"Well..." pants Khessa, while showing the outcome of her efforts with a wave of her hand "Here we are! Now even I, with my size, if I take off my armor first, should be able to pass. We can all go out, one at a time. What do you think, shall we go?"
Looking around Hadi notes the urns, unsurprised by their auras, then to the door and says, “It seems that you’re work on the bars may even be wearing the arcane lock. I didn’t know that was possible… but well done.” He then looks to his companion and simply pauses for a second as his eyebrows raise. “Yet another surprise,” he thinks to himself, and then looks back to the urns while the others work to free them from their captivity.
”A member of the elven guard has to open these doors? But, aren’t you the last of this city’s inhabitants? This city has been…lost for eons, Tristan!”
T’bitha stops her attempt to squeeze through the bars and approaches Dimitri and Tristan. ”Do you think your other idea is worthwhile? An underground passage where the water was coming from?” Her eyes begin to reveal concern about their predicament.
"I am afraid that is not an option, I never finished the ceremony that would allow me to command the seal to break."
As Khessa slowly breaks through the seal, Tristan looks impressed "I am sure the enchantment will have weakened throughout the millennia, but that must have still have required significant strength. We should get out before something else nasty happens."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
...As Khessa slowly breaks through the seal, Tristan looks impressed "I am sure the enchantment will have weakened throughout the millennia, but that must have still have required significant strength. We should get out before something else nasty happens."
"Matter of fact, it DID require significant strength... and significant stamina to boot!" assures Khessa, who is still sweathing profusely "I agree, out then. I have to take off my armor" (and she starts to do that) "so, if someone wishes to go out before me, feel free to do so. But wait for all outside the gate. Let's stay together. I'm pretty sure a small shadowy creature passed, while I was taking a crash course in magically enhanced bar bending. Maybe the creature is gone and it is not a threat. But better still be on our guard".
As soon as she manages to take off her armor, the blonde arcane warrior, left with just a thin sweat-soaked tunic adhering to her body (not unlike her sweat-soaked blonde curls to most of her face), feels for a moment almost more embarrassed than T'bitha... But her practical mindset soon takes over: 'Okay, I'm in a sorry state. But I'm alive. And free. Let's finish what we have come to do. Then I'll tidy myself up'.
The tall warrior-mage passes through the gate, then drags the armor out as well and starts wearing it again ('I must really be the only woman in the world that is able to get sweat even while she was in waist-high cold water. I'm really sure I want to research a new combat spell? Sometimes, an instant-bath spell would be so mooooore handy...'), while continuing to keep an eye on all her companions, whether they have yet to get out, or they are all out with her already.
T’bitha watches Khessa get through the bars and smiles, admiring the effort she put in, hammering away at those bars. The drow priestess slinks through the bars herself and waits for everyone else. ”You said you saw a shadowy figure earlier, Khessa? If it is a threat, then let’s make sure it does not sneak up on us.” T’bitha reaches up to Khessa’s face and with a delicate fingertip, touches her forehead and whispers, ”Vigilance.”
(OOC- T’bitha is using her Domain proficiency of “Vigilant Blessing” This gives Khessa advantage on her next initiative roll.))
... ”You said you saw a shadowy figure earlier, Khessa? If it is a threat, then let’s make sure it does not sneak up on us.” T’bitha reaches up to Khessa’s face and with a delicate fingertip, touches her forehead and whispers, ”Vigilance.”...
"Thanks T'bitha!" Khessa smiles, grateful, patting her on the back "I wish the small shadow just wanted to leave, like us, but since we can't be sure, any help is welcome!"
You all successfully make it out of the gate. You have to be a bit forceful with the urns. It seems whatever magical barrier is on the door, is stopping the urns from leaving, but with what Hadi and Tristan said, it seems like the magical barrier has grown weak from being several thousand years old. With a few good yanks you manage to pull each urn out causing no noticeable damage to them. However, when you get the second one out, the water bursts from the stairs splashing through the gate re-soaking each of you in frigid water once more for good measure. As you look back into the crypt through the doors, there doesn't appear to be anymore water inside; even in the portion of the stairs that you can see.
Going back to the posts Hadi and Khessa made a few days ago, before realizing you were all stuck in this chamber. Hadi, with the 21 investigation check to look over the urns for any differences. There are no physical differences. They are identical. They even had the same type of magic protecting them from your detect magic and Khessa, as you look around for that ornate sword that was on the ground out here, it's nowhere to be found.
You are all back in the open, do you wish to backtrack and attempt to escape the forest, or go a different direction? You obviously can't tell the time of day, due to the nature of this forest, but you're all starting to get a bit tired, noting it's probably getting late.
Khessa gasps, completely taken by surprise, when the freezing water hits her while, still sweating, she was hurrying to put on her armor again: "What the f...?!?!"
'Okay, I wanted to wash...' she thinks, shivering a little 'but not like this and not exactly now!'
After she is fully armored again, when Hadi cannot find any differences between the two urns, the tall warrior-mage observes: "I would bet that the right one is the second... it is when we brought out that one, that we took yet another unscheduled bath!"
Realizing that the sword she was looking for is now missing, she points out to everyone: "Someone was greedier than us and took the ornate sword away! Another proof, if we ever need it, that we are not alone here. Let's keep our eyes open".
Then, pulling several water-soaked curls away from his face, she asks: "What do you prefer to do now? Shall we backtrack and attempt to escape the forest right away with the urns? Or do you want to explore the rest of the ruins? Perhaps should Tristan see some familiar place, he might remember some detail about what happened to him! It could help him... What do you prefer, guys?"
“I don’t think it wise to gallivant around these ruins with two urns, one of which might possibly holding the remains of Ambriel. I suggest we return to Ozemon so he can determine which urn he needs.”
T’bitha stifles a yawn, “As it is, it has been a long day, I’m chilled to the bone and a good rest would find me thankful. I hope we might find a suitable place that is safe for the evening.”
“Though I agree that carting the urns around makes things a bit tricky, when will we have the opportunity to explore this ancient city again?”Hadi says as he pulls out the map. “There is so much here we can learn. And as for a place to sleep… we should try to get a fire going to warm ourselves first. I can also set a perimeter alarm if the rest of your can make camp.”
Hair hanging in front of his face, and water dripping from his clothes, Tristan chuckles "I was expecting considerably more hassle to get this urn, if I am honest. I did not expect to feel like a puppy left out in the rain for too long, however, so maybe this is the tradeoff?"
As T'bitha mentions sleep, Tristan looks worried "We have little choice, but lets get some distance from here before we settle down."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
”I can manage longer, if necessary.” T’bitha says to Tristan. She turns to Hadi, ”I certainly appreciate the inquisitiveness of this area. I assure you, I am also curious. However, we also don’t want to lose focus on the goal. That is to bring Ozemon the urn. I just don’t feel comfortable traipsing along with the remains of Ambriel. Let me ask Eilistraee tonight though. Find a campsite and I’ll ask for some guidance. We can make our decision then whether to stay and explore or return the urn.”
T’bitha dons her leather armor and looks at the group. ”Of course, if others don’t feel the same way as I do, I have no intention on separating and trying to return to Ozemon on my own.”
Hair hanging in front of his face, and water dripping from his clothes, Tristan chuckles "I was expecting considerably more hassle to get this urn, if I am honest. I did not expect to feel like a puppy left out in the rain for too long, however, so maybe this is the tradeoff?" ...
"Expecting more hassle than" Khessa starts to count on the long fingers of her hand "risking to lose our way in a forest where you can not see beyond a step," (finger one)"finding a most likely blood-drinking plant," (finger two) "fighting for our lives against warding constructs," (finger three) "avoiding (sometimes not completely) spear traps," (finger four) "wrestling with a seemingly immortal being" (finger five) "and, finally, risking to drown like rats under torrents of frigid water while the exit gate had decided not to open anymore?" no more fingers, but she raises an eyebrow "What kind of 'hassle' were you expecting, Tristan? A wide open portal connected to hell?"
"Anyway," the tall warrior-mage speaks now to all "let's not forget that we have bee told of creature moving in the forest during the night... So, if we choose to go back to deliver the urn, better go on and pospone rest, try to reach the teleport. If, on the other hand, we decide to camp, we know that unfriendly constructs can be encountered here; therefore, even if it is a bit disturbing, we could instead camp in the sacred ground where the plant with the blood fruits was. If we don't get close to the plant, we shouldn't be in danger. And perhaps, due to the plant or the consecration, some creatures might avoid that place".
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
While the others talk, Hadi pulls the ancient map out and begins to look it over ((10)), asking the other elves if they could help ((if so: 18)), trying to determine if he can first find their location, and the crypt, on it, and if possible, then see if there is anything else nearby that looks like it might provide shelter.
The biggest problem looking over this map, Hadi, is there are no landmarks to try and triangulate your position, because most everything has diminished to nothing more than piles of rock, and the forest is obscuring your view from noticing patterns in the rubble. Luckily, there are only 3 graveyards on the map. So your odds of determining where you are have significantly increased. You're either in the dead center of the city, in the northwestern sector of the city, or in the southern outskirts of the city itself.
You all know you're at least two hours away from the edge of the forest, assuming you don't get lost while leaving. You also know you're starting to get very tired and sore. You may not have two hours of travel energy in you without pushing yourself to your limits.
”I must insist that we find a place to make camp. I’m still wet and cold. After that ordeal, if we must push on, I shall; however, I fear we risk putting ourselves through exhaustion. Then, nobody will be good for anything, really.”
T’bitha stifles another yawn and paces a little back and forth to try and warm up and keep herself awake.
"Expecting more hassle than" Khessa starts to count on the long fingers of her hand "risking to lose our way in a forest where you can not see beyond a step," (finger one)"finding a most likely blood-drinking plant," (finger two) "fighting for our lives against warding constructs," (finger three) "avoiding (sometimes not completely) spear traps," (finger four) "wrestling with a seemingly immortal being" (finger five) "and, finally, risking to drown like rats under torrents of frigid water while the exit gate had decided not to open anymore?" no more fingers, but she raises an eyebrow "What kind of 'hassle' were you expecting, Tristan? A wide open portal connected to hell?"
Tristan smiles again "Occupational hazard I suppose, though I am not sure what hell is. I have heard the word before, is it some sort of prison? I heard my father talking about it at one point or another."
Turning to T'bitha, Tristan shrugs "I suppose we will have to follow your wisdom on this one. At least in this grove we have longer sightlines than in the forest proper, though I don't like the feeling I get when standing still here. Almost as if we are tempting fate."
"I will follow you and hopefully see if I can get a better location on this map,"Hadi says, ready to follow the others as they attempt to find a place to camp for the evening. While walking his goal will be to look for any other ruins or signs of anything that might be recognizable on the map to compare with the location of the three graveyards.
"If we choose to camp" advises Khessa "I'd go for the blood tree garden, as I told before. I think we'll have more chances ti be left undisturbed. Plus, only one entrance to the glade, so easier task for those on watch"
And, if nobody has any objection, she leads the party there, fetching some wood to start a fire and keep all warm. She lights it with her patented Fire bolt.
"I can do the first watch" she declares. "Who should I wake up for the second turn?"
"Well..." pants Khessa, while showing the outcome of her efforts with a wave of her hand "Here we are! Now even I, with my size, if I take off my armor first, should be able to pass. We can all go out, one at a time. What do you think, shall we go?"
Looking around Hadi notes the urns, unsurprised by their auras, then to the door and says, “It seems that you’re work on the bars may even be wearing the arcane lock. I didn’t know that was possible… but well done.” He then looks to his companion and simply pauses for a second as his eyebrows raise. “Yet another surprise,” he thinks to himself, and then looks back to the urns while the others work to free them from their captivity.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"I am afraid that is not an option, I never finished the ceremony that would allow me to command the seal to break."
As Khessa slowly breaks through the seal, Tristan looks impressed "I am sure the enchantment will have weakened throughout the millennia, but that must have still have required significant strength. We should get out before something else nasty happens."
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
"Matter of fact, it DID require significant strength... and significant stamina to boot!" assures Khessa, who is still sweathing profusely "I agree, out then. I have to take off my armor" (and she starts to do that) "so, if someone wishes to go out before me, feel free to do so. But wait for all outside the gate. Let's stay together. I'm pretty sure a small shadowy creature passed, while I was taking a crash course in magically enhanced bar bending. Maybe the creature is gone and it is not a threat. But better still be on our guard".
As soon as she manages to take off her armor, the blonde arcane warrior, left with just a thin sweat-soaked tunic adhering to her body (not unlike her sweat-soaked blonde curls to most of her face), feels for a moment almost more embarrassed than T'bitha... But her practical mindset soon takes over: 'Okay, I'm in a sorry state. But I'm alive. And free. Let's finish what we have come to do. Then I'll tidy myself up'.
The tall warrior-mage passes through the gate, then drags the armor out as well and starts wearing it again ('I must really be the only woman in the world that is able to get sweat even while she was in waist-high cold water. I'm really sure I want to research a new combat spell? Sometimes, an instant-bath spell would be so mooooore handy...'), while continuing to keep an eye on all her companions, whether they have yet to get out, or they are all out with her already.
T’bitha watches Khessa get through the bars and smiles, admiring the effort she put in, hammering away at those bars. The drow priestess slinks through the bars herself and waits for everyone else. ”You said you saw a shadowy figure earlier, Khessa? If it is a threat, then let’s make sure it does not sneak up on us.” T’bitha reaches up to Khessa’s face and with a delicate fingertip, touches her forehead and whispers, ”Vigilance.”
(OOC- T’bitha is using her Domain proficiency of “Vigilant Blessing” This gives Khessa advantage on her next initiative roll.))
Brute force was the way to go. Dimitri nodded, impressed by the warrior's strength. He squeezed through the gate with the others and went through.
"Thanks T'bitha!" Khessa smiles, grateful, patting her on the back "I wish the small shadow just wanted to leave, like us, but since we can't be sure, any help is welcome!"
You all successfully make it out of the gate. You have to be a bit forceful with the urns. It seems whatever magical barrier is on the door, is stopping the urns from leaving, but with what Hadi and Tristan said, it seems like the magical barrier has grown weak from being several thousand years old. With a few good yanks you manage to pull each urn out causing no noticeable damage to them. However, when you get the second one out, the water bursts from the stairs splashing through the gate re-soaking each of you in frigid water once more for good measure. As you look back into the crypt through the doors, there doesn't appear to be anymore water inside; even in the portion of the stairs that you can see.
Going back to the posts Hadi and Khessa made a few days ago, before realizing you were all stuck in this chamber. Hadi, with the 21 investigation check to look over the urns for any differences. There are no physical differences. They are identical. They even had the same type of magic protecting them from your detect magic and Khessa, as you look around for that ornate sword that was on the ground out here, it's nowhere to be found.
You are all back in the open, do you wish to backtrack and attempt to escape the forest, or go a different direction? You obviously can't tell the time of day, due to the nature of this forest, but you're all starting to get a bit tired, noting it's probably getting late.
Khessa gasps, completely taken by surprise, when the freezing water hits her while, still sweating, she was hurrying to put on her armor again: "What the f...?!?!"
'Okay, I wanted to wash...' she thinks, shivering a little 'but not like this and not exactly now!'
After she is fully armored again, when Hadi cannot find any differences between the two urns, the tall warrior-mage observes: "I would bet that the right one is the second... it is when we brought out that one, that we took yet another unscheduled bath!"
Realizing that the sword she was looking for is now missing, she points out to everyone: "Someone was greedier than us and took the ornate sword away! Another proof, if we ever need it, that we are not alone here. Let's keep our eyes open".
Then, pulling several water-soaked curls away from his face, she asks: "What do you prefer to do now? Shall we backtrack and attempt to escape the forest right away with the urns? Or do you want to explore the rest of the ruins? Perhaps should Tristan see some familiar place, he might remember some detail about what happened to him! It could help him... What do you prefer, guys?"
“I don’t think it wise to gallivant around these ruins with two urns, one of which might possibly holding the remains of Ambriel. I suggest we return to Ozemon so he can determine which urn he needs.”
T’bitha stifles a yawn, “As it is, it has been a long day, I’m chilled to the bone and a good rest would find me thankful. I hope we might find a suitable place that is safe for the evening.”
“Though I agree that carting the urns around makes things a bit tricky, when will we have the opportunity to explore this ancient city again?” Hadi says as he pulls out the map. “There is so much here we can learn. And as for a place to sleep… we should try to get a fire going to warm ourselves first. I can also set a perimeter alarm if the rest of your can make camp.”
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Hair hanging in front of his face, and water dripping from his clothes, Tristan chuckles "I was expecting considerably more hassle to get this urn, if I am honest. I did not expect to feel like a puppy left out in the rain for too long, however, so maybe this is the tradeoff?"
As T'bitha mentions sleep, Tristan looks worried "We have little choice, but lets get some distance from here before we settle down."
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
”I can manage longer, if necessary.” T’bitha says to Tristan. She turns to Hadi, ”I certainly appreciate the inquisitiveness of this area. I assure you, I am also curious. However, we also don’t want to lose focus on the goal. That is to bring Ozemon the urn. I just don’t feel comfortable traipsing along with the remains of Ambriel. Let me ask Eilistraee tonight though. Find a campsite and I’ll ask for some guidance. We can make our decision then whether to stay and explore or return the urn.”
T’bitha dons her leather armor and looks at the group. ”Of course, if others don’t feel the same way as I do, I have no intention on separating and trying to return to Ozemon on my own.”
"Expecting more hassle than" Khessa starts to count on the long fingers of her hand "risking to lose our way in a forest where you can not see beyond a step," (finger one) "finding a most likely blood-drinking plant," (finger two) "fighting for our lives against warding constructs," (finger three) "avoiding (sometimes not completely) spear traps," (finger four) "wrestling with a seemingly immortal being" (finger five) "and, finally, risking to drown like rats under torrents of frigid water while the exit gate had decided not to open anymore?" no more fingers, but she raises an eyebrow "What kind of 'hassle' were you expecting, Tristan? A wide open portal connected to hell?"
"Anyway," the tall warrior-mage speaks now to all "let's not forget that we have bee told of creature moving in the forest during the night... So, if we choose to go back to deliver the urn, better go on and pospone rest, try to reach the teleport. If, on the other hand, we decide to camp, we know that unfriendly constructs can be encountered here; therefore, even if it is a bit disturbing, we could instead camp in the sacred ground where the plant with the blood fruits was. If we don't get close to the plant, we shouldn't be in danger. And perhaps, due to the plant or the consecration, some creatures might avoid that place".
While the others talk, Hadi pulls the ancient map out and begins to look it over ((10)), asking the other elves if they could help ((if so: 18)), trying to determine if he can first find their location, and the crypt, on it, and if possible, then see if there is anything else nearby that looks like it might provide shelter.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
The biggest problem looking over this map, Hadi, is there are no landmarks to try and triangulate your position, because most everything has diminished to nothing more than piles of rock, and the forest is obscuring your view from noticing patterns in the rubble. Luckily, there are only 3 graveyards on the map. So your odds of determining where you are have significantly increased. You're either in the dead center of the city, in the northwestern sector of the city, or in the southern outskirts of the city itself.
You all know you're at least two hours away from the edge of the forest, assuming you don't get lost while leaving. You also know you're starting to get very tired and sore. You may not have two hours of travel energy in you without pushing yourself to your limits.
”I must insist that we find a place to make camp. I’m still wet and cold. After that ordeal, if we must push on, I shall; however, I fear we risk putting ourselves through exhaustion. Then, nobody will be good for anything, really.”
T’bitha stifles another yawn and paces a little back and forth to try and warm up and keep herself awake.
Tristan smiles again "Occupational hazard I suppose, though I am not sure what hell is. I have heard the word before, is it some sort of prison? I heard my father talking about it at one point or another."
Turning to T'bitha, Tristan shrugs "I suppose we will have to follow your wisdom on this one. At least in this grove we have longer sightlines than in the forest proper, though I don't like the feeling I get when standing still here. Almost as if we are tempting fate."
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
"I will follow you and hopefully see if I can get a better location on this map," Hadi says, ready to follow the others as they attempt to find a place to camp for the evening. While walking his goal will be to look for any other ruins or signs of anything that might be recognizable on the map to compare with the location of the three graveyards.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"If we choose to camp" advises Khessa "I'd go for the blood tree garden, as I told before. I think we'll have more chances ti be left undisturbed. Plus, only one entrance to the glade, so easier task for those on watch"
And, if nobody has any objection, she leads the party there, fetching some wood to start a fire and keep all warm. She lights it with her patented Fire bolt.
"I can do the first watch" she declares. "Who should I wake up for the second turn?"