They are still behind you.

Three days ago, after a long night of drinking whatever it was that Thousand Bones said was the local drink...it stopped smelling like lizard after you had your second round.  Of course, everything stopped smelling after you had your second round...you woke in the morning to find One Life waiting for you with three young men.  They were guides to see you safely out of the Kerrows and help get you on your way.  Thanks to them, your trip has been mostly uneventful.  Mostly  The heat is of course oppressive.  Also, Krojun seems to be following you.  He is leading a small group of men.  Five including himself.  They are keeping a respectable distance.  Your guides said he should have turned more north after the second morning.  One of them rode out to Krojun's group and came back. The young man shrugged.  He says he's just happens to be heading the same way.  I think he just wants ta mess with your heads.  He won't come after you while we're here.

That does seem to be the case.  Krojun's group stays just within sight, setting up camp when you do.  Already waiting to head out at the same time you do.  He must be curious to see what you're going to get up to.

Two hours before dusk on the third day, your guide points at a small rise about a half mile up.  There's a shallow rut on the other side.  The place you seek is there.

Thousand Bones was maddeningly vague about it.  It is some left over from some race that walked this land before our grandparents ancestors dreamed of being born.  There are a few such ruins around the Cinderlands.  The Moon Clan is fascinated with them.  They consider them holy ground.  The rest of us give those places a wide berth.  My Clan has a lot of experience with dead places.  And it's usually a truism that if it's dead, don't poke it if you want it stay that way.

You arrive soon after.  The sun is starting to come down.  Your guides point back around the rise.  We're going to set up camp back there.  You going down now?  Or waiting for first light?

Zuni looked over the shallow rut and frowned.  "Let's camp here and go down in the morning.  I don't fancy exploring a ruin in the dark, especially with Krojun and his goons behind us and possible undead lurking in the ruin."

Selvin didn't like Krojun that much, or the fact that he was following them...with a group of other barbarians. He didn't trust that Krojun wouldn't make trouble for them at some point either really. But he didn't want to give the man the satisfaction, so he restrained himself from looking back over his shoulder at their followers. It was a hard thing, however. He caught himself a couple of times starting to look back, and managed mostly to convert it to looking at one of his companions.

He gave a nod of agreement after a moment's thought. "Yes. Tomorrow'll be fine, provided our followin' friends," The word friends was slightly emphasized to indicate it was the opposite, "don't give us any trouble t'night."

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 3):

I don't think they will, your guide says with a shrug.  Honestly, if he wanted to kill us, he's had a lot of opportunities.  He is Krojun after all.

The camp is made next to an outcropping of rock.  It not only provides some shelter from the wind, it also limits the number of possible approaches.  Your guides begin regaling you with stories about your pursuer.

Krojun is obviously somewhat of a hero to them.  The tales of him include him taking on ten opponents at once, tricking a greedy oheke merchant out of his gold, and sleeping with five women in one night.

Not to change the subject to one that's less nauseating, but about that ruin below... says Chandanar at one point.

Ah.  I know it is one of the Moon Clan's pilgrimage sights.  They call it 'The Sleeper's Palace'.  One of their parties brought one of their dead to us once when I was a boy.  My father stayed up late drinking with them, exchanging tales.  The Moon Clan spoke a little of this place.  They called it the 'Place to Appreciate Silence'.  I also recall that most pilgrims make their way to the lower level.  But what that means, I can not really tell you.  That is all I know.  I hope it proves to be of some benefit.

"Maybe, but it certainly doesn't mean we shouldn't be prepared for something to happen tonight. But this place is...nice," he said, pausing to think of a word. He wished he knew more about the being swallowed ritual or the legends of these people so he could better prepare for what they had to do, but despite the closeness to Korvosa, the people of the wastelands seemed entirely different. "So, who's ready to be swallowed alive within the week."

Zuni took a seat and pulled off her boots.  She smirked up at Selvin as she started to make herself comfortable.  "I can think of better things to do than get myself swallowed but it should make for a bit of excitement.  I wonder which of us will taste the best?  Do you think that it will like the taste of kitty cat?"

Zuni stretched lazilyand glanced back towards Krojuns camp.  "....I am so tempted to sneak over there and cause a little mischief..."

Selvin had to stop himself from rolling his eyes at the stories told about their pursuer, Korjun the Mighty Jerk. Finally, talk turned to the pilgrimage's end - well for the Moon Clan, at least. Their own pilgrimage was going to go much further before it ended, and included being swallowed by a giant worm!!

He stuck his tongue out at Zuni. "Oh, I've been told I taste pretty good." He let out a chuckle, but then the smile faded slowly. "Man. This has been SOME weird trip, yah? Lots o'twists an' turns, an' more crazy things then I EVER thought I'd see!"

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 7):

Well.  At least we'll have an interesting tale to tell our grandkids. Chandanar looks up at the sliver of moon in the sky as he speaks.  At least those of us who survive to have grandkids.  But do you think Korvosa will ever be the same?  I mean...it wasn't in great shakes when we left.

<Orange>Just want to make sure Zuni didn't want to follow up on her wish of making mischief.  If not, we'll advance to the morning.  If so, well.  I'll wait to see what kind of mischief you want to make.  Thanks</Aqua>

Zuni thought about what she could do Krojuns camp.  She thought of herself as fairly stealthy, so maybe she could swipe something from the big lunk, or maybe leave something special behind.

Her companions discussion brought her attention back to the immediate surroundings.  "I think that Korvosa will go on, with or without us." she said, turning to lie back and stare up at the sky.  "I'd like to think that things will get better.  I'd also like to think that we'll be around to see that happen. That's a worthy goal in life, right?"

"Did anyone get a count of how many were with Krojun?"

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 9):

The guide studies Krojun's camp fire. He has five riders with him.

Zuni, I will answer you here. Up to ya'll. I'm not one to mind going off script. Let me know by Monday evening though please. Thanks

The Guides wake you a couple of hours before sunrise.  They feed you a light breakfast of dried meat and cakes made of potato and beans.  We scouted the approach to the site.  There are no traps or snares.  So you may approach with no concern.  But we did not venture inside.  So once you pass through the archway, be wary.  We are going to go out into the Cinderlands to hunt.  Our plan is to be back at this spot this time tomorrow.  We will wait one additional day for you to return.  May your ancestors watch your steps.

True to the guide's word, the approach is uneventful.  The small gully slopes down to an opening in the rock face of the mound.  The opening was probably a cave entrance, but someone has carved it into an actual arch.  Emblems were inscribed on the walls, but time seems to have worn them down.  You can't tell what was once carved here.  Beyond, a wide set of fairly worn but serviceable stairs are carved into the earth.  They descend in a steep angle.

You follow the stairs down and down some more.  There is a strange scent to the air.  Not unpleasant but not comforting either.  It's not one you recognize, but it smells vaguely of the ocean.  After a couple of minutes, the stairs let out into a large chamber.

The air in this massive cathedral-like space seems strangely cool. The ceiling vaults into the shadows above to a height of nearly sixty feet, while the walls are carved with vertical ridges that rise to support the arch above. A five-foot-wide
balcony rings the room, the floor of which drops fifteen feet into a pool of dark water. A bridge crosses the pool down the room’s center, and two large stone doors stand in the walls to the south and east. Smaller doors sit in the walls to the
northwest and northeast—all four doors bear depictions of seven-pointed-stars.

Izzick wandered a few steps in, keeping his eyes open while looking around. He didn't dare touch anything, but he tried to find where the ages hadn't worn down the stone too much searching out anything that stood out from any books he'd read back in his days at the Acadamae. "We need the lower levels right?" he asked, eyes moving from runes to stars to whatever else he could find.

Perception: 00:47, Today: Izzick rolled 17 using 1d20-1.

Knowledge Arcana: 00:47, Today: Izzick rolled 14 using 1d20+8.

Knowledge History: 00:47, Today: Izzick rolled 12 using 1d20+4.

Selvin woke with a large yawn and proceeded to do a full body stretch, much like a cat. He slowly came to full awareness and then began the process of summoning his cat-like otherworldly ally. "Zak" showed up and enveloped the half-elf Selvin, the two becoming one once more.

He nodded to their guides. "Thanks. See you then hopefully."

He stepped forward and downward, keeping his eyes and ears peeled. He looked at Izzick and nodded. "Sounds right." He looked at the various doors. "But which was is it?" He glanced at Zuni with a raised eyebrow to see if she had any idea. "I'd say across an' through the big doors personally."

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 13):

Map should now be available on Group 1 game map.  Thanks.

The room was carved with magic Izzick.  That much you can tell for sure.  The odd engravings are similar to those associated with the Rune Lords.  But other than that, you can't make much sense of them.

An odd feeling grips all of you.  An uneasy sensation.  Like it's too quiet.  Or the air is too dusty.  The water in the pool is too murky.  Or the balconies seem too vacant.  It's hard not to find something that doesn't seem innocent yet somehow off base here.

But you hear no noise other than your own breathing.

You are basically standing around the point where A1 meets A2 on the map.  Let me know if you'd like to do anything here.  Thanks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:37, Fri 26 May 2017.

"...there's doors...." Zuni said, pointing out the doors along the balcony.  "Guess I'll be keeping my pick locks handy.  I say that we go right and start checking out these doors.  I don't fancy leaving unopened doors behind us."

She looked between Izzick and Selvin.  "Are you guys...feeling anything magical?"

"Whole room really," Izzick said aloud, as he looked around, "And something else. But not sure what...just doesn't feel right." As he looked at Zuni head towards the right he began to follow along with her, "Your eyes are probably better for this kind of stuff, so be on the lookout for anything." He'd seen Zuni notice minutia he'd never see and pick locks he wouldn't have a clue about - whatever was wrong he was sure she'd see it coming before he did.

Selvin, as quietly as he could, cast a spell on himself, muttering arcane words. A flash of blue light erupted around his eyes and he blinked a few times. "right. i'll check it out."

Then he took to the air and flew forward, keeping his eyes and ears open for anything unusual...well, any movement or sound at all WOULD be unusual really.

OOC: Cast See Invisibility on myself and fly forward 40ft, staying in the air.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 17):

Selvin ascends towards the ceiling, scanning the room from above.

It becomes quickly apparent someone has been here before.  There are tracks in the dust of the north balcony showing someone walked to the northwest door.

Selvin peered around a bit. Then he called back to his allies. "I can see tracks in the dust, from someone else bein' here before. Looks like they head t'the northwest door. So maybe that door?" He looked back at his companions for their reactions.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 19):

Chandanar looks at Zuni, Belgar, and Izzick and shrugs.  Don't suppose one of you guys with the pointy sticks would like to go first, would you?

Zuni steps forward.  "Ladies with pointy sticks first."  She  replied to Chandanar and made her way tot he first door to the South.  She stopped at the door to give it a looking over for anything malicious.

OOC:
Perception -> 23

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 21):

As you get closer to the door, you can see the signs Selvin indicated Zuni.  There are some tracks in the dust that look like footprints.  And these are recent.  The problem is they just appear a few steps from the door.  There's no sign of them at the entrance, nor on the stairs leading up to the door.

The door is decorated with the faded symbols adorning the walls.  None of them seem particularly dangerous or actively magical.  From the other side of the wood you hear a clinking sound.  Like thin metal rubbing against itself.

A deep voice speaks up from the other side.  A man's rich baritone loaded with a Chelaxian accent.  Well.  Blast me.  It seems we have been discovered.  We mean you no harm.  Would you like to step in or should we step out?

Selvin was so startled that he almost fell out of the air, hovering above and to the side of Zuni. He recovered quickly, however, and tossed Zuni a look. He mouthed the word 'out' to her and he went up a bit higher and tried to get to a place he wouldn't immediately be noticed.

OOC: Not sure if a stealth check is necessary or desired.

"Uhm...yeah...discovered."  Zuni said once the surprise of the moment had passed.  She was frozen in mid step but she relaxed and gave a nod in reply to Selvins suggestion, even though she couldn't see him.  She glanced back at her other companions, to make sure that they were ready.  "We're just that good.  Why don't you come out and we can talk."

Izzick kept his hands up, ready to bring about arcane magic if needed as he seconded Zuni's words, "Make sure no weapons drawn. We're not going to be welcoming to more trouble - we've got plenty enough as is." He'd managed to intimidate an assassin, he hoped it was good enough for whoever was behind the doorway.

The door swings open slowly.  Whatever you were expecting...well.

There are two people coming out.  The first is a large, thick, slightly fat human man.  Older, with a couple of chins and eyebrows thick enough to serve as pillows.  He is dressed in a red and black leather robe that somehow manages to be both serviceable and garish looking at the same time.  His hands are covered with odd tattoos.  From what you can gather they seem to be cavorting skeletons dancing across his knuckles.  He has both hands raised, palms facing out, an amused smile tracing across his lips.  Good day.  I am Count Sial.  This is my assistant.  Asyra.  I can assure you that she, like myself, bear you no current malice.

It's readily apparent why he is offering assurances about Asyra first.  There is little doubt she is Abyssal.  Her bluish skin is amply explosed despite the profusion of chains which seem to be hanging all over her body.  The chains are draped in a way that covers her naughtiest bits, but only barely.  She glances at you all with greyish eyes before turning back to the Count and pressing her body against his hip.

Sial continues in a thick Chelaxian accent.  It seems we have both arrived at this edifice.  May I inquire as to your purpose here?

Zuni couldn't help but stare at the woman.  She'd seen plenty of fat men in her years but never a woman such as this.  And what in the hells was she wearing?  It looked more appropriate for a den of ill repute then traipsing around ruined temples.

She took a moment to compose herself.  She hadn't missed the part about 'current' malice.  Hopefully that wouldn't change.  Zuni gives her most friendly smile.  "I am Lady Zunithia and these are my companions.  We are traveling this desert when we saw these ruins.  I'm afraid that curiosity got the better of me and I asked my companions if we could explore it.  It also gets us out of the sun for a while.  How about you?  What brings you to this place?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Mon 05 June 2017.

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 27):

Much the same, he intones, smiling pleasantly while pressing the fingertips of each hand together to form a steeple.  I have an interest in such places.  And I was told what I seek might be found here.  May I offer an accord?  Since exploring ruins is often an eventful business, maybe we could pool our efforts?  Or at least agree to not resort to hostilities?

Selvin stayed still up on the wall above where he had flown up. His eyes narrowed as he took in the pair that emerged, especially the woman. She seemed otherworldly, but in a different way than he was...but he also noted the chains. He didn't like slavery. Not one bit.

For the moment, however, he gave Zuni a chance to talk to them...and filed away to ask her about the 'Lady' bit, if it was real.

OOC: Trying to see if he seems to be telling the truth or not.
11:00, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sense Motive.

Zuni didn't trust the man but she wasn't about to let it show.  She did not need to give his offer too much thought.  "I think that pooling our resources would be mutually beneficial.  You mentioned that you were looking for something?  What might that be?  We can help you look."

OOC:
Sense Motive -> 20

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 30):

Knowledge, he says with little hesitation.

He says it easily and with no hint of hesitation.  Either he's a very good liar or he is sincere in his offer.  Of course, he doesn't seem chatty about what the 'knowledge' he is looking for is.

He gestures around the larger chamber.  This room was probably used as a divination chamber of sorts. At least that's my guess based on what I see. He smiles blandly.  Is that the sort of information you came here in search of?

I'm back.  Let's move along

Izzick and Belgar, you watch the exchange between Zuni and Today's Frenemy special, probably with some caution.  It is that same caution that causes both of you to turn to look behind you, though for different reasons.

You both hear the footsteps coming down the hall you came from. As you turn you see Krojun and his band of merry men coming down the hallway.

But Belgar you notice something else as well.  It sounds like a swish of water.  Nothing loud.  Just a small swish.  You look at the pool and see some movement to the water, but nothing indicating trouble.

"A divination chamber you say?" Zuni says.  She has no idea if this was true or not but she still gives the chamber a quick look around.  Could he be some manner of Cleric?  If he was telling the truth then a Cleric would certainly be knowledgable in that area.Perhaps she could pry a little more and get a better measure of the man.  "And how did you come to that conclusion?  I don't see anything here that might suggest that but I have to admit that I have little knowledge of the design of divination chambers."

OOC: Sorry, could have sworn I posted, but the unfinished post was still in my Scratchpad, sigh.


Selvin's eyes narrowed as he listened to the Chelaxian. He didn't trust him. He didn't fault the man's ancestry as he had no stones to throw in the regard. There was just something about him that rubbed Selvin the wrong way - oh, and of course there was the fact that man seemed to be a slave-owner.

But then the situation changed and that fricking idiot came in to the room, the stupid barbarian who wouldn't leave them alone. Selvin let out a quiet frustrated growl and muttered, "Oh, you gotta be kiddin' me. I'm sure he isn't here t'cause us trouble."

He then landed next to Zuni and set himself where he could see both Krojun and the fat man, visibly ready for a fight.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 34):

And what do we have here? Krojun throws his hands wide, as if surprised and delighted at your presence.  If it isn't everyone's favorite Outsiders?  And who's this?  A couple of new faces?  We should really have a cookout.

The Chelaxian is quiet a moment and then cocks an eyebrow.  Friend of yours? he says to you all.

Krojun barks a laugh but says nothing.  Nor does he make any other movements.  His men stand behind him, just as still.

"Well, we are looking to become family." That said, friends was hardly the word he'd call Krojun. Enemy? Nemesis at this point? No that was certainly still the queen. "And what reason to you have to follow us here Krojun? I can't imagine that you came all this way just for us. Or are you that interested in helping us out?" Oblivious to the sounds in the water, he stayed looking at the Moon-clan barbarian who'd been following them for days. He'd hoped the guides would keep him out. Or fears of trespassing on holy territory.

Selvin looked at the Cheliax man and quietly said, "More of a stalker really."

He smiled and spoke loudly to the group entering, turning to face them. "Ah, good, Krojun. You're finally here. I thought we were gonna have t'wait here all day for you. How nice of you t'watch the door for us."

He turned to his companions, "We should ignore him an' keep movin'."

Zuni couldn't help but roll her eyes at Krojuns entrance.  Why did he feel the need to follow them down here?  "He's really too obnoxious to ignore." She responded to Selvin.

Putting a pleasant smile back on her face, Zuni turned and made a sweeping gesture towards Krojun.  "Count Sial, Asyra.  May I introduce you to Krojun.  He happens to be travelling in the same direction as we are.  Krojun, this is Count Sial and his lovely assistant Asyra."

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 38):

Assistant? Looks like only the first three letters of that are right

Sial smirks darkly at Krojun's comment while Asyra simply titters and blows a kiss in the Ashlander's direction.

Oh good. We're goin' high brow now, huh? Uh...lissen guys. Or look guys is more like it. <Aqua> Chandanar returns your stares and then glances at his left hand. It is pointing at the pool. <Aqua>I mean that literally. Look. There.

There is definite movement under the murky waters of the pool. And not just in one spot.

The half orc turned as Chandenar pointed, "Uh oh." Whatever was under the water was bad news and his brain was already trying to figure out which way he should face while they were flanked by Krojun and that. Taking a second look, he decided even Krojun had to be better than giant shadows hidden beneath waves...at least by a margin. "Krojun, are you here for something in particular? Or can we just ignore you while we handle this?"

Zuni shot Krojun a look composed of many, many sharp daggers.  So Asyra was really putting it all out there with that little bit of nothing that she was almost wearing, and from the looks of it she liked the attention, but Zuni was finding Krojuns behavior to be more and more grating.  She briefly thought about tossing Krojun into the water at the bottom of the room but that would probably just make him annoying and wet.

Zuni lowered her voice, hoping that only her companions could hear her.  "Get ready to back out of this room but let's wee what we're up against first."  She looked over at Lord Sial.  "Do you have any idea what that could be?" she asked, pointing towards the water.

Sial is studying the water with narrowed eyes. He shakes his head at Zuni's question.

Krojun looks at the pool as well. He makes some signal to his men and they all draw weapons. Krojun mutters Yeah. Let's consider the flirtin' on hold until....this... He seems lost for words and shrugs, hoisting a spear as he watches the pool.

Neither he nor Sial seem to have any inkling of what's going on.

The water in the pools suddenly begins to froth and rock in it's basin. Then several largecolumns shoot forth from the bottoms of the pool.

Oh no. Wait. Those 'columns' are sort of rubbery and slimy. The tips of them are curled into odd barbed hooks. They smell...off. Not nauseating. Just...not right. You can't place your finger on it. It's a bit like walking into a field of lavendar only to find all the flowers smelled like garlic. That's the scent these giant tentacles give off. They just aren't right. Eight of them emerge from the water and bounce off the ceiling. Ten more seem to be coming up from below on their heels. Each tentacle is as thick around as a half orc necromancer or a barbarian asshole.

In short, this looks like a bad way to start off your exploration of these ruins.

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 42):

I am going at init 6. Ya'll go

Would Izzick recognize this?
02:11, Today: Izzick rolled 27 using 1d20+8.  Knowledge Arcana.
Figure it can't hurt to try and guess.

His hands moved in arcane gestures and immediately the tentacles came under a barrage of fire, searing the pillars of bizarre barbed flesh with twin rays of flame as he finished speaking the words of the spell. "Sial, Asyra, Krojun? Any of you have a good way to cut these down to size. Looks like more are on the way."

02:16, Today: Izzick rolled 14 using 1d20+7.  Scorching Ray 1.
02:17, Today: Izzick rolled 13 using 4d6+1.  Ray 1.

02:16, Today: Izzick rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Scorching Ray 2.
02:18, Today: Izzick rolled 21 using 4d6+1.  Ray 2.
(OF COURSE, I do almost max damage on the one that probably doesn't hit)

These are touch attacks, and if it matters, I'll hit two different tentacles.

Selvin, for some reason, was a bit slower to react than the others. Maybe he'd just been watching Krojun so intently, that he missed the pool. He let out a roar and flew in at the tentacles, biting, clawing and stinging at them as quickly and ferociously as he could.

In blur of motion, Zuni drew her blade and slipped into a readied stance.  "Careful Selvin." She said after her companion.  Those tentacles looked nasty and smelled wrong.  "Anyone have any idea of what this is?"

OOC:
Initiative ->27
Ready Action to attack any Tentacle that comes within reach

Izzick, these are beyond your experience. They are definitely not of this world. But from where?

As you and Selvin slam into them, the whole mass seems to react. As a whole, they head towards Selvin. Because he is airborne, he is able to manuever out from under them. But lkke a wave breaking against the beach, the mass begins to duverge and speead outwards.

More are breaking the surfa e.

Sial scowls. This is unnatural. In the worst kind of way. We need to flee this chamber. He eyes the door to the east. To get there you'll need to rush through the worst of the tentacle mass.

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 47):

Krojun snarls and motions his men to head back the way they came. HEY SLIMY TOES! OVER HERE!<Blue> he yells, flining his spear into one tentacle and a torch into another one. The tentacles turn his way. <Blue>Now! RUN! You think this time he's yelling at you.

Chandanar gulps. I think he's giving us an opening? Run further in? Or back outside?

Selvin didn't run, at least not right away (nor fly away as the case would be for him). "Krojun, unless yer comin' in deeper with us, you should get your people outta here!" He looked at his teammates, "We ain't done here yet, so let's get goin' deeper inside, yah?"

He then attacked the creature again and moved slightly away.

"He's doing what?"  Zuni chanced a glance over at Krojun.  Why was he helping them?  "I knew that you really liked us, Krojun."  Zuni said and made a dash for the other end of the chamber.

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 50):


The Tentacles dive first after the retreating Krojun, then at Selvin, who performs a last dash-and-slash, before following the rest of you into the door to the east.  Sial and his companion elect to go with you.

The door is thick stone but swings open as easily as a well oiled house gate.  As the last of you make it inside, the door is shut with a satisfying THUD sound. From behind it, you can hear the tentacles whipping around the room like a sand storm in a tornado.

You are standing in a bare room whose only feature is glowing hole in the floor.  The hole it the entrance to a shaft that leads down into the earth.  The light comes from the sides of the shaft and appear to be the result of some enchantment.  The shaft sniffs benign to your more magically inclined members.  Some slight alteration magic designed to allow the shaft to be used as an elevator of sorts.  You can ascend or descend by stepping over the lip of the hole.  The magic will either slow your descent or raise you up from below.

Sial studies the hole and peers down the shaft.  I think it is safe enough.  Though what lies below...Well.  Would you like me to go first?
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:52, Tue 27 June 2017.

Izzick inhaled as they entered the 'safe' room. At least the tentacles didn't sound like they could get through and that was a relief. He took a look around. This was certainly a strange place and even as he moved over to the mystical passageway, he gave it the ok of safety. At least, as far as he could tell. "Maybe just a minute to catch our breath first. And maybe figure out the hells Krojun was doing here. And the hells that was..."

Is Krojun with us or did he retreat outside?

Selvin deftly, and barely, avoided the probing thrashing tentacles after he bit and clawed and stung the things some more. Then he pulled back and headed after his allies...and some strangers along with them. He barely pulled his tail in before the door would have slammed shut on it! He was panting heavily as he landed and caught his breath, trying to let the adrenaline fade.

I don't...know what...it was...but it was...unhappy. Heh." He gave a weak grin.

He grimaced at Sial. "Hells no! You're not some expendable cannon fodder. If we ain't all goin' t'gether, I'll go first."

Zuni sheathed her blade with a flourish and looked at the portal.  "It looks wide enough for more than one person to go through..." she mused and then looked over at Selvin.  he was technically the largest of them, surrounded by his otherworldly friend.

Zuni, realizing that she was standing very close to Selvin couldn't help but subtly reach out and poke gently at the fascinating blue energy around Selvin.  The energy felt...well it felt like there was something there but still...

The symbiote's blue glowing tail, almost like it had a mind of it's own, swung around to playfully, and lightly, bat Zuni's leg (with the stinger curled away from her, of course). The tiger-like head turned to regard her with what could almost be a feline smile.

Selvin, of course, noticed none of this....or at least he didn't show it openly - there might be a small twitching of his lips, but that could be anything, right?

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 54):

THUMP

Chandanar eyes the door which just suddenly rocked in it's frame.  Uhhh...maybe we should leave whatever it is to it's exercise time

Sial nods.  Quite.  My guess is it's something from the Black.  It would be fascinating to study. Assuming we could survive it.

Yeah, that last part would put a crimp in the mirth  Chandanar waves his hand at the portal.  Who's first?

I need the order ya'll proceed into the shaft.  I'll just assume the order you post is the order you go.  The Chain Devil will be going with the first person, Sial with the second, Chandanar and Belgar with the third.  Izzy, Krojun is not here.  He fled back up the entrance, trying to distract the tentacles to chase after him and give ya'll a chance to escape

You step over the edge of the shaft and start to fall.  But then the air under your feet seems to push back against you and you are slowly descending.  It's an odd sensation no matter how you cut it.

The shaft descends about seventy feet before ending in the southern end of large north-south running stone hall.  The hall is large.  Circular at this end but opening up into an eighty or so foot rectangular roon to the north.  The walls bear the same types of designs in the entry chamber.  The glyphs are meaningless to you, but seem to hint at some knowledge that may best be left alone.

It appears there is an archway going to the east at the northern end of the hallway.

Selvin leaned back from the door as it banged, then he let out a little chuckle to relieve his tension. "Heh. Yeah, alright."

He cracked his neck one way and walked towards the pit. "I can fly so I'll go first, in case anything goes wrong." It wasn't a question.

He stepped off in to the pit's open mouth. It was what he expected, though he had half-expected it wouldn't work or something. He smirked slightly. "Almost like feather fall."

He stepped further in once he landed to give room for the rest coming down, but he waited for Zuni to check things over before going too far.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:46, Wed 28 June 2017.

Zuni watched Selvin descend, followed by the scantily clad woman.  She briefly thought for a moment how she might look, dressed like the chained devil, but such thoughts were not meant for this moment.

"I'll go next."  She said, stepping into the open space of the circle.  It was an odd feeling dropping through the tunnel at a slower rate than she had expected, and a kind of fun.  By the time that her feet were just touching the floor of the room below, Zuni had figured out how to put a slow spin on her descent.

Zuni grinned at Selvin.  "Well, you're still here so nothing bad must have happened, but let's just make sure."

OOC:
Perception -> 18

Izzick got on last, jumping in with Belgar and Chandanar to ride the air wave down. As they lowered down a floor, he looked to his companions, Sial and the devilish companion of the scholar. "Seems like we all made it at least. Where to now?" he asked as he began to look around where they'd ended up at the bottom of the tunnel.

Selvin gave a slow clap as Zuni descended in a slow spin. He grinned at her and gave a bow with one arm gestured to where she might begin looking for traps. "Nice. After you, m'lady."

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 60):

Zuni, you sweep the large chamber with a now much-too-much practiced eye.
Nothing screams murderkilldie. Wait. Halfway along the eastern wall there's an oddness to the shape of a thin crack on the wall. It's an almost perfect arc shape. Upon scanning it closer you realize there is a circular opening in the wall that's sealed with a large tight fitting stone plug. The hole is taller than Izzick or even Zac/Selvin . You don't think there is anything mechanical to it. It looks lkke somehow, someone just stuck a perfectly fitting stone plug into the hole in the wall. What that plug must weigh you can't imagine. It would depend on how far back the hole goes.

Despite that, there seems to be nothing else besides the archway further to the north.

"Just what every girl wants from a man.  To go first towards deadly traps.  How you spoil me, Selvin."  Zuni chuckled as she moved to examine the strange plug in the wall.  "At least I'm better with traps and locks than I am in a kitchen.  This is an odd adornment.  It reminds me of a plug for a bath tub..."

Zuni straightened up and looked up at the ceiling.  "Do you suppose that if we pull this out, it would drain the water from the chamber above?  Perhaps that is how we get back up the tunnel?  We flood this chamber and swim."

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 62):

Chandanar shakes his head.  I think the pools would be to the west of us.  This plug is covering something to the east.  It may not open on to the pools.

Sial is inspecting the glowy shaft you all rode down.  I think there is magic on this platform that works in reverse from this side.  We should levitate back up if we step on it.  If not... He shrugs and turns back towards you all.  I am sure we are all suitably able to ascend on our own.  How could we manage to move the plug?  It seems fairly tight in it's placement.  Honestly, I would not have even noticed it had you not mentioned it.   He is correct in that it sits fairly flush with the wall.

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 63):

You guys want to keep investigating this plug? Or hrad to the archway in the northeast? Thanks

Selvin let out a chuckle. "Who needs t'cook when we go out t'eat at a nice restaurant? Good food, good drink, music, ambience." He joked but he kept his eyes and ears peeled for any hints of danger.

He shook his head at Chandanar. "Negatory on the pools, good buddy. Let's avoid those for the moment. Just in case tentacular can get t'them too, or am I bein' paranoid?"

He looked around and shrugged. "I say archway."

Zuni frowned at the plug.  Maybe it was nothing to be concerned with but she still wanted to make sure.

"Just give me a minute with this thing."  she said to the others, walking up to the plug to get a better look at it.

OOC:
Perception -> 28

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 66):

The plug is more massive than you thought. Your guess is it must go back quite a ways into the wall. It feels dry. If it leads to the pools, the blockage is further back. There's no mold or moisture around the plug line for example.

You do come across a hole near the top. By standing on your tiptoes, you can see that it looks like a long crack or imperfection in the alignment here. If you were an inch high, you might be able to slip down there.

Sial notices where you are looking Zuni. If you wish to investigate, I may have something that could assist. He reaches into a pouch at his waist and returrns with a small vial filled with a clear liquid. This will allow the user to enter a sort of...gaseous existence. I have enough for four draughts. Which means two of us could use it, see if it leads anywhere, and if so investigate, then return.

Zuni looked at the vial and her eyes widened in wonder for a brief moment.  She'd used healing potions, even stolen potions, but never had she used one that would alter her physical state.  The idea was addictively enticing and it made her agree a little too eagerly.

"Yes!  I mean, we should certainly investigate while we are here."  she said, calming herself.  "Assuming that it's safe of course."

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 68):

Chandanar looks around. Who else wants to go? If not I will

"Really? We're doin' that? We can't jus' move on an' keep goin'?" Selvin grimaced and let out a heavy sigh. He rolled his eyes and threw his head back. "UGH! Fine." He walked back over to Zuni, tilted his head with a "Are you serious?" look on his face, then he shook his head and chuckled. He held out his hand to Sial for the vial. "Right. Let's get this over with."

"Who else? Sial?" He didn't much like the idea of splitting up, but he supposed of all of them, Selvin could handle himself the best alone. He looked to the researchers who'd come into the tomb, wondering if either of them would be going with the summoner or if a second one would be going with Selvin.

Sial shrugs and hands over the vial.  Selvin and Zuni drink.  The mixture has an odd, cool, minty sensation.  Like you have just bitten into a peppermint candy of some kind.  Then your bodies come apart and reform into spirals of steam.  You float towards the crack.  The small, narrow passage formed by the crack goes back about twenty feet or so.  Then it opens into a large chamber.  The room is about thirty by thirty.  Glowing orbs hang from the ceiling, casting a dim light over the room.  To one side is a table with a bowl filled with water and a set of five plates.

There are the remains of four bodies on the floor.  The bodies must have been here for centuries.  Whatever killed them must have been massive.  Their bones are crushed almost to a powder in some places.  They each wear what were once probably very fine, very expensive robes.

Izzick, you watch your comrades drift towards the crack and then disappear inside.  Chandanar leans over to you and whispers Nice couple.  I was hopin' those two would get together.  He glances back at Sial and his chainy companion.  Should we just wait? he says aloud, Or go ahead and take a peek into that archway over yonder?

Zuni floated over towards the bodies, hardly believing that she had actually turned into a cloud of steam.  It felt strange but wonderful at the same time.

She floated closer to bodies to see if there was any clue as to what might have caused this, or if there was anything that they might want to acquire.

OOC:
Perception -> 11

Izzick thought a moment. If there was anything as fierce as the creature in the pools, they might be out of luck with just himself, Chandanar and the researchers, but he supposed he didn't know their capabilities either. "Perhaps if we're cautious. Who goes first?" He asked, before shrugging himself and moving towards the archeway, making his way through slowly to try and peer inside.

12:31, Today: Izzick rolled 18 using 1d20-1.  Perception.

The bodies appear to have been crushed in places Zuni. The wounds are not static enough to be from fallen debris or being crushed between walls. It looks like something beat them to death.

There are sparkles and glimmers, yes. The men seemed to have been wearing various pieces of jewelry. Also the bowl of water seems remarkably fresh and the plates remarkably clean.

---

Belgar shrugs and trods over to the archway, you following him close behind Izzick. There is a dim glow coming from beyond it, the closer you get.

Beyond the arch is a large room in the middle of wh8ch is a stone sphere. The sphere is the source of the dim, yellow glow. It's surface is decorated with odd blotches of paint that seem more than just random smatterings across the sphere's surface. You realize it is the moon. Whoever crafted this sphere painted it to resemble the moon in the night sky.

Out of habit, Zuni reached for the jewelry but seeing as her hands currently made out of steam, she failed to acquire any of it.

"I don't think that this was done by any trap." she pointed to several of the injuries the skeletons appeared to have suffered.  "We may find roaming beasties besides the giant tentacle thing on the main floor."

OOC:
Are there any other ways out of this room?

Izzick looked around before he made the realization. "The moon? We're inside the moon?" He might have even sounded crazy until he explained to anyone who didn't see the resemblance. But he still had to think a bit...WHY was this room painted like the moon and glowing? "You might be more knowledgeable than me about this ruin, Sial, do you have any idea the use of this room?"

In case Izzick does have any ideas:
01:58, Today: Izzick rolled 9 using 1d20+8.  Knowledge Arcana.
01:57, Today: Izzick rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge History.
01:57, Today: Izzick rolled 16 using 1d20-1.  Perception.

Selvin felt an unfamiliar sensation come over him, though the taste itself was nice. He had teleported before and an otherworldly being normally surrounded him so he was used to strange, but this was different. He felt...not solid, like he was no longer anchored and would float away at any moment. Instead he was able to sort of 'push' himself to follow Zuni into the small breach.

Selvin went and looked at the table, and then the bodies. He shook his...well his gaseous approximation of a head. "Yeah, that looks like somethin' beat them all t'death. I wonder if they were drugged or somethin' so they couldn't run away? Cause why would you sit there while somethin' beat the others t'death right? An' PAST death from the looks of it. I mean, somethin' wanted them REALLY dead an' pasted."

He began to look around the room itself more, checking the walls and ceiling, seeing if there were any exits or lurking monsters.

OOC: And of course, when I read this, York Peppermint Patty commercials raced through my brain, lol.

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 76):

Zuni and Selvin, there were four doses of the gaseous form potion. You used two of them getting here, so you have two more. You can escape the room if you want to become solid again.

There seems no obvious exit to the room Zuni and Selvin.  From the looks of things, there is nothing that screams obvious trap, secret passage, or anything else. The only entry to this room is blocked by the large stone plug. For some reason these people came down here and...pulled the plug behind them maybe?

---

Suprisingly, it is Chandanar who answers your question Izzick. He points at the walls, indicating what appear to be faded murals.

Those look like they should be representative of the planets. This room might have had some kind of astrological function

Sial glances at Chandanar and says with a smirk. I'm surprised someone who spends their life on their knees would be so familiar with the night sky He turns to you Izzick and his smirk seems to become more a smile as Sial says respectfully, to you, He has the right of it though. Divinations would be my guess. This chamber was probably used to make forecasts. And it seems to be the only chamber down here, not withstanding what your companions may have found. Sial glances at the walls, none of which have a further exit, and shrugs. Was this what your party was searching for?
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:03, Sun 16 July 2017.

Izzick spent some more time surveying the room. "We had hoped to confirm a legend in the region. One about a priestess who came here. We have some friends who are curious where her journey ended." He tried to keep his answer somewhat ambiguous to avoid saying they didn't have a clue what they were actually seeking out. This certainly didn't seem like it would be the case.

Zuni floated around the room.  Floated!  It was such an odd feeling to be a cloud of gas but it was also very exhilarating.  "...I'm going to have to get a few of these potions for later use..." she muttered to herself and she checked the room for anything suspicious.  With no other exits to the room, she was starting to wonder just how these victims got in here in the first place and how whatever had killed them had managed the same feat.

The safe thing to do would be to rejoin the others, but the shiny stuff was making a very enticing counter argument.  "Hey, Selvin.  About earlier."  Zuni started but was unsure how to continue.  "With these potions.  I don't...I've used healing potions and been attacked by magic, but I'm not often using it myself.  It's probably nothing for you, I mean look at you and your glowing friend, but magic was never something that..."

Zuni paused and looked back at the bowl of water and the clean plates. "Those are awfully clean, don't you think?  Can you sense if there's any magic around here?  If it's safe to liberate the shiny things?"

OOC:
Perception -> 25

Selvin chuckled and glanced over at Zuni with a raised...eyebrow of sorts. "This...this is new to me. I have never been gaseous before, though flying is something I am used to and yet still enjoy. I could fly you sometime if you wish."

He willed the potion's effect to end and became solid once more. "I'll check. He spoke the arcane words, made a few gestures to cast Detect Magic and looked around the room slowly to see if anything radiated magic.

OOC: 16:24, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 26,23 using d20+13,d20+9.  Perception and Spellcraft (if needed for Detect Magic).

In reply to Izzick (msg # 80):

Sial regards you a moment Izzick, then simply shrugs. Hmm.  It does not seem anyone has been here for some time.  Perhaps there is another secret entrance we missed. Let me check the room we just left.  He gestures in your direction while looking at Madam Chain Lady.  Guard them.  She curtsies slightly to Sial and then looks at you, smiling coyly.  Sial walks back into the room you just left.

Chandanar watches him go and then sighs.  He walks a few steps towards the big Moon orb-thing.  You think maybe we should poke around this thing?

---

While there was no sensation when you became gaseous, the transition back to flesh feels moist.  You come back to your bodies covered in a fine sheen of dew.  And you smell really, really good too.  Sort of like fresh cut flowers.

The room has some low level magicks Selvin.  Mostly maintenance and cleaning type stuff.  But nothing that seems hostile.

There are several points in the room that are brighter than the rest.  One of the rings worn on one of the corpses lights up like a torch.  It seems to be some kind of storage device for magic Ring of Spell Storing, currently empty.  There is also a pair of bracers on another one that seem well enchanted Bracers of Free Action/Defense +4.

The bowl and plates are designed to provide sustenance. The bowl probably links to the elemental plane and will always be filled with clean, potable water.  There doesn't seem to be a way to turn the magic off though.  So if you take it, you'll be carrying around a bowl of water.  The five plates will probably create a meal once or twice a day.  There's a word, Ivanum on the back that probably triggers the affect.

Questions so far ya'll?

Selvin tilted his head back and forth, opened and closed his jaw a few times, as if feeling that he was still there and still all solid as he poked himself in a few places a few times as well. He looked over at Zuni appraisingly, "Yup, you seem t'all be there too." He grinned at her.

Then he looked with glowing eyes and pointed things out. "Magic. That ring. I think it's a...spell storin' ring." He pointed at the bracers. "Those bracers're magic too. An' that bow. An' those plates." He picked up and examined each carefully to see what they were, and shared the information with Zuni. Then he said, "The ring an' the bracers we take, for sure. The bowl and plates...if we really wanna take 'em, well it's fresh water an' food each day." He chuckled.

"But nothin' that would indicate what killed the people here."

Shifting back to normal was just as odd a sensation as when Zuni turned into mist.  She just had to do a quick check and make sure that no part of her was missing.  Selvin looked to be all present as well and she smiled at his comment to her.  There was something in the way that he looked her over.  Was he...was he flirting?  That was not an unpleasant thought, but one better left for a later time.

"When in doubt, take everything and sort it out later."  Zuni said, putting the plates into her backpack.  She cautiously sampled the water in the bowl and then held it out to consider it.  She tipped the bowl to let some of the water out, only to watch it refill. Fascinated by this, Zuni let more water out from the bowl to repeat the process. Now she really wanted the bowl.  Something like this could be very useful when traveling int he desert.  "I'm not sure how we're going to take this.  Maybe I have a waterproof bag that I could use..."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Tue 18 July 2017.

Izzick shrugged, figuring they had not much else to do but wait.

I guess I'll take 20 if possible on a Perception check to look around the moon. That gives me a 19. Otherwise...well I already rolled 19-1 earlier, so not much else for Izzick to find if I can't.

Selvin stopped and suddenly turned back to Zuni. He had a peculiar look on his face, half-amused and half-surprised. "Uh. Well." He shrugged. "Funny y'should mention it. The pack I carry around...well..." He grinned. "It has stuff in it, but it's waterproof. I bought it specifically since it rained so much."

In reply to Izzick (msg # 86):

The pack is indeed waterproof. The bowl will fit inside, though it may eventually fill the pack with water...

Meanwhile, back at the ruin

You approach the moon Izzick. As you do, the orb begins to glow brighter. A shadow falls across one edge of it and slowly spreads. It seems the moon is going through it's phases.

As the moon approaches it's new phase, you see one of the craters actually take on some depth. The hole widens slightly and is now big enough for a hand to be placed inside it.

Zuni handed the bowl over to Selvin.  "I don't think that there's anything else of value here..."  She said, giving the room one more look around.  "We should probably catch back up with the others."

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 89):

Zuni and Selvin:  Let me know if there's anything else you want to do here.  Otherwise...

You take the last swigs of Sial's potion and soon drift back down the plug hole.  Hmm.  There's probably a better way to say that, surely.  As you come back to solid in the room beyond you see only Sial there, inspecting the walls.  Through the archway to the northeast, the glow that was coming from there has grown stronger.

Sial turns to look at you.  Anything of interest?  The others are in the chamber there.

Putting a small protective ward on himself, knowing full well what happened last time with his 'bridge,' Izzick reached into the hole.

Cast Resistance
Then reaching in.

Selvin took the things in his waterproof bag out. He took the flint and steel and the signal whistle and put them in the pouches on his belt. He took the 2 flasks of oil and the lamp and held them out to Zuni, "Can you carry these for me for now please?"

Then he put the bowl in to the bag and took the second of the potions he'd gotten. He unstoppered it and drank it, turning back in to mist. He forced himself slowly back in to the room they had come from originally and then reformed once more.

He looked to Sial and shrugged. "Sort of. Dead bodies that had been pulverized. No other exits. A few trinkets. A bowl of never-ending water." He took that out of his waterproof bag to show, letting Zuni take over the narration.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 92):

As Sial opens his mouth to respond to Selvin, Chandanar pops his head out of the open archway to the northeast. Hey. Izzy is glowing. So...yeah.

---

Izzick, there is an odd, warm, gentle tugging sensation on your wrist. And then you notice the soft glow of the orb travel up your arm. It doesn't hurt. In fact, it feels pretty refreshing. As the flow envelops your whole body, you feel your muscles relax and a calm descend over your mind. All in all, this feels alright. So you're probably about to explode. But might as well enjoy the valm while it lasts.

Chainy smiles at you and touches the area around her left eye, obviously meaning somethjjng is going on there for you as well. You touch your face and feel an odd scar. You search for something reflective as Chandanr informs Sial in the other room about your glow.

You inspect your shiny face in the shaft of a dagger. A crescent moon scar now borders your left eye. Somehow you know it's permanent. And fetching. For a glowing half orc necromancer, you are pretty hot if you do say so yourself.

Izzy, raise your Charisma +1

Selvin frowned, stopped what he was doing. "What?? Like in a bad way? Or a good way? Or..." He cut himself off and shook his head. "Never mind." He headed in to the other chamber as quickly as he could.

"Flows well enough with the rest of the tattoos," Izzick says, taking the mark in. He could certainly work with it, and the energy emitted from it seemed to mingle well with his sorcery. Maybe it would even serve as mark enough to prove themselves to the moon clan, though he didn't exactly expect it to be so easy with Krojun being a rather loud obnoxious voice in every elder's ear.

Zuni rematerialized back in the room and was about to continue on describing what they had found but instead she went into the next room to see what was going on.  The sight of a glowing Izzick stopped her.  "....looks like you've all been busy...." she said softly. "What's going on, Izzick?  You look...different.  Not just that crescent tattoo but there's something else..."

"Glowing in a good way I'd say. I know, I kind of like it," he said as he answered first Selvin and then turned to Zuni with a confident grin. But the middle of a tomb was hardly the time to play bard, "Did you find anything on the other side? This room seems mostly empty except for whatever did this to me in that spot." He pointed towards the alcove he'd reached into. He wasn't sure if they could all benefit from the mystical properties, but it was worth a shot if they'd found little else.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 97):

Chandanar and Sial collow you all in. They both inspect the plucky half orc.

I don't think it's a curse. More a blessing. Chandanar opines.

What an astute analysis, Sial remarks dryly then turns to you all. I would hazard a guess it is a gift from the Moon Goddess.

Chandanar points at the crescent moon scar. I would guess this is what we came for, right? Something sacred to the lunar tribe people?

Selvin looked Izzick over silently for a long moment, walking around him a little even. "Sooooo...what did you do? How'd you get that?" Then he grinned. "Are we ALL gettin' matchin' tattoos t'gether??"

"It's a crater inside the moon. Or was," he said, trying to keep a closer eye on the changing phases to see if the crater once more turned into the alcove that had given him the blessing. "But perhaps this would work. So what did you two find?"

In reply to Izzick (msg # 100):

The lunar model has dimmed back to it's original level of luminescence. It seems the mark is a one and done kind of gift.

Selvin looked a bit disappointed that he wasn't getting a cool new mark either - though to be fair he was already freaky looking most of the time so couldn't complain too hard. He described what they had found in the other room, especially the pulverized bones. Then he pulled out the water bowl and poured a bit out to show it refill. He gave a shrug.

Anyone vot anuthing else they want to do here?

Zuni took a slow walk around the room, looking for anything else that might seem out of place.  "I find it a little odd that there would be a shrine to the Moon underground.  Wouldn't you want to be able to see the moon when you do your worship?" she said. "I wonder if any of the bodies that we found in the other room were priests for this place."

OOC:
Perception -> 27

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 104):

Your point seems a valid one Zuni. You inspect the walls and notice there are several faded paintings which you think are meant to represent the various planets and stars in the sky. But only the moon is represented with statuary.

You also notice certain grooves set into the floor. It looks as if the moon could at one pount be rolled along the grooves in the floor to represent different aspects of it's orbit.

This seems less a place of worship and more some kind of astrological lab, designed to specifically study the orbit of the moon. Perhaps the Lunar clan came across this place in their wanderings and turned it into a place of worship after the fact? Who can be sure.

But those bodies you found...no. They didn't seem like priests. Their garments didn't seem ceremonial enough.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:28, Thu 03 Aug 2017.

Zuni walked around the room, pausing at certain points to look at sections of the wall.  She knew little about moon worship but this room was starting to impress her with its sophistication.  Or what she thought was its sophistication.

"Have we missed any other rooms on this level beyond this one and the one with the bodies?"

"Bodies? Though I assume none was the priestess?" Izzick asked. He paused a moment, looking around, but besides the upstairs, they'd seen little else. "Perhaps we should try to brave past the pools?" Though he shuddered at the thought of that.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 107):

There are no other rooms on this level. It appears there once was a passage to the north. But it seems to have been blocked off by a cave in. All your investigations show no further passage that way.

It seems the lunar marked half orc is correct. The rooms off the pools are the only ones you haven't explored fully.

Sial considers. Was there something specific you were seeking?

The remains of a priestess for one of the Sklar Quah clans Chandanar supplies.

Sial seems ro ignore him but does say, We saw nothing in the rooms we ventured in to like that. There is only one room upstairs we did not. It was along the southern platform. The...tentacle thing. It did not bother us when we came in. But we were very quiet. I believe it may have been the racket created when that barbarian thug arrived that set it off. The beast has to calm down and go back to sleep sooner or later. Once it has settled, if we are quick and quiet... He shrugs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:28, Sat 05 Aug 2017.

Selvin shrugged and moved to the other room that they haven't explored. He looked over the water for a moment. Then he sniffed it and touched it just to see if anything happened. After a moment he looked back at the group. "I think it's just water. I can breathe underwater. I WOULD go check it out....but that tentacle monster thing." He shook his head.

"Sooo...where to?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Wed 09 Aug 2017.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 109):

Just to be clear Selvin, you are diving into the pools the tentacles were emerging from, correct?

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 110):

Sial opens a pouch on his belt and takes out a scroll. I can provide an exit with magic. Unless you wish to see if those tentacles are still flailing. They may have subsided by now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:36, Tue 15 Aug 2017.

Ya'll wanna go look at those rooms you didn't make before? Or head out?

I was going to wait for Selvin since he said he wanted to check underwater. Are there also doors we can reach without swimming?

In reply to Izzick (msg # 113):

The game map posted is the tentacle room Izzy. The only doors left are the ones to the south.

Since I heard Zuni vote for the doors...

Ascending the shaft of light is just as easy as the descent was. The upper level is quiet. No thwump thwump thwump of angry tentacle. You push the great doors open quietly and peek through.

The pool room is quiet as dust. The water in the pool still shimmies slightly, but otherwise it is tranquil. As softly as down pillows, you head for the remaining door.

Beyond is a wide room, about fifty feet deep and across. Old shelving lines the walls, each shelf filled with the remains of what must have once been a great library. Now the books are rotten, the spines burst from mold, and the pages more sand than parchment.

At one end are two skeletons. One wears scraps of leather armor. The other wears a robe which is suprisingly still pristine, dyed deep blue and burgundy.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:39, Fri 18 Aug 2017.

Zuni cast a wary gaze around the room and slowly entered.  Libraries were generally not feared for traps but who knows with this place.  "Let's see what's left." she muttered.

OOC:
Perception ->13

Selvin looked around for a long moment. He was glad the tentacle monster was nowhere to be seen. Small blessing but he'd take what he could get. He looked at the library, well the remains of one and shook his head. He strode deliberately towards the skeletons right away. If they were going to animate and attack he wanted to be right in their way.

20:54, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 19 using 1d20+13.  Perception.

Moisture rotted books and the pools certainly didn't help their age, but Izzick's eyes attuned to the magic as he cast a spell, seeking out if anything here might have survived.

Detect Magic.
23:33, Today: Izzick rolled 15 using 1d20-1. Perception

This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Tue 22 Aug 2017.

The bodies remain mercifully horizontal. The leather armor scraps are branded with odd crescent moon shapes. The robe is obviously magical, though it seems difficult to determine much more than that.

The books are all but destroyed.

"The robe's magic," Izzick pointed out, but as his glowing eyes scanned left to right, he determined, "Not much else in here though." As he walked closer to the skeletons, trying to make sure they stayed horizontal, he looked over their clothes. Crescent Moons and a mystic robe. "Maybe this is our priestess?"

Upon hearing the robe was magically-imbued, Selvin began to reach for it with the obvious intention of taking it so they could find out what it was. Upon hearing the question of whether the corpse was the priestess they were looking for, he stopped dead and hesitated.

He looked torn. "Uhhhh....I don't know? Maybe? What should we do?"

Zuni looked up from one of the other skeletons that she was examining.  "Can you tell what kind of magic?  Is it cursed?"

The robe seems to have some sort of alteration magic on it. But that is all you can tell at the moment

It does not vibe as evil per se
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:42, Fri 25 Aug 2017.

Whadda ya'll wanna do?

"Take the robe?" Zuni offered.  If this was Korvosa, the robes would have been stripped from the corpse already.  Even without knowing what sort of enchantment lay upon them, magical items could always be traded or sold for food and supplies.  "I don't think that the priestess, if that's who she is...was...is using them now."

"Fair enough, we can figure out what this does once we're outside," Izzick said, folding the robe and putting it into his bag once it was removed. Freshening it up with Prestidigitation if the corpse itself had left any less than pleasant residue. "Was there anywhere we hadn't checked."

Selvin looked hesitant about the robes. He wasn't sure if it would be...sacrilegious...or whatever to take them. Desecratory? That wasn't a word he was pretty sure. Desecrating a corpse of someone potentially very important to the people they were going to try and get in good with. Perhaps, but he couldn't be sure - so he kept his mouth shut.

He looked to Izzick and shrugged. "Aside from where the tentacles came from....I think we searched everywhere?" He glanced at their two...current allies to see if they knew of any other places that Selvin, Izzick and Zuni hadn't been to yet - but while seeming a bit shady they hadn't seemingly lied about anything and had even been helpful in a couple spots.

So then he suggested they leave.


20:11, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sense Motive on their "allies".

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 126):

Your 'allies' seem honest as they shake their head. It seems you have searched the whole complex.

Thanks ya'll. Everyone level up. Please have your PC sheets updated no later than a week from today.

I will prep the next thread, and we'll start Adventures in Moon Country tomorrow.

Let me know if there are questions. Thanks

Can we ID the robe further at some point?