Chapter I: So, you all meet up in a tavern

[Bree-yark]

Jacor

Should we check out that monument with the skull, or just go through the front door and see the dungeon? At some point we should explore the area, but I am a bit eager to get to the dungeon.

[Lance]

Jacor

Should we check out that monument with the skull, or just go through the front door and see the dungeon? At some point we should explore the area, but I am a bit eager to get to the dungeon.

Endor scoffs "I don't care for the skull-toting cumberground, nor the yaldson it represents, let's get to the plunderin'."

[Bluetongue]

Harker

Draws his sword anticipating trouble. The whole area reeks of death and ambush. The standing stones and long grasses ideal cover for predators, especially the undead type.

"Let's take it slow and check stuff out as we approach. The whole area is screaming trap. Maybe we play any bandits and undead at their own game. Endor, you and Filbert and our mercenary thief lag back in the shadows. So you protect our rear and sneak out to backstab any who would sneak out from the stones to backstab us."
He strucks another couple of torches, one for Mal, Blaive and Toug to carry alongside the three fighters walking the way then in a file up the path to the entrance expecting someone or something to try to pounce from behind the stones as we pass.

Suggest this way: Hector in front, Blaive (ready to turn stuff), Jacor, Mal, Harker, Toug. Three thieves sneaking in shadows.

[sirravd]

Toug seems to dislike the idea of being in the rear, but doesn't voice an objection.

[Lance]

"Endor, you and Filbert and our mercenary thief lag back in the shadows. So you protect our rear and sneak out to backstab any who would sneak out from the stones to backstab us."

Endor nods, then waves for the others to get going.

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

I like the plan, at least if the rogue trio can succeed to ambush anyone sneaking upon us.

So playing the 'doozie', the elf whistles a merry tune as he leads the file of explorers up the path to the broken stone entrance. He has his bow nicked ready to loose an arrow at any undead or bandits. The flaming torches would negate his infravision. He kicks a couple of skills along the path as he goes.

this is going to be an ante-climax if the tomb is empty abd no one about.

[Hadarai]

Brother Blaive Takes the torch from Harker and hesitantly takes his place second in line of the marching order, he's looks uneasy being so far up front but wills himself forward grasping his holy symbol in hand. His nerves are slightly calmed by Hector's merry tune, if the elf was feeling confident he should too right?

[Bree-yark]

Jacor gets his sword ready and takes his position with the group.

[Bluetongue]

Harker

Walks alongside Tyson, helping to pull the dog sled up the rocky path. The reins are loose so that the mastiff may be released to attack any provocateurs.

"Stick close, prepare for anything. Stay in your pairs." he whispers to encourage folk as the mist closes in. His concern is the vulnerability of the group, we are relatively well armed and balanced but low armour values risk lucky hits bringing folk down. Discipline, teamwork, Alertness. He repeats some mantras in his head, trying to guess if the shadows spotted in the dark beyond the mist are the sneaking trio of Quall, Endor & Filbertor standing stones or the bogey men of Nergal.

[sirravd]

The inside is 60x60 feet. There are both booted footprints and other tracks you cannot identify. Bones litter the floor. Four huge square stone columns support the structure. Between the pillars there is an old, rusty 6' high tripod with a block and tackle suspended over a hole in the floor. A rope descends down into the darkness.

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[Stirling]

Vann Hector

He is surprised to have made it to the entrance unhindered. That walk up the path was spooky. He halts at the entrance to survey the scene. Obviously the tripod set up indicates explorers. The elf ties a small piece of fabric around an arrow head and lights it from Blaive's torch. He looses an arrow into the darkness beyond his sight to see if that will provoke any hidden threat to reveal itself. Nocking a new shaft, he takes a couple of nervous steps advancing down the short steps.

[Bluetongue]

Harker

Brings up the rear of the advance group. This looks more promising. He unleashes the mastiff and calls him to heel.

"Hold on Hector. You cover us from the steps. Tyson will help sniff out any threats. Jacor, you take the left side, I'll take the right. Be careful around that hole though, the stones may be loose and cause you to fall."

Harker suggests the fighters advance down the steps with a torch bearer behind to shed light while the elf can fire arrows over our heads if needed.

[Bree-yark]

Jacor

Brother Blaive, can you hold that torch up high and give us a good look at the ceiling before we enter? My cousin got killed by a snake dropping from above in another dungeon, so I always watch out for that.

OOC: That happened to my character in a convention, immediately after entering the dungeon.

[Hadarai]

Brother Blaive

"Yes of course." Blaive says as he holds his torch up higher to inspect the ceiling. He has his staff at the ready to try and swat any snakes or whatever else may try to drop him away.

[sirravd]

Nothing rushes out to disturb you, and no snakes drop on your heads. The ceiling is about 10' high and barren; the room extends about 20' further into the darkness, but is unlit.

The contents of the pit remain dark.

[Bluetongue]

Harker

Continues past the pit and checks out any side alcove, moving down the chamber until the whole room has been explored and declared free of threats. He takes particular care around the pit edge. He assesses the set up of the block and tackle. How sturdy and useable it is. Will it take weight? Is it fixed to the best stone anchors?

Jacor and Blaive should be on the opposite side with the elf ready to loose arrows over our heads.

"Toug call the others. We need everyone in here."

Can the mule make it down the steps? Looks big and wide enough. I suggest we camp here, secure this chamber and then explore below.

I hope the lack of posting from the Endor didn't signify the three rogues got ambushed themselves?

[Lance]

I hope the lack of posting from Endor didn't signify the three rogues got ambushed themselves?

Nah, just waiting for something to happen.

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

Walks slowly down the steps and stops at the pit. He aims his nocked arrow down the hole waiting for some lurking ghoul to leap out and grab at ankles.

If nothing appears he breathes a sigh of relief.

"That was a good plan I think. At least we arrived safely." He will use his racial skill to check out and side alcoves for hidden doors and secret cache holes. I suspect though the real treasure lies below.

Are there any signs of whoever set this tripod up? Dead body in the corner half eaten? Backpacks, tools, light sources?

[sirravd]

Harker and Vann Hector spend a turn searching for secret doors and other hidden things, without success.

Fortunately, a rope already descends from the block and tackle! Vann Hector's flaming arrow reveals that the room below is vaulted and 35 ft. from ceiling to floor, with bones littering the floor, a partially collapsed western wall, and frescos, though what they depict is impossible to see from your present vantage point. There is no sign of who put the block and tackle in place.

[Bree-yark]

Jacor

Jacor walks near the left wall, avoiding getting too close to the pit. Once he arrives near the alcove he will search for secret doors visually and by feeling the walls.