kinem
 https://forums.giantitp.com/showthre...e-of-Three-OOC 
 Part 1: Time 

You have had disturbing dreams lately, often of a pyramid among drifting sands and a feeling that you have to go there. It’s been a long time since you were afraid of much, but this feels very strange.

But these are strange times. In Sigil, the planar metropolis, the Factions are again dominating life in the city but remain wary of drawing down the Lady’s wrath.

Even Center of All, the legendary Rilmani who returned to Sigil from a long exile, has relinquished that title and gone to live in the city of Union. None have stepped forward to claim the title in his place.

All across the planes, there are reports that things are getting worse somehow. News from the Prime tells of war and natural disasters, while out on the planes, merchants seem to be having trouble getting supplies of various items for no clear reason.

But life goes on, and so, you are going about your business. In the planes, that often means entering a portal to get to your intended destination, as you do now ...

But the result is quite unexpected! Instead of where you expected to be, you find yourself in a very hot desert, emerging from a large upright stone circle. It seems familiar somehow ...

As you emerge, you see three others emerge at the same time.

Among the drifting sands under the hot sun, you see the stone ruins of what must have once been a city. Among them stands a pyramid ... it looks familiar ... but on top of it is a column of smoke.

OOC: Describe what you were doing before going through the portal; then you can react to the current situation.

In severe heat like this, a character must make a Fortitude save once every 10 minutes (DC 15, +1 for each previous check) or take 1d4 points of nonlethal damage, which can't be healed until you cool down. Characters wearing heavy clothing or armor of any sort take a -4 penalty on their saves. A character with the Survival skill may receive a bonus on this saving throw and may be able to apply this bonus to other characters as well. Characters reduced to unconsciousness begin taking lethal damage (1d4 points per each 10-minute period). Fire Resistance,  Endure Elements , or immunity to nonlethal damage makes you immune to these heat effects.

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q0R...usp=drive_link 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
Eilyra frowns as she considers the strange compulsion that had first started appearing in her reverie.  It started simply, a small pyramid where there should have been none, but as the forests of her home were taken with sand, and the pyramid replaced her intended vision of her former home, she knew she had a problem.

Divinations were not her forte, at least, not general divinations, but her own efforts detected nothing amiss.  As something clearly was, it was time to consult an expert.  It had been some time since she had seen Vanya, but she might be willing to check to see if there was something affecting her.  With that in mind, Eilyra set out to the appropriate portal, confident that she would be able to get through whatever bureaucracy might exist to see her former companion.  Stepping confidently forwards, the appropriate wreath of olive leaves held in her hand to pass through the portal, she stops, abruptly on the far side.

Rather than the temperate climate she had been expecting, a wave of heat hits her, not unpleasant, but still, distinctly not expected.  Blinking momentarily in the sudden glare and blowing sand, it takes her a few moments to take in her surroundings.  The hot sun high in the sky, the seemingly endless dunes, the drifting sand, the ruined remains of a city, the pyramid.
The pyramid.
The strangely familiar pyramid.
The one from her dreams.
This was no accident.  Someone, or something, brought her here.
And she was not alone.

With only a moment's hesitation, Eilyra leaps back from the trio of strangers, her demonic wings flaring as she takes to the air, hovering short distance away, her gloved hand curling, almost as though grasping a sword, before she takes a moment to study the trio, and see the confusion in their movements.  What would have been a harsh demand for an explanation never leaves her lips.  Instead, she calls out to the trio, her lyrical voice cool, deliberately calm.  " Would I be correct in thinking that you have also been receiving visions of this place? "

The half fiend, for the woman before you could be nothing else, looks strangely regal as her wings flare in the hot air.  Despite the abrupt heat, no sign of the heat appears on her pale skin, although her golden hair almost looks as though it is about to catch on fire.  Her golden eyes look down upon you, burning with an inner fire.  She is wearing an elegant, form fitting green and gold dress, with a white underdress edged in gold, although the slits in the side betrays that elegance, and some of her modesty as the lower half is blowing around fiercely in the wind, revealing more of her pale skin.  It is elegant, fitting her form fairly tightly, .  A small pair of horns grace her head, holding a runed silver circlet over her elven ears.  At her side rests a pouch, a ruby necklace is visible on her chest, and a pair of rings, one a signet of some sort, decorate her fingers, placed over a glove.  Additionally, a tiny orange stone orbits around her head, and behind, a cloak flutters over a twitching tail that swishes back and forth, betraying her agitation.  Even with her clear demonic heritage, she has a presence about her, a beauty that almost makes you want to follow her, to obey her.  She appears young, although with elves, that is almost meaningless, and even more so for demons

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Introduction, horay?
Also, doing some looking around, to see if there is anything else to be seen or heard in the surroundings?
 (1d20+34)[ 51 ]  Spot
 (1d20+31)[ 45 ]  Listen
 

 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
You notice that the smoke on top of the pyramid doesn't really seem to be coming out of it like smoke from a smokestack.

Among the half-buried ruins are some openings that a person might be able to get in or out of.

You can hear the sand shifting as the wind blows it along the uneven sandscape.
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Don't worry dear, I shouldn't be gone long. Just need to check on one last secure room before the mission tomorrow. Should be home for dinner."   He says over his shoulder and blows a kiss goodbye before walking through the frame without a door.   Now, lets head on down...   he stops mid-thought as the heat hits him like a blast furnace.   "What?"   He says, looking around in bewilderment at the desert first and then his companions at the gate.   "Who...?"   He asks while drawing his sword and keeping it at the ready low. He glances around at the other three as his heart starts to race. Finally he sees the pyramids and points his sword at it, frowning.   "Where..."  

Eilyra catches his eye and he turns towards her, lowering his sword but keeping it free. To outward appearances he looks like a young adult man in excellent shape. The aasimar bloodline is evident in his eyes, hair, and the golden wings that sprout from his back. To those with sight beyond sight, the aasimar guise vanishes replaced by the dull gray skin of changeling while the wings remain true.   "Maybe. You know what it is? Or where we are? How about a Why, also."   He says, trying to keep his cool in a strange situation.

 
 Spoiler 
Crane has True Seeing, always active.

He'll Take 12 on Listen and Spot as he soaks in his unexpected surroundings.

Listen: 47
Spot: 61
 
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Crane 
You notice that the smoke on top of the pyramid doesn't really seem to be coming out of it like smoke from a smokestack.

Among the half-buried ruins are some openings that a person might be able to get in or out of.

You can hear the sand shifting as the wind blows it along the uneven sandscape.
 
namo
     Cassandra     
  AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |   HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52 
      
 The nights blurred into the days. A haze of listlessness, which she tried to claw her way out of, but even her claws gave up at times.
She didn't spend all her time on her cot, though; she had passed that phase. But might it come back?

She went out, to busy herself. There was  always  someone in need of healing, for one. Deserving or not, if they found her, asked, and she had some juice left in her, she acceded to their request. She had heard them call her "the Mad Healer" behind her back.

But she wasn't mad. Oh, sure, she talked to herself more than was normal, but they just didn't know about the spirits that inhabited her. It's only polite to make conversation with the faces on your torso, especially when they're so cultured.

When she tried to track her steps back, to understand how she had gotten here, at the bottom, she always came back to how she had betrayed her Goddess, the Allmother. She had atoned for it... except perhaps the atonement wasn't over. Would it last the rest of her life?
She also seemed to remember she had felt different before Sigil too. Had the Lady-whose-name-you-do-not-dare-pronounce messed up with her mind? Or twisted the power the vestiges had over her?
Or was it that pyramid she dreamed insistently of, even when she drugged herself to a sleep that should have been dreamless?
Too many questions, when she just wanted to sit down and close her eyes.


And so when the portal came, she didn't think much about it, and stepped through. She expected to end up in another part of Sigil - wandering portals were just part of the scenery.

Instead, she was  elsewhere .
Some veil lifted from her mind - she knew not if it was from leaving Sigil, from the shock of surprise, or from seeing the pyramid at last, vindicating that, truly, she was not mad, not about this.
She wasn't her old self still, but this was a step closer to it.

" Where am I? " was her first question, at the same time as the angelic creature next to her.
  Oh, right, I'm something like that, myself.   She looked over her shoulder and, sure enough, two feathered wings of purest white graced her back. She had reacquired recently the discipline to maintain her important spells, most days.

Beholding the other two arrivals, they looked more like fiends.
" Two angels and two fiends? Someone's idea of a joke? If so, I do not like it. I hope we're not here to fight one another.
I'm not in a mood to fight.
And I'm not an angel anyway. "

The heat does not seem to bother her in the least, but nor does it bother most of the group.
To one who looks closely, she bears both the mark of angels and their inner radiance, and the mark of dragons, with slightly slanted eyes and the lightest touch of a scale-like pattern on her skin.
Ioun stones also orbit around her, somewhat more chaotically than around Eilyra.
She is dressed simply, but bedecked with many accessories adorned with gems or silver and gold that are probably items of power, amounting to a fortune.

" Visions? Yes! That pyramid... I've seen it, too much, too often. What is it, and why is it smoking? " 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
For those who don't know much about Binding, she calls "spirits" into herself: they get to experience something closer to life and in exchange she gains some powers.
All vestiges (spirits) have telltale signs that she can show or hide depending on circumstances: the "faces on her torso" are one such, that of the vestige Dantalion; so she's not hallucinating. 😁

I took the liberty of posting even though I haven't settled spells and still need to do minor tweaks to the sheet.

And thanks to Archmage1 for the posting template! I've wanted to do something like that for a long time.
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 47. HP: 322/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen 

The first time Iarmid dreamed of the pyramid, he dismissed it, as dreams can be strange.

The second time Iarmid dreamed of the pyramid, he began asking around to find it.

The third time Iarmid dreamed of the pyramid, finding it became an obsession.

It was a clue, it  had  to be a clue. It had to be! Aphrysies was contacting him through his dreams, leading him towards her. Why else would he be dreaming of the pyramid so insistently and be so compelled to reach it? Sure, others might think of it as a trap of some kind, Iarmid had made many enemies across the Planes as a powerful Paladin, but those people were idiots. It was clearly Aphrysies, clear as day, why she was only showing him this Pyramid, why she couldn’t be more precise and guide her to it properly, Iarmid wasn’t sure, maybe she didn’t know where she was? Maybe she wasn’t powerful enough to guide him properly, or maybe she was trapped and that was all she could send him? Whatever the case, Aphrysies clearly needed him, and so he hunted for the pyramid.

He did not stop from pursuing other leads of course, and he had some obligations here and there to help people out, allies of Aphrysies who he knew she would want him to support in her place while she was currently indisposed. But Iarmid hunted the location of this pyramid for what felt like months on end and was never able to find it, much to his frustration. But still, he hunted, he’d find it, he was sure he would. He would find it, find it and rescue Aphrysies, Iarmid would accept no other fate!

... Needless to say, being yanked into a desert when he had been heading to his flat in Sigil was... unexpected, to say the least. Iarmid needed a few moments to blink in surprise at the sudden change of location, and the sudden finding of the pyramid that haunted his dreams for so long! Also, he was not alone either. Iarmid cast a glance - and a  Detect Evil  - at the three others who began talking at their arrival. But he soon ignored them, he didn’t know why they were either, and didn’t care. Instead, he simply made sure his glaive was comfortable against his shoulder, hoisted up his tower shield, spread their wings and took off, flying towards the pyramid at a jogging pace. Iarmid would ‘run’, but with the smoke rising from its tip, it was best to be on guard.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
Looking over the first to respond, Eilyra assesses the aasimar's equipment, taking in the telltale shimmering of armor magic,  the floating shield, the light sword, and the man's impeccable balance on the sand, before she frowns in response to his question.  Despite her apparent displeasure, the lack of drawn weapons sees her heading back to the ground, even as the evident other female kidnapee reveals her own ignorance, and the fourth, the giant minotaur sets off with a purpose.

Ignoring this departure, she addresses the aasimar and the human woman.  Despite the stress and surprise of the situation, her voice remains calm and collected, almost habitually so.  " I believe that the four of us were brought here by something, something that has been targeting us in particular.  A curse of some sort, or so I was beginning to believe.  One that started with visions of a pyramid, that pyramid, in dreams. "  As she speaks the word pyramid, her finger rises, pointing to the aforementioned pyramid.  Despite the confidence of her words, there seems to be a small hint of uncertainty.  " What I don't know is by what means we were targeted, or why.  I'm not familiar with any of you, but logically, there must be some connection, else why would we all be drawn here? "  She pauses for a moment, before speaking a little bit more loudly, clearly casting her voice to reach the advancing minotaur.  " It would be wise to stick together, at least for now.  Our only real options are to attempt to utilize magic to depart this plane, to investigate the desert, to investigate the ruins, and to investigate the pyramid.  Judging by your equipment, we are all fairly skilled as non-divine beings go, and whatever brought us here is likely aware of that as well.  Rushing off alone will lead to your death.  And cooperation, I have found, tends to be significantly more reliable than the alternatives.  As does having a strategy, and a plan. "  She pauses, clearly looking for some sort of response to her words, and initial proposal. Despite the odd sort of invitation she had issues, she seems prepared to react quickly, if needed. 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |   HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52 
      
 As she listens to the fiend prattle on, while still wary of potential deception woven into her words, Cassandra looks at the pyramid with intensity.
The jewel at the center of her forehead rotates open, revealing a gem in the shape of an eye.

Once she has finished her remote inspection of the pyramid, she acknowledges the proposal.
" A temporary alliance makes sense, I concur.
Be warned that, in the past, I've reacted to treachery with extreme prejudice. "

Asserting herself takes a lot out of her, however, and she lapses back into silence.

She'll create a sensor over the city, next. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Activating Third Eye Sense (MIC) to create a visual/auditory sensor really close to but above the top of the pyramid, to see: where the smoke comes from, if she can make out creatures or writing around there, or anything else of interest.
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Don't assume too much logic when wizards are involved."   Crane says with a smile.   Talking is better than fighting, at least.   He takes another look around, frowns at the minotaur speeding towards the pyramid, and then sheathes his sword and stows his shield. He steps closer to the other two and offers a brief bow.   "Names Crane, of Westgate. Now that I  have  seen before, in those unquiet dreams you mentioned."   He says and nods to the pyramid.   "I don't recall these stones, maybe..."   He says and walks towards the stone circle and runs his hand across it.

  "Ah, let him go."   He says after he notices Eilyra ready to act.   "You didn't know him before, so losing him now is no cost, right? I assume you each don't know the other. Otherwise you're very good at acting like it."   He seems unbothered by the elf's fiendish heritage but smiles when Cassandra identifies him as an angel.   "No, not a full member of the heavenly choir, just who I've thrown my lot in with."  
  "Know any magic words to get this portal open? Or a friendly wayfinder nearby? Else we may be joining the bull."  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
Sensing that hostility was fading into mere suspicion, Eilyra nods at Cassandra's comment.  "Betrayal is certainly a sin, one that I do not intend to commit first."  However, with her silence, and the aasimar's voice, her attention shifts to him, and she offers him a soft smile in return, her stance relaxing from imminent violence to something more appropriate to a ball.

" It's good to meet you, Crane.  My name is Eilyra, "  Her face continues to hold a faint smile, her golden eyes gazing at Crane as she returns his greeting.  No trace of concern about working with a group of angels seems to form within her expression, before she continues her introduction.  " Currently of Sigil. " As she matches the information Crane had provided, her smile fades as she speaks the words in her cool voice, as though she dislikes what she was saying.  However, as Crane steps away to investigate the stone circle around him, she does the same, her mien becoming more cheerful as she looks over it with eyes well used to studying magic, as well as casting a spell to make magic more visible.

As she looks over the stone circle, walking around it with small, but fast steps, those of someone who was used to wearing a dress, she continues speaking, almost idly, as Crane continues the conversation.  " No, I don't know him.  He reminds me of an old ally, but if he's not interested in even trying to gather information before diving in? "  She shrugs, clearly conveying her willingness to write off the fiendish half minotaur.  " I've the power to take us to other planes, although none that route immediately back to Sigil. "  She pauses in her investigation of the circle, and turns to face both the unknown warrior and Crane.  " However, I'm not sure whether that is the first step we should take. "  Her arm gestures towards the pyramid, and the ruins nearby.  " Something pulled us here, and something has been impacting our dreams.  I would like to find out who, how, and why, before making it stop. "  She offers Crane a wry smile.  " While I can probably take us from here, assuming that this is not some sort of prison plane, I can't be certain of my ability to bring us back here, not without a focus. "

She gives the circle one last glance, before her eyes return to the ruins, and the pyramid , and she takes a breath, before she speaks once more, her voice a little bit firmer, more confident.  " I also have no way of stopping whatever brought us here from doing so again.  I would suggest that we take a look in the ruins first. "  She looks to the pyramid for a moment, and then back to Crane and the unknown warrior.  " I know that the Pyramid is the center of the dreams, and is likely the center of whatever force brought us here, but I dislike walking into any situation blindly.  The ruins will likely contain information about who lived here, and what they built the Pyramid for, and that information could prove invaluable. "  Her eyes seem to go far away for a moment, as though she were remembering something.  " I am not terribly fond of wandering from disaster to disaster without some form of plan. "

She pauses again, as another thought occurs to her.  " If we are going to work together, a quick summary of our capabilities should lead to some rudimentary tactics being worked out, which should make our lives safer. "  She extends her hand carefully to the side, before a large, thin sword appears abruptly.  It was a beautiful piece of work, crafted of adamantine, and decorated with gems.  " I've a certain amount of skill with a sword. "  As she finishes her demonstration, the sword vanishes once more, and her hand lowers.  " I'm also moderately skilled with arcane magic. "  This time, as she speaks, a small light flickers over her hand for a moment, before vanishing.  She pauses, almost as though waiting for a response, before something else occurs to her.  " Do either of you require protection from the heat of this place? "

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Eilyra is casting Detect Magic, and examining the circle.
 (1d20+40)[ 52 ]  Know:  Arcana, trying to, well... identify it(She does have a monocle, if actually casting identify seems like it would be helpful.)

Also...
 (1d20+40)[ 46 ]  Know:  Planes:  Does Eilyra know anything about this plane via observation?
 

 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 
From what the sensor can see, the smoke isn’t actually coming from the pyramid or anywhere else; it’s just kind of hanging there above the pyramid. On one side of the pyramid is a rectangular shape that could be a stone door.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
The circle probably used to be a large portal for trade or military use not too different from the sort that once took you from Union to Bavia, but much more ancient. However, it doesn’t radiate magic, and seems like it no longer would work.

As for the plane, you see nothing that would rule out the Prime. The Outlands and some other planes can look similar but would generally not have a Sun in the sky, and this place certainly does.
 


OOC: The circle is about 1000’ from the pyramid. At this point I’ll say that Iarmid is about halfway there. I’ll give a little more time before describing what happens next.
namo
     Cassandra     
  AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |   HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52 
      
 " It's not smoke, like I thought, it's a haze around the pyramid. There's a door to one side " Cassandra speaks up again, sharing what she has seen.

She was listening at the same time, so she answers the questions next:
" I'm a Pri- I'm a Priestess to the Allmother. " This is a loaded topic for her, and she stutters.
" I am also a binder of spirits.
I used to be fair with a blade, thanks to divine blessings, but I may be rusty. "

Mentioning the Allmother reminds her of the fragment of the goddess (or so she believes it to be) she has bound to herself.
Sitting cross-legged on the ground, she closes her eyes and lets her other senses take over.
She feels through the soil, sand and rock, for life that crawls and burrows, or mice that scurry.
She feels through the air for insects or birds taking flight, or the prowling of a predator.
She is searching for any form of life.
Her skin and hair takes on a greenish tinge as she does so.

When she is done, she speaks up again, to share what she has found and:
" I would like to get to the bottom of this, as well. If there is a curse - though it would not be of any kind I know - then I very much want to get rid of it. I... have not been fully myself. " 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
She activated her sensor above the city next, to get an idea of the layout of the ruins and see if she could spot some life (with Spot 52 she can probably see mice).

Then she uses her Blindsight 120ft and Tremorsense 60ft to sense any kind of life, no matter how trivial.
 
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
You don’t detect any magic other than that of the PCs.
 

 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 
There are some insects beneath the sand, worms and ants, but nothing larger that you sense, which even for a desert like this is a bit unusual.

The pyramid seems to be about in the middle of the ruins. There are several partially buried stone structures with openings that a person could get into among the ruins.
 


The column of smoke above the pyramid suddenly distorts as Iarmid approaches the pyramid. It changes into a semi-humanoid shape and rapidly charges at him!

OOC: Time for initiative.
Smoke monster:  (1d20+17)[ 37 ] 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 41. HP: 322/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen 

Iarmid paid the fiendish creature that spoke to him nothing more than a passing glance. Teaming up with three complete strangers to investigate this pyramid was not a  bad  idea. But their complete lack of drive to actually  investigate  it, as well as the clear  Evil  in the heart of this fiendish being trying to speak of teamwork had Iarmid dismissing it and refocusing his attention on the pyramid itself. Aphrysies was waiting for him, she  had  to be waiting for him, and he wasn’t going to wait around, poking and prodding the pyramid from a distance when he could get up close and personal to investigate matters properly. He was going to find Aphrysies, or the clues she left for him to find, and he was not going to delay that by talking to three strangers!

If they caught up and showed themselves to be useful, then he might work with them. But for now, Iarmid was content to go alone.

First though, he had to deal with the first layer of defence. The smoke that had been floating above the pyramid resolved itself into a creature that charged him. A small ‘tch’ escaped the half-minotaur as he dropped his shield. He was only about 10, maybe 20 feet above the desert, so it wouldn’t have far to fall. But while he hated to lose the shield, he needed both hands free to grasp his glaive. With his elongated arms, Iarmid was ready to lash out at a longer range than this creature likely expected.
namo
     Cassandra     
  AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |   HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52 
      
 " There's life around here, but so little of- "
Cassandra's thoughts are interrupted as the smoke coalesces into a creature with seemingly aggressive intentions.

" What is happening? " she asks, worried, but she doesn't know for whom for sure, since she's surrounded by strangers.
  Did the fiend disturb a legitimate guardian or is that creature at the origin of our 'curse"?
What would the Allmother wish me to do?  

She starts to fly towards the inevitable commotion at high speed. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Full-round: Fly 240ft (running) towards the pyramid.
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Priestess, Eliyra, nice to meet you."   Crane says.   "Those all sound like well-reasoned thoughts that I also agree with. As for specialties, I'm a thief."   he says and smiles.   "Of sorts. The weather doesn't bother me here, thanks. Did the stones tell you anything useful?"  

He steps away from the stones and stops, squinting his eyes as he looks towards the pyramid.   "Something happened with the smoke...oh."   He says as Cassandra takes off at speed.   "He didn't seem like one who needs rescuing, did he?"   He says to Eliyra.   "I'm fine heading over to the pyramid whenever you've finished your examination here."   He glances around and unsheathes his sword again but keeps it loose in hand.   "Wouldn't want to get caught out by some other guardian he might have activated."   He says as he pulls down his shield and readies it.

 
 Spoiler 
His actions for the turn are just to ready his weapon and shield.
 
kinem
Iarmid strikes the strange smoke creature, but it doesn’t seem much affected by the blow and continues towards him. In a moment Iarmid finds himself surrounded by some that is actively trying to claw its way into his lungs!

OOC:
Smoke Claws (Ex): (The smoke monster) can engulf opponents by moving on top of them. It fills the air around one opponent smaller than itself without provoking an attack of opportunity. The target must succeed on a DC 45 Fortitude save or inhale part of the creature.

Smoke inside the victim solidifies into a claw and begins to rip at the surrounding organs, dealing 6d6 points of damage per round. An affected creature can attempt another Fortitude save each subsequent round to cough out the semivaporous menace.

OOC: Iarmid and Eilyra to act.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
Eilyra gives Priestess a bit of an odd look as she declines to reveal her name.    She's either unwilling or unable to reveal a name.  Perhaps a more advanced version of whatever is causing the pyramid to appear?  That might occur if she were either more vulnerable to it for some reason, or she were closer, perhaps.    Considering her options, Eilyra starts to breathe in, only to see the smoke moving behind Priestess, and her eyes narrow as she see the smoke animate, and head towards the approaching half-minotaur.
As does the one who introduced herself as Priestess.
She sighs, and looks to Crane as he continues to be polite, with a slight smile.  " Thank you, Crane, for your willingness to trust at least a little bit.  I'm afraid my examination didn't find anything terribly useful, just more questions.  The portal-ring itself is ancient, and differs from the construction of others I have seen, but it seems to be unpowered.  It might be that the passage of time and sand have broken it, or it might be that it requires activation from elsewhere, and has not been activated in some time. "  She pauses for a moment, to let the bad news sink in, before she gestures around the area.  " Strangely, there doesn't seem to be any trace of the magic that brought us here, which is unusual.  It may indicate some sort of absorption effect is in play, as traces should have remained for at least few minutes after our arrival. "  While she speaks, the smoke creature envelops the half-minotaur, and her attention turns to the conflict.
Her slight smile turns to a slight frown of concentration as she turns to peer at the conflict, her seemingly delicate feet barely disturbing the sand as they shift.  " No, I likely would not have intervened into that conflict, not until a clear victor was visible, and not without bringing both you and Priestess along.  As it is, it would likely be best to arrive as Priestess does, which I can arrange. "  She gives Crane a quick glance, with a wry grin on her face.  " It does give us time to observe the fight, as well as time to prepare ourselves before our arrival. "

With her information conveyed, her attention continues to be drawn to the smoke creature as she examines it while she starts to cast a spell.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Not being sure what type of creature this is...
 (1d20+40)[ 47 ]  Know:  Planes(Or Arcana, or Local, or Religion, or Dungeoneering.  +3 for Nature)
 (1d20+40)[ 52 ]  A similar roll, but trying to determine if there is a reason for Priestess's inability to give her name.
And also  (1d20+29)[ 38 ]  Sense motive, for the same.

Casting an extended mind blank this round, on herself.
Kinem, would the necklace of adaption, which makes the wearer immune to harmful vapors and gasses apply here?
 

 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
The creature appears to be a Smoke Paraelemental Monolith, from the plane between Fire and Air. However it also moves quite fast, a possible indication that a demon has somehow been fused with the elemental.

Re: Necklace of Adaptation: it would not help.
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 41. HP: 322/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Readied Maneuvers : Battle Leader’s Charge, Covering Strike 

Though his blow struck and hit well, Iarmid soon took note of the lack of damage he did. It wasn’t like this creature was an incorporeal being where his blade just swung through it without doing any damage. No, he struck it, it was just a tough creature that could weather such blows without too much difficulty. Annoying, but that just meant he would need to hit it  harder !

First things first as the Smoke Elemental engulfed him he quickly held his breath so it wouldn’t be able to slip into his throat and lungs before swiftly diving back to the ground, landing next to his shield. A quick   “Animate,”   had the tower shield spring up from the ground and hover next to him in a slow circle, ready to intercept any further attacks from the creature. Satisfied his defences were up, Iarmid shifted his grip on his Glavie and his footwork, settling into his combat stance and readying himself to hit this creature  hard  if it charged at him once again, before spreading his wings and taking flight once more. Considering how much space this smoke elemental seemed to be taking up, there was no way he'll be able to smash it back until he bulked up, and he rather wanted more space before casting a spell. No way he'll be able to get above it either, so for now, time to make a tactical retreat towards the others. Not that he anticipated a neat for help, but it wouldn't hurt to make it easier to catch up if they decided to move to help.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move Action: Dropping down, let's say 15ft to the ground, then I fly the rest of my 60ft fly speed backwards towards everyone.
Standard Action: Using my Command Word to activate my Animated Shield
Swift Action: Thicket of Blades Stance.
Free Action: Power Attacking at -5 Attack, +10 Damage.
 
kinem
As Iarmid retreats, the smoke monster attempts an attack of opportunity.

OOC: As usual, please let me know if special circumstances apply that make it moot. With new PCs at this level I expect a few surprises for the first few battles at least, and I don’t have time just yet to deep dive into the character sheets.

AOO attack  (1d20+50)[ 58 ] , damage  (3d6+11)[ 21 ] 

The monster, surprised that the intruder had resisted its original attack, chases him while twisting and contorting in an effort to avoid giving him another opportunity to strike it, and attacks him with an outstretched claw made of smoke, but the claw swipes through empty air.

OOC: Tumble  (1d20+70)[ 84 ] 

Attack  (1d20+45)[ 46 ] , damage  (3d6+16)[ 24 ]  +20 smite good

PCs to act.
namo
     Cassandra     
  AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |   HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52 
      
 Cassandra is already having second thoughts about the course of action she instinctively chose, but for now it still seems like the best one.
A quick look behind her shows the figures of the other two stranded strangers receding quickly in the distance, but she figures they'll meet again, and very soon at that.
She focuses to the front again; she needs to get closer to the smoke creature to identify it, since she missed its true nature the first time around.

Her angelic wings beat furiously as she continues onward. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Full-round: Fly 240ft (running) towards the pyramid. 480ft total distance traveled.
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Looks like a...smoke monster? Yeah. Smoke monster."   Crane says and shrugs.   "The big guy seems to be doing fine, but if you want to help out I'm game."   He starts some light stretching to loosen up while Eilyra casts her spells.

  "You think we're on a Prime or someone's private domain maybe?"   He asks her between leg lunges. "  I'm just not certain that we should race to too many conclusions here. Maybe a wizard did it, sure, or a god."   He says as he twists his back left and right.   "But what if there's no 'person' behind this anymore? It looks old enough that maybe the time ran out on a warding and triggered the start of all this. Just food for thought."  

He glances down at his sword and back at the smoke monster.   "Probably not the dead or the made. Maybe it's extraplanar."   He says and swaps out the crystal in his sword hilt.

 
 Spoiler 
Replacing the Greater Truedeath Crystal in his sword with the Greater Fiendslayer Crystal
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
Eilyra nods at Crane's identification while she reaches into her spell component pouch for some Pandemonium Sand.  " Yes, it looks like a Smoke Paralemental Monolith, but it seems to have been modified in some way.  Perhaps some demonic enhancements?  If it is, it's unlikely to have any vulnerable anatomy, but is probably vulnerable to cold. "  She frowns, seemingly disappointed by her information.  " Unfortunately, that's not something I'm prepared to take advantage of.  Regardless, the half minotaur doesn't seem to have suffered any significant injury thus far. "

She frowns thoughtfully as his questions echo through her mind, touching on fears that she'd thus far kept silent.  Her reaching fingers find the tiny particle of sand she was looking for, and she withdraws it, before beginning another chant, and as she concludes it, her form starts to almost glow with an inner heat, and the sparks emerging from her hair as she glances about linger for far longer.  " I can't say whether we are on a prime, or a private domain.  I'd anticipate that we're on a prime, as I haven't detected any planar traits, and private domains and non-prime planes usually have something to make them special. "

She looks over at him, her gaze calculating as she watches him stretch and considers his point about the source of whatever pulled them here.  " I rather hope that there is some living, malevolent being behind this.  If it is an automated guardian enchantment of some sort, I will  not  be bound. "  Despite the lyrical coolness of her voice, you can hear an absolute refusal to be bound, or imprisoned echoing behind her confident statement.  One that is likely not rational.  " And such an enchantment with enough power to pull us from a variety of different planes here? "  She shakes her head.  " That's not something I really want to be involved with.  My guess is some sort of undead caster, seeking to draw something to him, or a divinity bringing us here to advance their goals. "  Her eyes burn with rage for a moment, before her cool, clinical voice continues.  " But I have no intention of complying with their plans.  Whatever brought us here will be resolved.  If it is some guardian spirit seeking to keep some evil contained, it will be made to pay.  If it is some lich or mummy seeking power, it will find our power a most painful experience.  And otherwise? "  She pauses, and shrugs as her eyes return to the fight in the distance.  The slight movement of her head sending a few embers flying free from her hair.  " I have no intentions of encouraging a power to drag us across planes again and again to serve it's whims. "

With the finality of her words still soaking into the hot desert sand around the broken portal, Eilyra's attention shifts back to Crane for a moment.  " Have you done anything that would drive a god into targeting you?  If so, would you be able to indicate which divinity? "  Her question, despite being almost idle and a start contract to the almost violent seriousness of her earlier words, conveys a strange intensity.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Casting Elemental Body:  Fire.
 

 
 
  
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50 (48 after Enlarge Person). HP: 304/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Readied Maneuvers : Battle Leader’s Charge, Covering Strike 

A slight grunt would slip from Iarmid as the Smoke Elementa’s claws slammed into his body. His dragon scales were tough enough to repel them without serious injury, but it was a stinging blow. Fortunately, he got his shield up after, so he’ll be more capable of tangling with the creature.  Un fortunately, the thing proves itself smart enough to learn, and able to manipulate its shape to an insane degree. Even when prepared to lash out as it moved, Iarmid’s attempt to hit it with his glaive as it shifted closer was an utter failure. Fortunate then shifted momentarily back in his favour as it swung and missed, too focused on dodging his attack it seemed.

Standing still and just whaling on it wasn’t a good idea either, as it would hit harder than he would, and while he might be able to heal himself. He'd rather keep as much healing energy until he  had  to use it. So while he won’t be able to stop it from getting close and swinging at him, the best course of action was still the same. With his swings spread, Iarmid would fly backwards and up, climbing up until he was  above  the creature and 10ft clear of its range. This would let it take another swing at him, but that was fine. Once he was out of range, Iarmid would summon Aphrysies’ power. Letting go of his glaive to gesture with his hand and speak several arcane words, Iarmid cast  Enlarge Person  on himself, his body swelling up in size and strength. It would make the elemental have an easier time hitting him, but it would let him  smash  it back once it shifted forward. And as he was  just  out of range, it wouldn’t have any reason to fly up above him now, would it?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move Action: Flying &amp; back up 25ft and then a further 5ft backwards so I'm 5ft above and 10ft away from the Smoke Elemental. This  should  mean I'm out of range of it attacking me without moving. If not... well, I guess I'll just fly back 60ft to clear the space, and move up as much as I can? I'm not sure if it moved right next to me, or just into range.
Standard Action: Casting  Enlarge Person 
Free Action: Power Attacking at -19 Attack, +38 Damage.
 
kinem
The smoke monster attempts to claw the intruder as he flies up and away. It then pursues him to press the attack.

OOC:
The elemental has a space/reach of 20’/20’, so Iarmid’s second option would apply. It would have moved right next to him earlier.

Attack of Opportunity  (1d20+45)[ 64 ] , damage  (3d6+16)[ 25 ] 

Tumble auto succeeds

Attack  (1d20+45)[ 51 ] , damage  (3d6+16)[ 27 ] 

PCs to act
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 48. HP: 258/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Readied Maneuvers : Battle Leader’s Charge, Covering Strike, Order Forged From Chaos 

Iarmid grunted as the Smoke Elemental swung at him twice in quick succession, one blow being blocked by his Tower Shield, only for the force of the blow to slam the shield into him and make his arm start to throb painfully, while the other strike once again was deflected by his scales, but still left him sore and stinging in its aftermath. Iarmid was certainly worse off from the initial exchanges with this creature. But now, now he was set up for the fight, big enough to start man-handling this beastie and show it just who it was messing with.

  “Alright Smokey, try  this  on for size!”   Bracing himself against the very air itself, Iarmid swung his glaive at Smoke Elemental sacrificing all attempts of accuracy to strike it with as much strength as he could bring to bear on the creature, which, needless to say, was  lot ... but that was fine, Iarmid had Aphrysies’s power to guide him, to let him  Find the Gap  in its defences, and then, all the power behind the strike wouldn’t just hurt... it’ll smash it backwards, allowing him to reposition himself freely. Helped by the fact that Iarmid felt Aphrysies’ strength flowing through his arms as he struck, the technique known as  Foehammer  allowing him to hit even harder. He wouldn’t be able to fly up enough to be out of its reach sadly in the time it’ll likely have to recover, but afterwards? Afterwards, he’ll be smashing it into the ground.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 
Free Action: Power Attacking at -19 attack, +38 Damage.
Standard Action: Foehammer.
  Attack vs Touch  - (1d20+18)[ 34 ] 
  Damage  - (3d8+24)[ 29 ]  +38 damage from Power Attack to deal 67 damage. +8 from Foehammer to bring it up to 75
  Bull Rush  - (1d20+68)[ 85 ] 
Move Action: Flying Upwards by 30ft, assuming I smashed the Monolith out of range. If not, I’ll move back as much as necessary, then fly up.
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Oh, he's big now too. Well, bigger anyway."   Crane says while jogging in place. He stops running and takes a few high jumps then stops to consider Eilyra's questions.   "We've all got a past, haven't we? I don't think the one I used to offer prayers too is  this  much interested in me. Divine intercession though..."   He says and looks around.   "Mistress, if you can hear my prayers from this place then I'll know we aren't too far gone. Stangers are gathered for unknown purpose..."   He says, speaking aloud but clearly not to Eilrya.   "...but we may yet be friends. I hope it's not too bold to ask for a sign that you hear me. This place is a desert of life and void of joy."   He says and closes his eyes for a moment.   "Thanks for listening anyway."  

He turns back to watch the fight at the pyramid.   "What about yourself?"   He says without turning around.   "Anger any powers lately?"  
namo
     Cassandra     
  AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |   HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52 
      
 Cassandra flies on, an arrow who does not know her target. She's not sure if she intends to fight or try to intercede with the putative guardian - which might prove fruitless and dangerous if its anger is awakened and it considers all of them like threats. But the Allmother cherishes elementals like she does most other forms of life (aberrations excepted).

She doubts it can easily kill her anyway, given her near-boundless life energy. On the other hand, her time spent in Sigil dealing with small problems has let her fighting skills go to rust; she'll need to work on them again before her tactics are up-to-par.
At least she's making plans, at least she's thinking of bettering herself, not just of staying in bed. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Full-round: Fly 240ft (running) towards the pyramid. 720ft total distance traveled.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
Eilyra listens intently to Crane's prayer, despite it's lack of direction, trying to determine what deity he followed purely from his choice of prayer, ignoring the distant battle for the moment.

At the expected return question, Eilyra nods.  " Yes, a most insane deity, one trapped by many other gods.  As madness and dreams might be linked, I was theorizing that there may be a connection, but if no one else has earned his ire, it seems unlikely. "

Rather than continuing speaking, she instead starts another chant, casting another spell.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d20+40)[ 50 ]  Know:  Religion
Also, casting Moment of Prescience.
 

 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
Some of the symbols used by followers of Tharizdun include an inverted step pyramid and an inverted black triangle with a Y shape in it, and some of his temples were in the shape of black step pyramids. This pyramid is clearly different, but also quite old and in a strange place, so that doesn't rule anything out.
 


The smoke monster swipes again at the now-huge Iarmid as he backs up to bring his glaive to bear.

Attack  (1d20+45)[ 60 ] , damage  (3d6+16)[ 26 ] 

When Iarmid then takes his forceful swing, his weapon plows into the smoke creature and drives it back.

OOC: vs Bull Rush  (1d20+25)[ 28 ] 

The smoke creature rushes back at Iarmid and attacks again.

OOC: Tumble;  Attack  (1d20+45)[ 62 ] , damage  (3d6+16)[ 27 ] 

PCs to act
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 48. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Readied Maneuvers : Rallying Strike, Battle Leader’s Charge, Covering Strike, Order Forged From Chaos
 Expanded Maneuvers : Foehammer
 

The fight really was starting to get repetitive now, wasn't it? Iarmid would fly up or back in or to get room, giving the Smoke Elemental time to smack him around before it followed and smacked him again - even with his shield he wasn't able to hold it off that well. Originally, Iarmid had needed the room to cast his spells without getting punted, now he needed the room to swing his Glaive at the thing. With just how big it was, he didn't want to use his horns to try and smash it back, he didn't know how successful that would be. And while these blows were stinging like heck, none of them were properly wounding him, and it was nothing his  Lay on Hands  couldn't fix. Admittedly, it made him wish he had a  Cure Light Wounds  prepared, using them with the  Healing Hymn  would have been a fantastic way to help him recover a little bit more energy and stamina rather than relying only on his  Lay on Hands .

Still, now that he was above it and able to fly up another 30ft, Iarmid had the range advantage and could now smash it directly into the ground. Let's see how well it liked the extra pain~

 
 Spoiler: Turn 
Free Action: Power Attacking at -19 attack, +38 Damage.
Move Action: I fly up 30ft into the air, this will put me 50ft total in the air.
Standard Action: Attack
  Attack vs Touch  - (1d20+19)[ 27 ] 
  Damage  - (3d8+63)[ 78 ] 
  Bull Rush  - (1d20+68)[ 72 ] 
  Dungeon Crasher  - (4d6+28)[ 42 ] 
 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra finally closes in on the combatants, and she calls out when she's sure they can hear her, even over the din of battle, thanks in part to her magically amplified voice:
" What happened, fiend? Did the elemental attack you, or did you provoke it? "
and to the elemental, in Auran:
" Why are you fighting? Are you the guardian of this place? Perhaps we can avoid unnecessary bloodsh-, er, I mean hurt, here. "
She'll try Ignan too if needed.
If it seems disposed to talk, she'll also ask it: " Where are we? " 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Full-round: finish flying towards the pyramid. I assumed she needed at least a double move; she runs again if needed (I think she loses Dex to AC in that case).

Let me know how you want to rule her "auto-friendly" ability, btw. It could technically apply here if you don't nerf it.

NB: I didn't roll K Planes, but wit +52 she'd at least get as much information as Eilyra.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
Before Crane can really respond, Eilyra's attention turns back to the battle, just in time to see Cassandra's arrival, and she looks back at him, a faint smile on her lips even as sparks cascade from her hair.  " It seems it's time.  Ready? "

With that, assuming Crane doesn't do anything to object, she casts dimension door, transporting both of them to the vicinity of the fight.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Casting dimension door to teleport to the fight.  Eilyra has a maximum range in excess of 1200 feet with it, so getting there shouldn't be a problem.
The only downside:  D-door, sadly, ends her turn.
 

 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Ready."   Crane says and holds his breath when they teleport.   Stupid habit.   He puts his guard up when they arrive and begins to flap his wings, ready to move if he needs to.

 
 Spoiler 
Total defense.

Crane
HP 266/266
AC 51

DR 5/Evil

Active Stance: Dancing Blade Form
Readied Maneuvers: Quicksilver Motion, Manticore Parry, Avalanche of Blades, Adamantine Hurricane.
 
kinem
The battered and indignant smoke monster produces some windy whistles in response to Cassandra.

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
"This would-be grave robber was intent on wanton destruction! I am tasked to guard the tomb, which holds no treasure! Help me slay this fiend if you have honor."
 


The monster flies up, tumbling and twisting to evade his guard, and once again engulfs Iarmid and tries its Smoke Claws attack again.

 
 Spoiler: smoke claws 
Smoke Claws (Ex): A smoke paraelemental can engulf opponents by moving on top of them. It fills the air around one opponent smaller than itself without provoking an attack of opportunity. The target must succeed on a DC 45 Fortitude save or inhale part of the creature. The save DC is Constitution-based. Smoke inside the victim solidifies into a claw and begins to rip at the surrounding organs, dealing 6d6 points of damage per round. An affected creature can attempt another Fortitude save each subsequent round to cough out the semivaporous menace.
 


OOC: PCs to act
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra calls out to Iarmid:
" The guardian thinks you mean to desecrate the pyramid. Is that your intent? If not, you could stand down by flying away. "
then keeps addressing the elemental in Auran:
 
 Spoiler: Auran 
" I am looking to end the strife, not take part in it.
Whose creature or god does this pyramid honour? That I may impress its importance on the uncouth fiend. "
 


For the benefit of the two who joined her:
" Mage! If you have the ability to separate the combatants, we may able to talk to the guardian!
If only because information is at a premium "
This is an instinctive take on her part, but Eilyra struck her as someone who reasons first, and who looks for incentives, so she's attempting to provide one, even though it differs somewhat from her own. 
 
  
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 48. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Readied Maneuvers : Covering Strike, Order Forged From Chaos
 

Iarmid felt his eye twitch briefly when the newcomer referred to him as a ‘fiend’. Yes, he had fiendish wings, but he had the size and horns of a minotaur, as well as the glowing words and runes of an Illumian, weren’t they more noticeable and apparent? Still, a quick correction and explanation of how the Elemental had charged him as he approached would deal with the issue easily enough. Not that it stopped the Elemental from charging forward and trying to suffocate him again, requiring Iarmid to close his mouth shut and pinch his nose as he felt the smoke trying to work its way into his lungs.

Still, apparently the Elemental just wanted to defend the Pyramids, and believed him to be a desecrater? Which was... well, it could have been less aggressive about it, but Iarmid could understand a zealous need to defend itself. This newcomer  could  be lying, and Iarmid would try to get a read on her. But even so, if there was a chance that this was a misunderstanding about his intentions and the Elemental was just a zealous defender, then he could not, in good conscience, continue this fight. Though it would leave him vulnerable, Iarmid turned away and flew away as fast as he could, not a short distance then turning around to be ready to continue the fight. But doing nothing but flying away.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 
Full-Round Action: Using the 'Run' action to fly 240ft away from where Iarmid currently is to make it clear that he is disengaging fully.
Free Action: Sense Motive on Cassanda to see if she is lying, getting a 'hunch' about her.
  Sense Motive  - (1d20+40)[ 44 ] 
  Granted Maneuver 1  - (1d5)[ 4 ]  - Covering Strike
  Granted Maneuver 2  - (1d4)[ 4 ]  - Order Forged From Chaos
 
kinem
The smoke creature takes a swipe at Iarmid as he flees, but it does not pursue him.

OOC: AOO  (1d20+45)[ 47 ] , damage  (3d6+16)[ 28 ] 

It continues making whistling noises.

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
”Take heed, it was that fiend who struck the first blow! You are taking a big risk if you turn your back on him.

As for the monument, it honors King Anret, who was a great king of this land known as Panken.”
 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
  
 Spoiler: Auran 
" Thank you for the warning, valiant guardian.
Do you know how many eons ago it was that the King was entombed?
And why the land is so desolate? "
 


She translates for the other 3 lost voyagers, her voice carrying easily:
" This is the tomb of King Panken who ruled over the land of Anret. "
If they have (appropriate) questions that need translating, she will do so for them. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
K History   (1d20+29)[ 33 ]    (1d20+29)[ 41 ]  for the name Anret and the land Panken (Geography is the same bonus, but I can roll a different roll if needed. Planes would be a much higher modifier.)
 
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Iarmid 
You don’t recognize those names.
 

 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 
Those names don’t seem to belong to any Prime Material world that you are familiar with; however as there are said to be infinitely many, it could just be that this one is rather obscure.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
Those names somehow ring a bell. Searching your memory, you realize that in one of the books you read while in the land of Bavia, there was a brief mention of an ancient civilization called Anret in a land far to the south, and Panken was said to have been the last king of it.
 


The smoke creature replies

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
”It was very long ago, very long, I don’t know how long. Since then the land became hotter and dryer. And somehow ancient monsters began to roam the desert, very dangerous, so people left.”
 
Chambers
 Crane 

He sheathes his sword when the minotaur retreats and the smoke elemental doesn't pursue him.   "Well done, Priestess."   Crane says as he stows his shield as well.   "I can understand it's speech but not converse with it. Can you please tell it that if it's injuries require healing, I've a magic ring it can borrow until it's healed?"  

He turns towards the elemental.   "I'm Crane. We don't know each other or why or how we were brought here against our will. Do you have a name you prefer to be called? What can you tell us about that circle of stones over there that we arrived at?"  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
As the portal illness fades from her mind, and she finds herself able to think and act once more, Eilyra quickly reviews her memories of events, of Priestess's orders, the orders she had the temerity to try giving her, and the actions of the elemental and the half minotaur.  Content with the appearance of simply ignoring Priestess's orders, Eilyra continues to stand near Crane, her feet placed lightly in the sand, barely shifting as she listens to Priestess's translations of the Elemental's languages.

Finding a lull in the conversation, her melodic voice speaks up, pitched to carry loudly enough for the distant half-minotaur to hear, even if it was a bit too loud for those nearby.  " King Pankren... and Anret. "  She mulls over it for a moment, before the contents of a certain page in one of the books she had acquired and analyzed came to mind.  Her voice seems to fill with confidence as she finally has something concrete to base her information on.  " We are likely either on the prime material plane of Bavia, or are in some sort of subshard of it.  I recently visited an empire there, also called Bavia, and during our disagreement, I acquired a variety of books.  One of them briefly covered Bavian history.  While a lot of it was propagandized, it did briefly mention that there was an ancient civilization, called Anret, far to their relative south, and Panken was a king.  Their last king. "  She smiles briefly at Crane.  " Assuming this isn't some sort of demiplane, I can both take us away from here, as well as return us to here, if needed.  However, whatever force hijacked our portals may interfere again. "

As another thought occurs to her, she looks back to Priestess after Crane asks his question.  " I believe those are some excellent questions to ask, ones that I would be very interested in knowing the answer to. "  Her voice is light, but also deadly serious, her golden eyes glowing with her desire to know.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Incidentally, should Iarmid cast another detect evil, Eilyra would no longer detect as evil.
 

 
 
  
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 48. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 

A good two hundred or so feet away from the Smoke Elemental, after one more attempt to lash out at him, Iarmid would stop and turn around. Noting that the Elemental was not following him, it seemed the fight had ended after all. He didn’t feel guilty for the fight, it had started it as far as he was aware, but that didn’t mean he felt frustrated that others had needed to step in to start the fight. Maybe he should look into getting a Scroll of Permanency and having someone cast  Tongues  on him when he returns to Sigil. Regardless, it seemed it was time to talk.

And it seemed unlikely that Aphrysies had brought him here, as much as it  hurt  to admit.

Not wanting to provoke the Elemental into a fight, Iarmid would show his lack of desire to fight by storing his Tower Shield and Glaive back into his Handy Haversack, leaving him rather vulnerable as he floated back towards the group slowly. He had his horns if necessary, but that was simply not as effective a weapon as his Glaive was. Once he was close enough to speak without needing to raise his voice, he would speak.   “Agreed, I would like to know what might have brought us here... and I believe I need to introduce myself. I am Iarmid, Paladin of Aphrysies, and I am an Illumian,  not  a fiend. The wings are grafts, gifts from the Silthilar, nothing more.”   
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra relays Crane's questions in Auran. She is still in the air, wings beating as slowly as she can afford while holding her aloft.

She reflects upon Eilyra's new information.
" So you have a tie, however tenuous, to this place, or to this plane. How we factor into this remains mysterious. "
She sends a questing look towards Crane and Iarmid, but they do not seem to have been to Bavia.

She takes a good long look at Iarmid, noting the variety of features intermingled, and where the grafts stop.
" My apologies, then, Iarmid, it was an honest mistake.
There must be quite the story to- "
She does not find the words to emphasize his strange appearance in a polite way. Her own scars are mostly on the inside, unseen, but who is she to judge others?
" Anyway, perhaps some day you can narrate it. "

" And I forgot to fully introduce myself, didn't I?
I'm Cassandra, Lockheart by name. "

Though she may have seemed distracted, she has been gauging the elemental throughout all of this. The chance of a fiendish taint upon it makes it perilous to rely on his answers, so she makes uses of her divine powers to ensure she does not fall prey to deception.

She warns both in Common and in Auran:
" I will be casting a spell to benefit from my goddess' insight, which will no doubt come handy to navigate this unknown place "
before she incants a spell. No visible effect occurs. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sense Motive   (1d20+30)[ 32 ]    (1d20+30)[ 46 ]  expending Divine Insight (SC) for +15.

Re-casting Divine Insight straight away.
 
kinem
The smoke creature replies

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
”I am called Omshaw.

Long ago the stone ring was a portal to other places, but it hasn’t been used in eons. I thought you arrived here under your own power.

Thanks for offering the use of the healing ring, but I don’t see how I could wear it.”
 

 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 
You get the impression that the elemental hasn’t given you false information, and yet, it is hiding a lot.
 

 
 Spoiler: Crane 
You get the impression that the elemental hasn’t given you false information, and yet, it is hiding a lot.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
You recognize the grafts.

As for Aphrysies, you have heard about her battle against Dumah, Demon Prince of Silence, and the subsequent disappearance or ‘silence’ of both. Of Dumah, you have read that supposedly he was originally a powerful Celestial who guarded some desert nations much like the one here might have once been. He was ordered to attack Set, a god of those nations, but instead he sided with Set and was banished to the Abyss.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
Eilyra watches the return of the half-minotaur while keeping a wary eye on the seemingly non-hostile(For the moment) elemental, her empty gloved hands relaxing calmly at her sides, leaving her demonic form almost a picture of serenity in the blistering sun.

With the half minotaur finally coming close enough to reasonably talk to, and even introducing himself, she looks up at him, disdain showing within her golden eyes.  " Indeed. "  Her initial response clearly conveys her disbelief at his words.  " Perhaps you might not be aware, but as a general rule, grafting demonic components into yourself is a fairly fast route into insanity.  Demons aren't mortals.  They are souls made flesh, and thus connecting their soul to yours leads to corruptive effects. "  Her tone is scathing.  " As for being a paladin of Aphrysies, I find that somewhat hard to believe, but perhaps that might be explained by the ill effects of such things.  Aphrysies was Silenced. "  The final word of her comment was emphasized.

She sighs, and shakes her head(Sending another cascade of sparks into the hot desert air), before continuing her explanation of Iarmid's faults in a more normal(For her) tone.  " I presume you had a reason to charge off into the distance, rather than trying to gather information, or even talk to others in the area? "  She pauses, just long enough for him to draw a breath to respond, before she continues.  " In the interest of politeness, you may address me as Eilyra. "  This time, she falls silent, clearly waiting for some sort of explanation.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Yeah... Eilyra is not happy.
Does Eilyra know how long ago this battle between Dumah and Aphrysies occurred?  Or where?
 

 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  A gift perhaps, but from whom?   Crane nods to the warrior and waves a hand towards him.   "I'm Crane, of Westgate."     And what fool would accept the skin of a fiend?     "Iarmid, Cassandra, Omshaw. Well, it's nice to be able to put names to faces."   He flaps his wings to stretch them and then relaxes, folding them down.

  "Bavia..."   Crane says, testing the word, listening to how it sounds.   "Can't say I'm familiar with the place, though I'm glad to hear you know some of it."   He sniffs the air and looks at the ruins in the distance.   "It didn't feel like any interference when you weavewalked, right?"   He says to Eilyra.   "If you were going to try for somewhere else on this plane where might that be? Any chance you've estimates for distance and direction?"

"Omshaw, what can you tell us about these city ruins?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Religion for Aphrysies  (1d20+19)[ 29 ] 
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 39. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance
 

Iarmid eyed Eilyra briefly when she tried to ‘educate’ him on the risks of fiendish grafts, before deciding it was not worth his time. It was clear from her attitude that she had already judged him. That his  proactivity  was seen as a sign of recklessness or a lack of intelligence. Between her scathing commentary on his choices, her disbelief about the possibility of being Aphrysies’ Paladin, and the evil he had noted in her heart, Iarmid knew how to best interact with her.

By ignoring her.

Turning to Cassandra with a small smile, he tilted his head, saying.   “I’ll be happy to share my stories with you sometime Cassandra, though you’ll have to bear with me sharing them in song.”   Iarmid briefly toyed with going into explanations about why but disregarded it. Now was not the time and place for that. Instead, he turned to the Elemental, ‘Omshaw’ it seemed. Iarmid still wasn’t quite trusting him, as he had charged him when he approached. But Iarmid couldn’t communicate with him as Cassandra could, so he accepted that miscommunication was a strong possibility, instead he would ask his own question.

  “Cassandra, can you ask Omshaw if we would be able to investigate inside the pyramids under his watch?  Something  has been giving us visions of this place, and investigating them is the best way to learn why.”   
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 She looks quizzically at the fiend, or half-fiend admonishing Iarmid about the danger of fiendish things.
True, Cassandra herself very much shares those reservations, but...
  Perhaps she has experienced pain at the hands of fiends, more than most...?  
 
 Spoiler: Auran 
She also relays Iarmid's question, patiently, and adds one of her own:
" Well met, Omshaw. Is there something we can help you with, while we are here? "
 

At the same time, she surreptitiously calls upon the power of the vestige Dantalion to try and burrow in its thoughts.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
K Religion for Aphrysies (jumping on the bandwagon) [roll0] [roll1] - edit: ah, shouldn't have previewed the post, perhaps

Detect Thoughts - (Su), so no sign that she is doing it -, Will save DC 40; if it succeeds, it'll know something happened, but not what.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
Eilyra's burning eyes turn from Iarmid as Crane addresses her, and her expression is far more thoughtful as she considers his questions, the melodic words coming a little bit more slowly than her norm.  " No, I didn't detect any interference when I was opening the portal. "  She frowns as she considers his second question.  She knew that the book she had read mentioned that Anret was far to the south, but that could mean anything from dozens of leagues to thousands, and she could only shake her head, putting on another lightshow for observers.  " I'm afraid my sole source of information on Anret was a brief mention in a questionable history book.  It only mentioned that it was far to the south of Bavia, and fell a long time ago.  I never saw a map of the area.  I wouldn't recommend heading to Bavia regardless, as they are at war, a war they are losing, and have enough power to do some incredibly foolish things, such as allying with a duke of hell. "  She shrugs before continuing.  " It doesn't really matter if magical travel is an option, as distance would not be a significant factor. " as she looks to Cassandra to translate the answers to Crane's questions, hoping to determine whether this Omshaw(Presumably) was seeking to hide the means by which they were pulled here.

She also starts reaching for her spell component pouch, before she pauses, and looks to the speaker, Cassandra.  " Would you be able to ask if, as Crane mentioned, this Omshaw knows anything of the ruined city, what happened here, and other details of interest?  And if he would object to me casting a few additional defensive spells, while you and he talk? "


 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Crane 
Aphrysies is (or was) a goddess who fought a demon lord in recent years. Since then, the fate of both is unclear as they have not been heard from.
 


Omshaw responds

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
“The ruins were thoroughly looted since long ago and are said to be haunted. Sometimes looters still go in. Less often, they come out.

As for the pyramid, entry is strictly forbidden. That’s why I’m here.

I don’t need anything. That includes company by the way. I prefer solitude.

And, I sense that one of you has tried something on me. It is best if you all leave now. And, don’t come back.”
 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Looking nonplussed, Cassandra casts a look around at the others.
" He said one of us... nevermind.
He's asking us to back off; I believe it will go back to a confrontation should we not comply.
How about we explore the surroundings first? "

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
" Noted. Let me translate for these other people. "
 
 
 
  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
Eilyra gives Cassandra a look at her suggestion, and at the abrupt ending of further conversation with .  " That was my original plan.  What we really need right now is information, and the surrounding ruins likely contain at least some of it.  I've got a spell that should be somewhat useful for exploring the area, and at least finding some of the threats present. "

She looks around for a moment, before taking off, the tips of her wings clawing at the air, and sparks cascading from her hair as she goes to the top of a nearby hill.  After she lands, she starts to cast a spell, and a minute later, a series of flying eyes, their pupils all manner of colors, appear and float around her, looking at her attentively.  " Pair up, the lead scouts, the follower keeps an eye on the lead, report back in an hour or destruction of either.  Fan out, go. "
With her command given, the tiny eyes whirl away in all directions, bobbing with their excitement to go and see.

After the eyes are sent off, Eilyra resumes casting, continuing her basic defence setup that had been previously skipped as she waited for conversation or for the return of her eyes.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Casting  Prying eyes , and sending them off to scout the area, or report back on the destruction of the other one.   (1d4+24)[ 28 ]  Eyes were created, they are not subject to nonlethal damage or anything as constructs, so the heat should have them unaffected.  They do only have normal vision, so their ability to scout unlit interiors is limited.

Notably, they do get her knowledge, so their ability to scout in an optimal grid pattern is indeed a thing.  Plus they can hide sort of ok(Well, not at this level).

Also, casting...
Extended Heart of Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Greater magical weapon.
Contingency(If reduced to 50 or fewer hit points, cast resilient sphere around her)
 
 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra slowly backs away from the elemental, to signify she is meeting its terms... for now.

Noticing the abundant spellcasting Eilyra is performing, Cassandra adds the clues together.
  She's not a middling spellcaster, I think. Was she being modest or deceitful? Let's hope for the former.  

" I intend to head to the ruins as well; feel free to accompany me, or not. "

She will fly above the ruins, using all her senses to try and identify interesting features like statues, writing, ... 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Spot 62 (taking 10)
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "If you ever change your mind about company we might still be around here...wherever here is."   Crane says and waves goodbye to the elemental guardian.   "Omshaw didn't say what the ruins were haunted by. Or how the looters arrived. Magic, probably."   Crane says to noone in particular. He watches Eilyra fly away to weave some spells and looks to Cassandra and Iarmind.   "Well, we've got some options I suppose. One, try and teleport or planeshift away from here. Two, we can -."  

Crane watches Cassandra fly off.   "Yeah, that's option two. Go check out the ruins."   He says to Iarmid.   "I guess option three is wait here - or maybe back at the stone rings - and see if anyone else comes through. What do you feel like doing, Iarmid?"  
 
 Spoiler 
What time of day is it?
 
kinem
From the position of the sun in the sky, assuming that this planet is like most others you know, it looks to be in the late afternoon.

 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 
You can see about two dozen places where a man could enter into the ruins and numerous smaller holes.

There are a few pillars that might have once held statues or monuments but there is only rubble there now.

One place stands out a bit: To a casual eye it looks like just another sand dune but on closer inspection it is too round and symmetrical. Covered in sand is a dome of some sort, possibly once a temple or other important building. There is an exposed entrance nearby that may lead inside.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 254/254  
With her eyes sent out on their scouting run, and her contingency renewed, Eilyra takes another look around from her hill, taking in the flying Cassandra, the silent Iarmid, and the patient Crane, before her attention turns to more immediate needs.  Reaching into her pouch, and then into the bag within, she pulls out a third pouch, and reaches within it to produce a full skin of cool pure water.  Water secured, she drinks deeply of the skin, before putting it into one of the outer pouches on here beltpouch before she jumps into the air, and glides down to Crane and Iarmid.
Arriving with a brief blast of hot sand, she straightens, unconsciously smoothing out the lines of her dress, before looking to Crane.  " While my eyes get a lay of the land, perhaps we can investigate one of the doors in the ruins more personally?  It will likely get us closer to anything of interest the eyes will see, and, at worst, won't be less productive than standing around here for the hour or so it will take for my eyes to return. " 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra backtracks to share her findings with the strange people destiny has set on her path.
She knows full well not to offend Destiny, after the spectacular mistake she made, most horribly offensive to her goddess...
So while part of her wants to be alone, she pushes past the constant tiredness trying to assert itself.

" There's a domed building over there that seems worth exploring; I'll head inside.

Before I go, I'll offer these gems through which I can initiate a communication with you, at most 3 times per day. Then we can talk back and forth.
And I'm not worried with you misplacing them because I can recall them. "
She manipulates her amulet briefly, and holds out her hand with 3 little red gems in her palm. She does not get offended if the rest refuse her offer.

She flies back to the building and, barring any threatening aura witnessed through her Arcane Sight at the entrance or inside the building - or another danger she spots, she heads inside. 
 
  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra's golden eyes shift as Cassandra flies down to rejoin the small informal cavalcade of strangers, eyeing her a she approaches, and adroitly stepping to avoid a repeated blast of sand as the other woman hovers.  Listening as Cassandra speaks, Eilyra nods after she finishes her explanation, and her offer.  Eilyra's response is calm, and perhaps slightly teasing.  " Strangely, I was suggesting something similar, but if you have something that's of more interest than a random abandoned building, then by all means, lead the way.  And a farspeaking amulet could be useful, especially with four of us. "
As Cassandra rapidly flies away once more, Eilyra shakes her head, before beginning another trudging march through the sandy wasteland this fallen kingdom found itself buried within.

 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Strong and silent type, huh? That's okay, I've worked with my fair share of crusaders."   Crane says to fill the silence. He watches as the ladies continue with their spellcasting.   "I've no idea where we are or why we're here."   He takes his sword out and prys loose the crystal in the hilt.   "But seeing as how none of us seem keen to stab the others in the face at the moment, it's probably in our benefit to work together."   He takes out some other crystals and frowns at them before picking one and slotting it into the sword.   "At least for the moment. Until we can figure a way out of here."   He stashes the other crystals in his belt pouch and nods as the mages return.

  "Hello again!"   He says, waving with his sword.   "Find some doors, you say, and a building with a dome? Sounds promising, let's go...ah."   Crane says, holding the red gem as Cassandra flies off again.   "Well I guess we won't find anything standing around here."   He says and unfolds his wings, but chooses to walk with Eilyra instead of taking flight. He readies his shield as well.   "I'll just keep this here then, I guess."   He puts the little gem in one of the pouches on his vest.

  "So, when I said I was a thief earlier, I didn't exactly mean the kind that cracks safes and disables the trick floor before you fall into a pit of spikes. I can do that, sure, but it's not my strong suit. I was a confidence man. Or woman, as the need may be. I could read a mark as easy as you fling those spells."   He squints in the bright afternoon light as they walk.   "Could do with a bit of shade. Tsch. What do you think we'll find inside?"  
 
 Spoiler 
He's swapping the weapon crystal for the Truedeath Crystal.
 
kinem
Cassandra is the first to arrive at the place she mentioned, and she finds that the hole leads to a small chamber that is quite musty and sandy, unlit except for her own lights, but at least it is cooler than the hot desert outside.

The place is filled with rubble. After passing through an archway, there is a much larger chamber with a domed ceiling; perhaps this was once used as a place of worship, as there are the remains of benches. There is an alcove that appears to contain some scrolls that still appear whole, if perhaps rather fragile.

Also of interest, from each side of the chamber and also from ahead three ghostly figures float into view! They appear like robed human men, but translucent and apparently incorporeal.

 
 Spoiler: Knowledge(religion) DC 17 
They are spectres.
 


OOC: Their Initiative  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Accepting Crane's explanation of his lack of talents as they walk towards the ruined structure, Eilyra nods, understandingly.  " An interesting set of skills.  And a set that could be helpful if we encounter intelligent undead.  If we encounter deliberately set traps outside of the central pyramid or on things like chests, that would be interesting.  From what the elemental, Omshaw? "  There is a slight questioning note on her utilization of the name, as though she was not quite sure of it's accuracy. " said, this was Anret, which was essentially led to ruin by Panken.  If we're seeing traps outside of the temple or other reasonable locations, that would strongly suggest that the destruction was rather more deliberate than I am anticipating.  You only set traps like that if you are expecting incursions, because disabling them is annoying, as is keeping them in working order. "  She pauses her words for a moment as she shifts topics.  " Wards, on the other hand, are significantly more likely, but it is also likely that time will have destroyed them. "

Coming over the top of the hill, and bringing the domed structure into sight, Eilyra gives it a look-over.  " Domes are usually used for public structures because you generally don't need rooms of that size in a private one.  Assuming Anret was a desert, then I would expect the structure to be a temple, a bathhouse, or else a town hall or something similar. "  She frowns, thoughtfully.  " It could be a private residence of someone extremely wealthy as well, I suppose, although that level of wealth disparity has it's own problems.  Based on Omshaw, I would expect that we are likely to encounter fiends or elementals, perhaps hybridized like he was.  Alternatively, depending on the rapidity with which this city was depopulated, we may encounter undead.  That would be interesting, as that would suggest that the fall of Anret was more active than what was implied in the book I read. "

Reaching the entrance to the chamber, Eilyra pauses, giving Crane a chance to go first, and listening.  After she enters, twising her way through the narrow entrance, and seeing the approaching spirits, she sighs in disappointment.  " It would seem that the abandonment was more active than I was expecting.  Perhaps someone destroyed their water source?  Water is usually the doom of desert civilizations. "  Her words seem almost disappointed in her failure.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d20+25)[ 38 ]  Initiative
 (1d20+29)[ 33 ]  Sense Motive(Are these hostile)
 (1d20+40)[ 51 ]  Know:  Religion
 (1d20+31)[ 40 ]  Listening at the entrance
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra senses the immediate revulsion of the fragment of goddess that shares her consciousness.
[  Undead MUST be destroyed.  ]
She tends to agree with the sentiment, but she is not a puppet whose strings are pulled by the vestiges.

She attempts to communicate with them first, starting with a "Hello" in various languages to see which one they respond to, if any.
If they seem to understand, she goes on:
" I would talk with you instead of fight you for, know this, I will destroy you easily. "

If they seem instead to approach will ill intent, she draws her weapon, and holds it at the ready in one hand, while the other dives into a pouch to retrieve a gem. From the gem bursts forth a divine radiance, the kind that is hard to bear by undead and fiends alike. It illuminates a large area around Cassandra, and the spectres caught in it begin to smoke as the negative energy powering them is burned away.

When the others arrive at the threshold, she calls out: " There are scrolls in here! Do not use anything too destructive! " 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
  Init  - (1d20+32)[ 41 ]     Init  - (1d20+32)[ 36 ]  
   K Religion  - (1d20+35)[ 43 ]     K Religion  - (1d20+35)[ 48 ]  to see if they're ordinary spectres, or something else

Actions:
 Free:  draw weapon
 Standard:  ready action to attack the first one to come into contact.    Attack  - (1d20+51)[ 54 ]     Attack  - (1d20+51)[ 69 ]  -    Damage  - (3d6+22)[ 35 ]    Acid Damage  - (1d6)[ 3 ] 
   edit: the crit is auto-confirmed thanks to Gaia, but I'd need to roll the added damage (1d6+22) + effect of the crit-based weapon abilities (Radiant Burst); I'll wait to see if the action gets triggered at all.
 Move:  draw from her haversack the gem with Celestial Brilliance (BoED) pre-cast on it (it lasts nearly a month);   Damage  - (2d6)[ 8 ] 

"The light extends to a 120-foot radius: bright light to 60 feet and dim light in another 60 feet.
Creatures with light sensitivity take twice the usual penalty when they are within 60 feet of the object.
Undead creatures take 1d6 points of damage each round they are within the bright light.
Evil outsiders, as well as undead creatures that are specifically harmed by sunlight, take 2d6 points of damage each round in the bright light."
 
kinem
OOC: I don’t think Sense Motive really applies here, but the translucent beings do seem to be approaching as if in an aggressive manner. They appear to be regular spectres.

Cassandra is in the main chamber, other PCs are in the foyer.

Eilyra is within the light but just shy of the bright light and can guess what the spell is.

Cassandra’s readied action will be triggered when the spectres act.

Namo: Do you have a way to Crit on undead?

Also, as they are Incorporeal, do you have to roll the 50% miss chance?

Eilyra, Crane, and Iarmid can act
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40(26 touch) HP: 284/254  
Squinting in the bright light cast off by Cassandra's stone, Eilyra makes certain to keep out of the radius of the truly damaging light as she calls out, raising her melodic voice by enough to be easily audible for Cassandra, as well as for Crane and Iarmid.  " They're Spectres.  Usually not terribly powerful, but they can be a threat to the poorly prepared.  They can drain the living should they touch them and the appropriate protections not be in place.  They are also incorporeal, so your attacks may pass through them.  The real question on my mind is how many more there might be.  Spectres are notable for being one of the reproducing undead, which is of potential concern when they are found in a presumably public location in a city that was apparently abandoned. "

After she finishes her hastily delivered description of the spectres, she shifts her stance slightly, moving onto the balls of her feet, and preparing to respond should the spectres come her way.  A few moments of silence later, she calls out to Cassandra.  " If you would like assistance from me, I would appreciate you putting away the Celestial Brilliance focus, and I also appreciate the warning about scrolls, as they could be informative, if we can determine a way to review them. "


 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Action:  Ready an attack, should they come into range.
PA for 12.
Free:  Pull sword out of hammerspace.
Attack:  (1d20+31)[ 51 ] 
Damage:   (1d10+44)[ 51 ]  Magical P/S.  If hit, reduce their SR by 2, and I don't think magebane applies.
Miss(Hit on low roll)  (1d100)[ 84 ] 
 

 
 
  
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 39. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance 

It was a bit of a long shot, and Iarmid just sighed when they answered a negative. Seemed they wouldn’t get into the Pyramids that easily then. And then it turned out that one of the others did something that pissed the Elemental off even further? Iarmid huffed as he glanced over at the fiend, before mentally chiding himself and glancing at the others too. Just because they  looked  Celestial didn’t mean they necessarily  were  Celestial. He could Detect Evil, not  Good , and just because they didn’t ping as evil after his brief 18 seconds of study, didn’t mean they were Good Guys.

Especially as hiding from Detect Evil wasn’t exactly  difficult  either.

Regardless, even if it was unlikely, this Pyramid, the visions they were having... it was just, the possibility of it being a clue from Aphrysies, right? As he stepped away from the Elemental, making sure to back away before he would turn his back on it and move further away, Iarmid idly pulled out his glaive, switching the elemental crystal out for the fiend-slaying crystal, as he didn’t expect an element of fire to be much use in a desert, then pulled out his tower shield once more, all while distracted by his thoughts and frustrations. Even if it wasn’t Aphrysies directly, it was his best lead, his best chance to find something that happened to her. He didn’t care how slim the choice was,  something  had to be calling him to Pyramids. And why else would they want him, the Paladin of a Lost Goddess, than something to do with Aphrysies? He didn’t know the connection the others had, didn’t know why they were summoned as well. Some desires or goals they sought to fulfil perhaps? Or maybe they were summoned to be allies in his question? Or maybe he was truly wrong and it had nothing to do with Aphrysies at all... but no, no, it  had  to be a clue, a lead,  something  he could grasp onto.

He had to keep hope, he  had  too!

Iarmid shook himself from his thoughts when Cassandra and the fiend - he missed her name - returned to share their initial findings, and so he accepted the gem Cassandra presented him with a small nod of thanks.   “Sure, good a place as any.”   Personally, he suspected that they’ll need to bypass the Elemental and get into the Pyramid eventually, but with how strong the Elemental was? Back-up wouldn’t be a bad thing to have, and so if they wanted to poke around the other ruins to start with. So be it. Not that this would stop Iarmid from following after Cassandra a few moments later. He wasn’t going to walk when he could fly. No reason to be slow about this.

As it was, they quickly moved into another fight, one that had him growl in frustration.   “I  just  changed my crystal,”   Iarmid muttered as he eyed the spectres that had appeared and were advancing towards them. Still, he knew what he needed to do. Dropping his Tower Shield again (it wouldn’t do much good here), Iarmid would begin to change Crystals as quickly as possible. Even with the Haversack though, it was going to take a few seconds to get the Lesser Truedeath Crystal in place.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
  Init  - (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 
 Move Action : Remove my Greater Fiendslayer Crystal from my Glavie.
 Standard Action &gt; Move Action : Switch the Fiendslayer Cyrstal for a Lesster Truedeath Crystal in my Handy Haversack.
 Swift Action : Thicket of Blades
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Finally, out of the sun. Cassandra wait up -argh!"   Crane shouts in frustration as the bright light overwhelms him.   "Turn off the damn light or fight them yourself!"   Crane curses as he stumbles back through the chamber to reach the outside, his eyes shut against the brilliant light.

 
 Spoiler 
Crane has Light-Blindness which blinds him for 1 round when exposed to daylight or bright light. 'Twice the penalty' is twice the rounds, maybe? So possibly 2 rounds of blindness. Crane is stepping outside, good luck with the spectres!

DM, light-blindness is a special quality of the Shadow-Walker template so it might be fair to allow the other PC's a monster knowledge check to figure it out.
 
kinem
The spectres charge towards Cassandra, ignoring her words. They take partial cover by diving partly into the ground, but it doesn’t make much difference: with a quick slice of her scimitar, the foremost one dissipates.

The brilliant light from the gem hurts the remaining angry spirits, although it seems to have done more to keep her fellow adventurers at bay than it has the undead.

The remaining spectres charge in from the sides, flanking and attempting to recruit the priestess in place of their former fellow:

OOC:
Attack 1  (1d20+10)[ 18 ]  vs touch AC 29, damage  (1d8)[ 6 ]  + energy drain 2 negative levels

Attack 1  (1d20+10)[ 27 ]  vs touch AC 29, damage  (1d8)[ 3 ]  + energy drain 2 negative levels

PCs to act
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 39. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance 

Hmm, it seems that Crane doesn’t enjoy bright lights. Sure, it was a  Celestial Brilliance , rather than a mere light. So there was reason to suspect that Crane might be an Evil Outsider or Undead in disguise... but just as likely as that, was the chance that Crane just, didn’t do well in bright lights. It was how Iarmid caught him sighing in relief, Crane’s comments about  finally  getting out of the sunlight that had Iarmid believe that was more likely.

Still a possibility that Crane was Undead or Evil, but not likely.

With one spectre down already, Iarmid did not believe these spectres were all that strong. A single burst of  Turn Undead  might be enough to destroy them utterly... but, well. Thanks to his  Divine Metamagic , he only had a single use of the ability left each day. He wanted to save it for a situation where it was necessary, rather than using it against these weak spectres. Instead, he slotted his  Lesser Truedeath  weapon crystal into place on his glaive, then swung. Trusting Aphrysies’ power to guide him to strike  hard .

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Free Action : Power Attack, -5 attack, +10 Damage.
 Move Action : Place my Lesser Truedeath Crystal into my Glaive.
 Standard Action : Attacking the nearer Spectre. I do assume they are within 30ft of range.
  Attack vs Touch  - (1d20+33)[ 35 ]    Damage  - (3d8+30)[ 43 ]  +   Truedeath  - (1d6)[ 5 ] 
  Bull Rush  - (1d20+40)[ 53 ]    Dungeon Crasher  - (4d6+28)[ 37 ] 

Potential Attack of Opportunity:
  Attack  - (1d20+33)[ 36 ]    Damage  - (3d8+30)[ 40 ]  +   Truedeath  - (1d6)[ 6 ] 
  Bull Rush  - (1d20+40)[ 44 ]    Dungeon Crasher  - (4d6+28)[ 38 ] 
 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 As promised to her opponents, a single well-placed stroke of her curved weapon is enough to send its unholy essence back whence it came.

Cassandra hears the imprecations, and Eilyra's unexpected lecture on spectres, but is somewhat busy defending herself against the remaining ghostly enemies.
Still, perhaps the divine light is interfering with their plans, whatever they may be?
So she slips the gem back into the pouch, and the oppressive darkness returns - thankfully her eyes adapt quickly to the change in lighting.

Even as she does so, she lunges for the next foe, her enchanted blade - now held two-handed - slicing through it.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm assuming Iarmid kills one of the spectres. Otherwise she would full-attack to get rid of them, and stow the gem afterwards
Actions:
 Move:  stow gem
 Standard:     Attack  - (1d20+51)[ 62 ]     Attack  - (1d20+51)[ 70 ]  -    Damage  - (3d6+26)[ 33 ]    Acid Damage  - (1d6)[ 6 ] ; another crit, it gets vaporized
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40(Touch 26) HP: 284/254  
With the gem stowed, Eilyra keeps her word, and charges the spectres, leaping momentarily into the air with a bloom of dust to apply that little bit more force on her attack, her sword appearing in her hands mere moments before impact, and a faint smile on her face.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Full round action:  Charge?
PA for 18.
 (1d20+27)[ 35 ]  Attack
 (1d10+56)[ 60 ]  Damage +  (1d6)[ 5 ]  Skirmish damage(Not actually skirmish)
 (1d100)[ 32 ]  Miss on high

Also:  If hit, the spectre needs to make a reflex save, DC 14, or catch on fire.  Truly, the most amazing power from a 7th level spell.
 

 
 
  
kinem
With quick strikes Iarmid and Cassandra cause the remaining spectres to vanish, and a moment later Eilyra’s blade is there as well, just an instant too late to finish off the spectre but clearly it was a well-aimed swing.

The room is once again quiet as a tomb as you take stock of it.

OOC: Combat is over.

The place is in better shape than the foyer had been in terms of rubble, but still shows plenty of signs of damage and decay. There are a few places on the walls where flecks of paint remain, suggesting that the walls were once colorful murals, but otherwise they are plain stone now. This was probably a natural process as they don’t seem very scratched up. There are some cracks, perhaps from the weight of the sand above.

There are a few insects that crawl about, mainly ants.

The alcove with the scrolls in it does not radiate magic.
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra nods to Iarmid and Eilyra as she sheathes her weapon.
For once, the three of them acted towards the same goal, which seems like a step in the right direction.

She feels a bit empty once the adrenaline subsides, but there's no denying the surprise and slight bit of feat at the spectres' attack helped her feel more alive, though she was never in danger.

" Are you OK, sir Crane?
And " she encompasses Crane and Eilyra in the next question " would my divine light be an issue  permanently  or just this time? "
She's tiptoeing around the rude question of whether Eilyra is a fiend, though she hadn't protested when Cassandra had first designated her a such.
Crane's issue appears to be different - something to do with vision?

She flies towards the scrolls, unhurriedly, and will handle them very gently (starting with a corner to make sure they don't disintegrate at a mere touch), to peruse them.
 
 
  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
With the spectres dispelled, Eilyra's sword vanishes into the ether once more, and the half-fiend takes a slow look around the room, checking that Crane was recovering, the faint glow from the sparks being cast from her hair, and her illuminated eyes the only source of light within the darkened chamber.  When she speaks into the silence, her voice is calm, almost forcibly so.  " I think it would be for the best to not use your imbued gem again, as clearly causes issues.  Not all of us can choose our parents.  However, under the right circumstances, it may be useful. "
After her damning pronouncement of the Celestial Brilliance gem, she also approaches the collection of scrolls in the alcove, carefully assessing their condition before even attempting to touch them. 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "I'm not a knight."   Crane says to Cassandra when he comes back in.   "I can deal with it after a bit, it's just the first flash always gets me. Still unpleasant though."   Stepping into the shadows he relaxes but keeps his weapon and shield ready.   "I was raised by an unkind wizard. This sensitivity to light is one of his parting gifts."   In the darkness, out of the sun, those with true sight see a slightly different version of Crane than before. It's still the same grey changeling with wings except his shadow seems to be a living thing, one that crawls over and around him.

  "So. What were those spirits guarding?"   He asks as he looks around the rooms once his eyes adjust, keeping watch.

 
 Spoiler 
None of the shadow-walker template spell-like abilities function in bright light / sun light, so I'm playing it like it's 'dormant' while in the sun.

He'll Take 12 on Spot &amp; Listen: 61 &amp; 47. He's got Darkvision and True Seeing.
 
kinem
Some of the scrolls crumble at the slightest touch, but with careful handling, some can be unwrapped. The language is one you have never seen before, probably one that was local here, but the language barrier can be overcome with magic that some of you have.

It seems that this building had been used as a temple, not dedicated to just one god but used for many, including Ra, Isis, Osiris, Bast, Ptah, and Set. Much of what is recorded in the scrolls is fairly routine, involving people being appointed to the priesthood, names of rulers, marriages and deaths among prominent families, and the like.

One scroll may be of more direct relevance. Writtten by a priest named Whatteed, it mentions that the town has been attacked by various enemies and notes his concern that the new king, Anret, is bent on finding weapons that may have been left behind by the original inhabitants of this place - the Marru. He says that such weapons are dangerous to all and should be left alone. He also says that he is concerned about the recent rumors that a cult in town is worshiping the Marru god Otza, although he believes that all of the Marru gods are now dead, slain by other gods except for the imprisoned one. The scroll ends there.

Meanwhile Crane has kept watch; no new threats seem to have emerged while you studied the scrolls.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Opening the scrolls carefully with her gloved hands, demonstrating some familiarity with using such archaic tools, Eilyra frowns as she takes in the pictograms on the documents, before chanting briefly, and reviewing the now comprehensible writings.
It takes her a few minutes to read through the salvageable scrolls, and for her to recall what else she knew, but when she looks to Crane, Iarmid, and Cassandra, her angular face was distorted by a frown.  " It would seem that the creatures Omshaw mentioned are likely more properly known as Marruspawn, which were creatures created by the original inhabitants of this place, the Marru. "  She shakes her head in disgust at the practice.  " This likely means that this Omshaw was one of these creations, one that the king, apparently Anret, managed to gain control of.  For some reason, he was focused on finding these weapons, and, presumably, controlling them.  And, like many idiotic archaeological expeditions, they probably unearthed something that wiped them out. "  Her frown deepens as she continues her explanation.  " It doesn't, however, explain whatever brought us here.  It is possible that the one surviving Marru god's seal might not be as complete as might be desired, but why such a being would bring us here is beyond me. "

Stepping back from the shelves, she takes another look around the ruined temple, looking for another way in or out of the temple, paying special attention to the areas from which the ghosts had come.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Looking around?
 

 
 
  
kinem
There is a doorway to the left side that is now filled with rubble and sand. Further examination of it reveals no passages, just sand that has buried it.

From what Cassandra saw, the spirits had been in the large chamber when she entered it.
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 39. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance 

With the spectres easily cut down, their spirits freed from the cruel fate of an undead existence, Iarmid reached down to hoist his Tower Shield once again. One of these days, he’ll actually be able to activate it  before  combat begun so he was defended and ready for the fight. For now though, Iarmid would turn his attention to the temple, examining the once-painted murals set into the stone. While they had faded in colour, they were still etched into stone and Iarmid was able to make out the shapes and images they formed. At first, it looked like there were animal-headed people, a bird-headed person here, a jackal-headed individual there, but it was a crocodile-headed person that had Iarmid still and the grip on his glaive tightened.

That, that was Set, God of Chaos. He knew this pantheon, these gods that were worshipped through various material planes... and he knew that Set had a strong association with  Dumah . Yes,  yes , there it was, there was the connection he had been looking for! It wasn’t much, it was distant and faint, but it was  there . A faint slither of hope that Iarmid clung to. If they were dealing with the pantheon of Ra, then that meant they would be dealing with Set as well, and who knew what Set might know of Dumah, and more importantly,  Aphrysies .

Taking a deep breath, Iarmid calmed himself in time to hear Eilyra speak. Her previous comments about not being able to choose her parents  was  true... but at the same time, that did not define the Evil he sensed inside her heart. If a succubus could become a Paladin, then she could have freed herself from the Evil of her nature if she truly tried. Still, as long as she did not act in an Evil manner, he could take advantage of her aid. Humming and nodding in agreement to her words.   “Chances are the seal is inside the pyramid Omshaw guards. And if the constructors of the pyramid, or those who sealed the god, knew what they were doing, it's likely protected against teleportation inside. Omshaw would be a poor guard if invisibility could get past them as well... so we either need to convince them to let us through, or knock them out.”  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Her attention going to the rubble that was all that remained of the second foyer, and briefly looking over the damaged statuary that proclaimed this place a temple, Eilyra is surprised when the half minotaur, Iarmid, spoke.  She spins about to look at him, and nods, slightly.  " It would appear to be the case, yes.  The only alternative I could see would be finding some sort of military or political leadership center outside of the temple, and recovering records of how they controlled him, or else designs for the pyramid, which might reveal further options. "  She pauses before reaching into her pouch, and removing a flask of water, taking a drink, before putting it back, the seemingly mundane task almost at odds with her haughty appearance and attitude.  " My eyes might find evidence of such a thing, but it will likely be another half hour or so before they begin returning from their mission, provided they didn't all get destroyed.  The heat and weather won't destroy them, but spectres and other creatures here are another story. "  Her eyes shift to the narrow tunnel leading outside, and she starts in that direction.  " Regardless, I don't believe there is anything else to cause us to remain here, unless there is truly a secret passage here I have missed. "
She pauses, giving another look at the ruined foyer.  " Unless you would be interested in seeing if we can't clear that collapse, and find whatever passage might lie beyond.  From the design, it is likely another entrance, and one added much later than the one we utilized. "  Then, she sighs, briefly, clearly not liking the conclusion she was about to reach.  " Which may indicate that it is more temporal to the construction of the pyramid than the temple. "
 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra reads the scrolls with Eilyra - seemingly without needing magic -, following the adage that recommends to trust but verify.

She remains lost in thought as the others elaborate complex hypotheses to fill the holes in their knowledge.
" I will make additional preparations " she announces. " Give me a score minutes if you don't mind. "

Landing on the floor, she pulls out chalk and various implements from the pouches, and begins to draw a circle filled with intricate shapes that dazzle the eye and befuddle the brain. Then she sits and meditates next to it. A vaporous shape takes form above the drawn seal, all impossible angles and alien motion, but she seems to manage to commune with it, and it vanishes after a short while.
With one leg she mars the diagram, but she remains seated, and begins to incant a spell. She mixes the ambiant dust with water, and breathes on it and adds a tiny emerald as an offering. She is contacting her goddess for guidance.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Binding Zceryll (a bit more than 1 min)
then casting  Divination  with the following question: " how to get free of the curse that brought me here? "

 (1d100)[ 57 ]  (10 or below is a failure)
 
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 
”Drive the Dead from the Spirit.”
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Not a very exciting place, but it's nice to find a place to sit for a spell."   Crane wanders over to the benches while Cassandra communes. He waves his hand at the idea of sneaking past Omshaw - then remembers he's holding a sword and lowers it.   "I'm still not convinced that those assumptions have been borne out by anything we've found. Lots of sand, an abandoned temple. Some old writing. None of them are  to me  a reason to upset our current only living source of information about this place."   He says, raising an eyebrow at Iarmid.

  "There's other buildings to explore. Maybe we find an answer that turns Omshaw to be our friend instead of guard? Or we get tired of the sand and heat and we walk through shadows to someplace else, a place that leads to home."   His shade seems to become excited at the mention of shadow-walking but he blinks and the shade returns to calm.   "I can see the paths of night and guide us safely through them, if that's something we decide needs to happen."  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 " I concur with the first part, Crane " Cassandra replies as she stands up and dusts up her robes. Turning to Eilyra and Iarmid: " Your theory about the seal and everything else might be true, but it's very much a theory at this point. "

Back to Crane:
" As for shadow walking... where to?
In this, I align with Eilyra: we are probably not trapped on this plane, but given the rude and unexplained manner in which we were brought here, we'll want to put a stop to it lest we are forced to come back time and again. "

The situation, and being subject to Zceryll's mad whispers in addition to all the others', is giving her a headache, but for now she manages not get irritated at her companions for her own problems.

" The omens I received are as cryptic as ever:
'Drive the Dead from the Spirit.'

I used to be very skilled at the game of interpretation, and became famous for it but due to... a... tragedy, I have not partaken of it in a long while.
'Drive the Dead from' is clear enough, but what the Spirit is, I do not know. It could be a creature, a place or an item of power. "

After she speaks, an unnaturally twisted earth elemental appears by her side and, clearly in command, she tells him in Terran to go explore beyond the blockage and come back to report. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
using Zceryll's summon monster ability to summon a pseudonatural elemental (template in CArc, not the epic one!) and have it use its Earth Glide to explore
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
While waiting for Cassandra to finish her spell, Eilyra chose to slowly explore the perimeter of the chamber, examining the statuary, but as Cassandra speaks, she turns to face the woman, stepping out from the wall as she does so to have enough clearance for her wings.  Frowning thoughtfully at Cassandra's omen, it takes Eilyra moments to respond..  " Thus far, we have encountered four animated things in this place.  The three spectres, which I think are better off dead, and Omshaw.  Omshaw, as an elemental, could be considered a spirit of the land, and the dead might be referring to whatever control mechanism was applied to it?  Alternatively, we could be looking at a case of possession of someone we have not yet met. "
She steps forwards, moving to roughly the midway point between the collapsed foyer, and her entry point into the chamber, keeping an eye on the offbrand elemental Cassandra summoned  " My eyes should be returning in another twenty minutes or so, and they may have more information for us. " 
 
  
kinem
The elemental mostly just finds more rubble and sand, no passageway. However you do have the chance to do a little looting if you decide to: There’s a Sun symbol of Ra that was inlaid on the floor, and the elemental could retrieve about 100 gp worth of gold if directed to do so.

OOC: Time to move on to see if the Eyes found anything?
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 39. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance 

Iarmid didn’t blink as Eilyra took a drink, but ah... it did remind him that he didn’t have any provisions on him... he had actually been heading to the market to restock before he got yanked here. Even if he, admittedly, had a slight habit of getting so obsessed with trying to find Aphrysies that he forgot to look after himself properly. It wasn’t an issue, it didn’t happen  often . Just, every now and again. And well, it meant Iarmid would not have any water or food currently. It was not a big issue, he was far tougher than most, so he could go without food and water for a while. But if necessary... well, hopefully, the others might be willing to share? With how potent they were as spellcasters, he wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t have a way to create food and water...

Iarmid was distracted from these thoughts as Crane spoke up, his objection making him huff light.   “Yet someone already upset him.”   What was wrong with his desire to just head to the damn pyramid already. They were going to head there eventually, so why delay the obvious? ... Still, there was some logic in it, and Iarmid let out a small sigh as they nodded, saying.   “Still, no harm in waiting for the eyes.”   The more information they had the better, even if Iarmid believed there was not going to be much information to receive. The omen that Cassandra heard after performing her ritual, ‘Driving Dead From the Spirit’ was about as useful as a one-legged horse. Hopefully, the eyes would learn more, and at least give them something else to investigate... or maybe more spectres that needed to be laid to rest.

Either option was good, as long as they didn’t wait for long.
kinem
Cassandra decided to show respect rather than have the symbol of Ra torn up, so the gold is left where it was.

The group heads out of the ruins and waits a few minutes for the Prying Eyes to return to Eilyra. Sixteen of them return and report.

 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
Most of what they found is not that interesting, perhaps because they can’t get far into the ruins before it gets dark. There are numerous clay pots and urns, most of them cracked or smashed. There are also a few fallen statues that seem to be if humanoids with animal heads.

There is one case where an Eye flew over an area where a pit had formed due to a collapse of a structure below. It was poorly lit due to the angle of the sun but there seemed to be some kind of movement within the pit.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
As her eyes come into sight, Eilyra looks them over, counting them, before she extends her hand, allowing them to land one at a time, her eyes flickering back and forth, as though seeing something unseen by others as she absorbs their information.  It takes a couple of minutes before all of the eyes are dispersed, and the half fiend's attention returns to the immediate situation.  Perhaps predictably, her angular face is marred by a slight frown, revealing her disappointment in her findings.
Despite this, her voice remains it's normal (Seemingly) melodic, but cool tone.  " It would appear that, predictably, much of the city is in ruins.  Their main storage seems to have been clay pots and urns, which have not survived the passage of time.  There are also a multitude of fallen statues with the remains of animal heads, perhaps representing their pantheon, although I don't know whether they were felled by time or by some action towards the end for the kingdom.  That said, based on all their heads being smashed, I would be unsurprised to find that whatever ultimately happened here was at least partially religious. "  She shakes her head.  " The eyes, by and large, did not fare well when exploring the darker interiors.  There was really only one notable find, that of a pit not too far from here with movement within it.  Perhaps the lair of some creature or of some person.  It is where I believe we should head next ".
With her message delivered, and words set, she turns to face the direction of the pit, her tail swaying back and forth behind her as she jumps into the air.  With the height gained by her jump, her leathery wings unfurl from her back, and beat down, sending a stinging cloud of sand out as she claws her way into the sky, starting in the direction of the pit.  It isn't long before she glances back, to see if anyone was following.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Having consumed the knowledge the eyes gave, did Eilyra see anything suggesting that the statues may not have been felled by time?
Did she see any standing defensive structures(Forts, fortified compounds, things of that nature)?
 

 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
All of the statues had heads smashed or off.

You didn’t see any fortifications.
 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Casting a long look around the abandoned temple, Cassandra shrugs:
" It seems as good a next step as any. We're collecting pieces of the puzzle.

If you will, before we get going, I can share a measure of my goddess' blessing with you, that will let your body endure as the world does, regenerating at a rapid speed unless subjected to fire or caustic substances. "
If there are volunteers, she will but need to touch them to effect the change. (If there are questions about it, she readily answers them.)

She then lets the other woman lead the way.
One of her spirits commands the winds, so she has him deflect the sand sent her way by the half-fiend's flight, as she paces her flight to remain behind Eilyra. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
What she can grant is Regeneration 1, bypassed by acid or fire.

Also, as allies now, you get the benefit or her Senses draconic aura:  +4 Listen / Spot / Initiative when within 30ft of her .
 
kinem
Eilyra leads the way to the area where the Eye saw the pit, followed by Cassandra, and the others if they so decide.

The pit is an area where the roof of a buried structure has caved in. About 20’ below is a surface covered with sand and rubble, as well as an almost skeletal humanoid that raises a strange wand as you peer down.

 
 Spoiler: Knowledge (religion) DC 18 
The creature is an Ashen Husk, an undead who died of heat and thirst and can pass on the affliction.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
From your time in Bavia you recognize the item it’s holding as a gun.
 


OOC: PCs to act. If you choose to employ violence, we can mostly handwave the action as I don’t expect this CR 3 encounter to be a significant challenge.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Looking down into the pit, Eilyra sees the Ashen Husk, and looks it over, trying to compare the remains of it's clothing and other gear to what she remembered of Bavian gear, and the look of the wand to the weapons that she had seen in her prior visit to Bavia.  " Interesting.  The pit suggests that there may be structures of more interest buried under the sand, although locating and reaching them is likely to be tedious. "  She pauses, then looks back at Crane, Iarmid, and Cassandra.  " For reference, the creature appears to be an Ashen Husk, another of those reproducing undead, although even less of a threat than a spectre.  Slightly resistant to cutting blows, but nothing significant.  Of more interest is the wand it is carrying, as it represents a Bavian weapon that is fairly new.  This was likely a much more recent visitor, and interrogation might give us more information, but we would both need to have the means available and be willing to expend the resources necessary to do so. "  She looks at it in disgust.  " Unfortunately, being reanimated makes spells like Speak with Dead worthless. "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Are there any other doorways within the buried chamber?
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra half-listens to Eilyra, who makes good remarks but tends to speak  a lot .   I wonder if she speaks as much when real battle is joined. No doubt I'll find out ere this is over.  
" And unfortunately they are mindless, so there's no use trying to interrogate it "

Cassandra flies down to behead the abomination, dodging a projectile - launched with surprising speed by the wand, with a fiery belch - on her way. She'll stop if an ally shouts for her to.
She then inspects the rubble from where she hovers. 
 
  

OOC: Spot 62 (taking 10)
kinem
The chamber has numerous smashed bottles and jars amounting no the rubble, as well as what might have been cheese. There is a doorway but it’s blocked by rubble.

On the fallen ashen husk you find a pistol with 4 bullets remaining, as well as a small smooth stick that Eilyra recognizes as a Bavian-style pen, a book with some handwritten pages in another language you don’t recognize (the rest of the pages are blank), 8 gp, 12 sp, 7 cp.

 
 Spoiler: journal 
It’s a journal by a man named Nekem, and tells of how he and two others were desperate and decided to try their luck looting. He notes that “the Marru pyramid would have the best stuff, but of course no one can get close.”

He tells of how he went off to explore but what he stood on collapsed and he fell down here. He yelled but his companions didn’t come. In turns he cursed them for abandoning him or thought they must have also fell prey to the dangers of the place. He had no water and knew he wouldn’t last long. His greatest fear was that he would end up as an undead.
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 39. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance 

Iarmid would rest against a wall as they waited for the magic eyes to return from their scouting trip. Closing his eyes and slipping into a mild doze. An experienced soldier like him knew how to catch cat naps where possible and could wake at a snap of the fingers. Indeed, as soon as Eilyra began speaking, his eyes would open and he pushed himself away from the wall, listening as she spoke. Curious how the heads of the statues were all smashed, but with how long ago it happened, Iarmid doubted it was much of a clue. Instead, he simply nodded at the suggestion of traversing to the pit.

Cassandra’s offer to share her goddess’ blessings to help regenerate their injuries was accepted with a smile and thanks. He was grateful for the soothing energy that filled him, the aches and bruises from his little skirmish with Omshaw fading as his body began to heal itself. He doubted it would take more than a dozen or so minutes for him to be back in top form, ready for another fight.

... Not that the next fight was anything to go by. The pit didn’t exactly look inviting, with the undead being even weaker than the spectres, but he supposed it was something. Iarmid would drop down after Cassandra and eyed the rubble-blocked doorway.   “I can probably shift some of that, but could you summon an elemental again to investigate past it to see if it's worth clearing?”   
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Thanks for the help."   Crane says to Cassandra as she shares her power. He follows the group and makes no protest at the destruction of the undead.   "His life ended long ago. Hopefully their spirits are at rest, now. New weapons didn't help them against old curses."  

He shrugs his shoulders and unfurls his wings.   "It seems we're low on ideas here that aren't ambushing Omshaw."   He beats his wings and slowly rises from the ground.   "I'm going to get high, see what the birds see when they pass this place. I'll be a few minutes, carry on as you will."   His wings flap harder as he leaves the ruins and ascends above.

 
 Spoiler 
Crane is going to fly up pretty high. He's not very fast or maneuverable though, so he's ascending in wide slow circles. He wants to get high enough to see the whole area in one view, maybe 1,000ft? A double move will get 40ft of ascent a turn, so it'll take a little over 2 minutes to reach that height.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
With Cassandra flying ahead and clearly looking around, Iarmid speaking with her, and Crane flying up to look for an alternative to what Eilyra was grimly certain was the next step, Eilyra gracefully slides down the sandy slopes to the side of the deceased ashen husk, and starts to examine the body while Cassandra hovers over it, investigating the rubble.
The gun, the pen, the coins... those are of little interest to the questing fiend, but the surviving pages?  Those were another thing entirely, and after retrieving them, she starts to look over them, trusting in her magic to render them readable, her tail swaying from side to side behind her.
It told the tale of a man who went by the name of Nekem, a tomb raider, apparently a desperate, an unskilled one.  After reviewing the papers, she shakes her head in disgust.  " Apparently, this was Nekem, one of the most incompetent looters I have encountered.  Apparently, this building collapsed under him as he was trying to explore the desert with no water.  And apparently, the pyramid is considered the Marru pyramid by the Bavians.  Which is interesting, but given the timeline, I can't say whether Omshaw was being deceptive, or if the Bavians are simply misinformed, although the other documents we had found also contradict what he said, as, after translation, he claimed that the King was Panken, and the land was Anret, whereas the documentation we found supported the opposite. "  She frowns, and strides out from under Cassandra so she could look up at her.  " Are you certain of Omshaw's words?  It seems an odd thing for it to lie about. " 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Crane 
As you climb higher you survey the ruins of this city and the surrounding desert.

The pyramid is roughly in the middle of the ruins; there are a few pillars where statues might have been but are now rubble, and several openings into the ruins but none stand out.

In the distance there is … sand. No features that you can see stand out; no nearby rivers or hills or even plants. It’s not what you would expect for a city significant enough to sport an interplanar gate, but certainly much must have changed since those days.
 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra raises an eyebrow at Iarmid's request, as if it was expected to have an unlimited supply of elementals at her back and call... As a matter of fact, she kinda does, but the counterpart of this power is... taxing. Yet she assents, and another twisted earth elemental appears on the ground below her; she addresses it in Terran to ask it to go through the rubble, while Crane is scouting from on high.

" I am certain " she replies to Eilyra. " Perhaps one or all of the parties that provided answers are mistaken. Or lying, or their memories were altered. " She gets the sense Eilyra likes to be thorough when it comes to listing scenarios. 
 
  
kinem
The elemental scouts beyond the blockage, then reports back to  Cassandra.

 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 
The chambers beyond have collapsed, and don’t contain as much as you might expect from a dwelling unless it had been looted a long time ago; however there is a large wooden chest behind a thin piece of stone which you can guess had been a secret door.
 
Chambers
 Crane 

High above the ruins and sand, Crane felt the wind rushing through his wings and smiled for the first time since he arrived here.   If nothing else, thanks for this moment.   He says to Lliira in prayer. Dancing through the air always feels like a renewal of her blessing. He glances back down at the ground and sighs as his thoughts return to the present.   Nothing around...but sand. What a lonely place this must be.  

He finishes his reconnaissance and tucks his wings in, plummeting straight to the ground like a high diver. The wind tears at his clothes and hair but the smile on his face gets wider as the ground rushes up in detail. A few hundred feet above ground he snaps his wings once to check his speed and then unfurls them to drop safely down near the group. He shakes his wings to smooth out the ruffles and tucks them in.   "Nothing but sand."   He says as he runs a hand through his hair.

  "No mountains, old rivers, canyons, road, anything. Just sand."   He says and waves his arms wide.   "Everywhere you look, for as far as you can see. Sand."   He squats down to re-tighten some of his battle harness after the flight.   "Now. We've poked around, found some letters. Some undead. That weapon."   He says and nods to Eilyra.   "But nothing we've found, to me, says that I need to know what's in that pyramid bad enough to kill Omshaw to get in there."  

He stands and crosses his arms.   "Maybe you feel the same. Maybe you don't. But I'm not keen on murdering people because life gets inconvenient for me. We've got ways to leave this place that we haven't even tried yet.  "
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra thanks the elemental for his service and orders it to go back and drag the chest back out to them.

She muses on Crane's words before sharing her stance. " There is wisdom in what you say... Yet my goddess' words were clear enough that I should not try to run away - even if I were inclined to, which I am not. I have learned at g- at great cost that one suffers when one meddles with Destiny, and I know this is a such a moment. I will face mine. So the question is: are you willing to stand aside if I decide to confront Omshaw, possibly with fatal consequences for them?

Believe me, I'd like to avoid even killing it if I can. But I do not know the nature of their fiendish infestation, so that I cannot be sure I can cure it. I'll ask them, but I predict they will attack me instead of cooperate. " Her tone is clear and confident, except when she refers to her biggest mistake - it almost always makes her stammer. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The Su ability replicates Summon Monster VII, so it's a  Greater Earth Elemental . Its Strengh should be high enough, I think.
I assume the chest counts as a possession so it can Earth Glide with the elemental.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra frowns once more as she tries to put the various puzzle pieces together, but between the knowledge she had from the Bavians, the recent journal, Cassandra's translations of Omshaw's words, and the records found within the temple, there was no solution.  At least some of it had to be incorrect.  But as she listened while Crane and Cassandra talked, before she approached the two, her wings folded behind her back, and her tail slowly, gently flicking back and forth behind her.  " From what I saw, Omshaw is powerful enough to make trapping it challenging, but not impossible.  It is, at heart, a smoke monolith, however, it has been enhanced by whatever was done to it, likely fiendish.  I may be able to trap it into a form not it's own, although the chances of success are not good, especially depending on how much fiendish enhancement it received. "  She looks thoughtful as she considers other, less than lethal options, but after a few moments, she continues.  " If we make the assumption that it is the bound spirit your spell mentioned. "  She looks to Cassandra as she says this.   "I may be able to break those bindings via disjunction, and if it is possessed, a casting of magic circle may free it, at least temporarily. "  She looks over at Crane, sparks flying from her hair as her head moves.  " Alternatively, I could summon and bind it, as it shared it's name, assuming it told the truth.  Such a thing would be costly, and the bindings would not hold forever, but they would hold long enough, assuming the circle is not disturbed. "

Finished explaining her options, she crosses her arms under her chest, and looks at those before her.  " However, it might be simpler to try talking to it again, rather than anything else.  Provided, that is. "  As she speaks, her golden eyes look directly into the eyes of Crane and Cassandra(And Iarmid if he is here) " No one else tries targeting it with magic.  If it has been here alone for this long, it might be willing to talk, and disclose more information, now that we have enough to ask for more detailed answers.  It might also be possible to find away around it's binding. "  She flashes a quick smile, almost a smirk.  " If it is bound to guard the tomb of the king, perhaps the pyramid is not the tomb, merely a building built around it. "  She then gives another look to each member of the group.  " Alternatively, one of you might have another option. "
 
 
  
kinem
The earth elemental is able to retrieve the wooden chest that it had found beyond the blockage.

The chest is roughly 3’ x 3’ x 3’. It’s locked.
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 39. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Iarmid hummed when Cassandra showed that yes, she could easily summon an Earth Elemental again, proving that it was a skill she could use with little issue. It had him nod as the Earth Elemental went off to investigate the rubble, asking.   “Useful talent to have, what limits do you have to your elemental calling? It seems to me you can do so quite often throughout the day”   Aside from that, Eilyra was upset that one of the ‘most incompetent looters I have encountered’ had information that contradicted the information they had about the name of the Kingdoms and the King. To which, Iarmid would arch an eye ridge and offer his piece.   “Or perhaps this ‘Nekem’ was just incorrect.”  

Really, sometimes the simplest answers were the correct answers.

Then Crane came back, and their discussion moved ahead with what they should do as they weren’t exactly gaining much more information. His statement about killing Omshaw had Iarmid look questioningly at him.   “ Killing  him? I never believed that was on the table, he’s an elemental, they can be rendered unconscious.”   It was a little harder to render someone unconscious than not, and fighting someone simply because they were tasked to guard a tomb was unpleasant. But even if Cassandra was not staying, Iarmid was. He had been brought here for a reason, and he  needed  to find out why. Especially when it was a potential clue, a potential  lead  to find Aphrysies.

Still, there were other options, and Iarmid certainly respected Eilyra more for her suggestions, with the Paladin nodding in approval as he said.   “Asking if it desires freedom has my vote behind it. Who knows how long it's been bound? It likely slumbers when it does not need to fight, but I would not doubt that after so many centuries, it strains against the chains that bind it.”   It was a creature of intelligence and desire, elementals might operate on a different mortality or understanding to humanoids like him and the others here, but he doubted that such a long imprisonment was pleasant for it.
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra looks at the chest with curiosity. " Is one of you skilled with locks, by any chance? That can mean destroying them cleanly, by the way. I'm not, but I can ask my servant to break it, if needed. "
To Iarmid: " Indeed, I can call upon those servants often. "

Going back to the conversation on Omshaw: " I plan to pray to my goddess for help when I face them, and let her guide the magic in the best possible way to cleanse the corruption. I do not think they are the Spirit, because they seem to be plagued by the Lower Planes rather than the dead. I do like the idea of the suppressive magic circle; it would be worth trying first. Lastly, I am open to trying to speak with the creature, but given their last sentences I doubt they will take kindly to it. " 
 
  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra gives Iarmid a look, clearly not thinking very kindly about the operation of his brain, but as Cassandra speaks up, she just shakes her head slightly, and responds.  " The problem with most of the plans I suggested is that they will leave a very angry elemental with a grudge behind us, which is not ideal.  And trying any of them will remove the simplest option from possibility.  Additionally,  "  This time, as she continues to speak, her voice calm, she looks at Cassandra.  " If Cassandra didn't see any traces of magic on Omshaw, it is unlikely that the disjunction will have any effect, although it is possible that it might banish Omshaw to the paraelemental plane of smoke. "  Despite her words, Eilyra doesn't seem to have much faith in the potential for banishment.
" Overall, I believe that we can try to resolve this peacefully, but I am dubious as to the likelyhood of success.  If Omshaw is guarding the Marru Pyramid, then it is likely that violence is the best outcome.  Unleashing such a creature is likely to result in rather a lot of deaths.  Summoning and trapping it will likely lead to it seeking to kill us later, which may be inconvenient.  If it is only guarding the tomb, it may be possible to work around whatever compels it to remain here and guard, but that would require a glib tongue. "
She shrugs, and sighs.  " Regardless, I have to admit, I am tempted to believe the name for the pyramid in the Bavian's journal.  It makes much more sense for this place to have been some sort of research center and pilgrimage site than a tomb.  Building a structure of that size for a simple tomb would be folly. "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 

 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Oh, right. Locked chest. I'm the Thief."   Crane says and shakes his head.   "Sometimes I forget."   He sets down his armaments and pulls out some very tiny tools and begins inspecting the chest.   "This isn't my specialty, you know. I've got the basics down. I think."  
 
 Spoiler 
He'll  Search   (1d20+31)[ 37 ]  it for traps and then if he doesn't find any he'll  Open  the  Lock   (1d20+22)[ 28 ] .

He  does not  have Trapfinding.
 
kinem
Crane doesn’t find any traps, and manages to get the chest lock open, but it is brittle and he damages the lock in the process.

Inside you find:

- A golden face mask inlaid with gems

- A magical Amulet of Proof against Detection and Location

- A stone tablet engraved with hieroglyphics. When deciphered, you find that it describes the Pyramid as an ancient Marru site. It says the place has no visible guardians but is known to contain terrible dangers that destroyed the Marru and warns that the place must be left alone.

- A strange sealed urn with two metal wires protruding from the top
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 39. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Hmmm, right. Iarmid rubbed the back of his neck as he contemplated the situation. As much as he disliked the current circumstances, Cassandra had a point. With how poorly the situation had gone with Omshaw before they departed to investigate the ruins, the elemental might not be in a situation where it would wish to talk. Add onto Elyira’s admission that they are uncertain how successful their magical attempts to unbind or free Omshaw might be, on top of the possibility of them taking advantage of their newfound freedom to wreak havoc among the population of this material plane - if there were any survivors - and the situation was... unfortunate, to say the least.

Crane being ‘The Thief’ and grumbling that they weren’t the most skilled at it got an eyebrow from Iarmid, but no comments. Leaving the contents of the chest for the others to investigate, they likely would do a better job than him.   “In the eyes of some rulers, the fact it is folly makes it an incentive, a way to brag about the power of their kingdoms to waste time and resources in creating a monument that will only be a tomb,”   Iarmid said mildly when Elyira stated her belief that the Pyramids were more likely a research centre or pilgrimage site than a tomb. Iarmid knew full well that there was a good chance she was wrong... but he shrugged, after this, saying.   “Still, I can be wrong. More importantly, while Omshaw might not be open to discussion, I can’t in good conscience skip an attempt to  try  communicating with him. Really wish I had that permanent  Tongues  cast on me now.”   
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra cheers Crane on unironically: " That was well done! ". Going through the items, she offers the Amulet to whoever wants it, or proposes they later split the benefit of a resale... if they manage to get out of there in one piece.

She reads the tablet out loud. " More dire warnings piled on top of the previous ones. While I intend to venture inside the pyramid, I would not force any of you to come - it seems our lives, and perhaps our souls, may be at stake. "

Taking a close look at the urn, and manipulating it carefully, she muses out loud: " If I'm not mistaken, this is a material-based, non-magical source of energy... Quite an advanced item, to be found in the midst of antique ruins. I wonder if it's at the heart of the wonders, or horrors, hidden in the pyramid. "

Lastly she picks up the mask. " I will keep this for now, if none of you mind. Perhaps it has symbolic importance that may help with denizens of this place - though this is pure speculation on my part. "

She closes the chest again and sits down on it, to rest her wings, though they do not tire. " I will now cast the spell of warding " she warns, before incanting to create a Circle of Protection around herself. " I'm ready to go face the elemental again, but out of courtesy I'll wait for you to prepare as needed. "
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
She auto-succeeds on the Engineering check.

Cast Magic Circle vs Evil, duration 220 min
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra watches as Crane opens the chest, and Cassandra goes through the findings, and listens as Iarmid and Cassandra narrow in on a violent confrontation with Omshaw.  " We have enough information now to ask Omshaw some of the more useful questions, such as what happened that led to the destruction of Anret, why the Marru Pyramid is Panken's tomb, and what, exactly, he is guarding.  Hopefully, he might be persuaded to speak. "  Despite the calmness with which she delivers her words, something about her stance, the slight flaring of her wings, and the twitching of her tail seems to convey her lack of confidence in that possibility.  " If that fails, then is will mean that violence is our only option, unless anyone sees a way to avoid that outcome.  We should be prepared. "
With her somewhat dire warning given, she looks to Cassandra.  " As Omshaw approaches, use your arcane sight to see if he is magically bound in some way.  If he is, I can break that binding, which might be helpful, or might not be.  If he isn't, I believe you are the one of us with the best chance of talking him down. "  Her golden eyes look to Crane and Iarmid next.  " If Cassandra can't talk him down, and if his binding, if any, makes no difference, then we will need to commit to either lethal or non-lethal combat.  I will likely use a spell to turn myself into a golem, temporarily, to avoid inhaling the creature.  What can we do to maximize your combat capabilities? "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

AKA:  Well, if we're not able to avoid a fight, we should use our brains a bit, and have a plan.
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 " If you stay close to me, your initial reactions will be somewhat faster... but in this instance I believe it would be counterproductive, since we want to appear non-threatening to the elemental, so if you don't mind I'd rather you stayed some distance behind or to the side. Alright, I'll fly back there to go talk to it. " As advertised, she takes to the air once more.   What is your will, goddess? May it be saved still?  

She'll slow down some distance away from Omshaw, and talk as she approaches, her empty (but gloved) hands held palms up.  
 Spoiler: Auran 
" Apologies, Omshaw, but I would disturb you one last time, after which you'll get your wish for solitude. May I approach to discuss a sensitive matter? "
 

If she can, she'll fly until Omshaw is within 30ft of her, to see if the Magic Circle has any effect on the elemental. She also takes the time to use her Arcane Sight to examine it, as suggested by Eilyra.
 
 
  
kinem
The form of the giant smoke elemental had seemed a bit disrupted by the battering Iamid had given it, but now it appears fully healthy again.

Omshaw replies to Cassandra in Auran

 
 Spoiler 
”Discuss? If you must. But remember your words about it being the last time.”
 


The Magic Circle has no noticeable effects on the creature.

 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 
There are no magical auras on the elemental.
 
Chambers
 Crane 

Sheathing his blade and stowing his shield Crane nods to Cassandra.   "I've made my preparations. I'm not fighting Omshaw. Do as you will, but you're choosing violence not because it's your only option, but because it's the easiest way for you. Don't get your logic twisted."  

He follows them as they approach the pyramid but chooses to stand outside of Cassandra's warding. He folds his arms and watches as she attempts to parlay with Omshaw.
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra tilts her head as she considers Crane's words, but in the end seems to reject them. She raises her eyebrows as she replies tiredly:
" Interesting talk from someone who is 'not a Knight, but a Thief'. Anyway, I could stand here and argue that the topic is much more complex, but deeds will do more than words.
I believe I shall add 'Judge' to your list of titles. "


 

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
" The topic is rather hard to broach tactfully, but what I would discuss is your fiendish... infection? Possession? I'm not sure what the right word is. How long ago did it take place? And do you wish to get rid of it? "
 
  
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Diplomacy 45 (taking 10)
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Standing near Crane, and listening to the exchange between him and Cassandra, Eilyra frowns, before speaking, her voice low, not intended to carry.  " There are few good options available.  Stealth might be one, but I doubt Iarmid will be willing to agree to what that would take, presuming your own abilities are sufficient to avoid notice.  Binding would work, but it would result in Omshaw being hostile upon release, and without a secure location to set up the circle, I can offer no certainty that he would remain bound.  If we are very lucky, Cassandra will be able to convince him to allow us passage, on the condition that we do not loot the King's Tomb in our investigations. "  She sighs, and shakes her head.  " Either route, I foresee issues.  If Omshaw is destroyed, then Bavia will likely do it's best to loot the pyramid and unleash whatever it can in their desire for power.  Equally so, the question arises "  She pauses for a moment, looking over at the distant Omshaw.  " Is Omshaw only preventing visitors, or is he also preventing departures?  There is a reason information is essential, and that's something we are direly short on. "
Shaking her head slightly in distaste once more, Eilyra continues her thought.  " On the other hand, if we bind him, and he proves to be less limited in his roaming than we think, I am unsure what this local realm can realistically do to stop him once the bindings fail.  A peaceful resolution would be the best outcome, pending further information.  And it is entirely possible that none of what has happened has anything to do with the pyramid. "
Even as she speaks, she seems entirely at ease, standing evenly on the shifting sands beneath her feet, the wind blowing sparks from her hair, her wings folded behind her back.  Calmly waiting, until it became time to wait no longer. 
 
  
kinem
OOC: Remember that we are using Rich Burlew’s Diplomacy  https://forums.giantitp.com/showsing...32&amp;postcount=2 

Omshaw replies to Cassandra

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
”Fiends? I suggest you look to your own group for that. I’ll hear no more of this. Just let me be and be on your way.”
 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra shakes her head sadly.
 
 Spoiler: Auran 
" I thought you'd say that. Well, there's one more thing to try... "
 


She incants her highest of spells: " North-South-East-West All is the domain of the Goddess
Seeress
Purifier of hearts
Mother of all
Rid Omshaw of the Fiendish taint
Welcome your lost lamb back to the fold "

She's surrounded by a powerful halo for a brief moment, one that warms up but does not blind, like the warm caress of a mother, then the energy rushes forward to embrace Omshaw. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Casting Miracle, with the intent to "heal" Omshaw of his fiendish infection / to end the possession / to banish the fiendish symbiote. I'm assuming the intent is clear enough for a Miracle which doesn't need to be worded ironclad like a Wish? I further assume an effect equivalent to a 7th-8th spell level might be expected to work... since I don't really want to spend 5,000 XP on an elemental!
Save DC 34 if it matters

I'll preroll Initiative since this is likely a surprise round of sorts.
Init:    Init  - (1d20+32)[ 33 ]     Init  - (1d20+32)[ 35 ] 
(after the encounter I'll likely do a round of number-pruning, since hers are a bit too high, I think)

No problem about using a different Diplomacy system. I fully expect DMs to apply modifiers to make Diplomacy a bit more reasonable.
On my part, on top of the roll, it's also to convey a conciliatory intent vs deception vs intimidation.
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Before they headed off to talk to Omshaw, Iarmid would speak up to answer Eilyra’s question. “As a follower of Aphrysies, I have the power to empower my allies with music, similar to a bard's capabilities.” With how powerful and competent his current allies had shown themselves to be, Iarmid was confident they would understand the abilities he had at his disposal by comparing himself to a bard. “I also have access to several spells that can empower myself and my allies, though I did not prepare them today.” As he spoke, Iarmid made sure to dip a hand into his haversack and pulled out a  Pearl of Power , one of the weaker forms, only able to restore the energy and memory of a 1st level spell. Still, it allowed him to recover his  Enlarge Person , as the spell had long since run its course.

As they flew towards Omshaw, Iarmid would also switch weapon crystals again. Truedeath removed and put in his haversack, Fiendslayer taken and slotted into place. Of the four weapon crystals he had, it was his best choice. He would also put his glaive into the haversack as well to make sure he came across as peaceful and not looking for a fight. Considering his previous scuffle with the elemental, it was likely best for him to hang back and allow the others to do the talking... especially as he wasn’t able to speak to Omshaw either. Still, Iarmid would make sure his Animated Tower Shield was active  before  a potential fight, not after. And if asked about it, he could always say he was just giving his hands a rest from carrying around a forty-five-pound lump of metal.

Crane’s insistence that they are fighting Omshaw because it was the ‘easiest’ option had Iarmid roll his eyes and scoff at the celestial-looking thief. Was he deaf or something? Iarmid wasn’t exactly  fond  of Eilyra still, but she had listened out several means of them being able to free or otherwise subvert the elemental  without  harming them. They had mutual visions of the Pyramid,  something  had yanked them to this place, and there was no way to ensure it didn’t happen again. And if something went so far as to pull individuals of their strength and competency to this place, then the sensible thing to do was investigate the matter, it was the least they could do. Getting inside the Pyramid was  necessary , Iarmid did not doubt that attempting to sneak or teleport past Omshaw would not work. Whoever made Omshaw the guardian of this place would not miss out on such easy means of bypassing their sentry.

If it came to it, Iarmid was willing to fight with violence. But he was not choosing it because it was ‘easy’, no matter what Crane thought in his trumped-up arrogance.

Regardless, it seemed that Cassandra decided to take matters into her own hands, so Iarmid grabbed his glaive from his bag in a hurry. This was going to get ugly...
kinem
The elemental makes an unpleasant thundering noise in reaction to what Cassandra did.

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
”How dare you!”
 


OOC: Cassandra to act; then Omshaw and the party will alternate.
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Though she thinks she knows where Fate is taking this, Cassandra explains her gesture briefly:
 
 Spoiler: Auran 
" I sought to  restore  you to your elemental, primal glory, through the power of my goddess. But it appears the taint is too deep.

I do not particularly wish to fight you, but the next step on our journey goes through the pyramid. "
 


She flies away from him in a half-circle, keeping an eye on him. Her weapon jumps to her hand with but a thought, but as shown by her movement she is not looking for confrontation, merely readying herself for it. She holds her blade at her side, not even in a defensive posture unless/until Omshaw attacks.

If the tainted guardian comes after her, sudden winds whill whip her clothes and hair into a frenzy, and she will open her mouth to unleash a small tornado at her foe, attempting to drive it away.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Move:  move 50ft away from Omshaw (she was roughly 25ft away to try the Magic Circle)
 Free:  Draw weapon
 Standard:  ready an action to use Orthos' Whirlwind Breath if Omshaw attacks her.
60ft cone (she orients it to catch only Omwshaw),  (21d6)[ 72 ]  dmg - Ref DC 38 for half, Fort DC 38 or be pushed  (1d4)[ 3 ]  x 10ft away from her
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Woah!"   Crane says in response to the intense display of power from Cassandra.   This is going to get out of hand quick!   He flies closer in, trying to get in between Omshaw and Cassandra.   "Let's just settle down here."   He raises his hands up to show he's unarmed.   "Can we try a little more talk, a lot less spell-slinging?"  
  "Omshaw, if you can understand me, would you agree to talk one on one with me about resolving this mess?"   He says and then looks around at the other three.   "That means no more spells cast on him, understand?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Crane will come off  Delay  (sorry I was at work earlier and couldn't really post). He'll Take 10 on a Rushed Diplomacy check (Result 27) to try and defuse the situation and get Omshaw to talk semi-privately.
 
kinem
The elemental readies itself for quick action and says

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
”No one enters the pyramid, that is not negotiable. But, I will forgo my revenge if you all leave now.”
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Seeing Crane rush forwards to address Omshaw as negotiations break down with Cassandra's abrupt choice of action, Eilyra approaches Cassandra more sedately, and reaches out to gently grasp her shoulder, and attempt to calm the clearly agitated Priestess, her voice pitched so Omshaw could hear, but still be somewhat soothing.  " Be calm, Cassandra.  The goal was to ask Omshaw questions, and hope to find out more about this situation, not jump to spells. "

Afterwards, still hovering near Cassandra, Eilyra also tries addressing Omshaw, hoping to get a genuine conversation going.  " Guardian Omshaw, could you tell us more about the pyramid?  It was created by the Marru, was it not?  Has it ever pulled anyone here? "

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Also, touching for purposes of a certain spell...
And not being left alone with Iarmid.
 

 
 
  
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

For several moments, it looked certain that a fight would break out between the group and Omshaw, but somehow, Crane diving between Cassandra and the elemental, begging for peace, was enough to have Omshaw hold back on lashing out at them. Iarmid stayed tense for a few moments, waiting to see if Omshaw would strike at Crane regardless, but as it came clear, Iarmid let out a small sigh and relaxed, resting his glaive back against his shoulder as he muttered to himself.  “I really hope this isn’t a long-haul quest, as none of us seem to agree on anything.” 

At the very least, it confirmed to Iarmid that while incapable of speaking Common, Omshaw could  understand  them, if his reaction to Crane was anything to go off. Which was, curious. If Omshaw had been stuck to the Pyramid for hundreds of years, wouldn’t Common have shifted and changed over time to become almost unrecognisable? Iarmid was not the most studied individual in the world, but languages changed over the years of their use, he knew that, so why could he understand them? A magical enchantment perhaps? Or was its nature as a Common tongue and trade language between multiple cultures and peoples, including long-lived races like elves, enough to keep it remarkably static?

... Pushing that curiosity aside with a small shake of his head, Iarmid would allow Elyira to chide Cassandra for her rash actions, and take the opportunity to speak himself.   “And allow me to extend my apologies for the earlier violence Sir Omshaw. While I understand what drove me to act the way I did, it is no excuse for lashing out at a guardian simply doing its duty, and for that, you have my sincerest apology.”   Iarmid even went so far as to bow to the elemental to hopefully reinforce his genuine regret.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
  Diplomacy  - (1d20+35)[ 38 ] 
 
kinem
Omshaw says something in Auran

 
 Spoiler 
”I recognize attempts at peaceful contact but I don’t understand that language. If you must speak, use Auran.

But really, just leave.”
 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra's body language is one of recoiling from Eilyra's unconsented touch.
" I am as calm as this tense situation allows, Eilyra; please refrain from touching me without permission. I will let you all communicate with the Elemental if you wish, but it is unswerving in denying us access to the pyramid.

Even if it were forthcoming, which it is not, I have a hard time understanding how you could trust its answers. I had hoped my prayer would return it to its primal, pure self, in which case we could have obtained cooperation and truth more easily. I saw it as the only path forward, but it seems my goddess is weak here, or my faith insufficient, and this creature is strong. "

Cassandra translates Omshaw's renewed warnings.
" What do you want to do now? I can translate your pleas and questions, but it might consider them a provocation. " 
 
  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Pausing in her reaching, Eilyra retracts her hand, and returns her attention back to Cassandra from Omshaw, and speaks quickly, and softly, her tone harsh.  " Because we have some information about the area that we can use as a cross check, and furthermore can access more material allow for more comparisons.  And because establishing what it might lie about is useful information, and, critically, we do not know which way it is guarding, nor what it is guarding.  That is information that would be helpful, and it may be willing to share, if asked properly.  It is not a certainty.  For that matter, if the pyramid is responsible for pulling us here, Omshaw may have encountered others it pulled here, and might be willing to mention them.  Knowing what happened here, what is sealed in the temple, whether others have been pulled here, and other historical information is potentially helpful.  Engaging Omshaw in conversation might make it more inclined to allow a group of historians in to investigate the pyramid, provided we agree to not take anything, or take it with us, which would be an acceptable compromise.  Furthermore, if it is entry specifically that is forbidden, it may be possible to negotiate a chance to get a closer look at the pyramid, as the exterior may contain useful writings.  And regardless, building a relationship with it beyond antagonism may prove to be beneficial. "
 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Much of the energy Cassandra had mustered begins to erode away while Eilyra is speaking. She replies softly: " I do not believe you are here as a  historian . Or is this a research trip to you? I'm trying to get rid of a curse, not write an essay about this place.

Listen, I get the sense that you are used to ordering people around. "   Browbeat   is the correct word here, but there's no use in antagonizing the woman any more than she will already.   She has full faith in the superiority of her intellect, and that leaves little room for others to exist if they do not align with her. She clearly does not understand the guardian mentality at all.  

" This is the case for me as well, to some extent, but I have also experienced circumstances where this wasn't a possibility at all, or wasn't desirable. You would do well to watch your tone, at the very least. As a token of good faith, because I sense we will have to work together in the pyramid, I will pass on your first few questions. " She does so, and translates back the predictable answers - only the confirmation of the Marru origin is slightly interesting, really -, doing her best to remain neutral and not add biting comments of her own.

She also translates Iarmid's apology so the minotaur can have his closure. 
 
  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
After trying to get Omshaw to reveal any useful information for around twenty minutes, and failing, Eilyra asks Cassandra to make one final translation.  "Thank you for your time, Omshaw."

With that goodbye said, she moves to gather the group once more, walking back to Crane, and gesturing for Cassandra and Iarmid to come as well, before settling in to wait for their arrivals.  " It would seem that Omshaw is not willing to let us pass, nor is he willing to disclose information that might help resolve our problem.  Additionally, he does not seem to be bound in the traditional sense, leaving us with three real options, if we are going to investigate the pyramid. "  Her voice continues to be dry as she projects an almost uncaring attitude, but the flicking of her tail, and the occasional slight ruffle of her wings betrays her attempt at neutrality.
" First, we could attempt to disable or eliminate Omshaw. "  As she starts to get into the more contentious options, she looks at each person in turn, making sure that they were paying attention.  " This is the simplest option.  If we are to disable him, we will need to keep in mind that he will recover fairly quickly, as he has already demonstrated his ability to do so.  However, if he recovers and we are already inside the pyramid, he might not pursue. "
Pacing a bit, she turns, and starts heading the other way as she continues.  " Second, I can attempt to bind him.  This will take gold, and time, but with a bit of care, should keep him out of the way, if extremely unhappy with us.  It is more complicated, and, if he lied about his name, will not work.  Finally, we might be able to find a way to gain entry underground, or simply directly teleport inside. "
Repeating her earlier actions, she once again looks Iarmid, Crane, and Cassandra in the eyes.  " Regardless, we will need to choose an approach as a group, as if we cannot it is not likely to reflect well in any ongoing relationship. " 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Your Goddess, your faith, sure. Right. Or  maybe  people can't just be  fixed  the way you want them to by casting a  spell ."   He says, almost shouting. He shakes his head at the priestess, clearly upset and bothered by her approach. He nods to Omshaw and then follows Eilyra and the others away.   So they can plot.  
  "I think we should reconsider approaching this a group."   He says to Eilyra with a shrug.   "I'm not going to attack Omshaw because you all have decided that getting in that pyramid is the most important thing in your life right now. Right now my best plan is to walk out of here, so that's what I'm going to do. Anyone that wants to come with me is welcome to join me. I'm headed to that nation that you mentioned up north. Bavia."  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra looks at Crane as he speaks, a faint frown forming as he expresses his desire to strike off on his own.  She pauses for a moment in her pacing, looking thoughtful, as she appears to consider the option, then shakes her head in rejection.  " While that is an option, but I suspect not a practical one.  It leaves unanswered the questions around the dreams, and whatever pulled us here in the first place.  I suspect that it will continue to pull us here or otherwise prevent a departure. "
She starts to look towards Cassandra and Iarmid, then looks back at Crane.  " On a more practical level, I presume you have the supplies needed for such a journey.  Bavia also seemed to be on the losing side of a war, and was growing desperate enough to look to necromancy , the hells, and the abyss for a chance to turn it around.  And I doubt that they have the skill necessary to prevent the usual drawbacks to such methods. "  Then, she shrugs.  " On the other hand, it would also not be a significant cost to transit there, and there might be more information available in a library, if we are able to locate one. "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

AKA Eilyra does, in fact, have access to teleport, doesn't really want to lose Crane, and while she suspects attempting to leave the area will fail, she could be wrong.
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra nods emphatically when Eilyra mentions a group approach. She smiles a proud smile as she hears the half-fiendish woman try to bring them together, try to be neutral and manage not to belittle or annoy any one of them in the process.

Of course, the desired harmony is still out of reach, for they are four headstrong individuals. Cassandra endures Crane's shouting serenely - her actions seem to have hit a sensitive chord in him, perhaps something from his past. They all come with their own experiences, a lesson she has to learn and relearn every day.   I have to find my balance. I have to remember what it is to be a Priestess.   If only she hadn't... But no, no use in dwelling on her sin.

" If you decide to go to Bavia, I will wish you well. " It is a form of accepting destiny, after all, but she doesn't mention it, believing that even her way of thinking might be irksome to the strange thief. Personally, apart from her conviction about the pyramid, she'd rather getting caught in an uncontrolled war involving the Lower Planes.

" For those who think we need to investigate the pyramid, we could try teleporting on the other side of the door, though I wouldn't be surprised if it fails. That would avoid a confrontation. " 
 
  
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Oh, right. Omshaw did not understand them. Just, the types of gestures and attempts for peace that Crane did with his body. That sadly made sense, though Iarmid had his apologies translated by Cassandra eventually, which he quickly thanked her for, grateful he could show the elemental his regret for his earlier actions. Still, the following questioning was, not exactly fruitful, as Omshaw was stubborn and determined to remain the pyramid’s guardian. Which, well, was an extremely respectable sentiment, even as it made Iarmid wonder just how much time he was conscious, or if he could slumber for aeons, stirring only when the living came close to this desolate land. Living, not unliving, or perhaps he could detect them as they moved closer to the pyramid than the ruins around them?

Regardless, they eventually retreated out of earshot to discuss what needed to be done, Iarmid was pleased both by this, and Elyisa’s suggestions. Crane’s objections had him frown, as how unreasonable could he get? But he allowed the others to say their piece first, acknowledging the difficulties of such a journey if forced to travel on foot as well, before Iarmid would speak his mind.   “Crane, I have little desire to fight an individual simply for being a Guardian of a Tomb, especially after my initial error. So I can understand, and sympathise with, your reluctance to partake in violence against Omshaw. But the simple fact is that  something  drew us here, drew us to this place after we had been plagued with dreams and visions of this place. And we are no mere pawns to be moved across as chess board with ease and contempt, but agents of great power and ability that are to be respected even by the Gods themselves.”   At least, that was what Iarmid believed of his capabilities, and what he had seen the others wielding during their investigation. Crane, not so much, but Iarmid saw no reason why he should be weaker than the others.   “For any force to have the ability to disturb us so, and to draw us here against our will? It is not something we can so easily afford to turn away from...  if  we have the choice at all.”   

Iarmid paused, giving Crane time to think about this, before he sighed and scratched the back of his head, as he admitted.   “And unless magic can allow us to depart from this place, I do not have many supplies on me for a long journey, I was actually moving to acquire some before I was brought to this place. As it stands, I have my doubts that simple teleportation or invisibility would be successful, though I am willing to make the attempt. Nor does it seem to me that binding Omshaw is feasible, it would take too much time to fulfil. I hate to admit it, but unless another option is presented, the only way forward I can see is  though  Omshaw. Hopefully, if we do incapacitate him and make it to the Pyramid itself, he will be unable to follow. But if he does... well, we’ll just have to incapacitate him again.”   
Chambers
 Crane 
  "You think so highly of yourself that the  Gods  should respect you?"   Crane says and laughs at Iarmid, then shakes his head.   "The self-righteous will always find a justification for their violence. You're no different,  paladin ."  

Crane points to the chamber they had explored earlier.   "I'm going down there, out of this sun, and then I'm shadow walking out of here. Or Eilyra can drive the wagon, I'm fine with that. Anyone who wants to come with me is welcome."   He says and then flies off.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra looks to Cassandra and Iarmid as Crane flies off.  " If the teleport works, we can potentially learn a lot more.  If not, then we know that we are out of options. "  Muttering under her breath, she starts to take off and fly after him.  "  Although why he feels it essential to start from that temple, I don't know.  "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Fun fact:  I was thinking that Eilyra had alter self prepped for this.  Luckily, she does not, so... life is fun.  She is definitely not a wanted criminal in Bavia by now, definitely.  No chance of that at all.
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 " I will wait here for a few hundred heartbeats, in case the spell fails and you come back. "
This is pure politeness out of Cassandra, who does not care either way. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
...because surely the DM will adjust down the difficulty if there's only 2 of us in the campaign 😉
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Iarmid... just arched an eyeridge at Crane's dismissal. Well, so much for being the reasonable one of the group, the self-confessed ex-thief immediately latched onto a singular part of his argument and dismissed him entirely out of hand. And so, Iarmid was fine dismissing himself in turn. If he wasn't willing to be rational, if he was so ardently rejecting the facts presented to him like this, and refusing to accept the importance of investigating the Pyramid, then Iarmid cared little for his thoughts and opinions.

  "Rather wish whatever brought us here hadn't grabbed someone so delusional."   He commented idly, shrugging his shoulders when Elyia decided to go and try to convince Crane they should do...  something  at least. If Elyia wanted to try teleporting away for further investigation, then that was her decision. Iarmid meanwhile, would stay and actually get the important matters done.   "Do you think he start accusing me of insanity if I told him I was my goddess' lover?"   He asked Cassandra, deciding that waiting a little while to see if Elyia would be successful in teleporting away or not would work was a reasonable course of action.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Arriving at the temple not far behind Crane, Eilyra offers him a brief, encouraging smile, before she started to explain.  " It might be wise to conceal your weapons, as the non-combatant bavians I have seen generally did not carry weapons at all, and their combatants generally carried weapons similar to the one the ashen husk was using.  Additionally, all of the civilians I saw were humans.  I just need to disguise myself first, as well as fix the language issue. "
With that warning, Eilyra starts chanting again, quickly running through the motions of a spell, before her form abruptly shifts, becoming that of a Solar, before it smoothly shifts into that of a young human woman, still wearing the same backless dress Eilyra was wearing.  " That should take care of the language issue, and should prevent recognition. "  This time, her voice seems to have lost that melodic quality common among elves, and is something rather more plain.

With her preparations completed, she reaches back into her cloak, and produces a staff, a simple ashen shaft of wood, with an inscribed stylized silver gate sitting on one end.  "If you would like to be teleported, please take my arm, not my hand.  Touch is required."

And, once Crane either touches her arm, or declines to do so, Eilyra casts her teleportation spell, aiming for a Bavian library.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Since otherwise things are likely going to go badly, using impromptu metamagic(Her last, I believe) to cast extended shapechange into a solar, then change shape into a human, for the combination of disguise and tongues.

Then, Greater Teleport(Using her runestaff), aiming for a library.  I'm optimistically hoping that she has read of a Bavian library, but if not, it will be the same structure she teleported to last time, as that is the only city location she is definitely aware of.  Not the military base, as she knows that has a wardstone.
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra keeps a carefully neutral expression at the mention of Crane being delusional. But in truth, her remaining companion-in-adversity put the finger on something very pertinent. " Perhaps  this  is our common point " she muses out loud " in spite of our power, or perhaps because of it, we are all delusional to some extent. But if so, this is worrying - since it means someone intends to take advantage of it. " It doesn't cost her too much to admit to delusions, but she expects vehement denial from self-righteous Iarmid.

At the mention of being a goddess' lover, Cassandra gives Iarmid an inscrutable look, wondering if he's pulling her leg. Then she moves on, deciding that it does not matter either way. " It seems they succeeded, and are not coming back. Should we make an attempt for the pyramid? We can first try teleporting inside, though I'll warn you this is not without danger, if there are wards designed specifically against it. Then, if it fails, I suggest you investigate the door to the pyramid while I hold off Omshaw. Though if you'd rather subdue the guardian together first, then that also works for me. I'd keep him down while you try and get the door open - which is also not without danger. Strength might be needed if we can't open it on our own. " 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I was waiting for kinem to post, but since he indicated OOC that the teleport would work, we can continue on our end.
 
kinem
 Eilyra and Crane 

Eilyra remembers seeing an article in a magazine called Today’s World, in which a photograph of a large new library in the city of Dewlee was included, said to be an architectural masterpiece.

Along with Crane, she successfully teleports to that location.

The pair finds themselves in a large, but dimly lit room. The place has clearly been damaged, as there is rubble and signs of crude wooden reinforcement along one wall. There are rows of books and other written materials throughout the room. It seems like there are paintings hanging in several places on the walls, but they are not visible as tarps now cover them. There are no other creatures currently visible in the room.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Surprised by her teleport's success, the human looking Eilyra quickly surveys the seemingly battered library around her, and quietly stows her runestaff back in her cloak.  Taking in the devastation, she quietly mutters to Crane.  " It would appear that the Bavian war has continued, and has not gone well for the Bavians.  This may complicate things. "
With her warning given, she quietly approaches one of the tarped bookshelves, and starts running her finger along the titles of the books present there, trying to get a sense for what sort of books were stored in this chamber.
After all, it was always possible that they got lucky.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d20+10)[ 21 ]  Hide
 (1d20+10)[ 21 ]  Move Silently
 

 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Feels good to be out of that heat."   Crane says once he gets his bearings. He keeps his voice low as he takes a look around.   "We probably don't have time for a full run-down right now, but what are the most important things I need to know about this place? Who were the Bavians fighting?"   Crane asks Eilyra. While she's checking out the books Crane is looking for possible exits and a view to the outside.   "How long ago do you think this place was wrecked?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Crane has Blindsense 30ft and True Seeing. He's unfamiliar with the culture so there's probably lots of things that look weird or unusual.

He'll sneak as well; Hide 61, Move Silently 54.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra doesn't glance up from her perusal of the book titles as she replies to Crane.  " I'm not sure.  I didn't do a lot of research, as they were incidental.  The impression that I got was that Bavia had started a war of conquest, but as it turned out, their opposition had more will to fight.  Bavian culture seemed to be very strict, very controlled, with a dedication to their government that did not feel real.  They had made a deal with an exiled demon lord, who's name I'll not repeat here to provide him with the tools to cause a significantly problematical event in return for his support in their war. "  She shakes her head in disgust.  " Said event would likely have destroyed Bavia.  So at that time, they were desperate, and it has been months since I was in Bavia.  This library was featured in a relatively recent publication, and it had a picture, which is why I chose it.  I've never visited this location in the past.  My guess is that the damage is fairly recent, within the last few months. " 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Huh."   Crane says.   "I'd say, 'that's what you get for making deals with devils', but..."   He says with a half-smile that slowly fades.   "Problem is, it's usually innocents who end up paying the price for the bargain."  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra nods.  " It is rare that a deal made in desperation ends well, regardless of who is on the other side of the bargain.  Dealing with the lower planes requires time and resources.  Doing so without either will only end in disaster.  Doing so with both will also usually end in disaster. "  She frowns, before continuing, her voice softer.  " Just ask my family. " 
 
  
kinem
From what Eilyra can tell, the books she is currently looking at are collections of love poems. Looking at other shelves, she finds treatises on basic principles of architecture and works of fiction -  clearly labeled as such - involving adventurers who travel to other planes. Evidently there are books on many subjects here, but the way they are organized is rather unclear.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Finishing her investigation of the books, Eilyra's attention turns towards the door leading out of the room, before glancing at Crane, and speaking softly.  " It appears that we were not so lucky as to teleport into the right section of the library.  If we are to conclude their search in a reasonable time, we're going to need to either find a librarian, or some description of how the books are organized, and neither seem to be here. "
With that, she starts to approach the door, and pauses as she reaches it, listening.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d20+31)[ 47 ]  Listen, looking to see what she can hear.
 

 
 
  
kinem
Light filters dimly through glass windows around the ceiling of the large library. Several of them have been boarded up.

Flanking the door are two large posters. To the right is one featuring a photograph of a well-dressed man riding a horse; at his side is a pistol weapon like that which the Ashen Husk had. In the Bavian language is the caption  “All hail the heroic Duke Hazel!” 

The poster to the left is a cartoon depicting a stick figure man stabbing another stick figure man in the back with a sword. The Bavian caption reads  “It is your patriotic duty to report at once any sign of rebel activity!” 

Eilyra hears very faintly a repetitive mechanical noise that she has come to associate with a ‘helicopter’ vehicle flying somewhere nearby, but no noises from within the building.

There is a desk near the door, with various papers and a few books strewn on top of it, and also a cabinet with many square drawers.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Ignoring the paintings near the door, Eilyra's attention turns to the unmanned desk as it comes into her line of sight, along with the strange cabinet, and she approaches it to investigate, trying to determine both current events and to try and determine where the books she was interested might be.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

So... Assuming that this desk is the equivalent of the front desk of a library, but...
Basically, nosing through the stuff on the desk, and then trying to figure out the organizational system?
 

 
 
  
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Delusion huh? Iarmid could not help but chuckle bitterly at Cassandra’s words, commenting that  . “Definitely been declared delusional myself since Aphrysies vanished.”   He didn’t agree with them, but nor would he fully reject the label either. Iarmid was quite aware of how zealous he could get in his quest to find Aphrysies, and that the power he wielded despite others losing their gifts was an oddity that was hard to explain. So while Iarmid did not believe himself to be delusional, he could not judge others for declaring him so.

 “Wonder what Eilyra is delusional about then?”  He murmured, considering the half-fiend, before shaking himself and turning to Cassandra fully to discuss their plan.   “No harm in trying, I know  Dimension Door  as well too, but I suggest we switch. I  know  I can handle Omshaw, whilst your breadth of abilities is better suited for the door.”   Plus, it would allow Iarmid to ensure that Omshaw was knocked out, rather then killed. Not that Iarmid believed that Cassandra would be fighting to kill, and he had made his desire to knock the elemental out rather than killing him clear. But still, better to be safe than sorry with a near-stranger.
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft (?), See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra frowns briefly. " Whatever you think you know about my abilities, you might be overestimating them. I can push the door if it's open, but that's about it. I can send a summoned elemental through a stone door to explore, but that won't help us get in there. If you wish me to try first, I do not mind, but be ready to swap places if, as I fear, we need to break through.

Let's first try the teleport. Let us be on our guard. " She draws her weapon and lets Iarmid carry her away. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm assuming Teleport can be used short-range like a Dimension Door, i.e. with no mishap chance. Otherwise,  this plan is not workable; assume Cassandra didn't mention it .

If OK, she'll drop a 5th level slot (quickened True Strike) to cast Teleport through the Belt of the Wide Earth (MIC 204), aiming to teleport them right behind the door.

EDIT: edited to let Iarmid take point
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Huh, that was... a good point.   "I didn't consider raw strength,"   Iarmid admitted as he held out his hand for Cassandra to grasp. She needed to be touching him to teleport, and he was rather sure she knew that.   "If you can't open it, we'll knock Omshaw out then deal with it."   If the door needed to be forced open, then it was best that they dealt with the threat first, at least in his opinion. Still, he was willing to discuss the matter with Cassandra if she disagreed. Two of them had already buggered off elsewhere, and Iarmid could respect their abilities. Best for him to work alongside them where possible for this investigation.

If Cassandra agreed and took his hand, or grabbed onto him via some other means, Iarmid would cast the  Dimension Door , aiming to teleport them past the main door and into the Pyramid itself. Not into its depths or anything like that, simply past the main door. He didn't expect success, but he was willing to try at least.
kinem
 Crane and Eilyra 

Eilyra looks through the papers on the desk and is finally able to make some sense of the library’s organization.

Going to the proper shelf, she finds a book that was published a few years ago that covers ancient wonders; it has a section on the pyramid.

There can be no mistaking it, as a photograph is included.

It states that the pyramid is believed to be a Marru creation. The inside has never been explored because it is believed to contain dangers that must not be unleashed. It notes that the place is magically warded against teleportation and scrying.

There is no mention of any guardian of the place.

 Iamid and Cassandra 

It would be surprising if a simple Dimension Door spell would get you inside the pyramid. Today is a day of surprises; the spell works.

It’s pitch dark of course, but that’s not a problem for you. It smells quite musty and nasty. The floor is covered with sand; the ceiling of the squarish room is about 20’ high.

Ahead is a huge stone statue of an armored warrior which reaches almost to the ceiling, and beyond it is a stone sarcophagus.

OOC: Please remind me about any notable special senses
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft (?), See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Barring any special warning from her senses, Cassandra summons yet another earth elemental, and has it peek briefly through the stone door behind her, to make sure they are where they think (and did not get re-routed). Then she lets it approach the statue and circle it carefully. 
 
  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
After decoding their bizare sorting system  What kind of excuse for a library sorts books like this! , Eilyra locates a book, noting the publishing date, and reads through it, the pages turning with extreme rapidity beneath her flickering fingers, and her frown deepening as she reads more.  After a couple of minutes, she closes the book, and looks to Crane.  " Interestingly, it seems that this book, published a few years ago, claims that there was no guardian, that the pyramid is warded against teleportation and scrying, and that it has never been explored. "  She taps the book for a moment, before putting it back, and reviewing the shelf further, hoping to find something more... first party, an expeditionary journal, or something that may not have been subject to censorship.  " It may be that Omshaw has been lying fairly effectively, or that the author of the book was constrained by some means about the content of their book.  There may be more records available. "  With that, she resumes her check, hoping for something older.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Now the question is...
Is there censorship in place, and if so, why?  The journal of the Bavian seemed to mention the guardian, but this book does not...
 

 
 
  
kinem
Eilyra finds a book written 125 years ago by an adventurer and explorer named Dustin Linton, who claimed to have been the first Bavian to explore the ruins. He talks about finding mosaics, taking some treasures, and fighting off evil spirits. His account is consistent with the other book, making no mention of the elemental. From the condition of the book, it doesn’t appear to be a modern printing.

Meanwhile, the elemental Cassandra conjured confirms that this is the right location. It doesn’t find anything odd about the statue or the sarcophagus, although there are a couple of piles of sand near the latter.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Reading through the second book, Eilyra's frown remains.  After she finishes flipping through the text, she once again replaces the book, and turns to face Crane.  " Interesting.  Judging by the publication date and the appearance of the book, this appears to be a genuine account by someone who likely was there, as the descriptions of the ruins are accurate, and the findings match some of what we found as well.  And he makes no mention of Omshaw.  Based on that, I would say that Omshaw is likely fairly new, not a being bound to guard for centuries.  Which, considering that I find coincidences to be rare in isolation, strongly suggests that he is at least tangentially involved with whatever pulled us here. "

 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "All hail the heroic Duke Hazel...all hail the heroic..."   Crane says to himself while looking over the poster, trying out different accents while adapting his appearance. His body and face change shape to match the man on the poster and then he starts experimenting with variations.   "Don't want to copy him too closely. Shame about the gear, I don't have my shiftweave with me. Wasn't planning on needing it for the trip I was supposed to be taking."  
  "Dangers that must not be unleashed. Hmmm."   Crane says, leafing through the book once Eilyra is finished with it. He stashes the book in his back waistband to read later.   "Well, maybe the author never encountered Omshaw. From a distance he does look just like some campfire smoke. If you don't mind..."   He says and reaches for the book she just replaced and joins it with its cousin.   "I'm a slower reader."  

Crane wanders over to the windows that can be see through to seen what's on the other side, staying to the edges of the windows to not be exposed.   "Involved, connected? Sure, I'll buy that. But I don't think he's complicit in what's going on. Really struck me as someone who just loves his job."  
 
 Spoiler 
Crane is a bookthief! 😛

What's outside the windows?
 
kinem
To see out of a window, Crane has to fly up to a ledge.

Once he does, he can see a street with boxy brick buildings along it. Done have boarded-up windows. There are some human pedestrians walking along the side of the street.

He then sees a covered carriage ride by. Oddly, there is no horse pulling it; it seems to move if it’s own accord, and makes a mechanical growling sound.
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 
  "By Tiamat's sagging ****, that ****ing worked?!"   The curse slipped out of Iarmid before he could help himself, the Illumian looking around the dark room in sheer shock and surprise, his vision allowing him to see the place easily, if only in black and white, and only at a range of 60ft. After this oath, he coughed, rubbing his snout uncomfortably as boy, this place had a very strong, musty smell to it, making it rather unpleasant for the half-minotaur to stand there and breathe it in, so he opened his mouth and began breathing through his mouth, lessening the impact of the scent.

By the time Iarmid recovered from his shock and surprise, Cassandra had already summoned an earth elemental and sent them to investigate the statue and the sarcophagus in the room. Which, okay, not a good sign for Iarmid to get  that  distracted, and he was embarrassed for doing such a ****ty job... but he didn't exactly think he had any good tools to help out right not as he asked.   "Can you see any magic?"   Peering around the chamber as he spoke, looking for any corridors leading off, deeper into the Pyramid. Surely there was more to this place than just this singular chamber, right?
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra shakes her head at Crane's response, but doesn't respond immediately, instead following, and also taking a look out the window before quietly replying. " I don't think that scenario is very plausible.  There is no mention of the smoke in either the first hand account, or the later retelling, and from the completeness of their other descriptions, it would have been, at least in the earlier journal.  It's possible that he was interior to the pyramid, and was released as the result of an expedition, but there are no traces of such an attempt present near the pyramid. "  She pauses, looking over the horseless carriage, and shakes her head.  " I think the only way we are going to find out is by getting inside the pyramid, and with those stones in the entrance, I'm unsure of a way that won't involve removing Omshaw that also doesn't carry significant risks. "
 
 
  
kinem
Inside the pyramid there is no visible sign of either magic or of any exits from the room other than the large stone door to outside which remains closed.
kinem
 Code: 
 DDDD = stone door

SSS
SSS = Stone statue
SSS

$$$$$$ = stone sarcophagus

II
II = Iamid

C = Cassandra

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..$$$$$$..XXXXX
XXXXX...SSS....XXXXX
XXXXX...SSS....XXXXX
XXXXX...SSS....XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXXXX.II..XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.IIC.XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXDDDDXXXXXXXX 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft (?), See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 " No magic, no. Alright, let's take a closer look at that statue. "
She takes flight and approaches the statue, looking for inscriptions most of all.

In Terran, she then orders the elemental to rockswim through the floor, and come report back if he finds anything other than stone upon stone. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Spot 62 taking 10
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Iarmid frowned when Cassandra declared there was no magic in sight, and his quick examination of the chamber showed no signs of any entranceways leading deeper into the pyramid which... was not what he was expecting. This... this didn't seem right. Omshaw was an  incredibly  powerful guardian, and the pyramid kept showing up repeatedly in their visions and dreams, even somehow pulling them here. So this? This was too little. Far too little and unremarkable for what they had witnessed so far. As Cassandra moved to carefully inspect the statue, Iarmid said.   "I'll check the walls for words,"   still, even as he moved to do that. This place just felt, too... small, and simple for what had lead up to it. While the elemental would be busy investigating for any secret passages, he would suggest.   "Perhaps the door, and this tomb, is a decoy?"   It would make sense, a way to distract potential tomb robbers from investigating deeper and looking for other entrances and ways to penetrate into the pyramid.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Unless otherwise interrupted, Iarmid will Take 10 to investigate the walls, mostly for words, but also for secret entrances that the elemental might miss. This gives him a search of 22
 
kinem
Iarmid can see that there had once been some writing engraved on the walls, but it has been chiseled away.

His foot suddenly drops through where the sandy stone floor had been, but his caution allows him to recover his footing before falling into the covered pit set into the corner of the rectangular room. The pit proves to be 30’ deep and 10’ by 10’ wide.

The elemental reports that a similar pit can be found in each of the four corners. The two further from the pyramid entrance each have a small room nearby separated by a stone door from the pits.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
While Crane considered her words, and gazed out the window in wonder, Eilyra had a different mission to fulfill.  She started to look around for more recent documentation, trying to get some idea of recent events in Bavia. 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "I wonder where the maps are..."   Crane says after floating down and changing back into his Bavian-Hero-Cousin disguise.   "I suppose. Maybe."   He says and shrugs.   "It seems kinda... academic, I guess, whether it's a coincidence or some kind of plot."   He says.   "But at least we know teleportation isn't blocked in the area. If we wait until dark I can take us into the pyramid myself."   He half-bows to Eilyra.   "Though being a high mage you likely have Art that isn't restricted by the lighting, if you'd prefer not to wait that long."  

He taps his fingers on a shelf, looking over the books.   "You read the filing system. Where would the maps be? It helps to know where I'm going when I get to walking."  
 
 Spoiler 
Maps! Looking for maps. Preferably ones he can fold up and fit in his pack.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Looking up from her search for recent history, Eilyra looks back over to Crane as he speaks again, and suppresses a smile as he at least agrees to investigate the temple.  " A coincidence might have brought one of us, as portal instability does occur, but I think it would take a very large coincidence indeed to bring us here.  Then there is the appearance of Omshaw to consider. "  She shakes her head.  " No, I think this is some sort of plan on someone's part, a plan I look forwards to ensuring it explodes in their face.  And it means that we are likely to be dealing with an intelligent opponent, which does complicate things.  If it is a coincidence, then a bit of extra paranoia won't do us any harm.  As for entering the pyramid, the book and the journal both indicated that the pyramid itself was warded against teleportation, but I can use the same spell that brought us to Omshaw to bring us inside, assuming there are not wards in the way preventing such an attempt. "  She frowns, thoughtfully.  " If that fails, I should be able to open a hole, assuming the stone is not enchanted, and get us inside that way, although Omshaw would likely object. "  She offers him a quick smile at his attempt at a compliment, before she shakes her head gently.  " I'm not a high mage.  If I were, I would have access to high magic, which is considerably more potent.  As for maps, they should be in that section over there. "  She helpfully points out the appropriate section, before looking back to Crane.  " That said, I'm unsure as to why you want them.  Assuming we can resolve whatever brought us here, I can get you to Sigil, where you can no doubt find a portal to your home. "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

For high mage, she is specifically thinking of the Elven high mage class, which she is unlikely to ever qualify for, as it requires 2 feats, 2 epic feats, and realistically should have required a third(Epic spellcasting), as all of the features are written as though it has access to epic spells, despite the class itself not requiring it nor giving such access.
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft (?), See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 " That's a good find already. I was beginning to think along the same line as you, that there was deception at work " Cassandra observes, after the pits and rooms get revealed. " Let me take a look at the sarcophagus next. " Just like before, she's looking for engravings or any form of language.

" I should also inspect the ceiling just in case. " She flies up, examining it quickly, especially the spots above the two heaps of sand, in case it trickled down from above.

If she finds nothing of interest, " I propose we move deeper into the complex. Let me see if I can divine a path for us. " She incants a prayer to her goddess: " Compass of truth, Your hand shelters the travelers; Oh Goddess show us the way to the innermost chamber of this pyramid. " It goes for longer as she gathers motes of energy to herself, then releases the spell like an invisible arrow.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
How high up in the pyramid are they / is the entrance?

Casting Find the Path (3 rounds)
 
kinem
 Crane: 

There are numerous maps; at first they are somewhat confusing but you are able to get a basic lay of the land. Bavia is basically the north eastern part of a very large continent. The city you are in, Dewlee, is within a region called Nander. The desert lands are to the south but there is a large sea between here and there although the landmass curves around and is connected.

 Eilyra: 

From what you can tell, the Great War is technically over but much strife remains. The country of Lantor has occupied part of western Bavia, while Dewlee has declared independence and is ruled by Duke Hazel, but faces a rebellion. Meanwhile monsters known as Ragewalkers have been appearing throughout the world and authorities are struggling to deal with them.

 Cassandra: 

The sarcophagus has a drawing on it shaped like a spiked crown. It has a stone lid that looks like it could be lifted off. There are no holes in the ceiling.

Find the Path indicates that you are already in the innermost chamber.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
While Crane reviews maps, Eilyra reads through more recent papers, smililing slightly as she realizes that Bavia lost the war.  After finishing her summary, she looks to Crane once more.  " It seems that the war I spoke of has been resolved, and no one got desperate enough to try more extreme deals with demons or devils.  However, it is likely that more violence will be occurring in the near future.  No further mention of anything Marru related, or of Omshaw's arrival. "
 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Useful information, but it all seems second hand, doesn't it? These aren't the people that built that pyramid."   Crane says and waves his hand at the books, indicating Bavia.   "If there's a living city that's related to whomever built the pyramid in....well I guess it doesn't say the name of the place."  
  "When I scouted above the desert I saw nothing but sand in all directions. Maybe further away though there's still a group living that knows more about the ruins. Mind helping me look?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Crane is looking through the maps and books to find information about the continent / nation / culture where the pyramid is. For example, are there any city, country, or continent names on the map for the desert? What about the closest city or nation to where the pyramids are?
 
kinem
You find that Panken is on the map marked with a pyramid symbol, but there are no cities shown within about 100 miles of it. Some maps call the area the ‘cursed lands’ and warn of dangers beneath the sand. The closed city is called Amdahl and is in the nation of Zynet.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra pauses in the face of Crane's question her left hand moving to touch her chin as she thinks it over.  " I could, potentially teleport us to another location, but I'd need to have an image, or a very good description of the place.  Additionally, I'm not sure what sort of additional information we might be able to acquire. "  She frowns as she continues to think it through.  " We've got a first hand description from an expedition.  We could find a history text here, if that is what you would like, but I'm not sure there will be additional information that is of any use.  What else are you looking to find out? "

 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "I can walk us through shadow, though it will be a days journey. Or longer."   He says, looking at the distances on the map.   "So maybe not right now."   He nods to Eilyra.   "I want to know the people that built it, because then we can start to know why it pulled us to it. What were their religious beliefs? What sort of magical traditions did they have? What was their society like before the sand covered it up?"  
  "Those carriages outside...how do they work? You ever ride in one?"   Crane asks. "  It seems like this world has more technical innovations than Toril, though I'm sure it's nothing Mechanus hasn't seen."   He says with a smile.

 
 Spoiler 
Can he estimate how many miles it is from their location to the pyramid and also from the pyramid to Amdahl?
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra shakes her head.  " I'd prefer a faster resolution than a day regardless.  As for cultural and historical information, that should be... "  She briefly consults the reference guide, before pointing towards the appropriate shelf.  " Over there.  Due to the timespan, and humans being humans, I wouldn't expect the present day culture to resemble the culture of before the area became cursed. "

She starts towards the appropriate shelf, and pauses, briefly, before looking back at Crane as he continues to ask questions.  " Assuming they work like the Bavian weapons, it is likely a small explosion is used to generate hot gas, and produce the movement.  If so, that won't work on Toril for much the same reasons that a fireball doesn't exert force in the area of detonation.  That could be worked around with magic, but at that point it would be simpler to create a golem, and the expense would be extreme. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Kinem has previously said that the Bavian weapons won't work on other planes, so I figured that Eilyra would have done some poking between campaigns to work out why.
Toril does have smokepowder, but that is distinctly magical in nature.  And also probably wouldn't work on Bavia.
I'm trying to pull Eilyra's explanation for why out of physics.  Admittedly, a chemist might point out that there is a distinct difference between a high explosive(Smokepowder), and a low explosive, but...
 

 
 
  
kinem
Looking at the maps, Crane estimates that it’s about 2000 miles between where the library is and the pyramid, and about 100 miles between the pyramid and Amdahl.
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft (?), See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra taps her right hand on her leg absent-mindedly; she's quite intrigued now. " The path-divining failed, which indicates the presence of divination-defeating magic. Now, that is something you almost never see. " It goes beyond lead sheeting, which is a common, non-magical way to bar  some  divinations, but not this one.

She steps away and asks the elemental to peek through the stone sarcophagus before they head down. It does not  quite  violate the sanctity of the sepulcher, though of course that would depend on the exact creed of whoever was entombed. In her own faith, corpses are given back to the earth, to feed it and perpetuate the cycle of life.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Let me know if Cassandra's stated assumption of anti-divination magic is wrong... I'm more likely to be wrong than her!
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Chiselled away markings and runes, pits hidden in the sand underneath the corners of the room, with doors leading further into the pyramid, and apparently path-divining magic failed to work? It might seem strange to others, but to Iarmid, it was reassuring to learn. It confirmed that there was more at play here, mysteries purposefully hidden from them, and knowledge still to uncover. After how simple and unimpressive the chamber had been, the situation did not seem to make sense. But now passages were leading deeper into the pyramid, and knowledge previously shared to any in the chamber scraped away so it couldn’t be read. That reassured Iarmid that they were on the right track.

  “Any preference for left or right?”   Iarmid asked wryly as he waited for Cassandra’s investigations to finish. With her checking the ceiling - Iarmid didn’t trust his skill at flying - there wasn’t much left for him to do, as there was little to investigate in the pits themselves either. If they had doorways that lead deeper into this tomb, then it was simply a matter of picking one to go through and heading deeper. Chances are they lead to the same destination, but also a chance that they did not. So, Iarmid decided to give the choice to Cassandra. They’ll likely explore both in turn.

Unless they accidentally destroyed the place. Which  had  happened. Never knew what magical traps some people leave behind.
kinem
OOC: While there could be anti-divination magic at work, the spell result might be correct as far as you can tell.

The elemental reports that there is some sort of body in the sarcophagus.

Also, it says that the body moved.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Finishing her brief investigation of the history of Panken, Eilyra frowns as she notes the missing book.  " Strange, the cultural book seems to be missing. "  Sensing a possible connection, she returns to the desk, and tries to locate any checkout records that the library might maintain.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

It's still paranoia, even if they are out to get you.  😁
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft (?), See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 " Wait. There is something... " Cassandra holds out a hand. Iarmid can tell she's focused on the sarcophagus.
She silently calls upon one of her magic items and creates a sensor inside the sarcophagus to see for herself.

As she considers the thing inside, she answers Iarmid: " No preference either. Let's say left. " 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Third Eye Sense (MIC) - she can see and hear.
K Religion 45 (taking 10) - I'm expecting an undead if it can move!
 
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
After several minutes you are able to make some sense of the library records. Books that have been lent out are on a list, with a name and a number next to them. The book in question simply has a an apparent abbreviation SRD next to it.
 

 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 
Inside the sarcophagus is an armored mummy wearing a crown. As it starts to move …
 


A banging noise starts coming from inside the sarcophagus, as if something inside is trying to get out.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Seeing that the book was gone, taken by a more unique identity, Eilyra, as was her wont, frowns.  " The mystery deepens.  It was taken by something called SRD.  Which, I suspect, is some branch of the Bavian government.  Special Resource Division?  Secret Research Department?  There's no explanation, which suggests government. "  While she speaks to keep Crane informed, her attention remains on the records as she pages through them, looking to see if any other books were taken by SRD, and if so, in what time frame. 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
After searching through the records you find two other books with the ‘SRD’ note. One is entitled Encyclopedia of the Planes; the other, History of Ancient Cults.

It appears that these notes were made shortly after your last trip to Bavia.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Correlating the dates with the other missing books, Eilyra sighs, clearly disappointed by what she had found.  " Interestingly, two other books were removed by the same group, and the dates correspond to the time period shortly after I left Bavia the last time I was here, and incidentally ruined their deal with a demon lord. "  She looks up at Crane, clearly and directly addressing him.  " As it happens, I know where their fortress was, so it might be possible to visit, although they must know that I know, so they may have chosen to relocate. "  She shakes her head.  " I had hoped that they had learned their lesson after our previous encounter, but it seems they simply refocused their efforts.  It may be wise to remind them of precisely why they shouldn't attempt to make such deals. "
She frowns, thinking it through, before nodding.  " It is a lead, and potentially a better one than Omshaw and the temple, albeit one that may benefit from having more force available.  Their forces previously were insufficient, but I don't doubt that they would have increased them, and it is likely that should they have other powerful troops they may be able to bring them to bear, as their war is paused for the moment. "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

To be fair, no one anyone cared about died the last time we attacked that fortress, but... I also imagine that they have either improved their security, or have moved elsewhere...
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft (?), See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 " There is a crowned, armoured mummy in there " Cassandra lets Iarmid know matter-of-factly. " I suggest you arm yourself, both physically and spiritually, for as you can can hear it is about to come out. " She calmly draws her own blade, wrought of cold iron in the shape of a scimitar, though it contains many magics. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
With her K Religion 45 check, did she learn anything else about that mummy? Just an ordinary mummy? Mummy Lord? Or a super-duper-mummy-uberlord?
 
kinem
OOC: There’s really no way to tell how souped up the mummy is just by looking at it.

Cassandra and Iamid can take a moment to buff or take up positions before it gets out.
kinem
OOC: Ok?


 Code: 
 DDDD = stone door

SSS
SSS = Stone statue
SSS

$$$$$$ = stone sarcophagus

&amp;&amp;
&amp;&amp; = sand pile

II
II = Iamid

C = Cassandra

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX&amp;&amp;.II...&amp;&amp;XXXXX
XXXXX&amp;&amp;.IIC..&amp;&amp;XXXXX
XXXXX..$$$$$$..XXXXX
XXXXX...SSS....XXXXX
XXXXX...SSS....XXXXX
XXXXX...SSS....XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXDDDDXXXXXXXX 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Looks like Amdahl isn't too far from the pyramid. When we get back I plan on walking there, shouldn't take more than an hour or so to transit."   Crane studies the map a bit longer, making sure he remembers the general layout.

  "SRD....no clue."   He says, shaking his head.   "Do you want to spend some time out in the city, find out what they are up to? I'm fine with that but..."   He pauses and taps the sword and battle harness he's still wearing.   "I'm not really dressed for discretely asking questions. I could stash them somewhere but I'd prefer to keep them handy. Do you have any way to disguise my clothes?"  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra shakes her head at Crane's suggestion, but offers him a brief smile as he expresses interest in at least continuing to work on the problem.  " I think I already know where their central base is, or, at least, where it was, which is almost as good.  I'm confident in finding them with a bit of effort.  With the information we have, it is time to head back to the pyramid, see if Cassandra and Iarmid are still arguing, and attempt to bypass the teleportation wards that were documented as being in place.  From there, we'll see what happens. "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Eilyra does have a plan on bypassing those wards, namely, toss a disjunction first to blow a hole, then dimension door inside.
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft (?), See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra prepares a flank with her companion and, reaching into a pocket, get outs the brilliant gem she stashed away to accommodate Crane's and Eilyra's peculiarities. The chamber is filled with divine light, emboldening her for the fight to come.

Of course it's possible the mummy will be willing to talk, but she can't count on it... and her goddess would look favourably upon one less undead soiling the sanctity of life. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Cassandra would be 2 squares down and 1 to the right compared to the current position.
 
kinem
As the light floods into the ancient chamber, the sand piles suddenly stir!

Each of the two sand piles forms into a low cloud of abrasive grit which charges into the adventurers.

OOC: Celestial Brilliance damage to undead sand swarms  (1d6)[ 5 ] 

Iarmid and Cassandra can take AOOs, but the swarms are immune to weapon damage, and you can take immediate actions if that is relevant.

Swarm attack vs Iarmid:
 (4d6)[ 9 ]  damage plus  (1d6)[ 4 ]  Charisma damage plus Fort DC 21 or 1 round of nausea

Swarm attack vs Cassandra:
 (4d6)[ 13 ]  damage plus  (1d6)[ 2 ]  Charisma damage plus Fort DC 21 or 1 round of nausea

Iarmid and Cassandra to act. After that, the swarms would act again and the sarcophagus will open.


 Code: 
 DDDD = stone door

SSS
SSS = Stone statue
SSS

$$$$$$ = stone sarcophagus

&amp;&amp;
&amp;&amp; = sand pile

II
II = Iamid

C = Cassandra

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX.&amp;&amp;II.....XXXXX
XXXXX.&amp;&amp;II.....XXXXX
XXXXX..$$$$$$..XXXXX
XXXXX...SSSC&amp;&amp;.XXXXX
XXXXX...SSS.&amp;&amp;.XXXXX
XXXXX...SSS....XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXDDDDXXXXXXXX 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322. Nonlethal Damage: 5
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Left, left was good. Except, well,  something  stirred from inside the sarcophagus, banging against the door. That never boded well, and Iarmid was preparing himself for the fight, changing out his weapon crystal,  again  as he activated his Animated Shield and shifted into his battle stance. Ready to take on the threat that lingered inside the sarcophagus. He was curious about what had awoken it when clearly this chamber had people inside of it before. Had it still been sleeping then? Or did their teleporting entry cause it?

Turned out their opponent was a crowned, armoured mummy. Iarmid considered what if he should cast any further magic to empower himself, but hesitated.  Enlarge Person  was possible, but he didn’t like how small the chamber was, and while the sarcophagus was large, its size did not mean that Iarmid could not deal with the Mummy as it emerged from it.  Haste  was another possibility, but against a single opponent, it felt like it was overkill. Especially one that Iarmid did not yet know the strength of. No, instead, what Iarmid would do was simple: He began to  sing .

Cassandra would likely recognize the words Iarmid sung, the Celestial words that filled the chamber. But Iarmid didn’t mind if Cassandra did, she could enjoy the performance even as the power of the music gripped her soul and enthused her with a powerful energy, augmented by the  Words of Creation  themselves, encouraging her to strike hard and strike true, and shake off the scourge of fear. They will fight against this mummy, and  destroy  it!

Unfortunately, there was more in the room than it had initially appeared. As Cassandra revealed her gem of Celestial Brilliance, she also stirred swirling piles of sand to live and strike at them. Swarms, nothing that Iarmid could deal with frustratingly, and while their stinging blows did practically nothing, Iarmid felt them striking at his very soul, draining the powerful will that powered him and his magic. Dangerous as they were, he said nothing and focused on the song. He would leave them to Cassandra, instead, Iarmid prepared his glavie, the weapon ready to strike as soon as it opened.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
  Perform  - (1d20+35)[ 36 ]  - Not entirely necessary for Inspire Courage, but I want Cassandra to see how good Iarmid is at singing.
  WoC Damage  - (3d4)[ 9 ] 
  Fort Save  - (1d20+36)[ 16 ](16)  Basically only fails on a Nat 1.

Standard Action: Ready Action, when the sarcophagus opens, Iarmid will make a power attack against the mummy.
  Attack vs Touch  - (1d20+29)[ 33 ] 
  Damage  - (3d8+73)[ 93 ] 
  Bull Rush  - (1d20+68)[ 73 ] 
  Dungeon Crusher  - (4d6+28)[ 37 ] 
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
With Crane's agreement, Eilyra doesn't produce her staff again, instead choosing to draw power from her belt to enable a teleport back to the hill where they had left Iarmid and Cassandra.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Using the Belt of Wide Earth for a teleport back, this time using a 5th level slot.
 (1d100)[ 4 ]   Probably counts as studied carefully, so need an 94 or worse.
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft (?), See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  51 / Touch 29 / Ff 42  |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 In her mind's eye, Cassandra suddenly feels transported to a green meadow on a sunny day as Iarmid begins to sing, the notes wrapping around her. But the dry reality soon reasserts itself, as an undead swarm engulfs the both of them. The flesh wounds are just a minor nuisance, but she can feel a small part of her essence getting drained away, and that is much more dangerous.
" Step away from the sarcophagus, Iarmid! One step will be enough " she calls out urgently. When he does so, she moves through the biting cloud to stand next to the wall, a breeze starting to twirl around her feet, then her legs and her torso. She whirls around, and the wind intensifies, until she opens her mouth to unleash a small whirlwind that catches the swarms and sends the sand-like creatures to smash against the wall. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Fort:  (1d20)[ 4 ]   (1d20)[ 14 ]  she only fails on a double 1

Celestial Brillance damage  (1d6)[ 4 ]  x1.5 for the swarm

She asks Iarmid to take a 5ft step "North"; I assume he does so since speaking can be done out of turn, so they can coordinate.
 Move:  3 squares E, 1 square N
 Standard:  Whirlwind Breath (from the Orthos vestige), 60ft cone oriented to catch the 2 swarms but exclude Iarmid.  (21d6)[ 81 ]  dmg (x1.5 =  121  vs the swarm as an area effect), Ref save DC 38 for half, Fort save DC 38 or prone and move against the far wall (but I think prone does nothing for a swarm? I could be wrong.)

If the swarms still look lively, she'll cast a Quickened Stone Body, spending 5 turn attempts. If they're dead or nearly dead she'll skip it for now.
 
kinem
 Outside: 

The giant smoke elemental is back on top of the pyramid, but when Eilyra and Crane re-appear in the hot and sunny desert, it begins to float towards them.

 
 Spoiler: Auran 
”Why are you back here? The other two are long gone.”
 


OOC: I will update the Inside in my next post.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Arriving in the desert with Crane, Eilyra, still disguised as a human, looks around, and takes in the blowing sand, the smoke elemental, and the distinct lack of Cassandra or Iarmid.
However, with Omshaw approaching, and speaking of the other two, Eilyra nods, before replying in the same tongue.  " Did you see what direction they went in?  Or how they left? " 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 

Shifting back into his 'natural' form, Crane sighs and smiles as his wings return. He hops down to the ground and starts drawing in the sand with the sheath of his sword, motioning for Omshaw to come look. He sketches out the continent the pyramid is on, then places the pyramid, the ruined city, and Amdahl.

  "I found some maps in the library. What do you know about this place?"   He says, pointing to the city of Amdahl. In case there's still a language barrier, he points to the city and makes an exaggerated shrug while looking at Omshaw as if expecting an answer.
kinem
 Outside: 

Omshaw replies in Auran
 
 Spoiler 
”They left the same way you came - teleportation.

As for maps, I have no interest. Those places are not my business, just as this place is not yours.”
 


———————————————————-

 Inside: 


Ismid coordinates with Cassandra, stepping away from the sarcophagus so as to seperate himself from part of the swarm.

Cassandra’s breath has a devastating effect, almost but not quite fully disrupting the sand swarms, blowing them against the far wall, but also knocking over the statue and blowing it against the wall, and blowing the lid off of the sarcophagus.

After those crashes, the swarms try to regroup and charge again to attack.

Swarm attack vs Iarmid:
 (4d6)[ 13 ]  damage plus  (1d6)[ 2 ]  Charisma damage plus Fort DC 21 or 1 round of nausea

Swarm attack vs Cassandra:
 (4d6)[ 13 ]  damage plus  (1d6)[ 4 ]  Charisma damage plus Fort DC 21 or 1 round of nausea

However, that is their last gasp as the celestial light then finishes them off.

Iamid strikes the mummy with a mighty blow but somehow it survives that. The crowned figure, armored with plate and shield, rises and lurches toward Cassandra.

OOC: Will DC 20 or be paralyzed with Fear for  (1d4)[ 3 ]  rounds

Attack:  hits 
Damage  (1d6+15)[ 16 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 2 ]  cold plus Mummy Rot Fort neg DC 20

Meanwhile the statue, which until this had been completely motionless, rises and charges at Cassandra! It attempts to slam its huge fist into her.

OOC: Attack  (1d20+44)[ 57 ] , damage  (4d8+13)[ 28 ] 

PCs to act


 Code: 
 DDDD = stone door

SSS
SSS = Stone statue
SSS

$$$$$$ = stone sarcophagus

&amp;&amp;
&amp;&amp; = sand pile

II
II = Iamid

C = Cassandra

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX...II.....XXXXX
XXXXX...II.....XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..$$$$$$MCXXXXX
XXXXX.....SSS..XXXXX
XXXXX.....SSS..XXXXX
XXXXX.....SSS..XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXDDDDXXXXXXXX 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra nods, once, at Omshaw's words, rapidly assessing the likelyhood of that outcome, Omshaw's existance, and the information contained within the book on this area.  Even as she does, her hand drifts down to a small pearl on her belt, and touches it, before she looks to Crane, and speaks, her voice dry.  " It would seem that we will be making our next trip without the support we had hoped for. "  She extends a hand, waiting for him to touch it, before casting Dimension Door, attempting to transport the duo into the pyramid.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

OOC using a pearl of power to recover a 4th level slot, then casting dimension door.
 

 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Oh?"   Crane says as he stands up. He raises an eyebrow at Eilyra but extends a hand out to hers.   "I guess we'll see you later, Omshaw."   He says as he pulls his shield out and readies it.   Probably trouble no matter where she wants to go.  
kinem
Omshaw replies in Auran
 
 Spoiler 
”Don’t come back.”
 


When Eilyra casts Dimension Door, she and Crane reappear inside the pyramid room where a battle now rages …

OOC: Iamid, Cassandra, and Crane to act


 Code: 
 DDDD = stone door

SSS
SSS = Stone golem
SSS

$$$$$$ = stone sarcophagus

M = Mummy

II
II = Iamid          C = Cassandra

R = Crane          E = Eilyra

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX...II.....XXXXX
XXXXX...II.....XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..$$$$$$MCXXXXX
XXXXX.....SSS..XXXXX
XXXXX.....SSS..XXXXX
XXXXX.....SSS..XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX....RE....XXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXDDDDXXXXXXXX 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra's small tornado adds to the pandemonium of the scene, with the mummy and now the statue joining the fray, but with a gesture and quick incantation her own skin takes the consistence of a cracked statue. Measuring up her opponents, she declares: " undead and constructs, abominations to the Allmother alike. Know that the goddess takes as she gives, destroys as she creates " then she channels divine energy through her weapon, and begins a barrage of strikes at the mummy. She may not be strongest, but she is empowered by her goddess, and she knows how to strike most creatures to hamper them.

Several blows cause a prismatic light to erupt from her blade and briefly envelop her foe before disappearing. To a trained eye, she seems to be able to dismantle an undead methodically even though they don't have an "anatomy" to speak of.

Then unexpectedly Crane and Eilyra appear. She intended to contact Crane later through the gem, but so little time has elapsed... She doesn't have time at this stage to wonder if there is a time warping demiplane inside the pyramid. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
NB: she cast a Quickened Stone Body last round, as per the OOC condition, since the swarms were not dead. She's now immune to ability damage for the duration (and disease and some other things).
She takes 21 nonlethal dmg (thanks to her DR 10/adamantine reducing damage and the mummy attack missing due to 50% miss chance, except if you already took that into account - I rolled OOC, forgot to do it here), and regains 3 thanks to regeneration.

Fort vs nausea:  (1d20)[ 4 ]   (1d20)[ 7 ]  she only fails on a double 1
Will vs fear:  (1d20)[ 18 ]   (1d20)[ 9 ]  she only fails on a double 1

Celestial Brillance damage  (1d6)[ 2 ]  vs mummy (not the construct)

 Swift:  Destruction Devotion - each hit against a creature  reduces their armor or natural armor by 2, stacking , for 1 min.
 Free:  Activate Boots of Speed for 1 round of Haste
 Free:  Knowledge checks for K Devotion. She gets +5 atk/dmg vs the mummy and construct since the check is automatically above 36.

 edit: add +10 to all attacks and to all damage rolls - I forgot Inspire Courage 
 Full-round:  Full attack vs mummy (w/ undead bane)
  (1d20+48)[ 60 ]    (1d20+48)[ 67 ]   (crit threat, confirmation 67)  -- Damage:  (3d6+28)[ 34 ]  +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  acid
 (1d20+48)[ 65 ]    (1d20+48)[ 50 ]    (crit threat, confirmation 58)  -- Damage:  (3d6+28)[ 40 ]  +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  acid
 (1d20+43)[ 53 ]    (1d20+43)[ 51 ]   -- Damage:  (3d6+28)[ 35 ]  +  (1d6)[ 3 ]  acid
  (1d20+38)[ 45 ]    (1d20+38)[ 47 ]  -- Damage:  (3d6+28)[ 31 ]  +  (1d6)[ 6 ]  acid
  (1d20+33)[ 39 ]    (1d20+33)[ 53 ]   (natural 20, confirmation 46)  -- Damage:  (3d6+28)[ 38 ]  +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  acid

Crit confirmation, just in case:
 (1d20)[ 19 ]    (1d20)[ 8 ]  
 (1d20)[ 10 ]    (1d20)[ 1 ]  
  (1d20)[ 1 ]    (1d20)[ 13 ] 

NB: thanks to the Gaia vestige, she can crit undead and constructs.
For each crit, Prismatic Burst (MIC 40) triggers, subjecting the mummy to a DC 20  Prismatic Spray  effect. I should have pre-rolled that, I'll let you do it this time. It's unfortunately immune to results 4-6, as an undead.
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322. Nonlethal Damage: 23
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

With the battle taking over, Iarmid would need to stop singing and strike at his opponents. However, this was a possibility he had long since prepared for. The very weapon he held began singing alongside Iarmid, its powerful magic bringing forth a voice almost equal to his own in wonder and courage, lyrics that pulled from his very heart as it  harmonised  with both voice and song. Until, at least, Iarmid was confident the glaive's magic could continue to empower Cassandra during this fight so they might slay their enemies.

Especially with Iarmid there to protect Cassandra.

As the Mummy lurched towards Cassandra, Iarmid's glaive shot out, aiming to smash it back into the sarcophagus it had risen from to stop its attack. The glaive then whirled round as the statue came to life and charged at his new ally as well. If the angle was possible, he would have loved to smash the statue into the sarcophagus and the Mummy, but if not, smashing it against the wall would be an entirely useful way to halt its attacks. Still, he knew he was swinging as hard as possible, without proper accuracy or thought of how to get purpose, so he would not be too surprised if he missed.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
  Fort Save  - (1d20+36)[ 54 ] 
Immune to Fear, but if it's piercing:   Will  - (1d20+31)[ 33 ] 
  AoO vs Mummy  - (1d20+29)[ 36 ] 
  Damage  - (3d8+73)[ 92 ] 
  Bull Rush  - (1d20+68)[ 70 ] 
  Dungon Crasher  - (4d6+28)[ 35 ] 
  AoO vs Statue  - (1d20+29)[ 47 ] 
  Damage  - (3d8+73)[ 92 ] 
  Bull Rush  - (1d20+68)[ 70 ] 
  Dungon Crasher  - (4d6+28)[ 43 ] 
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Whoa, what's - argh!"   Crane cries out as his eyes are overwhelmed by the celestial brillance. He throws a hand across his shut eyes but the damage is done. He backs up against a wall, drawing his sword as he does.   "I have a limited awareness of what's in front of me Eliyra, but a description of what the hell is happening would be great."  
 
 Spoiler 
Move to put his back against a wall, draw his sword.

Stance Active: Dancing Blade Form
Maneuvers Readied: Quicksilver Motion, Manticore Parry, Avalanche of Blades, Adamantine Hurricane
 
kinem
OOC: Iamid’s AOOs missed the mummy but hit the golem. Since the golem was pushed back, its charge against Cassandra was disrupted.

The mummy’s first attack did hit Cassandra.

Cassandra’s attacks then destroy the mummy. However, as it drops, a crackling wave of negative energy bursts forth and envelops her:

 (9d6)[ 38 ]  negative energy damage; Reflex half DC 15


 Code: 
 DDDD = stone door

SSS
SSS = Stone golem
SSS

$$$$$$ = stone sarcophagus

M = Mummy (dead)

II
II = Iamid          C = Cassandra

R = Crane          E = Eilyra

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX...II.....XXXXX
XXXXX...II.....XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..$$$$$$MCXXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX..........XXXXX
XXXXX......SSS.XXXXX
XXXXX......SSS.XXXXX
XXXXX....RESSS.XXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX.....XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXDDDDXXXXXXXX 
OOC: Iamid to act
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322. Nonlethal Damage: 22
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Huh. That was quick. Iarmid wasn't expecting the others to teleport back whilst he and Cassandra were still within the first chamber. Had their research proven itself to be an ill-fitting project? Or had his and Cassandra's investigations taken longer than anticipated? Regardless, Iarmid spared them but a glance and a brief thought, his focus on the enemies they currently faced.

Not that they proved themselves to be dangerous either. Unlike Omshaw outside, the mummy fell within moments, and the statue was easily smashed back into the pyramid's wall as it attempted to charge Cassandra. With only one threat remaining, Iarmid moved to deal with it. If there was one downside of his habit of smashing enemies into walls, it was that he tended to need to move to strike them afterwards, rather than simply raining blows down upon them. Ah well, this statue wasn't too dangerous. "  Just dealing with an animated statue, nothing to alarm yourself with."   Iarmid said casually to answer as he moved around the sarcophagus to get in range of his next, powerful blow.   "Might want to take a small step backwards, you're right next to it."   He added as he struck.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move Action: I move 30ft closer to the stone golem to put myself in range, I don't think I have enough movement speed to get fully between it and Cassandra however.

Standard Action: Full Power Attack.

  Attack vs Touch  - (1d20+29)[ 33 ] 
  Damage  - (3d8+73)[ 83 ] 
  Potential AoO  - (1d20+29)[ 45 ] 
  Damage  - (3d8+73)[ 93 ] 
  BR  - (1d20+68)[ 72 ] 
  DC  - (4d6+28)[ 39 ] 
 
kinem
Iamid strikes the animated statue once again, slamming it into the wall, and this time it is smashed to pieces.

OOC: Combat is over.

The mummy’s plate armor and shield are magical.

Its gold crown is not magical, but no doubt has considerable historical and cultural value, much like the recently destroyed sarcophagus and statue might have had.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Arriving via dimension door was always jarring, and this time proved to be no different.  By the time that she had recovered, and had gone over her memories, the greater stone golem was a shattered ruin, and the mummy had been slain before arrival.  Still, answering Crane's question, even with a bit of a delay, took priority.  " It appears that we arrived just in time to see Cassandra and Iarmid, destroy the mummy, possibly the reanimated remains of King Panken, as well as a greater stone golem that was also guarding it.  The interior of the pyramid seems to be open, and a shattered sarcophagus, once a fine work of history, is now rubble. "  She shakes her head.  " What I'm not seeing is signs of further Marru constructs.  And it also appears that someone broke the previously noted antiteleportation protections.  Nor does it make sense that these things were so weak, while Omshaw, outside, is considerably more powerful. "  She then looks to Cassandra and Iarmid, her expression not very hopeful..  " Were you able to talk to King Panken before his untimely redemise? "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Eilyra has some concerns.
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra stays on her guard, though she stashes the offending shining gem, but when it appears no additional foe is coming, she relaxes a little.
" Well done, Iarmid. Together we made short work out of these dangerous opponents. "

Then turning to Crane and Eilyra: " You are back already? I take it Bavia did not hold the answers you were hoping? " She carefully keeps any trace of "I told you so" out of her expression and tone.

" No, we did not get a sound out of the mummy. It awoke progressively but did not issue proclamation, warning nor request. How can you tell the sarcophagus was a 'fine work'? Just so you know, there were no recognizable writings on the sarcophagus except for a crown symbol, and the walls hold no more information - though you are welcome to perform rubbings if you are an archeologist as well as a historian. For our part, we intend to go down through the openings you see over there; the complex seems to continue underground.

The lack of wards was a surprise for us too, but as for the power of the various guardians... I don't expect it to be homogeneous. Or did you gather intelligence showing that the king was a powerful warrior or mage? Assuming that was the king, of course, which I'm not ready to yet.

Will you be exploring farther with us? " 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Thanks to her Soulfire armor, Cassandra is immune to negative energy.
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Actually, we learned a lot."   Crane says to Cassandra once he can see again. He glances around and raises an eyebrow.   Couldn't say the same for you two.   "I found maps that shows the nearest civilization is only a hundred miles from here. A city named Amdahl, of the Zynet nation. Whatever those words mean. I was planning on heading there next."  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra glances at Crane as he deliberately understates what they had discovered, but doesn't contradict him.  " The time was reasonably well spent. "  She offers a wry smile to Cassandra.  " For example, did you know that Omshaw is a relatively new guardian? "
Her rebuke delivered, she looks back to Crane.  " It might make more sense for all of us to continue deeper.  From what Omshaw claimed, from the expeditions, and from the records we found in the ruins outside, the deeper ruins are Marru, so further cultural information about Anret may not apply.  We already know that they led to the end of their civilization. "  She pauses for a moment.  " Additionally, I think it more likely that whatever brought us here is deeper within the pyramids, possible related to whomever released Omshaw, and bound him to protection, or else whomever undid whatever bindings King Panken accomplished. "

 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Oh, yeah. I meant to say, going to go there as soon as we're finished here."   He says.   "Cassandra, if you want to use your gem I'd prefer if you just kept it out all the time. It's way too bright of course, but it doesn't actually hurt me, once my eyes adjust."   Crane draws his sword and checks to make sure the  truedeath crystal  is still attached.   "You said there's deeper rooms. Let's check 'em out."   He flexes his wings and takes a step off the ground, hovering and ready.
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322.
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Ah.   "Whoops."   

Iarmid had only intended on  stopping  the statue, not smashing it into little bits. He was trying to respect that they were in a tomb after all, even if they needed to defend themselves. But, well, it was a little difficult to reign in his strength when he was fighting as he always did. So while he was a little guilty over destroying the statue so  thoroughly , he couldn't say that he was entirely surprised by it either. After that, he straightened up. His glaive continued to sing, the beautiful lyrics echoing through the chamber and invigorating all who stood within. Not just him and Cassandra, but Crane and Elyira as well, they  were  allies after all.

And the information they brought was, curious.   “Omshaw’s new huh?”   Iarmid muttered, stroking his chin in contemplation, glancing around the room and the scratched-out walls. Omshaw was new, and the Mummy - and swarms - had been undisturbed before. Add on the unexpected capability of teleporting into this place in the first place, and the situation was shining in an entirely different light.   “Someone’s making use of this pyramid, but for what purpose? ”  Clearly, this place was set up to appear as a tomb, that Omshaw was guarding a tomb and ensuring it was not disturbed, but with the teleportation wards down, and the walls scratched clean, it was easy to use this as some form of base-of-operations, and they needed to investigate closer...

  “Might want to wait till the singing stops in a minute.”   He suggested when their conversation turned to diving deeper within the pyramid. Whilst it was a potent combat tool, he also understood that it was far from a subtle means of travelling, and controlling information was useful. Iarmid wasn’t exactly the stealthiest individual, especially when he lugged the Tower Shield around. However, announcing themselves with loud music before they visually arrived was an unnecessary advantage they would be giving to others.   “And Cassandra, do you need a  Restoration  for the Soul damage?”   He asked, having diamond dust in his haversack for such an occasion, but was unsure if he needed to cast it. The soul damage was a pain, and he’ll have to cast it sometime today, but who knows what other threats they were still to face?
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 " The light would hurt Eilyra " Cassandra replies distractedly." I did not expect to see you back so soon, as you must have gathered. " Then, appearing more focused and more intense: " but I feel our destinies are temporarily bound together, so I believe our chances of breaking the 'curse' are higher if we stand together. "

Cassandra waits for actionable information from the pair who went researching but when none comes forth and it becomes clear their plan is the (obvious) plan she already proposed, she shrugs and goes ahead. She has started to notice a dispiriting correlation between her headache coming back and her having to listen to Eilyra's theorizing, but how to say that out loud without sounding utterly rude?   Perhaps a problem harder than figuring out how to go back to our normal lives.  
Recalling the elemental, she sends it past the two doors to get a first layer of intel that could help their choice.

" Thanks Iarmid, I'll be fine. I'll wait until I suffer more lasting harm before resorting to my healing spells. " She seems to consider it a given that more harm will come their way.

" One thought occurs to me: we haven't seen any trace of intruders coming before us. Surely some bones would be left - neither the mummy nor the swarms would have devoured them whole. " 
 
  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra shakes her head at Cassandra's distracted musings.  " While I am using shapechange, it will not harm me. "  As Cassandra continues to summon elementals, Eilyra heads over to one of the aforementioned pits, and produces a fifty foot length of normal, mundane rope, and ties it to the rather heavy remains of the statuary, before dropping the other end down the shaft.  As she concludes her route-creation, Cassandra's final words reach her, and she nods.  " I would expect that a duo of an avatarist and a lich were likely the visitors.  Without any life of their own, they wouldn't have had any issues simply ignoring these swarms, and been gone before the mummy woke. "  Looking down the pit, she takes a hold of the rope.  " Regardless, we have a way down. "
With that, she starts rappelling down the side of the shaft, the motions practiced.  Despite this, she continues to keep a wary eye out for traps or wards during the descent.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d20+20)[ 28 ]  Search(For traps)
 (1d20+34)[ 43 ]  Spot
 45  Listen.(Rolled OOC)
 

 
 
  
kinem
The pit traps have covers that automatically swing closed when not pressed on, but using material from the sarcophagus the party is able to prop them open.

The earth elemental reports that the chamber which the left side pit leads to is empty, while the right side on has some items in it and a glowy thing.

With the right side sounding more promising, Eilyra lowers herself into that pit. Near the bottom of it is a 10' high stone which could be a door. Written on the "door" are some words in a strange language, which magic can help you read. The "door" has no obvious way to open it, but certainly looks to be of a different piece of stone than the rest.

 
 Spoiler: Marru 
WARNING! EXTREME DANGER. DO NOT OPEN EVER.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
There is some sand at the bottom of the pit. It looks like it has been walked on by a booted biped at some point.
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Down we go, then."   Crane says as he folds wings wings in and uses the rope to get down. At the bottom he readies his weapons again.   Don't want to get caught out like last time.     "Do you see a way through?"   He asks.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
After a few moments of descent towards the glowing something deeper in the pit, Eilyra finally gets close enough to reach out and touch the characters written on the door, and watches them rearrange themselves in her vision.  " It appears to be a warning, written in a language I do not recognize, on a door, telling of danger, and to not open the door. "  She glances down, and takes in the footprints in the sand.  " It also seems that we are not the first ones here, judging by the impressions in the sand.  Tracking, however, is not my forte. "

Her announcement given, Eilyra jumps from the end of the rope, trying to avoid disturbing the sand where the footprints were while allowing others to descend. 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 The news of a dire warning intrigues Cassandra, but it's probably not to be taken lightly.
She closes her eyes, and a third eye opens on her forehead as she scries ahead - there are some delicate tasks you cannot entrust to a mere elemental servitor. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Using her Third Eye Sense, she looks into the room with the glowing object first - then the empty room to confirm the elemental's assessment.
Creating sensors is at-will, so she can create one right on top / below / on the side of each object to examine them, if they're partially hidden.

Spot 62 (taking 10)
 
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 

In the first room you can see three urns, a purple robe, and an area that's glowing. The glowing thing does not appear to be an object, so it is more likely a portal or something like that.

The other room indeed appears empty, but when you lower yourself into the pit next to it, you see the same kind of stone "door" with the same warning as the other.
 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 The third eye closes, and Cassandra shares her findings. " Now let's see what kind of magical auras are at play. "

She lowers herself next to the two already present (assuming there is room for it), and attempts to see if her Arcane Sight will see through the door or if it is warded or too thick. Even before her analysis of auras is complete, she does some theorizing of her own: " One of you could use a short-range teleportation to take us to the other side without having to open the door. I don't like 'letter-over-spirit' interpretations, but it's possible the creators of this place did. " 
 
  
kinem
Cassandra can’t see any magical auras but that’s quite possibly because the stone is too thick.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Leaning against the stone wall with her arms crossed, Eilyra frowns at Cassandra's suggestion, and shakes her head.  " If the stone isn't warded, I would suggest just moving it.  If something is so incredibly dangerous that it must be sealed away, but is also incapable of going through a few feet of stone, it really isn't that dangerous. "  Then, she takes a breath, and lets it out slowly, before continuing.  " More relevantly, I have expended that particular spell for the day. "
 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
   Of course Eilyra would shut down other people's theories when they don't match with her own.  
" So how do you explain the warning? Rather than set wards they thought a single sentence would be enough to deter robbers? Usually I wouldn't trust any such warnings, but from what you said it seems a god could be involved. And, powerful as I am, I am no match for divine power, so some caution seems warranted. Even though the most likely scenario is that it houses a portal, perhaps to the prison of the god?

Assuming opening the door triggers something bad - which is a theory, and not one I'm married to - then the trigger, either mechanical or magical, could be on the other side, out of our current reach. And as for short-range teleportation, given that you shared that you are using the Shapechange spell, you could turn briefly into a Blink Dog to take a direct look on the other side. I'd tell you where to aim to avoid the glowing place. " She suspects Eilyra wants to work through pawns rather than risk herself, but she's still offering ideas.
As she speaks, she has lowered herself to sit cross-legged on the sand, wings at rest. 
 
  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra pauses, and looks at Cassandra as the woman clearly and completely misses her point.  Then, she sighs, and turns to fully face the woman.  " Explaining the warning is quite simple, really.  It is cheap, and it may deter further investigation.  It probably won't, but if you are sealing some sort of unspeakable evil, placing some sort of warning to deter future visitors wouldn't be unreasonable. "  She frowns, and shakes her head, and continues, her tone slightly lighter.  " Of course, if I were the one placing the message, I would also include information about what was sealed, and some safety precautions.  Preferably onerous ones.  More information often makes people more risk adverse. "

As she shifts back to the original topic, Eilyra's voice hardens, still cool, but now quite crisp.  " Yes, a short ranged personal teleport would certainly be within the power of a shapechange spell.  However, that's not really the point.  If we are going to do this, then we should commit, rather than set ourselves up for failure at the next obstacle we encounter.  If a few feet of stone is enough to keep whatever danger this is contained, it should not pose a significant threat. "

She keeps her burning eyes on Cassandra for another few moments, before looking to Crane and Iarmid.  " Thus, I think that we either unseal the chamber, and handle whatever is contained, or we travel to the nearby city, and see if we can learn anything more about the fall of Anret.  If it is the imprisoned god I am thinking of, said prison is elsewhere, and evidence would suggest that containment here failed a long time ago. " 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "How do you want to unseal it? I don't see a door handle..."   Crane says as he looks over the stone, making sure that there isn't actually a handle.

 
 Spoiler 
Crane is searching the door for some opening mechanism. If it's relevant, he has True Seeing.

Search  (1d20+31)[ 51 ] 
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra glances over at Crane, and offers a brief smile.  " Either brute force. "  She looks to Iarmid as she speaks, clearly implying her meaning, before she looks to Cassandra.  " Or via the manyfold powers of a beholder. " 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Crane 
There are apparently no mechanisms or even seams where it meets the surrounding stone. The slab of stone may have been produced in place by a  wall of stone  spell.
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Ah, well. I'll leave it to you then."   Crane says and steps back as far as he can in the cramped space.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 240/240  
Eilyra looks to Iarmid after Crane concludes his investigation.  " Do you believe you can get enough of a grip to pull it out of place, if it can be pulled?  Otherwise, I can disintegrate it.  I do not believe breaking it down would be wise, considering the potential for sound to alert beings on the other side. "
 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra looks back up at Eilyra as the woman predictably tries to get the last word in -   she has to be right, always   - and as predicted shirks the sliver of responsibility she could take on -   she weighs risks endlessly and tries to decrease them, but only as they apply to herself  . Still seated, she sighs, mirroring Eilyra's attitude, and shrugs. At least now she has a definite confirmation on Eilyra's type, at the apex of narcissism.   But of course they never see that in themselves.  

The suggestion about traveling to a faraway city is just a ludicrous as her slippery slope argument to avoid committing herself, so she doesn't dignify it. She closes her eyes and begins to meditate - which seems apt as their lives might end soon. Her other senses still let her be aware of what is happening. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Cassandra could posture and bicker back, but we'd never hear the end of it, with our two clucking hens! So Eilyra gets the last word. 😁
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322.
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Iarmid simply nodded when Cassandra decided to hold off on healing for now, which, reasonable enough. They didn’t know what encounters and enemies they would face in the future, best conserve resources until they were needed to be used, or before they were to rest and recover them in the first place.

Between the different conversations - mostly between Cassandra and Eilyra - preparations to lower themselves down into the pits after wedging them open, and the actual act of them all descending the rope, one after the other. Iarmid’s singing weapon faded into silence, making it much easier for them to continue talking, not that he had much to say. Leaning against the back of the pit as Cassandra and Eilyra went back and forth. As much as he disliked how arrogant Crane was, he had the pragmatism to check the ‘door’ for any means of opening it, which he seemed to fail. Eilyra’s question meanwhile got a shrug from him.

  “If Crane found a way to get a grip, sure. But that doesn’t seem likely, so disintegrate away.”   It did seem likely that whatever had been originally sealed away in this tomb had been disturbed already, but Iarmid didn’t think that was an excuse for them to leave either. Their dreams had brought them here for a reason, so it was best for them to properly investigate this place  before  leaving.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra sighs, and abruptly her form morphs into that of a horrifying monstrosity, a floating orb of eyes, with one closed central eye, and many more floating around it.  And, with a flash of light, a ray is fired towards the stone seal.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Shapechange to a beholder, then disintegrate.
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra's eyes snap open as she feels Eilyra morph, and she readies herself for whatever may happen. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Ready an action to create a Wall of Iron (Halphax vestige) replacing the door if a trap gets triggered, i.e. an attack/spell/... comes their way.
 
kinem
The pit is 10’ x 10’ square, so it’s quite a tight squeeze for the group to all fit on the bottom; although you can do so, it will certainly hamper your ability to defend yourselves should that become necessary, and no doubt the tight quarters are contributing to a bit of a contentious mood among the group.

When Eilyra changes into a Beholder though it is necessary for her to be lifted up and float above the others a bit.

When the stone “door” is disintegrated another wave of musty air hits you. Ahead you can see a small room, about 10’ x 10’ x 10’ cubic.

Inside the room are three urns, a folded robe that is purple in color, and the glowing area that may be a Portal.

There is some sand at the bottom of the chamber and it looks like there may be two sets of prints - one of a booted Medium size creature, the other of a larger biped.

 
 Spoiler: Detect Magic 
Urns all have Strong Abjuration.

The robe has Moderate Abjuration.

The “portal” has Strong Transmutation.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Beholder Wizard 
 AC: ?? HP: ???/???  
Gazing with manifold eyes into the revealed room as the dust clears, Eilyra pauses as she takes in the robe.  When she speaks, it is with a deep, guttural, almost horrifying voice as the gaping maw of the beholder mangles her words.  " That purple robe seems familiar, but not quite.  It could be older, or perhaps not.  The previous example I encountered provided protection against certain types of divine chill.  Given a few minutes, I can identify them, as well as analyze the other magic preesent within the chamber. "
 
 
  
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
With no objections or alternative plans, Eilyra transforms back into herself, rather than the beholder, before delicately stepping into the now open room and begins examining the various items and magical effects present with an eye towards identification.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Using the artificer's monocle and a detect magic to identify the various items.
 

 
 
  
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322.
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

Whilst the magical items that were revealed in this room were of some interest to Iarmid, they weren't the main source of his attention when the new chamber was revealed. He remained leaning against the wall as his large size meant even this new room would be a bit of a squeeze if he went inside and he didn't want to disturb anything by accident. Iarmid looked over the chamber, his eyes lingering briefly on what looked like a 'portal', but might be something else entirely, then his eyes drifted away to something else.

He wasn't the most perceptive individual, but it did look like there were some tracks... so while Eilyra stepped forward to investigate, he would glance to the other two, asking.   "Any good at tracking?"   Before he focused on Cassandra and asked.   "What does your Divintation say?"    Find the Path  was a spell that lasted for a half on hour even on a rather mediocre caster, so he expected a caster of Cassandra's calabier to have the spell up and working for several hours. More than enough time to investigate the pyramid in its fullest. Assuming that there was more chambers than just the two they had found. Which... well, he hoped so. But this place had not been working how he had expected before, so Iarmid truly didn't know what might happen.
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 

The Robe indeed protects against the special cold found in temples of the imprisoned god.

The glowing area does appear to be a Portal. You can attempt to activate it with a DC 40 Knowledge (Arcana) or UMD check.

The Urns each bear an Elder Glyph of Warding trap. There may be other magic auras within them but the Glyphs’ strong magic makes it impossible to tell.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Reviewing the items, Eilyra frowns at her findings.  " Interesting.  It would seem that there are signs that the imprisoned god is involved, as this robe is designed to protect against the cold auras present within its temples.  The portal seems to be a portal, but of an older design.  I should be able to get it working.  The urns appear to be trapped with a fairly powerful explosive spell, but may contain more of use.  Or they might be useful if collected and thrown. "
After she finishes her description, she turns the attention to the portal, to make sure she could active it.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d20+40)[ 50 ]  Arcana
 

 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: Eilyra 
You are confident that you can activate the portal.
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "I don't know much about making mummies, but don't they put their organs in jars before they get wrapped up?"   Crane says and frowns at the weird portal.   "Cold temples, eh?  Wait.  Did you say the 'imprisoned god'?"   Crane says and his blade appears in his hand by reflex. He glances down at it, surprised, then shrugs and keeps it out.   "These are cultist robes of that god? I'm sure that I'm going to regret asking, but does...that one...have anything to do with your last trip to this plane?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Crane is trained in Knowledge Religion so I'm going to assume he knows that's a title for Tharizdun, the Chained God.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Eilyra looks to Crane as he speaks up, and she nods as she steps back from the potentially explosive jars.  " Yes, mummies in some cultures may include exenteration.  And yes, the Bavian military was working closely with the cultists of that god. "  She looks over at Iarmid and Cassandra as Crane doesn't take the bait.  " If no one is interested in trying to weaponize the jars, I can attempt to dispel them, and assess if anything of use was interned within, or if it is organs. "
 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra relaxes as nothing untoward happens when the chamber is forcefully opened. She stays where she is, given the lack of room, and waits for the others to explore and report. She shakes her head at Iarmid's question: " Nothing interesting. The underground complex is likely only what we've seen - with the empty room on the other side. I'm guessing the real deal is on the other side of that portal. Which begs the question of why we were called in the desert and not the other side; perhaps some seals are still in place. "

Turning to Eilyra: " It all seems related to that sealed god - or perhaps not sealed, as you said. Could you share some more about him? And any temple of his you know about? I know  of  him, but only generalities, whereas it seems you may have brushed against some of his plans in the past.

Separately, do you know a divination to get some additional information about the portal?

Regarding the jars, I'd say it's worth trying a dispelling dweomer. "

She waits until the immediate topics are resolved to broach the question of their next step. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
She means Analyze Portal (SC) - though perhaps there are other spells that I don't know about.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
With a shrug, Eilyra follows through on Cassandra's suggestion, and attempts to dispel the trap placed on the urns.  As she observes the effects, she replies to Cassandra's question.  " The Imprisoned God, one who's name I would prefer not to repeat as names are power, was imprisoned quite some time ago by a coalition of divinities and mortals.  The seal, however, is breaking down, and there are those that seek to weaken those seals for their own gains.  Foolish, for the domain of the deity is madness.  As best I can tell, the plans of it's cultists revolve around breaking that seal, and freeing their god. "
With her observations of the effects of the dispel completed, she turns her attention to the portal, activating it.  " As for the temple I visited, it was located in the Astral.  Supernatural chill, an untouchable guardian, and a mad prisoner all called it home.  No signs of worship were present, for it had been abandoned.  Nearby, connected via portal, there was a library and several of the seals, which the cultists had been working to weaken before they were wiped out.  Other groups were drawing power from them, weakening them, and were mostly eliminated by myself and my allies.  Ultimately, a demon lord, Vayyel, was behind their plans, and we ruined those plans. "

With the portal activated, Eilyra casts her prying eyes spell one more time, choosing to reserve the majority of the eyes for future command, but sending three through, one to come back immediately and report, and the other two to take a slightly longer look around before returning.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

GDM:
 (1d20+20)[ 35 ]  Dispel 1
 (1d20+20)[ 25 ]  Dispel 2
 (1d20+20)[ 27 ]  Dispel 3
 (1d20+20)[ 40 ]  Dispel 4

Prying Eyes:   (1d4+21)[ 25 ]  Eyes remaining(After the 3 she used)
 

 
 
  
kinem
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Vayyel was actually a Devil, not a Demon.
 


Of the three urns, the Dispel attempt only works on the first.

An aura of Moderate Transmutation remains within the urn that has been cleared of the Glyph.

The Prying Eyes do not return. Quite possibly that is because the Portal took them beyond the range of the spell, such as to another plane.
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
With only one success, Eilyra moves forwards to examine the now unprotected urn, intending to retrieve the item within and identify it, should nothing dangerous present itself. 
 
  
kinem
Eilyra pulls a polished blue stone from the urn. Upon magical examination, it proves to be a  control stone  that coild be used to control a mindless creature.

 
 Spoiler: Control Stone 
This colored stone can be attuned to a mindless creature, allowing its holder to control it in much the same way the creator of a golem can control his creation and to issue simple commands to stop, move as directed, attack (what's in front of it), or guard (attack any who approach). Attuning a stone takes 1 hour of contact with the creature standing motionless and requires materials worth 1000 gp x Creature's HD x CR. Price: 5000 gp, Moderate Transmutation, Caster level 10.
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
After waiting for a couple of minutes for her eyes to return, Eilyra shakes her head.  " It seems that we will either need to send a summoned entity through, or travel ourselves. "  Then, she looks to Cassandra.  " That said, if we are using summons to perform dangerous activities, we could also use them to safely trigger the traps on the remaining urns. "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

After all, if we have unlimited disposable minions, we should probably use them.
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra finally rises as Eilyra's dispel succeeds partially; the prospect of urns containing potent items is intriguing, and it will soon be time to cross over.
" The stone may have been used for the statue? There might more guardians on the other side. " she muses to herself.
She tries her hand at dispelling too, with the help of her magical tunic.

Then she summons an  Invisible Stalker  - visible only to those with enhanced senses -, or rather its pseudonatural warped cousin, and telepathically tells it to go through the portal, make a quick survey of the room without stepping too far away from it, then come back. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Greater Dispel Magic (with +2 from Dispelling Cord, 1 charge used):
 (1d20+24)[ 43 ] 
 (1d20+24)[ 32 ] 
 
kinem
The Dispel Magic is successful on both urns. One contains a large but nonmagical diamond; the other contains a magical uncut gemstone about the size of a fist.

 
 Spoiler: if Cassandra picks up the magical gem 
She gets a negative level, which goes away if she puts it back down.
 

 
 Spoiler: if Eilyra picks up the magical gem 
She gets a negative level, which goes away if she puts it back down.
 

 
 Spoiler: if Crane picks up the magical gem 
Nothing unusual happens.
 

 
 Spoiler: if Iarmid picks up the magical gem 
Nothing unusual happens.
 


The Invisible Stalker does not return.
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322.
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

With a nod at Cassandra's response, Iarmid would hang back still, allowing the others to investigate the room and discuss plans. His resources were limited and geared more towards combat than investigation. He was a warrior, a champion of good, and a decent healer and leader. Those were his strengths, and while he had deeper magic and musical abilities than most warriors might, in the end, his glaive was his primary tool. And Iarmid had long since come to terms with it. Let Cassandra and Eilyra investigate the room and dispel the protective enchantments to reveal the items hidden within and reactive the portal, he would wait, and listen. Offer his suggestions where necessary, but only then.

He would frown at the 'Imprisoned God', trying to recall what he knew from his Bardic Training, but would also put that aside. Not only was Eilyra's explanation quite useful, and it was fortunate to have a robe to protect themselves against the chill of the temples. But there was a more pressing matter at hand. The portal.   "I'm starting to think it's one way, and it's best we simply go for it, no point in only some of us stepping through."   What was it called again... Occam's Razor? That sometimes the best solution was the simplest? Well, that's what Iarmid believed right now. Something had brought them to the pyramid, they had a portal leading elsewhere, and talk of the Imprisoned God. Why shouldn't they step through and see where it took them?
Chambers
 Crane 
  "That...is terrible news."   Crane says as Eilyra shares what she knows of Tharizdun.   "One-way, yeah."   Crane says, agreeing with Iarmid.   "I'm game, but was there anything else you'd like to do here first?"  
kinem
Eilyra examines the magical gemstone and determines that it is a Chaos Diamond.

 
 Spoiler: Iarmid 
You have heard tales about the Chained God, Tharizdun. Ages ago, the mad and evil god grew so powerful that he threatened to unmake the world. A coalition of many gods and others, of all alignments, managed to lock him away on another plane.

It does show that even the most powerful of gods can be imprisoned, and there could be some who retain the knowledge of how to do that …
 
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 40 HP: 284/254  
Wincing as she touches the diamond to identify it, Eilyra slips it into her bag, along with the other items recovered.  " It appears to be a chaos diamond, which has a selection of powers that those of a chaotic bent might find useful rarely. "

As Iarmid and Crane look over the portal, Eilyra gives them a look, before walking into the portal.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Time for special fun times?
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Hiding a smile behind her hand, Cassandra decides she likes  this  Eilyra - cooperative, active - much more. Instinctively taking a deep breath - even though one of her protections ensures she won't be lacking air, ever - she steps through the portal, weapon at the ready in her hand.

As soon as she is through, she tries to establish mental contact with the Stalker, to send it exploring farther if it's still alive. 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Looks like it's just us left."   Crane says to Iarmid.   "See you on the other side."   He says as he steps into the portal.
kinem
As each adventurer in turn steps through the portal, there is no sound or any other indication to those who remain of the fate of those who have taken the plunge …

—————————————————————-

After you enter the portal, the first thing you notice is stinging sand all around you, including in your face. You are in the middle of a sand swarm much like the ones that had been in the pyramid.

OOC: Make a Fort save DC 21 or be nauseated for 1 round

The second thing you notice is … emptiness. There is a vast void all around you, tending to a silver color in the distance. There is no air here, but you have no need to breathe. No floor either, yet you do not fall. To those familiar with the Planes, this is most certainly the Astral.

Then you notice that the void is not completely empty. There are strands of silver and other colors that tangle and thicken, connecting to a sort of knot about 500’ away. To those versed in magic and Planar lore, this … is an unknown.

Of more immediate concern, there are other creatures here. About 10’ away is a large and vaguely humanoid lupine creature covered in black fur; it looks quite ferocious.

 
 Spoiler: Knowledge(Planes) DC 30 
Marruspawn Abomination
 


About 300’ away is a man-sized robed creature, humanoid with a jackal-like face.

 
 Spoiler: Knowledge(Nature) DC 17 
Marrutact
 

 
 Spoiler: True Seeing 300’ 
The man-sized creature is disguised by an illusion. It looks much more like a Mummy.

Make a Will save DC 48 or be paralyzed with Fear for 1d4 rounds

 
 Spoiler: Knowledge(Religion) DC 60 
Hunefer
 

 


OOC: Initiative: Swarm  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] , Large humanoid  (1d20+8)[ 9 ] , Medium humanoid  (1d20+16)[ 28 ] 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322.
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 

After collecting the Chaos Diamond and adding it to his Haversack, Iarmid quickly readied his shield and glaive, just in case they were immediately heading into a fight on the other side of the portal. Quite frankly, he felt that the heavily-armoured half-minotaur should have been the individual who took point. But he supposes stuff like that can be addressed later, once they have become more comfortable working in a group. Now that the Imprisoned God is getting involved, he suspects this might not be an easy situation to resolve.  Even if he lingers on the  imprisoned  nature... can one tell what god has been imprisoned? 

As he stepped through, he was immediately assaulted by another sand swarm. But his lungs were strong, and he didn’t cough or flail at this attack. Instead, he peered past them to notice the strange void they hung within. This was the Astral Plane, right? He had journeyed through it before, so it felt and looked familiar. The strange knot of strands before them, the lupine-looking figure and the jackal-looking humanoid in the distance, however? They were not familiar, and Iarmid prepared himself for a potential fight. Still, he was  not  going to lash out like he had done before!
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
 Half-fiend Wizard 
 AC: 50 HP: 284/254 50% miss chance 
Entering into the portal, Eilyra is unsurprised to see a distinctly hostile welcoming committee on the other side, noting an undead sand swarm on the portal itself, and a pair of Marruspan, an Abomination and a Marrutact.  " Probable Hostiles.  Big one is an Abomination, they communicate via telepathy.  And if they were not hostile, wouldn't have this swarm on the gate.  Mostly a melee combatant with a bit of magic.  Little one is a Marrutact, think wizard.  Don't bother with fire. "
With her warning given, Eilyra's hands flash as she rapidly casts spells, first accelerating herself and her allies, conjuring a small shield to float around her, before she tries and fails to dash out of the swarm.  Instead, her form shifts once more, to that of a monadic deva before she readies a ray of exhaustion, should the Abomination try attacking anyone, giving Cassandra a chance to try diplomacy.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free:  Cast Haste
Swift(Or standard 1):  Cast Shield
Move:  70 feet up.(Failed the wisdom check)
Free:  Shapechange to a monadic deva.
Ready(Standard 2):  Cast ray of enfeeblement(penalties not being ability damage, and thus bypassing immunity is handy)
 (1d20+37)[ 57 ]  Ranged Touch
 (1d20+28)[ 39 ]  Spell Penetration
 (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  Strength Penalty
 

 
 
  
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Not getting any reply from her summon, Cassandra has to assume it's been "killed". She shares this information via telepathy with her companions; she hasn't needed to use it much up until now but it seems like a good time for it, though the sudden mental contact might surprise them.

It is obvious to her that they are in hostile territory. Based on what Eilyra said, she would want to go take out the wizard first, but she really hates the undead swarm they already encountered, and is not certain the others can handle it, so after a quick sweep of her arcane-enhanced eyes to make sure there are no obvious traps, she teleports to one side and proceeds to exhale the same kind of tornado she used inside the pyramid - tough to Crane and Eilyra it is the first time they witness it. The winds whip at the swarm and the marruspawn abomination, and Crane and Iarmid who just exited the gate can feel just a touch of the violent wind aimed at their enemies.

Then she incants a quick spell and throws a bolt of shimmering moonlight at the marrutact; she hopes to drain its strength since wizards are not known for it. She is disappointed to see it fizzle without truly impacting the creature. &lt;   There is some solid resistance to magic over there.   &gt; she sends telepathically. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Move : Thought Travel (Dantalion) to teleport a short distance

 Standard : Whirlwind Breath (Orthos): 60ft cone,  (21d6)[ 75 ]  dmg, x1.5 for the swarm so  112  - DC 37 (41 for undead) Ref for half, Fort or be pushed 1d4 x 10ft

 Swift  (auto-Quickened): Moonbolt (SC) - DC 23 (27 for undead)
 
 Spoiler 
Saving Throw: Fortitude half (living target) or Will negates (undead target)
Spell Resistance: Yes

Picturing a full moon in your mind you call upon the cyclical energies of the celestial body. You create a bolt of shimmering moonlight that streaks from your outstretched hand.

A moon bolt strikes unerringly against any living or undead creature in range.

A living creature struck by a moon bolt takes 1d4 points of Strength damage per three caster levels (maximum 5d4). If the subject makes a successful Fortitude saving throw, the Strength damage is halved.

An undead creature struck by a moon bolt must make a Will save or fall helpless for 1d4 rounds, after which time it is no longer helpless and can stand upright, but it takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls and Will saving throws for the next minute.
 



She moves so as to be able to aim the cone in a way that avoids catching allies, of course; she does catch the swarm and the marruspawn.
 
Chambers
 Crane 
  "Ahh! Pbllst!"   Crane says, spitting the invasive sand out of his mouth as he tries to fly away from the swarm. Instead of his wings taking him however he finds himself pulled away from the swarm at an incredible pace.   "Hey! I'll be back!"   He shouts to the receding figures of his companions as he continues to fly through space out of control.


 
 Spoiler 
 Free Action:  Reorient him 'down' in a random direction, fall 150ft.
 Standard:  Total Defense

Maneuvers Readied: Quicksilver Motion, Manticore Parry, Avalanche of Blades, Adamantine Hurricane.
Stance Active: Dancing Blade Form

AC: 52 (normally 47; +1 from Haste, +4 from Total Defense); AC vs ranged attacks is 57 (Deflect Arrows 2/round).
HP: 266/266
DR: 5/Evil
F/R/W: +24/+41/+21

Spells Active: Haste (from Eilyra)
 
kinem
Crane, attempting to leave the dangerous sand swarm, flies off at an angle compared to the large humanoid, so he doesn’t collide.

Eilyra’s attempt to leave an opening for dialogue with these creatures appears to go to waste as Cassandra unleashes a scouring blast of wind into the airless void. However, Eilyra continues to hold her spell ready as the reaction from the possible enemy is not yet clear.

The swarm of “sand” that surrounds the portal is scattered but survives the blast, and it is pushed away some  (1d4)[ 3 ] x10 feet.

The large lupine humanoid dodges part of the windstorm and is not pushed away.

The man-sized and more-distant humanoid concentrates briefly and rapidly produces two magical effects:

Greater Dispel Magic targeted on Cassandra

CL 20  (20d20)[ 8 ][ 17 ][ 18 ][ 13 ][ 13 ][ 3 ][ 6 ][ 17 ][ 18 ][ 3 ][ 15 ][ 11 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 19 ][ 20 ][ 19 ][ 16 ][ 2 ][ 5 ](231) 

Chain Lightning, strikes on Cassandra, then arcs to Eilyra and Iarmid:

  (20d20)[ 225 ]   electric, Reflex half DC 29; secondary targets take half as much

The swarm of sand is able to fly under its own power and returns to the portal area, attacking Eilyra and Iarmid:

Swarm attack  (4d6)[ 9 ]  plus  (1d6)[ 2 ]  Charisma damage

Those who start a turn within the swarm face Nausea (Fort neg DC 21)

OOC: Iarmid to act
kinem
Chain Lightning [toll]20d6[/roll]
kinem
Chain lLightning  (20d6)[ 68 ] 
namo
     Cassandra     
  HP  318/318 - Nonlethal dmg 21  |   Saves  Fort +40 / Ref +27 / Will +40
 Senses  Arcane Sight 120ft, Blindsight 120ft, Mindsight 100ft, See Invisible + See in Darkness (unlimited range), Tremorsense 60ft; Listen +17, Spot +52
 Defenses   AC  50 / Touch 30 / Ff 42   (+4 vs constructs/undead) |  50% miss chance  |   DR  10/adamantine 
      
 Cassandra sees the incoming bolt of lightning and focuses on a meditative prayer to her goddess:   I am one with the elements  ; it works, and the lightning traverses her without harming her. The wizard pits his magic against hers, and she feels dimly some of her protections evaporating: her body does not look like stone anymore, but she's missing other enchantments without being sure which ones were dispelled.

That calls for an answer, but the creature is far away still. While astral surfing is not one of Cassandra's hobbies, she has some experience with it, and so she puts herself in the mental framework of " the enemy is down " then falls at high speed towards the wizard. As she gets closer, she pierces the veil hiding its true nature but... is unable to identify what they're facing. "  Not a Marrutact!  " she shouts for the benefits of her allies, now too far for telepathy.

She teleports closer, but cannot reach the enemy before he's ready to incant again. She instead activates her armour to make it easier to move around in the fight. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Slight reflavouring of successful save + Ring of Evasion :)
And a reference to Ender's game somewhere.

 free : Wis check   (1d20+8)[ 13 ]    (1d20+8)[ 22 ]  - fall 150ft towards the Marrutact
I assume we can also use a Wis check to stop falling in any direction (denying there's any gravity); otherwise people couldn't stay still in the Astral.

 Move : Thought Travel (Dantalion) to teleport 105ft closer

 Standard : activate Celestial Armor's Fly ability

She's quite likely to use her Divine Defiance feat to try to counterspell as an  immediate  action if he uses a very troublesome spell or SLA. (Chain Lightning is not in that category.)
 
D&DFan
    Iarmid    
 AC: 50. FFAC: 37. Touch: 16. HP: 211/322. 6 Non-Lethal.
 Senses : Truesight, 60ft Darkvision, 30ft Blindsense, +9 Spot, +34 Listen
 Defences:  DR 3/Chaotic, 25% Miss Chance. Regeneration 


Right, the Astral Plane. With Eilyra finding herself stuck and Crane set hurtling off into space, Iarmid remembered that moving in this place worked... strangely. If anything, he was grateful that there was at least one enemy nearby for him to strike out at. Otherwise, he wasn’t sure how well he’d be capable of taking action in this place. It was  quite  frustrating that they still had that sand swarm to deal with, and that Cassadnra’s whirlwind didn’t scatter it immediately, hopefully, Eilyra could handle it before the soul damage became too much. There was a powerful lightning bolt thrown his way, but between his divine protections and magical items, he shrugged it off without nary a tingle. For now, he had his target.

And with Eilya’s  Haste  accelerating his movements, it was easy to figure out what to do. He would be going for one powerful blow trying to smash them away, tempting as it was. No, Iarmid would last out again and again to strike this foe down!

 
 Spoiler 
Power Attack = -5/+10.
Making a Full-Attack Action.
  Attack 1  - (1d20+34)[ 35 ]    Damage 1  - (2d8+32)[ 44 ] 
  Attack 2  - (1d20+34)[ 40 ]    Damage 2  - (2d8+32)[ 38 ] 
  Attack 1  - (1d20+29)[ 36 ]    Damage 3  - (2d8+32)[ 37 ] 
  Attack 1  - (1d20+24)[ 38 ]    Damage 4  - (2d8+32)[ 37 ] 
  Attack 1  - (1d20+19)[ 21 ]    Damage 5  - (2d8+32)[ 40 ] 

And a pre-emptive AoO, this one with Bull Rush:
  AoO  - (1d20+34)[ 47 ]    Damage  - (2d8+32)[ 43 ]    Bull Rush  - (1d20+38)[ 44 ] 
 
kinem
Iarmid's glaive flashes in well-aimed arcs - but the powerful Abomination is able to either dodge the blows or its tough hide turns them aside, resulting in no damage to it!

The lupine creature then lets loose a blood-curdling howl! Those nearby within 30' of him- Iarmid and Eilyra - feel a strange sensation as the howl threatens to fossilize them!

OOC: Fort DC 32 or turn to stone. Iamid made the save (rolled OOC)

The Abomination then proceeds to attack Iamid with claws and a bite!

OOC: Iarmid has AC 50, and concealment (25% miss chance) but the Abomination has Blind-Fight. It doesn't bypass his DR 3/Chaotic
Claw Attack 1  (1d20+46)[ 64 ] , damage  (3d8+16)[ 29 ] ; miss  (1d100)[ 84 ] ,  (1d100)[ 71 ] 
Claw Attack 2  (1d20+41)[ 51 ] , damage  (3d8+16)[ 31 ] ; miss  (1d100)[ 65 ] ,  (1d100)[ 64 ] 
Claw Attack 3  (1d20+36)[ 45 ] , damage  (3d8+16)[ 30 ] ; miss  (1d100)[ 98 ] ,  (1d100)[ 22 ] 
Claw Attack 4  (1d20+31)[ 44 ] , damage  (3d8+16)[ 27 ] ; miss  (1d100)[ 32 ] ,  (1d100)[ 4 ] 
Claw Attack 5  (1d20+46)[ 65 ] , damage  (3d8+16)[ 29 ] ; miss  (1d100)[ 86 ] ,  (1d100)[ 49 ]  (haste)
Bite Attack  (1d20+46)[ 52 ] , damage  (6d6+16)[ 37 ] ; miss  (1d100)[ 53 ] ,  (1d100)[ 6 ] 

Edit: Eilyra’s Ray of Enfeeblement hit, reducing the Abomination’s Str by 7 and its attack and damage rolls by 3 compared to what was rolled above.

It then swifty targets him again with a Flesh to Salt spell-like ability.

OOC:  (10d6)[ 37 ]  plus if it does half or more of his current hp in damage then Fort DC 22 or Turn to Salt

Cassandra "falls" and teleports towards the smaller, more distant enemy.

Eilyra and Crane can now act
Archmage1
      
      Eilyra     
  Half-fiend  Siabrie Wizard 
 AC: 64 HP: 284/254  
After firing off her ray of enfeeblement to good effect, Eilyra feels the transformative magic sweep over her, and fail to find purchase in her currently elemental form.  " It would seem that peace was not an option. "  Her melodic voice is calm, but clearly audible over the chaos of the fight, and she seems mildly offended, both by her failure to fall, and by the whole situation.

This time choosing to engage in combat with a little more forethought, her form shimmers, and shifts, becoming almost a fey echo of herself, with glowing red eyes, supernatural beauty, and deeply tanned skin.  The abrupt change doesn't seem to take her by surprise, and she moves with all the fury of a desert, flashing through the air as she dances past the Marruspawn Abomination, her almost invisible sword flashing in the strange light, leaving deep slices as she moves past.  Even as she continues past the Abomination, she is chanting, rapidly casting a spell to protect her from Lightning, as she turns to face her opponents once more.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free:  Shapechange to Siabrie (Can keep gear, but also has a non-air based flight.)
Note:  Effective dex is 40, which is a +15, so +5 to attack and damage.
7 NA, +5 dex, so AC 64.
Move:  As needed for Bounding Assault against the Abomination.  She has a fly speed of 90.
Swift:  Cast Resist Energy(Lightning)
Standard 1:  Bounding Assault to deny AoO's and also do some stabbing
Free:  PA for 11
 (1d20+39)[ 48 ]  +1  Attack 1
 (1d10+48)[ 50 ]  Magic Good Adamantine Damage +  (1d6)[ 5 ]  Skirmish +  (1d6)[ 1 ]  Fiendslayer +  (2d6)[ 3 ]  magebane + 1 + -2 to SR.

 (1d20+34)[ 39 ]  +1  Attack 2
 (1d10+48)[ 55 ]  Magic Good Adamantine Damage +  (1d6)[ 5 ]  Skirmish +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  Fiendslayer +  (2d6)[ 9 ]  magebane + 1 + -2 to SR.
Trigger empowered Bloodstone on the second strike(To reduce that SR)
 (1d20+28)[ 38 ]  Spell Penetration(Assuming both hit, this should auto-succeed)
 (10d6)[ 35 ]  x1.5 Damage and temp hp for Eilyra

Standard 2:  Bounding Assault to deny AoO's and also do some stabbing
Free:  PA for 11
 (1d20+39)[ 53 ]  +1  Attack 1
 (1d10+48)[ 53 ]  Magic Good Adamantine Damage +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  Skirmish +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  Fiendslayer +  (2d6)[ 2 ]  magebane + 1 + -2 to SR.

 (1d20+34)[ 42 ]  +1  Attack 2
 (1d10+48)[ 49 ]  Magic Good Adamantine Damage +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  Skirmish +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  Fiendslayer +  (2d6)[ 10 ]  magebane + 1 + -2 to SR.
 

 
 
  
Chambers
 Crane 
  "This is getting out of hand pretty quick!"   Crane says to himself as he picks up speed going nowhere. He checks his sword to make sure it's glowing and then braces for the hard stop as he reaches out to grasp the shadows, twisting them to cover him like a cloak. He disappears from the field of stars and then reappears behind the Abomination, sword and shield ready.

 
 Spoiler 
 Standard action  to activate the Sacred ability of his sword.
 Free action  to make a Knowledge (The Planes) check against the Abomination for Knowledge Devotion  (1d20+16)[ 18 ] 
 Swift action  to use a Quickened Dimension Door.


Maneuvers Readied: Quicksilver Motion, Manticore Parry, Avalanche of Blades, Adamantine Hurricane.
Stance Active: Dancing Blade Form

AC: 48 (normally 47; +1 from Haste); AC vs ranged attacks is 53 (Deflect Arrows 2/round).
HP: 266/266
DR: 5/Evil
F/R/W: +24/+41/+21

Spells Active: Haste (from Eilyra)
 