On his turn, Orlando will drop his journal and reach for the crossbow that isn't there, then draw his sword and move to make contact with the enemy.
Tessai hears Selka and Raven's combat shouts, and moves towards the commotion, long spear leading, trying to maneuver to a flanking position - "Stand down!" - she shouts at their attacker - "Yield and live!"
After Aeron retrieves his hammer, he begins closing the distance between him and their enemy.
Selka and Raven both fail the will save against the illusion.
-Raven strikes the creature with her morningstar but the creature's thick skin negates most of the blow.
-Selka steps back from the creature and stabs it with her spear, the creatures skin is thick and her spear doesn't hurt it as much as she had hoped but still pierces it's gut.
-Orlando moves up to get closer
-The dwarf attacks Raven aiming for open flesh but Raven manages to stay away from it's claws.
-Varn's arrow hits the creature in the back dealing some damage.
-Aeron moves up
-Tessai moves up
You can start posting round 2 actions. I will try to get a map posted soon.
Also map is here: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B_FXJLC5PfjGczN0MUpFRkZsTlE&usp =sharing
I haven't moved Aeron yet.
Round 2__________
Orlando moves up to contact, then attacks the undead thing.
for a possible piercing damage.
for a possible extra piercing damage.
Aeron plants his feet for just a moment before springing forward suddenly with a yell! He charges towards the dwarf with his hammer above his head and brings the massive weapon down towards his enemy! And deals a crushing blow!
Varn will walk to within 20 feet, trying to get a clear shot and manifest a wooden short spear.
Oh, right I forgot I could do this with all the crazy stuff that has been coming up recently.
Grinning Varn watches as his conjored spear throws itself at the undead dwarf.
Grinding her teeth, Selka raises her spear and strikes the dwarf once more.
Aeron deals a mighty blow and the creature stumbles.
Selka drives her spear into the creature dealing a good deal of damage and Orlando runs up and drive his rapier into the creature skulls and it collapses truly dead this time.
Oh well your all level 2 now. Roll for hp and post it in ooc chat along with a brief summary of what you gained.
Tessai cannot help but ponder what has just happened here - the combat was lightning fast, and she never even got a chance to understand what this was all about - Why was this creature, apparently once a dwarf, locked in this place? And how could it stand inside what seemed to be a temple dedicated to Torag? - the questions assailed her, so the decision to further investigate came naturally.
She first checks the fallen dwarf creature for identifying signs or possessions, then proceeds in checking the large room.
Examining the body you recognize the creature as a Huecuva- The animated corpse of a priest who blasphemed or rejected his religion moments before death. A rope around the creatures neck indicates that hanging was the original cause of death and you notice the rest of the rope above the altar.
A pouch on its belt contains two potions of cure light wounds, and on one withered hand it wears a knotted gold ring. The priest’s masterwork warhammer lies dusty on the ground next to the altar.
Tessai gathers the items, and uses her magic to try and discern if the hammer or ring possess any such properties.
Nothing other than the potions registers as magical.
Orlando backs away from what is left of the creature.
"That was... remarkably unpleasant. With any luck there are no others."
Realizing his sword was still bare, he carefully cleaned it before sheathing it again.
Varn sighs at the dead priest.
Everyone there is some magic in the fountain would some of you help me examine it.
Varn waits for some of the others to join him and once again detects magic on the fountain.
Dammit I can't figure it out. Can any of you manage that.
Raven, who relies on her vision and perception above other senses, blinks as the illusion fades and reveals the undead blight.
"Gozreh preserve me!" she mutters. "That thing is unnatural. It pains me to even see it." She leaves the temple area and waits outside until the others are ready to move on.
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Tessai gazes for a few moments at the fallen dwarf, contemplating what led him to such despaired actions. Kneeling down next to what may have been once a priest of Torag, she gently removes the rope around his neck, stowing it away in her bag - "Your memory will not be forgotten friend, no matter what horror led you to this bitter end"
She then moves to the altar, and removes also the remaining length of rope - a grim reminder of what has happened within, then searching the area for any other possessions that may have belonged to the dwarf.
From the advantageous position at the altar she surveys the area - "I guess we have at least released the pall from this damned place - I may want to return here some day though..."
Picking up the dwarven corpse in her arms, she moves outside, addressing the others - "I would like to offer him an acceptable burial site. I don't think we can dig through stone, but at least we can put him to rest on a rock mound"
Laying him gently on the ground again, Tessai goes looking for a suitable spot of loose stones that can be used for the purpose, but before that she again turns to the group, displaying the items recovered from the dwarf - "I have found these - a hammer, a ring, and two healing potions. I have the ability to heal me somewhat, so the healing power could be offered to another" - she places the vials on the ground - "I have not found any identifiable markings on the ring, nor any magic - I believe we may later sell it for some profit, but I would rather we buried it with the dwarf. Also, this hammer is finely crafted" - she turns to Aeron - "I heard your words about the Father of the Forge, so I believe this should be wielded by you if you wish to claim it. It can serve any of us in a combat though, and I would gladly wield it alongside my shield, if we so deem it necessary" - she places it also on the floor - "You know my thoughts on this, I'll leave you to ponder the best course of action to take" - and then moves away to try and arrange a suitable burial place for the dwarf.
Raven nods along with the words of Tessai. "If it will help the poor soul remain at rest, then by all means, leave the ring with him. I suggest Orlando and Varn carry these potions, using them for the best good of the group."
Once the first few rocks are over the corpse, Raven will help add others she just doesn't want to see that icky thing again.
Orlando listens to Tessai after he has cleaned his blade.
"Yes I agree with Miss Tessai. Let the dwarf be buried with his ring; perhaps he will be less inclined to rise again."
With the undead abomination destroyed and it's magic gone, Selka looks over the corpse with disgust and pity.
Upon hearing Tessai's words, Selka nods solemnly and addresses her companion. "I already knew you had a strong arm. Now, you've showed your spirit is pure and your heart knows forgiveness."
Selka slowly raises her hand, and it suddenly starts shimmering with a golden radiance. Laying it gently on Tessai's shoulder, Selka offers the tiefling a candid smile. "Thank you for your valor. May the blessing of the Inheritor always be with you, Tessai."
At the mention of the salvaged items, Selka offers - "I agree. I'm sure Aeron will put that hammer to good use, and Raven is right, having Orlando and Varn carry the vials would probably be for the best. For the ring, I too believe laying it to rest with its owner may be the right thing to do."
You take the time to bury the dwarf and you search the rest of the temple but find nothing else of value.
Selka make a knowledge religion check.
As Selka cleans up the altar, Raven looks past the temple to see what might be next down the tunnels.
The tunnel that continues on is 20 feet wide and 20 feet high and goes on for a very long distance (over 1000 feet).
Selka make a knowledge religion check.
Varn watches Selka bury the dwarf and restore the alter drawing on his own knowledge to assist her in her tasks.
He then goes back to the fountain and tries to figure out what part of it is magic and if he can remove it.
You come to the realization that the altar and the temple have been desecrated. With some work and some prayers you believe that you could consecrate the temple once more but the process would take many hours.
Aeron looks down at the excellently crafted hammer with awe and takes it in his hand. "I can think of few greater honors than to carry this hammer of a fallen priest on my god. Maybe his soul will find peace knowing his weapon brings justice to his enemy."
Aeron will also help bury the cleric and then assist Selka in cleansing the temple. He goes about the task grimly with vocal complaints; however, he is furious at the desecration done...
Above the gloom of the matters at hand, Tessai wears a smile in her face, at the realization that her companions have decided to assist in burying the dwarf properly.
Afterwards, she simply bows her head, a feeling that something should be said pervading her, conflicted with the fact that she is not a priest or a creature of much faith, but still...
"Master Dwarf, we shall keep you in our minds and hearts, and... Hope you have still a chance to find peace" - the words blurting out, she then walking away briskly.
---------------------------
Selka slowly raises her hand, and it suddenly starts shimmering with a golden radiance. Laying it gently on Tessai's shoulder, Selka offers the tiefling a candid smile. "Thank you for your valor. May the blessing of the Inheritor always be with you, Tessai."
The sensation cannot quite be put to words, as the touch of divine becomes much more than something one talks about in sunny courtyards of temples protected in times of peace. It becomes a real thing in the most unlikely of places - a dark, damp cavern, next to an undead cursed temple... Tessai struggles to talk, but nothing is forthcoming as she simply bows her head, and allows the feeling of righteous righteousness and justice to flow through her.
Lifting her eyes to Selka, she speaks then - "Thank you" - simple words, filled with meaning - the priestess fast becoming an inspiration for the she-demon.
---------------------------
Tessai stares for a moment at the structure, then nods grimly - "If it is within your reach to revert the desecration of this place, then this is something that needs to be done - I will assist in whichever way I can"
Before they set to their task, however, she addresses their charges, in an explanation for the stop - "We have a chance to rid this haunted place from the nefarious pall that has fallen over it, since its lead priest apparently killed himself. Even though we do not know the reasons behind such desperate act, and in spite we are deep underground, this is something that needs to be done, and we hope you can understand its importance - take the opportunity to rest, and recover before we leave. The time spent for this task is well worth it, believe me"
The three nods and agree (even Horgus goes without a fuss) and move inside the temple and make themselves comfortable.
Alright I will assume you spend the 8 hours to consecrate the temple to Torag once more.
Once you are done you get the sensation that Torag has noticed you. You all feel the warmth of positive energy around you. You are all fully healed and are blessed.
While the priestess carries out the ceremony of consecration, Raven watches intently. Never one for the formalities of faith, she worshiped her goddess of nature in minute and nuanced ways. She had not seen the value of ritual and ceremony before, but when the glow of Torag surrounds them, she sees and respects these beliefs that are new to her.
"Good work, Mother!" she whispers to Selka when within earshot. "It appears we have set a wrong to right. Perhaps the silver dragon's faith in us was not misplaced at all. Good work to all!" she congratulates the others, then explains about the long tunnel as the next barrier to cross.
Not being particularly religious, Orlando is amazed as the bless flows over him.
"I'faith..." He whispered, reconsidering many things he had taken for granted.
While Selka conducted her holy ceremony Aeron assisted in whatever way he could. The rest of the down time he used to try and sleep a little, though he only found nightmares waiting. He truly hoped his mother had escaped the fall of Kenabres, but he tried to be practical; it was unlikely any had survived with the balor lord leading the attack.
He woke with a start and looked around at his gathered companions, taking the time to examine their gear and weaponry. As he looked at them he realized perhaps one of his party members could make better use of the fallen priest's warhammer, especially Tessai. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and approached the demonkin. "Here, I think you can make better use of this than me." He offers her the exquisite weapon.
He lingered a moment after she took the offered hammer. "I am sorry if I made you upset asking about your tail. I have never before seen one of your kind. I think you are pretty." He suddenly blushed as he realized what he said. "I..." The large man started to stammer and quickly turned away from Tessai to walk away before he could further make a fool of himself.
***After the Blessing***
Aeron smiles as he feels the presence of Torag. "Torag blesses us! Thank you Father of Creation!" The large man has never before had such a blatant response to his worship and faith. He feels awed to have received such direct aide from his patron god.
You prepare and carry forth into the long tunnel. You travel another hour covering around 3000 feet of tunnels and you enter another large cavern were stone figures are carved into the walls. Each depicts a different crusader clad in armor and wielding weapons, but their carved stone features contain expressions of sadness. The cavern is vast and you can't see the other side as it's beyond the reach of you light.
While Selka conducted her holy ceremony Aeron assisted in whatever way he could. The rest of the down time he used to try and sleep a little, though he only found nightmares waiting. He truly hoped his mother had escaped the fall of Kenabres, but he tried to be practical; it was unlikely any had survived with the balor lord leading the attack.
He woke with a start and looked around at his gathered companions, taking the time to examine their gear and weaponry. As he looked at them he realized perhaps one of his party members could make better use of the fallen priest's warhammer, especially Tessai. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and approached the demonkin. "Here, I think you can make better use of this than me." He offers her the exquisite weapon.
He lingered a moment after she took the offered hammer. "I am sorry if I made you upset asking about your tail. I have never before seen one of your kind. I think you are pretty." He suddenly blushed as he realized what he said. "I..." The large man started to stammer and quickly turned away from Tessai to walk away before he could further make a fool of himself.
Tessai looks the man squarely as he offers the hammer to her. Picking up the weapon, and admiring its workmanship, she swings it about once or twice to adequately feel its weight, then again turns to the him - "I will gladly wield it Aeron - and I offer my best to honour both your God, and the man that we assume was its previous owner" - she smiles.
After his apologies, her smile grows slightly wider - "You do not have to apologize for your questions, as I understand they are done without malice. Believe me, I have grown almost insensible to the crass remarks that my tail seems to draw some times"
As he walks away, she adds - "Thank you" - in spite of the fact that she had been accosted by men before, usually with very similar motivations, Tessai cannot help but ponder she had ever received such an honest and straightforward compliment.
Leaving it at that for the time being, she stows the longspear at her back, wielding hammer and sword as they move forward.
---------------------------------------
As they come upon the large cave, she is stricken by awe at the images depicted before them, though she probably does not recognize any of them - I should have paid more attention to Darius - the memory of her "father" always present in this dark place, along with worrying about his well-being.
She moves into the vast space, her senses alert, observing each of the statues, trying to recognize them.
After the ritual is performed, and the divine blessing descends upon the group, Selka steps away from the altar and thanks everyone who took part in the ceremony.
"We took the time to right a wrong and put a tormented soul to rest." She offers to the others - "You could've washed your hands and left, but instead decided to help and stay. For that, you have my thanks, and my respect. Thank you, my friends!" She concludes, a large smile on her face.
When Aeron offers the hammer to Tessai, all the while apologizing for his behavior, Selka can't help but nod approvingly at the giant man's gesture.
'He's a good man... Maybe a bit tactless, but a good man nonetheless!... Eh, I'm a fine one to talk! The things my big mouth let out in the past...'
Selka accepts Raven's compliment with a little smile and a few words of thanks, then listens attentively as the Ranger shares her findings about the tunnel.
When everyone is once more ready to depart, she gets to the head of the group and opens the way as she did before.
Selka looks astonished at the stone figures carved into the walls.
'What's this? Such works of art, here in these tunnels? And their expression... Sadness? Why? Are these memorials for the dead?'
Still amazed by the statues, but wary of possible dangers, Selka moves into the cavern, ready for any sign of trouble.
Meh, the dwarf deserved his transformation.
Following the others Varn looks in shock at the sad statues and tries to remember if he ever saw such thing before.
Hum. What to do now We still need to find our way out of this cave. Uh I hope we didn't end up taking a path leading deeper in.
Varn: You recognizes some of the names on the statues as crusaders during the first crusade.
you move into the cavern and the entire area becomes wrapped in magical darkness.
You hear flopping sounds as dark quid-like creatures drop from the ceiling and attack using the darkness as cover.
Two attack Selka who is at the front an miss.
Another attack Tessai who is examining a statue and drops right on her! It bites her and latches on tight (grapple)
Raven screams in surprise as the things drop from the ceiling onto the 2 heroes right in front of her. She draws out her morningstar and swings at the center of the inky blackness, hoping to hit one of the creatures that is not grappling Tessai.
Tessai reels from the massive attack and bite that seems to come out of nowhere. Her initial reaction is to strike the creature, but then noticing that there are others dropping all around, she changes her mind, and tries to break free of the creature grabbing her.
So if you have non-magical lights it would be total darkness (50%) and if you have magical lights it would become dim light(20%). I'm fairly certain your using magical lights.
Creatures Init
Thanks to a combination of quick reflexes and blind luck, Selka manages to dodge the incoming attacks. "Enemies!" - She shouts to the others - "Get ready!"
The monsters now exposed to retaliation, she gets in position and attempts to deliver a powerful counterattack.
Made a map
Darvision negates the effects of darkness.
Anivia, Aravashial and Horgus are back in the tunnel they will stay back and help if needed.
Raven hits number 3 for 10 damage.
Tessai breaks free of the creature before it can act again.
Selka: Have a look at the map and let me know how you move.