Chapter 2: Birdsong in Hollow Valley

Meng looked over at Kalam's injuries which mirrored his own, and then at Mimi's, who was already being attended to my Iko. Finally he decided to see if Feng needed a hand in wrangling a part of the beast to bring back as proof.

After which, Meng inspected this level of crypt, now that they had a bit more light, to see if he understood anything about its existence.

Rolls

Spout Lore - (2d6)

(66) = 12

Nov 10, 2019 12:55 pm

evecar_solaris Inactive forever!

As the beast lays dead with Feng's final blow, Mimi finally takes a breath of relief. She uses her spear as a walking stick and she turns to give Iko a pat on the shoulder. "Thanks Iko! You really helped heal my broken leg!"

OOC:

HP: 17

Last edited November 10, 2019 12:58 pm

Kalam Makhir

Nov 10, 2019 1:20 pm

I'm more inclined to grab a little one from outside as proof. I'm not sure the head would suffice as proof of death. It looks too much like a water buffalo. Kalam suggests as he pokes and prods, trying to inspect the damage the beast had done to him.

OOC:

12hp remains, gained 2xp so far

Nov 11, 2019 3:59 pm

Wu Meng takes a closer look around the ancient crypt. To his astonishment, each of the eight tombs standing against the walls bears a symbol very similar to those of the eight schools: Heaven, Lake, Fire, Thunder, Wind, Water, Mountain, Earth. Very similar, but different. Could these be masters or disciples of a tradition predating even the thousands of years old Eightfold Way? If only Shifu Gen were still alive so Meng could ask him!

But what about the ninth tomb that lies in the center? Meng finds no clues. No inscriptions or markings of any kind. Unlike the others, which lie cracked or completely broken open, this one is intact.

What do you do?

Nov 12, 2019 6:37 am

Mimi will also attempt to see if she can help out with claiming an identifiable trophy from the dead beast, even with her current limp. As for the crypt she says, "Guys, I don't like having to stay in here too long. If we are assaulted by the spirits of the dead, I'm afraid it would be out of my expertise."

Nov 12, 2019 11:37 am

DarkReaver1998 Inactive forever!

"Kalam and Iko, what do you make of this?" Meng called him over, as he was the other disciple of the Eightfold Way. He needed to know more about the ninth tomb, so he asked Iko as well, respecting his religious understanding.

Last edited November 12, 2019 11:37 am

Iko, Human Cleric

Nov 12, 2019 12:55 pm

"That would fall under my expertise, Mimi." Iko says, moving over to Meng to take a look at the tomb. Using his illuminated dagger to look for any sort of identification or understanding as to what or who this tomb might contain.

Rolls

Spout Lore + INT - (2d6+1)

(65) + 1 = 12

Nov 12, 2019 3:55 pm

somebox Inactive forever!

Iko knows of nearly every burial method known to men. This is not a tomb itself, but a solid slab of rock -- a sort of seal. In some cultures this would be warded with magics to protect the entombed from intrusion. And then there are others which are the reverse -- warded to protect the outside from the entombed!

Music

But what could possibly be the point of a seal when over there is an obvious passage to the lower levels? And what of the monster? Was it some sort of ancient guardian, or did it simply stumble upon this place? None of it is adding up. The tasks you set for yourself today have been accomplished, though not without difficulties. Do you return to the city, or do you satisfy your curiosity by exploring the lower crypt?

What do you do?

Xian Feng

Nov 13, 2019 5:06 am

evecar_solaris Inactive forever!

Feng decides to offer some practical wisdom. "Speaking from experience, the dead are generally only interested in their own agenda, and don't care for answering questions. We should leave before we make them angry."

Kalam Makhir

Nov 13, 2019 1:33 pm

Agreed, but at the same time my curiosity is peaked. Besides, removing anything dangerous would be better than letting some hapless villagers run across it. Kalam looks at the tunnel deep in thought.

OOC:

spout lore about dangerous objects found in tombs.

Rolls

Spout lore - (2d6+2)

(33) + 2 = 8

Nov 13, 2019 2:33 pm

There have been any number of evils set loose upon the world by disturbing the dead: cursed artifacts, restless undead, the wrath of gods.

But there have also been good things: ancient wisdom, lost art or learning, and yes, kingly riches.

What do you do?

Nov 13, 2019 2:41 pm

somebox Inactive forever!

"I have understood the Eightfold Way to seek englightenment and peace. These eight tombs here represent that to me. They were buried together with the ninth, so I am inclined to conclude it joins all the eight together, than if it were a danger that the eight had to guard, even in death. Do we want to explore the lower crypt? That may yield more clues."

Xian Feng

Nov 13, 2019 9:02 pm

evecar_solaris Inactive forever!

"I think the better question is do you want to explore the crypt." Feng sighs, deciding this is an unwinnable debate. "Fine, let's explore." She does not sound happy.

Kalam Makhir

Nov 14, 2019 4:27 am

I'm with Wu. There may be some knowledge that we can use. As well as laying the dead back to a respectable eternal rest. He starts his way down the stairs. But be on your guard anyway. Who knows what may lurk here and what traps may still be in place to ward off tomb robbers. he proceeds down the stairs but watching every step and glances at every dark corner, wary of danger.

Nov 14, 2019 5:00 am

"Fine, we will explore this stinky place. If any more deadly creatures make their home here, I'll defend you guys." As she gets into the stairs she sheepishly comments. "Is it too late to mention that I have slight claustrophobia?"

Nov 14, 2019 10:02 am

DarkReaver1998 Inactive forever!

"The lower crypt then. And then back up to this tomb again." Wu Meng moved forward after Kalam and Mimi.

Iko, Human Cleric

Nov 14, 2019 12:09 pm

Iko does not follow at first. Simply stating, "Those who disturb the dead may soon join their ranks." With a morose sigh he follows behind them.
"I am also curious as to what lies further down, but make a promise to me that we will respect this place of rest, and not disturb those who lie here."

Nov 14, 2019 2:31 pm

"I understand Iko, and will seek your advice should we encounter that for which your wisdom prevails more than mine."

Nov 16, 2019 8:17 am

You descend the narrow, switchback stairs single-file.

Music

As above, so below. Here you find another octagonal chamber, smaller than the one above. Smelly water drips from numerous cracks in the ceiling. The floor is crisscrossed with tangles of tree-roots and covered in an inch of water. Mouldering stone pedestals stand in alcoves set in each wall. Whatever objects once rested in these places of honor rotted away long ago.

A grating sound is heard from above, followed by a hollow boom. The stone slab has sealed off the lower crypt -- there's no getting out that way now!

What do you do?

Nov 16, 2019 11:40 am