Wonders in the Weave - Part I: The Dog Pharaoh's Tomb (Inactive)

Game Master Warped

Sharna was slow in getting her own wand out, and arches both brows at Landros healing Ra for her. Ra looks.... confused, head tilting between both his mistress and the new lady. He lets out a shrill, inquisitive cry, wings spreading.

"...thank you," Sharna says drily. "And Ra thanks you as well, although I don't believe he has ever really understood that people other than me can also cast healing magics. Shhh, Ra, all is well."

She soothes the bird with a touch.

"I appreciate the offer, but I am unhurt. Is it a custom of your god, to yell warcries in other languages but Common in the heat of battle?" she asks curiously.

She offers Rodrigo a smile. (Not that it can be seen, behind the veil.) "Well-struck with your blade, o doughty defender of ladies everywhere."

Now that he feels much better, Ra flaps around the room briefly, peeking into corners and crannies.

Ra Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

"The eastern passage next, my friends?"

Ignoring the party's rambling in tongues from the Great Beyond, Shandor waits patiently until everyone is back on on their feet.

"East it is, Sharna."

Sharna moves for the eastern passage, gesturing the others to proceed her in entering the room. She whispers to Ra, who somewhat reluctantly takes his place on Natalia's shoulder again. Getting shocked hard hurt, okay.

Zaquielle moves up besides Sharna, her bow at the ready, waiting for Natalia and others to move forward into the room.

I've moved Zaquielle on the map.

Responded Rodrigo to Natalia and added

Then he said to Sharna broadly smiling

Thanks my lady, I had a good professor and my blade is guided by Abadar himself, and when a Lady is in danger I can't miss.

Then he followed his comrade, on second line

Al suresh smiles at that last statement...

East it is. taking his place at the front of the hero's formation.

To Rodrigo, Lady Natalia says, "ვეცდები და მახსოვს საუბარი ჯოჯოხეთური მეტი ზეციური როდესაც ბრძოლაში. თქვენ გექნებათ სარელეო ინფორმაციას სხვები, მაშინ?"

Natalia turns to Sharna, "Sharna, it is part of the blessing of Aroden that I can understand languages such as Celestial, and now Infernal. It is part of the burden that He has placed upon me that I can only understand these languages while under extreme stress. It is as if he wants to be sure that his agents, all of them, are able to understand me when I call for their help. It is my understanding that they may not understand Taldane, which while it is a truly noble language, is not one often spoken in the outer planes.

"I apologize if this has caused problems, but I am assured that our friend Rodrigo here will be able to translate, as necessary, as long as I restrict myself to using Infernal."

Natalia ponders the directions, and realizing that time is of the essence given the spells that are running, moves to the east. She casts Guidance on herself, and prepares to enter the room.

Perception+Guidance: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 1 = 21

Having found nothing in the western room, the group moves off to the eastern room. This twenty-foot room is home to a foot and a half of stagnant water that covers everything but a wide shelf on the east wall. That shelf contains a score of fifteen-inch-tall statues carved of shiny white stone, each of jackal-headed humanoids in different poses and holding different accoutrements. Ancient Osiriani hieroglyphs and jagged sigils cover the walls, in jarring contrast to each other.

Speaking modern Osiriani gives a +5 bonus on the Linguistics check.

Answered Rodrigo to Lady Natalia's rhetorical question.

Don't worry friends, I will added Rodrigo

Appraise DC20: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Aiding Rodrigo with Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Natalia should pick up a couple of ranks of this skill, just because it seems the "right thing" for a noble to have. You know, so she knows that the artwork, etc., she is buying is of value.

She'll also touch Rodrigo on the shoulder, and say,
"Aroden Benedictio sit tibi." (casting Guidance)

Zaquielle looks at the hieroglyphs, "Interesting, it seems that the dog pharaoh was known as the Jackal Pharaoh, it details his rise and his fray with the rival Illuminned Pharaoh. Very strange, the conflict is not showing a resolution in this freize. Hmmmm.." she says thoughtfully.

Zaquielle speaks and reads Ancient Osiriani.

Perception 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20 to search the frieze for anything unusual.

"Interesting. Should definitely be interesting to see what we find further into the tomb, then. Let's check out this room, and move on. Maybe we should investigate the lower corridor that Rodrigo so cleverly discovered next?"

Natalia will scan the room with Detect Magic. At this point, she's just looking for auras... if she finds any that are not accounted for (such as on one of the PCs), she'll focus in on them to learn more.

Neither Zaquielle nor Lady Natalia find anything extra in their various searches.

Maybe that conflict is still raging?

"I am thinking something else. Perhaps this place was pulled into the Tapestry before the conflict was resolved. Perhaps this is the reason so little information exists as to what happened? However, we should be on watch for jackal-like creatures. Are there any things in particular we should be ready for, Zaquielle?"

We should get moving... time is ticking on buff spells!

"On the notion of moving on, let's secure this rope of climbing somewhere study up here, and climb down."

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 Does there appear to be a good place? If not, Natalia will Traveler's Any Tool to make a Masterwork Grappling hook, and secure it as best she can in the room to the east.

"Natalia, there is nothing I can see in the text, about further creatures, but like you dog or jackal headed creatures might be here." Zaquielle says as she helps the warrior secure the rope.

Sharna nods at Zaquielle's interpretation of the text. When it becomes clear that nobody can read the Abyssal, Sharna draws forth a scroll from her pack, casts from it, and then studies the Abyssal inscriptions.

I think nobody had Abyssal. If I'm wrong and someone has it, please assume that Sharna does not use her scroll of Comprehend Languages. The boards are being really slow for me, or I would check everyone's sheets, etc. If she does wind up having to cast it, it lasts for ten minutes.

"Gnolls... jackalweres... yaenit demons," she murmurs with arched brows.

Appraise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"Ah-- these statuettes are quite valuable," Sharna murmurs with the pleasure of the collector. "The Society would pay handsomely for the full set, I am sure. On our way out we should collect them."

For now, though, conscious of the time issues, Sharna nods to the others and follows after.

Ra Perception in the statue room: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26

The bird glares down one of the statuettes in a fierce fashion before flying after the others. He shrieks hawkish things to the others as they set up their rope. Out of politeness, Sharna declines to translate Ra's various mocking insults of heavy, ground-bound, wingless souls. She gestures at the hawk to be quiet, and Ra sullenly shuts up and resumes a perch on her shoulder.

"I assume we shall return to the double doors once we have explored the subterranean sections?" Sharna asks the others. She waits for the others to descend the rope. While Sharna is waiting, she thinks back to what she can recall of were-creatures and demons.

If permitted:

Knowledge Arcana jackalweres: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Knowledge Planes re: yaenit demons: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

There doesn't seem to be anywhere to anchor a rope. Everything's either loose and crumbly or covered in a thin sheet of slime. You could hook a grapnel in the door frame and use that, or a piton, as there's nothing else to really tie it off to. A rope of climbing would work fine anchored that way (I just glanced real quick, but I think the lowest climb score was a -2 from Shandor).

The climb DC will be 15 unless you want the rope to knot itself, in which case it will be 5. Letting it knot itself will allow everyone to take 10 and climb down.

"Has everyone a cold iron weapon?" Sharna asks as the sorting out of the rope is discussed. She doesn't intend to use the rope, so has few opinions on its dispensation. "Both the jackalweres and the yaenit demons cannot be harmed fully save by such weapons.

"Of course, we are not guaranteed to run into such creatures," she adds on, drily, "as encountering images and text of them is no guarantee of their actual presence... but there is often a correlation, and it is better to be prepared. Additionally, the demons cannot be affected by venom, or electricity," a shame, that, "and are resistant to magics of frost, flame, and acid. Something to keep in mind, should we encounter any. If possible, we might wish to engage them at range-- I have heard tales of them causing those who join combat with them to be affected by hallucinations..."

When the rope is affixed and at least one person has already climbed down, Sharna steps off the edge of the pit Rodrigo initially triggered, above a section of floor free of spikes. She drifts feather-light to the floor below, Ra clinging to her shoulder and looking around smugly.

cold iron, No i do not i just have a plan magical weapon. But i should do fine anyway he says with a knowing smile

"Jackal-headed demons in this place... It reeks of Lamashtu. I wonder if that b#$&* is behind this conflict you speak of. Anyway, I sense that we're about to find out more. Let's go down."

Using the knotted magical rope, Shandor goes down into the pit and joins Sharna.

My ladies, I have what you need. A magnifique sword in cold iron, as for engaging them at range, it's not my specialty but I can manage to do it if needed. My spirit is protected by Abadar who blessed me by His mark, so if these hallucinations are provoke by charm or compulsion effect I will be protected.

After looking to the pit Rodrigo added smiling a its last sentence

I can took the rope and climb after all of you. I'm a good climber... so to speak.

"If you can hold them at distance, I have arrows that will harm them." says Zaquielle. "Down we go..." says Zaquielle after letting the rope knot itself.

"I am pleased we are so confident," Sharna deadpans as she fishes out some more dried meat for the perpetually-restless bird on her shoulder. "I do carry cold iron crossbow bolts, should anyone who uses that weapon require them."

(Moved on map.)

Once everyone is down, Ra resumes his sentinel post on Natalia's shoulder. Or he could perch on top of your helmet if you prefer?

"I have cold iron as well. It is my backup weapon, but it will do fine. If you identify one of these foul creatures, please let me know, in the infernal tongue.

And the shoulder will be fine, Ra."

i am way from the weekend so posting from phones => can't move on the map

Casting a Shield spell So now that we are all ready lets get moving shall we?

I went ahead and moved you on the map. I'm not really expecting a high posting tempo this weekend, either, so no worry.

Water drips and cascades constantly from holes in the low ceilin gof this corridor. Metal grates topped with rusted spikes periodically pierce the floor at uneven intervals.

The corridor is 10' wide with a 7' high ceiling. It continues northward for some time before turning to the left. The spikes are affixed to grates that seem to let water flow through.

Below a hole in the ceiling 20' from the spikes you are currently gathered around lies another set of spikes, this one supporting the remains of the ancient corpse as described by Rodrigo. Most of its clothing has rotted away, and the body is largely a conglomeration of bones held together by a husk of former armor. A pile of mush lies under the corpse, having recently been disturbed (by Rodrigo).

Past that set of spikes lie two more sets, the first dripping with a slow drip from the ceiling and the second, farther one with a steady but light cascade of water.

Shandor carefully inspects the floor and ceiling ahead, then states "Maybe we should explore this level first, before we try climbing back up in this cascade. What do you think?"

Whatever the answer he expects, Shandor seems to be a man of little patience.

I think Natalia already cast it, but just in case: Sharna casts detect magic on the corpse, mush, and scans 60 feet ahead as well with it.

Ra shrieks restlessly, hopping from one shoulder-pauldron to another of Natalia's armor. When they actually do start walking forward as a group down the spiked corridor, Ra's keen eyes study the floor and the walls and the ceiling for any unexpected dangers or false footing.

Ra Perception for traps and nasties: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

Sharna, meanwhile, is looking up thoughtfully at the ceiling.

"These spikes are clearly meant to impale souls falling from above-- like that poor wretch, and our dear Rodrigo. Logic would therefore dictate that any part of this corridor with spikes likely has a trapdoor directly above it. We may have found a way to maneuver around between the rooms of this complex, if we can successfully activate these trap doors from the underside."

"I concur Sharna. If we can reach them, I think we should have our friend Rodrigo here... Wait, where is Rodrigo again?"

Natalia will move up under the next grate, where the body is. She'll cast Detect Magic, checking first the body, and then up.

Moved Sharna on the map to the next grate, but she is definitely waiting for the other PCs, not walking in the lead.

"About to demonstrate his climbing prowess to us, I think," Sharna says lightly. She gestures Ra forward, and the hawk flies up from Landros's shoulder to look at the tunnel's 'ceiling' specifically for any signs of a way to get through to the next room.

Previous result was a 23 for Ra, but if another check is needed:
Ra gets more specific with his eyeballs: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37

...very specific

The hole above the body goes to a stairway that looks to be 10' wide, descending to the north.

Natalia does not pick up any magic.

Not seeing anything of real note above, Natalia moves forward to the next grate, beckoning the others to follow her.

She then looks around, and uses Detect Magic.
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Sharna gestures to the hole above the grate holding the body, when Natalia prepares to move on.

"...do we intend to go up and return to the ground level? There is a stairwell up there that might be worth exploring. I can send Ra up to investigate, as well as carry a rope up there... or is our goal to explore the full subterranean section first?"

"Hmm. Interesting question. I had thought to explore the full lower level first, but if you all think it would make more sense to go up there, that would be fine, as well. Do we need to give Ra any additional protections, just in case? I believe I should offer the blessing of Aroden, to protect him with my faith."

If Sharna and Ra allow it, Natalia will cast Shield of Faith on Ra.

"There are benefits to either approach: my worry is only that things on the upper levels can pursue us if we leave areas above our heads unexplored," Sharna says with a shrug. She turns to look to the others. "Shall we go up? Or proceed on this level?"

Figure I'll give people a chance to weigh in lest we become the Landros-and-Subaiyyat show. ;) Awesome as we would CLEARLY be....

Save the spell for now, but once we decide, Ra would be happy for it. And Sharna will cast Shield on him... that will be one defended little hawk.

Shandor already stated what he wants the party to do: exploring this lower level first.

Zaquielle follows Natalie, "Let's make sure there is nothing below us to rise up and surprise us. And if we map this correctly, we can know where to look for traps." As shs counts with paces the distances between eack of the spiked areas and does her best to measure the spiked ares with her rope.

In little time, the group is able to explore the entirety of the bottom level. It appears to just consist of the single hall, with a multitude of traps spaced unevenly throughout, and finally turns to the left, with a trap at the end of the hall.

Zaquielle paces out the rest of the way round the lower floor, mapping out the traps. "We should check for any hidden doors as well." she says , "Who knows where there are hidden stashes in tombs." as she taps the sides of the passageway.

Perception 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Sharna inclines her head in acquiescence to the plan of making the lower tunnels are cleared first. She resumes her position near the rear of the group as they follow the tunnel to its conclusion.

She arches both brows at Zaquielle's tapping method, before she understand the method of it and smiles. "Ah yes, I see. Ra, if you will assist? --yes, Ra, I know you are not a woodpecker. I shall treat you to a fine fat rabbit, though, if you will indulge me by imitating one."

The hawk looks as though it is much put upon, but accordingly flies to a few sections of the wall and rat-tat-tats with his beak in a testing fashion.

Ra Perceiving, in the vicinity of the end of the tunnel: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32

If Ra uncovers no secret doors, Sharna will return to the spiked pit where the Osirion corpse is impaled, and pry what is left of the bones loose, in order to say a simple prayer over them. The body has been there for, presumably, a very long time... but that's no reason not to show it a bit of respect.

Then she will get out a scroll, in preparation for sending Ra up as scout.

Neither Zaquielle nor Ra are able to find any secret doors or secret stashes. Other than the rigged ceilings above the spikes, the spikes themselves, and the drains below, this seems like any other long forgotten dead-end hallway meant to kill trespassers that also happens to be located beneath an ancient tomb of a little-known pharaoh. Or perhaps this is just your average run of the mill death trap dead end hallway. It's hard to tell.

Regardless, there only seems to be one exit (or, rather, to be more precise, several) out, and that is above.

"Ok, we need to be careful going forward. Note that these traps are all in a line, and about how far apart they are. I think the first one would be about 10' past the double doors in the entry room. Also, it seems likely, that the other rooms are waterlogged. I think we should go to the hole above the body, and check out the stairwell. Assuming, of course, we can get up there."

Natalia makes her way back to that point, and looks for somewhere we can anchor the rope of climbing/ perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

"I agree, Lady Landros. Let's check this stairwell out... and be careful not to slip, it's a short but painful way down."

"Have no fear, I have paced the distance between each of them," says Zaquielle "and my rope is knotted for the spread of each." She walks boldly back to the rope hanging down, where they descended to the passageway. She climbs up as quickly as she can.

"So, Zaquielle, we're going back, and not up this one?" Natalia asks, pointing at the opening over the corpse. "That's fine, but that wasn't what we were saying.

"By the way, I am thinking of using Enlarge Person on myself. I can do that for someone else as well."

How many long have we been investigating the lower passage? I am guessing about a minute or so. It matters for the spells I have going with 1 min/level durations

Not on i please Natalia unless you need be to block a corridor while the rest of the party handles an other threat. Since this lower level is empty of enemy lets check the upper level. once we have finished clearing this whole structure of enemy we can start looking for hidden doors and such

I also assumed we were going back up in the room that is above the dead body. It doesn't really matter either way, I suppose, but either way I do want Ra to fly up into that room as a scout.

Sharna reads a spell that would normally only protect herself, transferring the protective energy to her small winged companion. Shield on Ra. +4. Puts him at base AC 27. If Natalia likewise casts Shield of Faith, Ra will be at AC 29.

"Go safely, my friend," Sharna murmurs to the hawk, and sends him flying up to peek carefully into the room above the impaled body.

Ra stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Ra perception, low-light: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

Lady Natalia does cast Shield of Faith on Ra. In the last few minutes, she seems to have grown a bit fonder for the bird of prey (though this doesn't stop her from constantly checking to see if the bird has soiled her armor).

She'll wait to see what we hear from the bird.

"Al Suresh, I was planning on doing that on myself only once we get upstairs as well. I do understand I'll be blocking the door, so may wait myself. Let's see what Ra finds out."

Rodrigo, followed in silence - unexpected of him - his comrades.