Reflex
Virgil watches several of his companions go rolling down the hill. He sighs, shakes his head, and continues slowly edging down the steep decline. "Stand up quickly when you hit the bottom!" he shouts. "You don't want anything down there you see you wounded without us to help."
The four companions carefully start to make their way down the treacherous hillside. Thorvin and Virgil lead the way taking up a defensive stance followed behind Lianth and Carrion, with Rourke carefully picking his steps as he goes behind. The footing is absolutely treacherous and before you make much headway at all each of you nearly fall.
With one hasty step, Thorvin looses his footing first the rotund dwarf goes feet fly from under him, he falls hard on his backside and slides down a short hill before slamming into a tree face firs taking 1 point of subdual damage as colored squigglies dance before the dwarf's eyes. He rites himself and gets a firm footing near the time the rest of the band reaches his position.
Before much more progress is made, Rourke slips and goes tumbling through the group. The four legged friend bowls into the back of Carrion sending them both tumbling down the hill. The wolf slides far down the hill bouncing off rocks as it goes. It even slides through a thorny thicket to land upon some hard rocks about 3/4 of the way down the slope taking 2 damage. Carrion and the wolf are dislodged from their tangle upon this impact, yet Carrion continues to slide down the rocky slope. In fact Carrion slides all the way down to the rocky ravine floor bouncing off from rocks and thickets alike to land at the bottom with a nasty twisted ankle. The sore joint is already fiery red and instantly begins to swell. The young sorcerer has taken 2 points of lethal damage and 3 points of dexterity damage.
After about a half hour of treacherous descent, the rest of the group arrives at the rocky bottom of the valley reaching Carrion nursing his swollen ankle.
An archway of stone is set into the side of a small hill at the bottom of the valley. Moss has overgrown many of the details, but one is still quite clear. The keystone of the arch is carved with a flame symbol with a stylized rune in the middle. Beyond the archway is a darkened tunnel that leads to a pair of massive wooden doors, one of which is slightly ajar. A pair of horses and a trio of ponies lie slaughtered next to
the archway, each corpse still tied to a post set into the ground nearby. A swarm of fies hangs lazily in the air above them.
"We need to heal Carrion. While it would be amusing to watch you cast your spells while limping along behind us, we need everyone in able condition. Lianth, if you could tend to Carrion? Thorvin and I can take a look at the horses by the entrance."
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"It would seem that I was to arrive first, though the condition in which I arrived was deemed indeterminant."
Carrion hobbles around, trying to rub the soreness from his knee. He patiently waits while Lianth attempts her bandaging, not doing as well as he would have liked.
After being bandaged, Carrion will examine the entrance to the crypt, taking measured steps and occasional hops.
"Thanks Lianth. Thorvin, how's that tree feeling, you hurt it too badly?"
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To Virgil, Lianth says, "His injuries are lasting, and it will be days before his agility is restored. While I know of magic that could hasten his healing, it is beyond my ability."
"Thorvin, please see whether those animals died by a blade or by the claws of some beast. It may give us a clue as to what sort of threat we face..."
While she tries to hide it, Lianth's tone carries a hint of uncertainty and concern, having expected this 'trial' to be a simple formality, to light the lantern and return...
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Carrion will cast Detect Magic, close enough to get the stone archway and the slaughtered animals/wooden doors leading inside. If unable, two separate castings, one on the archway and immediate entrance, and the other on the animals and wooden doors.
Focusing for the three rounds; in order to discern any aura(s), school(s), and aura strength(s).
Lianth carefully administers a splint to Carrion's leg. The sprain is still fiery with pain, but the brace helps to keep the sharp pain associated with movement to a minimum. The sprain will heal with time, but for now it will definitely hobble the sorcerer's movement.
After Carrion is seen to, Virgil inspects the entryway and the corpses of the horses while Carrion scans the area for magical emanations. It is deduced that the animals more than likely belonged to someone exploring the crypt as they are each tethered to pitons driven into the rocks. As to the cause of death, it would appear that they were hacked apart by some sort of less than sharp blade and also torn asunder with deep claw marks. Whatever did this did not eat anything. Other than the fatal wounds, the animals appear completely intact.
Carrion enacts his spell searching the area fruitlessly for minutes detecting not one trace of magical effects or lingering auras. A small view of the crypt beyond is visible through the Western door, which is slightly ajar. The interior smells of dust and perhaps the faintest aroma of acrid smoke. At any rate, the crypt is dark and foreboding. A fleshless human skeleton is visible lying in a pile upon the floor a mere five feet past the threshold. The bones appear ancient and have yellowed with age.
Thorvin rubs his scratched, reddened face as he looks to Carrion.
"I'm fine, just a bit of a bruise. You look pretty banged up though, you alright, lad?"
Thorvin nods at Lianth's suggestion to check the horses and then promptly heads over in the direction of the horrible sight.
"Ack, nothin' like the stench of dead horse. Let's see here..."
Thorvin steps closer to the fly-infested remains and carefully examines them to possibly determine their cause of death.
Heal:
Thorvin steps closer to the fly-infested remains and carefully examines them to possibly determine their cause of death.
Little is determined further except that from the stage of decay the horses could not have been dead more than a few days but longer than a few hours.
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Once she's done what she can for Carrion's ankle, Lianth will move towards the horses, to look for evidence of what killed them (with the biggest clue of possible intelligent slaughter being if any gear stowed on the animals has been picked through.
Heal
Survival
"Thorvin, is it possible for you to figure out which way these animals came from? There's no way in hell they came down that slope, which means there has to be an easier way in and out of this place..."
Results of inspecting the general area closer.
Perception Check DC 15
Searching through the packs, you find them empty. From the stretched indentations on the packs you can surmise that they were once heavily laden with gear.
Perception Check DC 10
Lianth and Thorvin, utilizing their knowledge of tracks ascertain that the horses and ponies were indeed led down the slope from which you came. It is only conjecture, but the slope is more than likely not a hazard when it is dry and not covered with slippery sleet.
"There are some supplies here. Rations, lamp oil, and a few blunted arrows. Here Thorvin," (Gives arrows to Thorvin) "you would make the best use of these. I will stow the rest with the other party equipment. Now, let's move this horse and examine the rider underneath."
Heaving the carcass of the horse to the side with a grunt, Virgil reveals the complete shattered skeleton. The bones appear old and have yellowed considerably with age. A rusty, blood-drenched saber is also uncovered, it's edge appears to have not been sharpened or cared for in many a year.
"Nothing here, but this task is obviously more dangerous than our village elders have alluded." Virgil stands and regards Carrion, "We can probably find some tree branches to serve as an improvised crutch. You won't be running any races, but you will at least be ambulatory."
Virgil removes a torch from his pack and stands by the entrance to the crypt. "I suggest we press forward cautiously. I will take point. Let's keep Carrion in the middle of the group. Lianth, if Rourke could scout ahead as we move into the crypt, I believe he will be most capable of sensing danger and alerting us."
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Lianth unslings her shield and readies it, then turns to Virgil, "Either myself or Carrion should hold the torch, you'll need both hands for that blade of yours."
She pats Roarke on the head and joins Virgil near the front, so that she can keep an eye on him, wincing to note that he is still limping slightly from his tumble, but unwilling to part with one of her two healing spells for the day yet.
Carrion readies his crossbow, with bolt notched, and prepared to fire on the first identified enemy. Carrion places himself within the middle of the marching order, alternating from left to right as they move.
Virgil strikes his flint to the oiled tip of his torch and it sputters alight. The light illuminates a different angle than the sunlight streaming in and reveals another ancient door set in the Western wall of the entry room.
Peering intently through the crack in the door to the poorly lit room beyond, Carrion discovers little new save that he catches the slightest glint of torchlight being reflected off from an unknown metallic object on the floor next to the yellowed pile of bones ten feet beyond the entrance to the South.
Virgil hands the torch to Lianth, "You are always thinking ahead, good Lady." Virgil unsheathes his sword and rests the point against the door just above the handle, "Remember, stick together and watch your angles. Be ready to fire on anything inside." He pushes the door open without entering and scans the room with the torchlight.
Virgil hands the burning torch to Lianth, who takes the burning brand with her free hand, the other bearing her shield. The stern warrior pushes on the great oaken double doors of the crypt with a grunt. Rasping loudly, the doors swing inward revealing a long chamber with risen platforms on either side. The room appears to be the site of a gruesome battle, with two bodies piled in the center and a number of skeletons scattered around. An echoing wail can be heard somewhere in the distance, beyond this foul chamber.
In a scene which is horrifically unreal, four of the bone piles rise up from the floor, bony hands grasping dull, rusty sabers. Pinpoints of hellish red light flicker in each skull's empty eye sockets. These malevolent creatures appear intent on causing you harm.
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*FIGHT!
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Round 1
Initiative Order:
- Skeletons
- Thorvin
- Lianth
- Virgil
- Carrion
With uncanny speed the animated skeletons charge forth, another pair is revealed as they emerge from the darkened area in the Southern end of the room. They push themselves into the doorway intent on adding you to the pair of bloody corpses already lying in the room. The first to reach the doorway swings it's heavy rusty sabre down upon Thorvin, but the dwarven ranger easily sidesteps the blow. Less than a second later, it's unarmed companion claws at Virgil's face but misses its mark leaving scratch marks upon Virgil's metal helm.
Virgil growls as the skeletal claws rake his helm, "Hold the doorway! Keep them bottled and they cannot flank us!" Virgil brings his greatsword out to the side, held horizontally, "Reaping the Barley." With a quick twist of the torso, his arms propel the blade abruptly at the last moment before impact, ending the strike deep beneath his opponent's ribcage.
Attack
Damage
Thorvin is taken aback by the skeletal humanoids; one of which steps forth and swings it's sword at him. After he sidesteps, Thorvin pulls out his battleaxe and then swings at the skeleton who just attacked him.
"What in blazes! Demon-skeleton freaks!"
Attack roll (battleaxe):
damage:
"Argh!" Thorvin yells as his axe swings in a downward slash.
Thorvin is taken aback by the skeletal humanoids; one of which steps forth and swings it's sword at him. After he sidesteps, Thorvin pulls out his battleaxe and then swings at the skeleton who just attacked him.
"What in blazes! Demon-skeleton freaks! Argh!" Thorvin yells as his axe swings in a downward slash, it's weighted head colliding with the skeleton's collarbone and cleaving through it. The undead abomination appears mostly unhindered by the dwarf's efforts.
Aware that neither Roarke nor herself have a ranged attack available, Lianth shifts the torch to her shield hand (leaving her shield unready) and keeps a hand free in case she needs to call upon her magics to heal the warriors holding the line.
Virgil growls as the skeletal claws rake his helm, "Hold the doorway! Keep them bottled and they cannot flank us!" Virgil brings his greatsword out to the side, held horizontally, Reaping the Barley. With a quick twist of the torso, his arms propel the blade abruptly at the last moment before impact, ending the strike deep beneath his opponent's ribcage, as his sharpened blade slices through ancient bone with ease the hellish red light emanating from it's eye sockets wink out and it clatters to the floor sending up a puff of dust.
Carrion incanting while performing a complex somatic display, sends a hissing jet of acid flying but the mage misses his mark completlely as the glob strikes the Eastern stairway resulting in a small pool bubbling acid and smoking marble.
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*FIGHT!
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Round 2
Initiative Order:
- Skeletons
- Thorvin
- Lianth
- Virgil
- Carrion
The skeleton, now missing it's right collar bone, swings again with it's rusty saber at the stout dwarf. It's blow flies comically wide, never coming anywhere near its opponent. With it's left, it claws at Thorvin's shoulder leaving lasting claw marks in the Ranger's leather armor.
A second later another skeleton leaps over the recently fallen pile of bones and onto Virgil! Yet, with a massive grunt the warrior pushes the creature away. It's eyes burn with rage and appears undaunted by it's opponent's display of raw strength. You begin to wonder if your opponents think at all, but rather are compelled by an unbreakable desire to destroy the living.
Virgil flashes a grim smile at the flailing of the skeletons and strikes at the one in front of him. "Storm on the Mountain." Virgil pivots away from the grasping claws of the undead and thrusts to the chest.
Thorvin will attack the skeleton once again with his battleaxe.
Attack:
Damage:
He pivots his wrist after the follow through with the first strike and swings upwards to his right towards the skeleton.
Thorvin lashes out with his battleaxe, striking the skeleton before him with a mighty blow yet the blade simply glances off from the creatures hardened ribcage.
Virgil flashes a grim smile at the flailing of the skeletons and strikes at the one in front of him. "Storm on the Mountain." Virgil pivots away from the grasping claws of the undead and thrusts his blade throught he creatures chest. It flails about for a brief moment grasping at the blade and then whatever force was holding together simply vanishes and the bones fall clattering to the floor.
Carrion lets fly another bolt of acid, but yet again the bolt flies awry, striking the ceiling this time.
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*FIGHT!
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Round 3
Initiative Order:
- Skeletons
- Thorvin
- Lianth
- Virgil
- Carrion
The skeleton facing off against Thorvin swings it's rusty saber with great force, but the well trained warrior dodges the blow as he crouches low preparing a counter attack. The creature then attempt to claw the dwarf with it's broken arm, but again only manages to flail it about comically.
Yet another skeleton step forward thrashing at vigirl with both claws, yet the hardened warrior dodges back deftly each time denying the skeleton the satisfaction.
DM:
DM:
No, you would not. However, during there turn, one of the skeletons took a 5' step forward and now occupies that space. If you kill that one, you can ready an action to step into the newly occupied space.
Virgil laughs aloud, thinking, "Why fix it if its not broken?"
"Storm on the Mountain." Virgil pivots away again from the grasping claws of the second skeleton and thrusts to the chest. With the momentum from the strike, he will move into the space of his downed foe if successful.
Attack
Damage
"Foul creatures! Go back to the grave where ye belong!"
Thorvin attacks again with his battleaxe; this time with a swift downward slash at the skeleton's skull.
Attack:
Damage:
"Foul creatures! Go back to the grave where ye belong!" bellows the dwarf as he begins his attack.
Thorvin attacks again with his battleaxe; this time with a swift downward slash at the skeleton's skull. The weapon connects with a crack, yet bounces right back like a tough oak refusing to be split.
Lianth places her hand gently upon Virgil's back and calls upon the insights of the natural world to aid him. Wind stirs at Virgil's back and animated airs act as if they are actually coaxing and guiding his movements.
Carrion turns to Virgil, "After you fell this skeleton, move up slightly and I will be able to move forward as well and strike true!"
Virgil laughs aloud, thinking, "Why fix it if its not broken?"
Storm on the Mountain, Virgil pivots away again from the grasping claws of the second skeleton and thrusts to the chest, causing the opponent's rib cage to explode in splinters of bone as the controlling force within it is severed and the creature falls to the floor. With the momentum from the strike, he moves into the space of his downed foe. Ancient bones crack and pop as they splinter beneath the warrior's boots.
Carrion, approving of the warrior's cooperation, looses his morningstar from the baldric on his belt. The sorcerer then performs a complex incantation and he seems to glow with a soft blue light for a moment.
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*FIGHT!
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Round 4
Initiative Order:
- Skeletons
- Thorvin
- Lianth
- Virgil
- Carrion
Emboldened by it's opponent's recent ineffective attacks against it, the skeleton thrusts it's rusty saber at Thorvin's chest, yet misses it's mark completely. It does, however manage to leave a nasty claw mark upon the dwarf's face, blood now runs down the dwarf's beard.
Meanwhile, the pair of skeletons now facing off against Virgil vigorously assault him. The first swings it saber low, but the warrior backsteps instinctively and avoids the blow. It follows this up by clawing across Virgil's chest, but his breastplate protects him well. His second opponent draws blood, however, as hit rakes Virgil's left arm. The skeleton finds the weak spot in the warrior's armor behind his elbow and sinks it's sharpened thumb bone deep into the joint. It sends waves of fiery pain all throughout the warriors limb. Luckily, the skeleton's other arm flails about with little effect.
Virgil grunts, trying to keep the pain from blurring his focus. "The Kingfisher Circles the Pond." Virgil brings the greatsword down from his shoulder to parry the impaled skeletal claw, then brings the blade back up, rising between the skeleton's legs.
With Power Attack
Attack
Damage