Seeing the goblin disappear and listening to Polo's words Euron heads to the entrance of the cave and casts a spell on himself. If he wants to get out i'll have to go past me.
With the spell still burning in his hand from outside the cave, Polonius throws the small ball of flame at the Goblin
Ac=19
Hp=18/21
Bombs=3/7 remaining
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Lilith hears the strange voices. She speaks both goblin and elven so she understands the words, but not the meaning.
The elven wizard knows that she cannot move silently by skill alone so she chooses to move forward some, but before entering the area where they left Laylu she sends her dancing lights forward first (free action) and then Vanishes then uses a dimensional step to move into the area making no noise.
Azmerai's sword carves a wound in the goblin's side, for the first time his smile falters, though his nostrils continue to smoke.
Polo's small ball of fire hits the chieftain in the face, his skin blackens very slightly but most of the fire dissipates across his skin doing no harm.
He raises his dogslicer high, spinning in a little circle that takes him towards Valex, before lashing out in fury with spittle flying everywhere. Whilst he connects solidly with the rusty blade, it barely makes a mark . He seems to stare at it furiously, his eyes take on a certain sheen as Lenneth feels her magic take effect...
Lilith is as still as a shadow, porting accurately in to the lee of a wall and remaining unnoticed. With Valex and the only torch no longer nearby, the area is nearly pitch black. Lilith can only just make out, from the very faint glow of some lichen, Laylu with her bow aimed at 3 or 4 goblins barely 10 feet or so away from her. The decrepit voice of the shaman floats over from across the water, evidently talking to the assembled throng of goblins
Taking a step closer Azmerai swings again.
Euron healed looks back at the goblin chief still standing, he steps forwardto the chrif and strikes at him.
Map
25/30
Time to end this one! Valex thinks as he steps sideways, coming opposite Eulon to divide the chief's attention between threats. Once again, he forces his magic through his blade and strikes.
Azmerai's sword inflicts another gruesome injury on the chieftain, cutting away some of his protectgive leather belts in the process to reveal charred and blackened skin.
Euron moves in and his weapon punctures completely through the goblin's body, as blood oozes out of the dying creature, it emits a final cackle, then crumples to the floor. The remains smoke for a second and then there is a flash of light as whatever remnants of fire magic the creature possessed is expelled from its cage.
The smoldering goblin head comes to rest at Lenneth's feet.
*
Lilith is just close enough to Laylu to see her actually tense in surprise at her words. She whispers back
I appreciate knowing you're there, and incidentally you have a good career ahead of you as an underdark scout should you choose to pursue it...
From her tone she seems to be showing you genuine respect for your skill in remaining hidden.
The goblin shaman continues his reassurance and urging of patience. Faint light glints off of teeth and hands twitch over the hilts of sheathed weapons, but the goblins continue to hold their ground, for now.
With a backflip Azmerai moves out of the blast. Still flames sing his hide. Seeing the goblin die he ends his rage, thankful for the wall next to him to lean against. We.... made... it
Almost suspecting some final mischief from the goblin, Valex is ready, spinning away from the last burst of flames.
When it passes, he stands, panting, looking at his companions.
"What now?"
There was shouting coming from the cave entrance. We should check that the others are ok too.
Euron just jumps back in time to not take the full force of the explosion, only blackening some of his armor and singeing some hair. He leans on his weapon taking a quick breath before the next problem arrises.
"Polonius is right i heard it to Lilth went out there." Picking up his weapon he heads out of the chiefs cave. "We can search his body when we're all safe."
HP: 21/30
I have a loose tongue after all this time it seems, ah well it's not like it matters now... mutters Laylu/Shanea under her breath, but loud enough for Lilith to hear.
There is a flicker of light as the others of the party return from the north west corridor, the everburning torch held aloft by Valex.
The assembled goblins raise their hands to ward off the unexpected brightness, and more seem to come out of hiding from the south west corridor, swelling their numbers to a dozen or so. Some of the are carrying weapons now, and are staring at you quite...intently. It is likely this uneasy truce won't last much longer without some assistance.
The shaman across the river turns to face you, wrinkled face impassive as he waits for you to speak.
Holding the upperhalf of the slain warchief Azmerai hands it to the shaman. Shaking his hand to indicate the bargain is done he bows and walks back.
Our part in this is done. The chieftain that caused you so much grief and pain is dead.
Your venerable elder struck a bargain with us that if we could help you, you would see us safely through these mountains and perhaps our kinds, when there are so many worse monsters in the world these days, no longer need count eachother as enemies.
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Before Lilith's spell ends she moves around the corner so suddenly appearing in front of the goblins will not startle them. She quickly casts Detect Magic and uses it as she walks forward. As she joins Laylu jer body language is defensive and not offensive as she hopes to not startle the goblins there.
Lilith, also speaking goblin tries to aid Polo but her words sound strange to the goblins and her point of reference seems to be wrong. She does not make the situation worse, but she fails to assist.
Euron stands next to Polonius, watching the goblins muscles tense as he looks on. Don't make us end you.
Valex will approach slowly, then stand still and hold the torch behind his back - enough light for his comrades, but not too bright for the goblins.
The shaman looks on, inscrutable as Azmerai hands him the Chiftain's body. The other goblins watch as he turns to them, then simply drops it in to the river to be washed away like so much flotsam.
the other goblins look unsure, their expressions confused, gazes flicking between you and the shaman. When Polonius speaks however, they seem to settle and accept the situation.
The shaman raises his arms, summoning the tribe to him, to his sacred chamber. They move slowly, wading through the water and using a submerged rope to cross.
Lilith joins the group subtly without raising warning, the goblins are already moving towards the shaman by the time she goes to speak though.
The shaman waits for the last of the goblins to pass him then turns back to you
His shoulders slump, like he has been carrying the weight of the world for a very long time
He moves to turn away, then remembers something. Reaching down his withered fingers untie a leather pouch, and he throws it across to land at your feet. He nods at you, then walks back to his cave.
Inside the bag is an uncut diamond the size of an arrowhead, a pair of delicate glasses (identified as eyes of the eagle) and a swan boat feather token
Laylu looks uneasy
We'd better get moving, we've still got to get Shayliss up here through the river somehow...
A quick scout of the corridor the goblins came from takes you through a large cavern scattered with blankets and a few personal trinkets, then through another rounded corridor to an opening leading outside, the rays of sun are still in the sky, it's maybe an hour before dusk.
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Polonius sighs as the old goblin explains.
He says that we are safe to cross the mountains now. But once he's gone the goblins will revert to their nature.
Nothing ever changes. he thinks as he trudges back to the chamber where they fought the chieftain.
He looks around closely at the remains. Whatever else the chieftain was he appeared to be able to mix chemicals with some skill and anything remaining of his gear would be more than helpful.
Well, we'll pass through, but they will be a threat that remains. Ah, well, like so much else, a problem for another day. Valex muses as he listens to the interplay.
"I, for one, have had enough of the caves. Shall we move on?"
Well at least that boat token will get Shayliss through.
Shying away from the goblins Euron speaks to the group. "Are we just letting them live? Didn't we come here to put an end to them all? I feel very uneasy about them saying they will just go back to killing and maiming. How far away is the castle could they pose a threat someday?"
With the lack of food around, the presence of zombies everywhere and the inherent chaos of their existence, I think it likely that this is the last generation of goblins in this tribe.
Polonius' quick search of the chieftain's cave reveals a number of burned and scorched skulls, a not-insignificant number of them being goblin ones... Aside from that he finds a few containers suitable for use as bombs but not much else. The satchel worn by the chief was mostly burned in his final detonation, and as far as he can tell just contained a more 'rustic' version of his own component pouch.
You find Shayliss incredibly glad to see you all, she is struggling mightily to hold back tears as you help her through the cave to the river. After a bit of discussion you're able to attach a rope to her and between you all you manage to maneuver her up river without too much danger. She looks around the caves, barely able to see by the light of the torch Valex carries, and seems eager to move on too.
Judging from what I know of the area, it's another few days travel till we get to Solace. The magic boat might make that trip safer and quicker, but I'm easy either way relays Laylu.
She glances at the sky
First things first though, there's only about an hour of light left, we need to move quickly and find somewhere to camp...
We should crush them. He thinks to himself as he grips his guisarm, staring at the goblins but then loosens his grip. Think of the group we are safe right now we have to keep moving. He then looks to Polo. "I hope your right Polo. Let's get moving."
Euron then scouts out a place to sleep for the night, glad to be out of the cave but now facing familiar dangers.
Looking at Euron Azmerai shrugs. "They hope for future. We hope! I fight for giving hope! Too many undead to kill living!"
There's precious little defensible ground around here, but near the river there's a section of rock that masks your camp from view. It's cold up here and exposed to the weather, but it would be worse if you didn't have someone finding shelter for you.
The morning dawns with frost on the ground, winter is clawing its way towards you with some speed it seems.
I think we could do with a few easy miles though Lenneth, and the region ahead would be hard for someone without being so late with child. For me I think the boat is s blessing and one we can't ignore
Looking at the pregnant woman Azmerai just nods!
Looking back at the cave as they leave Euron lets out an easy sigh. We did it together, we got through and we're on our way to a safe haven. To have a night of sleep where your not on edge all night will be bliss
"The boat, we use the boat. It's the smartest option as you both said we could make up a lot of time."
"I agree. Let us use the boat."
It's settled then. he takes the small token and looks at it, for a moment unsure this will work at all.
He tosses it onto the river bank and takes a hasty step back when a large, swan-necked boat suddenly appears with a WHOOSH!
Very impressive. he says, suddenly thinking about how he woudl get on board and who would pilot the thing.
Shayliss, are you ready for this? I suppose it might be a bit bumpy but it'll sure beat walking. Euron, would you mind helping her on board? We can push it into the water once you're safely inside.
Shayliss actually claps her hands with glee at the sight of the beautiful boat. It's sweeping curves and pure white color stand in stark contrast to the rocky shore and grim surroundings. It bobs up and down, somehow staying next to the riverbank despite the current.
Whilst she requires a little help balancing, Shayliss boards the boat without issue, the boat's firm deck seems to compensate for the rolling surface of the river, providing a stable and safe platform for everyone to stand on. There is ample space to stow your gear and as the sides of the boat are solid, anyone lying down is also out of the wind so resting during travel will be pleasant.
As Polonius boards he senses the boat will respond to his commands, though it seems to only have the intelligence of a small dog so 'stop', 'go' and 'turn' are likely the limits of its understanding. Once everyone has come aboard, a beautiful satin sail cascades down the mast, the wind filling it almost immediately and pushing the boat out in to the centre of the river. The scenery moves by at a pace you haven't experienced in months, and the trees you pass vary in colour from the mountain evergreens to the autumnal oaks and beech currently shedding their red, orange and yellow leaves across the water.
You cover a day and a half's travel that morning, and just after lunch Laylu calls out from the prow
This was too good to be true it seems, there's something blocking the river up ahead...
As you get closer you can see a large tree trunk is across a part of the river in front of you where it narrows slightly. It must have been there for some time as there is a large amount of accumulated detritus, tree branches and weeds that have come to rest against this side of the tree. If you want to continue your trip in the boat then it's going to need to be moved...
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Lilith is contemplative the evening they leave the cave. She is quiet and helps set up camp as normal but then she asks to share a watch with Laylu. During that watch and when she knows the are along Lilith tries to talk to the woman about what she heard and what she suspects. Sister, I understand why you might hide who you are. But I want you to know that I will accept you even if you were to take off that hat you wear. Your accent alone marks you as one from the underdark and I suspected before i studied the magics upon you that you were covered by a glamor. But I judge you by your actions and how you cared for Shayliss, and not the, well shall we say the color of your skin.
She pauses and waits for a reply.
Laylu looks Lilith in the eyes for a moment, then very carefully puts her bow down so there are no weapons between the two.
My old spymaster would have had me flayed for letting my accent creep back in, let alone talking to myself.
she looks at the ground
It's been too long though, too long hiding, my ego is too strong to live someone else's life forever
She sighs
You are a rare one, to have put the picture together and not immediately called for my death. You must know the stories, the fate of your kind when they fall in to dark elf hands...
she waits for a reaction, but Lilith seems implacable.
Slowly reaching up and removing the circlet keeping her hair off her face, there is a slight pulse of magic and the colour seems to completely drain out of her. Dark blond hair becomes silvery white, and her brown eyes fade to leave pupiless white eyes regarding Lilith with expectation.
Taliash'Anea of House Feroven, at your service
With her pale cousin still quiet, she starts talking then like a floodgate has opened in her mind, decades of internal dialogue coalesce and spill from her lips in a rapid fire stream of words
Twenty years ago I was sent to the surface to pave the way, to seek out communities to inflitrate and then betray when the time was right. They had particular ideas regarding Sandpoint being important, but never did tell me why. I made my mark as a ranger, built relationships, prepared. Word never came. Not once in twenty years. That's a long time to be cut off from the only kin you have, from your culture. I believe the humans have a saying about 'going native', but that's not strictly true here.
She pauses and takes a drink of water, carefully considering her next words.
I think it's important you understand, I am no born-again nature-worshipping, sun-acclimatised do-gooder with infinite mercy and compassion in my heart. I turned my back on my kind and struck out on my own, not because my heart was different, but because I was abandoned and needed to forge my own path. My history doesn't change my nature. I was still brought up with the horrors you've read about, all day every day. My moral compass is set in a certain way, and no matter how the winds of my life shift, I will always be pragmatic and survival focused. I'm not cruel by nature, but I see nothing wrong with killing others if they won't give me the bread I need to feed myself. I am a scorpion in that sense.
she looks away, towards the sleeping form of Shayliss
You say you judge me by my actions, and that's fair enough to my mind, but you should also look to the motivation for those deeds before you pass judgement. I stuck with Shayliss not because she needed looking after, but because going it on your own is dangerous, and...
she stares right at Lilith
...even scorpions get lonely.
There is silence then, a gust of wind rustles the leaves on the ground, and the rest of the party moves in their sleep. Tali reflexively dons the circlet again, and once more the facade of Shalelu Andosana sits across from Lilith. She carefully picks up her bow by one end, deliberate to not appear threatening.
I can be loyal, I have useful skills, I can contribute to the group...but I can't change my past or how I view my present. You'll have to decide for all these others now, you're the one I burdened with the truth. One word and I'll walk away, no fuss. Shayliss is better off with you regardless. So, can you live with a scorpion helping to guard your nest?
She slowly stands, ready to walk away in to the darkness.
For those hopping out on shore...The flowing river is not so easily blocked by the trunk, and water has spilled over on each side making the area boggy . It's not a fast moving current but you wouldn't want to fall in given the air temperature.
A group of half-dozen medium size humanoids passed through here not too long ago, maybe a couple of days. Judging by the tracks they were wearing boots and carrying something heavy. The tracks disappear off in to the alpine forest a few hundred feet away.
Amid the floating froth and detritus you spot something darting underwater in one of the pools that has formed from the fallen tree's branches. Could it be yummy fish!?
Helping Shayliss on to the ship, Euron can't help but smile. The prospect of a child being born into this world is almost like the start of something new. This child will have a hard time, but that will only make him strong to this world.
As Shayliss takes a seat, euron looks around the ship. "This is quite impressive, it will be good to have some rest while not feeling like we're wasting tim."
He sits at the front of the ship unsure of what to do while they travel down the river, he checks all his weapons and pack always wanting to be ready if something were to happen.
He sees the blockage before the ship stops pointing it out to the others. "Looks like we're going to have to clear all that, let's get out but keep an eye out we don't know what could be out there."
Jumping off the boat, Euron check the area for tracks or any threat not spotting anything but something darting out of the water.
"There's something in that pool over there, could it be a fish? Let's check it out before we decide to move the tree." He moves to the pool to get a closer look.
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Lilith listens to Shanea's story nodding in empathy as she speaks, but does not interrupt her. We all have our pasts. She finally says. You would maybe be surprised to know that mine is little prettier than yours. I prenticed in the high courts of Egorian, capital city of Cheliax, where they bind and deal with devils. Can you imagine what that meant for me? My master was Auton the Conjurer, a renowned diabolist and a cruel and vain man. I was obedient to him in all ways and he was quite demanding. Some of the things he had me do in pursuit of power were distasteful. Can you imagine the things a devil might demand of you in return for a favor? Like you, I have been self serving and did what I needed to do to survive. So, it seems we are truer sisters than many you thought.
She lets this sink in before continuing. And so I was, until this pack of vagabonds allowed me to join them. Her eyes turn unbidden to the heavens. There was an incident in the church of sand point. I had been bitten by some intelligent undead. Due to a foolish and arrogant act I had let myself become vulnerable. I was sure I would turn and felt the sickness growing in me. Indeed I was quite ill. And I chose not to tell the others for quite some time, knowing I was a danger to them. But at an alter to Desna in the cathedral in Sandpoint something changed. I know I still carry the sickness but I honestly believe I have also been cured. Thanks to Desna not only do I live, but I may even carry in my blood a cure for others who are bitten. Desna has acted in my life. I have seen this. And if this is so, how can I be unchanged? And if there is redemption for me, then why not for you?
Lilith is surprised that she shared this story. She certainly did not start out intending to, but the words poured from her like water from a cup. Laughing she adds I did not mean to preach, but since you have shared how could I not. She lightly takes Shanea's as the drow begins talk away. Please stay. You are needed. You will remain Laylu to us until you wish it otherwise. Your secret is safe with me, my sister.