The heroes spend several days enjoying the hard-won spoils of their successful venture into one of many hidden dungeons beneath Stormhaven. Each of the companions earned a considerable amount of treasure and each in turn used their earnings to fund various pursuits.

It is said that a pile of coins is perhaps the loneliest of all things, especially amongst those who have answered the adventurer's call. Idleness is not a fair companion of any true adventurer, and so after a brief respite, the heroes sought out new opportunities.

The companions unearthed several promising leads, but in the end decide to look into reports of lizard-folk raids which had recently plagued the downtrodden folk of Glades, a sprawling shanty-town located outside Stormhaven's Witchlight Wall. Rumor was that the raids were the work of a small tribe of predatory lizardfolk known as the Greenscale Marauders.

Lizardfolk were not uncommon in the Witchlight Marsh, but they usually reserved their aggression for much weaker prey: bullywugs to be precise. It was rare, but not unknown, for them to strike out against the people of Stormhaven. The Greenscales were an exception, for several residents of Glades had now turned up missing in the night.

Their hunger for adventure growing, the companions agreed that this was a worthwhile pursuit.

***

The rumors were indeed true. All told, a total of 23 citizens had disappeared within the past three months: always on the night of a new moon, when skies are the darkest. The raiders seemed to have targeted primarily weak targets: small children and women, though some able-bodied folk had been taken as well, including one member of the Stormwatch during the lizard-folk's last raid.

Sergeant Yhost, of the Witchlight Ward, has even offered up a bounty of 10 gold pieces per lizard-folk head, though there have not been any  claims as of yet for that prize. True, a few brave souls have ventured forth, but none have returned!

Such facts do not discourage the heroes however, for they have defeated many foes in their short, but glorious adventuring careers.

After gathering enough information to begin, the companions follow a lead which takes them along a rarely used path through weedy marsh to the coastal keep of one Lord Myron, a member of the influential Talas noble family.

The stone keep rises up from a small lonely hill overlooking miles of water-logged marsh to the north and sea to the south. A jet black banner flaps gently over the closed gate. A coiled green serpent sways back and forth with each movement of the flag: an interesting development (and perhaps mere coincidence?) considering the nature of the heroes' visit.

Supposedly, Lord Myron's men fought a small band of lizard-folk not long ago and they might have some additional information which may prove useful to the companion's pursuits. Unfortunately, the heroes receive a cold reception from the keep's sentinels: Lord Myron will not see them, stating that he is too busy with important matters and cannot entertain every wandering vagabond looking for free meal and board. This news is delivered through the Lord's regent, though after he has left, the heroes are approached by a watchman who is more sympathetic.

The watchman, Jek, explains that he was among one of the company of men who confronted the lizard-folk not far from the Myron Keep. The company defeated some eight lizard-folk, but an even larger number disappeared into the waterlogged marsh to the southwest...toward a region known locally as The Mistmere.

The Mistmere is a coastal swamp that legend holds once was the home of a mighty civilization of men related to the peoples of the Shifting Sands. The people dabbled in dark sorcery and violated the tenets of the Old Gods. The Gods punished these people by casting their cities into a boggy quagmire. Most of the people perished immediately, though some escaped and settled into the Stormhaven region. These survivors eventually became the Ekaitz people.

Jek cautions the companions to not think too harshly of his master, for he has recently been inundated by a parade of would-be suitors for his daughter, to say nothing of other hanger's-on looking to take advantage of the Master's kindness and fortunes. Jek offers to provide assistance as he is able, namely travel provisions and whatnot, but can provide little else for the time being.

Following this information, the companions set out across a weedy marsh that soon gives way to a cheerless water-logged mangrove swamp. There are no signs of civilization to be found anywhere, though aside from fending off clouds of blood-hungry midges, the party is otherwise unmolested as they track across the wilderness.

The heroes are completely soaked through by now, but thankfully, the temperature is rather warm. Still, such conditions would try the patience of even the hardiest of adventurers.

After a long, cheerless day of gray skies, light rain and constant dampness, the party beholds a stone structure rising out of the swamp ahead: an ancient ziggurat!

A single dark portal offers entrance into the moss-covered ruin. Save for the sound of rain falling, all is quiet.

Could this be the lair of the Greenscale Marauders?
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:16, Mon 26 Nov 2012.

"A ziggurat? We kill it," Ben mutters under his breath, with a damp cough and light chuckle.

"I say we scout around a bit first, make a quick circuit of the place, before getting any closer. Sound good? "

Ben hadn't been happy since leaving the city walls. He hadn't mentioned that it was his first visit outside of Stormhaven, ever, but so far just about everything that had happened, from the snubbing by Lord Myron to the miserable weather, only reinforced his dislike of the outside world.

Now, with the spooky looking stone blight ahead of them, a sneaking fear that he would never see his home, his mum or gal Mimsy again, was slowly creeping up his dripping wet spine.

There was nothing to do now, however, but to go forward; he would just do his best to make sure it was done carefully. Hopefully that would be enough.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:39, Mon 26 Nov 2012.

"Aye, but carefully," Duvall responds to the young rogue. He then turns to Norion and asks, "What do you make of this structure, friend Dwarf? Ever seen its like?"

Rath had been tromping about in the vicinity of the Glades for a few days before the arrival of the adventuring company. He had little to say about what drew him there -- just a smirk and a comment that the Glades reminded him of home, and that not even bottom-feeders like these deserved to be dragged off to meet their doom in the Mistmere. "I'm thinking there's zero chance of getting 'em back alive," he grunted, with brutal cynicism that was probably not entirely sincere. "But at least we can teach the Greenscales to go back to eating frogs and mice."

Whether this rough-and-tumble young man was trustworthy was something the adventuring company would learn in time. But he carried a truly enormous sword, and, if he had the strength to use it properly -- and, yes,  he probably did have the strength -- Rath would be judged an asset to the party.

And so he joined the expedition.

--

Now, Rath throws a glare at the dark hole within the ziggurat. With swamp water in his boots and mud between his toes to make him irritable, he straps his heavy, battered shield to his left arm and grabs one short spear from the brace of javelins at his back. Rath nods to Ben, what might be an expression of approval for the plan. Rath glances up to the sky, looking for the sun but finding only a cold gray smear. No surprise there. He shrugs, ready to move.

Norion slowly shook his head at Kane's question, studying the structure with a mixture of curiosity and disgust. He gazed at the stonework, looking for any detail that might provide a hint of its origin and purpose.

"I've never laid eyes on such," he replied gravely. Slapping at a flying insect at his neck, he added, "Likely because I don't make a habit of traveling to miserable marshes like this one."

"A fair plan Ben, even if it means spending more time in this awful place." Saliq narrowed his eyes as he glanced at the ziggurat. "An unworldly place indeed, and the lizardfolfk are not the first inhabitants if I had to make a guess."

Saliq had not been happy with their treatment by Lord Myron but restrained comment when told the aristocrat was unavailable. Also, Sularia had not contacted them since the defeat of Ga and this new fighter - as well as being less pleasing to the eye - was an unproven quantity. Not a promising start!

The illusionist turned to Eagle and smiled wearily at the druid. "My friend you know more of the world beyond town walls than any of us, what make you of this?"

While the rest of the party waits behind a cluster of mangrove trees, Ben cautiously circles the towering ziggurat, picking his way from tree to tree in an attempt to get a better view of the structure.

The ziggurat is at least 100 foot across and rises some 30 feet above the water-level. It appears that there may be even more of the structure beneath the water and what the party currently sees is merely the the very top of the ancient ruin! How big the structure actually was before the Gods engulfed this region in quagmire is anyone's guess.

There only appears to be a single entrance into the ruins, the dark portal, though that does not rule out possible hidden entrances either above or below the water. A short series of stone steps rises from the water to reach the front entrance. Two additional set of stairs run along the side of the lowest tier, granting access to a narrow catwalk that winds around the entire second tier. It also appears that one could scale the ziggurat's walls, as there are numerous hand and foot holds available.

Through the mist and rain, Ben can also vaguely make out what appears to be several strange statues ringing the ziggurat's upper tiers. It is difficult to make out the exact shape of the statues, but they appear to be an animal of some sort, perhaps winged dogs or maybe even a lion of some sort?

Ben completes his recon and is about to return to report his findings to the group when a flash of motion catches his eye near the stairs leading up to the main entrance. Ben sees a large green snake skimming atop the water for an instant and then the creature disappears beneath the water.

OOC: If you look at the picture, the tiers I describe merely refer to the different "levels" of the ziggurat. The lowest tier is the one with the door. The second tier is above that and finally, the third tier is the "cap" at the top.

"I got an idea! Let's go home..."

Ben's comment is clearly only half in jest, but as he describes the snake that recently swam by, it seemed that getting onto the ziggurat might count as a close second.

"I'm thinking it wouldn't hurt to check out the figures on the top first, eh Saliq?" he suggests to the resident statue investigator.

"It rather depends on what the figures do, no?" Saliq answers and shoots the thief a wry look. "But at least I'll be out of the water."

Saliq moves onto the stone steps and carefully moves towards the entrance of the ziggurat, before he moves to the side and ascends the steps to the second tier. He's careful to keep a hand on the hilt of the Moonblade just in case as inspects the closest statue - and even then he stays more that an an arm length away... just in case the statues had any ideas of their own.

Rath moves along with Musfara, javelin in hand. As they start up the stairs -- if they get that far -- Rath tucks the javelin into its straps and draws his sword in its place.

Norion moved to the ziggurat's entrance, keeping watch on it as Rathmus and Musfara ascended to the statue. He kept his attention divided between the dark portal that led into the structure and his companions above, readying himself to react to a threat from either quarter.

The heroes ascent up the stone steps is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a giant green snake which resurfaces from below the water!

The monstrous reptile, which must easily be ten feet long with a mouth wide enough to swallow a grown man, appears just behind the rear row, flicks its large forked tongue and hisses.

OOC: ROLL FOR INITIATIVE!!!

Anyone beating a 4 may post immediately.

---

Giant Poisonous Swamp Snake
AC: 5, HD: 4+2
HP: 26

PC          AC   HP    AP    Notes
Ben         7   15/15   1     Init +2
Duvall      4   21/21   3
Eagle       6   19/19   4
Norion      3   24/24   2
Rath        3   24/24   2
Saliq       7   10/10   3     Init +2


Stage 1:
Stage 2: Snake (4)
Stage 3:

This message was deleted by the player at 13:55, Fri 30 Nov 2012.

Dammit, that's why I wanted everyone up out of the water, quickly... why does no one ever listen!

Ben loosens his sling, and reaches for a bullet, but rushes the shot, sending his ammo deep into the distance...

22:09, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 6 using 1d6+2. initiative.
22:10, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 5 using 1d20+2. sling.

06:41, Today: Duvall Kane rolled 2 using 1d6.

"Kord's guts! That's a monster!" Duvall exclaims, stepping back and readying his hammer.

Even as the snake lunges, Rath takes quick strides toward it. "Back!" he shouts, although it may not be clear whether he's talking to his companions or to the snake. Shield raised to keep that tongue out of his face, Rath delivers a vicious slash with his wicked blade, then wrenches it free from the scales and meat.


OOC: Initiative =4. Hits AC 2 for 12 damage.
22:02, Yesterday: Aldo Rathmus rolled 4 using 1d6. Rath's Initiative.
05:54, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 12 using 2d8+1. b sword 2-16 damage vs Large.
05:53, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 18 using 1d20. attack with bastard sword.

Norion snarled a curse as the snake surfaced, but wasted no time in closing with the gigantic reptile, landing a heavy blow with his axe.

11:34, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 6 using 1d6. Initiative.
11:35, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 19 using 1d20+1. Attack.
11:36, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 9 using 2d8. Damage.

Saliq's eyes widen in shock but the naturally nimble Illussionist has his blade in hand in moments. The Jambiya Moonblade glitters silver in the gloomy lights as he slashes across, the razor sharp edge slicing deep into the vile serpent.

---

OOC:
19:27, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 6 using 1d6+2. Initiative.
19:28, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 21 using 1d20+1. Attack with Jambiya Moonblade.

Natural 20(!) so full 5 points of damage inflicted.

Aldo, Norion, and Saliq make quick work of the giant snake.

That is probably for the best, for once the companions have a chance to observe its bleeding carcass, it becomes quite clear that the snake would have been quite deadly had it been given an opportunity to strike.

Crimson blood flows out of the creature's wounds and is rapidly washed away by the steady rain that seems to have not let up all day long.

OOC: Man...you guys didn't even give it a chance to eat one of you!

Relieved, Ben offers a helping hand to any and all trying to reach the second tier.

"Quickly, out of the water for now. We don't want that one's mother coming along, now do we?"

Duvall takes the rogue's hand and pulls himself up to the second tier, whereupon he helps his other companions.

The party edges past the darkened portal and makes their way up a set of steep stairs on either side of the ziggurat. In short order they reach the second tier, a narrow ledge which surrounds the entire structure. The large stone blocks are carved with intricate patterns common to the ancient peoples. While the runes are severely weathered, they still reflect the highest standards of stone-masonry, an indication of this ruin's importance in the life of those people.

Perched up above, the stone statues now come clearly into view. These dragon-like creatures are similar to a wyvern, however each has a second head at the end of its tail. In total, twenty such statues are discovered, each in varying states of ruin. Such a creature is unknown in these times or lands, though perhaps Saliq has read legends from his homeland describing such beasts: a dread amphisbaena. These horrible creatures command a mighty view over the surrounding area, their stony eyes seemingly fixed on each companion no matter where they might be standing.

There are no obvious entrances to the ziggurat on the second tier: the walls simply consist of heavy stone blocks set atop one another.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 06:14, Sat 01 Dec 2012.

A shudder that has nothing to do with the damp runs down the little thief's back at the sight of the creature, or perhaps at the appearance that the creature has him in it's own sights.

"Smash'em I say." Not the first time Ben had shown his iconophobic side, but he speaks with more vehemence then when they were under the Stormhaven. These things boded ill, of this he had no doubt.

"Leave 'em be," Duvall replies, worry etched on his face. Then he turns to Norion and asks, "Can you see any hidden entrances on this tier, my friend?"

Rath taps a nearby statue roughly with his shield, just to make sure the thing is inanimate. When it doesn't move -- if it doesn't move -- he gives Ben a shrug. "Harmless." Rath  sheathes his sword and brings a javelin to hand. He peers through the rain, looking for any threats, while his companions explore the tier.

"Why is it the people with the best protection on always have the smallest imaginations..."

It mattered not, and screaming I told you so when the damn things broke free and began eating folk would be scant consolation.

Instead, Ben scales the wall, and examines the top of the damned structure.

16:25, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 7 using 1d100. climb. Damn near critical success, I am not on the FIFTH tier of the three tiered structure... :C)

Ben finds some conveniently placed hand and footholds and easily scales up the stone wall to the top of the ziggurat.

Once on top, Ben is now among the stone amphisbaena statues, but that is not all that is up there. The roof of the structure is built with smooth slabs laid in a decorative mosaic, that while now severely weathered, still retain much of their artistry.

The mosaic depicts an epic battle between suffering titans and triumphant serpents. Toward the center of the roof stands a crescent-shaped, jet black marble slab. A lifeless, naked woman lies atop the sacrificial altar, her pallid skin standing in stark contrast to the dark marble beneath her.

Numerous claw marks cover the woman's body, though none of these wounds appear to be very significant. Looking closer, Ben notices a gaping cavity where the woman's heart should be.

Rain continues to fall in steady sheets, a grim final resting place indeed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:45, Sun 02 Dec 2012.

"Well <expletive deleted>."

Ben rubs a hand thru his rain soaked hair, and shakes his head.

"Hey guys, you probably want to see this."

Heading back tot he edge, he lowers a rope, tying it off on the nearest statue.

"It ain't pretty."

Careful not to disturb the scene, as there might be clues, Ben does have to fight the urge to close her gaping, staring, unseeing eyes...

Ascending the rope Saliq took one look at the woman and turned pale. "We fight not men but monsters; the lizard folk are no mere bandits if this is their style of work!" The Illusionist took a deep shuddering breath and tried to remain dispassionate. "Duvall, Eagle in your experience what manner of deity would demand such a sacrifice or is this a devotion to demons?"

Once Duvall scrambles to the top and views the sacrifice, he answers Saliq's question, "A deity who has no regard for human life. Most monstrous gods care little for us - they only want the propagation of their followers. We are nothing to them, only worthy of this."
He indicates the unfortunate woman with a wave of his arm. Then, thinking about it, he ventures closer and looks around the obsidian altar, checking for any further clues.

Norion examines the grisly scene and shakes his head. Looking to his companions, he says, "So, I'm guessing none of us will have any problem with wiping these beasties out, down to the last creature?"

After studying the altar, it becomes clear that this is a shrine to the evil god Zehir, whom holds mastery over darkness, poison, and assassins. Zehir is said to slither the material plane sewing chaos wherever his forked tongue desires. It seems this ziggurat have been created to venerate his venomous name.

Looking at the woman closer, two crimson red holes also appear in the woman's neck...perhaps a snake of some sort?

***

Before ascending the rope, Norion detects a slightly raised area along the ziggurat's north wall. Examining the stonework a bit closer, the dwarf detects the presence of a shifting wall in this location!

The architects of this amazing structure apparently built in some secret features. Now it was just a matter of finding the mechanism that enabled one to open that door.

"Not a problem at all, my friend," Duvall replies, disgusted by the bite marks and the implication thereof. He begins to cut the woman's bonds and after covering her nakedness with his blanket, he lifts her off the altar and places her gently on the stone top of the ziggurat. He closes her eyes and places a silver piece on each. He bows in prayer, hammer in his hand, and when finished, he stands and says, "We cannot leave her here. I have oil, but no wood to burn her. Eagle, have you any holy water? I mean to destroy this altar or at least desecrate it against further use."

"Assassins? Assassin's tend to be people, in my experience. This all puts me in mind of that dick-head nobleman, and his snakey flag, more then creatures with a history of the occasional raid on the weak."

Rath carefully clambers up the rope. He is careful of his step on the wet stonework. Up top, he surveys the grim scene. Rath takes a slow breath. His strong shoulders slump, and he drops his guard, but for a moment. He mutters something indistinct, wipes the rain from his eyes, and stands tall once more.

Rath moves to Kane's side. "I'll help if I can. But don't ask me to find dry wood." He stands quiet a moment, his brow clouded with dark thoughts. "See to the altar now, if you have the means. The woman is ... beyond our help. We can come back for her, when we're done below."

Not unused to being ignored, Ben does wonder if Zehir might have an opening after Rath does it yet again.

Shaking his head, he answered Duval's questions with a suggestion of his own.

"No way we can bury her, the grounds under too much water. If we leave her here, her bones will be picked clean before we can return, I suspect. Let's take her into the building, and give her a pyre right inside the entryway."

He had yet to learn of the door Norion has spotted, so Ben gestured towards the main entry below.

"I could spare a few of my torches, and someone must have some oil. I think between us we can show her body some respect."

Sending the victim on her way into the afterlife, assuming the dark-god has not consumed her soul, would be good. The warmth generated would be a much appreciated bonus.

Eagle is unfamiliar with any deities which require human sacrifice and states as much.

Rath looks miserable. "Ben," he says, hesitantly, "you need more than a few torches and a flask of oil to ... to put a body to rest respectfully. That would just ... cook her." Rath fights off a wince at his own words.

Ignoring the comments of Rath, Ben addresses Eagle.

"Really? none? I'm not the most worldly of lads, but Lolth springs to mind. Asmodeus knows followers in the bottoms of the Haven. Vecna is far from the only necromancer known to legend, and rumor has that he is worshipped, what would an undead god not do? Certainly this would be the act of the least of his followers.
"And what about Zehir, the god whose followers apparently did this young girl in? It seems a short step indeed from the a god of assassins, to human sacrifice. The yuan-ti revere him above all other gods, I doubt they measure the death of a human female as we do, not if it would further some deeper, darker game."

Quite incensed, the young lad has become, but if he is going into the thrice damned zigga-hoozit, he isn't going to be blinded into thinking this all of this is only the handiwork of a few lizard men, even if they are involved. And he's hoping the people who travel with him aren't foolish enough to make such an assumption themselves.

"Now, are we leaving her here, or moving her someplace dry?"

Eagle is taken aback by Ben's response. As an Initiate of Melora, Eagle was more attuned to the natural ways of the world, and not the unholy rites of the various cults which operated out of Stormhaven's dark and secretive alleys, catacombs, and dungeons. Such matters were better understood by the clergy.

Earthly things. These he understood.

Eagle stands in silence for a few moments, looking up at the dark skies, and then comments in a tone of certainty, "The rain should let up soon."

The look in Eagles face cause pause in Ben. Placing a hand on his friends shoulder, he apologizes... sort of.

"I'm sorry if I got m'self a little carried away, my big feathered friend, but I wants us to come out of this alive! And in my line'o'work, that means keeping yer eyes n ears open, and being prepared for as many things as you can imagine."

Chuckling, and glances at the sky. Seeing nothing of what made Eagle suspect the rain was letting up, the dirty little thief trusted in his companion in a way that the few scant weeks they had known each other would normally allow. The rain would stop.

"Trust me, Eagle, life will still find things to throw at you that are not expected!"

The twinkle in his eyes hinted at tales he could tell...

"I really sense more behind this then simply a tribe of lizard men, and my snout suggests Lord Myron knows more then he let on. Even if he isn't the man behind all of this."

By all of this, his gesture taking in the pitiful form of the sacrificed female, he clearly meant to encompass all of the attacks and troubles in the region that have brought them here.

"I am not suggesting we go back, just the importance of being aware; this..." again he points to the sacrificial virgin (so to speak) "...speaks more of a darker evil, then simple raids by simple folk of a lizardy sort, if ya catch my meanin'."

He stepped back, hoping that he had mended things with Eagle, and perhaps even managed to get the others to understand...

"Maybe if you'd just shut the hell up with your rambling, the whole damn jungle wouldn't know we are up here," Duvall growls, his face reddening with anger.

He then looks to Eagle and nods. "We'll leave her here then, and take her with us when we leave. Norion, got any other ideas about this structure?"

Now that he had climbed onto the strange structure, Norion took a long moment to study the stone up close, trying to see if he could discern anything about the material itself or how the ziggurat had been constructed.

Rath figures it best to keep his mouth shut. Scristos is right, of course, that what's happening here is far beyond a lizard-folk raid. That the victim wasn't eaten is proof enough of that for Rath. He waits for Norion to assess the structure and stand guard. When it's time to descend, Rath stays up top with his javelin poised to strike any threatening creature that might appear while the others descend, and he is the last to climb down.

Eagle nods to Ben, showing he has taken no offence. Although seemingly in his element, travelling through the natural world he loves, since leaving Stormhaven he has been in a strange mood; more worried and uncertain than his companions might expect, and also strangely subdued - the attack of the snake, and the body on top of the Ziggurat having visibly shaken him.

'Recently life has certainly been finding things to throw at me that are unexpected,' he responds to Ben, finally finding his voice. 'Like you Ben, I have spent my entire life confined to Stormhaven, but whereas you have kept your eyes and ears open and focused down each and every back alley, mine were always focused at the sky, and the world beyond our home. Now I finally find myself wandering the greater world's delights, and it is. . . unsettling.

'You may be right that there is more to this than lizard-men, I simply do not know.' Suddenly feeling like he has said to much he furrows his brow and focuses on Norion. 'It seems we must go inside, so let us find a way to open your entrance, or tackle the front door. I may be able to draw some power over the stone to affect it's shape - perhaps six or seven feet's worth - if we moulded the crack in the door wider do you you think we could prise it open?'

Mentally adding Duvall to the list of people not worth talking to, Ben ignores his tirade, and returns to searching the top of the structure, especially the statues.

As the group continued their discussion, Norion called out to Scristos. "Ben! Have a look at this!" He looked cautiously over the section of shifting wall, searching for the means to make it open. Suspecting that it could be trapped, he refrained from touching it, waiting for Scristos to examine it.

Norion discovers a loose stone near the base of the wall. The stone is about six inches wide and appears to be capable of sliding to the right: a possible triggering mechanism to access what lies beyond the sliding wall!

The stone does not appear to have been used in quite some time, if the thick growth of algae and grime are any indication.

Excited at the dwarf's discovery, Ben scurries over and searches for traps.

21:17, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 13 using 1d100. search for traps.
Find/Remove Trap:   35
Success!

Ben finds and removes a trap!

This clever piece of work was was designed to drop an overhanging statue onto the head of anyone carelessly attempting to activate the shifting wall without disengaging a well-hidden metal latch.

Thankfully, that won't happen now.

OOC: Nice job. And I was really looking forward to death by stone amphisbaena...

Suitably proud at his discovery, Ben slowly opens the door revealing...

The ground faintly trembles as the stone door grates slowly open. A rush of musty, dry air races out to greet the adventurers: a sign that this chamber has been sealed for some many, many years.

A narrow, low threshold no higher than five feet tall, opens to an unlit chamber within. The ambient light of the darkened skies does shed some light on the immediate entrance area however.

The short and cramped corridor is flanked on either side by heavy stone blocks with small recessed alcoves at irregular intervals. Dried wax bleeds down the walls from the alcoves, and indeed, the ancient remains of candles that have long since burnt out are evident in the openings.

The corridor continues for about five feet before opening into a larger chamber, the contents of which are scarcely visible to those without darkvision. Norion can make out what appears to be a long wooden banquet table in the middle of the room, surrounded by several chairs. Several bowls, plates, and mugs are located atop the table. Beyond the table, positioned against a far wall, Norion sees a line of ceramic amphoras, the contents of which are unknown.

The chamber appears to be far larger than what can be seen from the secret entrance, though any additional details are not observable from Norion's present vantage point.

"Well, there goes my theory that this was the door used for the ritual above," Ben mutters more to himself then anyone else.

Stepping just far enough in to get out of the rain, Ben opens his pouch, and gets out his flint, tinderbox, and a torch, which he promptly sets about lighting, barring something coming out of the darkness and stopping him.

"Perhaps it was once," Saliq suggests answering Ben's question. "That shrine was probably used for sacrifices long ago." The Illusionist glances back unhappily at the woman, obviously not thrilled at leaving her like this but he reluctantly prepares to enter the tunnel (after Ben and the team heavies of course.)

Rath grunts approval at the work of Norion and Ben gaining access to the sealed area. As Ben lights the torch, Rath shifts his sword back into his hand and carefully ducks through the threshold.

'Do not worry about the maiden Saliq,' Eagle says soothingly, seeing the conjurer's discomfort. 'If Melora wills it she will be left undisturbed, and we will deal with her body when we finish in here. Though if not, her flesh will be returned to the great circle of life that we are all bound to spin through. In any case, her spirit and her essence has long-since departed to a better place.'

With that he ducks his head and follows his companions into the Ziggurat, his shield and spear at the ready.

Duvall lights his lantern and brings up the rear > lantern in one hand, hammer in the other.

Torch and lantern at the ready, the party escapes the monsoon-like weather for the dryness of the ancient ziggurat. The short corridor opens into a large, rectangular chamber dominated by a banquet table in the room's center. A dozen or so chairs surround the table, which is set with various tableware. While much of the pottery and dishes are clay, the light reflects off of several metal bowls, utensils and plates as well: silver and gold!

A line of amphoras is placed against the far wall, between each of which are seven stone doors, all closed. Ancient runes are carved into each door.[Private to Saliq Musfara: Saliq recognizes these to be of a script related to that of the common tongue of his people.]

Flanking either side of the table, are stone statues of a muscular naked man kneeling in supplication, brow and hands placed firmly on the the floor. A stone bowl is located directly in front of each statue's head.

Finally, the upper reaches of the stone chamber are carved with depictions of lines of servants offering all manner of goods to a ruler seated in a large throne.

Something about the room dimmed Ben's normal ardor. Even the sight of the plates of silver and gold did not elicit a sound; something about the place caused the small hairs on the back of his neck to rise.

Stepping over the where the enthroned figure is carved onto the wall, Ben examines the image.

Rath spares a quick glance through the chamber to check for any obvious dangers. He motions to Norion to accompany Ben deeper in, while Rath himself takes a position just inside the entrance, to one side, to guard against an unexpected intrusion from behind.

The carved figure is a robed man wearing a large crown and wielding a large scepter in his right hand. A sacrificial altar rests at the man's feet, atop which are many goods: grains, wine, fruits, jewelry, and bolts of cloth.

The artwork is distinct, but nothing too remarkable. The figures consist mostly of line figure carvings with minimal detail.

"Don't look like a lizard-king, guessing this place was build by people."

Uninterested in earning the scorn of the others, Ben holds his urge to destroy the statues in, but he still examines them, as they seem at first glance to be of a much higher artistic quality compared to the carvings.

In reply to Aldo Rathmus (msg # 60):

Duvall steps inside the chamber and takes up a position opposite Rath, where he can help guard the entrance and survey the room.

"No one touch a thing yet!" Saliq urges. Cautiously he tries to get close enough to one of the seven doors to try and read the runes - assuming he can decipher them of course!

Six of the doors contain runes that appear denote the names of ancient princes. Among the names are: Belekxeia, Gerekxo, Talsconis, Astoiluno, Dukxanharis, Lokxae, and Artahe. A date appears below each name, though the method of accounting is unknown to any of the heroes. Beneath the date, a strange sigil is carved into the door. The runes are unfamiliar to the companions.

Nearly all of these persons are unknown to any of the companions, with the exception of Artahe, whom Saliq has heard of.

Artahe was a famous warrior-prince from history who led many famous conquests into to the "Unwashed Lands", or the area now known as The Hinterlands and Northern Kingdoms. There is a story about Artahe commanding a fleet of swift ships into one of the fair-skinned people's ports. Prince Artahe's marines carried away much treasure from that campaign, but they were eventually dogged at sea by a white dragon who sacked many ships before that beast was slain. The legend holds that Prine Artahe fashioned a magic girdle from that wyrm's hide that purportedly gave him the strength of a dragon!

Prince Artahe is a figure from antiquity, perhaps 1000 years or more ago!

One of the doors, the middle portal, does not contain the names of any princes. On this door is simply a verse:

And on the Day of Judgment you will see those who lied about The True Gods. Their faces blackened. Dark as their hearts. Formless souls wandering the eternal plains of desolation. There's will be a waking death, filled with naught but longing and malice.

Let them serve as a reminder of the mighty power of the True. Blessed their days to the end of time.

Norion reads the verse on the middle door and grimaces. "Well, that certainly makes ya feel welcome," he mutters. Glancing at the strange characters adorning the other doors, he asks, "What kind of foul magic was worked in this place? Spells that were best forgotten, I'd venture."

"Not all magic is foul mountain dweller," Saliq says, glancing at Norion before stroking his beard thoughtfully and adding: "I admit this magic of a different ken to mine but clearly it is protective in nature. I know of this Prince Artahe at least: several of the other princely lines of the Empire are descended from him and his harem... or at least so they like to say."

The Illusionist turns to Eagle and Duvall: "I am religious man myself, a follower of the one you Northerners call Sehanine but this reference to The True Gods is lost on me. What do you make of it my friends?"

Duvall wanders over to look at it.
(OOC: Can he read it? If not, Saliq can tell him what it says.)

"There are many gods, and I know that Kord is true for he grants me my spells. Perhaps he is one of these "true gods" this reads about. Then again..."

Duvall is unfamiliar with the runes, however the reference to True Gods might refer to the gods of the ancient southern people of the Shifting Sands. There were three chief deities of this pantheon: Ekxil, God of the Sky, Nenavial, Goddess of the Earth, and Havial, Goddess of the Underworld.

It is widely believed this pantheon destroyed itself through prolonged internecine conflict. These battles cast the southern lands into a cataclysmic period where the earth literally died. What had been a land of weal transformed into a howling wasteland of fine dust and sand: the bones of the ancient gods and goddesses!

Saliq too might also know something of these gods, but his interpretation of their demise might be tempered through a more sympathetic lens. Whatever the case, both Duvall and Saliq know that these deities have long since perished, either through dying outright or by being absorbed by other deities.

Licking his lips, Ben ponders the odds in his head, versus the potential wealth.

"If these gods be dead, then it's okay to check out these tombs here, right? I hear royal type folk get buried with lots of wealth, and not a few traps to guard them; traps I can deal with, but if these 'True Gods' are still about, I want nothing to do with them."

Eagle listens in fascination to the conversation; he knows little of ancient gods, being more concerned with the irreducible spirit of the earth, but he finds the tales curious. When Ben speaks he starts to feel some alarm at the prospect of unleashing powerful ancient forces - perhaps remembering his recent brush with the skeletons beneath Stormhaven.

'I can see your interest Ben, but these doors have remained closed for 1,000's of years. Perhaps we should deal with the more timely amphibian challenges below before we risk an exploration here?' He ponders for a moment. 'That said, any traps that have endured for 1,000 years are likely to be of a more spiritual nature. Let me ask Melora to establish if there is any sorcery likely to trip us up in this room.' With that he fishes for his mistletoe, takes a stance in the middle of the room, and beings to chant and sway.

OOC: Eagle will cast detect magic, and then scan all the doors and the room to see if there is anything enchanted.

By the way, a question for any physicists/engineers in the game: if you had a spring loaded mechanism, encased in some sterile environment, would the spring still retain its tension after 1,000 years, or would there be some slow diffusion of power along the way? (NB, I'm not asking for game reasons (we're playing in a game with lizard men, right, so I'll take the DM's word on whatever he wants to happen!), but just curious from a real-world theoretical point of view, how long a mechanism would retain power!)

None of the doors radiate magic, however the two kneeling statues are both encased in a strong aura of magical energy!

Finally, Eagle also detects a small nimbus of magical energy radiating from one of the amphorae lined against the far wall.

Norion nodded. "I'm with Eagle. I think we should find the lizards first. Deal with them first, before we try our hands at...venturing into something unknown."

The dwarf gave the statues and doors another long, wary look. Despite Saliq's assurance that there was no dark magic at work, the ancient place made Norion nervous.

"A dwarf not interested in gold? sacre bleu! hehehe, how would you like to face the lizard men with the strength of a dragon though, Norion, eh? Tales they will tell in the deeps and the depths about you, if such a belt rests behind one of these doors..."

He frowns at the magic in the statues, however, and he wishes his comrades would be sensible and shatter the figures into little pieces before they come to life and kill them all.

Having finished his inspection, Eagle is curious enough to go and have a look at the amphora to see if there is any obvious answer to why it is radiating magic.

OOC: ie is there a magic ring/item popped in the bottom of it!

After he has investigated he will turn to the others. 'So, the doors are not protected by obvious magic, but those statues are not what they seem. Should we close up the door here, and investigate any treasure once we have dealt with those below? Or should we go through the door here to see if we can access the lizards from above?' He gives a nervous look at the statues. 'Personally I favour the front door - perhaps we could try to talk our way in?'

OOC: I'm wondering what anyone thinks of some kind of scare a lizardman with an illusion, then 'rescue' it with the help of a charm spell, plan, rather than going in swords drawn? Happy either way. . .

Rath keeps his post by the doorway, vigilant but nervous. It's not that he's incurious, or that he's uninterested in ancient treasures of dead true gods, but that he knows that none of that matters if a stealthy reptile-man with a long wavy dagger slithers behind them all and cuts out their hearts.

Saliq looks thoughtful. "I can use my illusions if we are trying to talk our way; I could make myself look like one of the lizard men. Alternatively I could conjure the image of that great snake we fought - if the lizards witness us 'defeat' it it would likely impress them."

He pauses a moment before adding. "And if we are simply trying to scare them I could take the likeness of that poor woman we discovered. How would they react to one of their victims come back as the living dead, seemingly out for revenge?"

Eagle searches one of the amphorae and locates a golden ring set with a large gray stone with a dark circular mark. The ring is located on a small hook built into the back of the ceramic container!

The ring is indeed the source of the magical radiation the druid had previously detected.

Norion will recognize the stone as an eye agate, a semi-ornamental stone generally not worth much more than 10 gold when take alone. This ring appears to be magical however and is likely worth much more!

But, what could its powers possibly be?

"Interesting plan, if one of us speaks the language of the lizard men, though I will fess up and admit I don't."

Ben examines the hook the ring was on. Is it connected to anything other then the amphora?

Absent mindedly he ponders other options.

"What if you created an illusion of something the might draw the lizard men out of their hole, something which wouldn't require us speaking to them? A small band of helpless victims perhaps. Once they were out, we could ambush them, or sneak in after them..."

Rath's eyebrow goes up at Ben's suggestion. "That's a good thought." There's something in his tone that conveys just a trace of surprise, but probably enough to offend someone sensitive to that sort of thing.

Ben kneels down and fiddles with the ring a bit. It is cold to the touch, but otherwise clinks harmlessly against the ceramic amphora.

There is no visible change in the room during or after Ben touches the ring.

A raised eyebrow is all Rathmaus gets for his comment, but Ben seems to be done with ring.

"This place is important. I think we need to figure it out before we go inside. That said, if no one else is interested, I can't do it myself, so we might as well head back outside."

[Private to GM: I am assuming that Ben tried to twist, pull, and push the ring, so I am moving on. I hope this is also your assumption. ]

Peering at the ring, Norion rumbled, "That stone, it's an eye agate. It's not worth much, by itself. Of course, in the time that ring was crafted, it may have been highly prized."

When Scristos speaks up, the dwarf grins and nods. "I've no problem with luring those creatures to their deaths. Especially not after all the destruction they've caused."

Watching with some amusement as his companions peer at the ring, Eagle reaches down and picks the ring off the hook. 'I don't know if it's valuable, but it's definitely magical,' he mentions as he puts it in his satchel.

'I agree this place is important Ben, just that is has stood unchanged for centuries. Its mysteries can surely wait a day while we deal with downstairs? I can use some magic to speak with lizardmen, and perhaps draw one under my charms. I wondered if we could conjure a fearful apparition of the dead woman, and then a couple of us could 'rescue' them by appearing to dispel the magic, and win their trust? It may be too complicated though, and I like your other plans too.'

"I'm with Ben," Rath adds. "We're here. And we're out of the rain." He glances around the odd chamber with some unease. No telling what dangers, what treasures, what knowledge this place might hold. "If dead gods hold sway here, well, we have gods of our own, right?" Rath doesn't sound completely convinced of his own words.

"A fearful apparition is within my powers," Saliq says and smiles wryly. "I think it would do the lizard folk good to get the fear of the gods put into them.  Now if we do go the root who will the appearance of the rescuers? Aldo, Norion you are best at force of arms - think you can put on a good show?"

Norion nodded and grinned. "I can be plenty loud. I'm best when I have some mead in my stomach, but I'm sure I can manage."

Shaking his head Ben simply states he will go with the majority, though his own vote is to find what advantage there might be here, before going down into the structure.

Duvall shakes his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you're actually considering putting on a...mummer's show for a bunch of bloodthirsty lizardmen! Are you serious? Kord take me for a old weak woman if I join in such a farce! You do remember what they did to the woman we left out in the rain, right? Charming them and parlaying with them...that isn't going to cut it for me!"

"No one's suggesting making peace with these creatures," Rath answers Duvall sharply. He hesitates, then turns away, putting aside the distractions of the discussion to put his full attention on guarding the door.

"That's what it sure as hell sounds like to me," Duvall says, giving the newcomer a glance before looking back at Saliq and the others for an answer.

"No. No. These creatures deserve nothing but death," Norion said, a deep frown on his brow, "I thought we meant to put them in fear, so that we would begin our attack at an advantage."

While the others bicker, Ben starts to explore the room more carefully, checking for traps on all of the doors, as well as the statues and the golden cutlery.

After an exhaustive and lengthy search of the chamber's seven doors, the two stone statues and the banquet table, Ben finds and disables a trap located directly over the second door.

The trap consisted of a very large ceiling block designed to collapse onto the door opener's head!

No other traps are found.

While searching under and near the table, Ben estimates that the silverware and tableware would easily fetch a couple hundred gold pieces in Stormhaven's Bazaar. Of course, transporting it might prove troublesome, but it is not out of the question either.

"The silverware is worth a pretty penny, but unless the ziggy-whoozit sinks into the swamp, seems like something we could come back for."

He gestures towards the second door.

"These guys like to drop heavy stuff on peoples head it seems, this door would have done that. Better now, I hope. I say we open it, but someone keep an eye on the statues, I don't trust'em."

Despite himself Saliq grins at that. "Very well, I'll keep watch on our currently imobile friends."

The Illusionist moves closer to the statues, sternly keeping them under his eye.

Rath maintains his position at the entrance, trusting Ironaxe and Kane to keep Scristos alive; but he's ready to move, and move fast, to join his companions if there's trouble.

The thief searches for a way to open the second door. If he find it, he warns the others, then opens it.

Ben slides the heavy stone door open, revealing a narrow chamber with uneven, textured walls that cast shadows at odd angles. The chamber is perhaps 10 feet wide and nearly twice as deep. At the far end of the chamber, the companions see an ornate bronze reliquary placed atop a raised dais. Several hundred gold coins are scattered around the reliquary, most in neat stacks, though quite a few have toppled over.

Eagle follows the party cautiously into the chamber, and forcibly breathes out as he spies the gold. 'Whether they were real or not, it seems these ancient gods are smiling upon you Ben,' he comments. 'There are clearly rewards available here for us. However, I fear we must tackle downstairs before we try to remove it - I would not want to flee a lizard-man ambush with my pockets weighed down with such riches.'

He thinks for a moment. 'That said, perhaps we shouldn't seek confrontation downstairs, but wait in these chambers - which seem as if they must be unknown to the lizards - and wait until they next come up here with an offering. We could use our magic to give them a response from the ancient gods they were not expecting. . . And perhaps by cleansing their temple, we would be doing the old golds a favour worthy of a reward'. He finishes with a wry laugh at the absurdity of what he is thinking.

Shadows continue to form and dissipate on the narrow tomb's walls, but then something extraordinary occurs, as the shadows gather together just to the side of the reliquary. A humanoid shape then takes form as wisps of inky darkness weave together like coiling dark serpents around their prey.

Two glowing red eyes flicker and the room darkens as the creature inches forward toward the heroes...

OOC: ROLL for Initiative!

Anyone rolling a 4 or better may post their action immediately.

---

Fell Shadow
AC: 7, HD: 3+3
HP: 15

PC          AC   HP    AP    Notes
Ben         7   15/15   1     Init +2
Duvall      4   21/21   3
Eagle       6   19/19   4
Norion      3   24/24   2
Rath        3   24/24   2
Saliq       7   10/10   3     Init +2


Stage 1: Ben, Saliq
Stage 2: Fell Shadow (4)
Stage 3: Duvall, Norion
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:06, Sun 16 Dec 2012.

Duvall gasps as the lifeless creature of shadow takes shape. The cleric attempts to bring the holy symbol of Kord to bear against this foe... "By Kord's red beard you shadowed fiend... you SHALL... leave this place... NOW! BE GONE!"

18:13, Today: DM Storm, on behalf of Duvall Kane, rolled 3 using 1d6. Init.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:14, Sun 16 Dec 2012.

While the creature appears to be made of shadow and smoke, Ben whipped out his blade none the less, missing by a scant few inches.



22:57, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 4 using 1d6+2. init.
22:59, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 12 using 1d20. attack THAC7 = 14.
sigh...

Norion was momentarily taken aback as the shadows coalesced and took shape. Gripping his axe, he made ready to strike.

02:11, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 2 using 1d6. Initiative.

Saliq's eyes widen in shock and his ill timed strike easily misses the shadow creature.

---

OOC:
11:57, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 4 using 1d6+2. Init.
11:58, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 5 using 1d20+1. Attack with Jambiya Moonblade.

Perhaps distracted by his dreams of an ambush, Eagle is completely flat footed when the shadow appears.


13:24, Today: Eagle rolled 1 using 1d6. initiative.

It takes Rath a few moments to recognize the threat for what it is, but it soon becomes clear that this chamber is not unattended.

17:27, Today: DM Storm, on behalf of Aldo Rathmus, rolled 1 using 1d6. Init.

The fell shadow glides along the rough wall and lunges at Ben...who manages to dodge out of the way just as the creature's inky fingers grasp around the thief's neck!

---

Fell Shadow
AC: 7, HD: 3+3
HP: 15

PC          AC   HP    AP    Notes
Ben         7   15/15   1     Init +2
Duvall      4   21/21   3
Eagle       6   19/19   4
Norion      3   24/24   2
Rath        3   24/24   2
Saliq       7   10/10   3     Init +2


Stage 1: Ben, Saliq
Stage 2: Fell Shadow (4)
Stage 3: Aldo, Duvall, Eagle, Norion

OOC: Aldo, Duvall, Eagle and Norion are UP!!!
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:02, Tue 18 Dec 2012.

Duvall holding his warhammer, in one hand and his holy symbol, in the other. He begins saying a silent prayer and then, attempts to bring the holy symbol, of Kord to bear against this foe... "Kord, my lord bestow thy power, upon me, so I may rid this place, of this foulness." He thrusts the holy symbol forward, then speaks once more his words filled, with determination. "By Kord's red beard you shadowed fiend... you SHALL... leave this place... NOW! BE GONE!"

[Private to DM Storm: 23:20, Today: Duvall Kane rolled 7 using 3d4. duration.
23:19, Today: Duvall Kane rolled 12 using 1d12. # effected .
23:18, Today: Duvall Kane rolled 5 using 1d20. turning roll.]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:21, Tue 18 Dec 2012.

"Hey!" Norion snarled as he closed with the shade, "That's our cutpurse you're grabbin'!"

He swung at the creature with his axe, hoping to force it to release Scristos.

22:48, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 14 using 1d20+1. Attack - Great Axe.
22:50, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 1 using 1d10. Damage.

Duvall's words of command have no effect on the fell shadow! The undead horror is undeterred by the awesome divine power of Kord.

Meanwhile, Norion hacks at the shadow with his axe, but the weapon merely passes through the incorporeal creature with no effect!

How does one slay that which cannot be physically touched!?!

Rath squeezes into the now cramped tomb and strikes at the shadow, missing horribly!

22:31, Today: DM Storm, on behalf of Aldo Rathmus, rolled 10,5 using d20,d8+1 with rolls of 10,4. atk/dmg.

Rolling away, to allow others more capable, and/or armed then himself, Ben instead takes the opportunity to be certain his pet buggabears, i.e. the statues, aren't making any effort to aid the shadowy phantom.

Eagle steps back in fear, but then starts to mutter his druidic cant, channelling the spirit of Melora to his aid.

OOC: Eagle will cast Faerie Fire on the shadow to try and light it up at least. Not sure how that's going to work out mind!

Saliq swings wildly and misses again. Deciding not to risk himself further the Illusionist steps back to give others room... and maybe see if Eagle's brainwave works.

---

OOC: 14:15, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 3 using 1d20+1. Attack with Jambiya Moonblade.

The shadow is now surrounded by numerous twinkling colored fey lights, courtesy of Eagle's nature magic. The effect is such that the elusive creature may prove easier to strike in the future, but the soulless form does not seem otherwise deterred by the enchantment. It is driven by an absolute hatred of all living things and an insatiable hunger for life force.

A shadowy tendril reaches out and coils around Rath's neck for a few moments, but the warrior manages to escape its clutches. But not before a terrible weakness moves through the human's body.

OOC: Rath loses 4 hp's and 1 STR point. On the positive side, the faerie fire gives all combatants a +2 bonus to hit.

Duvall: make a Wisdom check please.

---

Fell Shadow
AC: 7, HD: 3+3
HP: 15

PC          AC   HP    AP    Notes
Ben         7   15/15   1     Init +2
Duvall      4   21/21   3
Eagle       6   19/19   4
Norion      3   24/24   2
Rath        3   20/24   2     -1 STR (2 turns)
Saliq       7   10/10   3     Init +2


Stage 1: Ben, Saliq
Stage 2: Fell Shadow (4)
Stage 3: Aldo, Duvall, Eagle, Norion

OOC: <b>Aldo, Duvall, Eagle and Norion are UP!!!</b>

Kord holds the Holy symbol once more out, in front, of him. "My Lord Kord grant me thy protections, so I may be a wall, between me and this fiend."

[Private to DM Storm: 20:11, Today: Duvall Kane rolled 9 using 1d20. wisdom check. casting protection from evil, on myself.]

[Private to Aldo Rathmus: You vaguely recall a parable of a Crusader of Pelor battling a shadow army at The Bone Tower, a dread fortress located on the 235th layer of Abyss. This Crusader, Lathander Dawnhand, waded through despair and doom by virtue of an enchanted mace that aided his efforts.

Morale of the story: Shadows can only be harmed by some types of magic or magic weapons.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:52, Fri 21 Dec 2012.

pm

[Private to DM Storm: I forgot that I have spiritual hammer]

Rath reels backward as the necrotic energy works its way through his body, weakening him with each passing moment. Still, the warrior perseveres and follows up with a slash of his massive bastard sword...to no avail. The blade hugely misses its mark, the now illuminated shadow creature still proving quite elusive.


22:00, Today: DM Storm, on behalf of Aldo Rathmus, rolled 6,2 using d20+2,d8 with rolls of 4,2. atk/dmg vs shadow.

With his companions weapons seemingly having no effect, Eagle starts to edge backwards towards the door, trying to keep some distance between himself and the shade. As he edges though he mutters spiritual verses again.

With a sudden flash, a globe of eldritch fire appears in his hand. With a sudden movement he throws the flame at the shadow, hoping the magical fire may have some effect.

OOC: Cast produce flame and throw it at the shadow

Cramped quarters, over-sized sword, insubstantial ancient guardian sucking the life out of those it touches ... it's enough for Rath. He's not even sure if he missed the damned thing, or if his sword passed through it. "Back off!" he shouts to his companions, anger and fear mixed in his voice. Despite his words, he steps heavily, armor clanking, to keep himself and his less-than-useful sword and shield between the shadow and his company. "Only sorcery will hurt the thing!"

OOC: Since I have the chance to post, I'm tacking on this addition to the turn the DM made on my behalf. Sorry to be missing all the action!

Norion swung his axe again in a fast arc, knowing deep down that the gesture was futile, but instinctively acting to ward the foul creature off.

12:01, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 15 using 1d20+1. Attack - Great Axe.
12:02, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 6 using 1d10. Damage.

[Private to DM Storm: Grasping at straws here, but who in the group is bearing the torch? Do we have any kind of source of open flame readily available?]

An odd, distant look crosses Saliq's face, as if he is listening to some distant sound only he can hear. "Wait... do you hear that my friends? Trumpets in the distance... someone is coming." An expression of awe crosses the Illusionist's face. "Prince Artahe himself comes to our rescue! Retreat foul shadling or feel his wrath!"

He turns to face the door and whispers the first worlds of a spell. Golden mist begins to form in the door, soldifying into a shimmering humanoid figure, indistict but seemingly human and with a glistening golden scimitar in its hand. From somewhere there comes the fainest sound of trumpets...

---

OOC: Saliq is casting an Improved Phantasmal Force spell... not likely to distract the Shadow long but hopefully will provide us a chance to flee!

A glowing nimbus of divine energy now completely surrounds Duvall, protection against evil creatures.

Meanwhile, Eagle hurls a ball of flame at the shadow, but the creature dodges out of the way, its body separating in two to avoid the magic flames.

Norion continues to hack at the shadow with his axe, but the weapon merely cuts through the darkness with seemingly no effect!

Finally, Saliq conjures up an impressive phantasm, which does seem to pique the shadow's interest as it darts across the walls to investigate this new foe. Perhaps a more worthy adversary with even greater life force to steal!?!

OOC: Ben still has an action to post and then it is the shadows stage.

"Toss me your dagger," the thief requests of the bearer of the moonblade, "I'm gonna give this a try!"

Ben inches toward the alcove, torch out in front.

should time allow...

Dammit, I think I managed to stab myself. Hopefully time doesn't allow.

18:34, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 1 using 1d20. if I can, swing with magic dagger.

The shadowy figure slides along the wall toward the shimmering human figure, its dark facets spreading like thunderheads across crimson sky. The fell shadow takes form on the ceiling above and drops down upon the phantasm, hoping to devour its life essence.

Saliq causes the scimitar-wielding prince to nimbly somersault aside, possibly preventing the shadow from discovering the ruse!

The shadow reforms against the reliquary and continues its death waltz with its illusory foe...for the moment.

The narrow tomb is now consumed in a kaleidoscope of visual stimulii: shifting shadow, dancing faerie fire, a ball of magic fire, and phantasmal illusion!

OOC: The faerie fire gives all combatants a +2 bonus to hit.

---

Fell Shadow
AC: 7, HD: 3+3
HP: 15

PC          AC   HP    AP    Notes
Ben         7   15/15   1     Init +2
Duvall      4   21/21   3
Eagle       6   19/19   4
Norion      3   24/24   2
Rath        3   20/24   2     -1 STR (2 turns)
Saliq       7   10/10   3     Init +2


Stage 1: Ben, Saliq
Stage 2: Fell Shadow (4)
Stage 3: Aldo, Duvall, Eagle, Norion

OOC: Aldo, Duvall, Eagle and Norion are UP!!!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:15, Sat 22 Dec 2012.

Duvall watches the fiend attacking the figure and tries to keep himself between it and his friends. He reaches down grabs 3 stones holding his holy symbol, over them and begins to chant. "Kord grant your power to these stones, so they may strike true."

Snarling curses under his breath, Norin took several steps back, keeping his eyes on the shade as he began to retreat. Much as he hated to run, he saw no way that he and his companions could vanquish the fell spirit.

Rath backs off, slowly, to give the others time to vacate the small room.

Eagle carefully backs out of the shadow's tomb, ducking beneath an outstretched arm before filing into the adjoining hall.

OOC: DM post on Eagle's behalf.

Several party members had struck upon the idea that the shadow would be too difficult to defeat and had already retreated from the tomb. The treasure would not be so easily obtained with a dark guardian such as this lording over the reliquary.

The shadow now looms large over the chamber, seemingly gaining power as the thought of retreat filled each companion's mind.

OOC: The faerie fire gives all combatants a +2 bonus to hit.

---

Fell Shadow
AC: 7, HD: 3+3
HP: 15

PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   15/15   1   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2
Duvall   4   21/21   3   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Eagle    6   19/19   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   24/24   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   20/24   2   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10   -1 STR (2 turns)
Saliq    7   10/10   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2

Stage 1: Ben, Saliq
Stage 2: Fell Shadow (4)
Stage 3: Aldo, Duvall, Eagle, Norion

OOC: Ben and Saliq are UP!!!
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:38, Sun 23 Dec 2012.

Saliq sends the illusionary prince whirling away from the door to keep the shadow focused on it. The illusionist himself backs off towards the door and out of the tomb.

Well screw! No dagger forthcoming, it seems.

As the shadow is preoccupied, however, Ben dashes into the tomb and grabs what he can in the way of easy-to-carry wealth and magic!

The shadow continues to battle against Prince Artahe, darting from wall to wall in an attempt to defeat its foe. Finally, the shadow swoops in and envelopes its dark claws around the Prince's neck.

But, no life force is found in this being!?! Treachery!

The shadow hisses in protest and a sound akin to wind through a menhir echoes through the stone hall. The shadow swipes at Ben, the closest living thing, but the thief dodges underneath the blow just as he exits through the door leading into the entrance hall.

OOC: The shadow is still inside the tomb. All the PCs are headed toward the exit outside, if not already there.


The faerie fire gives all combatants a +2 bonus to hit, in the event anyone wishes to stick around to battle the shadow.

---

Fell Shadow
AC: 7, HD: 3+3
HP: 15

PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   15/15   1   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2
Duvall   4   21/21   3   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Eagle    6   19/19   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   24/24   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   20/24   2   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Saliq    7   10/10   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2

Stage 1: Ben, Saliq
Stage 2: Fell Shadow (4)
Stage 3: Duvall, Eagle, Norion, Rath

OOC: Duvall, Eagle, Norion and Rath are UP!!!
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:41, Fri 28 Dec 2012.

Duvall watches, as Ben runs, intot he tomb and he curses quietly. "Ben get your greedy arse out, of there quickly."

Duvall will wait, for Ben again keeping the thing between himself and Ben just out, of the things reach.

[Private to DM Storm: If it gets close. He will toss all three stones at it. Hoping to distrat it and give us more time to get out.]

hell, it's still in the tomb? Ben closes the door!

Ben manages to scoop up several handfuls of gold coins lying about the floor while the fell shadow is distracted with Saliq's illusion. Upon exiting the tomb, Ben slams the door shut!

OOC: Ben picked up 64 gp

"Should we try another one?"

Rath stands ready, breathing hard and glaring at the closed door. He is not at all certain the shadow won't dive right through the wall to get at Ben, and he's ready for two actions: one, to charge in to distract the shadow from the more vulnerable thief; and, two, to step outside into the light of day.

Duvall looked, at Ben. "You tell me Ben. Do you think we should run back, in there and possibly face that thing again, or something worse?"

Saliq looks troubled. "I have no desire to face the undead again but if we must perhaps someone else should carry the Moonblade?" The illusionist draws the enchanted dagger from his belt and sighs unhappily. "Don't get me wrong I value it greatly but until more weapons of power belong to us it makes sense an experienced weaponwielder like you Aldo or you Norion should use this. I can rely on my illusions well enough."

A few tense moments pass as the companions watch to see whether the fell shadow will either move through or open the stone door leading into its tomb, but neither occur. The ancient hall now lies quite quiet, save for the faint sound of a wind carried in through the open door leading to the top of the ziggurat.

The gentle breeze carries warm moist air into the hall, perhaps reminding some of the companions about why they came to the forsaken land known as the Mistmere: lizard-men.

No lizard-folk had been seen thus far, nor was there any evidence of their passage anywhere in these tombs. It was quite possible that if indeed, the lizard-folk tribe were operating out of this ziggurat, they had not yet discovered these secret tombs. It was very likely that this tomb remained undisturbed since it had been sealed, eons ago.

OOC: Need to make a decision about what you guys wish to do. Six unopened door remain. The two enchanted statues at either end of the hall have not moved. The items of value on the long banquet table have not been touched/moved/collected. There is also still an open doorway at the "surface" level of the ziggurat.

At the very least, this seems like it might be a nice base from which to operate. Can the door to the outside be closed, then re-opened, from the inside?

The door leading into the ziggurat's upper level may be closed and re-opened from the inside or outside.

Duvall thought about what Ben said. "Well, we survived that one and we may, as well see what the other hold. We can always tuck tail and run. We will, at least know what is, in there and can plan accordingly.

"With the dagger in the right hands, we'll have a better chance, too. No offense, Saliq."

He ponders the table thoughtfully.

"It would be nice to figure out this table, as well. Who knows, if it feeds us, even better, right?"

Saliq glares... well short pointed weapons at Ben for that last remark but doesn't countermand it. Instead he moved offer to the table to give it a closer look.

The stone table is set with tableware and silverware for 12, all of which is gilded with silver or gold edging and of fine quality. Several of the serving bowls are filled with dried fruit, nuts, and grain: a bountiful feast set out long ago and preserved for the ages. Additionally, a decanter, capped with an ornate falcon-headed stopper, is placed at either end of the table. An unknown, dark liquid is visible within both containers.

The glasses, plates, and mugs are all empty, save for a thin layer of dust which has settled therein.

Carefully and gently uncapping one of the decanters, Ben takes a tentative sniff.

Duvall watched and when he seen Ben open the decanter he waited a moment. "You do know that some place the organs, of the person buried are placed in jars, for some strange reason. It could also be just simple perfumes and such."

The liquid smells heavily of vinegar and musty citron fruit. It was probably a wine of some sort, though the march of time has not been kind to its nose.

Rath grimaces, now trying to watch not only the doors but the walls, floors, and ceilings as avenues of surprise attacks. He keeps his sword ready, and he's jumpy.

In response to Ben's remark about the Moonblade, Rath mutters, "The magician used it well enough against the snake."

Rath moves up near Duval Kane. He's wary and nervous, but he's thinking things through. He speaks quietly to the priest. "Kane, you blessed those stones, right? How long will the power hold?" Rath eyes the door, behind which the Shadow lurks. "If I had Musfara's knife ... do you think we could take down the Shadow now?"

Replacing the stopper, Ben glances over at Aldo, subtly pleased with the way the young warrior was thinking.

"I, for one, would be willing to give it a try. Did it come out of the alcove at all, maybe we can prick it to it's real death from a distance?"

Duvall listened to Aldo. "If we go back, in they are good to use. If we wait longer they will not be. As, for you having the blade I am not sure. I may be able to magic one more item to help us, but I am not even sure that will help. This is an angry, hungry fiend and we will not fool it again Saliq."

"Personally I think I think the odds would favour the shade no matter who holds the Moonblade," Saliq said bluntly. "Ben might be greedy enough to throw caution to the wind but I'm not. In fact I say we abandon the tombs for now and concentrate on mortal prey: the lizard folk."

The Illusionist sighed and reluctantly handed his blade to Aldo. "However if the group votes to take on the shade I'll go with the group."

Now that some time has passed, Rath feels the darkness subside. The shade's influence has left and the warrior feels almost back to normal, if not for the faint memory of the weakness within.

OOC: Rath's Strength is back to normal now.

Duvall takes a deep breath. "As I said I do not think we stand a good chance, if we had more magic possibly. I also used 2 spells, in this little fight, so my spells usage will soon be done. I will go, as well if that is what you all wish."

Rath is not at all disgruntled that the party, aside from Ben, seems to lean against taking on the tomb-shadow again so soon. In fact, he offers a grim smile that conveys his relief. With a gesture, he declines taking possession of the Moonblade.

From Rath's perspective, the dangers here can wait, along with the treasures, until the party returns with more strength ... and more magic.

Though a little voice in the back of his said open the door anyway, see what happens! Ben knew it would probably end up with him fed to the Shadow creature.

>shrug<

"Onward and downward then?"

If the others are on board, Ben would like to go to the second level of the zigga-whoozits right above the opening, and give a listen, laying flat on his belly.

Though he does close the door to the tombs, once everyone is outside.

After coming to agreement, the party files out of the hidden chambers and closes the secret entrance.

Stepping back outside, the party notices that the skies are still cast in dark rolls, but the rain has now subsided. Drifts of low-lying clouds wisp just overhead as the heroes survey the surrounding countryside and witness no unusual activity. Down below, the bleeding carcass of the giant snake drifts lifelessly in the dark-wine colored water.

It is now late probably late afternoon, though the sun has not been visible all day. Nightfall is probably just a few hours distant, perhaps giving more impetus to the task at hand.

Turning attention back toward the open dark portal below, Ben lies down and listens for sounds of activity within: there are none.

Perhaps Ben lowers his head down and takes a peep inside: this chamber is also dark, though some daylight filters in near the entrance revealing a short corridor leading into a larger hall. A large shadow can barely be made out near the back of the hall, though Ben is not able to make out many details beyond it being at least 10 feet tall and perhaps humanoid?

With a silent >eep< Ben quickly pulls his head back up, rolls to his knees, the whispering, he fills the party in on what he saw.

"Could have been a statue, could have been a giant, I don't know.
"How tall are lizard men, ya think?
"Anyway, if you guys want to prepare for an ambush, I will 'non-nonchalantly' stroll past the opening, and see if I get a reaction.
"But if'n I do I am not sticking around! Sound good?"

[Private to GM: If the plan goes ahead, Ben will whistle a nervous tune as he strolls.]

Norion shifted his axe in his hands as he listened to Scristos' description. "We could take positions to either side of the doorway. It would probably be to our advantage to make whatever might be down there come to us, rather than venturing down into the dark to meet it."

The shoulders of the little thief sag."

"Yes, that was my plan, to lure it out. But I was hoping someone would stay at the top of the door, to strike down at the ten foot beast, should it come out."

Rath scopes out the arrangement of the structure, to determine if a melee ambush from above is feasible. If so, he takes that position over the opening with sword in hand. Otherwise, he prepares a javelin.

Duvall readies his magical stone.

The heroes take up a striking position above and to either side the entrance, in the event that Ben's ruse draws any foes out into the clear. Once everyone is in place, the thief climbs down and plays out the plan by casually walking in full view of the open doorway, while whistling a nervous tune.

After only a few moments of this ploy, Ben hears what sounds to be rapid hissing within, each syllable punctuated with a click. Then footfalls, silent, but noticeable to Ben.

Ben's actions have caught something within's interest, perhaps several somethings, and whatever it might be is now attempting to stalk slowly out of the ziggurat...

OOC: Ben could not see anything in the darkness, but he definitely heard the hiss-click and then movement toward the entrance. The large statue did not move.

Saliq clung to the shadows as much as possible, fingers tightly gripping the hilt of the Moonblade. If needs be he was prepared to summon a spell to provide a distraction, but best to let the foe show his strength first.

Moving past the opening, Ben continues to whistle.

Ben walks past the opening and hears hurried footfalls of perhaps a single foe, rushing toward the entrance. The sound of motion becomes much less pronounced as the creature draws closer. Waiting just out of view the entrance behind a stone column, his companions poised to strike as soon as anything emerges, Ben listens carefully to determine whether his plan is going to work.

Whatever is inside seems reluctant to come rushing outside: perhaps aware of the ruse, or maybe just cautious?

The tension builds...

Then movement. The faint sound of claws clicking against stone grows closer now. Something is sneaking up along the short corridor leading out of the ziggurat.

And then, a single green-scaled lizard-man appears in the threshold leading into the ziggurat!

The creature is perhaps 6 feet tall and walks upon two legs, its thin tail skims silently above the flagstone floor as it probes its forked tongue forward.

A TRAP!

The lizard-man jerks its head upward and sees Rath ready to strike with his sword!

OOC: Surprise Round! All PCs will get an action before the lizard-man gets to go, but please roll init anyway. It will play a role in later rounds, if the lizard-man survives.

---

Greenscale Lizardfolk
AC: 5, HD: 2+1
HP: 8

PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   15/15   1   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2
Duvall   4   21/21   3   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Eagle    6   19/19   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   24/24   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   20/24   2   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Saliq    7   10/10   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2

Stage 1: Ben, Rath
Stage 2: Lizard-folk (4)
Stage 3: Eagle

OOC: PCs are UP! Surprise Round!
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:35, Mon 31 Dec 2012.

"ack!" Ben scoots forward in an effort to get out of the way of the others. Yes, that is why. Pay no attention to the womanly squeal. Getting out of the way. yes.


23:47, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 5 using 1d6+2. init.

Having been quiet for a while, Eagle has followed the party without dissent. As the lizard appears he thrusts his spear down from next to Rath. Unfortunately he's probably too far away, or perhaps just his normal competence in combat has returned. . . in any case, he misses.

OOC
17:25, Today: Eagle rolled 8 using 1d20. spear attack.
17:24, Today: Eagle rolled 2 using 1d6. initiative.

"Have at you, foul beast!" Norion snarls, his face twisted in a grimace of rage. He swung his axe at the lizard man, managing to land a heavy blow.

15:04, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 21 using 1d20+1. Attack - Great Axe.
15:05, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 9 using 1d10. Damage.

Jumping from the ledge above, Norion vaults down onto the unsuspecting lizard-man and cleaves the creature in two!

After a few furtive twitches, the creature expires in a pool of crimson gore. The poor sucker never had a chance!

This action causes a flurry of hissing within the darkened chamber.

Rath stands ready, javelin in hand, waiting for more lizard-folk to emerge. He looks down to Ben and the others on ground level for an indication of what is going on.

OOC: Initiative 5, if it matters now.

Saliq, muttered the words of a spell. From the perspective of those inside chamer it would have seemed like an armed and armoured young warrioress (looking not too disimilar to a living, breathing version of the sacrificial victim) stepped into view, a longsword slick with dark blood gripped firmly into her hands.

The phantasmal warrioress stared inside the darkened chamber, her pose challenging those within.

---

OOC: Saliq casts a Phantasmal Force spell.
02:04, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 7 using 1d6+2. Init. (If it matters)

sensing the conflict was not ended with a single blow, despite how impressive that one blow had been, Ben seeks a vantage point on the anticipated battle ground, and readies his sling.

"Come on out, ye scaly bastiches," he mutters under his breath.

Having just seen a companion cleaved in two, any foes which might be lurking within the ziggurat's darkened entrance hall are unlikely to rush forward to meet the same fate, despite taunting, helpless lasses or not.

Saliq sighed and concetrated. The phantasmal warrioress shimmered, her skin turning pale and lifeless, eyes dull. She now looked like the very dead returned to life and she smiled enigmatically as she slowly and silently began to walk into the  entrance hall...

If the lizards declined to come out the least Saliq could do would be to give them a few moments of terror.

At that, Rath clambers down from the steps to join those at ground level. He glances at Norion and Duvall. He tucks away his javelin and draws his enormous sword with a flourish. "We going in?"

Eagle raises his eyebrows ruefully at Aldo's enthusiasm. 'After you,' he mutters, and hangs back on the Ziggurat, not wanting to be first to rush headlong into a darkened corridor full of danger.

OOC: Go Aldo!

Norion readied his axe and took a position near Rathmus. "Aye," he said, "Let's see these monsters to hell, where they belong."

Duvall grips his war hammer ready. "Kord bless us."

Opting to keep out of the way of the others, Ben follows along, but keeps short distance behind the fights.

Heck, if wasn't for his torch, he would wait outside!

Sword and shield in hand, Rath leads the contingent of adventurers into the darkened upper temple shrine. The light of Ben's torch casts the room ahead in a warm, flickering glow which washes over a large bronze statue in the center of the massive room. The statue stands at least 10 feet tall and depicts a bizarre creature whose lower half consists of two legs, which upon closer inspection are composed of coiled serpents. The creature's torso melds into that of a snake, out of which six muscular humanoid arms spring forth. The statue's head is that that of a flaring asp whose eyes are set with large, gleaming rubies!

Beyond and to either side of the large bronze statue are a series of short steps which lead up to deeper chambers outside of the torch's reach. Not that it matters, because no sooner do the heroes take in the full extent of the terrible statue, do several small javelins come whizzing past Rath and Norion. One of the javelins actually strikes Norion, but it careens harmlessly off his mail.

The javelins came from out of the darkened chamber to the left and were followed shortly thereafter with the sound of scampering away from the companions.

OOC: Map update coming shortly!

Duvall hands both Ben and Saliq one of the stones he created.

It takes a moment for Ben's saucer sized eyes to pull away from the sight of the giant rubies and realize Duvall is there, but he does takes the stone gratefully.

As the javelins zip in his general direction, the little thief does his best to place himself where a large armored body will offer him the best protection, but he can't quite keep his eyes off of the large red stones.

Rath flinches as the javelins fly, but he holds his ground. In truth, he's already a bit unnerved by Musfara's phantasm -- and now of course this disturbing statue -- so he masks his trepidation with bravado. Or maybe he's just brave. Regardless, he sees how this fight is going. Rath sheathes his sword and readies his own javelin. He nods his head to the left and edges toward the fleeing lizard-men (although he does not advance with determination until the others commit to the chase).

Eagle follows the others into the room, seeing the Javelins fly, he edges cautiously along SW the wall to the side of the west doorway, trying to hide from any more flying projectiles, and able to follow any of his companions into the corridor if they go.

Rath and Eagle push forward along (OOC: perhaps other as well?) the left wall in an attempt to draw closer to the corridor which the lizard-men fled into. The party makes it into position to peek around the corner toward the short set of stairs leading up into the chamber's west wing...and do not see any enemies!

All is quiet, though certainly the lizard-men could not have fled without so much as a fight...or could they?

OOC: Assumption is that the party moved into the room, perhaps still remaining out of sight of where the javelins were thrown. However keep in mind, there are two other open corridors: one to the north and one to the east. As of yet, no activity has been seen in either. Your torchlight has not penetrated the darkness of either of the three corridors yet. That will require moving further into the chamber.

Duvall follows along with the other 2 his hammer and his one stone ready as well.

The chamber is eerily silent as the giant, ruby eyed six-armed snake-man statue glares down at the companions. Though the statue is inanimate, its posture very much suggests it was crafted in a deliberate attempt to inspire an ominous tone as one entered the ziggurat's temple shrine.

Aside from the exit back outside, three corridors lead off of this chamber. Each is accessible by way of a short series of steps which lead up, higher into the darkened ziggurat.

OOC: Actions?

"I smell an ambush," the dwarf grumbled. "There's no way they would leave this to us without a fight. They've just moved to better ground."

Norion peered at the stone steps that led into the three separate corridors, looking for anything in their construction that might differentiate one from the others.

"Yes it is an ambush, but what choice do we have?" Duvall agreed.

If the ghost lady is still with us, Ben suggests that Saliq send it out ahead of them, though his eyes remain on the large red gems while he does so.

"They might be gone though, gone getting reinforcements of course."

Rath grimaces and makes a shallow bow to Saliq's phantasm. "After you, m'lady."

Saliq has the phantasm dip her head in macarbe aknowledgment, then sends her up the corridor the javelins flew from. She moves in eerie silence, her hair blown in some unseen breeze only she could feel (Saliq had to admit he was rather proud of that last touch.)

Moonblade in hand he moves to follow his phantasmal lady, glancing inquiringly at the others before moving.

Prepared for the worst, Norion fell in beside Musfara, his axe at the ready.

Eagle decides that safety in numbers is the way forward, and follows Norion - making way for any better armed colleagues who might like to go ahead.

Saliq commands the spectral woman up the short staircase on the left side of the chamber. The companions hear a frenzy of hisses coming from a north passage as soon as the illusion reaches the top of the staircase, followed shortly thereafter by a salvo of javelins, one of which strikes the illusion ans dispells it!

This result is met by a renewed chorus of hissing and a flicker of motion is seen near an open doorway leading into a chamber to the north of the west wing.

OOC: Javelins came from the general vicinity of E12.

"Damn, they popped her like a soap bubble," Ben mutters.

He glances around, then suggests they swiftly take to the corridor on the right, as it seems their foes are all on the left.

"If they follow us, it draws then out into the open, if they don't, that's even better, by my count."

"She did get them to waste some more of their javelins." Saliq points out a little defensively. He feels oddly protective of his phantasm.

A little embarassed at his outburst the Illusionist glances at the corridor on the right and nods. "Not a bad plan."

Rath does not hesitate. He accepts Ben's plan and tromps heavily, but with speed, to the right.

Ben follows...

A flicker of an idea starts to formulate itself in Eagle's mind. . . But what would happen if there are more lizard men down the right corridor who haven't yet been alerted to our presence. . . But before it can coalesce into a cogent thought he sees Aldo and Saliq on the move, and decides to banish any conscious articulation, lest it slows him down. He then follows the others down the corridor on the right.

The party decides to avoid the ziggurat's west wing, opting to allow the lizard-folk javelin tossers to flee to safety for the time being. Instead, the companions move forward through the entrance chamber, bypassing the ruby-eyed idol, and continue onward up the short flight of steps leading into a large room to the north.

A large stone pool dominates the center of the room, which surprisingly still contains water! A raised column rises from the pool's center, to a height of about three feet. The top of the column is carved to resemble a snake's head, while water slowly trickles down out of the serpent's mouth, into the pool below.

A snake-headed statue flanks either end of the room, in addition to a set of stone stairs which descend deeper into the ziggurat. Additionally, a corridor extends off either side of the room, which in turn connects with the west and east wings respectively.

Standing at the edge of darkness in the western corridor, a sizable group of lizard-folk angrily hiss as they spot the companions filing into the pool chamber.

OOC: Map Updated. Please roll initiative!

Lizardfolk, 5
HD: 2+1
AC: 5
HP: 0/8, 8/8, 8/8, 8/8, 8/8


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   15/15   1   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2
Duvall   4   21/21   3   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Eagle    6   25/25   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   24/24   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   20/24   2   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Saliq    7   10/10   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2

Stage 1: Ben, Norion
Stage 2: Lizardfolk (5)
Stage 3: Eagle, Rath, Saliq
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:50, Sun 13 Jan 2013.

13:27, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 3 using 1d6. initiative.

23:27, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 4 using 1d6+2. Initiative.

Disappointed, both by the lack of gems in this new statue as by the sight of more beasties, Ben moves to put the water between him and the lizardmen , while letting fly with a sling bullet, which goes close enough to cause concern among them, but not close enough to do any damage.

Drat!

16:23, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 7 using 1d6+2. init.

16:26, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 13 using 1d20+2. sling.

[Private to GM: That isn't exactly the way we ran, but close enough for government work. Are those stairs up or down in this new room? Is there a balcony over looking us?]

18:46, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 5 using 1d6. Initiative.

Snarling as more of the reptilian monsters came into view, Norion closed with the nearest of the beasts, swinging his axe in a downward slash.

23:01, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 13 using 1d20+1. Attack - Great Axe.
00:25, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 8 using 1d10. Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:25, Sun 13 Jan 2013.

Duvall takes aim at one of the beasts and lets loose with his stone at it.


00:20, Today: Duvall Kane rolled 16 using 1d20. attack stone.

As he stumbles into the room and clocks the lizard-men, the idea that just earlier he had put to one side reasserts itself in Eagle's head - if we flee further into an unknown place, then maybe we'll end up being assailed from both sides. . .

The thought distracts him from the task in hand, so it is no perhaps no surprise he is caught rather flat footed as his companions immediately engage in combat.

At least Eagle gets a chance to observe the room - is there any vegetation he could use for a spell, and are the lizard-men wearing/wielding any metal armour/weapons?

OOC: 19:53, Today: Eagle rolled 3 using 1d6. initiative.

None of the lizard-men are wearing armor of any kind and save for some primitive javelins, do not appear to have weaponry either.

Two lizard-men hurl their javelins at the companions still in the pool room. Eagle and Rath are both struck by the javelins, though they are glancing blows and not enough to fell either man.

The other two lizard-men hiss and snarl as they move to engage the dwarf whom just rendered one of their companions in half with his battle axe. The feral combatants rake at the dwarf with their steely claws and proceed to find an opening to sink their sharp fangs into Norion.

The battle up front becomes a flurry of action as Norion attempts to fight them off. Despite his efforts, the dwarf is significantly wounded by his foes!

OOC: Rath takes 1 point of damage. Eagle takes 3. Norion takes 14 from the claw/bite combo.

Lizardfolk, 5
HD: 2+1
AC: 5
HP: 0/8, 6/8 (N), 3/8 (N), 8/8, 8/8


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   15/15   1   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2
Duvall   4   21/21   3   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Eagle    6   22/25   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   19/33   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   19/24   2   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Saliq    7   10/10   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2

Stage 1: Ben, Norion
Stage 2: Lizardfolk (5)
Stage 3: Eagle, Duvall, Rath, Saliq


Eagle, Duvall, Rath, Saliq are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:31, Tue 15 Jan 2013.

Rath sneers and stomps forward, his sword already whirling. He moves alongside the brave dwarf, using shield and blade to give him reprieve, and almost casually cuts deeply through scale and flesh of the enemy. Rath looks pleased and very nearly surprised by his lucky blow. "Avandra ... stay with me, now!"



OOC: Attacking the unwounded lizard-man in melee with Ironaxe.
Hit for 5 damage.
16:50, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 5 using 1d8+1. damage.
16:49, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 15 using 1d20. melee attack.

Duvall gives a battle cry and heads to the Dwarves side to help him his warhammer ready.

Saliq is uncharacteristically slow to react but as the lizard-men begin their attack he starts to murmur the words of a spell. Pointing a finger at the floor the illusionist draws a line in the air while speaking the eerie language of magic. From somewhere deep in the temple comes the sound of stone grinding and cracking - a sound growing ever louder!

Right in front of the javelin throwing lizard-men the floor itself seems to give way as a crack in the flagstones opens up, maybe several feet across and seperating them from their companions (and Saliq and the other adventurers.)

---

OOC: Saliq casts Improved Phantasmal Force. If the two javelin hurling lizards are still in the corridor he places the illusion in square B14.

Two lizard-men jump back in horror as the floor collapses in front of them.  Each hisses in protest, while the two engaged with Norion crane their necks to find out what the fuss is all about.

They too seem concerned about this development, but for the moment they are locked in battle with Norion and Rath.

Stung by the javelin, sensing that Saliq has done as much as is possible with magic in the immediate moment, and horrified by the blows taken by the brave dwarf, Eagle banishes any thoughts of his own spells, and strides forward with his scimitar to engage the strongest looking lizard-men.

Perhaps it is his anger, or perhaps just the experience of the sewers has stayed with him, but for once Eagle handles the blade with the skill he usually reserves for cutting mistletoe. The wickedly curved blade flashes, and one of the lizard-men attacking Norion drops dead to the floor.

OOC: I rolled damage, but then remembered critical hits do max damage? Either way it's enough to fell either of the lizard-men.
09:21, Today: Eagle rolled 7 using 1d8. damage scimitar.
09:21, Today: Eagle rolled 20 using 1d20. attack.

Eagle cuts down one of the foes engaged with Norion, leaving just one goblin in the front ranks and two several feet beyond, behind an illusory chasm, courtesy of Saliq.

Lizardfolk, 5
HD: 2+1
AC: 5
HP: 0/8, 0/8, 3/8 (N), 8/8, 8/8


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   15/15   1   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2
Duvall   4   21/21   3   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Eagle    6   22/25   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   19/33   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   19/24   2   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Saliq    7   10/10   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2

Stage 1: Ben, Norion
Stage 2: Lizardfolk (5)
Stage 3: Eagle, Duvall, Rath, Saliq


Ben and Norion are UP!

Cheering Eagle's mighty bow, the little thief takes advantage of the separation caused by the mysterious chasm and fires another bullet at the unengaged lizard-men!

In his haste, however, he fails to seat the bullet well, and it drops out of the sling just before he releases.

"What the heck!" he exclaims, wondering what magic the lizard-men had cast that made his missile disappear into thin air...

18:25, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 4 using 1d20+2. sling bullet.

The fresh wounds on the dwarf's chest burned, but they were not deep enough to fell him. Not yet. Summoning his rage over the creatures' murder of innocents, Norion tightened his grip on his axe and swung at the closest adversary.

23:24, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 8 using 1d20+1. Attack - Great Axe.

The two lizard-men caught behind the illusory chasm turn and flee away to the southwest, disappearing behind a wall.

The remaining enemy senses that it has been abandoned, but does not have many options left. A gaping chasm is right behind him, blocking off escape that way, and the trio of Rath, Norion, and Eagle is staring him down the other way.

Not much left to do, so the creature attempts to frantically claw and bite its way out the predicament. To no effect. Norion easily dodges or parries away all advances.

Lizardfolk, 5
HD: 2+1
AC: 5
HP: 0/8, 0/8, 3/8 (N), 8/8 (fled south), 8/8 (fled south)


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   15/15   1   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2
Duvall   4   21/21   3   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Eagle    6   22/25   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   23/33   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   19/24   2   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Saliq    7   10/10   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2

Stage 1: Ben, Norion
Stage 2: Lizardfolk (5)
Stage 3: Eagle, Duvall, Rath, Saliq

Eagle, Duvall, Rath, Saliq are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:54, Fri 18 Jan 2013.

Somewhat surprised both at his own success, and that Rath's earlier blow seemed to have no effect on the other lizardman, Eagle turns his attention to the still standing foe, and his scimitar continues to sing.

OOC:
10:35, Today: Eagle rolled 6 using 1d8. damage scimitar.
10:35, Today: Eagle rolled 19 using 1d20. attack.

And, ermm, not sure what happened to this one:


Rath sneers and stomps forward, his sword already whirling. He moves alongside the brave dwarf, using shield and blade to give him reprieve, and almost casually cuts deeply through scale and flesh of the enemy. Rath looks pleased and very nearly surprised by his lucky blow. "Avandra ... stay with me, now!"



OOC: Attacking the unwounded lizard-man in melee with Ironaxe.
Hit for 5 damage.
16:50, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 5 using 1d8+1. damage.
16:49, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 15 using 1d20. melee attack.

Rath spares a moment to offer Eagle an approving nod and a fierce smile. "You're good." He turns to the chewed-up dwarf. "You okay?"
Barely waiting for an answer, Rath sheathes his sword and grabs a javelin from the floor, testing it for weight and quality. He peers around in all directions, wary, waiting for the next wave of lizards to show itself.

OOC: Eagle, you just finished off the one that I wounded last round.

Duvall takes his holy symbol in hand and moves up to the Dwarf laying a hand on him. "Lord Kord lend your healing power to your servant and heal this warrior of its wounds."

[Private to DM Storm: Cure light wounds on Norion]

Saliq concentrates on keeping his illusion up for the moment, just in case the lizardmen thought better of it. He does find time to smile at Eagle, though: "Well done my friend - that was some blow!"

The lizard-men do not reappear for some time, until finally, the pair are seen fleeing through the ziggurat's entrance. Apparently they'd rather take their chances in the swamp outside than against six well-armed adventurers!

Examining the room, Ben checks for secret doors or traps. He also tries to ascertain if the steps in the corner go up or down.

Rath points out the fleeing lizard-men, as if to give chase, but then reconsiders. The creatures might prefer to take their chances in the swamp, but Rath is not so eager.

Norion yells a few curses at the retreating Lizard folk, exhibiting far more bravery than he actually feels, his wounds a reminder of how dangerous the fell creatures can be.

When Kane speaks his healing words, Norion nods gratefully. "Many thanks, friend."

Feeling restored, the dwarf turns his attention to Scristos' explorations. Moving to the steps, he kneels down to examine them closely, to see if he can discern anything important about their construction.

22:24, Today: Duvall Kane rolled 4 using 1d8. CLW.

The party spends some time in the room as Ben goes about examining it for secret doors and traps. After an exhaustive, and another torch, the thief finds none.

The open doorway on either side of this chamber leads into corner rooms. Broken shards of ceramic pottery line the floors of either of these side chambers, perhaps remnants of shattered amphorae. There are also numerous mice droppings on the floor, though no sounds of mice are present. These chambers connect with another room to the south, which then connects back to the large central chamber with the six-armed, ruby-eyed snake-man statue.

The stairs both lead down into what appears to be a large room below. The sound of gently flowing water can be seen or heard below, though no water is seen.

Or maybe it's the fountain?

Hard to be certain.

"Well guys," Ben suggests, "I think we should move on before they return in force. Be where they ain't, right?"

The irony of the statement is clearly lost on the chipper vagabond himself.

Saliq allows his phantasmal chasm to fade away as he rejoins the group. "I concur my n'er do well friend," he says and smiles in amusement at Ben. "I have a feeling down is the way to go - unless there are objections?

Chagrined, Ben tries (and fails) to disguise the fact that when the chasm vanished he realized Saliq's illusions had fooled him again.

Norion nods, dong his best to focus on the task at hand, not the lingering soreness in his chest. "Aye," he agrees, "Down it is."

"Down," Rath agrees with unenthusiastic conviction. "Into the dark." He moves alongside Ironaxe and Scristos into formation and heads for the eastern stairs.

Traveling down the eastern steps, the party comes upon a large open room with stone doors set against the north and south walls. Two adjoining chambers split off the room, located the northeast and southeast walls. A corridor runs off of each of these chambers, disappearing outside of sight.

A ritualized mound of bones lines the walls of either adjoining chamber, while a working marble fountain is located along between either chamber. Numerous gleaming brass and bronze chalices, cups, and goblets line the edge of the fountain. A few goblets can also be seen lying on the floor a few feet in front of the fountain. This fountain is the source of the watery sound you heard from above.

A gasp of amazement escapes Ben's mouth, as the flickering light from his torch reflects off the vast array of drinking implements.

Wandering towards the fountain in the south-east corner, he finds himself almost compelled to pick up the fallen cups, and place them back on the fountain, though he does examine them quickly enough to determine if any are made of gold, silver or anything thing else precious...

Several of drinking implements are indeed crafted from or adorned with precious metals and/or jewels. All told, one could expect to fetch a couple hundred gold pieces from just the most exquisite items in this collection. If one were to gather up all the items, once might gain perhaps five hundred gold pieces from various brokers in Stormhaven's Bazaar!

"Be careful Ben," Saliq advises, glancing uneasily at the mounds of bones and wracking his brains for anything his education might have told him about this place. "There could be sinister magic in this place."

Cautiously he approaches the fountain to examine it, taking care not to touch any of the cups if possible.

Eagle follows his companions down, a sense of foreboding brewing in his mind. He watches cautiously as the others explore the room.

Saliq notices a line of ancient runes carved into the wall behind and above the fountain. The runes are unfamiliar to the illusionist.

Rath leaves the investigations of sinister magic to the illusionist and the scout. He sets himself to guard against more mundane threats. He walks as quietly as his heavy armor allows, pacing in circles and keeping his eyes on the shadows.

Shrugging at the eldritch masters warning, Ben picked the most valuable looking two or three cups, favoring the gem encrusted, and placed them in his pouch.

He also looked to see if there are any small or doll sized cups for his sisters, even if they weren't expensive looking.

Just as in the chamber above, Norion found himself unsettled by the strange runes etched into the stone of the chamber. Following Rathmus' example, the dwarf kept watch as the others examined the room's contents, watching the entrances for movement, alert for anything unusual.

Ben sorts through the chalices and goblets, searching for the most remarkable items. Ben stuffs several objects into a sack, when out of nowhere, a large watery serpent takes shape and strikes from the center of the fountain!

The creature' head splashes into the ground just beside the thief, missing a chance of catching unsuspecting prey in its watery fangs!

The creature is easily 10 feet long, perhaps more, for its tail end may very well be coiled inside the fountain itself.

OOC: ROLL for Initiative!

Anyone rolling a 5 or higher may post immediately.

Watery Spirit Serpent
AC: 4, Size: Large
HD: 3+3, HP: 21
21/21


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   15/15   1   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2
Duvall   4   21/21   3   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Eagle    6   22/25   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   23/33   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   19/24   2   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Saliq    7   10/10   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2

Stage 1: Saliq, Norion
Stage 2: Watery Spirit Serpent (5)
Stage 3: Rath, Eagle, Ben

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:02, Wed 23 Jan 2013.

Words never heard spewing from Ben's mouth by his mother fill the chamber, but the little thief is caught too off guard to take any immediate action, other then wet himself.

14:55, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 4 using 1d6+2. init.

[Private to GM: FYI

Stage 1:
Stage 2: Watery Spirit Serpent (5)
Stage 3:
</b>]

The first thought illusionist had was that the mysterious runes were a warning of a guardian for this treasure. The second was that he better not just stand around.

His hand falling to the hilt of the Jambiya Moonblade Saliq struck, but his instinctive slash missed the watery beast.

---

OOC: 23:10, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 6 using 1d6+2. Initiative.

"Gah!" grunts Rath, caught off guard by the unexpected appearance of the water worm.



21:08, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 1 using 1d6. initiative.

23:35, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 5 using 1d6. Initiative.

"Lizards everywhere in this vile place," Norion spat. "Even the water's a reptile!"

He took a hasty swing at the watery creature with his axe.

23:37, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 5 using 1d20+1. Attack - Great Axe.

Despite his caution, Eagle's immediate reaction is to stare in fascination as the serpent takes shape, it is only Saliq and Norion's attempts at action that prompt his mind to focus on the situation at hand.

10:31, Today: Eagle rolled 4 using 1d6. initiative.

Duvall is also caught flat-footed by the sudden appearance of the watery serpent.

19:03, Today: DM Storm, on behalf of Duvall Kane, rolled 3 using 1d6. Init.

The formerly calm fountain is now a roiling, churning maelstrom of activity as the watery serpent coils backwards to strike yet again. This time the elemental predator strikes at the dwarf, who manages to successfully parry aside the creature's attack.

The serpent's head reels backward and surveys the chamber for its next potential victim...

Watery Spirit Serpent
AC: 4, Size: Large
HD: 3+3, HP: 21
20/21


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   15/15   1   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2
Duvall   4   21/21   3   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Eagle    6   22/25   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   23/33   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   19/24   2   20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Saliq    7   10/10   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2

Stage 1: Saliq, Norion
Stage 2: Watery Spirit Serpent (5)
Stage 3: Duvall, Rath, Eagle, Ben


Duvall, Rath, Eagle, Ben are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:57, Wed 23 Jan 2013.

Even as the serpent strikes and rears back, Rath narrows his eyes, draws his enormous sword with a flourish, strides forward, and strikes true with casual grace.

18:41, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 20 using 1d20. attack with bastard sword.
 Maximum damage vs L creature = 13 HP. Ha, take that.

Rath's bastard sword slices cleanly through the watery serpent and only does minimal damage to the elemental creature. Apparently edged weapons are not very effective against this type of foe.

OOC: Rath's attack only does 1 point of damage... :\
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:58, Wed 23 Jan 2013.

Even in a panic, the little thief was a quick learner.

Drawing his sword, Ben swung at the creature with the flat edge, significantly shorting the neck of the snake, by splashing it across the room...

22:45, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 8 using 1d8. potential damage.
22:45, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 17 using 1d20. swing batta batta.

Seeing Rath's mighty blow cause little more than a splash, Eagle takes a step back, and instead of brandishing a weapon starts mumbling in the druidic cant. With a sudden flourish he gesticulates towards the fountain, trying to weave some magic on it.

OOC: This is a long shot, but Eagle is casting purify water on the fountain, to try and break the sorcery animating the snake. . . I figure at least it deserves points for creative casting!

Ben's improvised attack with the flat of his sword is more effective than had he attacked with a normal strike; however the attack is not as powerful as perhaps Ben might have expected.

Then...Eagle taps into mystical energies of the water in an attempt to vanquish any unnatural spirits contained within. The watery serpent twists and writhes in response as it frantically attempts to ward off the druid's mastery of the elements: to no avail.

The serpent bursts in mid-air, a shower of purified water raining down on the heroes. The torch goes out. The room is now cast in darkness, though the elemental spirit has been vanquished!

OOC: Nice job on the spell Eagle. Who said druids were not useful in the dungeon, eh?

Ben: Not sure on any official rules about blunt damage from a sword, but I guess we'll just use half damage for future reference.

Backing away from the puddles, Ben fumbles for a fresh torch and makes an effort to light it.

Unaware of (or more accurately, unable to comprehend) the druids actions, the little thief suspects he killed the snake thing himself, though he is modest enough not to gloat. (Here, that is. Later in the Inn, all bets are off!)

In the darkness, Rath is heard cursing harshly and abundantly, but quietly, almost under his breath. His sword clatters to the floor, and he roots blindly through his backpack, racing Ben to be the first to light a torch.

Unperturbed by the sudden darkness, Norion could only grin at Eagle's swift dispelling of the watery serpent. "Well done, friend druid!" he rumbled appreciatively.

As the others worked to light another torch, the dwarf kept watch in the gloom, alert to anything moving in the darkness.

Eagle acknowledges the Dwarf's compliment with a nod, and leans heavily on the shaft of his spear, waiting patiently for a new light, and feeling quietly satisfied with himself.

OOC: Some thanks are owed to a generous DM I think!

"Well done Eagle." Saliq smiled in the dark. "I wonder if the runes would have warned us of the serpent... of if it is a more recent intruder."

"Smelled like piss," Ben mutters, to no one in particular.

Ben retrieves and lights another torch, casting the large stone room in a flickering dance of light and shadow once more. The water fountain has now returned to a slow trickle and there are no other signs of foes anywhere in sight.

Presumably, Ben and the others continue their examination of the wide array of drinking implements found near the fountain. The majority are cast from thin copper and appear rather mundane and of no great consequence. A handful are made from brass or bronze, and these are more respectable pieces, though the true beauties are a finely etched silver goblet set with two lustrous white pearls and a large golden grail set with a single azurite stone.

A fishing vessel in roiling seas is depicted on the silver goblet and a mighty sphinx is etched into the golden grail.

The golden grail appears to have once held many more gemstones, but they are no longer set in their placings and are nowhere to be seen. Finally, one of the companions spots what appears to be a golden arm bracer lying at the bottom of the fountain.

OOC: There are about 1000 cp worth of mundane mugs and goblets. The silver fishing vessel goblet is worth about 800 gp and the golden chalice is worth 1200 gp! The golden bracer is an unknown quantity right now...

Fearless (now, anyway) Ben uses his sword to fish out the bracer, after tossing the two finest of the cups in his bag.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:42, Sat 26 Jan 2013.

Rath stands ready to grab Ben by the collar or ankle or something should he get grabbed and dragged into the fountain.

With a nod of understanding and gratitude, Ben pulls the bracer off his blade and offers it to Aldo.

Ben fishes out the golden bracer with little fanfare. The bracer contains exquisite etching which culminates with a stylized rampant lion. The regal beast appears to be roaring and is reared up with its massive paws outstretched.

Rath takes the bracer from Ben with a nod. He peers at the etched metal, squinting in the dim light, and considers its nature, before strapping it around his sword arm. Once the bracer is in place, he examines it again, clenching and unclenching a fist, before turning his full attention to the matter at hand, which is to guard against danger while the others investigate the mysteries of the place.

The golden bracer of the rampant lion fits onto Rath's arm easily, though nothing unusual happens while doing so.

Now that the excitement has faded, the party has an opportunity to get a better look at the oddly-shaped chamber.

The northern alcove is piled high with neat stacks of human bones along the wall. A corridor leads off this room, away to the north, terminating at a closed stone door.

The southern alcove consists of a smaller chamber, at the far end of which is a bronze statue of a robed figure holding an offering plate at eye-level. Glittering gemstones are piled high onto the plate. There are no other exits from this room.

OOC: Map Updated

Gems?

Ben searches the statue for traps...

Ben notices an large flagstone block near the room's entrance, which appears to be a pressure plate. Glancing up, Ben notices a ceiling block which appears to be rigged to slam down inside of the short corridor leading into the statue room, effectively trapping anyone who enters inside the room.

The floor trap is about 10 feet wide and long and completely blocks access into or out of the room.

OOC: Ben found the trap, but not a way to remove it.

"Careful of this spot here," Ben warns the other. "It triggers what looks to be quite the nasty roof-trap."

Once said, Ben tries to knock some of the gems off the platter with sling and bullets, from a little distance back.

From a distance just behind the pressure plate, Ben slings a stone or two at the stone statue in hopes of knocking a gem off the platter. Eventually, the thief is successful!

The statue's eyes light up with pricks of crimson light and the stone guardian lurches its left foot forward!

OOC: Roll for Initiative!

Anyone rolling a 4 or higher may post immediately.

Stone Guardian
AC: 2, HD: 4+4
HP: 27


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   21/21   2   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Duvall   4   28/28   3   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Eagle    6   25/25   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   45/45   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   27/31   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Saliq    7   13/13   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2

Stage 1: Ben, Duvall, Saliq
Stage 2: Stone Guardian (4)
Stage 3: Eagle, Norion, Rath

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:03, Tue 29 Jan 2013.

"Well la-di-da, this place is a surprise a minute," Ben mutters, dancing backward, and releasing another sling stone, this one aimed at the approaching behemoth. Sadly even a target the size of a barn is too small for the skittish thief, as the stone flies off into the room beyond.

"Let him come to me!" he shouts, gesturing in such a way as to (hopefully) convey the fact that he is trying to lure the thing onto the pressure-plate he had previously pointed out to the others.





19:01, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 8 using 1d6+2. init.
19:03, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 13 using 1d20+2. to hit / sling.

Norion scowled as the statue lurched toward the companions. "Shadows, water serpents, living statues. What other strange things make this foul place their home?"

21:40, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 3 using 1d6. Initiative.

Rath has no answer for Norion. Despite his experiences in this place, he's taken completely off guard by the living statue.

19:51, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 3 using 1d6. initiative.

[Private to DM Storm: Rath's hit points went up by 7 when he leveled up, and his THAC0 is up a notch, as well. ]

Eagle, who has been lost in a day-dream reliving his recent successful spell, watches with fascination at the thief's antics. Until he suddenly realises, too late, that this is a dangerous situation, and tries to ready himself for action.


09:32, Today: Eagle rolled 2 using 1d6. initiative.

Saliq brings up the Jambiya Moonblade but doesn't charge to the attack. Realising Ben's plan the illusionist slips away to the side, taking cover behind the fountain.

---

OOC: 10:52, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 7 using 1d6+2. Initiative.

Likewise, Duvall takes a step back in hopes that Ben's plan will actually work. Still, he held his mace and shield at the ready just in case...


16:39, Today: DM Storm, on behalf of Duvall Kane, rolled 5 using 1d6. init.

The ground rumbles as the stone guardian lumbers forward, each step causing dust to fall from crevices in the ceiling above. The animated creature closes to within ten feet of the companions before finally stepping on, and activating, the large pressure plate set into the floor. The ceiling block in front of the companions falls rapidly to the floor with a deafening crash and lifts a billowing cloud of dust into the air.

A thick, stone wall now blocks access into or out of the stone vault. The stone guardian is now trapped on the other side!

Rath glares beligerently at the big stone block, waits for a long moment until the dust begins to settle, then smiles fiercely. "Hah!" He stops short of slapping Ben across the back, as he doesn't want to send the fellow flying. The various successes of each member of the company, and of the group as a whole, have more than convinced Rath he signed on with the right team.

Staggering at the force of the friendly blow from Aldo, Ben only shakes his head sadly. All those gems, trapped on the other side. Sigh.

Shaking the dust and debris out of his hair, Eagle whistles appreciatively. Catching Ben's forlorn shake of the head he smiles at the young thief's single-mindedness. 'Do you think the guardian is crushed, or still alive behind there? If it's safe to do so, there may be a way I can use my magic to give Ben access to the vault.'

"Nice work my scrawny friend," Saliq said and smiled at Ben. "You can certainly think on your feet... unlike our granite friend there"

"They were probably painted glass, anyway," Rath adds with a shrug. "And more treasures await."

"I am pretty sure he is still in there," he says in reply to the Eagle, but it is pretty clear that Aldo's well meant words of comfort did nothing to sooth Ben's dismay. Saliq's compliment did raise a wry smile however.

"We should probably be moving on." He places one palm the wall wistfully, then turns away.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:06, Wed 30 Jan 2013.

Norion let out a bellowing laugh as the stone fell in the statue's path. "Very clever, cutpurse!" he exclaimed happily.

He nodded when the thief spoke. "Aye, we should be going. Where to, friends?"

"South," Rath answers arbitrarily, gesturing to the door with his sword. "But what about these bones?" Rath asks, eying the stacks warily. "Human, do you think? Or lizard?" Rath approaches the nearest stack and looks them over. He's seen a few human bones in his time.

He grimaces, and looks to his comrades. "Any sign that the lizard-men even come down here?"

The stack of bones piled up along the northern alcove's south wall all appear to be human in origin. They all look quite old and are covered in a powdery, yellowish dust.

While Rath approaches the bones, and with the thoughts of lost treasure in his mind Eagle suddenly remembers the magic ring they recovered earlier. Taking it out of his satchel he murmers to Saliq. 'I am going to try this ring and see if it has an effect - please keep an eye on me and tell me if you see anything unusual happening. And be prepared to aid me if I scream!'

With that, he pops the ring on his finger.

OOC: Assuming he doesn't collapse in paroxysms of pain and fiery death, Eagle will try and see if he can work out any properties of the ring by jumping around a bit and thinking magic thoughts to see if he feels any obvious effects of the ring.

Ben gets a good chuckle out of the Eagle's antics, though he does restrain the urge to act like he had turned invisible.

More because he doubted his comrades ability to play along, then out of any good sense, of course.

Despite a feverish display of impromptu acrobatics, nothing unusual happens when Eagle places the ring on his finger. The ring definitely radiated magic, but its powers remain a mystery.

Out of deference for Eagle's excellent sword-work and his quick dispatch of the watery serpent, Rath bites back any comment on the druid's attempt to activate the magic ring. Instead, he nudges Ben and nods grimly toward the southern door. "Check it out, will you? I don't want any rocks dropped on my head."

Norion managed not to laugh at Eagle's gyrations, but couldn't suppress an amused grin. He was grateful when Rathmus directed Scristos to inspect the southern door. He turned his attention to the cutpurse, keeping watch on the thief in case some unexpected danger befell him.

Shrugging, and restraining a giggle, Ben does as requested and searches the southern door for traps. If he finds none he will check to see if it is locked and try to listen for sounds from the other side.

Ben does not find any traps near the door, but the door is locked. Ben cannot hear any sound beyond the thick, stone door. However, while listening at the door, he does hear what sounds like shuffling footfalls back near the stairs leading up to the temple shrine.

Using sign language as best he can, Ben attempts to explain to the others what he has heard. Once they appear to understand, he begins to work on the lock itself.

After a few moments jigging about, Eagle becomes aware of his companions repressed amusement, and grins sheepishly as Ben examines the door, 'yeah, well, ancient my druidic waggle dance has revealed it's definitely magic I think' he mutters, and leaves the ring on his finger in case he can discover its power by the by.

Following his companion he waits nervously and quietly for Ben to fix the lock.

The lock on the stone door proves to be a troublesome bugger. Ben struggles with it for some time before perhaps coming to the realization that the thing is just not going to open for him the easy way.

Perhaps the interior pins have melded into the bolt over time and are beyond picking at this point?

Whatever the case, Ben is unable to open the stone door.

"This bugger ain't gonna be de-jiggered it seems," he whispers.

Listening again, he attempts to determine if they are about to be ambushed.

Gesturing yet again in an effort to make the concern clear, he attempts to get Norion and Aldo to fallow the western wall, while he 'nonchalantly' head to the northern door, traveling behind the fountain, from the perspective of the stairs.

Should he make it unmolested he will again search for traps, listen, then check for a lock.

It takes a moment for Rath to interpret properly Ben's signs. Once he realizes that the scout is NOT trying to shake off some unseen dungeon vermin, Rath loosens his sword in its sheathe and slowly, if not stealthily, moves along the western wall.

Duvall stayed out of the trap-finder's way, lingering by the bones. He pondered the fate of such folk and wondered who they were and if they left families behind. Perhaps he'd have a chance to give them a decent funeral if time permitted. While Ben struggled with the door and Eagle got his piladies fix, Duval murmured softly, "By Kord, your struggles ended, be at peace." There didn't seem to be anything else for him to do and he hated being idle whilst others accomplished things.

Rath moves west toward the stairs. The warrior then faintly hears what sounds like shuffling footsteps up above, but does not see anything. There is something up there, but for the moment, whatever it might be does not make itself known.

Meanwhile Ben moves to the next door and searches for traps. He finds none. The thief then places his ear to the door and listens...and hears nothing. The door is unlocked.

Using gestures, he motions for the others to join him, quietly, and around the back of the fountain. He also suggests Aldo keep his position until the others have reached him.

Once everyone has gathered, barring comment or concern from another, he cracks the door open ever so slightly, and peers thru...

Saliq stepped forward quietly at Ben's gesture, giving the thief a silent nod of confirmation. The illusionist dropped a hand to the hilt of the Moonblade while bringing to mind a spell should one be needed.

Rath holds his position, carefully drawing his sword. He keeps his attention on the stairs, with half-an-eye on Ben's progress.

Norion stood ready with his axe, prepared to face whatever might lie beyond the doorway.

Eagle follows suit behind his colleagues, gripping the hilt of his scimitar with some trepidation.

Ben gently pushes open the door along the north wall, while Rath covers the group's rear in the event anything decided to come down the stairs.

The heavy door only opens about half way before bumping into something which stops its progress: a decaying corpse sprawled out on the floor!

This lizard-man is quite dead, though even in death it still clutches its wooden club. The creature has no other item of value.

Looking beyond the dead lizard, Ben sees a short corridor which opens into a larger tomb. Four rune-covered caskets are centered in this chamber. Ben sees no other exits, though only the north wall is visible from the doorway: the west and east walls are outside of view.

No sound or activity is observed within the chamber. The shuffling sounds from above have also subsided. Perhaps whatever was up there has moved on?

"Come thru the door," Ben whispers, "But keep it open a crack, to watch for anything coming down the stairs. I will scout ahead, and be right back."

Ben will leave the torch behind, and creep forward to see if there is any light in the room. If so, he will inch up to the end of the corridor. If not, he will return for his torch, and inch forward anyway, though a bit more cautiously.

The chamber ahead is completely dark. The only light source thus far has been that which the party has brought with them: torches.

Ben creeps forward a few feet and then returns for the torch. Torch in hand, the thief stalks down the 10 foot long corridor to get a better look at the room ahead. The crypt is about 30 feet square and there are hallways leading off its west and east walls.

An impressive bas relief is carved into the crypt's north wall. The carvings depict a line of servants trailing behind a elephant, atop which is an imperial lord and three concubines seated in a canopied carriage. The entire procession is marching toward a snake coiled up in the shape of a mountain. A radiant sun looms over the snake, whose eyes are drawn upward.

The four stone caskets are all lidless. From the vantage point of the end of the entrance corridor, Ben sees skeletal remains within the caskets. The skeletal figures' arms are crossed in repose, each clutching a porcelain coffer close to their vacant bosom.

The crypt remains silent and still.

Ben creeps back, and shares his findings with the others.

"We should smash the skeletons to bits before we look into the coffers, I'm you ask me."

Eagle watches Ben's explorations intently. He smiles as Ben puts forward his plan. 'Perhaps,' he says after a moment. 'That now is not the top to be disturbing these tombs at all?'

Pausing and glancing meaningfully down at the lizard man's corpse, he continues. 'On top of this ziggurat we disturbed a long sleeping shadow that protected the dead, and it looks to me as if perhaps this unfortunate wretch may have done the same thing here. Meanwhile, his still living companions are aware we're here, and no doubt are planning some way to get us out of their home. Perhaps we should deal with the living threat we came to investigate before we start provoking other, older dangers? I for one will wait outside.'

Eagle moves outside the door, keeping watch in case anything approaches.

with the Eagle outside, Ben considers locking the door. His 'no looting' policy was as close to blasphemy as the little thief had ever encountered.

After a long pause, Ben goes to the first skeleton and attempts to quietly crush the skull with his sword.

Disregarding Eagle's admonition, Ben approaches the closest casket and thrusts his sword down onto the skeleton's skull, sending bone shards flying into the air.

Ben doesn't even have an opportunity to pull his sword back before a shadowy arm shoots out of the casket. The shadow-arm reaches for Ben, but is unable to wrap its tendril-like hand around the the thief!

Then, shadowy forms rise out of the other three caskets...

OOC: Roll for Initiative! Anyone rolling a 3 or higher may post immediately.

Casket Shadows, 4
AC: 7, HD: 3+3
HP: 15
#1: 15/15 (Turned until Round 8), #2: 15/15, #3: 15/15 (Turned until Round 8, #4: 15/15


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   21/21   2   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2
Duvall   4   28/28   3   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Eagle    6   25/25   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   45/45   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   27/31   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Saliq    7   13/13   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2


Round #1
Stage 1: Ben, Duvall, Norion, Rath, Saliq,
Stage 2: Shadows (3)
Stage 3: Eagle

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:30, Thu 07 Feb 2013.

Almost, but not quite, unsurprised by the spirits action, Ben grabs the coffer, and runs back towards the others.

"Um... company guys!"


18:46, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 5 using 1d6+2. init.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:39, Wed 06 Feb 2013.

Rath flinches at the sound of Ben breaking bones and the thief's warning. "Pelor's sunlit arse!" he curses, under his breath and with much venom. "Close the door! Close the door!"

He recalls the cold sapping touch of shadow and his ineffectual steel, and so Rath is loathe to charge to Ben's rescue. Instead, he holds his ground, keeping guard against intrusion from the stairs above.




I've got initiative, but I'm holding it for now.
21:12, Today: Aldo Rathmus rolled 4 using 1d6. initiative.

Eagle hears what sounds like a commotion within the room. He rolls his eyes, and peers intently at the door to see if his companions can escape whatever dangers have been disturbed.

OOC initiative: You rolled 1 using 1d6 ((1)).

"Ben you worthless son of a jackal! Get out of there now!" Saliq cries out in anger, unable to believe the thief had been so stupid as to disturb the dead again after they had been helpless facing one shadow demon.

The Illusionist steps back, ready to slam the doors shut as soon as the thief made it through them.

---

OOC: 11:23, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 3 using 1d6+2. Initiative.

Duvall, already nervous about the undead from his study of the skeletons, wasn't terribly surprised to see the shadowy shapes arise, even if his view wasn't the best. He immediately reached for his holy symbol.

07:06, Today: Duvall Kane rolled 16 using 1d20. Turn.
07:05, Today: Duvall Kane rolled 4 using 1d6. init.

[Private to DM Storm: Need 7 to turn shadows, not sure if I'm breaking routine here but thought I'd get that turn roll to you, will be AFK all day and possibly tomorrow depending on what happens with the wife's work drama. Ugh. Always something.]

Norion spat out curses as the shadows coalesced in the tomb. Stepping back, he nodded fiercely as Rathmus spoke.

"Aye! Close the doors! We've nothing to strike these spirits down with!"

OOC: 18:20, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 4 using 1d6. Initiative.
Like Rath, I'm holding.

Duvall channels the divine strength of Kord and turns away two shadows, one of which is the one that sprung forth from the casket Ben defiled. The other shadows streak after Ben, grasping at the fleeing thief. One of the shadows grabs hold of Ben's shoulder and begins siphoning the life right out of the thief.

Ben feels his strength sucked away as the shadow feasts on his life essence.

OOC: Ben loses 5 hit points in addition to 1 point of Strength for 6 turns (1 hour)

Ben made it to just before the door's threshold. The shadows are right on his heels.

Casket Shadows, 4
AC: 7, HD: 3+3
HP: 15
#1: 15/15 (Turned until Round 8), #2: 15/15, #3: 15/15 (Turned until Round 8, #4: 15/15


PC       AC    HP    AP  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10   Notes
Ben      7   16/21   2   19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9   Init +2, -1 STR for 6 turns
Duvall   4   28/28   3   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Eagle    6   25/25   4   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Norion   3   45/45   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Rath     3   27/31   2   18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8
Saliq    7   13/13   3   20 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11   Init +2


Round #1
Stage 1: Ben, Duvall, Norion, Rath, Saliq,
Stage 2: Shadows (3)
Stage 3: Eagle

OOC: Round 3, Eagle is UP!

With a tuck and a roll Ben maneuvers behind the others, then lays on the floor gasping.

"Bat shyt buggers are faster then they have any right to be," he complains, opening his little treasure on the floor to see what might be inside.

Eagle backs away further from the door. 'Get that door shut and let's get out of here,' he yells in frustration and anger. He stares coldly at Ben, his normal affability absent, obviously absolutely furious.

"By Kord! They're stronger than I thought! I will try to turn them away again." Duvall attempts to turn the remaining pair this coming round (if it is permitted)