"Have either of you thought about what that might mean, for you?"
He was thinking about it now. That's why he is walking. He knew he could fly up there easily, but for 2 things. One, he didn't want to leave his new companions. Being here in this very strange place was bad enough, but being here alone would be so much worse. And two,
"Pazuzu is also called 'The Dark Angel of the Four Winds' and he holds sway over all things that fly in this plane."
"If I don't fly he doesn't hold sway. Not sure what 'hold sway' is, but it doesn't sound good."
Paul, walking with the others, says to the aaracocka, "Hold sway means to have some control over. My apologies for the confusing words. I suspect this Pazuzu has come influence over things that can fly, you see. I wonder if--"
Paul hears the crack of thunder, sees the others begin to move, looks up. He starts to mutter to himself even as he tries to move out of the way.
"Blasted rocks, coming down from up there. If people would old build properly--"
Dexterity saving throw: 4
The chunk of dark rock hits Paul, and he fells to the ground.
Holds sway over all things flying...? Rya mused to herself. Scout has never taken flight, but would this Pazuzu be able to still have sway over her friend? Rya let Qhour take the lead as he pressed forward. If something were to happen to this Aarcockra', Rya would be ready to defend herself. Paul was presumably behind Scout - Rya could not hear his muttering, but she couldn't hear much over the lightning and the screaming. This path was treacherous, but it seemed doable. Even if it wasn't exactly safe, it could be conquered. Behind her, Scout followed close. Scout would always have her back no matter the situation... but with this Pazuzu...
As she was lost in thought, Rya was not paying attention as chunks of rock came down the steps from the impact of the lightning.
Dexterity saving throw: 19
Even thought she was distracted, she managed to miss the falling debris and keep her footing. Rya took a deep breath, shaking her head - this was going to be a long journey. Hopefully the climb would be worth it.
"Have either of you thought about what that might mean, for you?"
That question took Scout by surprise, but the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Would this Pazuzu have sway over her? Frankly, the thought terrified her. Having sway was very ambiguous and she didn't know exactly what it meant. All she knew was that she wanted to go back to her boat and back to her normal life.
"Not flying. Should be fine."
Was all she said before following after Rya and Qhour. As hard as she tried, she couldn't stop her thoughts from returning to what Paul had asked, Have either of you thought about what that might mean, for you? Qhour was for sure affected, she had seen him fly. As much as she hated to admit it, she didn't despise Qhour. He had spoken her first language. She would hate to have to kill him.
Dexterity Saving Throw: 3
So caught up in her thoughts, she didn't notice the rubble until it was too late to move out of the way.
"Have either of you thought about what that might mean, for you?"
He was thinking about it now. That's why he is walking. He knew he could fly up there easily, but for 2 things. One, he didn't want to leave his new companions. Being here in this very strange place was bad enough, but being here alone would be so much worse. And two,
"Pazuzu is also called 'The Dark Angel of the Four Winds' and he holds sway over all things that fly in this plane."
"If I don't fly he doesn't hold sway. Not sure what 'hold sway' is, but it doesn't sound good."
Paul, walking with the others, says to the aaracocka, "Hold sway means to have some control over. My apologies for the confusing words. I suspect this Pazuzu has come influence over things that can fly, you see. I wonder if--"
Paul hears the crack of thunder, sees the others begin to move, looks up. He starts to mutter to himself even as he tries to move out of the way.
"Blasted rocks, coming down from up there. If people would old build properly--"
Dexterity saving throw: 4
The chunk of dark rock hits Paul, and he fells to the ground.
Those of you that failed the DC are Paul Dure', Scout and Qhour. You each take 9 bludgeoning damage as the pieces of the tower fall and smash into you.
Setting The Scene
The hunks of obsidian cascade down the steps, with only Rya being quick enough to avoid the falling pieces of the tower. The breath knocked out of you for the moment, you take a few minutes to catch your breath and take some relief knowing you're not like that poor Elf crushed under a piece of this tower. You press forward, continuing up the stairs and eventually after about another hour, you find yourselves standing at the front doors of the tower.
The doors themselves are about thirty feet tall, and about twenty feet across. They're the blackest of iron and covered in large spikes that jut out towards you all, with each spike about three feet long and looking extremely sharp. There's a large door knocker on each door that resembles a hooked, bird-like skull with a flowing mane of human hair, and two piercing human eyes nestled in the sockets of the skull.
Carved into the door in Abyssal are the words: "Asqg dtx zioqqxzz kug xsdxy."
The translation is below for anyone who can speak Abyssal.
Only the soulless may enter.
The red lightning continues to streak across the sky, and the entirety of this area is illuminated in a red light, and as this happens you take notice of blood smeared across each spike as well as blood smeared all over the door knocker in what appear to be spray patterns.
Rya looked over at Scout - she was not looking too good. If she had been a caster, she would have healed her friend. All she could do was place a hand on her shoulder once they reached the top in sympathy. This was not the place Scout was going to die if she could help it. If Scout died, it was all bets off for Rya. Someone would be paying if Scout's blood was spilt. Everyone except her had managed to acquire injuries during their assent. What alarmed her almost as much as Scout's injuries were Paul's - he was able to cure wounds. If he died... Rya put that thought out of her mind. There were other pressing matters to attend to. The scribbling on the wall was something she was not able to read. She looked around at the imposing doors - there was more blood than she had in her entire body on these spikes and walls.
The bird like skulls of the door knockers sent a shiver through her body - she hoped that was not what Scout's skull looked like. Finally, she looked back at the group, casting her arm towards the door.
"Is this the same language we heard before? Can anyone read it?"
To say that Scout felt terrible would be an understatement. A rather large one at that. She was pretty sure she had saw her life flash before her eyes for a second time. But she was still here. Still climbing these godforsaken stairs. Once the group of them reached the top and Rya placed her hand on Scout's shoulder, Scout placed her hands on her knees and bent over, catching her breath and taking a moment to appreciate not dying on those stairs. She made a sound similar to a muffled scream before straightening back up and looking at the door they now stood in front of. The skull was a nice touch, the blood... not so much. Scout couldn't read the writing, but she also couldn't read most languages. She just wanted to get out of here, it was almost worth just going through the door and dealing with whatever lay on the other side. But her rational brain took over and told her to wait until the other two had a chance to read the sign and potentially decipher it.
Qhour was hurt. The rock struck his left wing and hurt it badly. He tucked his wings back into his robes and went back to help Paul Dure' back to his feet.
"C,mon Oldster, lets get up there before more rocks come tumbling down on us. I can't fly until I get healed, so maybe I'm safer from this Pazuzu?"
When they got to the top of the stairs he read the inscription on the door and translated,
"'Only the soulless may enter.' Now what? Are we soulless?"
He looked to the others.
"I'm thinking that we don't have a lot of choice unless you want to go back down there."
Qhour was hurt. The rock struck his left wing and hurt it badly. He tucked his wings back into his robes and went back to help Paul Dure' back to his feet.
"C,mon Oldster, lets get up there before more rocks come tumbling down on us. I can't fly until I get healed, so maybe I'm safer from this Pazuzu?"
When they got to the top of the stairs he read the inscription on the door and translated,
"'Only the soulless may enter.' Now what? Are we soulless?"
He looked to the others.
"I'm thinking that we don't have a lot of choice unless you want to go back down there."
To say that Scout felt terrible would be an understatement. A rather large one at that. She was pretty sure she had saw her life flash before her eyes for a second time. But she was still here. Still climbing these godforsaken stairs. Once the group of them reached the top and Rya placed her hand on Scout's shoulder, Scout placed her hands on her knees and bent over, catching her breath and taking a moment to appreciate not dying on those stairs. She made a sound similar to a muffled scream before straightening back up and looking at the door they now stood in front of. The skull was a nice touch, the blood... not so much. Scout couldn't read the writing, but she also couldn't read most languages. She just wanted to get out of here, it was almost worth just going through the door and dealing with whatever lay on the other side. But her rational brain took over and told her to wait until the other two had a chance to read the sign and potentially decipher it.
Rya looked over at Scout - she was not looking too good. If she had been a caster, she would have healed her friend. All she could do was place a hand on her shoulder once they reached the top in sympathy. This was not the place Scout was going to die if she could help it. If Scout died, it was all bets off for Rya. Someone would be paying if Scout's blood was spilt. Everyone except her had managed to acquire injuries during their assent. What alarmed her almost as much as Scout's injuries were Paul's - he was able to cure wounds. If he died... Rya put that thought out of her mind. There were other pressing matters to attend to. The scribbling on the wall was something she was not able to read. She looked around at the imposing doors - there was more blood than she had in her entire body on these spikes and walls.
The bird like skulls of the door knockers sent a shiver through her body - she hoped that was not what Scout's skull looked like. Finally, she looked back at the group, casting her arm towards the door.
"Is this the same language we heard before? Can anyone read it?"
Setting The Scene
A wave of radiant, soothing energy washes over all of you from Paul Dure' and you all feel restored after the falling debris smashed into three out of the four of you. Your now bruised bodies make your way closer to the door, and a voice sounds from the knocker as Qhour translated it into "Only the soulless may enter". The knocker speaks in hushed, metallic tones, almost vibrating throughout the entirety of the massive door.
"You are the damned. Your souls are forfeit. You are the soulless."
And with that, the door opens slowly with a loud, groaning creak.
Rya was happy about one thing - Scout was healed and was looking much better. Paul had become an increasingly useful to the group. She hoped she would not need his healing in the future though; she wanted to remain in as few pieces as possible. The doors creaking open to reveal the eerie chanting caused Rya to hesitate - the sound seemed to be coming from no particular place. The torches lighting the walls seemed the way to go... even if they looked like they went on forever.
Rya kept her hand on the hilt of her dagger as she crossed the threshold, glancing behind her to make sure Scout was following her.
"Scout... just follow me. Everything is... it's fine."
Rya flashed Scout a smile, trying to remain as calm as possible. The last thing anyone needed was someone to panic - who knew what could be watching or listening to them?
As soon as the door opened, Scout's dagger was back in her hand and held in front of her, ready to attack at a moment's notice. She tried to tell herself that it was just another day, but the ominous chanting made it a bit difficult to think such things. There was somewhat of a clear path ahead, illuminated by the torches, but Scout didn't trust it at all. She didn't trust anything here.
Rya was entering the doorway. She had said it would be fine, but with everything going on and everything that had happened, Scout was less willing to believe that than she may have been in the past. Still, Rya knew what she was talking about... most of the time. With a glance back at Paul and Qhour, she nodded her head towards the door before following after Rya. While following, Scout mimicked the words the knocker had said, thinking them over again.
"You are the damned. Your souls are forfeit. You are the soulless."
So not only were they dead, they were soulless as well. Great. Granted Scout didn't know much about how certain things worked, but she was pretty sure a soul was needed to be living. If they didn't have souls, could they escape?
"Thanks for the healing," He said with a smile in his eyes. (AAracockra don't have lips). "You guys go ahead, I'll watch our backs."
He hefted his warhammer and pulled his hood back and down so he could swivel his head and look all around as they walked on ahead into the long dimly lit hallway listening to the chanting voices and trying to discern what they were saying/singing. He couldn't.
Dead and soulless. This is not what I was taught, he thought. Oh well, I hope my soul is having fun where ever it is. I wonder what we are supposed to be doing. He watched the others for a few seconds wondering what they were all about. He liked Paul and Scout so far, but wasn't sure about the Drow. He hoped that they could all get along. It just makes life easier. He hooted a bit in laughter at himself. I hope it makes death easier, too.
Paul gently pats the Aaracockra's wing and nods to the kenku.
"There now. All is well and we can all have a - -Oh. right. We're souless beings trapped in the first plane of the abyss standing in front of a tower that's dropping rocks on our head. A nice day is probably off the table here."
Paul walks to the entryway, up the stairs with the others. He sees the inscription: "You are the damned. Your souls are forfeit. You are the soulless."
Hmm. Paul takes a moment, taking in the tower, the inscription, hunting his memory for clues about what this place might be.
With new information, Paul would like to try a history check again. 23
[will edit based on what justin says]
The other make their way inside, and as they do the chanting hits his ears. "Well that's pretty awful" Paul think so himself.
"Thanks for the healing," He said with a smile in his eyes. (AAracockra don't have lips). "You guys go ahead, I'll watch our backs."
Paul turns, pats the avian again, smiles and pats him gently. "Thank you my friend." Paul turns and walks on.
Rya was happy about one thing - Scout was healed and was looking much better. Paul had become an increasingly useful to the group. She hoped she would not need his healing in the future though; she wanted to remain in as few pieces as possible. The doors creaking open to reveal the eerie chanting caused Rya to hesitate - the sound seemed to be coming from no particular place. The torches lighting the walls seemed the way to go... even if they looked like they went on forever.
Rya kept her hand on the hilt of her dagger as she crossed the threshold, glancing behind her to make sure Scout was following her.
"Scout... just follow me. Everything is... it's fine."
Rya flashed Scout a smile, trying to remain as calm as possible. The last thing anyone needed was someone to panic - who knew what could be watching or listening to them?
As soon as the door opened, Scout's dagger was back in her hand and held in front of her, ready to attack at a moment's notice. She tried to tell herself that it was just another day, but the ominous chanting made it a bit difficult to think such things. There was somewhat of a clear path ahead, illuminated by the torches, but Scout didn't trust it at all. She didn't trust anything here.
Rya was entering the doorway. She had said it would be fine, but with everything going on and everything that had happened, Scout was less willing to believe that than she may have been in the past. Still, Rya knew what she was talking about... most of the time. With a glance back at Paul and Qhour, she nodded her head towards the door before following after Rya. While following, Scout mimicked the words the knocker had said, thinking them over again.
"You are the damned. Your souls are forfeit. You are the soulless."
So not only were they dead, they were soulless as well. Great. Granted Scout didn't know much about how certain things worked, but she was pretty sure a soul was needed to be living. If they didn't have souls, could they escape?
"Thanks for the healing," He said with a smile in his eyes. (AAracockra don't have lips). "You guys go ahead, I'll watch our backs."
He hefted his warhammer and pulled his hood back and down so he could swivel his head and look all around as they walked on ahead into the long dimly lit hallway listening to the chanting voices and trying to discern what they were saying/singing. He couldn't.
Dead and soulless. This is not what I was taught, he thought. Oh well, I hope my soul is having fun where ever it is. I wonder what we are supposed to be doing. He watched the others for a few seconds wondering what they were all about. He liked Paul and Scout so far, but wasn't sure about the Drow. He hoped that they could all get along. It just makes life easier. He hooted a bit in laughter at himself. I hope it makes death easier, too.
Paul gently pats the Aaracockra's wing and nods to the kenku.
"There now. All is well and we can all have a - -Oh. right. We're souless beings trapped in the first plane of the abyss standing in front of a tower that's dropping rocks on our head. A nice day is probably off the table here."
Paul walks to the entryway, up the stairs with the others. He sees the inscription: "You are the damned. Your souls are forfeit. You are the soulless."
Hmm. Paul takes a moment, taking in the tower, the inscription, hunting his memory for clues about what this place might be.
With new information, Paul would like to try a history check again. 23
[will edit based on what justin says]
The other make their way inside, and as they do the chanting hits his ears. "Well that's pretty awful" Paul think so himself.
"Thanks for the healing," He said with a smile in his eyes. (AAracockra don't have lips). "You guys go ahead, I'll watch our backs."
Paul turns, pats the avian again, smiles and pats him gently. "Thank you my friend." Paul turns and walks on.
None of you have any knowledge of this tower.
Setting The Scene
The chanting still continues, it seems to almost peak in volume. It echoes off the walls of this strange hallway. You cannot make out what the voices chanting are saying, but it still makes you all feel incredibly uneasy. You get the feeling you're not supposed to be in here, and as you all step through the threshold of the doorway, the door closes on its own with a deafening slam, and when you all turn back towards the slamming door you only see a solid wall.
The door is gone.
A rat scurries along the floor and out of sight into darkness. You can hear chains being dragged in the darkness and rattling against the walls of this long, long hallway. The hallway is so long in fact you cannot see the end as it vanishes into pure, unadulterated darkness.
Immediately On Your Right: Is an archway that leads off into another hallway and a set of stairs going downwards into pitch darkness. You get the feeling that Darkvision will be of no use to you down there.
Straight Ahead: Is that long, seemingly endless hallway.
Blood is splattered against the walls and smeared into symbols none of you recognize, or have ever seen in your lives. This place...it isn't meant for you.
Rya rubbed her temple for a moment - this place was inhumane. Being trapped and forced to move forward was not something Rya was happy with, but she wasn't on the plane of existence she was used to living on; she needed to start getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. Both of the paths laid out before her seemed equally terrible. However, the sound of chains peaked her curiosity - why would anything or anyone be chained up here? She was she was determined to find what was in chains here of all places. Seeing that the hallway seemed to end in darkness before a physical end sent a knot to Rya's stomach, but she took a breath before she spoke, trying to sound calm.
I think we should see what's up here first before going down the stairs - seems like this hallway goes on for a while. I want to know who's in those chains. Maybe they can help us."
Rya took a few steps forward and paused in front of one the symbols. With her left hand, she reached out and touched one the symbols, feeling the blood on her finger tips. What kind of demonic ritual was this for? What unfortunate soul was used for it?
The door slamming behind them, the chanting, the blood on the walls, the darkness, nothing really said welcoming about this place and the discomfort Scout started feeling in the boat settled deeper into the pit of her stomach. If she wasn't careful, she'd lose the grip she had on her last shred of calm.
"I think we should see what's up here first before going down the stairs - seems like this hallway goes on for a while. I want to know who's in those chains. Maybe they can help us."
Rya wanted to go down the dark hallway. Of course she did. One look down the hallway gave Scout the chills. If this were a normal situation, she knew what she would do instead of casting a spell, but they were far past normal at this point. With a sigh, she reached into the pocket of her pants and pulled out her focus and with practiced hand motions and words began to cast Dancing Lights , creating four balls of light to go above each member of this little group they had. That would at least give everyone a glimpse at whatever horrors they were about to face.
Qhour jumped as the huge doors slammed shut behind him. The door was gone. A rat scurried along the floor and out of sight into darkness. Was it alive? Did it have a soul? He shivered as he heard chains dragging up ahead. The stairway going down off to their right was not inviting at all. Going deeper into the Abyss did not seem like a good idea at the moment.
"I think we should see what's up here first before going down the stairs - seems like this hallway goes on for a while. I want to know who's in those chains. Maybe they can help us."
Qhour nodded. It seemed as good a plan as any. He watched as Scout muttered a few word and waved her hands a bit and a small globe of light danced above each of their heads. He clenched his 'hammer and followed the others.
Paul jumped a bit as the doors slammed shut, though he wasn't surprised at all.
"Of course," Paul mutters audibly. "Bloodydamn doors coming and going like they got minds of their own. Shouldn't be allowed to my mind..." Paul's voice trails off into silence as he looks around.
"I think we should see what's up here first before going down the stairs - seems like this hallway goes on for a while. I want to know who's in those chains. Maybe they can help us."
Paul thinks for a moment, then says, "A moment friend. Let's see what the teacup has to say about it." Paul kneels down and reaches into his pack. He pulls out a towel, stares at it, and puts it carefully down beside him. Next a loaf of hard brown bread comes out, which Paul tosses over his shoulder. A necklace made of green stones, a piece of chalk, a small pine cone all get tossed. Then with a muttered "Ah!" Paul pulls out a chipped porcelin teacup.
"A moment friends. Let's see..." Paul pours a few drops of water into the cup and stares intently...
Paul casts Augury, considering weather the steps down or the endless hallway will be a better choice...
Rya rubbed her temple for a moment - this place was inhumane. Being trapped and forced to move forward was not something Rya was happy with, but she wasn't on the plane of existence she was used to living on; she needed to start getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. Both of the paths laid out before her seemed equally terrible. However, the sound of chains peaked her curiosity - why would anything or anyone be chained up here? She was she was determined to find what was in chains here of all places. Seeing that the hallway seemed to end in darkness before a physical end sent a knot to Rya's stomach, but she took a breath before she spoke, trying to sound calm.
I think we should see what's up here first before going down the stairs - seems like this hallway goes on for a while. I want to know who's in those chains. Maybe they can help us."
Rya took a few steps forward and paused in front of one the symbols. With her left hand, she reached out and touched one the symbols, feeling the blood on her finger tips. What kind of demonic ritual was this for? What unfortunate soul was used for it?
The door slamming behind them, the chanting, the blood on the walls, the darkness, nothing really said welcoming about this place and the discomfort Scout started feeling in the boat settled deeper into the pit of her stomach. If she wasn't careful, she'd lose the grip she had on her last shred of calm.
"I think we should see what's up here first before going down the stairs - seems like this hallway goes on for a while. I want to know who's in those chains. Maybe they can help us."
Rya wanted to go down the dark hallway. Of course she did. One look down the hallway gave Scout the chills. If this were a normal situation, she knew what she would do instead of casting a spell, but they were far past normal at this point. With a sigh, she reached into the pocket of her pants and pulled out her focus and with practiced hand motions and words began to cast Dancing Lights , creating four balls of light to go above each member of this little group they had. That would at least give everyone a glimpse at whatever horrors they were about to face.
Each light now sheds dim light in a 10-foot radius. It helps a but a little.
Qhour jumped as the huge doors slammed shut behind him. The door was gone. A rat scurried along the floor and out of sight into darkness. Was it alive? Did it have a soul? He shivered as he heard chains dragging up ahead. The stairway going down off to their right was not inviting at all. Going deeper into the Abyss did not seem like a good idea at the moment.
"I think we should see what's up here first before going down the stairs - seems like this hallway goes on for a while. I want to know who's in those chains. Maybe they can help us."
Qhour nodded. It seemed as good a plan as any. He watched as Scout muttered a few word and waved her hands a bit and a small globe of light danced above each of their heads. He clenched his 'hammer and followed the others.
Paul jumped a bit as the doors slammed shut, though he wasn't surprised at all.
"Of course," Paul mutters audibly. "Bloodydamn doors coming and going like they got minds of their own. Shouldn't be allowed to my mind..." Paul's voice trails off into silence as he looks around.
"I think we should see what's up here first before going down the stairs - seems like this hallway goes on for a while. I want to know who's in those chains. Maybe they can help us."
Paul thinks for a moment, then says, "A moment friend. Let's see what the teacup has to say about it." Paul kneels down and reaches into his pack. He pulls out a towel, stares at it, and puts it carefully down beside him. Next a loaf of hard brown bread comes out, which Paul tosses over his shoulder. A necklace made of green stones, a piece of chalk, a small pine cone all get tossed. Then with a muttered "Ah!" Paul pulls out a chipped porcelin teacup.
"A moment friends. Let's see..." Paul pours a few drops of water into the cup and stares intently...
Paul casts Augury, considering weather the steps down or the endless hallway will be a better choice...
As you push forward down the hallway, ignoring the staircase for now you feel your hair (or feathers) stand on end almost instantly as you push past the stairway. You get the feeling you're being watched from directly behind you, but there's nothing there, you cannot perceive much of anything, other than the faint glint of light bouncing off the walls from Scout's Dancing Lights in a very dim 10-foot radius around each of your heads.
You all watch as Rya, curious about the writing of blood on the wall reaches out and touches one of these scribbles. As she places a hand on the markings you hear the sound of roars, hisses, and screams, and then a strange gurgling moaning sound.
Rya: As you touch the wall, ghostly pale, fleshy hands reach out and attempt to grasp around your wrists. Give me a DC 16 Dexterity Saving Throw otherwise, if you fail this Saving Throw the hands reach out and grip tightly around your wrists and ankles. Their touch is cold, and seems to siphon whatever energy you have inside of you. If you fail this Saving Throw, you are considered restrained by their touch and take 9 necrotic damage as the hands pull out some of your life essence.
---
As Rya touches the wall though, you all see ghostly pale, flesh-like hands erupt from every wall, and ceiling in the vicinity. They're reaching out and doing their best to ensnare and grab one of you. The hands seem to be extremely aware of movement and dart and flail around wildly trying to grasp something. As you pay more attention to the presence of the hands you realize that the hands themselves are the things making that strange gurgling, moaning sound.
Not only that, but you can just make out small, slits where eyes roll around in at the fingertips.
You all can also see an open door at the end of this hallway, with a dim, flickering light cascading out of the door and illuminating the hallway. Otherwise, darkness all around you, the lights above your heads illuminating some of the walls, and the mysterious, alive hands.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dexterity saving throw:18
Rya's eyes widened as she saw the ghostly hands come through the walls. As she attempted to pull away, the hands seemed to anticipate this. Their touch was cold. Her hands and wrists could not be pulled away - and she felt terrible. Looking back towards the others, she could see more hands around her. Looking at the ones floating by, the eyes on them unsettled her to her core. The sounds emanating from the hands was disquieting. Rya yelled out, on the verge of screaming.
Rya touched the wall... of course she did. Why couldn’t she just keep her hands to herself and continue down the hall? Now her friend was being held by these nasty little hands and calling for help. Scout wasn’t going to lie, she didn’t like this one bit. Yet, she kept a neutral expression on her face and tried to maintain a level head. It would do the group no good if they all got grabbed by the hands. She focused her efforts on keeping as far away from the hands as she reasonably could. With a quick glance at Rya, Scout began casting Chaos Bolt aiming at the hand that seemed to have the tightest grip on her friend.
"Have either of you thought about what that might mean, for you?"
He was thinking about it now. That's why he is walking. He knew he could fly up there easily, but for 2 things. One, he didn't want to leave his new companions. Being here in this very strange place was bad enough, but being here alone would be so much worse. And two,
"Pazuzu is also called 'The Dark Angel of the Four Winds' and he holds sway over all things that fly in this plane."
"If I don't fly he doesn't hold sway. Not sure what 'hold sway' is, but it doesn't sound good."
15 Dex. Save
He almost dodged out of the way.
Paul hears the crack of thunder, sees the others begin to move, looks up. He starts to mutter to himself even as he tries to move out of the way.
Dexterity saving throw: 4
The chunk of dark rock hits Paul, and he fells to the ground.
Those of you that failed the DC are Paul Dure', Scout and Qhour. You each take 9 bludgeoning damage as the pieces of the tower fall and smash into you.
Setting The Scene
The hunks of obsidian cascade down the steps, with only Rya being quick enough to avoid the falling pieces of the tower. The breath knocked out of you for the moment, you take a few minutes to catch your breath and take some relief knowing you're not like that poor Elf crushed under a piece of this tower. You press forward, continuing up the stairs and eventually after about another hour, you find yourselves standing at the front doors of the tower.
The doors themselves are about thirty feet tall, and about twenty feet across. They're the blackest of iron and covered in large spikes that jut out towards you all, with each spike about three feet long and looking extremely sharp. There's a large door knocker on each door that resembles a hooked, bird-like skull with a flowing mane of human hair, and two piercing human eyes nestled in the sockets of the skull.
Carved into the door in Abyssal are the words: "Asqg dtx zioqqxzz kug xsdxy."
The translation is below for anyone who can speak Abyssal.
Only the soulless may enter.
The red lightning continues to streak across the sky, and the entirety of this area is illuminated in a red light, and as this happens you take notice of blood smeared across each spike as well as blood smeared all over the door knocker in what appear to be spray patterns.
Current Party HitPoints & Details
Paul Dure - 4/16
Qhour - 15/28
Rya - 24/24
Scout - 3/15
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Rya looked over at Scout - she was not looking too good. If she had been a caster, she would have healed her friend. All she could do was place a hand on her shoulder once they reached the top in sympathy. This was not the place Scout was going to die if she could help it. If Scout died, it was all bets off for Rya. Someone would be paying if Scout's blood was spilt. Everyone except her had managed to acquire injuries during their assent. What alarmed her almost as much as Scout's injuries were Paul's - he was able to cure wounds. If he died... Rya put that thought out of her mind. There were other pressing matters to attend to. The scribbling on the wall was something she was not able to read. She looked around at the imposing doors - there was more blood than she had in her entire body on these spikes and walls.
The bird like skulls of the door knockers sent a shiver through her body - she hoped that was not what Scout's skull looked like. Finally, she looked back at the group, casting her arm towards the door.
To say that Scout felt terrible would be an understatement. A rather large one at that. She was pretty sure she had saw her life flash before her eyes for a second time. But she was still here. Still climbing these godforsaken stairs. Once the group of them reached the top and Rya placed her hand on Scout's shoulder, Scout placed her hands on her knees and bent over, catching her breath and taking a moment to appreciate not dying on those stairs. She made a sound similar to a muffled scream before straightening back up and looking at the door they now stood in front of. The skull was a nice touch, the blood... not so much. Scout couldn't read the writing, but she also couldn't read most languages. She just wanted to get out of here, it was almost worth just going through the door and dealing with whatever lay on the other side. But her rational brain took over and told her to wait until the other two had a chance to read the sign and potentially decipher it.
Qhour was hurt. The rock struck his left wing and hurt it badly. He tucked his wings back into his robes and went back to help Paul Dure' back to his feet.
When they got to the top of the stairs he read the inscription on the door and translated,
He looked to the others.
He pointed back down the stairs.
Paul, colors flashing and head pounding, wonders for a moment why his face his warm. Reaching a hand up, he fells warm blood.
"Ugh. I hate blood...", Paul says.
He stands, look around him and sees his new companions bleeding and hurt as well.
"Gather close my friends. I will assist. " Paul motions everyone close to him. He places his hand beneath his tunic, says "May knowledge bless us."
Casts Prayer of Healing. Everyone heals 13
Setting The Scene
A wave of radiant, soothing energy washes over all of you from Paul Dure' and you all feel restored after the falling debris smashed into three out of the four of you. Your now bruised bodies make your way closer to the door, and a voice sounds from the knocker as Qhour translated it into "Only the soulless may enter". The knocker speaks in hushed, metallic tones, almost vibrating throughout the entirety of the massive door.
"You are the damned. Your souls are forfeit. You are the soulless."
And with that, the door opens slowly with a loud, groaning creak.
Now, before you sits a large hallway of black, jagged iron and obsidian with torches flickering as far as the eye can see, the hallway appears endless. You can hear a cacophony of strange humming and chanting coming from deep within the tower, emanating through this hallway like a sinister, macabre echo.
What do you do?
Current Party HitPoints & Details
Paul Dure - 16/16
Qhour - 28/28
Rya - 24/24
Scout - 15/15
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Rya was happy about one thing - Scout was healed and was looking much better. Paul had become an increasingly useful to the group. She hoped she would not need his healing in the future though; she wanted to remain in as few pieces as possible. The doors creaking open to reveal the eerie chanting caused Rya to hesitate - the sound seemed to be coming from no particular place. The torches lighting the walls seemed the way to go... even if they looked like they went on forever.
Rya kept her hand on the hilt of her dagger as she crossed the threshold, glancing behind her to make sure Scout was following her.
Rya flashed Scout a smile, trying to remain as calm as possible. The last thing anyone needed was someone to panic - who knew what could be watching or listening to them?
As soon as the door opened, Scout's dagger was back in her hand and held in front of her, ready to attack at a moment's notice. She tried to tell herself that it was just another day, but the ominous chanting made it a bit difficult to think such things. There was somewhat of a clear path ahead, illuminated by the torches, but Scout didn't trust it at all. She didn't trust anything here.
Rya was entering the doorway. She had said it would be fine, but with everything going on and everything that had happened, Scout was less willing to believe that than she may have been in the past. Still, Rya knew what she was talking about... most of the time. With a glance back at Paul and Qhour, she nodded her head towards the door before following after Rya. While following, Scout mimicked the words the knocker had said, thinking them over again.
So not only were they dead, they were soulless as well. Great. Granted Scout didn't know much about how certain things worked, but she was pretty sure a soul was needed to be living. If they didn't have souls, could they escape?
Qhour waved Paul Duré on ahead of him.
He hefted his warhammer and pulled his hood back and down so he could swivel his head and look all around as they walked on ahead into the long dimly lit hallway listening to the chanting voices and trying to discern what they were saying/singing. He couldn't.
Dead and soulless. This is not what I was taught, he thought. Oh well, I hope my soul is having fun where ever it is. I wonder what we are supposed to be doing. He watched the others for a few seconds wondering what they were all about. He liked Paul and Scout so far, but wasn't sure about the Drow. He hoped that they could all get along. It just makes life easier. He hooted a bit in laughter at himself. I hope it makes death easier, too.
Paul gently pats the Aaracockra's wing and nods to the kenku.
Paul walks to the entryway, up the stairs with the others. He sees the inscription: "You are the damned. Your souls are forfeit. You are the soulless."
Hmm. Paul takes a moment, taking in the tower, the inscription, hunting his memory for clues about what this place might be.
With new information, Paul would like to try a history check again. 23
[will edit based on what justin says]
The other make their way inside, and as they do the chanting hits his ears. "Well that's pretty awful" Paul think so himself.
"Thanks for the healing," He said with a smile in his eyes. (AAracockra don't have lips). "You guys go ahead, I'll watch our backs."
None of you have any knowledge of this tower.
Setting The Scene
The chanting still continues, it seems to almost peak in volume. It echoes off the walls of this strange hallway. You cannot make out what the voices chanting are saying, but it still makes you all feel incredibly uneasy. You get the feeling you're not supposed to be in here, and as you all step through the threshold of the doorway, the door closes on its own with a deafening slam, and when you all turn back towards the slamming door you only see a solid wall.
The door is gone.
A rat scurries along the floor and out of sight into darkness. You can hear chains being dragged in the darkness and rattling against the walls of this long, long hallway. The hallway is so long in fact you cannot see the end as it vanishes into pure, unadulterated darkness.
Immediately On Your Right: Is an archway that leads off into another hallway and a set of stairs going downwards into pitch darkness. You get the feeling that Darkvision will be of no use to you down there.
Straight Ahead: Is that long, seemingly endless hallway.
Blood is splattered against the walls and smeared into symbols none of you recognize, or have ever seen in your lives. This place...it isn't meant for you.
Current Party HitPoints & Details
Paul Dure - 16/16
Qhour - 28/28
Rya - 24/24
Scout - 15/15
DM/Founder for Mimics & Monstrosities, a D&D network.
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Rya rubbed her temple for a moment - this place was inhumane. Being trapped and forced to move forward was not something Rya was happy with, but she wasn't on the plane of existence she was used to living on; she needed to start getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. Both of the paths laid out before her seemed equally terrible. However, the sound of chains peaked her curiosity - why would anything or anyone be chained up here? She was she was determined to find what was in chains here of all places. Seeing that the hallway seemed to end in darkness before a physical end sent a knot to Rya's stomach, but she took a breath before she spoke, trying to sound calm.
Rya took a few steps forward and paused in front of one the symbols. With her left hand, she reached out and touched one the symbols, feeling the blood on her finger tips. What kind of demonic ritual was this for? What unfortunate soul was used for it?
The door slamming behind them, the chanting, the blood on the walls, the darkness, nothing really said welcoming about this place and the discomfort Scout started feeling in the boat settled deeper into the pit of her stomach. If she wasn't careful, she'd lose the grip she had on her last shred of calm.
Rya wanted to go down the dark hallway. Of course she did. One look down the hallway gave Scout the chills. If this were a normal situation, she knew what she would do instead of casting a spell, but they were far past normal at this point. With a sigh, she reached into the pocket of her pants and pulled out her focus and with practiced hand motions and words began to cast Dancing Lights , creating four balls of light to go above each member of this little group they had. That would at least give everyone a glimpse at whatever horrors they were about to face.
Qhour jumped as the huge doors slammed shut behind him. The door was gone. A rat scurried along the floor and out of sight into darkness. Was it alive? Did it have a soul? He shivered as he heard chains dragging up ahead. The stairway going down off to their right was not inviting at all. Going deeper into the Abyss did not seem like a good idea at the moment.
Qhour nodded. It seemed as good a plan as any. He watched as Scout muttered a few word and waved her hands a bit and a small globe of light danced above each of their heads. He clenched his 'hammer and followed the others.
Paul jumped a bit as the doors slammed shut, though he wasn't surprised at all.
Paul casts Augury, considering weather the steps down or the endless hallway will be a better choice...
Each light now sheds dim light in a 10-foot radius. It helps a but a little.
Paul you get the omen, Woe for both paths.
Setting The Scene
The chanting still continues, it seems to almost peak in volume.
As you push forward down the hallway, ignoring the staircase for now you feel your hair (or feathers) stand on end almost instantly as you push past the stairway. You get the feeling you're being watched from directly behind you, but there's nothing there, you cannot perceive much of anything, other than the faint glint of light bouncing off the walls from Scout's Dancing Lights in a very dim 10-foot radius around each of your heads.
You all watch as Rya, curious about the writing of blood on the wall reaches out and touches one of these scribbles. As she places a hand on the markings you hear the sound of roars, hisses, and screams, and then a strange gurgling moaning sound.
Rya: As you touch the wall, ghostly pale, fleshy hands reach out and attempt to grasp around your wrists. Give me a DC 16 Dexterity Saving Throw otherwise, if you fail this Saving Throw the hands reach out and grip tightly around your wrists and ankles. Their touch is cold, and seems to siphon whatever energy you have inside of you. If you fail this Saving Throw, you are considered restrained by their touch and take 9 necrotic damage as the hands pull out some of your life essence.
---
As Rya touches the wall though, you all see ghostly pale, flesh-like hands erupt from every wall, and ceiling in the vicinity. They're reaching out and doing their best to ensnare and grab one of you. The hands seem to be extremely aware of movement and dart and flail around wildly trying to grasp something. As you pay more attention to the presence of the hands you realize that the hands themselves are the things making that strange gurgling, moaning sound.
Not only that, but you can just make out small, slits where eyes roll around in at the fingertips.
You all can also see an open door at the end of this hallway, with a dim, flickering light cascading out of the door and illuminating the hallway. Otherwise, darkness all around you, the lights above your heads illuminating some of the walls, and the mysterious, alive hands.
Current Party HitPoints & Details
Paul Dure - 16/16
Qhour - 28/28
Rya - 24/24
Scout - 15/15
DM/Founder for Mimics & Monstrosities, a D&D network.
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Occasional DM's Guild Content Creator
Dexterity saving throw:18
Rya's eyes widened as she saw the ghostly hands come through the walls. As she attempted to pull away, the hands seemed to anticipate this. Their touch was cold. Her hands and wrists could not be pulled away - and she felt terrible. Looking back towards the others, she could see more hands around her. Looking at the ones floating by, the eyes on them unsettled her to her core. The sounds emanating from the hands was disquieting. Rya yelled out, on the verge of screaming.
Rya touched the wall... of course she did. Why couldn’t she just keep her hands to herself and continue down the hall? Now her friend was being held by these nasty little hands and calling for help. Scout wasn’t going to lie, she didn’t like this one bit. Yet, she kept a neutral expression on her face and tried to maintain a level head. It would do the group no good if they all got grabbed by the hands. She focused her efforts on keeping as far away from the hands as she reasonably could. With a quick glance at Rya, Scout began casting Chaos Bolt aiming at the hand that seemed to have the tightest grip on her friend.
Attack roll: 23
Damage if hits: 12 Cold damage