Keil's page

"I still have my doubts." The shadowy man continues to eye the oracle thing suspiciously before turning on Brok. The fetchling has visibly cringed at the sound of both Komm's name and the devil's headquarters uttered in the presence of an enemy, "We were tasked with finding and returning the bane. The job is only half done." Keil's eye's narrow slowly, "But without Arlok to wield it...it is moot."

As the others prepare, Keil retreats to a corner and unfolds a worn piece of parchment. The shadowy man quickly makes a few notations in an obscure form of shorthand then returns the document to its place somewhere beneath his cloak.

I don't think getting out of here will be that difficult, we know what awaits us and where, all the group needs to do is avoid those perils (the Poop monster and Black skeleton squad) and exit the way we entered.

Keil spits his disdain but remains quiet, brooding over the potential prospects the future may hold. (Got to remain evil)

I agree with everyone, this was one of the best runs I've played here. Rappan Athuk has been one of those things I looked forward to at the beginning, middle and end of each day and I have enjoyed sneaking through its corridors and chambers with the rest of you. I too will patiently await the game's resumption and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Sounds like a good deal, unless Ranaflus has plans to use them in the future. Perhaps we should offer up the extra sword first, see what happens.

Glad you remembered what we are supposed to be asking! I'd totally forgotten ;)

The shadowy man watches the floating skull with suspicion - he'd seen enough parlor tricks to know not everything is what it seems. Being led to this thing by one of the group's more recent captives doesn't exactly lend the skull thing credit either; for all Keil knows, this is some kind of magical trap. The fetchling scoffs, "Hmph, how do we know you are what you say you are?"

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19 (+2vs. Traps)

"There is plenty of orc blood. Perhaps she would accept that?"

The fetchling scoffs pointing to the treasure the orc's had with them, "If they paid, they held back. Or else their oracle is cheap."
The shadowy man leans over the orc and whispers, "Orc liver is a group favorite. Lightly roasted, with a hint of spice. Mmmmm."

Kind of thought Grey would be doing that, but Ranalfus, or anyone asking questions, will work too. As long as it is not Keil. His diplomacy needs work.

The fetchling giggles in a ridiculous kind of girlish way, the effect being so out of place that it will undoubtedly leave an impression. His snickering done tightens the ropes around the priest's neck, but not enough to cut off circulation.

Intimidate Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

We've tied him up, right? If not, we should before Keil starts cutting things off.

Keil is only interested in the potion of invisibility but will take whatever the other's don't want.

The shadowy man sneers behind the orc priest, adjusting the edge of his blade threatening across the orc's throat he mutters just loud enough for the priest to hear, "Mmmm, I'm going to make this one last..."

Like the goblin, Keil shrugs off most of the priest's ill intent.
Showing surprising restraint, the shadowy man leaves what remains of clearing the room to his comrades (no point in rolling AoO if combat is done.) Standing behind the captured orc, Keil removes the priest's unholy symbol to add to his collection. Then, his blade at the brute's throat, the shadowy man's eyes settle upon the witch, awaiting Grey's direction.
As Brok searches their belongings, the fetchling's yellow eyes momentarily betray his coveting of the potion of invisibility, but Keil does not move to claim the item as yet, not when an interrogation is at hand.

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

I presume Grey will want to speak with the priest.

Keil would like to replace the invisibility potion he'd used earlier, the rest the group can pick over first.

I've adjusted some of the tokens

Realizing these Orcs are stronger than he'd originally thought, Keil curses but keeps his head in the game. Trusting Brok's arrows will finish the job the shadowy man moves further into the room bringing his blade down upon one of those still lying prone. (MA+SA vs. prone Orc to the south. I'm risking drawing an AoO should Brok's arrows fail to do their job.)

MWK Short Sword Att vs. Prone: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Confirm: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
2xDamage+2xSneak: 2d6 + 6d6 ⇒ (6, 3) + (2, 5, 3, 1, 6, 2) = 28

Inspire Courage: +2 morale bonus to saving throws versus fear effects | Shadow Blending in effect, 50% miss chance

His sword drawn, Keil sneers with a nod and, picking an opportune moment, slips into the room behind the lone orc. The fetchling wastes little time, treading carefully he chooses a vulnerable spot, a gap in the sacrifice's back armor. An instant later the shadowy man's blade plunges, his left hand ready to cover the orc's mouth to silence its cries.

Stealth: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38
MWk Shortsword Att vs. Flat-footed: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Damage + Sneak: 1d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (3) + (6, 4, 5) = 18

Using the noise coming from beyond the portal as cover, the fetchling carefully checks the door to ensure it is safe to open. Then, barring any explosions, he eases open the door to the adjoining chamber.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27 (+2vs.Traps)
Stealth: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (3) + 22 = 25

Seeing no immediate threats the shadowy man signals to Brok thenslips off to the nearest door, inspecting it for anything unusual or, dangerous.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18 (+2vs.Traps)
Stealth: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30

The shadowy man continues to ponder the scrawl and taking a more figurative approach adds, "The Valley may be this dungeon. East turns to west, sunset. The Bridge of Scepters..." Keil scrunches up his face in a guess, "a royal significance?"
A moment later the fetchling shakes his head in disgust, mutters something about the evils of poetry and continues his examination of the west door. (Previous post)

Not known for his patience, Keil scowls his displeasure and spits, wondering what he will do in the meantime. ;)

What with coming football celebrations and feasting in the south I will use the downtime to troll the net for Black Friday stuff. Hope you guys have great trips!

The shadowy man recites the words quietly in his head as he looks at each of the doors in turn. Speaking more to himself than for Brok's ears he comments, "Odd note. A riddle?" Keil puzzles for a minute but in the end his logic is simple; the door to the right. Not only does it lead west as suggested in the archaic scrawl, but it is also the closest and there is really no sense in leaving an unexplored door at their backs. This is the strategy the group has usually relied upon and there is no reason to deviate now.

Stealth: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23
Perception vs. West door: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28 (+2vs.Traps)

Moved Keil's token to face the west door, would you like me to roll Brok's perception or will you take care of that?

The shadowy man continues to hug the walls. It is perhaps in vain, but so far the strategy is working. Picking his way around the stalagmites, and careful not to walk in any kind of rhythm, Keil enters the passage leading to the door. His approach is cautious however the fetchling's posture is somewhat relaxed now that he has cleared the worm's domain.

Stealth: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36
Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20 (+2vs.Traps)

"Saracek is not the goal. Finding the oracle is." The fetchling does his best to tread carefully, not only to avoid any more worms from ruining his day but also to avoid the attention of the scavengers. Choosing a path close to the chamber walls, the shadowy man searches for anything out of the ordinary but also for a way out of this place.

Stealth: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42
Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

We're bringing the ghouls with us, right?

The fetchling shudders. Raising to his feet, the shadowy man resolutely adjusts his pack and ragged cloak before pulling low the worn wide brimmed hat. In a whisper he acknowledges, "The worms," and quietly starts the process of backtracking.

Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28
Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19 (+2vs.Traps)

The fetchling's mask droops noticeably at Brok's suggestion, a clear indication that the goblin is correct - Keil has no interest in tempting those worms. "This door may be beyond our skills, but not Grey's." Turning to face the witch Keil asks, "Magic can be undone, can it not?"

The shadowy man studies the door for some time but doesn't appear to see anything more than Brok has already ascertained. He doesn't move to help Vargrenz but does watch with curiosity. It is another minute before the fetchling suggests, "There may be magic at work here."

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21 (+2vs. Traps)

The idea of Ranalfus singing is comical :) The campaign risks taking a turn from the macabre to the jocular.

Like the rest I'm not familiar with Aegis. Although I'm sure we won't need to rely solely on Ranalfus to provide Keil with sneak attack opportunities, if the Aegis class can help with flanking opportunities then so much the better! Alternatively I'm not adverse to an Alchemist either. Grey seems to be already dabbling in this department with his reagents, which is cool, but it also makes me curious to see what an actual Alchemist can bring to the party; I've never played with one.
Will an Alchemist be in a position to rob creatures of their dex?

If we need to rest, this may be the place.

"Closing the upper door may provide a place free of intrusion." The look of contentment upon the shadowy man's face is, unsettling.

Ninja'd...

The shadowy man takes in the frescoes and the body of the maiden, contemplating the meaning this room might have. His thoughts gathered Keil returns to upper room and waves the party forward, "There's a tomb. Elf maiden. Seems, " the fetchling searches for the right wording, "untainted. A magical appraisal is called for." Keil leads the magicians down to where the maiden lays then crouches down, perhaps to watch the two work, yet the shadowy man's eyes don't leave her body.

"I see." With no sign of traps the fetchling blindly opens the door and peers inside.
Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18 (+2vs.Traps)

The shadowy man eyes the lead ghoul curiously, wondering if the creature understood the question.

Do what you like but I agree with Brok - Grezzor is just coming into his own. He's quiet, so a help with the scouts and is now getting into the interesting spells. Timed with our sneak attacks, the three of us alone can do a lot. What we've forgotten is Grezzor's familiar, Sting. We should be using Sting more on scouting.

Vargrenz is right, not much to consider...so taking Rogue Talent: Trap Spotter (EX): Whenever a rogue with this talent comes within 10 feet of a trap, he/she receives an immediate Perception skill check to notice the trap. This check should be made in secret by the GM.
skill points: Acrobatics, Climb, Escape Artist, Perception, Stealth, Disable Device, Slight of hand, Knowledge (Dungeon +2, Local, History), Use Magic | BAB+4, Trap Sense +2
HP: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Can't work on this today, going to do some diligence then post.

Cool, another level :))

Keil keeps his weapons drawn and moves into the room with Brok. The shadowy man's attention stays mainly on the lead ghoul, trusting the Brok's trained eyes will pick up any dangers the gaggle of ghouls have not already set off. Addressing the ghoul the fetchling asks, "What tomb is this?"

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 (+2vs.Traps)

Roll another intimidate...

The shadowy man growls Ranalfus some encouragement, "Don't let them push your around. Show them you mean business, they may respect that."

Aid other: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11 (Ummm, you may want someone else to aid you on this :/)

Alarmed, the shadowy man draws his swords then looks over his shoulder. Keil shoots the witch a quick look, inviting Grey to do the usual 'take control of the undead situation' move.

Should start work on a theme song...

Following in the goblin's wake, Keil silently watches over Brok's shoulder, his yellow eyes seeking out anything which may seem unnatural.

Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31 (+2vs.Traps)

"It is disturbing. The buzzing stopped." Fearing he may have set off some kind of intruder warning the fetchling closes the door once more and suggests heading back, "The stairs leading up?"

The shadowy man looks over his shoulder to Brok, "Buzzing?" then shrugs his shoulders to indicate he is not entirely sure. Returning his attention back to the door, Keil opens the portal a crack as quietly as he can - just enough to peek inside. Depending upon what he sees, the fetchling is prepared to shut the door closed again in a hurry.
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20 (+2vs.traps)
Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33

Having had a chance to sift through the debris the fetchling turns his attention back to Brok and his efforts at the door. Whispering Keil adds, "Don't forget the mull covering, we've spotted runes there before," before stepping in himself for a closer look.
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29 (+2vs.Traps)

As Brok looks for the source of the sound, the fetchling quietly scans the junk and shattered locker for anything of interest, or out of place.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29 (+2vs.Traps)
Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32

"Gas." The shadowy man's eyes narrow, shifting to the sealed door once more and he nods. "Humph." Once again the little goblin has hit upon a likely solution with a simple suggestion, remarkable. The fetchling makes a mental note to add this revelation to his journal later and slips down the corridor, continuing their exploration of the level. (Moving on.)
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 (+2vs.Traps)
Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26

Perplexed, the fetchling polls the others, "The door is trouble." Keil speaks on behalf of Brok and himself as he indicates the poor secret door at the end of the hall, "Opening it triggers the portcullis. I feel this sealed door may play a part. I will attempt to open it, but it is your call. As for me, I'd leave it and whatever treasures lay within."

What do you say? Open the sealed door or the secret door and trigger what lays in waiting? We may be able to rig something up with ropes here, open the secret door by pulling a rope.

Keil looks at the airtight door then down the hall, his instincts tell him this door is somehow connected with the portcullis. Something is behind this door, More skeletons? But why is it sealed so? Water? Keil looks at the grade of the hallway (Taking 10).

The fetchling double checks the positioning of the piton then switches positions looking at the barrier from a different angle. Sighing Keil slides his hand into a void above the ceiling then shakes his head, "Engineered to fall. Jamming can't support the weight." Looking down the hall he adds, "The connection is the door." The shadowy man pauses to think. A hallway with an obvious secret door. The door is connected to a portcullis constructed to fall trapping any who opens the door. Why? To imprison? Something else? The shadowy man re-examines the ceiling and walls of the hallway hoping to see something that was missed. He continues his search to the other end of the hall (north) checking the walls and ceiling for a hint of what will happen after the portcullis falls.
Perception between door and portcullis: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21 (+2vs.Traps)
Perception between portcullis the other end of the hall; north: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24 (+2vs.Traps)

Like a blind thief, the fetchling follows Brok's finger towards the portcullis and amateurishly concealed door. Keil rolls his eyes and shakes his head, I must be blind. Considering the level of cunning put into other doors and traps encountered up to this point, Keil shares the goblin's trepidation, "I don't like it." The shadowy man examines the portcullis overhead, "The release is physics, a spike in the right spot should prevent it from falling." Keil reaches into his pack and retrieves a piton and the iron bar which is his multi-tool. Twisting the bar 90 degrees and folding it he slides a tab forward locking the device in the shape of a hammer then gets to work.
Disable Device: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33

Your right, my bad. Got my directions mixed up :P

"Yes. Another way out would be useful." The shadowy man agrees with Brok. Replacing the cork on his ink and folding his maps, the fetchling stows his notes and makes for the eastern tunnel. Although a little distracted, the shadowy man has enough sense to wave Brok ahead of him - two pairs of eyes are better than one. :)

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16 (+2vs. Traps)
Ouch. Ummm, Brok?
Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37

Without looking up from his drawings the shadowy man interjects, The upper levels are not safe. That blob creature still roams free. Komm's forces would not fair well against it. And lets not forget about the skeletons. One awaits a head. The others drove us here.

So the tunnel Keil scouted heads back to the last section of dungeon we'd explored prior to entering via the cemetery? Is a Map update possible?

The shadowy man scratches his chin in thought then pulls out a well folded yet worn piece of vellum. Unfolding the parchment the fetchling squats, opens a half empty bottle of ink and begins marking the diagram with a quill, updating what looks like a map of the complex. It had been a part of his evening routine however this discovery seems like an important one since it means a possible escape route. (Are we certain the tunnel is the same one leading to the Last One Inn?) As the others talk, Keil unfolds another map to compare locations and annotations.

Going further down is a bad idea. I say east. Keil leaves his post and makes for the eastern tunnels.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27 (+2vs.Traps)
Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29