conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  The hitherto lost Canyon of the Magi may provide an impressive view, but it is narrow, and Paavo easily finds his way to the marked tomb.
  
  But it has not been allowed to rest in peace. The entrance is open, and the sand is marked by a pair of fresh footprints. Could they be those of the Dark Wanderer and one of his minions?
  
  Stepping inside, he finds that the tomb is no less spoiled than the rest of the land. A small group of mummies immediately greets him, led by a a mummified horadrim mage like Paavo faced in the sewers beneath Lut Gholein, what feels like so long ago. This one stands on a dais, inscribed by ancient symbols.
  
  And it speaks.
  
   "Foolish mortal! You would disturb the Lord of Terror at his moment of triumph?" 
   Map up. 
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  The ancient mage raises a hand, and another warrior mummy rises fully formed from the sands, and falls in line with the rest of them in a crude formation.
  
   Map updated. 
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  Paavo 
     "Fuuuuuu....."   
  
  Deciding that a frontal assault against so many foes is ill-advised, Paavo retreats to town for a quick change of gear.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Change my Shirt of Dexterity for the Shirt of Wraith Stalking, while basking in the healing aura. Activate the shirt just before entering the current chamber again.
  Edit: and have a potion of True Strike in my hand prior to entering the chamber.
   
conversations: peterpaulrubens:
conversations: human
conversations:  The mage screams in a language Paavo does not understand, even though his outrage is clear enough. Stone splinters as something hits the wall behind him, and he can hear the shuffling of mummies all the way to the surface, but once again his long strides carry him away from danger.
  
  Not lingering long in the safety of the city, he soon finds himself back in the tomb - only this time, more prepared.
  
  Will his enemies be?
  
   
   Spoiler 
  Turns out no, Paavo has the edge this time. Go time!
   
  
   Map updated. 
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  Paavo 
  
  Paavo moved forward, wary of how much protection his new trinket actually gives him, stopping momentarily behind a pillar to drink his potion.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Move: Move to R16.
  Standard: drink potion of True Strike.
   
conversations: peterpaulrubens:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  The bone-dry tiles are not exactly easy to sneak across when wearing heavy boots, but the magic of the shirt does its job admirably. The monsters stand with unnatural stillness, the way no true living creature can match, apparently still waiting for Paavo to reappear.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  They are foiled!
   
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  Paavo 
  
  Paavo rushes forward like a feral animal lunging for the kill, intent on cleaving the enemy apart before it knows he's there.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Move: move to N8
  Swift: invest Determination- 4 in Berserker, 4 in Mage-Killer, 4 in Weapon Master, 2 in Peerless Athlete
  Standard: full attack on Ancient Kaa, Power Attack for 15:
  
  1st iterative: (1d20+35)[ 55 ]  for  (1d8+45)[ 50 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+35)[ 45 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+14)[ 24 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+35)[ 46 ]  for  (1d8+45)[ 50 ] 
  
  2nd iterative:  (1d20+30)[ 33 ]  for  (1d8+45)[ 52 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+30)[ 49 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 28 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+30)[ 47 ]  for  (1d8+45)[ 53 ] 
  
  3rd iterative:  (1d20+25)[ 40 ]  for  (1d8+45)[ 46 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+25)[ 32 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+25)[ 37 ]  for  (1d8+45)[ 51 ] 
  
  Current AC: 29
  Current HP: 225 (+60)
  Current SR: 25
  Current Movement: 40'
   
conversations: peterpaulrubens:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  The monster doesn't notice anything at all until Paavo's sword has gone past its physical and magical defenses and right through its chest, a wound that would surely be fatal to anything that doesn't already have its vital organs safely embalmed and stored away somewhere.
  
  Before the slow-moving lesser mummies have managed to respond, Paavo has the leader nearly hacked to pieces.
  
  But it is not quite done yet - it raises a mangled claw, channeling unholy energy that surrounds the monster and lashes out at Paavo as well.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  It casts two spells. The first one is on itself (Paavo's spellcraft:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  - is insufficient.), and provokes an AoO.
  The other is at Paavo, and doesn't provoke an AoO. (Paavo's spellcraft:  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  - is a Darkbolt, from the Book of Vile Darkness.) It deals  (5d8)[ 22 ]  points of damage, half cold, half untyped. Paavo must make a DC 19 Fortitude save or be stunned for one round.
  
  The other mummies approach.
  
  Enemy status: Well, it depends a lot on whether Paavo manages to interrupt the first spell!
   
  
   Map updated. 
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  Paavo's blade bounces harmlessly off the thickest piece of the monster's chest armor as it suffuses itself with energy. Before his eyes, the mummy wrappings knit themselves together as it rises again, as if the cuts inflicted earlier had been minor nicks.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  Enemy status:
  
  Kaa: Barely injured!
  Lesser mummies: Unharmed.
   
  
   Map updated. 
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  Paavo 
  
  Paavo circles to his left to avoid being surrounded, and continues his assault on the enemy leader.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  5' step to O8.
  Standard: full attack on Ancient Kaa, Power Attack for 4.
  First iterative:  (1d20+25)[ 34 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 30 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+25)[ 44 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 25 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+25)[ 41 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 28 ] 
  Second iterative:  (1d20+20)[ 30 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 35 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+20)[ 22 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 33 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+20)[ 34 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 30 ] 
  Third iterative:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 30 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+15)[ 29 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 20 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 31 ] 
  
  Current HP: 225
  Current AC: 29
  Current SR: 25
   
conversations: peterpaulrubens:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  The monster healing itself most definitely does not prevent Paavo from chopping it up again. Before nimbly stepping away, the creature has fallen down from fresh cuts, nearly as bad as the earlier set.
  
  It raises its claw again in an angry gesture as the lesser mummies back off - just in time for them, as the mage begins sending out a blast of scalding sand in Paavo's direction.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  Mummy 3 takes a 5' step and full attacks:
   (1d20+15)[ 19 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 13 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 5 ]  points of Constitution damage.
   (1d20+10)[ 11 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 16 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 2 ]  points of Constitution damage.
   (1d20+10)[ 27 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 6 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 5 ]  points of Constitution damage.
  
  Ancient Kaa casts a spell! This  provokes an AoO.  For expediency - if Paavo takes the AoO and hits its current AC of 34, here's a Concentration check:  (1d20+26)[ 31 ] . If the spell goes through anyway, Paavo takes  (15d6)[ 46 ]  points of damage, Reflex save DC 22 for half. Paavo must also make a DC 22 Fortitude save or be knocked prone.
  It also heals itself of  (3d8+15)[ 21 ]  points of damage (no AoO here).
  It then stands up,  provoking an AoO .
  
  Mummy 1 moves,  provoking an AoO  and attacking:
   (1d20+15)[ 18 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 14 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 4 ]  points of Constitution damage.
  
  Mummy 2 moves,  provoking an AoO  and attacking:
   (1d20+15)[ 35 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 16 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 1 ]  points of Constitution damage.
  
  Enemy status:
  Ancient Kaa: Badly damaged.
  Other mummies: Undamaged.
   
  
   Map updated. 
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  Paavo 
  
  Ignoring the lesser mummies trying to fillet him, Paavo focuses his blade on the ancient thing slinging evil spells.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  5' step to N7
  Full attack on Kaa, Power Attack for 4:
  1st iterative: (1d20+25)[ 36 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 31 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+25)[ 39 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 17 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+25)[ 37 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 33 ] 
  
  2nd iterative:  (1d20+20)[ 28 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 35 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+20)[ 35 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 33 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+20)[ 35 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 34 ] 
  
  3rd iterative:  (1d20+15)[ 17 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 29 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+15)[ 16 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+15)[ 16 ]  for  (1d8+27)[ 29 ] 
  
  Current Hp: 186 (+60)
  Current AC: 29
  Current SR: 25
   
conversations: peterpaulrubens:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  The mummy had gathered enough power to flay a horse in an instant, but it all fizzled into nothing when Paavo cuts off most of the clawlike hand channeling the spell. Dark energies quickly restore some of the damage, but the spell is lost, and the momentum of Paavo's follow-up attacks makes it stumble back and fall.
  
  On its back, there's little to stop Paavo from delivering a thrust right through its chest.
  
  Its damage obviously too much for its black magic to repair, it seems to know it has lost.
  
   "Duriel will rend you limb from limb..."  it rattles out while evoking one last dark curse.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  Ancient Kaa casts another spell. This  provokes an AoO . If Paavo takes the AoO and hits its current AC of 34, here's a Concentration check:  (1d20+26)[ 46 ] . If the spell goes through anyway, Paavo takes  (5d4)[ 9 ]  points of  strength  damage, Fortitude save DC 21 for half. (Spellcraft DC 19 to ID)
  
  All mummies full attack.
  M1:
   (1d20+15)[ 27 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 13 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 3 ]  points of Constitution damage.
   (1d20+10)[ 12 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 18 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 6 ]  points of Constitution damage.
   (1d20+10)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 5 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 6 ]  points of Constitution damage.
  
  M2:
   (1d20+15)[ 22 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 22 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 3 ]  points of Constitution damage.
   (1d20+10)[ 15 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 20 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 2 ]  points of Constitution damage.
   (1d20+10)[ 27 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 4 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 3 ]  points of Constitution damage.
  
  M3:
   (1d20+15)[ 22 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 17 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 2 ]  points of Constitution damage.
   (1d20+10)[ 12 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 22 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 1 ]  points of Constitution damage.
   (1d20+10)[ 30 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 6 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 3 ]  points of Constitution damage.
   
  
   Map updated. 
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  Paavo 
  
  Feeling his strength ebb as the dark magic takes hold, Paavo buys a little time from the swarming mummies by using a magic trinket before launching another attack at the wounded Kaa.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  5' step to M8.
  Move: use boots to teleport to M12
  Standard: full attack on Kaa, no power attack, extras to M3:
  1st iterative:  (1d20+27)[ 31 ]  for  (1d8+18)[ 25 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+27)[ 43 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+11)[ 28 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+27)[ 30 ]  for  (1d8+18)[ 19 ] 
  
  
  2nd iterative:  (1d20+22)[ 37 ]  for  (1d8+18)[ 22 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+22)[ 27 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+11)[ 22 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+21)[ 40 ]  for  (1d8+18)[ 26 ] 
  
  3rd iterative:  (1d20+17)[ 29 ]  for  (1d8+18)[ 19 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+17)[ 19 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+11)[ 24 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+17)[ 24 ]  for  (1d8+18)[ 22 ] 
  
  Current AC: 29
  Current HP: 180(+60)
  Current SR: 25
   
conversations: peterpaulrubens:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  Paavo still has enough strength to skewer the mage again, and this time, the energies keeping the monster animated are finally overwhelmed. With a sound like a prolonged death rattle, it collapses in on itself.
  
  He turns his attention to the other mummies, which seem to be mindlessly unconcerned by the destruction of its master. These turn out to be far less resilient, Paavo taking the leg off one with an easy swing. Yet, it hobbles on along with the others.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  Mummy 3 stands up,and approaches.
  
  Mummy 2 approaches, and attacks.
   (1d20+15)[ 25 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 12 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 3 ]  points of Constitution damage.
  
  Mummy 1 approaches.
  
  All three provoke AoOs.
  
  Enemy status:
  Mummy 1: Unharmed
  Mummy 2: Unharmed
  Mummy 3: Near destruction
   
  
   Map updated. 
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  Paavo 
  
  With the main threat gone, Paavo lays about him with his blade, swinging hard to harvest mummies like so much wheat before the scythe.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  5' step to N13
  Standard: full attack on M3, overflow to M2: edit: rolls reflect Power Attack for 3 
  1st iterative:  (1d20+24)[ 36 ]  for  (1d8+22)[ 29 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+24)[ 33 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 29 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+24)[ 40 ]  for  (1d8+22)[ 25 ] 
  
  2nd iterative:  (1d20+19)[ 27 ]  for  (1d8+22)[ 25 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+19)[ 36 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 29 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+19)[ 23 ]  for  (1d8+22)[ 29 ] 
  
  3rd iterative:  (1d20+14)[ 27 ]  for  (1d8+22)[ 25 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+14)[ 23 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+15)[ 29 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+14)[ 23 ]  for  (1d8+22)[ 25 ] 
  
  Current AC: 29
  Current HP: 180(+60)
  Current SR: 25
   
conversations: peterpaulrubens:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  The most ancient mummy was foul as it unravelled, but these fresher ones are worse still - as Paavo cleaves the first one apart, its body bursts into a cloud of noxious fumes Paavo barely manages to avoid. The next one does much the same, coating most of the platform.
  
  Whatever the gas is, it does not seem to pose much of a threat to those already dead. The one still standing begins flailing out of the fog, hard hands trying to hit whatever it can reach.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  M3 and M2 explode into a cloud of gas, covering all squares adjacent to their last position.
  
  M1 is still standing, and starts attacking out through the fog.
  Misses on a 1:  (1d5)[ 3 ] .  (1d20+15)[ 21 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 22 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 5 ]  points of Constitution damage.
  Misses on a 1:  (1d5)[ 5 ] .  (1d20+10)[ 17 ]  for  (2d8+7)[ 13 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 1 ]  points of Constitution damage.
  Misses on a 1:  (1d5)[ 2 ] .  (1d20+10)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 8 ]  damage. On a hit, DC 20 Fortitude save or take  (1d6)[ 6 ]  points of Constitution damage.
  
  Enemy status: Everything destroyed but Mummy 1, which is at full undead health.
   
  
   Map updated 
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  Paavo 
  
  Paavo continues the assault, wary of the cloud of gas that is sure to erupt from his enemy when he finishes it.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  5' step to N14
  Standard: full attack on M1, Power Attack for 4:
  1st iterative:  (1d20+24)[ 35 ]  for  (1d8+24)[ 29 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+24)[ 41 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+13)[ 22 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+24)[ 40 ]  for  (1d8+24)[ 31 ] 
  
  2nd iterative:  (1d20+19)[ 20 ]  for  (1d8+24)[ 26 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+19)[ 38 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+13)[ 20 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+19)[ 33 ]  for  (1d8+24)[ 32 ] 
  
  
  3rd iterative:  (1d20+14)[ 16 ]  for  (1d8+24)[ 27 ] . If hits for 10 damage, knockdown trip touch attack:  (1d20+14)[ 28 ]  , strength trip check:  (1d20+13)[ 26 ] . If successful, extra attack:  (1d20+14)[ 30 ]  for  (1d8+24)[ 29 ] 
   
conversations: peterpaulrubens:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  One mummy would need more than a cloud of poison to survive more than a few moments in Paavo's presence. With a pitiful hiss, it too deflates and collapses.
  
  Once the clouds have dispersed, Paavo has time to explore the platform the mummies were guarding. He immediately notices an oddly shaped hole in its center - could it match his Horadric Staff?
  
   
   Spoiler 
  Stuff from Ancient Kaa!
  
  Periapt of Wisdom +4 (8k GP)
  Energy Immunity Full Plate +1 (5325 GP)
  Ankh of Ascension (4500 GP) [MIC 71]
  Full Rejuvenation Potion (1650 GP) - CL 11  Heal  in potion form
   (4d4)[ 11 ] *1000GP
   
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  Paavo 
  
  Still feeling enervated from the dark magic, Paavo scoops up his new-found treasure and runs back to town for some healing before trying to insert the staff in the oddly-shaped hole.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Paavo will sell everything except the potion.
   
conversations: peterpaulrubens:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Tomb of Tal Rasha 
  
  The staff slides into the odd depression like a well-oiled key, and immediately, magic springs to action.
  
  The floor shakes, runes set into the platform that were nearly invisible before now flare to life, and the odd ambient light coalesces around the top of the staff. The light's intensity builds until a searing beam explodes towards the western wall, and Paavo is forced to avert his eyes.
  
  When he dares to look again, the staff is gone, but in the place where the western wall used to be, there is a smooth stone slide, leading down into the darkness.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  All ready to tumble down?
   
conversations: Ernir:
conversations: human
conversations:  Tal Rasha's Burial Chamber 
  
  Paavo slips down the uncomfortable slide, but what is more uncomfortable than banging against the rocks is the feeling of  wrongness  that gets stronger the further he slides down.
  
  He has felt this only once before - when entering Andariel's domain in the monastery catacombs.
  
  The smell of rotting meat and corruption hits him like a wall at the end of the slide. And it is not difficult to see why - directly in front of him is an enormous monster, and strewn all about are what look like the remains of its last meal.
  It looks like nothing so much as an oversized, lopsided maggot. A massive belly is supported by rows of comparatively tiny legs, and a small, horned head sits between two terrifyingly oversized front claws.
  
  As Paavo recovers from the trip down, the monster, who can be no other than Duriel the Maggot King, sticks his two large claws into the ground and begins to turn around.
  
     "Looking for Baal?"   
   
   Spoiler 
  For once, there's no way there's not a surprise round for Paavo.
  
  You have one standard action before initiative!
   
  
   Map up. 
conversations: Ernir: