Part 8: Once more unto the Barrowmaze

[RiotInferno]

Pyrrhic chuckles. "In this gloom, many things can cause all matter of men to break. Do not let it bother you, and let us continue to greater treasure!"

[ybn1197]

From where you stand, there are two more crypts, both to the right. There is the bricked up doors to the left and according to the map, there is a secret door to another chamber in the portcullis room. Where would you like to go? There is also the option to return to the main hall and try elsewhere. You have created a substantial amount of noise in this area and are likely to draw attention if you haven't done so already.

[Zhym]

Let's try the secret door.

[ybn1197]

Let's try the secret door.

The map shows the supposed location of the secret door however does not mention anything about the opening mechanism. Give me a 1d6 roll to find the mechanism.

[Zhym]

[1d6] = 2

Let's assume we keep looking until we find the mechanism or are interrupted.

[Stirling]

Grigg

Having looked unsuccessfully for the secret door, Grigg will check out the door at the end of the corridor, above is a stone block with a carved face.

[ybn1197]

Milo quickly finds the stone which opens the secret door to the chamber beyond exactly as shown on the map. The walls of the room are honeycombed with small octagonal-shaped alcoves (100 would be a low estimate). In the far corner of the room 6 humanoid shapes huddle together, their backs turned towards you. As the door grinds open, they turn to the noise and you see the zombies begin to lurch towards you.

[ybn1197]

Grigg

Having looked unsuccessfully for the secret door, Grigg will check out the door at the end of the corridor, above is a stone block with a carved face.

Getting closer to the carved face, you realize it is of half a skull (the front half.)

[Zhym]

"Zombies!" cries Milo, calling the others to battle. He fires an arrow as he backs out of the room.

Short bow (THAC0 19): [1d20+4] = 15+4 = 19, [1d6] = 6

[kalstone]

Simoni thrusts forth the holy symbol of St. Ygg.

Turn: [2d6] = 8, Hit Dice: [2d6] = 4

[RiotInferno]

Pyrrhic draws his sword, rushing to the front line, ready to strike when one comes close.

[Stirling]

Grigg

Grigg calls to the others to exit the portcullis room so we can drop it and shoot the zombies from outside.

Was the skull an actual skull or just a stone carving?

[ybn1197]

Was the skull an actual skull or just a stone carving?

The skull is just a carving, very well made and life-like but still just a carving.

"Zombies!" cries Milo, calling the others to battle. He fires an arrow as he backs out of the room.

Short bow (THAC0 19): [1d20+4] = 15+4 = 19, [1d6] = 6

Milo's arrow is well placed and penetrates the zombie's shoulder. Oblivious to the projectile, the zombie continues its slow march forward.

Simoni thrusts forth the holy symbol of St. Ygg.

Turn: [2d6] = 8, Hit Dice: [2d6] = 4

Summoning the holy power of St. Ygg, Simoni commands the undead beasts to cower before his holy majesty however the evil that permeates the barrows seems to protect the zombies and they continue to advance towards you.

Pyrrhic draws his sword, rushing to the front line, ready to strike when one comes close.

Grigg calls to the others to exit the portcullis room so we can drop it and shoot the zombies from outside.

Bronn, Peaches and Claude stand ready beside Grigg, waiting to see if the others fall back or need assistance.

Actions? That was a free round while the zombies moved. They will get an action against those in the front line this round.

[Zhym]

Zombies are slow and always act last, so we should be able to fire missile weapons while backing away and keeping distance, right?

[ybn1197]

Zombies are slow and always act last, so we should be able to fire missile weapons while backing away and keeping distance, right?

Correct

[RiotInferno]

Pyrrhic will move back behind the portcullis, drawing his bow.

[Zhym]

Milo backs away to the other side of the portcullis while firing another arrow at the zombie he hit/

Short bow (THAC0 19): [1d20+4] = 4+4 = 8, [1d6] = 2

[kalstone]

Simoni also backs towards the portcullis, firing ineffectively with his sling.

To hit: [1d20+1] = 2+1 = 3, damage with sling: [1d4] = 2

[ybn1197]

Pyrrhic moves back behind the portcullis, drawing his bow. Milo backs away to the other side of the portcullis while firing another arrow at the zombie he hit. The movement of the zombie and Milo's own backwards movement causes his aim to be off and the arrow flies by without doing any harm. Simoni also backs towards the portcullis, firing ineffectively with his sling. Grigg and Bronn pull the portcullis back down trapping the zombies inside where they are sitting ducks for the missile weapons of the group.

However all the noise has drawn some unwanted attention. As you set yourselves to fire upon the zombies, a gruff voice from behind alerts you to the presence of others. "Like apples in a barrel. Mighty unsporting ain't it boys." Other voices sound their ascent.

[Zhym]

Which way is "behind?" Down the hall to the west, or from one of the rooms nearby? Do we see anyone? How many? Do they have weapons drawn?