Male LN Human (Vudrani) Zen Archer Monk, Level 2 HP 17/17, Init +3, Speed 30 ft AC 16, Touch 16, Flat-Footed 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +6 Abilities Str 11, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 16, Cha 8
"I imagine the inside of the temple has plenty of shade" replies Akash. He then shades his eyes and looks up at the cliffs, before stringing his bow. "Besides, there could be hungry wildlife around and we'd never see them on those ledges."
He ponders this a moment. "Does the desert have giant cats?"
Both Orin and Aranel are quickly overcome by the heat, Orin's metal armor baking the man in the harsh desert sun. The archways at the opposite end of the canyon beckon invitingly, the shade surely no mirage.
Orin and Aranel both take 4 nonlethal damage. Remember that healing lethal damage heals the same amount of nonlethal as well. I will need a marching order from everyone, as well as a DC20 Survival check.
"Shade, for now. We don't know what's waiting for us inside." In the shadow of the archways, it would help to get some respite from the heat, and prepare for their incursion inside the dreaded citadel.
She shrugged at the Vudrani's query. [b]"I know nothing of wild cats, especially out here."[b] The urban sprawl of Katheer, and its opulence was far more familiar to her.
Male LN Human (Vudrani) Zen Archer Monk, Level 2 HP 17/17, Init +3, Speed 30 ft AC 16, Touch 16, Flat-Footed 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +6 Abilities Str 11, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 16, Cha 8
With a shrug of his own, Akash replied "I was simply wondering. It seems like the kind of situation they would like - lie in wait, then pounce from above." He glanced back at Mysty, who still fanning an overheated owl. "Hoot would be nothing but a snack."
I'll go near the front. Since Akash is an archer, I'd prefer a meatshield to keep me out of melee. Probably a little behind and to the side of either Brigid or Orin?
Alternatively, I could bring up the rear. I do have good HP and AC for this party, so I could take a hit from something attacking from behind. I'd lose some damage output in the front, though (Point-Blank Shot).
Mysty adjusts her backpack to fit hoot in and keep him out the sun, "would it not be better to travel at night out of the heat" Mysty says as hoot at last is in the shade.
Mysty is a squishy spell caster and has no offensive spells as yet but does have evil eye so can aid combatants by lowering AC or saves etc, she would prefer to travel in the middle.
Male LN Human (Vudrani) Zen Archer Monk, Level 2 HP 17/17, Init +3, Speed 30 ft AC 16, Touch 16, Flat-Footed 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +6 Abilities Str 11, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 16, Cha 8
Akash looked at Mysty as if she were crazy... which she might well be. "Wait until night? Waiting until it gets a little cooler, maybe, but night? I appreciate your confidence, but would rather not explore an unknown and probably deadly temple when it's DARK."
We might be arguing over nothing. What time is it now, anyway? Noon, afternoon, evening, what?
Is there a spot nearby where we WON'T have to keep rolling Survival 1/hour at steadily-increasing DCs? If not, this whole discussion might be pointless, anyway.
Male LN Human (Vudrani) Zen Archer Monk, Level 2 HP 17/17, Init +3, Speed 30 ft AC 16, Touch 16, Flat-Footed 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +6 Abilities Str 11, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 16, Cha 8
"Sure, no light except for the windows and the gaping holes in the age-ravaged ceiling. This place was built for people that would lie out under the sun to die - there's probably plenty of open courtyards at least."
If everyone wants, we can wait. However, there might well be unknown factors in the module that penalize us for waiting, and I do think it makes more sense IC to get inside quickly.
The sight of her companions looking more the worse for the sun has Brigid frowning. Nodding, almost absently, to the sorceress. "I believe that is wise," states the young woman, moving to assist Orin and Aranel. "Drink your water wisely," she notes, considering before pulling a scrap of cloth from her pack. "Put some water on this, and dab it to your faces, perhaps that will help?" she offers with a smile.
Brigid Maloch
Female CG Human Fighter, Level 1, Init +0, HP 13/13, Speed 20 AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 16, Fort +5, Ref +0, Will +0, Base Attack Bonus 1 brace, reach Glaive-Guisarme +5 (1d10+4, x3) Shortsword +4 (1d6+3, 19-20/x2) Dagger +4 (1d4+3, 19-20/x2) Scale Mail (+5 Armor, +1 Misc) Abilities Str 16, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 12 Condition None