Though it was no direct answer, having her question replied with not just action, but 'effective' action at that is more than enough for Liatris. She kept by the door of the masseuse's room despite Threnody motions as more a precaution than anything else. But once the woman went running out of the room, forcing the artificer to either sidestep or get trampled before stepping inside after the others.
"There it is then. Our-" She ever so slightly wrinkles her nose. "-way in. Which by the smells of it may have some connections to the sewers. Disgusting and unhygienic but makes sense as they do run through the vast majority of the city."Liatirs notes. "We should be fine for a time judging by that lady's reaction. If she were a direct member of the cult meant to watch this entrance, she would've been a touch more adamant about staying to watch the extermination, if nothing else. If anything, so effective was the ruse that she might take it upon herself to close things up early and get rid the other patrons. And if any of 'them' happen to be in the know and decide to follow us with ill intentions, we will simply dispatch them." She said calmly; her voice growing a touch fainter to keep it from carrying too far while following after most of the others down the passage.
There were other potential complications as well, and her reasoning was yet far from perfect. But what was done was done. Having all had an opportunity to steer the course of things, any further complaints and voiced concerns from anyone would be at best be a distraction, and at worse, demoralize and diminish the group's ability to act as necessary.
Bees takes point as he descends down the stairs. He walks past the torches as he attempts to be silent in the descent. (Stealth: 19)
The gruff halfing had heard Kaster's complaint, and he agreed that getting more information may have proved beneficial, but Bees wasn't one to waste time on talk... heck, he wasn't much good at it either. His thoughts return to the present as he ties a bandana around his face to ward off the foul stench wafting from below.
Bees takes the lead. He makes almost no noise as he descends the staircase. At the bottom, however, the darkness is pitch black and total. To proceed, he and anyone else without darkvision (everyone except Threnody I believe!) will need the aid of a torch or other light source. If Kaster and Threnody carry the two torches from above, that will shed enough light to see what is at the bottom of the staircase.
It's a a large chamber flooded with foul-smelling water that is about two feet deep (and difficult terrain). The chamber is completely dark and empty, but there are two narrow corridors to the south. The passages are noticeably narrow and would require everyone to walk in a single-file line. What is your general marching order?
A satisfied smile forms on Threnody's face as the masseuse flees in terror. Her red-striped tail whips irritably after another of Kaster's post hoc critiques, but she elects to sheathe her displeasure. The cleric was as timid as a mouse, and when her temper was roused, the daughter of the Nine Hells knew she possessed the capacity to frighten folk beyond her intention. It was his fear that led him to refrain from action, and the last thing she needed do was augment that paralysis. He'd proven useful at the Elfsong Tavern, and would become braver in time. A little patience, that was all that was needed.
"Smart idea." Threnody snaps her fingers approvingly as Samosh lays a rudimentary trap for anyone who decides to pursue them through the secret door. She skirts the lubricated stair and takes the proffered source of light, despite being in no need of it. The devil-kin makes a face at the noxious, gag-inducing aroma that wafts from the bottom of the stairs, but pursues Bees at a distance, allowing him to scout ahead without disturbing his efforts.
"I very much doubt the masseuse is a member of the cult." Threnody mutters to Liatris, trying to convince herself of it as much as anyone else. But after the unexpected ambush when the Guild had laid in wait, coupled by Kaster's fresh criticisms, Threnody was beginning to doubt herself a little. "If we're swift about this, perhaps we can deal with the cult before anyone is alerted."
As the way ahead becomes clearer, she pinches her nose and grimaces. "How charming. Smells like the other end of every over-spiced, rotten fish curry in the Gate has managed to pool its way into this particular spot. And we're going to have to wade through it, unless anyone has any bright ideas."
Threnody offers the torch to any of her fellow party members, and moves to stand behind Bees.
((Threnody can go second in the marching order, since she's heavily armoured and has darkvision. Assuming Bees wants to stay at the front to scout?))
Kaster aims to be near the back of the order but is happy not to be the very back. If someone above is alerted and comes running he certainly shouldn't be the first they encounter.
As light starts to become an issue Kaster draws forth his holy symbol and mutters a few phrases above it. In just a moment it is glowing brightly illuminating a 20 foot sphere around it and shedding dim light even further than that. But Kaster immediately wraps his hands around the symbol, muting and light and attempting to direct it's light solely to where it is needed as best he can.
"As much as I wish I had brought Ralph I'm thankful he is above," Kaster thinks aloud. "This stench would never of come out of his fur..."
Bees looks into the pool, hesitation creeping into his mind. The smell is terrible, made only slightly less so by his use of a bandana. He recognizes the pool isn't deep. Rougly two feet or so, at first glance. Two feet is pretty deep when you only rise to a height of three. The black bearded halfling looks behind to see the group following. He already knows they are... a ploy to avoid doing what must be done. "Wait here a moment before following." Bees says to his companions. He doesn't jump into the water, he quietly lowers himself down into it and begins to walk to the other side while scanning the water for threats.
"Agreed, but neither of us are infallible." Liatris whispered back, having somewhat come to terms with needing to reevaluate her own perspective as a result Kester's critiques and concerns over the past day. A need that felt discomforting in one way, and yet strangely invigorating in another. She soon pushed it to the back her mind once more as the group reached the bottom of the stairs.
"That is quite the description. But that aside, no. Unfortunately, most of my perfumes are at home, but I do have some spare cloth for everyone to wrap about the lower half of their face if they wish. Otherwise, I recommend stop breathing through your nose."She suggests quietly to the party before taking the torch when offered by Threnody. Other than that, she waits to see what came of Bees investigations. Though knowing thanks to the water finding a path frequently used would be easier said than done, unless something turned up from Bees once over, Liatris can only but suggest the taking the left path just to start with.
(So, looks like general marching order from back to front will be Samosh, Kester, Liatris, Threnody, Bees.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Bees doesn't notice anything lurking in the water. Unfortunately, the stinking water comes up to the middle of his chest. Nothing stirs in the water as Bees carefully wades out further into the dark room. Bees takes the lead, followed by Threnody, Liatris, Kaster and Samosh bringing up the rear. Kaster also has to wade through the disgusting water that rises all too high on a halfling. There is no way for Bees to tell which passageway is the more frequented. Liatris suggests taking the passageway on the left. (Do you mean the left from a player's perspective or the characters' perspective?)
Threnody suppresses another gag at the fetid stench and then wraps the cloth Liatris offers around the lower half of her face like a bandit masking up for a heist. It isn't quite as effective as she hoped, but she gives Liatris a grateful nod anyway.
"Ugh, what I wouldn't give to trade these horns and tail for a pair of wings right now." The paladin mutters aloud, her voice somewhat muffled beneath the veil.
Casting a glance at the more diminutive members of the group suffering through the streams of effluent, she pats her shoulders. "One of you can ride me like Ralph, if you like." The tiefling woman says in a tone that implies only practicality, with no prejudice or disparagement for their size. "Just don't expect me to bark for my dinner."
"Thanks but probably best we all stay prepared and ready," Kaster says regarding the offer to ride Threnody, holding up his newly readied crossbow to show his point. "Plus I don't think his saddle would fit you..." Kaster meant the last as a joke but given his nervousness it may not have come off quite right.
Kaster isn't afraid of getting wet. Even the smell is bearable. He's tended to people with festering wounds, there isn't much worse stank than that. His fear is of things jumping out and attacking and so he is turning this way and that the whole time, fearful every time the shadows move yet also causing the shadows to move by constantly shifting the light he holds in his hand...
Bees leads the way, followed by Threnody, Liatris, Kaster and Samosh bringing up the rear. The passage on the left is narrow and turns twice as it heads southward. Gradually the two-feet deep water becomes shallower until disappearing entirely, revealing a grimy stone floor. There are no torches on the wall, and the only light comes from the torches the party carries. The passage ends in a soft, rotten-looking wooden door.
Kaster doesn't carry a torch, but rather he has cast Light upon the holy symbol he wears around his neck. He's currently holding it aloft a bit with his hand covering a large portion of it to try to limit the light to only where it is needed. He considers calling up to Bees, softly, to ask if he would like to carry it instead, he could wear it and still have light and both hands free... But he thinks perhaps Bees may want to dodge to the shadows if things go badly so he doesn't bother making the offer.
"We could always just go back out and pick out the cult members by who leaves with soggy feet and smelling even worse," he grumbles to himself.
Liatris cannot help but look back at Kaster with a raised brow at the mention of a saddle. But though she found herself faintly nodding in agreement soon after, something about the turn of phrase left the artificer furrowing her brows in deeper thought, and more following along on auto-pilot over conscious thought for a time. For anyone that accepted her earlier gift of cloth to use as filters, which were closer to large rags than anything, they were mercifully clean but still faintly smelled of soap and some underlying chemical smell impossible to place.
Later torn from her thoughts overhearing Kaster's grumbling, Liatris shook her head. "Impractical. The bathhouse serves a dual front I suspect, and one they would most certainly capitalize on."She whispered back to Kaster. Looking ahead once more, an idle thought has her considering suggesting a short retreat as well, least her torch gave something away. But knowing that to be impractical, she but stood by with her shield up more at the ready in anticipation of immediate resistance past the door once Bees or Thernody opened it.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"As you wish." Threnody whispers as quietly as possible, before raising a finger to her lips, though her face is half-shrouded by the odd-scented makeshift veil Liatris generously offered her. "No saddles, but time to put bits between our teeth, I think."
She gestures towards Bees to approach the rotten door, and then inches forward. Threnody tilts her head to one side, angling her ear towards the decaying seam. She sharpens her senses, straining to listen for movement in whatever lies beyond, looking for a halo of light limning the frame, or for the faintest flicker of shadows. Threnody sniffs delicately, testing the air for peculiar scents that seem out of keeping with the delightful subterranean perfumes the party have been graced with so far - anything at all that indicates traps or enemies in the path ahead.
Threnody waits for Bees to confirm that the way ahead seems all-clear, and will then follow closely behind, one hand resting on her spear.
Bees steps up to the door, glad to be out of the muck. He'd taken a moment to use his dagger and scrape off as much shmutz from his clothing and armor as possible while the rest of the group caught up to him. He then proceeded to follow the passage as it turned and then turned again. Staying just within the light from the group, bees moves forward. His ears more than his eyes alert to any danger.
As Bees approaches the rotting door he immediately begins to think this isn't the correct path. This door is far to rotten to be used regularly, but the gruff halfling keeps the thought to himself. The thought of going back into that rancid water entices Bees onward.
Bees begins investigating the door for traps. (Investigation: 21 Perception: 8) If any are found, he attempts to disarm it while warning everyone else to stand back. (SoH: 18)
Once sure the door is safe to open, he tries to open it. If found locked, he attempts to unlock it. (SoH: 23)
Thanks Kaster! Add a 2 to my perception roll please.
Any time Kaster sees Bees or anybody else taking time to carefully do something skillful he does his best to unobtrusively approach them, lay a hand upon their shoulder, and offer a word of encouragement and guidance.
(I cannot actually chime in with "I cast Guidance!" while someone is actually examining a door for traps or looking for a specific book in a library or other skill check things... So I give everyone permission to "puppet" Kaster enough to have him step up and offer them Guidance in such situations where it is practical and reasonable, so long as it doesn't take him away from something he is actively doing or lead him into danger... Obviously DM will be the final say on if this is acceptable or not but it's the only feasible way to make Guidance usable if you really want it enacted before the dice rolls...?)
Bees checks the door for traps but finds none. It's unlocked and opens relatively easily, although it looks as if it will fall off its hinges at any moment. The halfling passes through the door, followed closely by Threnody. They find themselves in a chamber that serves as a crossroads. Aside from the door they just came through, there are two other doors, both of them currently closed. There is also another passageway that leads to the west. Carved into each of the three doors is a full-figure depiction of a man. The eastern door depicts a tall, armored man wearing a bucket helm. His right gauntlet is painted black and clutches a set of shackles. The northern door, which the party just came through, depicts a powerfully built, skull-headed man with long, curved blades where his hands should be. Finally, the southern door depicts a cloaked figure whose face is hidden under a cowl. In his skeletal hands, he clutches a screaming human skull. All remains quiet.
DC 10 Religion check:
These images depict the Dead Three. The man with the bucket helm is Bane, the god of tyranny. The skull-headed man is Bhaal, the god of murder. The cloaked figure is Myrkul, the god of death.
"That's Bane," Kaster says in a hushed, respectful(?) tone. "God of tyranny... And over there, that is Bhaal, god of murder. And... yes, the last one is Myrkul. God of death. Cheery place, this. But we have found the Dead Three."
"Yay, us," he says a moment later, quieter and definitely lacking of enthusiasm.
"I believe you are correct."Liatris responded in equally hushed tone, though more so out of continue wariness. "Which means we are on the right track. Before we enter any other doors though, I would suggest be thorough and try the open passageway first, confirming whether or not it loops back, and also making sure we don't miss any agents of the Dead Three."She further suggests. "If any of you however have a suggested means of setting an alarm on the other doors... no, nevermind. That would only be a double edged blade. Down the open passageway, then?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
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Though it was no direct answer, having her question replied with not just action, but 'effective' action at that is more than enough for Liatris. She kept by the door of the masseuse's room despite Threnody motions as more a precaution than anything else. But once the woman went running out of the room, forcing the artificer to either sidestep or get trampled before stepping inside after the others.
"There it is then. Our-" She ever so slightly wrinkles her nose. "-way in. Which by the smells of it may have some connections to the sewers. Disgusting and unhygienic but makes sense as they do run through the vast majority of the city." Liatirs notes. "We should be fine for a time judging by that lady's reaction. If she were a direct member of the cult meant to watch this entrance, she would've been a touch more adamant about staying to watch the extermination, if nothing else. If anything, so effective was the ruse that she might take it upon herself to close things up early and get rid the other patrons. And if any of 'them' happen to be in the know and decide to follow us with ill intentions, we will simply dispatch them." She said calmly; her voice growing a touch fainter to keep it from carrying too far while following after most of the others down the passage.
There were other potential complications as well, and her reasoning was yet far from perfect. But what was done was done. Having all had an opportunity to steer the course of things, any further complaints and voiced concerns from anyone would be at best be a distraction, and at worse, demoralize and diminish the group's ability to act as necessary.
And Liatris would encourage none of that...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Bees takes point as he descends down the stairs. He walks past the torches as he attempts to be silent in the descent. (Stealth: 19)
The gruff halfing had heard Kaster's complaint, and he agreed that getting more information may have proved beneficial, but Bees wasn't one to waste time on talk... heck, he wasn't much good at it either. His thoughts return to the present as he ties a bandana around his face to ward off the foul stench wafting from below.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Bees takes the lead. He makes almost no noise as he descends the staircase. At the bottom, however, the darkness is pitch black and total. To proceed, he and anyone else without darkvision (everyone except Threnody I believe!) will need the aid of a torch or other light source. If Kaster and Threnody carry the two torches from above, that will shed enough light to see what is at the bottom of the staircase.
It's a a large chamber flooded with foul-smelling water that is about two feet deep (and difficult terrain). The chamber is completely dark and empty, but there are two narrow corridors to the south. The passages are noticeably narrow and would require everyone to walk in a single-file line. What is your general marching order?
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
A satisfied smile forms on Threnody's face as the masseuse flees in terror. Her red-striped tail whips irritably after another of Kaster's post hoc critiques, but she elects to sheathe her displeasure. The cleric was as timid as a mouse, and when her temper was roused, the daughter of the Nine Hells knew she possessed the capacity to frighten folk beyond her intention. It was his fear that led him to refrain from action, and the last thing she needed do was augment that paralysis. He'd proven useful at the Elfsong Tavern, and would become braver in time. A little patience, that was all that was needed.
"Smart idea." Threnody snaps her fingers approvingly as Samosh lays a rudimentary trap for anyone who decides to pursue them through the secret door. She skirts the lubricated stair and takes the proffered source of light, despite being in no need of it. The devil-kin makes a face at the noxious, gag-inducing aroma that wafts from the bottom of the stairs, but pursues Bees at a distance, allowing him to scout ahead without disturbing his efforts.
"I very much doubt the masseuse is a member of the cult." Threnody mutters to Liatris, trying to convince herself of it as much as anyone else. But after the unexpected ambush when the Guild had laid in wait, coupled by Kaster's fresh criticisms, Threnody was beginning to doubt herself a little. "If we're swift about this, perhaps we can deal with the cult before anyone is alerted."
As the way ahead becomes clearer, she pinches her nose and grimaces. "How charming. Smells like the other end of every over-spiced, rotten fish curry in the Gate has managed to pool its way into this particular spot. And we're going to have to wade through it, unless anyone has any bright ideas."
Threnody offers the torch to any of her fellow party members, and moves to stand behind Bees.
((Threnody can go second in the marching order, since she's heavily armoured and has darkvision. Assuming Bees wants to stay at the front to scout?))
Samosh nods and waits for the others to pass, he'll take the rear spot.
"Could be worse. At least there's nothing swimming in the water."
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Kaster aims to be near the back of the order but is happy not to be the very back. If someone above is alerted and comes running he certainly shouldn't be the first they encounter.
As light starts to become an issue Kaster draws forth his holy symbol and mutters a few phrases above it. In just a moment it is glowing brightly illuminating a 20 foot sphere around it and shedding dim light even further than that. But Kaster immediately wraps his hands around the symbol, muting and light and attempting to direct it's light solely to where it is needed as best he can.
"As much as I wish I had brought Ralph I'm thankful he is above," Kaster thinks aloud. "This stench would never of come out of his fur..."
Bees looks into the pool, hesitation creeping into his mind. The smell is terrible, made only slightly less so by his use of a bandana. He recognizes the pool isn't deep. Rougly two feet or so, at first glance. Two feet is pretty deep when you only rise to a height of three. The black bearded halfling looks behind to see the group following. He already knows they are... a ploy to avoid doing what must be done. "Wait here a moment before following." Bees says to his companions. He doesn't jump into the water, he quietly lowers himself down into it and begins to walk to the other side while scanning the water for threats.
Perception: 19
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Agreed, but neither of us are infallible." Liatris whispered back, having somewhat come to terms with needing to reevaluate her own perspective as a result Kester's critiques and concerns over the past day. A need that felt discomforting in one way, and yet strangely invigorating in another. She soon pushed it to the back her mind once more as the group reached the bottom of the stairs.
"That is quite the description. But that aside, no. Unfortunately, most of my perfumes are at home, but I do have some spare cloth for everyone to wrap about the lower half of their face if they wish. Otherwise, I recommend stop breathing through your nose." She suggests quietly to the party before taking the torch when offered by Threnody. Other than that, she waits to see what came of Bees investigations. Though knowing thanks to the water finding a path frequently used would be easier said than done, unless something turned up from Bees once over, Liatris can only but suggest the taking the left path just to start with.
(So, looks like general marching order from back to front will be Samosh, Kester, Liatris, Threnody, Bees.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Bees doesn't notice anything lurking in the water. Unfortunately, the stinking water comes up to the middle of his chest. Nothing stirs in the water as Bees carefully wades out further into the dark room. Bees takes the lead, followed by Threnody, Liatris, Kaster and Samosh bringing up the rear. Kaster also has to wade through the disgusting water that rises all too high on a halfling. There is no way for Bees to tell which passageway is the more frequented. Liatris suggests taking the passageway on the left. (Do you mean the left from a player's perspective or the characters' perspective?)
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
Threnody suppresses another gag at the fetid stench and then wraps the cloth Liatris offers around the lower half of her face like a bandit masking up for a heist. It isn't quite as effective as she hoped, but she gives Liatris a grateful nod anyway.
"Ugh, what I wouldn't give to trade these horns and tail for a pair of wings right now." The paladin mutters aloud, her voice somewhat muffled beneath the veil.
Casting a glance at the more diminutive members of the group suffering through the streams of effluent, she pats her shoulders. "One of you can ride me like Ralph, if you like." The tiefling woman says in a tone that implies only practicality, with no prejudice or disparagement for their size. "Just don't expect me to bark for my dinner."
"Thanks but probably best we all stay prepared and ready," Kaster says regarding the offer to ride Threnody, holding up his newly readied crossbow to show his point. "Plus I don't think his saddle would fit you..." Kaster meant the last as a joke but given his nervousness it may not have come off quite right.
Kaster isn't afraid of getting wet. Even the smell is bearable. He's tended to people with festering wounds, there isn't much worse stank than that. His fear is of things jumping out and attacking and so he is turning this way and that the whole time, fearful every time the shadows move yet also causing the shadows to move by constantly shifting the light he holds in his hand...
Bees leads the way, followed by Threnody, Liatris, Kaster and Samosh bringing up the rear. The passage on the left is narrow and turns twice as it heads southward. Gradually the two-feet deep water becomes shallower until disappearing entirely, revealing a grimy stone floor. There are no torches on the wall, and the only light comes from the torches the party carries. The passage ends in a soft, rotten-looking wooden door.
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
Kaster doesn't carry a torch, but rather he has cast Light upon the holy symbol he wears around his neck. He's currently holding it aloft a bit with his hand covering a large portion of it to try to limit the light to only where it is needed. He considers calling up to Bees, softly, to ask if he would like to carry it instead, he could wear it and still have light and both hands free... But he thinks perhaps Bees may want to dodge to the shadows if things go badly so he doesn't bother making the offer.
"We could always just go back out and pick out the cult members by who leaves with soggy feet and smelling even worse," he grumbles to himself.
Liatris cannot help but look back at Kaster with a raised brow at the mention of a saddle. But though she found herself faintly nodding in agreement soon after, something about the turn of phrase left the artificer furrowing her brows in deeper thought, and more following along on auto-pilot over conscious thought for a time. For anyone that accepted her earlier gift of cloth to use as filters, which were closer to large rags than anything, they were mercifully clean but still faintly smelled of soap and some underlying chemical smell impossible to place.
Later torn from her thoughts overhearing Kaster's grumbling, Liatris shook her head. "Impractical. The bathhouse serves a dual front I suspect, and one they would most certainly capitalize on." She whispered back to Kaster. Looking ahead once more, an idle thought has her considering suggesting a short retreat as well, least her torch gave something away. But knowing that to be impractical, she but stood by with her shield up more at the ready in anticipation of immediate resistance past the door once Bees or Thernody opened it.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"As you wish." Threnody whispers as quietly as possible, before raising a finger to her lips, though her face is half-shrouded by the odd-scented makeshift veil Liatris generously offered her. "No saddles, but time to put bits between our teeth, I think."
She gestures towards Bees to approach the rotten door, and then inches forward. Threnody tilts her head to one side, angling her ear towards the decaying seam. She sharpens her senses, straining to listen for movement in whatever lies beyond, looking for a halo of light limning the frame, or for the faintest flicker of shadows. Threnody sniffs delicately, testing the air for peculiar scents that seem out of keeping with the delightful subterranean perfumes the party have been graced with so far - anything at all that indicates traps or enemies in the path ahead.
Threnody waits for Bees to confirm that the way ahead seems all-clear, and will then follow closely behind, one hand resting on her spear.
Perception: 21
Bees steps up to the door, glad to be out of the muck. He'd taken a moment to use his dagger and scrape off as much shmutz from his clothing and armor as possible while the rest of the group caught up to him. He then proceeded to follow the passage as it turned and then turned again. Staying just within the light from the group, bees moves forward. His ears more than his eyes alert to any danger.
As Bees approaches the rotting door he immediately begins to think this isn't the correct path. This door is far to rotten to be used regularly, but the gruff halfling keeps the thought to himself. The thought of going back into that rancid water entices Bees onward.
Bees begins investigating the door for traps. (Investigation: 21 Perception: 8) If any are found, he attempts to disarm it while warning everyone else to stand back. (SoH: 18)
Once sure the door is safe to open, he tries to open it. If found locked, he attempts to unlock it. (SoH: 23)
Thanks Kaster! Add a 2 to my perception roll please.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Any time Kaster sees Bees or anybody else taking time to carefully do something skillful he does his best to unobtrusively approach them, lay a hand upon their shoulder, and offer a word of encouragement and guidance.
(I cannot actually chime in with "I cast Guidance!" while someone is actually examining a door for traps or looking for a specific book in a library or other skill check things... So I give everyone permission to "puppet" Kaster enough to have him step up and offer them Guidance in such situations where it is practical and reasonable, so long as it doesn't take him away from something he is actively doing or lead him into danger... Obviously DM will be the final say on if this is acceptable or not but it's the only feasible way to make Guidance usable if you really want it enacted before the dice rolls...?)
Bees checks the door for traps but finds none. It's unlocked and opens relatively easily, although it looks as if it will fall off its hinges at any moment. The halfling passes through the door, followed closely by Threnody. They find themselves in a chamber that serves as a crossroads. Aside from the door they just came through, there are two other doors, both of them currently closed. There is also another passageway that leads to the west. Carved into each of the three doors is a full-figure depiction of a man. The eastern door depicts a tall, armored man wearing a bucket helm. His right gauntlet is painted black and clutches a set of shackles. The northern door, which the party just came through, depicts a powerfully built, skull-headed man with long, curved blades where his hands should be. Finally, the southern door depicts a cloaked figure whose face is hidden under a cowl. In his skeletal hands, he clutches a screaming human skull. All remains quiet.
DC 10 Religion check:
These images depict the Dead Three. The man with the bucket helm is Bane, the god of tyranny. The skull-headed man is Bhaal, the god of murder. The cloaked figure is Myrkul, the god of death.
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
(Religion: 20)
"That's Bane," Kaster says in a hushed, respectful(?) tone. "God of tyranny... And over there, that is Bhaal, god of murder. And... yes, the last one is Myrkul. God of death. Cheery place, this. But we have found the Dead Three."
"Yay, us," he says a moment later, quieter and definitely lacking of enthusiasm.
(Religion: 15)
"I believe you are correct." Liatris responded in equally hushed tone, though more so out of continue wariness. "Which means we are on the right track. Before we enter any other doors though, I would suggest be thorough and try the open passageway first, confirming whether or not it loops back, and also making sure we don't miss any agents of the Dead Three." She further suggests. "If any of you however have a suggested means of setting an alarm on the other doors... no, nevermind. That would only be a double edged blade. Down the open passageway, then?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.