You open the case, T'bitha, and as you tip the contents out, two large rolled up maps come sliding out. One is an old, but well preserved map with the layout of a city on it. In the bottom left corner, in elvish, is written 'the city of elves'. The other map is on a larger scale and much newer. It is a map focused on Roon Lake. It was recently discovered that the very first city on Weskeilia, Roon, is underneath Roon Lake. It has territory lines drawn on it. It has Whiteridge marked towards the north of the map, as well as Wren, the capital of the Rivenis Kingdom, marked to the south of the map. It has a forest to the southwest of Roon Lake and a mountain range to the east of Roon lake. In the forest is hastily written 'elves?" On the lake 'humans?' is written, and on the mountain range 'dwarves?' The mountain known as The Demon Three is also depicted on the map, where 'hellgate' has been written.
*As you reach the base of the stairs and the room below, you're greeted with a few different scenes in one small room. The most imminent being a series of steel spears jutting out of the ground. Impaled on one of them is the slowly decaying body of a humanoid, a scimitar laying on the ground, as if it had been dropped. He's wearing your standard traveler's clothing with a satchel at his side and a leather map case hung over his shoulder. With the amount of decay visible, and some bone, it's safe to assume he's been here for quite a while now. After looking pass this mass of spears, two new scenes take in your eye. One a beautiful gold and marble sarcophagus, the other a marble altar with a humanoid laying atop it. It's difficult to get more detail from your position.
The map case has been torn from the body, as well as an arm. Other than the steel spears and the decaying body, you have an elegant gold and marble sarcophagus on one side of the room and a ornate marble altar with a humanoid laying atop it.
(OOC: *In case someone hasn't gone back, That is the information in the original spoiler on post #200)
"The steel spears..." shivers Khessa at the sight of the impaled body "must have been a welcome trap. Maybe the buttons in the column are there to reset it? Perhaps even activate or deactivate it?"
The tall arcane warrior tries to estimate how many steps the intruder was able to take, before falling victim to the spears.
"It might be a good idea to get a pole?" she starts thining "We have a forest outside, it would be quick to cut a branch and prepare one. At what distance would be wise to test the ground? How many steps took this intruder, before triggering the trap?"
The blonde warrior-mage also tries to assess whether or not there is room to pass without being skewered by the spikes (sideways, maybe? Or between one spear and another?).
"Or maybe the spears can simply be broken, now that they are out..." is another idea that crosses her mind. "That would disable the trap once and for all... But it would take time and be somewhat loud. I'd prefer a different solution".
Are the spears made completely of steel? Or is the pole supporting the tip made of wood?
"Anyway, the altar with the humanoid on it is not much more reassuring..." she finally reflects, looking alternately at Hadi, T'bitha and Tristan "Do you history experts know if these elves used to do humanoid sacrifices?"
"OK..." mumbles Khessa "...no easy way to break the spears. We could walk around them... but who knows if there are more pleasantries of this kind awaiting us? Our predecessor got about 10' from where we're standing, before getting impaled. Should we fetch a 10' pole and proof the floor as we go? We have the forest just outside, it should not take long to prepare one... if you think it might be a good idea. Or one of us could mage-hand the buttons while we look what happens to the spears, to see if one of the buttons makes them go away. Or... other ideas?"
Hadi picks up the city of elves map to look it over, hoping he might be able to note something which would denote their location, or the location of the crypt on it ((investigation 13)), though this will only be helpful once they exit. He then says, "It seems the treasure of the gold and marble distracted the poor man so he didn't notice the trap. Let us not make the same mistake." Then rolling up the ancient map and placing it back in the case for safe keeping, which he then places into his pack, he looks backwards and adds, "Shall we attempt the buttons?"
Khessa replies: "In my opinion, to try the buttons it is worth the risk. They are hidden. They are before a trap. I suppose they should have a connection to the trap. Maybe the right button disables this one. And I know, we can simply avoid the spears that we are seeing... but what if there are other suprises like this in the room? Maybe the others buttons disable other traps. (Or they can be traps themselves for those who do not know the right button to push). One of us could mage-hand one button at a time, from distance, to be more safe, while the others see if something happens with the spears".
"Of course," the blonde adventurer conceeds "Dimitri also has a point. The buttons could have effects we do not like and we might not be able to undo what they do. It's a bet. So... I would say to try (because I'm more inclined to believe they might be helpful than harmful), but we should decide together".
T’bitha looks over the maps with Hadi, ”What do you think these are maps to, Hadi? I’m curious to know why this adventurer was down here or how he even found it.” she looks to the sarcophagus and alter positioned on the other side of the room. She permits Hadi to hold onto the maps and put them away as he suggests using the buttons. She is too curious about the other end of the room and she attempts to make her way past the protruding spears and over to the alter if she is able to. ”I wonder if that is an actual body or just an effigy.” she states it rhetorically, to nobody in particular.
T'bitha, as you approach the altar and begin getting a better look at this person laying atop it. It's human, you're almost positive. It's hard to tell, it looks like the body has undergone some sort of mummification. The skin is wrapped tightly around the skeleton. It is however wearing very ornate black robes with what appear to be lava orange gems stitched in to trim the robes and create designs across the chest. Its hands are wrapped around a wooden stake with silver filigree designs on it. As you continue approaching, T'bitha, you hear a crack as this certainly dead creature's head turns ever-so-slightly towards you and 4 large fangs force their way out from wherever they were hiding in its mouth.
(OOC: It sounds like the rest of you are headed up to play with buttons? If so, let me know which ones you push.)
T’bitha stumbles back at the sight of the fangs forcing out of it’s mouth and let’s a short, sharp scream in terror. She fumbles for her holy symbol and holds it up to the mummified human-looking thing, citing a prayer. ”B-by the will of Eilistraee, be GONE!”
((OOC- Channel Divinity: Turn Undead
As an action, you present your holy symbol and speak a prayer censuring the undead. Each undead that can see or hear you within 30 feet of you must make a WIS saving throw (DC 13). If the creature fails its saving throw, it is turned for 1 minute or until it takes any damage. A turned creature must spend its turns trying to move as far away from you as it can, and it can’t willingly move to a space within 30 feet of you. It also can’t take reactions. For its action, it can use only the Dash action or try to escape from an effect that prevents it from moving. If there’s nowhere to move, the creature can use the Dodge action.))
If successful (13 or above) everyone can read this spoiler
T'bitha, as you stumble away, the corpse's head stays looking at you, but its fangs retreat back into its mouth. You feel that it resists your prayers, but it lays there unmoving.
if unsuccessful (12 or below) everyone can read this spoiler
The mummified corpse doesn't move. As you, T'bitha, stumbles away, its head stays in the position where it was looking at you, but you watch the fangs retreat back into its mouth. You feel your prayers work, but it seems like this stake is perhaps holding it in place, if it is even alive.
(OOC: If I need to make a save in the future, I think I will continue to use this format. It allows me to say what the creature or person does without needing to double post.)
”Peculiar…” T’bitha’s breathing is still shuddering from the initial shock; however, the fact that the mummified creature keeps it’s gaze on T’bitha, but does not get up, let alone budge makes her more curious than before. She closes her eyes momentarily, expecting the worst and asking Eilistraee for assistance should she need it (Vigilant Blessing advantage on next initiative roll). T’bitha moves closer to examine the mummified creature and the alter. She looks for any inscription on the altar and any other clues.
As Khessa hears a short, sharp scream of terror, she turns toward its source, noticing T'bitha scared by the sight of the creature of the altar moving. A creature that SHOULD NOT have been able to move...
"T'bitha! Retreat back to safety!"the blonde arcane warrior runs to her, taking care to follow the same route the drow priestess did, her greatsword already in her hands, because she was relying on the light of the blade to see. She calls out to the others: "Hey friends! We've got unexpected company!"
In the meantime, she notices the creature is not attacking. Not yet, at least.
Her prayer must have worked!
So, instead of charging to it, she puts a hand on the cleric's shoulder and gently pulls her back: "Great! You managed to block it! Now... don't get closer, it might still attack you! Stay out of its reach, while it can not come to us! Can you hold it like this while we kill it from a distance? It would be a painless way to get rid of it... Or does attacking break... whatever you did to it?"
”I-I don’t know what is going on, to be honest.” T’bitha feels the warrior’s hand on her shoulder pulling her back. She gently lifts the hand off her shoulder to cautiously continue getting closer.
”I don’t think it is undead. It should have run off…unless it has been animated by something stronger than my prayers. That is entirely possible, too.”She continues to get closer to investigate the alter, seeking help looking for any inscriptions.
So, instead of charging to it, she puts a hand on the cleric's shoulder and gently pulls her back: "Great! You managed to block it! Now... don't get closer, it might still attack you! Stay out of its reach, while it can not come to us! Can you hold it like this while we kill it from a distance? It would be a painless way to get rid of it... Or does attacking break... whatever you did to it?"
”But, will it attack us? It certainly startled me, but I don’t think I did anything to it. I certainly wouldn’t mind if you came up with me in case something does happen.”
As you inch closer to the altar once again, T'bitha, you both watch as the fangs protrude from this corpse's mouth once more. You get close enough to run your fingers across the side of the altar, feeling around it, and reading the elvish carved into the altar. 'Eternal slumber. The most trusted lies here. Trapped in a state between both, death and life by the Spear of Ambriel'
T’bitha looks over the maps with Hadi, ”What do you think these are maps to, Hadi? I’m curious to know why this adventurer was down here or how he even found it.” she looks to the sarcophagus and alter positioned on the other side of the room. She permits Hadi to hold onto the maps and put them away as he suggests using the buttons.
"I do not know. But I would love the chance to explore A'yeth Taersi more if we're able once we find what Ozemon is looking for,"Hadi says, adding thoughtfully, "The history in the city above us..."
Once the short undead crisis appears dealt with, Hadi adds, "We should destroy it. Leaving it in this... half-life half-death is no kindness."
As you inch closer to the altar once again, T'bitha, you both watch as the fangs protrude from this corpse's mouth once more. You get close enough to run your fingers across the side of the altar, feeling around it, and reading the elvish carved into the altar. 'Eternal slumber. The most trusted lies here. Trapped in a state between both, death and life by the Spear of Ambriel'
“The most trusted lies here… Who is the most trusted? Someone from this city? Trusted from another realm?” T’bitha reads the elven script several times trying to make sense of the epitaph. She flinches when the fangs protrude once more, but is less frightened this time. She looks closely at the mummified corpse and the ornate robe with the inlaid gems and the stake and speaks quietly, as if to the corpse. “Just who were you and how did you end up like this?” She looks at the corpse looking to see if there are any piercing wounds, more specifically, wounds that would have been made from a spear.
Medicine: 18
”Tristan, does this mean anything to you at all? The most trusted? Was anyone considered the most trusted here in this city?”
There appears to be no damage to the visible body, except where the stake is jammed into the chest. T'bitha, you hear a very fragile, soft voice in the back of your head as you quietly ask this question "Free me. Pull the stake from my heart, let me die."
(OOC: Remember, we may not hear from Tristan again for another 24 hours.)
There appears to be no damage to the visible body, except where the stake is jammed into the chest. T'bitha, you hear a very fragile, soft voice in the back of your head as you quietly ask this question "Free me. Pull the stake from my heart, let me die."
(OOC: Remember, we may not hear from Tristan again for another 24 hours.)
T’bitha gasps lightly and looks at the stake. She wraps her hand around the stake and hesitates what seems like a very long second before pulling the stake out of the corpse. As she pulls the stake straight up, she looks at the corpse and takes a step back.
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T’bitha opens the map case. Her curiosity grows as she tips the contents out, if any.
Dimitri put the button back in place and then follows the group downstairs.
You open the case, T'bitha, and as you tip the contents out, two large rolled up maps come sliding out. One is an old, but well preserved map with the layout of a city on it. In the bottom left corner, in elvish, is written 'the city of elves'. The other map is on a larger scale and much newer. It is a map focused on Roon Lake. It was recently discovered that the very first city on Weskeilia, Roon, is underneath Roon Lake. It has territory lines drawn on it. It has Whiteridge marked towards the north of the map, as well as Wren, the capital of the Rivenis Kingdom, marked to the south of the map. It has a forest to the southwest of Roon Lake and a mountain range to the east of Roon lake. In the forest is hastily written 'elves?" On the lake 'humans?' is written, and on the mountain range 'dwarves?' The mountain known as The Demon Three is also depicted on the map, where 'hellgate' has been written.
*As you reach the base of the stairs and the room below, you're greeted with a few different scenes in one small room. The most imminent being a series of steel spears jutting out of the ground. Impaled on one of them is the slowly decaying body of a humanoid, a scimitar laying on the ground, as if it had been dropped. He's wearing your standard traveler's clothing with a satchel at his side and a leather map case hung over his shoulder. With the amount of decay visible, and some bone, it's safe to assume he's been here for quite a while now. After looking pass this mass of spears, two new scenes take in your eye. One a beautiful gold and marble sarcophagus, the other a marble altar with a humanoid laying atop it. It's difficult to get more detail from your position.
The map case has been torn from the body, as well as an arm. Other than the steel spears and the decaying body, you have an elegant gold and marble sarcophagus on one side of the room and a ornate marble altar with a humanoid laying atop it.
(OOC: *In case someone hasn't gone back, That is the information in the original spoiler on post #200)
"The steel spears..." shivers Khessa at the sight of the impaled body "must have been a welcome trap. Maybe the buttons in the column are there to reset it? Perhaps even activate or deactivate it?"
The tall arcane warrior tries to estimate how many steps the intruder was able to take, before falling victim to the spears.
"It might be a good idea to get a pole?" she starts thining "We have a forest outside, it would be quick to cut a branch and prepare one. At what distance would be wise to test the ground? How many steps took this intruder, before triggering the trap?"
The blonde warrior-mage also tries to assess whether or not there is room to pass without being skewered by the spikes (sideways, maybe? Or between one spear and another?).
"Or maybe the spears can simply be broken, now that they are out..." is another idea that crosses her mind. "That would disable the trap once and for all... But it would take time and be somewhat loud. I'd prefer a different solution".
Are the spears made completely of steel? Or is the pole supporting the tip made of wood?
"Anyway, the altar with the humanoid on it is not much more reassuring..." she finally reflects, looking alternately at Hadi, T'bitha and Tristan "Do you history experts know if these elves used to do humanoid sacrifices?"
"OK..." mumbles Khessa "...no easy way to break the spears. We could walk around them... but who knows if there are more pleasantries of this kind awaiting us? Our predecessor got about 10' from where we're standing, before getting impaled. Should we fetch a 10' pole and proof the floor as we go? We have the forest just outside, it should not take long to prepare one... if you think it might be a good idea. Or one of us could mage-hand the buttons while we look what happens to the spears, to see if one of the buttons makes them go away. Or... other ideas?"
Hadi picks up the city of elves map to look it over, hoping he might be able to note something which would denote their location, or the location of the crypt on it ((investigation 13)), though this will only be helpful once they exit. He then says, "It seems the treasure of the gold and marble distracted the poor man so he didn't notice the trap. Let us not make the same mistake." Then rolling up the ancient map and placing it back in the case for safe keeping, which he then places into his pack, he looks backwards and adds, "Shall we attempt the buttons?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Khessa replies: "In my opinion, to try the buttons it is worth the risk. They are hidden. They are before a trap. I suppose they should have a connection to the trap. Maybe the right button disables this one. And I know, we can simply avoid the spears that we are seeing... but what if there are other suprises like this in the room? Maybe the others buttons disable other traps. (Or they can be traps themselves for those who do not know the right button to push). One of us could mage-hand one button at a time, from distance, to be more safe, while the others see if something happens with the spears".
"Of course," the blonde adventurer conceeds "Dimitri also has a point. The buttons could have effects we do not like and we might not be able to undo what they do. It's a bet. So... I would say to try (because I'm more inclined to believe they might be helpful than harmful), but we should decide together".
T’bitha looks over the maps with Hadi, ”What do you think these are maps to, Hadi? I’m curious to know why this adventurer was down here or how he even found it.” she looks to the sarcophagus and alter positioned on the other side of the room. She permits Hadi to hold onto the maps and put them away as he suggests using the buttons. She is too curious about the other end of the room and she attempts to make her way past the protruding spears and over to the alter if she is able to. ”I wonder if that is an actual body or just an effigy.” she states it rhetorically, to nobody in particular.
T'bitha, as you approach the altar and begin getting a better look at this person laying atop it. It's human, you're almost positive. It's hard to tell, it looks like the body has undergone some sort of mummification. The skin is wrapped tightly around the skeleton. It is however wearing very ornate black robes with what appear to be lava orange gems stitched in to trim the robes and create designs across the chest. Its hands are wrapped around a wooden stake with silver filigree designs on it. As you continue approaching, T'bitha, you hear a crack as this certainly dead creature's head turns ever-so-slightly towards you and 4 large fangs force their way out from wherever they were hiding in its mouth.
(OOC: It sounds like the rest of you are headed up to play with buttons? If so, let me know which ones you push.)
T’bitha stumbles back at the sight of the fangs forcing out of it’s mouth and let’s a short, sharp scream in terror. She fumbles for her holy symbol and holds it up to the mummified human-looking thing, citing a prayer. ”B-by the will of Eilistraee, be GONE!”
((OOC- Channel Divinity: Turn Undead
As an action, you present your holy symbol and speak a prayer censuring the undead. Each undead that can see or hear you within 30 feet of you must make a WIS saving throw (DC 13). If the creature fails its saving throw, it is turned for 1 minute or until it takes any damage. A turned creature must spend its turns trying to move as far away from you as it can, and it can’t willingly move to a space within 30 feet of you. It also can’t take reactions. For its action, it can use only the Dash action or try to escape from an effect that prevents it from moving. If there’s nowhere to move, the creature can use the Dodge action.))
Corpse's Wisdom saving throw: 23
If successful (13 or above) everyone can read this spoiler
T'bitha, as you stumble away, the corpse's head stays looking at you, but its fangs retreat back into its mouth. You feel that it resists your prayers, but it lays there unmoving.
if unsuccessful (12 or below) everyone can read this spoiler
The mummified corpse doesn't move. As you, T'bitha, stumbles away, its head stays in the position where it was looking at you, but you watch the fangs retreat back into its mouth. You feel your prayers work, but it seems like this stake is perhaps holding it in place, if it is even alive.
(OOC: If I need to make a save in the future, I think I will continue to use this format. It allows me to say what the creature or person does without needing to double post.)
”Peculiar…” T’bitha’s breathing is still shuddering from the initial shock; however, the fact that the mummified creature keeps it’s gaze on T’bitha, but does not get up, let alone budge makes her more curious than before. She closes her eyes momentarily, expecting the worst and asking Eilistraee for assistance should she need it (Vigilant Blessing advantage on next initiative roll). T’bitha moves closer to examine the mummified creature and the alter. She looks for any inscription on the altar and any other clues.
As Khessa hears a short, sharp scream of terror, she turns toward its source, noticing T'bitha scared by the sight of the creature of the altar moving. A creature that SHOULD NOT have been able to move...
"T'bitha! Retreat back to safety!" the blonde arcane warrior runs to her, taking care to follow the same route the drow priestess did, her greatsword already in her hands, because she was relying on the light of the blade to see. She calls out to the others: "Hey friends! We've got unexpected company!"
In the meantime, she notices the creature is not attacking. Not yet, at least.
Her prayer must have worked!
So, instead of charging to it, she puts a hand on the cleric's shoulder and gently pulls her back: "Great! You managed to block it! Now... don't get closer, it might still attack you! Stay out of its reach, while it can not come to us! Can you hold it like this while we kill it from a distance? It would be a painless way to get rid of it... Or does attacking break... whatever you did to it?"
”I-I don’t know what is going on, to be honest.” T’bitha feels the warrior’s hand on her shoulder pulling her back. She gently lifts the hand off her shoulder to cautiously continue getting closer.
”I don’t think it is undead. It should have run off…unless it has been animated by something stronger than my prayers. That is entirely possible, too.” She continues to get closer to investigate the alter, seeking help looking for any inscriptions.
Investigation: 16
Guidance: 3
”But, will it attack us? It certainly startled me, but I don’t think I did anything to it. I certainly wouldn’t mind if you came up with me in case something does happen.”
As you inch closer to the altar once again, T'bitha, you both watch as the fangs protrude from this corpse's mouth once more. You get close enough to run your fingers across the side of the altar, feeling around it, and reading the elvish carved into the altar. 'Eternal slumber. The most trusted lies here. Trapped in a state between both, death and life by the Spear of Ambriel'
"I do not know. But I would love the chance to explore A'yeth Taersi more if we're able once we find what Ozemon is looking for," Hadi says, adding thoughtfully, "The history in the city above us..."
Once the short undead crisis appears dealt with, Hadi adds, "We should destroy it. Leaving it in this... half-life half-death is no kindness."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
“The most trusted lies here… Who is the most trusted? Someone from this city? Trusted from another realm?” T’bitha reads the elven script several times trying to make sense of the epitaph. She flinches when the fangs protrude once more, but is less frightened this time. She looks closely at the mummified corpse and the ornate robe with the inlaid gems and the stake and speaks quietly, as if to the corpse. “Just who were you and how did you end up like this?” She looks at the corpse looking to see if there are any piercing wounds, more specifically, wounds that would have been made from a spear.
Medicine: 18
”Tristan, does this mean anything to you at all? The most trusted? Was anyone considered the most trusted here in this city?”
There appears to be no damage to the visible body, except where the stake is jammed into the chest. T'bitha, you hear a very fragile, soft voice in the back of your head as you quietly ask this question "Free me. Pull the stake from my heart, let me die."
(OOC: Remember, we may not hear from Tristan again for another 24 hours.)
T’bitha gasps lightly and looks at the stake. She wraps her hand around the stake and hesitates what seems like a very long second before pulling the stake out of the corpse. As she pulls the stake straight up, she looks at the corpse and takes a step back.