Ionnia moves ( to engage with the maggots.
The shock of the creatures burrowing out of the abdomen of the spider is quickly over and Hiro's training kicks in. He catches Ionnia out of the corner of his eye run by and engage the maggot on the left and Kipka appears ready to take them all on and decides the best course of action is to take the maggot on the right so that they do not double team the little gnome.
"It's alright everyone, I'll be right here beside you." Willow steps forward, putting herself between the injured and the far side of the cave. "Everything will be fine, the warriors are fixing it."
She slips out her sling and retrieves a bullet from her belt pouch, letting fly as an annoyance rather than a serious threat. 'Wish I could aid them properly, but combat's not my forte.'
"Ah-hah. Be right back folks. Nothing to worry about. Just a little pest control problem." Cernan says as he moves away from the wounded and skips lightly over the rubble to stand next to Kipka.
"Excuse me miss Kipka. Can't allow you to hog all the fun!" The heaven-touched says with a grin as he tugs out his damaged rapier. With a swift, forlorn glance at the poor battered blade he assumes a guard stance. One hand holding his bent rapier pointing towards the nasty creatures, his other holding his ever-present mug and buckler.
Ionna and Cernan move forward, weapons ready for battle. Kipka stands ready to face the large maggots as Hiro ducks past her to strike at one. His blade sinks easily into it's ichor covered flesh and he nearly slices it deeply with his blow. Willow draws her sling and inches forward, ready to defend the injured.
Two of the creatures inch blindly toward the nearest target, Kipka. As the first enters the reach of her weapon, she strikes out, badly injuring one.
The three disgusting maggots attack. The one leaking pale goo from the deep wound Kipka dealt it regurgitates livid green spider guts all over her. The other try to bite Kipka and Hiro, respectively.
As the vermin try and fail to land blows, the bowyer can't help a whimper as she pulls out her bow and tries to find an arrow in her quiver.
"What? What is it?" the wizard scrabbles in the pile of rocks he's sitting, trying to locate the source of the sound of battle. "Point me in the right direction! I have puissant magic at my command!"
The merchant snatches up the boy and moves over by Willow, his wide eyes centered on the battle across the cavern. "Yes, but do you have a weapon?"
"Save your pussiant-ness master wizard. I have no doubt we shall have need of it before we are done. This is just a little,... insect trouble. Nothing a good flyswatter can't handle. Unless you happen to have a 'Summon Salt' spell at your disposal?"
"No? Alas. This shall have to suffice then!" Cernan says as he steps forward in a passable warrior's crouch and batters at the revolting insect with his own battered blade.
"Back you infernal insect! Cernan has had quite enough of the likes of you for one day!" The cleric cries as he batters ineffectively at the slimy maggot.
EEeugh! Speak for yourself!
Ionnia moves () up and swings her sword at the maggot nearest to her.
"Take that you overgrown affront to nature!"
Ionnia and Cernan both step forward, swords slashing. Ionnia lands a great blow and cleaves the uninjured maggot in twain.
Her eyes dart to the merchant, there's a dark promise to them. "A weapon....?" There's a pale twinkle to them as her head flick across to the vile creature that's attempting to hurt the gnome. Casting out her will, the artist tries to force the insect to expose it's fleshy underbelly.
Willow shoots the stink eye at one of the filthy maggots.
'Why should I not be surprised, that my power hasn't worked. Have I lost touch with the spirits that guide me? My family. Or are these just demonic mindless spawn that feel nothing - not even the sting of Cernan's blade?' Willow thinks keeping silent and a straight face, to ensure she doesn't frighten the child or those around her.
"I say, Well done!" Cernan cries as Ionnia cleaves the filthy maggot in two.
"You see? THAT'S how your SUPPOSED to die you foul vermin! Allow Cernan to demonstrate!" the cleric cries as he swings his bent blade at the maggot again,...
"Persistent little bugger, isn't he?" Cernan asks wryly as he batters ineffectually at the slimy, voracious creature.
Hiro's blade has tasted the blood of his enemy, not the enemy Hiro would prefer, but one day the Storm Lord will feel Hiro's blade. For now, Hiro focuses all his anger and rage and sadness at the events of the day on this one pathetic creature in front of him and lashes out recklessly at it!
"Hang on Kipka! I coming!" Hiro cries.
Hero kills the wounded vermin in front of him, and steps up to menace the creature in front of Kipka. Willow levels a portentous look at a maggot, but it appears to have no effect.
Hero kills the wounded vermin in front of him, and steps up to menace the creature in front of Kipka. Willow levels a portentous look at a maggot, but it appears to have no effect.
do I roll again or use the above roll?
Cernan becomes visibly agitated at the persistent pest before him.
"For the love of Caydean, DIE already you insufferable insect!"
And Cernan flails at the maggot, giving up all pretense of combat etiquette, giving it a nice steel massage in the process.
;P
Having finished off her first target, Ionnia moves in on the maggot menacing Kipka and takes a mighty swing at it.
"The worst thing about fighting demon-things is they're all so blasphemously ugly!"
Having finished off the other demon-maggot, Hiro moved in behind the last filthy creature, barely avoiding Cernan's wild swings, and strikes!
"The worst thing about fighting demon-things is they're all so blasphemously ugly!"
"No, Ionnia, I think it the smell!" Hiro replies as the force of his blow cuts deep into the filthy demon-maggot spraying ichor everywhere in the process!
"Ah. Um. Yes! Good work Hiro! You followed Cernan's plan perfectly! Cernan's clever distraction gave you the opportunity to attack it unopposed! Good teamwork!" The metallic cleric beams at the little oriental warrior.
"Ah. Um. Yes! Good work Hiro! You followed Cernan's plan perfectly! Cernan's clever distraction gave you the opportunity to attack it unopposed! Good teamwork!"
"Thank you Holy One! It is an honor to fight by your side!" Hiro beams enthusiatically.
The three disgusting maggots attack. The one leaking pale goo from the deep wound Kipka dealt it regurgitates livid green spider guts all over her.
Hiro turns to Kipka, holding his breath as best he can, "You OK Kipka?!? Miss Willow!" Hiro yells, "I think Kipka need doctor help! She covered in demon-bile!"
"On my way!" she calls hitching up what tattered remains of her skirts and moving towards the action. The slingshot lost in the once-elegant folds.
"Buck up and hold in there everyone." her tone firm but encouraging; "Don't let the blighters strike you and repost. Like Hiro's swipe."
"No, Ionnia, I think it the smell!" Hiro replies as the force of his blow cuts deep into the filthy demon-maggot spraying ichor everywhere in the process!
Ionnia makes a disgusted face as some of the demon-maggot viscera ends up in her hair.
"Ewww. Nice technique, though."
Ionnia makes a disgusted face as some of the demon-maggot viscera ends up in her hair.
"Ewww. Nice technique, though."
"So sorry miss Ionnia," Hiro replies as he scrapes some of the demon-maggot off himself, "and thank you! I learn technique from Hattori Hanzo himself! Greatest Samurai warrior of my time. Maybe even in history..." Hiro tapers off as he briefly reminisces back to some of his training exercises with Hattori and a pang of loss crosses his face wondering whether or not his master survived the attack that brought him here.
"Buck up and hold in there everyone."
Willow's statement brings Hiro back out of his memories. No time for the future-past. Must focus on saving this world. "Miss Willow is right. We need to treat wounded and get them mobile. Not safe here. More attacks may come. Must find shelter and get wounded to safety. Does anyone have idea where we are?"
"Up a creek without a paddle!" Cernan replies cheerfully.
"Nothing we can't handle."
Subconsciously Willow nods in agreement with Hiro's statement of her correctness, however she stops herself as she bustles towards the hurt gnome.
"Anyone else injured or hurt? I still have some ability to heal..." she says looking wide-eyed at the horrific maggots.
Did we win? Is that all of them?
Kipka sways on her feet a bit, adrenaline wearing off slowly.
Did we win? Is that all of them?
"I think so," Hiro replies as he warily eyes the giant spider that the maggots burst from, "but best be careful." Seeing that Kipka is in good hands with Willow, Hiro cautiously approaches the spider carcass, sword ready, checking for any further signs of demon-maggots (or anything else for that matter).
Cernan follows the warrior, a step behind and to the side. His own bent sword held at the ready.
"Alright, You've bugged me enough for one day!" Cernan taunts the carcass as Hiro examines it from the other side.
"I think we're mostly fine. Except for the archer lady. And the wizard seems to have lost some or all of his eyesight."
"Right. Nothing that can't be taken care of with Faith and determination." Cernan says firmly, tucking his sword back into his belt once he recalls that it is too bent to fit into it's scabbard.
"Gather round everyone. Cernan has something for you!" HE says briskly. And gathers the survivors around the injured archer and mage. Once there, he pullsout his beautiful if well-worn silver cup, salutes the ceiling of the cave with it, and toasts, "Caydean and Cernan salute you Terendelev! We salute you too Storm-King-Demon-spawn! UP YOURS! We'll be back!"
And Cernan takes the barest sip, then tosses the contents into the air. There is a pulse of warmth, and instead of falling to the ground in a dirty puddled heap, the drink flashes with a pulse of golden light, and spreads out in a shower of tiny golden droplets, infusing all nearby with warmth and health.
Hey! My post got eaten!
Kipka and Hero dispatch the remaining two maggots, leaving Kipka covered in goo and feeling a little more delicate than normal - thought that soon passes.
Hiro and Cernan examine the spider carcass, but it is obvious the creature has been long dead, mostly eaten from the inside out.
The rockslide has blocked off the sinkhole everyone fell through with what appears to be tons of rock and rubble. Beyond the giant dead spider there appear to be two passages leading out from the large cavern you find yourselves in.
As Cernan releases healing energies with Cayden Chilean's blessing, the archer seems to move a little better. The elven wizard's wounds close a little, though he is still severely injured. The merchant and boy's small scratches and bruises heal completely.
"Is that it? Has the enemy been dispatched?" the elf asks, his voice a little more sure. The woman with the wounded leg tries to lever herself up with her bow and a nearby rock, but is still having difficulty getting upright with her leg splinted straight.
Willow softly pats the elf on the back of the hand in a reassuring manner, trying not to startle him. "Yes, it's all over now." She throws a smile to the worried child too.
Turning her head she calls out; "Kipka!" whether a warning or simply a call, it's uncertain.
"Seems we have a choice to make. Wish I could tell which way to go. But though Cernan's skills are many, I am not a master spelunker." Cernan admits ruefully.
"Ionnia, Hero, you seem well-traveled. Do you know of any way to get stone to reveal the quickest way out?" He asks with a jovial grin.
"Preferably the same one least infected with these creatures." He adds, making an icky face towards the dead maggot-spawn.
"I'm not sure to be honest. So far all the practical experience I've had comes from helping Kaseyennia patrol parts of Egede that were considered safe for a novice. All we had to do was follow the sound of the city watch's rattles. But I have a good feeling about going left."
Willow softly pats the elf on the back of the hand in a reassuring manner, trying not to startle him. "Yes, it's all over now." She throws a smile to the worried child too.
Turning her head she calls out; "Kipka!" whether a warning or simply a call, it's uncertain.
huh! Whahappen?
"Here...." Willow says softly picking her way across the ground and bustling over to the gnome. Getting a slightly dusty hanky from her pocket, she rubs the rangers cheek. She focusses on her healing powers and lets the warmth flow into Kipka.
"Here...." Willow says softly picking her way across the ground and bustling over to the gnome. Getting a slightly dusty hanky from her pocket, she rubs the rangers cheek. She focusses on her healing powers and lets the warmth flow into Kipka.
That handkerchief is AMAZING! Did you encorcell it somehow?! Do you know the ramifications of this?! I have heard of tales of similar pieces of cloth with mysterious images upon them but I never thought I would experience one first hand! Can I hold onto a sample?
"Ensorcell, no. However I did embroider the carnations." she adds a trifle proudly. "However I do believe the healing comes through the Goddess, the handkerchief is merely a conduit."
Looking around a trifle embarrassed, she adds; "Well we'd best get cracking and find a way out of here. Cannot keep dilly-dallying around all day." Her mind tries to blank out what's just occurred upon the surface and it's ramifications. Thus instead she glances around for exits.
The archer manages to lever herself to her feet with the assistance of her bow stave. She limps carefully off the rubble from the city above, obviously taking great care not to injure herself again. Her leg, glimpsed through the ragged remains of her pant leg, is misshapen but without any open wounds remaining. "Thank you very much for healing me." She reaches out toward Willow with a dusty hand. "My name is Anevia."
"You say this skirmish is won?" the elf asks, his voice much stronger, though where his eyes should be it is still a horrible, if scabbed over, wound. He fumbles around in his pack, rummaging blindly for something. "The loud man - Cernan? Is that your name, lad? You sound hale and robust enough! You should explore down the left tunnel ahead. Yes, that would be excellent! And you mentioned the young woman was a heroic fighter as well? She should check the right tunnel! It sounds as if the poor gnome should stay back here, with us wounded, where it's safer, hmmm? And the delightful young lady who is healing? Would you be so kind as to help me up and explain exactly what you see? No detail is too small! If I am to use my vast knowledge and experience to get us out of here, I must have every scrap of information available!"
The merchant sniffs as he picks up the toddler and stumbles down the mound of loose rubble. "You'd do better with a scrap of sense, you crazy nut!" he mutters, not bothering to keep his voice down much.
"Huh? What?" The elf's ears visibly perk up and his hand stops rummaging through his knapsack for a moment. "Who is that? Do you know who I am?!? I am Aravashnial!" He drops his knapsack, forgotten, into the rocks as he struggles unsteadily to find his feet on he uncertain footing beneath him. "I have ventured into the Worldwound itself to find knowledge of its denizens, and have battled countless demons and other spawn of the Abyss!!! Who are you?" His face is red, and he weaves on his feet as he moves his head back and forth, seeking the source of the words that angered him so.
The merchant keeps moving, circling around the elf to set the boy he's carrying down next to Willow. Then he reaches out with a snort to steady the wavering elf. "Careful, fool, your injuries are nothing to trifle with. Don't bother these folk with your nonsense. Sit down."
Aravashnial's face drains of all color so quickly it appears he's about to faint, and his knees collapse beneath him. The merchant, with his grip on the elf's flailing arm, manages to keep him from injuring himself. "Horgus...?" Aravashnial's voice is much less certain.
"Yes," the man says, dropping the elf's hand like a hot potato and turning toward Ionnia. "Horgus Gwerm," he says, nodding shortly. "You seem like you have your head on straight. I'm of little use in a fight - and I've lost my only blade. If we find a blade for me, I might be able to lend a bit of a hand with things, but it's not what I'm best at. It's got to be bad on the surface, and I want to get back up there as soon as possible. Hopefully there's enough left outside the plaza that they're putting up a fight - and any large group needs supply and management. That's where I want to be." Horgus gives the now silent Aravashnial a disdainful look, and glances back at the archer, then turns back to Ionnia. "I don't believe in freeloaders, so here's my proposal. If you get me back to the surface alive, I'll give you five," he points to Ionnia, Willow, Cernan, Kipka and Hiro, "two hundred gold pieces each. Deal?"
To the archer she puts out a hand; "Willow." her words are plain, but filled with respect for the courageous manner of the other. "We'll get you a splint and stick, so you can put the weight on that. Save putting too much pressure on the leg. Best way to keep you mobile."
Just as she opens her mouth to reply to the sage, Aravashnial, the merchant interrupts. Willow waits and puts her hand reassuringly around the toddlers shoulders, knowing the raised voices must be frightening - along with lack of parents.
"Well we're all going upto the surface, see what it's like up there. Talk to what authorities remain and if necessary travel to the nearest safe haven - the only reward I require is your safety, not fiscal recompense." Her voice holds more surety and steel than she feels deep down inside as the burning knot tells her it'll not be alright, but she has to try.
Ionnia frowns a little as the elf and the merchant starts handing out instructions, going so far as to even narrow her eyes when the large man makes his offer of money.
Speaking in a firm voice directed at the merchant, "I can't speak for the rest of the group, but as a paladin of Shelyn I don't take money for doing that which is right to do anyway." She lets that hang in the air for a bit, before continuing, "and as the daughter of Lady Katynika von Sturnidae and Court Bard Talathel Sildelaral I wouldn't really need to work for them if I didn't want to." Softening her tone she adds, "It's a very generous offer, however, and once we've beaten back the demon horde from the city, I fear that the priests at the goddess's temple will have good reason t be glad to receive a donation, whether of gold or labour, in thanks for her aid. Now, what kind of blade is it you use? I have a dagger you can borrow for the time being.
Turning to the elf, she continues, "as for how to proceed from here, I don't think splitting up would be a good idea - we don't know what's in either tunnel, and should those in one end fall foul of something beyond their capacity to defeat, those in the other tunnel may well find themselves penned in from two directions. I am sure your knowledge is great, and we will do our best to make sure you get to hear everything we do."
Finally, she turns to the child saved by Horgus Gwerm and smiles at him, "Hello, I'm Ionnia, a paladin of Shelyn. Don't worry, even if it looks a bit dark right now, I'm sure we'll all get out of here. But to do so, we all need to help out, so I have a really important job for you. But first I'd like to know your name."
Cernan watches first the elf, then the merchant, go at it loudly. He looks,... disconcerted.
Although it is possibly from not being the center of attention.
Finally, he tilts his head back, the light coming from his head causing the shadows to scatter and dance crazily, and lets loose a full volume, hearty laugh.
"I hight Cernan indeed!" He decrees, laughter still coloring his voice.
"Cleric of Caydn, at your service noble Aravashnial, Master Horgus, Lady Anevia." He says, gently taking the Archer's hand and kissing the back of it before releasing it again with a wink.
"Cernan appreciates your opinions masters, indeed, Cernan welcomes your knowledge and expertise! But in this case Cernan has to side with the ladies Willow and Ionnia. While our combined powers have healed your wounds as best we can, you are still ill-suited to take the lead in subterranean exploration! Allow m,... us, to take that burden nobles. Lend us your irreplaceable knowledge, and allow us to temper it with our own formidable skills, and Cernan promises, we shall ALL make it out!"
The cleric laughs cheerfully. He sounds supremely confident. Not OVER-confident (although that is certainly possible), but as if he speaks with unerring knowledge that it will, in the end, be alright.
"Lady Anevia, my friend Kipka here seems most light on her feet. And your eyes are most expert at seeking targets. And I think that leg shall not prevent you from using your bow effectively, eh? Surely between your eyes and Kipka's skills, I feel confident that we shall spot any dangers before they spot us!" He says with a smile.
"Lord Aravashnial, just moments ago you decreed that you possess mighty magics to be unleashed upon a foe, and needed only to know where to target your mystic wrath. Allow me to introduce the Lady Willow Hopgood, whose mystic knowledge aided your injuries. Pray share with her what puissant spells you currently command, and instruct her as to their best applications. Allow HER to be your eyes if we face another foe ere we gain the clear sky. Surely two such intelligent minds working together can only multiply our chances of survival. And any chance to share knowledge is a grand day indeed!"
"Master Horgus." Cernan says, just as brightly, but his voice somehow conveys,... disappointment. "I fear we have precious few supplies to manage, but surely a man of your experience must have some skills in procuring supplies under difficult circumstances. Pray tell us if you see something that we can use for food or medicine. Cernan doesn't want this lad here to miss a meal if we can help it! And while I appreciate your offer to aid in battle, I pray that will not be needed. I feel that Master Hero and Noble Ionnia's strength shall be up the task!"