The Jade Frontier, part 2 (DM: THB, Judge: Lord Sessadore)

[TwoHeadsBarking]

Takeshi drifts in front of Chey, closely examining the scroll. "Yes... that might work. Very well, foreigners, I believe you."

"You asked of my sins, and I will tell you. In life, I was tasked with command of this keep. My responsibilities were more than just protecting the nearby lands from kobold and goblin raiders. I was supposed to ensure that the rift remained sealed, keeping its corrupted influence from seeping out."

"I failed. I allowed myself to become distracted by worry for my homeland. My station here kept me away from the front lines of the war against the Shadow. I thought my prowess," Takeshi spits the word out, "was being wasted in glorified guard duty. I was so certain there was more I could have been doing to ensure the safety of my family. And that is how I fell under the influence of Zal'Ekthees. Over the course of months, his taint spread into my dreams and twisted my will. One morning I woke up not as my own person, but as a thrall of darkness."

He goes silent for a long time before continuing, "Much of my memories are a blur, but that day I am cursed to remember forever. I calmly equipped my armor and sword, and then methodically stalked through the keep, killing everyone I found. My wife, my daughter, my friends and captains, my soldiers and servants. I murdered everyone I could reach. Eventually the survivors drove me back down into this crypt. I was empowered by Zal'Ekthees' might, and they could not kill me in combat, so they barricaded the doors and waited for me to starve to death. Unpleasant, but no less than I deserved. In my dying rage, I cursed their souls to watch over me for eternity. I... am glad that you have freed them. They did not deserve the fate I gave them."

"And that is my story, foreigners. Now that you know the past, will it help you with the present? I am aware of what is being done here, but if I could stop it, I would have. It is only in this room that I am able to act freely. Everywhere else, I am cursed to repeat the actions of that blood-stained day, stalking the shadows of my family through these damned passages."

 

[Katana_Geldar]

Firete is moved by this story, though at the same time mentally making plans to compose a song based on this at a later date. Even the best and brightest can fall so very far, my lord. And not all of them realised their folly. Firete says. But perhaps in aiding us you can atone for what you have done. Is there anything about this place that can aid us in getting to the rift and destroying it. Another thought occurs to her as she speaks. Those wards on the floors not far from here, do you know of them?

 

[TwoHeadsBarking]

"I know you have many foes arrayed against you. A great number of hobgoblins, cultists, and the undead stand between us and the rift. Unfortunately, I know of no secret passages that will allow you to bypass them. The second level is mostly a straight path south to the room where the rift is."

"I watched the servants of the Shadowed One lay down those runes. They were able to cross them without suffering any ill affect, as were the walking dead they brought with them. The goblinoid mercenaries, however, have always been careful to avoid contact. I would guess that they serve as some matter of alarm for the zombies they have guarding the stairs."

 

[ronakshah2000]

Thank you, Takeshi. So we should be able to pass across the wards, as long as we're careful. Did you notice the goblins taking a specific route across the wards, or was there some other trick?

If there is nothing else to be learned, we must not tarry - the forces arrayed against us are strong and we must finish this battle. Perhaps with the rift closed you can find peace.

OOC: Ready to go, if everyone else is.

 

[TwoHeadsBarking]

"There is no safe way past the runes. The hobgoblins simply jumped over them. Maybe you can attempt the same."

"There is little more I can tell you, but perhaps I can give you something. Within my sarcophagus you will find my armor. It may be of some use to you."

Takeshi's form begins to disperse back into dust. "If you see me or... my victims during your future ordeals here, know that we are merely reflections from the past. You will not be communicate with us; we are bound to our fates. Good luck, foreigners." At these words, he is gone.

 

[Rapida]

"I much prefer this type interaction with spirits as opposed to those in the hall, just so everyone knows."
[sblock]
Finals are over so expect my usual tepid posting rate
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[ronakshah2000]

I agree. Now let's see if we can open this sarcophagus.

 

[Katana_Geldar]

Normally I would not be party to the desecration of a grave, Firete says, in a voice which gives the impression she is trying to convince herself, but since the occupier has given us permission... She shakes her head. Somehow I don't think this part of what we did down here is going to end up in the song I am writing about it. She examines the sarcofagus carefully.
[sblock=Perception]Perception (1d20+1=20) Not bad. [/sblock]

 

[TwoHeadsBarking]

The sarcophagus is not locked or trapped in any manner that you can detect. The only obstacle in opening it would be the weight of the lid, which while heavy, should be manageable.

 

[Fragsie]

Cheysuli strides forward, braces her shoulder against the huge stone slab and starts heaving... to no effect. She looks around the group, her eyes lingering one Brenwar the longest; "Well, I am not going to get very far on my own am I?!" she pouts with a sly wink.