[LPF] Rodents of Unusual Size, pt 2

[Aura]

The last of the rat slayers gather at the top of the stairs and peer down into the gloom. Any visual evidence of actual rodents has since disappeared as they shy away from the torchlight, although soft sounds of motion can be heard. This time, everyone hears it: soft sounds of splashing water.

The stairs down are fully 10' wide at the top and run further westward. It is at this point that the rather elaborate historical/religious fresco artwork comes to an end. After about 20' of descent, they open into a room where they split into two separate 5' staircases, which turn towards the north and south walls, and then run along those walls until they finally reach the floor. You step into the small (15' wide, and 10' deep) landing area unopposed, and are confronted with choices.

There are open exits to the north and south, which after three steps, may finally bring you to the crypt area itself--in the gloom you think you can see multiple layers of alcoves in the walls opposite these exits. And to the west is a pair of double doors, which are fully open. Inside are two small chambers, and possibly some alcoves attached to the second chamber in. Judging from the table and tools, this is some sort of work area.

However, the most obvious thing here is the smell: it is musty, whereas it should be quite dry.

[sblock=Overall Layout]
With the exception of the Triclinium (the room where the rat was, located to the south of the Rotunda), up until now you have had a series of small rooms heading west (and downward) from the entrance.
[/sblock]

 

[Guest 11456]

Hawk, Little Halfling with a Big Sword

Hawk weighs her options for a brief moment and then decides to head to the west through the open double doors.

[sblock=Hawk Mini Stats]Hawk
AC: 19 (15 flat-footed, 15 touch)
HP: 13/13
CMB: +2 CMD: 16

Fort: +4 Reflex: +5 Will: +1
Perception: +6 Sense Motive: +0
Initiative: +4

Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword(2-handed)
Current Conditions in Effect: -1 CON
Rage Rounds remaining Today: 3/6[/sblock]

 

[BigB]

Cruendithas as usual will follow closely to Hawk. Biting his tongue to try to be quiet he grips his torch and is ready to cast a spell.

[sblock=mini stats]
Cruendithas
Initiative +1
AC: 16 (with shield/ Flat:15, Touch: 12)
HP: 10 current: 10
CMB: -1 / CMD: 10 Fort: +1 / Ref: +3 / Will: +3
Resistence: 0
Current Weapon in Hand: Buckler and torch in off hand

Spell Like Abilities: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak with Animals

0 Lvl Spells:
Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand

1st Lvl Spells: 3/3 per day
Cure Light Wounds, Grease

[/sblock]

 

[Commander_Fallout]

He followed them down into the depths, keeping close behind the others. The rank smell wafted into his large nostrils, but he chose to ignore it for the time being as they reached the crossroads. He was of a mind to offer a suggestion, and had begun to open his mouth to speak, though by then the others had already made up their minds. He opted instead to say, "I pray that you've made the right choice," before readying his crossbow and heading in with them.
[sblock= Wahyu's Mini Stats]

Wahyu
AC: 16 (14 flat-footed, 13 touch)
HP: 9/9
CMB: -1 CMD: 11
Fort: +1 Reflex: +2 Will: +3
Perception: +3, Darkvision 60 ft
Initiative: +6
Current Weapon in Hand: Light Crossbow (+2, 1d6+0, 19-20 x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: -
Spells Remaining (1st): 3/4

Used Items:
- Antiplague
Abilities Used:
-[/sblock]

 

[Aura]

Stepping through the double doors to the west, you find a scene that is somewhat unsettling for those unfamiliar with how the dead are treated. The first room, a mere 15' wide and 5' deep, seems to be a storage for the various tools necessary for preparation of the deceased. There is also a bucket in one corner which still contains some sort of liquid.

The first room exits on the opposite side, directly into a 10' by 10' room with a worktable in the center and three alcoves (one each on the south, west, and north walls) for temporary storage of bodies being prepared. As unsightly as the two rooms , it is the strange mix of chemical odor and death which proves the most... memorable.

In the midst of the disturbing sights and odors there are perhaps a half dozen rats lurking in the corners, behind objects like the bucket or table, or in the alcoves. They seem to be of normal size.

 

[Guest 11456]

Hawk, Little Halfling with a Big Sword

Upon spotting the normal sized rats Hawk turns to her companions. "The man did say all the rats. But we should probably focus on the big ones first. Once we have cleared out all the big ones the smaller ones will be easier." She turns and heads back to the landing. She then looks both ways before deciding on the open exit to the north. She looks back to wait for the others to catch up. Once everyone has caught up she heads down the stairs.

[sblock=Hawk Mini Stats]Hawk
AC: 19 (15 flat-footed, 15 touch)
HP: 13/13
CMB: +2 CMD: 16

Fort: +4 Reflex: +5 Will: +1
Perception: +6 Sense Motive: +0
Initiative: +4

Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword(2-handed)
Current Conditions in Effect: -1 CON
Rage Rounds remaining Today: 3/6[/sblock]

 

[Aura]

Hawk steps out of the area for handling the deceased and turns left, to the north. Torchlight provided by her companions barely pierce the darkness, but grows somewhat brighter as they turn to follow her. A short passageway with a few steps down ends in a T intersection with a larger passageway, ten feet wide and running east-west. Without frescos adorning the walls, it is apparent that the complex is hewn from natural limestone. On the opposite wall, dozens of burial niches, perpendicular to the wall, come into view. Many contain remains of Moretti family members. You have found the catacombs.

A bit of alarm courses through the little warrior's body. Although there is a lot of background noise with the complex stirred up they way it is, her tapered ears pick up distinctly more commotion to the left (west, away from entrance) than from the right (east, towards the entrance). Something lies not too far away...

[sblock=Hawk]
Go ahead with a perception roll.
[/sblock]

 

[Guest 11456]

Hawk, Little Halfling with a Big Sword

The small woman listens intently.

[sblock=Roll]Perception check: 1D20+6 = [15]+6 = 21[/sblock]
[sblock=Hawk Mini Stats]Hawk
AC: 19 (15 flat-footed, 15 touch)
HP: 13/13
CMB: +2 CMD: 16

Fort: +4 Reflex: +5 Will: +1
Perception: +6 Sense Motive: +0
Initiative: +4

Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword(2-handed)
Current Conditions in Effect: -1 CON
Rage Rounds remaining Today: 3/6[/sblock]

 

[BigB]

Cruendithas follows Hawk as the group marches around in search of rats. "I should have thought of this before." Cruendithas whispers. Then bearly audibly he mumbles an indecipherable phrase and then the torch moves on its own out in front of Hawk to better light the way.

[sblock]Cruendithas casts mage hand and has the torch hover about 10 feet in front of Hawk.[/sblock]

[sblock=mini stats]
Cruendithas
Initiative +1
AC: 16 (with shield/ Flat:15, Touch: 12)
HP: 10 current: 10
CMB: -1 / CMD: 10 Fort: +1 / Ref: +3 / Will: +3
Resistence: 0
Current Weapon in Hand: Buckler and torch in off hand

Spell Like Abilities: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak with Animals

0 Lvl Spells:
Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand

1st Lvl Spells: 3/3 per day
Cure Light Wounds, Grease

[/sblock]

 

[Aura]

From her position at the bottom of the short flight of stairs, sharp halfling eyes pick out a large-ish shadow moving to the left (west) just at the edge of what little light is available from the torch (mostly due to the corner killing direct illumination.) However, Cruendithas casts a clever spell, and the torch rushes forward into the hallway, casting direct (although dim) light on the rat as it scurries around the corner some 30' distant. It was big, like the one in the Triclinium, and just as ugly.

[sblock=Mage Hand]
That works as you have stated, so it's no problem. Remember max range is 25' at your level and it's a standard action to continue concentration.
[/sblock]

[sblock=Potential Combat]
The rat hasn't initiated combat, but any member of the ratslaying group is allowed to; simply throw down an initiative roll. (If one player rolls, everyone should follow suit.) If no initiative is rolled, then continue with non-combat movement and actions.)
[/sblock]