Skin Deep

[Aldern Foxglove]

Beyond is a large vault filled with carved stone tombs, a large number of which are unfilled and blanked. Inscriptions and the commonality of features amongst the likenesses depicted on the occupied tombs make it clear this must have been the Zeire family vault.

At this point Javi enters nervously and peers through beside Skendra, "This should be the last stretch before we get to the tunnlels I know, then we should be virtually home clear."

 

[jackslate45]

With a nod to the rest of the party, and a whistle to bring the scared Neko back from the corner he was hiding under, Anaerion also looks around to see if anything was out of place.

 

[Aldern Foxglove]

Dust covers the floor and it does not seem to have been disturbed in decades, nothing seems out of place to Anaerion's eagle eye.

 

[jkason]

Ciperel der Prad'm, human oracle

As no one seems intent on claiming the equipment for immediate use, Ciperel gathers it up. "We've earned it, at least according to the magics of the test. Might be worth something even if we don't use it."

When Javi mentions 'home free,' Ciperel sighs. "Good. So far, this safe road's been anything but. I say we make haste."

 

[jackslate45]

"I agree" Anaerion says. He will quickly walk down the hall if no one wants to lead...

 

[HolyMan]

Leopold will take is spot near the rear once more, and follow.

 

[Aldern Foxglove]

The group move through the musty darkness, their light s seeming small in the great chambers. They move from the ancestral hall to a number of sectioned halls which appear to be the tombs of favored followers, simple caskets with small bronze panels etched with what must be pictures of their occupants deeds.

Eventually they approach a sealed door which Javi approaches with relief. "Know where we are now. Least ways the other side of this door." He lifts aside a dessicated wooden beam sealing the door closed and the door opens revealing more of the tumbled down bone lined tunnels beyond.

Another ten minutes of walking and Javi reaches for a skull in the wall. There is a creak and suddenly the faint smell of ancient bones is replaced by the visceral stench of new death - though it cannot be that new.

Javi drops to his knees and beyond him the group see what looks like a hospital. But most of the beds are filled with corpses, that have been rended limb from limb. There are two other entrances visible one of which has been blocked by a strange stone, grey and smooth, but not quite flat. There are strange bloody marks upon the stone.

From the other entrance comes a crash, and a wet tearing sound followed by a low growling.

 

[jkason]

Ciperel der Prad'm, human oracle

Ciperel blanches at the sight, but instantly scans the room for any survivors as he pulls out his crossbow.

OOC: Not sure if I need a perception check on this one, but I'll go ahead and roll after posting. Planning to use Stabilize if anyone managed to make it out of the carnage with a pulse.

[sblock=resources used] 1st level spells used / per day: 1/8
2nd level spells used / per day: 2/5
Crossbow bolts: 1/20 [/sblock]

 

[Aldern Foxglove]

Not all the beds are occupied, or at least filled, the ones nearest the stone sealed door are far cleaner and mostly empty. There a re also a couple of corpses which at a seconds glance appear to have been wearing loose white robes - they are now considerably looser and no longer white.

 

[jackslate45]

Anaerion will tell Javi to stay put, then also take a look around. He is looking to see if there is any other movement in the room. Otherwise he will quietly walk up to the other entrance.