Forgotten Blood V - Warped Dance Part 1
Log Info
- Title: Forgotten Blood V - Warped Dance Part 1
- GM: Harkashan
- Place: Am'Shere - The Great Field
- Summary: With Adventurers aware that the Charn are trying to cause a problem in the Sith-makar teritories, they are on the lookout for unusual behavior. There are three dangerous 'vats' of a magical disease being spread throughout the land, and one of those vats may have been spotted approaching the The Great Field of Am'shere - where so much of its trade and open games are run. There's rumor of Nar-Sektoth - Sahuagin - involvement.
Unusual behavior, and strange vats of green.
That is the best descriptor for what the Sith-makar are on the lookout for. It could be anywhere. Any time. And that is the very thing that now draws the Adventurers to this place.
The Great Plains of Am'shere. A large region with scant forest and jungle, and instead large plains. Like the gods trampled and burnt away the forest, and left flatter lands, mountains, and stone in their wake. Their footsteps having left behind small lakes and connecting rivers.
These are the lands used as trading grounds by all who call Am'shere their home. Entire communities will travel to central moving nomadic markets upon these plains with goods, bounty and trophy. Even now, new findings are had within these regions...
And one such finding is where the Adventures arrive now. Approaching a small group of market tents set up at the side of a beautiful lake. To the east, an active excavation for lost knowledge. To the south, a large ruined temple.
There's talk of a 'strange green glow' coming from the ruins to the south, and the excavation has been halted for the time being in favor of the better part of valor.
There's the hot sun overhead. Those who are used to the milder situation leading towards winter in Alexandros will find their clothing absolutely too much for the regions of Am'shere. The sun's light reflects far and wide across the lake, causing the occassional blinding patch of white across its body. There's the constant chirp of birds in the air. And the soft quiet eb of the waters.
The only thing that indicates trouble, is rumor.
Schara was ready to get back to work, and getting back to Am'shere was fresh on the artificer's mind with the necessary ongoing work. She was taking some time to see to her equipment several times over. "It is not likely it suddenly just teleported into place I guess." They consider. "Maybe someone here has an idea what happened to cause that glow or saw people acting odd but not acting odd in the way I do who may be involved?"
During her time in Am'shere, Rune often chooses to wear markers of her rank among their people. There is blue paint worn across cheek and arms, identifying her as one of the warrior caste. The smoke-gray scales offered by her amulet are plainly visible as well, perhaps a few more patches here and there along her skin from a recent upgrade.
Even rumors are enough to spark her attention, knowing the Charneth activity that has been going on as of late. So, upon arrival, Rune is quick to tie up her mount and head into the market, looking for anyone that might be able to lend them information.
Her ear twitches to Schara's comment, giving a nod before she approaches one of the individuals at the trading grounds, speaking in Draconic. "Peace on your nest. Please excuse my hurry as we don't have much time. We've heard there's a glow from the nearby ruins. Would you have any information on when it started? Or any strange effects on your kin?"
She quickly glances back at the others, before adding, "We believe everyone here may be in incredible danger."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Rune, roll me a Knowledge/Local for me." <OOC> Harkashan says, "(Or straight intelligence check if you don't have it trained)"
Heat. Hot. Sun. All of these things were fine. Preferred even. Still - the short and particularly ruddy sith-makar was still struggling; this time with an obviously unfit piece of a breastplate. "Tch, how can anyone wear one of these?" Aelwyn rumbles, twisting his body this way and that. "Sharp edges, won't bend, cuts..."
A deep breath leaves his mouth, when they finally approach the tents and the temple. He gives the open chain shirt thrown carelessly over his shoulders a tug, looking quite miserable for the effort. At leaast his red loincloth, brilliant as it was, and his red ribbons were flaring proudly in the sun, as he enters the area proper.
The draconian nods towards Schara. "Let us." Watching Rune go towards the other trader, Aelwyn does the same in the other; starting to speak in his own accented draconic. "Nest in peace, does one know of the glow in the ruins?" He asks.
GAME: Rune rolls knowledge/local: (11)+10: 21 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Knowledge/Local from Aelwyn as well." <OOC> Harkashan says, "(Or straight intelligence check if you don't have it trained)" GAME: Aelwyn rolls knowledge/local: (20)+3: 23
Rune may actually recognize this one as she steps into the tent. The blind Sith-makar lifts their head as she steps in. The tent is filled with warm scent of herbs that create a plume of fog within the chambers.
"Welcome, Child of Am'shere." They remark as she comes in. This is a Keeper, Xocoh, that is actually well known on the outskirts of Akochilistli Kuauhtla. And this is quite far from that place. But some of the tent markings are clearly from that community as well. They're seated in a cross-legged position upon a pillow, and doesn't look like they're planning on going anywhere any time soon.
"This one is aware of the danger. But I knew you and your allies would come." They remark patiently. "There is no strange effect upon my kin yet. But I can sense an evil beneath this earth."
Fidget frowns at Rune's last statement, "Are you sure you want to alarm them just yet, while it's still just rumours? Let's figure out if there is danger first, *then* tell them all to panic." But the Makari seems less than daunted by her statement, so Fidget shrugs, and meanders around the tent looking at the incense burning and trying to figure out what each is.
When Aelwyn steps into the western tent, he took recognizes markings of Akochilistli Kuauhtla. This one is a local baker from the community. And if the goods are any tell, they're here to sell pastries to any travelers in the area.
Aelwyn remembers this one being named Matlalihuitl, though she's not brought her son this time.
"Come in, come in. Could I interest you in some Churro?" <Draconic> She asks, as she touches a small stack of them in a cute pyramid shape on one of the many small 'fold out' tables.
"Yes. I was the one who sent out the call. I saw strange figures moving through the waters, and dragging a green glow towards the ruins." She explains. "Since then, things have gotten a bit weird around here. The people doing excavations ran away, mumbling something about ghosts." <Draconic>
Rune gives a sideways glance to Fidget, shaking her head. "I'd rather they be on alert than not. The sperad of this diseasse is quick and the effects on Makari require fast action to resolve before lives are lost." She explains in the common tongue, "I'd rather cause alarm, than risk an entire settlement."
Then, she turns her attention to the Keeper, bowing her head despite the fact that they cannot see it. "We know the Charneth have cauldrons that drive hunger, infect with disease. It is meant to weaken our people." She continues in Draconic. "If the green glow is what I think it is, then we must act quickly, and any who might have been exposed to it should be isolated."
With that advisement set out, she shifts her weight, looking a bit anxious about the whole situation. "If there's anyone who can tell us of the ruins, let us know. We don't have much time to waste."
Aelwyn flashes his teeth widely, as he steps further into the tent. Still continuing to speak in his native tongue, the ruddy sith-makar says, "Naturally." He flips out a coin from around his waist, holding it out towards the trader. "Four." He holds out four fingers. There's a pause, then he holds out another set of four fingers. "... doubled."
Clicking his teeth, Aelwyn tilts his head. "What kind of figures, and how many?" He rolls his shoulders. "And did they say anything else about these ghosts?" His tail flicks and he glances behind him. "This one also suggests staying safe and not drink or eat anything strange." <draconic>
"Oh, I understand, yes, it is probably for the best that you talk to them, given you are currently in a relationship with a makari, are welcomed readily by them, and have much more experience dealing with them, compared to myself, who has a difficult enough time speaking to other people of my own race, in addition to how I often speak my thoughts out loud leading to uncomfortable situations which are further exacerbated the appearance of my armor generating negative connotations of Kulthos." The artificer notes and rambles with a nod as she remains outside.
"Remember from our prior excursion that it is most likely activated by significant amounts of heat, unless they changed the formula, which I do not know if they had the time to do." She calls back into the building. "Ask them if there are any places that would fit that, or where someone could start large fires without being spotted."
"I wonder if there is anyone selling quenching oil here?" She asks absentmindedly to herself.
Hrrrrrmmmmm.
The Keeper is not in as much of a hurry as Rune, despite the situation they find themselves in. Perhaps something that comes with their age.
"The excavation to the east and the ruins to the south are reportedly dedicated to The Dragon of the Plains." A term Rune would know to indicate Dana in the local tongue. "One of waters and earth coming together as one." They put their hands together as they indicate this, making the fog of incense move around them in strange ways.
"I will be careful, Child of Am'shere." They then rumble, slowly lowering their head. "It is said that the Nar-Sektoth once prayed at the ruins to the South-west, before The Awakening. But such a place would be too holy to them to filthy it."
Having identified the incenses as not particularly rare or interesting, Fidget heads out of the room and goes to explore the rest of the camp, spotting the excavation site and glancing around to see if there's anyone who might be annoyed if she went looking inside to see what they're excavating. Not spotting any guard-looking-types, she bounces up the stairs and peeks through the door.
"Doubled. Excellent." <Draconic> Matlalihuitl remarks and is quick to package them in paper-like leafs, wrapping them safely and exchanging coin. Once done, she adds; "I couldn't tell how many. At least 6, I think. It was further away than my sight allowed me to see." <Draconic> She explains in Draconic.
"As for the archeologists - they would talk about going mad and hearing voices. Taking wounds out of nowhere. They say it's haunted and left. Perhaps because they opened the Crypt recently." <Draconic> Matlalihuitl adds.
"And I will remain safe. I have heard the warnings." <Draconic>
Xocoh, hearing Schara ranting a bit outside, rumbles a bemused; "I fear there is no quenching oil here. The weaponmongers are northbound today. But there is a place of heat nearby. Near the excavation to the east, but beneath the ground. You can feel it if you step upon the fields."
GAME: Fidget casts Detect Magic. Caster Level: 6 DC: 15
Fidget, approaching one of the two excavation areas to the east, spots a well dug out ruin. They sense no magic nearby, but there's a sense of 'ancient' about this place. There's a rickety ladder that goes down from where she stands at the entrance, leading to an 'inner' chamber. From where she stands, it looks like a crypt that has been opened. She can see skulls upon its floor.
Aelwyn flashes his sharp teeth as he gets an armful of churro. "This one's gratitude." He bows his head at the end of the successful transaction. Hearing Rune's words across the other tent, he then looks towards the baker. "Where does one bake these?" He asks, just to be sure.
Meanwhile, he wraps open one of the food items and starts to bite into it. 'Anyone hungry? This one has tasty sticks!'<draconic>
Rune's own ear twitches slightly towards the sound of Schara's voice, but she is sure to focus her attention on the Keeper until he has finished providing what information he has to offer. "You have my thanks for the information. I think our priority may be the source of that green glow." Rune gives a quick glance towards Fidget as they move off. "I'll need to discuss our next steps with my allies."
With that, she steps back out and approaches Schara, first, swapping back to common. "Looks like the green glow may have been from ruins in the south, but there's also strange occurances at a site in the east as well. I'm not sure if the two are related or not."
She looks around briefly, "And... Fidget has wandered off. That's never a good sign."
"Ah, a secret." The baker answers playfully to Aelwyn, and then motions off. "Go save the day, mister Adventurer." She suggests then.
Fidget hops on the ladder and does that thing where you slide down it at high speed, and even lets out a little 'wheeee' as she descends to the dig level. She then starts looking around the things that are being excavated, applying just a little care in making sure she doesn't step on anything irreplacable. "Sooo... what are you digging up, Makari? Or perhaps, who?"
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Fidget, Acrobatics roll" GAME: Fidget rolls acrobatics: (7)+3: 10 GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d6: (3): 3
"Oh, alright, well, thank you for answering, I was hoping someone better at talking could ask but you answered anyways so I appreciate it." Schara answers, poking her head in just a bit for a moment. "Could someone help me look at where they may have been through the water? We could see how many people maybe were going through here, and where they were going?"
<OOC> Harkashan says, "You take 3 damage falling on your bum at the end of that slide." <OOC> Harkashan says, "Ladder looks more rickety now than when you slid down it."
"Ah, but of course." Aelwyn replies with another of his bows, before he heads outside the tent, chewing on his churro. "Food for the dig?" He offers to Schara and Rune in turn, continuing to chomp on his own sticks.
Swallowing hard, he tells Schara, "This one heard they may be around six figures." He then tilts his head in thought. "A crypt was opened, with sudden wounds and maddening whispers." He rolls his shoulders. "This one can help Brass with her search." After he's done with his impromptu meal.
Matlalihuitl chimes in to Schara: "Just follow the shore line." Is all she can really say. "At some point the green glow crossed the water. So I imagine it was at the little outcropping." She offers.
With an incline of her head, Rune acknowledges Schara and seems thoughtful as she waits for the others. "I think we should stick together. At least... as much as we can." Trying to chain down a goblin is kind of like having to keep a toddler on a leash. "Let's wait for Aelwyn, then we can go check it out."
That, of course, is right when Aelwyn appears, "I'd rather not have to fight on a full stomach, and I expect we've got one waiting for us, one way or the other." Her lips form into a thin line, not liking the idea of possibly dealing with ghosts or other cursed beings.
Then, raising her voice, she gives a shout, "Fidget! We're about ready to head out." Having no idea where the goblin is, who knows if she'll even be heard. "I'll give her... a couple of minutes to finish up whatever trouble she's getting into..."
The artificer pauses, and tilts her head to one side. "Six figures? That is an incredibly well funded group, depending on the scale of currency being used. We should be incredibly careful if that is the case. Unless you are referring to a figure as a person, in which case, that is still a fair number of people and we should be careful regardless." She considers, taking one churro, popping off their mask, and wincing before eating it quickly and readjusting the helmet. "No, you are right, we should stick together. While I am concerned they may have plans in the south, they may be setting it up in the east now, as there is a disturbance there as well as being a potential distribution point."
<OOC> Fidget says, "Is there anything interesting in the excavation?" <OOC> Harkashan says, "Roll Perception." <OOC> Harkashan says, "And Knowledge/Dungeoneering" GAME: Fidget rolls knowledge/dungeoneering: (17)+9: 26 GAME: Fidget rolls perception: (19)+7: 26 <OOC> Harkashan says, "You don't spot anything of value here. But there is a crypt up there. You know that crypts like these tend to have traps, hauntings, or other stuff going on. But there's a chance for gold. Seems quiet in here, aside from the torches lazily burning away the last bits of their oil."
Hearing the yell in the distance, Fidget yells back, "I'll be done in a minute!" and she hops up the stairs to the crypt and, taking a moment to look around for any traps, has a peek inside.
GAME: Fidget rolls perception: (8)+7: 15
Getting into the inner sanctum of the crypt, there's pressure plates clearly indicated with painted on skulls. The archeologists clearly indicating or even having deactivated the traps. Fidget does pick up on an eerie sound. Like something is moving within the walls or beneath the floor.
Aelwyn finishes up his churro, and then carefully puts the rest in the satchel he usually had flopping about his backside. "Hmmh, perhaps we shall catch them unaware." The draconian says, rolling his shoulders. Schara gets a sharp flash of his teeth. "Tasty, certainly. And unfortunately, only six figures with limbs." The Dragoon says, moving to thwap the artificer on the ankles with his tail.
Crossing his arms whilst waiting for their wayward companion, Aelwyn looks towards Rune. "This one supposes that it is usually safer to find the Tophat's kin, than leave them to their own devices."
Rune folds her arms across her chest. It's obvious, at a glance, that she is a bit impatient with the Goblin's need to poke their nose into everything. "Likely we'll need to investigate both and deal with whatever problems the Charneth have brought with them."
Hearing Fidget's voice call out form the east, "Looks like our goblin friend started the investigations. Come on, let's head that direction. If nothing else, it is on our way to the peninsula."
"I am more concerned about the glowing seen where the people supposedly went, I don't want Fidget wandering off on her own with six or more hostile entities present." The artificer audibly sighs before heading off in the direction the others did. "Perhaps she found something, and that is why they have not returned yet?"
Tiptoeing around the pressure plates, the goblin listens at each of the vaults to see where the strange noise is coming from.
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Roll Perception - feel free to Take 20." <OOC> Fidget says, "I'll take 20 then." <OOC> Harkashan nods - 27.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Harkashan has dropped a TIMESTOP! -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
As Fidget listens to the vaults, she hears noise. But... it's not coming from the vaults. Instead, the tiles to her north and south suddenly begin to move. Suddenly, a pair of Sahuagin jump up from beneath moved tiles and jump onto the ground near her, daggers strapped to their bodies.
"Sssss, intruuuudeer. Kill heerrrrrr."
"Ssssssssss."
Round One - Init 21. It is now Schara's turn! Sahuagin Infiltrator 1 is next! <OOC> Harkashan says, "Schara, your turn. You don't know what is happening in there yet." GAME: Schara rolls perception: (4)+12: 16 <OOC> Harkashan says, "You can see just Fidget from that angle. There's a rickety ladder in front of you. And as you listen, you hear hissing ahead and talking. It does not Sound Friendly (TM)" <OOC> Schara says, "double move for me" <OOC> Harkashan says, "Roll Athletics or Acrobatics" GAME: Schara rolls acrobatics: (8)+3: 11 GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d6: (6): 6 <OOC> Harkashan says, "You take a painful landing, one of the spokes on the ladder broke on the way down. You end up prone, but can continue moving the rest of the way." GAME: Fidget rolls knowledge/nature: (16)+9: 25 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Nar-Sektoth, or as you know them, Sahuagin, are native to Am'shere. They're intelligent. They tend to be warriors of great skill. Monstrous Humanoid (Aquatic)." <OOC> Harkashan says, "They have a swim speed that's faster than humans can swim, can speak to aquatic creatures, no immunities or resists or special attacks that you know of."
It is now Sahuagin Infiltrator 1's turn! Fidget is next! GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (4)+10: 14 <OOC> Harkashan says, "It misses you." <OOC> Harkashan says, "It spent some of its movement coming up, but it can probably full round you next turn."
Schara takes a few steps forward as their ears pick up on some odd noises. Their head tilts one way, then another. "There are unfriendly voices in the building, like a makari but not quite the same. Fidget may need help immediately!" She warns the others, mounting the ladder and heading inside, only for one of the rickety rungs to snap completely under their weight. The artificer tumbles inside with no small amount of clanging, and lands in a heap inside where they collect themself and attempt to head further inside.
It is now Fidget's turn! Rune is next! <OOC> Fidget says, "Cast Deep Slumber, prioritizing the nearest Sahaugin, then, if that works, retreat out the door." <OOC> Harkashan says, "Are you defensively casting?" <OOC> Harkashan says, "(I assume Mage Armor is up)" <OOC> Fidget says, "Oh, that's a good idea, yes." GAME: Fidget casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 6 DC: 16 GAME: Fidget casts Deep Slumber. Caster Level: 6 DC: 18 GAME: Fidget rolls 6+6: (5)+6+6: 17 <OOC> Fidget says, "DC is 21, so I'll reroll that." GAME: Fidget rolls 6+6: (3)+6+6: 15
It is now Rune's turn! Aelwyn is next! <OOC> Rune says, "Get me up there. Whatever it takes." <OOC> Harkashan says, "Roll Acrobatics or Athletics" GAME: Rune rolls acrobatics: (5)+19: 24 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Done! You easily leap down without taking an damage."
"Shit... Leave it to Fidget to get themselves into trouble." It's not even that it's a 'goblin' thing. The little wizard definitely has a tendency to poke about and draw attention, both positive and negative.
"On my way!" Rune draws her weapons as she runs, leaping down to try to cover as much distance as possible. She lands with a bit of a roll, using the motion to push herself to her feet and keep going.
It is now Aelwyn's turn! Sahuagin Infiltrator 2 is next! <OOC> Aelwyn says, "I'll do the same. ._." <OOC> Harkashan says, "Roll Acrobatics or Athletics" GAME: Aelwyn rolls acrobatics: (13)+10: 23 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Same as Rune, you easily make it down there"
It is now Sahuagin Infiltrator 2's turn! Schara is next! GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (20)+10: 30 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Do you want to use your reroll on this nat-20?" <OOC> Harkashan says, "Fidget" <OOC> Harkashan says, "(there are 2 free rerolls this event)" <OOC> Fidget says, "Uhh, sure." GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (16)+10: 26 GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d4+5: (2)+5: 7
The Sahuagin rush towards Fidget's position. Drawing daggers as they assault her. Both of them still a bit winded from lifting the stones, they try to surround her from both sides - desperately trying to get into a flanking position with her as they slice at her with their blades!
GAME: NEW ROUND! It is now Schara's turn! Sahuagin Infiltrator 1 is next! <OOC> Schara says, "move up and shoot the north one" <OOC> Schara says, "armor active for dex" GAME: Schara activates her Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Dex GAME: Schara rolls 1d20+10+1: (16)+10+1: 27 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Hit!"
"Tch, either way." Aelwyn says, following Rune and Schara. "What is the worst that she could run into?" The draconian flashes his teeth.
A statement that gets short lived very fast when the artificer sprints into run. "Tch." The draconian lets out with a click of his teeth, before his glaive is pulled out. The blade flickers alive with flames as he quickly follows on after Rune, landing with ease.
GAME: Schara rolls 3d6+4+1: (10)+4+1: 15 <OOC> Schara says, "dazzled for one turn" <OOC> Harkashan says, "It looks hurt!"
Schara is finally able to get back into a decent stride as they head for the second door, pausing just long enough to activate their armor which shifts and whirs to life. The artificer takes a look into the room, and raises the death ray on their left arm. "Stand down now and we won't hurt you!" She orders, blasting one of the two with a beam of flames. Perhaps the request would not do much, given her actions.
It is now Sahuagin Infiltrator 1's turn! Fidget is next! <OOC> Harkashan says, "They flank Fidget and go for a full flanking attack." GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (7)+10: 17 GAME: Harkashan rolls 5: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Harkashan says, "That first one hits with a +2 due to Flanking." GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d4+5+3d6: (3)+5+(11): 19 <OOC> Harkashan says, "It's a nasty hit!"
It is now Fidget's turn! Rune is next! <OOC> Fidget says, "I figure I'll 5ft step next to SI2, and then defensively cast Shield." GAME: Fidget rolls 6+6: (9)+6+6: 21 <OOC> Harkashan says, "That's a success." GAME: Fidget casts Shield. Caster Level: 6 DC: 16
Reeling from the first attack, Fidget ducks around the one of the Sahaugin, using it as a brief obstacle to get in the way of the other, and whips her hands through the air to summon another layer of protection to deflect the fish-monster's attacks. "Oh, watch out for the pressure plates on the floor, I don't know if they're all disabled." she says to the others, using her off hand after spell casting to press on a bleeding wound in her side.
It is now Rune's turn! Aelwyn is next! <OOC> Rune says, "Can I get to where the baddies are with a regular move?" <OOC> Harkashan says, "Yes" <OOC> Rune says, "Do so. Standard to full defense."
"You'd be surprised." Rune quips back to Aelwyn, but her focus is on the path forward. It's obvious that there are signs of fighting, which means that she needs to get into the thick of it, and fast. Fidget is not really a front-liner.
Pushing herself forward, moving into the fray, Rune brandishes her weapons. "Hey, fish-breath! I think I saw your mother once, I turned her into a filet and ate her for dinner." They probably can't even speak the common tongue, but hopefully the noise is enough to draw some attention away from Fidget as she brandishes her weapons.
It is now Aelwyn's turn! Sahuagin Infiltrator 2 is next! <OOC> Aelwyn says, "I suppose I'll move right behind Schara then. ._." <OOC> Aelwyn says, "Can I move to the left of the infiltrator 1?" <OOC> Harkashan says, "Yes" <OOC> Harkashan says, "I'll call that triggering from Infiltrator 2" GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (14)+10: 24 GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d4+5: (2)+5: 7 <OOC> Aelwyn has the whole dodge thing for AoOs. ._. <OOC> Harkashan says, "Nice! Then yeah, you're good." <OOC> Harkashan says, "It can't get Flanking, so it attacks Rune." GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (8)+10: 18 GAME: Harkashan rolls 5: (12)+5: 17 <OOC> Harkashan says, "It misses." The Death Ray slams its ray into the side of one of the Sahuagins' heads, ripping away a piece of scales and flesh. It hisses at her, squinting, dazzled and having trouble seeing. "Intrudersssss!" It calls out. "Kill them all!" It doesn't look like they're looking to give up. Drawing nasty strikes on Fidget, these two are clearly a danger to their party!
They hiss at the group and try to get into a better flanking position, but can't with all the walls in the way!
"This one is not very." Aelwyn curses as everyone runs into the tiny, cramped space. "Tch, get behind us." The Dragoon hisses at the others. He runs the stairs by leaping from side to side, and with an unnatural grace, slinks between a blade swung at him. A sharp toothed grin is offered to the fish like being.
It is now Sahuagin Infiltrator 2's turn! Schara is next!
It is now Schara's turn! Sahuagin Infiltrator 1 is next! <OOC> Schara says, "take another shot at the north one" GAME: Schara rolls 1d20+10+1: (5)+10+1: 16 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Hit!" GAME: Schara rolls 3d6+4+1: (7)+4+1: 12 <OOC> Harkashan says, "It's bloodied!" <OOC> Schara says, "turn after stepping back"
Schara takes a step back and aims their death ray again, scorching the sahuagin badly. "Just hang on a moment, I'll try to deal with them, but the doorway is cramped and difficult to get through." She warns, trying to get a better look inside while leaving space for retreat.
It is now Sahuagin Infiltrator 1's turn! Fidget is next! <OOC> Harkashan says, "They try to move through Aelwyn's space to flank!" GAME: Harkashan rolls 14: (17)+14: 31 <OOC> Harkashan says, "That beats Aelwyn's CMD+5" <OOC> Harkashan says, "They attack Aelwyn!" GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (10)+10: 20 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Miss."
It is now Fidget's turn! Rune is next! <OOC> Fidget says, "5ft step to move to above the SI2, then defensively cast magic missile, hit the SI2." GAME: Fidget rolls 6+6: (2)+6+6: 14 GAME: Fidget casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 6 DC: 16 <OOC> Fidget says, "Casting fails." <OOC> Fidget says, "Also, I flourish a club with my move action, so I threaten."
It is now Rune's turn! Aelwyn is next! <OOC> Rune says, "5ft step to flank with fidget. Full round attack to try to kill the one closest to Fidget." GAME: Rune rolls weapon1+2-2: (6)+15+2+-2: 21 GAME: Rune rolls weapon2+2-2: (18)+15+2+-2: 33 GAME: Rune rolls weapon1+2-7: (14)+15+2+-7: 24 GAME: Rune rolls weapon2+2-7: (17)+15+2+-7: 27 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Miss, hit, hit, hit." GAME: Rune rolls damage2+1d6+5d6: aliased to 1d6+1+1d6+5d6: (1)+1+(3)+(17): 22 GAME: Rune rolls damage2+1d6+5d6: aliased to 1d6+1+1d6+5d6: (3)+1+(1)+(17): 22 GAME: Rune rolls damage1+1d6+5d6: aliased to 1d6+1+1d6+5d6: (2)+1+(2)+(14): 19 <OOC> Harkashan says, "It's dead."
It is now Aelwyn's turn! Sahuagin Infiltrator 2 is next!
Trying to cast in this cramped space is difficult, Fidget learns, drawing upon her arcane energies, her fingertips begin to glow as she creates magic missiles, but having to quickly duck a weapon slashed at her head, the glow poofs out of existence as her spell fizzles. Fidget bares her razor teeth at it and gives a goblinoid hiss.
More annoyed that it's preventing her from casting spells than the gaping wound in her side, Fidget produces a surprisingly large club from within her outfit, and threatens the creature with it, glancing at Rune and waiting for her rogue friend to take advantage of the distraction.
"Almost there, Fidget. Hold on!" Rune calls out, knowing that she just needs to get into the right position to make chopped tuna out of these fishmen.
It is cramped fighting space, but as soon as Fidget moves into a better position, Rune follows, using the distraction to try and finish off the already injured Sahuagin that still threatens the Goblin. Blow after blow rains down on the creature, with the last of the blades slicing across the fishman's gills and causing it to burble once before falling forward with a splat.
"You guys got the other one?" Rune asks over her shoulder.
<OOC> Aelwyn says, "Move one to the right and smack the frog. ._." <OOC> Aelwyn says, "With the power attack and unnecessary dramatic flourishes" GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-3+2: (19)+13+-3+2: 31 GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-3+2-5: (12)+13+-3+2+-5: 19 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Hit & Miss" GAME: Aelwyn rolls damage11+9+1d6: aliased to 1d10+5+9+1d6: (7)+5+9+(6): 27 <OOC> Harkashan says, "You bloody it!"
It is now Sahuagin Infiltrator 2's turn! Schara is next! GAME: NEW ROUND!
It is now Schara's turn! Sahuagin Infiltrator 1 is next! <OOC> Schara will step back and use the firearm instead GAME: Schara rolls 1d20+10+1: (13)+10+1: 24 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Hit!" GAME: Schara rolls 1d8+1: (8)+1: 9
It is now Sahuagin Infiltrator 1's turn! Fidget is next! <OOC> Harkashan says, "It tries to roll through Schara's position so it doesn't get outflanked." GAME: Harkashan rolls 14: (19)+14: 33
Aelwyn rumbles in annoyance as the gill-man in front of him does dance around him, him spinning further into the room. He twirls his glaive in his hand, playing with the flames at the tip - and then with a sudden thrust, skewers into the soon-to-be-dead fish rogue. The blade attempts to turn and slice further in, but he doesn't quite manage it. "Tch, soon." The ruddy sith-makar calls back to Rune. "The debt shall be paid."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Then attacks Schara." GAME: Harkashan rolls 10: (1)+10: 11 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Harkashan says, "But misses."
One of the Sahuagin goes down as Rune's precise daggers slice into its body. The other, noticing how bad the situation has gotten, rolls around Schara after getting fiercely stabbed with Aelwyn's spear. It tries to slice at Schara during its roll, but fails to land its blow! It looks intent on fleeing!
Schara takes a step back, and flips down the thunderbelcher on their arm, instead exposing the barrel of a firearm instead, which rings loudly in the small building. There was an uncertainty to how many remained yet to deal with.
It is now Fidget's turn! Rune is next! <OOC> Fidget tosses the club aside, dropping it on the dead one's head. Then grabs a pearl of power and uses it to cast Magic Missile again at the remaining Sahaugin, move to behind Rune to get line of sight. GAME: Fidget used a Pearl of Power (1st). GAME: Fidget rolls 3d4+3: (8)+3: 11
Fidget laughs as the creature falls to Rune's daggers, and throws her club in its face after it slumps to the floor. Then she peeks around the wall at the fighting outside, and takes a step around, behind Rune while charging up more missiles in her hands, this time without fizzling - the darts zig-zag between her allies to punch into the lizard's chest at the bottom of the stairs, staggering it for a moment.
It is now Rune's turn! Aelwyn is next! <OOC> Rune says, "Move me into stabbing position." <OOC> Harkashan says, "Done" GAME: Rune rolls weapon1: (5)+15: 20 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Miss."
With one of the Sahuagin laying at her feet, and the other turning to flee, Rune has to make a split second decision. Not knowing exactly what the creatures were doing, letting one go seems like a poor idea.
So, she chases after it, hopping over the last few steps of the stairs to swipe out at the creature. "Where do you think you're going?" She calls out, even as her blade glances off scales.
It is now Aelwyn's turn! Schara is next! <OOC> Harkashan says, "Aelwyn, chase critter?" <OOC> Aelwyn says, "Yup!" <OOC> Aelwyn says, "I suppose we do not take prisoners, so move to the stairs and smack. ._." GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11-3+2: (11)+13+-3+2: 23 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Hit" GAME: Aelwyn rolls damage11+9+1d6: aliased to 1d10+5+9+1d6: (5)+5+9+(4): 23 <OOC> Harkashan says, "It ded."
Aelwyn slides around the corner and moves on after the escaping Sahuagin. "Stop!" He hisses and then flings himself forward. The spear slides around Schara and guts the escaping fiend, leaving it dead on the end of the steps.
"... hmmh." The ruddy sith-makar rumbles. "And now there are more questions and mysteries in this tomb." Glancing around his shoulder, he looks over the goblin. "Is Tophat alright?"
The last remaining Sahuagin falls, Aelwyn's burning spear right through its gut. It lets out a death-cry, before falling forward... dead.
<OOC> Fidget says, "Can I figure out why there were Sahaugin in the floor? Is there a passage under there, or was this some kind of planned trap?"
The goblin feels around her head, "The hat is fine", she says with relief, "But my dress is both damaged and stained. That's going to take a little fixing. As for me," Fidget shrugs, "I'm not dead, so all good!" she turns around, putting her hand on the wound on her side with a wince, and points with her other hand, "Traps. And the fish-guys came out of those holes in the floor."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Roll perception." GAME: Fidget rolls perception: (10)+7: 17 <OOC> Fidget says, "If that doesn't teach me anything useful, then I'll take 20." <OOC> Harkashan says, "Seems like a trap or ambush, probably guarding the tomb. They're holes big enough for Sahuagin. The seal is certainly not perfect, but really hard to spot - as you noticed."
As the last of the fish also falls, Rune looks up the stairs towards Fidget, "You alright?" She asks. Right now doesn't seem the time to have a conversation about letting the rest of the party know where you are going, so she leaves it for the time being.
"Not sure if we have time to spend exploring ruins when there's almost certainly some kind of Charneth nonsense going on to the South." Rune adds, looking pensive. "Take a quick look, but I think we should move on as soon as we can. I don't want to risk anyone in the trader camp, much less any other settlements nearby."
GAME: Aelwyn rolls perception: (18)+1: 19 <OOC> Harkashan says, "Same as Fidget~" GAME: Schara rolls perception: (2)+12: 14 GAME: Schara deactivates her Titan Armor. <OOC> Harkashan says, "Two holes in the ground. Clearly an ambush."
With the second sahuagin collapsing and a moment's pause to see if anything further would be showing up, the artificer flips a switch on their armor, leaving them doubled over for some time before they can collect herself. "There is an ambush here, but why? And do you have anything for your wound? My healing is limited and there are still a minimum of four more potential threats." They consider. "The shaman also mentioned a heat source here, but I can not see much, perhaps due to how well they were hidden and my own current lightheadedness. Rune, you know these areas better than us, can you see anything?"
Aelwyn also takes a look around, but he doesn't see anything much more than was observed. "This one is inclined to agree with Twin; but their presence here is also very strange." He rolls his shoulders and slowly begins to walk towards the exit. "They did mention intruders, as if we were the ones intruding." He offers with a hand held out; but that is about as much as the ruddy sith-makar had to offer to the topic.
GAME: Rune rolls perception: (5)+23: 28 <OOC> Rune says, "+5 for trapfinding." GAME: Rune rolls acrobatics: (18)+19: 37
There is a hint of reluctance from Rune, but she has to admit that the group has a point that there may be more to the tomb than it appears at first glance. "Alright... I'll take a look." She puts one of her swords away in its sheath before scaling the stairs again, taking a moment to give the place a once-over.
Then, squinting at the bottom of one of the holes, she climbs down a bit, bracing her back against one side of it and her legs against the other before kicking at something. There is a crash as a false bottom of the hole gives way.
"Looks like these give way to some kind of cave below here." With the hidden door kicked open, there is a subtle heat that rises up from below. Bracing herself, she grabs onto the lip of it and hauls herself back up.
"So... We going across to the ruins... or down?"
There's the sound of water down below within the cave. A light shone reveals Stalagmites - sharp and dangerous - directly below the trap-hole. As they speak, warmth begins to rise up into the area they're in. It feels like an Am'shere summer.
"That makes much more sense, just allow me a moment to catch my breath." The artificer warns as she takes a look into the hole, wobbles a bit, and takes a few steps back. "No one saw them enter here, correct? If that is the case, it may be connected to the southern ruins. I believe going down here would be a good idea, as it would allow us to secure their likely planned distribution point, while clearing further in. We may catch them by surprise due to them not expecting those here to be dealt with, as well."
"I do not wish we had to kill them, but they were clear with their intent towards Fidget, and what we believe their plans to be." The artificer sighs. "I can make my own climb down easier, but the stalagmites at the bottom look dangerous."
"That's definitely suspicious. I think we should check it out before we go somewhere else. Might be an indication of a more immediate problem for the people here. If we don't all die, then we can go deal with the ruins next. Assuming this pit doesn't lead to the ruins."
To Shara, Fidget says cheerfully, "I'm fine, I'm pretty sure I've still got half my blood left, and how much can you really need all at once?" Reaching into her little backpack, she retrieves a scroll. "If we try to climb down with a rope, I can catch anyone who falls, and then someone can be at the bottom to catch me."
Aelwyn crouches down by the hole Rune was exploring. The draconian then nods, looking towards Schara. "Smugglers." He says, before he leans his glaive against a wall momentarily, before starting to unravel one of his many ropes from a satchel he was carrying. "This one has rope for this..." He flashes his teeth. "Never know when one has to heft unreasonably warm stones."
The ruddy sith makar's tail flicks before he throws the end of it into the hole. Aelwyn was surprisingly prepared; he even had grappling hooks.
<OOC> Fidget has a scroll of feather fall, she can use it in reaction to someone falling, I think. <OOC> Aelwyn also has a climber's kit. ._. <OOC> Fidget nods, "I think between those, we can navigate the descent without anyone getting splattered on the rocks." <OOC> Harkashan says, "Roll Athletics to climb down :)" GAME: Schara casts Spider Climb. Caster Level: 6 DC: 16 <OOC> Aelwyn says, "+2 on the climb from the kit?" <OOC> Rune says, "Is there any place we can attach a rope to in order to have a backup incase someone slips?" <OOC> Harkashan says, "Plenty of places to tie it off." GAME: Aelwyn rolls athletics: (10)+9: 19 GAME: Rune rolls athletics: (9)+13: 22 GAME: Fidget rolls athletics: (17)+0: 17 <OOC> Harkashan says, "You succeed."
As the group descends down into the depths beneath the excavation, they soon find themselves stepping into knee-high water. The water here is fettid and algae-rich, suggesting this place does not normally see much in the way of use. This is still water for the most part. There's no strong flow to it. But it's hard to see the bottom of the water because of the algae nature to it.
What's more, it's dark down here. There's no natural light at all, aside from what comes in from above.
With the decision made, Rune grabs a rope form her pack and ties it off above, tossing it down the hole. "That should help the descent a little. Just be careful. We don't know what we're stepping into."
With that, Rune descends down into the darkness below, taking care on the landing to ensure that she hits solid ground rather than pointy stone. Not knowing what to expect, she keeps her voice quiet as she asks, "Anyone have a light?" Of course, she has torches, but that tends to be a bit more unwieldy than magical means.
"You need rope for moving stones? I thought you had so much extra for restraining people, I read about that in a book. I may be getting the passion of the dragon confused with another novel that featured a makari protagonist." The artificer wonders as she pulls out a small metal box from a pocket of their armor, which unfolds between hand and clasped together, before she drops it to the ground and steps on it twice, the glow fading finally. "Alright, I should be ready to go now."
The artificer does not use the rope, or rather she holds it between the wall and herself just in case, as hands and feet cling effortlessly to the stone, Schara working her way down to the ground. "I do not have any persistent light on me that would be useful for you, I am sorry. I should rectify that in the future." She answers.
Waiting at the top of the hole until the others are at the bottom, Fidget clambers down the rope with a little difficulty, but successfully makes it to the bottom without needing to use her scroll to save anyone, even herself. "Sounds like an interesting book." Fidget says, wincing a little as the rope climb made good use of some stabbed muscles.
Aelwyn turns his head towards Schara, and he tilts it sideways. Then his lips spread open wide. "... Hotstone does need lifting on occasion." He glances at Rune, and then with his sharp teeth still on display, nears the hole. Though he stops by Schara with a quiet, 'this one needs to hear of this book later'.
By the time they were nearing the water, Aelwyn was severely second guessing this approach. A very annoyed rumble leaves him as he carefully makes his way down. "Nhgh." The draconian lets out, quickly fishing out his leather mask that he attaches around his snout. Soon the mask's vents are filled with something very delicious smelling. "This one only has a sunrod."
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