Chapter 6: Unhallowed Halls

[GreyWolfVT]

As they make their way to the agreed upon stairs, Osprey adds: I may be the only one but I am still powerful curious about the stairs split by the chasm back in that long hallway. We should keep an eye out for anything we could use to safely cross the chasm....just in case we decide to explore that way later.

Osprey will be on the lookout for anything that seems like it could aid safe passage for all of the [remaining] party across the chasm. Perhaps the lumber from the pews in the chapel?

Kragg "And just how are you suggesting we cross that chasm to reach the other end of those stairs? I swear if anyone suggests dwarf tossing I'll punch em in the nose."

[coil23]

Osprey

Find the sturdiest of the long pew backs and use that as a bridge. Folks on one side can hold it steady or perhaps we could use spikes to secure it to the stone. It seems doable to me with no flinging or flying involved. If we can rest I could cast a spell that would allow me to climb the walls and ceiling so as to cross and secure rope on the other side too.

[GreyWolfVT]

This brings up a question just how long is this chasm in that stair? could be that a pew wouldn't be long enough.

Kragg "You sure the pews are sturdy enough this place has been here how long? That stuffs sure to be wood rotted with nobody polishing and maintaining them."

[coil23]

Dear DM,

Do we remember how long the chasm distance was to be able to gauge pew efficacy? And when Osprey was searching for a strong pew timber to trip the statue, what was his estimation of how sturdy they might be for holding character weight?

[Mant72]

The pews measure about 6 feet long and the fissure spans about 8 feet wide, so the pews would come up a little short. Kragg is correct about them being neglected and worm-eaten. They might be able to support the weight of Osprey, Kragg or Hex (Phineas scrambled up one successfully). Anyone else would probably be taking a risk.

[Grognardsw]

"Aye, but let's first take the easier way down the stairs in the chapel," says Aric.

[GreyWolfVT]

Kragg "That's what I've been suggesting. I'm with Aric."

[coil23]

Osprey

Oh, we had already agreed on the chapel stairs first. I'm just trying to think ahead as well. I'll go first and see if I spot anything.

When they are at the chapel stairs Osprey will slowly start down, bow at the ready, testing stairs carefully before putting his full weight upon them and looking in the gloom for any danger. He advances each foot slowly to test for tripwires as well.

[GreyWolfVT]

Kragg slapping Osprey on the arm "Hey it gives us some more time to come up with a plan for the broken stairs. Don't worry we have enough smart minded folk among us we can figure it out Osprey."

[Mant72]

Deciding to delve further into the catacombs, the party takes to the stairs in the northwest corner of the chapel (Area 6).

Map:

map 1.png (115.3 KiB) Viewed 474 times

Osprey leads the way down the cramped stairway that descends sharply into the dark. A few rodent bones crunch underfoot, and thick layers of cobwebs festoon from the ceiling. Here and there it appears as if some of the dust has been disturbed. No noise emanates from the depths below.

After about 40', the party reaches a landing. An arched hallway branches off to the left and ends in a sturdy, iron-bound door. A large padlock in the shape of a grinning moon hangs from the door and bars entrance.

Ahead and to the right of the landing, there are another set of stairs leading down.

Actions?

[GreyWolfVT]

Kragg being the only 'locksmith' in the group now goes to the door to check for traps and see about dealing with that padlock. Cracking neck and his knuckles and stretching his arms out in front of himself the dwarf goes to work. "Lets see about that lock there."

Find/Remove Traps (35%) [1d100] = 94
Open Locks (35%) [1d100] = 20

[coil23]

Osprey will play sentry for the stairs leading further downward while Kragg works on the lock.

[ravenn4544]

Wil peaks over the shoulder of Kragg as he works the lock. Perhaps he can lend a hand with the lock of needed.

[Grognardsw]

Aric examines the disturbances in the dust to try to determine if others have come this way recently, either going down or coming up.

[mjulius]

Morris watches the stairs and peaks into the chapel from which they came, so as not to be surprised while the lock is worked.

[Storm11]

"Does this look like your dream door?" Hex asks watching the rear of the party whilst the monk and the locksmith attack the padlock.

[coil23]

Osprey

That's a good question, Hex, whispers Osprey. Osprey looks carefully at the door to see if anything looks familiar about it.

[Mant72]

Kragg sets to work dismantling the lock and checking the door for traps. He is uncertain if the door is rigged, but he makes light work of the strange, moon-faced lock. It snaps open with an audible "click!"

Wil hovers over the dwarf's shoulder, ready to utilize his skills if needed.

Aric scrutinizes the tracks in the dust and determines they are similar to those seen above in the upper level of the catacombs. The prints cross the landing, stop at the door Kragg is currently working on, then continue down the other flight of stairs to the right.

Hex inquires if the iron-bound door resembles the one seen in Yon and Osprey's other-worldly visions. The elf and priest confirm that the doors are dissimilar.

Morris and Osprey vigilantly guard the staircases, and all remains quiet.

Actions?

[ravenn4544]

"Nice work, Kragg..." Wil, suspicious of the tracks and it being too easy, searches for any potential tricks or traps around the door and landing before proceeding down the stairs...

[GreyWolfVT]

Kragg "There locks off folks, and now your leaving to go down the stairs? I was going to open this door you know..." the confused dwarf calls to Wil as Wil walks away down the stairs. "What in the nine hells is wrong with you Wil? Why are you walking off when we have a perfectly fine door to open and see whats on the other end."