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Post by Daos on Dec 29, 2020 11:33:14 GMT -8
The granite steps are chipped and broken in spots, no doubt the result of the avalanches that buried and, more recently, uncovered the entrance to the crypt.
Two 20-foot-tall stone statues flank both sides of a large rectangular landing at the top of the stairs. The statue on the left appears to have taken an assault from the valley, as one arm has broken off and now lies half-buried in the shale. The stone is carved to resemble an elf female in flowing robes, wearing a crown and holding a staff in her right hand. Her left hand must have once been raised before her.
To the right, a warrior in plate armor stands silent vigil. His right arm is raised, and his hand grips a lucern hammer. A great helm covers his features, and the dull color of the rock makes him appear passionless. This statue, apparently better shielded from the avalanche, is unscathed.
Between the statues, embedded into the mountain itself, is a huge metal door. Moonlight reflects off it in small bursts and beams. One imagines that, were it day time, it would be difficult to even look at.
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Rax
Dicemaster
Posts: 2,263
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Post by Rax on Dec 30, 2020 13:00:31 GMT -8
Malavar takes up his spear and moves up the steps to stop in front of the door. "Well, what now? How long until those two snap out of it and decide to continue fighting or call for help?" he asks his companions.
"The two of you look in bad shape," he also says to Drezden and Dallion. "Might be a good time to take a swallow or two of the potions we were given."
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TristenC
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Post by TristenC on Dec 30, 2020 13:20:17 GMT -8
Kman gestures back towards the entrance, if you guys make sure those two zen-toe-rhythms don't decide to crash the party I'll check the door...
He salutes the statues, and with a Here on official leave of the great Trapspringer, gents. As you were. remark to the statues, he sets about his work.
=== If allowed time, Kendrivel will check the door for traps and then to see if it is locked. if it is either he will attempt to undo the issue (trap or lock) and will anounce to the party when done without opening it.
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Post by Daos on Dec 30, 2020 18:14:30 GMT -8
Kendrivel approaches the door. The metal of the main doors gives off virtually no luminescence at all. Although it must be magical, it radiates neither heat nor cold to the touch. There doesn't appear to be any particular color associated with it. Etched into its surface are many strange runes and letters. The silence is broken with what sounds like the soft mutterings of an old man. As the kender watches, the runes and letters on the door ignite in a crackling of electric-blue energy. The azure fingers crawl over its metal surface and create a soft sapphire haze. "What, more visitors?" questions the old man's voice, which crackles above the glowing runes. "I had hoped to see the last of trespassers for a time, considering what happened to the last two groups that was foolish enough to enter." At that, a low chuckle rumbles slowly from the metal doors. "Hrumph!" the voice continues. I suppose you'll be wanting to gallivant all over the tomb as well, wont you? Well, sit down before the door and answer my question. Then I'll let you in." As the word 'in' echoes to nothing, a ragged melody reverberates from the the door itself. Friends to the end! they once exclaimed, Boasting of evil they once tamed. Now they gaze in hate, friend now foe, But hearts defy what minds now know. Magic against steel, Fate of a cruel deal, A mirrored haze of friendships concealed.
Warriors heart and wizards soul, Both fighting for the same goal. Magic against steel, Fate of a cruel deal, A mirrored view of the end of the road.
The sheath called for its sword, Wizardly energy withdrew to where it was stored. Together they gazed at the mighty door, And their fury for one another burned no more. Now honor-bound and steadfast, An oath sworn to last. The bond of friendship reborn.
"There is more to this story than simple friendship," the old mans voice continues. "What did both realize that caused them to cease attacking each other?"
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TristenC
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Post by TristenC on Dec 31, 2020 10:14:21 GMT -8
As the voice begins talking and muttering (but before the song) The Kender introduces himself. Wow, Hi! I've never met a ghost in a door before! My name is Kendrivel Thullen Farfegnugel Runt-runner Sothbane Lightfoot Tasslehoven Rochambeau Fangchipper the 5th (once removed)... But you can call me K-man... or Super K! OrThe Shinbone Juggler…
K-man plops down in a cross-legged position before the door, eyes wide and a big silly grin as the song begins. Oh, that's easy! it was locking the sword away behind the magic door! Uh-oh, wait.. doesn't that mean if we find it we'll start doin the murder-face to each other's... uhh... faces?
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Post by Dallion80 on Jan 1, 2021 8:32:40 GMT -8
Nods in agreement with Malavar's suggestion before taking a sip of his potion
healing edbCYbIQ1d81d8
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Post by Daos on Jan 1, 2021 9:45:50 GMT -8
Dallion drinks a bit of his potion, and instantly feels as good as new.
Meanwhile, the old man's voice speaks. "Your answer is..." There is a pause and a soft humming sound, before it proceeds. "...incorrect. Try again."
Glancing back, the two Zhents are still waiting, compelled by the spell to remain where they are. But they likely won't be held there indefinitely.
============
Dallion drinks 1/3 of his Potion of Extra-Healing and has (1d8): 6 HP restored. He is now at full health.
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Rax
Dicemaster
Posts: 2,263
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Post by Rax on Jan 1, 2021 10:10:22 GMT -8
"That neither could achieve their goals by themselves. They must stand together or fail," Malavar offers.
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Post by Daos on Jan 1, 2021 11:56:54 GMT -8
The old man's voice speaks again. "Your answer is..." There is more humming, longer this time. At one point, the old man says the word, "processing...processing..." and nothing else. Then: "...correct. In my day, I met many adventuring parties, and one thing I discovered above all others: Only a group that stays together can hope to survive. Good luck, adventurers."
The voice then goes silent, and there is a loud, ka-chunk sound. There's then a scraping sound as the door rises, granting entry into darkness.
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TristenC
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Post by TristenC on Jan 1, 2021 14:17:50 GMT -8
Kendrivel moves in as stealthily as he can to assess the entrance beyond the door.
==== Were the other Zhents close enough to hear the answer?
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Post by Daos on Jan 1, 2021 15:47:01 GMT -8
As Kendrivel's eyes become accustomed to the dim light of the chamber, he sees a 60-foot-long corridor with a 10-foot-high arched ceiling that leads into darkness beyond the open door. The hallway is oddly illuminated, and as he walks through the door he realizes that the light is coming from reddish, glowing balls that seem to be suspended in mid-air above his head.
His eyes have barely adjusted to the low light in the room when he notices that the walls are lined with mosaic tiles that create two distinct scenes, one on either wall.
The mural on the north wall depicts a human army engaging shadowy foes while a king sits on his horse. The sky is a murky gray-blue, pierced only by the emerald light of the king’s sword. The dead that litter the battlefield are ashen, and even the plants on the field of battle seem colorless.
The mural on the southern wall depicts the same battle, but it is somehow different from the other one: The skies in this mural are much lighter. The iridescent radiance of the sword is even brighter here, the illusion no doubt enhanced by the light color of the sky. The king seems full of energy and vigor.
Unlike the rock-strewn landing outside, the interior of the tomb appears well preserved. The only dust he sees comes from his own boots, and the polished stone floor appears to lead into a larger chamber just beyond the reach of the light.
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(OOC: Yes, they're only around 30 feet away or so, so they probably heard everything.)
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Post by GreyWolfVT on Jan 2, 2021 5:09:50 GMT -8
Drezden digs out his potion and takes 2 pulls off it.
Healing 4yCCF6LC1d8 1d81d8·1d8
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Rax
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Posts: 2,263
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Post by Rax on Jan 2, 2021 6:47:20 GMT -8
Malavar moves inside the tomb after K-man. "We should advance with caution, searching for traps and secret passages all the way to the next chamber. We also need to keep an eye open for the men the Zhents claimed preceded us into the tomb," he says quietly.
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Post by Daos on Jan 2, 2021 10:03:56 GMT -8
Drezden downs most, but not all, of his healing potion and starts to feel better. The fatigue he's suffered since he lost all that blood to the stirges has faded, and one of the crossbow bolt wounds he took improves considerably.
He, Dallion, Zedd and Malavar follow Kendrivel into the tomb. Once they do, there is another ka-chunk sound, and then the door lowers behind them.
"Tymora watch over us," Zedd mutters in prayer, tracing a quick circle over his heart.
===========
Drezden drinks 2/3 of his Potion of Extra Healing, restoring (2d8): 5,3 = 8 HP. He improves to moderately wounded.
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TristenC
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Post by TristenC on Jan 2, 2021 20:06:17 GMT -8
Hey Dal, How long before the baddies behind us snap out of your magic-whammy and come after us? K-man will proceed searching for any traps, if he finds none he'll poke the ground ahead of him with his polpak (checking for pits). As he moves along, he hum-sings quietly one of his favorite Trapspringer psalms... I skipped a stone across the ground and a flaming Vat of acid found. I skipped a stone across the wall and saved us from a stone dead-fall. I skip my stones and dance and sing, and then I find most everything...
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