Gandel will approach close enough to read the scrawl, then he will report back to the group.
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Gandel will cast Vanish and head towards the alcoves to get a better look. "Be right back". Gandel disappears before the eyes of the Dune Squad. Gandel will approach as close as 20' to peer into the first alcove.
"Let's search the rest of this level then we can explore that ceiling Karek".
"Well I think we should move forward. Clearly Xaven went this way but I would avoid touching the rods, just in case. I can't tell what the aims of Xaven are Xerissa. He is here as an agent to retrieve something for the Khyrasma and it seems that thing is the power of the Pactstone itself. I agree with Hal on that account, she can't be allowed to access it powers".
Gandel chuckles, "The note is from our friend Xaven reminding us not to touch anything. Still I am not sure what the enchantment magic will do if we pass the threshold. Can anyone dispel it before we proceed? Still not seeing any obvious traps from my vantage point".
"The auras on the ceiling above are enchantments. I think the chalk on the floor is writing, going to see if I can get a closer look". Prior to moving forward, Gandel will cast Cat's Grace on himself to improve his Dexterity by 4 points. Then he will move 10' feet closer.
Gandel gets within 20' to make his inspection.
Gandel will relay what he has discovered to the Dune Squad. Gandel inches a bit closer to scrutinize the area and ascertain whether this aura is a trap of some kind that he can attempt to disable.
Gandel will, predictably, Detect Magic.
"Let's head east. Something must have happened to the Potentate's bat, let's find out what that something was".
Gandel turns to the group, "Should we clear the rest of this level before we come back here? I fear that if we go to yet another level through this tube we may be leaving some clue behind on this level".
Gandel turns to Karek, "Let's head west from the boot room and keep exploring that corridor. Now that Hal is not yelling at scoundrels and beating on the floor maybe we will have his full attention". Gandel grin a bit before he starts heading off in that direction.
Gandel shrugs, "Much as I have to admit it I am inclined to agree with Hal on this one. The Potentate is right though, we need to expend our resources sparingly for the time being so let's just let them go". Gandel reaches into his sack and retrieves the second Wand he lifted from Sceptre and loops both on his belt for ease of access. "Well, with those boots we found, we certainly know we approached the chamber from the wrong direction. Let's continue exploring and see what we see".
Gandel will reach into his bag and grab the Wand of Scorching Ray and charge forward as far as he can get but no closer that 5' behind Hal. Beetle: The Wand of True Strike seems to be almost a waste, a full round action to activate then the next action must be an attack or the effects wear off. With the exception of a sneak attack or surprise, I am hard pressed to find a use for it as its range is self only. I would like to use that Wand on Gandel to increase his skills with the whip to try to disarm Xaven but it just seems like two more rounds would result in the entire fiasco being over anyway!
Gandel's mouth drops open in disbelief at the scene unfolding.
Initiative
Gandel looks at the shoes from afar initially. His curiosity peaked, as Karek enters the room, Gandel follows. He heads to the shelf where the boots are located and looks to see if any are missing and if so how many may have been there prior. Gandel will search the shelf for traps before attempting to grab a set.
Gandel will cast Detect Magic and examine the room.
Gandel hears Hal's statement and agrees but follows Karek as he has had his fill of bantering with Xaven. If it is too dark to thoroughly examine the room, Gandel will cast Dancing Lights to illuminate it.
"I agree with the Potentate Hal. Consider also the fact that we are all now bound to that Stone some way. We do not know if destroying it would break our connection or have a worse effect upon us. Karek, lead the way!" Gandel will stick next to Karek keeping an eye out for traps, let me know if I need to make any rolls.
Gandel cuts off his story and grins.
Yes Beetle my error, apologies. DC should be 16.
Gandel will move into position to attempt to fascinate both Xaven and Hroken.
Gandel will use his Bardic Performance ability to Fascinate both Hrokon and Xaven, will save DC 19 to resist this ability.
Fascinate (Su): At 1st level, a bard can use his performance to cause one or more creatures to become fascinated with him. Each creature to be fascinated must be within 90 feet, able to see and hear the bard, and capable of paying attention to him. The bard must also be able to see the creatures affected. The distraction of a nearby combat or other dangers prevents this ability from working. For every three levels the bard has attained beyond 1st, he can target one additional creature with this ability. Each creature within range receives a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the bard's level + the bard's Cha modifier) to resist.
Gandel initiative
Gandel advances carefully with Karek shaking his head over Hal's rage at the inanimate object. Gandel will keep an eye out for traps as this place has been a near death trap thus far.
Gandel nods to Donkor, "Agreed, it is likely that we will come upon something which will explain how this phenomenon took place". Gandel winces at Hal's outburst. He continues, "Which leads us back to our last question, North or East..." Gandel pauses once he hears Hal's axe strike the floor.
"It seems we should not have entered the chamber without the protection and assent of the Four Pharaohs. Seems a bit late for that warning now though it would seem that for once the effect was more beneficial than harmful. I guess the next question is North or East?"
Gandel sighs and follows the tough Dwarf through squinting in anticipation of something happening.
Gandel does not cross over just yet. He turns to Moonpate, "Master Moonpate, perhaps we can summon an Ally to explore this area before we proceed?"
Gandel will again cast Dancing Lights and send them in the area towards where he saw runes on the ceiling and walls. Well if they have to be here, I had might as well do what I came here to do.
Gandel joins Karek looking irritably at Hurgah for even showing Xaven the archway.
Gandel pokes at Hurgah who is distracted by his new toys. "Well?" Hurgah: Reposting my comment from the prior page: "Karek and I found a chamber with script that I want to investigate. I don't think I want our new friends knowing anything about it. If the Khyrasma hired them to retrieve the powers of the Pact Stone we need to keep them away from it until I can ascertain how the magic of this place works. Of course, we also have to keep a look out for that Demon. Any suggestions on how to accomplish both without splitting ourselves up again?"
Gandel ignores Xaven and heads towards the Reaver keeping his voice low, Hurgah: "Karek and I found a chamber with script that I want to investigate. I don't think I want our new friends knowing anything about it. If the Khyrasma hired them to retrieve the powers of the Pact Stone we need to keep them away from it until I can ascertain how the magic of this place works. Of course, we also have to keep a look out for that Demon. Any suggestions on how to accomplish both without splitting ourselves up again?"
Gandel turns to Xaven, "Our goals are on a need to know basis and you do not need to know Xaven. Do what we ask you to do and you and your partner will walk away to earn your keep another day".
"Now that Sceptre has been dealt with we should continue to explore this complex. Suekhan is simply too mobile for us to deal with at this point, as we move forward perhaps we can find a better spot to face him. Besides, if we accomplish our goal and get out we leave him trapped here and his presence becomes a non-factor".
I have been intentionally conservative with Gandel's and Hal's spell usage :-)
Gandel comes off of delay and casts Glitterdust in the area where he believes Scepter to be located.
Gandel will shout out to Hurgah, Pate and Hal, "The halfling is free!"
Gandel will run along with Karek glancing back at the archway longingly.
Gandel winces as he feels a pain in his hand, the same hand which Donkor sliced open. "Hmmm. That WAS strange! Still, we need to figure out how to operate this contraption if we have any hope o getting out of here and thwarting our foes". Gandel looks at Karek trying to ascertain if the dwarf will come with him or pull him back towards the others.
Gandel turns to Karek excitedly, "I need to pass through the archway to see the rest of this, let's hurry up and do it before Hal gets back!" Gandel moves towards the archway unless Karek stops him...
Gandel anxiously approaches the hieroglyphs no other living person has seen for millenia with barely contained excitement!
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