Cinder falls to the ground, unconscious and bleeding next to Oleg.
"FEK!" Scarlet swears even as she yanks her goggles down the better to plaster the critter full of bolts.
"Well.. t'is bin nice knowin' folks..." Scarlet says her good byes before she gets done over by the tentacles...
Oleg continues slowly fading away towards death's door, a smile on his face knowing the monster that did him in is bleeding to its death at the same rate.
As his bleeding slows down, internally and externally, he begins to snore loudly.
Cinder falls to the ground, unconscious and bleeding next to Oleg.
Cinder continues to bleed out, faintly hearing the continuing battle.
"Hang in there guys!" Bosh thought it sounded brave but it was more like a cry...
Your bolt finds a crack in the thing's shell, and though it doesn't hit hard, the thing's tentacles flail about for a moment, then fall limp to the ground, twitching but unmoving.
Cinder and Oleg lie on the ground, also unmoving. Oleg appears to be snoring, and both are in need of care and attention.
Bosh will take out the potions and give one to each one...
"That was close..."
Scarlet quickly moves over and puts a last bolt into the creature,
"Just to make sure." Before turning and helping with cinder and Oleg.
With no training in healing all she can do is try and make them comfortable as the magic of the potions does its work.
Scarlet's bolt makes the creature twitch one final time, then lies completely still.
Cinder groans and puts a hand to her head. "Perhaps I need to think over being in the front..." She does move on to cast healing spells on herself and Oleg.
"Thank you" Oleg says between coughs "That was like getting clubbed by a tree, I'm going to be sore for days. I can't believe I'm still alive. Oleg looks around to make sure everyone else is alive as well.
Then motioning toward the passage before them, continues "Not sure how you all feel about it, but how about we get back to exploring the rest of this place tomorrow. I could sure use a good night's rest, a strong drink, and maybe a little entertainment at Silverdisk Hall. Bosh, didn't you say this morning that we got invited to it?"
The construct in the previous room is continuing to bend cage bars back into place. It swivels it's head to view you while continuing its work, but does not otherwise interact with you.
The skulks looks at your wounds with mocking smirks, but otherwise let you pass.
The return trip through the water is - as always - unpleasant, but now a bit more familiar. This time, only Cinder and Oleg emerge retching, clearly weakened from the many blows they withstood against the tentacle creature.
It's still only late morning at this point, so you have ample time to clean up and - if you choose - head for Silverdisk Hall.
Cinder glares at the skulks as she passes them, but is otherwise silent until surfacing in the pond. "We *must* find a better way to enter, I feel more and more sick every time we go through this."
After changing out of her 'swimming' clothes and putting all her normal kit back on Scarlet simply shrugs.
"Bathing, clothes cleaning, eating and maybe doing something else are all I've got planned for the rest of today..." She begins to saunter off towards the Tavern the parties using to stay in.
"I agree with Cinder, I hate going through this water...the food is tasting weird ever since and my stomach is making weird noises. Maybe the skulks know another way, why don't we ask them?" Bosh asks the others, he would love a nice cave entrance, some tunnels and no dirty water.
"Let's rest, Cinder and Oleg need to take care of their wounds..."
"I certainly do Bosh, and nothing soothes the aches and pains like a head dull with alcohol" Oleg takes his rest early, to wake up for a late evening of festivities at the Silverdisk Hall. Afterwards, he plans on taking a short nap to refresh himself for the morning run back underground.
Val Baine calls out from a back room in the Foundry Tavern when she hears you all return, "You're back already?" She rushes out, and though she's clearly still disappointed that you don't have her father, she is immediately concerned for your wounds. She runs to the bar, and pulls out and opens a parcel. "Here. Da says that this is for helping those who are hurt, and showed me how to use it." She begins pulling bandages, splints, poultices, and other dressings from the kit for Oleg, Cinder, and Scarlet, while pointing for Bosh to set up some cots for everyone to lie down on. She also begins heating water for you all to wash yourselves and clean up after the trip through the water.
-----
Later that evening, the four of you head to Silverdisk Hall. Torches line the pathway up from the street to this long, low building, and you can hear the muted sound of musicians spilling out into the evening, accompanied by the dull rumble of steady business going on inside. There are two men at the door, obviously bouncers. They stop you to check you over, insisting that any weapons you carry be left with the doorman if you want to come inside. While they look unhappy about Scarlet's goggles, they permit her to leave them on for now.
-----
When you show them the letter and its seal, one steps through and shouts a quick command to a runner, "Get Mister Ulreth!" The sought-out man arrives shortly, a garrulous man with a full beard and sparkling eyes.
"Ah, you've finally come! I was hoping to meet you all last night after your first venture into the caverns below," his eyes light on Cinder for a moment. "Especially you, my dear - they said that a beauty walked among them, and I'm glad to know that it's true." After the briefest of leering glances, he tries to kiss her hand before turning back to address you all.
"Well, I don't want to trouble or detain you long, but I did want to extend my own version of thanks for your troubles." He hands you each a small card of sturdy paper with a similar seal to his letter. "Speak to the tellers inside - they will take this and provide you each with credits for use in the hall. You'll find games of chance to suit your fancy, and the brawling ring should begin matches soon. You may even want to jump in for a bout, big man," he jokes at Oleg. "If I can offer any directions inside, just ask, but pressing business will pull me away shortly."
-----
The gambling hall itself is like most of Torch - practically built but with just a touch of embellishment to give it a little more class. Roughneck laborers are trying their hand at dice games and roulette wheels, while bar wenches serve drinks for tips in low-cut outfits. The band on the small stage here near the door is composed of a trio of halflings, one pounding away at a piano, another slapping at a set of congas that are just a little too large for him, and the third piping out a melody on a small trumpet. In the far back of the hall, a cage of iron bars is set up, and those gathered around it appear to be cajoling each other into placing bets on some upcoming sport. All told, a delightful hive of seedy activity!
Oleg happily complies with the bouncers request to leave his weapons at the door. He dutifully unbuckles his Cestus, removes his hand axe, digs out a nasty pair of brass knuckles from one of his pockets, removes a punching dagger hidden in his boot, the cold iron dagger from it's place tucked into his belt and a false money pouch that is actually a sap. Looking up at the doorman, he murmurs "almost done" before unwinding his bolas, placing some of the climbing gear that could be used as an improvised weapon on the table, and lastly, his cards and dice. "I figured you'd want to hold on to these too."
Looking back at the bouncer, Oleg raises his big fist and grins while joking "But he doesn't want this eh? haha!"
In response to Ulreth's generosity, Oleg thanks the man sincerely and promises to drink to his health and greatness. As to the offer to fight in the bout, Oleg politely declines, saying that he's had enough fights today to disinterest anyone in taking up some more voluntarily.
Heading inside, Oleg immediately takes to Cayden's Challenge, and after a whispered prayer to his deity, gladly takes on the first set of challengera.
Roll 1: Bet 5gp
Roll 2: Bet 5gp
Roll 3: Bet 5gp
Roll 4: Bet 10gp
Roll 5: Bet 10gp
Roll 6: Bet 10gp
Roll 7: Bet 5gp
Roll 8: Bet 5gp
After doing a bit of drinking and gambling, Oleg will count what money he has left, and see what The Cage is all about. Perhaps with that bit of liquid courage inside him, he might give it a go, depending on what the competition looks like.
The strong applejack hits you both at a bad moment. You're not sure what the dwarf faced earlier that day, but you it's likely that you received a concussion from the tentacles. When you both make sour faces, it's clear that maybe now is not the best time to try out-drinking each other. You each pay for your drinks and head off to other entertainment.
The Cage
The competition looks like a rough group of fellows, but perhaps not insurmountable to someone with your combat experience. The first bout that's lined up has two laborers.
Though, once she's gotten her chits she'll be more drinking and relaxing than trying to play hard...
Bet: 5 GP
Bet: 5 GP
Bet: 5 GP
Bet: 5 GP
Bet: 5 GP
Bet: 5 GP
Bet: 5 GP
Bet: 5 GP
Bet: 5 GP
Bet: 5 GP
She's more to trying to talk to people than concentrate on the gambling.
After a while she'll head over and help cheer Oleg on. Even placing a small amount on his winning. (5 Gp)
Bet: 10 gp
Bet: 10 gp
Bet: 10 gp
Bet: 10 gp
Bet: 10 gp
Bet: 10 gp
Bet: 10 gp
Bet: 10 gp
Bet: 10 gp
Bet: 10 gp
After, she'll purchase a few drinks for the four friends and join at watching the Cage.
Bet: 5gp
Bet: 5gp
Bet: 5gp
Bet: 5gp
Bet: 5gp
Bet: 5gp
Bet: 5gp
Bet: 5gp
Bet: 5gp
Bet: 5gp
He will join the others in the Cage to see the fights,
"Are you guys sure we got time to be enjoying ourselves like this?" He ask, Bosh didn't like it to go down the caves but the faster they finished their quest, the faster he get to be relaxing at home without worries.
Oleg will bet 20 gold on the underdog, Riosh, because "Who doesn't love it when the little guy wins, eh? Especially when the payout is three to one!"
Afterwards, Oleg will see about giving the fighting a go himself, betting 25 gold on himself to win.
You each find good fortune at Aroden's Tumblers, and groups start to gather around you with each lucky roll.
Spent: 50 GP
Won: 135 GP
Net: 85 GP
Spent: 100 GP
Won: 310 GP
Net: +210 GP
Spent: 55 GP
Won: 100 GP
Net: +45 GP [spoiler=Bosh's Earnings]
Spent: 50 GP
Won: 135 GP
Net: +85 GP
[/spoiler]
Spent: 50 GP
Won: 130 GP
Net: +80 GP
When you step back from the dice tables, servers are there to hand you complimentary drinks and show you towards the battle ring, where the first match is about to start. Avlaro and Riosh match up, but clearly neither is quite used to causing damage with his fists...
Round 2:
Round 3:
Round 4:
Round 5:
Each fighter gives the other a solid blow at the beginning of the fight, but it's clear that Avlaro can land a harder punch than Riosh, and in the third round the underdog goes down. Oleg's betting slip is taken back, and when he steps up to meet a challenger, Garmen Ulreth materializes out of nowhere to shake your hand and wish you luck, bringing forth "One of my own lads," for you to try your hand against.
The Bookies quickly take stock of you, and set out your odds against Elian. You hear one say, "Big and tough lookin, but a little battered. Plus one-point-seven odds for 'im, and minus two-point-six odds for Elian!" After a little grumbling, this is held to, and more bets are taken. Somehow, you're the underdog in this one, probably due to the bandages still wrapped around your limbs.
Underdog: For every 1 GP bet on Oleg, win 1.7 GP if Oleg wins.
Favorite: For every 2.6 GP bet on Elian, win 1 GP if Elian wins.
Got a meeting now, but I'll post results tonight before 10 PM EST. FIGHT NIGHT!
Elian steps into the cage opposite Oleg, a clean shaven youth with decent muscles and a scar across his left arm. He flexes in his studded leather armor, punches at the air a couple times, taps knuckles with you, and the combat begins with the ring of a bell!
Round 1:
The two fighters dance around each other for a moment, until Oleg catches Elian completely off guard when he suddenly rushes forward with a bone crunching blow. Cheers and whistles go round the ring, and its obvious that most of the casino has come over to watch the big man in action against the young stag. Elian tries to reciprocate, but just launches a low blow that fails to even connect with Oleg's (ample) stomach.
Round 2:
In the second round, Oleg again gets the better step on Elian, but his overconfidence causes him to slip, and the younger man wastes no time in launching a double-handed downward strike on Oleg's back, driving the wind from him.
Round 3:
In the third round, Elian launches a quick flurry of punches at Oleg's side, designed to weaken Oleg's defenses before landing a more solid blow, but it doesn't quite land. With a mighty uppercut, Oleg throws a fist upwards into Elian's chin, sending the young man staggering backwards.
Round 4:
In round four, both fighters are looking tired, and though Oleg's punch connects first, he only thuds into Elian's armor. Elian, trying to just defend himself, tries to launch what appears to be a final, desperate attack, but the exertion of the fight and the final blow against his armor appear to be just too much, and he goes down in a heap to the ground.
Cheers go up, merriment all around, and an announcer yells, "A winner! Oleg the Brawler has claimed his first victory in the Cage. Keep an eye on this beast of a man, gentles and ladies - we may have a new champion in our midst!"
Before long, the casino begins winding down, and the populace is ushered back outside. You can all cash in your chips for gold pieces and pick up your weapons at the door.
Cinder, somewhat suprised that she actually made money (And now suspecting that the owner may have been a bit too friendly); is more than ready to rest. She'll try to gather the others up and head back to... Evercandle Bar? Copper Bar Tavern? She can't quite remember...
She is obviously quite drunk, despite having only a few drinks, swaying in place even when grabbing the arms of her companions to 'guide' them.
Scarlet takes her winnings and help Oleg ad the others back towards the tavern.
"Maybe we should all invest in a few potions an' such with our new shine?" She suggests conversationally, "I'm pretty sure the church of... Brick? Brie? Brey? Them folks who helped us into the caves... They'll maybe give us a fair price?"
"Well well, do we have begginers luck or they want us to win so we come back?" Bosh laughs happily when he changes his bets,
"That is a great idea, Scarlet. With all that is roaming down there the fights and wounds are slowing us down." Bosh thinks for a while scratching his beard,
"We should buy our own things or do we gather some of our money together and buy?"
Oleg looks at his opponent a little curiously, knowing that his last hit didn’t have much on it. He nevertheless smiles genuinely and extends his hand to help Elian up ”Good match and well fought, I think next time you’ll best me for sure! Let me buy you a drink.” If taken up on the offer, Oleg will toast to the other fighter’s health and compliment his skills in the ring, taking his leave once the place begins to close down. If refused or if there’s no time, Oleg keeps the offer standing with ”Another time, then!”
If the party wishes to pool their money for a large purchase, Oleg will contribute up to 75 of his gold. The rest, as he says, is already ”spoken for.” After settling in for a restful nap, Oleg will wake up early and head off to the General Store, Market Square, Tempting Tonics, the Torch Guildhouse and the Temple of Brigh as necessary to fulfill his shopping needs. He may, as a result, be a little late to the group’s meeting. But when he arrives, it will be in a shiny new chain shirt!
The young Elian shakes off the hits, and appreciates the hand helping up. He nods his thanks, not quite up to speaking just yet, and follows you over to the bar for a pour of the local brew. There are claps on shoulders all around, and before long you are ushered out into the night.
The stores open the next morning, and you can each make purchases at the stores in town. When you are ready, Joram Kyte will again cast the spell to send you each under the water again.
Scarlet leans over and says quietly to Cinder, "It's not a half bad idea about sorting through another way in..."
In the morning, she slips out of the house before anyone else wakes, to join up with the others. "I'm all for a few healing potions, and I can't really think of any 'large' purchases that we all need. How many do you think they have available at the church, I wonder?"
The priest of Brigh (pronounced BRY), Joram Kyte, greets you the next morning when you visit the temple. "Potions, you ask? Hmm, I may have a pair here that one of the acolytes got together. Mind you, the components are not without cost - each vial is fifty gold pieces. Let me see..." He pulls out a leather satche, opens it, and reveals four small vials. "Our stock seems low. You might also speak with Jhestine at 'Tempting Tonics' across town if you need more."
After the Hall, Bosh goes to his house to rest, he prepares his new spells for tomorrow and talks a while with Krasu about today's adventure. In the morning he wakes up, finish preparing his spells and gears up to go shopping, eat something even thought he know he could retch it in the stinky pools. Bosh will meet with the team to see what it need to be bought.
Cinder nods at Joram. "I'll take them all. And you said that 'Tempting Tonics' will have more? My thanks." She'll purchase the four potions, and move on to Jhestine's store for more.
Jhestine is a study in contrasts. Her stark white hair clearly points to something exotic in her heritage, as do her slightly pointed ears, but the closeness of her facial features indicates a Kellid ancestry as well. She greets you politely, "Ah, the four of you. I wondered if you might come by. A few regulars have been buzzing about those going under Black Hill. What can I prepare for you today? Something for your health? Or something less... conventional?"
"Good morning" Oleg bows, and out of window shopping curiosity more than buying intent, he asks "What do you have that's less conventional?"
The woman smiles sweetly at Oleg, "Why, this and that, my dear. Perhaps something to strengthen your arms, or another to rejuvenate you over time. Or perhaps a... weapon ointment, if you will, to weaken your enemies? My shop carries many possibilities."
"That is interesting, but I'm afraid you'll find my purse far less so." Oleg jokes before adding "When fortune smiles on me a little longer, perhaps I'll be your best customer!"
Oleg waits for the rest of the group to complete their business, and busies himself with adjusting his new armor to fit just so and not restrict his movement. Then he fidgets around with his daggers, tucking them into several places before being satisfied that he can draw them quickly and easily.
"We need something for our health and something for our enemies" Bosh points out, "And if you give me a good price I'll compete with Oleg for the best costumer title" He smiles at Oleg, "You have Alchemist's fire? or something a little better? Something that goes boom but doesn't blow us to pieces..." While he asks with his usual fast talking he scratches his beard and founds some little bread pieces and offers them to his raven who refuses.
She shows Bosh an array of vials, pointing out those that are restorative , as well as a small set of syringes, each with a small black plunger and of differing colors of liquid. "These last restore over time, rather than all at once. It's a little less... mystical in it's approach, but reliability comes at a price."
#1 = Fast Healing 1 for 10 Rounds, 250 GP
#2 = Fast Healing 2 for 10 Rounds, 500 GP
#3 = Fast Healing 3 for 10 Rounds, 750 GP
#4 = Fast Healing 4 for 10 Rounds, 1000 GP
#5 = Fast Healing 5 for 10 Rounds, 1250 GP
"As for something that... booms, as you say, you'll want to visit the General Store for materials that volatile and alchemical. Mine are more natural creations."
Scarlet 'Ooos' at the technology on display by Jhestine at "Tempting Tonics"
Cinder passes out a small potion to each of the others. "This is for emergency only. If someone falls in combat,*give it to them*."
Scarlet will probably go with possibly cheaper potions and maybe get the techy things some other time.
You gather your equipment, receive the blessing from the Temple of Brigh, and return underneath the lake.
As you descend through the tunnels, you reach the split right before the large cave that the skulks inhabit, and feel as though the other tunner (which you have not yet explored) feels just a bit colder than it did the previous morning. Not clammy, just colder.
Scarlet looks to her companions and shrugs.
"Weird. Maybe we should ask the folks what live here about that?" She suggests.