The elemental suddenly turns away and begins slowly moving further into the vent. A few short rumbles trumble from it as it moves.
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After the battle, Aak goes over to Ergas' body. He checks him for any signs of life, but he is too late. His body and spirit have parted ways. Aak slams his morningstar into the ground in anger and frustration, if only...if only. He turns to the dead dog-like creature and slams his morningstar into its chest out of spite.
Aak, then says a short prayer, closes the mans eyes and proceeds to give him a proper burial, despite the less than pleasant conditions, once everyone is done with their own "grieving" process.
Jenya knows that Ergas would want to have been buried in the mines of the dome that he came from but the makeshift accommodations that Aak provides will have to do and indeed Jenya appreciates his efforts for someone he had only just met and did not know.
She feels like she has to say some words I only knew Ergas for a short while but he was a brother and a credit to House Skavon and to the Dome. He died protecting it from the sand and evils assaulting it and we will carry on in his name and in his name end this elemental threat to our bastion and sanctuary.
The slow moving elemental is easy to keep in sight as everyone says their respects to Ergas. It's easy to catch up to the elemental and keep it close as it slowly moves through the vent. Beyond the occasional crack or bit of rock, the vent seems very much the same. After some time traveling the elemental slows as the crackling sounds of it's speech come forth it comes to a stop.
Iron Sprocket mourns the loss of another friend. He appreciates the new-comer giving him a proper burial, but gives no speech, as he is not very good at such things.
As Ergas is laid to rest Tamayra produces a flask, pouring out a little for her fallen comrade before taking a long pull herself. Assisting in the burial, she is rather quiet.
As Ergas is buried Jenya moves to ensure that any item necessary to the success of the expedition is distributed to the others.
As everyone settles in for rest the elemental stands silently at a distance. Though it tells Rheynold that everyone can rest safely the choice of a watch is left to the group. Other than the occasional activity of whatever underground geological activity occurs naturally, the vent remains silent.
Jenya takes the first watch and then settles in for a brief and troubled sleep. The next morning before they head out she asks Rheynold what he's found out about this mysterious leader figure that they are going to meet.
Iron Sprocket again pretends to sleep during his turn and offers watch if needed.
What little comfort the rock face of the vent provides seems just enough to let everyone feel the ache of their feet and sore bruises. Nearly rock like, the elemental shifts as everyone readies themselves for more walking. With a rumble it speaks as it walks on.
As the group walks on a growing rumble can be heard in the distance. After just a few hours the otherwise rocklike sameness of the vent's horizon becomes obscured by a thick smoke in the distance. Shadows are cast within the smoke. Their shapes are not unlike that of the elemental that moves on before you.
"I guess we're here."
Jenya remains stonefaced as she keeps her hand close to her pistol.
The elementals begin to emerge from the smoke slowly at first. As the rumbles of their speech intensify, more emerge. Amidst this familiar sound, there is also the sounds of fire, though you see only smoke and the glow of molten lava in the distance. In all you can spot at least a dozen elementals. Half appear like stoney creatures of the glass like obsidian. The others look as if they are made of molten lava. Though you see larger shapes beyond the smoke, those that emerge are small in size.
Just as suddenly as the rumbling and sound of flames rose, it is silenced. Only the elemental that has led the group this far speaks.
"Be ready for anything guys."
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Aak, walks on, weapon at his side to not be threatening, but with his shield in hand considering he is in enemy territory at the moment. He says a quick prayer to his god, touches each companion on the shoulder as he completes it, to protect everyone and give them the strength to overcome any obstacle they may face.
Jenya wants nothing more than to unholster her weapon but she keeps the urge under control.
Where is this 'Master' of theirs?
"They seem to think that she will destroy us. I'll ask if he can take us to her."
As Rheynold's words are spoken there is sudden chattering among the elementals. The words are nearly impossible to separate from the sounds of the vent. What is clear is that the elementals are in conflict. Where one group, their molten lava shapes advancing appears to be ready to attack - those that look of obsidian appear to be coming to the defense of the outsiders.
Initiative
Aak
Jenya
Tamayra
Rheynold
Round one: All PCs now acting.
Rheynold! The flame ones are attacking! Are the Dark ones hostile? Jenya asks urgently drawing her weapon and firing at the closest lava creature.
A loud crackling rock like voice rises above the strange languages.
Though some sounds of talk continue, it is clear that the lava like elementals are readying their attack. Likewise, only one of the obsidian elementals responds to Rheynold while the others take defensive positions.
Rheynold says a little prayer and pulls out a sheet of parchment from his spell component pouch. He then holds his ground beside the obsidian elementals.
With a single shot Jenya takes out one of the molten lava elementals. Meanwhile Aak and Rheynold help prepare their allies for the approaching elementals.
The advance of the magma like elementals slows. One of the creatures approaches a bit closer, slowly, and speaks. It sounds as if a fire is calmly holding back - ready at any moment to burst into ferocious sounding flames. As it stops speaking it's fiery eyes look toward Jenya.
Without a word Tamayra raises her musket and fires, burying a bullet in one of the advancing lava elementals.
The shot nearly takes another magma elemental out. Those surrounding it seem to slow their advance, looking toward the one who is speaking to Aak.
Tell them that unless we meet with their leader we will continue fighting.
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Aak will look at the one talking with him, stow his morningstar and shield and take a single 5' step towards it. He speaks carefully but deliberately. We have only harnessed because it has allowed itself to be harnessed. We fight to protect ourselves and loved ones. We wish to speak to your leader in hopes to find a resolution.
Aak will than turn around, and in both ignan and then common, Halt your fire and retaliation. If you keep attacking, there will be no chance to find a common ground
The elemental seems to sputter; its sounds of fire being quenched. After it does it turns, moving back toward the smoke. All but the injured magma elemental follow.
As the remaining magma elemental charges forward one of the obsidian elementals intercedes, killing it. After it does so it and the other obsidian elementals head toward the smoke, which the obsidian elementals have already passed through.
Maybe now we will get to the bottom of this Jenya says making sure her pistol is loaded with powder and shot.
Iron Sprocket moves into combat ready to attack the next target he can.