Faerun awaits...

Istar looked just a touch sheepish as the door failed to budge , shaking her head when the Team Leader asked if she had a prybar. She turns a very loving , appreciative smile to her Beloved as she was cheered on , graciously taking the offered crowbar. "Aww! Thank you so much for the encouragement , my Fire-Touched Beloved. You're so sweet! That's very kind of you to offer me your tools - I'm sure your kindness will have propelled me to victory!" She wedged the half-sized bar into the doorseam , pushing against the metal device with both hands.

-----------
Strength:roll(1d20)+5:4+5 Total:9
 
Keth leaned against the dug out walls and watched as the paladin tried again. Noting the halfling was being supportive. 'At least they've got that going on for them.' He tilted his head slightly, as if sizing up the door while he waited. 'I hope it lasts.'

He knew from experience that it was gonna take more then one try, so he threw in his two coppers. "Give it another shot."
 
Rihaly puts a hand on Istar's back, urging her on more through will than anything physical. "You can do it," she cheers. "Throw your might behind it, beautiful. Pretend it's an undead ogre that's barring your way, and strike it down!" Whoever is here clearly doesn't want any company. A deathtrap at the front door is one thing, but something so tightly wedged means there can't be regular traffic through here.

Which meant it was deserted, or that whoever was in here didn't need to eat . Remembering the shiny new wire, one seems far more likely than the other.

One hand pressed to her beloved's mail-clad spine, the halfling deftly checks her weapons in case there's something waiting on the other side of the door.
 
Istar's slight blush deepened as she once again failed to open the door - it was her Trials all over again , except now her Beloved and her Team Leader were with her. 'I probably look so foolish right now..' The beautiful Halfling's hand at her back had a calming effect on her , and her One True Love's encouragement brought a smile to her lips despite her embarrassment. "Thank you so much for believing in me , my Queen. I promise I'll conquer this door!" With renewed effort she pushed on the Crowbar , hoping this time the door would pop free.

------------
Strength:roll(1d20)+5:2+5 Total:7
 
The appointed team leader continued to lean against the earthen wall, his arms folded across his broad orcish chest. He starred at the floor, chewing on his lip. "Come on long ears. You can do better then that."

The stone door did not seem to notice the attempts to persuade it to move aside for this small group.

Some of what Rihaly was thinking had to be true about the door. She had seen too many well kept, secure and well locked items, and cells, to know that you don't put things you use regularly in hard to reach places. But if you did you would want a way to get at it.
 
Using her lack of height to full advantage, Rihaly squirms under Istar's reach and digs her fingers in around the door. "Maybe I can help?" she suggests, sounding doubtful even to herself. "I refuse to believe that with all the talent in this group we can be defeated by a stuck stone door." The next time Istar tries her luck with the crowbar, the halfling heaves as well to add her own small aid to the task of opening the door. "You can do this, Istar! I know you can!"

She doesn't seem to add have much effect. Maybe doors are our Nemesis? I hear most adventuring parties have one.


Aid Another (Strength)
Roll(1d20)-1:
3,-1
Total:2
 
Istar blushed even further , her face approaching the color of blood. She sheepishly looks towards the floor when her Team Leader adressed her , ashamed with herself for having so much trouble with the doors. 'I never thought my greatest challenge as Corellon's Paladin would be stuck doors..' She gives her Beloved an incredibly thankful , gracious smile nevertheless. "Oh , thank you so much my Queen , it's so kind of you to help me. I'm so sorry I'm having so much trouble , but with you helping me I just know we'll be able to open it! You're so wonderful!" With that she once again tried to open the door , pushing against it with all her might.

---------
Strength:roll(1d20)+5:11+5 Total:16
 
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Even with the combined effort, the door refused to acknowledge their efforts. It remained solidly in place.

Keth shook his head and stepped forward and gripped the edge of the door over Istar's shoulder. "Come on long ears, let's give it another shot." It did not sound like an encouraging tone, but it did not sound angry or dismissive either. "If we don't get in we don't get paid."

The half orc would begin pulling once the other two started as well, trying to best maximize the group efforts.
------------------------
Strength Roll(1d20)+2: 19+2 Total:21
Aid Another bonus to Istar = +2
 
With Keth leaning over Istar, Rihaly naturally leans under her reach, digging deft fingers around the edge of the heavy stone door and pulling with all of her inconsiderable might. This time she has a better grip on things, and while she's not at all sure she'd be opening the door herself she hopes she is actually helping instead of simply getting in the way. "You know," she says as a thought occurs to her. "If there are people here who might just want to be on their own we could always try knocking. If they're going to come out to kill us, they have to open the door first."

She shines a quick smile up at her elven love, aware she's being silly. They're going to get the door open this time. They've got to!


Aid Another (Strength)
Roll(1d20)-1:
12,-1
Total:11

+2 to Istar
(Cumulative +6, including the crowbar and Keth)
 
To her dismay Istar found herself coming up short yet again , looking to her Team Leader and her Beloved all the more sheepishly. 'Oh , I must look so foolish and weak right now.. They can't have a high opinion of me now.' Thankfully the Half-Orc didn't berate her , though his tone lacked the encouraging tone that would've put her at greater ease. "Thank you so much si- ah , Keth. That's so kind of you to assist me.. I'm so terribly sorry I'm being so ineffective." She weakly smiled back at her One True Love , quite obviously perturbed despite the comfort her beautiful Queen's smile offered her. Once again she put as much effort as she could into forcing the door open , hoping with all her heart she wouldn't shame herself yet again.

-------------
Strength:roll(1d20)+9:20+9 Total:29
 
Keth smirked and have a silent chuckle at the rogues logic and humor. "That has worked in the past."

Whether it was through sheer dogged determination or combined effort, the stone door begrudgingly, achingly slowly began to open. The hollow grinding of stone on dirty stone was the reward of the effort the three put in.

As the door swung outward a mild breeze could be felt rushing into the dark tunnel beyond. The dim light in the antechamber tentatively moves in, revealing a few well used stone steps leading into the darkness.
 
"Yes!" Rihaly cheered with triumph as the heavy door ground slowly open. Her eyes went round as she heard her voice echo down the open corridor ahead of them, and she put a hand across her mouth. "Oops," she apologized, more muffled now. The irrepressible halfling could not stay subdued for long though, and she straightened to give Istar a big hug around her waist with the burglar's mighty door-opening thews. "You were wonderful," she said reassuringly, then slipped away into the shadows ahead of the group, back on trap-duty and looking out for ambushes.

-----------------
Strength (mighty hug): Roll(1d20)-1: 3,-1 Total:2
Stealth: Roll(1d20)+16: 5,+16 Total:21
Perception: Roll(1d20)+11: 20,+11 Total:31
 
Istar was overjoyed to see the door finally open , grinning widely. "I did it! I finally did it!" , she ecstatically whooped. The echo -combined with the sweet song of her Beloved's - caused her to cringe slightly , but nevertheless it failed to put a damnper on her spirit. She gleefully returned her Fire-Touched Queen's hug , smiling as wide as she could. "Thank you so much for believing in me Rihaly , you're such a noble person! I can't thank you enough for assisting me - I couldn't have done it without you!" The Elf watched the beautiful Halfling continue on ahead of them for a moment before turning to Keth , still smiling , though perhaps less broadly. "And thank you as well , Keth. You could've very easily grown angered with me , and it was very kind of you to not only remain calm and understanding , but assist me as well! You truly are a wonderful Team Leader."
 
The combined joyous echoes last longer then either would have liked or expected, but as they die down, the element of surprise most assuredly dies with it.

Rihaly steps into the darkness quickly being enveloped by the shadows becoming one with them. After the first few cautious and thorough stairs it is very apparent to the rogue that without any light finding traps let alone the imminent drop off into the abyss that was surely waiting would be impossible.

Istar's smile and unabashed enthusiasm is met with a less dispassionate visage of the half-orc. Being only a foot apart, the undersized tusks are prominent on the unsmiling lips. "You're welcome, we are a team." Nodding towards the entry tunnel. "Now let's be ready to rush to aid the trap bait, in case she finds something that can handle her." You also notice how dilated his eyes are along with a slight silver sheen to them as well. You know from training and study of your cultural history full blooded orcs can see the pitch black, but can half breeds?

Keth waits for Istar to enter first, assuming she would prefer to be closer to Rihaly in any event. He draws his odd weapon in his right hand and a dagger in the other. Both Istar and Keth have to duck slightly in the descending stars, the passage being barely wide enough for two humans to pass each other, if they turned sideways and their chests brushed in the movement.
 
Rihaly let out an irritated huff under her breath, then reached back over her shoulder and drew her everburning torch. Unwrapping the cloth from around its head meant its radiance lit up the tunnel and exposed any trap triggers or drop offs that may lie directly before her, but it also meant she was lit up like a blooming solstice tree. There needs to be better lightning in abandoned tombs, she reflected whimsically. That, or I really need to save up for a wand of darkvision.

Practically singing 'ambush me, please', the halfling kept on down the passageway. Looking for trouble.
 
The reverberating echo causer Istar to wince , knowing any enemies within the subterranean temple would be well aware of them. Noticing the Half-Orc's pupils dilating she was tempted to ask if he could see in full darkness , but eventually chose against it. 'It very well could end up offending him , and I truly do want him to be my friend.' She nodded as he gave her permission to follow her Beloved , quickly stepping in front of him so she could be close behind the beautiful Halfling. "How close should I stay to her , Keth? I want to be within an arm's length of her , but that may not be the best option. You'd know much better than I would , I'm sure.. I really don't want any harm to come to her."
 
Trading a certain degree of stealth for certainty of finding deadly traps does seem a fair trade, though you figure the element of surprise could still on your side. Whoever is here can't possibly know that your coming to pilfer their things. You do make a mental note to have a word with the ancients and their lack of lighting.

You carefully descend for several minutes down the stairs before you see them end in what looks like it should be a room of sorts, there is a very faint glow coming from the end of the stairs, outlining the shape of a doorway. You find nothing impeding your progress. Though at the base of the stairs Rihaly can see a boot laying near the opening. There is no door, just the opening into the room.

Without entering the room or getting too close to the room, Rihaly can tell it is a well made boot.

Istar and Keth follow behind the intrepid halfling. "I'd say about two paces or so, close enough to help, but far enough to not be caught in the trap." 'Though I'd prefer either there be no torch or it were behind me.'
------------------------
Rihaly: Appraise check on the boot.

All: Make a dungeoneering check if you want to know about how deep you are.
 
Her sense of paranoia decidedly active, Rihaly froze the moment she saw the boot. She let her grey eyes trace across the room, contemplating the footwear, its surrounds and what might have compelled a wanderer (past or present?) to abandon it there. Had the wanderer left a foot there as well, or was the boot empty? Was there anything resembling blood or a trap threatening?

And how far down were they anyway?

She held up a hand to caution the other two not to approach too closely. She was not strong, but was probably slippery enough to get out of most traps she might trigger on herself without serious harm.

The others would be less fortunate.

-----

Appraise (Boot): Roll(1d20)+2: 18,+2 Total:20
Knowledge: Dungeoneering: Roll(1d20)+9: 12,+9 Total:21
Perception: Roll(1d20)+11: 20,+11 Total:31
 
Your keen eye, even though you are not close enough to get a good look at the details, tells you this is a well made boot and possibly elven. And to your relief, at least in the immediate sense, you do not see any blood or severed limbs of the owner. Drawing marginally nearer, you do not detect any traps either.

By the slight pressure in your ear and the coolness of the air you guess you are about forty or so feet down.

Keth sees the upraised hand and gently holds into Istar's shoulder with two fingers, suggesting she stop for now.
 
Istar gave her Team Leader an especially appreciative smile before advancing within two paces of her Beloved. 'Now I should be able to defend her better should any enemies try to harm her. I won't let any harm come to her!' She didn't wish to think of how deep underground she was , already nervous enough without putting further thought to it. The light from her moon rod mixed with the torch's light , and though it didn't increase the brightness the pale silver light extended beyond the orange-hued torchlight. As her One True Love stopped beside the boot she did as the beautiful Halfling suggested and stopped , though she sorely wished to be directly at her side to defend her. The Young Elf had her (free) right hand tightly clenched on her sword , nervously anticipating enemies leaping from hidden spaces at any moment. She briefly turned to the Half-Orc with a vigilant and determined expression , though her vibrant emerald eyes clearly showed her distress. The Paladin stayed highly alert for an ambush , scanning the area around them for anywhere hostile beings could spring from , or any other signs of hidden enemies.

-------------
Perception:roll(1d20)+3:12+3 Total:15
 
Rihaly couldn't see anything here, and she'd normally expect to if there was any kind of trap. Still, something about this just didn't sit right with her and she lowered the magical torch to the ground and set it spinning out to thud into the boot. If that didn't trigger any kind of magical apocalypse, she looked back at the others, smiled wryly and launched herself forward.

The highly trained halfling cartwheeled forward, grabbing shoe and torch as she rolled through and hopefully getting both away to the other side before any kind of doom befell her.

---
Thrown Weapons (spun, torch): Roll(1d20)+9: 13,+9 Total:22
Acrobatics: Roll(1d20)+13: 15,+13 Total:28
 
The magical illuminated stick skitters across the floor, through the opening and thuds into the boot with the semi soft sound you would expect to hear from an empty boot.

Nothing doom related happens, even as the brazen rogue flings herself bodily into the unknown room, deftly grabbing both items and landing in very good performance landing with practiced grace.

The first thing Rihaly notices is the lack of deadly devices attacking, there really must have been no traps.

The second thing she notices is the body. Not half a stride from the boots original location. It is face down, is looking silver blonde hair spread over its shoulders and face, like a scarf or shawl. The rest of the body is covered by a long blue-grey cloak, only the booted and bare foot protrude from the bottom hem.

Curiously there is a lack of a large pool of blood. Or stench of death. But there is some odor, a smell that refuses to be labeled or known.

Once her eyes drift away from the body of boots owner, she can see the room is only about two strides (ten feet) wide to her right and left (east and west), and it extends to the outer range of her torch in front and behind her (north and south). To her right (east) there is a small rounded alcove with a chest of drawers nested in it, and a sack resting atop it. On the chest of drawers there are engravings, similar to that of the stone door, but equally unknowable.

Towards the far end of the room in front of her (north) it seems to open up to the right (east), and something long laying on the floor.

Istar does not see any signs of hidden enemies or malicious attacks. Just her daring halfling being brash and seemingly reckless.

Keth shook his head at the daring carefree entrance. "I take it to mean it's safe then?" Letting out a sigh he patiently waits for the elf enter the room first, though he would rather push past. 'I used to wondered why the Captain drank so much.' Looking between his fellow retrievers, furrowing his brow. 'And now I'm starting to see.'
 
Istar watched her Beloved's daring feat with awe , the beautiful Halfling possessing the grace and courage only a Paladin could. Thankfully her One True Love stuck an elegant landing without incident , which brought the young Elf an enormous measure of relief. Ignoring her Team Leader she rushed to the older woman's side , an ear-to-ear smile gracing her features. "That was so amazing Rihaly! You truly have the grace of an Elf , and surely the courageous heart of a Paladin.. Oh , you're just so wonderful! I love you with all my heart!" The eager Paladin had yet to notice the body close to her feet , all her attention focused on the Rogue with whom she was so completely smitten.
 
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Being the queen of perception and the seer of the unseen that she is, the halfling was all too aware of the cloak-covered body on the floor - as well as the long object ahead and to the right, still indistinguishable in the darkness. Rihaly had higher priorities right this minute and swept the younger (older?) paladin into her arms and two judicious steps away from the nearest body. "Oh Istar you're so kind," she said, embarrassed at the praise. "It's nothing that amazing, it's just what I do. Standing against the forces of the evil undead, that's what's truly amazing and I don't know that I could ever be as brave as you were with that giant ogre-thing!" They had exchanged stories of their adventures aboard ship, and the tunnels under the tavern had featured prominently in both their memories. "Speaking of which..." she pointed to the body on the floor, a bit spooked. "That could be someone who tragically died not long ago inside the locked and trapped abandoned temple. But the clothes and hair don't look old, so maybe it's some kind of undead thing waiting for the chance to jump out at us. Would you check it for me, my brave one?"

She looked back over her shoulder at the half-orc, extended a hand and wobbled it from side to side. "Still to be seen, captain. There don't seem to be any traps though, at least not in this room." If the dead body isn't tranquil, odds are the other long thing she can't quite make out is another evil entity so she stepped carefully clear of her love before she went to check on the silver-blonde and readied herself to be attacked; setting her bag down on the floor with the torch standing out of its top.
 
Istar gleefully wrapped her arms around her Beloved in return. The delightful , loving compliments only made her all the more ecstatic , and she tightened her embrace just slightly - though she still was slightly ashamed over fleeing from the Skeletal Giant despite her victory. She beamed down at her Beautful Queen , her emerald eyes gleaming with the deep affection she had for the Halfling. "Aww , Rihaly! That's so amazingly wonderful of you to give me such incredible compliments! I'm so honored that you place so much faith in me , I promise I'll always be your valiant Paladin!"

The smitten Elf was about to rhapsodize further , on the very cusp of waxing lyrical as only one head over heels in love truly could , when her Fire-Touched Love drew her attention to the silver-blonde body on the ground. Her mouth fell open in horror , quickly covered with her right hand. 'Oh , that's so horrible. I hope they're merely asleep , or drugged , or at least still living.. and they have the silver locks of an Elf , as well!' After her moment of shock she recovered herself , turning to her Truest Heart Friend with a loving smile. "Of course I shall , my One True Love! I'll always protect you in any way I can , from any threat!"

With that the Paladin would carefully approach the silvery-locked humanoid , kneeling down beside it and setting her still-struck moon rod down beside her. She carefully pushed against the silver-blonde's form with her left hand , ready to spring back and draw her sword in an instant should they turn out to be hostile. As she did so she spoke to them in a very soft , courteous voice. "Hello , I'm Istar. Are you alright? Do you require any assistance? I'd be more than glad to assist you." If they remained unresponsive to this effort , she'd cautiously place two fingers on their neck to feel for a pulse.
 
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