Re: Chapter One

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Forgeless Kilik' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 11

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#2 'D20' : 16

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl looks up in surprise as the boulder topples over, nearly crushing his companions. He still can't see Osvald, and in all of the chaos he can think of nothing to do other than kill this damnable vine. He makes his way around the perimeter of the pool, careful not to get into range of the writhing tentacles - releasing arcane projectiles in rapid succession with an ear-piercing chime. "Go! Get inside!"

He stops once he gets as close to the mouth of the cavern without getting in range of the vines.

-------

Magic missile again (just so consistent): 12 dmg to the vine (4+1+3+1+2+1)

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Shorjahl' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D4' : 4, 3, 2

[Osvald Hale]

Osvald surfaces, coughing out a mouthful of tepid water, the vines thrash around him but he somehow manages to avoid their blind grasps.

Through the splashing, writhing mass, he manages to spot Cuss dragging himself ashore. 'The little bastard made it, good.'

A booming crack echoes above him, and Osvald turns to look--suddenly blinded by the rushing onslaught of water from the tunnel entrance as the boulder cracks free. Sputtering for air, he dives sideways; in the wrong direction.

The heavy stone careens off the rock wall as it falls, Spinning downward towards the woodsman. The surface off the pool bears the brunt of the impact, slowing the boulder just enough that it doesn't kill him outright; it merely hurts like hell.

Coughing, cursing, and again soaked to the bone, Osvald drags himself ashore and rocks on his knees for a moment, coughing up foul water and touching the back of his head. When he takes his hand away he mutters a curse at the blood he finds on his fingers. 'Oh, if only I stayed in the tavern...'

Rising with weary haste, he moves to the entrance of the tunnel, dripping wet.

====

Dex Check: 5+3=8 (ouch) HP-6

Osvald is hit by the boulder, will swim ashore and go into the tunnel.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Osvald Hale' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 5, 6

[Ao]

The vines go limp as the boulder crashes into the water, pulverizing the flailing vegetation.

[-6 damage to Vine Blight as Osvald is hit. Vine Blight is killed]

From down the canyon, through the dead tree grove, faint shadows can be seen on the top of the ridge.

The wargs.

Quickly, the fellowship moves up into the cave mouth, fighting the strong waterfall current that spills out into the pool.

Orbaugh claws his way up Kellar’s armour, nestling in on his shoulder as the dragoon is the last one up.

You can hear the wargs clambering over the dead trees as you wade into the cave mouth, walking upstream into the darkness…

[…]

Not thirty feet from the entrance to the cavern, the light of outside is completely extinguished.

The waterway current is quite strong, and Custer is having a hard time maintaining his footing in water that rises to his chest.

The cave echoes loudly as water drips from its walls, scratches and scraping murmuring from off in the distance…

Kilik’s neck begins to tingle as his hairs stand on end. This is a place of great unrest among the dead.

=============

Ok guys you’re 30 feet deep in the cave. Those of you that cannot see in the dark… well, you cannot see. So, unless you have a light source you’ll need to let me know how you plan on navigating up the stream.

As another note, the boulder that was displaced into the pool leaves a pretty obvious tunnel entrance above the pool. Which, frankly, would be apparent to anyone who had seen the pool previously.

Osvald and Anna know that wargs aren’t too smart. But if there were any orcs with them, that knew the area, they’d likely notice the boulder missing.

The river leads only one direction. I’d like to know marching order, light source, how you’re approaching, and what you’re looking for.

Please try not to just make generic perception checks, without explaining what you’re looking for. That’s what passive perception is for

Also, don’t make stealth checks unless you’re actually interested in slowing down and stealthing. Just understand that stealth movement is at roughly half the speed of normal movement.

Cheers guys
-Ao

EXP: +20 to Kilik, Kellar, Shorjahl, Custer and Osvald
EXP: +50 to all for defeating the vine blight

[Custer Thickett]

It takes every ounce of will in Custer's little body to keep from crying out, "Me fookin pack!  It's soaked!"  He had worked very hard to keep the thing dry up to this point, but in this chaos, he found the bottom 2/3rds of it underwater on his back.  He hoped that the tight roll of the bag to keep the smell in and moisture out, as well as his packing it high in his bag, might offer some protection to his tea.  It was far from waterproof, however, and the tea, while not completely ruined, would be degraded significantly enough to impact its resale value if it were to get wet.  Mold, however, "Blast!"  Custer loudly whispers.

Cuss struggles a moment to get his rapier put away under the water.  He unfurls his soaked hempen rope and taps Anna in front of him.  "Here, some of us can't see, and it might save me life if this gets much worse."

When she takes the rope,  Custer will toss the slack to Shorjahl and Kellar behind him.  "Take the rope.  Maybe make it glow?"  Custer loops his left hand in the rope once the slack is taught.

In a tone of frustration, Custer utters a short Halfling saying that some none speakers from the area may recognize, "Is é Dúthracht an máthair seans maith." "Diligence is the mother of good luck."

Custer uses his free hand to kiss his Symbol of Waukeen, then tuck his charms necklace under his armor.

[action:  Custer is going to use the rope to help keep his footing as well as keep from getting lost without light.  He hopes to see it glow.  Custer will follow behind Anna or Kilik, but will want to stay in front of Shorjahl and Kellar.]

[AnnaMaul]

Once everyone is tied together, Anna begins leading the way, axe in hand. She looks behind her and addresses Kellar.

Any chance your little friend has an idea what we should be looking out for?

-----
Anna will take front. Also, my AC has bumped up to 17 since removing my armor. I changed it on my character sheet but didn't see it change in the sidebar and wanted to make sure it was noted.

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl quietly urges everyone ahead of him to hurry, gently pushing Cuss on the back and helping to lift him slightly out of the flow of the river. His bracer lights up, scanning the cavern with a cone of the cold white light the fellowship has become accustomed to. When the hin pass the rope back to him, he alights it instead, allowing it to glow and keep the party together.

The arcanist continues to scan the cavern, looking for a way out of the waterflow and a place that they can hide if pursued by the wargs. Shorjahl looks to Anna and Kellar, waiting for his response.

---------------

Perception Roll: 6 = 5 + 1 (dang)

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Shorjahl' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 5

[Forgeless Kilik]

Kilik blinked as the color faded from his vision as his eyes adjusted to the darkness. There was a wrongness to this place.

Careful, now. Do yer feel that? There be somethin' here that's forgotten how to stay dead. Might be we'll have to remind it. His mouth set in a hard line that twitched in the corner as he muttered an old dwarven joke into his wet beard: Where's the one good place to find an orc? In a tomb.

Kilik joined Anna at the front of the procession, offering a prayer to his god as he attempted to better understand the negative energy of the place: We be walkin' in darkness, Wayfinder, help our feet stay true and keep our bones from bein' gnawed on by things that should best be in their graves.

He looked up at the others in the light of the glowing rope as he finished his prayer. What? Marthammor Duin ain't one for fancy speeches.

----------------------------------------
Actions:

Religion check + Guidance to see if there's anything about the necromanic aura or general burial rites that would be good to know: 13

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Forgeless Kilik' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 4

--------------------------------

#2 'D4' : 4

[Kellar]

Kellar was the last to enter the tunnel after everyone else. The rope Cus passed out came to him and as he had started to tie to his waist it illuminated with light.

Over the dull roar of the water rushing past, he could hear Kilik muttering on about something or other.

With Orbaugh on his shoulder, shuffling about, trying to keep his balance, Kellar glanced at him while walking, Orbaugh, how far did you travel down this tunnel? Do you happen to know where we should go?

Anna, I'm asking him right now as we're going, responded Kellar.

Other than being wet, is everyone alright, questioned Kellar.

Actions:
*Kellar has tied the rope to himself and he keeps checking behind him to see if anything (Wargs/Orcs/Vines) is following them Active Perception Roll= 13+3= 16.
*Kellar will alert the others if something is following, if he sees nothing he continues to follow them while conversing with Orbaugh.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 13

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl nods assuredly to Kellar, but in the gloomy light from the illuminated rope, Kellar can see he is very obviously drained. His cheeks are hollow, eyes bagged and bloodshot, jaw clenched in strain. It doesn't seem as if he's physically tired, but as if a great deal of his energy has been sapped away from him.

[Ao]

The faint glow of the illuminated rope ripples across the fast moving current as the fellowship wades through it, water splashing against their chests. The cave is dank and cold, a wind-tunnel chilling them to the bone.

((Just a little further, human!)) Orbaughs voice echoes in Kellar's head, the tiny pseudodragon nestling deeply into his shoulder to avoid the violent spray.

Shorjahl and Kellar keep their eyes turned behind them, but the wargs do not pursue...

[...]

It is no more than ten minutes before the fellowship emerges from the narrow tunnel into a massive cave, where the water is slower, pooling swiftly into the opening. Their dim light guides them to a rocky shore in the middle of the cave, huge stalagmites jutting out of the ground providing handholds to climb out of the chest-high water.

[...]

The dark bulk of a towering mound rises up before you as the fellowship shuffles forward. The light illuminates a forest of lichen and moss growing over the barrow, which must be 70 feet tall, and at least 300 feet in diameter. It is made of smooth stone, covered in the filth of ages, and barely visible in the pitch blackness.

In the distance, elsewhere in the mountain, you can hear the wind blowing through tunnel after tunnel, extending down into the earth and underdark. It sounds at once like whispers, and moans.

--------[kilik, religion]: Kilik has seen barrows of this kind before, but never on this scale or size. They are dedicated to powerful orc chieftains, and the spirit of those violent warmongers often attract ghastly energies of the darker gods. He'd never gone near one willingly.

As you approach the enormous mound, dozens of standing stones bearing orcish runes stand guard on the path to a massive stone door lain into the side of the mound. Covered in moss, you can see it is ancient.

And not meant to be opened.

==============

Ok guys youre standing before the great stone door of the barrow, which is a massive mound on this island in the middle of an enormous cave, surrounded by chest-deep water.

There are standing stones, markers, and stalagmites littering the place.

I will require more STR checks to open the door, unless you have a better idea for levering it open somehow. It is solid stone, and will take quite some time to push or leverage open without aid, at a glance. Time you do not have in abundance. Time that leaves you exposed to...whatever else is in here

Exp: +20 to kilik, shor, kell, cuss and anna

[Custer Thickett]

Anna has to pull Custer out of the water using the glowing rope.  Cuss rolls over on the floor of the cave and coughs up a large volume of water.  He looks to be in some pain.  The last ten minutes of the tube was really tough on him, especially being weighed down by his heavy pack.  Often, his head fell beneath the water.  The hand on his back had saved him from drowning in the current more than once.

Once Custer gathered himself, he sloughed off his pack, rolled onto his knees, and slowly rose to take a look around.  Custer looked to the group, "Thank y'all for saving me. *Cough*"  

Custer whistles loudly as he sees the mound and slab stone door blocking the entrance.  "That one would take an army to move.  Mayhaps there is another way in.  Anybody feel like climbing it to see?"

Custer flap open his pack, and curses as water pours out.  He take out a small soaked sack rolled tight, and throws it hard against the ground.  He then digs deeper, and the party hears the clang of iron tools as Custer removes several and lays them out aside the pack.  

"Two crowbars, nine pitons, and a hammer," he announces.  Custer futilely tries to light a torch, then throws it aside in frustration.  He wields a crowbar, his chalk, and loops the glowing rope around his arm for light.  He approaches the slab, and scratches his bare chin as he studies it.  He will use the bar to poke at a crevasse here and there as he looks for both mechanical triggers for traps, and points of leverage.  He will mark what he finds with his chalk.

[Rolling perception to study for traps. +1]
12

[Rolling Thieve's Tools proficiency to either disarm traps or identify points for leverage on the stone with the crowbars and places to hammer in pitons on the top of the stone to try to tip it over on it's side. +2]
19

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 11

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 17

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl looks up at the massive cairn - his brow pulling together and his haggard cheeks drawing down. He scratches at his beard for a moment, only occasionally glancing at Custer as he makes his way around the mound. He floats a small loose stone from nearby telekinetically, pulling it gently toward his outstretched hand as he continues to look up at the rock. He taps the stone as it hangs in midair, causing the rope's light to suddenly die into blackness, but the fist-sized stone to glow with a brilliant white light.

The arcanist floats the stone around the room, using it as one would a torch or lantern, yet accessible in places his hands could never reach. It floats gradually around the entire mound, illuminating the path for Cuss and the others, as Shorjahl quietly and intently stares at the runes and markings there. His mouth moves occasionally - as if he is mouthing out the sound or cadence of the sigils and runes.

Shorjahl's arcane control delicately pokes and prods at the stone and the surrounding figures for any signs of a magical trigger or key - some way to access the tomb without resorting to brute strength.

---------------------

Actions: lots of cantrips, as described
24 Arcana to magically examine the stone and the room in general
17 Investigation to logically put it together and use my brain power to help me figure it out

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Shorjahl' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 19, 12

[Forgeless Kilik]

Kilik joined Custer before the great stone. Crude, but effective. he snorted. The dwarf's eyes scoured the stone for any indication of a seam or joint where the seal might be at its weakest. No orc ever fitted stone that could keep a dwarf out.

---------------------------------------------

Actions: INT (Stonecunning) check: 16

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Forgeless Kilik' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 11

[Custer Thickett]

Custer glances at Kilik and smiles.  He then continue working as he speaks to the dwarf, "I've seen something like this opened before, but it was on soft ground.  A trench was dug along the front edge so that the stone tipped over into the trench just enough that its own weight brought it all the way over.  Nothing was stolen from the vault, though."  Custer stops and looks at Kilik, "When they picked the stone back up they found the fella that dug the trench underneath it, that poor dumb bastard."  Custer chuckles and turns his attention back to his work.  "Mayhaps we can fasten the ropes to the top and use the crowbars on either side so we all can pull at it and tip it on over from a safe distance.  I just want to make sure it won't go shooting spears at us first.  There was once a fella..."  Custer looks back to Kilik, and sensed possible disinterest, "Eh, nevermind."

[Custer Thickett]

When Custer's rope light goes out, he curses and turns to shout at Shorjahl.  Seeing the floating stone illuminate and then float over to his work area, Custer looks at his feet and chuckles while shaking his head, "Shorjhy, you are the second most clever human I have ever met."  Custer then returns his attention to his work.  "If you can make that little thing float, how about this one?"  Custer ask as he taps the stone slab with his crowbar, tink!

[Osvald Hale]

"Ha!" Osvald snorts out an involuntary laugh at Cuss' tale--his expression sours as it echoes painfully around the cavernous chamber. With an apologetic grimace he glances at Shorjahl and Kilik "...Ah... Sorry."

Osvald takes a few steps to the side of the mound, peering into the blackness through the cyclopean formations. The howling sounds of the chamber chill his spine more than his drenched garb.The runes he recognizes as Orcish and old but beyond that... nothing.

"I'm afraid I'll be of little use here--short of 'first one to set off some awful trap'--I'll watch our path and see who comes a followin'. Holler for me if anyone starts dying, yeah?"

Osvald turns back to the rocky edge  of the water at the boundary of the dim illumination in the gloom. Taking a knee mostly hidden behind a towering stalagmite he readys his bow. The cave before him is pitch black, but quiet but for the sounds of the slow running water. He mouths a silent prayer to the unknowable old gods of the mountains and the earth. 'Don't let my damned luck run out just yet, You know I'd die happily on these mountains... just not inside them.'

=====

Osvald will guard the Parties approach into the chamber. Perception check to detect intruders, focused back the way they came.

9 + 4 = 13

[Osvald Hale]

Dice roller didn't engage, trying again!

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Osvald Hale' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 9

[AnnaMaul]

Anna takes up her axe and shield and stands next to Osvald.

Unless you want someone t help move this thing out of the way, I don't know what kind of help I can offer other than to stand watch the way we came.

Anna keeps a wary eye on the path they came from, thankful for her ability to see in the dark.

-----

Perception Check: 17 + 2 + 3 = 22

[DiceMaster]

The member 'AnnaMaul' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 17

[Custer Thickett]

Custer looks at Anna, "Well, might be I'll be needing some help to get on top of this thing. Once I'm sure it's safe, going to hammer the pitons over there into the top of it so we can loop rope through and try to pull the top over." Custer then returns to checking the stone.

[Ao]

[hey guys this post will be up by tomorrow (saturday) morning. Been a hectic night. My apolgies ( and an extra +20 exp to all for being so diligent]

[Kellar]

Kellar, seeing Cus and Kilik begin working on the stone door that stands in the group's way, decides to removes a couple of torches from his pack and lights them.

Orbaugh, do you know of any other way past this door, or is this as far as you made it? Kellar grabs a ration and shares some with Orbaugh, while looking out past the torches to see if anything stands out.

Little one, Master Dwarf, I have no tools that would help in this situation. I do have my strength when you should need, stated Kellar.

Kellar, feeling less than useful, stands near the torches he lit and remains alert.

[Custer Thickett]

Custer marks a spot on the stone with his chalk, then turns to look at Kellar and his pet dragon. Custer points the chalk at Orbaugh, "If ya keep feedin him like at then he'll get too fat to fly. Hey, earlier you said you were asking him questions, but I never heard you speak. You didn't hit your head, did you?" Custer turns back to the stone while waiting for Kellar's response.

[Kellar]

This little one, he's something else Orbaugh...

>ahem< Quite right little one, I was having a discussion with Orbaugh, Kellar responded sheepishly.

Orbaugh has been here before, he knew where this gods forsaken place was, stated Kellar, as he scratched under Orbaugh's chin.

You might be right that I'm feeding him too much, but he does need his strength after all. Our Master Dwarf can only heal him so much, some of it has to come from Orbaugh too, continued Kellar.

He also let me know how close the Wargs were too, so he's been helpful, I guess I need to share more often with the group, said Kellar.

I'll admit it's been difficult having a voice in my head, my own thoughts, and listening to what's going on around me as well. This sensation of talking without talking is an interesting concept to get used to, Kellar stated, as he took another bite of his ration, and then feeding another piece to Orbaugh.

What have you discovered of this stone door in our way, other than it being larger than you, questioned Kellar.

[Custer Thickett]

Custer drops his crowbar with a clatter and walks closer to Kellar, "Say again? You hear his voice in your head? He hears your thoughts?" Custer absentmindedly pulls his charms out from under his armor with his left hand and begins rubbing his symbol of Waukeen.

[Kellar]

Well yeah, I've been taking care of him and I guess we, I don't know... bonded? Kellar replied to Cus.

Okay, watch this little one, as Kellar turns to look at Orbaugh on his shoulder.

When I nod, go to the little one here and climb up to his left shoulder, and then down his right shoulder and come back. Got it?

Orbaugh nods agreeably.

Be still little one, Kellar says as he lowers his left arm toward Cus, and nods.

Orbaugh dashes down Kellar's arms and scampers up Cus's left arm, swings around his back and then clambers down his right arm and returns to Kellar.

See? Kellar said to Cus.

Thank you Orbaugh, I shan't ask you to do such small favors for me all the time.

[Custer Thickett]

Custer winces, expecting the dragons claws to hurt, but it only mildly tickled. Custer giggles, "Butter my butt and call me a biscut, you weren't lyin. I thought that I.... uh.... I thought. Wait, can he hear my thoughts as well?" Custer focuses intently on Orbaugh, Can you hear her when she talks to me?

[Kellar]

I don't think it works that way, he doesn't seem to notice other people's thoughts, replied Kellar.

Or at least I don't think he does. You know I never asked, hang on, said Kellar as he focused on Orbaugh again.

Master, he seems to be staring at me, will he try to eat me?

No Orbaugh he will not try to eat you. I think he's looking at you so, because he's trying to communicate with you the way that I do.

Kellar rears his head back slightly and chuckles heartily.

He asked if you were going to eat him because you're staring so intently, answered Kellar.

I don't believe he can hear you, I don't think it works that way. But I'm not well versed in this kind of communication, continued Kellar.

[Custer Thickett]

Custer laughs with Kellar, and tells Orbaugh, "Ha! No little fella, I won't eat you. The only one here that eats dragon is the dwarf." Custer points at Kilik. Custer laughs for another few seconds before catching his breath and letting out a long sigh. "It's all for the best." Custer points to his head, "There's only room up here for two, anyway. Ha!"

Custer walks back to the slab and retrieves his crowbar from the ground nearby. "As for the stone, well. It's hard to say. You see, I've marked these spots here that... [continued after AO].

[Ao]

——[Shorjahl:Investigation & Custer:Perception/Thieves tools & Kilik: Stonecunning combined results:]

The stone door is suddenly illuminated as Kellar ignites the torches, and it takes a quick moment for your eyes to adjust from the darkness.

Custer is carefully examining the doorway, and with chalk he outlines potential weak points. Curiously, he discovers a series of structurally weak cracks, developed by years of moisture near the seams of the door, and marks them with chalk after relating the information to Kilik.

Kilik examines the slab for a moment, trying to make sense of the situation. He knows that the cracks probably let further moisture in to the door, and it could likely crumble if the right pressure was applied.

And, it could easily crumble on whoever was busying himself with chiseling or pushing at the door.

——[Shorjahl, Arcana results:] Meanwhile, Shorjahl stares intently at the runes inscribed upon the stone door and the standing stones. Though unfamiliar with orc ways, their patterning reminds him of the wards that the Bedine of the Anauroch employed to contain the spirits of the dead to their tombs. It was a gesture of respect and honour, to keep the spirits from becoming wandering demons in the desert. Tombs in the desert reflected the wier magic of Anauroch. And so, when the Bedine would enter a family crypt to bury another member, they would adorn themselves with carvings of the ward to repel any magically animated undead that lurked within. Perhaps these orc runes served a similar purpose.

At Kilik’s instruction, Custer begins placing the pitons into the cracks in the door. Shorjahl watches carefully, deducing the expected fall of the slab door and where they would need to be positioned to avoid it.

[…]

Osvald and Anna stare intently back the way they came. The half-orc, aided by her dark vision, can be absolutely sure that they were not followed into the tunnel.

Custer is finally finished infiltrating the important weak points of the door that Kilik inferred. Aided by Shorjahl’s investigation, they assume the position for the demolition of the door by piton and crowbar.

The halfling applies force, and…

The door comes crashing down, ancient sediment blasting into the air as massive chunks of stone break precariously upon the ground.

The entrance to the tomb is revealed, a wailing hum vibrating into their chests as air from the cavern begins to blow through the jagged entrance.

[…]

The interior of the tomb is dry and arid, a stark contrast to the dampness of the cavern. As you walk into the roughly-hewn tunnel, you can taste the thick, stale air in your mouth.

Kilik can tell that this crypt was constructed crudely, but impressively. It is likely that the crypt was built, and then buried under thousands of pounds of earth, and then hollowed. This enormous mound was carefully constructed by orcs with only the most basic tools.

The walls are rough and filthy, and the tunnel widens and narrows inconsistently as you move through it. Here and there, dirt falls from the ceiling upon you in a dusty cloud.

After a few moments of walking downward, the ground levels off. Here, a sixty-foot hallway begins. Kellar’s torch casts light down the long hall, which is narrow and flanked by alcoves on each wall. Muck cascades over every surface, and cobwebs hang limply from the ceiling.

In each alcove lies skeletal remains, of orc stature. With wooden coins in their eyes.

A small ramp leads upward into another chamber at the end of the sixty-foot hall.

=========================

Ok guys, you’re in a 60-foot long hall, approximately five feet wide. There are about twenty alcoves on each wall, forty alcoves total, and one orc skeleton in each alcove.

Let me know how you plan on progressing (or not!). Remember, specific perception/investigation/sensory checks, not general please.

Also, really quickly Shorjahl. The information you gleaned from your Arcana check is reflective of the kind of information you can get from Arcana checks. The PHB defines Arcana as “your ability to recall lore about spells, magic items, eldritch symbols, magical traditions, the planes of existence, etc.”

So, Arcana doesn’t actually give you the ability to detect magic (you’d need to use the spell of that name.)

I actually didn’t know this either, its news to me! I hope that isn’t too disappointing!

Cheers

EXP: +50 to all (20 bonus exp, 20 posting exp, and 10 for not getting crushed by the falling door by blindly making STR checks Nice work

[Shorjahl]

As Custer and Kilik work on opening the tomb, Shorjahl pulls out an inked quill and a small piece of paper from his supplies. His practiced hand flows confidently along the page as he copies the Orc sigils - his eyes locked open and his demeanor in a mesmerized trance. Once he feels he gets the symbol down as close to an exact match as possible, he conjures the symbol multiple times in the air using the motes of dust in the cavern.

Finally satisfied, he dismisses the floating symbols and goes over to Osvald, tracing his finger in the pattern on the ranger's chest. Slightly following behind the arcanist's finger, brow hooded in concentration, the symbol glows and smokes onto Hale's clothes. Shorjahl nods once finished, squeezing Osvald's shoulder, "I know you want nothing less than orc iconography on your chest, but this will protect you from whatever is down there."

Shorjahl moves from each of the party, tracing the symbol on their chest or shields as quickly and proficiently as he can, finally tracing a single symbol in the air, reversing it, and walking into it with his own chest. They appear as if dimly alit paint on the surface, jagged slashes and hard edges in line with the Orc runes around the room.

As the tomb opens and the party moves down into the crypt, Shorjahl holds his hand out for everyone to wait. "I hope these symbols work, but I'm not certain. I'll go forward first, if we feel this is our only path." He tries to mask his fear, hesitation, and exhaustion with false confidence. Nobody was quite sure who he was trying to convince.

-----------------

Heavy use of Prestidigitation's ability to mark short term things. These should last for an hour.

[Osvald Hale]

Osvald grunts and shakes his head at the crude symbols emblazoned on his chest before looking up to meet Shorjahl's gaze.

"If you say so. I'll still be taking my blades and bow, however. Old habits you know?" He says with a chuckle before clamping his hand briefly on Shorjahl's opposite shoulder. "Cuss is right about you being a clever one--you have need for me to put an arrow through something's eye, say the word. Lead on."

Osvald kneels and slings off his pack, making sure everything is still fastened securely and his few belongings stowed properly, before nodding at Cuss and his equipment arrayed on the cavern floor: "Best get everything squared away quickly, halfling. My gut tells me we want to be able to move swiftly. ...Anything in there you'd rather I carry? I've got room to spare and if we need to run I don't want to have to worry we'll outpace ya'. When we finish this thing I'll show you how to load your pack in the mountain fashion, with the weight closest to your back. Makes climbs and moving over uneven ground far easier, faster. Good way to stay alive as long as possible. I swear I won't filch your goods--On my family's honor.... Though I suppose most of my brothers were gutless thieves." The woodsman says flashing his broad, wild smile.

Wiping his brow with the back of a trail worn sleeve, Osvald peers into the blackness within the mound, takes a few quick sniffs of the rank air within, and again shaking his head. Nothing but death lurked within.

'You picked a hell of a time to turn noble adventurer, ya damn fool...'

"Kilik, Anna; one of you should take point. Shorjahl, even with these symbols, us men folk are feeble in the dark." Osvald says, his grin half hidden in the shadows of the cave.

=====

Osvald will make ready to enter the burial mound, carrying some of Cuss' gear if he wants.

Osvald will fall into marching order 2nd or 3rd in the ranks, depending how bold Shorjahl and Kellar feel, or further back if Anna and Kilik both want to move up front?

Perception Check on the tunnel just in case he catches anything the others might miss.
15+4 = 19

Also rolling Stealth, assuming we'll be moving under that condition.
10+5 = 15

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Osvald Hale' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 15

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 10

[Kellar]

Uh, thanks for this, replied Kellar, as Shorjahl impressed a symbol upon his armor.

Kellar retrieves his two torches he had lit in the main area and left one at the entrance to the tomb.

I'll need your eyes to help me with this area, it's very dark Orbaugh. Orbaugh scratches agreeably on Kellar's shoulder and looks forward and back. No problems Master, Orbaugh help.

Osvald, I'll be the rear guard, my eyesight isn't much use up front, but I can be sure to keep our retreat lit, Kellar stated. Kellar removes three more torches from his pack and readies them to be lit and spaced approximately every 20 feet or so down the tunnel.

When the rest of you are ready, Orbaugh and I will protect our backsides, Kellar announced.

Actions:
*Kellar will walk as quietly as he can and use Stealth (2x roll, lowest used because of Disadvantage) Stealth= 3+3= 6
*Kellar will actively observe the preserved orc skeletons and the path behind the party (Perception) Perception= 3+3= 6
*Kellar will also light and deposit lit torches approximately every 20 feet for the normies.
*Kellar has his battle axe drawn in his main hand, lit torch in the other.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 18

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 3

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#3 'D20' : 3

[Custer Thickett]

When the slab finishes crumbling to the ground, Custer claps Kilik on the shoulder much as the dwarf had done to him before, but with much less strength.  Custer again says, "Is é Dúthracht an máthair seans maith." "Diligence is the mother of good luck."  "Good work, Kilik.  Very fine work."

Custer holds his chest out proud as Shorjahl leans over and traces a symbol on his chest.  "I trust ya, Shorjhy, but this looks like it'd do little more than give away my position in the dark."  Custer taps at the symbol with a finger, expecting it to be hot.  "How is this suppose to protect us?"

Custer kicks through the rubble looking for pitons he can salvage.  While recovering gear, he will speak with Osvald.  "The mountain way, eh?  I'd not figured on the way I packed it being why it gives me troubles.  Guessin I'm just too use to my things being on a wagon or beast of burden.   I would appreciate the lesson.  Thank ya, Osvald.  It sounds like our families would have gotten along well."  Custer winks as he hands the ranger his pitons and crowbars.

[Rolling 1d10 -1 for number of pitons recovered.]
3

Custer returns to his pack and retrieves his remaining gear.  He fetches his tea, the torch he threw, and two other torches from his bag.  He swings the torches in the air, trying to shake off the water.  He hands one to Kellar.  "Do ya think we can get these to light?  I need flame to dry my tea.  I don't want it to mold."  When Kellar is able to light it, Custer will hand the other two torches to him for his own use, and then turn his attention to using the lit torch to dry his bag of tea.

When Anna and Kilik move for the tunnel, Custer will call out to them to stop and will jog over to the entrance with them.  He will hold his torch and bag of tea out, "Hold this a moment.  I need to check the path before marching forward.  How far is to the end of this hall? I can't see the end."

Custer will tie his hammer to the end of his rope, then throw it down the hall, and drag it back.  He will do this three times, checking for floor traps.  It is loud, but possibly effective.

[Rolling perception to check for traps.  Adding tools proficiency, if acceptable to AO. +1 perception +2 tools]
18 or 20

Custer will then put away his rope and hammer, retrieve his torch and tea from Anna or Kilik, and then join Kellar in the rear as he turns his attention back to drying his tea.
---

[action:  After putting away the hammer and rope, Custer will walk with Kellar in the rear.  Custer will be distracted in the tunnel as he tries to use the torch to dry his bag of tea without setting it on fire or burning himself.  Custer will not actively use stealth as he is sure they have been far too loud thus far for it to be helpful, and Kellar is making a lot of noise behind him.]

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D10' : 4

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 17

[Forgeless Kilik]

Kilik peers forward into the grayish darkness beyond the edge of the torchlight. Dead orcs. Never thought I'd be less than happy to see dead orcs...

He waited a moment for Custer's testing of the floor, impressed by the little fellow's ingenuity. When the hammer came back the third time he seemed satisfied, and Kilik nodded with more surety than he felt. Let's be on our way, then. He tightened his grip on his hammer and the straps of his shield, and moved cautiously into the hallway.

The dwarf whispered a quick prayer as he examined the skeletal remains closest to him: Are these old bones to be worried on? Stay on yer slabs, and we'll be quick an' gone 'fore yer can count yer ribs...

--------------------------------------------
Actions:

Kilik is taking the lead in the procession.

Perception check on the tombs to see if there are signs of disturbance (i.e., have these skeletons moved since burial): 12

Religion check + Guidance to see if the skeletons are undead: 20

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Forgeless Kilik' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 7

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 14

--------------------------------

#3 'D4' : 3

[Ao]

Shorjahl’s prestidigitation glows brightly throughout the party, their new orcish standard carrying them through the catacombs.

[Osvald and Kellar, Perception checks]: The dragoon and the huntsman keep a watchful eye on the tunnel as Custer searches for traps. The crypt is quiet, save the crackling of the torches and the loud clanging of Custer’s hammers.

[Custer, Perception (trap), no tool proficiency]: The halfling busies himself with dragging the hammer along for several minutes, until he is satisfied that there are no traps along the slender hallway.

[Kilik, Religion + Perception results]: Decades of cobwebs and fallen dirt obscure the details of the skeletons, and from a distance Kilik can only see that each one lies in the same position; arms at the side, with one wooden coin in each eye.

Kilik can sense the presence of spiritual unrest, and he wracks his mind for knowledge of these burial rites. Coins placed in the eyes were common, certainly. Specifically along the sword coast, where folk often believed that coins would help their loved ones on other planes, in the quest for their deities’ domain.

But these coins are wooden, and large. Too large, really, to be currency. Rather, they look as if they were cut specifically to obscure each eye socket in its entirety. This looks not like the burial rite of a civilized people; indeed, it seems like a deliberate gesture of blindness for these corpses.

=================

OK guys, Custer believes there to be no traps, and Kilik has had his observations about the corpses.

I have a sense for your marching order (Kilik -> Osvald -> Anna -> Shor -> Cuss -> Kell), with Kell dropping torches every 20 feet.

Again, this hall is approximately 60 feet. Let me know where you want to go. I didn’t want to assume that you were leaving the hallway, and I gathered there were more things you wanted to observe? If not, just be explicit about where you’re going / what you’re doing for this next post.

Oh, and quick thing Kilik. Similarly to Shorjahl and his Arcane roll, Religion only gives you access to lore about religion and deities, and things in that domain. You cannot actually detect undead without the spell.

I hope you found your lore adequate!

cheers
-Ao

EXP: +20 to Shor, Kell, Cuss, Osvald, Kilik

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