(@DM_Prax: Opportunity attacks must be melee weapon attacks, unless you have a specific feature that says otherwise, like the War Caster feat. In this case here, I'll just assume you did not use your reaction.)
RESOLVING REACTIONS
Zombie Guard begins to move away form Utar, neglecting the nearby threats. Graxx adds a vertical slice to its back, while Neya finishes the splitting job with the help of her blade (Zombie Guard - CMD: 38 -> DEFEATED).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(@DM_Prax: I'll have to change your intended target, as the fleeing zombie is now dead.)
After killing the runaway undead guard, Neya rushes the nearby skeleton archer in a corner. She steps on the wall in a jumping superman punch type of motion to hit the bony enemy, following that up with a well-placed elbow strike. Dry bones break easily under the weight of the monk's strikes (Skeleton#2 - CMD: 20 -> DEFEATED).
Seeing Neya quickly dispatch the skeleton, Praxx empowers his next few words with magic once again:
-> Zombie Igan's WIS saving throw {DC 13}: 15 - The former nobleman twitches in response (Zombie Igan - CMD: 14)
Now it is Graxx's turn to empower his strike after being inspired by the gnome. The barbarian approaches Zombie Igan from behind, catching it just under the arm with his blade and clearing it on the opposing shoulder (Zombie Igan - CMD: 35 -> DEFEATED).
A bit sad that his companions ganged up on his opponent, Drazzim grunts and moves forward to engage the only remaining enemy: the skeleton that Utar had turned but who did not have a chance to run away yet.
-> Glaive (melee weapon attack with reach) vs. Skeleton#1: Attack: 13 Damage: 5 slashing.
Almost effortlessly, the dwarf's long blade scatter bones all over the temple's floor (Skeleton#1 - CMD: 13 -> DEFEATED).
As the echoes of bones clattering to the ground begins to die down, what starts as a moment of respite to gather wits and clues goes interrupted by the shout of a "Now!" followed by a slamming of something hard against stone. Turning towards the northern corner of the chamber the storm of boots and battle cries precede the arrival of several men and women charging onto the scene with spears or maces in hand.
Most of their grimly resolved faces soon morph into confusion, then into genuine relief as they slowed down half-way to the group. With the exception of one towards back, the rest lower their weapons in various ways. One even goes so far as to take off her helmet, revealing a blonde haired and faintly half-elven woman that immediately hugs one of her fellow guards, much to their surprise. As the group takes in the surprise arrivals in turn, the most prevalent thing seen aside from the chain shirts and general bedraggled-ness about them is a black clenched fist emblazoned upon the outer layer of their tunics. These were the remaining guards missing from above and trapped for some time judging by the smell wafting off them as a whole.
Amid the varying cheers and sighs of relief, the sound of the heavy clank of metal from behind brings back the tension in the guards. They scramble into a semblance of professional readiness, and -- while not outright pointing their weapons on the party -- face them with tightened grips on their weapons as two figures step onto the scene. Striding into the chamber appearing both amused and menacing is a being far taller than any of the guards by a clear mile. Where black plated armor and thick undercloth did not reach, faded copper scales can be seen overlapping a well-toned body. Emblazoned on both a black cape and chest piece is a similar symbol to the guard.
Aside from a piton being twirled in hand as he walked, both the flail and black hilted greatsword are not so much as hovered over in their respective sheathe and belt loop. After deep green eyes take in the scene, the wariness -- as far as any could tell from the man's draconic mug -- turns into a toothy and good-natured smirk. And a familiar rich chuckle slips out; not unlike a grandfather amused over grandchildren at play by sound now that the group was close. "Well, well, well... Seems I lost yet another bet." The dragonborn turning his head back just enough to look behind without taking his eyes off the party. That's when the group can see stepping out from his shadow with a weapon in hand the familiar woman stand up beside him. ">Not< that I'm complaining. You all came just in time. We were starting to go a little stir crazy down here." He balls up his free hand into a fist, crosses it across his chest, and gives a small bow at the waist. "Guard Sergeant Grim. I do hope you all can forgive the lack of haste earlier. Been some time since I we all had proper sleep."
(@all: You mess around delaying things to go to the store for the foods, then all of ya sudden you miss your post timing. And then you realize you never got around to make the character descriptions, so have to cook one up, and then just... Oh vey! Up to the DM, but as to not interrupt that beautiful Nat20, their arrival can be timed just as something critical(haHA… puns) is discovered on Igan's body be fine with me)
(@all: Oh, and if it wasn't clear in the post and becomes a thing after, going by the map Grim is at 75Y , with the guards loosely between him and the party/alter at Z: 74, 76 & AA: 75, 76 )
Things calm down for a moment after the last undead creature falls. Graxx is the first to react, approaching Igan's body. It doesn’t take much skill to learn the young man on the altar was stabbed in the back with a short blade. Remembering how the body was originally positioned, the zealot concludes that there is little reason to believe that Igan was purposefully sacrificed on the altar. There are no signs of a struggle on Igan's body either, except for the ones caused from the fight between the party and the undead. Graxx also finds a small purse containing a sum of 35gp on Igan's person, and not too far from his body, a wooden stick that is very clearly a magic wand of some sort. Beyond the body, and from the corner of his eye, the barbarian can also see a fair number of coins placed at the sickly-green idol's feet. Graxx gathers the coin purse and the wand, but before he can move towards the rest of the treasure the northern stone door swings open and six individuals in total come out with varying degrees of stress and urgency expressed on their faces.
The first to react this time around is Harae, who had otherwise been very quiet while the party progressed through the Jade Temple. She brings her breeze up in intensity, and blows towards the Black Fist cohort with intent, though some mildly moving air wont really do anything...
Neya reacts next, asking a question. Aravele's familiar voice answers: "You are right. This place has taken a toll on all of us. Grim lost some of his men, I lost Keria, and it looks like you lost one of your own too." She gestures with her hand as to imitate a hooded-cloak being placed on her head, clearly referencing Rag's absence.
Utar lowers his mace and shield now the Black Fist seem more relaxed following Grim's entrance. However, Utar knows Harae has been more than reliable moving through the island and it's warehouses, and her advice is advice to be heeded.
"I think this place demands a high price of most of those who enter judging by what we've passed through."
As he speaks, Utar moves back to his pack. Strapping it closed and hosting our back into place.
Grim starts to open his mouth, only to stop and quirks brow ridge at Neya. Before he can say anything however, Graxx's words cut in. Smiling, Grim replies, "I know that idol is worth a fortune to the right buyers. And that the gold is doing noone any good lying around here. Other than that, not much else. Never was big into religious icons beyond material worth." He chuckles. "Not really the dragonborn way. Don't recommend getting too close, or touching it with your hands. My friend..."
Grim trails off for a moment, looking at what remained of Igan. For the first time since the group sees him, there's a crack in the easy-going veneer. Then, his expression hardens after taking another moment to squeeze his eyes shut. "... The Keep's Quartermaster became enraptured by it. Starting talking of destroying something. I tried to reason with him. To get the full story from him... He would not listen. So, I did my duty." He states flatly, meeting Graxx's gaze the whole time.
"Uh... Sir?" Says one of the guard; the same faintly orcish fellow that kept his composure since arrival. Grimm snaps to him glaring, but soon after sighs and rolls his eyes. "In any case, you all have our thanks for services rendered. But is as this one here-..."He points over to Utar. "-said. This place has demanded a high price, and the men and women in my command are more than eager to see the sun, having paid enough. If you have food and drink to spare, we'd be most appreciative. But otherwise, we need to finish what we started, and be on our way."Grim says, taking out and handing a sack over to one of his nearby men. With a curt motion, two of the guards reluctantly start making their way over to the idol unless given reason to pause. The rest remain watchful, but make no other sudden movements.
"Once we're done here, I will make sure that you are given 'reasonable' compensation. Assuming you haven't already taken anything else along the way."He said the last part with a wink.
For those particularly attentive(DC, if any, tbd by DM):
You notice that one of the guards -- the half-elf who'd been quick to show relief and take off her helmet before -- shifted uncomfortably throughout parts of the story, and avoided meeting anyone's gaze. Though she tries to hide it, part of it feels as if it was less your party she was avoiding, and more so that of Grimm's given a furtive glance in the man's direction.
"Once we're done here, I will make sure that you are given 'reasonable' compensation. Assuming you haven't already taken anything else along the way." He said the last part with a wink.
lf remaining attentive, you notice pained look come across Grim at the mention of compensation. While you detect no lies in his words, the very bare minimum of any expected reward for the rescue from him is likely to the be case.
(@All: I'll say that anyone with a passive insight score of 14 or above, that is, Neya and Utar, will naturally pick on slight hints in Grim's delivery. In other words, @Drache and @MB are welcome to read the text in @Ori's first spoiler box above. Everyone is welcome to the second spoiler box, of course.)
(@Dm_Prax & @Grx: You are welcome to the first spoiler box upon succeeding on a {DC 14} insight check if you want to give it a try.)
(@Drache: I'll just ignore your active insight roll above as Neya would have picked the info up passively.)
Utar hoists the pack into his shoulders and straightens upright. Taking his shield and mace up once more, he holds them by his sides in some small attempt to appear non-threatening. His grip on them is tight and his knuckles are white.
"We're acquainted with reasonable compensation from the Black Fist, thanks. What brought you all down here anyway?"
(@Grx: *Inserts maniacal laughter* Then I chose my image well indeed! Now I feel contractedly obligated to give a bit more for that crit. But up to Lerus.)
(@all: And now that I know no one plans to interrupt the whole idol bagging thing...)
For Graxx(with DM's presumed permission as reward for a nat20):
One of the two guards, the orc-blooded one notes Utar's tightening grip in navigating around the group. Grim catches it as well. But unlike the wary guard that glanced back at the sergeant as if expecting something, the dragonborn merely smirks and crossed his arms. The motion more than anything sets the guard back at ease. Yet, he never lets his eyes leave Utar fully after that point.
"Nothing short of a miracle, my friend!"He replied to Utar, chuckling near the end. "Or misfortune, depending on how you look at things. Such was certainly the case for... more than expected. But one cannot expect to gain anything without expecting a few risks. Something I'm sure you and yours-..."He looks to Graxx. "Are more than familiar with, I suspect. Certainly have to be to risk waking the trouble I tried warning about ahead of you with all that racket with the armor."
Meanwhile, when directly addressed, the half-elf goes bug-eyed for a moment, and then shoots Grim a more sidelong glance. Seeing him occupied with pacing just behind her, Aravele, and the remaining guard at his side, clearly winding up for something bording on theatrical, she sighs silently then gives Neya a meaningful look along with a sharp shake of her head.
For Neya and Utar(DM's discretion for any others):
The meaningful 'look' from the half-elf in question is a clear 'Not here. Not safe'. You imagine if you any of you could separate her from the rest of the guards at some point during perhaps the retreat to the surface, or keep the other black fist occupied, you might learn something.
"You know thinking about it. It wasn't much of a miracle. Igan-..." He pauses, expression hardening again, though only for a brief moment before going back to easy going again. "... Matthis. Elias. Make sure to check that pool back there too, just in case any happened to have thrown in."Grim says, earning disbelieving looks from the duo in the process of sliding the sack over the idol. "But sir. There's-... I-I mean, what if there's-..."The rest dies in the man's throat as Grim looks flatly at him. "A-as you wish, Sargeant. Elias." The half-orc of the pair nudges his human partner into a small game of rock, paper, sheers while the dragonborn turns back to the others, smiling toothily.
"Where was I? Oh yes! The keep's quartermaster is-...was a brilliant fellow. Marvelously so! And had no business being trapped in his current position. A, mn, a story for another time perhaps. Anyhow, there were rumors about a fabled hidden treasure in the depths of the keep, though none believed in them. Even Igan was hesitant about really pursuing the matter, having most consigned himself to his position. But I believed! Not just in the stories, but in the fact that /he/ would be the one to find it. So, after a bit of encouragement, some investigating, and a little... some other things, things just worked out perfectly! Until we got down here." He espouses, adding a bit of hand gesticulation wherever appropriate to further embellish the story until the last part left him frowning and glaring at the ground.
For Graxx(with DM's presumed permission as reward for a nat20):
You get the same information as the above spoiler, and a little more. The half-elf is more than worried about Grim or the rest overhearing her. Something has her terrified even with all the undead gone for at least the time being. It is easy to surmise Grim is more than likely the cause. You also notice the guards probably know something and are similar tight-lipped; but, are less so intensely afraid. Just wary about your group.
As for Grim, he is telling the truth of things. To a point. You think back to how Igan's body, and the lack of signs of struggle prior to her groups own intervention. A couple of possibility occurs to you as Grim's ongoing story turns mostly background distraction while you think on things. Either Igan's state of enrapturement was very docile, which should make incapacitating him easy(especially given the number of other guards), or... the killing blow was so sudden, decisive, and shocking that there was no time to struggle. Having been in the thralls of rage a number of times, it is hard to see how any man not in their right mind wouldn't have put up more of a fight.
(@DM_Prax: Opportunity attacks must be melee weapon attacks, unless you have a specific feature that says otherwise, like the War Caster feat. In this case here, I'll just assume you did not use your reaction.)
RESOLVING REACTIONS
Zombie Guard begins to move away form Utar, neglecting the nearby threats. Graxx adds a vertical slice to its back, while Neya finishes the splitting job with the help of her blade (Zombie Guard - CMD: 38 -> DEFEATED).
(@DM_Prax: I'll have to change your intended target, as the fleeing zombie is now dead.)
After killing the runaway undead guard, Neya rushes the nearby skeleton archer in a corner. She steps on the wall in a jumping superman punch type of motion to hit the bony enemy, following that up with a well-placed elbow strike. Dry bones break easily under the weight of the monk's strikes (Skeleton#2 - CMD: 20 -> DEFEATED).
Seeing Neya quickly dispatch the skeleton, Praxx empowers his next few words with magic once again:
-> Zombie Igan's WIS saving throw {DC 13}: 15 - The former nobleman twitches in response (Zombie Igan - CMD: 14)
Now it is Graxx's turn to empower his strike after being inspired by the gnome. The barbarian approaches Zombie Igan from behind, catching it just under the arm with his blade and clearing it on the opposing shoulder (Zombie Igan - CMD: 35 -> DEFEATED).
A bit sad that his companions ganged up on his opponent, Drazzim grunts and moves forward to engage the only remaining enemy: the skeleton that Utar had turned but who did not have a chance to run away yet.
-> Glaive (melee weapon attack with reach) vs. Skeleton#1: Attack: 13 Damage: 5 slashing.
Almost effortlessly, the dwarf's long blade scatter bones all over the temple's floor (Skeleton#1 - CMD: 13 -> DEFEATED).
YOU ARE NOW OUT OF COMBAT. DO AS YOU WILL.
"Whose idea was it to come to this wretched Island? I think I prefer those Kuo-Toa caves over this. Oh wait no... No swimming for me."
Graxx will walk over and investigate Zombie Igan.
Investigation: 21
(@all: You mess around delaying things to go to the store for the foods, then all of ya sudden you miss your post timing. And then you realize you never got around to make the character descriptions, so have to cook one up, and then just... Oh vey! Up to the DM, but as to not interrupt that beautiful Nat20, their arrival can be timed just as something critical(haHA… puns) is discovered on Igan's body be fine with me)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@all: Oh, and if it wasn't clear in the post and becomes a thing after, going by the map Grim is at 75Y , with the guards loosely between him and the party/alter at Z: 74, 76 & AA: 75, 76 )
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"From what we saw on the way down here, lack of sleep was not the only thing that had plagued you, yes?"
Extended Signature
(@Grx: A good time for a Nat20!)
Things calm down for a moment after the last undead creature falls. Graxx is the first to react, approaching Igan's body. It doesn’t take much skill to learn the young man on the altar was stabbed in the back with a short blade. Remembering how the body was originally positioned, the zealot concludes that there is little reason to believe that Igan was purposefully sacrificed on the altar. There are no signs of a struggle on Igan's body either, except for the ones caused from the fight between the party and the undead. Graxx also finds a small purse containing a sum of 35gp on Igan's person, and not too far from his body, a wooden stick that is very clearly a magic wand of some sort. Beyond the body, and from the corner of his eye, the barbarian can also see a fair number of coins placed at the sickly-green idol's feet. Graxx gathers the coin purse and the wand, but before he can move towards the rest of the treasure the northern stone door swings open and six individuals in total come out with varying degrees of stress and urgency expressed on their faces.
(OOC: Please see @Ori's post above.)
The first to react this time around is Harae, who had otherwise been very quiet while the party progressed through the Jade Temple. She brings her breeze up in intensity, and blows towards the Black Fist cohort with intent, though some mildly moving air wont really do anything...
Neya reacts next, asking a question. Aravele's familiar voice answers: "You are right. This place has taken a toll on all of us. Grim lost some of his men, I lost Keria, and it looks like you lost one of your own too." She gestures with her hand as to imitate a hooded-cloak being placed on her head, clearly referencing Rag's absence.
Utar lowers his mace and shield now the Black Fist seem more relaxed following Grim's entrance. However, Utar knows Harae has been more than reliable moving through the island and it's warehouses, and her advice is advice to be heeded.
"I think this place demands a high price of most of those who enter judging by what we've passed through."
As he speaks, Utar moves back to his pack. Strapping it closed and hosting our back into place.
Graxx resisting his urge to purge the Black Fist tries to wait on his friends to talk but he cannot help himself.
"What do you know of this idol and these offerings of death and gold?", Graxx says gruffly to mercenary and Black Fist.
For those particularly attentive(DC, if any, tbd by DM):
You notice that one of the guards -- the half-elf who'd been quick to show relief and take off her helmet before -- shifted uncomfortably throughout parts of the story, and avoided meeting anyone's gaze. Though she tries to hide it, part of it feels as if it was less your party she was avoiding, and more so that of Grimm's given a furtive glance in the man's direction.
lf remaining attentive, you notice pained look come across Grim at the mention of compensation. While you detect no lies in his words, the very bare minimum of any expected reward for the rescue from him is likely to the be case.
Reference Pic of Grim(forgot to add it last):
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya is listening to Grim talk, trying to listen for any hint of deception, remembering Harae's warning about him.
Insight: 11
Extended Signature
(@All: I'll say that anyone with a passive insight score of 14 or above, that is, Neya and Utar, will naturally pick on slight hints in Grim's delivery. In other words, @Drache and @MB are welcome to read the text in @Ori's first spoiler box above. Everyone is welcome to the second spoiler box, of course.)
(@Dm_Prax & @Grx: You are welcome to the first spoiler box upon succeeding on a {DC 14} insight check if you want to give it a try.)
(@Drache: I'll just ignore your active insight roll above as Neya would have picked the info up passively.)
Neya looks at the half-elf and addresses her, "Are you alright? You seem like something is weighing on you."
Extended Signature
7 Insight check!
Utar hoists the pack into his shoulders and straightens upright. Taking his shield and mace up once more, he holds them by his sides in some small attempt to appear non-threatening. His grip on them is tight and his knuckles are white.
"We're acquainted with reasonable compensation from the Black Fist, thanks. What brought you all down here anyway?"
Insight Check: 16
Graxx remains quiet letting Utar and Neya do the talking.
OOC: Not a lot Graxx has of value to add at the moment. However, I want to say I appreciate the photo of Grim. That smile really builds the rage!
(@Grx: *Inserts maniacal laughter* Then I chose my image well indeed! Now I feel contractedly obligated to give a bit more for that crit. But up to Lerus.)
One of the two guards, the orc-blooded one notes Utar's tightening grip in navigating around the group. Grim catches it as well. But unlike the wary guard that glanced back at the sergeant as if expecting something, the dragonborn merely smirks and crossed his arms. The motion more than anything sets the guard back at ease. Yet, he never lets his eyes leave Utar fully after that point.
The meaningful 'look' from the half-elf in question is a clear 'Not here. Not safe'. You imagine if you any of you could separate her from the rest of the guards at some point during perhaps the retreat to the surface, or keep the other black fist occupied, you might learn something.
"You know thinking about it. It wasn't much of a miracle. Igan-..." He pauses, expression hardening again, though only for a brief moment before going back to easy going again. "... Matthis. Elias. Make sure to check that pool back there too, just in case any happened to have thrown in." Grim says, earning disbelieving looks from the duo in the process of sliding the sack over the idol. "But sir. There's-... I-I mean, what if there's-..." The rest dies in the man's throat as Grim looks flatly at him. "A-as you wish, Sargeant. Elias." The half-orc of the pair nudges his human partner into a small game of rock, paper, sheers while the dragonborn turns back to the others, smiling toothily.
You get the same information as the above spoiler, and a little more. The half-elf is more than worried about Grim or the rest overhearing her. Something has her terrified even with all the undead gone for at least the time being. It is easy to surmise Grim is more than likely the cause. You also notice the guards probably know something and are similar tight-lipped; but, are less so intensely afraid. Just wary about your group.
As for Grim, he is telling the truth of things. To a point. You think back to how Igan's body, and the lack of signs of struggle prior to her groups own intervention. A couple of possibility occurs to you as Grim's ongoing story turns mostly background distraction while you think on things. Either Igan's state of enrapturement was very docile, which should make incapacitating him easy(especially given the number of other guards), or... the killing blow was so sudden, decisive, and shocking that there was no time to struggle. Having been in the thralls of rage a number of times, it is hard to see how any man not in their right mind wouldn't have put up more of a fight.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya turns her attention back to Grim, "Was everything between you and the quartermaster fine until you got to this chamber?"
Extended Signature
(@All: For the record, I’m fine with the spoiler boxes as described by @Ori.)