Utar shares his thoughts on Cassyt's response with the acolyte. It all sounds much like a lesson to her, so she makes sure to take notes and nod understandingly. "Right, right..." she says to herself, showing that she is following the half-orc's train of thought. Utar can't be sure, but perhaps he has been able to convince at least one Kelemvorite that cataloguing the "treasure trove" in the catacombs might be a good idea.
While teacher and student are at it, the rest of CRAP decides to find their way to the other side of the bone pit. Graxx is the first in line, attempting to shimmy his way across. His feet prove to be a bit too large for the narrow passage, and the barbarian loses his footing. Graxx splashes into the bone pit, which results in sudden and loud noises of dry bone crashing into more dry bone. To his surprise, Graxx finds that the pit is not that deep after all. In fact, righting himself back up, the tribesman finds that he can actually stand at the bottom of the pit and have the pile of bones only reach up to his chest. Regardless, Graxx is pretty sure that his little stunt has added a few nicks and cuts to his collection of scars.
-> Bone pit damage to Graxx: 8 (Graxx takes 8 piercing and slashing damage.)
Doozey goes up next and, after joking a bit about Graxx's wishes, finds himself in a very similar predicament. The main exception is that Doozey doesn't quite tower above the lip of the pit. The stouling has also shed some blood within the bone pit.
-> Bone pit damage to Doozey: 5 (Doozey takes 5 piercing and slashing damage.)
Neya goes third and decides not to risk it. Without anyone being quite able to see how she did it, the monk simply appears on the other side of the bone pit with rope already in hand. With her help, both Graxx and Dozzey find their way to safer ground within the next few minutes.
Watching all of this happen, Utar decides to study the dimensions of the bone pit and its edge more closely before making a decision. He concludes with clarity that the pit is not that wide after all and, should he have a running start, he should be able to long-jump across without much trouble regardless of how heavy his gear is. Looking about at those who still remain on this side of the pit, Utar guesses that Biscuit should be able to leap across as well, but Cassyt does not look that athletic to begin with and could possible use some help. Speaking of the acolyte, she notices that Utar is studying the pit and begins to share some information. It seems the girl cannot help but speak every few seconds. "This bone pit predates the arrival of Kelemvorites in Phlan. We ,the faithful of Kelemvor, don't know why some bones were thrown here while others were stored more respectfully in loculi and orderly ossuaries."
(OOC: I'll ask for athletics checks from those attempting a long-jump.)
"I'd suggest you try to edge your way around the pit, I can offer a bit of assistance, but only a bit, if you'll accept it."
If Cassyt accepts, Utar puts a hand on her shoulder and casts guidance and will wait to see if Cassyt makes it round before setting off himself. If not, he'll shrug it off and start on his own crossing.
Getting his run up paced out, Utar visualises himself successfully making it across the pit. "No time like now."
Starting his run, Utar leaps into the air and hopes to land on the stone floor on the other side, and not the bones within.
Biscuit "boofs" and padded back and forth at the edge since Doozey's fall. He only calms upon seeing Doozey finally climb his way out of the pit. Which at that point, Biscuit backs up to get some room, before immediately running and leaping over the pit to join Doozey on the other side. Which unfortunately for Doozey, who stayed focused on the job of most hunting, the beasts tackling him seconds later throws quite abit...
(@Lerus: If possible to keep the roll for Biscuit from last post... much appreciated! If not though, I understand will re-roll that.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar offers Cassyt a small blessing from his own deity and wishes her good luck. Graxx offers her some encouragement as well, albeit of the non-magicall kind. The young woman very gingerly begins to pace around the edge of the pit:
-> Bone pit damage to Cassyt: 7 (Cassyt takes 8 piercing and slashing damage.)
The acolyte begins to shake, which causes her to lose her balance and plunge into the bone pit. She screams in pain at first but quickly puts up a brave face, grabs Neya's rope, and pulls herself up to the other side. Her many scratches and bruises remind CRAP that the young half-elf is not as hardy as the experience group of adventurers.
Utar goes next, attempting to leap across the pit instead of shimmying to the other side. The novel strategy pays off, and soon Biscuit performs an equally impressive jump to join the rest of the group.
All the sound of crashing into bone, screams of pain, and leaping metal armor is quite obvious and distracting. Doozey tries to listen for any signs of enemies beyond the bend but falls short of identifying anything other the aforementioned noises. Nonetheless, his keen nose does pick up the smell of wood smoke.
(OOC: I assume the group would proceed to the next area, just around the bend. If so, I'd like to have a marching order.)
Growling and grumbling, Doozey eventually resolves to mount back up on Biscuit. "Didn't scent our undead, exactly. But... I did pick up wood smoke. Incense, perhaps mask their scent? Or something else altogether." He comments on, prior to then take a few more wiffs of the air. "It's this way though. Follow me, and keep your eyes peeled." With that, and not even bothering to pluck a bone shard from his hair, Doozey nudges for Biscuit to start leading the pack again.
(OOC: Doozey/Biscuit will continue to take point.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Based both on in-game and OOC posts, I have the following marching order: Doozey on Biscuit, Graxx, Cassyt, Neya, Gravy on Utar.)
The entire group is now on the other side of the bone pit, many with cuts and punctures to show for it. Cassyt accepts the potion of healing that Neya offers her, saying: "Thank you kindly. I've half a mind to quaff it right now...", though she simply pockets it for now.
Graxx spurs the party onward and Doozey takes point. Turning around the bend, the party enters a double room in which the smell of wood smoke suddenly becomes overpowering. Every surface is stained jet black with soot that must have come from the two great iron braziers on the floor, though they are now unlit. The walls are lined with almost perfectly preserved bodies— jet black from the same soot that stains the walls. In fact, there is hint of purpose to the dozens of bodies here that are well-preserved by the smoke from the aromatic charcoal burned in the iron braziers. Graxx might almost have mistaken them for mummified drow were it not for the different hair colors. Despite the somewhat neatly arranged display, several corpses have been ravaged by something. These lay in the center of the double-room, where there is a partial wall separating the twin chambers. The corpses are torn apart, their flesh and bones gnawed by some ravenous creature.
The nearest of the room-duo contains row upon row of pottery animals that were made from the ashes and ground bones of the deceased. The farther room contains thousands upon thousands of disarticulated bones hanging by thin wires from the ceiling so that no two bones touch each other.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd believe this to be some kind of... grim smokery." Doozey said absently while looking over the bodies. Then, as if reading his thoughts, Biscuit drifted closre to the bodies alongside Utar, allowing Doozey to inspect them. Though his goal being more to further confirm and narrow down the sort of undead to have ravaged them in the first place.
Though as Doozey did so, a thought had him looking back at Cassyt. "Before we go jumping too far into conclusion actually... This area... Is another mystery like the Bone Pit? Or, is this some other macabre ritual for after death ceremonies similar to those with those up top? You know, the ones with everyone being posed 'n all that." He requested, before glancing again back to the nearest body. "Albeit, the nibbling being from something else altogether of course."
Once he had his answer on that point, Doozey fished around on his person for a short while, before pulling out the wand of secrets and giving it a whirl.
---> Activating the Wand of Secrets while standing between the body room and pottery room
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Before going any further into the first room (pottery), Graxx tells Cassyt to stay back, and she does so. The barbarian also asks a question, which is almost immediately elaborate upon by Doozey. Cassyt responds both inquiries simultaneously: "Over the centuries, a handful of exclusive funerary cults have flourished in Phlan. They predate the arrival of the Kelemvorites. This section of the catacombs was reserved for their use, as was the bone pit. We do not normally come this way."
With that information at hand, CRAP advances into the room so they can examine the bodies more closely. Utar intends to examine the wounds (OOC: let's call that a medicine check instead.) Doozey tries to find clues that would narrow down the list of undead and reaches into his pack for one of his magical wands. Graxx plans to skip the bodies all together and advance into the room with the many hanging bones. Neya keeps an eye out for any signs of the culprits. All of these plans have to be suddenly put on hold. Despite their careful approach, CRAP soon realizes that they are entering the enemies' grounds. The entire party is surprised as four enemies suddenly spring out from under bodies on the ground or from behind hanging corpses. A fifth foe, well armored but just as ghoulish, appears from behind the partial wall that separates the two rooms.
(OOC: They rolled really high for their collective stealth check, so the party is surprised for this initial round. Neya has the Alert feat, so she is not surprised.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya takes out her longsword in both hands and attacks the closest ghoul with it before using its momentum on the second swing to follow it up with a kick.
Longsword (two-handed) Attack: 22 Damage: 11
Extra Longsword (two-handed) Attack: 12 Damage: 14
Bonus Unarmed Attack: 15 Damage: 7
(Edit: used wrong mod for unarmed damage, it should be +5. So total unarmed should be 8)
(@Drache: Is this the debut of Neya's Dedicated Weapon? Also, the sword attacks are not magical, correct?)
Neya quickly unsheathes a longer blade than the one CRAP has seen her use before, but wields it just as deftly with a two-handed grip. Two quick slashes are followed by a kick to the nearest ghoul's midsection (Ghoul#2 takes 33 magical bludgeoning and slashing damage.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The armored wight approaches Graxx holding a longsword and extending its free hand toward the barbarian. When the wight attacks, a yearning to consume the spark in all living things glows like white-hot embers in its dark eyes. It reaches for Graxx first, its cold touch attempting to drain the barbarian's life essence through flesh and clothing.
Utar shares his thoughts on Cassyt's response with the acolyte. It all sounds much like a lesson to her, so she makes sure to take notes and nod understandingly. "Right, right..." she says to herself, showing that she is following the half-orc's train of thought. Utar can't be sure, but perhaps he has been able to convince at least one Kelemvorite that cataloguing the "treasure trove" in the catacombs might be a good idea.
While teacher and student are at it, the rest of CRAP decides to find their way to the other side of the bone pit. Graxx is the first in line, attempting to shimmy his way across. His feet prove to be a bit too large for the narrow passage, and the barbarian loses his footing. Graxx splashes into the bone pit, which results in sudden and loud noises of dry bone crashing into more dry bone. To his surprise, Graxx finds that the pit is not that deep after all. In fact, righting himself back up, the tribesman finds that he can actually stand at the bottom of the pit and have the pile of bones only reach up to his chest. Regardless, Graxx is pretty sure that his little stunt has added a few nicks and cuts to his collection of scars.
-> Bone pit damage to Graxx: 8 (Graxx takes 8 piercing and slashing damage.)
Doozey goes up next and, after joking a bit about Graxx's wishes, finds himself in a very similar predicament. The main exception is that Doozey doesn't quite tower above the lip of the pit. The stouling has also shed some blood within the bone pit.
-> Bone pit damage to Doozey: 5 (Doozey takes 5 piercing and slashing damage.)
Neya goes third and decides not to risk it. Without anyone being quite able to see how she did it, the monk simply appears on the other side of the bone pit with rope already in hand. With her help, both Graxx and Dozzey find their way to safer ground within the next few minutes.
Watching all of this happen, Utar decides to study the dimensions of the bone pit and its edge more closely before making a decision. He concludes with clarity that the pit is not that wide after all and, should he have a running start, he should be able to long-jump across without much trouble regardless of how heavy his gear is. Looking about at those who still remain on this side of the pit, Utar guesses that Biscuit should be able to leap across as well, but Cassyt does not look that athletic to begin with and could possible use some help. Speaking of the acolyte, she notices that Utar is studying the pit and begins to share some information. It seems the girl cannot help but speak every few seconds. "This bone pit predates the arrival of Kelemvorites in Phlan. We ,the faithful of Kelemvor, don't know why some bones were thrown here while others were stored more respectfully in loculi and orderly ossuaries."
(OOC: I'll ask for athletics checks from those attempting a long-jump.)
"I'd suggest you try to edge your way around the pit, I can offer a bit of assistance, but only a bit, if you'll accept it."
If Cassyt accepts, Utar puts a hand on her shoulder and casts guidance and will wait to see if Cassyt makes it round before setting off himself. If not, he'll shrug it off and start on his own crossing.
Getting his run up paced out, Utar visualises himself successfully making it across the pit. "No time like now."
Starting his run, Utar leaps into the air and hopes to land on the stone floor on the other side, and not the bones within.
Athletics 22
Graxx wipes off the little bit of blood and looks down into the pit.
"I am glad that wasn't deeper. Could have been real bad."
Graxx looks at Cassyt.
"Easy now. You can make it."
Biscuit "boofs" and padded back and forth at the edge since Doozey's fall. He only calms upon seeing Doozey finally climb his way out of the pit. Which at that point, Biscuit backs up to get some room, before immediately running and leaping over the pit to join Doozey on the other side. Which unfortunately for Doozey, who stayed focused on the job of most hunting, the beasts tackling him seconds later throws quite abit...
(@Lerus: If possible to keep the roll for Biscuit from last post... much appreciated! If not though, I understand will re-roll that.)
Biscuit's Jump(if needed): 22.
Undead Hunting: 12.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar offers Cassyt a small blessing from his own deity and wishes her good luck. Graxx offers her some encouragement as well, albeit of the non-magicall kind. The young woman very gingerly begins to pace around the edge of the pit:
-> Cassyt's acrobatics check with Guidance {DC 11}: 11
-> Bone pit damage to Cassyt: 7 (Cassyt takes 8 piercing and slashing damage.)
The acolyte begins to shake, which causes her to lose her balance and plunge into the bone pit. She screams in pain at first but quickly puts up a brave face, grabs Neya's rope, and pulls herself up to the other side. Her many scratches and bruises remind CRAP that the young half-elf is not as hardy as the experience group of adventurers.
Utar goes next, attempting to leap across the pit instead of shimmying to the other side. The novel strategy pays off, and soon Biscuit performs an equally impressive jump to join the rest of the group.
All the sound of crashing into bone, screams of pain, and leaping metal armor is quite obvious and distracting. Doozey tries to listen for any signs of enemies beyond the bend but falls short of identifying anything other the aforementioned noises. Nonetheless, his keen nose does pick up the smell of wood smoke.
(OOC: I assume the group would proceed to the next area, just around the bend. If so, I'd like to have a marching order.)
Utar lies down at the edge of the pit and offers a hand down to help Doozey, Graxx and Cassyt from it.
(Everyone is already up and on the other side pit. Also, is DDB being weird about notifications again?)
Neya reaches into her bag, takes out a (normal) potion of healing and offers it to Cassyt, "Here. Just in case you ever need it."
Extended Signature
Graxx looks at Cassyt and winces a bit and wonders if he made a mistake.
Graxx takes Utars hand and gets out of the pit.
Graxx looks to Doozey.
"I'll be right behind you."
(OOC: Graxx will be second in Marching order)
Growling and grumbling, Doozey eventually resolves to mount back up on Biscuit. "Didn't scent our undead, exactly. But... I did pick up wood smoke. Incense, perhaps mask their scent? Or something else altogether." He comments on, prior to then take a few more wiffs of the air. "It's this way though. Follow me, and keep your eyes peeled." With that, and not even bothering to pluck a bone shard from his hair, Doozey nudges for Biscuit to start leading the pack again.
(OOC: Doozey/Biscuit will continue to take point.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
DM's Screen:
24
(OOC: Based both on in-game and OOC posts, I have the following marching order: Doozey on Biscuit, Graxx, Cassyt, Neya, Gravy on Utar.)
The entire group is now on the other side of the bone pit, many with cuts and punctures to show for it. Cassyt accepts the potion of healing that Neya offers her, saying: "Thank you kindly. I've half a mind to quaff it right now...", though she simply pockets it for now.
Graxx spurs the party onward and Doozey takes point. Turning around the bend, the party enters a double room in which the smell of wood smoke suddenly becomes overpowering. Every surface is stained jet black with soot that must have come from the two great iron braziers on the floor, though they are now unlit. The walls are lined with almost perfectly preserved bodies— jet black from the same soot that stains the walls. In fact, there is hint of purpose to the dozens of bodies here that are well-preserved by the smoke from the aromatic charcoal burned in the iron braziers. Graxx might almost have mistaken them for mummified drow were it not for the different hair colors. Despite the somewhat neatly arranged display, several corpses have been ravaged by something. These lay in the center of the double-room, where there is a partial wall separating the twin chambers. The corpses are torn apart, their flesh and bones gnawed by some ravenous creature.
The nearest of the room-duo contains row upon row of pottery animals that were made from the ashes and ground bones of the deceased. The farther room contains thousands upon thousands of disarticulated bones hanging by thin wires from the ceiling so that no two bones touch each other.
Graxx sees the ravaged corpses and he raises his pike to the ready.
"We must be close now to whatever foul creature caused this. This may have been where the attack happened."
Graxx walks under the hanging bones.
"I've never seen anything like this."
Graxx turns to Cassyt.
"Cassyt, be on your guard. Danger is very close... What is this place?"
Getting closer to the bodies, Utar takes a look at their wounds, fully expecting them to match those seen earlier.
Survival 12
Neya looks around to try and find any sign of whatever ate the corpses.
Perception: 18
Extended Signature
"If I didn't know any better, I'd believe this to be some kind of... grim smokery." Doozey said absently while looking over the bodies. Then, as if reading his thoughts, Biscuit drifted closre to the bodies alongside Utar, allowing Doozey to inspect them. Though his goal being more to further confirm and narrow down the sort of undead to have ravaged them in the first place.
Nature: 13. (Same bous if Arcana)
Though as Doozey did so, a thought had him looking back at Cassyt. "Before we go jumping too far into conclusion actually... This area... Is another mystery like the Bone Pit? Or, is this some other macabre ritual for after death ceremonies similar to those with those up top? You know, the ones with everyone being posed 'n all that." He requested, before glancing again back to the nearest body. "Albeit, the nibbling being from something else altogether of course."
Once he had his answer on that point, Doozey fished around on his person for a short while, before pulling out the wand of secrets and giving it a whirl.
---> Activating the Wand of Secrets while standing between the body room and pottery room
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
DM's Screen:
5 13
Before going any further into the first room (pottery), Graxx tells Cassyt to stay back, and she does so. The barbarian also asks a question, which is almost immediately elaborate upon by Doozey. Cassyt responds both inquiries simultaneously: "Over the centuries, a handful of exclusive funerary cults have flourished in Phlan. They predate the arrival of the Kelemvorites. This section of the catacombs was reserved for their use, as was the bone pit. We do not normally come this way."
With that information at hand, CRAP advances into the room so they can examine the bodies more closely. Utar intends to examine the wounds (OOC: let's call that a medicine check instead.) Doozey tries to find clues that would narrow down the list of undead and reaches into his pack for one of his magical wands. Graxx plans to skip the bodies all together and advance into the room with the many hanging bones. Neya keeps an eye out for any signs of the culprits. All of these plans have to be suddenly put on hold. Despite their careful approach, CRAP soon realizes that they are entering the enemies' grounds. The entire party is surprised as four enemies suddenly spring out from under bodies on the ground or from behind hanging corpses. A fifth foe, well armored but just as ghoulish, appears from behind the partial wall that separates the two rooms.
(OOC: They rolled really high for their collective stealth check, so the party is surprised for this initial round. Neya has the Alert feat, so she is not surprised.)
ROLLING FOR INITIATIVE:
(Neya is not surprised, so she actually goes first.)
Neya takes out her longsword in both hands and attacks the closest ghoul with it before using its momentum on the second swing to follow it up with a kick.
Longsword (two-handed) Attack: 22 Damage: 11
Extra Longsword (two-handed) Attack: 12 Damage: 14
Bonus Unarmed Attack: 15 Damage: 7
(Edit: used wrong mod for unarmed damage, it should be +5. So total unarmed should be 8)
Extended Signature
(@Drache: Is this the debut of Neya's Dedicated Weapon? Also, the sword attacks are not magical, correct?)
Neya quickly unsheathes a longer blade than the one CRAP has seen her use before, but wields it just as deftly with a two-handed grip. Two quick slashes are followed by a kick to the nearest ghoul's midsection (Ghoul#2 takes 33 magical bludgeoning and slashing damage.)
(Enemies go next.)
The armored wight approaches Graxx holding a longsword and extending its free hand toward the barbarian. When the wight attacks, a yearning to consume the spark in all living things glows like white-hot embers in its dark eyes. It reaches for Graxx first, its cold touch attempting to drain the barbarian's life essence through flesh and clothing.
-> Life Drain vs. Graxx: Attack: 24
Damage: 8-> Longsword vs. Graxx: Attack: 14
Damage: 6Graxx takes a step back and avoid both the touch and the swipe.
The ghouls lunge at the nearest source of fresh meat without hesitation:
-> Claws vs. Utar: Attack: 20
Damage: 7-> Claws vs. Graxx: Attack: 12 Damage: 4
-> Claws vs. Neya: Attack: 6
Damage: 7-> Bite vs. Neya: Attack: 11 Damage: 11
-> Graxx's CON saving throw {DC 10}: 15
Utar's armor proves to be too tough for the ghoul's claw, but Graxx's skin does give way. (Graxx takes 9 slashing damage.)
Neya avoids the first attack aimed at her, but walks right into another ghoul's maw. (Neya takes 14 piercing damage.)
END OF INITIATIVE ROUND 1