OEPT13: Behind Door Number One

[greentongue]

With everyone watched as Huruyan pulled up on the door latch.
It juggled and rattled but didn't move far.
Several repeated tugs upward yielded the same results.

One of the guardsmen sighed in relief but it wasn't clear which one.
The sound came from Huruyan's left.

[greentongue]

Kumahl
"My brother, let me look at it a moment."

Kumahl makes a study of the lock and the door.

---
Kumahl determines that the door latch can be squeezed down towards the handle and that the handle can rotate either direction.

Since this is hard to describe clearly
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pini...284a871cfde04861.jpg

Kumahl
Calmly over his shoulder, "Be at ease and stay alert. There will be many ways to use the rewards of the returned dowry. I am sure you can think of a few?"

---
The thumb latch is the most worn and there are scrape marks beside the separate metal piece between the thumb latch and the door edge.
Also the metal piece that is directly behind the handle has scrape marks in the wood to the left of it.

The door is hung to swing out.

You will still need to roll (cause that's the rules) but I'll give a -2 for being a Genius and another -1 for now knowing what doesn't work.
The door can still stick.

[greentongue]

Kumahl
Kumahl instructs the warriors and porters to stand clear of the door opening into the hallway.

---
With the door open Kumahl sees east to the wall at the back of a room just under thirty feet deep.

Directly ahead in the corner are a couple of chests fitted with pole loops.
They are decorated in bright purple and orange carvings and have broken ribbons attached.
There are poles leaning up in that corner near them.

On this room's wall seven feet to the right is an opening just over five foot wide into another room.
This other room looks to be just over ten foot wide by fifteen long with double wooden doors in the middle of its narrower eastern wall.

The main room has a seven foot wall section between the just opened door and the other one down the hall.
It is slightly more than twenty five feet square with a sunken section of floor in the north east corner that takes up a quarter of the room.

There is a rattling and clattering from the direction of the sunken area which seems to be piled with castoff pieces of armor and damaged containers.
Something large moving there glitters an iridescent green in the light.

[greentongue]

Kumahl
"Boys we have company. Prepare yourselves."

"Warriors form a semi circle around and fan out north and east. Porters and servants grab those poles and lets move those chests."

"Huruyan keep an eye on the depression to the North East and cover me for a couple of minutes."

Huruyan
"Will do." Huruyan steps into the room and makes space for the porters to get through. "Quickly now, grab those chests."

---
Following a couple of Blazoned Crescent soldiers, Huruyan and Guardswoman Ninue pushed into the room.
Guardsman Ssiyor and a Blazoned Crescent soldier remained behind with Kumahl watching the north.
Two of the Blazoned Crescent porters followed behind Huruyan with Lord Seer and six more moved closer in the corridor to the south.
The last two Blazoned Crescent soldiers watched the rear.

[greentongue]

Huruyan
Noting where everyone is, Kumahl keeps focused on the NE corner depression.
Not sure what other encouragement could given, Kumahl does make a more thorough study of the locking mechanism and the door jamb.

---
A great armored beetle like creature with an iridescent green carapace, six legs, and powerful scissors-like mandibles heaved itself out of the sunken area towards the entering soldiers.

It is a Dlaqo also known as "The Carrion-Beetle".
Not a large one but still twice as big as a man.

Huruyan
"Everyone spread out and back away for the beetle." Huruyan then casts illusion spell.
The spell creates the illusion of five more soldiers coming into the room and immediately attacking the beetle.
Loudly, "Kumahl, try to open the next door, if you can you might be able to attack the giant beetle from behind."

Kumahl
Kumahl moves slowly back so as not to throw off the illusion.
He makes his way to check the other door, noting similarities and difference between the first door and the second.

---
The Dlaqo lunged at the nearest Blazoned Crescent soldier but the sudden appearance of additional opponents seemed to cause it to hesitate just enough that it was unable to get a solid bite.
It's mandibles slid off of the soldier's chain-mail with a clack.

The Dlaqo's antenna's waved towards the illusionary solders and then back towards the real ones.


Kumahl's doesn't notice any difference between the doors except that this one doesn't show as much sign of use.

[greentongue]

Kumahl
Following the same steps as the last time, Kumahl squeezes the latch to the handle, then turns the handle in the same direction as the last.

Before entering the room, he checks his pack for rope and if he has none, will ask the nearest porter for some.

---
With the experience of the other door, Kumahl had no problem working the door's latching mechanism.

Before he opened the door, he fished a length of rope from his backpack.

The illusionary soldiers attack.
They are in an arc facing the beetle, #1 far left to #5 far right.

One of the soldiers landed a solid blow on the Dlaqo and everyone saw it stop moving a couple of its legs on that side.
Another of the soldier's blow ricocheted off of its carapace knocking into the blade of the soldier next to him.

[greentongue]

Kumahl
As Kumahl carefully steps through the second door, he fashions a lasso with a slipknot.
The lasso opening he makes big enough to go around the mandibles.
Draping this over his shoulder Kumahl steps through the door and lets it slowly close and latch into place.

Stepping carefully, Kumahl assess the bugs position and the possible effects of the illusion.
His attack with his hooked fishing staff would be to the legs currently functioning.
Using the hook of the staff, Kumahl will attempt to detach the legs from the abdomen of the bug, causing it to topple forward to the right.

---
The misfunctioning legs threw off the Dlaqo and its snapping mandibles missed the leg of one of the illusionary soldiers as it lunged again.

The illusionary soldiers continued their attack

The illusionary soldier in the middle sunk his sword to the hilt into the Dlaqo.
It spasmed and twitched while the other soldiers bounced their swords off of its carapace.

Silence fell across the room and then the rattling crunch of the body settling into the litter of the pit was heard.

[greentongue]

Huruyan
"And here I was thinking that illusion was a useless spell." This quietly just to Kumahl.

Kumahl
Kumahl smiles at Huruyan and moves quickly to finish the skinning of the beetle, removing wings and carapace and if possible the mandibles.
These things he tries to secure in a couple of sacks and double bag them. These he drops off in one of the porter's baskets without them knowing.

"Sometimes, my Brother, I don't think people believe us when we explain where we have been and what we have done.
Best get those chests clear of here and fast. Round up the porters and those poles."

Huruyan
Loudly, "the danger is over,we have slain the giant bug so now we need you porters to get the dowry and carry it out of here." Huruyan then looks into the pit to see if there is anything that is of any use or value.

---
While Huruyan is scrabbling through the miscellaneous collection of armor pieces of multiple sizes, the assigned porters slip the poles into the loops of the two chests.

Some of the containers are usable and a mismatched set of armor can be assembled from the assorted pieces.

With the others making way, the chests are moved out of the room and into the corridor.

The carapace of the Dlaqo is the diameter of a man and still of iridescent green even with the thing dead.
The mandibles are each the length of a man's arm.
They are much too big to easily fit in bags or porter's baskets.

[greentongue]

Kumahl
Kumahl ties the pieces up as best as he can, trying to lubricate what he can. He creates a makeshift sling or backpack from lengths of rope and the sacks he has and then secures it to one of the porters baskets, making sure the load doesn't shift much.

"Grab the armor and we can worry about fitting it on the road."

Kumahl goes down the line of porters, servants, and warriors and makes sure they are hydrated, fed, and their feet and legs are prepared for a fast march back to the High Road.

Kumahl then heads to the front of the column closest to the water way and begins carefully leading and guiding the train back across to the ramp and exit of the ruins.

Huruyan
Huruyan gathers up the pieces of armor that are in good condition and puts them in containers for transport.

---
Under the watchful eyes of the Qol, everyone proceeded to the surface.

Being careful not to step on the marked step the climb up was only strenuous for those carrying the dowry.

The remaining servants and porters were still busy collecting the chops from and burying the fallen.

One of the senior servants presented Lord Seer with the chop of Lord Captain Kureshu.
His elaborate seal is carved from a red stone with gold inlay.
The others were unremarkable chlen-hide except for a couple made from bronze.

[greentongue]

Lord Seer Epengar
After making sure his palanquin was in condition for use and rounding up a team of bearers to carry it, he turned to Kumahl.

"Craftsman Kumahl, will you do us the honor again of performing a ceremony for the fallen?"

Kumahl
"Certainly Lord Seer."

Finding a discarded pole and some unburnt orange and purple portions of the tent, Kumahl secures the fabric to the pole with a hefty not and stakes it into the ground, just as the wind makes its way through trees.
With the banner flapping gently in the breeze Kumahl commences the Last Rights.
[Private to GM: I can't remember their specific diety.]

---
Many in attendance thank Craftsman Kumahl for the consideration he showed by performing the ritual.
[Private to Kumahl: They follow various of the Tlokiriqaluyal (Lords of Change/Evil) like members of your clan.]

When all was done the afternoon had become hot and muggy.

The grumbling of those that had not eaten since early yesterday could be heard by any that payed attention after the ceremony.

[greentongue]

Lord Seer Epengar
As his palanquin was being lifted, "Hunter Huruyan lead us out of here and back to the road."

"As you seem to have some experience with this sort of thing, I will leave you temporarily in charge of the clan soldiers."

Commanding a nearby senior servant, "Have the clansmen gather our things and form ranks."

To the bearers of his palanquin, "Take my usual position, in the middle."

Kumahl
Scrounging what food could be spared, Kumahl made an effort to hand out food to those who had not eaten recently. Taking the extra waterskins as well, he refreshed everyone that he could .

As Kumahl heads out and back to the road, he will be looking for edible plants and possible animals to kill for extra food.

Huruyan
Huruyan organized all the fighters and the 4 porters of his clan, putting several soldiers in the front with him and several in the rear.
Those with the most serious injuries were put in the middle near Lord Seer. He then lead the way back toward the road.
As they walked Huruyan looked for water and a good place to stop for the night.

---
Between Huruyan and Kumal's sharp eyes a few edible plants and a couple of unfortunate animals were collected for food.

They were enough for a thin soup to share among everyone or a few could be satisfied and the others remain hungry.

The invisible one or some other predator was in the area as a porter relieving themselves vanished suddenly with a rustling of bushes.

Just as the column reached the Sakbe Road, the heavens opened up and a downpour began.
The rain brought an early twilight and very poor visibility.

[greentongue]

Huruyan
Attempt to find a place to hide from the rain and settle in for the night. This includes getting everyone something to eat and taking care of the wounded. If there is any tent material left set up rain covers against the side of the road. Also set up watches for the night.

Lord Seer Epengar
Pointing to a senior servant.
"Have the tent sat up near the wall. I will need a dry place for the night."

"Hunter Huruyan and Craftsman Kumahl, you may join me in the tent."

"What do we have for a meal? I'm feeling famished."

Kumahl
Kumahl laughs. "In this weather, I say we wait for fish to swim up stream or fall from the sky."

"Lord Seer, are you intending to carry the dowry back yourself? If the servants and porters aren't looked after, we maybe a week before we can return the dowry. We certainly don't have the force of arms to deter bandits, so we need to strengthen where we can and secure ourselves in mass."

"No one goes alone. Always in twos or fours. Sentries are like wise in pairs."

Kumahl is shelters his eyes with hands over top of his brow and surveys everything away from the lower tier wall.

[greentongue]

Kumahl
Stepping into the tent, Kumahl waits for Lord Seer.

When the Lord Seer has entered, Kumahl asks him about where the Blazoned Crescent are stationed and how far in days and hours. Once he has the information, he returns to Huruyan and the others of the entourage to check on health and safety.

Huruyan
"We would be honored to join you in your tent, Lord Seer, wouldn't we Kumahl?
Lord Seer, I think Kumahl and I should stay with your party, and help protect the dowry until you return to your home. About how long do you think it would take to get there?"

[greentongue]

Lord Seer Epengar
"We are from Jakalla but my clan has representatives in most large cities."
"The dowry is being taken to Urmish."
"As you know, that is around ten days travel to the north west by this road, in perfect weather."
"With the monsoon starting, it could be longer."
"It should have been there weeks ago."

"We can get supplies from the village near the next road tower, which should be less than a days march from here."

"I think there is a village there," added in a musing tone.

Huruyan
"Well, I hope there is at least a village as I need some clothing to replace what was destroyed by the spores and food is also becoming a concern.
However, village or not we will be happy to accompany you to Urmish."

Kumahl
Kumahl checks amongst the porters and the servants for Chodo's single porter, hoping that he hasn't been misplaced or lost.

Kumahl shows the porters how to make serviceable lean tos from their baskets, at least keeping their upper bodies dry. Scrounging for wood, limbs and large branches with a couple of guardsmen, Kumahl will attempt to erect a couple of makeshift structures for the guardsmen and servants not on duty.

Taking the wings and carapace from the porters, Kumahl uses dirt and the rain to scrub and scour the beetle parts. Turning the carapace over, he uses the now cleaner surface to collect rain water to refill waterskins and provide water to the party.

Seeing Huruyan sheltering from the rain, he hands him one of the wings. "We never got this wet when we fished. What do you think, we move at first light?"

---
With Huruyan in the tent, Lord Seer Epengar watches with disdain as Kumahl does tasks normally relegated to servants.

Chodo's porter is easy to find as he has been ignored by the others as they work together with others of their own clan.

The couple of guardsmen keep watch as they direct servants to assist with Kumahl's chores.

[greentongue]

Lord Seer Epengar
Speaking to Huruyan, "Is your clansman always so disrespectful of the positions of others?"

"He is obviously of better breeding than the common folk yet gives them no purpose to serve."
"How can they show their worth if they are not allowed to serve?"

"Does he believe he pleases his god by ignoring the fate that has been assigned to them?"

Huruyan

"Kumahl has always been unique, and as to why he does what he does, I have never been able to make sense of it.
He is however one of the finest and most loyal men I have ever known. If you ever need someone at your back, none would be better."

Lord Seer Epengar
In replay to Huruyan, "Yes, many things can be forgiven for the sake of loyalty."

"He is certainly useful to have around even if he does upset the order of things."
"As I prefer things to be changed, in my favor, I too can overlook his strange behavior."

"I hope others that have to deal with him are as forgiving."

---
The night passed uneventfully with the only changes of note being the varying amount of wind and rain.

Huruyan, Lord Seer and his personal servants stayed dry in the tent while everyone else were soaked to the bone.
While Kumahl's partial shelters were helpful, the winds managed to blow the rain through every crack and crevice.

The morning was only distinguishable by the lightening of the sky as the rains continued in gusts.

Though there was plenty of rain water to drink, food had been exhausted.
The grumbling about lack of supplies was in hushed tones.

Anticipation of reaching a Sakbe Road tower bolstered everyone's spirits a little and they were ready to begin.

[greentongue]

Huruyan
As the sky lightened to the east, Huruyan started organizing soldiers, porters and bearers. With the new day Huruyan felt better (current hit points up 1 to 11) and after a very meager breakfast lead them all toward their destination following close beside the sakbe road.

Kumahl
Kumahl gathers his bug parts, wraps them, and stows them in a porter's basket. He makes sure through out the day to speak with Chodo's porter as often as possible. Working his way back and forth through out the column he visually checks on those he can and if necessary pulls one or two aside to cast Cure Light Wounds and Cure Serious Wounds were applicable. Kumahl forgoes his rations and hands out what he can to those more famished and weakening faster than others.

At one point along the Sakbe Road, Kumahl walks near Lord Seer's paloquin. "Lord Seer I understand the world in which you were raised. I don't agree with it, but I understand it. In all honesty my station and success in life would be nothing without the support of others. Mistreating and downgrading others, though the Gods may except this, does not encourage or empower others to do their very best. So I treat everyone as I would be treated if I were them."

Finishing he his explanation, Kumahl falls back in line checking on the soldiers, the warriors, the servants, and the porters.

Huruyan
Almost immediately it became apparent that the bearers of Lord Seer's palanquin were having trouble negotiating around all the bushes and other obstacles, so in spite of the difficulties involved Huruyan decided that the group needed to climb up onto the lowest road level. Lord Seer was asked to dismount so that his palanquin could be passed up onto the road. With much effort and difficulty everything was lifted onto the road and then they proceeded on their way at a faster and easier pace.