Princes Of The Apocalypse (#10 PbP)

Trini practically holds her breath until they're out of the cells ready for something to go wrong any minute. She was almost sure they hadn't gotten away with it upstairs, but it turned out to be just some ass guard. She'll comfort Daewen as best she can while waiting for the Mercy to unlock the door, humming an old lullaby her parents used to sing her.  Once they're out she'll follow with the others keeping an eyes out.

Stealth: 19
Perception: 27

Several rough-hewn mine tunnels converge near this spot, shored up by old timbers. Patches of weird fungus or lichen cling to the walls in places. A soft breeze moans through the passageways. Strangely, the tunnels are quiet.

For some reason, Carrhae's focus is drawn towards the interior decorations and her comrades can hear her mutter "These cultists might be some vile sadists, but they sure know how to create a sense of  ambiance."

BatDae will take a short break in the gloom of the cave, and cast Primeval Awareness (CrispyDM, see the spoiler for details -- what does she sense, if anything?).

 After that short break, she'll walk back to the rest of the group who are behind her, and show them the map she's sketched out:

She then points to the two optional paths forward:  NE or NW.  Shrugging when pointing to either, noting that she can't say which one is better.

You are detecting an incredibly powerful undead life form up above you. Most likely the Lich Zephyr wants to ****. Oh, I mean the Lich Mercy stumbled upon the other day.

Once Daewen comes back and gets Carrhae focused back on the mission, she points towards the north-west portion of the map and waits for the rest of the party to make their decision.

Mercy glanced at the map and nodded. "Take your time. The faster you move, the louder your movements are." She gives this advice, hoping to Help anyone who's not used to sneaking.

Taking heed of Mercy's advice, Strife conceded she was probably rushing along faster than necessary. She wanted out of there, even while the reckless part of her wanted to draw the attention of something. Something deserving punishment.

Reminding herself of the stakes, and not wishing to jeopardize her friends, Strife renewed her efforts to move as a ghost.

Stealth (+4): 16

The passage leads to a gate made of iron bars that blocks the way north, secured with a chain and padlock. Just beyond the gate, worn stone steps descend and turn left. This is no mine tunnel — the stonework is near-perfect despite its evident age. To the right, a short passage leads to a big door of iron plate, dented in from the other side.

"Another crossroads. What does everyone think? Should we have Mercy unlock this door and go on or should we go through this door on the right?"

"Bruldenthar said the two delegates were taken further below." Mercy whispered, inspecting the dent in the door.

Investigation: 4

Perception: 20

Arcana: 4

You can hear something very large moving restlessly on the other side of the door.

"Down. Definitely down." Her eyes wide, Mercy stepped back from the door and pointed her weapons at it. Just in case. "Dae can pick that lock. She's been practicing."

"I believe you've got this Dae." She'll place a hand on Daewen's shoulder granting her some inspiration for the lock should she need it. "Down we go!"

OOC: Sorry, watching a movie featuring my bae, Jennifer Garner (Peppermint).  Dayum!

Daewen silently pulls out her thief tools set and works to pick the padlock locking the iron gate to the north:

Inspired lock picking extraordinaire: 25

Nicely done!

The passage leads to a subterranean chasm spanned by a zigzagging, ten-foot-wide stone bridge without railings. The bridge links tunnels leading north and south. The chasm floor is fifty feet below the bridge and consists of a jumbled mass of boulders. To the west, the chasm narrows and continues for some distance. Since Dae is leading the way, and has a very high passive perception, there are three gargoyles lurking around the ledges of the chasm, watching for intruders.

Upon espying the gargoyles, Daewen will immediately stop in her tracks, and turn around to meet up with the rest of the group.  Putting her hands in the air forming a huge X ("STOP!"), she'll draw a quick diagram of the upcoming cavern in the dust on the floor, noting the three positioned gargoyles hiding up above, ready to attack us:

Learning from Daewen that Gargoyles lay in ambush just ahead, Strife tried to recall any lore she had read over the years concerning potent Earth elementalists, figures of great power by reputation. The seeds of a nascent idea were beginning to bloom in Strife's mind, and she conferred with Mercy and Trini about a possible ruse.

Arcana (+4): 24
History (+4): 8

Likewise Daewen will try to recall what she knows about gargoyles and any weaknesses they may have: Arcana 15