The troop gathers themselves and try to keep their spirits up. Gaius ensures that all are accounted for and ushers them down the road. After some time the forest gives way slightly to what would be a small estate. The road continues to run by the main structure which is an intact manor and the other two buildings seem to be a run down servant house and a dilapidated stable.


A soft whimpering draws your eye toward a pair of frightened and very pale children standing in the middle of the doorway to the servant house. After shushing the boy, the girl turns to you and says, "There's a monster in our house! Our parents went down to the basement to fight it. We were supposed to stay upstairs and stay with our baby brother Walter, but Thorne got scared by the monster’s cries and ran outside and I gave chase. Now little Walter is all alone in the house. Can you please make sure Walter is okay. We really don't want to go back in." She then points to the tall brick manor house that has seen better days. Its windows are dark. It has a gated portico on the ground floor, and the rusty gate is slightly ajar.

Fenlen steps forward and kneels down to get eye level with the kids.

"Say no more. If your brother is in danger, we have to help! Did you see this monster? Anything you can tell us about it will help us to help you."

Fenlen looks past the kids, towards the rusty gate. He fights back a wave of unease that starts to build inside of him, readying himself for danger again.

The girl shudders and then says, "We have not seen it. Only have heard it's howls. Mum and Da put us upstairs and told us not to come down. Then we heard more howling and Thorne here got frightened and ran out here. I had no choice but to follow him. I sure hope Walter is okay." The girl turns and looks at the upper floor windows.

"Well now aren't you and Thorne just the cutest children.  It was very responsible of you to make sure your brother was safe after he was scared and left the house.  We will find Walter and make sure he is safe.  What room is he in and what is the best way to get to him and back without him coming too close to the scary monster?  And what is your first name my dear?  And you last name?  And do those large bats always fly around your home?"  Gaelin asks the older child, pointing a the flying mammals to the left of the manor.

The girl says, "I am Rose Durst. Walter is on the third floor you shouldn't have any trouble avoiding the basement on the way there. Yes bats are common around here."

Fenlen gives a wide-eyed glance at Rose upon hearing what she said about the basement.

"What was that about the basement? What's down there?"

The little girl shakes a little and says, "Ma and Da said some sort of monster and that they had to go deal with it. We just hear some sort of cry or howl coming from there."

"Nice to meet you Rose.  I am Gaelin Morfir.  We shall enter the house and bring your brother out to you.  I believe that you parent's first priority would be to have their children together and safe.  Is there anything we can tell your brother so he knows we are there on your behalf?  I would hate for him to think we were stealing him and hide from us."  Gaelin replies to the child.

Rose says, "Walter is but a baby. He shan't hide feom you."

Morbek ponders the house, the kids, the situation.


ooc: I look around the at the house, what kind of shape is it in, cna i see in the doorway hows the inside look

Morbek listen's to what Rose is telling him while he inspects the house. It seems to be in descent shape for being out here by itself at least compared to the other run down buildings on the property. The entry way is a wrought-iron gate with hinges on one side and a lock on the other fills the archway of a stone portico. The gate is unlocked, and its rusty hinges shriek when the gate is opened. Oil lamps hang from the portico ceiling by chains, flanking a set of oaken doors.  Looks habitable enough. Morbek also detects no ill intent or deceitfulness from the child. He only detects a sense of fright. The entire group ducks as a cloud of bats is startled out of rest from the stable and rush past as they gain altitude. The mist and the shadows watch from a short distance.

Gaius remembers the parchment stating Vampyrs were around. I'd like to stand in front of the door and cast Divine Sense.

Gaius's senses are overwhelmed with the feeling of evil. You can not pin point a location or what type: undead, fiend or Celestial. You feel as though this place, wherever you are is unnatural. Almost like you are no longer attached to Faerun.

Gaius is taken aback as his senses flare and drops to one knee.

"This entire house is filled with Evil. I fear if we enter we may not return, and these children may not be who or what they say."

Rose says, "You maybe right about the house. I do not know what is in the basement. Ma and Da just said they had to go and deal with what was down there. But please I implore you check to see that Walter is okay."

Chompski, taking everything in, suddenly turns to Rose and questions her about that last statement. "You said my friend may be right about the house. What do you mean by that? Your family lives here right? How long have you lived here? How long has the monster been present?"

OOC:
Perception check on the buildings and estate 1d20+3 (18)
Do these children look like a normal race? Do I notice anything like fangs that would suggest they may be something else?

Rose turns to Chompaki and says, "Well there is the beast in the basement. The basement is part of the house sir. As far as how long we have have been in this house. Da says been in the family for centuries. Tis the Dunst estate it is." As you listen to Rose she appears to be human. A bit pale you think along with Thorne. Could ve this unholy fog though. Has not let up at all. You check the building. Looks habitable enough cant see in though as the curtains are all drawn.

Still suspicious, Chompski turns back to the group and whispers.

"Surely more reckless use of magic. *sigh* If this house is filled with as much evil as you say, do you think it truly worth the risk for a random child? What do we do with the children once we rescue the babe? Perhaps we should continue on our journey."

"I say we go inside, this fog isn't something i want to wander in, if there is something to help we can help, if not, then we can deal with that too"

Gaius stands back up and nods at Morbek. Gaius checks the doors for traps. If there's no traps he draws his sword and moves in with a silent prayer to Helm.

OOC:
Perception roll: (1d20+1) 11+1 = 12

"Rose, thank-you for answering our questions.  Now it is time to get the baby out of the evil house.  Babies can't be evil, can they?"  Gaelin fallows her new very good friend.  With her slightly sticky spear at the ready.

Morbek and Gaius overrule the Gnome. Gaius steps into the portico and examines it. Finding nothing that might harm him he opens the door. It is dark inside but some light filters in from the open door and you see: hanging on the south wall of the foyer a shield emblazoned with a coat-of-arms (a stylized golden windmill on a red field), flanked by framed portraits of stony-faced aristocrats. Mahogany-framed double doors stand before you set with panes of stained glass. You feel almost as if the eyes of the portraits are gazing upon you.

"I can open the door from here, without us having to move closer.  Do you hear anything from beyond the door?"  Gaelin says quietly.

Gaius motions that he hears nothing. Gaelin motions at the door and it opens. The house is dark but you can make out: A wide hall that runs the width of the house, with a fireplace at one end and a sweeping, staircase at the other.

Gaius will move forward to AK7 and ask

"Which way do these stairs go?"

Gaius makes his way under the top of the stairway and looks up. The bottom of the stairs are at the other end of the hall. It is hard to tell though in the dark.

OOC:i suggest a lightspurce

Gaelin moves to the center of the room, drops her backpack on the floor and rummages around.  She produces a torch and tinderbox.  She repacks her backpack, then patiently strikes the flint until the torch lights.  Once the torch is lit, she puts the tinderbox in her pocket, puts her backpack on and grabs her spear.  "I shall provide you with light, friend." she says quietly to Gaius.  "I'll follow you to the next floor."

OoC;  I can fight and carry a torch.  It drops my damage die from d8 to d6, but that's not a big deal.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Sat 11 July 2020.

Galin lights her torch the entire time she stares at the fireplace in front of her. Once she has the torch lit the beauty of the room is reveled. A wide hall runs the width of the house, with a black marble fireplace at one end and a sweeping, red marble staircase at the other. Mounted on the wall above the fireplace is a longsword with a windmill cameo worked into the hilt. The wood-paneled walls are ornately sculpted with images of vines, flowers, nymphs, and satyrs. The decorative paneling follows the staircase as it circles upward to the second floor. All the wood surfaces appeared to be oiled and well maintained. The wall paper and drapes are all in good condition. Someone is obviously taking good care of this home. There are also four doors to the North and One door to the South.

Against his better judgement, Chompski steps into the main hallway. He casts a bonfire in the large fireplace and listens for any sounds of movement or other unsettling monster noises.

All seems quite despite what Rose has said you dont hear any howling nor any feeling of uneasiness.

Fenlen steps into the main hall and takes in the look of the place. "Quite a... dreary place, isn't it?" He looks up the stairwell.

OOC: I have 60 feet of darkvision. Do I have any better luck than Gaius trying to see anything above us?

Fenlen looks up and he sees where the stairs end on the next level and then he sees that they keep heading up to the third level.

Galein looks around at everyone, then catched Gaius' eye and indicates the stair with her torch.

Gaius nods and moves up the steps uneasily keeping a keen eye out for anything suspicious.

OOC: Perception roll
1d20+1 - 13+1 - 14

"i never did like the indoors, if that red eyed dire wolf is any indication, i'll bet that's what we are dealing with... be on your guard."

You make your way up the stairs and find unlit oil lamps mounted on the walls of an elegant hall. Hanging above the mantelpiece is a wood-framed portrait of a family: A man and woman with two smiling children, Rose and Thorn. Cradled in the father's arms is a swaddled baby, which the mother regards with a hint of scorn.

Standing suits of armor flank wooden doors in the east and west walls. Each suit of armor clutches a spear and has a visored helm shaped like a wolf's head. The doors are carved with dancing youths.

The red marble staircase that started on the first floor continues its upward spiral to the third level. A cold draft can be felt coming down the steps.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:32, Sat 11 July 2020.

Gaelin looks around the landing.  "Well, at least Rose, Thorne and a baby are the occupants of this house, and we haven't been tricked into breaking into this house to steal a baby.  Odd that the portrait depicts them as they look today, with the baby.  Must have been painted very recently.  Probably commissioned to celebrate the child's birth, they look so happy then, hopefully we can help them return to that happy state." she says thoughtfully.  "I do not like the look of those statues, the fact that they are armed with spears suggests they were carved to be intelligent and fierce-some warriors."  She states, indicating the statues with her spear.  "Well, one more level to go."

Taken in by the artistry on display in this upstairs hall, Fenlen goes to get a closer look at the suits of armor and the artfully-carved door.

"Incredible. These humans might even be as good as elves when it comes to craftsmanship." He touches the door gently with his fingers to feel the relief carved into it, lost in his thoughts. Then, he suddenly snaps back to the task at hand. "Did Rose and Thorn say their little brother was on the top floor? As nice as this place looks inside, I actually don't want to stay long. I'd much rather be in Neverwinter than here. Wouldn't you all agree?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Sat 11 July 2020.

As Fenlen looks closer at the door he realizes that they are not images of youth dancing but they appear to be fighting off bats
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:35, Sat 11 July 2020.

"Yeesh," Fenlen exclaims. "Not ones for subtlety, though, are they?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:17, Sat 11 July 2020.

"who says humans built it, just because they live hear doesn't mean they didn't buy from someone else yea? This place creeps me out, lets find this celler, find out whats going on, then leave"

Chompski walks up to the mantle. "Would one of you strapping gentlemen care to give me a lift?" He investigates the painting and tries to determine anything that would give him a hint as to its age.

OOC: Investigation 1d20+6 (13)

Chompski looks at the painting either it is new or very well taken care of like the rest of the interior to the house.

"I really do need to get the name of their housecleaner."

Gaius rubs his chin in question.

The child is supposedly on the third floor. Should we continue exploring down here and open these doors or should we press on?

"I think we should stick to the task at hand, Gaius. Let's go upstairs."

Fenlem starts making his way for the spiral stairs to make his way up to the third floor.

Characters who climb the red marble staircase to its full height come to a dusty balcony with a suit of black plate armor standing against one wall, draped in cobwebs. Oil lamps are mounted on the oak-paneled walls, which are carved with woodland scenes of trees, falling leaves, and tiny critters. From what you can tell this floor is not taken care of as the other floors are. There is dust everywhere and the walls look dull and dreary the wooden surfaces have not been oiled.

"N-n-n-normally, I'm a pretty trusting person." Gaelin beings  "B-b-b-but if the babe is on this floor, why is it so dusty compared to the rest of the house.  From my understanding growing up, the room with the baby is the one parents visit most often.  Or at least that was true with my sister and my parents.  No one with a dusting rag has been up here in a long time, probably for a good reason.  Anyway, I see no danger to a sleeping babe.  I wonder what scenes these panels truly show."  She lights the oil lamps with the torch and looks at the carvings.

Gaelin steps up to the panel and takes a closer look and notices tiny corpses hanging from the trees and worms bursting up from the ground. As Galin looks at the images the Suit of armor lurches off it's base and turns to face the intruders.

OOC: Roll for initiative and give me actions.

Fenlen nods at Gaelin and says "I was thinking the same thing about the state this floor is in. I don't like this."

He looks around the floor, trying to see if Rose and Thorn left any footprints in the dust, and he pulses his shocking grasp cantrip, an incomplete cast, just to warm up. Gentle arcs of electricity dance across his fingers.

OOC: The floor is really dusty, right? Can I see if the kids left any footprints up here?

Almost as if expecting the attack, Gaelin rolls under the suit of armor guard and pops up behind it.  She feints with the torch, then drops it, grabbing her spear in both hands and thrusting at the center of mass. She then knees out at the suits groin.

OoC;

Roll(1d20)+5:  18,+5  Total:23 - Initiative

Move Action:
Move to Z5 without leaving threat area, and drop torch. (Hopefully someone moves to X5 and gets advantage)

Attack Action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  16,+7  Total:23 - Spear attack
Roll(1d8)+5:  5,+5  Total:10 - Spear damage

Bonus Action:
Roll(1d20)+7  11,+7  Total:18 - Unarmed attack
Roll(1d4)+5:  3,+5  Total:8 - Unarmed damage
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Sun 12 July 2020.

Fenlen looks around and it looks like this floor is in disuse. It looks as though the Armor hasn't been off it's base in a log time but now stands before you menacingly.

Fenlen dons his shield and glides across the floor, opposite Gaelin to attack the suit of armor from the other side. He reaches out with his right hand, glowing blue with thicker arcs of electricity than before, to touch the magicked armor on the back.

OOC:

Initiative:
20:01, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 6 using 1d20+3.

Movement:
Move to Z5

According to shocking grasp's text, it says if I'm using it against an enemy wearing metal armor, I get advantage on the attack roll.

Action:
Shocking grasp (w/ advantage):
20:04, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 9 using 1d20+5.
20:04, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 20 using 1d20+5.

Damage:
20:05, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 8 using 1d8.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Sun 12 July 2020.

"Did you say bodies hanging from trees?! Damn short legs, I can't see anything around you people! I'm gonna assume the armor shouldn't be creaking though." Chompski exclaims as he deftly rolls between the legs of Gaius and Fenlen and lets loose a pellet from his slingshot at the armor.

OOC:
Initiative: 1d20+3 (10)
Move to W5
Slingshot to hit: 1d20+5 (18)
Damage: 1d6+3 (6)

Gaius draws his sword in anger.

"I knew this house was evil."


Gaius moves in front of the armor and slashes with his greatsword.

OOC:

Initiative: 1d20-1: 17-1 - 16
Move: Y6
Attack: 1d20+6: 10+6 - 16
Damage: 2d6+4: 5+4+4 - 13

I stand at the top of the stairs since i can't get into range with every one around the new baddie

Gaelin shows her martial prowess and unleashes a plethora of attacks on the Suit

OOC: Armor takes 18 points of damage.

Gaius steps up the animated beast and swings with his weapon but misses just slightly with his mighty swing.

Chompski moves to the top of the stairs and aims his slingshot at the beast. THe pellet leaves a dent in the armor.

OOC: Chompski does 6 points of damage for a total of 24.

The armor takes two punches one at Gaelin and one at Gaius. The Swing at Gaelin goes wide while the punch at Gaius connects.

OOC: Gaius takes 5 points of damage.

Fenlen steps into range of the monster and touches it sending electric shocks through its body causing the metal body to explode and sending armor bits everywhere.

The group is left panting and wondering what other tricks this house might have for them.

"i'm pretty sure this isn't a normal house, dust everywhere, weird kids, i'd be surprised if there is an alive baby, or a baby at all, unless those kids have been standing down there for a few months. be on your guard."

"I agree with the odd smelling fisherman."  Gaelin says while flicking small bits of metal off her outfit and out of her hair, then retrieving her torch.  "I find it highly unlikely there is a live human baby on this floor anywhere.  A sleeping child would have awakened with the cacophony of metal armor pieces hitting the various walls.  I don't hear any crying or screaming.  I humbly suggest we exit this house and reengage in interrogating the children, or things in the guise of children out front.  Though if this is an overly complicated trap to ensnare us in this house, I wounder what is in the basement that they don't want us to see." she continues.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Sun 12 July 2020.

Once again, Fenlen tries to look around the floor to see if the thick layer of dust has any small footprints in it from the kids. "I'm starting to think there's no baby up here, either. High alert, everyone." Fenlen keeps his shield strapped to his left arm out of caution.

OOC: could I attempt a Wisdom (Survival) check to see if there's any sign that anybody but us has been up here?


14:04, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 4 using 1d20+1

It doesn't look like there has been any disturbance in the dust to indicate there has been any passage by humans however there are prints from a mid sized dog. Also now that things are quite you hear the sobbing sound of a woman coming from the southern door.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:07, Mon 13 July 2020.

Gaius casts Lay on Hands on himself to regain 5HP.

Then he kicks the southern door open with his sword drawn and stands at the doorway.

"That is most odd, perhaps we should take a moment to calmly discuss the implication of the crying woman within the context of this house before we proceed further."  Gaelin says while rubbing her chin in contemplation.  Then, she hears the door smashed open.  "Or we could do that."  she continues, deadpanned.

Dust and cobwebs shroud an elegantly appointed bedroom and an adjoining nursery. Double doors set with panes of stained glass pull open to reveal a balcony overlooking the front of the house.

The bedroom contains a large bed, two end tables, and a wardrobe. Mounted on the wall next to the wardrobe is a full-length mirror with an ornate wooden frame carved to look like ivy and berries.

The nursery contains a crib covered with a hanging black shroud.

Sitting on the foot of the bed is a woman sobbing deeply. When the light hits her you can see through her and she turns and looks in your direction. "Oh Pardon," She Says. "I thought maybe you were Mr. Durst," she continues as she wipes away tears that are not there. "At least you aren't Mrs. Durst. Cant' stand that woman." She notices Gaius glance over at the crib and puts a finger to her lips. "Shhhh" She continue, "You'll wake little Walter. He's been sleeping soundly for a bit now."

"Sorry to disturb you and we definitely do not wan to wake a sleeping baby.  My friends and I are guests in the house, and while admiring the wonderful wood carvings in the hall, Gaius here became concerned about your crying.  Where are my manners, my name is Gaelin.  If you are looking for someone to talk to about your problems, I would be honored to listen, and nothing you say will find its way back to Mrs. Durst."  Gaelin says quietly, poking her head out from behind the large warrior, smiling broadly.

Gaius asks calmly

"I love children. Could I perhaps take a look at little Walter?"

Persuasion roll - 1d20+5 - 5+5 - 10
This message was last edited by the player at 15:24, Mon 13 July 2020.

The ghost says, "Have you seen Mr. Durst? I fear something may have happened to him. Maybe she did something to him. Forgive me it is not my place to speak ill of the lady of the house. I feel as though this is all my fault. I do apologize I am not feeling myself as of late. Why is it so hard to see you all? Of course you may see the child. Do be gentle he is sleeping."

While Gaius heads into the nursery, Chompski steps in to eye the specter. "Hello ma'am. I think I missed your name, sorry. Mine is Gnome, but you can call me Chompski. When was it you last saw either Mr. or Mrs. Durst?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Mon 13 July 2020.

The ghost says, "Nice to meet you sir I am Margaret. When was the last time I saw Mr. and Mrs. Durst? When was the last time indeed? Was it Yestereve? Was it before noon? WHy I am not sure sir."

"Margaret, it is nice to make your acquaintance.  We have not seen Mr. Durst, only Rose and her brother, Thorn.  They were very concerned about their baby brother and asked us to check on him.  But with you here to look out for him, they need not worry.  They mentioned Mr. Durst went to the basement, do you have any knowledge of what is in the basement, and how to get there without opening too many unnecessary doors?  Perhaps we can check on him after we leave you and the babe to rest."  Gaelin continues.  "But I am very interested in your story and how it relates to Mr. and Mrs. Durst, if you are willing to share of course."

She says, "Rose and Thorne," at the mention of their names she smiles and continues, "Such lovely children. Where have they run off to? Mr. Durst he is such a kind man." As she says this she walks over to the crib and looks down and smiles. "Such a nice man. The basement." She looks a bit bewildered for a moment. "I did not know there was a basement, yet I feel like I have been there. Curious she says." Then looks at the group.

OOC: I'm getting a vibe here that Margaret and Mrs. Durst may have been... rivals?

Gaius heads over to Walter and looks at the baby.

OOC: Can you describe what I'm looking at? Wondering mostly if this is a ghost baby, or anything out of the ordinary.

Gaius Heads over to the crib and stands next to the specter. He looks down at the bundle there and it unfurls to reveal nothing. Margaret looks at Gaius with a shocked look on her face and then vanishes in a poof of spectral particles. A sorrowful feeling washes over Gaius for a brief moment as the particles dissipate.

"Evil. This entire place is filled with Evil."

I'd like to look around the room and see if there's anything out of place or any items that might be handy later.

Perception roll: 1d20+1 - 7+1 - 8

Gaius looks over the room. Although he can not put his finger on it something seems out of place.

OOC: You did not get the sense of evil from the ghost. Only sorrow and a sense of loss.

"Well that seemed totally normal... If things are focused in the basement, perhaps we can peruse the rest of the upper floors for clues on our way down to chat with those 'kids' again." Chompski begins sweeping the room and furniture for anything interesting and/or of use with Gaius.

OOC: Perception 1d20+3 (16)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:50, Mon 13 July 2020.

Chompski notices two things. One is that some of the berries in the framework to the mirror are acutally worked to look like eyeballs. The other is that the wall behind the mirror contains a secret door.

Morbek lingers around the doorway

mumbling to himself "not really a fan of ghosts, or evil houses, or wandering armor trying to kill us...  maybe we can be a little quicker here."

Gaelin watched as Gauis and the ghost move over to the crib.  She continues to stare in the direction for long moments with her mouth open after the ghost dissipates, until she realizes it and closes her mouth.  The gnome searching around snaps her back to reality.  "I think we can check this room for items of interest that may explain things, but I don't know about the other floors.  If the four suits of armor on the second landing all decided to attack we may not survive."

Chompski turns to Gaelin. "I share that concern, although perhaps we can take comfort in the fact that the other floors looked to be in a very different state than this one. While we think on that, however, there appears to be a secret door behind this mirror that may or may not be related to the eyeballs carved into the wood around said mirror." Chompski motions for the others to gather around and cautiously opens the door as he readies his slingshot for what might be waiting on the other side.

Morbek steps up next to Gnome, Scimitar and shield ready.

"some days i wonder at the company that i end up keeping, empty armor attacking, talking to ghosts about dead babies, no one freaking out... sure lets meander and chat with the dead, perfectly normal day in the realms..."

OOC: how tall was this house from the outside? not sure what check you would want me to make for that
This message was last edited by the player at 22:17, Mon 13 July 2020.

Chompski easily opens the secret door to reveal  a cobweb-filled wooden staircase leading up.

"Back in the monastery, they made the most delicious pastries.  Unfortunately, they were only served to the sensai.  In order to get a pastry you had to sneak past 57 other monks mediating without making a sound.  I really, really like pasties.  I believe I can climb the ladder quietly and see what is at the top of it."  Gaelin says, handing her torch to no one in particular.

OoC; Roll(1d20)+7:  11,+7  Total:18 - Stealth

Sword drawn Gaius takes the lead and heads up the stairs.

Gaelin makes her way up the hidden stairs with Gaius staying just outside the door at the top of the stairs. She sneaks into bare hall choked with dust and cobwebs.

"so i guess that means we aren't going to look at the rest of this floor? thats ok, i'm sure there s nothing here that might come out from any of the other doors in this place, it's perfectly safe." Morbek mumbles, while remembering the last lake he was at, and the fish he caught.

"i'll take the rear Gnome"

Gaelin moves into the landing to make room for everyone else to ascend and looks around at the doors.

OoC;  Is V16 a door?  Window?

Gaelin makes room for the others to come up and passes a window catching glimpses of the the foggy exterior.

Gaelin retrieves her torch from whoever brought it up and looks that the walls and doors for signs of the same carving seen on the other levels.

Three attic walls snd doors do not contain any sort of carving or stain glass like the lower levels.

"Well my gmonish friend, which door do you think holds the secrets to this house?  And which hold painful death?"

"I am certainly not the quietest person here. Perhaps somebody should try and peek at one of these doors before I kick open yet another one?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:05, Tue 14 July 2020.

Gaelin nods to the big man and moves to the side of the closest door and indicates she is going to open it.  After everyone is ready, she summons an invisible hand and sends it to try the door handle and hopefully swing it open.

OoC;  Gaelin moves to W13.  Waits for the group to rearrange, then uses Mage Hand to open the door at W14

This room contains a bricked-up window flanked by two dusty, wood-framed beds sized for children. Closer to the door is a toy chest with windmills painted on its sides and a dollhouse that's a perfect replica of the dreary edifice in which you stand. These furnishings are draped in cobwebs. Lying in the middle of the floor are two small skeletons wearing tattered but familiar clothing. The smaller of the two cradles a stuffed doll that you also recognize.

i look at the skeletons and thier cloths, how are they familiar.

Gaelin moves to the small cradle without touching anything.  "That doll, to me it appears to be the exact same one Rose was holding when we talked to her in front of this, very odd, house.  Just not quite as old.  Do you think the family makes that same doll for the children of each generation?  What a wonderful tradition.  However, what happened to these poor children, living in a room accessible with stair hidden behind a mirror?  Parents should really keep a better eye on young children in my opinion.  Lack of proper supervision may have lead to this unfortunate situation."

As Morbek and Gaelin stare down at the bodies they find themselves standing next to Rose and Thorne. Thorne clutching a doll similar to the one his body holds. Rose says, "They forgot about us. Ma and Da. They forgot about us. So hungry. Why am I so hungry. They forgot about us and didn't come back. Why would they do this. Walter! I think Ma took Walter into the basement with her. I don't where Da is. Please you must find Ma, Da and Walter. Please. I hope they are okay. The basement you must get into the basement." The spirit of Thorne seems to grab Gaelin's hand and stares up at her. A single tear runs down his cheek.

Gaius grabs his amulet and looks sad.

"I believe we should check the other rooms before we head below. Perhaps there will be information about what we may face in the basement below."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Tue 14 July 2020.

"We have been making some real progress putting things together in these most recent rooms.  It would have been far more efficient if the beings outside had just clearly explained the situation when we talked with them.  From what I can tell they have had a very long time to talk amongst themselves and build an efficient narrative.  Really are all restless spirits so lazy and inconsiderate?"  Gaelin responds to Gaius.  Remaining just outside the child's room, Gaelin uses magically opens the door on the other side of the hall.

OoC;  Mage Hand to open door at AA14

This dust-choked room contains a slender bed, a nightstand, a small iron stove, a writing desk with a stool, an empty wardrobe, and a rocking chair. A smiling doll in a lacy yellow dress sits in the northern window box, cobwebs draping it like a wedding veil. Rose looks at Gaelin and says, "Ma called that a spare room."

"Why thank-you, you are most helpful."  Rose remarks.  "What are the other rooms on this floor?  Or what did your mother call them?  Also, how do you get to the basement from the front door?"

Rose says, "There is another spare room which Ma never went into and a storage room that Ma had been into recently rummaging in some old trunks I think." Rose then points at the Doll house in her room which has a striking resemblance to the actual house. Rose says, "See there, there is a door in that storage room here in the attic that goes to some stairs that is always locked. I know it is there because of my doll house though. I know it is."

Gaelin makes a careful study of the dollhouse after learning it's significance.  She pays close attention to the level that were not fully explored and to a route to the basement.  After that she goes into the spare room, looks at what is on the writing desk, and tries to look from the window into the adjacent room.

OoC;  Just trying to get an idea of room we try to enter on other floors.  We can wait here for others to explore the spare room, but then moving onto the storage room and the attic.

The Spare rooms writing desk only contains some empty parchment and a dried ink well.

After poking around the spare room a little, Gaelin returns to the girl.  "What can you tell me about Margret and how she fits into the family?"  she inquires.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:54, Wed 15 July 2020.

Rose says, "I like Margaret and she seems to like Thorne and me. She gives a lot of attention to Walter. He was even sleeping with her for a while. She also really likes Da and I think Da likes her too. I don't think Ma likes her all too much. She always calls her names and is not so nice to her. I haven't seen her around in a while though."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:52, Wed 15 July 2020.

I'd like to try and sneakily open the door in the top left.

Sneak - 1d20+1 (Disadvantage)
17-1: 16
14-1: 13

Gaius finds a web-filled room containing a slender bed, a nightstand, a rocking chair, an empty wardrobe, and a small iron stove.

Gaelin looks a Gauis and slowly shakes her head.  "You would not have eaten any pastries.  Ever." she declares.  Then, using a magic hand she opens the final door on this floor.

OoC;  Mage hand to open final door.

Taking all of this in, Chompski checks for any other hidden secrets or pertinent details in these rooms.

OOC: Perception 1d20+3 (18)

Chompski serches the floor for anything that may be an important detail. As Gaelin open the storage room with mage hand Chompski rushes in and discovers: a dusty chamber packed with old furniture (chairs, coat racks, standing mirrors, dress mannequins, and the like), all draped in dusty white sheets. Near an iron stove, underneath one of the sheets, is an unlocked wooden trunk containing skeletal remians, wrapped in a tattered bedsheet stained with dry blood. Chompski also notices that there is a door with a stairwell leading down in the Eastern Corner.



OOC: At this point you can take a long rest and level up if you choose.

Gaius looks weary.

"Today has been a long one. I believe that we should rest before we explore what waits for us below. I shall take first watch to ensure that we are not disturbed."

With mild trepidation, Chompski investigates the remains in the chest. "It seems rather odd to find so many remains of the family all the way in the attic. I'm also curious who/what has been living in the first two floors to keep them so immaculate. From what Rose has shared, it certainly seems these stairs lead to our intended destination in the basement, but I fear what we should find down there. Perhaps we should go back to explore the lower floors now in the chance it informs us of what we're about to face? Not to mention any more time in this dust will wreak havoc on my allergies."

OOC:
Can I tell if the remains appear to be Walter or an adult?
Investigation 1d20+6 (24)
Do I recall anything about specters that would explain what's going on with Rose, Thorne, and Margaret? Do specters only remember the day they died? What creates a specter? Why are the bottom floors so clean?
Arcana 1d20+4 (6)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Wed 15 July 2020.

Chompski pokes around in the trunk and thinks that the remains are dressed similar to the house maid they ran into downstairs. He then finds what would appear to be stab wounds in the dress she is wearing. Digging through his memory about the creation of ghosts and specters they must be tugging on their right ear when they die. Something about the force on the ear not letting the soul out of the prime material plane.

Chompski is also certain the only way that the house stays so clean is through the implantation of enchanted brooms. The brooms on levels 3 and in the attic must have been destroyed. Obviously there is not well in the basement as the enchanted brooms would have flooded the entire region by this point.

OOC: If you are going to head into the basement I am going to need you to level first. If you continue to explore the house you can put it off for now and say you level I will just take some averages if anything goes down.

"You know, I think read a book a while back that would explain the clean lower floors. There was a mouse and he was recklessly experimenting with magic and..." Chompski's voice fades into an unintelligible mumble.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Wed 15 July 2020.

Gaius listens to Gnome and replies

"Agreed that we should search the other floors, but for now, I suggest we rest from this long day and tackle that tomorrow. I still shall offer to take the first watch."

OOC: I leveled up my character. Would you like us to send updated character sheets?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Wed 15 July 2020.

i go into the kids room and look around

Morbek sees some toys a doll house two small beds and the skeletal remains of two children. The spirits of Rose and Thorne are there as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:02, Wed 15 July 2020.

"I shall watch for the final four hours."  Gaelin declares, then goes to the first spare room, sits on the floor in the corner and meditates.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Wed 15 July 2020.

"Very well." Chompski pulls out his toolkit and can be seen tinkering with some of his weapons and armor.

Fenlen removes his armor and sits cross-legged on the floor in his plainclothes. With a tiny bottle of oil and a cloth, he spends the first part of this rest treating his leather armor.

"No need to watch over me, Gaius. Elves don't sleep."

He enters a state of trance, ruminating on memories of his life leading up to this point.

OOC: Trying to take a long rest.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Wed 15 July 2020.

About an Hour into your rest you hear a howling that sounds like it is coming from inside the house but a few levels down. It quiets down after a bit though and then it is really quite. Almost too quite.

After 4 hours, Gaelin stands and moves to the hallway.  She then completes a series of stretches, calisthenics, unarmed combat forms and spear combat forms.  When it is almost time for everyone else to awaken, she rummages around in her pack producing the bread and snacks from the inn.  She prepares a cold breakfast for the group from the supplies and some spices she carries.

I"m going to look a the doll house, look around at the beds, and the skeletons,  etc. ignoring everyone who is sleeping in the attic of a haunted house next to the bodies of dead children

Morbek finds a tastefully decorated attic outside of the bodies. The furniture seems to be very nice if not covered in cobwebs and dust. Some of the furniture in the storage room seems to be themed for different seasons in the year. Nothing extra ordinary stands out to Morbek.

"I have read many book on the topic or architecture, but I do not understand why one would design a house that had basement access through the attic.  It makes the process of getting potatoes from the root cellar for dinner quite cumbersome.  I've seen plans drawn by architects possessed by daemons that were more pragmatic than this particular dwelling." She remarks.  "Please eat up, but don't drink too much water.  We have discovered many odd things in this house, but no bathrooms."

"If you need something to relieve yourself, just give me a few minutes and I can put something together for you. Probably a bit more respectful to take it downstairs away from the resting place of all these corpses."

never heard opf a bathroom, outhouses maybe, trees, yes...

so whats the plan for this wacky place, so far we've walked in went up tot he 3rd floor skipping everythign ele, and now there is a stairway leading ot a basement... we goin to trudge on down there and ignore the rest of the house?

"My vote is still to explore the rest of the house for clues before heading down to the basement. Not to mention that howling last night has me a bit on edge."

There are wolves about, and a red eyed dire wolf. i'm all for looking around before we go down  the oddly placed stairway down (to the basement i'm told) that is up in the attic...

After resting and having a bit of breakfast you make your way back down to the 3rd level. You are now standing in the nursemaids room where the crib for Walter can be found.

Gaelin looks at the dust on the floor to see if it has additional dog footprints from yesterday, she also checks to see if the statue has reformed and tries to remember what the other rooms on this floor looked like in the doll house.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:26, Thu 16 July 2020.

From what Gaelin can remember of the layout from the doll house the third floor and the Attic is where the bedrooms are. The first and second floor are where the library, kitchen, music room and entertaining spaces are. There are no fresh paw prints here also the armor remains in pieces on the landing.

"Nothing seems out of the ordinary yet. Shall we do the mage hand thing again? There appears to be a door just outside this room."

Gaelin smiles at Chompski and claps her hands together lightly.  "This is so very exciting."    she remarks.  Peeking out of the door to the bedroom, she uses the magic hand to open the door right behind the statue.

OoC;  Mage hand door at Z4 standing at AC5 looking through the open door.

Dusty shelves line the walls of this room. A few of the shelves have folded sheets, blankets, and old bars of soap on them. A cobweb-covered broom leans against the far wall. Chompski thinks this broom must clean this floor but it's enchantment is surly gone.

Chompski walks up to the broom and pokes it. "Cmon! I know you can dance!" He casts detect magic on the broom as a ritual and then searches the room for anything interesting.

Would somebody sneakily like to open the door at the end of the hall?

OOC: W4 door

Gaelin looks at the open closet and browses the sheets and blankets. ”Too bad we found this after we spent the night on the floor upstairs. These sheets and blankets look positively comfy.  Since they have soap, maybe there is a bathroom around here after all. “ she says while exploring, then pockets a couple bars of soap.

OoC;  I’ll open the door quietly but let’s let everyone explore the closet if they want.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:01, Fri 17 July 2020.

Gaelin moves to the stair and looks around the corner.  She then magically opens the door at the end of the hall.

OoC;  Moves to X6 and opens doors at W4&5

This dark room contains a wooden tub with clawed feet, a small iron stove with a kettle resting atop it, and a barrel under a spigot in the east wall. A cistern on the roof used to collect rainwater, which was borne down a pipe to the spigot; however, the plumbing no longer works.

Gaelin pokes the bathtub with her spear to see if it means to attack  "This must have been a very enterprising and wealthy family. Running water strait into a room in your house?  It's a bit of a novelty for showing off your money, but I don't think it will ever catch on.  Why would anyone actually need that?"  she says looking around the small room.

OoC;  Everyone else is welcome to look around in here and the closet.  I'll post opening the bedroom door tomorrow morning.

"wonder how they heated the water, seams like cold rain watrer from the roof would make a very unrelaxing bath"

"That is an interesting question.  Perhaps they heated a small amount of water to boiling on that little stove and then added it to the tub of cold water.  Doing that two or three times would make for the most pleasant bath."  Gaelin replies to the druid, looking at the tub with a slightly longing expression.  "Alright, is everyone ready for the last door on this level?"  She inquires, before she hides behind the door to the small wash room.  Then, Gealin uses the magical hand to open the large double door for the bedroom.

OoC;  Standing at X4, opening door to V3&4.
Roll(1d20)+7:  19,+7  Total:26 - Stealth to hide in case something comes running out to kill us.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Sat 18 July 2020.

The double doors to this room have dusty panes of stained glass set into them. Designs in the glass resemble windmills.

The dusty, cobweb-filled master bedroom has burgundy drapes covering the windows. Furnishings include a four-poster bed with embroidered curtains and tattered gossamer veils, a matching pair of empty wardrobes, a vanity with a wood-framed mirror and jewelry box, and a padded chair. A rotting tiger-skin rug lies on the floor in front of the fireplace, which has a dust-covered portrait of the Durst adults hanging above it. A web-filled parlor in the southwest corner contains a table and two chairs. Resting on the dusty tablecloth is an empty porcelain bowl and a matching jug.

A door facing the foot of the bed has a full-length mirror mounted to a closet door. A door in the parlor leads to an outside balcony.

A dumbwaiter in the corner of the west wall has a button on the wall next to it.

Chompski wanders into the room. "This would've been quite the master suite when it was taken care of. These must be the children's parents." He proceeds to investigate the the wardrobesz jewelery box and the rest of the room for items of interest.

OOC: Investigation 1d20+6 (19)
What does the portrait of the parents look like? How old are they?

Chompski looks at the portrait of the Durst's. They look much the same as they did in the Family One. This one has not been taken care of and it's age shows. He then goes about tossing the bedroom and turns up: The jewelry box on the vanity is made of silver with gold filigree (worth 75 gp). It contains three gold rings (worth 25 gp each) and a thin platinum necklace with a topaz pendant (worth 750 gp). It also contains a letter which reads.

    My Dear Mrs. Petrovna,

    Your advice on dealing with the unwanted fiend in my home is very good advice indeed. Tonight's ceremony will proceed as planned when the moon is at its highest peak - without, of course, the attendance of Mr. Durst. I must agree with you that, yes, with such an innocent sacrifice our proceedings may have better results. Although, "innocent" is not quite the term I would use.

    My Thanks,

    Mrs. Elisabeth Durst

I believe young Walter may be in danger! I suggest we head to the basement immediately!

Chompski carefully places the jewelry box and necklace in his bag before donning the rings. A gnome has to look good, after all! "I too am concerned about this sacrifice, but also a bit perplexed. Given the state of things here, it is quite possible this occurred some time ago. Either way, it is to occur at night, so if it has yet to happen, we have plenty of time. I would still like to search the other floors in hopes of learning more about this sacrifice or even how to stop it." Chompski then proceeds to open the closet in the bedroom.

OOC: Nature 1d20+4 (24) to try and remember if today or yesterday are special days in the lunar cycle.

Chompski opens the closet to find it empty dusty and full of cobwebs. At the same time he thinks about his last know lunar cycle and finds no link to any cleestial event either within the recent past nor future. The parchment on which the note is written does seem to be aged like everything else on the third floor and in the attic.

"It think our friend Chompski has the correct read on the current situation.  Events in this house appear to have happened a long time ago, but were so tragic and really sad that the spirits of the house's inhabitant were trapped here and unable or unwilling to move on.  Except for possibly the parents.  My sense is the series of events weird events went something like this. Lizzy here wanted to sacrifice Walter to get rid of the unwelcome fiend, is there another kind?  She murdered Margret for access to the baby and then went to the basement.  Don't know about Mr. Durst, but no one came back for Rose and Thorn and they starved.  Very sad all around.  I knew they were terrible parents."  Gealin says, punctuating her last statement by wagging her index finger at the portrait on the wall.  "I may owe my parents an apology, by comparison to the Dursts, they were the best parents ever."    She remarks thoughtfully, then goes out onto the balcony and looks around.  Finally, she uses her magical hand to push the button for the dumbwaiter from six feet away.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Sun 19 July 2020.

Gaeling pushes the button for the dumbwaiter and you here a ring from some where below you. Your best guess is it is ringing somewhere on the first floor. Usually the dumbwaiter runs down into the kitchen.

"A simple, yet ingenious little contraption for those elite enough to need room service without seeing their 'help'" Chompski says as he operates the ropes to raise the tray up to the third floor.

Chompski brings up the empty dumbwaiter. It appears to be quite sturdy and still functional.

Fenlen prepares to hop into the dumbwaiter.

"Well, let's be about it, then. The house is only making me feel more uneasy as our time inside it goes on."

Gaelin looks surprised as Fenlen prepares to enter the dumbwaiter. “Cousin.“ she begins sweetly. ”That looks far too cramped and undignified for one such as you or I to use to travel to the kitchen. If our good friend the gnome, or possibly the fish obsessed dwarf wanted to travel in this conveyance I would stand ready to assist. Dignity seems to have little value to them, and their size is more conducive. But you and I should really just take the stairs.”
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:59, Mon 20 July 2020.

"I'd choose your words more carefully, my elven friend, lest you find yourself shoved in there  to find your dignity. I suppose I can ride down, although I'm not convinced of the purpose. Here Gaius, take one of these stones. Should you hear anything from me on it, pull me up immediately, otherwise, lower me very slowly and stop when you hear 3 thumps on the dumbwaiter." Chompski hands one of his sending stones to Gaius. He then touches one of the rings on his fingers, causing it to glow with bright light, before climbing into the dumbwaiter and shaking his head at Gaelin. "Hopefully this will get us out of this accursed house faster. Go ahead and lower me down."

Chompski grasps the other sending stone in his left palm while readying his newly-modified crossbow for an attack in his right and begins descending. He examines the walls and keeps a rough idea track of how many feet he has descended by watching features in the sides of the shaft. Should he descend more than ~30 feet without finding a door, he will send a message to Gaius to quickly raise the dumbwaiter again.

As Chompski is lowered he starts to get feelings of terror, death and torture. He sees light as in a rainbow and thinks he can see faint images in the light and the darkness. He then has a feeling of falling faster and faster. Toward the bottom of the shaft. Then he snaps back and all is quite. He isn't sure how much time has passed but he feels like there is a door in front of him.

He emerges to find: an undecorated bedroom containing a pair of beds with straw-stuffed mattresses. At the foot of each bed is an empty footlocker. He notes that this room is not dust covered like the previous floors and that all the wood seems to be well maintained and oiled.

Chompski didn't realize he had claustrophobia. It's never presented itself before while climbing into his mechanical inventions or other maintenance areas back in his lab. "I'll have to keep an eye on this."

Chompski searches under the mattresses and in the footlockers.

OOC:
Cast guidance on myself before making an investigation check.
Investigation: 1d20+1d4+6 (18)
Can I get a map of the room?

Chompski finds Tidy servants' uniforms hanging from hooks in the adjoining closet to the room.

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:30, Mon 20 July 2020.

Morbek glares at the elf.

Chompski searches the pockets of the servant uniforms and then checks to see whether the dumbwaiter goes down further.

Chompski find nothing inside the pockets of the staff then climbs back into the dumbwaiter and again is lowered and starts to get feelings of terror, death and torture. He sees light as in a rainbow and thinks he can see faint images in the light and the darkness. He then has a feeling of falling faster and faster. Toward the bottom of the shaft. Then he snaps back and all is quite. He isn't sure how much time has passed but he feels like there is a door in front of him.

He climbs out and finds the kitchen tidy, with dishware, cookware, and utensils neatly placed on shelves. A worktable has a cutting board and rolling pin atop it. A stone, dome-shaped oven stands near the east wall, its bent iron stovepipe connecting to a hole in the ceiling. Behind the stove and to the left is a thin door leading to a well-stocked pantry. All the food in the pantry appears fresh.


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:00, Mon 20 July 2020.

While the gnome is gone, Gaelin alternates between pacing around the room nervously and asking Gaius if the stone he was handed is properly activated.

Chompski makes a quick investigation of the kitchen and pantry for anything interesting while he's down here. He then checks the dumbwaiter from the outside to see if it goes down any further.
OOC:
Investigation 1d20+1d4+6 (23)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Tue 21 July 2020.

Chompski finds food in the oantry. It appears fresh but is bland. He then goes and checks the dumbwaiter and find that it will not go down another floor.

Chompski grabs a few fruits and snacks for the road and then climbs back in the dumbwaiter and signals to be raised back up.

The dumbwaiter begins coming up. It stops and stutters it stops then it starts coming up again. It reaches the third floor and the door pops open and there sitting in a pile is all that is left of Chompski his clothes. His diminutive clithes that only a gnone could fit into.

As the door starts to open, Gaelin begins.  "I do owe you and Morbek an apology for my earlier statement.  Thinking before I speak is one of my, HOLY SHIT where is the gnome?  Gaius, try the stone, can you talk to him?  He signaled to come back up, but..."  She inspects the inside of the dumbwaiter for blood or signs of a struggle, but is careful not to touch anything.

OoC; Just clothes or all of his stuff?

Gaelin goes to the dumbwaiter and checks out the pile. It would appear that whatever the gnome had on him is here in the dumb waiter.  You find the other sending stones.  There is no sign of struggle and no blood. It appears the gnome has up and vanished.

Using the shaft of her spear, Gaelin removes the pile from the dumbwaiter and pack it into the gnomes pack.  "He was not forced from this conveyance, or his clothing, but may have been magically waylaid but someone or thing living on one of the lower floors.  Since he is no longer clothed, maybe a succubus?  Unless there are better suggestions, it is time to investigate every room in this house and find our gnome.  If he is not on the lower floors, we will need to proceed cautiously to the basement and continue the search."  She states, collecting her belongings and the gnomes.  "And we take the stairs."

OoC;  Not actually leaving, but waiting for the group to reach a consensus.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Tue 21 July 2020.

Gaius yells out Gnome's name and waits to hear back.

If he hears nothing he starts moving to the stairs to go down.

Chompski appears from the doorway to the master bedroom wearing a set of servant clothes. "May I help you master?"

After staring blankly at his comrades for many seconds, he finally shakes his head and a puzzled look appears on his face. "Wait, how did I get back up here? And why are you holding my clothes?" He looks down at himself in continued surprise and asks "what am I wearing?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Tue 21 July 2020.

"I told you it was an undignified way to travel."  Gaelin remarks and hands the gnome his possessions.  "You gave us such a fright.  I do apologize to you and Morbek for my earlier comments.  The journey my sensai dispatched me on is more about becoming a more measured and considerate person, than an actual destination.  And I have  long way to travel before reaching my the end.  Now tells us everything!"

Chompski reaches out and accepts the items from Gaelin. "Apology accepted. I believe you will have plenty of opportunity if the rest of this trip is anything like the last day. Speaking of undignified, the Dursts clearly didn't feel the need for any significant comforts for their staff. Nothing else much of note besides their rather boring taste in food."

Gaius is quite confused but shakes it off mentally blaming this house.

So... downstairs?

"There maybe more clues scattered around downstairs to shed light on the odd goings-on in this residence, similar to the letter Chompski found in this room.  Or if we felt like we know enough at this point we could head to the basement and get to the bottom of things.  So to speak."  Gaelin says, giggling at her inadvertent pun.

As Chompski changes back into his clothes, he yells from the closet "I still think it prudent to continue searching."

You find yourself back on the second level. It looks very much the same since you left it last time.

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:16, Tue 21 July 2020.

Gaius moves to the two doors above him whispers somebody sneaky should open them..

OOC:
Doors at AK.

Fenlen twists up his face in disapproval.

"If we're to figure out what's going on here, the best route is the most direct one. Why do we not simply keep going downstairs to find the basement? Unless the gnome wants to find some other creative way to disrobe in front of us and continue frittering away our time?"

He seems to catch himself. "Apologies. But I am being curt with you all because time is a factor. The longer we're here, the more likely it is something terrible will happen, I fear. Do we really have time to search this whole house on a whim?"

The door to the North is opened. Red velvet drapes cover the windows of this room. An exquisite mahogany desk and a matching high-back chair face the entrance and the fireplace, above which hangs a framed picture of a windmill perched atop a rocky crag. Situated in corners of the room are two overstuffed chairs. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line the south wall. A rolling wooden ladder allows one to more easily reach the high shelves.

"The first is free. Next show will cost you!" Chompski enters the room and searches the desk. He also reviews the bookcase and looks for anything out of place or worn more/less than the rest.

OOC:
Perception 1d20+1d4+3 (13)
Do you think that corner has a secret room?

I'd like to join in the search, particularly the bookcase for anything out of the ordinary.

OOC:
Perception roll: (1d20 + 1) - 18 + 1 = 19

Gaelin enters the room and pokes one of the overstuffed chairs with the butt of her spear.  She waits a little, and If it doesn't attack or open an extra-dimensional portal she flops down in the chair with a heavy sigh.

"Cousin, I understand you frustration at our pace, but there are still holes in our understanding of the events on that fateful night.  In particular, Mr. Durst's role in the tragic events of the evening and more details about the fiend, which could still be lurking in the basement we plan to enter.  There is risk in delaying our path, and the search of these lower levels may be fruitless, but as my sensai always said, knowledge of your opponent is the best armor.  Let us try to armor ourselves as best we can before we head to the basement."  Gaelin states.

OoC;  If they don't find anything in the book shelves, Gaelin goes and searches for an entrance in the servant quarters.
Roll(1d20)+4:  15,+4  Total:19 - Perception

The bookshelves hold hundreds of tomes covering a range of topics including history, warfare, and alchemy. There are also several shelves containing first-edition collected works of poetry and fiction. Chompski causes the corner bookshelf to swing open by pulling out  a red-covered book with a blank spine.

This secret room contains bookshelves packed with tomes and ancient books.

A heavy wooden chest with clawed iron feet stands against the south wall, its lid half-closed. Sticking out of the chest is a skeleton in leather armor. Clutched in the skeleton's left hand is a letter.

As Chompski enters the little room the bookcase begins to close behind him.

I take the letter and read it out loud to the group.

Morbek Pulls on the book that Chompski did and the door opens back up. He pushes his way past the gnome bends over and takes the letter from the hand of the skeleton. On the letter it contains the following Seal.

Morbek removes the letter and in his gruff Dwarf voice reads:

My most pathetic servant,

I am not a messiah sent to you by the Dark Powers of this land. I have not come to lead you on a path to immortality. However many souls you have bled on your hidden altar, however many visitors you have tortured in your dungeon, know that you are not the ones who brought me to this beautiful land. You are but worms writhing in my earth.

You say that you are cursed, your fortunes spent. You abandoned love for madness, took solace in the bosom of another woman, and sired a bastard son. Cursed by darkness? Of that I have no doubt. Save you from your wretchedness? I think not. I much prefer you as you are.

Your dread lord and master,

Strahd von Zarovich

Morbek then lowers the letter and becomes very pensive.

"Well, that was less informative than the previous letter, but we know have an answer to why the basement is difficult to access.  It is definitely not in use as a root cellar.  I guess one man's basement in another man's dungeon for torturing unfortunate souls on an alter.  And what's with all of the windmills?"  Gealin says after rising from the comfy chair, and gesturing at the painting.  She peruses the history books on the bookshelves, looking for names and location familiar to her from the history of the Sword Coast.  "Chompski, fearless gnome explorer, any interesting tomes in there, or just books about building evil alters and how to effectively torture people?"  she calls while looking through books.

The bookshelves of the library hold hundreds of tomes covering a range of topics including history, warfare, and alchemy. There are also several shelves containing first-edition collected works of poetry and fiction. Those that pertain to history pertain to places within the Sword Coast and the World of Fae'run. Things get interesting from there some of the histories speak of: the Free City of Greyhawk on a world known as Oerth, there is the world named Krynn with mention of the continent Ansalon and there is also a place called the Tyr Valley on a world called Athas. It all seems like fiction to you but the closer you look it plays out as proper history books. None of the time lines make sense to you however.

Chompski looks over the books in the hidden room. It contains bookshelves packed with tomes describing fiend-summoning rituals and the necromantic rituals of a cult called the Priests of Osybus.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:23, Wed 22 July 2020.

"Well, I believe we may have found Mr. Durst and the source of the love triangle. I don't think he'll be helping us much. He does seem to have been quite the contortionist though. There are a number of books if you want any evil companions for our trip. It appears Mr. Durst may have been involved with a cult calling themselves the "Priests of Osybus.""

"Should we continue delving into the basement, I do hope we do not find one of these fiends, nor that we are but another of these "visitors" he previously attracted in to torture."

Chompski pours over the books some more and flips through some of the pages before turning back to the chest to open it and search inside.

OOC:
Try to recall anything about the Priests of Osybus or see if I learn anything browsing the books.
Arcana 1d20+1d4+4 (28, crit)
Investigation 1d20+1d4+4 (12)  -- (you might want to help me with that Morbek)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Wed 22 July 2020.

As you look around you notice that unless Mr Durst was the adventuring sort or falls for his own traps this is not Mr Durst. It would appear that the skeletal remains are of some poor fellow trying to rob the chest. The cause of death seem to be three darts in his chest. Also after looking through the books you think that all the rituals in the books are bogus.

As Chompski and Morbek stand there the bookcase begins to close.

After the gnome finishes Gaelin snaps the book she was looking at closed with a loud clap.
 "That is the man himself?  I thought it was some unlucky individual who delivered a letter containing unwelcome news.  One of those kill the messenger situations.  It does seem like when Mrs. Durst kills people she stuffs them into chests.  So as long as the basement isn't filled with empty chest we may survive after all.  Does he have the same stab wounds on his back?"  She replies.  Then takes on of the first edition poetry books and puts it in her backpack for later.  Based on the titles, she picks the one least likely to have poems about fornicating with daemons.

OoC;  With Mr. Durst found, I'm ready to head down to the basement, or we can check the few remaining rooms.

Gaius is quite leary of the chest having half a person in it. I'd like to cast Divine Sense and see if it comes up.

Although Gaius senses Evil all about he is not sensing it in particular from the chest nor the skeletal remains.

I'd like to see if the chest has anything else in it then. If not then Gaius states

"There are two doors below that we should check out." and points to the double doors at AM.

When everyone exits the small room, Gaelin looks up from the book titles and causally summons her magical hand.  Then she mentally orders it throw open the double doors across the hall.

The chest contains three blank books with black leather covers (worth 25 gp each), three spell scrolls (bless, protection from poison, and spiritual weapon), the deed to the house, the deed to a windmill, and a signed will. The will is signed by Gustav and Elisabeth Durst and bequeaths the house, the windmill, and all other family property to Rosavalda and Thornboldt Durst in the event of their parents' deaths.

The door across the way is thrown open to reveal: gossamer drapes cover the windows of this elegantly appointed hall, which has a brass-plated chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Upholstered chairs line the walls, and stained-glass wall hangings depict beautiful men, women, and children singing and playing instruments.

A harpsichord with a bench rests in the northwest corner. Near the fireplace is a large standing harp. Alabaster figurines of well-dressed dancers adorn the mantelpiece. Close inspection of them reveals that several are carvings of well-dressed skeletons.

You hear some scuffling sounds near the harpsichord.

Sword drawn I'd like to investigate the harpsichord.

Roll: 1d20+1 - 14+1 = 15

"Those deeds and will may be useful, let's bring them along.  At least we can find this mysterious windmill and see why it was worth all the pictures and carvings." Gaelin says, still looking over book spines, but not looking for anything in particular.

Gaius moves over to the harpsichord and looks under it. There is a dog shaking and looking thin. This could have been the source of the howling from last night. It seems timid and unwilling to come out.

Gaius sheaths his sword and offers his hand for the dog to smell.

OOC: Not sure which roll you'd prefer so I did both.

Animal Handling: 1d20+1 - 13+1 = 14
Persuasion: 1d20+5 - 13+5 - 18

The dog cowers from the offered hand.

Chompski pulls out a few food items he had grabbed in the kitchen and pours some water into a flagon then places them down on the ground in front of the harpsichord.

The dog looks at Gaius then at Chompski then to the food. It approaches and smells the food then gobbles it down and drinks some water. It approaches the two of you smells you and sits down panting a bit but happier it seems...

Chompski looks over the dog for a tag or anything that stands out about it while it is eating. He reaches out a hand to pet the dog. "Hello there friend. I'm glad you enjoyed the food. I'm sure you've been through quite a bit."

OOC:
Perception 1d20+1d4+3 (13)
Anyone have a talk to animals spell?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:28, Wed 22 July 2020.

Chompski indeed finds a name on the collar. It reads Lancelot.

Gaius smiles at the dog and welcomes Lancelot to join them.

"So, onto the next level?"

Lancelot follows you as you head down to the first floor. When you reach the bottom of the stairs you find yourself again in the entry hall.

Gaius decided to try his hand at stealth and open the door right above him.

OOC:
Stealth roll to open door at AJ.

Disadvantage roll:
1d20+1 - 9+1 - 10
1d20+1 - 6+1 - 7

The centerpiece of this wood-paneled dining room is a carved mahogany table surrounded by eight high-backed chairs with sculpted armrests and cushioned seats. A crystal chandelier hangs above the table, which is covered with resplendent silverware and crystal-ware polished to a dazzling shine. Mounted above the marble fireplace is a mahogany-framed painting of an alpine vale.

The wall paneling is carved with elegant images of deer among the trees. Red silk drapes cover the windows, and a tapestry depicting hunting dogs and horse-mounted aristocrats chasing after a wolf hangs from an iron rod bolted to the south wall.

Gaelin shakes her head reproachfully and makes a clicking sound with her tongue. ”You, my good friend,  are nowhere close to getting a pastry. We shall have to work on your skills if you ever plan to move silently when our lives actually depend on it.”. She says as Gaius ‘sneaks’ to the door. ”I wonder what disturbed scene is actually carved on this wall?”  She inquired as she examines the wood panels.

Gaelin seea twisted faces carved into the tree trunks and wolves lurking amid the carved foliage.

Chompski enters the dining room and stares at the tapestry. "And I hear I was starting to think they idolized wolves. Is one of these dogs you, Lancelot?" He makes an encouraging face at the dog then turns back to the tapestry and checks for anything behind it.

OOC:
General perception check on the room: 1d20+1d4+3 (16)
Is the crystal or silverware worth anything? Asking for a friend...

The crystal laid out and the silverware is of the highest quality and could catch a fair price on the market. Chompski looks behind drapes, tapestries and under tables. He sees nothing out of the ordinary if you could cal this place ordinary.

Gaius scoffs at Gaelin's comment and is even more determined to show how stealthy he can be and tries to open the door at AM quietly.

OOC: Stealth 1d20+1 Diadvantage

13+1 - 14
12+1 - 13

This oak-paneled room looks like a hunter's den. Mounted above the fireplace is a stag's head, and positioned around the outskirts of the room are three stuffed wolves.

Two padded chairs draped in animal furs face the hearth, with an oak table between them supporting a cask of wine, two carved wooden goblets, a pipe rack, and a candelabrum. A chandelier hangs above a cloth-covered table surrounded by four chairs.

Two cabinets stand against the walls.

Fenlen follows Gaius into the den, and shakes his head at the meaningless display of mounted animal heads.

"Humans," he laments "are quite fond of posturing and chest-beating, aren't they?" He glances at Gaius. "No offense."

He sinks down into one of the chairs and picks up the cask of wine, looking it over.

"This might be worthwhile, though," Fenlen says, looking for some kind of label or name on the wine.

There is no label to be found for the wine.

"Wonder what's inside."

Fenlen goes to pour the contents of the cask into one of the wooden goblets to have a taste.

Gaius moves to the cabinets and opens them.

OOC: If I need to choose an order I'd pick AO5 then AO7.

The Eastern cabinet is locked while the Northern cabinet contains wine glasses and playing cards.

Gaelin enters the dining room quietly, before collapsing into the chair next to Fenlen.  "You will soon have you wish, cousin, we are running low on doors to nosily open in this house."  she says, before looking down at her hands and picking at her nails nervously.  "The question becomes, should one of our wonderful group of boon companions scout the basement first and report back, or should we head down the tiny staircase en masse?  Alerting everything within a mile that we are coming."  she inquires.

OoC;Roll(1d20)+7:  13,+7  Total:20 - Stealth

Fenlen pours out the contents of the cask into the second wooden goblet and passes it to Gaelin.

"Perhaps this will make their bungling more tolerable, then?"

Even though the wine seems fresh it is extremely bland and not very aromatic.

Fenlen twists his face in displeasure.

"We just can't have anything nice, can we?"

He stands up from the chair and looks about the room.

OOC: Could I make a perception check around the room to see if I see anything that's not in plain sight?

12:52, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 16 using 1d20+3.

Gaelin reached out or the wine cup, then looks at it apprehensively.  Looking up she sees Fenlen's face and withdraws her hand.  As the others search the room, she helps herself to a set of playing cards.  After putting it in her backpack, she rummages around, produces a crowbar and offers it to Gaius as he examines the locked cabinet.  She then retreats to the chairs by the fireplace again.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Thu 23 July 2020.

Fenlen does not find anything hidden or obscured in this room. Gaius uses the crowbar on the Eastern Cabinet and finds a heavy crossbow, a light crossbow, a hand crossbow, and 20 bolts for each weapon.

Gaius looks extremely pleased when he breaks open the cabinet, and immediately turns to a frown once he sees the contents. He takes the crossbow then asks

"Anyone want some of this stuff? Heavy one is mine but you're welcome to the rest."

After the decisions have been made who gets the remainder of the items Gaius suggests that maybe it's time to visit the basement.

"I can make good use of that little hand crossbow. It looks light enough that I could have that in one hand and my sword in the other." Fenlen holds his hand out to take it.

"Three crossbows?  The middle one looks just right.  Chompski, I think you are set with weapons.  Morbek, are you interested in whatever this is?  If not, I could certainly use the ability to fling sharpened sticks at targets."  Gaelin says her crowbar in her backpack.  "The question remains, how best to explore the basement?  One individual scouts or all together?"

"I'm not too keen on sending someone alone in such an unfamiliar place. Let's go as a unit. But, I can scout ahead. I just don't want to leave you all so far behind that I'll be alone if trouble shows up."

OOC: Stealth check

15:51, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 12 using 1d20+3.

"I don't mean to upset anyone else with unkind words, but, with respect, since our lives may depend on it, perhaps it would be beneficial if I were to be the elf that is to scout ahead of the group?"  Gaelin says in stilted phrases.

OoC;Roll(1d20)+7:  10,+7  Total:17 - Stealth.

I have a +7 on stealth and a movement of 40.  And I can use Monk powers to disengage from combat.

You head back up to the attic and then down the spiral stairs that lead down. You head down as a group but the wooden spiral staircase from the attic ends. A narrow tunnel stretches southward before branching east and west. Fenlen steps out not all that quite like and hears an eerie, incessant chant echoing throughout. It's impossible to gauge where the sound is coming from.

Gaius heads to the stairs that Gaelin descended ready to move at a moments notice should he hear any yells or screaming.

Chompski follows the others, but not before opening the closet still left unopened on the first floor. "I said we should explore the whole house!"

OOC:
I can also cast guidance on anyone as a cantrip to add 1d4 to ability/skill checks for those trying to steal pastries.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Fri 24 July 2020.

On his way to the Basement stairs Chompski opens the last door to discover a cloak room with actual black cloaks in it.

The dark-haired elf tries moving slowly and quietly into the hallway. Before moving much further, he tries to get his bearings, looking for anything out of the ordinary, and trying to hear something other than the noise of the chant, or just discern what words are being chanted at all.

OOC: Wisdom (Perception) check.

01:14, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 23 using 1d20+3.

Fenlen cant discern the words of the chanting nor can he hear anything else.

Fenlen moves slowly down the hallway to L25.

Gaelin move quietly down the last couple stairs as quietly as possible and peeks around the corner following Fenlen's progress through the dark.

OoC;  Roll(1d20)+7+Roll(1d4):  12,+7,2 = 21 - Stealth

Fenlen turns around to see Gaelin following him.

"Cousin, help me look for traps and the like. I'll watch your back, you watch mine."

Gaelin scans the hallway for anything out of the ordinary.  Well, more out of the ordinary than all the other out of the ordinary stuff they have already seen in this house.

ooC; Roll(1d20)+4:  19,+4  Total:23 - Perception

You scan the hall and do not find anything but on closer inspection you realize this part of the catacomb looks like a burial chamber.

OOC: I posted earlier about moving to L25. What do we see now?
This message was last edited by the player at 10:20, Sun 26 July 2020.

OOC: If Gnome brings those cloaks I'd like to put one on and suggests to the group

"This place is very odd. If there are others here it seems they may wear these. As such we could blend in easier if they wear them."

Chompski quickly searches the pockets of the cloaks. If they have an abnormal appearance for the region (looking more like robes or something?), Chompski stuffs them in his bag on his way upstairs to the basement. He follows behind the others partway down the staircase. He pulls out some shoe coverings he fastened out of fabric he found last night and hands them to the elves.

OOC:
Investigation: 1d20+1d4+3 (9)
(Guidance on the elves, +1d4 for all ability checks for the next minute).

As Fenlen moves into the catacombs he continues to hear an eerie, incessant chant echoing throughout. He comes to an intersection that off shoots to the left and right and looks like familial chambers for once they have passed.

OOC: So they just look like burial chambers? If so, Fenlen wouldn't want to disturb them, and continues on to N25.

Gaelin lifts on of the surprising shoe cover and turns back to the gnome and mouths T-H-A-N-K-Y-O-U.  She then indicates everything is fine so far and for everyone to wait there.  She remains in a fighting crouch while Fenlen advances.

OoC;  I'll stay at L25 while Fenlen moves to N25

This room contains a plain wooden table flanked by long benches. Moldy humanoid bones lie strewn on the dirt floor.

Fenlen looks back at the group and mouths "bones" and points at the floor. Then, he peeks his head barely around the corner at O23 to see what's down that way.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Mon 27 July 2020.

Fenlen moves into the room and looks around the corner in the hall to the North. He sees a short hall that heads North into a stair that goes down.

Gaius would like to look what's around the corner of H25/26.

Gaius moves into the catacombs. He sees two unsealed crypts. The Eastern Slab is blank and leans against the eastern wall while the crypt to the south is empty. The other stone slab to the West meant to seal this crypt leans against a nearby wall. Etched into it is the name Walter Durst. The crypt is empty.

Gaius is not pleased at the thought of the undead and heads to loo around the corner of G25.

Gaius moves to a short flight of stairs headed down and beyond he can see a room with a  wooden table and four chairs at the east end.

Gaius moves back to the group and informs them of what he sees. He asks

Which direction should we go? Check out this level or head downstairs?

Fenlen peeks his head around the corner at Q25 to see what's down that way.

As Fenlen comes around the corner to West he can hear the chanting get louder. He sticks his head into a four way intersection and see stairs leading down to the North. The chanting is louder from that direction. As he turns back to look around he is met by 4 pairs of blazing yet very dead eyes. These could only be ghouls.

OOC: Give me initiative and actions.

Initiative: 1d20-1 - 19-1 = 18

I run towards Felen and I believe that I won't be able to make it to him in 1 move so I take my action to dash and try to get to R24 and block as many hits as possible.

Gaelin is caught flat-footed as the armored blur moves past her.  She moves to the larger room and says.  "Cousin, move back to the room, we can hold them at the door, better than we can fight them in the hallway."  She takes a viscous two-handed swipe with her spear, followed with a kick, hoping to catch the enemy entering the room.

OoC;Roll(1d20)+5:  7,+5  Total:12 - Initiative
Move action - Move to P26
Attach action - (if there is a ghoul in range) Roll(1d20)+7:  7,+7  Total:14 - Spear attack
Roll(1d8)+5:  3,+5  Total:8 - Spear damage
Bonus action - (if there is a ghoul in range) Roll(1d20)+7:  12,+7  Total:19 - Unarmed attack
Roll(1d4)+5:  2,+5  Total:7 - Unarmed damage

Initiative: 1d20+3 (22)

"So was Walter already dead or did they plan on burying him? I'm not sure I want to know, but I'm guessing we're about to find out."

Chompski holds his turn and lets Gaius and the others get through first, as well as let any monsters move into the larger chamber. He then runs to M25 while pulling out his repeating crossbow and fires at the closest visible enemy.

OOC:
To hit: 1d20+6 (25)
Damage: 1d8+4 (7)

Fenlen retreats into the larger room, around N26.

OOC:

Action:
Initiative D20 12 + 3 15.
Attack, scimitar - 20:24, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 14 using 1d20+5.
Damage, scimitar - 20:24, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 5 using 1d6+3.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:32, Wed 29 July 2020.

Morbek moves toward the room and attacks

Init=8
Attack=7
damage=6

22 Chompski<----
18 Gaius
15 Fenlen
12 Gaelin
12 Ghouls
8 Morbek

Chompski moves up into the room with the large table and readies an attack.

Gaius rushes into the room and takes up station at the corridor the Ghouls will be coming from.

Fenlen strikes at the ghoul in front of him, slicing into its side and drawing a large gash and then turns to run back into the main room. The Ghoul he just struck attacks back as he turns to leave but misses.

OOC: Ghoul take 5 points of damage.

Gaelin moves into the room and hugs the wall next to corridor ready to strike whatever steps through.

The Ghouls start to move after Fenlen. The first one steps around the corner and as it looks up to find it's quarry it instead finds a crossbow bolt and then the sharpened end of spear plunges in and out of it's side. As it reals from these attacks it is smashed in the face by the blunt end of the same spear smashing it's head into the wall where it crumples to the floor and does not move again.

Three more ghouls rush in behind the fallen monster. One of the Ghouls swipes at Fenlen with it's claws raking him across the side. One of the ghouls attacks Gaius but misses the hulking holy warrior. The final Ghoul strikes at Gaelin but that attack too goes wide.

Morbek moves into the room and unleashes an attack which goes wide.

OOC:Please give me next round actions. Galin can I get an Opp Attack from you as one of the ghouls peels off to Gaius.

Gaelin does 11 points of damage to the ghoul in front of Gaius


This message was last edited by the GM at 21:41, Wed 29 July 2020.

Gaelin pulls out his greatsword and takes a swipe at the Ghoul that attacked Gaelin.

After that I'll shift back to N24 to protect my back.

OOC: Attack roll 1d20+6 - 11+6 = 17
Damage - 2d6+4 - 6+2+4 = 12

Another bolt readies from the crossbow's feed as Chompski lines up a shot on the ghoul attacking Fenlen.

OOC:
To hit: 1d20+6 (22)
Damage: 1d8+4 (12)

I think I should be at M25 from the previous round with my movement speed (also keeps me at range).
Gaius - I think you're going to take 2 or 3 opportunity attacks if you shift backwards.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Wed 29 July 2020.

Gaelin lashes out at the ghoul rushing past before re-focusing on the enemy in front of her

OoC;
Reaction Action - AoO
Roll(1d20)+7:  8,+7  Total:15 - Spear Attack
Roll(1d8)+5:  6,+5  Total:11 - Spear damage

Attack Action - P25 Ghoul
Roll(1d20)+7:  4,+7  Total:11 - Spear Attack
Roll(1d8)+5:  2,+5  Total:7 - Spear damage

Bonus Action - Spend Ki point for 2 attacks
Roll(1d20)+7:  4,+7  Total:11 - Unarmed Attack 1
Roll(1d4)+5:  4,+5  Total:9 - Unarmed Damage 1

Roll(1d20)+7:  7,+7  Total:14 - Unarmed Attack 2
Roll(1d4)+5:  2,+5  Total:7 - Unarmed Damage 2

Not as impressive as I was hoping.

Attack Ghoul at O25

To Hit 20+3=20
Damage d6+1=4

Fenlen grimaces after fending off the ghoul's attack and prepares to counter. "I'll not die here like this, you maggots. This is what I've trained for all my life!" The elf rains down a barrage of blows with his sword.

OOC:

Action
Attack, scimitar - 13:49, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 14 using 1d20+5.
Damage, scimitar - 13:49, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 11 using 1d6+5.

Fighter feature, Action Surge to gain an additional action
Attack, scimitar - 13:51, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 7 using 1d20+5.
Damage, scimitar - 13:51, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 10 using 1d6+5.

22 Chompski<----
18 Gaius
15 Fenlen
12 Gaelin
12 Ghouls
8 Morbek
5 Grick

Chompski puts the unwieldy crossbow up to his shoulder and sights in on the closest ghoul fighting with Fenlen. He pulls the trigger and nails the filthy in the side.

OOC: The ghoul take 12 points of damage.

Gaius unslings his massive weapon from his back and brings it down on the collar of the Ghoul standing in front of Gaelin. You hear a sicking crunch and blood oozes from the wound.

OOC: Ghoul takes 12 points of damage.

Fenlen unleashes two attacks against the Ghouls in front of him. He lands one in the hip almost severing the beats in half where it falls to the ground and his return blow misses the ghoul next to Gaelin.

Gaelin whirls her Spear around in front of her landing one of the three attacks she level at the ghoul.

OOC: two misses and one hit for 7 brings total to 19 points of damage to that ghoul.

The ghouls strike back. The severely wounded ghoul in front of Gaelin hits her with a claw swipe. While the other remaining Ghoul lands a claw on Gaius.

OOC: Gaelin takes 5 points from a claw. Gaius takes 6 points of damage.

Morbek unleashes an attack on the Ghoul in front of Gaelin and drops it.

Morbek Gaelin and Fenlen turn around to the sound of a slithering crunching noise only to see a Grick pulling itself out of the ground and it moves in on Fenlen.IT lashes out with a tentacle at the elf striking him across the body.

OOC: Fenlen takes 10 points of damage from the tentacles.

OOC: POst next round actions.

"What a foul creature. This is the end for you!"

The soldier rallies his spirits, steeling himself for further battle, and attempts another strike.

OOC:

Action
Attack, scimitar - 15:00, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 6 using 1d20+5.
Damage, scimitar - 15:03, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 6 using 1d6+3.

Bonus Action
Fighter feature, Second Wind - 15:00, Today: Fenlen Silverfrond rolled 9 using 1d10+2.
Fenlen recovers 9 hit points
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Wed 29 July 2020.

OOC: Please Note the Grick is at O27

As Fenlen attacks the creature, Gaelin quickly moves behind it and strikes.

OoC;
Move action:
Move to O27, staying threat range of the Grick

Attack action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  15,+7  Total:22 - Spear attack w/ advantage
Roll(1d20)+7:  2,+7  Total:9
Roll(1d8)+5:  6,+5  Total:11 - Spear damage

Bonus action: Spend Ki point for 2 attacks
Roll(1d20)+7:  10,+7  Total:17 - Unarmed attack 1 w/ advantage
Roll(1d20)+7:  4,+7  Total:11
Roll(1d4)+5:  3,+5  Total:8 - Unarmed damage 1
Roll(1d20)+7:  4,+7  Total:11
Roll(1d20)+7:  19,+7  Total:26 - Unarmed attack 2 w/ advantage
Roll(1d4)+5:  3,+5  Total:8 - Unarmed damage 2

Total damage 27

"And they only get uglier!" Chompski shouts as he dashes into the room and hops onto the table at N25 to get a better shot over his height-endowed comrades. He lets loose a shot from his crossbow at the grick.

OOC:
To hit: 1d20+6 (19)
Damage: 1d8+4 (7)

(The crossbow is 'magically' infused)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:27, Thu 30 July 2020.

Turn and face the new beastie, frostbite at it.

"feel the cold elements of death, beastie!"

Cast Frostbite
"You cause numbing frost to form on one creature that you can see within range. The target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 1d6 cold damage, and it has disadvantage on the next weapon attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn."
dc con14
1d6 damage = 4
This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Thu 30 July 2020.

Gaius slashes at the ghoul in front of him.

To hit - 1d20+6 - 19+6 = 25
Damage - 2d6+4 - 3+1+4 - 8

22 Chompski<----
18 Gaius
15 Fenlen
12 Gaelin
12 Ghouls
8 Morbek
5 Grick

Chompski rushes into the room hops up onto the table and smacks the grick in the body with a bolt from his crossbow.

OOC: Grick takes 7 points

Gaius Swings his greatsword and lands a blow to the Ghouls midsection.

OOC: Ghoul takes 8 Points.

Fenlen being caught off guard by the appearance of the grick misses with ha wild attack.

Gaelin moves around the grick and unleashes a fusillade of attacks that slay the grick on the spot.

The ghoul swipes a claw at Gaius but can not get through his armor.

Morbek unleashes a cold attack at the Ghoul as well.

The Ghoul takes a further 4 points of damage for a total 12.

Gaius is determined to finish off the Ghoul and takes another swipe.

To hit: 1d20+6 - 16+6 - 22
Damage: 2d6+4 - 3+6+4 - 13

Gaius finishes off the Ghoul. The party takes a few moments to ensure that nothing else is lurking in the shadows but then catch their breaths. The sounds of the chanting is all that can be heard.

Gaelin thrust her spear in the air as the monster falls, then flinches when it hit the ceiling and lowers it sheepishly.  "Did you see that?  I was able to harness my Ki and focus it into my attacks.  I've never been able to do that before.  Actually, my sensai said I would likely never have the focus and disciple required to accomplish the feat.  I'm so happy he was not correct.  I can't wait to return to the monastery and show him."  She then looks around as if returning to the present.  "I hope everyone is not too injured.  Sneaking around didn't help us get the drop on these..  things"  She states point at a ghoul.  "And that thing could definitely steal all of the pastries it could eat."  She says kicking the grick's corpse.  "Should we take a short rest here, or back upstairs before we finish exploring?  I'm really tempted to look at the room the Ghouls exited."

OoC;  Short rest?  Explore the source of ghouls?  Explore more of this level?

Chompski surveys the scene and his companions. "I didn't realize I was signing up to fight enchanted armor, ghouls and whatever other muckity-muck awaits us down here when I decided to go visit my brother." He steps over to the slain creatures and starts poking them out of curiosity. "I see you all are quite adept at combat. Thank goodness for that at least."

Chompski then starts walking back to the crypts above the current room. "If that one door had "Walter" on it, do I dare ask what these other crypts say?"

OOC:
Perception for the room: 1d20+1d4+3 (9)
Investigation of the corpses: 1d20+1d4+6 (17)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Thu 30 July 2020.

The only thing a rest is going to get us is attacked i fear, lets press on while there is some semblance of surprise.

Chompski heads back to the to the crypts. Those on the North Side have the Names Rose and Thorne etched into the slabs that are in place sealing the tomb and on the south side the names Gustav and Elisabeth are etched into the slabs which seal the tombs.

"I'm of a mind for a brief rest as well, just to make sure that we are ready for what comes next. If there's something more powerful lurking inside, I want to be sure I'm ready for it."

OOC: I second a short rest so that I can regain my action surge and second wind.

"Curious. If the skeletons of what we presume are the family are upstairs, then why are there sealed tombs down here?" Chompski puzzles as he strokes his beard. "I would be okay to rest as long as it doesn't get too late. With wolves about, I'd rather get out of the spooky dungeon prior to nightfall."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Thu 30 July 2020.

I feel there is battle to come the further we go. In order to get fellow Fenlen back to full strength I too suggest a quick break. However, we should set guard. I'd be happy to take the first shift, but I too will need to rest as the Ghoul got a good swipe at me.

OOC: Third vote for a short rest but I'll take first guard duty.

"I'll watch over while you rest, very good friend."  Gaelin replies to Gaius.  "If we are attacked, at least we don't have to wander around this creepy dungeon trying having things jump out at us."  She picks spiderwebs out of her hair, and then sits in the corner cross-legged and starts to meditate.

OoC;  Roll(1d8)+1:  5,+1  Total:6 - hit points regained
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Fri 31 July 2020.

Chompski, still feeling okay but a little shaken, has trouble resting. He decides to yield to his racing curiosity and uneasiness and begins to investigate the crypt, sticking to the areas the team has already visited.

OOC:
Investigation: 1d20+1d4+6 (25)
I don't have much to gain from the short rest, so I'll investigate and keep watch. Do you need me to make multiple rolls?

Also, what happened to Lancelot?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:52, Fri 31 July 2020.

You all decide to hold up in the room with the large table the long perished bones and the ground and the fresh bodies of the slain monster. Chompski is exploring the crypts to the east where he finds Lancelot. Apparently when the beasts showed up he went to cower in a corner. Outside of the non descript slabs covering the crypts and the two empty crypts further east Chompski doesnt discover anything of interest. However he does think if he had a pry bar he could get into the crypts of Rose and Thorne at least to see if their bodies or anything is inside.

Fenlen spends his short rest sitting cross legged on the floor. A close look at his face would show that his eyes seem to be moving about rapidly, as humans do when dreaming. While seemingly absorbed in reverie, he appears more alert than he lets on, responding promptly when spoken to, in a calm and polite voice. At one point during his meditations, he says to his companions, "I hear you quicker-lived peoples have, how do you call them? Dreams. Visions while sleeping that are beyond your mind's ability to control. It sounds terrifying. What if the horrors of this night invade these dreams of yours? Has that ever happened to you? All we elves do is recall memories of our lives, but when we are young, we only experience memories of lives other than our own, because we haven't lived enough of our own lives yet. The first time we experience a memory of own waking life during our trance is the end of our childhood and the beginning of our adolescence."

He opens his eyes for a moment to see if he is being listened to, and grins as if he expects to hear from someone how interesting his life is.

OOC: I'm down 1 hit point, and I'm just gonna go ahead and not have to roll a hit die at all because it'll restore that 1 hp no matter what I roll.

Action surge and second wind restored.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Fri 31 July 2020.

Chompski sends Fenlen a perplexed glance. "How do you recall memories of other people? That seems just as out of your control as "dreams." And inspiration for new inventions is rarely going to come from reviewing the past! Dreaming is where I come up with some of my best ideas."

Perhaps not one of his best ideas (he wasn't resting after all), Chompski pulls a crowbar from his pack and begins to work on the slabs sealing Rose and Thorne's tombs. Before doing so, he casts detect magic on the tombs as a ritual.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Fri 31 July 2020.

As those of you try to meditate and tend to wounds in the room Chompski sets to work on the Tombs. You are all kept company by the chanting that fills the air. Chompski steps to the tomb of Rose waves his hands around in front of it and mutters some arcane words and does not not detect any magic. He then slams a crowbar into the edge of slab and puts his back into it.

OOC: Chompski give me a STR check with advantage.

Gaius awakens, not quite at 100% but certainly better than he was before. As he looks over and sees Gnome prying open the slabs Gaius removes his own crowbar and helps with the second one.

"I appreciate the help, Gaius."

OOC:
Talk about a dump stat...

STR: 1d20+1d4 w/ advantage - 8 and 12 (12)

Chompski puts his back into the crowbar but the Sela does not move.

OOC: Gaius want to give my a str check w advantage.

After mediation Gaelin binds her wound.  Though it looked deep, it does not bother her during stretching.  She moves quickly and quietly to investigate the area that produced the ghouls.

OoC;  Move to R25 and peek around the corner
Roll(1d20)+7:  15,+7  Total:22 - Stealth
Roll(1d20)+4:  12,+4  Total:16 - Perception

Gaius appreciates the help and leans into the crowbar.

1d20+4 STR check w/advantage

First roll: 14+4 = 18
Second roll: 18+4 = 22

Gaius forces open the Sealing slab. The chamber beyond contains a coffin on a stone bier.

Gaelin Starts to head to the west toward where the Ghouls emerged.

This room is festooned with moldy skeletons that hang from rusty shackles against the walls. A wide alcove in the south wall contains a painted wooden statue carved in the likeness of a gaunt, pale-faced man wearing a voluminous black cloak, his pale left hand resting on the head of a wolf that stands next to him. In his right hand, he holds a smoky-gray crystal orb.

The room has exits in the west and north walls. Chanting can be heard coming from the west.

"Well, strength has never really been one of my defining traits." Chompski steps up to the coffin and inspects it. He then looks back at Gaius. "Coffin looks undisturbed... I feel like it's more appropriate for a man of god to be the one opening the coffin to check it. I assume you have some prayers or something you can say?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:35, Fri 31 July 2020.

Fenlen follows in behind Gaelin, preparing for anything to rear its ugly head.

Gaelin leaves that corridor and sneaks around the other direction from which the ghouls came forth.

OoC;  Now looking from the West.  Peeking around T24
Roll(1d20)+7:  8,+7  Total:15 - Sneak
Roll(1d20)+4:  16,+4  Total:20 - Perception

As Gaelin turns to leave this room she catches a sign of an imperfection in the Eastern wall.

Gaelin files away the imperfection to discuss with everyone later and heads down the other ghoul path.

OoC;  Now looking from the North.  Peeking around T24
Roll(1d20)+7:  11,+7  Total:18 - Sneak
Roll(1d20)+4:  19,+4  Total:23 - Perception

Gaius hates the idea of disturbing the dead, let alone a potentially dead child, but knows that it's better to know than not. After saying a quick prayer, making sure that there are no traps, he finally removes the lid of the coffin.

Perception roll for traps: 1d20+1 = 2+1 = 3

It takes Gaius a while to figure out whoxh object is the coffin but once he does he opens it and finds that there is nothing inside.

OOC:Can I get awisdom checks from Gaius and Chompski.

OOC:
Wisdom Check - 1d20+1 - 7+1 = 8

Wisdom 1d20+1d4+1 (6)
I'll add 1d4 (3) to Gaius' roll... hopefully that's enough.

Gaelin sneaks around to the western corridor and finds a room in which a chandelier is suspended above a table in the middle of the room. Two high-backed chairs flank the table, which has an empty clay jug and two clay flagons atop it. Iron candlesticks stand in two corners, their candles long since melted away.

Gaius sits looking at the empty coffin of Rose. Thinking about the skeletons of the children in the attic room and the presence of the restless Spirits. Chompski leans over and whispers into Gaius's ear. A sudden realization comes over Gaius. If the skeletons are laid to rest properly it might give some relief to the spirits and they may be able to pass onto the spirit realm.

Gaius prays for guidance and is struck with the thought that it's only correct to put the bones at rest. He tells the rest of the group that it's only proper for them to do so and would asks

"Who would like to join me in putting these souls to rest?"

Gaelin returns from her sojourn as the group reassembles.  "Burying the remains of the children to put their spirits to rest?  That is a very wise idea indeed and I would love to assist.  Can we put Margret in Mrs. Durst's coffin?  I would feel terrible leaving her spirit to roam with the children gone.  And that would definitely get Mrs. Durst's goat, whatever plane of existence she is currently inhabiting.  I peeked into the rooms the ghouls came from.  One has a creepy status that includes a wolf and there is a patch of wall that an industrious gnome should definitely take a look at.  Oh, and a number of skeletons chained to the wall.
 Hopefully they don't need proper resting places, because I don't think we have enough coffins.  The other room has some chairs and other oddities, but nothing remarkable.  There are other corridors to explore, this dungeon is larger than the house above, and if possible even creepier." she responds.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Sun 02 Aug 2020.

Chompski addresses Gaius and Gaelin. "Perhaps we should each carry one of the family members downstairs. There is the one tomb that is currently unmarked. Presuming it is unoccupied, would it be acceptable to place Margret in that one? Surely given the time she spent with the children and her affair with Mr. Durst, it would make her happy to be laid to rest with them."

The group heads back upstairs and collects the skeletal remains of Rose, Thorne and the nuresemaid.

Gaius follows the plan and lays them in their final resting place.

You open the tomb for Thorne and lay the skeletons in place. Their specters appear one more time. They smile at the group and then Rose says, "Do please find out what happened to Walter won't you." They then both fade away.

OOC: What do you do with the nurse maid?

Chompski pulls a hammer and piton out of his pack and walks up to the empty tomb. He begins etching the name "Margaret" onto the door. "Let's place her in here. Can you say a prayer of passing for her?"

Gaius nods and kneels saying a quick prayer while holding his amulet.

Should nothing happen Gaius suggests that we move forward and attempt to clear this house of evil.

The nursemaids specter appears. Looking happier now than when you saw her before. She smiles and then fades away.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:44, Mon 03 Aug 2020.

"Thank you, Gaius. They do appear much happier now. Perhaps there are some applications where magic and mysticism still can't be replaced by science. Sounds like a good research topic for a grant request from the university to fix that. Given everything going on and what we've found, I would like to check the tombs of the parents and see whether those are empty as well before we venture on. Care to give me a hand with those as well?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:30, Mon 03 Aug 2020.

"Right, that did workout quite satisfactorily.  I think we have made tremendous progress towards setting things right in this, frankly, very disturbing abode.  We follow your lead Chompski.  Hopefully we will continue to make progress in this mystery, or at least get to see you in some other ridiculous outfit.  I will watch that nothing attacks you from out here, while you look in there."  Gaelin says.  She points at the parents tombs for emphasis.  "The same will be true for the odd wall in the chamber with the statues, which I suggest is our next stop."  She finishes and points in the direction the ghouls came from.

Chompski and Gaius step to the other two undisturbed tombs.

OOC: Give me Str checks with advantage since using a crow bar.

Chompski grabs a bar nearby and lashes it to the crowbar to extend the lever arm before handing it to Gaius.

OOC: I'll just assist Gaius to give him advantage. My strength sucks. Add 1d4 for Guidance as well.

Gaius thanks Gnome for his assistance and leans into the crowbar.

OOC: I believe help gives me advantage. Rolling twice just in case.

1d20+4+1d4 - 15+4+2 = 21
1d20+4+1d4 - 17+4+4 = 25

Gaius opens the tomb of Elisabeth Durst. Dust spills out of the seal and it is pealed from the entry. The crypt contains a stone bier with a coffin atop it.

Gaius leaves the decision to open the coffin to the others as he moves and tries to open the other seal with the crowbar.

Str check
1d20+4 - 13+4 = 17

Chompski nods to Gaius and steps up to the coffin. He checks for any traps and then slowly opens the lid.

OOC:
Perception 1d20+1d4+3 (20)

Gaius moves over to Gustav's Seal and puts the crow bar in between it and the wall. Chompski moves into Elizabeth's tomb and inspect the coffin. Not detecting anything out of place he lifts the lid. The coffin like the children's is empty. He set the lid back down and starts to think about the situation. AS he is doing so he starts to hear a strange noise. It seems to be coming from directly behind the coffin. As he stares at the back wall a huge swarm of insects burst into the small tomb. They are rushing at him as if to try and devour the Gnome.

OOC: Give me initiative and actions.


This message was last edited by the GM at 21:30, Tue 04 Aug 2020.

Gaius holds his ground and shouts

"Gnome, lure the foe out to us!"

I'll then hold my action until/if the monster gets in my range and I'll then attack.

Iniative - 1d20-1 = 2-1 = 1

Attack (if applicable)
1d20+6 - 17+6 = 23
Damage - 2d6+4 - 2+3+4 = 9

Fenlen hear's Gaius' call and stands at O25, and readies a shot from his longbow.

OOC:

Initiative:
rolled 23 using 1d20+3.

Movement: Move to O25

Equip Longbow (AC lowers to 15)

Action: Ready an attack from longbow
Trigger: When Fenlen can see an enemy before the start of his next turn

Reaction (if applicable):
Attack - longbow: rolled 8 using 1d20+5.
Damage - What's the point? I'm pretty sure I missed lol.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Tue 04 Aug 2020.

Gaelin notices Fenlen lining up a shot and ducks to clear the flight path.  "Don't forget to aim high."  she calls to the elf.  Then, she readies her spear for stabbing whatever pursues her gnomish friend.

OoC;  Roll(1d20)+4:  4,+4  Total:8 - Initiative
With that low roll, I'll wait to see where the insects and gnome move to before posting actions.

Morbeck moves to toward the combat, scimitar and sheild ready


OOC: Init 8
move to l26

"Good news: no new spectres or other spirits. Bad news: no Mrs. Durst." Chompski shouts as as he slowly backs up. "Oh, and they might have a bug problem. Spectres, ghouls, weird worm things I can deal with. Evil bugs? Screw that shit!" He takes a pot shot as he is backing up to disrupt the swarm before darting down the hall to his comrades.

OOC:
Initiative: 1d20+3 (23)
(Follow-up roll if needed: 1d20 (15))

Move to L24. Fire a shot from O27 in-between movement.

To hit: 1d20+6 (19)
Damage: 1d8+4 (12)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Wed 05 Aug 2020.

23 Fenlen
23 Chompski
8 Gaelin
8 Morbek
5 Swarm
1 Gaius

After Hearing a ruckus Fenlen Moves into sight of the hall and readies his bow.

Chompski turns to head away from the swarm. As he falls back he take as a shot with a crossbow. The swarm tries to attack the retreating Gnome but Fails.

OOC: Swarm takes 6 points of damage from a Bolt.

OoC;
Move Action:
Move to K25

Action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  8,+7  Total:15 - Spear Attack
Roll(1d8)+4:  3,+4  Total:7 - Spear Damage

Bonus Action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  20,+7  Total:27 - Unarmed Attack (Crit)
Roll(2d4)+4:  3,2,+4  Total:9 - Unarmed Damage

23 Fenlen<----
23 Chompski
8 Gaelin
8 Morbek
5 Swarm
1 Gaius

Gaelin moves and readies an attack on what ever maybe following the gnome.

Morbek moves up to block the passage

The swarm gives chase to Chompski but runs instead to the Druid and the Paladin. The swarm then tries to take a bite out of the Paladin but misses.

Gaius in turn heft his giant sword at the swarm doing 4 points of damage for a total of 10 points.

"Thank you friends. Now we kill it with fire!" Chompski pulls a small sphere from his belt and tosses it in the middle of the swarm. Flames erupt from the ground underneath the bugs.

OOC:
Create bonfire on L27.
Dex 14 save. 1d8 (3) damage on a failed save. Another 1d8 if it ends its turn there.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Wed 05 Aug 2020.

Gaius is a little startled by the fire but he drives forward his sword for another attack.

"DIE YOU FIEND!"

To hit: 1d20+6 - 7+6 - 13
Damage: 2d6+4 - 5+3+4 - 12

Morbek swings at the swarm

to hit d20+3 = 22
Damage d6+1 = 7

"No problem whatsoever."  Gelin replies to the gnome, while leaning lazily against the wall and spinning her spear idlely.

OoC;  Ready action:  Strike at swarm if they come in range. Which they won't

The swarm begins to burn thanks to Chompski.

OOC: Swarm takes 3 points of damage for a total of 13.

Gaelin prepares to strike if given the chance.

Morbek clubs into the mass of insect.

OOC: Swarm take 3 points of damage for a total of 16 points.

The swarm tries to push its way onto Morbek but fails.

Gaius again swing his huge sword This time scattering the mob of bugs.

damn bugs

"Well said!  Normally, I'm a very positive person that looks for the best in every person, but I'm really starting to passionately dislike Mrs. Durst.  I would never condone an extra-martial affair, but I can certainly see Mr. Durst's side in that.  Poor Margret was such a kind soul to end up trapped in all this evil nonsense.  If you are all finished squishing bugs, there is an oddity in the wall over here that I think we should investigate.  Unless you would like to open Mr. Durst's coffin and see what evil lurks there."  Gaelin says while picking dead bugs out of the gnome's hair and flicking them down the hallway.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Thu 06 Aug 2020.

"I am discovering it difficult to find redeeming values for Mrs Durst. I think I've seen enough of these tombs and bugs for now. The oddity in the wall was down towards the chanting, right? I'm guessing that's where we find "the monster." Should we give the dungeon a once over in the opposite direction first, to make sure nothing else comes running, or head straight there?"

"I was sooo hoping to investigate the rest of this level.  Though I must admit I'm a little concerned it does not actually end.  I'll sneak around the part we haven't visited and scream loudly if I encounter anything"  Gaelin responds, perking up considerably.  She quickly heads off and disappears around a corner.

OoC;  Move to N23 and peek around the corner.

Roll(1d20)+7:  16,+7  Total:23 - Sneak
Roll(1d20)+4:  11,+4  Total:15 - Perception

Gaius breaths a sigh of relief after seeing the bugs scatter. He nods at Morbek giving the "Watch my back" motion as he attempts to open the door in front of him with the crowbar.

Str check - 1d20+4 = 11+4 = 15

Fenlen calls out, "What was it? What horrible, fearsome monster have you vanquished before I could even see? I feel like I missed something!"

He slings his bow onto his back and slips his shield back onto his right arm.

OOC:

AC raises to 17.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:10, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Gaius Cracks the seal into Gustav's Crypt. Sitting there on a dais is a coffin. Nothing moves and the crypt is silent. All that is heard is the distant and constant chanting that has been your companion since entering the basement.

Chompski nods at Gaelin. "I'm getting a bit antsy hanging out here myself. I shall help." Chompski heads up towards the entrance to the basement and vanishes around the corner.

OOC:
(Attempt to) sneak to G23 and take a look into the room up there.

Sneak: 1d20+1d4+3 (10)
Perception: 1d20+1d4+3 (18)

Gaius would like to look around to see if he sees anything.

Perception - 1d20+1 - 15+1 = 16

Chompski sees a wooden table and four chairs stand at the east end of this room. He can see what looks like a bed on the far side of the room to the west and stairs to the North.

Gaius looks around the crypt and sees nothing out of place for a crypt.

Gaelin moves into the top of the stair way and looks down. Sees stairs back up and a hall beyond it which opens up to a room. There are several branches off to the west.

You still hear the chanting.


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:35, Sun 09 Aug 2020.

Not seeing anything alarming, Chompski trepidatiously moves to H22 and looks around the corner.

OOC:
Perception 1d20+1d4+3 (12)

Emboldened by nothing jumping out to murder her, Gaelin continues to explore the area, and peeks into the next room.

OoC;Move to N21
Roll(1d20)+7:  16,+7  Total:23 - Stealth
Roll(1d20)+4:  13,+4  Total:17 - Perception

Chompski moves into the room he was observing from the hall.

Gaelin moves into the hall and comes to a T she looks West and sees stairs heading down.

Not seeing anything of particular interest, Gaelin continues to explore to the north, looking into the large room to the east.

OoC;Move to N18 and look east
Roll(1d20)+7:  7,+7  Total:14 - Stealth
Roll(1d20)+4:  7,+4  Total:11 - Perception

Chompski continues exploring the room.

OOC:
Move to I21.
Perception: 1d20+1d4+3 (20+1+3 = 24)

Gaius looks at Morbek and shrugs

"It appears that our party has gone off in two directions. I'll follow Gnome if you keep an eye on these folks here. Shout if you need anything."

Gaius then heads towards Gnome to help.

Chompski steps into the room to the west are four alcoves containing moldy straw pallets.

A 4-foot-diameter well shaft with a 3-foot-high stone lip descends 30 feet to a water-filled cistern. A wooden bucket hangs from a rope-and-pulley mechanism bolted to the crossbeams above the well. There are five side rooms.

Gaius starts walking down the hallway and suggests to Gnome

"Let's check out each hallway."

Gaius points Gnome at J22 and peeks around the corner at I19.