GM Tyranius (PF2) Escaping the Grave (Tier 1-4) (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Variel moves up toward the undead horse carefully, not ready to charge in yet. He spots a bit of rubble, and speaks a word of magic to hurl it toward the creature.

1. Stride 30'. 2+3. Cast Telekinetic Projectile
Spell attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 B damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
...oops. Now *that* is how you open combat. *sigh*

Sadly, he is out of practice at this cantrip, and the stone goes flying behind him.

Raini stumbles into his companion suddenly. "So sorry there!" he mutters as he gets his bearings.

"Merciful heavens. What are those?" asks the gnome as he rubs his bumped nose.

Seeing the others react, Raini prepares for battle. He touches his animal companion and let's magic flow into her muscles, making her stronger. He then draws his sling and prepares to attack.

2 Actions - cast Magic Fang. 1 Action - Interact to draw weapon.

Malark gets his pan flute from his satchel and draws his rapier. He then starts a tune to inspire courage to his allies. "Remember our mission. We're here to rescue our allies who have been missing. These undead creatures will not stand in our way. Go forth, fellow pathfinders!"

Interact, Interact, Inspire Courage: +1 to attack rolls, damage rolls and saves against fear effects.

Variel whips a loose stone from the ground and right behind him as it nearly brains Malark. Raini does what he can to prepare for the oncoming undead.

Leo magically enhances his blade and tosses it with surprising speed at the decayed horse. The blade slices right through the back end of the horse before speeding back to it's master.

Malark does what he can to inspire his comrades so that Natesh can attempt to get a closer look at the horse. Not recognizing it in the slightest he pops off a warning shot with his crossbow. The bolt digs deep into the dirt.

The undead horse jerkily gallops right up to Variel as the stench of rotting flesh begins to overwhelm the elf.

Round 1
Variel
Raini
Leo
Malark
Natesh
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Horse (-9)
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Zhao Kang
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Zombies
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(Sorry for the late post. Got back very late last night.)

"Oh dear, oh dear!" Even as he is lamenting, Kang reaches into his pouch, pulls out a small handful of what looks like rat hair, starts chanting and waving his hands area. A short while later, a small tear appears in the air near the horse and a giant rat pulls itself through.

3 actions summon animal - giant rat

Immediately, it steps forward as it screeches at the horse and bites down on it.

jaws, inspire courage: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 = 12 P dmg: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

Giant Rat (1/10) HP 8 | AC 15 | F:+7 R:+7 W:+3 | Jaws (agile, finesse) +7 1d6+1P

Zhao Kang tosses the rat hair into the air. As it floats across the hair and magic collide creating a small tear as a giant rat crawls forth from some unseen basement.

The rat can't seem to bite deep enough into the horse as it chomps into the hardened hoof. The zombies all shamble forward, towards their next meal. A dull groan filling the otherwise quiet air.

Round 2
Variel
Raini
Leo
Malark
Natesh
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Horse (-9)
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Zhao Kang
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Zombies
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Raini, seeing a zombie shamble up to the party, blasts it with an electrically charged blast of arcane might! The spare arcane energy arcs to the nearest enemy target, the undead horse!

Electric Arc on Orange Zombie: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 Reflex Save for 1/2 damage vs. DC 18.

Electric Arc on Zombie Horse: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Reflex Save for 1/2 damage vs. DC 18.

Following the spell attack, Raini commands Sasha to attack the zombie in front of them! "Sasha, attack!" shouts Raini and points at the zombie.

Sasha strides forward and slashes the zomebie with a nasty swipe of her sharpened claws!

Attack Orange Zombie with Claw Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 27 Positioned to flank with party member. Gives Flat-footed condition to zombie AC. Gives extra 1d4 precision damage if allowed on undead (not calculated).

Damage on Orange, Slashing Damage: 2d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3) + 2 + 1 = 8

GM, does the hedge prevent me from moving around the zombie horse? I marked a yellow arrow where I want to go if I can. My actions are as follows: 1. Enter Tiger Stance (which, among other things, allows a 10' Step action). 2. Step to move as indicated. 3. Flurry of Blows with a flanking bonus from the summoned rat.

If that is not possible, then I will instead enter Tiger Stance, Flurry, then attack again. I'll roll the third attack, but ignore it if I can instead do the move.
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Variel sees the giant rat appear, and tries to squeeze around the horse to gain a better attack position. With his fingers curled like a tiger's claws, he rips at the undead.

Flurry of Blows: If both attacks hit, combine damage before applying resistances and weaknesses.
Attack #1 (Flurry): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 Damage (S): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Attack #2 (Flurry): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Damage (S): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Oooh, that first one might be a critical, especially if I'm getting the flanking bonus. *Crossing fingers* I doubt Zombies bleed, but if they do, the Tiger Strike does 1d4 persistent bleed damage.

Attack #3 (if needed): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 Damage (S): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Wasn't expecting anything from that one. :-)

Natesh pushes through the exhaustion as he sees the rest of the party open up with their opening volleys and magic. "Malark, what if these are the other Pathfinders?"

Despite the question he calls out an incantation as he summons a flame to his hand before trying to dispatch an undead with the magical fire.

Produce Flame - Spell Attack vs AC + Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 = 19
Fire Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Stride to flank orange, cast produce flame to melee attack orange (stride and produce both provoke AoO if it has it).
If orange is already downed, then instead make the attack as a ranged attack on horse. Instead attack green if both are down.

I doubt Zombies bleed, but if they do, the Tiger Strike does 1d4 persistent bleed damage.

To clarify, the bleed is on a critical hit only.

Leo swings at the zombie adjacent to him.

First Action
swing: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 + flanking I believe
slashing: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1) + 2 = 9

Second Action
attack 2: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (18) - 5 = 13
If the zombie is still up he'll be attacking it at a +8
If the zombie is down after that first strike Leo will cast Ray of Frost at a +9

slashing 2: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 = 5
Cold: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 = 11

if the zombie was still up after the two strikes Leo will strike again
attack 3: 1d20 - 10 + 8 ⇒ (9) - 10 + 8 = 7
slashing: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 1) + 2 = 8

if the zombie was dead after the second attack, Leo will move down 3 squares.

An off-pitch sound comes out of Malark's flute upon hearing Natesh's question. "Good point. We'll check their possessions once they're down." He composes himself, takes a careful step back, and starts another inspiring tune to bolster his allies.

Step, Inspire Courage: Don't forget to add the +1 to your attack and damage rolls.

@Variel- I would think that movement would be fine

Variel pushes past a small dying hedge and claws viciously at the undead horse. Two of the strikes dig in deep. The claws seem to be extremely effective against the horse. 39 total damage including weakness. Sheets of flesh shred from the horses body and plop to the ground with sickening wet splats.

Orange Reflex DC 18: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Horse Reflex DC 18: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

A small electrical arc leaps between the undead. The greatest discharge hits the horse causing the bones to smoke, blacken and crack as the horse collapses.

Leo takes a mighty swing against the leading zombie and cleaves the undead head from its body. As the zombie falls Leo tosses his free hand up and sends a streak of cold energy into the farthest zombie.

Malark begins an off pitch tune on his flute to bolster his allies. Natesh tosses his ball of fire across the town square. The zombie bursts apart as the small explosion rocks across it's chest. A small burning husk smolders on the ground.

Round 2
Variel
Raini
Leo
Malark
Natesh
Zhao Kang
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Zombies
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@Raini- Yup, go ahead and adjust your animal companion.

@Raini- Yup, go ahead and adjust your animal companion.

Raini will command Sasha to move to confront the yellow zombie. Double move.

Can someone please move my AC to the yellow zombie, next to the building.

Kang narrows his gaze, focusing on his summoning, drawing forth more ethereal energy to infuse into the rat while keeping it focused on its task, even as he moves closer.

1: augment summoning, 2: sustain, 3: stride

The rat, with silent urgings from its master, moves towards the other zombie and attempts to tear into its flesh.

vs pink: jaws, inspire courage: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 17 P dmg: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

Giant Rat (augmented) (2/10) HP 8 | AC 15+1 | F:+7+1 R:+7+1 W:+3+1 | Jaws (agile, finesse) +7+1 1d6+1P

Zhao Kang strengthens the giant rat as it scuttles off of the platform, sinking it's long teeth into the zombie's leg. A loose muscles rips free making the zombie shift precariously on one side.

Pink Fist vs Giant Rat AC 16: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 + Grab

Yellow Fist vs Sasha AC 17: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Yellow Fist vs Sasha AC 17: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 5 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

One of the zombies reaches down and grabs ahold of the giant rat, lifting it from the ground, ready for a tasty meal of blood and bone. The norther zombie swats a loose fist at Sasha, catching her right in the ribs.

Round 3
Variel
Raini (Sasha 10/18)
Leo
Malark
Natesh
Zhao Kang (Giant Rat -8; Grabbed by pink)
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Zombies (Pink -7)
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The horse dispatched, Variel twirls as he circles the hedge to surround the zombie engaging Sasha.

1. Stride; 2. Flurry; 3. Strike
Attack #1 (Flurry): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19Damage (S): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Attack #2 (Flurry): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5Damage (S): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Attack #3: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11Damage (S): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Raini pumps his little legs and makes his way closer to his companion. Seeing a nasty zombie there, he continues to move to provide comfort and aid to Sasha.

Stride. Stride. 2 Actions.

"Sasha, attack! shouts Raini, pointing at the zombie in front of the panther.

3rd Action to Command Animal Companion.

1st Strike Yellow Zombie vs. FF AC, Claw Attack (S): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
2nd Strike Yellow Zombie vs. FF AC, Claw Attack (S), Agile: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 4 = 23

Damage from 1st Strike w/ FF Precision Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (2) = 5
Damage from 2nd Strike w/ FF Precision Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (2) = 5

Leo does his best to run over to assist their temporary ally rat.

3 actions to move. (LOL 15 ft move speed)

A bit jubilant from his own magical blow, Natesh almost gives himself a commendation for taking down his target. Seeing the others already focused on the remaining undead he merely shrugs and rushes to help the Kang's summoned ally.

"If they fell this easily maybe we could take down that entire legion!"

Stride x3

Variel moves in behind the zombie and punches the zombie right in the backside, shattering numerous ribs. Sasha pounces on top of the zombie and begins shredding it with her hind legs. The loose rib bones break off and fling against the wall.

Leo and Natesh head south to back up the giant rat.

Round 3
Variel
Raini (Sasha 10/18)
Leo
Malark
Natesh
Zhao Kang (Giant Rat -8; Grabbed by pink)
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Zombies (Pink -7)(Yellow -18)
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Malark moves towards the center of the action and continues his performance. "Take courage fellow pathfinders! Press on to victory!"

Stride. Stride. Inspire Courage

The giant rat only has 8hp, so I think it's dead right? Well, that was quite underwhelming...

Kang grunts in frustration as his summoned rat is torn up, and fades away back into the extradimensional plane. Oh well, it distracted the zombie. That counts for something, right?

He moves in, then summons an arc of electricity that leaps from one zombie to the other.

stride, electric arc

electric arc: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Ref DC17. (Not sure if inspire courage gives +1 to damage)

@Zhao Kang- Correct, though it ate a hit that you guys didn't take so there is always that.

@Raini- Thanks wasn't sure if that was added into you roll.

Malark continues to inspire the group as the yellow eyed zombie is left in a pile of skin and bone on the ground. Zhao Kang sends out a spark of lightning at the remaining zombie.

Reflex DC 17: 1d20 ⇒ 15

The smoking zombie reaches out for Natesh.

Fist vs Natesh AC 16: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Fist vs Natesh AC 16: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 5 = 3

The wounded zombie looks near to falling apart. As it swings at Natesh its arm falls right off and lops onto the ground.

Round 4
Variel
Raini (Sasha 10/18)
Leo
Malark
Natesh
Zhao Kang
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Zombies (Pink -13)
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Despite his weariness Natesh blocks the lurching undead with a staff and a cheer with each success. "We have more than enough courage here to take down thrice their numbers!"

Natesh moves to step to flank the remaining undead with Leo as he conjures another ball of fire and thrust it straight into the crumbling undead, confident that the undead is too slow to stop the magical incantation.

Produce Flame - Spell Attack vs AC + Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27
Fire Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5 Persistent 1d4 fire damage on crit

Step, Cast Spell (produce flame)

Variel spins and leaps across to the last zombie, swiping his hands like claws.

Stride,Flurry,Strike.
Attack #1 (Flurry): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 Damage (S): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Attack #2 (Flurry): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 Damage (S): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Attack #3: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13 Damage (S): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Leo attacks the zombie with seeming intentional flourish.

Strike: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 = 14
S: 2d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 + 1 = 13
Strike: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 - 5 = 22
S: 2d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8, 3) + 2 + 1 = 14
Strike: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 10 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 - 10 = 1
S: 2d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 + 1 = 10

Raini, seeing as the rest of the team has the remainder of the combat in hand, sees to Sasha. He strokes her fur and looks over her wound.

"There, there dear Sasha." mutters Raini soothingly.

As she calms, Raini infuses his companion with healing magics.

Casts 2-action Heal Animal focus spell on Sasha.

Healing amount: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Raini then readies an action to attack any enemy that approaches and threatens the pair.

Kang noticeably starts to calm down as the battle turns clearly into the Pathfinders favour. He summons yet another arc of electricity that flies at the remaining zombie, while pulling forth a magical shield for protection. Just in case.

electric arc, shield (+1AC - will use shield block if hit, hardness 5)

electric arc: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Ref DC17

Raini then readies an action to attack any enemy that approaches and threatens the pair.

Readying an action now requires 2 actions: https://2e.aonprd.com/Actions.aspx?ID=82

Raini Riversong wrote:

Raini then readies an action to attack any enemy that approaches and threatens the pair.

Readying an action now requires 2 actions: https://2e.aonprd.com/Actions.aspx?ID=82

Ha! Thanks

Variel quickly dispatches the remaining zombie. Save those spells.

Once the enemies have been defeated, you look up into the sky and notice something near the horizon: the sharp peaks of what appeared to be a craggy hill have moved, and they were, in fact, gargantuan zombies. These giants seem to be making their way toward Goldenflame. you estimate that you have two to three hours before they arrive.

Exploring the Town

Each section that can be explored during Exploration Mode is labeled below. Searching or manipulating a given location or object takes roughly 10 minutes (some complex or difficult tasks may take longer). You can, of course, do other Exploration Mode tasks like Treat Wounds, etc. Place yourselves on the map and describe your intentions.

Leo pants with a smile at the ending of the last zombie.

At the sight of the giant zombies, Leo begins hustling toward the Apothecary.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
"Oh, look at what we have here!" Kang exclaims in excitement as he pulls out the wayfinder. "Anyone needs a source of light? I'm good."

Are we planning to split up or stick together in the exploration?

For botting this part, Kang will, in order of priority, use detect magic and read aura, search, and use mage hand to manipulate things from a safe distance. Won't hide since I don't think we have time.

As time seems to be of the essence, I'd imagine splitting up is most ideal.

I'm not sure if the intent was to suggest us to split up, but in any case Natesh will be sticking with at least one other person to avoid ambush.

I'm assuming Natesh is still fatigued and I'll perform no exploration actions.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Still riding from pure adrenaline Natesh struggles hold a smile as he takes a breath. "No problem at all. Didn't even leave a scratch. Bring on the undead hordes." He looks over at the horizon to see the massive approaching undead and the smile fades and he pushes himself to keep moving, "I'm sure we could take them on, but I admit I'm a bit winded after that run over here to the town. Probably best to clear the town and tackle them after a night's rest."

Natesh is focused more on the bodies of the undead as he starts to move to examine the fallen for Pathfinder insignia or matching information from the Dossier.

"Wayfinder in the horse's wound?" Natesh looks over the wayfinder along with Kang. "Already have my own light, but maybe there there are some initials on there that might tell is about the owner. Something poor must have happened for it to get lodged in the body like that."

After sharing a brief glance at the wayfinder Natesh returns his focus on the other bodies.

Searching the corpses. Looking for signs of identification like holy symbols.

Oh, I forgot about the actions. I'll be doing the Search action.

You've named a number of places we can explore, but not labeled them on the map, so I'm not sure how to place our tokens.
===
For safety, we might work in pairs and select buildings near each other, once we know which is which. I am happy to search, though my perception is only +3 (+5 if hearing is involved and within 30'). Since I've GMed this, I won't pick a location, but if someone wants to pair with me, I'll add my Perception check to searching wherever you pick.

Raini, having recently used a focus spell, decides to take a moment to first refocus. Having the means to heal his animal companion is very important to him.

Raini healed Sasha at the end of combat with Heal Animal, his focus spell. Sasha should be healed to full (18/18). Using a 10-minute block of time to refocus to get that spell back.

Following that activity, Raini will focus on searching to see what he can find related to the missing Pathfinders.

Exploration Mode = Search. I will pair up with Variel to conduct my search.

Looking to the monk, "Where shall we begin?"

Looking to the monk, "Where shall we begin?"

Sadly, I need you to make that decision, as I already know what is in each building. :-|

"Varisiel, let's investigate the Guardhouse first. Natesh is going to look into the Corpses and Leo was going to the Apothecary. Hopefully Malark and Zhao will pair up with them before they go."

Labeled the buildings as requested.

Zhao Kang tries to pull out the wayfinder from the horse's throat but it is jammed tight in the bones. Thievery to remove, or you can spend 10 minutes cutting it free.

===================================================================

Corpses

Natesh takes a look at the surrounding corpses to see if any match the dossier's you were given. This graying zombie’s features are rotted and torn. Its clothing, although tattered and dirtied, was nevertheless clearly fine at one time, with a torn ruffled collar and ripped cloak.

===================================================================

Apothecary

Splitting up to cover even more ground before the massive undead fall in around you Leo heads to the Apothecary. Grime-caked and smashed glass cases occupy much of this apothecary, and dusty shelves line many of the walls. A door to the northwest leads to an emptied storage closet.

This apothecary was where citizens of Goldenflame could procure medicines, herbs, teas, and the like for treating ailments and improving overall health. The proprietor of the apothecary scrambled to gather as many of her wares as she could during the townsfolk’s escape to Vellumis.

===================================================================

Guardhouse

This small house was where rotating Knight of Ozem guards would stay. The bed and table are crusted with a thick layer of dust.

Raini and Sasha will thoroughly search the Guardhouse with their new companion. As the minutes tick by, Raini's anxiety increases.

"I don't like this. I feel so exposed in this town. It is too eerie." offers Raini as he searches.

"Aha, look at this!" beams Raini as he holds up a low-grade cold iron buckler. "This was kicked underneath the bed and forgotten!"

Conduct the 10 minute search. I will then meet up with the others to exchange notes and get a new search area or help others as needed.

Focusing on the clothing and dressings of the fallen, Natesh comments out loud, "it is difficult for me to gather anything from the wounds. I was told I had a talent for medicine, but that was always a focus of my father so I opted to explore other routes. Someone better trained should bring their eye to them."

Performing a closer examinination of the fraying fabric he adds, "I've been to a great number of the tailors of Absalom. Maybe I might find some sign of their signature styles here. Unlike most of the people here, Pathfinders are much more likely to have their clothing drawn from the great city."

Society: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Society - Hero Point: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Despite the suggestions of inner knowledge Natesh doesn't offer much more than banter and comparisons to various crafters he has met in the preceding years.

10 minutes, Society on Corpses, Spending Hero Point for Reroll

Variel helps Raini search the Guardhouse. "This shield is at least useable. I mean, not by me, or probably by you, but surely by someone?"

"Hey all!" Leo shouts from the Apothecary, "I found a bunch of useful stuff in here! I can't carry much more, but maybe one of you?!"

Natesh doesn't yield too many results thinking back on the corpses. Luckily Raini, Variel and Leo find a few useful items laying around the Guardhouse and Apothecary as they thoroughly search the premises.

Still need to know what Malark and Zhao Kang are doing. Though if you folks want you can certainly search some more. The actions spoiler above is just to help me keep track of how much time is used.