Luke_Parry |
The city of Kaer Maga sits in the heart of Varisia, a vast stone hexagon of unknown origin perched high atop the cliffs of the Storval Rise. This cyclopean structure predates even the Empire of Thassilon, which ruled these lands 10,000 years ago, and today it is a city of wonders, intrigue, and mysteries.
Carved on the cliff face below the city are numerous representations of gigantic bodies and faces, though who these titanic carvings actually represent is a matter of some conjecture—the vanished runelords of ancient Thassilon, forgotten kings, dead gods, or someone else. Some of these massive sculptures lead into the Undercity, a dizzying network of caverns, tunnels, and chambers, both natural and man-made, that riddle the cliffs beneath Kaer Maga.
One of the most famous entrances to the Undercity lies in the mouth of one of the giant faces known as the Unnamed King, and opens onto a series of ancient catacombs where the honored dead of Kaer Maga are interred. From their cathedral in the Bottoms district of the city above, the clergy of Pharasma oversee the Godsmouth Ossuary, the most prestigious place in Kaer Maga to be buried—and the Pharasmins charge a hefty fee for the honor.
What few outside the church of Pharasma know is that the Godsmouth Ossuary occupies only a few of the many subterranean levels below the entrance—the lower reaches are mysteries even to the clergy. All entries to the lower levels have been sealed off, and the priests are forbidden from venturing deeper, lest they awaken greater evils slumbering beneath.
Recently, however, the Pharasmins have noticed that bodies are disappearing from the ossuary. At first only a few cadavers went missing, but the number has increased rapidly over the last few weeks.
To solve this problem, the leaders of the church have decided to relax their restrictions on outsiders entering the crypts. Rather than expose their priests to the unknown dangers of the ossuary’s lower levels, the Pharasmins have decided to hire freelancers to find and stop the mysterious body thief. At the same time, the adventurers can survey the unexplored dungeon and clear out any dangerous inhabitants, thus allowing the church to expand the ossuary into the new level.
Thus it is that the party finds itself in the Godsmouth Cathedral in Kaer Maga’s Bottoms district, in a disused side chapel to a martyred Pharasmin saint, for a midnight meeting with a member of the clergy...
Feel free to dot/give yourselves an introductory post :-)
Maeron Calaerdaer |
Standing a tall, lean 6'3", Maeron is tall even by elven standards. From head to toe he is attired in natural, autumn shaded materials and clothing, betraying his druidic origins to even the least educated. The Kyonins long, dark hair extends wildly past his shoulders, seeming to blend into his animal hide cloak. His calm eyes reflect the surrounding light in their forest green hue. His face and hands are decorated with strange patterns painted from natural dyes, likely either camoflage or druidic symbols. A longbow,quarterstaff and haversack, all of clear elven design rest in place, strapped across his back. Maerons overall appearance seems both wild and civilised at the same time, displaying a clear, yet futile, effort not to stand out in an urban enviroment.
Most obviously out of place here is the man sized tree standing at the druids side, occasionally shuffling the leaves on its branches or shifting it's weight while Maeron rests a soothing hand atop it. It is unclear whether the druid is attempting the calm the sapling or himself in this unfamiliar place.
Cacumattus Diuberr |
"Cacumattus Diuberr, explorer and adventurer, at your service."
A brown-skinned gnome takes a step forward and bows, so deeply that the short scarf hung loosely across his shoulders, its bright red colour clashing garishly with his leaf-green hair, almost brushes the ground.
"I understand you have need of people with certain... talents. Pray tell, for what task has the goddess of fate brought us together?" He almost succeeds in keeping a note of wry amusement from his voice.
Hisao |
"It is an easy job yes?" A voice with a Tianese accent calls out from the edge of the room. "We find some thieves and get paid?" It comes from a man leaning against the corner of the room closest to the exit. The shadows make it hard to see him clearly but it can be discerned that he is slim and stands about 5 foot 8 inches tall. He seems comfortable enough where he is but that has more to do with the spot being hard to ambush and easy to escape from if need be. Otherwise it is apparent that he is a stranger in a strange land himself.
Maxwell Carter |
"The types of things that would steal corpses and desecrate sacred ground are the types of things that need to be stopped with haste."
A dark haired human stands to the side, his boyish features would make his battle gear look almost laughable on him were it not for the fire in his eyes when he speaks and the surety in which he carried himself.
"Call me Max. It is nice to meet the rest of you."
sorry it took so long to get this posted
Maeron Calaerdaer |
"I am Maeron Calaerdaer of Kyonin, and this..." The elven druid trails off, his hand still resting atop the shifting treant.
"This is Tenderstump, my loyal companion and creature of the woods of my homeland. We will do whatever we can to put an end to those perverting the resting places of your departed.
Tyr Sallagrimson |
"I'm Tyr Sallagrimson. I'm a fair hand with a bow and reasonable with my sword if I do say so myself. As a follower of Pharasma it offends me deeply that someone or something is disturbing the dead." States a stereotypical Ulfen warrior. Tall, muscled, blonde hair, blue eyes, heavily bearded its as if someone asked for a figure from the old tales of the North to come to life and attended this gathering.
Luke_Parry |
Okay, so we have Tyr, Zarzuket, Hisao, Tenderstump, Maeron, Cacumattus, Maxwell.
As the party gathers together, and gradually introduces its various members, a middle-aged woman dressed in a simple grey robe, with a silver holy symbol of Pharasma around her neck, quietly enters the chapel.
Seeing the seven of you gathered together, she nods in satisfaction.
"Excellent. You have arrived. Let's get down to business. My name is Sister Valanthe. The crux of the problem is as follows: Bodies have started to go missing from our Ossuary. Whilst some amongst the clergy are adopting a pragmatic approach to this, pointing out that missing bodies mean more space in the Ossuary, the majority of us are more concerned by what is happening to the missing bodies.
Normally, non-members of the clergy are not allowed into the Ossuary, but due to the current situation, we have decided to make a temporary exception. We know that whomever, or whatever, is taking the bodies is located in a sub-level of the Ossuary which is normally sealed off. We ask that you enter that level, and put an end to the thefts. If you do so, I am authorised to give you a payment of 500gp. If you also clear-out the entire level of any dangers, making it suitable as another level for, shall we say, 'new deposits', we will give you another 250gp. Any items that you discover below are of course yours to keep, with the exception of any obviously Pharasmin artefacts, which we will require you to sell to us. Don't worry, we will offer you a fair price. As to what you might discover below, I truly do not know, but since it is bodies that have gone missing, I would not be surprised if you encountered at least a few undead.
Now, come."
With that, she turns and leads you out of the Cathedral via a narrow cliff-side path, and into the Ossuary proper, where robed and hooded Pharasmin priests silently tend to the deceased.
Valanthe leads the party through luxuriously appointed catacombs packed with bodies and down several stairways before coming to an area that obviously sees little use—most of the burial niches are empty and dusty, the air is musty and close, and silence reigns supreme. In this disused portion of the crypts, Valanthe stops before a locked door.
"This is the only known entrance to the lower level. Once you enter, the door will be locked behind you. However, do not worry overmuch about that; I am authorised to give you a few items to assist you."
With that, she hands around a series of small vials.
"I have a vial of Pharasmin holy water, and a healing potion (a Potion of Cure Light Wounds) for each of you. There is also this," she says, drawing a silver tube from the sleeve of her robe. "This is a Chime of Opening with five charges remaining. If you ring the chime, it will open a locked door. You may use it to open any of the doors within the lower level, but please keep one use to let yourselves back out; otherwise, you will be trapped down below..."
She then pulls out a large iron key, and uses it to open the truly-impressive lock on the door, which grinds open despite long years of disuse. Within, a stone spiral staircase descends into the earth...
Final chance to ask any questions, before the dungeon gets started...
Maeron Calaerdaer |
Maerons nose wrinkles at the mention of undead. While he knew little of such 'creatures', Maeron knew they were an abomination, not unlike that demons and twisted fey he'd stood against for years on the border of the Tanglebriar.
As Sister Valanthe passed them the vials the druid nodded in appreciation. "Your kindness if greatly appreciated, Sister. I am sorry you and your fellows have had to endure these acts."
In truth, the treesinger did not fully understand the burying of the dead in such a fashion, it prevented them returning to nature as intended, but he understood that each culture was different. Regardless of the nature of their burial, no creature deserved being perverted through dark magic after it's demise.
"May I ask how many levels lie beneath us? Have you had any trouble with anything making its way into your Ossuary before, are there perhaps passageways you have not plotted?"
Cacumattus Diuberr |
Cacumattus shifts uncomfortably at the thought of being trapped underground with a legion of undead. "I sure hope someone's just really keen on teaching anatomy..."
Luke_Parry |
Sister Valanthe shakes her head sadly.
"We do not know how many levels are beneath us; the way below has been sealed for more than a thousand years. This complex as a whole dates from the Thassilonian era, which I do not need to tell you is indescribably ancient. There are some scattered references suggesting that there might be some sort of cathedral below, but I know no more than that."
She then sighs.
"As to being locked in, well, that is why we are giving you the chime - we would like you to be able to get back out, but we do not want to risk having something other than you come up, which is why we are not leaving the way open."
Maxwell Carter |
Max takes the items offered and nods politely. The thought of facing the undead had seemed likely, but he was prepared to face such horrors.
"Thank you for these items, we shall do our best to get to the bottom of the matter. Who among us would like to be the keeper of the chimes?
He looks sideways at the walking tree. How unusual, I wonder how he will fare underground.
Maeron Calaerdaer |
Following Maxwells question, Maerons eyes scan the group, before settling on the young Tian man.
"Perhaps Hisao should take the chime?" He tilts he head at his new associate, but his facial expression remains neutral. Speaking directly to Hisao he gestures towards the chime.
"You seem light on your feet and should we need a quick exit I have no doubt your distaste for being locked in with spur you back to the entrance with added haste?" Maeron looks expectantly at Hisao and the other, then without awaiting an answer, moves towards the entrance.
"Come along Tenderstump."
I need to hit DC 10 Handle Animal to get Tenderstump to follow any trick he's taught, like Heel. DC 12 if he's injured.
Handle Animal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
With a shuffle Tenderstump uplifts his roots and moves up alongside its master, surprisingly willing to venture into the depths below.
Hisao |
The expression of trust from someone he does not know leaves Hisao nonplussed. He takes the chime as well as the potion and the holy watrr with a raised eyebrow and a short bow towards Maeron. He is ready to head through the door.
Luke_Parry |
The party moves down the winding spiral staircase in single file, descending into the bowels of the earth...
...Suddenly, the stairwell goes dark!
All light is extinguished, but Darkvision is fine.
Tenderstump: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Maxwell: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Zarzuket: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Hisao: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Cacumattus: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Tyr: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Round 1: Maxwell, ?, Cacumattus, Zarzuket, Hisao, Tenderstump, Tyr, Maeron
Maxwell Carter |
Well, this trip doesn't waste any time getting to the unpleasantness Max thinks to himself.
He immediately casts Light on his Scimitar and raises it above his head to illuminate the area.
"Thanks be to Sarenrae for her gift of radiance to light the way for her followers," Max whispers to himself as a prayer to his God and as a way to calm his nerves and focus himself.
Luke_Parry |
Round 1:
Maxwell attempts to calm his nerves, and casts a spell, calling on the Everlight to illuminate the area...
...but although he is sure that he cast the spell successfully, the ambient lighting conditions do not change.
Light is not powerful enough to overcome Darkness.
?: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9, for 1d4 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2 damage.
Maxwell does, however, feel something brush past his face in the darkness, narrowly avoiding making contact...
Round 1: Maxwell, ?, Cacumattus, Zarzuket, Hisao, Tenderstump, Tyr, Maeron
The rest of the party is up to finish round 1, then Maxwell to kick-off round 2.
Don't forget, single file marching order is Tyr, Zarzuket, Hisao, Tenderstump, Maeron, Cacumattus, Maxwell.
Hisao |
Well this is not a good start" Hisao mutters ss Maxwell's invocation fails to have any affect. He tries to use his other senses to perceive any potential attackers.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Cacumattus Diuberr |
Given we're in single file, I assume the stairs are a five-foot-wide deal? And it's a spiral so I'm guessing there's no line of sight from the front to the back if the party
Hearing Maxwell react to an attack, Cacumattus quickly reasons it must have come from behind. "I think there's something back here," he calls (FA), drawing his crossbow (MA) and firing at the square behind Maxwell (SA).
Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Miss% (darkness): 1d100 ⇒ 45
Oh yeah, firing blind through soft cover into a square I'm only guess the enemy might be in. Wisdom 7, everybody.
-Zarzuket- |
Before doing anything, Zarzuket tries to perceive what is going on back by Maxwell using a sense other than his sight.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Ow, not with that roll.
Luke_Parry |
@Cacumattus: RAW, you can't fire a ranged weapon unless you can see the square that you are targeting, unfortunately :-/, also, for future reference, it is a move action to load a light crossbow.
Round 1:
Cacumattus draws his crossbow, and loads it, ready to shoot at the first target to present itself.
Zarzuket strains his ears, desperately trying to hear anything... but all he can hear is the noise from his companions.
Hisao hears a gurgling chirp from further up the corridor, behind Maxwell...
Tenderstump waits patiently in line.
Round 1: Maxwell, ?, Cacumattus, Zarzuket, Hisao, Tenderstump, Tyr, Maeron
If people are unable to post, I will be happy to bot them, as required.
Maeron Calaerdaer |
Maeron pulls his bow into his hands off his shoulder, notching an arrow as he does so. The pitched darkness had to have come from somewhere, if they could assess where they would be able to face their foe. Concerned that moving in the blackout could cause further confusion, Maeron calls out.
"This darkness came from somewhere! If we can locate the source we can remove it and face our foe!"
Catching his breath, the druid speaks a command to his companion.
"Tenderstump, when you see our assailant, attack it!"
Handle Animal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
If anyone has Detect Magic, we can use it to locate the source of the Darkness to remove it?
I still have a standard action left, but I won't use it. Tenderstump will pass this turn.
Hisao |
That running down a pitch black staircase of a mausoleum dungeon he's never been in before might be the best available course of action does not fill Hisao with confidence. Nevertheless he follows Tyr down.
Maxwell Carter |
None too thrilled with the idea of being attacked by an unknown assailant and having no real way to combat the attacker Max decides to get away from it as fast as possible!
"Something is back here! Go forward!" he shouts and attempts to move as best he can away from whatever is swiping at him. He tries to do so as fast as he can, but without being reckless enough to hurt himself or anyone he bumps into.
Plunging down a stairway in the dark doesnt seem like the best option, but it's all I can come up with at the moment! I hope I don't break anything...
Luke_Parry |
Hustling down the staircase, the party finds that after a few turns, it passes out of the magical darkness, and its lanterns begin to work again.
The stairs continue downward for another 100' or so, before terminating in a small chamber. Old carvings cover the walls of this square chamber, thick with dust and cobwebs. Three sets of stone double doors stand in the three facing walls. Heavy bronze seals emblazoned with the symbol of Pharasma secure the doors against whatever lies beyond.
For a few tense minutes, you worry that the creature might follow you, but it appears to have lost interest...
Ambush predators do not tend to chase very far ;-)
Cacumattus Diuberr |
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Sigh. At that rate I'm lucky to even notice the doors.
"Hmm, three identical looking doors. Anyone have any preference for which to take? I've always been partial to left, myself."
Maeron Calaerdaer |
Following down behind the other, ushering Tenderstump ahead of him, Maeron steps forward and looks over the room.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Really dice!
Seeing nothing that stands out he edges closer to the door, gripping his bow tighter and keeping an eye on the darkness they fled from.
"I have no preference, I know little about tomb exploration"
Hisao |
Glad to be not dead Hisao pauses to catch his breath before turning his gaze to the doors.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
and shrugs. "I recognize none of these. Do you not suppose these doors can be lock picked?"
Considering I rolled a 1 I think it's safe to say his bandana has gone over his eyes and he hasn't even noticed. He does gave some disable device skills though
Maeron Calaerdaer |
Nodding at Hisao, Maeron gestures towards the chimes.
"It seems our way forward can only be accessed using those chimes."
The elf steps back into his position within the groups marching order. Maeron then waves his hand across his bow, muttering a few druidic words, casting a Light spell on it to further illuminate the room and ensure he is not dependant on Maxwells lightsource.
Hisao |
Hisao grimaces as he reads the graffiti that Tyr pointed out. "Riddles.. I am not good with riddles. But the heart is not in left or right of chest. It is in the center"
Looking again he tries to see if the pattern of dust around the doors is different between the left and right. If one of them has been used more than it stands to reason that it would be less dusty there.
Perception door dust: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14