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Archiv => Archiv - Online-RPGs D&D/d20 3E => Drow Campaign => Thema gestartet von: Zanan am 09.04.2005, 13:49:10
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Vendui!
This is the thread of the second Drow online campaign, called For the Dark Mother. The thread is in-game only, so any question regarding the campaign should be asked elsewhere, preferably in the Orga Thread.
The campaign starts in Skullport, more precisely in The Blindle's Blade, an inn. Two of the drow are already there, Narzen and Nata'al.
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A tall young attractive female drow enters the Blade, pausing briefly at the entry to give the room a once over. Her body is mostly concealed within the confines of her piwafwi. Long silver hair trails down her back in a simple braid to just below her waist. Hanging prominently from her neck is the symbol of the Spider Queen. Her vivid orange eyes, pause briefly on the pair of drow, especially on Nata'al.
After a brief moment, she goes over to one of the halflings and engages them in a brief hushed conversation.
After conversing briefly with the halfling, she heads towards the stairs to go to the upper level.
As she comes near the drow, she signs to Nata'al, "You are of possible use to me, if we come to an agreement, once I attend some business upstairs. Servant of the Demon Spider."
:spinne:
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Nata'al eyes the newcomer suspiciously while dining at the table alongside Narzen. She stops for a second, watching the drow's gestures and raises an eyebrow. Once the female has vanished, she looks towards Narzen and smiles. "Let's hope this one (she points at the general direction of the newcomer) has something interesting to offer ..."
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Narzen flexes his fingers and takes a quick look at the empty staircase. "I believe I shall excuse myself at this point, malla abbil. "
The man stands up and sets a few coins on the table.
"Having a potential employer ask about me instead of telling me to leave is usually a better start for business," he grins, and with a slight bow to Nata'al takes his leave, apparently heading for his room.
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A tall statuesqe figure emerges from one of the rooms in the Blade. As he walks into the main quarters, he lifts a delicate hand to casually flick a lock of his impeccably well groomed golden white hair out of his sharply haunting, though quite beautiful drow elven features.
His easy and graceful stride carries him to a table and he takes a seat, his long rich dark purple cloak flowing to one side.
He glances over at the other drow patrons with his molten gold eyes and smiles, raising a cocky brow to the silver haired oranged eyed woman bearing the symbol of the Spider Mother around her neck.
He lifts a gold gauntleted hand up and whisper's something.
He then leans back in his chair, wipes a bead of water off of his polished obsidian colored cheek and adjusts the high collar of his fine loose fitting silk tunic revealing a glimpse of a transparent chain mesh shirt beneath.
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An equally handsome drow male walks into the main chambers shortly after Geirildin. Though the male is much more lith and slender, wearing his pearl-white hair in a pony tail.
As he scans his rose-colored eyes across the room, resting them momentarily on the various drow in the room, he spots Geirildin and nods.
As he walks towards Geirildin's table, he plucks a spider silk strung fiddle from his hip and jumps up on the golden white haired drow's table.
Leaning his head to one side, his loose fitting black spider silk clothing adjusting to his every movement, he begins to play furiously weaving fascination[/b] into the notes filling the air.
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Geirildin chuckles lightly, displaying his perfect white teeth.
"Ah Jhalashar, perhaps your music will win us some free drinks!"
"Play on my friend!"
He turns his head back to the other drow nods and then looks towards the bar tender.
"Tender, your finest mushroom wine for all in here with skin blacker than the darkest tunnels of the lowerdark."
He turns back towards the drow male and female sitting at the table and his hands flash:
Please, partake of the wine and join me at my table so that we may exchange tales. If your so inclined malla jabbress.
He extends the same invitation to the oranged eyed drow woman.
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The newcomers catch Narzen's attention, and he seems to change his mind about leaving just yet.
Leaning against a wall near the stairs, arms crossed, he observes the scene without saying a word, a curious and mildly amused look on his face.
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Nata'al raises her eyes from her meal and takes a look at the newcomers. She nods as the drow adresses her and casts an eye on Narzen. "Soon enough!" her hands flash towards Geirildin and she continues her feast.
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Geirildin chuckles lightly and sips a bit of the mushroom wine. He then casts his molten gold eyes on the other inhabitants of the Inn to get an account for who and what's in the mildew smelling inn.
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After playing a few sets, Jhalashar hops off the table bows, collects the thrown coins (if any) and walks towards the door.
"I shall go play elsewhere Lord Geirildin as you suggested earlier." "I shall return shortly."
Jhalashar puts away his fiddle and then departs.
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A couple of mechants (by the looks of it) drop indeed a few coins for the bard, as does a tiefling female who was studying some ancient looking tome, while her grim looking companion drowns another jug of ale. He doesn't give the bard a second look and his eyes scan the room warily.
Apart from him, three more guests are in the room, all of them halflings.
Nata'al finishes her meal and looks after Narzen, then puts her feet on the chair next to her and gives her belly some respite. "That was definetely needed!", she murmurs and orders some more ale.
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Shortly after the departure of the bard, a tall but thin drow enters the inn. He casually examines the guests of the Blade.
Zhadristan offers a slight bow toward Nata'al and Narzen, before he turns to the drow clad in silk and a purple cloak. His eyes wander to the wine at the table and a smile parts Zhadristan's lips. "A splendid idea." he remarks and orders wine for himself.
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The young female drow, descends from upstairs, taking note of the newcomers, and heads towards Nata'al, sitting oppose her. Pulling her piwafwi off to the left so as not hinder her, revealing a scourge composed of five-serpents writhing at her side.
"Now for that potential business, that I had mentioned to you on my way up," she says in a soprano voice.
"I am Kethryllia, a yathrin of the Quarvalsharess. Elamshin, has given me a vision, that will empower our people. Those that assist me shall be rewarded by elamshin. There will be three stops in our journey, with the last two going far to the east."
:spinne:
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Geirildin rubs his hands together slightly and cocks his head towards the drow woman speaking of Elamshin.
His pointed ears perk up a bit as he to her every word, not caring if anyone notices.
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Keth notices Geirildin approaching.
"Are you interested in seeing that elamshin is fulfilled?" askes Keth of Geirildin.
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Nata'al drops her feet to the ground again and looks into the newcomers' eyes. She scans the attire of the female and then nods a welcome: "Vendui, yathrin Kethryllia! It's an honor to meet ye ... (she draws a bit closer) ... and to hear of yer 'vision'." Nata'al's palms meet the table, obviously a non-aggressive gesture.
"Am I right that ye are saying that ye received a vision of the Olath Ilhar?" There's an obvious sceptical look on her face. Her eyes settle on the whip at Kethryllia's belt and she nods. "Then again," she goes on, "the Good Will of the Queen of Spiders is something every drow should seek ...," and adds somewhat sarcastically, "as well as an opportunity to get away from this hole."
"Tell me more!"
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"Indeed, I have received a vision from the Quarvalsharess. As to leaving this den of rivvin, that will be a definate thing. Just to give you an ideal of how far we will travel, we will end up far to the east within the part of the Underdark known as the deep wastes," says Keth to Nata'al, leaning a bit closer.
Keth continues, "Know of any others that would be interested in this venture? Also we should prepare to leave soon, the guide wants us to leave within three hours time, and said to plan for a travel of at least two tendays."
Turning towards Geirildin, "Who are you and how might you be of use to me?" asks Keth a bit sharply.
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Geirildin stands and walks over to the table with the others.
He drops into a sweeping low bow before he addresses the trio.
"Vendui malla jabbresses."
"I am Lord Geirildin Sethomiir second boy of the House of Sethomiir of Eryndlyn."
"I am quite skilled with this blade on my back and my men, including the bard Jhalashar who departed momentarily ago, are at your service."
"Any vision worthy of the Spider Queen's priestesses is a mission worth undertaking."
"Though I would like to hear more details of this vision and elamshin if you will."
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Keth says, "My vision is Elamshin, for it is the will of the Quarvalsharess, that I undertake this venture. The guide is willing to show the way til the end of the quest, in exchange for a small extermination service. That will be our first stop, afterwards we head to Maerimydra, and one other place, until we start I would rather not say more."
"If there are any last items you need, you should try to acquire them in the next couple of hours, before our guide comes to collect us."
"Also, some darkoil might be needed, since Maerimydra in ancient times controlled part of the surface world, so our journey has a good chance of venturing into the vile ssussun world of the darthiir."
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Nata'al hears Geirildin's words and smiles. "House Sethomiir's second boy," she muses. "Now that will be interesting! I'm from Eryndlyn too, though my origins are not noble. Then again, nobility has never been something that counted much among the Selvetargtlin!" Turning her attention back to Kethryllia, she continues: "To make this formal, my name is Nata'al Dhaen' Del'Amatar of Eryndlyn, servant of the Champion of Lolth. If ye accept me, I'll be going to Maerimydra to fullfill this elamshin ye spoke of."
The female pauses for a few seconds, then adds: "I do indeed know a few reliable sellswords and spellslingers, a couple of which are already at this very inn (pointing at Zhadristan and Narzen, if the latter is still there)."
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Narzen notices Nata'al's gesture and moves beside her.
"Vendui, malla yathrin." he bows to Kethryllia.
"I am Narzen Sin'th, a mercenary. My blade and my blood shall be at your disposal in exchange for a modest compensation of my expenses."
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"Since we are apparently getting all formal now. I am Kethryllia Nightfirestar of House Nightfirestar, my house hails from near Mantol-Derith. We have influence throughout the Northdark, and places beyond. Nata'al, you and your two companions, are most welcome, especially with a Selvetargtlin vouching for them," Keth says to Nata'al.
Turning towards Narzen, "And what would be considered a modest compensation, beyond the favor of the Quarvalsharess?"
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Geirildin listens intently knowing his own soon to be requested sum if quite steep.
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"Malla yathrin," Narzen replies, "My fees usually depend on detailing what I am expected to do. However, since it is not my place to inquire about your aims, and doing so would merely serve as delay, I propose payment upon success with an option for me to resign myself at my own discretion."
"A non-formal agreement thus, based on mutual benefit. What say you?"
The emotionless tone of the man's voice contrasts the eagerness of his words, as if he was merely reading aloud terms of a contract.
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"That does sound fairly satisfactory, though, a rough estimate would allow me to arrange the appropriate payment upon return to the Northdark," says Keth to Narzen
"Unless the Handmaiden involved with the Elamshin decides to award those on this quest, herself," continues Keth.
Keth then turns towards Geirildin, "And what do you seek for compensation? Remember, though that your actions do affect the favor of your House with the Quarvalsharess, and gaining her favor will increase the favor of your house," she says.
:spinne:
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As all the introductions and talk is going on Vezellek arives from her room upstairs. Quickly she speaks with the halflings that run the inn and pays a final bit of her bill. Without any word to her recent travel companions she heads out the door. Entering the inn while Vezellek leaves is a male drow with a shaved head enters the establishment. The male orders a drink from the bar and wanders over towards the group. His approach is slow to show that he means no ill towards anyone.
"Sorry for intruding but I couldn't help but overhear talk of sheding blood and the promise of coin for services doing such. That is just what I came to this establishment for," he says calmly and gives a quick grin. "Since all these names are being given I might as well tell mine. You may call me Iira. I am but a simple mercanary without any fancy titles. My talents with my weapons would be a good contribution to this forming expedition."
With this said he gives a slight bow towards Kethryllia and Nata'al. He then stands silently waiting for approval of his joining the group.
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Looking at Iira, Keth says in a cool soprano voice, "And just how much have you been over hearing? And what type of compensation, are you looking for beyond the favor of the Quarvalsharess?"
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Iira faces Keth but keeps his eys lowered as he speaks. " I heard from about when Narzen," he nods towards the other males direction, "introduced himself and spoke of using his blades. As for compensation for my services just some coin I can use for future travels. The favor of the Quarvalsharess is something I would be honored to gain if I prove myself worthy of such. That is all I seek mistress."
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Narzen eyes the latest arrival carefully but says nothing to him. He waits for a moment for Ketryllia to reply to Iira, then gives his own answer in turn.
"As for me, malla yathrin, one thousand in gold provided the mission is successful, adjustable by the share of any valuables that might be acquired on the way regardless. Seeing as you approve of my other terms, I could ask for nothing more."
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As Nata'al points at him, Zhadristan walks up to her table. He faces Keth and introduces himself.
"My name is Zhadristan.
It seems that my once-before partner Iira hasn't lost his canny instinct for good opportunities. I do hope that I have not lost mine either," he inclines his head, "for my blade is at your service should you wish so."
"Of course," he adds, "I humbly ask for the same agreement Narzen proposed."
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Keth glowers at Iira for a moment, tapping the handle to her scourge, "I don't like being spied on," then turns her attention back to Narzen and Zhadristan, "That does sound acceptable, however, unless the Quarvalsharess rewards you with great favor, payment will have to wait til we are back in Skullport, or one of the major cities we control in the Northdark."
:spinne:
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Geirildin cups his chin and strokes it for a brief moment, his brow furrowed in deep thought.
"Malla jabbress, the favor of Lolth is indeed a payment beyond mere gold and platinum....but my house sent me to this city for a purpose.
House Sethomiir has just recently attained it's position as eight house and is as such not quite secure. By this I in no way mean we cann't crush to a fine mushroom powder any house that dare step against us, but I lost quite a bit of my men to the horrors of the underdark traveling to western faerun."
"I gladly join your troupe and pledge my blade to this cause, temporarily of course, but the....item... I require will cost me a sum of no less than 10,000 gold. If this sum is too much, I understand, but at least half of this I have to ask for."
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Keth glares at Geirildin, standing abruptly while snatching up the scourge from her belt, knocking her chair back. The serpents of the scourge lash around hissing loudly.
"If you were a Master of Melee-Magthere, I could maybe see you being worth that outrageous amount, but a mere secondboy of a house of apparently so little favor, is maybe worth an equal weight of iblith. Or perhaps you are darthiir that seeks to prevent Elamshin?," says Keth in an icy voice, "The Elamshin, can bring great power to our people, and those that bring about the Elamshin will gain great favor with the Quarvalsharess."
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Zhadristan raised an eyebrow at the bold proclamation of Geirildin, and glanced at Narzen to see his reaction. He expected the like, so he could remain calm and composed upon the outburst of Keth.
The male remains silent in his place, not caring to attract the attention of the writhing snakes. He decides that this is probably not the best opportunity to bargain for a partial advance payment.
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Nata'al gasps audibly at Geirildin's demands and seems not that surprised by Keth's reaction. She looks at both, than sees the wary looks of the patrons of the inn.
"While it is not my business to speak for ye, malla jabbress, the last mission to Har'oloth earned me and my comrades a fair share of gold and gems from loot alone - almost five times the money he asks for."
She pauses a few moments.
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Narzen's hand makes an instinctive move to his weapon belt upon Kethryllia's sudden outburst, but he remains quiet and otherwise still. Meeting Zhadristan's look for a moment, he smirks in silent understanding.
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Looking at Geirildin, she continues, her voice held level: "If ye are looking for more than just the good will of the Dark Mother, fair enough. I will happily part company with my 1,000 gold pieces and hand it over to ye, if I get a chance to see or meet one of the handmaidens. (The female glances over to Keth for confirmation.) I would assume that this amount should satisfy ye for the time being, considering that neither of us has seen the fighting skills which might warrant a sum ye requested."
While this debate goes on, Sheiriya enters the inn and stops, as she notices the little exchange. Not wanting to get drawn into it straight away, the beautiful drow moves over to the bar and orders a drink from the innkeeper.
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Keth nods to Nata'al's questioning look.
Awaiting the response of Geirildin.
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Geirildin lowers drops into a low bow. "I apologize malla jabbress, but my request is valid. Though this elamshin you speak still holds my interest so I shall lend my blade to your mission for a lesser amount...say one equal to what you offered Narzan."
Despite his humbled words, Geirildin's face remain stoic.
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"That's settled then," Nata'al says. "Obviously, I hope that your skills match your words, Master Geirildin, for there is not much that I like more than watch someone who is skilled with the blade."
She looks at Sheiriya and turns her attention back to Keth. "At this moment and time, it seems you have five blade to join your cause, not counting anyone Geirildin will add. I know at least one cabable fighter more you could sign up," nodding at Sheiriya, who is talking to the innkeeper, who is in turn utterly stunned by the beauty of the female.
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"In that case, we should make some final preparations, plan for a trip of at least two tendays in duration," says Keth, "The guide will be down in about 3 hours, at that time we can get more information, about our first stop, and if any other preparations are required."
"Unless, anyone has anything else to say, I need to attend to some quick business before we go," continues Keth as she hangs the scourge at her belt, and prepares to head to the door.
:spinne:
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Jhalashar walks back into the inn (hopefully with a pouch of money on his belt) and strides over to Geirildin.
After telling him of his sights time in the city and finding out about the mission he takes a seat beside his lord and introduces himself to newly formed drow party.
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Noticing that the tension on the table has gone (in a way), Sheiriya leaves the innkeeper staring and walks over to the table too. She takes a look at the three new males, then turns to Keth.
"Mylady, it seems to me that you are recruiting a group of sellswords (nodding (with a slight smirk) at Narzen, Zhadristan and Nata'al) and if there's a place for another sword and a chance to leave this foul-smelling place, I'd be grateful if you accept my services."
Nata'al joins in saying: "She's certainly able to wield both blade, spell and crossbow, from what I know."
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Keth looks at the newcomer, "With Nata'al vouching for you, I see no problems with you joining. I will meet you all back here after taking care of some business before we leave."
"Again, I suggest provisions for a journey of at least two tendays duration," says Keth as she heads for the door.
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Zhadristan nods.
After Keth is gone, he will get the required supplies and then return to the inn.
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Iira accompanies Zhadristan when getting supplies. He takes the oppertunity to catch up with a former comrade as well as restock some travel supplies.
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"So, if I count right I've missed my chance to have some fun with Dx'zau'vrinn. I just need to get some things to be ready to go. I'll be back soon"
With an elegant bow to the other drow Sheiriya turns around and walks out of the inn.
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"Well," Nata'al says to Narzen, "it seems we are leaving yer 'home town' sooner than even I expected. I'll be off getting some supplies too, though I'd rather would like to know what 'extermination' thing this is going to be."
She looks at the bard and his lord. "I hope ye've got some new stories to tell of Eryndlyn along the way. Haven't been there for ages."
(The bard gets the usualy amount of cash + 10% ... since bards are not that common in thise place, especially drow ones.)
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Narzen nods at Nata'al and leaves to make his own preparations.
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Geirildin smirks and puts his hands behind his head and leans back in his chair.
He says to Natal', "Well the latest news is that my house moved up it's original spot at 17 to number 8 in less than a decade. Other than that, same old things."
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With a surprised look, Nata'al raises herself and looks down at the two remaining males. "Now that is quite interesting to hear. And I am hopeful ye relate that to me along the journey (with a sly grin at the bard) and without much pomp and all too."
Preparing herself to leave, she adds: "I'll collect my stuff and prepare for our little enterprise now. Help yourself to some of the ale here, it is one of the best ye'll find in this place!"
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After a couple of hours Keth returns.
Giving Geirildin and his entourage a brief scowl, she takes a seat awaiting the arrival of the rest of the group and the guide.
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A short time later the door opens and Sheiriya returns.
She walkes over to the innkeeper for something to drink and then gets herself a seat from where she can watch Keth, Geirildin and Jhalashar.
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About half an hour after the scheduled time, the bald headed female comes down the stairs, looks around and nods to Keth. Then she moves over to the innkeeper and, after a short talk, hands over some coins.
She's clad in dark, flowing clothes, covering a yet black chain shirt and almost reaching down to her knees. One might expect that in dark conditions, she might be able to vanish entirely into the shadows. A quiver and a shortbow are strapped to her back, but also almost covered by her robe. A dagger that looms out of her left bootshaft is the only other visible weapon and she apparently does not carry much equipment either. An earring sporting a black pearl is the only notable jewellery she wears. Her dealings with this inn done, she strolls over to Keth and looks down at her comrades.
"That's all or are there more to your company?", she asks, sounding a bit uninterrested.
From that close a distance you make out that her skin colour is not as black as one might expect from a drow, nor are her ears as pointy.
As if she had heard the scout's remarks, Nata'al arrives, fully equipped. She drops her shield to the ground near Keth and waits for the rest to appear.
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A moment later Narzen walks down the stairs, more heavily armed than a few hours ago and making final adjustments to the buckler on his left arm. He makes a couple of fake blocks with the shield, feeling its weight.
The man bows his head to Keth as he enters the room, then circles past Nata'al.
"It has been long since I last used one of these accursed things, " he whispers with a wry smile as he walks by her. "And I just remembered why I never liked fighting with a shield."
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Zhadristan is already in the room, waiting.
His piwafwi is fastened to the shoulders on his spider silk armor, which he keeps dyed in dark grey, and a black sabre adorns his left hip.
Feigning calm and patience, he slowly adjusts his black gloves and the ring on his left middle finger. In truth, the drow is eager to leave.
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"This appears to be the majority of us, anyone that isn't here will just have to be left behind," says Keth.
"So Talice, where is our first stop going to be, and what are we exterminating?" askes Keth.
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Nata'al takes a wry look at Narzen and replies: "Maybe ye leave the fighting for me then and concentrate on yer spells?" A smile splits her lips, before she turns attention to the table again, after waving to the others to draw nearer.
Talice takes the measure of all drow present.
"As you wish," she says to Keth. "The place we're going is not that far from here, only about 5 miles from the borders of Skullport. It lies in the outer rim of the dungeon that is known by the name of Undermountain. My former associates and myself went there about a tenday ago and we met unexpected resistence." She takes a deep breath and continues. "My Shadowmaster believed that something of great importance to my ... well is stored there and took great pains to locate the place, it's ways in and out. Some foul undead things and a few traps made far too short work of my former associates and we need to rectify the situation. Given your ... heritage, I assume it will be but a short delay for your journey to Maerimydra." She looks at the group: "So why not set off immediately?"
Unimpressed by what she is hearing, Nata'al takes her shield. "Indeed!"
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"Yes, let's be off," says Keth, adjusting her blades and scourge for easy reach after standing. Making a final adjustment to her small shield for easy slinging off of her back.
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Sheiriya gets up from her seat and walkes over to Talice.
"I hope you will tell us some more datails on our way there. In some situations I don't like to be surprised."
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Talice raises an eyebrow and acknowledges the beauty of Sheirirya. "There is not much to add, really. It was some sort of recluse of a mage or the like, who perished ages ago. How the undead creeped into the halls I do not know, my superior surely didn't."
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Zhadristan doesn't seem overly pleased by the prospect of fighting undead, but he does not complain.
A deal is a deal, he thinks. At least until a better deal is offered. With a slight smile on his face, he picks up and shoulders his backpack.
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Sheiriya nods to Talice.
"Then lets be on our way."
She steps back to let the other woman lead the group.
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"Very well then, let's be off then!" the scout says and points to the doors. We'll head to the eastern exits of this level of Skullport, just in case someone gets 'lost'." as she makes her way out, she adds: "It would be a good idea not to walk along as one large group, as this might draw the attention of the Skulls, or some other unwelcomed people to us."
The female leads you out of the inn and strides towards the eastern exits, ignoring the townsfolk, thugs and monstrous creatures which pass her and your way. No skull can be seen and you don't have the feeling that anyone is interested in the group(s). Only when you actually reach the openenings to the Underdark, a recently opened tunnel guarded by a handful of ruffians and a pair of ogre merceneries, you notice a skulk trailing your movements. As soon as he sees anyone of you watching him, he vanishes into an unlit and dark alley.
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Lord Sethomiir turns towards Narzen. "Shall we dispatch a party member or two to "question" that skulking fellow who was tailing us??"
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"Trying to find a skulk that doesn't want to be found, is usually wasted effort. Besides, I expect to be followed and observed at any time within the confines of Skullport," says Keth, "Its when someone decides to follow or observe us in the Underdark or within Undermountain, that it needs to be dealt with."
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The harsh sound of a hastily closed door sounds of that alley and a short look shows that no-one and nothing can be seen or spotted there.
Talice talks a bit with the "city guards", then ventures into the darkness beyond.
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After he's sure neither Keth nor Talice is looking, Narzen signals to Geirildin, I am on this mission on my own terms, but I will follow jabbress Kethryllia's orders for the time being. It might be unwise for us both to discuss matters behind her back.
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After a last glance over the city of Skullport Sheriya follows Talice into the dark tunnel.
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Keth follows after Talice and Sheriya into the tunnel.
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Talice leads you along some apparently much travelled route towards the famous dungeon, but you don't meet any daring (or foolish) treasure hunter. After about an hour the scout turns left and you have to climb up a steep and small crack in the tunnel's wall and ceiling. Some 60 feet higher, you reach another tunnel, which appears to be some sort of sewer. Only the fact that it lies dry for ages saved the crack and the tunnel below from being filled with water and other contents. Talice waits till all have made up their way up, then points to the "South" and signals: "The entry of the place we are going to lies about 500 steps in that direction. There might be another door or access to it, but that must come from above and should not concern us. We didn't meet anyone in here or in the first room, though the things who chased us out might still linger in that place." She gets down to the floor and draws a nice picture of the rooms into the dust. "This is where we'll enter, and that is how far we got!"
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Geirildin allows Jhalashar to walk in front of him, momentarily blocking anyone in front from seeing Geirildin's hands flashing towards Narzen.
As will I. Though only till I find them unnecessary.
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Keth studies the map that Talice drew.
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Indicating the two other doors in the festhall, Zhadristan asks Talice.
"Which of the doors did your associates flee from?"
He pauses for a moment, then shrugs.
"We cannot be sure that a possible attack will come from the same spot, anyway. I hope your comrades did a good job in setting of the traps. This raises the question, do you we have reliable means of locating traps?"
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Sheiriya things for a moment, studying the map, then turns to Talice.
"Was it dark in there when you have last been there or have there been any sources of light?"
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Talice answers to Zhadristan first: "They came from the door on the right (towards the west). The whole group must have ventured that way, since no-one else was in the large room." She pauses a second, then adds: "I would assume that if there were any traps along the way, they either disarmed or activated them."
Turning to Sheiriya, she continues: "The whole place is shed in darkness, from what I can tell. My comrades used torches and the odd lantern."
-
"I guess you would like to stay in the darkness, too. Can we agree on me taking care of light sources we might find? I mean getting us back into darkness."
-
"So do we have an expert at finding and removing traps, or should we pick someone to run point and find the traps for us?" says Keth looking meaningfully at Geirildin.
-
Narzen steps forward, nodding, "I am able to locate most mechanical traps, malla jabbress - given enough time. My skills at disarming are rather limited, however."
Considering the tone of his words carefully so as not to sound offending, he adds, "I rather get around obstacles than through them."
-
"As would I, just do your best not to injure yourself with the traps," says Keth giving Narzen a look of approval, "The Goddess is often fickle when it comes to healing, often deeming suffering as an incentive to do better."
"Unless someone has a suggestion otherwise, Narzen should be on point to look for traps followed by a few capable yet stealthy warriors. Followed by Talice, Sheiriya, Nata'al, myself, and any spellcasters. With a few warriors taking up the rear," says Keth looking at Narzen, "I will let you decide how far ahead you want to be while you search for traps."
-
"I can move stealthly enough, though I'm not adept in disarming traps. Jhalashar and I shall take up positions behind Narzen."
-
Nata'al looks once more at the map, then points at the sewer ends as well as some of the door. "From a warrior's point of view, I'd suggest that we send up a scout who can check out the various locations before we all move up there and through the doors. It will be easy for others to get around us or fall into our backs once we are all up there." (Pointing once more at the tunnel exit and the shaft that leads upwards.) "Perhaps we can set some sort of alarm here, a simple spell or trap?" Considering the words she just said, Nata'al adds. "I'll take up the rear, alarms and traps or not."
The scout listens to Nata'al, then says: "The sewers end up (to the Southeast) in a little pond. A ... well ... trickle of water comes down from the south through a small hole in the wall, probably some sort of sewers of the actual living quarters. The pond seems to have an exit somewhere beneath it, since it does not overflow and wets our feet." She points to the Northern end of the sewers and adds: "Methinks that the Shadowmaster said that there is a cave in some half a mile down that passage, though we didn't check it out." Nodding at Nata'al, she continues: "Of course, some skulking creature might follow us through the crack and block our exit route ... we should be wary."
-
"What about one, maybe Narzen, or two of us getting up into the rooms and another one going to check out that cave in the north?"
-
"With your permission", Zhadristan inclines his head towards Keth, "I can take a look at that cave. Unless you wish me to take up the rear."
-
"You mean, scout the cave yourself?" asks Keth of Zhadristan.
-
Listening to the others, Talice looks towards the crack and says: "While you are doing that, I can try and build an imporvised trap ... of sorts ... near the crack. If have some thunderstones and if placed correctly, they will make us aware of any would-be pursuers." Waiting for confirmation, she nestles at one of her bags, retrieving two little stones.
-
"We could scout the cave together, Zhadristan." With an impish smile she continues:"At the moment I think it's best for us if we keep our group large and don't loose anybody now."
-
"That all sounds good," says Keth.
-
Jhalashar melodic voice issues but only a few words. The stale wind carrying them to the sensitive ears of the drow party.
"I shall accompany the two of you." "A song may turn back what your blades cannot."
-
Iira stands listening quietly to the conversations abotu scouting rooms. He unhooks his spiked chain from his belt and says, "I will stay with the main group. My talents are probably best used there." He then waits to see what the group will be doing.
-
"Agreed.", Zhadristan replies without giving Jhalashar much of a look, instead he glances at Sheiriya.
Shifting his gaze down, he checks the scabbard of his sabre and adjusts his spider silk armor.
-
"All right. I'll just cast a spell that will enable me to communicate with you two telepathically."
Then Sheiriya murmurs some words in language you don't know and performs some complex gestures with her hands. After her spell completed she turns around that the other drow cannot see what she is doing with her hand and vanishes from their sight. A moment later Zhadistan and Jhalashar can hear her voice in their minds. "I'm ready to go now."
-
Zhadristan has a curious look as he tests the telepathic link with his thoughts. "How long will it last?" he tries to convey to Sheiriya.
He pauses briefly before he chuckles.
"Can you hear everything I think or only what I want you to hear?" he thinks to ask.
-
While Talice places the thunderstones neatly around the crack that leads down to the main tunnel, Nata'al looks up that chimney-like opening in the ceiling. She motions to Keth: "I'll go up there and tie a rope to something. So those who have it can keep their levitation powers for a possible quick escape." She looks at Geirildin. "Maybe you can give me some cover, just in case something ugly shows its face up there?"
Having said that, she wraps here cloak around her, giving her legs and arms more space. With a few well-trained moves she ties her shield to her back and removes a small dart from her belt.
The tunnels and corridors are utterly quiet. No movement apart from your own and the odd trickle of water can be heard.
-
After a short pause Sheiriya's voice is heard again, revealing where she might be.
"I think we should go now and be silent. Any objections?"
-
Keth keeps an eye out for anything that may approach.
"Anyone here that doesn't know the Silent Tongue? It will best if we try to be as quiet as we can and restort to using that only," says Keth quietly.
-
I am ready. Zhadristan signals.
-
Nata'al cast a spell, test her grip and climbs up the shaft as silently as she can, expecting Keth and Geirildin to watch out for any dangers. The female creeps into the room and the drow below loose any sight of her. After a while, a silken rope falls down and Nata'al's head and hands appear. "Everything is fine up here. No one around as far as I can tell."
Talice finishes her trap and returns to the others.
-
Keth will climb up after Nata'al as silently as she can using the rope.
-
Geirildin nods his head at Talice. I'll watch your back, his hands flash.
-
The pond crew ...
The tunnel looks as if no-one but the scout Talice spoke had visited it for ages. Dust and debris lies thick and heavy were the floor is dry right up to the mentioned pond, lichen grows on walls, ceiling and some spots on the floor too. Nothing remarkable can be seen and if you test the pond for depth, it reveals that the water is some two feet deep. You can also make out a fissure in the ground, the reason why the pond does not overflow any more. Nothing can be found here.
The rest ...
Talice looks up, then flashes to Geirildin: "If you want to move up there, I'll wait till the others come back."
Keth has no problems climbing up the shaft and she ends up in a small room. Nata'al has taken position near the tunnel that leads southwards. Since her bow is of no use, she still holds the dart in her hands, ready to throw it at anyone who might pose a danger.
-
The rooms and the tunnel leading 'down' the the main area of the complex seem to be hewn into the stone and haven't seen that much architectural attendance. They are less wet then the sewer tunnel and some wardrobes and the like line the walls, most of them filled with half-rotten clothes of formerly minor quality. No sound comes from the complex, but you see a few footprints going to and from the exit to the sewers. It is hard to determine how many people moved around here though.
(Also to be found in the description section now.)
-
Zhadristan raises dust with his boot.
"A dead end." he says aloud, seeing no need for silence in the empty tunnel.
-
Geirildin draws his razor sharp bone white courtblade and proceeds. Easily scaling the height, he takes measure calculated steps. His footfalls soft. Muting out any sound his high boots would normally make. With his rich dark purple piwafwi cloaking his body, he grips his blade with two hands and raises it into a high guard position.
-
"Off he goes," Talice whispers to herself, then scans the tunnel for and unwelcomed visitors. She calmly waits for the others to reappear.
-
A short while later, Zhadristan approaches the bottom of the shaft. Nothing of interest there, his fingers signal.
Are they scouting up there, he asks, indicating the rope, or simply awaiting our return?
-
Talice answer in sign language: "They're scouting as much as making the room safe for us, I hope." Looking at the others approaching to, she adds "Time to settle some scores!" before climbing up the rope too.
-
Arriving at the upper side of the shaft, Talice takes up a position near the corridor to the south, then signals to Keth "Who's taking point?"
-
Zhadristan quickly scales the rope after Talice.
-
Keth signs back to Talice, "I believe Narzen, had volunteered for that, otherwise, Geirildin could do it for us."
:skepsis:
-
"Must have escaped me," the female signals back, then offers Geirildin the position in front of her and the other drow. Nata'al readies her dart and moves to the opposite wall to give the scout some cover. every now and then she probes whether her climb spell is still active.
Still, no sound comes from the rooms beyond the corridor.
-
"I'm back again, too."
Sheiriya "voice" sounds through everybodies mind, although you did not see the rope move.
"I would prefer to get the rope up, when the last one has come here."
-
Narzen remains silent, save for a brief snap as he loads a bolt to his crossbow, accompanied by a strange, low-pitched hum from the weapon. Nodding at Keth, he takes his position.
-
Keth waits for the scouts to take position, and will take spot in the front of the main body. Moving with stealth and caution.
-
Geirildin takes his position in the lead and advances forth, his blade raised high and poised to strike.
-
The door to the next room stands ajar and it looks much like Talice told you. Nothing of interest catches your eyes, so you move on towards the festhall (3). Near the entrance lies a dead human male in his dried blood, big gashes criss-cross over his breast. The chainmail he wore is now ruined, his broadsword lies right next to him. The face is still twisted in fear and agony. Right across the room (near the door to romm 6) lies another man, still skewered by a spear near his heart. The impact made him slither towards the wall, so he is pressed against it with his head twisted into an awkward angle. The shield and axe he bore lie some four feet away. Apart from the dead, nothing of interest can be found here. By the looks of it, they died about a tenday ago. Footsteps lead towards the southern rooms, but most traffic apparently went to the west (8).
When Talice enters the room, she looks at the dead without much surprise and signals: "These were the two I spoke of. Did not see who stalked them down though."
-
Something with a lot of muscle, by the looks of it, Narzen signals in reply to Talice's comment.
Killed out of malice, or as a warning - not to eat them. Not by a hungry troll, at any rate.
-
"And something that doesn't have the want for a clean vicinity." Sheiriya adds her thoughts to Narzen's signals.
-
Keth signs, "One would figure that the bodies would have been looted, even if they were to serve as a warning. Either something that is mindless or has no concept of possessiveness."
-
Undead, Zhadristan muses, his face clearly showing his aversion to undead, while he examines the wounds of the man with the cut breast, trying to discern what could have caused them.
-
The dead has been killed by a weapon, most likely a sword of some sorts. There are a few burning marks around the cuts though.
Talice gets down to the guy too and after a few checks signals: "Well, they don't have any gold or gems with them now, so they have been looted ..."
In the meantime, Nata'al unties her bow and readies it. She turns to the door towards the corridor (room 8) and before placing an arrow on the string, she looks at Keth: "I'll look after that tunnel ... maybe we should double-check on the doors there?!" (nodding towards the southern doors)
-
Keth nods at Nata'al and heads toward the southern doors, preparing shield and scourge along the way.
-
"Why should we open both doors at the same time?"
-
Zhadristan nods his agreement. I'd prefer one at a time. But we need to have an eye on both. I don't want such a spear in my back.
-
"Quite true," signs Keth, "So which shall we open first?"
-
"I would prefer the one near the man with the spear in his heart because I would expect less trouble behind it and according to the map there are only a few rooms. So we have a good chance that taking a look won't take much time."
-
When coming closer to the wall you notice that one of the doors is actually a false one, some sort of cupboard holding glasses, goblets, chalices and the like. Most of these are either broken or of low quality - anything that would earn some coin on the market have been looted long ago.
The real door opens towards a large kitchen (6), something one might expect near a festhall. There's a large chopping-block table and a beam ceiling with iron hooks overhead. Most utensils are gone or rusted wrecks of their former self. A hefty meat cleaver lies atop that block and the blood around the chopped-off human hand does not look that old. The hand itself seems to be female and lies there for about three days. How it came here is a mystery, since no tracks lead to or from the room. Near the block you see a large, sooty hearth and a chimney right above it. A few bats nestle near the ceiling right next to the chimney, probably lairing here for some time now. A look through the chimney tells you that somewhere (say 60 feet) above there might be an exit to the surface.
The door to the eastern room (4) stands ajar and gives you a view of some sort of cellar. It has an arched ceiling and a fairly level stone floor. There are a number of old kegs here (you don't want to taste the beer and wine in there), half a dozen earthen-ware jugs and bunches of utterly rotten onions and the like. The door to the room in the south-east is closed and latched but not locked. Whatever you try (apart from a spell), it creaks loudly when opened. The room behind it (5) smells faintly of herbs, of which there are remains of various sorts in abundance. A few spiders and various sorts of bugs crawl around or nestle against the walls, but otherwise that room is empty too.
-
Leaving some footsteps in the dust, Sheiriya walkes through the rooms.
She stops near the chopping-block with the hand on it.
"Has anybody of you any idea about that?" her thoughts ask.
-
Keth signs, "Someone needed a hand?" followed by a big urchin's grin as she follows silently in Sheiriya's wake as best as she can.
-
I can think of a few scenarios, from half-hearted torture to preparing creation of a magic item, but whatever it is, there is too much guesswork involved to expect anything particular based on a mere severed hand, Narzen signals.
Pausing to think over his own words for a moment, he adds, I suppose detecting magic would be a useful and simple precaution anyway, but then again casting a spell might attract unwanted attention.
-
Iire enters the kitchen from the festhall and gives the room a brief scan over. Seeing through the open door to the cellar (room 4) he decides to take a closer look. He walks over and starts to carefully rummage through the rooms contents.
-
Keth will move to a position to the south of the door to room 4 and keep an eye on the two doors to the south.
-
I wonder why we have not been attacked yet, Zhadristan signals as he follows Keth.
I was expecting to fight from the very first step, but we don't seem to attract any attention, he adds picking up Narzen's words.
-
Nothing of interest can be found in the rooms mentioned so far. Either it has rotted away over the past few decades (if not centuries), or has been looted long ago - maybe even by those who made the map for Talice's former leader. The second door in the south is also closed, but can be opend without much effort or sound. This room (6) seems to be another pantry with a few working tables and glasses of preserved fruits and the like. It doesn't look that tasty anymore though. As has been revealed on the map, there is a small cave-like extension. As you close in, the smell of death reach your noses. Cautiously drawing nearer, you find the body of a dead human female sitting crouched in the farthest corner of that cave. Given her silken robes and many little bags and pouches, you easily identify her as a mage or something alike. Her left arm is lying on her lap ... and is missing the hand. Her right arm has fallen to her side, some sort of potion bottle lying at the ground. The wound at her arm is closed, but she sports a few nasty gashes near her throat and also accross her legs.
When Talice draws nearer to Zhadristan, she answers: "When we were here last time, the whole group went through this part undisturbed as well. Maybe the inhabitants use the quarters to the south as their home and do not bother about this part?"
Coming to the small cavern, she lowers herself to the female and adds: "That's Naevra, one of our two sorcerers. ... She's fond of her flying spells, maybe that's why we did not find any footprints?" Talice stands a up and looks back to the others. "But why she left her hand over there is beyond me ..."
-
"Isn't it strange that she has wounds at her throat and her legs but we don't see some in between? Or are there some, Talice? Or are the wounds caused be different weapons?"
-
Quite possible, Zhadristan answers Talice, content with the explanation.
Those wounds on her legs.. I guess she wasn't flying high enough then, he remarks with a hint of humor. Then Zhadristan kneels down next to the body and examines her possessions, if anything is left at all. There wasn't a ring on the hand, was there?
-
There was nothing on the hand on top of the block, the one at her side, blood-covered as it is, does indeed hold a small silvery ring. Talice turns to the dead woman again and examines her more closely. "It seems that she was flying when she lost the hand and recieved those wounds (pointing at the legs). That one looks like a stab from a dagger or spear to me," she adds, laying her fingers on Naevra's throat." Then she shruggs her shoulders and simply draggs the body out of the cavern and into the larger room (6). "She won't need anything of her equipment now, I assume!" With some expertise she strips the body of all valuables she can find and places them on a nearby table. Apart from that ring, she retrieves a wand from one boot-shaft, a small scroll case with two arcane parchments, a pouch containing spell components and another one with a few gems and gold coins. Finally she unties a small silver chain from the dead's neck and looks at the small shiny disc it sports. After raising an eyebrow, she drops it back onto the corpse: "So much for Tymora's Luck then." The female turns away from her former comrade and before leaving the room she waves hand at the items on the table. "Consider it part of your loot," her hands weave.
-
Such a waste how the spells of sorcerers are lost on their deaths, Narzen signals, a hint of contempt and perhaps even disappointment on his face.
He picks up the scrolls and continues, looking at Keth. If I may, malla jabbress, I will see if I can read the content of these scrolls.
-
Keth nods to Narzen, then signs "while you are doing that I'll see what type of aura the wand has," concentrating for a slight moment to bring forth the auras of everything magical within the room.
-
The ring, the wand as well as the pendant shine in Keth's view, revealing their magical nature. Despite studying the items for quite some time, only the pendant gives away an aura she can name. There appears to be some protective luck charm woven into the small disc. The scrolls (parchements) hold four spells, Blur, Fly, Shocking Grasp, and Invisibility
Talice studies the surroundings of the chopping block again, but cannot find any traces around it. Shaking her head, she returns to the festhall.
-
Keth makes a slight frown, then signs to Narzen "We'll need to have you get a better look at these when we have more time"
She then places everything including the pendant, but not the scrolls (look of revulsion on her face when she touches it) into a side pocket of her pack, "though I see the pendant more likely to be destroyed than to be of use."
-
Zhadristan approaches Keth and bows slightly before making his suggestion.
This weak surface goddesses' pendant is hardly worth the effort of destroying it. But if you wish so, malla jabbress, we can still sell it to a surface merchant. Loot is loot, after all.
-
"There is potential in that, depending on the powers within, after all if it is too useful, it should be destroyed" signs Keth.
-
Iira takes something from one of his backpacks side pockets and bends down to examine the body closer. He hums a soft tune to himself as he does this.
-
Zhadristan does not seem overly content, but he understands that this is not subject to further discussion. He nods and lowers his gaze.
-
Keth will go back to the festhall and stand halfway between the west and south doors, waiting for the rest of the party to gather.
-
When Talice come back to the festhall, Nata'al questions her about the findings in the rooms to the south. "That makes three of your group then," Nata'al signals. "Just out of interest, how many people did you 'Shadowmaster' command and whom shall we not on first sight?"
Talice nods and waits till most of the other have arived. "We were nine people in total. Apart from the dead there was an Elven scout ... well sort of, three humans including the Shadowmaster himself, a drow warrior, and myself. Never understood how our leader got the elf and the together, but why should I care?"
Unless anyone wants some more answers, Nata'al urges the groups scouts to move on while she gives cover.
-
The fact that those who failed were non-drow for the greater part comforts Zhadristan.
-
"So even the one who is called to be a master of what ever, didn't get back." Sheiriya's thoughts can be heard and then adds only to Talice's mind: "What do you hope to find here?"
-
Talice turns to the beautiful drow and signals: "He did not came back and from the look on the faces of these two (pointing at the dead), he most likely faced a horrible death." She lets these signs linger for a moment, then continues. "We were supposed to meet in the Port of Skulls ... if anything would go wrong. Neither he nor anyone of my group appeared. We neither found any signs of them on our way here and these two confirmed my thoughts about the rest." With a smile she adds: "Apart from the master and that drow, they were all more wharf rats than true warriors though."
-
"That seems to have been a strange group. - So. Who is going to open the other door?"
-
I will deal with the doors for now, I presume.
-
Keth nods at Narzen.
-
The door as well as the corridor leading up to the octagonal room poses no problems. A lot of footsteps ... a few days old ... suggest a lot of traffic. Most likely they stem from Talice's group and its pursuers. There are four stone doors with brass pull-rings, all open. The door to the west ends in a pile of caved-in rubble, the one to the north opens to a small room (9). The one to the south reveals a long corridor which is partly lit be apparently magical lightsources (lanterns, torches). Two doors open to the west (rooms 11 & 12). Right next to you, in the south-eastern corner of the room you are standing in, is a small, winding staircase leading upwards. A very slight draft can be felt and if you move upwards, you will eventually end up near an exit to the surface, heavly barred by iron bars and the like. The exit is heavily overgrown and probably hardly visible from the outside.
Right in the middle of your room stands a circular, now dry fountain, chokey with stony rubble. Opposite to the staircase on the south-western wall, an imposing statue of a spellcasting human mage glowers down at you. Parts of his fingers, ears and nose are missing, but the work is still a masterpiece. The room to the north features a number of stone benches and some more, but smaller statues. Garments hang on the walls, rotten boots, hats and cloaks as well. Nothing of worth is in here and the few small lizards which inhabit it scurry away to safety once someone enters the places. The northern wall is full of small cracks. Nothing hinders you to proceed towards the south.
-
Keth crouches down to take a better look at the tracks, trying to determine what matter of being created the most recent tracks and how long ago.
-
All tracks and footprints come from (demih-)human feet. There is nothing strange or irritating about ... all that you see is cautious movement from the shaft towards this place and the south ... plus much more hasty movement backwards. No sound can be heard hereabouts, apart from the breath of your comrades.
-
Zhadristan silently observes the various doors, waiting for Keth to decide.
-
Keth signs "The south, while watching the rest?"
-
Zhadristan nods and joins Narzen in taking the point.
I find this uneventfullness disturbing. Do you think we are still unnoticed?, Zhadristan signals to him.
-
Iira signs, "Our presence has probably been noticed by someone. It is a matter of if our presence bothers them or not. So far it does not seem to since we have been left alone thus far. As for that door let us see what is beyond. I am ready for fighting if required."
-
Narzen smiles dryly. While I too am not comfortable with the silence, it is quite possible there simply is no-one else here anymore. Staying on guard is one thing, but imaginary dangers are better ignored than prepared against, he signals in response to Iira and Zhadristan.
-
Nata'al checks on the corridor leading to the south and gives the others cover with her shortbow.
You can reach the door to the next room without problems and yet again, you are only greeted by dusty cupboards, blank stone walls and some other broken inventory. This room (11) is empty. As you move closer to the next you note that the door in the south are actually lowered portcullies. Behind them lies utter darkness*. The door to the next room (12) was barred, but brute force clawed the wood away and bent the iron bars. A mansized whole was opened and beyond that lies a room in chaos. Wooden tables and benches lie hacked to splinters all over the place, most of them so new that no dust has settled upon them as yet. Half buried under one of the torn benches lies the elf Talice spoke of, one arm badly mangled and his throat torn away. His longsword, of decent elven workmanship, lies near his outstretched good arm ...
Nobody can be seen or heard. The door has been partly split by claw and axe.
*Just normal darkness.
-
Keth examines the passage around the door trying to find signs of anything moving by.
-
The footprints on the floor are the same as before. It is hard to make out the numbers of all the folk walking here, but there seems to be nothing amiss ... i.e. there are no 'monsters' involved in this.
-
Geirildin and Jhalashar examine the elf's torn body looking for any items that glow through their magic detecting eyes.
Geirildin closely examines the elf's wounds, trying to determine how many claws on one hand raked the elf.
-
The elf was most likely killed by a claw attack to his throath, though his sword arm was on the receiving end of a hefty blow with the backside of an axe or the like. As the two drow look closer, they note two tiny wholes right in the middle of the nasty cut. Apart from the blood caused by the initial attacks, there is very little around either, despite the large gash ...
-
Zhadristan observes Geirildin and Jhalashar examining the wounds.
What is it? he signs as Geirildin checks the claw wound on the neck.
-
Keth stifles a yawn, then signs "All these traces, yet nothing significant to be found is starting to annoy me" while watching the boys play with the dead elf.
-
While the others are looking around, Narzen unloads the bolt on his crossbow, then tucks the empty weapon in his cloak to absorb the sound, and triggers it.
After checking that the prolonged tension from keeping the weapon loaded hasn't done any harm to it, he puts the crossbow away.
-
Sheiriya walks towards the dead elf and takes examines the longsword he "lost".
-
Nothing of importance. Geirildin signs back. "Let's move on."
-
The elf's sword is a fine piece of work, but not magical. There is a purple sheen on the blade and it is not that hard to discern that it is made of darksteel. Whomever killed the former wielder apparently didn't notice or cared for the sword.
As you move on, a blueish shimmer can be seen behind the portcullies. As you drawn nearer, you see seven glowing, pearly-white squares, apparently only made of light which create a bridge over a chasm of a natural underground rift. The squares hang in the air and they as well as some glowing patches of yellow funghi illuminate the opposite wall and a few stalagmites and stalagtites. You cannot see the bottom of the chasm, not its ceiling.
On the far side of the "bridge" you can see a small ledge and another door, again locked by portcullies. The area behind those is covered in darkness and shadow.
-
I can think of a dozen entertaining ways to trap this, Zhadristan says as he tests the bridge with a single foot.
-
The portcullies do indeed pose no problem and can be lifted and blocked quite easily.
-
Any traps there may be would be more or less necessarily magical in nature, and I would have them placed further over the chasm for better efficiency, Narzen replies to Zhadristan.
Unless they simply fail to support a sufficient weight. With a mischievous grin he continues, Who do you think weighs the most of this group?
-
Sheiriya takes the elf's scabbard and sheathes the longsword before following the others.
-
Zhadristan grins wide at the notion. I didn't imagine such an enjoyable possibility, he answers Narzen.
-
Keth gives Narzen a bit of a scowl, "That's not quite funny, considering that I'm taller than most of you, and most likely will weight more," then with an impish grin "however I doubt many of you can levitate either."
-
(See map link in the Description thread.)
The natural chasm (13)
You see (DV) a rocky floor strewn with sand at the bottom of this 20 feet wide chasm. The bridge spans it at a height of some 25 feet. The ceiling is, as one would expect in a natural cave, rough and studded with stalactites, some patches of glowing fungi grow here and there. The floor, as far as you can see, also features a small army of stalagmites and stone pillars, some of the former almost reaching the ceiling. Below the bridge you spot a number of bones and half-rotten corpses. The one only exception is the dead body of a female (face down), who was impaled by one of the stalagmites when falling off the glowing squares. She looks not that rotten at all, but very much dead given her wound.
Off to the East (14) you hear a rush of water and you spot another, higher-levelled bridge crossing the chasm there. It is some 170 feet away, but the mold and fungi there grow in larger patches and give the whole region a ghostly appearance.
On the opposite side, another portcullie blocks the way towards a dark tunnel leading to the south.
Nothing apart from the water can be seen or heard so far.
Nata'al looks around, then signals to Keth: "I think it would be a good idea to check the cavern for any ambushes or creatures. Don't want to go on and risk anyone sneaking up behind me."
-
Keth signs "I concur, shall we sweep to the east or the west first?"
as she scans for a good place to anchor a line, or good handholds to climb down from.
-
Talice nods, then signals: "I'll stay here and keep watch on both exits." She retrieves another thunderstone from her belt. "That'll make you aware if someone tries to sneak up from that tunnel over there!"
-
"I think I can see more by using some spells of mine than by walking around in that chasm. So, if you don't mind I'll stay near here, too"
-
With a raised eyebrow, Talice sizes up the female drow next to her, then readies her shortbow as well.
-
Keth ties a length of rope to the porticullis, and descends into the chasm, taking a good look before descending to see if there might be any surprises.
-
In the meantime, Nata'al lowers herself to one knee and casts a spell. Afterwards she scans the glowing squares as well as the cavern nearby the bridge.
-
While Keth climbs down the rope, Zhadristan signals to Narzen. Talking about levitating.
When Keth has reached the bottom, Zhadristan uses the rope to descend as well.
-
Iira turns towards Talice and signs, "Think you'll need another pair of eyes up here? If not I'll go help with the sweep down below."
-
The female gives Talice a smile. What did you expect me to be? A heavy armed fighter?
Then she performs some gestures and leans herself against the wall.
-
Talice looks somewhat bemused by Sheiriya's comment, but responses only to Iira. "Since we are three already up here, I would suggest you go down there too."
-
While waiting for the others to come down, Keth will sweep the area from her lower position, for anything that might not have been caught from above.
-
Iira nods slightly. He coils up his chain and reattaches it to his belt. Taking one last look to make sure the rope is clear he begins to climb down it to join the sweep of the chasm floor.
-
Narzen turns his attention to Nata'al. If there are more magical auras on the floating surfaces than the one holding them aloft, malla abbil, I trust you let us know? he smiles.
Having said that, he follows Iira down the rope.
-
Aside from the woman on that stalagmite, the remains of several humanoids litter the caves' floor beneath the light squares. A skeleton, half buried by a more recently killed human (at least two month old though) wears a rotten leather armor, but anyone who dares can retrieve a yet black but "clean" short sword. Two silvered dagger loom out of the shafts of his boots as well. Near those two, another skeleton lies flat on its face, clad in rusty chain mail. It has a longsword belted to it and a still good-looking handaxe lies nearby. Just out of reach of its right hand lies a broken lantern. Beneath the fifth square lies a robed skeleton, its skull badly damaged from the fall and its hands still clutching a broken staff. The robe doesn't look as if age or climate has done any damage to it and a small brass ring lies near a broken off index finger on the ground. You find its backpack beneath the skeleton and the robe, containing a steel vial, three broken candles, two quills, a bottle of red ink, and what looks like a spellbook. If you give the robe a decent enough look, you can recover components for various spells too.
So much for the surroundings near the bridge.
-
Keth signs "Shall we take everything of possible use from these now, or after checking to the west?" as she makes her way to the stalagmite with the impaled woman.
-
It is us who await your orders, malla jabbress, Narzen signals.
But, my opinion is to loot the corpses now. If there is trouble further in the chasm, we may not get a chance to stop here again on our way back.
-
"Yes, you do heed my orders, but a wise leader does listen occasionally to those they employ" signs Keth as she looks at the Stalagmite.
-
The female at the stalagmite is quite dead, probably as long as the other former members of Talice's group. She looks somewhat like the human in that kitchen room, wearing rather light clothes for someone delving into ancient dungeons. A wand-like item right beneath her ´will tell you why she did not wear more armor. Her vest and robe are useless since they sport a more than fist-sized hole, if the dead is removed from the stone pillar. This could proof to be difficult, as the body is suspended on the stalagmite some 6 feet above ground, the bloody tip of the stone standing at about 8 feet. All her clothes look in decent condition and Nata'al signals that the boots, her bracers, that wand and something at her belt appear to be magical. That something will reveal itself as magical scrolls.
To the west the drow have to circle around some massive stone pillars and stalagmites. Almost at the far end of that chasm you are confronted by the hulk of a giant scorpion, looming over another skeleton. The latter is clad in studded leather armor and an iron helmed. A shattered wooden pendant - apparently some holy symbol - hangs from its neck, while a smashed lantern lies near its left hand. Its backpack contains some rotten food and a number of smashed glass flasks, a warhammer lies some feet off the skeleton's right hand. Almost buried by the bones and the red robe beneath it you spot a mace's haft, the weapon covered in a wrapped sheath. Just around the next stalagmite you discover another dead human, who is again about two months past his last breath. This one wears plate mail, a shield, and a broadsword. It is not apparent what killed this poor soul though.
-
Then let us quickly gather their magical possessions. I doubt that except for the scrolls there is anything of greater value to us than coins to be found from these, Zhadristan says, expressing his disrespect of the deads' competence.
Not easy to climb, the male observes while standing by the impaled woman. We could of course simply cut her body in half from here. Unless you wish to use your power of levitation, mistress. Zhadristan offers a slight bow and waits.
-
Keth starts to float upwards along the Stalagmite to the woman, grabbing her by the arms, and going straight up to pull/wrench the body up the Stalagmite until clear, then will toss the body to the side to land on the ground, and will lower herself back to the ground.
-
Well, it is a somewhat strange sight, that woman with a hole in her torso spanning almost half a feet. Despite the noise of the falling body, nothing seems to disrupt the silence in the chasm so far.
-
"If I were you,"
Sheiriya's thoughts sound through the other's minds.
"I would look east."
-
Keth lowers herself down to where she has footing on the Stalagmite to be able to change facing quickly enough to react to things and looks to the East, reaching for her scourge.
-
While the others have their views blocked by stalagmites and pillars, Talice and Keth spot something or someone closing in on the group. The creature partly walks on the ground as well as on the rocky surface of the pillars around it.
"Keep watch!" Talice hisses to Nata'al while drawing her bowstring.
-
Zhadristan loads his crossbow and gets into position by a stalagmite.
-
Keth illuminates the creature with Faerie Fire.
-
Narzen's crossbow makes a humming sound again as he loads it and readies himself to take aim at whatever is approaching.
-
Jhalashar backs up towards the rear of the group and begins strumming his lute, playing a song meant to inspire courage in all who hear except the lurking monster.
As soon as the faerie fire alights the "thing" Geirildin rushes towards the thing in a charge, leaping high into the air at the very end and bringing his courtblade down in an overhead chop.
-
Iira turns towards the east after seeing others do so. With one fluid movement he detaches his spiked chain from his side and holds it ready for use. A soft bass-pitched hum can be heard emitting from him for a few seconds.
-
Talice's bowstring hums and the arrow plunges deeply into the creature, drawing an angry hiss from it. It moves forward towards the group, simply plugging the arrow out of the wound without any apparent effect. The female, making sure that everyone is aware of it, says "Must be something undead ... watch out!"
Iira's spiked chain flashes and also hits the humanoid looking thing squarely on the chest, drawing a small open line of dark blood.
-
Keth will descend to the ground, and regroup with the bulk of the group in the chasm, ready to strike with her scourge.
-
Kethryllia lashes the being with her scourge, again drawing a few lines on its chest and upper arms. Surprised by the number of foes, the enemy focuses on the advancing Geirildin for a short time, but to no apparent effect. The drow feels some sort of dizziness which distracts him enough to let his attack go astray. The sound of Jalashar's song begins to fill the air, as well as the humming of two crossbow bolts. Narzen's misses the target and bounces off a stalagmite behind, vanishing into the darkness. Zhadristan's sinks deeply into the opponent, but again, no effect becomes apparent.
-
Narzen won't waste time worrying about the missed shot, and he loads another bolt.
-
Keth will present her holy symbol of Lolth at the creature, and say in a commanding voice "In the name of Lolth, I command you to stop attacking us!"
-
After a moment Sheiriya readies her crossbow to fire at the thing.
-
Jhalashar continues singing and Gerildin stops in mid stride, shakes his head, backs up five feet and then begins his charge anew, leaping high into the air at the end chopping down with both hands gripped tightly around his courtblade's hilt.
-
Mine had no effect. Zhadristan signs to Narzen before he draws his sabre and takes a circular path to approach the creature sideways.
-
Iira gives a quick twirl to his chain and brings it along a low sweep in an attempt to trip the thing.
-
Narzen nods to Zhadristan in reply, but still continues with what he's doing.
-
Keth will go back to lashing at the creature, after rebuking it.
-
The undead being turns away in horror from Keth's holy symbol and retreats a few steps. Half a moment later, Geirildin charges in and takes a mighty swing at the being, wounding it badly with his long sword. Zhadristan rushes past a few stalagmites and Kethryllia, to engage in melee too. Another arrow of Talice hits the undead, almost nailing it to the stone. The killing is complete when Sheiriya's bolt vanishing through the creature's chest. It falls back against the stalagmite and then to the ground. For good measure, Iira's chain sinks deep into the now dead undead once more. After a few more heartbeats, the thing dissolves into something like fog and floats towards the southern doors ...
Nata'al notes another swirling mist approaching the bridge after coming through the portcullis on the southern side of the chasm. "There!" she hisses, loud enough to be overheard by the two female next to her and the males below the bridge.
-
Once Keth is aware of the new threat, she will levitate back up to where Nata'al and Talice are at.
-
Not sure if there is any use in shooting at mist, Sheiriya loads her crossbow but does not attack immediately.
-
Zhadristan moves back to the rope and scales up.
-
A short moment later Sheiriya's thoughts can be heard again.
"The mist is not comming alone."
-
Iira coils up his chain and reattaches it to its place at his side. He backs away so he can get a clear view of the bridge from below and they misty thing on it. From one of the side pouchs of his pack he takes a slender length of crystal and stands ready.
-
Nata'al looks at her bow, drops it and with a few well-trained movements attaches her shield to her wrist.
The cloud moves over the bridge and rests on the northernmost square. There it solidifies and takes up the form of a humanoid wielding a greatsword. The male wears a rusty chainmail and a helmet, the creatures fiery eyes look at the three drow on the exit to the north.
"Welcome to my abode, darkskinned scum! I am always looking to increase my little congregation, especially if the newcomers look as beautiful as you are!"
As the cloud from the ground moves through then exit in the south, another humanoid being can be seen behind the portcullis. It looks around, then levels a crossbow at the drow beneath the bridge.
-
Jhalashar continues playing his lute (inspire courage) and Geirildin hefts his two-handed elven courtblade and rushes the nearest creature in an all out charge, once again leaping in the air at the end and bringing his sword down in a chop.
-
Zhadristan seeks cover from the crossbow bearer behind a stalagmite near Narzen. There, he leans his back against the stone, readies his crossbow and signs At the same time?, turning his head in the direction of the portcullis and back.
-
I would wait if jabbress Kethryllia attempts to drive them away again, before deciding on further course of action, Narzen signals Zhadristan and delays his own attack.
-
If in range, Keth will present her holy symbol of Lolth at creatures, and say in a commanding voice "In the name of Lolth, I command you to leave this place!"
Otherwise Keth will move closer to be able to attempt a rebuking.
-
The undead being hisses in anger as Keth's divine power hits it and it turns to back off. Geirildin jumps in, a tremendous leap by all accounts and slashes accross the back of the undead. Almost instantly, the undead becomes a cloud of mist too, but you gather from its looks that it is far from done. The drow manages to stand on the square's edge, without falling to the ground. The second undead behind the portcullis, apparently unaffected by the rebuking, sends a crossbow bolt that crackles with energy towards Iira, but misses him. Sheiriya, Talice and Nata'al cast their spells.
The males can do their actions for this round now.
-
Narzen returns the favor to the foe with the crossbow, launching an electricity-charged bolt flying towards it.
-
Zhadristan leaves the cover of the stalagmite to aim for the humanoid too and releases his bolt.
-
Iira gives a slight grin at the thing missing him as he activates his item. A solid blast of sonic energy projects towards the creature.
As the energy projects forward Iira says, "A bit noisy but should be effective. Besides our presense is now known anyways."
-
Sheiriya starts making some arcane gestures instead of attacking with her crossbow.
-
Narzen's bolt speeds to the being behind the portcullis and hits it in the chest, but neither the impact nor the shock waves from the bolt seem to bother it in any way. The missile of Zhadristan hits one of the iron bars and veers off into the darkness behind the undead, which is busy reloading the crossbow. While doing so, the creature is hit by Iira's blast and driven a couple of feets back into the tunnel. It glares back at you directly ...
Next round then.
-
Both Talive and Nata'al get their bows ready and try not to hit Geirildin, as they aim at the undead on the far side of the bridge.
-
Zhadristan scans the area below the enemy, looking for a way to climb the wall.
-
Keth will advance towards the enemy with her scourge at the ready.
-
Having finished her gestures, Sheiriya concentrates on something but no special effect can be seen.
-
Narzen bares his teeth, seemingly disappointed with the lack of effect from his weapon, and he puts away the crossbow. Then, he follows Zhadristan's example.
-
With the crystal still in hand, Iira moves in closer to the portcullis. He keeps an eye on the creature to prepair for another attack.
-
Keth continues to advance, ready to strike out.
-
While Jalashar sings, two arrows flash accross the bridge and hit the undead, to not that much effect though. The rest of the group closes in on that portcullis, the males try to climb the walls, who prove to be more diffcult than they look. Only Sheiriya remains behind, apparently concentrating on a spell. The undead looks fiercely at Iira, but whatever it is intending, the attack does not work on the drow.
-
Sheiriya is still concentrating on whatever she is doing.
-
Keth will continue to advance.
-
Geirildin charges the next closes undead being, again ending in a leap attack (power attck -5).
-
Talice follows Kethryllia over the bridge, while Nata'al stays back and gives Sheiriya some cover.
-
As Keth nears the creature, she will unsling her shield and prepare to lash out with her scourge.
-
Geirildin continues his charge, bringing his blade across the gate's lock attempting to sunder it in twine.
-
Geirildin gives the portcullis* a right good whack with his weapon and the nigh-ancient iron almost gives way. Another decent hit may bring it down altogether and Keth' oblieges, ripping the thing open with a vicious lashing of her scourge. The undead levels its crossbow at Geirildin and a moment afterwards, the bolt whizzes past the drows right hip, nearly piercing Zhadristan's ear. The other two males also appear to either side of the southern doors, having climbed up from the floor below. Only Jalashar sings down there. Talice looks to get a shot on the undead, but does not want to risk a shot. She remains ready for any opening.
-
Keth will press the attack leaving room for others to get in front of her with their shorter weapons.
-
Zhadristan curses at the close miss.
Seeing no need to expose himself further to the crossbow fire, Zhadristan waits next to the entrance for Geirildin to smash it, sabre drawn and ready to move in.
-
Sheiriya is still concentrating on her spell.
-
Given the lack of space, Talice removes the bow and readies herself for melee combat.
The door goes down and the undead moves a bit backwards, dropping his weapon and drawing a short sword. The tunnel is spacy enough for two of you to close in on the undead and fight without much hinderance.
Nata'al looks back and forth between the bridge and the tunnel to the north, covering Sheiriya.
-
Keth will hang back and strike with her reach advantage.
-
Just as the undead lashes out at Geirildin, Zhadristan skewers it with his sabre and makes the attack on his comrade go awry. Taking the opportunity, he withdraws his weapon and strikes out again, drawing a hiss from the being. The moment Zhadristan removes his blade and goes out of the way, Kethryllia's scourge whips past him and draws fine lines over the undead's face. Finally, Geirildin brings his sword down in two vicious swipes and the instant he removes it out of the undead being, the latter dissolves into misty vapor. The latter withdraws away from you into tunnel.
-
Zhadristan's eyes follow the mist down the tunnel a bit, then turns to the others.
"I hardly believe the likes of these slaughtered your former companions." the male says, looking at Talice. "There must be something else."
-
Talice smiles and signals: "You are drow, they weren't. Then again, I do not know what lies there." Pointing towards the far end of the tunnel.
-
Keth spits in the direction fo the fleeing mist, muttering something about "Parasites."
"Two of us should pair up and gather everything of value from below, while the rest of us keep watch," says Keth as she keeps watch in the direction that the mist is fleeing in.
-
Taking this as a command, Talice looks down towards the bottom and throws a silken rope to Jalashar. He can tie up the loot there and the female will heave it up while the others can give cover. While doing so, Talice whispers: "We should be double careful now. These creatures will surely lurk there now, waiting to pounce. And there might be traps too."
After a moment, she adds: "This whole place does not look like being built by humans ... or whatever they are."
No sound comes from the tunnel to the south. As Talice said, the place looks like a mixture of human as well as dwarven craftsmanship, though it is hard to tell.
-
Keth will continue to keep watch.
-
Narzen signals, Detecting for magic ahead could reveal the enemy or traps that would slip notice otherwise. Do any of you still have such spells prepared?
In any case, it will not be possible to thoroughly search for both magical and mundane traps all the way, because there is only so much time to do either. I would thus suggest focusing on the magic; if I fail to spot a mechanical trap in time, it will likely be a lesser danger.
The man smirks and continues, And I will be the first to fall into pits anyway.
-
(15) You enter a chamber which has three doors, two of which open to corridors leading to the southwest and southeast respectively. To the northwest there is a room (16, door open) lined on all four walls with floor-to-ceiling shelves, crammed with books, jars, and material for as well as spell components - from the looks of it. A total of 16 brass braziers, a pot of pitch, five intact and three broken turtle shells are placed all over the room, around and on a sturdy trestle table and two high stools.
The chamber (15) sports a couple of empty torch brackets, while a sigil in red mosaic tiles is inlaid in the centre of the pale grey floor. It is somewhat darkened and from the whole in the ceiling right above the sigil, you make out that there once was a trap spell placed on it. More interesting to the onlooker is the corpse of a human male hanging upside down from a heavy chain near to the door to the northwest (room 16). The fellow was badly humilated, his lower left arm is missing, as is his throat. A gaping whole is in the place were his stomach should be, on closer inspection one might see the spine in that bloody mess. From the tracks on the dusty floor you can easily determine that the guy was slaughtered in the room to the north, then dragged to this place and chained to the ceiling. If you look for it, you will find the missing parts of his body there.
The hallway to the southwest (18) is lined on both sides with about a dozen life-sized stone statues, which look very lifelike. They depict hooded humans (it seems, but one can hardly tell) clad in robes featuring various ornaments, symbols and the like. Two doors can be spotted in the darkness here, one leading to the northwest, the other at the end of the corridor. All is silent, but the hallway seems to have seen much traffic recently.
The second hallway, to the southeast, has three doors, one to the south, two to the north. It ends in what appears to be a natural cavern and you hear a faint rush of water from that direction too. Again, the dust on the floor has been disturbed quite often, not least in recent hours.
-
Sheiriya nods towards Nata'al before stepping onto hte "bridge" to get to the other side. When she enters the darkness of the tunnel the beautiful female becomes invisible again.
-
Keth will wait for the party to regroup.
-
Nata'al crosses the bridge and withdraws her bow. She fastens her shiueld to her left arm and takes a position next to Narzen. "I will give cover ... in a way," she signals.
All have crossed the bridge now and you can move unhindered to the chamber with the body (15). Narzen cleary spot evidence for former traps, both magical and mechanical, but all have apparently gone off long ago. The hallway to the southwest is silent, while a distant rush of water can be heard from the southeastern one.
"Which way?" Nata'al signals?
-
"If we want to meet our first misty friend,"
the toughts of the invisible Sheiriya can be heard by the drow again
"we should take the corridor on the right side."
-
"I agree. We should follow the mist, stake them and be done with it."
-
"Just to inform you, Geirildin, because you spoke of 'them': I can't tell you where the other one is gone to, yet."
Sheiriya tells Geirildin, but the others can "hear" her too.
-
"I hate the thought of an enemy behind us, so we should finish off the leech that we can find, and keep an eye out for the other" signs Keth.
-
"There is still that matter of finding magical traps." Zhadristan reminds the others of Narzen's request.
-
"Detection spells can be arranged as needed, but I doubt we could maintain them forever." signs Keth
-
Talice looks at the corpse and for a split second, her eyes widen. "That is ... was the Shadowmaster. So there's only the drow left." She scans the human for any items, but can't find anything. Listening to the others, she nods and whispers a few arcane syllables. Her eyes narrow as she scans the chamber, the small room to the north and the two hallways. "Nothing that looks like a magical trap," she signals.
-
Nata'al glances at the corpse, then signals towards Keth: "Maybe we can leave someone here - watching our backs - while the rest lays this undead iblith to its final rest?"
-
"That would be prudent, just who should we leave to watch the exit" signs Keth
-
Nata'al raises an eyebrow as if to say: isn't that your responsibility to decide? Her eyes settle on Talice and the place where she expects Sheiriya to be, for no obvious reason.
-
Talice takes the hint and retrieves her bow from her back. She puts an arrow on the string and nods to Keth.
-
Narzen glances at the others, looking slightly concerned about the course the conversation is taking.
Malla jabbress, leaving behind enemies we know of appears to me safer than dividing our strength in search of a danger we may not have yet even seen, he signals.
After a short pause he continues, And if there is concern of all of us being attacked from behind, it is an even greater risk to have that happen to only one or two.
-
"Then we shall stay together, with extra attention being placed on watching our backs as we advance," signs Keth, "Also if possible maybe rig something to make noise here, maybe more of those Thunderstones, if we have some still?" Keth continues to sign.
-
"I will take care of that." Zhadristan says impatiently and reaches in his backbag for some thunderstones.
-
"I'd prefer to move on. Staying at the same place in an unknown dungeon for a longer time seems not very wise to me."
The invisible Sheiriya tells the others without any sound.
-
"Then let's get going to finish off the one that we can locate." signs Keth
-
All of a sudden, noises can be heard from the hallway (18) leading to the southwest. As you turn your heads, you see a gaunt creature in robes and armor in the door at the end of the corridor. The room behind the creature is dimly lit, giving it a ghostly appearance. As if commanded, half a dozen torches start "burning" along the hallways walls, creating a light that is uncomfortable to your eyes. Slowly, the creature begins to walk into your direction.
-
In the light Sheiriya can be seen again. She whispers a short command word.
-
Keth presents her holy symbol of Lolth, "In the name of the Quarvalsharess, I command you to cower before me!" commands Keth of the creature.
:spinne:
-
Zhadristan's sabre flashes in the torch light.
-
Iira's hand drops to his side, ready to remove his spiked chain from the hook on his belt. He also adopts a defensive stance.
-
Narzen takes a step back and raises his hand, pointing at the creature as if taking aim.
-
Zhadristan glances at Keth and then back at the creature, wondering if it will obey her.
-
You can feel the power surging from Keth's holy symbol towards the creature, but neither does it cower before the drow, nor does it slow in its step. A rasping voice (Undercommon) can be heard as it comes nearer. "A pleasant surprise then. Let's see whether you are worthy enough to lift the curse, kin of the Spider!" As it speaks, a symbol dangling on a chain clatters against his rusty breastplate, depicting a black human skull on a white triangular field. Still some 50 feet away, it draws a morning star and starts mumbling arcane syllables. By the looks of it, this creature is undead too, but in appearance it is stuck somewhere inbetween a skeleton and a vampire.
-
"Seems your master might be protecting you still, servant of a dead god," hisses Keth as she advances towards the creature.
-
Seeing Keth advancing Iira does the same, staying at her side as best possible.
-
Sheiriya takes aim with her crossbow, which is still loaded from the fight at the "bridge", and shoots at the undead thing.
-
Sheiriya tries a spell, but a sour look on her face tells you that her attempt to dim the lights failed. Your leader concentrates and listens intently to the arcane syllables of your opponent. Keth does know the spell from her teachings, though only higher priestesses used it while trying to draw power from the goddess to make them stronger and more cunning in combat. The drow then advances towards the target.
At her shoulder, Narzen casts a spell and a ray of energy pulses from his hand, hits the creature squarely at the chest and makes it snarl a curse. Iira and Geirildin rush past the two, the latter intercepting the undead before it comes near Keth. He brings his fine blade down, but the undead raises his shield with unexpected agility and diverts the blow. Iira's chain lashes at the undead from a greater distance, but a previously invisible barrier flares up inches before the creature to stop the weapon from hitting. The undead answers with a couple of swings of his morning star, bashing the weapon twice into the nearby drow (Geirildin, 21 HP in total). Taken aback by the ferocity, Talice's aim wavers and her arrow end up crashing against the wall at the far end of the tunnel. Likewise, Sheiriya's bolt nearly hits the wounded Geirildin, as the hits take him into her line of fire. Nata'al takes a good look at the undead, then concentrates on the hallway and the exit to the north, while Jalashar begins to toughen you up with song.
-
"If lightning does not affect that thing either, I have nothing left to hit it with," Narzen mutters.
He takes out his small crossbow, and after loading a bolt on it speaks a command word, making the weapon hum with electricity again.
-
Keth moves up to strike range of her scourge.
-
Zhadristan whispers a word and upon saying it, his blade becomes sheathed in a thin layer of ice.
"Eventually I do." he comments.
-
Not seeing a real chance to hit the undead thing standing behind three drow, Sheiriya gets a metall sphere out of her belt and activates it.
-
As Keth moves forward to get in better striking range of her Scourge she begins to chant a prayer to Lolth.
-
"Selvetarm's eight legs!" Nata'l curses, as the formerly rebuked undead warrior comes racing towards her and Jalashar from the other hallway. Sword hefted above his head and glowing hate in his eyes, the creature charges up to the drow. Talice instantly switches aims, while Nata'al brings about her holy symbol.
-
Zhadristan snarls and whirls around to aid Nata'al.
-
Keth continues with her spellcasting.
-
Kethryllia moves closer to the undead creature and for a split second - just as she finishes casting her spell - a thin veil of darkness rushes down her body. Right next to the morning star - wielder, a massive hammer of force appears out of nowhere and attacks the undead, missing it by some two feet. During all this, the group feels how Jashalar's song drives them on, making their senses clearer and more focussed on the task at hand. Iira's chain lashes past Geirildin and opens a decent wound on the undead's chest, making it snarl another vile curse. A hit by Geirildin's sword makes him turn its attention back to his prime opponent though, dodging the second swing. This sudden movement brings him out of the way of Narzen's bolt too, the missile hammering into the wall of the far side, scorching the surface with a small hail of lightnings. The undead glowers at Geirildin and says, "Meet your creepy goddess!". Another couple of expertly taken strikes come the drow's way, but only the first draws blood (12 HP) again.
At the crossroads behind that group, Nata'al brandishs her holy symbol at the onrushing undead and calls out to it: "In the name of Selvetarm, begone!". A wave of divine energy stops the being in its tracks, just as if it had run into a brick wall. With a howl of anguish it begins to withdraw again, followed by a couple of missiles from Zhadristan and Talice, who both miss it though.
-
Sheiriya starts performing some arcane gestures again. But whatever should happen is not visible.
-
Baring his teeth upon seeing the shot gone to waste, Narzen sets another bolt to his crossbow and takes new aim.
Whether determined to learn more about the enemy by taking an experimental approach, or merely stubborn to deliver a solid hit, the blank look on his face doesn't betray his thoughts.
-
Keth seems to be drawn within herself as she focuses on the foe before her.
-
Stepping to the side of Geirildin a little, Iira brings his chain in a low sweeping motion towards the undead.
-
Ever since he runs along to attack the undead, Zhadristan's usual blank expression has become one of angry determination. The apparent retreat of the enemy only strengthens his resolve.
-
Jhalashar sings on, while Geirildin launches several vicious sword chops towards his opponent, attempting to hack it in two.
-
Drawing her bow again, Talice looks in disbelief as Zhadristan goes on the hunt. Her arrow hits the feeling undead in the back. As he fires his crossbow, the drow hears her shout: "Stay back!". His bolt bounces off the undead's armor. The same fate happens to Nata'al's arrow, as the undead moves away from the drow priestess. It reels around when reaching the end of the hallway, some 60 feet away. "Watch out," the female rumbles, "I assume that's some sort of a vampire ..."
In the other hallway, Narzen lets fly another crossbow bolt and as if someone had cursed the thing, the bolt again burst into tiny sparks at the hallway's wall rather than the undead's breast. The magicial hammer conjured by Sheiriya lashes out again, but misses the opponent once more. Kethryllia aims her hand at the undead and divine energy washes over the being. It is a bit irritated, but the determined glow in its eyes remains. Geirildin brings his sword down again and opens another wound accross the being's chest. It does look wounded now, but not out of the picture yet, proved by a quick side-step to avoid Iira's low chain. This evasive manoeuvre makes it miss its first attack, but a vicious second swing find drow flesh again (10 HP).
-
You hear Keth mutter something about "feeding heretics to a bebilith," as she appears to be judging distance for something.
-
Keth slips between Geirildin and lira, prepared to block the morning star with her shield, as she moves to flank the creature.
"For Lolth!!" she screams out as her eyes light with a dark malevolence, as her body channels the power of Lolth, striking out with her Scourge.
-
Zhadristan stops and turns around. "Still we can't let it stalk us for as long as we remain in here. Can you keep it bay forever? I haven't seen any of these hurt it so far." he says referring to a bolt he is loading into his crossbow while he's speaking.
-
Keth snarls at the creature, as malevolent energy radiates from her being.
:spinne:
-
Narzen puts away his crossbow and takes out a small item from his pocket, settling to observe the situation with a sour look on his face - yet he keeps his other hand on the hilt of his sword.
-
Zhadristan still faces Nata'al and pulls a small vial of powdered silver from a pocket inside his piwafwi. Almost artistically he sprinkles some of it around him and utters a few arcane syllables.
Assuming that Nata'al recognized what he did, he gives her a confident look and continues his advance.
-
Nata'al let's fly another arrow at the undead and hits it square in the chest. Once more, the actual effect is minimal. Talice's arrow plants itself firmly alongside Nata'al's, annoying the creature even more. It snarls a vile curse at the drow in the hallway and backs off somewhat. Meanwhile, Zhadristan cast a rather simple spell and moves onward to engage the undead. "Make sure it doesnae touch ya!" Nata'al yells.
In the second hallway, the morning star wielder whirls about himself trying to hit Kethryllia, but misses her by half an inch. The drow's scourge lashes out and leaves its mark on the arm holding the morning star. The undead whirls about itself once more, thus irritating Iira and Geirildin, even though the latter manages to sink his blade half an inch into undead flesh. "Maybe," it hisses as it dodges Sheiriya's magical hammer, "my fate is finally being resolved."
-
Keth continues to press the attack, her eyes and body radiating dark malevolence.
"Lolth will gladly end your curse, so you can spend all eternity being damned within her realm!" screams Kethryllia
-
The fight in the long hallway is reaching its climax. Iira lashes at the undead thing with his chain and nearly tears the shield arm off. The undead whirls about at lands a couple of vicious blows on the drow's shoulder and lower arm (15 & 13 HP resp.). The sudden turn brings your opponent out of Keth's reach, but Geirildin expertly cuts off the beings weapon arm and head. It drops down in a heap, the head bounces of a wall, the seperate skull and helmets clatter along the stony surface of the hallway. The floating hammer returns to Sheiriya, whose eyes become clear again. She blinks twice, then turns her attention to the hallway in the southeast.
Talice almost manages to scratch Zhadristan's ear with her arrow and a nigh silent curse can be heard. As if the creature has cursed the bows, Nata'al's arrow also goes woefully awry, bouncing harmlessly off the far wall. Zhadristan finally closes the distance to the undead and successfully stabs the opponent with his sabre. Almost instantly, the being dissolves into milky-white mist which floats further away from the drow group.
-
"Damn leeches, trying to kill one of them is worse than trying to kill a troll with them constantly going to vapor," says Keth
Looking down at the defeated creature, Keth says a short prayer to Lolth beseeching the goddess to reveal magic in the area.
-
As the creature fades into mist, Zhadristan screams in anger. It takes a few breaths for him to calm down and return to his companions.
-
Talice looks down the empty hallway and mutters something unintelligible. After a short look down the other hallway, the bald headed female yells in common: "Your rusty companion just met his fate, bloodsucker. We bestet you twice now, so if you cross us once more, make sure you are ready to die too!" At Talice's side, Nata'al chuckles. "Either he's fleeing for his life now, or he'll be back with reinforcements." After half a moment's thought, she adds with a wry grin. "Or any creepy monster in that rotten place will come looking for the owner of your fine voice." The bald headed female raises one eyebrow and replies: "As long as our swords get something to sink their blades in, I won't mind. ... Then again, I don't think I'm willing to stay here to find out." She points at the fallen undead at the other drow's feet. "I'd assume he's the actual leader of them and his quarters is the place to go ..."
Sheiriya joins in here: "His study appears to be empty, apart from a dead, or nearly dead drow. Let's go there and be done with this place."
-
Narzen nods at Kethryllia, "Your orders, malla yathrin?"
-
"Take everything of value, check the study, and some healing of those injured wouldn't be out of order." says Keth
"However, I personally prepared very little healing magic, so I will only be able to heal one person." says Keth looking at the various injuries.
-
Zhadristan will go to the study.
-
Without looking back at the vanished undead, Talice makes her way to the bleeding drow, drawing a slender, yet black wand. Nearing Keth she says: "I think it is only fair to get you some healing magic, though I wonder whether the Shadowlord would answer such spells directly." Starting with Iira (+30 HP), she taps each of the wounded drow thrice with the wand, uttering a few arcane syllables each time the item touches a drow.
In the meantime, Nata'al get's back to Jalashar and keeps an eye on the hallway to the southeast.
(Geirildin, +26 HP)
-
"But we should look out for that misty guys. I didn't notice a second exit of that room so far."
Sheiriya tells the others on their way to the study.
-
Keth glances at Talice, "I think I would rather depend on my own abilities, before resorting to getting aid from that one."
"As to the leech, it is best to keep an eye out for it. I have protection by the grace of the Goddess. But I think our weapons, not for lack of power, are mostly ineffective against it."
-
"If this one shows up again, be certain that I will thoroughly test the effectiveness of my weapon." Zhadristan says.
-
Iira nods his thanks towards Talice for the healing. He heads towards the study saying, "I will help Zhadristan search in here."
-
Talice smiles after the remark by Keth, but keeps her opinion to herself. She lets Zhadristan and Iira take point before venturing into that study too. Nata'al remains near that crossroad of the two hallways, carefully watching out for anything misty.
The door in the middle of the hallway (opposite to No. 18), near the spot were the dead undead lies, remains closed. No sound can be heard from within.
The study (pic to follow) looks much like a library and is furnished with a massive carved wooden chair, an oval side table with a close book on it and a purple tapestry on the south wall adorned with sigil depicting a skull on a yet black circle. Your eyes are stung by the light that comes off a brightly glowing ball of green fungus that sits on a bowl full of what looks like water and old, black blood. Out of the latter reaches a skeletal hand still blotched with scraps of rotting flesh and the fungus growing on the carrion. The walls are lined by cupboards and bookshelves, all filled with scrolls, parchments, books, jars, and jugs. Various items and materials are strewn all over the place, some look like discarded food, others like spell components or even hacked-apart victims of the undead. Near the western wall, almost opposit to the entrance stands a rack onto which a drow has been tied. The male hangs head down in the ropes, his body shows various marks of torture and experimentation ... but he still breathes. Talice scans the room for anything that might be dangerous and before stepping any further, she invokes a simple spell.
"No signs of any magical traps," she says a moment later, "but a few items of value are surely in here. Watch out for more mundane traps though!"
The closed book on the side table doesn't look very valuable on first sight. When speaking about magic items, Talice pointed at it nonetheless. It has a rather nondescript grey canvas cover, sporting a few runic letters. Beneath the tables stand some heavy wooden chests, some open, some closed. Out of one looms the handle of what looks like a greataxe, as well as the sleeve of a chainmail. Another chest holds more weapons, half of which a rusted and dirty.
-
Sheiriya stops for am moment near the closed door before following the others.
-
"Only a fool would set traps of destructive nature in one's own workspace," Narzen remarks at Talice's warning, then grins, "So indeed we would do well to watch our step here."
-
Noticing that the male across the room is still breathing Iira heads over to them for a closer look. He takes some care to not bump into anything while moving across the room. As he gets closer to the tied up drow he softly says, "You awake?"
-
Scanning the room as if she looks for something special, she speaks more to herself than to Narzen: "A drop of poison here and there will do ... while undead can afford to drink bottles of it." After her first search iss apparently not successful, she looks a the strapped drow. "Hmm ... think we should get him off that rack. He's the one I told you about, Zhoulnor's his name." She gets over to the rack and whisks it around, making the drow stand upright again. With an expert look, Talice starts to check the wounds before removing any of the bonds.
-
Sheiriya steps into the room behind the others and starts searching for something that may be of interest for her, but she is allways aware if the tortured drow regains consciousness.
-
"Looks like he has been having a fun time," says Keth with a smirk.
Looking around the room to see if anything catches her eye.
-
"Then maybe we should ask him if he would like to extend his stay before he gets too much healing." Zhadristan comments while looking through the shelves.
-
"He looks in not that bad a shape," Talice says, after a more thorough look. Ignoring Zhadristan's remark, she unties the bounds and brings about her wand again. "Having seen what that skeleton thing did to our fighters, I would not blame him for failing." She turns around to face Keth. "Even if he does not accompany us, he should not hang here to die?!" Apparently sensing an agreement before Keth replies, a couple of touches from the wand, accompanied by activation words, brings the unconscious drow back into this world.
Meanwhile, Sheiriya scans the room and notices a remarkable lack of cobwebs on the otherwise densily covered ceiling, near to the north-western corner of the room. A nearly vertical slit in the wall behind one of the boards appears to be responsible for a draught of air.
"Nice song," Nata'al remarks to Jalashar, while she keeps watching the hallways. "Havnae heard anything alike in a wee while!"
NB: A few additions have been made to the room description above.
-
"No he shouldn't be left to die, at least not here, anyhow," says Keth, "and he may be of use, and if not... that can be determined later."
Looking towards the chests, "So do you recall which items are his?"
-
After rubbing his unbound wrists and cracking more then a few joints, " That's Entemanier, Zouhlnor Entamanier" tieing his hair back his eyes fall upon Eclav'iira, "greetings older brother." Bowing to all, "my services are yours, as well as my axe, assuming we... can... find it."
-
Stepping closer towards Zouhlnor he (Iira) says, "What a surprise. I never expected to see you here little brother." Iira pauses a moment while thinking. "Seems our sister has sent you out into the world..." Leaning in closer and lowering his voice, "They," waving a hand indicating the group, "only know me by part of my name. Try to refer to me as Iira, or older brother if you prefer."
Iira steps back away from Zouhlnor and continues his talk. "It has been some years since last seeing you. Your bigger then I remembered. That's good" He gives a quick wink to the other male, some acknowledgement of something between the two. "You mentioned an axe... still using that same old thing?"
-
The bald headed female raises an eyebrow and steps back from the drow. "It seem that he can gather his equipment by himself," Talice replies. She withdraws her wand and looks at the two males while they talk. "Should have noted the similarities between the two earlier," is her dry remark. Ignoring the banter, she begins searching the room in earnest, especially the books.
-
"No brother, it is a new axe..." piecing together his items from around the room, which include a headpiece decorated simply with a symbol of Lolth adorned with a single precious stone as lolths body. a mithral chain shirt with webbing filigree. and a neclace with a long slender crystal, as well as a few other mundane items.
Zouhlnor pauses to adorn himself with all that he has found. muttering to himself he renews his search "...now where is she, i know she's here..." he pauses, smiles and kneels down, grasping something unseen. "...and this axe..." drawing it out the party hears the scraping of the fine metal upon stone and then awes the fine craftsmanship of the lolth decorated greataxe. From where the handle meets axe-head spiderlegs extend out to the blade creating a serrated edge. "... is much bigger." the smile that extends across zouhlor's face is from ear to ear.
-
"Most impressive indeed," says Keth
"Zouhlnor, I am Kethyrllia Nightfirestar, a Yathrin of the Goddess. I see no problems with you joining us, as long as the others don't object. Your brother can advise you on the compesation for your endeavors." says Keth
-
"Greetings Kethyrillia, i'm sure any compensation will outway the embarresment of being tortured at the hands of such... vermin."
Zouhlnor states plainly,"What brings you all here to my rescue anyway?"
-
"That would be for Talice to say, since we are here for her at the moment. It was the price for her to guide me to a city far to the east." says Keth
-
"No objections" Zhadristan answers Keth, "as long as our deal remains unchanged."
"My name is Zhadristan Myxin", he introduces himself. "You will have plenty of time to thank us for your rescue once we are out of here. Some of your hosts seem to be quite persistent."
While he frowned upon hearing axe earlier, he gives an acknowledging nod now that he has seen the fine axe.
-
Talice recovers a few small books and discards half of them a moment latter, a sour look on her face. "He's some ability with that ogre-cutter," she remarks to Keth, "so I am sure it wouldn't be a bad choice to let him join in." Then her eyes follow Sheiriya as the female moves over to the north-western corner of the room. Sheiriya points towards the missing cobwebs on the ceiling and says: "I would be surprised if wood and stone are the only things we find behind this wormfood." Her eyes turn to the half-healed newcomer and his large axe. "Vendui sargtlin! My name is Sheiriya ...," the stunning drow's voice sounds in his head. "I hope you have more qualities than just simply hacking iblith apart, do you?"
In the meantime, Talice has empties half of the boards shelves and then pauses for moment. She retrieves on of the rusty swords out of one chest and uses it to push a tiny button, which was previously covered by books and a half rotten piece of wood. There is no immediate effect and the female raises an eyebrow. "Maybe ...," she mumbles and tries to push the board into the wall. Promptly, half of the board, apparently attached to a door, swings back and a passage opens itself up. Age old cobwebs and loads of dust rain down to the floor. With a more confident look, Talice says: "Our bony chap must have missed this, it seems."
While waiting, Nata'al looks towards the fallen skeleton. "Wait here," she advises Jalashar. With a few quick steps she draws nearer to the previously undead, casting a quick spell while doing so. "Now that's interesting," Nata'al murmurs, with only Geirildin near that spot. She retrieves the morningstar, the helmet, and even the blackish breastplate from the skeleton. On top of that heap lands a scabbard and what looks like a hook. "I wonder if this thing will rise again ... and if so, whether we ..." A grin parts her lips and she looks around for something. "There you go!" The drow gets up and moves to the room with the corpse of the "shadowmaster". Without must effort, she gets the dead off the ceiling and retrieves the chains ...
The study's magical items include a pair of gloves, two horns, a pair of bracers, and an amulet. Furthermore, spread on one table, are long sheets of some sort of a shroud, covered with arcane symbols and runes. A few vials (4) and potion bootles (6) are also there.
*Note: that killed undead guy wasn't a skeleton or bone creature. I simply use "skeleton" for good measure.
-
Narzen merely walks about slowly with a blank look on his face, glancing around him quietly like he was deep in thought.
-
"I do indeed have other talents, Mistress" Zouhlnor says with cocksure and a bow. He places his left hand upon the stone that is fixed to his headpiece and a wash of red light flows out of the stone washing over him closing some of his wounds. "i do admit more of them center around my usefulness with Fourth Fury then around anything else" Zouhlnor finishes talking with a somewhat puzzled expression.
-
While he seems to be going through the content of some sheet, Zhadristan takes a few steps through the room. When others are looking at the secret passage or elsewhere, he gives Narzen a questioning look.
-
It is nothing, abbil, Narzen signals a brief response to Zhadristan. After a short pause, he continues with a mischievous grin, I was merely recalling our first encounter with malla Sheiriya.
-
"Let's collect everything of use and value here, then check that passage out," says Keth
-
To the above, you can collect a couple of magical hand axes, a wavy-bladed dagger, a rapier and an x-bow. the passage leads some 10 feet into the wall, then turns left. Given the amount of dust on the floor and within the cobwebs, plus the lack of any footprints, you can easily discern that this tunnel has not seen any living person for ages.
-
Somehow Zouhlnor has the feeling that his answere wasn't exactly the one the beautiful drow wanted to hear.
"Maybe I'll find out some day what your other talents are... in the meantime use your favourite toy to keep vermin at bay for me, will you?" she tells him with a charming smile.
Sheiriya takes care that nothing of value is left in the study before she removes a ring from her right hand and enters the passage.
"You still there? We found a secret door and a kind of axe-wielding brother of Iira." Sheiriya's thoughts enter Nata'al's mind.
-
Keth will wait for Nata'al to rejoin the group before entering the passage.
-
"As you command, Mistress," Zouhlnor says with a bow of his head to Sheiriya. He follows her down the passage.
-
Iira waits at the entrance of the passage. He keeps a look out for both the group entering and the group arriving. When all are ready he joins the second group in entering.
-
Nata'al stops in her tying-up of the undead and looks towards Keth and Sheiriya, barely visible in that room. She signals: "I think it will be best if I did not leave that singing lad behind and facing the leech alone, but I am sure Geirildin will assist you to the best of his abilities?!"
The female draggs the undead back to the crossroad and begins hanging it - missing head down - on the hook. " 'wonder what he will say when he wakes up ... if at all," the drow says with a mean grin on her face. "Maybe we should place his head in the opposite corner, shall we?"
-
"Don't have too much fun with him, Nata'al," calls out Keth with a grin as she enters the passage.
-
After a few steps into the passage Sheiriya stops and waits for the others. "Anybody who wants to look for traps in here?"
-
Stepping carefully, Talice takes point .. apparently she does not want to wait till one of the trapfinders make their minds up. She scans the floor and the wall carefully and leads you on till the corner.
The passage angles to the left and goes on for some 10 more steps. There is some sort of an archway that leads to to a chamber twice as large as the study. Right beneath the archway lies the leather-clad skeleton of a human, his legs being cut off a scythe-like trap that still protrudes from the wall. The poor soul probably managed to crawl a couple of feet before the massive blood-loss killed him (or her). Another skeleton lies some 15 steps into the room, a crossbow bolt still stuck in its skull.
The room itself appears to be some sort of assembly chamber, a large round stone table sits in its middle, surrounded by nine chairs. The walls are lined with alcoves, all bar two empty. Tapestry, banners and flags might have covered the walls in ancient times, these days they are either rotten away or ladden with cobwebs and dust of at least 500 years. On the far side of the room stands some sort of an altar, upon which a fair amount of items can be seen. Behind that place of offering rises a platform with what could be called a throne. Upon the latter, the skeletised remains of some humanoid present themself to you. The skull has long since fallen off and lies at the floor in front of the throne, as does one arm and the sword it held. The dead wears a heavily ornamented breastplate, a now grey, formerly dusky-red robe and a few more items which do not show any signs of aging. Its still remaining hand holds a scrollcase.
The two alcoves which are not empty are lined with shelves foll of books and scrolls too, most of which look pretty fragile now.
Talice takes one step at a time but leads you right up to the throne without problem.
-
Keth follows after Talice, observing the chamber.
-
"Any ideas who that was?", Zhadristan asks and strides towards the altar.
-
Geirildin and Jhalashar also carefully walk into the room, the soles of their boots falling upon the cold stone light as a feather and without a sound.
Geirildin hefts his long tapering slender courtblade from his back and jabs the needle thin point through the skeleton's body, his left brow slightly raised as gauges if their is any reaction.
"Jhalashar, see if you can locate any traps. If you are unable to do so, use your music to aid whoever in this party may be more skilled than you at locating such dangers."
Jhalashar nods his head and takes a long look at his surroundings. After a moment or pass, he produces a flute, apparently made of glass, but when it's played the sound produced is one that would come from an instrument of metal, though that would be known only to those with an ear trained to music.
-
Zouhlnor stands near the leather clad skeleton and appears uncomfortable. He is itching off the scabs on his visible skin, with the itching comes more blood. He once again places his hand upon the gem of his Lolth symboled headpiece and is bathed, momentarily, in the healing red glow.
-
Nata'al watches on as the two males move away and into the chamber too. "Now that's me and Selvetarm left to watch yer backs folks," and with a grin she adds, "Let's see whether that leech is cocky enough and tries a third time!" The female looks around and then vanishes into the shadows of the wall opposite to the hallway leading to the south-east.
Given the symbols and runes in this room, the place had been made by some ancient human culture. Given the previous rooms, the equipment of the dead and the books and scrolls in that room, the skeleton on that throne might have been a warrior-mage or warrior-priest. Some of the items, if looked upon with detect spells show strange signs of magic, as if the resist being spied upon. Talice ignores the skeleton and moves over to the boards in the alcoves. It takes her only a few moments before she gets a small, rather unimpressive looking booklet out of the shelves. She scans the pages, then closes the book and sents what could only be a silent prayer to her master. With a few deft movements, the booklet vanishes beneath her blackened chain shirt. "Right," the bald headed female says, "It's all yours, whatever strikes your fancy here and up the halway." With that, she walks back to the entrance of the chamber and waits what the others are up to.
If you scan the room, the table and the alcoves, you can, without much problem, retrieve ...
Throne skeleton ... a single edged magical longsword, an amulet, a pair of red bracers, a silverish-black horn, and the mentioned breastplate.
The table ... the hilt of a sword-like weapon, a glassy whistle, and some sort of cloak or robe which turns almost insubstantial if touched.
The alcoves ... three small pots with some sort of magical paste, a periapt, another horn, and a couple of spellbooks containing a few spells that you know, and others that you never heard of before. There are "normal" books in an ancient language as well, most likely detailing the history of this place. Half a dozen magical scrolls have also not succumbed to time.
The skeletised intruders have nothing of real value, apart from a small bag of stones, a magical crossbow (and a dozen or so magical bolts), plus two unshattered vials.
From the dead (all) you can also snatch a pair of rubies, a ring with a fine emerald, two more gold rings and an earring featuring a large white pearl. The dead also carried 344 pieces of gold, most of which belonged to the one seated on the throne ... they too have been minted with strange and apparently ancient symbols.
-
Keth gives Talice a questioning look, "So no surprises in the room that you saw?" as she heads towards the table to take a better look at the items on it.
-
Zouhlnor grins as Mistress Talice hides the small tome away, with a bow of his head.
He then turns his attention to the breastplate, "Can anyone tell me if that armor is better then my own?"
-
"If there is an appropriate scroll among these, yes." Zhadristan answers Zoulhnor, looking through the scrolls.
-
"I have a wand for that," Narzen notes, raising an eyebrow, "Should malla yathrin deem it necessary to identify some of the discovered items at this point, I can do so."
"A compensation for spending such a valuable resource would be appropriate, of course, but I am willing to ignore that if I might simply choose my share of the loot first," he smiles.
-
"Wands are valued resources. If the others absolutely want to have things identified now we could. Otherwise, I would prefer to wait til we got back to Skullport or someplace else of relative safety to identify all items we pick up. Also then we could do it at our leisure," says Keth.
-
"Waiting until we arrive in Skullport is fine by me. maybe by then i'll have some way to reimburse the wand charge," Zouhlnor declares. "If im allowed the armor, that is"
-
Talice smiles at Zouhlnor and says: "You'll have to carry that piece a bit longer. We're not heading back to Skullport for some time to come." Watching the others looking at the ancient site, she adds: "I know a place some ten miles away which should be safe.
-
"I have no quarrel carrying it, mistress," Zouhlnor states as he gathers up the breastplate and blows dust off of it. "Nor do i have mind to flee so soon, i have i debt to repay here" He seeths.
-
"I wouldn't mind seeking out that vampire or whatever it is." Zhadristan puts in.
He rolls up the scrolls to put them an his bag and then packs the spellbooks. "There are some you might want to decipher while we rest." he suggests to Sheiriya.
-
"So let's gather everything up, join back with Nata'al. Then see if we can find the leech, then get to that safe place and figure out what all this stuff does," says Keth as she puts the items on the table into her backpack, if the sword-like weapon is too long to fit, she will hang it from her belt.
-
"whatever it is, I owe it a great deal of pain" Zouhlnor says with a grin and a great deal of bile.
-
Iira grins and says, "We all owe it a great deal of pain and hopefully it will stay down this time."
-
From what he sees, Jalashar can quickly tell you (whether he does or not) that this place was build and used by humans. The language used is an ancient one and very uncommon these days.
Talice nods her head at Keth and returns to the study, where she looks around checking for more useful books and all.
-
Keth will head back to the Study then to the place where Nata'al was stringing up the servant of Myrkul.
-
"Are you sure that an undead creature can feel pain? -- Of course it is worth testing."
Sheiriya takes care that nothing of value is left in the room before she returns to the study.
-
Talice looks at the pages of the large book on the side-table. When Keth returns, she says: "Looks like the skeleton chap was recreating some poisons from that tome ... might be worth a read!" Unless someone else takes it, she will store the book into her backpack, alongside some smaller booklets and scrolls.
-
"If it can't give you the fun of torturing it to a painful death", Zhadristan says to Zoulnor, "you might still enjoy having it tied up in here for as long as the chains hold."
-
Keth nods to Talice, "Yes, we should take everything that we can take at the moment, that even remotely looks valuable."
Keth then starts to go through books setting aside anything that looks interesting, instead of continueing to where the servant of Myrkul was strung up.
-
Jhalashar does indeed share what information he knows about the place with the rest of the party.
Geirildin on the other hand retrieves the red bracers from the throne as well as the hilt of a bladed weapon and walks over to Jhalashar.
"Tell me if you can what these items do?"
After finishing his tale, Jhalashar takes the items in his hands and carefully examines them (has a feat for this).
After he identifies the items magical potential (if any) he does the same for the other items that haven't been identified yet.
-
Sheiriya returns to Nata'al and waits for the others which come later. She takes a short look at the hung up skeleton warrior.
"Do you think this one will wake up again?" she asks Nata'al.
-
"Yes, Zhadristan," Zouhlnor replies pragmatically "it will do me well to see it bound until the chains fall. -I wish the beast had a heart so i could rip it from it's chest and suffocate it on it's own beating heart."
Zouhlnor moves to join the others in the study.
-
Nata'al comes out of the shadow as Sheiriya approaches. "Well, that one disnae look like a normal skeleton ta me. If it restore itself ta life, like a lich or something, it'll have a tough time getting down from there." She points at the heap of items scavenged from the undead. "Do ya want anything of that?"
The hallway to the southeast remains empty and silent.
-
"Will get boring by time to hang around here." Sheiriya grins and then takes a closer look at the scabbard and the hook-link thing. "Do you know what these things can do?"
-
"Well, I know that they are magical, let's see," the drow takes the hook and thrust it into the skeleton. "Sometimes, one just have ta try things out, right?" She points at the scabbard and says, "You'll need a mageling to get this thing identified." Looking back to the skeleton, her eyes widen as the dead undead slowly but visible dissolves into nothingness. After a long moment, the hook falls down from the now empty chains ...
"Nice one," Nata'al says. "Even though it robs me my fun."
-
"Would that work on the leech as well?" Zhadristan asks.
-
Iira notices the skeleton dissolving out of the corner of his eye. After Zhadristan makes his comment Iira turns to face where the skeleton was.
"It may have taken away some fun but that will prove mighty useful if it works against the leech. Will teach them to keep pestering us."
-
Nata'al takes the hook and looks at it. "Don't know if I want to find out. Thought we were leaving him behind?"
While the group comes back, Nata'al points to the helmet and the breastplate: "Wouldn't wear that before it is thoroughly cleaned." With that she waits till the rest arrives.
-
"Seems to be an interesting thing that hook." The others can't see whether Sheiriya is surprised or not.
-
Keth looks at Talice and asks, "This safe place you mentioned, what exactly is it? And is there a place to store stuff there?"
-
Zouhlnor enters the study. After observing the group for a few moments he finds a place to sit, draws out Fourth Fury and a whet stone and begins to sharpen.
-
The scabbard holds a finely crafted scimitar (sorry if I forgot to mention that). If Sheiriya will draw it, it comes out very fast and smoothly.
Talice stores the book away and makes moves towards the crossroad, giving Zouhlnor a sign to follow. Replying to Keth along the way, she says: "It's a small cave in a side-tunnel of the main route to the southeast, and you have to know its location to find it. I don't know whether you want to store stuff there, as others might visit it too ...". She thinks for a moment before adding: "We might store some items after passing the first portal. The tunnels there are more useful and hardly ever visited."
-
"Then lets grab everything we can, without overburdening ourselves, since the disturbances we have caused here is bound to bring scavengers sooner or later," says Keth as she starts to put a several items of interest into her backpack.
Keth then follows Talice towards the crossroad.
-
When all have arrived, Nata'al looks around and asks again: "Are we off now or is there interest in hunting the leech and his treasures? Did ye find what ye were looking for?" From her voice one might assume thaty she couldn't care less if the undead walks on unmolested.
Talice nods, but says nothing with regard to the undead.
-
Of course Sheiriya draws the scimitar and tests the balance of that weapon.
"I don't see any need to hunt down these undead at the moment" especially when we don't know how to kill them because they get misty all the time.
Sheiriya answeres, using sign language for the second part.
-
With a slight bow of his head Zouhlnor puts his whet stone away, then he stands and heaves his greataxe over one shoulder. Zouhlnor quietly says a prayer to lolth and follows Talice.
-
"Let's be off then," signs Keth
-
Zhadristan will follow without comment.
-
Narzen nods quietly, and gets on the move as well.
-
Talice leads the group back to the exit of the complex, stopping a short while to check out the entrance shaft and the tunnel. If someone asks about the delay, she replies in Signs: "We would not be the first to do all the killing and plunder a place like this, only to fall victim to someone waiting for us doing the dirty work and become unaware afterwards."
No-one is hiding and waiting for you though and Talice recollects her thunderstones from the little trap she set up some hours ago. Taking a look on all members of the group again, she sets off at a fair pace down a tunnel leading to the east and somewhat downwards.
This travel is uneventful, no-one crosses your paths or dares to attack you. Talice leads you through a network of tunnels and corridors, some of them quite low or narrow or both. It is quite unlikely that many have travelled this route before, and if so, only a limited number of creatures would have been able to do so. Then, after crossing an astonishingly wide bridge over a deep chasm, the scout leads you into one narrow passage. 50 paces down that tunnel, she stops and tells you to wait. Using the rough surface of the walls, she climbs up into the darkness, and, after some 10 feet, she suddenly vanishes. Two moments later, a black rope falls down and Talice's face appears from what appears to be a tunnel's entry. "We've reached the resting place," she signals and disappears again.
Those who follow her will find themselves in a small tunnel, leading you some 30 feet into the wall. At the end, a large but not that high cave opens up in front of you. The scout is already busy rolling out her bedroll.
-
Iira makes sure that all his possessions are secure then takes a hold of the rope. He climbs then climbs up it. When reaching the top he turns around to offer aid to any that need it while climbing the rope.
-
Sheiriya climbs up the rope, accepting Iira's help, and follows Talice into the small tunnel. She looks for the most comfortable place to sit down and starts cleaning her clothes as good as possible without water.
-
Keth follows up, and makes herself as comfortable as possible.
-
Zouhlnor climbs the rope, accepting his brothers helping hand. He starts down the tunnel and pauses without looking back at Iira, "It's good to have you back brother," with that Zouhlnor continues down the tunnel.
-
Zhadristan comes last, after putting a few thunderstones in place.
-
Talice clicks against the wall to get everyone's attention. Then she starts signalling: "We've made good progress today. You may speak with a low voice, but hand signs would be better. Usually, no creature of this region can sneak up through the narrow passages, but better safe than sorry. We will bypass a river tomorrow, where we can fill our water skins. Then it is on towards an ancient portal which will lead us far to the east ...," she glances over to Keth to see whether that information was already given to the rest.
I assume that you a watch will be organized and people will start identifying things. No need to roleplay that out here, just let me know what is being examined. We'll be off again without much delay.
-
Sheiriya has no preferences which items should be identified first.
-
Keth would prefer to take either 1st or last watch.
As to what items to id first, the the items first, with the books/scrolls afterwards. But no particular order.
-
Zouhlnor signals to Iira, "I hate these cramped tunnels, bad for axe swinging. I wonder how the dwarves manage?"
-
A brief look of concern passes over Keth's face, before she gives her head a slight shake as if clearing cobwebs from her mind.
-
The rest passes by without any visitations of monsters or the like. Both, Narzen and Jalashar, get the time they need to divine a few secrets out of the items they selected.
When the time comes,* Talice gets you moving again. It is back to the main tunnel, which leads more to the south than eastwards. You have to climb down some near vertical slopes and after some four hours of pretty strenuous travel, the sound of rushing water can be heard in the distance. The nearer you get to the river, the slower Talice moves onwards. If questioned, she replies that the sound of the river provides good cover for har'oloth's predators, especially the larger ones. None show up though and soon you reach the shore of a wide and fast flowing river. About half a mile stream upwards from your current position, the water falls down from a cliff and this drowns almost any other sound. Talice fills her waterskins and prepares to move on. She points towards a number of stalagmites and stone-pillars which rise up out of the stream, some of them only a few feet wide, others large enough to hold a small castle. When you are ready, the scout leads you onwards, using a narrow ledge alongside the river. It is all wet and slimy, but you manage to walk on without any accidents. The way leads upwards and to higher grounds. After what seems to be another half day of walk, the scout suddenly stops in her tracks and turns towards the darkness over the river. "There's the portal," she signals, pointing at a spot shed in darkness. There is no bridge leading over the river and the scout looks down to the rushing water masses some 60 feet below the group.
*Feel free to add some comments for the resting period if need be.
-
(at the rest stop)
Iira nods towards Zouhlnor then signs, "I know the feeling." He moves his hand to his spiked chain. "That's why I carry some other weapons on me just in case."
(at the ledge by the portal)
Turning towards the scout he signs, "How far across would you say it is?"
-
Keth is silent and withdrawn for the journey to the portal.
-
"I would say 400 feet," the scout replies to Iira. "An almighty jump that would be, if not for this ..." She turns and takes a step right towards the distant portal ... and most of you would expect her to fall down into the chasm. But the female's foot meets resistance and she seems to levitate high above the water. Talice turns around and gets one of her waterskins out. Slowly, she pores some of the water to the "ground" below her and you can spot the drops dispersing on something that looks like an invisible bridge - about three feet wide. "Follow me," she orders, " and keep in line!"
Carefully, the female walks on, splashing a few drops of water onto the bridge every now and then.
-
"Interresting bridge. There are no flying dragons or the like, around here, are there?"
She follows Talice onto the invisible bridge and keeps in line, but shows no signs of fear to fall, looking around most of the time. After some ten steps, she stops for am moment, to get down on one knee to feel the bridge's surface with her fingers.
-
Keth follows after Sheiriya onto the bridge.
-
Zouhlnor approches the bridge. He crouches over and balances himself then follows directly behind the others on the invisible bridge.
-
Iira takes his showbow from its place on his pack and nocks an arrow. He then follows after (the slow moving) Zouhlnor. While travelling he keeps an eye out for possible enemies.
-
"None that I know of," Talice signals in reply to Keth's question. "Most creeps who can fly tend to stay in regions where they can actually hear something."
Nata'al follows the group warily, using an arrow to probe the bridge ahead of her every now and then.
The surface is smooth and, for some reason, not as wet as one might expect, given the mist of the onrushing water below. The scout leads you on and after a while, you spot a number of pillars near the far side of the chasm. The wall there is nigh vertical, no path, way or opening can be seen. Talice walks even more carefully now and then stops. She turns to the left and a "nearby" pillar. She splashes more water to the "ground" and nods. The bridge angles off towards that pillar only a few steps in front of her. Making sure that everyone has seen this, she moves on and a few minutes afterwards, the pillar towers over you, ascending to a spot somewhere in the darkness.
-
Sheiriya moves on behind Talice wondering where the portal might be exactly.
-
Keth continues to follow along silently, keeping track of the bridge.
-
As you come nearer to the pillar, you spot a hole in the wall, a doorway of sorts perhaps? Talice does not hesitate to walk straight into the pillar vanishing from your darkvision instantly ...
.. as you follow her, instead of appearing inside the pillar, you step onto a platform and the silence of a vast cavern. If you look around, the platform is surrounded by three pillars covered with arcane symbols, as is the floor beneath your feet. You can barely make out the walls of this room, carved into the stone not by natural forces but either magic or stonecrafting muscle. The room is empty and only a handful of oversized statues of dwarves glower down at you from the distance.
When everyone has arrived, Talice gathers you around her and begins to whisper: "Hark now! We have made good progress and are halfway to our ... her (nodding at Keth) destination. These are the ruins of an old dwarven realm called Oghrann, stretching over dozens of miles of tunnels, halls and caverns. You may store your equipment somewhere here or along the way. We have a walk of about two days in front of us and we need to stay silent, as these ruins are now home to a few black dragons and some beholders hailing from Ooltul. If we meet any such beasts, restrain yourself from any sort of attack. I will deal with them and should be able to buy us passage." With a grin she adds: "If they eat or disintegrate me, feel free to get yourself killed alongside me though." The scout looks around, waiting fro questions.
-
Sheiriya hesitates just a short moment before following Talice "into" the pillar. When the scout has finished she whisperes:
"I've got two questiones. First, why are you whispering instead of using sign language when we have to be silent. Second, is there something we should know about getting back? Just for the case you get eaten but we prefer to stay alive."
-
Talice looks at Sheiriya: "Well, sign is fine unless you lack some words, have no reason to use it and have a bit of time. The dragons tend to dwell a few dozen miles to the east and the tunnel towards that region are not spacious enough for them. The beholders are not that much of a thread ... if you know how to take them." She points at the pillars. "This is a two way portal. If you intonate the correct words it will get you back where we came from. For the time being, I see no reason to share this knowledge, as there are quite a handful of tunnels leading westward too. We all have our little secrets and business codes, have we not?"
-
"Indeed," Narzen smirks, "It is only profitable to guide a client down a road, and negotiate the cost of getting back only after there is no guarantee of getting back at all otherwise. Verily, I should take note of that."
-
Zouhlnor moves out to the edge of the platform and listens into the darkness.
-
Keth absently mumbles "something doesn't feel right" as she looks around, scowling at the dwarven statues.
-
Malla yathrin? Narzen signals, narrowing his eyes warily as he steps closer to Keth, It appears as though you have sensed something amiss for some time now.
-
Keth signals "its nothing, not here"
-
Talice ignores Keth's signaling and goes on: "There is another statue gallery ahead, a good place to store the more bulky equipment. Maybe one of the people who can tell us what the items actually are will spread their knowledge?" Nodding at Zouhlnor and making the two in question aware that he asked about that armor.* "There's a number of former living quarters some 7 miles away, so if we start now, we should make good progress.
*I assume that the equipment worn by the undead has been cleaned while you were near the river.
-
Nata'al mumbles something about beholders and dragons, then asks Keth: "Are ye in any hurry to get to yer place or can we let the two males do some research on the items for a day or so? If we come up against those monsters, I for one would like to have everything we can throw at them handy, whether we may need it or not? This place looks as good as any other to rest and if it is secure, all the better."
-
"I agree, sides I'm curious about what we picked up also," says Keth
-
Zouhlnor turns his attention pack to the group, "thank you, mistress" he addresses Talice. He then returns his attention to the expansion of darkness.
-
After you suited yourself to a decent resting place - a dais below one of the large dwarven statues looks good enough - Talice tells those willing to listen that the books she retrieved reveal that the crypt with the skeleton belonged to a Netherese Champion, one paladin of the dead god Amaunator. He hunted down various necromancers during his age - which might explain a few items of your loot - before he went into hiding after the collapse of his realm and the ongoing pursuit by some vile spellcasters. Talice looks up and adds: "That skeleton chap must have been dead for about 1,700 years. Would be interesting to know what sort of spells they used in the old days, wouldn't it?"
-
Sheiriya walks over to Narzen and sits down beside him. "Can you tell me something about that skeleton dissolving hook?"
-
"As you wish," the man nods slowly, "Yet it will take some time casting the spell."
-
"Good. Let's hope Nata'al hands that thing to me or comes herself." She stands up again to go to the place where Nata'al has made herself comfortable. "What do you think about getting more information concerning that special hook?"
-
Nata'al gets the hook out of her belt and leans toward Sheiriya: "Make sure that he ain't prick himself. Wouldn't want to loose such a handsome male, would we?" She says with a smirk and loud enough for Narzen to hear her.
-
"I'm sure we find a new one, but of course it will take some time." She receives the hook from Nata'al and goes back to the Narzen. Handing him the hook she says with a smile: "You've heard? There is a female who does't want to lose you, so don't make her feel sad."
-
After asting a most simple spell Zhadristan and , replies to Talice' explanation about the crypt and the skeleton.
"He must have been good than, because there are spells in this, "he says examining the smaller of the two, "that are quite powerful. Far too powerful for me to comprehend what they are exactly doing."
Then he starts looking through the other spellbook, now and then looking where Sheiriya is.
-
Narzen merely flashes a brief grin in response to the remarks of Nata'al and Sheiriya, and concentrates on his spellcasting.
-
When Narzen starts casting his spell, Sheiriya walks away a few meters and sits down to arrange her hair.
After some moments she looks at Talice and asks: "The book about the poison - which language is the writing?"
-
Talice looks up and replies: "A human tongue, if somewhat out-of-dateish though. It appears to be a copy of an older work called The Nathlum. If you want to have a look?" If requested, the scout hands the book over to Sheiriya.
The rest passes without any interruptions. On the whole, the room doesn't seem to see much visitors, the footsteps of the last one who used that portal are more than five months old. The whole cavern is covered with a thin layer of dust. Talice leads you on through a number of large rooms, more often than not much wider than high (typical dwarven architecture), some caverns which one might describe as living quarters and a handful of high-arching hallways lined again by statues of dwarven warriors. A number of natural tunnels link one such complex of dwarven stonecraft to another until, after about a days walk, Talice leads you to what appear to be the mines of Oghrann. Deep chasms line your way now, sometimes crossed by stone bridges, sometimes lined with ledgeways broad enough for a small cart and a handful of dwarves. There is a constant breeze here and at one point, you hear the distant growl of a large beast.
Feel free to continue any conversation during the rest in a different thread ... speaking of which, I should provide one.
-
After another couple of hours of walk, Talice turns to the south and into one of the horzintal mining shafts. She leads you through a number of caverns filled with rubble and you notice that the scout starts to look to the path more often than before. Then she turns back and signals: "There are some strange footprints every now and then, as if something was jumping around here and there, walked a few steps and then the tracks break off again." The look on her face tell you that she has no clue what this might have been. "We are closing in on the last portal."
Carefully the female leads you on, until you reach a wide and far too open cavern for your liking. This place is awe-inspiring, at least a mile long and half a mile wide. The ceiling vanishes somewhere in the shadows above you and there are a few plants and fungi around which spend some sort or light. "The entrance to the portal hall is up there," Talice signs, pointing to a spot on the southern wall three quarters of a mile away.
-
With the sight of the barren and empty cavern Zouhlnor takes in a deep breath, "ahhh, i love open spaces, they're just full of mystery."
"Shall I lead in, mistress?", he says to Talice.
-
As Talice points to the portals location Iira unnocks the arrow from his bow and puts it away. He follows this with straping the bow to his pack.
"Hmm... with those odd tracks near here it is probably safe to assume a ground fight if one happens. Best if I get ready for melee."
With this said he takes his spiked chain from his belt. He gives it a few test twirls to warm himself up for a fight. When done with this Iira carefully takes hold of the ends of the chain and holds them in silence for a moment.
"Well I am ready to head onward to the portal. If somethign wishes to try and attack the group let them. I am sure it will be the last mistake they make."
-
Talice nods to Zouhlnor and stays close to him while the group advances towards the entrance. Nothing bothers you for most of the way, there are some muffled noises here and there, but you can identify them as vermin or small creatures running off into the darkness or making their way through the small fungi colonies here and there. "I ain't like open spaces," Nata'al says, an arrow on her bow's string, looking warily into all directions. Almost like an immediate response, a number of darkish, winged creatures burst out of the entrance, while you hear fluttering sounds above you. The creatures are crudely humanoid shaped, looking much like lizardfolk or troglodytes. They fly good, if not perfect and, after a first glance, you reckon that the sound above comes from similar beasts. There are three coming from the entrance ... some 200 feet away. Those above you have not yet reached your field of visibility.
-
Sheiriya draws her scimitar, hurries away a few metres and concentrates for a moment.
-
Zouhlnor holds one hand infront of himself and a barely lumenescent force gathers and floats around him, protecting his person. Zouhlnor returns his hand to fourth fury, and tightens his grip.
Zouhlnor grins wickedly, "it's about time."
-
Keth readies scourge and shield, and awaits the arrival the flying things.
-
Zhadristan speaks the words to a spell with no visible effect before he loads his hand crossbow.
"I am not as eager to fight them on their ground as you are.", he says to Zoulhnor
"If we do it fast maybe we can make it to the entrance before they are all over us?" Zhadristan asks noone in particular.
-
"We should concentrate our attacks on one foe at a time," Narzen says quietly, "Kill a few of them quickly, and if they have any sense of self-preservation, the rest may reconsider attacking at all."
He then whips out his crossbow, loading a bolt to it while speaking the command word to charge the weapon with electricity.
-
Iira mumbles under his breath, "Well just shows why I'm not too good a scout.... stupid tracks." He picks up the pace in order to get to the front with Talice and Zouhlnor. "Let's get these things down to a proper fighting field, I want to hear their death cries."
-
Both Talice and Nata'al whisper short incantations at the moment the creatures appear. The scout takes aim with her bow and waits till one of the flying things come within reach, not yet sure whether the beasts want to attack or just showing off.
Battle-lust gleaming in her eyes, Nata'al scans the area for a short moment, then tells Iira, Zouhlnor and Talice: "Ye three take on the wingies there! Zhad, Sheiriya and Narzen, stay back there, keep yer eyes open and shoot at everything that moves. Malla yathrin, we stay in the middle and take on the bastards from above. Geirildin, give yer sword something ta feed at yer pleasure! And may Selvetarm guide ye all!"
Not looking whether the others accept her words, the drow readies her shield and draws what looks like a dart out of her belt.
-
The creatures approaching the front of the group, still some 150 feet away, climb to some 40 feet above ground. The whole area is only scarcely illuminated and you cannot make out any great details ... apart from two of the creatures wielding longspears. The sounds above you seem to scatter to your right and left, still outside your visibility.
-
Keth will move close to Nata'al ready to strike, and attempt to light up as many of the creatures as she can with Faerie Fire.
-
A sphere of darkness extinguishes the light produced by the fungi around Sheiriya, but everything is still visible to one having darkvision. Just a moment later she becomes invisible.
-
"Mistress Talice, we should attack, if we let them linger they will position themselves to they're greatest advantage," Zouhlnor motions toward the winged beasts.
-
"Matter of factly," Talice replies, "I have no idea what these things are or how they will attack. If they attack us at all that is." Looking back at the two priestesses, she adds: "We shouldn't spread too much and leave our backs open. And while they are up there, we can reach them only with spell and arrow anyway."
-
"We should make way for the portal as quickly as possible, and be prepared for anything," says Keth
-
Out of her darkness the invisible Sheiriya can be heard.
"They want our blood and bodies for their mistress."
-
"That was not something I prepared for..." Narzen frowns and takes aim at the approaching creatures, "On your command, malla yathrin."
-
"I am ready as well." Zhadristan adds and waits for the command.
-
"Lets be off then," Zouhlnor says to Iira with a grin. He starts walking in the direction of the portal.
"Come honored brother let us teach them terror..."
-
"The brothers shall take the point to the portal. The Goddess will see us through to the other side." says Keth
-
As you begin to move forward, two of the three attackers from the entrance side begin what looks like a dive attack, spear leveled towards you. The third one pulls up and hovers about 100 feet away, beginning to weave magic.
From each side you hear a growl that might be interpreted as a battle cry and you see two more creatures diving in. As soon as they can pin-point your locations, they target on member of the group during their descent.
-
Keth begins to chant a prayer.
-
When she sees the two attacker coming from above Sheiriya makes some arcane gestures.
-
Narzen sends a crackling bolt into the creature which attacks the group from the left. A roar of defiance is the answer, and the dive attack continues. Probably viewing Narzen as a high ranking member of the group, the spellcasting creature in front of the group aims a clawed hand at him and two bolts of magic rush towards him. Upon impact, they both dissolve into nothingness ...
Nata'al turns her attention to the attacker from the right, her aim is nigh perfect and her arrow bites deeply into the creature's shoulder, it continues on, but its flight becomes rather erratic. The drow drops her bow and draws a sabre. Sheiriya aims her magical attack to the creature struck by Narzen and shrouds it in malicious magic. Zhadristran, turns his attention to this attacker too and his bolt is another true hit. The group's leader spots the real danger and a magical force appears just in front of the spellcaster and as soon as it takes the shape of a dagger, the magic lashes out and scores a hit. Before the creature manages a cry, Talice's arrow plunges into it's chest. The remaining two attackers (front) level their spears at the group's front row ... coming in at tremendous speed.
-
Again Sheiriya does something arcane the others can't see.
-
Iira mutters and says, "Shouldn't have put away my bow..." He then moves into a stance as he prepairs to strike out at one of the creatures weapons (disarm attempt) before they score a hit.
-
Keth will strike out with her scourge at any nearby foes, holding action if need be for one to get in range. She will also keep an eye on the spellcaster.
-
Zouhlnor goes into quiet concentration. His skin begins pulsing as an energy is released within him. With each pulse his body including equipment begin increasing in size from 5' to 6' to 7' untill Zoulnor stands over 10' tall.
He withdrawls from his conentration with a roar at the approching spear-wielders.
-
As their foe is still coming for them, Zhadristan discards his hand crossbow in favor of his saber. At his command, a thin layer of ice runs along the blade.
He never takes his eyes of the creature and prepares to strike at it when it comes down.
-
As the opponents meet, the battle explodes into frenzied melee fighting. Iira tries to disarm the incoming enemy with his chain, but the creature shows an unexpected level of strength and even manages to drive its attack through the drow's invisible shield of force. (16 HP). Instantly, it lets go of his spear and comes to a halt near the drow, presenting a pair of sharp claws at its opponents. Geirildin closes in on this particular attacker and draws a bloody scar across its chest. Zouhlnor awaits the arrival of the second diver and lashes out with his mighty axe, also hitting his opponent. The latter almost misses its target, but still manages to bury the spear into Zouhlnor's thigh (10 HP). It too goes to ground, baring fangs and claws in the process.
In the meantime, Zhadristan comes near Kethryllia, watching the flight of the attacker from the left. As that one's attention is focussed on the priestess, Zhadristan lashes out at the creature as it bypasses him. Half a second later, a bolt crackling with energy vanishes into the monster's side and takes it right out of the air, just in front of Kethryllia. The invisible Sheiriya attempts to enspell the creature coming in for Nata'al, but her magic does not affect it. Kethryllia whirls about, facing the incoming creature from the right. The latter misses its intended target and Nata'al finishes her quarry off with a perfectly placed jab of her sabre. "That's more like it," the drow hisses, battle-lust in her eyes.
The magical weapon hoovering near the spellcasting monster lashes out, but misses it target, as does Talice's arrow. The female is apparently still somewhat impressed by Zouhlnor's sudden grow in stature. She withdraws a few steps to avoid the claws of the landed beasts. From close range, you clearly see their likeness to lizards, or, more likely, dragons. The spellcaster finishes as spell that has no apparent effect on your or him.
Edit: changed damage taken
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Keth will lash out at the nearest foe on the ground, advancing if needed.
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Zhadristan will assist Keth.
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Once again Zouhlnor roars out at the winged beast, the veins under his skin pulsate eratically and his muscles surge and grow in size. Zouhlnor , bloodlust raging, begins his assault anew.
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With the two attackers on the sides dead Sheiriya walks to where the two others landed and takes care that no natural light sources illuminate the fighting place.
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The creatures begin swiping viciously at Iira and Zouhlnor, but some invisible barrier deflects all harm from the former. His brother takes a couple of hits from his opponent (19 HP). The blows do enough to take Iira out of his attack though and his chain whips empty air. Geirildin takes up a flanking position and lands to well placed strikes in the draconic creature's back, nearly bringing it down. Zhadristan closes in on Iira's opponent too and jabs into his side, killing it instantly. The priestess changes her course when that monster falls and lashes her scourge at Zouhlnor's opponent, causing it to growl in anger. Keth's magical weapon strikes again at the flying spellcaster, but a previously invisible force shields him from any harm. Narzen stays back and no-one sees what happens to him and his crossbow bolt, while invisible Sheiriya darkens the area around the remaining dragon creature. Having gone out of claw reach, Talice takes a long look at the spellcaster, draws her bow and places an arrow right through its maw and spine, stopping the winged creature in the middle of spellcasting and sending it crashing down to the floor. To her right, Nata'al dashes past the monster in front of Zouhlnor, brings her sabre up in a fluid, graceful movement, and sinking it almost hilt deep into the creature's chest. Fatally wounded, it staggers a step back and topples over.
Breathing heavily, Nata'al looks around: "Now, that's what I call fun! Where's the next?"
-
Keth looks around the surrounding area a bit, listening at the same time, to try and detect any more foes.
"Yes, that was quite fun, I wonder if there are more around," says Keth as her spiritual weapon starts to make its way to her side for the rest of its duration.
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Sheiriya said they have a mistress, there must be more of them. Some might eventually come looking for these.." Zhadristan says while he cleans his sabre on one of the bodies.
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"By 'mistress' they may have referred to something to offer sacrifices to, a demoness or a deity even, rather than someone leading them in person," Narzen remarks.
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Zouhlnor eyes the dead draconian with a low growl.
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Talice looks up at Zouhlnor and says: "Never seen you that big before," and adds with a cheeky grin, "I may come looking for that sometime later." She lays a hand on his thigh, looking at the spear. Holding a small wand in her hands, she motions to the drow to draw the weapon out of the wound.
Nata'al looks at the slain creatures mumbling: "I doubt they have anything we can use, so let's go to the portal and away fro ..."
Not too far away, somewhere in the darkness behind you, a deep growl can be heard ...
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Hearing that growl Sheiriya, says softly:
"These beings looked a bit like dragons, or am I wrong? If that's their mistress I would prefer to hurry."
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"Is the other side of the portal a "safe place" or should be heal up as much as we can here before passing through?" Keth asks of Talice, keeping an eye in the direction of the growling, and pulling out a thin black wand covered in a silver spider-web pattern.
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With an understanding sigh the giant Zouhlnor frees the spear from his wounded thigh. Then he snaps the spear in half contentedly.
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The female looks again at the wound and readies her wand a second time. "The portal's other side should be safe ... but then again, last time I was here none of these creep hung around either. Could well be that they know how to sneak through and guard the other side as well."
(The growl wasn't of the cave-shaking variety, more what you would expect of a very large displacer beast)
Nata'al looks around and says: "In any case, we should get away from such open a space. If the thing is a drake and can fly, we will be found wanting here ..."
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"Yes, let's get to the portal, so we can make a retreat through it if needed and to hopefully a less hostile reception," says Keth as she points her wand at each injured person, saying a barely audible command word.
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The two drow warriors' wounds close and they are both fully healed. As you hurry towards the entrance of the portal, the angry growl draws nearer and nearer. The entrance itself is a towering archway, leading into a short corridor (20 feet). Behind, you spot a large room, sporting a platform and another archway, which leads into a golden-swirling nothingness. No other creature lurks about, a handful of bones of various sorts tell you of the fate of more hapless travellers. A quick spell will reveal that there is no magic in this room, apart from the portal. Talice walks up to it, then turns around to Keth. "Want to stay and look who comes calling," she inquires, pointing towards the cavern behind you.
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Zhadristan has an eager look on his face.
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"Why not, it looks like the boys still want to play," says Keth with a wicked grin.
:skepsis:
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Talice hurries up to the tunnel and places a couple of tiny stones in the middle of it. That done, she hastens back to the group. Nata'al looks about, then nods. "Right havin' a look is fine, if we want to fight and acquire a bit of drake hide, we should spread out as soon as it draws breath. Wouldn't want to get into that all together, would we? Wish I had more time though ..."
NB: Check your equipment for any goodies, some might come in handy here.
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"If all wishes were granted, just think of how unpleasant the world would be though," says Keth with a grin, "after all if our wishes were granted, then the wishes of our enemies would be too."
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On the way towards the portal room the others were able to see Sheiriya, but only by normal vision, not darkvision. Now in the darkness she is invisible again. When the others talk about havin a look at whatever is following them, she puts away her sabre and loads her crossbow getting to a position where the others won't step into her accidently and prepares for fight.
"May the boys have fun!"
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Zouhlnors muscles visibly relax, rage fades from his eyes. He wipes his face with his forearm and sighs. "I'll take the drake head on, hopefully i'll be able to keep him grounded or at least ground his attention," Zouhlnor grins "10' tall spider-kissers tend to have that effect"
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"Let's see, Zouhlnor. The dragon, if it's one, is about three times as long as you are high at the moment."
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Zhadristan grins at Sheiriya's remark. "Then let's hope it's not."
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Keth will put a pillar between her and the entry, back near the portal.
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The group takes cover throughout the room, Talice mumbles a few arcane words and disappears from sight altogether. In the meantime, Nata'al has withdrawn behind a pillar too and casts a spell from a scroll. Moments later, the dragon already nearing the entrance, a skeleton appears right in front of the portal. "Kill the drake!", Nata'al barks ... and vanishes behind one of the dwarves.
A roar shakes the room as the dragon finally sees something to tear apart. But instead of charging the approaching and menacingly looking skeleton*, a cloud of acid washes over the floor right up to the portal, melting anything in its wake. Hissing poodles remain, the stench bites in your eyes and noses, but leaves you otherwise unharmed. Almost instantly the dragon charges the room, taking the two exploding thunderstones in its stride. As soon as it fully in the room, it whirls about, a mass of claws, fangs and tail. The whole creature is about 20 feet long, with a wingspan of about the same length. It is yet black and stopped some 20 feet behind the entrance, 40 feet in front of the portal, right in the middle of the room (i.e. some 30 feet away from each side wall).
* *g*
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Keth begins to chant a prayer.
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Zouhlnor goes deep into concentration.
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From the left side of the tunnels entrance Iira starts to ready his bow. Directed towards Zouhlnor he says, "I'm going to try to stick it with an arrow with a darkness globe on it. You know what to do if that works."
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Narzen quickly loads his crossbow, then picks up something from his pockets and mumbles a few words, closing his eyes.
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Zhadristan shifts behind the pillar to avoid the dragon's attention and casts a spell with due haste.
With his cold-gleaming sabre ready, he waits for it to begin.
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Talice as well as Iira let their arrows fly at the drake. The female's arrow whizzes between body and wing of the creature and hammers into the wall on the opposite side of the room, a few inches over Sheiriya's invisible head. Iira's missile hits the whirling mass into the chest, drawing the attention of the beast to the drow at the entrance. Kethryllia conjures up another magical weapon, which lashes at the drake and draws a bloody line on its dark hide. While Narzen cast a spell and aims his crossbow, ready to fire at the right moment, Nata'al let her bowstring sing again and her arrow manages to penetrate the drake's skin, if not much though. Zhadristan as well as Zouhlnor close in on the dragon now, but the beast's movement denies them of any clear cut openings and their attacks go astray. From the back of the room, Jhalashar begins to sing another song to encourage you, clearly audible by all. His master, after studying the monster's movements, charges into the fray and plunges his finely honed sword hilt deep into the dragon's side, drawing an almighty roar of pain and anguish. Sheiriya does something too, though no-one can see her. The monster, whirls to face Geirildin, but uses the momentum and opportunity to bite and claw at Iira (10 HP), slash at Zouhlnor (6 HP) and whip its tail at Zhadristan (7 HP). Its wings flap around, whirling up dust that was undisturbed for aeons.
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Keth moves towards the dragon while chanting a prayer.
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Zouhnors veins protrude from his skin and pulsate eratically, his muscles surge and grow in size. his intensity peaks with the rising of fourth fury over his head.
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Iira gives his chain a right good swing, but the dragon evades the weapon, despite concentrating its attacks on Geirildin. The latter's first swing bounces off the creatures hide, but he turns full circle and jabs deeply between two large scales. Kethryllia's spell weapon misses again, as the dragon jumps back from the new wound. Her words fill you with new vigor and determination, as the power of Lolth spreads from her priestess and surrounds you. Talice draws a bit nearer and begins circling the creature, her bow ready. The bowstring hums again and the arrow plunges deeply into the beast's side. Sheiriya's voice can be heard, uttering some now familiar - if not intelligible sounds of magic. Dark magic gathers around the snarling drake. From the darkness, a tiny bolt races towards the enemy, almost vanishing full length. A few moments later, Narzen appears out of the darkness, drawing his blade and joining the fray. The drake, badly wounded by now, takes another hit, this time from Zhadristan's sabre. Instead of pouncing on Geirildin, it almost jumps up into the air, draws a bit away from Zouhlnor and suddenly the whole place goes dark. Nata'al's arrow hammers into the opposite wall ...
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When the place is darkened by the dragon's magic Sheiriya shouts some words in a foreign (at least to most of you) language that sound like a command.
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Zhadristan curses at the darkness and begins to move back towards were he thinks Keth's position is.
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Keth goes into a defensive stance.
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Zouhlnors assualt continues within the darkness.
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Takes a step or two backwards (5ft step) and removes an item from underneth his shirt. He pauses a moment then prepairs to throw it forward towards where the drake is, or at least was.
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Once it gets dark, you cannot see any of the other drow. You still hear the flapping of the drake's wings and the clang of arrows and swords against the walls or the dragon's hide. Gerilidin feels a hefty knock as a claw hits him on the chest (9 SP), but all the others remain unharmed. All of you hear the dragon beginning to inhale, when a sudden muffled sound ends this and the rhythmic flapping of wings. Still shrouded in darkness, silence falls over you again ...
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Again Sheirya's voice can be heard, but this time speaking drow.
"Wait! If my spell works and we don't harm it, the drake won't attack us in this darkness."
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Keth will concentrate on her Spiritual Weapon to stop attacking for a moment.
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You come to realize that you can hear all your companions, their breathing (or panting) and all. Given the sudden and abrupt end to the dragon's noises, you can assume that it did not leave through the tunnel. It might have teleported away, somehow, but another meaty whack from Zouhlnor's axe tells a different story. He certainly hit something somewhere in the darkness ...*
*No, not Geirildin or Iira.
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After some long moments of waiting, the darkness dissipates and you spot Zouhlnor standing almost atop of the dragon, his axe buried deep into its neck.
Nata'al murmurs: "Just hope mama disnae miss her babe any time soon!"
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"Too bad these things don't carry their horde around with them," says Keth, as she approaches the drake to get a better ideal of the type.
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The beast was a black dragon, acidic bile dripping from its mouth and sizzles on the stone floor.
Talice draws nearer and takes a closer look too. "I doubt it will convince her mum if we drag one of the flying things over here to cover this up," she says in a sceptical tone. "I suggest we prepare ourselves and get through the portal right now!"
Nata'al nods, then mumbles something along the lines of '... wishing I had one summoning spell ready, so the beast would be half eaten when mum comes looking for it ...'
She then turns to Keth and speaks loud enough for all to hear her: "Make sure that ye dinae leave anything behind, arrows, bolts and all. No need to make it easy for anyone who does come looking for the lizard." She walks off looking for her arrows, while Jhalashar goes over to Geirildin and intones a few spells which stop the drow warrior's wounds from bleeding.
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Zouhlnor takes in a few deep breaths with a large calm grin across his face.
"The 'dark' too much for you all?" he muses.
He starts a collection of intact scales from the dead beasts hide.
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"Depends on if I'm prepared for it or not." the still invisible Sheiriya mumbles.
On her way to the portal she takes care not to step into some remaining acid. A few feet away from the portal, so that the others can see her with their normal sight, she waits and checks her still loaded crossbow.
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Keth instructs the dagger to tear up the dragon with what little time there is remaining to it.
"So you think the expenditure of a summoning spell would be worthwhile, instead of conserving the power for a different fight?" Keth asks of Nata'al. I have two possible means for that, I could summon a Swarm of the Goddess' Children, but I would have to remain here, while they try to devour the carcass, or I could summon a more mundane creature, but I doubt it would have enough time to make much of a dent in a meal that large."
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Keeping himself busy collecting scales Zouhlnor mumbles "This is a magnificent creature, I've never seen anything like it," He eyes those closest to him "It's no spider of course, but still...magnificent."
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After collecting her shattered arrows, Nata'al returns to Keth. "That is what I would do. Who knows what awaits on the other side of the portal, but I guess we are in need of a rest anyway, pointing at the wounded warriors. Which reminds me ..." The drow sends a questioning look at Talice.
"Uhm ... yes, we'd have to walk for about two miles to get to a safe place to rest, on the other side." Collecting her stuff, she adds: "The region beyond the portal is usually safe, as it is a pretty barren wasteland, even for Har'oloth."
No problem collecting a few decently looking scales.
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Keth gets an intense look of concentration on her face as she beings to chant a prayer.
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After a brief moment, hand-sized spiders come crawling from all directions, forming a massive blanket of spiders.
Keth presents her symbol of Lolth, "Children of the Goddess, I command you to rip this corpse apart," sending the swarm of spiders upon the dragon's corpse.
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Zhadristan shifts uncomfortably at the sight of the spider swarm.
He takes a tile of healing from his pack and tends to his minor wounds, all the while keeping an eye on the swarm.
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Narzen looks at the spiders thoughtfully, like he was about to say something, but keeps his comments to himself.
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Waiting near the portal Sheiriya takes something out of her belt and appears to put it into her eyes. The next time you see her eyes they are purely black instead of "glowing" red.
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(this is a bit delayed since my internet was down for a few days)
As Nata'al goes off to collect arrows Iira approaches the body of the dragon. He places the item he took from under his shirt back where he got it from. From inside his pack he takes out a small glass vial with one hand and draws a dagger from a boot with the other. "Might as well take this arrow out of the beast if trying to cover tracks" He then proceeds to cut out the arrow he placed in the beasts side. Once then arrow is free he collects blood that flows from the cut inside the vial he holds. When the vial is filled he corks it and nods silently to himself.
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Nata'al has a look at the drake too and cuts a bit of hide of the dead beast. With a few deft flicks of her dagger, she cleans the skin of any blood, fat and flesh and summons a few gallons of water to clear herself and the equipment. With a wry smile, she walks over to the portal
After everyone is finished with his or her business on the dragon, Keth's spiders swarm over the body and begin to mutilate the corpse as long as they stay. So too does the magical dagger.
Talice looks on and waits till all have gathered around her.
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Once the corpse is sufficiently mutilated, Keth will release the spiders to scatter back into the Underdark, and head towards the portal.
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Once the group is ready to go ... Jhalashar and Geirildin close in on the portal too, Talice goes down to one knee right in front of it and whispers a few lines. The colour of the portal's face changes to scarlet and it begins to hum. The bald-headed female draws her blade and motions to the others to follow her, before she steps through the "scarlet wall".
On the other side, the portal glows in dim gold and thus does not illuminate the surroundings that much. There is no other source of light here, so everything around you and outside your vision's range is pitch black. When everyone has made it, Talice draws you all near her.
"This is a side-tunnel to a very large cavern. There is some sort of a trade-route going through that cavern, one that will eventually lead to the surface. I've walked that path often enough and there shouldn't be that much trouble ahead."
You can work out for yourself what kind of trouble would fall into the "not much" category of a drow.
"This tunnel stretches for about two miles before it opens out into the cavern. I'd propose not to go there right now, but take one of the many side-tunnels beforehand and find a place to rest?"
The area you are now in is a flat but wide cavern with just one exit. Nothing tells you of any visitors to that place, it is utterly silent.
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Zhadristan looks around and examines the cavern and he keeps his opinion on Talice's suggestion to himself.
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"If someone feels the need to rest I have no objections against it. I don't like the group to be weakened." Sheiriya answeres whispering.
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"I wouldn't mind a chance to pray to the Goddess for more blessings," says Keth, "Afterall we don't know who we could run into on a trade route."
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"I'll take first watch," Zouhlnor elaborates "After all of that excitement i'm none too tired yet."
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"A rest in order to bandage wounds and prepair new spells seems like it would be a good idea. I'll take whatever watch needs the extra eyes."
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Talice nods and takes point with Nata'al again, moving swiftly and silently through the cavern and some tunnels. Nothing bars your way and the scouts easily get you to the resting place. After all have settled down, Talice moves over to Keth and ask her loud enough for the others to hear: "I'd like to double check on the trade-way ahead. There is usually some a decent amount of traffic there and I think it would be better if we know in advance what awaits us there. It will take about two hours to get there and back."
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"That sounds good, take someone with you, unless you want to go alone," says Keth
"While we are taking some downtime, we should examine the items we picked up more to see what could aid us," says Keth
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On their way to the resting place Sheirya became visible again and now sits on the floor leaning against the wall.
She waits for the decision who will go to check out the trade-way.
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"I'm willing. I must say though im not very stealthy, Iira would be more suited for stealth," Zouhlnor contemplates aloud.
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Listening to the request of Talice and the others' responses, Nata'al leaves a few of her items near Narzen. "Keep watch, old friend," she says, before heading to Keth and the scout. More as a statement than a question she adds: "I think it is better when someone stealthy goes along and keeps watch on both the way and the scout, aye?"
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Those were my thoughts, the man signals a response to Nata'al, nodding slowly.
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"I bet you'd have kept a good eye on both" Zhadristan says to Zouhlnor before he makes himself comfortable and drinks some water from his waterskin.
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While Talice and Nata'al are away, Narzen settles down on the magical items and casts a few spells. Geirildin and Jhalashar settle nearby, the bard also digging through the items, trying to discern what they are useful for. The two scouts return after a couple of hours, stating that everything is clear. There were no creatures and monsters encountered. Talice places a few thunderstones near the entry to your hideout, then settles down to rest as well. She turns to the females and starts to explain the route in more detail.
"We're now in the region called the Deep Wastes. Not very hospitable, to say the least. There is, as I said, a trade route going through it, from Maerimydra to an outpost called Szith Morcane. There are a number of exits to the surface too, rather unimportant to us though. We'll head to the south east now, passing a place called Vournoth's Mire, a former drow stronghold. Then it is on to Maerimydra, all in all about 5 to six days."
NB: Check the Orga thread (p. 28) for updates on the items identified by Narzen and bardic-knowledged by Jhalashar.
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"Can you tell us more of Vournoth's Mire, Szith Morcane, and Maerimydra?" askes Keth of Talice.
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While Talice settles down and starts to explain, Nata'al removes her armor and starts to clean it. After a while, she conjures up a few gallons of water again, right on top of her chain shirt. Any irritated looks will be commented along the lines of: 'At least no-one will track ME by scent!'
"Maerimydra was a city of the size of Menzoberranzan and Eryndlyn, some 10 years back. It was raided by another city from up north a number of times though and, when I left her last time, in a political weak state. Hence they have become pretty paranoid and suspicious ... that is, even more suspicious than Lolth's kin usually is. So we should expect some keen questioning over there. In times gone by though, Maerimydra was also known as the Scourge of Shadowdale, the latter being the name of the lands above. They did large scale raidings on any human and elven settlement too. That was when Szith Morcane was build, a stronghold along the way from the surface to Maerimydra. Haven't been to that place though, but it is the tradeway from there to the drow city which we will use. Vournoth Mire ... dunno exactly either. A merchant once told me that Vournoth was some sort of lich-mage slain by a drow champion. His or her stronghold still stands, but was plundered long ago. The region there is inhabited by a number of monsters, so we'll have to be careful there. Then again, all of the Deep Wastes are dangerous, as only the toughest creatures can survive here."
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Nata'al nods when hearing the story about Vournoth. "The tale of that champion is well known among the Selvetargtlin. She was gravely wounded in the fight, but still managed to go back to Maerimydra to tell the matrons. I wish I could remember her name ..."
The rest passes without any interruptions and once you are dressed and armored, Talice will lead you on.
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Keth has a small look of concern after her prayers, that is barely noticeable.
"This Maerimydra sounds like a weak place, no telling what type of heresy would go on in such a place. We should be on our guard even more so than normal now that we are in a 'civilized' area," says Keth
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Geirildin looks at the items and takes up the dagger hilt. "That one will suit my fighting style ... at times, so if no-one objects I'll take it for the time being?" Jhalashar, staying in the back, hesitates a moment before saying: "Since my combat ability lacks behind that of Lord Geirildin, may I suggest that I have a closer look at one of the two horns or both, as they will surely assist me better than others in the group ... right now. That is, assist my way of supporting you."
Nata'al still holds the black short sword up, waiting if someone else wants to lay claim on it, while Talice looks on, apparently satisfied with what she recovered.
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When the bartering and resting is done, Talice leads you onwards and back to the main tunnel. She then turns left and after a while walking through utter darkness, you appear in what looks like an enourmous cavern, apparently stretching over miles and miles. The ceiling is rugged and covered with stalagtites of various sizes and forms. Dozens of pillars link the ceiling with the floor and there is surprising much illumination. Some patches glow yellowish, being covered with large patches of moss and leechen, while other areas show a blueish colour from colonies of fungi. A rare and strange sight within Har'oloth indeed.
Talice gives you a few moments to take a look, then signals: "Enjoy this while you can. The way to the city will see us moving through lots of barren tunnels from now on, and we will have to wade through various stretches of Underdark rivers and lakes. Vournoth's Mire lies in that direction (she motions to the south), some half a day away."
Take a look at this for inspiration
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While Bartering...
"Will anyone else use this breastplate?, Zouhlnor signals to the magical breastplate from the room with the skeleton.
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Keth will snag the gloves and morningstar if no one minds.
"So some of the way will be through waterways?" inquires Keth of Talice.
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Talice nods: "But we will only get wet feet, it is not that deep ... only some 3 miles or the like."
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"As long as their isn't anything strange in the water, like the lake in Menzoberranzan, heard too many stories about things swimming around in there, though it could be fun to kill something new," says Keth with a grin.
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"Did you hear any such stories about the waters we are going to cross?" Zhadristan asks Talice.
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He shrugs at the scilence aimed in his direction and begins to armor himself.
"Perhaps we should look out for something we can use as make-shift netting to protect ourselves from monsters of the water," Zhoulnor states.
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"I never encountered any creature when travelling through these tunnels ... maybe they don't like wet feet either?"
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"If there are no objections I'll take that shadowy cloak for the time being."
Unless someone speaks against it, Sheiriya will wrap the cloak around her and test if she can stuff her piwafwi into her belt.
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[During the bartering]
Narzen fiddles with what he called a ring of lockpicking, then places it on his left index finger -- the ring fingers on his both hands are already occupied.
"Utility magic," he smiles dryly, "Not as impressive as spell-woven armory, but just as useful in times of need."
"And seeing as we seem to agree on the distribution so far, I trust I may help myself to this one as well," he continues, and slips the wand of enfeeblement to a holster on his thigh.
[Discussing the waters]
"Even shallow waters may prove deadly, and regardless of monsters inhabiting them," he remarks, "Treacherous ground is virtually impossible to discern underwater, and falling into a pit or a hidden stream, whether one can swim or not, may well result in a slow death."
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"So should we have everyone attached to one another with a length of rope?" asks Keth, "I have to admit any travel I have done near water has either been along the shores or on some sort of watercraft."
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Regarding Keth' statement about water and watercrafts, Nata'al raises one eyebrow and checks for that silken rope she bought way back in Skullport. The scout shakes her head though: "No real need for that. As I said, the water is ... at the most ... a couple of feet deep. Unless some silly worm has come up from below and ... drowned itself." She takes another look at the group, then suddenly something dawns to her. "Sorry, the watery tunnels are some three miles long, it's not that deep. My bad ..."
With that, she turns around and starts walking.
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Keth grabs her things and follows along.
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After he is armored Zouhlnor hefts his axe over a shoulder and follows in toe.
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Zouhlnor stops in his tracks, spins about and grabs up the unclaimed amulet, "Ill take this too, if there are no objections."
-
"Fine with me. I just want those bracers, but I will not put them on until they are properly identified." Zhadristan says and adds with a smiling shrug "Bad experience."
-
"If no one else wants to use them at the moment I'd take the ring which may mislead some divination spells and the cloke to improve my charisma. I don't see any sense in carrying them around but not using them."
-
[During the treasure claiming]
Iira picks up the handaxe and studies it for some time. A thoughtful look occupies his face as he goes 'hmmm' to himself and idling fiddles with some amulet keep under his clothing. After serveral minutes like this he nods and says, "I would like to stack claim to this. Never know when you could use a spare weapon... plus it seems like it will do well as a quickly drawn ranged weapon." He shakes his head to himself and grumbles something under his breath.
[During prep to leave the rest sight, be it a few mintues later or the next day.]
While finishing up with putting gear on for travelling Iira takes time to give the handaxe a few test draws from it's new spot strapped to the side of his pack. He seems satisified with how it works out since he stops after about 4 times.
"Well let's get on with the water travel. The quicker we get to it the quicker we finish it and less worry of what might be lurking below the surface. If something is it can be handled."
He then takes up his normal spot in the "marching order" (not really sure what it is but there he stands ready to move on)
-
"The sooner we get wet, the sooner we can get dry," comments Keth to Iira's last statement
-
When everyone is ready, Talice gets you all going. You move through the large cavern and soon find something that looks indeed like a trail through the rugged floor of the cavern, winding its way through the stalagmites and pillars. The scouts warily checks the cavern for any dangers that may lie ahead, but all remains quite. After a while, the trail turns left and vanishes into a large tunnel. Not slowing her pace, Talice moves on and you find the less open space more comfortable to bear. The network of corridors and tunnels seems to go on for mile after mile and only occasionally, a cavern disrupts this pattern. One of these caverns, at a crossroad of the trail and another, much wider tunnel, provides the first eyeraiser. Somewhat down that crossing tunnel lies the corpse of a recently slain fire giant. If you draw a bit closer, you can also spot the remains of a few dead drow, all most likely killed by the giant or his companions - given their wounds or general body appearance. The whole place is crawling with cockroaches, sized from tiny to giant, and drawing to close might turn their attention towards a more fresh flesh supply.
-
Upon eyeing the roaches Zouhlnor signs to the group with a shiver, "I hate the lesser insects." He takes a moment to take in the grewsome sight. "Whatever they may have been carrying has most likely been looted by whomever won this battle," Zouhlnor signs to the group and then to just to Iira; "I'd be willing to bet there is still pleanty of blood in that chath hiran."
-
"That is likely unless they died out here away from their companions," says Keth
-
Nodding towards Zouhlnor, Iira signs a reply "I prefer to collect from things I participate in killing. Know for sure the blood is fresh then. If we go closer to the bodies you can collect if you want. I have plenty of vials for the both of us."
-
Talice mumbles something about the rarity of fire giants thus far south, then gets you going again. The path leads you downwards from now on and the humidity of the air increases by the hour. After what must have been a good day's walk from your last resting point, the scout stops and lets you gather around her. "The Mire is about two miles to the south of here, as are the watery tunnels. I suggest that we rest hereabouts for the day and try to get as far as we can tomorrow!?"
-
Keth nods at Talice's suggestion, "While resting, perhaps Narzen and Jhalashar could take a look at the unidentified items again," says Keth
-
"As you wish, malla jabbress," Narzen replies, bowing slightly.
-
The scouts leads you into a very narrow side-tunnel, apparently nothing more than a gigantic crack in the wall. After a while, she begins climbing up the walls ... which is quite easy, even for the untrained. Some ten feet off the ground lies a horizontal crack in the wall where all can squeeze through easily enough too. Six feet further on that way, a flat cavern appears, filled with hundreds of small stalagmites and stalagtites. A handful of tiny lizards call this place their home, otherwise it is empty. Once everyone is there, Talice places a couple of thunderstomes near the entrance. Before getting to rest, she says quietly: "I assume that we will meet the first patrols of Maerimydra tomorrow or the day after. So we better have a story ready in advance?!"
Jhalashar moves over to Narzen, a professional look on his face and ready to identify more items.
-
Keth will put the Morningstar back into the pile getting the Heavy Mace instead and the Periapt.
"Fire can be fun," says Keth with a grin, "and this periapt should help make my magic stronger."
"Excellent work Narzen and Jhalashar. You two should decide how to sort those arcane scrolls between yourselfs, unless someone else here can do arcane magic," says Keth.
"Once we get a chance to to resupply, I might be interested in that crossbow, this way I have some ranged capability other than magic. And if the two of you can concentrate on those bolts, that would be great benefit to those that are primarily ranged attackers," continues Keth
"As to what type of cover story to use. What type of city is Maerimydra?" asks Keth, "Besides one that has lost to humans."
-
Jhalashar bows slightly and replies "I will do my best to please you and the goddess, malla yathrin!"
The scout scratches her bald head and shakes it slightly. "Do not know much about the current state of affairs in Maerimydra. Last time I was here, the trader came outside of the city for bartering. We were not allowed to enter, due to some 'internal strife', as the trader put it." After collecting her thunderstones again, the female waits till everyone is ready to go.
Do check the last page of the orga thread for updates on the items. Warlcokco was already there, apparently.
-
"And what about our story? Shall we tell them the truth or something different?" Sheiriya asks before the group leaves the cavern.
-
"Something along the lines of caravan ambush survivors?" Zhadristan suggests.
-
"Is Sith Morcane closer to us than Maerimydra? With Sith Morcane being an outpost for Maerimydra, we could get a better feel for events there, and plan our story better. My house has strong merchantile ties, so we could say we are looking to establish a route from one of the cities of the North Dark like Menzoberranzan with Maerimydra," says Keth
-
"It is an odd thing when drow travel freely in the underdark, seeing as how we are suposed to be of houses that are basically solitary. I suggest, if we truely wish to be a part of this city and gain access to all of its streets we go in as the one thing drow houses are always in need of, Mercenaries. We should approch as a group with an identifiable leader and second in command, and we should have a group name. Mercenaries are always calling themselves something outlandish," says Zouhlnor
-
Nata'al nods at the mercenary suggestion. "Good idea! We are certainly strong enough a group." The scout stops in her tracks and turns to Keth. "No way that we go back to Szith Morcane from here. Maerimydra lies just about four days travel to the south, Szith Morcane," she shakes her head, "some ten to twelve days to the west. Including a boat travel on the Lake of Shadows."
-
"Mercenaries doesn't sound too bad, however one of the biggest questions is should I appear as a Yathrin of the Goddess or not? Given our tendacies to kill each other," says Keth as her Holy Symbol vanishes from view, her Scourge of Fangs takes on the appearance of a vicious-looking scourge, her orange eyes turn blood red, her silver hair turns white, and her garments turn a bit more plain and worn in appearance.
-
"The life of a mercenary is one I've been living for some time. It's basicly why I am travelling with this group. No problem with me stating that as our purpose."
Iira turns to face Zouhlnor and chuckles slightly. "Fancy names for groups tends to be the thing they do up on the surface more so then below it... at least in my experience. Plus it would be easier to be less noticable if we don't try to claim some group name."
He turns his attention towards Keth and says, "The choice of how you should appear is mostly up to you malla yathrin. It is best that is sorted out know though so we will know how to address you." With this he gives a slight bow.
After a few moments he asks the scout, "Can we expect any undead on the way to or inside of Maerimydra? I remember that hook seemed to be useful against such things. I'd like to make use of the hook in combat if a fight against undead looks probable."
-
Jhalashar draws in a audible breath when the hook is mentioned. "I don't think it is a weapon, more like a nasty tool. I'm pretty sure that it works on anything, but I'd suggest a proper identification first, as it is heavily cloaked in necromantic magic and could have some back-draws for the wielder."
At these words, Nata'al raises an eyebrow and inspects her right hand more closely.
Meanwhile, the scouts replies to Iira: "Haven't seen any undead in or nearby Maerimydra. Doesn't mean they haven't any, but ..."
Listening to the debate, Geirildin steps forward too and bows slightly to Keth. "To my knowledge, most mercenary companies, at least when roaming Har'oloth, are under command of males. Given my rank and order from my house, I do know how such groups work, having been in charge of one for the last few months. So, I could pretend to be the leader of the group to cover your identity ... or at least to draw any unneccesary attention away from you?" He adds: "If we actually meet anyone who asks questions, of course."
-
"Hmm, that's a possibility..." says Keth
"Zouhlnor is the most imposing of you males, while Narzen is a wizard, or are you just wanting a chance at emulating Jarlaxle, Geirildin?" says Keth arching an eyebrow at Geirildin.
"I will let the others decide, but no matter who it is, I will allow no disrespect to any of us female," says Keth.
-
"Whomever that Jarlaxle is," Geirildin replies, "I have no intention to challenge your leadership, malla yathrin! Hence I said to pretend being the leader in times of need." He bows his head again. "No disrespect to Zouhlnor, but he just joined our little enterprise and I can only speak for myself in saying that I know how to command a drow band, having been a captain of my house for some 30 odd years."
From behind his back, Nata'al signals to Keth: "His house in Eryndlyn is quite powerful, so he might be high up there in their troops. Then again, he could just be a courteous liar." A sly grin on her face. "Of course, who cares as long as the ploy works and if he wants to be the one in front ..." she ends with a shrug.
-
"I don't know much of mercenary groups so my question is if we need a proper reason for rejecting any offer. Just in case if someone wants to spend much money for our service."
-
"If I daresay, seeing as the majority of our present company are in fact mercenaries, I would not concern ourselves overly much with details, but merely... act casually," Narzen smiles dryly.
-
"I don't expect any acceptable offers because we have no reputation here." Zhadristan says.
-
Keth grins back at Nata'al, "Geirildin can play leader for a bit then," says Keth.
-
Iira nods towards Jhalashar.
"Aye, your right in wanting to be a bit more cautous with the hook. I'll stick to the weapons I have then. They have served me well and shall continue to do so. Now we have how we will present ourselves if needed are we ready to move onward?"
-
The scouts nods and gets you going again. You make it safely back to the main tunnel, but when you reach it, Talice stops and points at some clearly visible tracks. A group of about a dozen in strength ventured the path while you rested. From the looks of the tracks - Talice points here and there for those oblivious to details, you gather that they were in a hurry, moving towards Szith Morcane. Every now and then a drop of blood can be seen too, where people brushed a wall and touched its surface. No sound can be heard in either direction though.
"Don't like it," signals the scout, "looks like trouble ahead to me." Nonetheless, she moves slowly onwards towards Vournoth' Mire.
-
Can you guess how much time passed since they came along? Sheiriya signals to Talice.
She wraps her veil closer around her and puts on a glove for her left hand.
-
The female kneels down and checks some of the tracks more closely. "A few hours. We may go back towards the direction of Szith Morcane to see whether they do not come back, but I can place a thundertrap here and there as well. So we will at least hear anyone coming our way?"
-
"I don't know where we want to get in the end and perhaps more important, when."
Sheiriya answeres.
"But it would be nice to know what lies in front of us and they might tell us."
-
During the conversation about mercenary leadership...
"I take no disrespect from you Geirildin, I haven't earned nor want leadership duty. It is my experiance that us big imposing types are far less keen then those of frailer statures, and therefore we are easily kept in check as mindless sellswords,and that is my purpose" Zouhlor says with half a smile.
-
"Not caring for those signs of people fleeing, and injured at that. I wonder what is happening ahead," signs Keth.
-
Talice nods and leads you on toward the place she called Vournoth' Mire. The tunnel is wide enough for a great wyrm to walk unhindered, so large pack lizards or fire giants won't have any problems here. Neither are present, but the trail of blood intensifies with every step. The scouts points at a bloody footstep here and there and you soon recognize the familar imprint of drow boots moving towards Szith Morcane.
"Strange that they had no healing magic handy to cover their trail," Nata'al signals.
After about an hour the tunel spreads out into a series of large but flat caverns, some of which filled with water. In the distance the rush of an Underdark becomes audible, but apart from that, silence rules this place too. The trail bypasses one of the lakes and Talice points to some place in the distance and her fingers tell you: "Over there lies Vournoth' stronghold. A stalagmite fortress. Haven't been there myself, but other scouts say that it stands empty ever since the Maerimydryr didn't needed it."
She moves on and leads you through towards a field of fungi, which covers a slope right next to the lake.
-
Keth continues to follow along, keeping a good eye on her surroundings.
-
"If you wait for a moment I could take a closer look at that fungi-wood."
Sheiriya's fingers suggest.
-
Talice abides and waits ...
-
Keth wonders what Sheiriya is doing.
-
Sheiriya makes some arkane gestures and concentrates for some moments.
-
Some time passes before Sheiriya signals to you again.
"The fight happened in that fungi wood. There are two drow women which seem to take care of the fungi but they are fully armored. If we walk on they will see us."
-
Keth signs Then we should be prepared to deal with them, depending on their reaction.
-
Zouhlnor tightens his grip on Fourth Fury.
-
Narzen speaks a word to charge up his crossbow, and loads a bolt to it.
-
Sheiriya prefers to look not aggressive, no weapon in hand, and waits for scout or leader to move on.
-
In case they are hostile, do you want to capture them alive? Zhadristan signs to Keth.
-
"Why would drow work fungi in full armor," Nata'al adds in signs.
-
Keth signs As to why work in full armor, no clue. A prisoner would be ideal.
Turning towards Geirildin, Keth signs lead the way, with a smirk.
-
Zhadristan nods and brings forth his crossbow. He loads a bolt onto it and once it is locked he coats its tip with sleep poison.
-
Iira keeps a hand hovering close to his spiked chain and the other near the throwing axe he claimed. He slows his pace some in case stealth is prefered.
-
Both the scout and Nata'al ready their bows and coat their arrows with poison too. Geirildin quickly assembles his bow too and readies an poisoned arrow, while Jhalashar gets one of the horns out and prepares to blow it. If someone questions him, he signals: "The spell it cast will save us from any charms ... I hope."
Warily you close in on the spot where the fighting took place. The trail itself is some 10 feet wide with a further three or four feet space towards the lake's shore. The water is jet black and as smooth as a mirror's surface. It lies to the right of your path. On the left hand side, the fungi cover a large patch of what looks like a slope leading towards the wall of that cavern. The area there is dimly lit by some leechen or fungi, there rest of the cavern is shrouded (lake and all) in darkness.
As you reach the spot Sheiriya described as the place of battle, you see a few discarded weapons, a lot of blood and what looks like a chopped-off eyestalk of a beast no-one of you want to encounter just yet. This draws a few gasps of you, as unintentionally as unwelcomed. Instantly, one of the working drow's head comes up amongst the fungi, but she does not spot you immediately. You do notice that another, finer trail of blood leads to the wall behind the fungi and the two drow.
-
Zhadristan stops in his tracks, crouches down(provided it makes sense in a way that he is less likely to be spotted in this terrain) and waits for orders.
-
Sheiriya looks at the strangers and waits for reactions. After all her group has a "leader" to do the talking or whatever.
-
Zouhlnor signs to the group, "We should flank them, if they are hostile at least that might convince them to surrender to questioning."
-
Keth signs, Go up and speak to her or do something, Geirildin, you are currently the "leader" right now.
Afterwards reaching under her piwafwi to unhook the scourge from her belt.
-
Narzen quietly moves to Keth's front and signals, I believe we should be more wary of our surroundings than of these drow ahead, malla jabbress. It appears to me as though the battle that took place here is not yet over, somehow.
-
*Always good to hustle the DM a bit, aye?! :lol: *
Geirildin, being near the front of the group does not try to take any sort of cover, neither does Jhalashar. Talice crouches as soon as she spots the female's head, while Nata'al does likewise at the end of the party. She closely watches the fungi for any sort of ambush. Your leader raises one arm and spreads his fingers wide, to make sure the drow sees him. He offers a formal greeting gesture, yet the drow calls out something unaudible and the head of her fellow appears. Half an instant later, the two disappear and you hear them coming more or less rushing down between the fungi, shield and weapon in hand. The front group will have time for one volley before they two females are at them.
"Remember that they are charmed and not the main threat," Nata'al snarls. She takes up a position to have full view of the scene of battle before adding: "I'll keep watch for those who did it, make sure ye let one alive!"
-
Keth will move towards the nearest female, lashing out with her scourge, willing all the heads to sink their fangs deeply into her as to incapitate her.
-
When the two females come out, the group has spread somewhat, trying to get into flanking positions.
Geirildin simply orders to all who can hear him: "Lay them low with the missiles!" ... and lets an arrow fly at the female charging him directly. Not waiting for the result, he drops his bow and draws his blade. Behind him, Jhalashar starts an inspiring tune.
The two wear dark elven armor with some sort of House insignia, but you do not recognize them.
-
Iira grabs the axe at his side and says, "Well time to see this thing in action." With a fluid movement he takes the axe from his side, brings it forward, and releases. It spins through the air towards the female he had the clearest throw at.
-
A longsword materializes in Sheiriya's left hand which she changes into her right hand afterwards.
-
As soon as the drow reappear, arrows and bolts whiz through the air. Talice targeted the second drow, her arrow neatly plants itself in her left shoulder. The female takes a few steps more, but then the poison takes hold of her. She barely manages to shield away Narzen's crackling bolt just before she collapses. Zhadristan's missile sinks into her thigh and as the drow topples over, her shield and sword clatter to the ground. Oblivious to her comrades' fate, the front drow charges on, accepts Iira's axe scratching her shoulder almost without flinching while sidestepping Geirildin's arrow. She closes in on the leader in no-time and does not seem to care about the thread of Zouhlnor flanking her.
The scout moves a few steps to the side and gets another arrow out. This time, she continues to watch the fungi forest though, assuming that the fighters will deal with their attacker.
-
Keth with move towards the remaining combatant, and attempt to trip her.
-
Geiridlin meets the drow with a vicious slash of his fine and long blade, taking most sting out of her charge. She lashes at him in quick succession, but the nimble warrior dodges her attacks easily enough. Her skill though is quite admirable too, as she lets Zouhlnor's axe slice into open space, bringing the drow into close proximity of Iira's whirling axe rather than his intended target. Both Narzen and Zhadristan send poisoned bolts into the melee, but only the former hit and looks on in frustration as the drow does not succumb to the poison. Keth aims well at the warriors legs, opening another bloody gash, but does not succeed in tripping the drow. The female yanks her leg back and tries to trip Keth instead, but the priestess' weapon come loose again. Fury burns in the drow female's eyes, as she scans her opponents.
-
Zouhlnor Doubles in size and squares off his shoulders to the remaining female, "Countinue fighting us and you will never see the shadows of another day!"
-
Keth screams out "Ssussun pholor dos! Lil Quarvalsharess zhah ultrin!" as she lashes out, willing all the heads of her scourge to strike.
Translation
*Light upon you! The Goddess is supreme!*
-
After the axe returns to Iira's hand (end of last round) he moves to the side of the enemy female to flank her with Zouhlnor. When in place he takes a hold of his spiked chain , ready to start in with melee combat. He speaks across the battle towards Zouhlnor.
"Looks like I might just have to leave the use of axes up to you brother. I didn't do too well with that last attack with this one I started using."
-
Zhadristan puts his crossbow away, draws his sabre, but he does not join the melee yet.
-
Sheiriya calls just loud enough for the foreign drow to hear:
"Surrender, or you'll die."
-
While half the group scans the surroundings, the males battling it out with their single opponent. The female, surely some sort of elite, fends off or dodges most attacks quite easily though, even the five snakeheads which suddenly sprouted out of Keth's scourge. She seems quite unimpressed by both the priestess' curse as well as Sheiriya's call and tries to pierce Geirildin's defenses. The male manages to take advantage of his comrades' attempts to hit the female and scores two 'fine' jabs which cause the female stumble somewhat. She is bleeding heavily now, but her eyes are still fixed on the tall male in front of her. The sounds of the fighting echo throughout the cavern and rolling over the lake ...
Nata'al glances over to the males, apparently admiring the female's strong resistance.
-
Not being successful in enchanting that drow Sheiriya gets into melee.
-
Zouhlnor contains his rage and atemps to grapple the female.
-
Your opponent looks warily about, jabs twice at Geirildin, but the drow manages to divert her efforts. As Zouhlnor lunges in to grab the female, she ducks low and buries her rapier into his side (11 HP). Keth's snakes, seething with rage lash at the drow, yet, only two get a good hold and their bites bring forth gasps of pain. She whirls out of Zouhlnor's attack and thus thwarts Sheiriya's attempt to hit her. But Iira's chain whips at her and a fine hit almost brings her to her knees.
-
Keth will continue to lash out at her.
-
Zouhlnor bares his teeth in frustration and rage fuels his muscles. he punches out at her with his bare fists.
-
Iira's chains whips around once again, charged with energy. The female, now pretty weakened, takes the hit on her undefended side and goes to ground immediately. Keth's snakes lash the thin air where the elite just stood. Geirildin takes a quick step and buries his blade into the drow too, making sure of her passing. A curse by Nata'al draws your attention away from the fallen warrior and you see Nata'al and Talice sending a couple of arrows towards an opponent near the wall, just behind the fungi forest. A deep growl can be heard as one of the missiles seems to hit true.
"Spread!" cries Nata'al, drawing another arrow and looking for decent cover amongst the fungi and stalagmites. Talice and Jhalashar, whom's song only wavers an instant, do likewise.
Zouhlnor, who stands head and shoulders above the rest spots a spherical being floating just above the fungi towards you, an arrow sunken deep into its bloated body.
-
When she hears Nata'al's shout Sheiriya gets away from the other drow seaking cover behind some fungi.
-
Keth looks for some cover, to consider options on how defeat to the creature.
-
Zhadristan too heads for a covered position, where he'll sprinkle some powdered silver in the casting of a protection spell.
-
After hearing the warning to spread out Iira takes a quick look around for a good place to duck behind. He moves a few steps off the path and turns to look at the elite female for a moment. Moving a few more steps off the path he crouches down behind a decent sized fungi.
-
Zouhlnor half runs and half leaps to Fouth Fury and draws up a globe of magical darkness upon himself,
-
Narzen curses to himself briefly, then runs for cover as well.
-
Nata'al sprints for cover too, casting a spell along the way. Talice simply vanishes from sight after a casting a spell, while Jhalashar gets one of his horns out and gives it a right good blast. Apart from the sound, magic waves over those near him (Geirildin, Zouhlnor, Iira and Kethryllia) - to no visible effect though. As he follows his master, the male gets his other horn out too. Geirldin looks for a decent spot of cover as well, touching on of his amulets along the way and getting his longbow out.
-
Inside his darkness globe Zouhlnor calms his breathing and concentrates. Psychic energy washes over him granting him life unknown to him.
In this round i'm augmenting 'Vigor' with 3 additional points giving me 20 temporary HP..
-
Zhadristan clouds the area between him and the enemy in darkness. Then he looks for Sheiriya and if he sees her he'll sign "Do you have magic to keep it from flying out of melee range?"
-
Jhalashar gets the second horn out and blows it too. An eery sound rolls through the cavern and those near him hear the bard gasp in pain. The horn in his hand glows shortly, but nothing else seems to happen to it. Near Jhalashar appears a column of white mist which forms itself into a humanoid form. Moments later, a skeleton clad in chainmail and armed with sword and spear fill the space waiting on Jhalashar's commands.
-
Keth begins chanting a prayer to Lolth asking for a blessing for this fight.
-
Sheiriya sees Zhadristan's question. "I don't think I have the appropriate magic for that. But I've never fought against something like that. Is there something special I should know?"
-
Apparently waiting for someone to take proper charge of the battle, Narzen loads a bolt to his crossbow, then picks up some spell components in his free hand.
-
"No idea." Zhadristan signs back and then fetches a thunderstone from his pack.
-
Large patches of the fungi forest are covered by darkness now (20 feet radius ... thats 40 feet in diameter, 20 feet high in its middle and twice cast). Most of you are just outside the spell, but well covered. The beholder cannot be seen at first, but as it draws nearer, it uses its antimagic ray eye to looks through the darkness. (Much like that big eye on top of Mount Doom.)
-
As the ray bypasses the fungi Nata'al uses as cover, the drow looks around and fires a quick arrow at the beast and goes into hiding once more. The missile clanks off the creature's skin and you hear a low grumbling laughter. "You have to do better than that!"
Meanwhile, Jhalashar utters a few melodic verses when darkness washes over him again.
-
Iira peeks around from his cover to judge how far away the orb creature is while he thinks up a plan of action.
-
Sheiriya makes her sword disappear and readies her crossbow to shoot at the beholder when possible.
-
Keth will look for a position that will "block" the beholder's central eye as much as possible. If such a spot is found she will go for it wrapped in her piwafwi. Once there she will start to chant a prayer.
Otherwise she will put as much of her cover between herself and the beholder and start to chant a prayer.
-
Zouhlnor charges at the beasts voice as soon as he hears its grewsome cackle, his axe in one hand and a flask of acid in the other. If Zouhlnor exits the globes of darkness he will drop another.
-
The beholder, hovering some 10 feet above ground in the darkness, some 40 feet away from the main bulk of drow, is hailed with missiles and a thrown flask. Yet again, anything that hits him in the darkness draws more chuckles rather than cries of pain. "I'll have you soon, drowlings!", its voice sounds near you at the end of the round. Zouhlnor is close by now, certainly in reach of his weapon.
-
After casting his spell, Narzen takes a shot at the beast.
-
When the eye's ray passes over him, Narzen takes a shot at it, but his aim is not good enough to find a weak spot in the beholder's hide. Those near it note from its movements that the skeleton thows one of its spears at the beholder, it's mark not bad. Whether it scores a meaningful hits can hardly be discerned though.
Anyone over whom the eye's ray passes notices that anything magic seems to stop working, item, spell, and what have you.
-
When Zouhlnor closed in on the beholder, Zhadristan discarded the thunderstone in favor of his hand crossbow.
He will wait behind his cover for an opportunity to shoot.
-
Waiting for an opportune moment, Zhadristan aims at where he expects the beholder to be, but a rather distant clack on stone tells him that the bolt went wide as well.
Alas, round IX is upon you.
-
Keth and Nata'al appear to be conversing in an unfamiliar, yet somewhat familiar language
-
Because all her attacks went awry in the recent time Sheiriya tries some magic again.
-
With the acid failing in it's purpose, Zouhlnor lets his inner wrath consume him. His muscles ripple, knuckles whiten around the handle of fourth fury and he swings at the laughing bulbous beast.
-
Iira leaves his place of cover and moves towards the sound of the orbs taunting and luaghter as well as Zouhlnor's laughter. When he reaches the point he is pretty sure the orb is at he swings his chain in an arc over his head, hoping to hit the beast in the process. If anyone happens to be able to see him moving note that his legs seem to move a bit faster then normal.
Being lazy on sending this part. Iira manifests Burst as a swift action to boost his land speed by 10 feet for the round in order to close the distance between him and the beholder.
-
The magical darkness covers up all that is going on right now. The skeleton throws its second spear (you can determine that well enough) and you hear it hammer into one of the fungi behind the beholder. Another of Narzens crackling bolts whistle past and shatters against the wall, while a lashing sound comes from near the creature too. The latter growls: "Now, lets the play begin in earnest, shall we?" Its eye fixes on Zouhlnor, who lashes out with his axe, but misses the beast narrowly. He sees it floating upwards, but out of the darkness lashes Iira's chain and scores a decent hit. Magic crackles along the metal, though it seems to have no visual effect on the beholder. The others hear Kethryllia talking with Nata'al while another two arrows from Geirildin huming through the air. After a heartbeat or two, Nata'al shouts in drow: "All get ready! We need to drop the darkness to attack it. Either that or we back off to a better field of battle. To much space! We cast spells to get support in any case!" Soon afterwards, Jhalashar adds: "I cast another darkness as cover, if necessary!"
-
"I failed to injure that accursed beast even with a spell to aid my shot," Narzen says blankly, "Attacks in between summoning darkness may get us a few lucky hits, but I doubt it will be enough before we are forced to retreat."
"And with all due respect, if we are to retreat, I suggest doing so before we have spent all our resources," he adds, taking aim in the general direction of the beholder regardless.
-
Jhalashar seems to remember something, adding the following: "It cannot charm those who felt the spell I cast from the horn. T'will not help against much else though, but strengthens our ability to resist its spells too." From behind you (the path), Talice's voice can be heard shouting: "The beast is above the darkness now!"
-
"Then cloak it in darkness again before it attacks you! Let us regroup and move to a better position." Zhadristan shouts back, thereby revealing his position. Then he retreats.
-
Keth will begin chanting a prayer.
-
Nata'al, Geirildin, and Jhalashar come out of the magical darkness, facing the general direction of the beholder, bows ready.
-
Hearing that the beast has left the darkness, Iira reaches around into his pack for something. From within the pack he produces a rope with attached grappling hook. With his other hand he loosely coils up his spiked chain. (Not like he is seen cause of the darkness.)
-
Sheiriya puts her special ring on a finger and looks at the scene from above through magical means for orientation.
-
Zhadristan continues to move back and casts a spell on the way.
-
Lots of movement goes on, as you move towards the edge of the darkness. Occasionally, a cone of visibility pierces the shadows, as the beholder scans for your positions. It slowly moves towards the path as well.
-
Keth appear on the edge of the darkness, completing her casting. Near her a cavvekan materializes out of thin air. Shadows leak out of it and you can actually see through it. Instantly, the beast charges the beholder, apparently well able to see through the darkness. One by one the drow appear near the edge of the darkness spell, though Zouhlnor, Iira and Zhadristan are still well covered. The skeleton warrior seems to wait till it can spot the beholder, drawing a wicked looking dagger.
Nata'al's fingers start to work a few signs: "All move to the tunnel" (points towards it) "I will cover most of the area in darkness too, so get your mark right!"
Hearing the talking from beyond the darkness globe and not wanting to get blasted Iira heads towards his left. As he moves he puts his chain back on it's holder at his side.
-
Sheiriya makes her way out of the darkness, too, reloading her crossbow with one of her magical bolts this time.
She wants to leave the darkness at a place where she will not face the beholder directly.
-
Keth will move towards the tunnel dropping an area of darkness to help cover the withdrawal.
-
While all this happens, Talice suddenly calls out from somewhere to the east of the forest "Ware! The other warrior has ..." she stops in mid-sentence. "Move to the left, don't try anything silly or I blast you out you boots!" She calls out to someone, before adding: "We've got company Keth! Claiming to be an ally!"
-
Zhadristan comes out of the darkness, moving towards the southern tunnels. He levels his hand at the beholder and unleashes a beam of force that hits the beast, staggering it for half a moment. Jhalashar follows the male, turning and firing an arrow at the beholder that misses all but the wall behind it. Sheiriya, looking for cover at every step, loosens a bolt from her crossbow while making for the tunnel as well. The missile hits an already wounded eyestalk and forcing an angry hiss from your opponent. The monsters levels its eyes at various targets, four at the fast approaching shadow creature. A beam touches the skeleton, to no effect though. Three differently colored beams pierce the cavvekan, again, to no visible effect. With a growl, the beholder gets hold of a stalagtite and sends it crushing through the shadowy form. The drow dog does not even blink. Jhalashar feels the presence of the beholders mind upon him, yet, his long lost elven heritage prevents him from succumbing from that enchantment. Sheiriya too has a strange sensation in her mind as the beholder tries to stop her in her tracks with a spell. Her racial heritage prevents the spell from taking a hold though. Finally, an eyesatlk is turned towards Zhadristan, but the soothing voice of the beholder pearls off the protection the drow had cast a few moments ago without taking effect. Geirildin bolts out of the darkness, leveling an arrow at the beholder before following the others. The wall suffers another hit. The cavvekan reaches the beholder and bites heartily into the creature's flesh, or so it appears. The beholder visibly shivers. A dagger thrown by the skeleton clanks against the wall as well, which might become annoyed by the attention it got so far. Nata'al leaves the darkness too, noting the passing form of the second female warrior, as the drow makes her way to the southern tunnels too, a hand-crossbow in hand and apparently following Talice's orders. The latter is nowhere to be seen. Nata'al turns and places a darkness spell on top of one of the fungi, thus covering the better part of the way to the south in darkness and obstructing any view the beholder might have in this direction. Then she bolts after the drow female. When Keth leaves the darkness, she notices that her summoned magical weapon is nowhere to be seen.
-
Zouhlnor sprints toward the others still enraged with reckless abandon.
-
Less enraged but not less determined Zhadristan runs as well.
-
Sheiriya is on her way to the rest of the group, too. She tries not to get into the antimagic ray of the beholder.
-
It is hard for you to determine what goes on in the darkness, but all reach the passage to the next cavern without being attacked. For the moment, the beholder does not pursue you. Both Geirildin and Nata'al level their bows at the female in your midst, while Jhalashar keeps a close eye on the fungi forest and the magical darkness.
-
The drow female keeps her own handcrossbow leveled at Nata'al, but holds up her other hand palm out in a gesture of calm. "Vendui lueth bela'dos." Hello and thank you. "I am Malifice. Who might you be?"
-
Nata'al ignores the crossbow and replies - to the others of the group rather than Malifice: "T'seems she's nae longer charmed, if she ever was." Turning her eyes on the newcomer: "Vendui Malifice! It is not my privilege to answer yer questions."
-
"Let's do a small test for the moment," says Keth as she pulls out a thin black wand covered in a silver spider-web pattern, pointing it at one of Malifice's wounds and whispers something.
"The results of this will be a major influence," continues Keth as she drops the glamer that she had projected earlier.
-
Sheiriya looks over the newcomer as long as somebody else keeps an eye on where the beholder is to be expected to appear.
-
Sheiriya is barely visible and what can be spotted of her features seems to meld with the shadows.
The wand's spell produces only minor results on the drow, but it does affect her. Where there has been little scars before, the skin is smooth and strong again.
Out of thin air, Talice's voice says: "If we move a little further onwards, the eye-beast will most likely not spot us. Hardly any being can match the children of Lolth's keen vision within Har'oloth."
-
"Yes, we should move from here. We can trust this one for the moment, as much as we ever trust anyone." says Keth
-
"Perhaps along the way then, malla yathrin, she could tell something about what her issue with the monster was," Narzen says over his shoulder while watching the tunnel entrance for any sign of the beholder.
-
Zouhlnor takes a place at the back of the party instead of at its front. He looks back constantly at where the gresome eye-tenticled beast would come from. "I've read a hundered times about those things, seen countless art works and sculptures...but i have never, ever seen one alive..." Zouhlnor says aloud but not very loud.
The previous conversation sets in to his head, "Greetings Mistress Malifice." Zouhlnor says, his voice regaining its strength, "I am Zouhlnor Entamanier."
-
"Oh yes, please tell us a story." Sheiriya addresses Malifice with a shadowy smile. "And I wouldn't mind if it's a true one."
-
Malifice sidesteps cautiously down the tunnel in the direction suggested, keeping her back to the wall and her weapon ready. She scans the drow before her with narrowing eyes. "Trust me? Greet me? Tell you a story? There are many of you and but one of me and I am not inclined to be taken alive if you are heretics or traitors, so you'll have to forgive me if I remain cautious. As for the beholder, I pretended to be its thrall so it would not eat me. The others in my party, including my cousin you have slain, were not so fortunate, may Lolth take their souls. Now, as for you ... who are you? Perhaps more importantly ... who do you serve?"
-
"Perhaps I should just send your soul to the Quarvalsharess. I am Kethryllia Nightfirestar, Yathrin of the Quarvalsharess." say Keth as the snake heads on her scourge hiss at Malifice.
-
Talice's voice can be heard again: "Malla yathrin, her insigna is that of a Maerimydraan House, a noble one, actually. She might be useful to our ... your cause."
Geirildin changes targets, now that the attention is focussed on the female, and moves to Jhalashar's sand Zouhlnor's side, scanning the passage for the beholder. It does not show though.
Casting a wary look at the newcomer, Nata'al lowers her bow too, but keeps the arrow nocked. "Nata'al, Selvetargtlin."
-
Iira draws out his bow after putting away his grappling hook and rope. He says towards the new female, "I am called Iira." With bow ready he joins in keeping an eye on the passge behind the party.
-
As it seems that the others do not want to question that noble drow Sheiriya changes her concentration on looking for the beholder.
-
"My name is Zhadristan Myxim. I hope you enjoy talking as we are quite curious." Zhadristan says.
-
Malifice narrows her eyes to mere slits as she looks upon the snake-headed scourge with interest. "A Yathrin you say? And yet you carry the weapon and mark of a Yathtallar? That you have Lolth's favor seems likely as the snakes do not bite you, but I wonder..." She pauses, looking Keth over. "Well...perhaps Lolth must lower her standards where you come from." Malifice uncocks her hand crossbow and takes a knee before Keth. "Captain Malifice Chûmvah, of Qu'ellar Chûmvah, First House of Maerimydra, at your service....Yathrin." She raises her eyes. "Now, if I may be so bold, where do you hail from and what is your purpose so near to the City of the Spider Queen?"
-
"Elamshin brings me here." says Keth, "As to why I a mere Yathrin am wielding the weapon of a Yathtallar, an orthae yorn gave them to me."
"As to where am I from, my House is located in the Northdark. As to what I want with your city, Elamshin brings me there." says Keth
-
In the meantime Talice asks Sheiriya quietly: "Do you sence the beholder, is it tracking us?"
-
"Not really." Sheiriya answeres Talice's question equaly quiet.
"It is back to where it came from."
-
"And what is your destiny then, Yathrin?" Malifice asks, still kneeling, her eyes watching the hands of the others warily.
-
"For now that is between me and Lolth," says Keth
-
Nata'al lowers her bow and returns to the two females. "There's been a lot of bloodshed down there (pointing towards the forest) before we arrived. And the trail leads north to Szith whatsitsname? Why do yer priests don't heal their lot? They'll leave a trail even a goblin can follow? No priestesses with ye?" Her last words apparently spark her attention, she looks around and asks: "Anyone wounded?"
-
Malifice's eyes travel between Nata'al and Keth as she rises. "Nau," she says slowly, "our party had no priestesses to heal the wounded. Had we been so favored by Lolth's presence, perhaps we would have prevailed against the Eye-Tyrant." She glances northward. "The outpost of which you speak is called Szith Morcane. Did you pass through there?"
-
During the conversation Sheiriya turns around and walks back towards the fungi wood, her shadowy form melting into the darkness.
-
Zouhlnor walks to his brothers side quietly.
-
"The First House would send a group out without a Yathrin?" asks Keth of Malifice with a questioning look.
"Maerimydra must be even weaker than I thought, if the First House is unable to spare a Yathrin for a group that is outside the city. I know House Baenre, the First House of Menzoberranzan, has more Yathrin than some Houses have Troops," says Keth.
"Even my House, will send a Yathrin out with most groups, especially ones that warrant having a Captain with them," says Keth.
-
Nata'al shakes her head as a response to Malifice's question. "No yathrins, dead fire giants, drow fleeing to another stronghold," she muses, Keth's remarks in mind. "Now, we have no quarrels with your place ... and are surely not here to invade it, so maybe you want to tell us what befell your city?"
-
Malifice looks between Nata'al and Keth. "Lets not linger here waiting to see if the eye-tyrant is hungry. We can walk and talk." She turns to go, but then stops and looks back. "Assuming that is acceptable to you?" She looks between Nata'al and Keth, eyes twinkling just slightly. "I assume one or the other of you is the leader of this patrol, yes? You can tell me as we travel...if you desire." Malifice looks around warily as she begins to cautiously make her way through the passage.
-
"Tis my expedition, but I do listen to any advice that Nata'al gives me," says Keth.
"Before you were forced out of the City, do you recall the condition of the main temple?" asks Keth of Malifice.
-
While this goes on, the group leaves the beholder cavern behind and continues on its way to the south. You can easily follow the wide and high tunnel, obviously a trade route for some centuries.
-
When the others leace the cavern Sheiriya joins them again, as if she had known what is happening.
"What about your cousin? You want to leave her body and equipment for the beholder?" she asks Malifice.
-
Malifice glances at Sheiriya. "What use have I for my cousin's corpse? As for her equipment, it did not seem to avail her much - she is dead after all. As her fate was to be enslaved and then slain, I think she bears the arms of one not favored much by Lolth, and as such, I would not wish to bear them myself unless blessed by a priestess. Besides, on balance, are you willing to brave the eye-tyrant again to retrieve a corpse and a shirt of rent chain? You and the others did not seem so brave a few minutes ago as your patrol dashed to the safety of the corridor." Malificie looks around the group. "Nevertheless, this one here..." she indicates Keth, "appears to be a Yathrin in the favor of our Goddess, so, for the moment, I do as she commands. If she commands we return to scavenge, then that is what I shall do. If she commands us to return to Maerimydra, then that is what I shall do."
-
"Bravery? I would talk about proper assessment of a situation instead," Zhadristan says. "We did not end up as that beholder's puppets."
-
Sheiriya shrugs and replies "Just a few moments ago I wanted to have a little chat with that beholder but I didn't find it. I think it would have been more communicative than the dragon last time."
-
Malifice listens but replies in the drow sign language as she moves quietly down the passage. Very well. Do you think a proper assessment of the situation would reveal the arms of my fallen cousin, who you were able to dispatch, are now so valuable as to risk becomming the eye-tyrant's puppets, a fate you seem to have some respect for, when previously they were not? I find I desire neither her remains nor her effects so badly as to risk my life in their pursuit...but...as I have indicated, I will do as the Yathrin commands. She represents the will of the Goddess here and so her will I shall do.
-
"Not really. But if my oppinion changes I may come back here."
-
"Foolish Pride will get us no where, especially when we had withdraw in the first place. Without proper preparation and ground of our choosing, a Beholder isn't within our abilities at this time. That cavern is too much in the Beholder's favor," says Keth
"Malifice, is there a place in the area where we can rest? Once we do so, I will let you and Nata'al know more," says Keth
-
Malifice looks back at Keth and nods slightly, signing Yes, Yathrin, there is a place perhaps two miles south of here where we might rest. We are more than two days from the city however. When we get closer, I know a route into the city that is too small for the fire giants. We can use it to avoid their sentries.
-
"Excellent then," says Keth
-
With no sign of the beholder persuing in the last few minutes (guessing thats about how long its been) Iira puts his bow away. He starts to strike up a conversation with Zouhlnor.
-
Talice fades into view near the two brothers. "Like that spell," she whispers more to herself than anyone in particular. Towards Keth she signals: "Am I right to assume that she will be your scout ... for the time being?" (pointing at Malifice) The bald headed female bows her head slighty towards the newcomer and introduces herself in a low voice as "Talice, of the Shadowlord."
-
Malifice looks Talice over for a moment. "I am an officer, not a scout. I will give directions to whomever is scouting and they can follow them. Now, what do you mean 'of the Shadowlord?"
-
"You said they have other races than giants in their army. How do you know that they don't have those guarding the smaller tunnels?" Zhadristan asked when Malifice told about the route.
-
Malifice smiles as she walks, signing to Zhadristan. Did I say the smaller races would not be guarding the smaller tunnels? When I said we could avoid their sentries, I meant the fire giant sentries. I would have thougt that was obvious. She pauses and glances at him. "But then, you are but a male, and intuition and insight are not well known masculine virtues." She turns and walks on, keeping watch on the others out of the corner of her eye.
-
Zhadristan briefly glares angrily at Malifice's back, but he does not argue any further.
-
Talice listens to Malifice's words, a smile parts her lips to disappear an instant later. "So I will continue to lead us to the vicinity of Maerimydra, mistress Kethryllia." Moving to the head of the column again, she adresses Malifice: "I think I know of that resting place two miles down the path, good choice indeed. As for 'of the Shadowlord'. It is the Lord of Shadows who answers my prayers, mistress Chûmavh, not the holy mother of all drow. We all carry our burden, don't we?!"
Nata'al remains behind, signalling that she will take up the last position.
-
Malifice looks at Talice with narrowed eyes then to Keth. "You consort with heretics?" Her voice is little more than a hiss as her hands glide to hilts.
-
"You're a little bit quick-tempered, aren't you?" Sheiriya remarks as she sees Malifice's hands hand move. "Does that result from living in an simple world or from a sort of stupidity?"
-
Malifice grins wickedly. "It results from faith."
-
"Heretics have their uses, especially when Elamshin dictates it. Besides I have been testing the group for heretics. And becareful of throwing that word around, Nata'al herself is a heretic by the strictiest use of the word, even though she follows the Spider-Demon a loyal child of the Goddess." says Keth
"If being in the company of heretics is so disagreeable to you. You can leave." continues Keth
"Elasmshin will happen regardless of what happens." continues Keth who then says something brief in that unknown language.
-
Nata'al's lips part for a short smile, then she answers the yathrin. The only word the others understand is 'jalil Kethryllia'. Meanwhile, Talice stops in her tracks at the word 'heretic'. "Where I come from, Lolth holds no sway. I know that you pitty those poor souls there, probably me too. Fair enough. I spare me any more words on your part though. Mask guided me through my life and I guided the yathrin to this place with his blessings. Apparently, he accepted my role in this group, and the Mother of all Drow agreed that the yathrin could trust me, for the time being. I signed up for this ... enterprise and am intent to follow it through. Whether you like it or me is up to you." The female keeps her voice low and speaks non-threatingly, hands steady. "And, by the way, we can share our thoughts on religion and faith in that cavern we spoke of, can't we?"
-
"The Mother of all Drow would be pleased, I guess. I'll tell her if I meet her some day." Sheiriya says to Malifice. "I'm Sheiriya."
-
Malifice looks Talice over as Keth speaks. As Talice responds she glances at Keth. "This Shadowlord sounds like the accursed son of Lolth to me. And yet, the only answer to this you offer, or to any question is to say it is destiny." She looks Talice over again, eyes flat with disdain, before returning her attention to Keth. "You are the senior Yathrin here, so as long as you are in the Dark Mother's favor, I will do as you command...save for tolerate blashphemy. So, for everyone's sake, it would be best if your heretics spoke little of their heresy lest they say something offensive to the Spider Queen."
-
"Malla Malifice," the last male speaks, "Forgive my confusion, but did not the guide present her allegiance in response to you demanding it of her, and not unquestioned?"
"I am confident that someone of your status and power recognizes how taking advantage of the most readily available tools, when necessary, is only practical," he quickly continues, bowing slightly, "Certainly then, learning of a half-blood not sharing our faith was no more unexpected than it would have been of a duergar."
-
"As to this Shadowlord that has you concerned, he is a rivvil god, so he is but a pale shadow compared to the Darkness that is the Quarvalsharess." says Keth
-
Malifice takes a long, slow, deep breath as the male and Keth speak. Sparing Talice and Nata'al a last glance, she pulls up the hood of her piwafi and wraps its dark material around her. She checks her hand-crossbow and then touches her holy symbol, uttering a silent prayer. Then she waits until the others continue the journey. She does not scout, but tries to stay close to Keth.
-
Soon after Talice takes up point position and leads the group on towards Maerimydra. While the tunnels are much easier to traverse right now, the scout continues her rather careful and slow approach to the city. After an hour or so, she leads you into one of the side tunnels, one that angles steeply upwards on a narrow path. After some 200 feet, a small and narrow cavern appears, sporting many stalagmites and stalagtites as well as about half a dozen little ponds of clear water. Talice waits till the last of the group passes through, then places a number of thunderstones along the path.
-
After preparing her place for resting, Nata'al walks over to Keth and settles down near the yathrin, waiting for some enlightenment on the actual mission in Maerimydra.
Talice stays close to the entrance and talks to Jhalashar and Geirildin, who prepare first watch with her.
Nothing interrupts this nights rest.
-
Sheiriya makes herself comfortable and prepares for the rest. When possible she listens to whatever information Keth's shares about her mission.
-
Malifice takes a position near to Keth and listens if the priestess speaks. While she listens, she performs her personal hygeine routine and watches the others from the corner of her eyes. She will reverie when it is her turn and stand watch when it is her turn. If the priestess does not order a watch, Malifice will.
-
Keth will sit with her back to the rest of the party with Malifice and Nata'al in front of her.
Billowing her cloak out to make as much of a screen as possible, Keth will begin to sign with her hands directly in front of her with her hands as close to her abdomen as possible.
-
Nata'al keeps a look at the rest of the group while she "listens" to Keth's signs. Before the three split up again, the drow speaks in a low voice: "How about the other items? I think we should split them amongst the group and make use of them. There is no need to spare them for later if there is no later?!"
After the party has rested, Talice recollects her thunderstones and before leading you out into the open signals to all: "Make sure your waterskins are filled. The next resting place has no water and I would not be surprised if the wells and lakes near the city are polluted, if not worse."
-
The scout leads you onto the main path again and then "down" to the South, to Maerimydra. The route is easily to follow, hundreds of years of ogre and pack lizard passing made it a decent trail to walk upon. Nonetheless, Talice isn't walking that fast and takes her time to check any dangerous looking passage, sidetunnel or cavern. As you reach your next resting place, a sidetunnel and cavern much like the one of the "night" before, you can occassionally smell the stink of burned flesh, smoke, and the like in the air, coming from the direction of the city. Once you have settled into your camp, Talice signals: "By tomorrow afternoon, we'll reach the outskirts of the city!"
-
Will we need to go through that city? I hope I'll get that stench out of my clothes afterwards. - Or lies our destination within that city?
Sheiriya asks when settling down for the rest.
-
Talice shrugs her shoulders and looks at the yathrin.
-
"We will most likely need to go through the city, unless their city has a side entrance to the Main Temple. Unless Talice, has been within the city much, Malifice will be our best guide for that part." says Keth
"Malifice, tell us what you can of your city, especially the route to the Main Temple." continues Keth.
-
"Are we expecting opposition to enter a temple of our goddess?" Zouhlnor asks.
-
"I would expect some, after all we do tend to not share any form of power with others. I have heard of some Houses or even Cities that will not allow an outsider no matter how blessed by the Goddess to enter their Temples." says Keth
-
The scout shakes her head. "I have not been near the temple, outsiders were only allowed to enter the city's trade places. The city has been very restrictive of late ..."
-
"Looks like it has not been restrictive enough."
-
"And perhaps it never shall be again." Malifice sighs. "The main temple is on a plateau on the west side of the main vault. The plateau is the home of most of Maerimydra's noble houses. The route I know, the route I suggest, will take us to the west side of the north wall of the vault near a small lake and quite close to the plateau. There is, however, no way I know to get to the temple without crossing at least some part of the city. The temple is a vaguely spider shaped building that sits on near the edge of the plateau. It was once well guarded and defended...but I am afraid that time has passed. The usurpers' fire giant army was laying waste to the temple when our patrol left."
-
"Sounds like we should go for a fast and stealthy approach, and hope anything that we run into will be quickly and silently dispatched" says Keth.
-
When the last rest before Maerimydra ends, Talice asks everyone to check the equipment, get everything ready, just like when you would go to war. Nata'al nods in agreement and at least Narzen knows that she would have done much the same like the scout. So once all metal has been secured, blade honed and bolt poisoned, Talice gets all back to the trade route and southwards to the Maerimydra.
The nearer you venture, the more smoke- and mistfilled the tunnel becomes. From time to time an echo of a far distant cry or shout reaches your ears, but no-one can be spotted. About two miles north of the city, a few caverns and side-tunnels appear, leading to or are fungi farms or rothé kennels. The odd animal can still be spotted, apparently oblivious to the chaos in the south. Once in a while you step over a corpse, sometimes drow, sometimes ogre, sometimes hobgoblin or bugbear. Everyone of those is thoroughly looted. The trade route suddenly veers to the left (East), while a number of smaller tunnels go onwards, straight to the south. On Mal's nod, Talice follows these tunnels, which will lead you to a hopefully less protected entrance to the city. The tunnel you follow is pretty narrow, even hobgoblins and bugbears would have no chance of squeazing through here. A few small caverns open themselve out, some again filled with fungi. One contains more though ...
Talice gives a short warning signal. Then, as good as any good assassin, she almost vanishes from sight and into the shadows. Long moments pass you by before the scout returns. A few quick signs inform you about the next cavern: "There are about a dozen and a half drow in the next cavern. Refugees, by the looks of it. Common folks, badly armed, wounded, with children and all." She looks at Kethryllia and waits.
-
If they have settled in that cavern, it must be a fairly safe, easily defended location, Narzen signals.
They are unlikely to be simply trapped there, or we would have encountered resistance on the way.
-
Talice adds: "By the looks of it, they have just come up from the city and trying to sort each other out. Only a handful of them look to be seasoned fighters and the like. Some male is organizing it all. MAybe you look for yourself?" She offers to show the others the way.
-
Sheiriya waits for the leader to decide.
According to Talice's description they don't seem to be dangerous. So why not take a look? Maybe they have some news.
-
"Let's be prepared for possible trouble, and see what news we can obtain from them. Just because they seem harmless, they could be desperate, and desperation can make even the most harmless thing dangerous." says Keth "And maybe Malifice will know some of them."
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Desperation may also force prideful people to seek allies where they normally would not, malla yathrin, Narzen replies silently.
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If we don't want to startle them it would be best not to approach with weapons drawn. Keep them ready for quick drawing of course in case the group decides to attack.
Iira has a thoughtful look on his face for a moment. He takes and holds his spiked chain. He mumbles to himself, "Yes this shall do nicely. Don't want quick deaths." As he finishes saying that a soft chime can be "heard" ring once by those near him. (If you don't wanna hear it, your character just isn't standing close enough. No biggie.) Iira then places his chain back upon his belt, looped and ready for drawing.
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"Quite true Narzen." says Keth
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Malifice holds her loaded hand-crossbow low, against her leg. She looks to Keth. "Your orders, Yathrin?"
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"Let's meet with them, they might have information for us, and we could perhaps render aid if they are faithful to the Goddess..." says Keth
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As you move on through the narrow tunnel you can soon hear the sound of some people. They apparently try to be silent but lack the training for that. Talice guides you to a position from where at least the first two can have a look at the scene in the cavern without themself being seen directly.
Like the scout told you there are nearly twenty drow of all age categories. Some take care of their wounds, others just sit and lean against the wall or look through the few personal belongings they were able to carry with them hoping to find something useful. A handfull drow sit in a corner of the cavern and talk in a whisper about possible routes to wherever they should go.
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Keth will walk into the cavern, standing at the entrance for a moment getting a good look at everyone and everything before heading towards the male that seems to be leading the refugees.
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A restrained cry from one of the refugies alarms the rest as Kethryllia walks into the cavern. The man, who seems to be something like the leader, turns around beginning to cast a spell, but stops when he sees that the supposed opponent is a drow women who does not act hostile.
Keth can now see that her vis-Ã -vis' skin is not the obsidian black of a typical drow, but more a dark grey - a half-drow.
Not sure what to expect from the unknown woman, he waites.
(He has short white hair and blue eyes which look through a sort of glasses. His clothes are sturdy and practical and his piwafwi looks more robust than a typical one. A morningstar hangs at his side.)
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After some arcane gestures Sheiriya follows Keth into the cavern, holding no weapons in her hands but the others know that, as long as she wears her glove, her longsword is allways in reach. She stays near the entrance and observes the scene.
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Talice joins Keth in the cavern, arrow on the bowstring, though holding the weapon casually too. Nata'al remains at the back of the group in the previous cavern, giving you cover. Geirildin and Jhalashar stay behind too, ready to charge and surprise the drow, should they act hostile.
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Zhadristan stays near Iira and Zouhlnor, his sabre in its sheath.
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"I am Kethryllia Nightfirestar, Yathrin of the Quarvalsharess" says Keth as her gaze sweeps the refugees, "Who are you and how fares things in the city?" asks Keth.
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The half-drow looks over the other newcommers but then concentrates on Kethryllia again.
"I'm Rou'sun Sharas. The city, Yathrin, is more chaotic than normal at the moment and not a good place for being drow or the like. Think about giants, ogres, goblinoids and drow fighting, the drow of course fighting among themselves, too. And that crowned by strange undead. These here,"
he makes a gesture to the other refugees
"were joining me, when I made my way out because something thought crushing my home to rubble, would be great fun."
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Turning half around, Talice signals to Malifice: "You know him?"
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"Xas, I know him. He is a capable mage for a half-breed, even if he talks too much too quickly to people he does not know." Malifice steps forward and pulls back her hood to reveal her face to Rou'sun.
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"How recently did you flee the city?" asks Keth, "And what was the condition of the main structions, such as the Temple? When you left."
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When Malifice discloses her identity Rou'sun (and a few of the other refugees) seems to recognize her, judging the expression that flashes over his face. Nonetheless he answeres Keth's questions first.
"I fled not that long ago, maybe a few hours. I've lost track of the time a bit. The Temple, to answere your question about that, was mostly destroyed and it's portable interior decoration spread through the city, changing hands. On the contrary the castle was still standing.
That brings me to questions of my own. What do you want here?"
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"That is between me and the Goddess," says Keth bringing her scourge out hissing at the male.
"So the Temple has been looted? That will make things more interesting, but shouldn't matter at all," says Keth more to herself than to anyone else.
"I can provide healing to those that are faithful to the Goddess, however any that are not faithful and request healing will be slain on the spot." says Keth.
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"I truely don't want to question anything between you and the Goddess." Rou'sun replies, eyeing the snake heads.
"I hope you allow me the question whether you still want to go into the city or not."
When Keth offers healing some drow look up hopefully but it takes a while before the most courageous women steps forward obsequious. Something sharp had drawn blood at her right forearm.
-
While Keth is doing the "healing" Nata'al enters the cavern too and is briefed by Talice. She takes the scene in and studies the refugees. After a while, she adresses Keth in that strange tongue again.
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In the meantime, Zhadristan signs to his male companions. I hope it is not just wishful thinking, but if the temple is already looted we might be lucky and find it deserted.
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Sheiriya just stands where she is and listens to the conversation(s).
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Malifice moves cautiously amongst the drow in the cavern, looking at faces, hands and equipment for any sign of anything out of place, all the while keeping an eye out on the cavern's exits and shadowy places.
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Narzen replies to Zhadristan, I imagine there to be hidden retreats within the temple that may yet be untouched, and guarded by survivors or traps. Either way, I would be interested in soon learning what or whom malla yathrin is looking for in the first place.
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Keth appears to nod in agreement to whatever it was that Nata'al said,
"I'll leave the preparations up to you," says Keth as she pulls out a thin black wand covered in a silver spider-web pattern.
"Those that wish to prove their loyalty to the Goddess, may step forward for her blessing," says Keth holding the wand in her left hand, while brandishing the scourge in right, "those that draw her displeasure will be slain on the spot."
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A few females and males step forward and bow before the yathrin. The spells takee normal effect. Those who remain behind bow to Keth as well, but their injuries - if any - do not demand immediate attention.
Nata'al takes another look at the refugees, measuring their potential abilities and condition. She snaps her fingers to gain attention.
"The mission we are on in Maerimydra will not last that long. Ye (looking at the refugees) have been lucky, as not only were ye able to survive the test the Dark Mother set before ye in yer city, but that she has led us here. We will guard ye ... once we have finished our business with Maerimydra. Yet, ye will remain here until we return ... as we cannot let ye draw the attention of those who attacked yer city upon us. This will be our way out of Maerimydra, so I need (turning to the group) a few who guard this exit to Har'oloth for us ... and protect the refugees too. Anyone?"
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"Malla valsharess, I am no guard, but I would like to accompany you and your band on your......quest, whatever it may be," a thickly accented voice says from amidst the refugees as a cloaked and hooded drow male steps forward, his swift and utterly silent footfalls denoting a seemingly supernatural grace like that of a majestic hunting cat.
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Nata'al shares a short look with Keth before inquiring. "And who might ye be then?"
Talice, not exactly interested in the debate, moves towards the exit to Maerimydra.
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Zhadristan replies to Narzen, I think we will not find out until she has it. Magical means to understand that tongue could be helpful..
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Indeed, Narzen replies with a dry smile to Zhadristan's comment, and slowly rubs his fingers together before he continues, Albeit it would require me to touch at least one of the females as they spoke, to make use of such a spell.
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Sheiriya looks at the foreign drow male, listening to every word.
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Rou'sun is curious about what the foreign drow will decide about the hooded drow's offering.
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Waiting for the answer, Nata'al utters a few more sentences to Keth. Jhalashar moves closer to Geirildin and whispers something into the males ear.
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Keth nods at Nata'al.
"You might be of use to me, but identify yourself first," says Keth to the hooded one.
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Malifice walks up behind the hooded male, stopping a pace or so short. She watches him carefully, keeping an eye and ear out for Keth's commands as she does so.
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How useful, Zhadristan shrugs. Then we shall find out when she has it.
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Nata'al looks to Sheiriya, then Keth and back to the beautiful female. Slowly she nods.
In the meantime, Talice readies her equipment, makes sure that the arrows of her qiver come out easily enough and that any weapon is accessible.
Geirildin takes a step forward and says in a low voice: "While I would like to see the city too, the escape route is indeed of tactical importance. I hope the my skill at arms and Jhalashar's spellcasting will be enough to thwart any attempts to circumvent our group." He bows his head at Keth and waits for a response.
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"That is good," says Keth to Geirildin, still waiting for a response from the hooded male, the serpents of her scourge hissing in agitation at him.
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Instantly, Geirildin and Jhalashar take a measure of the cavern, the two exits and those whom they have to guard. After a while, the male moves over to Talice and ask her for some assistance in form of her thunderstones. The bald headed female hands him a quarter dozen or so.
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Waiting for a respond from the leader and maybe some more information, Sheiriya looks at Keth.
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"As to where we will go after this, that will be determined by the results of the foray into the city. We will either be heading back to the Northdark or to a different location." says Keth to Sheiriya.
"Rou'sun, are you interested in going back into the city with us? Another mage could be of use." says Keth to Rou'sun.
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Surprised by the question Rou'sun nods. "Yes, I'd like to do so. When do you want to move on?"
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"I am Draezen Drezz'Lynur of the drow city of Drezz'Lynur in the Segmented City known as Undrek'Thoz. As for why I am here is simple. It is for nothing other than to please our beloved Lady of of Chaos, the Queen of Spiders. An elamshin great priestess."
He pauses momentarily, pursing his lips in thought. "If you wish a demonstration of my skills. I'd be more than happy to show you what I'm capable of."
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Will switch the discussion to the Conversations thread from here on ... while we go on with the plot.
After the conversation has finished, Talice takes up point position again, waving to Malifice and Draezen to stay close to her. Nata'al readies her equipment too and assume her rearguard role once more.
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After about half an hours walk through more small caverns and narrow tunnels, you enter a larger cave which smells heavily of smoke and burned flesh. The fungi here have been largely destroyed, either by claw, axe, or fire. The place is some 100 feet wide and 30 feet high, the opposite wall sports a number of holes large enough for an ogre to walk through. The sounds of battle can be heard in the distance. All three Maerimydraen exiles will tell you that the city lies just beyond these tunnels, some 300 feet away.
As you warily pass through the cavern, sounds of approaching footsteps wave towards you. An instant later, a female drow leaves one of the tunnels (now about 50 feet away), running up the path and oblivious to you. She clutches her right arm, who is badly mangled ... most likely by thetroll-like creature some 5 paces behind her. From the way these two move, you can easily discern that the drow will be caught in two or three heartbeats.
Neither of the two has seen you.
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Keth signs We should eliminate this creature to ensure our way out is unhindered.
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Draezen throws back his cloak's folds and explodes into motion. Within two blinks of a drow eye Draezen intersects himself between the fleeing drow female the troll-like creature and goes into a whirlwind of movement that appears as a blur to the untrained eye. From the whirlwind lightning fast fists and feet flash at the troll in a chaotic dance that seems erratic and confusing.
The only image that seems clear is the bright white smile that can be clearly seen from beneath the dark confines of his piwafwi's hood.
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With noticeably less fervor than Draezen, Zhadristan draws his sabre and activates its magic while he moves out to circle the troll.
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"As you wish." Rou'sun says and casts a spell. The gesture he uses are quite unusual and you cannot tell what spell it will be.
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Keth will ready her shield and scourge, slowly advancing towards the troll.
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Narzen loads and charges up a bolt for his crossbow.
"What of the woman, malla jabbress?" he asks, while taking aim at the troll.
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"Save her if we can, she should have information, otherwise let the Goddess decide her fate." says Keth
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Keeping herself between the strangers and Keth, Malifice moves to intercept the fleeing woman and ensure she does not run past them.
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Within the blink of an eye, Talice lets an arrow fly at the troll and her aim is true enough. Half an instant later, a second arrow plants itself into the beasts chest, this time coming from Nata'al. Narzen and Zhadristan moving closer to the enemy, the former sends a crackling bolt into the troll's left thigh. Zhadristan, on the other hand, goes straight for the monster, but his first attack does not penetrate the troll's hide. Iira and Zouhlnor take up a position just ahead of Malifice, to make sure that the charging troll meets more resistance. Iira loads some sort of energy into his chain, while his brother simply waits, axe in hand. The troll, somewhat baffled by the sudden appearance of fresh meat, still has its senses together and lashes at the fleeing drow. The female's cry is stopped as the heavy blow pushes all the air out of her lungs. She skids to a halt right before the feet of the brothers, unmoving. Zhadristan take the opportunity and strike at the beast again, but fails to cut into its hide deep enough to wound it. With incredible speed and agility, Draezen appears right in front of the troll, who looks somewhat irritated and growl angrily. Just as the drow lashes out with a lightning fast fist, a bolt consisting of shadowy, darkish red flames strikes strikes the troll's chest. The monster stumbles a few feet back, out of reach of Draezen's reach. It lashes at the flames, then glowers at the drow. Zhadristan appears behind its back.
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Without pausing Rou'sun casts a second spell.
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Malifice moves quickly to the fallen female and tries to drag her away from the troll.
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Keth will move her scourge to her shield hand, drawing her wand to heal the fallen female.
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Zhadristan continues his melee attacks against the troll.
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While Kethryllia heals the worst wounds of the fallen female, the male warriors swarm about the troll and flank it on all sides. Zhadristan stabs it in the back and the sudden jerk of the wounded beast takes it out of the way of Draezen's first blow. Just an instant later, the drow hits the troll with a vicious blow, causing it to grunt in pain. Iira lashes at the beast with his chain, creating a fine red line across its chest, while his brother scores a nasty cut with his axe. Moving a bit erratically, the troll inadvertently escapes Narzen's crackling bolt. Another couple of arrows struck the troll's shoulders, as the two female archers have to shoot over their comrades' heads. Lashing about wildly, the beast succeeds in hitting Zouhlnor (21 HPs) and Zhadristan (19 HPs), while it misses Draezen by some distance. Another ball of purple black flames speeds towards the monster, vanishes into the still gaping maw and explode inside the troll's head in a blast of fire, blood and gore. The headless corpse remains on its feet for a few moments before it falls over and lies still. A cheeky grin appears on Rou'sun's face ... but fades as three bugbears storm into the cave, shields and swords up. Oblivious to the slain troll, they charge up to the nearest drow, Zhadristan, Zouhlnor, and Iira.
"Welcome to Maerimydra!" Nata'al grumbles while reaching for another arrow.
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"I told you." Rou'sun says, casting another spell.
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With an unmistakable grin Zhoulnor turns his head to his brother, "Look brother," he indicates with a nod toward the bugbears, "fodder."
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After checking to see if the female won't expire from her wounds, Keth will put her wand away and ready her scourge, standing guard over the female.
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Hardly surprised and not wasting a moment of time, Draezen nimbly leaps over the troll's decapitated corpse flies towards the nearest bugbear like a black arrow fired from the bow of a master archer.
Towards the end of his split second rush he cartwheels high into the air closing the gap between him and the bugbear and attempts to plant a solid two-footed jump kick square in it's throat.
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Zhadristan sighs and begins to cast a spell to make sure he won't miss his next attack.
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Zhadristan turns around, moves a few step backwards and casts a quick spell. The first of the bugbears, who all are well-muscled, fiercely grinning and decorated with grizzly trophies of previous victims, charges up to Zouhlnor, but misses with his swing has he notes Draezen coming his way. The drow's two-footed attack hits him hard, but despite the ferocity of the strike, the bugbear stands his ground. Distracted by the sudden appearance of Draezen close to it, the second bugbear's aim lets him down as it attacks Zhadristan. Narzen's bolt glances off a shield and vanishes into the darkness above, while the arrows from Talice and Nata'al hammer against the walls behind the battle. Rou'sun's spell ends in a crackling explosion of silvery-white arches of electricity, centred on the bugbears but evading all drow. The effect is less spectacular than the one of the spell before, but all attackers are hit. They growl in anger and almost at once they all seem to grow by an inch or two, their eyes gleaming with bloodlust. First victim of their ire becomes Iira, as the bugbear charging him cleaves him hard (11 HPs). Both brother's attacks go astray, while the female drow at Keth and Malifice's feet slowly recovers her wits.
Nata'al drops her bow and draws pick and short sword while making her way up to the bugbears.
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Seeing that the spell worked like it should but with the bugbears still on their feet again tries to form the weave to his wishing.
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Malifice crouches slightly and takes two shots with her hand crossbow at one of the bugbears.
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Keth will watch the males handle the bugbears with assistance from Malifice and Nata'al.
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Glancing around him briefly for any sign of more foes, Narzen loads yet another bolt and continues his attempt to get one past the bugbears' defenses.
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After finishing his spell, Zhadristan sidesteps to get out of the way of further arrows or spells and strikes at the attacking bugbear.
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Zouhlnor lets his bloodlust get the best of him, with a roar at the nearest bugbear his muscles explode with newfound strength. He arcs his axe forward.
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You can hardly follow the arcane gestures of Rou'sun, but the effect of his spell becomes apparent when one of the bugbears yelps in surprise. Eyes wide open, it looks about stabbing into thin air and cries "Bewitched, bewitched!" His rather erratic movements take it out of the path of Narzen's bolt. Near the blinded creature, Draezen becomes a vortex of fists and kicks, battering the bugbear in front of him into the wall. Head and chest become a mixture of blood, gore, and bone. Zhadristan's enhanced attack cleanly skewers the third bugbear, which grunts in pain but still manages to sidestep Nata'al's strike. In return, it hacks at her right thigh and draws a neat bloody cut on it. Talice's arrow finds the side of the bugbear fighting Iira, as does one of Malifice's tiny bolts. The chain-swinger himself scores a vicious hit himself, almost bringing the bugbear to its knees. Zouhlnor - bereft of his initial target - steps towards his brother and cleanly beheads the blinded bugbear.
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Seeing the fight going well, Malifice ceases firing. She draws her shortsword and dagger waiting to intercept any enemy that might break through before it can reach Keth or the downed female.
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Draezen begins to laugh wildly and licks the splattered blood off of his lips as his fists cave in the bugbear's chest. He ends his furious combo with a stomp-kick to the bugbear's kneecap in an attempt to bring it to the ground.
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As it looks like that the others will deal with the remaining bugbear easy enough, Rou'un walks over to the troll-like thing to look if it is likely to get up again as a "normal" troll would probably do.
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Keth continues to watch, keeping an eye out for any other foes.
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" 'bout time to die!" Nata'al snarls at the bugbear in front of her. Talice lowers her bow and moves around the fighters to check the tunnel the bugbears came from.
The troll does not move nor regenerates anything, the magic Rou'sun used killed it straight away.
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The remaining bugbear finds himself surrounded by four drow, lashes out at Nata'al again, but it dies half an instant later, as Zhadristan's sabre, Nata'al's pick and another crunching blow of Zouhlnor's axe sends it into the next world.
"Anything more," Nata'al hisses towards Talice, as the female checks the tunnel leading to the city. "All clear!" signals the bald headed scout in reply.
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Keth signs Find us a defendable location nearby if one exists so we can question her.
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Zhadristan will follow, ignoring his wound for the moment.
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Talice takes another look at the city, then replies: "We could simply move half a mile back and use on the small fungi caves?! Should be safe enough. I can go on and keep guard here, maybe with the brothers? Will look after their wounds in the meantime."
Nata'al produces a small metal wand and moves over to Zhadristan. She says a few arcane words activating the wand twice. The spells close much of his wound (5 HP DAM remain). She uses the wand once on her wound too, which closes immediately.
The female drow slowly climbs to her feat, visibly shaken by the pursuit of the troll and the prospect of certain death. As she recognizes the females around her, she bows her head and sinks to one knee again. "Arivae G'yndavin, captain of the Eastern Gate defences. Accept my thanks for saving me from the fangs of that beast!"
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If not comanded otherwise Rou'sun will be part of the group questioning Arivae.
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Keth looks to Malifice "Do you know of this one?" then to Arivae "Captain of the Eastern Gates? Interesting to find a Captain running around in her own destroyed city fleeing for her life with no troops. What destroyed your command?"
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Zhadristan nods his thanks to Nata'al. He observes the cave while he listens to Keth's questioning.
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"We held our Gate as long as we could, but the giants and demons were too strong. I took those of the guards who survived and we fought ever since. When we saw House Chûmavh being taken, we went to the Southern Gates. We tried to raise an organized resistance, but undead of many sorts were starting to show up and in the end we were chased through the whole city, either by undead or giants and their goblinoid rubble. Of the three dozen that started of from the Southern Gate, I am the only survivor. You will find most of the others near the exit of the city, where the trolls and bugbear caught up with us."
Both Malifice and Rou'sun know her as one of the captains at the Gate she mentioned.
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In a way that Keth cannot see it Rou'sun asks Zhadristan Can you tell me what Malla Kethryllia is looking for in the city?
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Talice moves forward and vanishes around the corner of the next tunnel, only to reappear a few moments afterwards. She signals "All clear!" and then takes a closer look at Zouhlnor's and Iira's wounds. "Watch the tunnel, will you?!" she signals to the males. The bald headed female draws a small wand apperently made of darkness itself and intones a single arcane word while she touches Iira's wound once, Zouhlnor's twice.
Iira - 1 HP DAM remain
Zouhlnor - 4
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No, they conferred in a language none of us males understood. It is in the temple, but the city is foreign to us, we cannot even guess. Can you? Zhadristan covertly answers Rou'sun.
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No I can't. Even though I live or maybe better to say, lived, in this city the inside of the temple is foreign to me, too. Rou'sun answeres.
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Now what shall we do with you, signs Keth about Arivae, while looking at Malifice, Nata'al, and Rou'sun for their input.
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Surprised that it looks like that his oppinion is asked for, Rou'sun replies to Keth.
For all I know she was indeed one of the captains and her report can be true. Maybe she wants to join the refugees.
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"There are more refugees," the drow asks, looking up to Keth. "We saw a few drow fleeing through the streets here and there, but most were either slaughtered or joined in with the newcomers."
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Malifice moves around behind the female, watching her, and signs to Keth. Yes, I know her. She is a captain from a lesser house. An ... adequate warrior I suppose.
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Draezen smirks as he crosses his arms over his chest, choosing to remain silent and follow the rest of the party's lead.
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Nata'al says something to Kethryllia in that old tongue again, waiting for a response.
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Keth nods at Nata'al, "That's a good ideal, Nata'al. We will send Arivae, back to the others."
"Well done everyone, especially you two." says Keth nodding towards Draezen and Rou'sun.
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Nata'al looks around and then moves over to a flat stone. She settles down near it, gets a piece of parchment out and writes a few lines. Afterwards, the female folds the parchment and speaks some words in an arcane sounding tongue over it. She casts a short spell upon the parchemnt and nods slightly. While handing it to Arivae, Nata'al says: "This is a message to a female named Sheiriya. You will meet her, a couple of warriors and more refugees when you follow that tunnel. Hand it over to her and do not read or open it, as it is enspelled now!"
Arivae takes the scroll and handles it as if it was cursed. "As you wish, mistress!" She bows again and waits for her dismissal by Kethryllia.
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Rou'sun bows slightly to Keth, in return.
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Keth looks at Arivae, saying "Unless you can tell us anything regarding the way between here and the main temple or the city in general, you are dismissed."
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The drow gets up, still looking a bit shaky. "We were ambushed by a group of trolls and hobgoblins. They are running through the city, pillaging and slaughtering anything that come into view, even our fromer slaves. The fungi farms which lie just to the south of here are relatively quiet though. Maybe they want to keep the fungi as food reservoire rather than burning it all down. There are not that many undead around either. I have seen what looks like ghostly warriors appearing out of no-where here and there, but they do not attack anyone. Spies maybe? ... There are more of the city guard alive at the southern gates, at least when I left them. They were debating whether to leave the city or to fight till death, as some wanted to regain the favor of Lolth." She pauses a few moments, then continues: "The army of monsters and demons have taken the northern gate, which lies to the east of this exit (pointing towards the tunnel she came from), east of the fungi farms. I would suggest not going anywhere near this. There is a lot of smoke, fog and fire within Maerimydra, so if you keep your head down, you may escape their attention. Be wary of the undead though. They smell living flesh much easier than trolls do."
Unless asked anything more, the drow scampers off to the north.
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Talice and Nata'al take in the view of the city and scan the immediate vicinity for any dangers. "One wonders what has happened to this place. It must have lost the favour of the Dark Mother long ago ...," Nata'al's voice can be heard. Towards Keth she says: "We may either hurry along the lake or try to clime the walls. The giants may spot us though, given the bright surface of the stone?!"
Check the description thread for details and map.
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When the group crosses the cavern, in which last fight took place, Rou'sun stops for a moment, looking at the beheaded bugbear. "That reminds me." He mutters and casts a spell.
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Does anyone have the ability to make all of us Invisible? signs Keth, otherwise the long way would be the most prudent.
As to what caused them to shattered to the earth in great disfavor, I do know this city had pursued a kingdom on the surface after the Goddess told them to stop...
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I could do so, the mage signes to Keth but it would last for a few minutes, only.
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A few minutes should be enough time, next concern would be if everyone can make the climb signs Keth
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That's possible, too, although I would prefer flying because it's faster. I'll just need some time for the casting. But if you just want to get up there, he points to the plateau on their right I could teleport us.
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Malifice watched with growing anger as the priestess Keth signed. As to what caused them to shattered to the earth in great disfavor, I do know this city had pursued a kingdom on the surface after the Goddess told them to stop...
While the others looked about, Malifice signs to Keth as privately as she can. I will follow you and guard you priestess, but you would do well to withold such judgments of things you know little or nothing about. You've no less pride or arrogance than the dead of my city, you've just managed to live a little longer. Stay the same course as they did, the course you are on, and you will likely join them before long. Personally, I am hoping you are smarter than that - I would rather kill for the Goddess than die for Her. But it is your choice. Sit in arrogant judgment of my people and thus doom yourself to their fate; or set your ego aside and use your head, perhaps to avoid the doom so many others have suffered.
Having finished her silent rant, Malifice sheathes her right hand blade and readies her hand crossbow. She stays near to Keth, ready to guard the priestess from anything hostile.
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Rou'sun, teleporting us there would be quickest provided there is no protections against such magic. You and Malifice, would know of such if any here did signs Keth.
We are all but pawns in a great game, how well played we are, is but the whim of the player. If I must die for the Goddess, because of arrogance, then so be it. I know where the threads of fate will take me signs Keth at Malifice, "However you are in no position to chastise me" hisses Keth at Malifice as her scourge bares its fangs and hisses at Malifice.
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Narzen glances toward the unexpected sound, his hand reaching for a weapon. Noticing the scourge, however, he stops and merely remains at the ready quietly, seemingly waiting to see what the next move will be.
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Ignoring the two females, Talice turns around and retrieves a silken rope out of her bag. "If you can fly this to the top of the plateau and fasten it somewhere, those not that able to climb may use it." Turning to the both Nata'al and Keth, the scout continues: "I could summon a fair amount of fog to cover our climb. I'd doubt that the giants or anyone else will spot the difference." She scans the rim of the plateau. "T'would be good to know what is up there. Don't want to climb up there and stand face to face and back to cliff with anything nasty ..."
In the meantime, Nata'al moves closer to the wall and checks the surface. Turning around, she nods towards Talice: "A rope is needed here."
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I have to admit, that I don't know for sure if there are protections against teleporting on that plateau, because I never tried before signs Rou'sun.
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Malifice glances at Keth's brandished scourge with a disappointed frown. "In the great game, positions frequently change." She says softly. Turning to the others she signs: There are no wards against teleportation on the plateau itself, but some of the houses were warded obviously. She spares Keth a second look, shakes her head slightly and resumes her guard.
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Keth signs I shall let everyone decide, should we have Rou'sun teleport us up or climb up? It doesn't matter to me either way. However, if we climb, that does mean Rou'sun should have the teleport to get us out of the city faster.
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"So one should go up there and fasten the rope. I will cast my spell and cover the climbers!" Talice says, not wanting to stay in the open for too long. "Who's able to make that then," she inquires, offering the rope to anyone stepping forward.
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Zhadristan signs A quick way out might be vital, we should climb.
His expression suggests that he doesn't like the idea of eventually fighting the way out of the city at all.
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Just that you don't expect something not true: I could teleport us a short distance, only. Not even fifty meters when we are in a hurry remarks Rou'sun.
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If only that short of a distance, we might as well teleport up then signs Keth.
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Teleporting in the Underdark is never the best choice and should only be used in a desperate situation. As far as flying is concerned, did not the woman we just released warn of demons? Most demons I know of can fly and I fear that may gain unwanted attention.
Perhaps we should just sneak through the city and climb.
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Watching the giants walking about in the distance, Nata'al grows somewhat impatient. "I'll check on the plateau while ye go on disussing the plan." She demands one end of the rope from Talice and moves towards the wall. After fixing her piwafwi close to her body, covering shield and all, she casts a spell and waits till no giant is in sight. "I'll tell ye anything a see up there with sign!" A short look at Narzen tells him "Watch my back!", then she simply scales the nigh vertical surface of the wall as if she were a spider. About 20 seconds later, the female vanishes over the rim of the plateau.
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Noticing Nata'al's impatience, Keth decides further debate is pointless also.
Going towards the wall, Keth envelopes her form within her piwafwi, and starts to levitate upwards, using handholds along the wall to keep her close to it and to help guide her path.
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It seems we have reached a decision, Zhadristan signs and follows Keth in the same way.
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After a short while, Nata'al head appears and she signals: "All clear, rope fastened!"
After a short look about, Talice points to the others to move close to the rope, then casts a spell which instantly shrouds most of the area around you in grayish-white mists. She whispers: "I'll stay here for till the last one of us is up there!"
Rou'sun takes the opportunity and makes his way up the rope. Once he is on top of it, he gives the rope a short tug, making it apparent that the rope is free for the next climber.
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Narzen checks that all his gear is still fast in place, and takes the rope next.
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Those on top of the plateau, which lies "peacefully" before them, can, if they trun about, spot one of the giants grunting some commands, then setting his sights on the spot below the rope and coming towards you. Not much more can be seen so far. Given the distance, he will take some time ... but those below you have no clue what is going on. The mist Talice has summoned covers a cube of some 20 feet in height and width, with the scout right in its middle.
Don't berate your fellow group member (well, you can do that anyway), it rolled a 20 ...
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Malifice begins climbing the rope, unaware of the giant.
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It takes a while for the rest to climb up towards the plateau, Iira and Talice are still down there. The giant has a handful of lesser creatures, bugbears or hobgoblins, around him and it will take the creature some time to reach the spot where Talice still stands. By the looks of it, the giant will not be able to climb the wall either, so you might be safe for some time.
You stand on the northern edge of the plateau, a place littered with debris from the towers and strongholds of the noble houses. You spot at least a dozen different houses, some badly damage and ruined, others in a better state. Rotting corpses of drow, bugbears, giants, ogres and the like lie everywhere, the stench that waves towards you is burning in your noses. Two large compounds obstruct your view to the temple, which lies some 800 feet away and directly aside a grand staircase leading down to the city. It is not difficult to assume that the giant and its troops will use this satircase to gain access to the plateau, if they fail to climb the wall straight away.
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Malifice, cloaked and hooded, hovers near Keth, warily scanning about for danger and waiting for the priestess to act.
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Keth waits for Iira and Talice to climb up.
Who do those compounds belong to? signs Keth at Malifice as she looks around the area.
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(Check description thread for updates.)
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Malifice signs back, They are the ruins of noble houses. The temple you seek lies on the other side of those two. She points towards the ruins of House Mae'laeret and House Yrl'Lysaen.
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Keth turns to watch the approach of the giant and its minions.
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When Talice and Iira finally reach the plateau and retrieve the rope, the giant and his fellowship, some half a dozen bugbears and an ogre, have cut the distance between the gate and the plateau in half. You cannot see them entering the plateau, unless they have some magic help, so they will most likely move on towards the staircase.
Talice watches them and takes a look at the distant temple. "We might run to the temple and retrieve your items before the big one arrives, though I don't think that is a good approach. Who knows what lingers in these ruins, and the temple. I'd suggest to move into one of the ruins and get into a better position to fight the giant off ... or keep out of sight altogether. Unless we are in a hurry?"
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No we are not that much of a rush, find us a good place to try to fight the giant and the lesser creatures signs Keth.
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While the scout is suggesting this, Nata'al takes a measure of the distance and joins the debate. "We may, once they are nearer, take a few shots with oor bows. We'll surely be able to get some of the bugbears down. Could mean that the giant will call for re-inforcements, but it will also give us some more time. Maybe some of ye can cast a spell which slows them down too?"
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"Only spell that comes even close to that, that I have prepared is one that summons a swarm of the Goddess' children." says Keth
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"It will probably not help against the giant, but it might put a bugbear to sleep", Zhadristan says as he loads his crossbow with a poisoned dart.
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The floor of the plateau near the dead is littered with weapons, melee and missile alike. Most of which is of normal quality, but a handful of good javelins, spears, crossbows and even a couple of short bows lie around, partyl buried beneath the dead. By the looks of it, the victors of the battle looted only stuff better than their own.
Rou'sun mumbles something like casting a fiery spell in amongst them, if required.
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"Those that use missile weapons might want to resupply their ammo from the dead" says Keth as she looks for some bolts for the light crossbow.
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There are arrows and bolts in fair amounts for all, javelins as well. The brothers take a shortbow and a about a dozen arrows each, waiting for a command. You even find some doses of drow poison (9 in total) amongst the dead dark elves.
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Keth straps on a pair of bolt cases, filling one with 9 bolts, and the other filled with bolts from the dead. She places additional bolts into her backpack.
Keth also picks up 2 doses of poison, leaving the other 7 for the others to allocate among themselves. Dosing a bolt as she loads her crossbow.
"Let's get prepared to ambush them," says Keth after Talice and Nata'al find an appropriate spot to attack from, "Remember we must kill or capture all of them. None are allowed to escape."
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"Good," Nata'al says. She has a short discussion with Talice, then makes a gesture to draw the others near her. "We still do not know what awaits us in these ruins, so we have to be wary. I doubt the giant has a clue about our numbers, so best we make him believe we are less than he thinks. Hopefully, he will try and get to the plateau like we did, using a climber and a rope or two. We will let them all gather beneath the plateau and once their climber - if any - reaches the top, we kill him and rain the lot below with arrow and spells. If anyone has something to create a smokescreen or the like, feel free to utilize it. Our best archers should make sure that no-one gets away. Anyways, I would assume that it will take some time for them to get reinforcements." She cast a quick glance over the rim of the plateau. "If they decide to walk to the stairs, we'll let them do that and retreat to one of the compounds on the next plateau (i.e., at the western wall) and make a stand there. They are not that many, only the giant might be a problem." Talice nods and adds, "Don't pull out all the tricks just yet though. We do not know what awaits us at the temple and beyond!"
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Malifice keeps a wary eye on their surroundings while readying her handcrossbow and staying near to Keth.
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Rou'sun looks around, searching for any magic aura while they move on.
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Keth nods in agreement to the plan.
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Zhadristan picks up some bolts as well as two doses of poison.
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The scout looks towards the mage and asks: "Any chance you could obstruct the vision of the big one? Will buy us some time with the rest."
Nata'al nods and one can almost sense the rising battle-lust in her body. "This almost beats a bit o' guid ol' hochmagandy!" the slightly grinning female say. "Think its best we split intae three groups and each takes on ae single enemy, concentrating fire on the next if ane goes doon!" Moving away from the others a wee bit, she invites those with ranged weapons to follow her example. Zouhlnor gets near to Talice, while Iira joins up with Nata'al.
In the meantime, the giant and his troops have almost reached the plateau, but cannot see you.
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Narzen prowls the plateau for a while, then approaches Nata'al.
I presume you to take on the giant first, malla abbil, he signals, and draws a wand from its holster.
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Rou'sun turns to Talice and answeres: "There is a chance, but I won't promise that it works. - Just when do you want to have him blinded?"
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Keth will find a position that will try to place her with 50 feet or less of everyone else.
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The bald-headed female shares a look with Nata'al, then tells Rou'sun: "When we fire the first volley. Once he is blinded, the threat he poses will be limited. If you fail, we should spend the next volley on him and you blast whomever strikes your fancy."
Nata'al welcomes Narzen with a sly grin and nods in agreement to Talice's suggestion, while coating three of her arrows with poison. Then the threesome move off to the opposite site of Keth's direction, leaving Talice in the middle.
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While waiting, Keth will prepare her next bolt with the other dose of poison.
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Rou'sun finds himself a place for the battle and casts a spell to be prepared against the archers.
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Rou'sun's spellcasting shows no immediate effect, though he seems satisfied enough. A grappling hook comes up from below the plateau, clips the edge of the wall and falls back down again. Mumbles of discontent can be heard.
Nata'al signals to Talice's group: "Archers first! Does anyone see what the male is up to?" (Apparently she means Draezen, though you cannot see him)
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Zhadristan joins Talice and Zouhlnor at their position.
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Keth begins chanting a prayer to Lolth calling for a blessing upon the party.
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Draezen steathily makes his way to within 30 feet of the archers, drawing his own bow and notching an arrow as he does. He then find defensible position, hiding himself from sight, and carefully studies his nearest opponent anatomy looking for a soft spot to punch his arrow through for a one-shot killing strike.
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Another grappling hook comes flying and attaches itself to a crack in plateau's floor. Almost instantly, one of the bugbears makes its way upwards.
Nata'al signals to the others: "Wait until he is nearly up here before cutting the rope. We will attack then!"
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The Mage waits for his time to cast the spell.
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After praying to Lolth for a blessing, Keth will ready her crossbow.
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The climbing bugbear has almost reached the top when Talice takes aim and fires at the southern archer. Her aim is true enough and her arrow hits the bugbear's thigh. Kethryllia levels her crossbow at the same opponent and the impact sends the archer stumbling backwards, but he stays on his feet. Next to the priestess, Zhadristan sends an tiny bolt downwards, also hitting the same archer. The creature grunts once more, as much from the pain as for being surprised for being singled out by all attacks despite the giant right next to him. On the northern side of the giant, the second archer cries out as Nata'al's arrow pierces his armor. For a moment it seems that the poison overcomes the beast, but then it shakes its head and sends a vile stare upwards. Graceful and silent as a shadow, Draezen appears right next to this archer and delivers a punch near the beast's spin, making the archer gasp and turn about. Half an instant later, Iira's arrow plunges right into the bugbear's back. It glowers down at the drow before him in defiance of certain death., dropping the bow and reaching for bloody morningstar at his belt. Malifice look over the edge of the plateau and watches the effect of all previous attacks. Noting that one of the bugbears without bows turns around towards Draezen, she sends her crossbow bolt into the creature's back. The sudden hit draws a yelp from the enemy, which is quickly supplanted by a deep and angry growl. Next to Nata'al, Narzen takes aim with his little crossbow and expertly places the tiny bolt into the back of the skull of Draezen's opponent. Tiny little sparks make the bugbear's hair stand up and his eyes popping out. Without another sound, it goes down right next to the drow. Waiting till one ugly hand is about to grab for the plateau's rim, Zouhlnor cleanly cuts the rope and cocks his head to listen to the bugbears scream. Then he gets his bow and joins Talice's group. Rou'sun casts a spell and aims his hand at the giant. At first, nothing happens. But then tiny sparks begin to wink into and out of existence around the giants large skull. A large fist comes up and tries to wave the sparks away, accompanied by an annoyed sounding "Whatsthis?!". But instead of going away, the spark multiply and soon cover the full upper body of the behemot.
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Laughing at the fall of the bugbear, Zhadristan will aim his next bolt at the bugbear approaching Draezen.
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Smiling, because it looks like his last spell is working quite well, Rou'sun goes on working magic. Skilfully he manipulates the weave to hurt his enemies.
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Narzen puts away his crossbow and aims the wand in his other hand at the giant, speaking a word to release a ray of ill-colored energy.
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Keth reloads her crossbow with the 2nd poisoned bolt and will shoot at an uninjured bugbear.
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Draezen whirls on the nearest bugbear and launches a stunning open handed strike to the creature's chest followed by a series of lightning fast punches aimed for the creature's vital areas including it's kidneys.
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Zhadristan aims his bolt at the bugbear, but as the creature attempts to throw its spear, it turns ever so slightly and the drow's bolt goes narrowly wide. The second archer turns about to fire at Draezen, when Talice's arrow punches right through his head. The bugbear is dead before it touches the ground. Kethryllia watches the bugbear right below her to get out of the robe's embrace. Taking her aim carefully, she lets the tiny bolt disappear fully into the beast's chest. With a loud growl, the bugbear appears to increase somewhat in size and scampers off towards the stairs, leaving a trail of blood in its wake. Nata'al's arrow arch over the battlefield and hits the back of this particular enemy, almost bring it down. Out of instinct she drops behind the rim of the plateau and sure enough, a spear from below whistles through the air where her head had been moments before. Another spear is aimed at Rou'sun, but something right in front of him deflects the attack away. Somewhat annoyed, the drow levels his hands at the battlefield below and intones another spell. From his outstretched hand a ball of magical energy streaks towards the enemies, but dissolves into nothingness after about a dozen feet. Zouhlnor aims his arrow at the giant, but he misses the bulky creature by a few inches. On the ground, Draezen becomes a vortex of fists and feet again, punching the approaching bugbear like there are no more opponents on the field. He scores four hits, making the bugbear stumble back and yelping for help. A deep grumble follows, as Narzen's magical attack draws away a fair amount of strength out of the giant. It makes for a retreat, though does not find the right direction at first. Another arrow whistles passed him, striking the back of the berserking bugbear. But despite stumbling rather than running, the creature continues. Casting an annoyed look at the ogre, Malifice aims her crossbow at it, firing two bolts in quick succession. The missiles strike true and the monster shakes his head to beat the drow poison's effect away. Then it roars in defiance and throws his spear upwards. The weapon hammers into the wall below the platform. Then the ogre turns about and runs after the bugbear heading for the stairs.
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Not bothering about the failed spell, the mage tries another one. He aimes at a spot where he could affect the giant and may be any other enemy.
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Keth will reload and aim for the bugbear again.
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Zhadristan will continue to fire as well.
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Seeing the giant lose its will to fight, Narzen lets the wand in his hand fall, to quickly snatch the crossbow from his belt again and reload it. He then reaches for something in his pocket, and closing his eyes and clenching something in his fist he mutters a spell.
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"Draezen should not have all the fun alone, let us join him down there", Zhadristan suggests to Zouhlnor.
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Draezen continues to assault the bugbear until he is sure that not a single breath remains in it's hairy body.
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Talice levels her bow at the running bugbear and sends him to the ground. Near Kethryllia, Malifice takes carefully aim at the ogre and sends a couple of bolts into its back within seconds, neatly beside the previous ones. Down at the ground, the approaching bugbear viciously swings his morning star at Draezen, but the drow simply side-steps the strike. Iira aims an arrow at the stumbling giant, but it bounces off the creatures armor and spins away. Taking heart from the presence of his comrade, the second bugbear yells a battle cry, grows ever so slightly and his eyes gain a glim of bloodlust. Oblivious to his injuries, it strikes at Draezen again ... and almost breaks his weapon as he hammers it into the ground. The priestess scans the area for prey and finally levels her crossbow at the ogre. She will never score a more truer hit, right inbetween the shoulder blades of the hulking body. It is driven forward by the impact, stumbles a few more steps and goes down on top of the bugbear.
Rou'sun attempts another spell, but somehow the magic does not bend to his will and does not even leave his fingers. To his left, Narzen casts a spell on himself, with no obvious effect. Near the triumphant looking Talice, Zhadristan aims at the back of the already hurt bugbear near Draezen and places a bolt into his back. This particular creature is beyond any reason though and does not notice the punch it receives from the whirling drow monk either. The same promise of death now shines in the second bugbear's eyes too, not really dimmed by the impact of Nata'al's arrow into his back. A split second later, Zouhlnor sticks an arrow into the back of the other bugbear too. The stubborn creature just don't give up the fight though and try to take Draezen with them into oblivion ...
The giant, after gathering where most of the attacks come from, stumbles towards the east and the camp again. There in the distance, you see fire flaring up and battle begin, as some parties vying for power apparently attack one another.
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Zouhlnor regards the field of battle below and measures up Zhadristan's offer. "I doubt that I will make it down there before the giant is off and the buggers dead. And I don't like climbing up again either" He adds with a grin.
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Surprised that his second spell went awry, too, Rou'sun hesitates a moment, giving his forehead a massage. Then he tries an entire different kind of spell.
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Malifice reloads her crossbow and scans about the area in all directions, including up, for any further threats.
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Draezen attempts to stun the diehard bugbear and then focuses his remaining attakcs on the bugbear in goodhealth, the whole time his feet moving in a chaotic dance-like rhythm.
In the middle of his deadly dance Draezen notices something approaching from above and yells at the others. "There's some sort of humanoid hawk-like creature heading towards ya'll, and swiftly! Be wary!"
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Malifice looks for the creature Draezen is warning them about.
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"Your orders, malla jabbress?" Narzen quickly glances at Keth, "Engage the flyer, or focus on the landbound foes?"
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"Try to finish off those we have hurt already. Otherwise attack the demon." says Keth as she reloads the crossbow watches the demon draw nearer, seemingly to be chanting a spell.
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After shouting the alarm, Draezen hits the badly wounded bugbear and attempts to stun him out of the fight. As his fist drives the beast's nose right into its brain, the stunning becomes unnecessary. With a deft turn the drow then plants his boot in the side of the second bugbear, causing him to grunt in pain. The beast raises his morningstar and lashes out at Draezen, but is taken slightly off-balance by Talice's arrow, which firmly plants itself into his back. Nonetheless, the drow male sees the bugbear's weapon pass him bye only by a finger's width. On the plateau, Malifice turns to the vrock and places herself between the demon and Kethryllia, readying her swords. A few dozen feet from her, Nata'al intones a spell. A wave of energy rushes over her body and she takes a closer look at the approaching vrock. A bolt crackling with energy strikes the back of the remaining bugbear, closely followed by Iira's arrow. The latter neatly puncture's the beast's skull, making it drop at Draezen's feet instantly. The giant, still caught in that cloud moves steadily if slowly off to the camp, where the fighting continues. Rou'sun tries to stop the giants run, but somehow the magic fails his command again. A gasp comes over his lip, as the it backlashes into him ... though causing no obvious injuries. Kethryllia watches the vrock approaching, readies her crossbow and casts a spell. A blade of force springs into being thirty feet above her, waiting for the demon. While Zhadristan poisons a bolt and reloads his crossbow, he hears Talice saying something like "Poison is of no use against demons ...". Zouhlnor looks down at the fighting below, then towards the approaching demon. He drops the bow, gets his axe out and concentrates for half a second. A shimmering shield of force springs into being before him, then becomes invisible. "Demonflesh for axe it will be!" the drow says, slowly approaching the place where he expects the demon to land. The latter dives down and will reach you soon, claws and beak ready for a strike.
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Rou'sun wips away a small drop of blood coming out of his nose and than looks up to the vrock.
Again he tries a spell, not very optimistic to see any favourable effect.
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Keth approaches Malifice "present your most powerful edged weapon to me" as she starts chanting a spell.
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Without taking her eyes off the approaching creature, Malifice flips the sword in her right hand around and presents it to Keth.
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Keth touches the blade imbuing it with power.
"The blade will be a bane against fiends for a short while" says Keth after she finishes her spell.
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"The Vrock will be a most difficult foe to fight. All weapons except those of good, will have a hard time piercing its hide. Electricity and Poison are useless against it. It has protection against Fire and Cold, yet can still be affected by those elements. Spells have a chance of failure against it." says Keth as the Vrock draws near.
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With the battle below delayed, Draezen sprints up to the others, ready to join them in the battle against the vrock.
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Zhadristan discards his crossbow in favor of his sabre. Angrily he speaks the command to awake its magic.
Then he begins a spell that will aid him in the fight against the demon.
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While Kethryllia cast a spell at Malifice's blade, the approaching demon stops its descent, veering off some 8 feet above ground and heads - for the time being - towards the city itself. While doing so, the vrock emits a loud shriek which blasts into the ears of those nearby. The priestess and her guard remain unaffected, but Rou'sun and Zouhlnor feel as if someone has hit them with a barge pole. As soon as the vrock is within reach, Keth's magical weapon slashes at it and - much to the joy of the priestess - draws blood too.
In the meantime, Iira throws a rope down towards the approaching Draezen, who, after a short run, leaps upwards and almost making it half-way to the plateau. Iira starts to pull too. Nata'al leaves her bow at the spot and readies her shield and sabre while drawing nearer to where she expects the vrock will land. Narzen retrieves his wand while letting go of his hand-crossbow. He follows the Selvetarmite. On the other side, Zhadristan casts a spell - to no visible effect - and draws his own sabre. Then the male looks on as Talice discards her bow and casts a spell on herself, all the while making progress towards the leader. Finally, a blade of force appears in her hand.
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Keth will ready buckler and scourge for the Vrock's return.
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Malifice crouches into a fighting stance, keeping herself between the vrock and Keth. Her eyes narrow as she regards her opponent, and she begins cursing the beast under breath.
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Zhadristan moves towards Zouhlnor to defend him from the demon.
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Rou'sun tries to fight off the effect of the vrock's screech and complete his casting.
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Talice throws her force weapon, hits the approaching vrock, but there is no effect visible on the creature. The female hisses something and another blade appears in her hands. Narzen levels the wand at the vrock while closing in too, yet, much like Talice's blade, the jet-black bolt of magical energy that hits the demon deals no visible damage. Zhadristan gets himself inbetween the demon and Zouhlnor, while the latter tries to shake of the effects of that fiendish shriek. Draezen appears on the plateau next to Iira and charges into the fray. Iira levels a hand at the demon too, a nigh invisible bolt of force streaks towards the demon, but dissolves harmlessly upon hitting it. The vrock, given the attention of the others, snarls something while swooping down on the two females. Instantly 5 more vrocks appear, all charging at Malifice. Utterly focussed, the female dodges a wicked claw-swing. A whole load of attacks now rain in on the vrock. First, Rou'sun's spell shatters one vrock, then Kethryllia's magical weapon does likewise. The priestess aims a swipe with her scourge at a nearby vrock and grinds her teeth as the demons dissolves into nothingness. "Only" three demons remain and Malifice focuses her mind and begins slashing at the monsters methodically. Twice she draws blood, once her sword bounces of the hard skin without effect. Zouhlnor finally shakes of the dizziness, gets the vrock into his sights again and casts a power on his weapon while closing in a swell. Snarling something like a curse, Nata'al charges into the fray and lashes at the demon too, but though her aim was true, the weapon deals no damage either ...
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When the images appear and most spells fails to harm the demon, Rou'sun changes his tactic a bit. A grim expression on his face, he casts magic again.
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Coldly expressionless, Malifice concentrates on her demonic opponent, seeking to dodge its attacks. With a blade in each hand she dances with the beast and its images, slashing viciously at the creatures while trying to slip past their claws and beaks.
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Keth will strike out at the Vrock with the full fury of the scourge.
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Draezen draws his cold iron sai and jabs it in between the vrock's wings towards it's spine, following the attack with a flurry of others, all with the sai.
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Since the demon is being attacked and probably won't attack Zoulhnor, he will fight it as well.
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Draezen furiously attacks the winged demons, lashing out twice and causing two illusionary vrocks to disappear. Narzen looks on while Zhadristan brandishes his sabre in a short salute and buries the weapon into the demons back. It comes back bloody enough for his liking. Meanwhile, Rou'sun casts a spell and points at Malifice. A wave of magical energy rolls over her body, though nothing apparent happens. Iira aims another spell at the demon, but yet again, the effect pearls off the beasts resistance. His brother charges in and lashes out with his massive axe, blood-lust gleaming in his eyes. Most of the weapons thrust bounces of the demons skin, but the blade comes back with blood on its edge as well. The scourge strands of Kethryllia's weapon turn into five hissing snakes and the yathrin lashes hard at the demon. Three of the heads find their target, but cannot penetrate the skin. Talice stands some 15 feet away, looking on while whispering some words more to herself than anybody else. Suddenly, the sword in her hands increases in size. Malifice battle dance is a joy to behold, as she dodges beneath the demon, stabbing and slashing at it in quick succession. Thrice more the vrock howls in pain, thrice more her blades draw blood. Whirling about, the demon sets its sights on the fighter, the sudden movement puts Nata'al's attack, if only just. The demon is wounded, but no-where near of being finished. Suddenly, you face up to a total of seven vrocks, who all claw at Malifice in swift movements. The female has to endure two wicked hits (20 HP), but dodges the bite snap. "YOU DIE FIRST PRETTY ONE!" can be heard by all in the vicinity, clearly aimed at Mal.
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Keth reaches into her cloak for her wand with her left hand, and slashes at the Vrock with her scourge.
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With all his magic failing at the moment, Rou'sun just stands there watching the fight and thinking hard about what he could do.
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Narzen draws his sword while rushing onward to join the fight.
"I do not know if I can harm the creature itself, but at least I am able to disperse the illusionary ones to make way for those who can," he snarls.
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Zhadristan keeps up his attacks.
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After a moment the mage shrugs and starts casting again, even if he does not hope to harm the demon.
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"YOU DIE FIRST PRETTY ONE!" The demon roars.
"After you, ugly." Malifice responds, nimbly dancing between the many images while slashing at them in a whirl of admantine blades.
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The drow start a vicious dance around the demon, jabbing, slashing and stabbing at it from all angles. Zhadristan slays one of the images, Malifice adds two more while one of her remaining two strikes draws more demonic blood. Narzen and Nata'al combine and cause another couple of demons to vanish, while Kethryllia watches her magical dagger lashing out in vein. Her scourge is aimed well enough, but does not hit demonic, but illusionary flesh. Only one demon remains, obviously the real one. Rou'sun immediately casts a spell and a mighty gong washes over the battlefield, but apparently it harms only the vrock. Iira lashes out with his spiked chain, but misses by some distance. While he hisses in anger, Draezen spring attacks the vrock again, but an awkward twist of the latter almost wrenches the drow's sai away. As he flies bye, Draezen kicks out hard at the demon, but is not rewarded with any effect. Talice waits till the drow is away before hurling her blade at the demon. It vanishes into it without drawing blood. Grinding her teeth, the female conjures up another weapon. The vrock becomes a whirlwind of claw and bite again, but Malifice neatly dodges the claws, while Nata'al sidesteps the bite which is heading her way. Half an eye-blink later, you face another six vrocks. Undeterred, Zouhlnor hammers his axe at the demons and is rewarded with a firm hit ... "Time to die, birdie!"
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Rou'sun quits concentrating on his current spell and casts anew. Again he focusses on Malifice.
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Keth hisses at the Vrock, striking out at it with the scourge, willing the heads to strike as many images as possible.
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Draezen completely reframes from using any of his unarmed strikes and concentrates all of his attacks on the demon using only his cold iron sai, the first of which attack is an attempt to stun the fiend.
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Zhadristan will strike again with his sabre.
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The Yathrin lashes at the demons, ordering her whips to strike at different targets. Howls of anger emit from the vrock's beak as four of his images disappear. With a deft flick of his wrist, Zhadristan eliminates one more image, leaving only two vrocks in front of you. Talice concentrates for half a moment, then throws he blade at one of the demons, striking deep into its chest. Without hesitation, she calls another blade to her hand. Draezen gets into a fine flanking position and drives his sai into the vrock side, looking for sensible points of power. To his annoyance, the demon is not as wounded as the drow had hoped, even worse, the wound closes as soon as the sai is removed. Draezen attempts to hit the same spot again, but the vrock whirls out of the way. Narzen notes the movement of the demons, jabs out with his rapier and the last image vanishes. Gleefully, he watches on as the other drow descent on their prey, while Rou'sun casts another spell on Malifice. Zouhlnor swing his axe and meets demon-flesh, drawing a nasty gash on the beast's back. The vrock roars up, fixes its gaze on Malifice as the two short swords in the female's hands begin a bloody dance. After four neat slashes, the vrock's head comes to a stop at Kethryllia's feet. For good measure, Iira and Nata'al give the dead demon another couple of jabs. "Bit more excitement than we had hoped for, aye?" Nata'al says to the yathrin, removing some demon blood from her face.
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Keth kicks the vrock's head away, "Filthy creature," says Keth noting that the body of the vrock has remained behind.
"I wonder who called it. Search the dead for anything of value, and lets proceed to the temple." says Keth as she points her wand at Malifice's wounds.
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The scout draws nearer to the priestess, while, with a flick of her wrist, makes her weapon dissapear. "So you do not want to seek shelter first and go straight towards the temple?" She looks towards the others, then adds: "Well, I did not spend that much magic so far ..." (Talice that is)
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The Dire Hand looks down at his sai in disgust and tucks it away. For good measure, he stomps the demon's beaked head with the heel of his boot, grinding it into bone fragment.
Snapping his gaze upon the others, Draezen asks "Where to now?"
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Nata'al notes the action of Draezen and says: "Nae need to get frustrated. Them demons are resistant to almost all weaponry. I could have hit it all day with this saber of mine without scratching it either ..."
As for the question, she turns her eyes on the yathrin.
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"Shelter in the temple?" Zhadristan says to Talice, "I'd be content if it was merely deserted."
He uses his ability to detect magical auras to scan a few nearby dead for (small) magical equipment.
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Talice gives Zhadristan a look as if she didn't get his question. (i.e., read again)
No magic aura comes from the dead (those on the plateau), apart from the vrock, who carries a magical ring on a shor chain around the base of its left wing- It can easily be removed.
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Keth listens to Talice, "Then find us a secure place, a slight change and renewing of the power the Goddess grants, is a good suggestion," says Keth,. "and will give the mages a chance to look at that ring."
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Narzen nods quietly at Keth's latter remark.
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Relieved to see the demon dead Rou'sun relaxes slightly.
After a moment he looks in the direction where the giant went.
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The giant has wandered off towards the camp, still confused by the cloud. As he sees his charges under attack, he gives a ground-shaking roar and runs towards the battle that is still in progress at the northern gates.
Talice nods and scans the surrounding fortresses. She takes a measure of the plateau too, then heads towards a small stronghold-pillar that looks utterly destroyed by fire. It belonged to another, larger compound, but the walls and bridges connecting it to that fortress have all gone, being melted away or shattered by magic. As you draw nearer, the scout slows the pace and checks the area with some minor magic. "The defensive enchantments are all gone, which I had hoped. Now lets see if we find some floors which are still intact in that pillar!"
Again, dozens of rotting corpses lie about near the wall, but the pillar itself is 'clean', as the fiery magic burned anything inside to the bones and dust. You manage to climb up and inside trough a whole and then move upwards along various wounded stairs and ramps. Some 80 feet above plateau level, Talice stops in a room which must have been one of the battle platforms. Windows to each side lead to balconies armed with ballistae and the like, most damaged beyond repair by the fierystorm. The brittle bones of about 10 drow lie about. Scavenging through them, Rou'sun comes away with some items not burned, such as an adamantine dagger, two adamantine short swords, an amulet and a jet-black ring. All are magical.
From this vantage point, you have a far better view of the city below, even though it is still obstructed by heavy banks of smoke. Nothing alive ... or undead ... comes your way or even looks in your direction at the moment.
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As the demon's head rolls towards Keth, Malifice pauses and catches her breath. "Malla tlu Lolth." She says as she wipes the demon's ichor from her blades. She makes no other comment and simply stays close to Keth as the party advances on.
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After making herself familiar with the rooms next to the battle platform, Nata'al comes towards Kethryllia and asks: "Malla yathrin, I'd like tae investigate that tower a bit further, if ye don't mind. Don't like surprises and a'. One of the males could back me up." Scanning the room, Nata'al points at Narzen. "Him maybe? We'll be back soon enough."
-
For the time being, Rou'sun takes the amulet, the ring and the dagger for himself. The two short swords he puts onto the floor. "These are magical," he tells the others.
Then he walks over to Zhadristan. "May I ask you, where you and your companions come from?" he asks.
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Draezen walks over the two adamantite blades and after sliding the tip of his boot under one, he kicks it into the air and catches it, sliding it into his belt all in one fluid motion. He then follows the others.
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Keth nods at Nata'al, and watches her and Narzen go off.
Keth frowns at Rou'sun for a moment, then turns towards one of the balconies to look over the city.
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"As far as I am concerned that has faded into meaninglessness long ago", Zhadristan answers in a callous tone. "But nowhere near as effectful as your home is beginning to right now" he adds with a bitter laugh.
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Talice cannot help herself and laugh at the comment of Zhadristan. She gathers her wits soon enough though - not least due to the presence of Malifice - and turns towards the two brothers.
From the balcony, Kethryllia can spot the temple in the distance. It was apparently destructed by some seriously powerful magic. A couple of jade spiders lie in front of the stairs leading up to it, equally blown apart. The fight at the northern gates has stopped, though one can hardly spot any movement from hereabout. The view to the castle of Maerimydra is obstructed by the other pillars of this compound.
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Rou'sun sends Talice an angry glance but spares himself any comment.
Then he turns back to Zhadristan. "I was more interested about the recent past. As you pointed out so well, my home is fading into meaninglessness, and apart from wanting to know more about this group, I would like to know about other cities where I might go."
-
"Hard to say on that, Talice would know best if she is willing to tell you," says Keth, "in the part the Underdark where we are from, your best bet would be Skullport," as she prepares for her meditations.
-
Silently, Malifice wipes down her blades and sheathes them. She watches the exchange between Zhadristan, Talice and Rou'sun but says nothing and offers little in the way of expression. With her blades sheathed, she reloads her hand-crossbow, then feels around her body and armor, apparently looking for rents, tears or wounds. All the while she keeps herself close to Keth, listening to the others talk and keeping a wary eye out for danger.
-
Nothing will bother the first watches, though you spot something large and spiderish near the temple. It walks off towards the east and the castle, it seems.
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Surprised Rou'sun turns towards Keth. "Thank you for your advice, Yathrin."
Turning to the rest of the group he asks: "Who of you is Talice?"
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Leaving the two brothers to themselves, Talice turns around and looks at the mage. "That is me." She keep her face straight and looks as if that little "incident" about Rou'sun's city has never happened.
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"Talice, after you finish educating the male on where he might be able to survive. I'll need to talk with you about a few things," says Keth.
"I hope your magic proves more useful the next time we have need of it, beyond what it did to the giant, it didn't seem to be of much use this time around," says Keth to Rou'sun giving him an ill-favored look.
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The scout nods and says: "I'll be right there." Then she turns her gaze to the male.
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Rou'sun tries not to show no emotion when he turns towards Talice.
"So, you are the one who knows different cities. Could you tell me something about that place the Yathrin metioned."
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Check to clear the page numbers
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Filll the pages bit ...
Talice leads you onwards and soon you are presented with a view that makes your hearts cringe. The large cavern that is home to Maerimydra is covered in thick layers of smoke and dust, waving up from the destruction below. While other drow cities usually lie dark or are scantily illuminated with magical lights, Maerimydra is shed in bright light, coming from dozens upon dozens fires, either ravaging through parts of the city or being part of an army's numerous camps. Clouds of smoke obstruct much of your vision though and those magical portals responsible for fresh air have apparently a hard time doing their work appropriately. Breathing is difficult and you have to use a decent amount of willforce not to cough allowed and draw the attention of any passing creature. The ground before you is littered with corpses of goblinoids, trolls and drow. You stand on the edge of a large fungi plantation, parts of which have been burned, but most is still in good shape.
(As said, you stand right to the north of the lake in northern Maerimydra.) To your left, some 500 feet away, you can spot a number of hulking brutes, most likely giants and ogres, moving about near the Northern Gate. The fungi obstruct any view to what goes on near the ground, but from the bedlam there you guess that the place swarms with hobgoblins or bugbears, close to a large campfire. To the Southeast, about a mile away, a large oval structure on a steep plateau appears out of the clouds, a magnificent drow fortress by the looks of it. Dozens of fires below it give it a garish appearance and you think you can even hear the battles that take place there. Right next to you, steep walls - at least 40 feet high and quite bright (almost white) - rise up to a plateau filled with many fortress-like palaces and citadels. These noble houses all burn or lie shattered and after a short eye-contact, Malifice confirms that on that plateau the temple can be found too. The access staircases cannot be spotted from here, but lie just beyond the dark lake in front of you. The only thing left to do is to get there without being spotted by any of the invaders or defenders ...
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Right ... the former Houses of Maerimydra and their locations on the plateau (utterly homebrewed, of course):
Top to bottom on the map ...
- House Quel'eltarn (Third House, most northern house)
- House Bhaelryndyn (Fourth House, upper plateau, north)
- House Mae'laeret (Second House, just to the left of the lake)
- House Maezziir (Eighth House, upper plateau centre, smallest)
- House Haelvyryn (Fifth House, upper plateau, south, ringed)
- House Yrl'Lysaen (Sixth House, to the left to the southern edge of the lake)
- House Zina'laen (Seventh House, centre, left of the Sixth House)
- House Adraentar (Ninth House, in the south of the plateau, next to the temple)
Temple: The Courtyard of Lolth (star-shaped compound in the south of the plateau)
From the spot where the part entered the plateau, the direct line of view towards the temple is obstructed by the ruins of House Mae'laeret and House Yrl'Lysaen.
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As you can see, the tech-kobolds have done their job and this thread is working smoothly again as well now. We stick with the new one though.
Lest I forget, three Cheers for the kobolds!