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At Marcellius' offer, Ankara just grunts agreement, "You do that." He offers Janiven and Morosino a hand down the trapdoor, ushering them out with haste.
Once they are clear, he tosses the lanterns into the main room, so that the oil in them splashes out across the floor, and then flings burning coals from the remains of the hearthfire onto them, before hopping into the tunnel himself, saying to Marcellius just before his head goes out of sight, "Better hurry on behind."
Saddened by the fiery destruction of the tavern, Marcellius realizes it is not the time to discuss legal philosophy. After all, many great things had come, and would continue to come, from the ashes of their predecessors.
He protects himself against the building flame with his shield than quickly makes his way down through the trapdoor. He pulls it closed behind him, looking to see if there is a lock or bolting mechanism.
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“The tavern!!!” Janiven cries out as she is ushered through the trapdoor by Ankara. She gives Ankara a cold stare as the group makes their way through down to the sewers.
“Was it really necessary to burn the tavern down!?”
Janiven heads towards the front of the group, grumbling something unintelligible as she heads to the front of the group with Morosino. At the end of the rough hewn passage is a wooden door. She opens it and a rancid smell blasts into the tunnel, enough to make one’s stomach churn.
“Quickly, through this door. We can bar this door on the other side.”
Janiven pushes a concealed rock aside located near the entrance to the sewers. A small hollow is revealed that houses a crate of vials and a golden rod. She sighs in relief as she sees them.
“Thank goodness they’re still here. I’ve stashed these healing potions here a few weeks ago in case an emergency occurred like now. Here, take the vials. We can’t afford to stop in case the Hellknights decide to follow us after they take care of the fire. We need every second!”
Janiven hands three vials to each member of the group. The vial contains a small amount of a bluish liquid.
She takes the small golden rod, striking it against the wall. The rod begins to glow, reflecting light off the walls of the narrow sewer tunnels and door. She heads to the end of the tunnel where the sewerage branches off into several directions, pointing the tip of the glowing rod at a swordlike symbol pointing to the left.
“We scouted the sewers previously to find out how to reach our safe house from the tavern. See how the sword points to the left? That indicates we should go in that direction. We should look for these markers as we make our way through the sewers. They will always point the way to the safehouse. We’ve marked every intersection in case people needed to find their way to our safehouse via the sewers. Keep an eye out. Some of them are well hidden.”
She looks towards the group and at Morosino who nods his head.
“Alright, everyone ready? We don’t have much time so we best make our way there now.”
Janiven glances at the group waiting for responses to see whether everyone is ok.
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Marcellius accepts the vials carefully, putting them into one of the side pouches of his backpack.
"Mistress Janiven, do not be too angry about the tavern. The Gods of Light recognize sacrifice when they see it. I think it is very likely that you will be rewarded with something of even greater value than the tavern in the near future."
Noting the dark, dank, smelly area, Marcellius reaches into his backpack and finds a torch to light.
"It's a miracle that you have a safehouse. I am surprised that you are this organized already. How long have you been planning this meeting?"
“Was it really necessary to burn the tavern down!?”
Ankara's cold black eyes regard Janiven like a bug. "If you thought that you could ever return to a place that the Hellknights have raided as a nest of insurgents, I just saved you from making a fatal mistake."
He moves past her, only now drawing his greatsword and carrying it at the ready.
Patrum takes his vials and places them in his backpack. He makes his way towards the rear of the group, but makes sure not to be the last.
Kyras places his vials in his backpack and draws his falchion, taking up the rear behind Patrum, keeping a close eye behind them.
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Understanding the explanations provided by the group, Janiven nods her head. She is still clearly upset at the loss of the tavern yet she understands the reasons for Ankara suddenly burning the tavern.
She looks towards Marcellius, explaining how she prepared for the meeting.
“You aren’t the first group that I’ve organised such a meeting for. Like previous meetings this one took some time to organise.
The messengers that I asked to recruit you earlier this morning are also members of the group. We’ve only been in existence for a short time but we’re growing fast. It is somewhat surprising to see so many like minded people willing to join us. With the group growing so fast, we needed a new space – our safe haven.
Anyway, we better get moving. We’ve got some ground to cover and the faster we cover it, the better.”
Turning back to the sword symbol Janiven and Morosino turn left and lead the group through the maze of sewers. At each junction a sword symbol can be found clearly pointing the way towards the supposed safe haven and the group followed the symbols without difficulty.
Having travelled through the sewers for some time, the party adjust to the awful smell of the sewers. Suddenly, Janiven sticks her hand out, telling the group to stop. Morosino, looking horrified manages to stifle a scream and heads to the back of the group as quickly as possible.
Janiven whispers to the group pointing her finger towards the front trying to describe what she sees.
“What the!? Skeletons… how did they get here!?”
She attempts to move to the back of the group as quickly as possible to ensure the light doesn’t give away the group’s position. Unfortunately, the skeletons turn towards the group’s direction and saw the group. The red lights replacing their eye sockets gleam with glee as they slowly and mindlessly make their way towards the group.
Initiative Rolls
Ankara - 1d20 + 3 = 19
Skeletons - 1d20 + 6 = 9
Ankara moves forward in eerie silence, only the rapid footfalls marking his rapid advance.
He takes a swing at a skeleton, and attempts to pass the blow through to strike another, with a chuff of exertion.
24 to hit, 9 damage on I4, cleave for 22 to hit and 14 damage on H4.
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Following quickly behind Ankara, Marcellius drops his torch in H6 (hopefully able to retrieve it later), draws his longsword, and steps into the sewage in G5 (), cleaving at the skeletons in G4 and H5.
1d20+2, 1d8+4=[11, 2], [5, 4], 1d20+2, 1d8+4=[20, 2], [5, 4]
Having been caught up in the rush, all that the group had heard from the young noble was how disgusting the smell was and how he would have to go to his tailor about replacing his clothes that now smelled like sewage. So caught up was the noble in his wardrobe that he didn't really notice the danger until Janiven's scream and run to take cover behind him. Looking around in surprise, Malcom does his best to move forward a bit to check out what all the commotion was about while he shifts his grip on his cane to get more leverage for swinging.
Plodding along, lost in thought, Patrum is slow to respond to the impending danger Initiative (1d20+2=3).
He fires an acid dart at the skeleton at G3.
To hit;damage (1d20+1=4, 1d6=5)
"Wretched, obscene parodies of life, begone!" cries Sevegny. Divine power radiates from the the bladed holy symbol she holds high.
Kyras reacts quickly enough, taking a double move to H6. Unfortunately that doesn't leave him with an attack action left, due to having taken rear guard, and since he moved through allies squares, he was unable to charge.
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Ember: Love the map. What program did you use for that?
Having been caught up in the rush, all that the group had heard from the young noble was how disgusting the smell was and how he would have to go to his tailor about replacing his clothes that now smelled like sewage. So caught up was the noble in his wardrobe that he didn't really notice the danger until Janiven's scream and run to take cover behind him. Looking around in surprise, Malcom does his best to move forward a bit to check out what all the commotion was about while he shifts his grip on his cane to get more leverage for swinging.
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Round 1
The skeleton swings its scimitar at Ankara as he runs by it, managing to wound him slightly. Ankara’s furious attacks brought the two skeletons down with little trouble, the bones collapsing into a pile where the skeletons stood seconds before.
Sevegny’s attempt to turn the skeletons seemed futile. The release of divine energy, whilst potent had absolutely no affect on these unusually resilient skeletons.
Rushing by to aid Ankara, Marcellius swings to strike the skeleton. The blow connected with the skeleton’s leather armour rendering his attack ineffective.
Meanwhile, Kyras, Malcom and Patrum rush along to assist their comrades in combat. The acid arrow that Patrum fired missed its target horribly, splashing against the wall and dissipating upon collision.
One of the skeletons mindlessly wonders forward. Together with the skeleton that attacked Ankara earlier, the two manage to strike and wound the barbarian further. Meanwhile, the third skeleton attacks Marcellius. The aim was poor and Marcellius was able to avoid the attack easily.
You hear several screams from Morosino as the battle against the skeletons progresses. The boy cowers in Janiven’s arms, obviously scared having never seen skeletons up close before.
AoO roll against Ankara - 1d20 = 17
Damage roll against Ankara - 1d6 = 2
Sevegny’s initiative roll - 1d20 + 2 = 18
Skeleton's saving throws against DC 13 Turn undead - 1d20 + 2 for each = 22, 20 & 14
Skeleton at H5 attacking Ankara - 1d20 = 13, 1d6 = 5
Skeleton at G4 attacking Marcellius - 1d20 = 3, 1d6 = 6
Skeleton at H4 randomly selecting and attacking Ankara - 1d20 = 12, 1d6 = 3
Round 2
Initiative and status
Ankara: 19, taken 10 points of damage
Sevegny: 18
Marcellius: 18
Kyras: 15
Malcom: 10
Skeletons (3): 3 + 6 = 9
Patrum: 3
Post actions for the 2nd round.
13 to hit (12 damage), cleave with 12 to hit (13 damage)
Ankara silently rages again, his face pale from the injuries he's already taken. He strikes first at the threat to his left, attempting to follow through to the creature directly beside him, but his limbs feel like all of the strength has poured from his body, along with his blood.
His enemies still stand, and his sword hangs heavily in his hands.
Patrum again fires an acid dart at the skeleton at G3.
Kyras swings his falchion overhead, bringing it down, trying to cut into the skeleton's head that is before him .
If that attack drops the skeleton in front of Kyras, he's going to step forward 5 feet to H5.
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Round 2
Sevegny’s wave of positive energy damages the skeletons. One of the skeletons submits to the positive energy as it crumbles into dust, whilst the other two manage to withstand its full blast. For one skeleton however, managing to withstand the blast did nothing as Kyras’ falchion manages to strike it down effortlessly.
The remaining skeleton swings its broken scimitar at Marcellius, managing to cut the paladin quite deeply. Patrum’s acid dart misses the skeleton. Much like the previous dart, this one smashes into the sewer wall, dissipating upon impact.
Round 3
Initiative and status
Ankara: 19, taken 10 points of damage
Sevegny: 18
Marcellius: 18, taken 5 points of damage
Kyras: 15
Malcom: 10
Skeleton: 3 + 6 = 9, taken 3 points of damage
Patrum: 3
Post actions for round 3
Ankara steps to H4, gasping suddenly as he comes out of his Rage.
He takes a single ineffectual shot at the remaining skeleton.
Kyras simply chops at the remaining skeleton.
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Although reeling in pain, Marcellius grits his teeth in anger and takes the time to line up another powerful blow at the skeleton's skull, swinging at the undead with precision.
1d20 + 2; 1d8 + 5 - 5
He is surprised when his sword pierces the skeleton's eyesocket but only a chip of bone breaks off.
Round 3
The positive energy washes over the party, invigorating Ankara and Marcellius. Gritting his teeth, Marcellius swings with precision, striking the last skeleton down. The skeleton collapses, along with the remains of the necromantic magic used to animate these skeletons.
Hiding behind the group, Morosino is obviously shaken from the animated skeletons that just attacked. Janiven lets go of the boy, whispering gently to him to be brave. She withdraws the lit sunrod, searching for any signs of the sword symbol that will lead the group to the safe haven.
“Where are you?”
Having circulated the area several times, she begins to panic and grow in frustration. Moments later, she turns to the party, her eyes clearly showing panic and fear.
“We’re lost! I can’t find it anywhere. It must’ve been washed away by the sewage waters!”
Morosino’s eyes grow wide open in fear upon hearing this, as though he can’t believe what Janiven just said.
“W...Wh...What do you mean!? We just came from that junction over there several minutes ago! It clearly pointed in this direction and now there’s no symbol!?”
Morosino holds his head in his hands, shaking his head as though he can’t believe the predicament the group is in.
“Please tell me I’m in a dream. What do we do now?”
Ankara turns round slowly, sweeping his gaze around the corridors, looking for the most likely direction to find an exit, or the next mark, or signs of the missing mark.
Turning to Janiven, regardless of what he finds or doesn't find, he wipes blood from the blade-track across his shoulder and chest and says quietly, "Take hold of yourself, woman. You are frightening the boy. If you mean to lead men into revolution, you can't fall apart just because a chalk mark on the wall is missing."
He draws one of his daggers and hands it to Morosino. "I expect that back, boy, so don't get yourself killed."
Kyras walks up to Janiven. "You said that you've marked every intersection, right? So can't we try and find an intersection where the mark isn't gone?"
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Marcellius turns to find his torch as he sheathes his sword. The torch's flame sputtered on the moist stone, but he retrieved the torch and looked around for the sword drawing that Janiven was having difficulty finding.
"Do not be afraid, Janiven. The gods of light will not abandon us. Have faith that we will succeed, and do not let panic pull you from the path of providence."
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Janiven turns to Kyras, nodding her head.
“I’ve marked every single intersection and the last sword symbol pointed here, so I’m pretty certain this is the right spot.”
She pauses to look around the walls for a moment to make sure she hasn’t missed an obvious location before continuing to speak in a relatively calm voice.
“Look, we’ve got three choices – the worst that can happen is that we can’t find the symbol at the next intersection of one of these paths. If that happens then we can make our way back here and try another path. And if that path doesn’t have a sword symbol at the next intersection either then it must be the third and final one.”
Turning her gaze towards the party, Janiven looks as though she’s submitted to the fact that the symbol won’t be found any time soon.
“Well, no use standing here. Obviously it won’t help. It’s not like the sword symbol will suddenly appear like magic on the wall, showing us the correct way to go. Anyone want to pick a direction to go?”
Since one way is as good as another at this point, I see no reason not to seek some sort of divine guidance.
"Flip a coin, spin a dagger, gut a chicken. It matters not. Just do it quickly." Ankara says.
"Alright. Calistria has spoken." Ankara says bluntly. "Move."
Taking his own advice, he moves forward decisively.
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Sevegny holds up a six-sided die.
"Then may I ask my deity for guidance?"
Seeing the dice fall on the five, Janiven nods her head and follows behind Ankara.
Alright everybody. Let’s make a move. May Calistria guide us safely.
With that said, she begins to follow Ankara down the passage. Morosino, realising that the party is about to make a move, stands up suddenly, looking panic-stricken. He clumsily runs towards Janiven, waving Ankara’s dagger a bit wildly as he moves towards her direction, crying out,
"Wait up!"
This path leads to a four way intersection, planks dropped carefully around the intersection to allow for easy crossing between the sewer channels. Beyond this intersection lies a wooden door on the right hand side of the sewer wall, perhaps leading to a small side room. Janiven sighs with relief as she points towards the wall opposite the door – a sword symbol is clearly scribbled on the sewer door pointing forward.
Thank Calistria! There’s our sword symbol. Let us make haste and be on our way.
A heavy sigh of relief comes out of Morosino as he realises that the group is heading in the right direction.
Perception -
"We should remove these boards after we pass, to make pursuit more difficult, and our path less obvious." Ankara says.