Fantasy World Creations

QuoteIf you see spoiler tags, click on them! From now on after this all my OOC (OODM) comments will be in spoiler tags. Please read this first: Temple of Dorgan Recruitment (http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/mission-board/%28open%29-level-2-temple-of-dorgan/msg2578/#msg2578) Before reading this topic.

If you are having trouble figuring out how to post, or what to do, please read: List of actions (http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/the-guild-of-galas%27nor/list-of-actions/msg2550/#msg2550) and possibly Writing a Roleplay Post (http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/announcement/?aid=5).  You are not required to post long however, I just want frequent posters to do actions.

Don't forget about hitting Thank You for posts which are well written/funny/interesting. Read here: Thank You Points (http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/announcements/?aid=1)

The journey to the Temple of Dorgan near Mt. Hersh didn't take too long, nor was the travelling hard. The area was still at the heart of the kingdom of Korinthia, and though there have always been highwaymen and bandits who stalk the roads, they did not bother you or your group. It was probably because of the guild emblem that each member had on their person. Bandits usually don't mess with guilds after all.

Once there at the temple, the group was greeted by a short stocky dwarf. Of course it was a common fact that dwarves are indeed short and stocky, but this particular dwarf seemed to be even more shorter and stockier than regular.

He explained that the "those durn miners" accidently uncovered something they were not supposed to near the heart of the volcano. He proceeded to explain, using wide and elaborate gestures, that they had little time to evacuate the temple as creatures from the plane of fire poured forth the walls, and from tunnels that lead deeper into the volcano.

The dwarf was amiable, though a bit loud, so the party was glad when they finally ran into the other dwarves from the priory. Garbed in their priestly robes, they stood by at the entrance of their temple, waiting for any creature to come forth.

However, you were lead to a side path, going around the temple, and into what looked to be a hidden door on the side. The dwarf who accompanied the group explained that the temple held a precious relic, a glowing hammer, on the small, but lowest part of the temple. It apparently also was the hardest hit area from the creatures.

He gave each of you a waterskin filled with water and wooden club, with the only words of:

"Ye' be needing it."

And with that the party went deeper down the hidden passage leaving the dwarf at the entrance awaiting for the return of the so-called artifact. They finally reached even flooring, and you saw the hallway in front of you stretching northwards and southwards.

And was the dwarf right. Immediately you felt the intense heat. Those that wore metal on their person felt their armor get warmer and warmer...

[spoiler][/spoiler]

The black girl gave little notice of the heat. Her chain overlayed her habit, and overlaying that was her shawl, clapsed with a pin in the shape of an open eye, the symbol of Tuoi. Her rapier was at her side, its hilt bearing the symbol of the Guild in resplendent gold. It was the only brightness that adorned her person, like a single, shining star in a night sky.

She wouldn't allow herself to show so much as discomfort. She was above such things. The shadowlike girl stepped forward, stubbornly ignoring the sweat on her brow. Even in such a simple movement, her form seemed to almost fade into the obsidian walls. Her clothes were black as night, the same as the volcanic ash that coated the walls and floor. Even as she slowly removed her hat, tucking it within the folds of her shawl, her black hair did little more in regards to her visibility. Even her eyes were empty and black.

They say the eyes are windows to the soul. As a follower of Tuoi, the master of Hades, keeper of souls, these words meant more to her than ever. Her eyes were black and empty, a blank opening to a blank container. Her soul had long been pledged to her master.

She had little advice or comfort to offer to her allies, not at all one for words. She busied herself for a moment, kneeling down to sift a single finger through the black dust on the ground. The floor underneath seemed to be made of an orange-tinted marble, smooth and solid. The layer of ash wasn't so thick so as to blot out the color completely, but as she feared, it was just thick enough to leave a footprint.

Making a mental note to take caution of such conditions, she stood upright again, minding the ceiling. "No doubt this tunnel was constructed with dwarves in mind..." she thought out loud, noting it sourly as she looked up to the ceiling not but one head above hers.

Though young as she was, she seemed to bear little worry for the trials and tribulations ahead. Her only true worry was some of the more flammable belongings she carried, some papers and a single book. One of these days, she would pay a wizard to inure her texts, but for now, she lacked the funds. A sharper blade and lighter armor were much higher on her list than such trivialities.

She covered her mouth for a moment as she took a deep breath, careful not to ingest the volcanic ash as she prudently scanned the halls, in a slow advance.

[spoiler]Search check for traps:
Rolled 1d20+5 : 1 + 5, total 6[/spoiler]

Though there was a layer of ash and low ceilings, the temple could really have looked majestic. That however, was not enough for the party to simply ignore the temperature.

The heat was overwhelming. Each member of the group had little comfort in knowing that the artifact that they were supposed to find, a glowing hammer, was somewhere to be found within these temples, but no exact directions with which to find the item. That only meant having to explore more, which means prolonging their stay in this literal hell-hole for longer.

One of the members in the grouped coughed, expelling the volcanic ash that started to become thicker as the group journeyed lower into hidden passageway into this bottom floor of the temple.

You watch as you see Branwen keeps a close eye out on the various tiles and walls of the temple, probably seeking out traps.

[spoiler][/spoiler]

With the ceilings and conditions as they were, Kin actually felt a little at home, though he was probably the only one. He shuffled through the soot, not really paying it any mind. I just need to get this job done so I can get back to the drink, have a nice cold drink and RELAX! Not to say I'll be lazy here, oh no no no! That's a sign of weakness, and being both short and a run-up-and-slash-'em kind of guy, that just won't do. Got to show them this halfling has heart!

Continuing his internal rant, he follows behind Branwen, his greatswords' scabbards lightly clinking against his chainmail, seeing that she's scouting. "Any signs of trouble, Bran?" He curtly asks.

He notices afterward that he had brushed his shoulder against the wall, covering his leather pauldron in the ash. Quickly, he brushes off his shoulder so his guild insignia is in plain view. Can't have my emblem covered! My enemies have to know where I'm from before I kill them, so that just won't do!

"I do not recall granting you permission to address me so informally, halfling." She whispered back, in a scathing yet tranquil tone. Though the words bore disdain, there was no such feeling behind them - her voice did not rise in anger, nor did it deepen in frustration. It sounded almost as though she had simply read the line from a script. She brought her arm to her mouth again, taking another breath through her sleeve as she proceeded.

She couldn't be bothered to remember his name, and left his question unanswered. The way she slunk through the hallway made it almost seem like a casual walk, but there could be no mistake to her methods - her steps made nary a sound, and left only the lightest impression in the ash on the floor. Slowly, she peered around the corner, silently surveying what more she could see of the dungeon.

[spoiler]Branwen moves one square south and stealthily peers around the corner.
Hide: Rolled 1d20+8 : 2 + 8, total 10
Spot: Rolled 1d20+7 : 5 + 7, total 12
Listen: Rolled 1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27
Search: Rolled 1d20+5 : 2 + 5, total 7

Will Save: [1d20+5] 4 = 4 + 5 = 9[/spoiler]

"Well now, I don't remember needing permission, Bran. And you didn't answer my question." Kin remarks quickly, emphasizing "Bran", not missing a beat. Stuck up, aren't we? He watched her move carefully, nearly tapping his foot in impatience. I can still see the entrance. We'll boil in our own armor if you don't hurry it up!

[spoiler][blockquote]Requested Will Save:  1d20+2 : 17 + 2, total 19[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Watching behind her, you see Branwen slowly peer around the corner. You would have given her more attention, but the heat was getting just a bit too warm. Already the metals that each individual wore or carried with them started to become hotter and hotter.

[spoiler][/spoiler]

Branwen stepped out into the hall, seeming for once to be satisfied with her scouting. She strode forward confidently, giving only a passing glance to the corpses nailed to the wall.

There were three of them. All were short and stocky, no doubt the corpses of dwarves, gnomes, or as Branwen quietly hoped, halflings. The scene was nothing remarkable to her. Their souls had been claimed, and they had entered the cycle of transmigration just as any other living thing. She stepped past the corpses as though they were beggars on the street, not worthy of her time or attention.

Though her chain was heated, the metal did not touch her skin directly. There was a heavy cloth habit she wore under it, which the heat was still attempting to seep through. She certainly felt it, just as the others did, but it had yet to become hazardous. While she could very well sprint through the dungeon in order to complete it before the heat assailed her too brazenly, she knew that exertion would only worsen its effects. By taking things slowly, she kept her body at rest as it resisted the hostile conditions. She tightened her gloves as she walked casually down the hallway, stopping in front of the second door in order to inspect it.

It was difficult to tell if she was taking her time out of actual prudence, or merely to annoy Kin, but whatever her reasons, she continued refusing to acknowledge any questions he had. "If you find my methods too slow for your liking, feel free to explore on your own." She stated matter-of-factly, pointing to the other door, and further down the hall. "If you stray too far from the party and become cornered, please do your best to die quietly instead of dragging the trouble back to us."

[spoiler]Search check on the door (traps and other): [1d20+5] 6 = 6 + 5 = 11
Listen check (ears against the door, if it's wood - otherwise just close enough): [1d20+7] 14 = 14 + 7 = 21[/spoiler]

Your group watches as Branwen puts her ear close to the stone door, trying to make out any sounds from within. The sight of the three figures pinned to the wall was disturbing, though with what was happening in the temple, it wasn't unexpected. The heat was slowly spreading its way deeper into the metals that everyone carried. The temperature was intense, and felt almost akin to an oven. The orange tiling didn't help in the situation, and only made things feel hotter than it was. Looking towards your weapons, you wonder if they have been affected by the heat, and if so, by how much.

The black girl put her ear just a hair's breadth away from the stone door, not risking contact with the hot stone. She was sweating profusely now, her dark hair clinging to her face and neck. With her left hand, she brushed it away from her eyes, minding her buckler as she did so. The first thing she was going to do after getting out of this godforsaken temple was a nice, cold bath.

But that would come later. Pulling her ear slightly away from the door, she silently motioned to the others to come closer. She slowly cracked the door, silently pushing it with a gloved hand, just enough to get a glimpse into the room. To throw the door open and rush in would be mere folly. She was far smarter than that. Slowly, but surely, she peeked into the room with a single eye.

[spoiler]Fortitude Saves:
[1d20+3] 5 = 5 + 3 = 8
[1d20+3] 20 = 20 + 3 = 23

Open Door Silently:
[1d20+4] 13 = 13 + 4 = 17[/spoiler]

Kin merely smirks as they continue along, "It's funny, I was thinking of doing just that if you didn't step around the corner!" He waltzes behind her, obviously enjoying this even though he's been insulted. He actually smirked more when she told him to die. Guess I got the wrong impression, I like this one...that's rare!

When she suddenly stopped and motioned them to halt, Kin immediately started tapping his foot lightly, making up for not doing so last time. "It's like you don't WANT to find trouble! That's just weird!" With that, Kin simply walks up and kicks the door open.

[spoiler][blockquote]Strength Check to kick door open:  1d20+2 : 3 + 2, total 5[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Sophie followed behind her fellow adventurers, a smile on her face even as they entered the hot place.  Sophie giggled as Bran and Kin bickered.  Although she wore no armor, even Sophie was feeling the heat, and immediately felt bad for the others. Her uniform was warm, but surely not as stifling as the clothing her companions wore. Just as the others had items that bore the guild's symbol, Sophie's was sewn directly into her uniform, just to the right of her chest.

As Bran motioned for her to come closer, Sophie quickly took her place right behind the girl. She squeezed the straps of her backpack in anticipation. She then jumped in surprise as Kin came forward and bravely (or perhaps foolishly) kicked the door right open.

As the door came crashing open, all three of you saw what looked to be a worm-like creature. It was a strange creature, it looked to be around 4 ft. long and about a foot wide. Its body was separated into segments, but instead of soft skin, the texture reminded you of rock. Blunt, short, spike-like lumps protrude from each point of its hexagonal segments. Steam comes from each of these lumps. The tip of it, or what could be more easily described as the head was glowing an intense orange, with bits of flame and fire interspersed on it.

Before the shock that the creature was most likely feeling dissipated, it started wiggling...

...towards the group.


[spoiler][/spoiler]

Kin lets out what sounds almost like a cackle, "PERFECT! I can FINALLY swing my blade a bit!" He then draws his over-sized greatsword and steps in front of the group to take point. Kin then yells, "Come on, you over-sized grub, have at me!" as he swings his sword tauntingly overhead, a feat you didn't think possible for a halfling, as it took a surprising combination of strength and dexterity to even hold it, let alone swing it.

[spoiler][blockquote]Initiative:  1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6[/blockquote][/spoiler]

"Uwah! What the heck is that thing?" Sophie questions in a startled tone. Her fear didn't last long though. Sophie fed off of Kin's  energy, and soon felt excited to start the battle. However, she'd likely stay in the back as support most of the time. Mimic, her raven, flapped his wings, obviously feeling uneasy about the enemy before them. "It's ok Mimic, we can do this!" Sophie told him in a cheery tone. She then lifted her hands into the air, using the spell bless in hopes of helping her companions fight.

You feel the power of Sophie's Bless spell descend upon you instilling a sense of morale and strength.

[spoiler][/spoiler]

"You really kicked down the door, just now." Branwen had to say it out loud to herself merely to assure herself that what she was seeing was reality. "I have no words. Your mere presence has become a pestilent plague upon my continued mental health."

Even with such a beast before her, she merely let out a sigh. Being forced to accompany such idiotic companions, and fight in such unreasonable heat, merely exasperated her. "You go fight the worm, if you wish to so dearly. I'm going to go do something sane."

She turned and left. If he was going to bring such trouble upon himself, then she had no reason to accompany him in his downward spiral into utter lunacy. She doubted he would learn his lesson even if he lived. As she walked, she muttered a few words of protection, a mere orison. It was the best protection she had against the heat, though it wasn't much.

[spoiler]Branwen moves back into the hallway, walking 5 feet South and 25 feet East (move action)
She also casts Resistance (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/r/resistance) on herself (standard action)[/spoiler]

[spoiler][blockquote]Initiative as compared to Kin's 1d20+1 : 12 + 1, total 13[/blockquote][/spoiler]

As the worm-like creature moved, it made the sounds of crunching earth. It sounded like a multitude of rocks and stones being rolled down a hill as it slithered and wriggled its way towards Kin and Sophie. For a creature like that, it surprisingly moved quickly,

Branwen, moving away from the group cast a spell on herself, as she made her way down the hallway. At that very moment, the creature was in front of Kin.

[spoiler][blockquote]Attack 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13[/blockquote]
[blockquote]if hit 1d6+3 : 1 + 3, total 4[/blockquote]
[blockquote]plus fire dmg 2d6 : 2, 3, total 5[/blockquote][/spoiler]

As the creature lunged out, its fiery and flaming head leading the way, Kin was just barely able to block the attack.

[spoiler]

QuoteRound 1 in progress - Still to move: Kin Sheel, Jornathal Mithraiian

Damage Dealt
Worm creature:

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 1)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian


Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11, bless,
Branwen: 9/9, bless, resistance
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless,

[/spoiler]

Jorn, had followed the other members of the guild into the Temple, though he had lagged behind up until now. He was concerned they may have been followed by another group attempting to take them unawares. Once he had fully ensured their safety within the Temple he had followed. The heat within such a place was nearly unbearable his entire body smoldered from the intensity of the heat, the only saving grace being so few pieces of metal on his body. His guild symbol in plain sight just above his heart seemed to dim slightly under the unprecedented heat. The elf noted the direction of travel of his companions and followed. His white hair pulled back into a tail had begun to gray from the lingering ash in the air.

There was no time for pleasantries as it appeared the unruly gnome had already found his way into trouble. Under the right circumstances Branwen might have been a good partner to counterbalance Kin?s rash behavior but that was just musings considering the situation. In a fluid motion, the elf drew his sword as he approached prepared for whatever possible creature or thing Kin may have stumbled upon.
After seeing the creature, there was no time to think only act. Jorn spoke with less a slight edge in his voice, ?Well this is a fine mess you have found for us Kin!?

His right hand clasping the sword tightly, Jorn?s left hand began to weave an incantation, and he began to softly hum the words for a spell.

[spoiler]Spell Cast: Magic Missile [blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote][/spoiler]

The motes of magic struck unerringly at the worm-like creature. The attacks had stopped the beast's rampage, and you can tell that the missiles injured the creature. But you also knew that it was far from being over.

[spoiler]

QuoteRound 1 in progress - Still to move: Kin Sheel

Damage Dealt
Worm creature: 4

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 1)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11, bless,
Branwen: 9/9, bless, resistance
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless,

[/spoiler]

"Messes are my specialty, Jorn! You know that! Now then...Let's see what this worm can do!" Kin says quickly as he spins, whirling his blade toward the creature. The sword was so big, and moving so fast, you could hear the wind whistling off it. Still, he did not fight with abandon, and mentally prepared himself to dodge the creature's counter.

[spoiler]Triggering combat expertise, nulling the BAB, and increasing my AC by that amount.

AC = 20

[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+3 : 7 + 3, total 10[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage if Hit:  3d6+3 : 2, 1, 6 + 3, total 12[/blockquote][/spoiler]

The sword whistled towards its destination. It struck, but it was a glancing blow, and the wurm's thick shell managed to deflect the attack's hit. If it was aimed better it might have been able to strike.

[spoiler](http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Players 1d20 : 2, total 2
(http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Enemies 1d20 : 2, total 2

QuoteRound 2 in progress - Still to move: Kin Sheel, Branwen, Sophie Cain, Jornathel Mithraiian

Damage Dealt
Worm creature: 4

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 1)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11, bless,
Branwen: 9/9, bless, resistance
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless,

[/spoiler]

[spoiler][blockquote]Reroll Players 1d20 : 20, total 20[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Reroll Enemies 1d20 : 3, total 3[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Sophie let the others go first, and once they were out of her way, she threw multiple knives at the creature. Mimic began to caw loudly, as if cheering her on.

[spoiler]
Rapid shot (Normal attack is 1d20+5)
(http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!

Attack: 1d20+3: 19 + 3, total 22
Damage if Hit:  1d4 -1 : 2-1, total 1
(http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!

Attack: 1d20+3: 15+3, total 18
Damage if Hit:  1d4 -1 : 4-1, total 3

[/spoiler]

As the fight ensued between the halfling and the large worm, two knives flew from Sophie when the opportunity presented itself. As they struck the creature it made a sound akin of rocks grinding against each other as the flames at its head sparked in anger and in pain.

[spoiler]

QuoteRound 2 in progress - Still to move: Kin Sheel, Branwen, Jornathel Mithraiian

Damage Dealt
Worm creature: 8

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11, bless,
Branwen: 9/9, bless, resistance
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless,

[/spoiler]

The sounds of battle grated on the girl's ears. They couldn't even fight quietly. At this rate, they'd wake up everything in the dungeon, rendering stealth meaningless. She muttered to herself as she walked down the hallway, no longer the words of Hades which coiled and protected her, but the mere frustrated grumblings of a spurned adventurer. If she still had emotions, she would be saddened that her allies wasted their time and blessings on such a person. He was going to get them killed someday, and that day was very likely today.

She drew her blade, just in case. No doubt there would be yet more creatures drawn to the cacophany behind her. Truly, she was considering simply leaving the dungeon, lest she be cornered by the worm when it inevitably devoured the corpses of her would-be allies. But she had other methods of escape were she to come to danger, and unlike her companions, her plan actually involved avoiding certain death.

She continued her path down the hallway, continuing to curse the heat, curse idiot halflings, and curse herself for bothering to join an organization filled with such incompetent adventurers.

[spoiler]Move action: Draw Rapier
Move action: Walk 30 ft east[/spoiler]

Kin grunted, "Tougher than expected...time to take this seriously." He drew in a deep breath, and exhaled, give a cold glare toward the worm. Those nearby felt the sudden change of emotion like a chill in the air; it was slightly unnerving. With a practically superhuman whip of his arm, the halfling made a quick, clean slice straight out and diagonally down from right to left. As soon as he landed he was already set to dodge to the side. The precision and focus from this once-chaotic halfling seemed almost unheard of.

[spoiler]Combat Expertise

AC 20

[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+3 : 20 + 3, total 23[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage if hits:  3d6+3 : 3, 5, 5 + 3, total 16[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[spoiler][blockquote]Confirm Crit:  1d20+3 : 5 + 3, total 8[/blockquote]
[blockquote]New Damage if confirmed:  3d6+3 : 1, 6, 2 + 3, total 12[/blockquote][/spoiler]

As your sword sliced through the air, it landed right at the creature's head, sinking into it's earth-like flesh then running cleanly through the beast. The worm-like creature backed off from the pain as it once again started to make the strange sounds of grinding earth. In a few more moments the creature shivered, then fell to the orange-tiled floor. The flames on its head started to wink out, the insistent wriggling started to slow, and the grinding sounds of earth stopped altogether.

[spoiler]

QuoteRound X in progress - Still to move: -

Damage Dealt
Worm creature: 20, dying

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11, bless,
Branwen: 9/9, bless, resistance
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless,

[/spoiler]

"There. That's better." Kin states matter-of-factly as he walks up to the worm, looks down at it, and swings his sword down vertically, lopping it in half. He then begins to look over the body in case something of value can be had from it.

[spoiler]Coup de Gras, as the opponent in helpless, for an auto-critical

[blockquote]Search:  1d20+1 : 10 + 1, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Appraise what's found:  1d20+1 : 20 + 1, total 21[/blockquote][/spoiler]

"Woo! Awesome job guys!" Sophie cheered with excitement. Their first enemy had been pretty easy, seeing as they all had managed to avoid taking a hit. Mimic ruffled his feathers, still a little weary despite the worm being brought down. Sophie glanced around the room as Kin checked the worm for any valuables. Perhaps there was something else to be found in here? She began walking around, searching for anything that might be of interest along the floors or walls.

[spoiler][blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 4, total 4[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Branwen heard the conflict cease behind her, but didn't seem to care. She merely continued down the hallway, taking advantage of the temporary lull in shouting to move with some measure of surreptitiousness through the dungeon.

No doubt the worm had done its job. Yes, at this very moment, it was surely digesting the remains of her former allies. The halfling's corpse would rot in its stomach, melted down slowly over the course of many weeks until nothing remained. There could be no other outcome, she thought, as she imagined the madman's slow and painful demise. There would be no hope of rescue from the worm's stomach. Perhaps he was being digested alive, crying out in pain and untold suffering as his body melted away limb by limb.

Yes, that was surely how the events behind her had transpired. Confident in her assertion, she continued as she was before, moving quietly, and keeping an eye out for any form of danger. As she reached the corner, she carefully peered around, attempting to discern what lay beyond.

[spoiler]Branwen double-moves east at half speed (30 ft total)
Move Silently: [1d20+8] 20 = 20 + 8 = 28
Hide: [1d20+8] 12 = 12 + 8 = 20
Branwen peeks around the corner while hiding behind it.[/spoiler]

The fight with the creature left those in the group warmer and uncomfortable as ever. The temperature was too hot, and likely it was from these so-called denizens of the plane of fire or perhaps lava from the volcano of Mt. Hersh seeped in from somewhere. After the ensuing fight, and the rush of adrenaline dissipating, those who wore armor started to feel heavy and warm. The handle of the blade Kin carried had burned his hands, though, only slightly.

Around the room as Sophie searched, she went between the various furniture in the room. A large table was in the middle, with various altar-like tables on the walls. It was much like the previous hallway, though the orange tiles were ruined as various holes and crushed tiles marked where the creature had moved from. There were chests on the eastern and northern walls of the room.

[spoiler]1 point of fire damage to Kin.

[/spoiler]

Branwen narrowed her eyes as she pulled her head back from the corner. The hallway was filled with corpses, both of dwarves and of worms. At first glance, all of them looked dead. But she saw the gentle stir of the flames around the head of a single worm. One of them was still alive - whether it was in its death throes, or merely playing dead, she couldn't tell.

She stepped back. While the darkened hallway gave optimal conditions for sneaking, it was useless to hide from something that lacked eyes. She would be unable to hide her presence from the creature if she approached any closer, and she knew all too well that such a creature, even weakened, could easily fell her in a single blow.

She walked back through the hall she came through, to look for another way around. She figured that the worm from earlier would be satiated from the corpses of the others, and too full to eat again. They likely hid underground while they digested their meals, so she presumed, anyway. Naturally, she was surprised to find all three of them safe and sound in the room from before.

"Oh, the halfling. You're still alive." She said, with not a hint of gratefulness in her voice as she sheathed her sword. "Excellent. Please continue to rampage through the dungeon in a disorderly manner, endangering your allies and making my job more difficult."

The conflict has sped by quickly with the gnomes?s combat prowess defining the encounter. Jorn nodded his respect to his companion as he moved into the room. His voice dropped to a whisper, ?Nice work Kin, however this heat is surely unbearable let?s not allow the environment to quicken our tempers further in acting. Branwen went on ahead to scout further it appears. We should wait in this room for her return. We have a foot hold there seems to be no reason to push further without knowing the lay of the land.? He walked to Sophie?s side, ?Have you found anything of note??

He slowly sheathed his blade, allowing his hands a small reprieve from the intense heat.

"Will do, Bran, will do." He said, almost cheerfully. You saw him wielding his giant blade, with the earthy scorch marks along its edge, giving away that the halfling was the one that caused the fatal wound. Not only that, but Kin barely had a mark on him.

"So did you find anything else interesting while you were away?" He asked curiously as he looked over the room for the first time.

Branwen's eyebrow twitched ever so slightly, but she showed no more annoyance than that. "Another worm. It seemed unconscious. I doubt it to be a trap, as if it wished to hide itself, it could easily do so underground." She pointed out. "Under the condition that the halfling leads, we could, theoretically, finish it off in its likely weakened state. It guards a point of egress that leads deeper into the temple. It would likely be a less dangerous option than whatever lay behind these doors."

She looked back in the direction from whence she came. "If you are weak of stomach, I would suggest covering your nose as we proceed. Corpses do not preserve well in this heat, and the entire hall smells of badly cooked, rotting dwarf." She tended not to pay much mind to corpses. But there was one thing she did take special notice of. Thus far, five of the seven dead dwarves they had found had been nailed to the wall. Worms did not tend to nail things, due to a distinct lack of thumbs, and indeed hands and arms altogether. If they proceeded deeper, it would likely be more than worms that they encountered...

Kin was saddened when what he said didn't infuriate his rather cold teammate. But then again, that's what makes it fun!

"Well I'd be more than happy to chop up another worm, lead the way! Though, I would like to look around the room a bit, didn't actually take the time after chopping up the first one." Kin then gives a slight chuckle, then begins to wander around the room as Sophie had done, enjoying himself.

"As for that smell, well, if we want this job done, guess we'll have to deal with it. And why are you so frightened of what's behind THESE doors?" Kin asks pointedly, spinning on his heels to face Branwen. "I mean, they ARE the most convenient."

"If you wish to charge headlong into the unknown, feel free to do so." She stated in a deadpan voice. "Personally, I prefer to take my chances with a half-dead monster than be ambushed by a fully alive monster."

She turned around, heading back to the hall. Her original intention had been to attempt to ascertain what lie behind the doors here, and use that information to plot an optimal path through the temple. But there was no point in a subtle approach so long as the halfling was around. She didn't wish to squander any more of her time with petty bickering while they steadily wasted away more and more in the awful heat. She could be using this time for further scouting. Taking her leave, she proceeded back down the hallway. Whether her allies followed her or not was their own choice. Her voice echoed through the room as she made her exit.

"Given the prominence of dwarf corpses in the area, I would expect the denizens of the temple to be well-suited to the hunting of those less than four feet tall. Pay that what mind you may."

[spoiler]Branwen moves back to her previous position at the corner, waiting to see if the others follow her before proceeding[/spoiler]

Kin laughed out loud at the statement, "Used to dealing with dwarves, not a halfling with an agenda, but thanks for the concern, Bran." He follows her out, seeing that there's not much in this room, and bursting through another door seemed kind of boring. Plus, he was hoping for another bickering match. Despite the climate, this is a good time! Let's see, should I go for making her crack a smile, or more exasperated sighs...SIGHS IT IS!

With that, he takes point, strutting right in front of Branwen as they go down the hall.

Sophie smiles as Jorn approaches her. "Hm..well, the only things I found of interest were a couple of chests." She points out the two of them, but then notices that Bran and Kin were already on their way out. She looks to Jorn again. "Should we check them out?" It had bothered her before when Bran went off on her own, but at least this time Kin had followed along.

Bran and Kin were two very different souls indeed. It was no surprise how strange the party makeup seemed. But in his analysis this was not a coincidence. The Guild masters are looking at those with difficult demeanor. Perhaps these two were fated to help one another with their inner struggles. Or its just back luck and they have no love at all for one another. Well only time would truly tell for sure. Though Sophie seemed a kind and gentle soul. Perhaps he favored her kindness as it was akin to his own. These musing along with others rattled through his mind, as the task at hand fluttered back into perspective. Jorn let out a small chuckle next to Sophie, "Sure why don't you and I take a look and see if there is anything of value within the chests. We can catch up to those two afterwards. Lets hope Bran can keep Kin out of trouble until then. We can always race out to save them if they should decide to stumble into danger." His eyes were filled with mirth and kindness as he looked down into Sophie's eyes.

Jorn walks over to the nearest chest and opens the lid to examine the contents.

Jornathel made his way towards the eastern chest, avoiding the broken tiles and flooring as he made his way through the room.

Meanwhile, Branwen and Kin made their way eastwards from the previous hall. The heat was still unbearable, and the walking only seemed to make things worse. The two stopped right before turning around the corner. And as Branwen suggested earlier, the stench of the corpses, though faint, was lingering in the air even though the corpses were still a distance away.

[spoiler]I want Jornathel and Sophie to roll a fortitude save sometime.

[/spoiler]

After examining the chest Jorn notices that it is indeed locked and requires a key. He looks back towards Sophie, "Take a look at the other chest, this one is locked and I do not see a key lying around anywhere. We should probably make haste and catch up with the others. The heat is certainly becoming unbearable."

He takes a swig of water to cool his body and clear his throat.

[spoiler]Fortitude Save: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 10 + 1, total 11[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

As Kin rounds the corner, he takes in the sight of the now appearing corpses. "Someone really did a number on these guys. Ever seen anything like this before Bran?" He begins to examine one of the nailed corpses, hoping to gain some useful information while he waits for Branwen's response, if he gets one.

[spoiler]Not sure what roll to make, so I'm just going with a general knowledge roll.

[blockquote]Knowledge:  1d20+1 : 12 + 1, total 13[/blockquote][/spoiler]

"Aww..." Sophie was disappointed that the chest couldn't be opened, but not surprised. She suddenly became a bit more weary of the heat, and tugged at the fabric around her neck, making room for some air.

She did as Jorn suggested, and quickly made her way over to the second chest, then made an attempt to open it (She also made note of a cabinet beside the chest).

[spoiler]Fortitude save: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 11 + 1, total 12[/blockquote][/spoiler]

You see Sophie attempting to open the chest. However, it did not budge or move.

The smell of the corpses was reeking, and the temperature only made the stench seem even more putrid that it really was. You watch as Kin makes his way through the hallway, going straight towards one of the corpses that were hung on the wall.

[spoiler][/spoiler]

[spoiler]Rerolling Knowledge for Heal (not tampered with, just adding a spot check)

(http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Heal Check:  1d20+1 : 13 + 1, total 14
[blockquote]Spot:  1d20+1 : 18 + 1, total 19[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Kin closely examines the body. He was careful about touching it, though he did make a some-what thorough examination. You notice that he looked beyond into the hallway.

Kin makes a mental note of what he's found, waiting until he has more info before trying to deduce anything. "I see the worm you were talking about over there, strange that it's trying to hide and not charge like the other. I'm guessing it's either injured, or bait." The cool headed analysis seemed strange yet again for the halfling, showing that there was a capable mind beneath the chaotic and rude guise. He then jokes, "For once I'm not sure whether I should charge! An easy kill might be an easy ambush against us. How well can you make out the surroundings around the worm, Bran? Any places to hide?"

"Hmph!" Sophie frowned as, yet again, there was a chest they'd be unable to open. Although they needed to hurry and catch up with the others, she wanted to check at least one more thing. Sophie walks up to the cabinet, curious as to what could be inside of it. They took the time to fight the worm and get into the room, it seemed like a waste if they didn't at least check most of the place out.

[spoiler]Items are in the OOC thread (http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/the-guild-of-galas'nor/(ooc)-temple-of-dorgan/). Roll need or greed rolls for them (or pass). Because Sophie found them, she can roll the greeds or needs with a +5 modifier. I'll be doing it this way from now on.[/spoiler]

"I'm not sure whether I should be pleasantly surprised that you've finally shown some measure of prudence, or disappointed that you didn't simply spring whatever traps lay dormant here in my stead." Branwen replied, turning her gaze to the darkened hall. Her black eyes saw far better in the dark than most, taking in what light there was. The faint embers of the worm's body provided all the illumination she needed. Truthfully, her plan had been to simply let the halfling charge and incur any waiting threat, allowing herself to waltz forth with impunity. But this method was fine as well.

[spoiler]Listen: [1d20+7] 6 = 6 + 7 = 13
Spot: [1d20+7] 9 = 9 + 7 = 16[/spoiler]

"I see no assailants." Branwen stated, turning her head slightly. The worm had noticed the halfling and was attempting to scurry off. "I would hurry if I were you. Our prey is escaping." She couldn't speak for what traps lay armed in the hallway, but they had not the time to search the hall with the level of thoroughness that trapfinding required. But at the very least, an ambush was not what they needed to worry about. She followed behind her companion's advance, covering her nose with her shawl to shield herself from the awful stench, muttering a single verse muffled through the cloth as she reinforced her orison.

[spoiler]Branwen follows Kin at a distance, walking 10 feet for each of his 15
She also recasts Resistance, refreshing its duration[/spoiler]

Jorn looked back to Sophie realizing she had become frustrated as well with the locked chests. Perhaps a key would be found deeper within the temple. He would remember to keep an eye out for keys lying around. The elf on principle refused to leave Sophie alone in fear that she may never make it back to the group if the heat should render either of them unconscious. So he waited until her search was satisfied. ?Once you are done there, I will follow you in catching up to Branwen in case something should attempt to attack from the rear. Please do try to hurry though, I worry for Kin?s safety, he is so brash for one so small.?

[spoiler]Staying right behind Sophie as she advances deeper into the dungeon.[/spoiler]

Kin smirks, "Can't have prey escaping can we?" With that, Kin rushes in, drawing his sword as he does. Traps be damned, as long as the coast is clear of monster ambushes, this worm is MINE! Upon reaching the beast, Kin whirls, horizontally slashing at his opponent with his giant blade.

[spoiler]I'm still trying to puzzle out what I can actually do after the discussion. I'm going to attack normally, you guys tell me if I should change something.

Combat Expertise

AC = 20

[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+3 : 11 + 3, total 14[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage if hit:  3d6+3 : 6, 6, 3 + 3, total 18[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Drawing his sword as he charged toward his prey Kin steadily closest the gap between him and the creature.

[spoiler][blockquote]Player's roll 1d20 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Enemey's roll 1d20 : 11, total 11[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[spoiler]

QuoteRound 1 in progress - Still to move: Branwen, Sophie Cain, Jornathel Mithraiian, Worm

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 9/11, bless (8 rounds),
Branwen: 9/9, bless (8 rounds), resistance (8 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless (8 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless (8 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Sophie was ecstatic to have found something inside the cabinet. Although it didn't appear to be the most useful of things, it was still a victory in Sophie's mind. She pointed the various items out to Jorn. "Ah yes! I'm so so sorry, I'm ready to head out now." She said to him, feeling a little bad that she had made him wait. She made her way out in the hall, and eventually caught up with Bran. Sophie was surprised to see Kin charging at yet another worm upon her arrival. "Oh gosh..." Sophie whispered.

[spoiler]

QuoteRound 1 in progress - Still to move: Branwen, Jornathel Mithraiian, Worm

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 9/11, bless (8 rounds),
Branwen: 9/9, bless (8 rounds), resistance (8 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless (8 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless (8 rounds),

[/spoiler]

[spoiler]I'm assuming Kin's new position on the map is in error, as I don't recall him moving back.[/spoiler]

Branwen, seeming satisfied of the halfling's advance, strode forward through the darkened hall behind him, watching idly as he chased down the worm. Given that she was nearly twice as fast as he on foot, she could have likely chased it down more effectively. But what need had she to be running amok in this godforsaken heat when her hapless companion would gladly do it for her?

Exertion wouldn't do her very well. She walked at a relaxed pace, following the halfling's trail as the elf and the little girl finally caught up. "I was wondering what was taking you two so long." She stated distantly, "He'll be fine." She assured the girl, "Well, probably."

[spoiler]Branwen double-moves up the hallway (60 ft max), ending behind Kin[/spoiler]

[spoiler][blockquote]Players' Roll 1d20 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Enemies' Roll 1d20 : 4, total 4[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[spoiler]

QuoteRound 2 in progress - Still to move: Kin Sheel, Branwen, Sophie Cain, Jornathel Mithraiian

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 9/11, bless (7 rounds),
Branwen: 9/9, bless (7 rounds), resistance (7 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless (7 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless (7 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Kin sees that he is advancing on the scared worm much faster than expected. Why aren't you running...!? Then he looked back to see Bran strutting her way down the hall. WHY AREN'T YOU RUNNING!...wait, no, that's expected.

Upon finally catching up to the worm, Kin made a whirling horizontal slash with his abnormally sized greatsword, hoping to smash and slash right through the darned thing. On one hand, I'm ending the injured thing's misery...but if it was being attacked before, it obviously had it coming!...ugh, I need a drink after this.

[spoiler][blockquote]Attack 1d20+3 : 6 + 3, total 9[/blockquote]
[blockquote]if hit 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17[/blockquote][/spoiler]

With skill and ease the halfling swung his weapon around aiming for the injured and weakened creature before him. Yes for all it was worth, the wormlike creature, seeing its apparent demise, managed to squirm out of the way as the blade skidded off the creature's rock-like skin.

As the heat built up, Kin was able to resist it. But his sword, being exposed to the heat for so long, burnt the halflings hands again.

[spoiler]

QuoteRound 2 in progress - Still to move: Branwen, Sophie Cain, Jornathel Mithraiian

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 8/11, bless (7 rounds),
Branwen: 9/9, bless (7 rounds), resistance (7 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless (7 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless (7 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Urk! That skid hurt my burnt hand you damn worm! "Grrraaa! Let me kill you already!" Kin voices as he prepares to defend against the worm's counter, if there was one. Before taking the stance though, he quickly shakes off the pain from the burn from his hands. Ohhh this is going to feel GREAT later... He thinks to himself sarcastically.

The black girl merely sighed as Kin's wild, untamed swing missed completely. "If you're going to block the hallway like a large rock, try to be more useful than one, while you're at it." She said disparagingly, walking a little further up. The narrow hall left only room for one attacker. Grumbling a bit more to herself, she raised her hand slightly.

In her palm appeared a sizzling mass of boiling hot acid, floating in the air as a sphere no more than eight centimeters in diameter. It was a mere cantrip, but she had little choice with the bumbling halfling in her way. With a lazy wave of her hand, the acid flew from her fingertips like a thrown baseball, aimed at the worm's hide.

[spoiler]Branwen casts Acid Splash (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/a/acid-splash).
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11[/blockquote] vs Touch AC for [blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 1, total 1[/blockquote] Acid damage[/spoiler]

The orb of acid sizzled across the worm's hide, leaving marks on the creature. In response the creature grumbled, though it looked more annoyed than seriously injured.

The heat took its toll on Branwen.

[spoiler][blockquote]Nonlethal heat damage (for failed prior fort save of 8) 1d4 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]

QuoteRound 2 in progress - Still to move: Sophie Cain, Jornathel Mithraiian

Damage Dealt
Worm: 1

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 8/11, bless (7 rounds),
Branwen: 9/9, bless (7 rounds), resistance (7 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless (7 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless (7 rounds),

[/spoiler]

"Me and Jorn decided to explore the room a bit!" Sophie said cheerfully to Bran. Sophie couldn't tell if Bran had actually been trying to be comforting with her comment about Kin, but she appreciated it regardless. Sophie stuck with the girl as they made their way down the hall, closer to where Kin was taking on the worm. "So hot..." Sophie thought to herself.

As Jornathel and Sophie moved up to their companions, though the waves of heat bothered them, the two managed to shake off the effects and continue on.

[spoiler]Would like Kin Sheel, Sophie Cain, and Jornathel Mithraiian to roll Fortitude saves again whenever they can. Branwen rolled hers before so I'll still use hers.

[blockquote]Players' Roll 1d20 : 12, total 12[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Enemies' Roll 1d20 : 2, total 2[/blockquote]

QuoteRound 3 in progress - Still to move: Kin Sheel, Branwen, Sophie Cain, Jornathel Mithraiian, Worm

Damage Dealt
Worm: 1

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 8/11, bless (6 rounds),
Branwen: 9/9, bless (6 rounds), resistance (6 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless (6 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless (6 rounds),

[/spoiler]

It took a lot to curb and focus his anger into disciplined actions, but Kin finally managed. He was done with this one too, and really needed to sheath his sword. I have to end this fight, or else things will start going badly from now on. As much as I love playing the fool for laughs and fun, this is work, I need to get my head in this and stick to the mission. Come on, Kin! Get yourself together!

Though not as intense as before, Kin's stance and mood changed once again, his movements much more refined and almost graceful. With a sudden, precise swing, Kin threw his whole body into a near flawless flick, sending the blade's edge into the air above the two. With a sudden, smooth pull, Kin whipped the blade down vertically into the worm.

[spoiler][blockquote]Attack:  1d20+3 : 10 + 3, total 13[/blockquote]
[blockquote]If hit:  3d6+4 : 3, 5, 4 + 4, total 16[/blockquote][/spoiler]

As the overly large blade came careening down towards the target, all the injured worm could do was gurgle out a small earth-sounding whimper as the blade struck its hard skin. If the worm was in more able health, the attack would have simply been stopped by the creature's thick hide. But the wounds on the worm were already numerous, and that blow from the halfling managed to barely down the creature. It lay almost unmoving, though it was still alive as you saw its body twitch a couple of times.

Though, holding the hot sword again, it does some damage to your hands.

[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Anyone

Damage Dealt
Worm: 17, dying

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 7/11, bless (6 rounds),
Branwen: 9/9, bless (6 rounds), resistance (6 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless (6 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless (6 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Kin, tired of the burning from his large greatsword, sheathes it and takes out his normal greatsword. With it, he takes a quick thrust, aiming to finish off the creature.

[spoiler]Coup de Gras, auto-hitting critical for being helpless.

Max damage + bonus dice: 2d6 + 12 + 4

[blockquote]Damage:  2d6+16 : 4, 6 + 16, total 26[/blockquote][/spoiler]

"Oh, you finally killed it." She said, walking up to Kin's side. "Count yourself lucky that it was in retreat. Had it turned to fight, that slip up could have meant death before a second strike." She warned him, even though she figured he knew that already.

She turned to the door, now splattered with the worm's green blood. They were fortunate that it was only stone. Had the doors been metal, it would likely be hot enough to bring the foul substance to a boil. "Shall I attempt to ascertain what lie ahead before we go forth, or would you rather simply plow through the door like an angry gorilla?" She asked, not bothering to look at the halfling as she said so.

Once Kin had finished off the second worm, Sophie was quick to notice his injured hands.
"Are you ok, Kin?" Sophie asked worriedly as she approached him. Without hesitation she gently touched his arm, and used one of her spells to heal him up a bit.

[spoiler]
Cure light wounds
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+1 : 7 + 1, total 8[/blockquote]

Fortitude save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 1 + 1, total 2[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

The healing spell felt cooling, all of the wounds on the halfling's hands vanished, and at least just for that moment he felt no heat or any encumbering effects of the temperature inside the temple.

[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Anyone

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11, bless (5 rounds),
Branwen: 9/9, bless (5 rounds), resistance (5 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless (5 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless (5 rounds),

[/spoiler]

"I have never met a kinder, nor more lovable soul than you, Bran." Kin states sarcastically. "Not only eloquent in speech, but you know just how to tempt a man!" At this point he cuts the sarcasm. "We all know you'll have me do the work anyways once you DO find something, so I may as well barrel through the door."

Upon getting healed by Sophie, "Finally someone who's actually concerned! I even felt cool for a moment! Perfect!"

"Wonderful." She replied, her voice practically dripping contempt. The girl did everything she could to hold back the twitching of her 'oh-so-lovable' eyebrows, but to no avail. She takes a single step backwards from Kin and from the door. If he was going to do this the brutish way, she preferred to be far outside the radius of his ridiculously large sword before he began his movements. "Please get it over with before we all roast alive."

The sounds of combat came and went as quickly as it had begun. Once Sohpie and and I arrived it appeared to already be over. Kin stood over yet another worm victim that had fallen to his blade, though the beast had been wounded prior to their encounter, based on the older wounds upon the corpse. He lowered his voice down to a whisper, ?It may be prudent to allow Branwen, to investigate the room before our entry. A good surprise could be of great use here, especially if a trap waits on the other side.? But as his words were whispered, Kin cut in with his brutish ways. He paid no mind to the elf, perhaps it was the fact that he whispered. But instead he chose the hard path and left no room for negotiations. Jorn simply shook his head and stepped back, this halfling was going to be the death of them all.

His left hand began to move through a series of gestures, and he whispered a soft arcane phrase.
[spoiler]
I am casting Mage Armor on myself. Duration 1 hour, +4 to AC[/spoiler]

The heat was nearly unbearable; Jorn took a swig from his water that was certainly warm by now.
 
[spoiler]Fortitude Save: Rolled 1d20+1 : 11 + 1, total 12[/spoiler]

Kin charges the door, but suddenly, to everyone's surprise, stops short and examines it. Hmm...I wonder. Kin decides to knock on the door and wait for a moment, as though expecting an answer. After awhile of just standing there. Nope, nothing.

With that strange act over, Kin then tries opening the door normally, knowing stone can't exactly be kicked in. "You know, I don't know why you backed away like that. It's like you expected me to cut down a stone door or something!" He pauses at that thought, then turns quickly in disbelief. "You didn't actually think that, did you? I'm not a fool you know, just like a good fight."

He looks at them all incredulously, then shakes his head and turns back to the door. "Now how in the world do you open this thing!?" He says tries to locate a handle or lever for the door. He even tries pushing it open, taking breaks so he doesn't burn himself on the stone...hothothothotHotHotHotHOT! OW!

"..."

Honestly, even from the halfling, Branwen expected better. "Step aside. The comedy relief segment is over." She rudely pushed Kin aside, standing before the door. "I cannot believe that an adventurer would enter a dungeon armed with no less than three blades, potions, torches, flint, food and water, and yet forget something so simple as gloves."

She doubted whether there was even any point in stealth after they had argued for so long outside the door. But there was never any harm in caution. Her gloves were solid felt, more than enough to protect her hands from momentary exposure to heat. "Please try to restrain your voice for five seconds while I try to not get us all killed." She silently pushed the door open, not fully, but just enough to slip through, and get an idea of the level of lighting on the other side.

[spoiler]Taking 10 on Open Silently: 17[/spoiler]

Kin stumbled aside, grunting then grinning sheepishly, Well at least she recognized the comedy? "Of course, it's a push door...well, we halflings have never been too good at those anyways." He says flippantly, ignoring the request for silence for the most part; he decided to at least not yell it, but it was still slightly above a whisper. "Oh, and this," he pulls out his dagger, which is for smaller beings, "and I think you'll agree, hardly counts as a blade."

After Branwen puts her head through, peeking in, Kin begins tapping his foot expectantly. Weeeeeeell?

As the door opened carefully and silently, one of the worm creatures attacked and pounded against the door. The weight of the creature was enough to quickly close it again. With how near the creature was, from beyond the now closed door you can hear the earthy rumblings it was making. The sounds were quick and loud as if the creature was angry or perhaps frigthetened.

[spoiler]Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Anyone

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11, bless (4 rounds),
Branwen: 9/9, bless (4 rounds), resistance (4 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5, bless (4 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9, bless (4 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

"Thrice-damned worms..." Branwen cursed under her breath, stumbling backwards from the force of the worm's pounding. She stepped back a bit, watching as it simply beat its head against the door. "...Perhaps it we stand here long enough, it will simply scatter its brains across the stone." She suggested, taking a few steps down and letting Kin get back in front, if he wished.

"The room does not lead to any other. It is a dead end." She told her allies, "The worm is trapped within, along with an unopened chest. I would imagine anything within it that would have been of use has long since melted." She said pessimistically, "If we simply walk away, it is very likely that we will never see this worm again for the rest of our lives."

Sophie waited patiently as Bran made an attempt to see what was beyond the door. She was startled when the door slammed shut, causing the small maid to let out a gasp. Although it was hard for Sophie to pass up something like a chest, she felt Bran was right about just moving on. "I think we should just skip this room..." Sophie suggested. "We need to be quick, especially with how fast things seem to be heating up." She explained. Only moments ago she had to heal Kin's burnt hands, and it was likely things would only get worse from here. Mimic nodded and flapped his wings in agreement. "Oh, flap your wings more Mimic!" Sophie told him, the momentary breeze his wings caused had felt nice.

"Personally, I'm tired of getting burned, and the pay for this job is good, so let's just deal with trouble that we HAVE to face. That's right, Bran, I'm agreeing with you." Kin states as he turns and around, walking back to the first room. "There were plenty of doors in the last room, and, like I had originally suggested, I think we should check those out, huh?" Kin says with a little frustration in his voice. Those are easier to kick in anyways; giant, hot stone doors have never been a favorite of mine.

"For a moment, I almost thought I was dreaming." She replied to Kin, in the same deadbeat tone. Of course, she didn't actually have dreams anymore. Dreams come from the soul. But regardless, Branwen was just as fed up with worms as her companions, in fact likely even more so. She continued on with the others, approaching the northwest door of the room. Slowly, she pushed it open to try and get a peek inside.

[spoiler]Taking 10 on Open Door Silently: 17[/spoiler]

You watch in silence as Branwen slowly opens the door, careful of not making any sounds as she did so. In a few more moments she had the door opened just enough for her to peek through. A blast of warm air came form the opened door.

Branwen flinched, drawing back as the loud hot air assailed her. For a moment, she couldn't breathe, but it subsided quickly. "...Well, so much for a quiet entrance..." She noted sourly, peering inside.

The air from the room carried with it the stench of a dead dwarf, rotting and cooked just like the others. "...I don't see anyone inside..." She said, taking a cautious step in. The reason for the extreme heat became apparent soon after she did.

"...A magma flow." She said, viewing it from a safe distance, or at least as safe of a distance as there was from molten hot magma. "...Before we chance jumping over something like this, we should check the other doors to see if there's a safer way around."

"God's be damned, more heat!? Yes, yes, why don't we try door number 2 this time?" Kin quickly withdrew this time, obviously annoyed that they couldn't find a decent room with anything truly interesting. All it is is worms and fire, worms and fire, and then MORE WORMS! Give me something more fun!

He waits by the next door, tapping his foot, but then spies the two chests from before. Ooo, there's something entertaining! He walks over and examines them, finding them both locked.

Kin mutters silently to himself, "Well, time to use something I'm a huge fan of...FORCE." The word "force" was audible to the rest of them, though whether or not it concerned them was of no concern to Kin.

[spoiler][blockquote]Attack on first chest:  1d20+4 : 6 + 4, total 10[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage:  3d6+4 : 1, 4, 5 + 4, total 14[/blockquote]

If first succeeded (if not, this goes as a retry for the first):
[blockquote]Attack on second chest:  1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage 3d6+4 : 6, 4, 3 + 4, total 17[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Like usual, Sophie followed along behind the others, and waited as they examined the rooms. Mimic would flap his wings occasionally as Sophie had suggested. "I better get a nice reward for this later." Mimic teased, his voice echoing in Sophie's head. Sophie smiled and pet his feathered back. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to buy you some yummy food~." She assured him. Sophie then watched as Kin made an attempt to get into the chests. She was more than curious to know what was inside.

He was not surprised by yet another worms presence. Some type of elemental crossing had occurred here. The question was if it was lured or simply invaded. And if either course were feasible then why? To what end? Well these musings along with others kept the elf deep in thought. He sluggishly followed behind distracted deep in thought. Perhaps this was not the best thing to be doing while attempting to protect their flank.

He shook his head clear of all of the rambling, it must be this god forsaken heat. Continuing to maintain his vigilance in case of intruders from behind. "No, I am not dead, but this heat will likely bake our insides if we have to stay here much longer." He spoke to no one specifically but in Sophie's direction being that she was the closest or Mimic.

After the first strike, the chest was already broken, though not quite completely open. As Kin struck hard against the object the second time, the treasure chest exploded into pieces.

"An impressive reenactment of the tale of the Gordian Knot. Five stars to you, good sir." Her praise comes in an emotionless voice, making it difficult to tell if the sentiment is heartfelt or sarcastic. Meanwhile, she walks over to the northeast door, a few feet away. She ignores the treasure completely, focusing instead on finding a workable route through the temple. Her sweat had completely soaked her shawl, though she refused to take it off. Muttering another verse under her breath to renew her orison, she moves to the other door, attempting to open it silently as well.

[spoiler]Branwen recasts Resistance on herself.

Take 10 on door opening for 17[/spoiler]

Kin heard the sarcasm, as was expected, but he knew well enough she was happy to see the coins and riches roll. Going with the flow of what she said, he continues, "And now, on with the show!" As he steps up, taking a swing at the second chest.

[spoiler][blockquote]Attack:  1d20+4 : 3 + 4, total 7[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage:  3d6+4 : 4, 3, 5 + 4, total 16[/blockquote]

Second attack if needed:
[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage:  3d6+4 : 1, 4, 5 + 4, total 14[/blockquote][/spoiler]

As Branwen attempts to open the northeast door, she realizes that the door is locked or stuck.

Smashing the other chest proved just as effective as the contents came spilling forth. You notice a few broken peices of glass flying after the results of Kin's bashing.

[spoiler]Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Anyone

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11,
Branwen: 9/9, resistance (10 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

"...Won't budge..." She muttered, moving over to the next one. "If the dungeon's wings are symmetrical, then the magma room is our best bet, unfortunately." She wasn't looking forward to traversing that room. She could clear it easily, herself, with her magic. But her allies might not be so lucky. As annoying as the halfling was, she would much rather have Kin inbetween her and an angry worm than reduced to ash at the bottom of a pool of molten rock.

Slowly and carefully, as always, she opened the western door as silently as she could, getting a peek into the west hall.

[spoiler]Take 10: 17[/spoiler]

As Branwen attempts to open the northwestern door, she realizes that the door, just like the other one, is also locked or stuck.

[spoiler]Rolls:
[spoiler][/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Anyone

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11,
Branwen: 9/9, resistance (10 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Branwen stepped away with an annoyed sigh. "I suppose we'll have to cross the magma, then. Unless any of you think you can break through a stone door." She says, looking back at Kin. "It's far from an elegant solution. But those are our choices. We either risk waking up some more angry worms, or we risk jumping over a river of molten death."

"As tired as I am of them," Kin starts, "I'd rather take my chances with a monster. More interesting that way." Can't let them know I'm not sure if I could make the jump...that's too hard on the pride!

Kin walks over to the stone door, looking it over, seeing if it would even be possible to break it.

[spoiler]Not sure which skill to use to figure out the door. Gonna go with Appraise, because it seems like it would fit.

(http://forum.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Appraise on Stone door:  1d20+1 : 17 + 1, total 18[/spoiler]

You watch as the halfling examines the door, deciding on how hard or tough to break down the door would take.

[spoiler]Rolls:
[spoiler][/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Anyone

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11,
Branwen: 9/9, resistance (10 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Any who are watching see Kin practically stiffen up, going rigid. He then spins on his heel without a word, heading to the door with the magma behind it, "Guess we have to find a way over that pit!"

It's impossible with just me, and I don't even know if it's possible with everyone...Damn it all, now I have to get across the magma...A halfling? Jumping!? Gods this place has turned from fun to nightmarish!

With that he marches over and opens the door, only to be assailed by the extreme heat. "Eesh!" Kin almost immediately begins fanning his face with his hand as he peers inside to take a look for himself.

[spoiler][blockquote]Spot in the magma room:  1d20+1 : 14 + 1, total 15[/blockquote][/spoiler]

The heat was starting to create frustrations amongst everyone and it would only be a matter of time before tempers too took hold. With the news of a pit to possibly navigate over, that perked Jorn?s ears right up. This was finally a challenge something that could prove his worth and at the same time perhaps draw his companions together once again.

Jorn spoke evenly with a small amount of authority, ?Kin and Branwen, if you would, how much of an expanse are we having to traverse? I may have an idea and the ability to ensure our transition over the obstacle is at the very least a bit safer. So if you would leave the door open and let?s have a look at this crossing that we are going to commit to.?

The elf moved closer to Kin so that he could look over his shoulder and get a better picture of the difficulty at hand.

[spoiler]Rolls:
[spoiler][/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Anyone

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11,
Branwen: 9/9, resistance (10 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Upon seeing the room for himself now, Kin visibly shivered again. I...am NOT going to enjoy this...

"W-well, it seems to be about 10 feet wide." Dammit, I stuttered...calm, Kin, calm... "It's quite the jump and the lava is around waist-deep. I'm still thinking of how to get over it..." Better, but not good enough...

"Also, there are holes that have been bored into the walls, which could mean more worms, so we need to be careful. Hopefully they come out so we can just get it over with!" Kin says with a little more enthusiasm than he'd had before, seeming to be shaking off whatever had been bothering him.

Sophie joins Jorn and kin beside the door, doing her best to look around the two and into the room. She too felt the intense heat, and began to fan herself with her hands. "Well you know, before hopping over into the unknown, I think Mimic could check and see what's over there. Maybe he could let us know if there's a worm hiding out." She suggested. Mimic ruffled his feathers, obviously not enthused with the idea of flying over magma himself. However, he'd do just about anything if it would help Sophie. "Will you check for us Mimic?" Sophie prodded. With that, the bird hopped from her shoulders and cautiously flew forward. He searched the area, also listening for anything that could pose a potential threat.

[spoiler]

Spot check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 6 + 7, total 13[/blockquote]

Listen check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 15 + 5, total 20[/blockquote]

[/spoiler]

Mimic had disappeared through the door, but not too long after the raven was back.

Mimic took his usual spot on Sophie's shoulder once he returned. "There is a door on the other side. I saw nothing else." He said to Sophie. "Thanks boy." She praised him. She let the others know what the raven had said, and was relieved to know he hadn't spotted any worms.

[spoiler]Rolls:
[spoiler][/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Anyone

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11,
Branwen: 9/9, resistance (10 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Gathering his courage, Kin steps into the room, examining the gap as best he could, hoping to figure out a way across it. He knew that jumping and distances were one thing his body couldn't overcome easily, even if his confidence could. But there was no way he was turning around now, there was more fighting and treasure to be had past the gap.

"I'm afraid to try rope, in case the heat from the magma burns it. Can anyone else think of a way to make this gap easier to cross?" It may be easy for YOU guys to jump 10 feet, but that's bordering on my limit for distance, jumping safely.

[spoiler]Rolls:
[spoiler][/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Anyone

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 11/11,
Branwen: 9/9, resistance (10 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 5/5,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/9

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

"We have an abundance of worm and dwarf corpses in the various halls." Branwen spoke lightly of them, almost as though she were giving directions to a store. The fact that those corpses had once been living things meant nothing to her. "If we gathered them into a pile, they would likely last long enough in the magma to serve as a ford, assuming we crossed quickly. It does not appear to be extraordinarily deep." The dwarves would have to do without an honorable burial, but that really wasn't her problem. She avoided actually moving into the hallway for the moment, merely to stay away from the extreme heat it gave out. Not that the room she was currently in was all that much more comfortable, temperature-wise.

Branwen had beat him to the punch. It was obvious this one was crafty. Which would prove to be a useful talent amongst guilders. Jorn spoke with a nod towards Branwen, "I agree that the use of the corpses would be the best choice, given heat flares and the burning point of rope. The worms should do nicely and hold up well under the heat. Based on the appearance of their anatomy, they are designed to live in this type of environment. The two we killed should prove to be more than enough structure for our crossing."

He left the room and proceed back down the hallway to retrieve the farthest worm corpse first. "Kin, if you would be a good lad and help me drag this blasted worm back into the room."

"'Lad'? That's not a word I would use if you want my help!" Kin said obstinately. Then he sighed, "You're lucky I'm against jumping enough to want this new plan to work. Fine, fine, I'm right behind you." As he followed Jorn to pick up the corpses, he turned quickly, looking pointedly at Branwen, "Try not to miss me too badly." He then exited the door chuckling.

"I will do my best." The girl replied with an annoyed frown, wiping her forehead. She wanted to lean back against a wall at least, but doing so would likely burn her back. At first, she resigned to simply stand there as they gathered the corpses. But after a few minutes, out of nothing more than boredom and a desire to get out of this blasted furnace as quickly as possible, she began helping to drag some of the smaller dwarf corpses as well. The sooner this got done, the better.

---

A few minutes later...

All in all, there were two worm corpses and seven dwarf corpses. A considerable mass, and hopefully, enough to plug a ten-by-five feet gap. They had them all stacked before the magma flow, blocking the hallway. "Kin, Jornathel, and I shall push them over in tandem. They will not last long. Everyone must be ready to run across immediately." She states, turning to the pile. She takes a moment to refresh her protective ward before placing her hands on it. "When you are ready, take position."

[spoiler]Branwen recasts Resistance[/spoiler]

The work moving the corpses of the dwarves and worms that they had come across was hard work. For being short and stocky, the heavily armored dwarves were quite heavy. They had to worry about touching the hot armor, as well as keep on the lookout for any other creatures that they might come across. The labor was exhausting and the heat didn't do much to help. Eventually however, they managed to pile the bodies in one place.

[spoiler]Everyone but Branwen and Sophie roll Fort saves (I already have Branwen's and Sophi's roll from last time).[/spoiler]

[spoiler][blockquote]Fortitude Save:  1d20+4 : 3 + 4, total 7[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Kin gets into a sprinting position, ready to dart across the bodies as soon as possible. Then, a question pops into his head. "So...how are we going to get back?" He looks around, genuinely curious to see if anyone has thought of this.

"The locked doors from before can likely be opened from the other side." Branwen said, pointing through the wall to the previous room. "If not, it is safe to assume that fate will continue to spit upon us in the form of more worms." When life gives you lemons, crush the life out of them and use their wrinkled, lemon-flavored corpses to bridge a gap of boiling hot magma. "The armor of the dwarves may be worth something, but I would not think it feasible to carry them in this heat. If there are no objections, we may merely toss them in with the rest of it."

The labor was tiring and Jorn was not happy with doing this sort of labor. But he loathed the idea of bathing in magma, the whole idea just seemed absurd. So with a hard grunt and an air off annoyance at the whole situation he got to work. "Oh, I do apologize Kin, perhaps outside of this insane heat, I shall work to construct a more suitable calling for you." He gave a mirthful chuckle amused at the humor of the situation even though the heat was quite unbearable.

Once the pile was in place, Jorn nodded in agreement to Branwen. "The worms should go first, they will last longer in the heat than the bodies."

With that Jorn joined the others ready to sprint across the expanse.

[spoiler]Fortitude Save: 1d20+1 : 14 + 1, total 15[/spoiler]

"Oh, well ok." Kin says simply. "As long as we can get back. I'd hate to stuck in this hellish hole in the world longer than necessary." He pauses, then throws his arms in the air, "Hell, it's already longer than necessary!"

Kin then starts getting ready to shove the worm corpses over the ledge so they could get going already. I REALLY don't like this room...and now it's going to smell even WORSE! Gods, I hope we don't have to come back this way...

Sophie stood with the others, mentally preparing herself for the task of running across dead bodies. Just the idea of it gave her the chills, and she couldn't bring herself to drag the dwarven corpses around like the others had. Mimic rubbed his head against Sophie's, sensing her distress.

Seeing that everyone was as prepared as they ever would be, Kin grunts, "Let's get this over with..." And begins pushing the bodies into the magma. As soon as the mound was in, he darted across them, being careful as the LAST thing he wanted to do was fall. At least the others would have a chance, I'd literally be in over my head down there!

[spoiler]Dex - 1 for balance due to medium load?

[blockquote]Balance:  1d20+3 : 9 + 3, total 12[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Branwen tiptoed across the sea of corpses with an unearthly grace. The smell of burning death meant nothing to her. Corpses were just objects to her. She walked across them just as easily as she would walk across stepping stones in a lake, without care for the fact that the things they had pushed into the boiling magma had once been living beings. They had tried, and they had failed - their remnants would pave the way for those more fortunate. That was the way of the world.

[spoiler]Balance: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Sophie watched as the other two began to cross, a bead of sweat running down her forehead. Despite her feelings about trampling over the dead, she certainly didn't want to get left behind, nor did she want to wait around next to the magma. "Please hurry up, it's hot." Mimic whined. "Sorry..." Sophie mumbled aloud. Mimic flew across, as if urging her to move forward. With a big gulp, Sophie quickly followed after the other two.

[spoiler]

Balance:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 19 + 3, total 22[/blockquote]

[/spoiler]

There was a sense of fear and foreboding about the whole trek across melting bodies in magma. Though there was feeling of exhilaration and life in all this as well. Jorn knew deep down he was a bit different from those of this world. Even his fellow moon elves often found his sense of happiness and joy confusing at times. Jorn lived for the moment no matter what that moment maybe. With a crazed smile on his face, the elf bounded across the bodies feeling life for all that it was in those moments.

[spoiler][blockquote]Balance Check 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20[/blockquote][/spoiler]

As the bodies were unceremoniously dumped into the glowing hot lava, they immediately began to sink as the fires leapt up to bite and burn their flesh. A putrid smell covered the entire hallway, it smelled strongly of burnt dwarf, and it wasn't a smell that would so easily removed or forgotten. Soon enough however, a makeshift bridge was made; it wasn't stable, nor would it last, but at least it was something to help the group make their way across. Before the volatile bridge was swept away in the stream of lava, the group balanced their way across making it to the other side. Kin lead the way, and though he had some trouble at first, he managed to avoid dropping into the hot lava, setting the example for the others who would soon follow. Which, everyone did well.

As Jornathel, always the one to take the rear of the group stepped on solid ground, the bridge of dead dwarves and worms collapsed. Slowly at first, but eventually segments of the pile had been streamed or eaten away. The corpses were torn apart by the uneven amounts of burning and cooking done to their bodies. It would have been a gruesome sight, though most of the flesh were indeed burned dark and black that not a few minutes later the bodies, or what was left of them, became part of the very lava they had just balanced across.

In front of the group was another closed door. Like the other doors in the temple, it was made out of stone.

Branwen wasted no time. Signaling for the others to remain quiet, she stepped forward to the door, checking its temperature. Slowly, but surely, she pushed it open silently in order to get a glimpse of what was inside, not opening the door all the way, but just enough to slip through if she needed to. Any sentient opponent on the other side would likely not be expecting intruders over the magma flow - with any luck, they could take advantage of that surprise.

[spoiler]Taking 10 to open door silently: 17[/spoiler]

You watch in anticipation as Branwen moves towards the stone door, pushing it lightly to avoid any loud noises.

Kin is panting from the heat and weight of his gear, and obviously growing impatient from the pace they were moving. He starts muttering, "Come on, come on, come on! I'm boiling where I stand over here! Just open the damned door, we'll kill anything that gives us trouble. It's what we're here for" He starts fanning himself, though still has enough energy to tap his foot impatiently. And talk, definitely enough energy to talk.

Branwen immediately moved her hand back over the halfling's mouth, stifling whatever asinine noises he might have attempted to make. She slowly stepped back from the door, whispering to the others. "Some kind of dwarf. Looks like a fire elemental." She says quietly, looking back to the half-opened door. "It hasn't detected us. We can launch a surprise attack." She was thankful to finally run into something besides worms. A beast that didn't rely on eyes or ears was difficult for her to get around. But it seems that this one's ears had failed it.

Sophie was quiet as Bran opened the door. She was too busy trying to steady her breathe anyway, after running over the magma. She couldn't quite grasp how the others around her could do such things so easily, and seemed to hardly have any sort of reaction. But then, Kin's complaint of the heat reminded Sophie that they too had feelings...she simply worried more than the rest of them. "You're sure being quieter than usual today." Mimic remarked. Sophie smiled slightly. "Yeah...I guess it's hard to say a lot when I'm freaked out. Not knowing what's behind any of these doors is scary!" And, just as she said that, Bran made mention of the dwarf.

The heat had started to create a headache that Jorn was none too thrilled about. It started at the sides and crept around towards the eyes. Oh this damn heat was too much. He tried to imagine bathing beneath one of the great waterfalls with the Glade, but that only increased his irritation with the whole event. When he spoke it was without candor this time, his eyes had shifted from excitement to malice. ?Let us be about this business and be done with the problem. If you must skulk in than do so, we shall follow pointedly. You favor stealth Branwen use it as you see fit, or would you prefer we enter first as a distraction??

Inside he felt it, ages old hate that was buried into the very embodiment of who he was. Though the children of the moon were blessed and had risen above their captivity, in times of weakness and stress such as these the darkness attempted to sink its ungodly fangs into the young. He never heard the song of their dark mother, but it was said long ago she attempted to call her lost children home. This was the price of leaving the village of leaving the protection of his family.

"It is close enough to the door that a surprise charge will work, I believe. The target is about 20 feet in, to the left." Branwen states. "If we all enter in unison, we can likely surround it before it realizes that it is under attack." She didn't think that she could kill it by herself if she entered alone, however stealthy. But the element of surprise gave them a strong advantage. If they were lucky, they may be able to end the fight before it acts. "If all are willing, I propose we charge on the count of three..."

"Armmph mrf dr ert...drm ert arr!" (Alright let's do it...damn it all!) Kin sighs, then backs up so Branwen's hand no longer covers his mouth. However, he's too tired to bother saying it again, simply taking a stance to charge as soon as the door is open. Everyone here knows that I should be in front, after all. He draws his sword once more, preparing to sweep it across yet another enemy. He defaulted to the words he had said but moments ago, "Let's get this over with...I swear, that will be our group's mantra until we leave this hellish place."

Sophie couldn't help but quietly giggle as Kin continued trying to talk with his mouth covered. She then nodded at Bran's proposal to charge, and readied her throwing knives.

Jorn?s head had begun to buzz. On the other side of the door was an elemental creature of some kind, perhaps the very source of all this blasted confluence. But there was no way to be sure but standing and waiting for a signal was not in his best interests at that very moment. Well perhaps what they meant was we had a plan. Oh well to hell with plans, the only thing for sure at this moment was dealing with the threat and getting back out into the open air. It had been entirely too long since last he had felt the breeze or drank in the tranquility of the moon?s light. The moments seemed to pass slower and slower then like trap it all closed in. He almost felt like another person began to take over.

His eyes narrowed and a savage grin over took the normally somber and calm elf?s face, without thinking Jorn drew his long sword and stepped into the door.

[spoiler]Attempting to close the distance with whatever is in the room. If I am able to step into melee attacking with the long sword.

[blockquote]Attacking 1st target in the room 1d20+3 : 14 + 3, total 17[/blockquote]

[blockquote]If hit damage 1d8+1 : 7 + 1, total 8[/blockquote]

[blockquote]If Critical to Confirm 1d20+3 : 15 + 3, total 18[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

Seeing her ally move forward, Branwen stepped forth as well. It was as good a signal as any. If they all charged in unison, their combined might stood the best chance of taking down their foe.

She ran into the clash without any hesitation or mercy, following Jorn's movement. She swung around to the side, rapier drawn, ready to strike in unison. Her target illuminated itself with its own flames, leaving no want of a mark. It was practically a glowing target, waiting to become a pincushion.

[spoiler]Branwen attempts to move into a flanking position with Jorn, if possible, risking AoOs under the assumption that the enemy will be flatfooted and unable to take them.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8[/blockquote] vs AC, +2 if flanking, vs flatfooted AC if the enemy is surprised.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote] damage, plus [blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote] acid.

Combat expertise improves AC, 19->20[/spoiler]

Sophie charged forward with the others, keeping just a little behind them. As the other two struck, Sophie threw her dagger.

[spoiler]

Attack [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 8 + 3, total 11[/blockquote]
If hit [blockquote]Rolled 1d4-1 : 4 - 1, total 3[/blockquote]

[/spoiler]

As the group stormed in, the dwarf had little time to act. Surprised and shocked that there would be others still alive, it was all it can as Jornathel's sword sunk into it's flesh. As the others came around, the dwarf was surprisingly able to throw a quick defense through the sheer thickness of its skin; Branwen's attack scratched its skin, drawing just a slight wound. The deadly daggers Sophie had thrown had missed entirely. The flames on the dwarf's head grew fiercer, as he picked up the warhammer that sat at his side. Launching himself at what he considered the largets threat, the dwarf swung hard at Jornathel.

The hammer connected solidly, as Jornathel took a direct hit from the dwarf's hammer. Wary, the dwarf carefully steps back as he twirled his hammer keeping an eye on the combatants.

[spoiler]Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Combat begins, surprise round starts.
Jornathel attacks Dwarf and hits.
Jornathel deals 8 slashing damage.
Branwen flanks Dwarf and misses.
Sophie attacks Dwarf and misses.
Round 1 begins.
Dwarf attacks Jornathel and hits.
Dwarf deals 5 blunt damage and 1 fire damage.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound 1 in progress - Still to move: Kin, Branwen, Sophie, Jornathel, Fire Dwarf

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 22/22,
Branwen: 14/14, resistance (7 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 14/20

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Kin bounds out from behind the group, "Let me get a hit too! Can let this guy get the better of us!" He leaped toward the dwarf, sword arcing overheard and down in a vertical slice along the dwarf's person. Kin suddenly had energy again, and from what the group could tell, it was simply because of the fight, which distracted him from the heat.

[spoiler][blockquote]Attack:  1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage if hit:  3d6+4 : 4, 3, 5 + 4, total 16[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Branwen ducked to the side at her allies surrounded the foe. The dwarf was clearly not one of the dwarves that had been pinned to the wall, or strewn dead around the floors of the temple. Its beard was alight like a torch, and its hammer as well. It was clearly a denizen of the dungeon - perhaps a guardian of the hammer. In either case, it was in their way.

Their surprise assault hadn't managed to take it down, though they did manage to wound it. Seeing the dwarf's mighty swings, Branwen thought it fortunate that they had the chance to attack before their opponent did. The best tactic in this situation was to overwhelm the enemy with their superior numbers.

She struck again, attempting to slip the thin blade of her rapier through the joints of the flaming dwarf's armor.

[spoiler]Branwen takes a five foot step to the right, and attacks.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14[/blockquote] vs AC

[blockquote]Rolled 2d6+1 : 6, 2 + 1, total 9[/blockquote] damage

AC remains at 20 (Combat Expertise)[/spoiler]

Joining in the fray, Kin branded his hot sword. The pain was bearable for now, though the metals that each of the individuals carried with them would soon be too hot to wield. None the less, with as much vigor as a warrior could carry with him, the halfling willingly joined the fray his sword leading as he leapt in the air swinging a brutal overarching slash at the dwarf. As the blow came, the dwarf managed to parry the attack, grunting as he did so fro the weight of the sword. Moments after that, the dwarf side stepped, bringing his hammer at just the right angle to alter the course of Branwen's rapier. The rapier scraped against its bare skin, but no real damage was done.

[spoiler]I still need a fort save from Jornathel.

Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Kin takes 1 fire damage.
Kin attacks and misses.
Branwen steps east.
Branwen activates combat expertise.
Branwen takes 1 fire damage.
Branwen attacks and misses.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound 1 in progress - Still to move: Kin, Branwen, Sophie, Jornathel, Fire Dwarf

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 21/22,
Branwen: 13/14, resistance (7 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8,
Jornathal Mithraiian: 14/20

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Sophie was a little disappointed that, like usual, her dagger failed to hit. Mimic laughed, amused by her misfortune. "Oh shush you." She said playfully. As the others continued to attack the dwarf, Sophie took a moment to cast orate.

[spoiler]So yeh, sophie casts orate. xD

Edit: lololfail...I now know it's not a spell. o 3o[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Sophie used orate.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound 1 in progress - Still to move: Kin, Branwen, Sophie, Jornathel, Fire Dwarf

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 21/22, orate (5 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14, resistance (7 rounds), orate (5 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8, orate (5 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 14/20, orate (5 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

The fray had stepped into a full out offensive and the assailant could do little to counter. Jorn's over confidence got the better of him just as the dwarf's hammer made contact with his side. The elf spun stepping to the right to deflect part of the force though the pain was great, Jorn continued to stand.

The sword moved to protect his body from further assaults, while the other hand began to weave arcane symbols in the air.

[spoiler]
Moving East 1 square, now flanking the target with Branwen. We now both have a +2 to attack this target.

[blockquote]Fortitude Save 1d20+2 : 2 + 2, total 4[/blockquote]

[blockquote]Magic Missle Damage 2d4+2 : 4, 1 + 2, total 7[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

Kin is irked. "Damn stocky dwarf! Why in the nine hells are you so agile!" Kin spins and tries the same slash again, swinging down vertically toward his opponent. "Grrraaaaaa!"

[spoiler][blockquote]Attack:  1d20+4 : 20 + 4, total 24[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage if hit:  3d6+4 : 5, 2, 6 + 4, total 17[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[spoiler][blockquote]Critical Confirm:  1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Moving into position, and hoping to corner the dwarf, Jornathel launched in spellcasting. The dwarf however, seeing himself being flanked by both Jornathel and Branwen, launched his own attack as well as he swung his hammer in a gracing arc towards the elf. The attack connected solidly, disrupting the moon elf's spell.

The dwarf would have grinned and followed up an attack, but Kin came in bringing his sword down atop the dwarf. The sword cut in deep. The dwarf was dead on the spot.

[spoiler]Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Jornathal is casting magic missile.
Dwarf gets attack of opportunity.
Dwarf attacks and hits.
Dwarf deals 8 bludgeoning damage and 1 fire damage.
Jornathel loses spell.
Round 2 begins.
Kin attacks and crits.
Kin deals 32 slashing damage.
Combat ends.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound 2 in progress - Still to move: Kin, Branwen, Sophie, Jornathel

Damage Dealt
Dwarf: 32, dead

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP
Kin Sheel: 21/22, orate (4 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14, resistance (6 rounds), orate (4 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8, orate (4 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 5/20, orate (4 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Kin wipes his forehead, and grins, as that was the first pleasing thing to happen in a while. "There, sturdy, like a normal dwarf. Too bad for you, sturdy makes for my best target." Kin says while looking down at the newest floor decoration in the room. He sheathes his blade on his back, then begins searching the room, looking high and low to make sure the group dos not need to return and revisit it. "Now that that's done, let's search this place and move on, shall we? I'm damned tired of this heat, and really want a nice, cool drink back at the guild tavern."

[spoiler][blockquote]Search:  1d20+1 : 15 + 1, total 16[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Kin was beginning to lose all feelings of excitement, he found the cave to be dull and repetitive. And burning his hands on his sword for keeping them out too long hardly made him "warm-up" to the place. Gods, I just want to get out of here at this point!

Though the heat was blistering, the group still managed to survive through the intense heat. Branwen, more so prepared than the rest with her resistance spell, made enduring the heat just a bit more bearable - although, it was hardly a salvation as the heat did have tendency to make any metals that the group touch, almost-sizzling hot. Yet, it was enough as the others in the group were suffering from the effects of the heat, the dark lady resisted any of the ill effects.

There were three exits heading east from the room. There were some cabinets to the northwestern corner of the room, and likewise there was a chest against the northern wall.

[spoiler]Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Jornathal is casting magic missile.
Dwarf gets attack of opportunity.
Dwarf attacks and hits.
Dwarf deals 8 bludgeoning damage and 1 fire damage.
Jornathel loses spell.
Round 2 begins.
Kin attacks and crits.
Kin deals 32 slashing damage.
Combat ends.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound 2 in progress - Still to move: Kin, Branwen, Sophie, Jornathel

Damage Dealt
Dwarf: 32, dead

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (4 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (6 rounds), orate (4 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (4 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 5/20|16/20, orate (4 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Branwen sheathed her sword, looking towards their newfound exits. Her gloves had made the heat of her sword's hilt more bearable - while they weren't enchanted, it was never a bad idea to have a layer of felt inbetween your skin and red-hot steel.

She either didn't notice the chest or didn't care. Most of the boxes in this temple had only useless trinkets, while only a few contained anything practical. Plus it was probably locked anyway. But one of the others could look through it if they wanted to.

Her first order of business was to check the south door. She wanted to ensure that they had a way back to the previous section of the temple, with their solution to the magma flow having been only one-way.

[spoiler]Take 10 on opening door stealthily: 17[/roll]

You watch as Branwen opens the door slowly.

[spoiler]Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Kin, Branwen, Sophie, Jornathel

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (3 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (5 rounds), orate (3 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (3 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 5/20|16/20, orate (3 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Seeing that the hall was safe, she proceeded south, to open the door on the other side. The south door of this room lined up perfectly with the locked door from the north side of one of the previous rooms, so they had a good chance of being connected.

[spoiler]Take 10, 17[/spoiler]

Try as Branwen might, she was not able to budge the door open. The door seemed stuck just like how it was on the other side when they were in the other room. It wasn't something a single individual could push open.

Kin watched annoyed as Branwen stealthily checked the doors. He was about to yell and charge through the one she left open, but then took note of the chest. "Ooo! Shinies!" he exclaimed as he ran over to the chest, immediately drawing his sword and swinging in an attempt the break it open. I still have no idea why we didn't bring SOMEONE who could open these normally...eh, this way I can pass the time.

[spoiler][blockquote]Attack:  1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage:  3d6+4 : 6, 6, 5 + 4, total 21[/blockquote]

[blockquote]Second attack, if needed:  1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6+4 : 5, 3, 1 + 4, total 13[/blockquote][/spoiler]

In the two slashes that Kin struck, the chest lay open revealing its contents in the OOC thread.

[spoiler]Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Kin, Branwen, Sophie, Jornathel

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (3 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (5 rounds), orate (3 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (3 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 5/20|16/20, orate (3 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

While Kin went at the chest, and Bran attempted to open doors, Sophie made her way over to the cabinets. She opened them up, taking a look inside.

Opening the cabinets you find some coins and a strange looking chime. It was a hollow tube and looked to be made out of mithral.

"...Hm." Branwen noted, pushing on the door slightly harder, to no avail. "Well, at least there are more corpses we can use..." She emerged from the southern room, noting her allies rejoicing over trinkets from a random wooden box, as usual.

"There are more dead dwarves in there, if you want to loot their bodies." The girl suggested, walking past them to the eastern exits. She approaches the three doors, deciding to try the two on the side - first the southernmost one, against the wall, and then the northernmost one.

[spoiler]Branwen attempts to open/peek the northern and southern east doors.

Taking 10 on both for 17[/spoiler]

The group watches as Branwen attempted to open the doors. The south eastern door was locked, though as Branwen tried to open the northern one, the door managed to open.

[spoiler]Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Branwen moves and attempts to open door.
Branwen moves and attempts to open door.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Kin, Branwen, Sophie, Jornathel

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (2 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (3 rounds), orate (2 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (2 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 5/20|16/20, orate (2 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Kin was back to tapping his foot impatiently. "I was already annoyed when you opened just one door slowly. But three? Gods!" Kin sighed heavily. "Well now that you're done, which door would be good to go through, slowpoke?" It was obvious that Kin wanted to get this over with. The heat was getting to him and it wasn't exciting anymore. Where are the monsters!? We can't have killed them all!

Sophie was always excited to see what fun things they could find, but she too was ready to get out of there. She looked to Branwen, who seemed to of found an unlocked door. She was glad they had someone around with sneaky abilities. "When we get out of here, we should go for a swim!" Sophie said, trying to lighten the mood.

"You were busy smashing our treasure into smithereens, so I figured I would take my time." Branwen replied, pushing the door open. "This one is safe."

She pushed the door open, keeping an eye out regardless as she stepped into the room. This room had a few decorations, and not of the corpse variety this time. There was also a cabinet, though she seemed disinterested in its contents. Spying an axe on the wall, she whispered a verse, looking in its direction for a moment.

[spoiler]Branwen casts Detect Magic on the axe, and around the rest of the room if possible[/spoiler]

Branwen moves to the door, and as she pushed it open ventured inside. The group sees her cast a spell.

[spoiler]Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Branwen moves.
Branwen casts Detect Magic.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound x in progress - Still to move: Kin, Branwen, Sophie, Jornathel

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (2 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (3 rounds), orate (2 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (2 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 5/20|16/20, orate (2 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

"It's magic." She confirmed, walking past it. "Feel free to take it if you like axes." She didn't much like them, herself. She was unsuited to them. Honestly, she doubted she could even lift the thing, let alone swing it with any skill. It was useless to her.

Branwen completely disregarded both the axe and the cabinet underneath it. She highly doubted the hammer they were looking for would be stored in a small cabinet that looked more suited to holding cooking supplies. No doubt her allies would fawn all over more containers to smash open and pilfer like a toddler with a cookie jar. In the mean time, she would focus on finding what they came here for.

Reaching the other end of the room, she attempted to see what was behind the door on the other side.

[spoiler]Take 10, 17[/spoiler]

Sophie followed after Branwen, only taking a moment to look at the magical axe. As interested as she was in magic, she knew she'd have no use for the axe herself.

As the weapon enthusiast of the group, Kin, struggling to finally reach the hung weapon, examines the axe in his hands. From what he could tell, it was well crafted, though if it was magic that was bound to be the case. "Well seeing as everyone else seems to think so little of this beauty, I'd be happy to take a few swings with it. Always good to have a spare weapon!" He grins, with eyes that now seem to glow with the thoughts of what he could do with the axe. "Yup, this is mine."

Kin does what he can to wrap the blade, stows it in his pack, and saunters along with the rest of the group, excited for any action that might come their way. "Please, something happen so I can take my mind off this heat..." He mumbles, almost groaning.

[spoiler]Making this post public as I need to get a feel for who's still active or not.[/spoiler]

The party watches as Branwen pushes the next door slightly. Doing it softly and quietly to ensure that the movement would not be heard.

Branwen
As you push the door open and glimpse what was beyond, you see what looks to be a couple of the same fiery dwarves laughing as they threw what looked to be darts towards the burned and dead bodies of the armored dwarven priests who once ran the temple, pinned unceremoniously to the wall. You only had a quick short glimpse, a half-second at most, but it was all you needed.

Unlike the lone dwarf the group had just fought with, there were three of the dwarves in the next room. One looked to be more heavily armored as compared to its companions who wore nothing save for a metallic kilt-like armor.

Kin was anxious. VERY anxious. This was the fourth door Branwen had opened slowly. FOURTH. He was ready to kick this one in, too, but saw she became a bit more tense. He got a little more serious, and excited of course. But at the same time, he couldn't just LET the slow movement slide.

"Come on, Bran-Bran, tell us what's there already! I see you tensed!" Though he exclaimed this, it was in a whispered voice. Bran-Bran! Ha! I gotta use that one more! he thought to himself, amused, and most importantly successfully distracted from the heat!

All the mirth and humor that normally held Jorn up was long since past. This horrid heat had torn his once sensible head right off his shoulders. He paced back and forth obviously anxious to be done with the whole ordeal. It took all that remained of his sense to not knock Bran aside and storm into the next room. Something held him back, if nothing else a fleeting respect for his companions. So he waited attempting to reconnect with his memories of the Glade and peace the Goddess could bring to him, if he ever did see the moon again.

He spoke in a ragged voice dried out from the blasted heat, "Kin we should trust Bran's wits here. Even if given the situation I would prefer recklessness to caution."

The elf's eyes had changed from kind and gentle to menacing.

Kin made a slight click with his mouth, looking back. "Of course I trust her, that's why I'm asking! Just wanna get a move on. I mean, gods, we can take on anything here, that's why they HIRED us. Just wish they warned us better about the heat." Kin grumbled, still in a whispered tone. He wanted out. He REALLY wanted out. And if there were enemies behind the door, he wanted to kill them. If he killed them he could get out. They had it coming anyways, so why not NOW. Ugggh, come on, Bran-Bran, suspense is not appreciated right now!

As far as Kin was concerned, he got everything he wanted out of this. Some diced up creatures, a beautiful battleaxe and a new experience in a new environment. That last one he definitely had more than enough of. If this doesn't hurry, or she doesn't say anything, I AM kicking this door in, too...actually that sounds really fun! Meh, I'll give them a chance to beat me to it.

"Three flaming dwarves. Likely about as friendly as the last." Branwen stated, pulling away from the door. A sneak attack wouldn't be as effective against a group. Putting aside the fact that there were four more eyes and ears to hide from, even if she was able to sneak in and assassinate one of them, there would be two very angry enemies remaining, within close proximity. Not an ideal situation.

"Feel free to charge in, if you wish. I certainly won't stop you." Branwen replied. The halfling looked like a child who really needed to go to the bathroom. "Your effectiveness as a human shield is first rate, if nothing else."

Kin was astonished, "By the Gods, that was a compliment! Sort of. Well, best I'll get from you; for that, no banter or wittiness. I'll just charge." And charge he did. Kick to the door, and a howl for battle as he rushed toward the nearest dwarf.

He mentally marked the dwarf he charged, in case some dodging was in order, but truth be told, he felt his preemptive attack wouldn't be dodged. These dwarves can't jump, after all.

With that thought and a grin, Kin whirled his giant greatsword in a horizontal sweep upon entering the range of the dwarf, aiming to cut him down in one go.

[spoiler]
Set target dwarf as my dodge AC opponent, so I have AC 20 against him, and 19 against the others.

[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage if hit:  3d6+5 : 5, 2, 3 + 5, total 15[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[spoiler]Spending 2 karma to add 1d6 to that attack roll.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Jorn followed Ken into the room, attempting maintain the line of battle prowess, mixed with a raging desire to escape the heat.

[Attempting to attack the same target as Ken if not able to, then the nearest dwarf will do.]

Jorn shouted in concert with Ken, "Goddess protect us!"

[spoiler][Adding Orate bonus as it still is being tracked in the prior log]

Dwarf
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 10 + 5, total 15[/blockquote]
if hit
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 2 + 3, total 5[/blockquote]
if crit to confirm
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 7 + 5, total 12[/blockquote]

[To maintain focus, if made Jorn has the ability to focus enough to cast a spell. At the expense of 2 Karma for another action.]
Will Save DC 12
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 9 + 3, total 12[/blockquote]

Casting Magic Missile at same target if still alive
[blockquote]Rolled 2d4+2 : 2, 1 + 2, total 5[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

The door flew open and Kin rushed out, the party caught the fiery dwarves off guard. Kin quickly dispatched one of the dwarves, but they weren't new to battle, and they quickly mounted a defense, drawing their own weapons as they did so. They struck out, but both of their attacks were easily deflected away.


[spoiler]If you want to apply your levels in this RP. Please say so, and say how much HP you have now.
Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Round 1 begins.
Kin: Attacks and kills. Karma: +6 atk.
Jorn: Misses. Karma: Magic missile.
Fire dwarf 1: Misses.
Fire dwarf 2: Misses.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound 1 in progress - Still to move: Branwen, Sophie

Damage Dealt
Fire dwarf: 15, dying
Fire dwarf: 5

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (2 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (3 rounds), orate (2 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (2 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 5/20|16/20, orate (2 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

After doing some awkward parrying and dodging to avoid the dwarves' strikes, Kin locked on to a new target: the heavily armored one. There wasn't any real strategy behind it, he just felt it would be more of a challenge. He kicked up his sword from the ground, sending it in a vertical arch and slicing downward onto the dwarf's head. "One down, two to go!" He shouted as the blade traveled through the air.

[spoiler]
Dodge now applied to the armored dwarf

[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage if hit:  3d6+5 : 5, 3, 5 + 5, total 18[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Slipping through the doorway into the dim light, Branwen followed behind her companions, having waited until their charge ended in order to assume proper positioning. She wasn't one to charge in herself unless she was confident that the battle could be ended in a single blow. This was not such a battle - of three enemies, two still remained.

Emerging from the folds of her robe, her kukri sought its way into the dwarf's neck.

[spoiler]Branwen moves 2 Right, 1 Down, stabs the dorf

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 18 + 7, total 25[/blockquote]

[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 2 + 1, total 3[/blockquote] slashing and [blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 1, total 1[/blockquote] acid[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Crit confirm: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote]

Extra damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 2 + 1, total 3[/blockquote] slashing
[/spoiler]

Kin's sword blazed through, but the fiery dwarf managed to put up his weapon just in time to let Kin's sword just narrowly miss the dwarf's arm, but at that same moment Branwen's kukri came slicing in. The dwarf attempted to draw back, but the damage was done; a deep gash across the dwarf's chest.

Seeing their impending demise, the dwarves moved further away from the two, as they instead focused their efforts on Jorn. The move proved to be fatal to Jornathel. Though Jornathel managed to parry the first attack, the second blow had left him defenseless as he took the full brunt of the dwarf's hammer. The blow was hard, and the sorcerer found himself falling to the ground, his consciousness fading.


[spoiler]
Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Round 1 ends, Kin forces next round, missed turns: Branwen, Sophie
Round 2 begins.
Kin: Misses.
Branwen: Attacks and deals 7 damage.
Armored dwarf: Attacks and misses.
Unarmored dwarf: Attacks and crits. Deals 10 damage +1 fire.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound 2 in progress - Still to move: Jornathel, Sophie

Free turns
Branwen: .5
Sophie: .5

Damage Dealt
Fire dwarf: 15, dying
Armored Fire dwarf: 5
Fire dwarf: 7

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (2 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (3 rounds), orate (2 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (2 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: -6/20|16/20, orate (2 rounds), dying

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Kin curses under his breath as he watches the dwarf step past them to attack the back line. He says it much more audibly when Jorn is downed. "Sophie we'll cover you! Stabilize him as soon as possible! Even stuff a potion in his mouth if needed!" Kin then steps over Jorn's body to ward away any further attacks, and hopefully pushing the dwarves back. "You'll pay for this, you stocky, flaming bastards!" With that shouted, Kin makes a vicious slice with his greatsword, right at the one that had downed his friend.

[spoiler]
[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+4 : 18 + 4, total 22[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage:  2d6+5 : 4, 2 + 5, total 11[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Sophie watched, absolutely horrified as Jorn fell. Everyone had been so playful the entire time, but the mood quickly changed as her companion was smacked down.

?Right!? Sophie replied to Kin, wasting no time as she made her way over to Jorn. She gently placed her hands on him, hoping her spell would help enough to get him standing again.

[spoiler]
Using Cure light wounds.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 1 + 3, total 4[/blockquote]
Aura of kindness bonus [blockquote]Rolled 1d4 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

Branwen spared no sympathy for her fallen comrade. She wasn't a healer, regardless. However, she recognized that it was in her best interest to protect the one who was a healer, lest she find herself in Jorn's position at some future point.

Moving up, she begrudgingly took up a melee position, attempting to slip her kukri through a gap in the dwarf's armor.

[spoiler]Moves up-right, right, melees dorf

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 12 + 7, total 19[/blockquote] vs AC

[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 4 + 1, total 5[/blockquote] Slashing
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote] Acid[/spoiler]

Heaving his greatsword, Kin had his revenge as he brought down his heavy weapon on the dwarf. The force of impact was enough to drive the sword through the dwarf's side, the wound fatal and immediately the dwarf crumbled as it clutched at its gut.

The last remaining dwarf spat, enraged that two of its companions were already dead.

"That little 'artifact' of yer' surface dwarves carry be ours! You'll pay for killin me brothers!" It said as it countered Branwen's strike, and launching his own in the process.


[spoiler]
Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Round 2 begins.
Kin: Misses.
Branwen: Attacks and deals 7 damage.
Armored dwarf: Attacks and misses.
Unarmored dwarf: Attacks and crits. Deals 10 damage +1 fire.
Round 2 ends, Kin forces next round, missed turns: Jornathel, Sophie
Round 3 begins.
Kin: Kills dwarf.
Sophie: heals Jorn 7 HP.
Branwen: Attacks and misses.
Dwarf: Attacks and misses.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound 2 in progress - Still to move: Jornathel

Free turns
Branwen: .5
Sophie: .5

Damage Dealt
Fire dwarf: 15, dying
Armored Fire dwarf: 5
Fire dwarf: 7

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (2 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (3 rounds), orate (2 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (2 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 1/20|16/20, orate (2 rounds), dying

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Kin quickly runs around, just out of the dwarf's reach, his glare displaying his desire for its death. He then tumbles in range, aiming to end up directly across from Branwen; as he pulls out of the tumble, his blade swings, weaving slightly through the air and aiming directly at the most prevalent gap in the armor of the dwarf. "Finders, keepers, stumpy. Yet another price to pay for injuring a good friend!"

[spoiler]
[blockquote]Tumble into range (DC 15):  1d20+8 : 20 + 8, total 28[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Attack with flanking:  1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage with sneak attack:  3d6+5 : 3, 1, 3 + 5, total 12[/blockquote][/spoiler]

The blow shocked Jorn, he felt the solid blow of the hammer as struck home, his vision wavered and darkness came flooding in. His breathing returned in an instant to find Sophie over him, her divine powers coursing over his body. He breathed easier and whispered, ?thank you Sophie, you saved my life, I?owe you one.?

Jorn, slowly stood to his feet steadying his form. Allowing his companions to protect him, he reached within his blood calling on his arcane powers.

[spoiler]
Casting Magic Missile at Kin?s Target
[blockquote]Rolled 2d4+2 : 1, 4 + 2, total 7[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

Branwen wordlessly kept up her assault. Her previous strike had only been a warding swipe to prevent the dwarf's assault - now, she aimed to kill, without the slightest hint of hesitation or remorse.

[spoiler]Attack with flanking

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 7 + 9, total 16[/blockquote] vs AC

[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote] Slashing damage
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 1, total 1[/blockquote] Acid damage
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4[/blockquote] Precision damage[/spoiler]

The halfling evaded the dwarf, and the distraction was enough to let Jornathel cast his magic, blasting the dwarf straight in his chest. As he staggered, Branwen finished the job, slicing the dwarf's throat. He had attempted to say something more, but as the light in his eyes vanished, all that came out was a gurgling sound.

The fight finally ending, you were able to get a better view of the surroundings. A chest was in the corner, and on the other side of the wall were to cabinets. At the farther end of the room was another closed door.

[spoiler]Please go to the OOC thread for looting.
Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Round 3 ends, Kin forces next round, missed turns: Jornathel
Round 4 begins.
Kin: Tumbles east, attacks and misses.
Jornathel: Casts Magic Missile, deals 7 damage. Dwarf is dying.
Branwen: Kills dwarf.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound 4 in progress - Still to move: Sophie

Free turns
Branwen: .5
Sophie: 1
Jornathel: 1

Damage Dealt
Fire dwarf: dead
Armored Fire dwarf: 21
Fire dwarf: dead

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (2 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (3 rounds), orate (2 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (2 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 1/20|16/20, orate (2 rounds), dying

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

"Still holding onto that soul of yours, I see?" Branwen turned her head back to Jornathel, without a hint of concern in her voice. "Quite the tenacious grip on you, I must say. My master would enjoy the presence of those such as yourself. A spider's life is quite lonely without flies." The girl in black sheathed her dagger, slowly walking to the south. She turned her back without even giving a sidelong glance at the dwarven riches, or the chest behind them, as though she cared not in the slightest.

It was natural, of course - even a king can carry his riches for but a lifetime.

Traveling forward, she carefully peeked around the next corner. As impatient as the halfling was, Branwen thought it best to do her scouting while he was busy obsessing over coins and treasure.

[spoiler]Branwen moves down-right, down-right, down, down, and peeks around.

Hide: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+13 : 6 + 13, total 19[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Sophie was nearly teary eyed as Jorn was brought back. She couldn't stand to see people hurt like that, especially fellow guild mates! ?Breath.? Mimic said simply, noticing how still the maid had become. She carefully took in a few breaths as suggested, her eyes lighting up as Jorn managed to get up on his feet again. ?Be careful!? Sophie said worriedly as he stood, her hands stretched out for support in case he stumbled. ?You're still really hurt!? Once the last dwarf fell, Sophie tended to the sorcerer's wounds once more.

[spoiler]
Cure light wounds.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+4 : 1 + 4, total 5[/blockquote]

Aura of Kindness
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

Kin exhaled slowly, sheathing his blade once more. He was so glad to see Jorn was ok, and without a second thought, he turned to him, "Nice casting, there, dead-man. Could've sworn we'd lost you. Are you alright? Also, great job, Sophie. And honestly everyone." The heat must be getting to him, he even thanked Bran-Bran!

And then on to his next action on his to-do list, the chest. "With any luck, one of these three has the key to this thing. If not, well, I'll try just to break the lock this time." Kin then crouched over each of the bodies one by one, patting them down and looking over their belongings.

[spoiler]
[blockquote]Search:  1d20+1 : 16 + 1, total 17[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Branwen
Peering around the corner, you see nothing hostile. At the far end looked to be another altar, hanging on top of it was what looked to be some sort of staff. Save for the numerous torches along the wall, there was nothing else of note.

Kin
Searching the bodies, you managed to find a key hidden in one of the dwarf's pouches.

[spoiler]
Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Round 5 ends.
Free movement begins.
Branwen: Moves SE.
Sophie: Casts Cure Light Wounds
Kin: Finds key.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound X in progress - Still to move:

Free turns
Branwen: .5
Sophie: 1
Jornathel: 1

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen
Resistance (Level 0)
Acid Splash (Level 0)
Resistance (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)
Detect Magic (Level 0)

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (2 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (3 rounds), orate (2 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (2 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 9/20|20/20, orate (2 rounds), dying

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Kin jumped up happily at finding the key. Normally he'd have tried to smash or pick the lock, but he didn't want to waste strength. "Found a key, guys!" He said excitedly as he ran over to the chest and attempted to open it and look over its contents. Weapons!? Enchantments!? Or maybe something for this hellish thirst!

Steadily, Kin tries to fit the key in the hole, hoping to hear that satisfying click when he turns the key.

[spoiler]
Tries to use the key on the chest and look at the contents.[/spoiler]

Branwen frowned at the sight of the staff. She didn't particularly care for treasure. At best, it was some item that she didn't care about in the slightest, like some axe or staff - neither of which she had fondness for or proficiency in. And at worst, it was just a trap.

But it seemed that she would have to move through the room either way - looking back over her shoulder to make sure her teammates were still preoccupied, she decided she had enough time for a full measure of prudence, scanning the room carefully before entering.

[spoiler]Branwen casts Detect Magic

She also searches the room for traps: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Kin

Opening the chest reveals a few trinkets. There was a book, a pin, and what looked to be a couple of potions, scrolls, and other seemingly random items.

Kin sifts through the chest excitedly, though that excitement slowly dies. "Potions, potions, trinkets and some worship crap. Oh wait!" He picks up the book that is set apart from the rest, flipping through it. "Bah, gibberish! Worthless!" He tosses it back into the chest, standing back up and heading toward Branwen. "Honestly, the one chest I don't smash has nothing for me, go figure, eh, Bran-Bran?" He sighs disappointed, "Any luck over here?"

However, when Kin turns the corner, he realizes that Branwen isn't even there any longer. "Well then, guess she had some luck! Lucky..." He then spots the staff on the far wall. "Note to self, the walls have more valuables than the chests in this place. Strange people, these priests."

Kin casually wandered down the hall looking around, hoping for something interesting, as he made his way to the staff. He examined the wall holding it to make sure it wasn't rigged in any way. After all, traps aren't the kind of fun I'm looking for...

[spoiler]
Kin wanders down the hall and searches for traps around the staff. Also is keeping an eye out for any enemies to fight.

[blockquote]Search:  1d20+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Spot:  1d20+3 : 8 + 3, total 11[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Branwen holds up an arm, silently stopping Kin before he entered the room with the staff. The girl in black stepped back a bit, putting herself in view of the others once more. "The staff on the wall is trapped. Moreover, it doesn't even appear to be magical. If you happen to be a collector with a fondness for wooden sticks, feel free to take it at your own risk." She recounted, her eyes sporting a soft gloom. It faded once her spell ended, concentration no longer necessary. "I believe the artifact that we are in search of lies beyond this room, to the south. I can sense its aura from here - we are quite close, now..."

Kin blinked in surprise a few times, "I'm touched, you actually kept me from tripping a trap! Maybe you DO have a soul. Or just want to see my end in a specific style, like charging into battle. Well anyways, not that I was going to just take the stick first, I'm at least a little cautious. Glad to know it's useless though." Then Kin notes in reply, "Also, for future reference, I prefer metalwork, thank you!". He chuckles and looks around a bit.

"So to the south, huh? So we can get out of this hell-hole soon, thank the gods! Whichever ones were looking out for us, anyways. Any idea what might be in the room guarding it, if anything? If not, I'll go take a look for you, I'm sure you'd prefer it that way." He says teasingly, grinning.

Jorn continued to feel the drain on his body. The battle had taken a toll and gathering arcane energy so soon after was dangerous. It had paid off in this instance, but was not a wise practice to keep. Sophie?s kind words, caused Jorn to smile. His body attempted to stumble slightly to the side. He fell awkwardly into Sophie as she attempted to hold his form in place. The two stood their awkwardly for a moment, before the young elf gained his balance. ?Thank you Sophie, you have saved me once again.? This time his stare lingered with her for a moment, a kind smile on his face. His footing seemed more solid as he stood, his posture spoke of determination, his resolve had returned.

The elf's voice was musical, as a tear rolled down his cheek, ?My body is chalice that runs deep with the fires of the heavens. Goddess as your chosen son I beg that you sooth my wounds and grant me strength. And guide us beyond these corridors safely back into the peaceful night.?

His body began to radiate blue fire; it was neither hot nor cold. It started at his crown and radiated to his feet disappearing into the floor.
[spoiler]
Bloodline Power: Heavenly Fire 8/Day

Healing: Jorn

[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+2 : 3 + 2, total 5[/blockquote][/spoiler]


?Yes let us be done with business we have lingered to long in these dead halls.?

Jornathel
The soft glow closed your wounds. Though there were still plenty of pains, it was much more bearable.


Kin
Unlike Branwen's report, you yourself didn't see any visible traps on the staff, or anywhere around it. There was another opening to the southwest, the entrance this time had a magnificent arch as the entry way, adorned with various symbols and dwarven writing. The room ahead had a bright glow coming from somewhere southwards, though at your vantage point you couldn't quite make out what was causing the light. You also hear what sounds like grunting coming from somewhere in the next room.

[spoiler]
Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]
Round 5 ends.
Free movement begins.
Jornathel: Heals self.
[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

QuoteRound X in progress - Still to move:

Free turns
Branwen: .5
Sophie: 1
Jornathel: 1

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kin Sheel

Branwen

Sophie Cain
Bless (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Orate (ability)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)
Cure Light Wounds (Level 1)

Jornathal Mithraiian
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)
Magic Missile (Level 1)

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kin Sheel: 21/22|21/22, orate (2 rounds),
Branwen: 13/14|10/14, resistance (3 rounds), orate (2 rounds),
Sophie Cain: 8/8|6/8, orate (2 rounds),
Jornathal Mithraiian: 14/20|20/20, orate (2 rounds),

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler]

Just as she had been afraid of, Jorn stumbled, falling against the small maid. She kept her footing though, helping him to regain some balance. She returned a smile just as kind ? It was for moments like these she was there after all. To help her guild mates when they got hurt, and to be the best support she could. ?Of course! I'm just glad you're ok...? She had replied with a small sigh. Hopefully, the rest of their journey would go smooth...

She listened then as Bran informed the group of the not so magical staff, and the possibility of the artifact they had been searching for.

?I can sense its aura from here - we are quite close, now... ?

?Oooh, yay!? Sophie wanted to cheer, but, she kept it to a soft whisper. She made a movement to follow after Lin and Bran, but decided she'd stick close to Jorn, just to be sure he was  going to be alright.

[spoiler]Going to be beside Jorn, whenever the group moves into the next room.[/spoiler]

Kin saw that Bran was watching him, head toward the new room, and made sure to let her know there was something else alive and kicking up ahead. However, he didn't feel like charging YET, so he told her quietly. Consider it payback for keeping me from tripping a trap. He thought to himself with a smile.

He made eye contact with her, then held a hand up to his ear, as though he was listening for something, and then pointed at the room around the corner. Kin then swiftly moved up to the doorway, keeping surprisingly quiet as he peered into the room.

[spoiler][dice]Move silently:  1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20[/dice]
[dice]Hide:  1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18[/dice][/spoiler]

Kin
Creeping closer to the archway, and slowly peering out, no one noticed your silent passing. As the torchlight hung on the walls shone dimly in the corridor, you see a couple of figures huddling around an object at the center. They were dwarves. Both a couple of dead temple dwarves, and handful of the fiery ones that your group had already encountered before. There were four dwarves this time around. All four of them were more heavily armored than the ones you previously met before. It was hard to discern what the object was that the four were looking at, since the dwarves still blocked the view. But whatever it was, there looked like some sort of magical bubble surrounding the object.

?Ah yer? not doin? it right! Give me that!? One of the fiery dwarves takes the hammer one of them was using and pounds it on the bubble, but there was no effect. The dwarf then spat, his spittle landing on one of the dead Dorgan dwarves.

Suddenly the temple started rumbling, as the very walls themselves started to creak under the stress. The torches hung along the walls started to burn even brighter, and you swear that the heat was getting warmer and warmer, and thoroughly more unbearable. The heat continued to climb, and the beads of sweat continue to roll down your skin only increased in intensity.

"What in the blazes!" The voice came from one of the dwarves up ahead. "What have ye' done!"

"Aye! I got the blasted magical field down, din't I?" There was a quick retort.

"But not so cleverly. Triggered somethin' you did. The whole thing's coming down to be sure ye' stupid dwarf!"

"Blast it all! Get the durned thing, and let's get outta here."

Kin
You hear chanting up ahead, whatever it was, they were preparing some sort of spell. The ground shifted abruptly and moved, as if an earthquake had struck. A large heavy slab of stone, which before was hidden in the archway which you had just entered, started to drop down - fast. The others were still on the other side, looking through the previous room.

QuoteKin, quickly choose to run back to the others, and potentially losing the goal, or head forward instead to disrupt whatever spell the enemies are casting.

Everyone else, if you're active, message me for some details on how we can introduce you back to the guild. :)

"Damn it all!" Kin growled. The discomfort from the heat was getting to him, making his short temper even shorter. He wanted out. He DESPERATELY wanted to just go home and have a cold drink. But there was a job to do, and his allies' slow pace was about to cost them their mission. The halfling got the sense that, were this spell to succeed, their lives may be endangered further. Thus, he acted on his gut instinct, and charged forward, leaving his allies for the time being. Well, he hoped it was for the time being.

He turned away from the crashing stone slab, instead focusing on the figures before him. "Enough sneaking around. It already cost us plenty of opportunities to be home already." Kin told himself as he drew his greatsword and charged toward the mob of dwarves. They were heavily armed, so he needed to make the best of surprise. It didn't mean stealthy, but they'd certainly be surprised. With a jump and downward swipe of his blade, Kin sliced toward one of them.

"Surprise!"

[spoiler][blockquote]Attack:  1d20+6 : 9 + 6, total 15[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage:  2d6+5 : 2, 2 + 5, total 9[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[spoiler=Karma Addition]Adding to the Attack roll for 1 Karma.
[blockquote]Addition:  1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote][/spoiler]

The dwarves were caught off-guard, as you rushed in they never saw it coming. There were two dwarves in the area, one fully robed, who seemed to be casting some sort of spell, while the one closer to you, and looking a lot more menacing was another fiery dwarf, though, garbed like the previous ones you had fought before.

He would have brought in his axe to attempt a parry, but Kin was too quick and soon enough landed a heavy blow on the dwarf's torso.

"Damnit! The surfacers got 'em some halflings ta' help! Off with ya!" The robed one said. The fighter on front would have responded, but he was still in shock, as he simply clutched the open wound.

QuoteSurprise round over, choose to attack any of them, AoO range from fighter.

Damage Dealt
Kin: 1
Dwarf Fighter: 9
Dwarf Caster: 0

Kin wasn't through yet, and he could see the dwarves' shock, which meant he had a good advantage. As much as he wanted to strike down the mage, he knew he had to rid himself of the fighter first, now that he was injured. "HaaaaaAAAA!" The halfling roared in a shout as he followed the momentum of his blade past the dwarf, before spinning and thrusting toward its gut. If his strike were true, he could end this swiftly. And get out of this damnable heat!

QuoteKin 5-foot steps toward the mage's direction as he spins and thrusts at the fighter.

[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+6 : 19 + 6, total 25[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage:  2d6+5 : 1, 5 + 5, total 11[/blockquote]

QuoteCrit confirm:
[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+6 : 15 + 6, total 21[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage if confirmed:  2d6+5 : 2, 2 + 5, total 9[/blockquote]

In one quick movement, Kin followed up his next strike as he positioned himself closer to the robed dwarf. His sword leading the way, it thrust right into the first wounded dwarf's torso, straight towards it chest and piercing its heart. The dwarf was dead on the spot, as its blood poured forth coating Kin's weapon in the crimson red of its own blood. The thrust was fatal, as it completely went through the other side of dwarf's back.

At that moment, with the first dwarf crumbling to the ground, you noticed the robed one holding some sort of glowing hammer in his hand, and speaking a word you recognized as "Open Gate" in dwarven. The hammer began glowing even stronger, as what looked to be some sort of mirror-like surface started appearing right beside the dwarf. Visible tendrils of energy from the hammer fed the mirror, and soon enough a landscape filled with fires and magma, and red-rocks for ground appeared from within the confines of the mirror.

The temple still continued to groan under duress, as the grounds felt as if they were in some sort of mini earthquake. When the stone slab fell only a few seconds ago, the trembling was slight, but as time ticked on, you realized that the earthquake continued to get stronger and stronger.

The fiery dwarf in front of you spoke to you in dwarven.

"You're not getting our hammer, that's rightfully ours." He spat. "Stolen from us centuries ago, we finally have it!"

You see him begin to walk through the portal that opened up with the glowing hammer in his hands.

Kin quickly runs toward the dwarf to stop him. He recognized teleportation magic when he saw it. "Oh no you don't!" The halfling wasn't confident he could keep him from going through the portal, but there was one thing he could try. The hammer. If he could make the dwarf drop the hammer, which seemed to be their goal, it was his win. He quickly slashed down toward the dwarf's arm, and swiped down toward the hammer to force his grasp from it. "Not while you still hold this!"

QuoteI don't have improved disarm, so he gets an attack of opportunity on me.

Disarm Rules (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Disarm)

[blockquote]Disarm Attack Roll:  1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18[/blockquote]

If this succeeds, the hammer is knocked to the ground. It's vs the dwarf's CMD.

The dwarf yelped back as Kin started moving forward, already a foot into the mirror. Using the hammer, the dwarf swung wildly, which was easy enough to dodge out of the way. It was a good thing as well, as the moment the dwarf began attempting to swing the weapon Kin's way, it burst into flame. A short moment later, Kin's disarming attempt worked, and the glowing warhammer did indeed fall...

Right next to the portal, its heavy weight still in the temple, but its other half already half way in.

"Damn ye!" The dwarf cried. You see him eye the weapon cautiously. But he began casting a spell, directed at you.

"I'll finish ye off first!"

QuoteAoO granted to Kin.

Kin could only grin at the dwarf's flustered, angered appearance. And that the fool would cast while within his range of attack. The halfling took advantage of his opponent's folly immediately, swinging his large blade straight toward the mage's torso. "Finish me off? Ya have to hurt me first before ya can say that!" Kin taunted.

Quote[blockquote]Attack roll:  1d20+6 : 9 + 6, total 15[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage:  2d6+5 : 3, 2 + 5, total 10[/blockquote]

QuoteAdding a karma bonus to that attack roll. I'll detract the karma.
[blockquote]New Roll with Karma Addition:  1d6+15 : 3 + 15, total 18[/blockquote]

As Kin's blade struck the dwarf, fear flashed in his eyes. The wound was heavy, in fact much of the dwarf's robe was now soaked and drenched in the fiery dwarf's blood. The temple continued to rumble then, as the shaking started become more and more vigorous and violent.

"Surfacer's temple be crumbling." The dwarf clutched as his side, but he still managed to grin wickedly at Kin. Before Kin could react, the dwarf kicked the warhammer through the portal, falling down to the red and rocky grounds that was visible from within the mirror. You noted that the portal remained open however, even if the hammer going through. The dwarf turned around then, making his way into the portal after the warhammer, but a violent shake of the temple caused him to lose his footing as he stumbled forward again, leaving himself defenseless.

QuoteRoll reflex or be prone from the violent shaking.
Another AoO to Kin.
Dwarf is also now prone.

Quote[blockquote]Reflex:  1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Attack if success:  1d20+6 : 7 + 6, total 13[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage if hit:  2d6+5 : 5, 1 + 5, total 11[/blockquote]

QuoteRerolling that reflex. How the hell can VIRTUAL dice be loaded!?

10 karma for rerolling a save, I'll detract it.

[blockquote]Reflex:  1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27[/blockquote]

Also, forgot, prone means flat-footed. SNEAK ATTACK.

[blockquote]Damage:  1d6 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]

The dwarf's remark about the shaking only made Kin laugh. "Weren't you supposed to be a sturdy, underground race?" Almost right as he says those words, the dwarf falls over. Meanwhile, Kin remained steady on his feet, almost as though he moved with the flow of the earth. He'd actually visualized himself falling for a moment. A fall so foolish that even his sword went flying. Not today.

However, now he was presented with a nice opportunity, and as he was not one to shirk such gifts, Kin seizes the moment to cut down the dwarf with a mighty, overhead strike. The blade was brought down right into the the dwarf's back, diagonally cutting across the spine. With such a debilitating blow after the nearly-lethal first strike, Kin did not even bother to check the assumed corpse for life. Instead, he immediately dove into the portal to grab the hammer. Or so he'd thought, but he soon realized that it was a dangerous jump to make. "Do I go in...?" He questioned with hesitation.

This part can be changed

Kin's next attack struck true. As the fiery dwarf was stumbling forward attempting to catch his fall, the halfling, unfazed by the sudden jolting of the temple, struck out with his sword. The dwarf's eyes rolled away, and in mere moment, was dead the moment he hit the floor.

---

The temple continued to rumble violently. You heard what sounded like creaking as the earth continued to shift. This far under the volcano of Mt. Hersh only made the earthquake more concentrated, and you worried how much longer the temple could last.

Mirror-like portal
Even with the dwarf dead, and the glowing red hammer in the other side of the portal, for some reason or another the portal held. You realized then that this gate was not a direct casting of the now-dead dwarf, or if it was, somehow still had enough magical energies to continue to exist. You see a barren landscape in the mirror, filled with fires, and in the distance you could see tall mountains as well as pools and streams of lava. The positioning of what you were looking at looks almost as if you had an aerial view of the place. You could see the ground, and though it wasn't impossible, the fall looked as if it could hurt.

Altar & Pedestal
Nearer the back of the room, only a few steps away from where you currently were at, was an altar of some sort, and a built-in pedestal as the centerpiece. The pedestal was carved in such a way that looked as if some sort of hammer would fit perfectly. A glow came from that pedestal, and you can see some sort of writing etched into it, though you were too far to actually read the fine words.

Walls
There were many cracks along the fine interiors of this particular room marring the once-magnificent carvings and designs etched into the walls. It was easy to tell that this particular room was special in some way or another, and you see two large hammers in the far back, behind the altar. They looked as if they were a part of the wall itself, even looking as if they were made from the same material, yet they popped out, as if they were actual weapons hung on the wall. The handles on both of the weapons were low enough that an average being the size of a dwarf would be able to hold.

Corpses
There were two temple dwarves on the floor. These one were much more adorned than the other corpses you had seen in the temple thus far. At the very least their armor looked much more well-crafted. They also had a variety of pouches and bags strapped to them that the fiery dwarves didn't seem to have the chance to go through. At your feet were the two fiery dwarves you had slain earlier. One was well-armored, wearing gear that looked a lot more formidable than the other dwarves you had fought who at times wore nothing more than a kilt. You noted his axe strapped to his body that looked seemed to glow red. The one you had just killed on the other hand, wore what looked to be a fine silken robe. There were patterns etched in the sleeves that looked more like runes of some sort. He also wore a pair of boots that seemed out of place, as if it didn't quite match in terms of style and looks with everything else he was wearing.

QuoteEvery round spent in the temple, must roll reflex to avoid being prone.
Time-limited with the number of rounds before stuff gets really bad.

Kin turned to look at the room. First off, he was blocked from exiting. Which certainly limited his choices. His eyes wandered to the altar and pedestal, but as a weaponsmith and after seeing what the dwarves had done, he'd put two and two together. The hammer in the portal should go there, but that was unlikely to happen, so he would avoid that area for now, given the amount of time he probably had to escape. Thus his first instinct was to grab what he could from the corpses. "If' you're gonna be buried in this collapsing temple anyways, you won't be needing this stuff!" He said as he perused the bodies. He decided to focus on the fiery dwarves, however, as there was nothing right about looting the priests who'd guarded this with there lived. Kin still had dignity, and respected those who fought with their lives. As soon as he deemed them well searched and looted, or at any sign of the portal being unable to remain, the halfling jumped through the hellish mirror, aiming to grab the main prize.

Quote[blockquote]Perception:  1d20+9 : 11 + 9, total 20[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Reflex 1:  1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Relfex 2 if necessary:  1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Acrobatics to reduce fall damage:  1d20+8 : 8 + 8, total 16[/blockquote]

QuoteRequesting 2 more reflex saves, vs. falling ceiling.

Quote[blockquote]Reflex 3:  1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Reflex 4:  1d20+7 : 18 + 7, total 25[/blockquote]

QuoteTwo more, per request haha
[blockquote]Reflex 5:  1d20+7 : 5 + 7, total 12[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Reflex 6:  1d20+7 : 10 + 7, total 17[/blockquote]

The halfling wasted no time as he searched each of the invader's bodies for any usable equipment. The dwarf's armor that he had just felled was magnificent and well-crafted. So too was the robe that the mage had worn. Kin was quick, trying to strip the bodies of their clothing should have taken more time, but it wasn't time Kin had to spare.

The temple continued to collapse on itself, and the cracks you had seen on the walls earlier began to widen and crack even further. The heat began to rise as well and you wondered if that came from the portal, or if some new fissures were being opened. Two times did the ceiling above you give way, though whether it was luck, divine protection, or the simple dwarven ingenuity in architecture the ceiling didn't fully collapse. Each time something fell, you were quick to dodge out of the way. You heard the sounds of a low grumbling. It came from all around you as if it came from the walls themselves.

The earth was giving way, and while you were working on grabbing the last of the items a large slab of the roof caved in, hitting you straight in the back and leaving a nasty wound.

With the boots, axe, robe, and armor in tow, ignoring the wound on your back you made your way into the portal. You saw the angle that the portal was in, so as you jumped in, you prepared for the rough landing. It was about a 30 ft. drop, and you knew the landing would hurt.

You saw the decent coming, as the ground seemed to rush up towards you. You stretched your body as long as possible, and as the moment your feet touched the ground, you began attempting to lighten the damage by putting forth just enough pressure at the landing points to reduce the tension when you finally smashed into the ground. The steps you took were slight, and as you hit the ground hard, rolling a couple times, you were glad to know that you hadn't broken any bones, though the fall itself dealing a good amount of damage.

---

Before you was as hellish of a nightmare as you can imagine. Immediately surrounding your area were numerous rocky outcroppings. Jagged edges that seemed to spire out towards the skies, with the rocks themselves jutting out in seemingly random places. The ground, dirt, and earth were a rich red colored, with numerous layers of ash mixed in giving it a slightly toned down mixture of red. The ground was warm to touch, and the air was stifling. It felt like a sauna, but without any of the moisture. You had started getting accustomed to the heat back in the temple, and though the heat here, where ever here was, was just about the same, in some ways it felt worse as well. There were gushes of fire at numerous places around, sometimes behind the rocky outcroppings, or even bouts of lava gushing forth pooling into small streams that continued to stream down in pools far beneath you. Multiple large streams of lava were in the distance, and beyond that tall mountain-like structures further on. Chasms opened wide on each side, though there were many natural bridges and places that looked jump-able. What caught your attention the most was some sort of building a good trek away beyond the chasm.

Rocky outcroppings and caverns
The rocky outcroppings near you were large and varied. Though many of them seemed to have dark entrances that went in further inside the earth.

Skies
The clouds above were dark, and some parts even looked as if the clouds themselves were on fire. You notice the portal above you, 30 ft., and for some reason, was still open.

Hammer
You see the red glowing hammer from before a few feet away.

Chasm
The island you are on gives way to a sheer drop at most sides.

Stone building in the distance
The stone structure was large. It had rectangular ends, and a couple of spires. It looked to be of dwarven-make.

QuoteKin takes 3 damage from ceiling.
Kin takes 6 non-lethal damage from fall.
Kin takes 3 lethal damage from fall.

Damage Taken
Kin (lethal): 4
Kin (nonlethal): 6

Roll perception centered on anything specific for more details

Kin almost immediately went for the hammer after gathering himself from the ground. After all, with his current situation, it may be the key to getting back home. He looked back toward the portal, only barely able to make out the scenery within. "There's no way to get back up there. Nine hells, I'm not even sure I'd want to be in that mess. It'd mean death. Speaking of the nine hells..." Kin turned back to the scene before him, clutching the new-found hammer. "I'm not actually in Baator, am I? The only actually flaming circle was Phlegethos, right? Please don't be Phlegethos...!" Kin was now immediately on the lookout for devils, and wished immensely that he was NOT in an open area so that he might attempt to hide; and, of course, the umbral caverns within the craggy cliffs were no more welcoming. While frantically looking around for a hiding spot, he spotted the building in the distance.

"That's bound to be full of things I'm unable to deal with." He said tensely before sighing, "But there's nowhere more likely to get me home than there right now...how do I even reach it, though?"

Quote[blockquote]Paranoid perception for devil-spotting!:  1d20+9 : 12 + 9, total 21[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Perception on building and how to get there:  1d20+9 : 13 + 9, total 22[/blockquote]

The heat
It was stifling and warm. The howling winds that blew hot air only made it worse. The clothing and armor you wore only begun to make it worse. The new loot you had gathered that you stored in a bag felt heavier than usual, though you knew it was probably more from exhaustion than anything else.

[info]Using PF rules for heat. Requiring a Fort check every hour. -4 if you continue to wear any armor. Roll fortitude when able.[/info]
Hammer
As you picked up the hammer, the mirror-like portal above winked out from existence. Slowly the tendril of energy from the portal above linking to the hammer shortened and shortened until finally the energies was back in the hammer. However, the magical hammer too seemed to glow less. The red glow seemed faded, or at least dulled from what you remember before.

Now that you're holding the weapon in your hands, you can feel the strength of the weapon as well as get a better look at the craftsmanship poured into the item. The head of the hammer was some sort of red-colored metal, and though it's handle was made out of metal, it felt cool to the touch despite the raging fires and heat around you. It deflected off or somehow absorbed the heat at least, and touching the cool metal felt like a godsend. There was a large jewel embedded in the head of the top side of the hammer as well. You could have sworn it was brighter before, but now its light was visibly reduced. On closer inspection of the jewel, the light looked as if it pulsated.

Building in the distance
When you took sometime to peer out at the large building in the distance, you realize it was a set of structures, closely connected to each other with various arches, bridges, and pathways. You keenly noted the dwarven design of the building. Rectangular, solid, squat. Each of the traits shown clearly in the make. You see figures guarding some of the entrances to the buildings. They were short, but you noticed their red, fiery, and glowing hair and beards. They were definitely dwarves that you had fought back in the temple. Something about the building looked familiar however, but you couldn't place it.

[info]Roll knowledge (architecture), or a general knowledge/int check if you want more details.[/info]
Perception
Although the winds continued to blow, whistling as it sped in-between crevices and various stone spires, you were able to make out what sounded like a series of footsteps stepping in and falling into the sand-like ground you had walked upon. You heard too the distinct clanging of weapons against clothing, though not in any sort of combat scenario. The sounds were methodical, marching almost, and sounded as if it was getting closer and closer.

[info]Couple options:
-Heading further away from the sounds to get +4 stealth checks.
-Heading closer to the sounds, finding a hiding place (like high on a rocky cliff), to attempt to surprise the newcomers but suffer -4 stealth checks.
-Anything else Kin would do.[/info]

Upon seeing a building in the dwarven style, Kin relaxed a little. "Not Phlegethos." The fact that there were few-to-no devils now gave him a little peace of mind, allowing him to calm enough to examine the hammer and his surroundings more level-headedly. "This thing certainly is a beaut', ain't it?" The halfling said as he rolled it in his palm to examine all sides. The cooling property was certainly a nice trait. It was certainly a worthy treasure, without a doubt. Just as he was stowing the hammer at his side, he heard the sound of marching. Armed marching. He was too drained to confront anyone right now, so he made the strategic decision to withdraw until whatever force it was passed him by. He withdrew to a decent hiding spot, considering the time he had, and laid in wait. Luckily, the spot he chose still offered a view of the buildings across the way, allowing him to study his destination further.

Quote[blockquote]Fortitude:  1d20+5 : 17 + 5, total 22[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Base Knowledge:  1d20+1 : 17 + 1, total 18[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Stealth with +4:  1d20+11 : 12 + 11, total 23[/blockquote]

[info]Requesting Perception check.[/info]

QuoteRequested Perception Check:

This is the check: [blockquote]This is it:  1d20+9 : 20 + 9, total 29[/blockquote]

The sounds of marching came closer and closer. True enough your guess was correct, though they couldn't see you, you managed to get a peek of who they were. They were six of them. Short, stocky, with plumes of fire for their hair, they were defintely like the other dwarves you had seen earlier. Likely they had come from the building you had seen in the distance. The marching slowed, and eventually stopped. You heard some movement of feet and you wondered what they would have been doing.

"Ya durned fool!" One of them shouted out, though you noticed he tried keeping his voice to a minimum. He started talking much more fiercely then, though, out of concern for being loud, began talking more quietly. You were still a good distance away, but you strained your ears carefully, listening in on the conversation spoken in dwarven word for word.

"I thought you said they'd be here!" There was an undeniable hint of anger in his voice.

"Shaddup! Dey tol' me dey' was going ta be 'ere! I's just telling ye! Plus ye see the portal just now?" Another voice spoke, dwarven too, though his speech sounded more slurred and slowed.

"Aye, the portal of spawned from Dorgan's Hammer." His voice took on an edge of reverence. "The hammer either be somewhere here, or someone up there be playin' tricks on us opening the portal."

"Kathor said it'll be 'ere though." The second voice complained. "Got the signal I did that dey were openin' the portal from dem surfacers."

You heard someone spit.

"I be durned if one of 'em mephits got it. Or the damnable efreets!" His voice started to get louder then, but he was quickly shushed by the other members of the dwarven group.

"Lets just hope the hammer has enough juice to open another portal soon. The faster we're gone from this place, the better. So what're you dimwits doin'? Search around why don't ye!"

[info]Cat and mouse game in a maze if you're interested in participating, if so I'll start up a quick grid map with the rules. If not flee away![/info]
Path to the buildings in the distance
You see the path that the dwarves had taken. You could go around them, to attempt to avoid them altogether, though the detour would take you away from their chosen path. At the very least you wouldn't get their attention. You could sneak around them as well, using the various spires as cover. Riskier, but at least the path was in clear sight. You see a variety of 'islands', each one separated with cliff-sides. Likely these dwarves had jumped them as well, unless they had special equipment of some sort. At the very least you didn't see any sort of bridges across the chasms until much further on closer to the buildings in the distance.

Other things nearby to note
There were many places to hide nearby with the various rocky outcroppings jutting out every which way. You also noted a variety of caverns and tunnel entrances that made their way deeper underground. They spread out in various directions. There was a chance there was some interconnected cavern system down there, but it may at least provide cover from all the heat.

As much as Kin wished to have at them and simply eliminate the threat of...whatever they were planning, the halfling recognized that he was in no shape for such a difficult fight. For safety's sake, especially considering this hammer seemed to be their goal, Kin decided a longer detour was the best course of action. Thus the halfling quietly left the area, trying to keep the locations he'd seen in his mind as well as he could. Being lost in a fiery plane was NOT a desirable outcome for Kin.

The halfling carefully crept away from the squad of dwarves and scouted out the best possible approach to that building in the distance. I really need to get out of here...

Quote[blockquote]Perception:  1d20+9 : 19 + 9, total 28[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Stealth:  1d20+7 : 7 + 7, total 14[/blockquote]

Choosing to sneak away, you silently draw back from the group of fiery dwarves, increasing your distance from them and avoiding them altogether. You went a round-about way, heading away from the dwarves directly, then attempting to circle around them in order to start making your way towards the building you see in the distance. The journey took around 30 minutes, as you stealthily moved towards your destination. You were lucky as you didn't encounter any new enemies or denizens of this fiery place.

Dorgan's Hammer
You had overheard that one of the dwarves called this 'Dorgan's Hammer', and you notice that in the time it took for you to make your way here, the pulsating gem started to beat faster, and the light just slightly more powerful, though still far from its original brilliance when you had first seen it.

Islands
Though the building wasn't entirely too far away, as you neared a particular cliff side overlooking various islands, rivers of lava, and the set of buildings, you realize getting there would be a problem. The set of buildings sat on a single large island. Around this large island were a variety of smaller islands linked together with bridges, making it simple to move between each of those islands and the main island. However, there were no bridges linking those smaller islands to any of the further islands around you, nor the one you stood on now. It was as if these structure used the lava as some sort of moat. At the very least, anyone travelling by land would have a harder time. There were some cliff-faces that look climbable, some gaps even edge close enough that they may be jump-able. You wonder how the fiery dwarves were able to move between the islands.

Inhabitants
Since you were closer, you were still able to make out the small figures in the distance. You can definitely tell that the inhabitants of the building were fiery dwarves as well, their fiery beards, even at a distance, giving this fact away. It was still too far to see exactly what they were wearing, but from how they were positioned and remained stationary, you assumed them to be some guards.

Tunnels
Even this far in, you still see a few entrances that go underground. The tunnel system must be complex, with the amount of lava in the rivers around you, it is questionable how feasible it is to travel through them.

QuoteCrudely drawn map!
Red fill = lava
White fill = land
Orange lines = bridges
Black lines = highest elevation land
Grey lines = medium elevation land
Dark red lines = lowest elevation land
Blue dot = Kin
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44597627/Campaigns/The%20Guild%20of%20Galas'nor/Forum%20RP/Temple%20of%20Dorgan/DorganTempleMapLav.png)

[info]To help speed things up. You can spend an hour or so investigating/surveying an island you are on, larger land masses will take longer, low rolls will increase time of surveying. Successful rolls, I'll give you all the details for that island. For each attempt roll:

Stealth (optional)
Perception
Anything else you think might work
[/info]

"Hmm..." Kin looked at the hammer for a moment. "The way that gem is regaining its glow...This thing must be what opened the portal...so maybe the key of getting home is this hammer?" Kin just stood and stared at it's gem for a while before stowing it away. "That'd be nice, but I won't rely on that chance...what a situation. Makes me miss Bran-Bran." Kin looks around, then up a nearby cliff face. "Well, I guess I should get a better look at the area first. maybe I can see more from up there." The halfling scanned the rock face for a good climbing path, and began pulling himself up the cliff. But the whole time, he could only think one thing.

"This heat sucks. I want a cold mead already."

[info]Kin climbs the north cliff face.[/info]

Quote[blockquote]Stealth:  1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Perception:  1d20+9 : 19 + 9, total 28[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Climb:  1d20+6 : 6 + 6, total 12[/blockquote]

Kin
The cliff face was about 50 ft. high by your estimation. It was fairly steep, but there were enough jutting rocks that it looked climbable. You attempt to climb the cliff face, you were about half way up when stepped on a loose rock. Immediately you felt yourself lose your balance, and if you didn't act quick, you would fall down hard.

[info]Kin to roll reflex.[/info]

[info][blockquote]Relfex:  1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23[/blockquote][/info]

Kin
You manage to catch yourself just as you were about to slip off the slope of the cliff. However as you twisted around, pulling back your weight and centered your gravity to better keep your balance, you had cut yourself from a protruding rock. The wound was superficial, but it added to the strain of being in a totally alien environment.

[error]Kin takes 5 non-lethal damage.[/error]
[info]Damage Taken
Kin (lethal): 4
Kin (nonlethal): 11[/info]
Surroundings
Much higher than you were before, you were able to get a better view of your intended destination. The previous platform behind you, south, was around 50 ft. below. But as you stared downwards, a mass of land after the sharp decline of the cliff in front of you was around 100 ft. below. You notice that it connected to other land masses, and from your vantage point you can see if stretch towards the north west. Directly to your north were various smaller islands connected by bridges. However a chasm of lava surrounded each, and though the nearest of the connected islands was 50 ft. below you, the chasm separating you and the island was also around 50 ft. in length. Just south o you were still some tunnels that you had seen. For tunnels this high up in elevation compared to the ones you had seen below, it made you wonder if these were natural or were created somehow.

Runes
You had barely missed it, but on th edge of the cliff that faced northwards towards the bridges were a series of runes. They were blended well with the surrounding rock, but there were slight indentations around the words, forming almost like a plaque. They were written in dwarven, and though some of the diction was different, you were still able to make out what it said: 'Fire from the heart of a dwarf will grant the path to you'.

Kin looks back toward the tunnels to the south. "Huh. Maybe these tunnels connect to the ones below, meaning I didn't have to climb and risk my life." He looks down at his hand, examining the injury. "It's just a small cut, though, and who know what was in those tunnels. I'm trying to remain unseen, can't wander into more dwarves by taking the normal path." Confident he'd made the right decision, Kin turned back to the runes on the ground.

"They seem to be pointing toward the bridged islands. 'Fire from the heart of a dwarf will grant the path to you', is it? Maybe these runes are magic, and have a way of making a path to those islands? I teleported here with a hammer, so at this point, I'll believe just about anything can work." Kin studies the runes longer, thinking over the words carefully. "I don't think the one to activate this, if it is magic, necessarily has to be dwarven...but maybe that means that the command word is stated using the dwarven tongue. May as well try. From the way it's phrased, I'm guessing 'fire' is the word."

Kin stands over the engraved runes, looking out over the lava to the islands, and speaks plainly. "Taal."

[spoiler]From what I looked up, Taal = fire in dwarven. Kin would know the actual word, so if this is important, lemme know what I should ACTUALLY say haha.[/spoiler]

It must have been a delayed reaction, as when you said the words nothing happened at first. But sure enough you heard the deep grumble of earth against earth as you heard the sound of rocky boulders scrape against each other. Soon enough a section under the platform started to protrude outwards, as if sections of the tall plateau you stood on reached out towards the lower islands. It made a makeshift stair, but the cut was clean and precise, it had a sense of dwarven make about it. Before you was a set of stairs that lead down to the lower islands that connected to the central building.

"Hah!" Kin exclaimed with a smile. "If only Bran Bran could see me now. She'd probably still want me dead, but surprising her is always fun." Of course, the surprise was, 'Kin actually has a brain'.

The halfling checked his surroundings before heading down the stairs to the bridged islands. He moved quickly, but stealthily. If there was one thing he'd learned, it's that you're easily seen on a open bridge or stairwell. The sooner he was across, the safer he was. Once across the lava, Kin examined the new island, as well as looked back the way he came to make sure he wasn't being sneaked up on.

Quote[blockquote]Stealth:  1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Perception:  1d20+9 : 20 + 9, total 29[/blockquote]

First Platform
Your keen eyes managed to pick out some sort of rocky object that was hard at first to see due to the fact that it blended so well with its surrounding. It was centered right in the middle of first platform. At first glance it would have looked like a mound of rocks, but as you came closer, you realized that whatever it was, it wasn't quite natural. The rock mound looked to be placed in such a way to feel almost out of place. You moved silently however, and stopped right behind a large rocky outcropping.

"What is it with these dwarves and strange rocks? Well, I guess they're pretty strange themselves." Kin mutters to himself, trying to distract himself from the constant heat. He carefully approaches the rock formation to get a better look, making sure to look behind and in front of himself for any patrols. After all, a bunch of rocks just moved to form a bridge, there's a chance someone heard it.

QuoteLet me know if I need to to roll anything, I'm assuming I'm still working with my last skill checks.

[info]Yes.

Roll initiative. :)[/info]

[info]Shoot.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17[/blockquote][/info]

As you stepped closer and closer to the mount of rocks. It started to move, and to your horror it started to spout two appendages that looked like arms. Soon enough, two glowing gemstone eyes looked towards you. At that moment it stared to rush forward.

But you were prepared, and you knew you would be faster in acting at least before the creature could strike.

[info]Enemy is 20 ft. away.

Initiative:
Player
Enemy

Player to take their turn[/info]

"Oh." It was all Kin could manage to say at the sight of a mound of moving rock. It made sense why it looked so strange now. Kin was starting to regret his decision to run ahead of the rest. Anything made of rock had to be resistant to his kind of weapons. But there was no fleeing. Where would he even go?

"Everything here's trying to kill me anyways, I may as well fight head-on." Kin said in a way that you'd expect to be followed by a shrug. But there was no time for shrugging! The halfling quickly ran forward, brandishing his favored greatsword and slashing the creature across its rocky form.

[info]Kin runs up and smacks it with his sword. Some things never change.

[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+6 : 17 + 6, total 23[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage:  2d6+5 : 2, 6 + 5, total 13[/blockquote][/info]

As the two of you clashed into melee, your sword cut through the rocky creature, slicing it in half in one strike. The elemental crumbled soon after until it was no more than a lifeless mound of rocks.

[info]Damage Taken
Kin (lethal): 4
Kin (nonlethal): 11[/info]

"...Huh..." Kin rests his greatsword on the ground for a short while, gazing and the lump of rocks. "Didn't expect that." The halfling says as he sheathes his sword and searches the rubble. Was this creature just sitting here for no reason...or..."Was it guarding something?"

[info]Searching the area before moving on (using PF Perception).
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 6 + 9, total 15[/blockquote][/info]

First Platform and Bridge
Apart from the now defunct earth creature, there weren't any other strange things you can pick out from the surroundings. There is a bridge crossing towards the next platform ahead however. The bridge itself was made out of stone, though it had streaks of darkened obsidian in it, as well as a lighter marble. The bridge was made out of various segments, each segment about 8 ft. in width, and 3 ft. in length. There wasn't anything holding up the stone slabs, and to your eye, it looked as if they were simply floating. On each end of the slabs was a long brass chain that looked like they served as some sort of handrail. It seemed to tie the bridge together, hooked to one island and going to the next, though, that too was not connected to the stone slabs.

Kin was not very excited about this bridge. He repeated his own words a moment ago to himself as he prepared to cross. "Everything here is trying to kill me, so I might as well fight head-on...if this bridge fails, I'll trust in my abilities to keep going."

First, the halfling scouted out to the other end before even stepping on the stone sections; he wanted to be sure of what he'd be running into. Once sure he wasn't running into his doom while trying to avoid the doom below him, he took a deep breath, then exhaled.

"Rule number 8 of Scouting and Stealth safety. Bridges only expose you, unless they're obscured it's best to cross them as fast as possible."

And so he ran.

[info]Kin runs across the bridge. Stealthily. Kind of.

[blockquote]Perception:  1d20+9 : 18 + 9, total 27[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Stealth:  1d20+11 : 11 + 11, total 22[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Acrobatics, if needed:  1d20+11 : 6 + 11, total 17[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Due to running across the chasm, will have to include a Stealth penalty.[/info]Running Across the Chasm
You ran across the chasm, and as you stepped on the first stone slab, to your horror it began to fall away. You jumped to the next one, and that too did the same thing. It wasn't horribly difficult, as the time it took to fall only registered half a second when you stepped on each slab, which happened to be just enough time for you to propel yourself to the next one.

But the fall was far, and the more you thought about the fact you were literally jumping on a bridge that was falling apart as quickly as you stepped on it, only made that queasy feeling worse. There was nothing but lava at the very end of the long trip downwards after all. Whether it was pure agility, or simple luck, you managed to start making your way across the bridge, keeping your pace as fast as your feet can carry you. Behind you, you heard the crash of the stone slabs into the lava below as they made an almost plopping sound. There were a couple of times you felt as if a stone slab was just about to slip from underneath you and send you spiraling to your doom, but luckily you kicked off just in time. You did this for each step, pushing off against each slab a moment before they fell, and narrowly making the window each and every time.

Indentation
Finally the end was in sight as you rolled for the final jump, landing with your back against yet another rocky outcropping. You landed facing the bridge you had just ran upon, and indeed the stone slabs were gone, all that remained were the two chains of brass that marked where the bridge had once been. As you had a chance to regain your breath, you noticed what looked like an indentation just where the brass chains connected to the island. You didn't see it at first on the first island due to the fact it blended seemingly well with the landscape, but now that you had a closer look, the indentation looked purposeful, as if something was to be inserted into it.

The Bridge
A few more moments, and you see the first stone slab that had fallen rise back up magically. There was still some lava on it, though even that began to pour off in its incline back upwards. Each of the other stone slabs followed soon after as well, presumably at the same rate they had fallen before, and given a few seconds, you know the bridge would look 'complete' again.

Second Island
As you got your bearings, you notice yet another pile of strange rocks. This time however, it was 'awake', and you keenly saw its two glowing gemstone eyes peering at where you had crossed just moments before. You weren't exactly stealthy in your approach, and the falling stones were indeed give aways to your position. Yet for one reason or another the rocky creature stood still and simply watched. Like the previous island, there wasn't a lot of space on either side to evade it altogether, The width of the island, smaller than the previous one, was about 60 ft. and the creature stood in the center of it with 30 ft. allowance on each of its side. Lengthwise it was longer, and you stood around 60 ft. away from it, with another 60 ft. stretching the other direction to the end of the island.

[info]Another round for the bridge you just ran across to fully form. The rocky creature is around 60 ft. away.[/info]

"Why are you just standing there..." Kin mutters to himself as he stares back at the creature. Though he appreciated not needing to fight right away, as he was getting fairly tired. "This place is really making me brush up on my dwarven...let's see if this helps me out."

Kin clears his throat. Banking on the idea that these elementals and the dwarves co-exist in a non-warlike manner, the halfling speaks as clearly as he can. "Ohr...bi ad skilam?" (Do you understand me?)

[info]Kin attempts to speak to the elemental in dwarven.[/info]

Standing at still about 60 ft. away from the earth elemental, you spoke to it in dwarven, and immediately the creature began to react. It proceeded to face you, and you could have sworn its eyes glowed for a brief moment. In a grumbling and low tone of voice, akin to the sounds of a low tremor of or rocks crushing against each other, it spoke in an almost broken and segmented dwarven.

"Arkul grunnjagen. Khannen. Khuzad nai neah. Hrun kurn. Remag de rast rem, vass leib nurv." (Guardian initiated. Scanning. Dwarven race not found. Enemy detected. Speak the password, state your intentions.)

"Whoa." Kin stated bluntly to himself. He'd honestly not expected that to work. "A password, is it? What in the name of all the gods would these dwarves use as a password." Kin slowly muttered to himself. "Come on, Kin, think!"

[info]Kin tries to come up with a likely password.

[blockquote]Wisdom:  1d20+2 : 8 + 2, total 10[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Intelligence:  1d20+1 : 14 + 1, total 15[/blockquote][/info]

You could not think of any sort of password that the element might accept. It proceeded to continue staring 60 ft. away from you.

Kin sighs, "Nope, nothing." The halfling says to himself, readying his sword. "All I can do is fight, after all." With that, he rushes forward, keeping his defenses up due to the distance he needed to cover this time.

[info]Kin moves forward 20 ft and takes a defensive stance.[/info]

[info][blockquote]Initiative:  1d20+5 : 17 + 5, total 22[/blockquote][/info]

As you began to close the gap, the elemental flared to life.

[info]Kin to state actions.[/info]

Seeing the creature start preparing for combat, Kin remained cautious. After all, he wasn't in the best of shape. He held his position, ready to charge in once the elemental got any closer. "Come ooon~! A little closer!" The halfling watched anxiously, waiting for his moment to run in and strike.

[info]Kin moves forward 5 more feet and holds his defensive stance. So Kin is currently 35 feet away.[/info]

The elemental on the other hand began charging towards you. It seemed to almost glide on top of the rock platform it stood upon. It didn't seem to make any visible marks on the ground as well. By all observation, it seemed to seamlessly mesh with the platform leaving no trace of  disturbances, holes, or uncovered dirt in its path.

It lunged forward, and though you pulled out all tricks you knew to avoid the attack, it managed to land a hit.

[error]Kin takes 5 lethal damage.[/error][info]Damage Taken
Kin (lethal): 9
Kin (nonlethal): 11[/info]

"Wha-!?" Kin tried to dodge out of the way, but the giant rock fist club straight into his shoulder. "How does a big lug like you move that fast!? Or is this whole platform your body? Fatty." Kin did not expect the giant rock to move faster than a human.

"Well, let's see who hits harder, eh?" Kin grits his teeth as he swings his sword horizontally, dropping his defense and attempting to cut through the boulder-like creature.

[info]Sword smack!

[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage:  2d6+5 : 1, 6 + 5, total 12[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Karma to add 1d6 to attack roll

[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4[/blockquote][/info]

[info]1 Karma usage resolved. Points spent: 130 -> 131.[/info]You struck down the elemental. Cleaving it in two, it fell down in a heap of rubble. The gemstone eyes ceased to glow, and its two gauntlet-like hands clashed on the ground. The hands seemed to curl into a strangely shaped fist as the creature lost consciousness.

Second Island and Surroundings
With the creature no longer functioning. You manage to look around the area. Around 95 ft. away forward is the start of another bridge. Like the first one you had crossed, this too was made of separate stone slabs that seemed to float midair, precariously over the lava below. Two long brass chains spanned from the second island down to the third one as well, acting as handrails, though like the first bridge, they were not connected to the floating stone slabs.

In the distance
The waves of heat made looking further into the distance more of a blurry haze, you can almost make out an earthy mound on the third platform as well. Presumably these earth elementals served as guards for the temple-like building further on.

Kin exhales in relief, and walks toward the newly-formed piles of rubble. He looks down for a moment, scouting the pile of rock before plopping down and digging through his pack. After a moment, the halfling retrieves a healing potion from his belongings. "This should do the trick!" He says eagerly as he quaffs the red mixture, revitalizing himself after the long journey.

[info]Potion of Cure Light Wounds used.[/info]

Now feeling more stable, Kin began digging through the rubble, searching for anything useful among the remnants of the guardian. "Maybe these things actually have some kind of key to control these bridges?"

[info][blockquote]Healing:  1d8+1 : 5 + 1, total 6[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Search check:  1d20+1 : 1 + 1, total 2[/blockquote][/info]

You opened the stopper for the vial, and in one fluid motion you drank the liquid. The liquid was cool to the touch, and you felt yourself revitalizing as you imbibed the potion. The aches from the blunt force you received earlier from the elemental started to become more dull, even the heat seemed to be more bearable.

[okay]Kin heals 6 lethal damage and 6 non-lethal damage. Inventory on old sheet updated. Also -1 Potion on your current sheet.[/okay][info]Damage Taken
Kin (lethal): 3
Kin (nonlethal): 5[/info]You started digging around the elemental's body. But in the end of it, the only things that was different than the rest were its two gem-like eyes, that you managed to set aside, and its two fists. The rest of the body, in your eyes, was unremarkable. It looked like just a pile of rubble.

The body
Specifically, many of the larger pieces of the elemental was made out of basalt. The darker hues in it were some slices of obsidian mixed in. Among the large pieces, there were chunks of other volcanic materials as well. The smaller stones seemed to clump up to the elemental when it was still functional, but now, having lost whatever force kept it together, was scattered and mixed in with the larger piles.

The eyes
The two gem eyes were no longer glowing, as in closer inspection, wasn't very finely carved, it looked as if these gems were rough and raw. They were orange in color, with both pieces to be roughly the same size.

The fists
The two fists you had put aside were strangely-shaped. Upon its death, the fists curled tight as if clenching something. But it was the shape of it overall which wasn't something you expected. When clenched, the fists looked like a cylinder, and at the end of it, where you expected the knuckles to be looked to be random protrusions.

Kin was unimpressed by what he found as he rolled the gemstone eyes in the palm of his hand. He decided to wander over to the edge toward the next platform, examining the edge for any signs of runes or the like. After all, he wouldn't be surprised if there were more command words to progress further.

The halfling then took out the mysterious hammer he'd gone through this ordeal for. He'd noted that the magical glow seemed to be returning, and wondered if that perhaps meant he could use some of its abilities once that energy was restored. The dwarves from before seemed plenty interested in it as well, so it MUST be important. "What in the nine hells is this thing, anyways?"

Finally, he looks back at the rubble pile. Specifically the fists. "There has to be something there, something just doesn't feel right." Kin makes his way back to the earthen corpse to to dig through the rubble, and maybe even open the odd fists.

[info][blockquote]Search:  1d20+1 : 7 + 1, total 8[/blockquote][/info]

As you made your way to the edge, keeping an eye on the surroundings, you weren't able to get much. It was the same sight as you had seen prior. You did take a careful look of any runes or anything else out of the ordinary at the edge, and just like the last platform, you were able to see some sort of indentation in the ground, right before the next set of bridges.

Indentation
Like the previous one, this set of indentations stopped or started near where the brass chains connected to the ground. There seemed to be random instrusions that made up the feature, along with various bumps along the surface. Yet, even though it seemed random, overall, it looked cohesive and purposeful. The indentation was about 1 inch deep, and around half a foot in terms of diameter.

The Hammer
As you pulled out the weapon, grasping the iron that made up the shaft of the weapon, once again, you felt the cool sensation cover your entire body. You can still feel the ambiental heat from the location, but for whatever reason, holding the hammer made the heat feel much more bearable. In fact, you could even say comfortable. The large gemstone at the center of the weapon seemed to glow stronger than before, though, not at its original brilliance from before back in the underground temple. The gem continued to pulsate, and it seemed to pulsate slightly faster than when you had first seen it do so earlier that day.

The Rubble
Making your way back to the corpse of the earth elemental, you began rummaging through it as you gathered the two fists of the elemental. They were still in the weird cylindrical shape, with its knuckle-like protrusions reaching forward. As you imagined the piece of rock, for that's what it really was, you realize that unclenching the fist would no longer be possible. At least, not in a natural way as one would simply unclench the fists of a dead corpse. The earth elemental's body, though fluid and seemed to glide while it was alive, had become stiff and rock-like.

"Huh." Kin grunted in appraisal of his observations. "Guess I'll just take what's useful." The halfling clambered over to the elemental's head and began to attempt extracting the jewel eyes. Once he manages to get those in hand, he returns to the fists, and wields his greatsword once more. "I really wish it'd died with its hands OPEN." Kin brings his greatsword down along the creature's fingers, hoping to find something within its grasp.

As for the indentations near the chains, well, that required more thought. He knew the last one was a command word, but this didn't seem to be the case.

[info]Rolling Strength for gem removal, attack for the cutting of the fist, and Intelligence for thinking about the indentation.[/info]

[info][blockquote]Strength:  1d20+2 : 11 + 2, total 13[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Attack:  1d20+6 : 4 + 6, total 10[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6+5 : 3, 3 + 5, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Intelligence:  1d20+1 : 20 + 1, total 21[/blockquote][/info]

Surprisingly, the gem eyes weren't very embedded into the creature's face. It didn't take a whole lot of effort to dislodge them from the hard stone that kept them in place. You did your best to remove the bits of rock still attached to them, and soon enough you had two orange gems in your hands.

[okay]Obtained gems. Will be updating current inventory and previous inventory. Feel free to roll appraise.[/okay]With that done, you placed one of the clenched hands on the ground, and heaving your sword you began slicing at it, trying to pry loose its clenched fingers. Your first strike did minuscule damage, but it was enough to chip away at the fingers. With the elemental being a lifeless corpse, and likewise the rock that made its body no longer being malleable, it was much harder to deal damage to the piece of stone. You caught sight of a flash of light as your weapon hit the fist coming from a small crack that you created. But it quickly disappeared, and the crack was still too small to peer into.

[info]You deal 3 damage to it.

I'll resolve your intelligence check once you finish opening up the fist, or decide that was enough. Feel free to roll maybe 2 more sets of attacks and damage rolls.[/info]

Kin grunts. "I could swear this was easier to cut when it was alive!"

[info]Two more attacks

[blockquote]Attack 1:  1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Attack 2:  1d20+6 : 14 + 6, total 20[/blockquote]

[blockquote]Damage 1:  2d6+5 : 6, 2 + 5, total 13[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage 2:  2d6+5 : 5, 6 + 5, total 16[/blockquote][/info]

The opened fist
You pounded your weapon against the hard rock again, this time centering your efforts on the crack that had appeared. The first strike further increased the wedge, but it wasn't until the second strike where you fully revealed what the elemental was clutching. The grooves and patterns that made up the end of its fists were all but destroyed, however, it at least revealed what looked to be a glowing crystal that was pulsating with energy. Even exposed, you saw flickers of electric jolts that sparked from the gem. Unlike the lifeless gems that made up the eyes, these ones were full of life.

You had left alone the other clenched fist, but you assumed that that too contained a similar crystal.

Intelligence check: 21
As you thought about the indentations on the ground, as well as the fists that you carried. When the flickers of energy sparked from the gems, only then did you finally connect the fists to the two indentations you had seen near the bridges. The grooves and patterns that the closed 'fist' would make looked like it may just match the grooves and patterns in the two indentations. With the fact that the closed 'fists' held something of energy, you surmised that perhaps the fists acted as keys. Unfortunately one of the fists were already destroyed from your experimentation and literal 'digging', but the other fist was still in good shape.

Kin stared down at the gem glowing in his hand, then slowly turned his head with a blank stare, looking at the recently destroyed fist. After a pause, during which neither motion nor sound was made, Kin used his other hand to slap his forehead with his palm in frustration.

"Kin, you dolt!" He said to himself. "Why couldn't you have come up with that thought BEFORE destroying everything?"

Another sigh escaped the halfling's lips before he looked at the other fist and shrugged. "Well, I may as well cut the other one off and try to use it. If I'm lucky, it just needed the energy from the gems, and not the actual fists."

Thus, the swordsman wandered over to the elemental's other fist, only this time, he aimed his blade at the arm, trying to get the fist intact.

[info][blockquote]Attack 1:  1d20+6 : 17 + 6, total 23[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Attack 2:  1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26[/blockquote]

[blockquote]Damage 1:  2d6+5 : 4, 4 + 5, total 13[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Damage 2:  2d6+5 : 2, 6 + 5, total 13[/blockquote][/info]

[info][blockquote]Crit confirm:  1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22[/blockquote][/info]

Kin
This time, you managed to get a clean cut, keeping the fist part of the elemental intact, but slicing off the rest to make it easy to carry.

[okay]Kin received "Portable Key"![/okay]

Kin wanders over to the grooved area, and attempts to use the key, still trying to recover from is embarrassment after failing to recognize the use of the golem's fist.

With only one 'key' available, you placed it into the indentation. All of a sudden the fist briefly glowed as the energy moved itself to the groove in the floor. There was a rumbling sound and all of a sudden a beam of red light started connecting itself from the left edge of each section of the bridge, connecting itself to the next. What was most surprising was that the 'light' if it can be called as such, looked more like glowing chains. Not only that, each stone plank was also connected to the brass chain handrails with the same glowing chains. Unfortunately, although the left side of the bridge had the glowing chain pulsating through it, the right side had none.

Kin sighed in relief, but then looked down at the gem in his hand, the one removed from the giant fist he'd destroyed. "Let's hope this works!" With a slight pause to think of how the other one looked when it was inserted, Kin placed the gems into the proper spot in the grooves on the ground, hoping the other set of chains would appear.

As the energy crystal neared the indentations on the floor, it crackled in electricity, though that was the only reaction, and there was no other movement.

Kin groaned in frustration, looking out at the half-completed bridge, and then notably down toward the lava below. His gaze lingered on this rather unfortunate circumstance, before he finally muttered, "I can't go back all that easily, and I REALLY don't want to climb and dangle across this chain...I'll just keep trying whatever other thoughts come to mind." Kin turns his attention to the "key". 'I wonder what happens if I out the fist in the other spot?"

Kin takes a moment to pick up the "key" and place it in the second indentation.

Moving the 'Key' from the left to the right
When you first removed the key from the indentation on the left side, the glowing chains stopped pulsating, though they still seemed to glow and hold steady. You immediately moved the fist to the right indentation. However a few seconds after doing so, the 'light beams' holding the left part of the bridge together started to fade and eventually disappeared. At the same time, the light had started to appear on the right side of the bridge. For a few seconds at least the light was on both sets of the bridge.

QuoteDoes this time period seem like enough time to run across? How far is the gap that the bridge is spanning?

[info]Found the original map I doodled! I'll be using it to determine distances as a rough estimate.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8szvqttd0qf8ri9/DorganTempleMapLav.png?dl=0[/info]

Observations on Third Platform
The bridge heading to the third island was twice as long as the bridge from the first platform to the second. It was about 60 ft. Like the previous bridge, this one too was made out of various smaller obsidian platforms, each measuring about 8 ft. in width and 3 ft. in length. There was a 1 foot gap between each segment. Unlike the previous bridge, this one had a set of glowing chains that bound each piece of the segments to the rightmost brass chain that spanned the chasm. The left side of the bridge did not have these glowing chains, and the obsidian platforms simply floated in the air.

Smoke
From a distance, you hear a loud explosion sound. It was easy to pick out, and it was coming from the temple you see further onwards at the raised center-most platform. There was evidence of wisps of smoke as well starting to rise.