The door opens easily and reveals a hallway heading straight ahead - two openings, on the left and right, seem to lead into the actual storage chambers. You don't see any sign of whoever you heard inside earlier.
"Very well, but they could just be trying to portect their property. I will investigate but this man could have just as easily came up with this story to have us fight his enemy. We will get to the bottom of this. Beseth take the right. I will go left. Thane back us up."
Hadran enters and head to the left opening walking side by side with Beseth.
Makallun'abad cracks his knuckles and follows after Hadran and Beseth. Each footfall sounds like boulders against rock as the dwarf abandons the pretense of stealth.
As on the map, the corridor's only wide enough for one person.
As you moved forward, two soldiers stepped out from where they'd been hiding, weapons flashing as they stabbed out in a sudden surprise attack on Hadran, who'd taken the lead here.
Only one of them actually managed to connect, though it was a reasonably impressive blow. "Get outta here if you don't want me to gut you like a pig!" the one who'd managed a decent blow roared angrily.
Placement notes! The two warriors are to the left and right of the square marked A1 on the map. Hadran is directly south of that square, followed by Beseth and Mak in that order. Those behind Hadran do not have line of sight to the enemies, and may need to move forward - likely provoking an AoO unless you're all very careful in how you move.
Hadran grabs at the wound. He pulls his hand away and sees the blood running from it, for a moment a flash of hatred takes over as he envisions himself cutting these men down and standing over them victorious....
"Now hold a moment. We don't wish a fight. Mostly because you are heavily outclassed. Stow your weapons and talk with us a moment. We are simply curious as to why you are here and why you attacked us. Do you have a boss that may be more reasonable to talk with?"
Hadran takes the full defense action bringing his AC to 26. He will also 5' step into A1 allowing Beseth to step up. He hopes exposing his flank will show he means them no harm.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
Moving up into the space which Hadran vacated, Beseth holds both shields firmly as she sees the two mercenaries. "I advise you listen to him, for if you choose to attempt to harm us further, you will most certainly regret it."
Intimidate (demoralize):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20against the one on the right.
Makallun'abad follows after Beseth, his stone-wrapped fists clenched but otherwise not showing signs of engaging the Chelaxians. "There isn't a need for us to come to blows," the dwarf states, standing his ground.
Aid Another (@Hadran, +2 Diplomacy):1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4>_<
The guard who'd delivered the blow scowled. "You've got no right to waltz in where you're not wanted and start telling people what to do. Get out." his grip tightened slightly, as he clearly readied himself to strike out with another blow if you tried anything or didn't immediately try to back out of the building. His companion did the same. Neither of them seemed particularly convinced by Hadran's words, and Mak's offer wasn't helping any.
The Earthen Defender sighs heavily. "And you have no right to waltz into a place that does not belong to you and act as if you own it, no matter how often you humans seem to think that is your mandate," he scolds the Chelaxian, a neutral look on his face. He continues, looking the man dead in the eyes. "Furthermore, you have got it backwards, good sir. It is not for our good that we make this offer. It is for your own," Makallun'abad states, fire hotter than lava burning in his eyes. "Stand down. We will not fight you unless you force our hands."
"I have given you an offer as a courtesy. You have two options. Talk this out with us so we can put the interest of someone at rest, or stand your ground. We will subdue all of you and let the town guard decide if what you are doing here is leagal or not. People who are doing no harm would not come to blows so soon. Now decide so I can get back to drinking my ale."
Hadran's eyes go cold as he stares down the man. His eyes are stoic. The show the centuries of experience in battle. These eyes have installed fear in the greates of demons and yet this is just a man standing befor the God of Valor.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"We're wasting our time trying to talk to these guys, they care not for subtleties or what is legal, only money. Know this, whatever you have been offered, it is not worth the harm you face now." There was no sign of deception in Beseth's voice, no doubt in her mind that these mercenaries were not only outnumbered but would easily be beaten, for if there was one thing that Beseth knew, it was her own strength, and how to control it through rage, rage which she had been born with as the daughter of the goddess of vengeance.
Hadran's position meant that the two warriors were flanking him, and they grimly set about their task. One of the greatest losses of divine power was the inability to simply overwhelm mortals with your mere presence - that mere thugs could sneer at you was, itself, a sign of how much you'd lost. If nothing else, you'd probably have to pound them a bit to convince them to surrender.
The attacks whistled through the air, but weren't accurate enough to strike the Lord of Valor. Of course, there was still one little problem... there were two warriors here, but you'd heard three people conversing. Where was the last...?
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"It would appear that the time for words has ended, now shall we begin?" Beseth asks, seeing the two attack the large human once more as she envelopes the area with a tinge of rage and fury. Standard action: activate inspire rage, +2 Str/con, +1 will, -1 AC to any allies who accept the rage, also including Beseth's rage power, guarded stance, which can be activated as a move action and lasts 3 rounds once activated.
Once she lets her primal emotions overwhelm her, she assumes a defensive stance, keeping her shields up towards the enemies. Move action, activate guarded stance, for the next three rounds Beseth has no AC penalty from her rage song.
Makallun'abad takes a deep breath to center himself, then attempts to run past the Chelaxians to flank them, moving as swiftly as an avalanche, despite his heavy-looking armor.
Makallun'abad uses Recovery to move past and flank one of the guards (full-round action). He chooses not to accept the effects of Raging Song.
While Mak is able to avoid provoking an attack of opportunity from his movement, the sturdy lord of mountains isn't quite able to push around the corner and past the foe in question... and that does provoke. (This is different from moving out of a threatened square without provoking.)
The blow is a moderately heavy one, and Mak is forced back into position back down the hallway. Meanwhile, Hadran is able to take advantage of Beseth's aura of fury and pummel one of the guards, though the man is tough enough that he's able to grit his teeth and endure the blow. "Janks, get ready for trouble!" the man called as he and his companion stabbed out at Hadran once more. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't flank him from here, but that certainly didn't stop them from doing their best.
Seeing the enemies seemingly ignoring her, Beseth cannot help but cry out, "I hope you haven't forgotten about me!" As she swings out with both of her shields at the uninjured victim mercenary, continuing her song of rage.
If your stats are different from what's in your quick reference bar because of effects or abilities, you should always include them at the top or bottom of your post. It's much too difficult to keep track of things otherwise.
More Damage to Hadran:1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Both of Beseth's strikes failed to strike the mercenary she was targeting, though Mak managed to hit with his second blow and deal damage to the uninjured one. Hadran struck as well, hitting the same warrior he'd struck before and dealing a heavy blow to the man. The warrior grit his teeth and bellowed a challenge, even as the two swung out at Mak.
Speaking of, I don't think you're actually able to move when recovering maneuvers, given that it's a full-round action. At least, nothing in any ability I've seen says you can move at the same time - if I overlooked it, please note where it is for me. In addition, the bonus to AC wouldn't be present while you're moving - he did hit you.
I will start noting AC in post when it changes. Sorry, with the loner trait my AC is 19 and that last swing I made should have only been a 19 to hit. Got to remember my drawback which is actually a drawback now :)
"You are stronger then I thought, but time for sleep."
Alternately, he may recover his Wisdom modifier in expended maneuvers (min of 2) as a full round action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, centering his spirit completely to re-align his perceptions of the battle and change his place in it. When recovering his maneuvers as a full round action, he may move up to his base speed and adds a +4 insight bonus to his Armor Class as his ki defends his form while he re-centers himself. The next attack or martial strike he attempts after recovering his maneuvers adds his deadly strike's damage to the attack if successful.
I get the AC while moving (and an additonal +4 from my Wisdom due to the Dodge Bonus (Ex) ability I got from my second level of Stalker), and I can move while recovering maneuvers. It's kind of awkwardly placed at the end of another ability, so it's not surprising that you may have missed it. I had trouble finding it in the first place.
Additionally, I'll make sure to update my AC at the top of my posts in the future. :)
Beseth knew that her strength was likely more in a good defense then offense, but still she continued to attack the warrior to the west, continuing to let her song rage on.
Ah, there it is. XD Yeah, I was searching for keywords, even, and none of them showed up. *Shakes fist at confusing ability* Movement is fine, then, as is the AC boost!
Hadran managed to drop his target unconscious through nonlethal damage, even as Mak and Beseth struck out at the other. His blade flew out of his hands, and he opened his mouth to say something, but Beseth clubbed him unconscious before he could manage it. With that, the room was clear - and you could see an opened trapdoor in the southeast corner of the building.
Each of the warriors was using a masterwork longsword, and together were carrying coins worth 318 GP.
The Stalwart Peak sighs, looking for something to use to tie up the mercenaries. "I only wish there were more people in their line of work that would listen to reason," he groans.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
Taking out the rope from her bag as the battle subsides, Beseth speaks once more, "Well, perhaps if these ones live yet, they will know to listen next time." She says as she goes about tying the mercenaries together.
"There was a third voice, see if you can find anybody else."
Nobody is visible within the upper floor here, and there don't seem to be any alternative exits - whoever else was here probably went down to the area below.
"Let us search this place further. These men expected to find something of value here, certainly," the Earthen Defender suggests, looking around. "He said there were only three of them correct? What do you suppose the chances of there being more ne'er-do-wells here are?" Makallun'abad runs a stone-plated hand through his beard as he considers his own question.
"I need a moment. They were skilled with a blade. I have a climbers kit that has some rope. We can bind them will. I also have this wand as well as some ability to heal my own wounds. If I should fall I store the wand here." He point to his belt where he draws the wand from.
While Beseth an Thane tie up the two mercs Hadran uses the wand on himself.
(Incidentally, I don't advance things until you actually say you're moving, as opposed to simply talking about your options. XD I don't want you to feel too railroaded.)
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"But what if they are simply hiding up here, waiting for us to go downstairs so they can escape?" Beseth questions, glancing around the room Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
"I still don't know what we are doing in here exactly. I am uncofortable getting involved in politics of these people. I do hope we find they are up to no good. If they are secure follow me."
Hadran heads down now that he is healed up and the two men are secure. Assuming Beseth doesn't see anything more of note.
Whoever was up there before was there no longer, not even after Beseth's careful search - though she did note that the window was unlocked.
This small, stuffy square room was cut from the building's stone foundation. The room’s east wall features a large stone mosaic of stone that shows several faceless people worshiping at the top, and others being condemned at the bottom, with no figures in the middle pattern. The mosaic contains a set of three identical circular indentations: one set within the top section, one in the empty center, and another set within the bottom section. Illuminating the room are two lit torches in sconces on the north and south walls.
In a pile by the corner, you're able to see three disks - with iconography representing a grandiose city, a brooding devil, and a happy-looking female child.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"It would appear to be some sort of puzzle, my guess is that these discs go into the circular indentations." Beseth suggests, studying the discs closer. perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
"I suspect the same thing Beseth. Let me see if this thing is magical in nature."
Hadran detects magic and then takes a look at the statue. If it radiates magic he will bring the disk over as well and check them. He will study long enough to try and identify the statue and the disk.
"So these guys are from Cheliax so lets put the devil at the top. The city in the middle and the girl among the condemned. The girl and the demon may be reversed but lets try it this way and see what happens. Be on your guard."
Hadran grabs the disk and puts them in the statue with the demon at the top then the city and the girl at the bottom.
It cleared away a moment later, and all three of you had been able to easily avoid the worst of its power. That aside, the order on the discs did not appear to be quite correct, as nothing else had happened...
Bah, I'm gonna put "Evasion" and "Stalwart" on my thing, too, so I don't forget them. Luckily I was able to avoid this entirely because I passed the save.
The Stalwart Peak recoils as fire licks at him and his companions, his stone armor protecting him from the unexpected assault. "Argh!" he cries as some of the flame singes his beard, batting at it with a stone-plated hand to put out the embers. "Alright, let's be a little more careful with this," he says in a frustrated tone. The dwarf tries to examine the individual pieces more carefully this time, looking ready to jump away at the first sign of trouble. "Perhaps the little girl belongs on top, and the demon on the bottom? She seems far too content to belong in what appears to be one of the various hells."
"That one is on me. Probably a Cheliax trap for those not famillar with it. Yest lets try the girl on top and the demon on the bottom. Thane you seemed to dodge the fire why don't you give it a shot while Beseth and I step into the hallway. No reason to roast our bits anymore than we have too." '
Hadran hands the disk to Thane as he motions for Beseth to leave before him and follows her to the hall.
Placing the discs in with the girl on top, the city in the middle, and the demon on the bottom suffices - and the mosaic slides aside to reveal a narrow spiral staircase heading further down.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"Well, that hurt a little bit." Beseth remarks as the fire envelopes the room. However as the puzzle is completed successfully, she seems pleased as the stairs are revealed. "Shall we?"
Makallun'abad sighs and goes over to call Hadran and Beseth back. "There was a staircase behind it. It is possible the men we subdued knew about this, and their companion had already solved the puzzle and has gone down ahead." The dwarf cracks his knuckles and then gestures back towards where the mosaic was. "Shall we?"
This room is split by a long, ten-foot-wide stone walkway, extending sixty feet east to west between two spiral staircases. Two ladders rest on the north side of the walkway and two more on the south, leading down into a fifteen-foot-wide trench twenty feet below. These sub-rooms are filled with objects ranging from decrepit suits of rusted armor, to piles of rotting furs, and to various over-stuffed footlockers.
Moments after the three of you enter the room, however, a trio of devils pick up their pick up their weapons and make ready to dart forward. They're currently about fifty feet away, as they seemed to have been standing guard over a closed portcullis on the far side of the chamber, and don't even hesitate to start shouting what sound like insults in Infernal... towards each other as well as you.
Makallun'abad grits his teeth as they are suddenly confronted by fiendish enemies. "It would appear worse than I expected..." he says, before moving to engage their foes.
Makallun'abad moves towards the devils (move action) and uses Swift Claws on one of them (standard action).
The dwarf shows valor charging in not knowing what he is up against. Blasted hell fire from above has weakened me but I can not be shown up in valor.
Hadran charges fourth leaping and bringing his massive blade down on the shoulder of one of the fiends. His wounds start to close as well as he calls up on his mythic reserve which is almost depleted.
