You wake on a cold stone floor. This is not the blackness of night. This is the complete and total absence of light. You try to remember where you are, and how you cam to be here to no avail. As you stand, you begin to feel about your person and realize that you are dressed in your full set of gear. You take a step and stumble over another figure laying on the floor. He/she..it? begins to stir.
You pull a torch from the outside of your pack. The flint sparks are almost blinding, in short time the torch illuminates what appears to be a large natural cavern. Oddly enough, the ground under your feet is flat and polished smooth. A large circle about 50' in diameter ringed with strange markings that you have never seen before.
Others are laying on the flat circle still asleep or beginning to wake up.
You think to yourself,
"Where the hell am I?"
Cyne leaps to his feet at once shouting, Rise and shine! in a loud but not cheerful tone and looks all around the room.
He draws his longbow, homemade from strong yew, and nocks an arrow, readying to draw on any threat.
Cye, looking around sees a man standing balancing on the balls on his feet. He is tall, dark skinned, thin mustache and beard. Red hardened leather armor adorns lithe frame while an extremely long thin spear is in his grasp.
If you had not just woken up I would ask you if you knew were my steed was. I paid a awesome sum for the beast. I considered kidnapping and stealing capital offenses against my person. I plan to kill who ever did both. Do we find ourselves in a similar cause elf?
Careful not to give your true name. One of these rogues could be in liege with the one responsible for all this.
I'd say so.
Cyne assumes that, since the Dark-skinned man is also lumped in the same circle, he must be at least sympathetic, if not friendly.
Off in the darkness you see something stir. Bright red eyes peer through the darkness at you. They suddenly seem to burn, the iris' wreathed in fire, as a spark lights a torch revealing an ifrit.
His hair seems to be made from golden flame that flickers and waves in the torchlight. Horns adore his head, with ears that seem just as pointy as the horns. Charcoal hued scales cover his skin, covered by studded leather armor that's scored with burn marks, and a seemingly pristine cloak.
"I'm with you on killing whoever did this. I don't like randomly waking up with random strangers. Though I would imagine some people might."
A Half-Orc, covered in dirt and natural earth wakes up from all the commotion. His eyes flinch at the sudden brightness of the torch, but quickly adjust. Blask stands at a threateningly 6'3" tall, dark brown hair, stained the color of the natural earth. He wears studded leather and next to him lay his armaments of a spiked chain and a battleaxe.
Ya just couldn't let a guy get a few extra minutes sleep, could ya? Blask says thinking he is still at home.
Wait...who the hell are you and better yet where the hell am I? Who are you? I would like some answers now, otherwise somebody or something is getting their brains bashed in.
Taking in these strange characters Jauhar yields no emotion. His eyes do pause on the demonic looking thing a few paces away. He calmly and sternly states.
Stow the threats for someone who is threatened by you Orc. It seems we are in this together. Or would you have us at arms already like your barbarous forebears. It would make it easier for those who are responsible. Unless they want us alive, then killing each other would be like spitting in their face. The choice is yours.
Smiling the spearman put the tip of his spear down to the floor. A peaceful jester though not in harmony with the veiled threat in his words.
Ignis notes the spear with a nod of approval.
"Good choice of weapon there. Whether we are going to fight or not, I would suggest first making note of our surroundings. We don't know whether we are all about to die from something right now. And if we are going to kill each other, I prefer to know the area I'm fighting in."
Ignis looks around the room, making note of anything noteworthy
Blask will lower his weapon since the human lowered his, and take a look around the room to see if his dark vision will show anything else
Perception:
And what might you be? gesturing towards Ignis.
Eyes flick to Auga Whether demon, devil, or Angel it has some wisdom.
True beastman, let's take a look around. Imprisonment tastes foul and I have a thirst for a very red wine.
and I will not suffer this sleight, without due payment
What are our arms, in case some creature lurks in the dark. I see that the orc is well armed. Ax and shield, respectable if not inelegant. The elf seems certainly to be an archer judging by the long bow. Beastman what are your arms?
Taking in the room with a closure look.
Perception
A smile forms on Ignis' lips at Blask's question.
"What am I? Well I am fire incarnate." he says seriously. He pauses for a bit. "Actually, that is probably a good definition of myself." He visibly relaxes, seriousness gone.
"I am a servant of Hell, answering directly to Asmodeus." He drones, like he has said it many times. He points to his forehead, pointing out an upside down red pentagram (Asmodeus' symbol) emblazoned upon his head. "Not like he asks much from me. 'Go spread my name' doesn't tell me much, but he gives me power from it so I can't complain."
Ignis looks over at Ras. "My arms are nothing special, they are the same as yours." He flexes his arms to prove the point. "I really am not joking though. I poke things I don't like, same as you." He pulls a spear from his back, stabs it into the ground, and leans against it.
All you can see in the torch light, is what appears to be a natural cavern with a twenty foot high ceiling. The way behind you is solid living rock and the cavern makes a gentle turn to the right in front of you.
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Off in the darkness you see something stir. Bright red eyes peer through the darkness at you. They suddenly seem to burn, the iris' wreathed in fire, as a spark lights a torch revealing an ifrit.
His hair seems to be made from golden flame that flickers and waves in the torchlight. Horns adore his head, with ears that seem just as pointy as the horns. Charcoal hued scales cover his skin, covered by studded leather armor that's scored with burn marks, and a seemingly pristine cloak.
"I'm with you on killing whoever did this. I don't like randomly waking up with random strangers. Though I would imagine some people might."
A voice rings out behind Ignis. "I would,though I would prefer not to wake up with male company."
[i]DEVIL!!![i] At the name of the dark god, Jauhar’s eyes give just a hint of emotion, concern.
Though he only nods slowly at the spear.
It is good to know that a servant of the seeker of souls can be caught up in…whatever exactly this is. Would you say that we have died and crossed to your master’s realm, Devil?
Jauhar draws out the word Devil like a blade. His smile does not reach his eyes. There are wolves that have less predatory smiles.
Turning the soldier spies the newest woken member of the prisoners.
When we get out of here I will treat you to the finest brothel money can buy. Pray tell, what are your arms?
still sleeping but slowly coming round is a dark haired human looking girl dressed in white with gold trim though slightly dirty as though she was travelling on the road for several days. An off-white scarf with some runes embroidred on it around her neck
the center of her tunic is a stitched symbol of Serenrae. a plain quarterstaff lying on the floor beside her.
She slowly stirs to conciousness
what has happened, am I a prisoner?
she appears to not have noticed the others immediately as her speech is not directed at anyone.
Her eyes flicker open as she soon realizes she is not alone.
Oh! I am sorry, Why have you captured me? she asks innocently to the group of others.
"Devil? Ha!" Ignis lets out a piercing laugh that crackles like fire."I am no devil. I did not choose my fate. Fate chose me. I would gladly throw it away to be able to do what I want, but fate does not work like that. Feel free to call me a devil if you want, man" He draws out man like its a curse word."For I have heard every insult in the book. I found your kind to be the least tolerant of me, despite Human's claim to 'Accept all for who they are', but that is behind me."
Ignis steps to the side as he hears the voice behind him. He smiles at Nimt's words. "Now that is the type of man I know, and like."
He notices Trey's words. "We have not captured you, for we have all been captured. Or at least I assume as such, none of us really know each other. Does anyone remember how they got here? I do not. If no one does, then let us focus on a way to get out of this oppressive place.
The cave itself is dusty, and cool border-lining on cold. When you touch the walls of the cavern your hands have a dusty/salty residue on them. The cave is very dry. The cavern makes a pretty sharp turn to the right up ahead of you. You can see about 40'.
Accepting of others? Laughable! It proves how alien your mind is Devil. You will find that I judge others solely on their actions. Other wise we have an accord. Men are cruel, backstabbing, hatemongering, vile things. We care not for other races, we gather them up, chew them for a minute, and spit them out. Why your kind may kill after decades of torture humans are by far worse. We allow them our victims to live on around us in some caricature of freedom.
Try stands dusting herself off and straightening her scarf. picks up her staff listening to the other converse over the situation.
Trey goes to examing the markings on the floor looking for any signs she might recognize or be able to decipher.
does anyone know what these markings are? she asks attempting to bring everone together to focus on our situation.
Cyne holds his bow at the ready, pointing at the extension of the cavern. He moves along the cavern in front. He will let he other, more educated company handle the investigating.
Blask, wielding his Battleaxe in one hand, shield in the other valuing defense over sheer damage potential. Knowledge has never been his strong suit, so Blask will follow 20' behind the Elf. He figures between the two of them they should be able to spot anything that wants to pose a threat. Also leaving a way to alert the others. Knowledge has never been his strong suit.
"Well then let us act by figuring out what is going on, then we can judge each other once we are out."
Ignis crouches down, tracing the lettering with the tip of his spear, seeing if it might be something he'd recognize.
Yes of course, no time for debates I aggree.
Stepping lightly has he can, worn down by the shear amount of weapons on his person the spearmen guards the backs of those reading the strange ruins.
Gorum, give me one glimpsh of our enemy, and I shall please you with BATTLE!
Ignis hears living magical armor and grunts. He's heard of stranger things, but he doesn't really believe it.
Studying the markings, he gets some glimmer of what the markings are.
"Bad news folks, we may be on another plane. But I really have no idea." He stands up and stretches. He pulls his long spear from his back, comparing and weighing it to the spear in his other hand, shakes his head and puts the long spear back.
Studying the markings, he gets some glimmer of what the markings are.
"Bad news folks, we may be on another plane. But I really have no idea." He stands up and stretches. He pulls his long spear from his back, comparing and weighing it to the spear in his other hand, shakes his head and puts the long spear back.
I agree the marking appear abyssal but I am afraid I cannot understand them.
after a second or two
Oh I am sorry but I am Trey, I don't think we have introduced ourselves or at least to me
The soldier had noticed the women when she spoke, forgetting his manners completely, he ignored her. When she began examining the ruins, manners were still not at the forefront of his mind. As such his eyes gravitated the length of her taking in her shape, taking care not to be noticed by her though.
Not an uncomely lass, perhaps there won’t need to be a trip to the flop house for me.
When she spoke introducing herself though his mind snapped back pushing back his animalistic desires that often took over in times of stress. A name was all it took to bring out the honor in the soldier.
Pardon me my Lady. This one is called Jorn Ali Rahmoot. I beg your forgiveness for my rudeness, and I am at your service.
For a second there is motion that he moved to take a knee before her, but he did not.
Careful, fool, she may be a lady, she may not. No need to give a low born slut high hopes.
The soldier had noticed the women when she spoke, forgetting his manners completely, he ignored her. When she began examining the ruins, manners were still not at the forefront of his mind. As such his eyes gravitated the length of her taking in her shape, taking care not to be noticed by her though.
When she spoke introducing herself though his mind snapped back pushing back his animalistic desires that often took over in times of stress. A name was all it took to bring out the honor in the soldier.
Pardon me my Lady. This one is called Jorn Ali Rahmoot. I beg your forgiveness for my rudeness, and I am at your service.
For a second there is motion that he moved to take a knee before her, but he did not.
There are never any needs of formalities with me, and In truth it is I at your service. I am of a small group of priests, we call ourselves The healers of the White Hand. Our purpose is the aid and comfort of those in need and the preservation of the idea that there is is always hope when there is life.
She looks about the room
[i Think I saw an exit over in that direction perhaps we should check it out.[/b]
"If we are on the Plane of Fire, I call dibs. Not sure on what though, I just know I have it."
Sensing no immediate danger, Ignis plays relaxed; like a gentle campfire out in the woods. He rests his spear over his shoulders, hanging onto it with two hands, settling back on his heels. Upon hearing the mention of names, he chips in.
"Auga Ignis. Means "Eyes of Fire" for those that don't know Ignan. Three guesses as to my favorite element."
Cyne glances over his shoulder at the others talking and says My name is Cyne. It doesn't mean anything, and I'm not from anywhere special. But I can shoot, and I'm ready to leave...here. Social time later.
He walks further ahead.
This devil has laid his trap carefully. Now he thinks we are cowed into thinking he means no harm. Clearly he has some plot in store. I will give him my back, the least thing he will expect. Oh he will rue the day he thought I was fool enough to fall for his charms.
Eyes of Fire, if you would be so kind as to make sure our torches are burning, and stay that way. I will follow Cyne. Then if we could have the Houndmaster and hound gesturing too Nimt followed by Trey, and Eyes of Fire with the orc as our rear guard. Do take care and do not let the hound bay. I would hope that our wakefulness might come as a surprise to our captors. By the time they see our lights I hope to be on them. Those who can pack torches I suggest they do so.
Torch, HA! I can see just fine, but you may need one Blask retorts with a slight chuckle/smirk.
I will be whereever the best place is to get the hell out of...well...wherever we are.
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"If we are on the Plane of Fire, I call dibs. Not sure on what though, I just know I have it."
Sensing no immediate danger, Ignis plays relaxed; like a gentle campfire out in the woods. He rests his spear over his shoulders, hanging onto it with two hands, settling back on his heels. Upon hearing the mention of names, he chips in.
"Auga Ignis. Means "Eyes of Fire" for those that don't know Ignan. Three guesses as to my favorite element."
"The cave seems to be cool. Not something you expect on the Plane of Fire. I'd rule out the Plane of Water too. There seems to an absence of light. I might have a suspicion as to what kind of Plane this is.
Knowledge (Planes)
"I'll sit in the back with the orc, that's fine by me. I have no need of light either, someone can take my torch. If anyone else needs a lit torch, let me see it and I'll take care of it."
Ignis's eyes burn, and the smell of smoke washes over you as he snaps his fingers and the torch alights. Then all goes back to normal.
Some of us are not so gifted as to be blessed as you three. It would be better to say that if you can hold a torch and are still effective to do so. If half our number is stumbling around in the dark, we are that much easier to defeat. Unless of course you would like to split up, it is folly to do so of course, but it is your choice. If the rear guard desires a more valorous position they can lead the way, by all means. It might serve to have those sharp eyes at the fore.
Trey will voluteer to carry a torch she is not much for melee combat and as long as she can keep a hand free to cast she is good.
Seeing the women take the torch the Garundi man nods his head in approval and gives her a bright smile.
Let's just head out. I've no problem going first and anyone who wishes may stay near.
With a nod and a tap on the ground with the butt of his spear Jauhar moves to guard Cyne.
"Oh I can see in the dark, but I wouldn't call my eyes sharp. Lead the way Cyne." Ignis adjusts his back back a bit, twirls his spear once, then falls in behind Trey.
The cavern winds its way for several miles twisting through the rock. The thin layer of salty dust covers every surface. Cracks are common in the cave walls and floor. Some wide enough for one of you to crawl into, most just a few inches.
Both Cyne Lar and Trey Merosa have halted the party twice because they hear what they describe as a "chittering" noise that stops as soon as the party halts. No one else seems to hear it.
The party has walked for more than half a day. You are hungry and thirsty. It is decided to pause for an hour to rest and eat what provisions you have.
Blask will put his survival training to good use and attempt to scrounge up enough food and water to feed himself and his companions.
How is everyone feeling? Let me see if I can find some source of water and food. Does anyone else have rations? I have a few and am willing to sacrifice them for the greater good to make a better attempt at getting the hell outta here.
Survival check:
Blask:
The cavern is bone dry and dusty. You realize that food and water will be almost nonexistent in this barren place. You do notice what appear to be some sort of tracks leading into a wall crack. Whatever made the tracks was about the size of a dog, but able to squeeze itself into a 4" wide wall crevasse.
Everyone, I notices some small tracks, about dog size entering a small crack in the cave wall. It must've been something small that con squeeze itself into a 4-inch crevasse. What shall we do?