As Seraphina observes her companions, she can't help but reflect on the diverse group that fate had brought together on this eventful day. Lorett, the enigmatic half-elf with his dark complexion, possesses an uncanny skill with his longbow, making him a formidable ranged combatant. His keen, elven senses and experience as a scout had saved them from numerous dangers throughout their journey.
Nida, also known by her full name, Niyandrazill, stands out with her striking blue hair and fierce determination etched on her face. As a barbarian, she wields her pike and javelins with the strength and skill of a warrior who has faced countless challenges in her life. Seraphina admires Nida's unwavering resolve, especially when she enters her battle rage, becoming a force of nature on the battlefield.
With her eldritch powers and magical prowess, Seraphina herself played a unique role within the group. Her spells, conjured from the arcane energies coursing through her veins, have provided crucial support and offensive capabilities, turning the tide of many encounters. She has always felt a sense of responsibility to protect her companions and provide healing when needed.
The day was long and treacherous, filled with unexpected challenges and dangers they could never have foreseen. Yet, despite the exhaustion that weighed on their bodies, Seraphina finds solace in the bond that had formed between them. They are more than a team; they are a group of friends and allies united by a common purpose.
Their quest was clear: to unravel the mystery behind the quarry's terrifying monsters and discover the hidden truths concealed within the temple's depths. As they prepare to venture further into the darkness, Seraphina's heart swells with determination. She knows they will face more trials and tribulations, but she has faith in their abilities and the unwavering resolve that binds them together. With their skills, courage, and a shared sense of purpose, they are ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead, inching closer to the answers they sought.
[Seraphina casts Detect Magic.]
[Oracle "Is the dwarven hammer magical?" Likely not -2: NAT 20 Yes]
[Oracle "As it is magical, is it a '+1' weapon?" Most likely +6: ]
[Oracle "Does it have any other characteristics?" Most likely not -6: 6 No]
[The dwarven warhammer is a +1 Warhammer.]Seraphina's keen senses detect a faint but unmistakable aura of magic emanating from the dwarven warhammer resting upon the pedestal. Its craftsmanship is exquisite, but its magical energy hints at something more profound than mere aesthetics. With a sense of curiosity and a desire to uncover its secrets, she carefully lifts the warhammer from its resting place.
The moment her hands touch the weapon, she feels a surge of magical energy coursing through her fingertips. It was as if the warhammer itself responded to her touch, resonating with her innate connection to the arcane. Seraphina decides to carry the warhammer with her, knowing that a more thorough examination would be necessary to unveil its true potential and any hidden enchantments it might possess.
[Seraphina adds "+1 Warhammer" to her inventory.]As the party prepares to continue their exploration of the temple's depths, Seraphina holds the dwarven warhammer close, its magical aura serving as a constant reminder that the mysteries of this ancient place were far from being fully unraveled.
Seraphina feels an additional source of arcane energy within the room. It emanates from the torch mounted on the wall nearby. While the exact nature of the magic eludes her immediate understanding, she recognizes the school of evocation as its origin.
[Arcana DC10: Seraphina 6+1: Fail]Realizing that this enchanted torch could prove valuable, Seraphina decides to take it for herself, removing it from its mount. She can sense the magic within it more distinctly as she holds the torch in her hands. It was unlike anything she had encountered before, and its purpose remains a mystery. She hands the torch to Nida.
[Arcana DC10: Nida 2+1: Fail]Nida, who has spent her life in the enchanted forests of Ildoren, possesses a keen awareness of magical items. She can also feel the strange magical energy radiating from the torch. It is unlike any enchantment she has come across in her forest homeland, leaving her intrigued and uncertain about its purpose.
With Seraphina and Nida now possessing magical items—a dwarven warhammer and an enigmatic torch—their journey into the temple's depths takes on an even more mysterious and magical aspect. The answers they search about the black-skinned monsters and the fate of the quarry's foreman remained elusive, concealed within the enigmatic depths of the temple.
With Nida leading the way, the party advances down the tunnel where Lorett has previously encountered the menacing snake. Nida, holding a javelin in one hand and the newly acquired magical torch in the other, provides both illumination and protection for the group. As they venture deeper into the corridor, they soon arrive at the location where the lifeless body of one of the carvuses lies, a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in the temple's depths.
[Medicine DC12: Seraphina 10+2: Success]Seraphina kneels beside the lifeless carvus, her fingers gently probing the creature's limbs, tracing the distinct, fang-shaped puncture wounds that marred its arms and legs. She furrows her brow, her violet eyes studying the evidence closely.
With the discovery undeniable, she turns to Lorett; her voice laced with a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Lorett, you were incredibly fortunate to evade a confrontation with this snake earlier," Seraphina says. "These tunnels seem to be harboring a host of hidden dangers, and we must proceed with utmost caution."
Lorett nods in agreement, his eyes filled with a sober acknowledgment of the lurking perils that surrounded them. "Indeed, Seraphina," he replies. "It's a reminder that we should remain vigilant as we continue our journey deeper into these depths."
[Perception DC15: Nida 14+1: Success]
[Oracle "Is the snake hiding near the opening?" Most likely +6: 23 Yes]As Nida advances cautiously through the dimly lit tunnel, her sharp eyes catch a movement to her right. She freezes, the torchlight casting eerie shadows on the rough stone walls. There, coiled and menacing, is the snake lurking near an opening in the wall.
Encounter starts
Without hesitation, Nida hurles her javelin at the serpent with practiced precision.
Enemy: Giant poisonous snake
[Initiative rolls: Nida 2+2, Lorett 14+3, Seraphina 17, Giant poisonous snake 1+4]
[Order: Lorett, Seraphina, Giant poisonous snake, Nida]Surprise round
Nida
[To hit: Javelin 6+5 vs. Giant poisonous snake AC 14: Miss]However, her aim falter slightly in the dimly lit tunnel, causing the javelin to miss its mark as it sails past the serpent. The snake, reacting to the sudden motion, slithers away quickly, avoiding the projectile. Nida curses under her breath, readying another javelin, determined to strike true on her next attempt.
Round 1
Lorett
[To hit: Longbow Nat 1 vs. Giant poisonous snake AC 14: Miss]As Nida attempts with the javelin, Lorett, eager to assist, prepares to take a shot with his trusty longbow. However, just as he is about to release the arrow, Nida's sudden movement causes her to nudge his arm, and the arrow slips from his grasp, clattering to the ground. He quickly steps to the side, nocks a fresh arrow, and draws the bowstring, ready to fire when the opportunity presents itself once more.
Seraphina
[Seraphina casts Eldritch Blast]
[To hit: Eldrich Blast 77+5 vs. Giant Poisonous Snake AC 14: Miss]The sudden commotion in front of her disrupts Seraphina's concentration, and she struggles to find a suitable opening to unleash her eldritch blast. Unfortunately, the magical energy misses its mark and strikes the ground behind the snake, leaving no damage in its wake. Frustrated but determined, Seraphina voices her concerns to the group, emphasizing the importance of better coordination and swift action to avoid any potential threats that might be lurking nearby.
Giant poisonous snake
[To hit: Bite 14+6 vs. Nida AC 14: Hits]
[CON saving throw DC11: Nida 10+4]
[Damage: Piercing 1d4+4: 3+4]
[Damage: Poison 3d6: 4+1+6]Amidst the chaos and distraction, the snake manages to strike, sinking its venomous fangs deep into Nida's ankle. The excruciating pain shoots through her like a searing fire, and Nida has no choice but to kick the serpent away, sending it writhing on the ground. Poison courses through her veins, causing her leg to throb and weaken as the venom takes hold.
Nida
[To hit: Javelin 17+5 vs. Giant poisonous snake AC 14: Miss]
[Damage: Piercing 1d10+3: 5+3]With the torch held aloft in one hand, Nida lunges forward with her javelin, striking the snake's scaled body. The sharp tip of the weapon bites into the creature's flesh, leaving a deep gash as it writhes in pain. Nida shifts into a combat stance, her weariness evident, but she holds her ground, ready to fend off any further attacks.
Round 2
Lorett
[To hit: Longbow Nat 20 vs. Giant Poisonous Snake AC 14: Critical hit]
[Damage: Piercing 2d8+3: 8+7+3]Lorett takes careful aim, his eyes locked onto the snake's writhing form. With steady hands and a calm demeanor, he unleashes his arrow. It soars through the air, finding its mark with astonishing accuracy. The arrow strikes the snake squarely in the head, pinning it to the cavern floor. "Finally!" Lorett exclaims, a sense of relief washing over him as he witnesses the lifeless serpent at their feet.
Encounter ends.
[Experience gained 17 XP for each character.]Lorett carefully gathers the dropped arrow and retrieves the one that had struck true in the snake's head. He has been somewhat less accurate recently, and every recovered arrow is a precious find.
[Lorett adds two arrows to his inventory.]Now with the javelin back in its place, Nida voices her concern. "Do you think anyone heard us?" she asks, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of approaching danger.
[Oracle "Did anyone hear the commotion?" Most likely not -6: 8 Maybe]
[Perception DC15: Lorett 15+6: Success]
[Oracle "Do the sounds come from further in the tunnel?" Most likely +6: 13 Yes]Lorett strains his ears, listening intently for any signs of approaching danger, but all he can discern is the faint murmur of sound. He considers their options and decides that the source of the noise seems to originate from down the corridor rather than the staircase leading further underground. Lorett suggests, "I think we should quickly check the downstairs. It might be a bit risky, but it's worth seeing if we can find some supplies or useful items. We're not exactly well-prepared for this."
[Decision check (Lower to check down stairs): Nida 1, Lorett 2, Seraphina 5]Nida nods in agreement with Lorett, her body aching from the battles they'd fought thus far. "I could use a bit of proper rest and maybe some supplies," she admitted.
Seraphina, however, has been relatively unscathed and has benefited from the short rests they'd taken. She voices her concerns, saying, "I understand the need for supplies, but we should be cautious. We don't know what's down there, and we've already made some noise. Maybe we should just investigate the source of that murmur first." She glances at the others, her concern evident in her eyes.
Lorett nods in agreement with Nida and turns to Seraphina, trying to convince her. "Seraphina, I understand your concerns, but perhaps you and I could take the lead? We'll be cautious, and if we find anything dangerous, we'll retreat immediately. It's just a quick look downstairs to see if there's anything useful. What do you think?"
Seraphina nods reluctantly. "Alright, but let's be quick and careful. If we encounter anything dangerous, we won't hesitate to fall back."
[Stealth DC10 Group: Nida 7+2, Lorett 15+5, Seraphina 15+0: Success]The stone staircase descends into the earth, winding gently to the left as it goes deeper underground. The steps are hewn from the same white stone that adorns the temple above, and surprisingly, they seem well-crafted, indicating the work of skilled artisans. The torchlight from above casts eerie shadows on the walls, making the descent feel both mysterious and somewhat foreboding. The air grows cooler as they descend. It's a silent journey, save for the soft echo of their footsteps and the flickering of the torches they carry.
[TSAT "Room table": 4 "Square, (d4+1) x 10 ft. on all sides, 1d4 exits.", 30 x 30', 1 exit]
[TSAT "Room contents table": 56 "Obstacle of some sort (e.g. rubble, crevasse, sinkhole, underground stream, wild magic field). Athletics or acrobatics check might be required to pass it, or it might be impassable. (Alterntively, roll on Obstacles Table, DMG p.297)"]
[DMG "Random obstacles table": 6 "Cave-in"]
[Original purpose of the room prompt: startle sweat decay]As Lorett and Seraphina reach the bottom of the winding staircase, they find themselves in a square chamber measuring about 30 feet by 30 feet. The room's atmosphere startles them as they step into the dimly lit space. Torchlight from above reveals the walls constructed of the same white stone as the temple. However, there is an unsettling sensation in the air, and the room appears to have seen better days.
The far wall, opposite the staircase, is partially caved in, leaving a jagged and unsettling gap in the otherwise uniform stone. The remnants of the collapsed stone and debris have decayed over time, suggesting that this chamber may have been subject to some sort of structural instability or perhaps a seismic event. The room now stands as a silent testament to its former state, a somber reminder of its past, and an eerie space to explore further.
[Oracle "Is the cave in recent?" Most likely not -6: -4 No]Seraphina and Lorett examine the room closely, and their observations align with the initial impression that this chamber appears to have caved in and been abandoned. There are no obvious signs of storage or any remnants of items that might have been stored here in the past. The decay and structural damage suggest that this area has been untouched for a long time.
[Perception DC15: Lorett 7+6: Fail]Lorett briefly scans the room for anything worth salvaging but finds it devoid of items. He's about to step further into the room when Seraphina's words of caution remind him that time is of the essence, and they should continue moving forward. With a nod of agreement, Lorett retraces his steps, and they make their way back up the stairs, leaving the abandoned chamber behind as they press onward into the temple's depths.
[TSAT "Passage table": 20 "Roll on Random architecture table."]
[TSAT "Random archotecture table": 2 "Series of alcoves"]
[Oracle "How long is the stretch with the alcoves?" 2D4 x 10': 4+2]
[Oracle "Are the something in these alcoves?" Likely +2: 16 Yes]
[Contents of alcoves prompt: sleep nod bellow]The party continues down the tunnel, their footsteps echoing in the stone passageway. As they progress, they notice a series of alcoves evenly spaced along the walls. In each alcove, there is a stone pedestal or platform with something resting upon it.
The first alcove contains a stone statue of a dwarven figure, appearing to be in a deep slumber.
[Oracle "Is there something special to the first alcove?" Most likely not -6: 6 No]In the second alcove, there's a peculiar-looking statue of a scroll.
[Oracle "Is there something special to the second alcove?" Most likely not -6: 12 Maybe]The third alcove holds a set of ancient-looking chimes suspended from a wooden beam.
[Oracle "Is there something special to the third alcove?" Most likely not -6: 5 No]The fourth alcove has a statue, a small, ornate bell resting on a cushion.
[Oracle "Is there something special to the fourth alcove?" Most likely not -6: Nat20 Yes]The fifth alcove displays a collection of old books carved in stone.
[Oracle "Is there something special to the fifth alcove?" Most likely not -6: 1 No]In the sixth alcove, a statue of a large horn with intricate carvings stands upright.
[Oracle "Is there something special to the sixth alcove?" Most likely not -6: -3 No]The party briefly examines these objects but decides to press on, their curiosity piqued by the distant murmurs that still beckon them deeper into the temple's heart.
[Investigation DC16: Lorett Nat1 Fail]Lorett approaches the stone statue with curiosity, running his fingers over the finely chiseled features of the dwarven figure. However, it appears to be a simple, non-magical stone carving with no hidden secrets.
[Investigation DC16: Lorett 7+0 Fail]Moving on to the scroll, Lorett carefully studies it but gathers that it is just a piece of finely crafted stone.
[Seraphina casts Detect magic.]
[Oracle "Is there anything magical in these alcoves?" Most likely not -6: 2 No]Seraphina closes her eyes and focuses her magical senses, casting detect magic to search for any hidden enchantments. Her efforts reveal that none of the objects in the alcoves are imbued with magical energy; they appear to be ordinary items.
[Investigation DC16: Seraphina 4-1: Fail]Seraphina then examines the set of ancient chimes hanging from the wooden beam in the third alcove. She gently runs her fingers over the weathered metal, but the chimes do not reveal any hidden secrets or magic.
[Investigation DC16: Seraphina 1-1: Fail]Moving on to the fourth alcove, Seraphina studies the small, ornate bell statue resting on its stone cushion. Despite its intricate design, the bell appears to be a simple, non-magical piece of stone.
[Investigation DC16: Nida 17-1: Success]Nida examines the fifth alcove, where she finds a collection of old stone books. She notices that some of these stone books appear to have been recently shifted or moved, raising her suspicions about their significance.
[Intelligence check DC10: Nida 9-1: Fail]Despite her best efforts, Nida is unable to discern any pattern or significance in the arrangement of the stone books within the alcove. They remain a mystery to her.
[Investigation DC16: Nida 19-1: Success]Upon closer inspection of the dwarven runes on the horn, Nida suggests that Seraphina could potentially use her translation spirals to decipher their meaning.
[Oracle "Is there any deeper meaning to the runes?" Most likely not -6: Nat 20]
[The meaning of the runes prompt: hide patrol consist]Seraphina gently traces her fingers over the runes on the horn and then turns to the others. "The inscription reads, 'Hidden within, patrols consist,'" she says, her voice filled with curiosity.
Nida scratches her head, puzzled. "Hidden within what? And what does 'patrols consist' mean?"
Lorett leans on the wall, deep in thought. "It could be a clue about something hidden in this tunnel complex. Maybe there's a secret passage or chamber nearby."
Seraphina nods in agreement. "Yes, it does seem like a clue. We should keep our eyes open for anything unusual or hidden."
The party shares a determined look, ready to explore further and uncover the mysteries hidden within this place.
[Oracle "Is the text cipher?" Most likely +6: 20 Yes]
[Intelligence check DC15: Seraphina Nat1: Fail] (The possibility doesn't even cross her mind.)
[Oracle "Is there a secret door nearby?": 15 Yes]The party exchanges glances as the clanging grows louder, and the murmurs morph into a distinct chant. Tension fills the air, and they can feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on them.
[Investigation DC17: Lorett Nat20 Success]Lorett stops and motions for the rest of the party to halt. He points to the crack in the wall on his left, his keen eyes detecting the dwarven craftsmanship. It's a subtle detail, but it stands out amidst the rough-hewn stone of the tunnel.
Seraphina raises an eyebrow and whispers, "What do you think, Lorett? Could it be a hidden passage or something?"
Nida shifts her grip on her pike, her instincts on high alert. "Should we investigate it?"
Lorett nods, his curiosity piqued. "Let's check it out, but be ready for anything."
With caution, they approach the crack, examining it closely to see if it might reveal a hidden chamber or passage within the temple's depths.
[Oracle "Is the secret door unlocked?": 18 Yes]
[Oracle "Is there any sound behind the secret door?" Not likely -2: 14 Yes]
[Perception DC12: Lorett 14+6: Success]Lorett's sharp ears pick up faint sounds emanating from behind the door. He gestures for the rest of the party to be silent and approaches the door cautiously. With a gentle push, the door swings open easily, revealing a passage beyond.
He motions for Nida and Seraphina to follow him, keeping their footsteps light as they venture further into the temple's depths. The anticipation in the air is palpable.
[TSAT "Secret door table": 4 "Secret door opens onto passage. Roll passage table, + 40 to Passage Contents roll."]
[TSAT "Passage table": 1 "Passage continues d4 x 10 ft." 1]
[Prompt for the source of the sound: purify lift vandalize]The sight at the end of the tunnel is both pitiful and unsettling. A shriveled goblin man, his skin a sickly shade of green and his clothes tattered sits on the cold stone floor. His face is sunken, and his eyes are hollow, revealing the despair he must have endured for a long time. One of his hands is trapped beneath a massive boulder, and it's clear that he's been unable to free himself.
As the party approaches, the goblin gazes at them with a mixture of relief and terror in his bloodshot eyes. He's clearly afraid but also hopeful that these adventurers might be his salvation.
The massive, smooth, cube-shaped rock that trapped the goblin appears to have been a devious trap. It now stands as an immovable obstacle in front of a stone table. There is an empty space on the table where something valuable must have once rested. The missing item lies at the goblin's feet, a bronze chalice adorned with the face of Moradin, the revered dwarven god.
Just beyond the goblin's desperate reach, a pouch that might contain something important. It sits tantalizingly close yet frustratingly out of his grasp. The goblin's situation appears to be a cruel twist of fate, as if someone deliberately placed the boulder to imprison him and prevent access to these sacred items.
Lorett and Nida, their faces etched with anger and disdain for goblins and their kin, advance toward the trapped creature. Understanding the goblin's language, Lorett raises his bow, ready to end the misery, while Nida extends her arm, her javelin poised at the goblin's throat. Her eyes blaze with fury as she declares in Common, "I will end you!"
The goblin, trembling with fear and desperation, pleads for mercy in its gravelly voice. "Please, spare me! I can be of use to you! I know secret ways, tunnels, and passages in this place. I can lead you to safety, riches, whatever you desire! Just don't kill me!"
Lorett narrows his eyes, his lips curling in disgust as he responds in the guttural goblin tongue, "You filthy goblin scum! You and your kind have caused enough suffering and death. I should end your miserable life right now."
The trapped goblin shudders, tears streaming down its wrinkled face, and it pleads, "Please, I beg you, have mercy! Spare me, and I'll help you. I swear on Moradin's name! I'll be loyal, lead you to treasures, and reveal the secrets of this place. Spare me, and you won't regret it!"
Seraphina places a gentle hand on Lorett's shoulder and speaks softly, "Lorett, I understand your anger, but let's not sink to their level. We have a unique opportunity here. This goblin could be our guide, and who knows what valuable information it possesses about this place. Killing it would only rob us of a potential advantage. We should consider our options carefully."
Still seething with anger, Lorett reluctantly lowers his bow, but his eyes remain fixed on the goblin, his distrust evident.
Lorett's frustration is palpable as he glares at Seraphina. "A guide? We walked through two doors to get here - both unlocked - and through a straight corridor. There's nothing this thing can guide us to or from!"
Seraphina takes a step back, realizing the validity of Lorett's argument. She looks at the goblin, torn between empathy and practicality. "You're right, Lorett," she concedes. "I got carried away with the idea of finding more information. We should deal with this situation swiftly and move on. But let's do it with as little bloodshed as possible."
Still contorted with anger, Nida grips her javelin tightly but remains silent, ready to act at Lorett's command.
Lorett nods at her.
As Nida thrusts her javelin forward, the goblin's eyes widen in fear, but it doesn't resist. The weapon pierces through the goblin's chest, and a pained, gurgled gasp escapes its lips. It slumps forward, life draining from its eyes.
Seraphina closes her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself. They're navigating a harsh world, and each choice weighs heavily on their conscience.
Lorett's eyes meet Seraphina's, and they are filled with a mixture of anger and frustration. His voice carries a tone of conviction as he speaks, "If this goblin knew of Moradin, it means it must have killed or tortured dwarves. It defiled the god's name, and such acts cannot go unpunished."
Seraphina's gaze is filled with empathy as she regards her companion. She understands the depth of his feelings and the scars that have marked his past. It's a harsh world they navigate, and every encounter and every decision leaves its mark on their souls. With a solemn nod, she acknowledges Lorett's sentiment, and together, they continue their journey through the underground labyrinth.
Seraphina takes a deep breath and says, "Be that as it may," as she turns her attention to the secret chamber. Determination fuels her curiosity, and she carefully inspects the contents left behind in this hidden enclave.
[TSAT "Passage contents table": 85+40 "Loot 60%. Roll DMG individual treasure: Challenge 0-4 table. Add 30 to roll. How did this loot get here?"]
[Loot percentage 60%: 56, Yes]
[DMG "Individual Treasure: Challenge 0–4": 53+30: 3d6 (10) GP, 4+4+3 = 11 GP]
[Tresure is divided into different components: 10 GP gem (Blue quartz), 8 GP, 20 SP]Seraphina gathers the pouch filled with blue quartz, 8 gold pieces, and 20 silver pieces, stowing it carefully among her belongings. She then takes a moment to examine the bronze chalice with Moradin's likeness, wondering about its significance or any hidden enchantments it might hold.
[Arcana DC10: Seraphina 18+1 Success]
[Value of the chalice 3D6 x 10 GP: 1+6+4, 110 GP]With her inspection, Seraphina determines that the bronze chalice is indeed a finely crafted piece, but it lacks any magical properties. She carefully tucks it away among her belongings, figuring it might be valuable or significant to someone they might encounter later on.
While Seraphina examines the chalice and the goblin's treasures, Nida stands watch in the hallway, keeping a keen eye out for any potential threats that might approach from either direction. The party remains cautious, uncertain of what lies ahead in this underground labyrinth.
[Seraphina adds Bronze Chalice (110GP) and Blue Quartz to her inventory.]
[Seraphina adds 8 GP and 20 SP to her inventory.]
[Oracle "Is there anything else noteworthy in the chamber?": No][Investigation DC15: Lorett 12+0 Fail]Lorett meticulously investigates the chamber, examining the stone table and the boulder where the goblin met its unfortunate fate. However, his search yields no additional items or clues. It appears that the goblin didn't possess anything else of note, and the trap that had ensnared it was likely its own doing.
As the party regroups and takes stock of their surroundings, they can still hear the faint sounds of clanging and chanting echoing from deeper within the tunnels.
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