On a warm summer night, with the season's first full moon lighting your way, you gather at the base of a large stone ziggurat. The valley you are in is never trespassed, except for the reason that draws you here today. The massive structure looms high above, and immediately before you, half-buried under tangled vines, is the entrance - a closed stone double door. Above the door, an intact, grinning skull is mounted upon the stone. Perhaps a warning of the danger you will face inside...
There are over a dozen of you, brought together with torches, lanterns and anxious glances. Ancient customs dictate that only so many can enter the crucible at one time, but with each death a star flares briefly in the sky to indicate another can take their place.Lots are drawn (an old formality, really), and the first group of dungeoneers are chosen. Then begins the dreaded wait, as the moon is slowly eclipsed. The light of the torches and lanterns replaces the moon's glow, and eventually the moon vanishes altogether.
On cue, as it has for every generation, the Crucible of the Gods unseals and the stone doors open inward of their own accord. Did the skull's smile just grow wider? No, certainly not... must be a trick of the light.
OOC: A little something to wet your appetites for the start to come, Monday. Feel free to roleplay here now as you wish, in the comments section below. I might even join in. I don't post on weekends, generally. Much too busy with home life during that time.
Gods speed,
MilwaukeeJoe
OOC: The bit above about a new dungeoneer entering when a current one dies means that if you die, you can rejoin with a new character. However, I am going to keep a score, and dungeoneer deaths detract from that score heavily.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I reserve the right to end the game if a TPK is achieved.
OOC: Is this just roleplay and our first tech post will be later? Or is tech allowed here? Considering a reliable rumor about a skull, sounds like it might be the first thing we should inspect :)
ReplyDeleteOOC: Hey, if you're thinking of something, go for it. You can throw on a tech section if you like. The game officially starts Monday, but I won't stop some investigation here and now if you're so inclined.
ReplyDeleteOOC: Since mouth = entrance and there's a shiny skull talked about, I just can't help my gamer side that says to explore and inspect everything :)
ReplyDeleteIC:
Upon hearing his name called, Tak-tha turns to the other two Thri-kreen that accompanied him to this location. His equipment is handed over to him one item at a time, accompanied by a low series of buzzes and clicks. While unlikely that anyone understands the specifics being spoken, it is obvious by their actions that it is a prayer being offered for him.
Once fully equipped, Tak-tha approaches the entrance and speaks in Common. "Tak-tha, of clutch Ich-tha, of pack Ran-sas, is ready to prove the strength of all Thri-kreens!" His arms flex, almost like the flapping of a bird's wings, as he stares down the skull above the doorway. Remembering a bit of information that had been shared, he attempts to jump closer to the skull to inspect it.
Tech:
Shifts into the Aspect of the Soaring Hawk
Standing jump with a perception check on the skull (+1 to Athletics, automatically has a running start) (+11 Perception)
Ready to swap a weapon for the 10 foot pole if inspection reveals a hidden compartment, as per the rumor.
[Tak-tha]
ReplyDeleteWith a jump, Tak-tha manages to get a hold of some of the rough stone to keep him stable up by the skull. He examines the skull to find that the lower jaw is reinforced with a concealed metal hinge. The jaw is easily opened, and the Thri-Kreen scout finds a gold key inside!
OOC: Well done, your first treasure. You can also see this treasure on the treasures tab. Hmmm, wonder what it opens?
[Bhareg]
ReplyDeleteA cloaked individual leaning on a staff steps forward and pulls his hood back. Aside from his deathly complexion and long white beard, you notice his eyes are simply silvery candle flames in the deeply sunken sockets.
"Well done, friend Tak-tha, of clutch Ich-tha. I am called simply Bhareg." He gestures at the key. "Evidently, some tales of the Crucible are true. Do you see any symbols or special markings on that key that might reveal its use?"
Examining the key, you see that in the handle of the key is a carved image of the sun rising over an ancient city. None of you recognize what city it is, if it even indeed is a real city.
ReplyDeleteOOC: I rolled each of your history checks, nobody rolled above a 14. :(
[Bhareg]
ReplyDeleteMore frustrated with his own lack of mythic or historical knowledge than with the vacant looks on the faces of the other dungeoneers, Bhareg turns to those whose lot hadn't been called.
"You there, the tall blue lady with all the gadgets and the crystal guy with the lute! You both look like you know a few tales we might not! Do you mind seeing if there's something about this key we may have missed?"
OOC: the theoretical deva artificer and shardmind bard are likely to have between +9 and +15 to History checks.
The tall blue lady steps forward, takes a brief moment to look at the key and with an annoyed tone she says, "It's the city of Lagash, the home of those who made the first bargain with the gods to spare the world."
ReplyDeleteShe rolls her eyes as she walks away.