the thing the young half orc finally manages to insert the key in the lock.
Before anyone else can act, Romund is able to insert the key and the statue immediately grinds to a halt.
Grum, clinging to the shield like a leech, drops down carefully. "Nicely done Romound, that was a stroke of luck we found that key at all. You alright Grob? I can't imagine taking this thing down without that and your efforts. What a curious device. But we should press on." and glances around for the exits again.
"I've felt better, brother, but I'll get by." The warrior grins fangs showing. "Nice work you two." His respect for Romund is growing
Romund gets back to the floor carefully. He nods to the two older half orcs, pleased by the compliment. He looks around the room unsure of what to do now.
Thanks... Foward then?
Grum nods in the affirmative, "Yes indeed." The Ranger notices how comfortable he's feeling in this small group, knowing he would around Grob, but Romound's presence doesn't make him nervous at all. While he mourned those who'd fallen along the way, he was also intrigued by this new experience and feeling of belonging he was feeling while exclusively in the presence of his own race.
Grum points out the door to the others and leads the way, letting Romound check it before pressing onward to the next area.
The younger half orc checks the door for traps and locks.
The door is not trapped and opens easily.
The door leads onto a small room. On the far wall is a table, that holds a number of items on it.. The items number a small trinket box and a number of weapons - namely: a masterwork greatsword, a masterwork greataxe and a masterwork composite longbow.
The trinket box contains a key that Romund recognises as the key to open the one door you've been unable to get through. A note in the box states, "To the lower level."
Grum smiles when he see's the weapons spread out like presents on Namesday. "Look at this! I must admit I have my eye on the longbow!" and looks around at the others happily.
"Dibs on the great sword. THAT is a weapon, good quality all around though."
He takes up the greatsword and admires it. The balance is better than his own, and his own isn't bad. Suspicious, he looks for a makers mark to see if the town smith might have crafted it. Of course, there may not be one.
Lifting the remarkable longbow, Grum gives it a few experimental pulls while looking down the sights. "Truly an incredible weapon. Romound, are you going to take the greataxe?" And eying the massive sword newly wielded by his brother, "Grob, that sword suits you greatly."
Romund appears embaressed as he picks up the axe and admire it. He mumbles to himself almost wispering.
Damned city folk, they had presents made for each one of us! he says smiling.
"Thanks, Brother," Grob grins fangs showing as he continues to look at his new acquisition.
Grum nods in sadness as he remembers the decimated bodies of the townsfolk who tried to set up this little exercise, and the companions they'd already lost thus far, almost losing heart. But then he remembers the missing girl, and hardens his resolve, "Let's go." and opens the door.
Romund nods.
You open the door and see a room with an opening on the far wall that reveals stone stairs leading down to a lower level.
A continuous carving of mourners runs along the walls here, leading to the staircase. From below, you can hear the sound of dripping water and a low, distant moaning.
As you look around, four bloody human skeletons drag themselves from behind the pillars, reaching for you with long claws.
"By all that's holy!!" Grum manages as the creatures manifest.
"Here we go again," Grob mutters
Grum watches his brother and Romound initiate the battle, and looks at the arrow held to his bow, Not blunted, drat!. So instead he drops the bow and draws the heavy flail, moving to attack the nearest skeleton, and trying to position himself to provide a flank to either of the others. He swings with extra force, hoping to cull the number of undead before they surrounded their little group.
Grob moves to the next nearest skeleton and puts his greatsword to work. Like his brother, he tries for force to drive the edged weapon harder.
Seeing the massive damage Grob did to his attacker Romund joins forces with Grum aiming for his target and trying to thin their enemy's numbers even more.
AAHH!
Grob tries his new weapon in a ger for the first time. The blade signs as he swings at the second skeleton, the blow severing it's spine as it crumples to a heap on the floor.
Romund rushes ito join the battle and swing the second skeleton down, connects with the first skeleton. It is knocked back b the force of the hit but it remains on its feet.
Grum wields his flail and takes aim on the third skeleton. One powerful swing removes its head and it falls poleaxed to the floor.
The second skeleton is clearly affected by the blow as it swings a hand wildly but misses everyone. The fourth skeleton squares up to Grob and it's claw like hands connect with his chest, opening up four parallel wounds.
Grob grunts as bone fingers cut his flesh, and whirls on the one that scratched him.
Grum hisses in anger as his brother takes the scratches, and turns his anger towards any skeletons still standing. If he's not already in a flanking position, he'll try to adjust in order to achieve the flank with one of his companions.
Romund press on his attack.