Vayga begins to climb the rock wall beside the waterfall keeping an eye on the place where Aerin disappeared. When she reaches the spot she stops to consider following but instead continues the climb to the top of the waterfall instead. Once on top Vayga continues to look for any sign of tracks of another entrance to the cave.
Exploring inside Aerin isn't able to go far before the lighting fades to blackness. The inside of the cave is damp with moisture, the floor is slick, a trickle of water dribbling inward, the floor having a slight slope downward the further you go. The narrow confines force her to squeeze her way past protruding rocks and limit her movement. The cold of the water still dripping from her leaves her shivering uncontrollably.
While everyone else begins casting protective spells Vayga climbs up top.
In the soft mud at the river bank you can find severally obscured tracks. You cannot make out whether they are humanoid, wolf, or other, and are unable to determine if the tracks might lead elsewhere. Also at the waters edge are several bones, stripped clean of meat and muscle. Probably the bones of some animal, but there are not enough to try and guess from what creature.
Cormick positions himself so he can still watch the waterfalls, but close enough to talk to Cindy Lu and Amon also.
In a whisper for all to hear; "Aerin, how is it going in there? You are still alive, right? Let me know if you need anything."
Turning slightly to Cindy Lu and Amon. "So Sirs, please allow me to explain a talent I have developed over the years, while we wait for our team members to scout out the area. I saw you," nodding to Cindy Lu, " cast a spell a moment ago and I know from the briefing I was given prior to leaving Coran, that you are both accomplished caster."
Watching Cindy Lu's and Amon's reactions to his next comments, he continues; "I have the ability to temporarily borrow another caster's spell repertoire. When I touch the caster I am able to select a spell from their currently prepared or available spells for the day, and then cast that spell myself. This has great potential for shifting a conflict into my favor, and an even greater potential when I can work with my companions."
As such I would like your permission to use this ability on both of you if a situation presents itself. I would only need a little bit of knowledge from you as to what spells you known, in the case of Sir Amon, and what spells you have prepared for the day, in your case Sir Cindy Lu."
"If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me."
Cindy considers the newcomer's words. I can see the benefit and could agree in principle to the idea. It would only be good teamwork to do so. If understand correctly you can use this ability to cast a spell I have memorized using one of your daily slots. But then later I too could cast the spell?
Cormick looks excited as he responds to Cindy Lu's question; "While I continue my Oratory on the Fundamentals of Divine and Arcane Magic, a work in progress, I am able to continue using the borrowed spell, as long as I have the nessecary magical energies. Once I stop my oratory, or if I were to touch a caster again, the borrowed spell would return to the orginal caster with no loose of knowledge or preparedness of the spell to them.
"The only limitation for the original caster is the temporay loose of the ability to use the spell themselves during the oration. This abilty can allow a team to spread more spell enhancements amoungst itself or provide a necessary life saving cure when a caster is down. Against an enemy, the loose of a spell like a sorcerer's fireball, could create a turning point for us."
"While I was attending my studies in Coran, I had heard rummors that one or two of the Headmasters had magical items called Rings of Wizardy. I theorize that if I could aquire one of these rings, it would greatly increase the potential of my abilities."
Amon nods to the bard. I do not have a problem with that. He whistles and his big cat strolls over. Are we heading into the cave?
He continues to look around weary of the cliffs.
Joining the others at the opening of the cave Vayga looks concerned. I think we should definitely search this cave but what of the caravan? Do we leave them waiting here defenseless? Send them on without us? Things could go very badly if we split up. I'm inclined to escort them through the pass at least and then return to investigate. She looks from face to face of her companions awaiting their response.
There are several larger protrusions in the cave that should provide sufficient strength to tie a rope around, though you will probably want someone inside to keep a hand on the rope to make sure it doesn't slip off. Getting the cat up the cliff face into a position where it might make the leap through the water will be a trick to pull off though.
aerin will tie one end of her rope inside the cave. Once it is secure she will jump back outside.
Seeing everyone.
Ha great you are all here. handing the other end of the rope to the obvious strongest member of the party
Here is the other end of the rope i just tied off inside. Can you help it while everyone gets inside?
the waterfall is pretty strong and the rocks on the other side are rather slippery. Use this rope to help you as you crosser over.
Looking at the feline well she will have to stay here but i guess she can guard the entrance to this place.
of cormick could you message me up please i am going back in and help you cross over.
Aerin will jump back in. Once inside she will cast a prestidigitation on herself to "clean" her clothes of all the water and dry herself.
She then will keep her hands on the rope and help other party members to cross over
Hearing the concern in Vayga's voice, Cormick steps back into a ray of sun shine that is just peaking over the cliff edge, shakes his head a couple of times to let his hair catch whatever breeze may be coming through just then and replies emboldened, "Miss... excuse me, Vayga makes a very valid point. We have been contracted to investigate the ambush site and to escort Miss Aima and her caravan through to Akleta. I believe we have completed the first clause of said contract, but would be remiss in our duties if we left them here now. We already know that they cannot handle an ambush by the vile goblins and their horrendous leader or whatever a Barghest is."
"It is early still, so we can probably still push hard and get through this canyon before night. Once we reach Akleta, we can prepare ourselves for whatever mischief these goblins could be up to. Maybe even do some research on this leader beast of theirs? Then return to vanquish these evils from the world."
"What say you all, my brave companions?", finishes Cormick as he places his fists on his hips and stands in a Heroic fashion.
Our first duty is to the caravan. We should not leave it, no matter how tempting the investigation of this cave is. Cindy concurs.
Cormick listens to Cindy Lu response, but can sense the disappointment of not entering the cave in her voice. He thinks back to Vayga comments and hears her desire also to enter the cave mixed with concern for the caravan's safety.
He reaches into his pack to draw out ink and paper and begins to whisper while he writes.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Miss Aima,
We have found a cave entrance hidden behind the waterfall and we are planning on investigating. Please wait there with the caravan as we enter into the unknown.
Please have one of the guards currently under the effects of my communication spell come to the waterfall, incase I need to send a message quickly back to you.
The lion will not be able to accompany us, so we will leave him with you for your protection. I would recommend keeping the caravan ready to move, and to continue without us if we have not returned in an hour.
Cormick
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Once completed writing the message, he continues to whisper, "Amon, would you ask your cat to return this message to Miss Aima and have him wait for our return? Is there any other instructions that any others wish me to include with the message?"
Cormick straights himself, moves slightly once he notices the ray of sunshine as moved and boldly says, "If not let us go into this cave and see what we can find. Daylight is wasting and my spell only lasts so long."
That should serve. Lets move quickly. Cindy will navigate the rope into the cavern.
With everyone now inside and Vayga leading the cave quickly grows dark for those unable to see without a light source. Rounding the corner Vayga can see the ground turns into a steep downward slope, almost 45', though it will be an easy climb as the flooring is rough and uneven.
Ahead is a small natural cavern with two corridors leading off north and east respectively. A small pool of water is at the center of the cavern.
Despite the noise of the waterfall behind you, from up ahead you can hear a snuffling sound of some kind.
Message spell: Full Stop. I think i am hearing something or someone in the north passage. Let me concentrate.
Cindy stops and activates her natural Srshield hex preparing for possible combat.
Is the party order what we want? Cindy will not enter melee so does not need to be near the front.[/ooc]
Cormick relays Aerin's message to the rest of the group.
Message to All: "Hold up. Aerin hears something. Give her a moment to determine the source."
The height of the narrow tunnel varies, sometimes forcing those who are taller to crouch, but the small cave ahead is of sufficient height to move freely in it.
Aerin moves up behind the dwarf. She concentrate for about 20 seconds.
Message spell I hear creatures sniffing just around the corner. They move with ease in that tunnel. she pause for a second more
I can make out 3 distinct breathing, probably canine
a sence of urgency can be heard via the message spell
I think they are going to be on to us in just a few seconds.
To arms everyone.
Cormick relays the information quickly via the Message spell.
Message to all: "Quickly all, 3 creatures approach from the north. Aerin suspects canines of some sort. They will be upon us in mere moments."
Quickly, to clear the way for those behind her, Vayga moves forward a pace or two (). She readies her falchion and allows her temper to flare. Come and get it boys.
As Vayga moves forward and down the last bit of the rocky slope her voice is heard over the muffled sound of the waterfall from behind.
A low growl is heard from ahead of her and three canine like creatures, with rat like front teeth come padding up the passage. The creatures sniff the air, but seem to not look directly at Vayga.
A barking sound erupts in the small cave.
These are goblin dogs. Immune to diseases themselves, they are a threat to those who touch them or are bitten by them of breaking out in a severe rash.
Cormick hesitates a moment when he hears Vayga's voice. His adrenaline begins to build as he anticipates the upcoming fight.
Cindy will hex the first enemy creature she sees and then back up to allow the more melee oriented in the party to close.
The canines move forward, sniffing the air and still barking.
The magic of Cindy's hex, invisible to the eye, strikes the first one, but does not take hold.
At the same time its head snaps in Vayga's direction as it fully picks up her scent from the close proximity, but its jaws find only empty air.
Additional barking is now heard from the east, where Vayga spots two more of the creatures moving in from that direction pawing there way slowly through the cave in the darkness.
Round 1
double move to AF-87
Whispered via the Message Spell to All: "Light in coming."
Cormick casts Dancing Lights to create 4 globes of light.
The balls of light fly forward into the room to shed light on the situation.
Amon moves up to get an open shot at one of the dogs.
Who's next!?!She lets out a growl of her own as she steps forward blocking the way of her next victims.
Not true canines, but rather a breed of overgrown rats, goblin dogs are immune to disease. They will often fight with pack tactics, and are capable of being stealthy. They do not have dark vision, but do have keen senses of smell. They can outrun the typical humanoid, and tend to be sturdy creatures when it comes to taking blows.
Cormick's orbs of light fly into the room casting shadows dancing up and down the walls. The pool in the center is seen to be not more than six inches deep.
Amon pushes past Cormick and lets loose an arrow. It strikes the closest of the creatures, which lets out a loud hissing snarl, limping on its hind leg.
The first creature tries to dodge her attack, with Amon's arrow sticking from its hind quarters. The swing splits the creature head to tail down the middle. Taking an easy step forward she skewers the second one as it tries to lunge at her. It gives hardly a death rattle at all before expiring.
Whispered via the Message spell to All: "They pack fight. Very fast movement. Don't let'em escape."
Seeing the creatures fall quickly and hearing Cormick's warning about escape Candy moves forward just enough to see the last beast and tries to Daze it.
The Cormick's light showing the way, the other two beasts rush forward to attack Aerin. The first one stumbles and slips to the ground unconscious as Cindy's hex takes hold of it.
The second one snaps at her, but is rebuffed by the magic protecting Aerin.
The last creature leaps at Vayga in a clumsy attempt to bite her.
Round 2
Amon moves up into the open and unleashes two arrows at the goblin dog he has the best shot at (that isn't asleep).
{ooc]not flying. [/ooc]
Without a second thought for the two beasts that lay dead at her feet Vayga swings at the final one in front of her.
With a an agility both graceful and deadly Aerin leaves two brutal slashes on the beast closest to her, dropping it unconscious to the floor at the same time Amon unleashes two arrows into it.
At the same time Vayga crushes in the skull of the remaining beast on her. She turns to assist Aerin but finds her aid is unnecessary.
As quickly as the fight had started it is over and the cavern is silent again save for the rush of the waterfall from the southern passage.
With attention no longer drawn to the snarling beasts and the pale glow from the dancing lights it is now easy to spot droppings from the creatures scattered across the eastern passage.
Message Lets explore the Ease passage just to make sure this lead into a kennel of sorts.
Aerin will cast light on a rock she then tucks inside her belt
Whispered via the Message spell to All: "Aerin suggests the East Passage, She thinks there are kennels of some sort that way."
Cormick will recast Dancing Lights in the shape of a small humanoid shape, vaguely goblin shaped, with it shedding a dim illumination. The original 4 globes of light wink out as the new shape appears.
He then moves forward and readies to follow the group down the passage.
hearing the relayed message Aerin will head down the east passage
Cindy unshoulders her great axe and quietly finished the sleeping beast with an efficiency that speaks of practice before falling back in line heading East.
Amon searches the area around the dead Goblin Dogs looking for any sign of goblins or other useful information. After the search, he falls into line with the others.
Having the thrill of battle end so soon after beginning Vayga leans against the cavern wall to rest for a moment while Cindy Lu takes care of the last sleeping dog. Half a minute and a few deep breaths later She hurries along the east passage anxious to be done with this foul place and back to the caravan as soon as possible.
Taking a close look and careful examination of the cave floor you find signs of travel. Scuff marks on the rock. While the marks can be seen in both the north and eastern passages the northern one definitely gets the most traffic, with the eastern one only a little behind, and the southern one back to the waterfall show very few signs of travel.
Following the eastern passage it soon opens up into another small room. Animal droppings litter the floor.
At the north end of the room the ground slopes sharply downward at a steep angle, but the roughness of the walls would make for an easy climb for anyone inclined to do so. The pit banks eastward after only 10'.
The walls of the steep incline have dark stains along the floor and their is a smell of rotting vegetation coming up from the hole.