Lord Manticore |
Sorry I was out yesterday. The pollen down here has been kickin' my butt the last couple of days.
With some grumbling, the party is able to move the escorts down to the temple area. Aravashinal refuses to take a litter, although he does appreciate what it was for. Horgus, as usual at this point, complains about how the 'place is a dump.' Anevia tries to make a good show of her mobility, but when she gets to the temple, she almost immediately sits down, complaining of her leg. It takes nearly 30 minutes from the time that Akkramar and Sarasanna set out, to get everyone to the temple so I assume that the body has been removed at this point.
Everyone is sitting and eating at this point. Horgus manages to produce some jerky from the inner pocket of his jacket (and of course refuses to share), while the rest of you are eating some of the rations either carried on you, or procured in the way of your explorations.
Sarasanna |
Ugh, allergies. You have my sympathies!
Having cleared the temple of re-dead corpse, Sarasanna washes her hands with her bar of soap and water. Even though she has no need to fear disease, it is a habit resulting from her implanted memories of once having been human.
She offers the same sanitary precautions to her counterparts and the organics as well.
Akkramar |
During their meal, Akkramar approaches Horgus, and sits by the man in silence first. After a few moments, he addresses him - "Master Horgus, I will not bother you with idle chatter or banter, wanting solely to assure you we are doing our best to make the underground travel as safe and comfortable as possible" - he pauses for a moment - "Maybe 'comfortable' is not an appropriate word, as I am sure these conditions will never be so. So I will say 'with a minimum level of unpleasantness' - he nods.
"However" - he adds - "If there is anything you feel is in my or my copanions reach to make you more at ease, do not hesitate in letting me know"
Diplomacy?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Lucifer Graves |
Lucifer stands by for a few moments before opening his com. Akkramar, Sarasanna, query: Where is the 'dwarf' body now located? I wish to give it proper burial if at all possible in this area.
'Horgus Gwern |
During their meal, Akkramar approaches Horgus, and sits by the man in silence first.
Seeing the man sit next to him, and with some food still in his mouth, Horgus says, "What do you want, merc?"
After a few moments, he addresses him - "Master Horgus, I will not bother you with idle chatter or banter, wanting solely to assure you we are doing our best to make the underground travel as safe and comfortable as possible" - he pauses for a moment - "Maybe 'comfortable' is not an appropriate word, as I am sure these conditions will never be so. So I will say 'with a minimum level of unpleasantness' - he nods.
"However" - he adds - "If there is anything you feel is in my or my copanions reach to make you more at ease, do not hesitate in letting me know"
Horgus looks at him, a scowl on his face, as he continues to chew. He then swallows his bite, sighs, and puts his 'tray' it's actually a large hunk of bread, with some stew meat sitting on top of it, precariously down next to him. He looks over at you thoughtfully for a full minute before replying. "Look, I get what you and your friends are trying to do. And for my part, I realize that I am not being very helpful. Those who know me," he waves his hand in the direction of Aravashinal and Anevia, "know that I can in fact, swallow my pride long enough to admit when I've been bullish. And that's the attitude that I've been showing to all of you. I apologize." Horgus then puts out his hand to shake. "I don't even know what you're name is at this point."
Sarasanna |
Com: Lucifer. Acknowledged. The dwarf body is on the other side of the temple, opposite of where we found the door, tucked into a corner. We have obscured the body's appearance with some loose stones as well. I can show you the exact location if you wish.
I am working with an assumption here, since we didn't say, but this is the most likely place Sarasanna would have wanted the body moved, if that is okay LM, and Akkramar.
That way, we didn't have to take it too far, and it is still well out of sight of the wounded who may have been upset at the sight of it. (^_^)
Dakkar de Enrev Seluj |
In my experience, dead dwarves are easy to roll, just stick their hands in their belts, wrap their beards around them a couple times, lay 'em sideways, and give a good kick.
Dakkar took care to make sure that Aravashinal doesn't trip over anything.
When they get to the room before the temple, he takes a careful look around, wondering where the giant fly went to.
Lord Manticore |
In my experience, dead dwarves are easy to roll, just stick their hands in their belts, wrap their beards around them a couple times, lay 'em sideways, and give a good kick.
Dakkar took care to make sure that Aravashinal doesn't trip over anything.
When they get to the room before the temple, he takes a careful look around, wondering where the giant fly went to.
You could make a Perception check to look for the fly, if you wish.
Akkramar |
Akkramar is truly taken by surprise by the man's favorable reaction to his words, and stares momentarily at the extended hand. Withou much hesitation however, he does shake his hand - "No need for apologies whatsoever - my name is Akkramar. Thank you for understanding" - he nods - "What I stated remains however - if there is any need, do not hesitate to address us"
Lucifer stands by for a few moments before opening his com. Akkramar, Sarasanna, query: Where is the 'dwarf' body now located? I wish to give it proper burial if at all possible in this area.
Unit Lucifer, if you will carry out such such proceedings, I would like to assist - Akkramar offers through the comm, without any further explanation.
Lucifer Graves |
Acknowledged, Sarasanna. I can locate the body myself. Acknowledged, Akkramar. Your assistance is unnecessary, but you may attend if you wish.
Lucifer moves to the temple with his shovel and pauses suddenly, as if realizing something. He turns around, trying to think of something to say to explain leaving. "I'm... getting a breath of fresh air." He looks blankly across the room for a moment and then heads out to find the dwarf's body and begin digging.
Taking 10 on Perception for an 18 if necessary.
'Horgus Gwern |
Akkramar is truly taken by surprise by the man's favorable reaction to his words, and stares momentarily at the extended hand. Withou much hesitation however, he does shake his hand - "No need for apologies whatsoever - my name is Akkramar. Thank you for understanding" - he nods - "What I stated remains however - if there is any need, do not hesitate to address us"
Horgus shakes your hand firmly and says to you, "Tell you what, Akkramar. When, not if, when, you get us back to the surface, I will gladly pay you and your friends double my original offer, making it 2,000 gold pieces, each. I can easily afford it, and it would appear that, once we get back up there, you're all going to have your hands full, dealing with the reprisals in this war. Consider it my effort to help with the warchest."
Lord Manticore |
Acknowledged, Sarasanna. I can locate the body myself. Acknowledged, Akkramar. Your assistance is unnecessary, but you may attend if you wish.
Lucifer moves to the temple with his shovel and pauses suddenly, as if realizing something. He turns around, trying to think of something to say to explain leaving. "I'm... getting a breath of fresh air." He looks blankly across the room for a moment and then heads out to find the dwarf's body and begin digging.
Taking 10 on Perception for an 18 if necessary.
From the directions that Sarasanna gave you, you can find the 'dwarf' easily enough. The hard packed floor gives you some effort, but it soon comes up easily enough. Will you be digging a shallow, or full grave?
Also, Lucifer, I don't know if you have picked up the ACG yet, but I found a rather interesting magic item that would be right up your alley. It's called a 'Gravedigger's staff', not only can it be used for its indended purpose, it can be used as a double ended q-staff, and it can cast a couple of spells. I don't know if it's up yet on the srd sites, but if not, I'll see if I can find it again and post it to you.
Lord Manticore |
Sarasanna |
In what she considers her previous life, Sarasanna was a ranger wandering the Numerian outskirts with her brother and only a few other scouts. She wasn't then the diplomatic sort, and in her present incarnation she is less so.
Still, the femine android comes to the conclusion that she should make some effort as well to console the wounded, even though Akkramar has worked wonders with the attitude of the rude one.
She sits near Annevia speaks to the fellow female, "There is a sense in which being trapped down here is what some call a mixed blessing," the android observes, "If you remember what happened earlier, how the Storm King tore the earth asunder..."
The 'droid gestures to her surroundings, "We are perhaps fortunate to be down here, where we can move underground and avoid the worst of the battle above. While it may be dark, we have yet to encounter any significant threat similar to the demon that appeared before we fell."
For a moment she pauses with a blank expression. "'We may be stuck in a cave, but we avoid the worst of the storm' my brother used to say.”
'Anevia Tirablade' |
In what she considers her previous life, Sarasanna was a ranger wandering the Numerian outskirts with her brother and only a few other scouts. She wasn't then the diplomatic sort, and in her present incarnation she is less so.
Still, the femine android comes to the conclusion that she should make some effort as well to console the wounded, even though Akkramar has worked wonders with the attitude of the rude one.
She sits near Annevia speaks to the fellow female, "There is a sense in which being trapped down here is what some call a mixed blessing," the android observes, "If you remember what happened earlier, how the Storm King tore the earth asunder..."
The 'droid gestures to her surroundings, "We are perhaps fortunate to be down here, where we can move underground and avoid the worst of the battle above. While it may be dark, we have yet to encounter any significant threat similar to the demon that appeared before we fell."
For a moment she pauses with a blank expression. "'We may be stuck in a cave, but we avoid the worst of the storm' my brother used to say.”
Anevia laughs at this, "That's a good one, I'll have to tell my wife about that..." Her voice trails off, and her face saddens. "Sarasanna, do you really think that we'll back up to the surface," Anevia says in a low voice. "I mean, even if we do get back up there, is there anyone left on our side still fighting?"
Sarasanna |
Sarasanna nods slowly to show she understands the woman's questions. "We will find our way to the surface, even should it be necessary for us to dig our way out." She replies seriously. She takes a moment longer to process the other question.
"We have no way of knowing what has happened in the city above before we get there. However... judging by the suddenness of the attack, I would guess that it was due to a recent change in the city's defenses. I think we therefore have good reason to believe it could be deflected."
Sarasanna watches the human woman's reaction to this, and then adds, just as a precaution,
"so long as you remain with us, you will be safe. Among us, there are warriors, healers, and magic users. I myself am a demon hunter. You have nothing to fear, so long as you stay with the group."
Lucifer Graves |
Didn't see a staff, but I did see a spade. It looks interesting, although between Lucifer not being a spellcaster and having below-average Charisma, not sure it'll ever be all that useful for me, sadly.
Lucifer finds the body and begins digging. The dirt is thick, hard-packed, and the going is slow, so he decides to go with a shallower grave than he'd... like? Than he'd normally dig. He gets it deep enough to push the body in, and then begins a prayer for the dead, holding out his symbol of Pharasma and chanting with his eyes closed.
That done, he begins to refill the grave.
'Anevia Tirablade' |
Sarasanna nods slowly to show she understands the woman's questions. "We will find our way to the surface, even should it be necessary for us to dig our way out." She replies seriously. She takes a moment longer to process the other question.
"We have no way of knowing what has happened in the city above before we get there. However... judging by the suddenness of the attack, I would guess that it was due to a recent change in the city's defenses. I think we therefore have good reason to believe it could be deflected."
Sarasanna watches the human woman's reaction to this, and then adds, just as a precaution,
"so long as you remain with us, you will be safe. Among us, there are warriors, healers, and magic users. I myself am a demon hunter. You have nothing to fear, so long as you stay with the group."
"I suppose you're right, Sarasanna," Anevia says with a grim expression. Changing the subject, she says, "I'm guessing that everyone is planning to catch some sleep in here. Is there anyone going scouting out there at this point, or are we just posting a guard for now? If anyone is scouting, I'd like to volunteer to go along, bum leg and all."
Lord Manticore |
Didn't see a staff, but I did see a spade. It looks interesting, although between Lucifer not being a spellcaster and having below-average Charisma, not sure it'll ever be all that useful for me, sadly.
Lucifer finds the body and begins digging. The dirt is thick, hard-packed, and the going is slow, so he decides to go with a shallower grave than he'd... like? Than he'd normally dig. He gets it deep enough to push the body in, and then begins a prayer for the dead, holding out his symbol of Pharasma and chanting with his eyes closed.
That done, he begins to refill the grave.
Yea, you're right, it was called like 'Gravedigger's spade, and it was in the staves section. As for usefulness, you never know. It's going to be a long time before everyone's character is topped out; you might get the knack for using it.
God's Whisper?: 1d100 ⇒ 39 No effect
Sarasanna |
"Sleep yes..." Sarasanna says distantly. She stops herself before saying anything as suspicious as "I remember sleep." Instead, she explains to the organic, "I am a very light sleeper. I always have been, if I remember. My brother on the other hand, would often seem to be comatose when he slept.."
She trails off again, attempting to compose a response for the woman's eagerness to be a scout. Then, "It is not my place, presently, to say who shall go on any further scouting missions. Archie is the one in charge of our group- and as for your leg, I'd recommend having Bethune, our medic, take a look at it again... Personally, I'd suggest you listen to your body, Anevia. Pain is an important signal- your body wants you to slow down, so that it has a chance to heal itself."
Akkramar |
Akkramar wrote:Horgus shakes your hand firmly and says to you, "Tell you what, Akkramar. When, not if, when, you get us back to the surface, I will gladly pay you and your friends double my original offer, making it 2,000 gold pieces, each. I can easily afford it, and it would appear that, once we get back up there, you're all going to have your hands full, dealing with the reprisals in this war. Consider it my effort to help with the warchest."Akkramar is truly taken by surprise by the man's favorable reaction to his words, and stares momentarily at the extended hand. Withou much hesitation however, he does shake his hand - "No need for apologies whatsoever - my name is Akkramar. Thank you for understanding" - he nods - "What I stated remains however - if there is any need, do not hesitate to address us"
"Even though we are not still what will be found on the surface, your offer is most welcome Master Horgus" - Akkramar acquiesces, but cannot help but ponder the surprising effect that tone and placement of words can have when communicating with humans.
Didn't see a staff, but I did see a spade. It looks interesting, although between Lucifer not being a spellcaster and having below-average Charisma, not sure it'll ever be all that useful for me, sadly.
Lucifer finds the body and begins digging. The dirt is thick, hard-packed, and the going is slow, so he decides to go with a shallower grave than he'd... like? Than he'd normally dig. He gets it deep enough to push the body in, and then begins a prayer for the dead, holding out his symbol of Pharasma and chanting with his eyes closed.
That done, he begins to refill the grave.
Akkramar assists Lucifer with the process, intently observing the details of his actions, and listening to the words of prayer, but without disturbing his companion.
'Anevia Tirablade' |
"Sleep yes..." Sarasanna says distantly. She stops herself before saying anything as suspicious as "I remember sleep." Instead, she explains to the organic, "I am a very light sleeper. I always have been, if I remember. My brother on the other hand, would often seem to be comatose when he slept.."
She trails off again, attempting to compose a response for the woman's eagerness to be a scout. Then, "It is not my place, presently, to say who shall go on any further scouting missions. Archie is the one in charge of our group- and as for your leg, I'd recommend having Bethune, our medic, take a look at it again... Personally, I'd suggest you listen to your body, Anevia. Pain is an important signal- your body wants you to slow down, so that it has a chance to heal itself."
Anevia looks down at her leg, then back up to you and smiles. "You're right, I suppose, but I want to feel useful down here. I also don't want to think about whether my wife up on the surface is alive or dead." She pauses to wipe at her eye, and then says, "Just let me know if I can help."
Aravashnial' |
Aravashinal swivels his head, not knowing who is near him, but he speaks in an overly loud tone, nonetheless. "I appreciate the time to rest and eat, but when are we going to start heading out of wherever we are and start back up to the surface?" The tone is more curious than anything. You can also hear the tiredness in his voice, although you're not sure if he is still dealing with the shock losing his eyesight, or if he is just tired.
Bethune |
Bethune picks up on the clashing feelings in the cavern several-hundreds? feet below the surface. It was true that the most efficient route would be to continue to look for their way out. However, there were injured and feeble bystanders in their care, Bethune knew that their strength would be as finite as the groups supplies, if not more-so.
" We'll have a short rest at least, and we'll make a decision once the group has caught their breath." He declares calmly, a knowing smile present above his square jaw as he walked to the middle of the group with arms and palms open.
" In the meantime, I'd like to see how everyone is doing.."
Would it be okay for Bethune to make heal checks for a sort of "check-up" on Aravashnial, Anevia and Horgus? If so:( He didn't do all that well, lol)
Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Lord Manticore |
Bethune picks up on the clashing feelings in the cavern several-hundreds? feet below the surface. It was true that the most efficient route would be to continue to look for their way out. However, there were injured and feeble bystanders in their care, Bethune knew that their strength would be as finite as the groups supplies, if not more-so.
" We'll have a short rest at least, and we'll make a decision once the group has caught their breath." He declares calmly, a knowing smile present above his square jaw as he walked to the middle of the group with arms and palms open.
" In the meantime, I'd like to see how everyone is doing.."
Would it be okay for Bethune to make heal checks for a sort of "check-up" on Aravashnial, Anevia and Horgus? If so:( He didn't do all that well, lol)
[dice=Heal]1d20+7
[dice=Heal]1d20+7
[dice=Heal]1d20+7
OK we'll take the rolls from worst to least. Anevia's leg still has a fair amount of bruising but you are able to make a slight adjustment. As a bonus, Anevia's move rate has gone up to 20' per round. Not great, but she can move almost as fast as the rest of you once another scouting party is formed.
As for the other two, well...Aravashinal is still blind, there's really nothing that you can do about that. Horgus' injuries were minor at best, although he does appreciate you tending after him. That's about it, although everyone seems to like the idea of catching 40 winks.
By the way, welcome back to the club Bethune. We are glad to have you. :)
Sarasanna |
Anevia looks down at her leg, then back up to you and smiles. "You're right, I suppose, but I want to feel useful down here. I also don't want to think about whether my wife up on the surface is alive or dead." She pauses to wipe at her eye, and then says, "Just let me know if I can help."
Sarasanna observes the actions of the woman, from looking down at her leg to wiping her eye. She identifies the presence of a tear- which indicates- sadness. A human emotion. An emotion Sarasanna once knew.
In her previous life, how did she respond when her brother was sad? She offered something that helped make the sadness less... comfort. Support.
"Your wife is probably wondering about what happened to you in a similar way even now," Sarasanna suggests in a gentle monotone, "For her sake and ours, we require your courage. Anything you know about these tunnels would be helpful to us as well." She glances at Aravshnial for a moment. "Perhaps you could pool your knowledge with Aravashnial's, who claims to have been in this place."
Sarasanna pauses for a moment as Betune makes an adjustment of the leg, ”Perhaps you may join us in the next scouting mission after all. What is your judgement, Bethune?”
Welcome back Bethune! Hope you'll stay with us! (^_^)
Akkramar |
Aravashinal swivels his head, not knowing who is near him, but he speaks in an overly loud tone, nonetheless. "I appreciate the time to rest and eat, but when are we going to start heading out of wherever we are and start back up to the surface?" The tone is more curious than anything. You can also hear the tiredness in his voice, although you're not sure if he is still dealing with the shock losing his eyesight, or if he is just tired.
Akkaramar approaches the blind elf - "We have been working towards that end ever since we found ourselves entrapped Master Aravashnial - these caves are riddled with tunnels and passages, hence scouting the correct one has been a morose endeavour"
He pauses for a moment, then proceeds - "I believe all can benefit from a short rest before we proceed however"
Welcome back on board Bethune ;)
Sarasanna |
Com: Archie, acknowledged. Sarasanna rises, stretching like a cat. She quietly gathers her things, ready to pick them up should the group be ordered to move.
Designate Sarasanna checking in. I am ready to move, and silently, if that is the command.
Lucifer Graves |
Designate Lucifer checking in. The 'undead' dwarf body is buried and was given the rites of passage according to Pharasma's teachings. I am also ready to continue forward when desired.
'Archie', Mk II |
Com: All: I have formulated a plan to ensure that our escorts are not harmed, or at the very least, that the risk of harm to them will be minimized. Our problem is that the escort's average rate of speed is only 150 feet per minute. To have them move faster will cause problems, especially for the one designated as 'Aravashinal'. What I propose is that we all move as a group. We will need two forward scouts, keeping apace about 50 feet or more in front of the main group. Our greyfang communications should be minimally affected at that range. I will be just in front of the escorts, to provide security to them, in case of ambush or another contingency. Behind the escorts we can have the remaining people provide aid and rear security. What we need to determine before the escorts awaken is who will take which positions.
Akkramar |
Akkramar unit acknowledges. Covert movement is an option, though not highly effective - chances of success may be increased by removal of protective armor
Sarasanna |
Com: Archie, designate Sarasanna acknowledges. I offer my abilities as a forward scout. I possess both the covert movement necessary with minimal protective gear interference as well as the the fighting capabilities to be of service under the contingency of a frontal ambush.
Query: may I receive healing prior to escorts awakening? I have sustained minor damage from the fight with the dwarf earlier. It is not enough to cause problems by itself, but could be problematic should we encounter a powerful foe. It also would be better to do prior to escourts awakening so as not to cause unease among them.
Akkramar |
I can follow closeby, mayhaps no more than 50 feet, so as not to affect the covert actions of Sarasanna, but allowing quick intervention if necessary
Sarasanna |
Not at full, but close enough! (^_^)
Gratitude, designate Archie. I am now prepared to scout ahead. I assess it would be prudent to have two scouts in the front- perhaps Bethune or Dakkar as a second. It is also good to know that Akkramar shall be following close behind as well.
Bethune |
Com: Designation-Bethune checking in. Plan acknowledged. Suggestion: Sarasanna and Dakkar serve as the scouting units. Due to my capacity to provide medical care and monitor organic conditions, it is logical for me to stay in close proximity to the injured. Furthermore, 50 feet is within range of my primary weapon.
Akkramar |
Akkramar ponders for a moment -In that case this unit will stay with the escorts, and guarantee their safety from any unforeseen threats.
'Archie', Mk II |
Com: All: Then it is so agreed. I will begin to wake up the others. Prepare to move out within the next 15 minutes.
With that completed, Archie begins to wake up the remaining people. It takes several moments, with Archie checking on each person, and the usual 'rituals' in waking up (and hearing several vociferous complaints from Horgus about the distinct lack of kaffe among the remaining resources. Soon, it would appear that everyone is ready. The escorted are also informed of the plan during this time. Anevia asks that she join the scouts, but is convinced that her place would be better served with the main group.
So here is the order of march, as I am reading it: Holler if you have any concerns.
Sarasanna, Akkramar
50' of distance (more or less)
Archie
Aravashinal, Anevia
Horgus, Bethune
~20' of distance (more or less)
Lucifer, Dakkar
Looking over the group one last time, Archie motions to the scouts to move out.
Akkramar |
Was under the impression Sarasanna and Dakkar would be the forward scouts, with Bethune 50' behind, and then Akkramar, Archie and the bulk of our escorts, with Lucifer closing the march.
Sarasanna |
Sarasanna watches for a moment as Archie begins to rouse the first of the sleepers. She then hoists on her backpack, and strides to the edge of the pew area, ready to lead the way out of the temple.
Query: We have selected the South corridor as our hopeful escape route, correct?