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Dusting himself off from the rather undignified retreat, Ser Dante watches his fellows try to discern their path with some amusement as the bimble like fools. Patting Janira on the shoulder the Taldan Knight shakes his head at the strange Taggins and starts to follow the enigmatic Ranger.
"Hmm My friend, is this how you intend to find our Dragon?" he says bemused.
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"Make it a friendly dragon. If a few bloodsucking mosquitos set us on edge then perhaps a flying fire-breathing toothy lizard of death is not quite what we want to find just yet" Hellena jests in a typically Varisian display of comedic melodrama, complete with clawing the air like a dragon and swooning in 'fear'.
"Let's stick to fish-men"
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With great skill, Taggins manages to find a way through, leading the party back on track and keeping good time. You didn't expect there to be so much walking, and at such a brisk pace, but Janira says you are making great time, "We just have to keep it up, and let's hope there are no more surprises. This one time, . . . at Pathfinder Camp. . ."
The dense forest opens to a wide clearing at the base of a sheer cliff. Thick vines cover the surface of the cliff stretching 30 feet overhead. “Here! The cave entrance is behind those vines,” Janira says with a broad smile as she walks to the cliff’s face. She pulls back several layers of vegetation to reveal a narrow crack in the cliff’s surface. “This is where I saw the gillmen enter.” As she motions toward the aperture, the surrounding woods come alive with the sound of small animals fleeing some unseen danger and a large creature crashing through the undergrowth. The halfling worriedly remarks, “Quick, take cover before whatever it is spots us!”
As if she’d summoned the creature with her words, a massive horned monstrosity emerges from the trees. Standing eight feet tall on a pair of cloven hooves and wielding a tremendous axe, the bull-headed creature roars with unbridled anger when it spots the group. Wisely assessing that a minotaur is beyond her charges’ capabilities, Janira screams, “A minotaur! There’s little chance we can stand against it. Take this bag,” she continues, pulling off her backpack, “and head deeper into the caves. Finish your mission. I’ll lead it away from the caves, lose it in the forest, and join you as soon as I can. Now go! GO!” She heaves her backpack into the cave, casts a spell, and darts off toward the minotaur before turning to lure it away.
She then begins to whisper a small chant to herself, "Let us remember the sacrifice of the fabled Yasmin bint Faroud, favored of the Ten, who gave her life distracting Zythrustianax, draconic scourge of the Society, so dozens of junior agents could survive. Her act of benevolence is the epitome of cooperation within the Society.”
potion of barkskin
potions of cure light wounds (2)
potion of feather step
potion of vanish
scroll of entangle
scroll of gust of wind
scroll of identify
scroll of mage armor
scroll of obscuring mist
wand of burning hands
wand of cure light wounds
acid
alchemist’s fire (2),
holy water
smokestick
tanglefoot bag
thunderstone
antitoxin
sunrods (2)
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Taggins snorts and retorts to e earlier musings, "To find an animal, you gotta fink like un!" And happily makes lead throughout.
Upon sighting the minotaur, his Little little pounding heart races, "A spectacular beast! We should hunt it! " He seems more than eager to engage in fearless combat with such a spectacular monster.
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Holding back a complaint of sore feet for the upteenth time, Dante sighs in relief as they finally reach the elusive cave Janira spotted some time ago, the Knight couldn't actually remember when. He grins and is about to suggest they rest some before pressing on when their world shakes and the animals flee in panic. Ser Dante draws his cold-iron blade and spins on his heel as the monster clears the brush, not quite believing what he sees.
"So that's a Minotaur then? It doesn't look so tough!" the Knight sneers in typical Taldan arrogance. "What day you Sczarni? Are you quivering in your boots?"
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Janira leaps down the ledge, at first moving stealthily, but then as she gets closer calls out some sort of threat to the minotaur, bringing it closer to her as you escape into the cave.
As you rush into the darkness, you see the minotaur chasing after Janira through the trees, fighting its way through the dense undergrowth. Soon the cacophony of the chase fades and the sounds of the
forest slowly return to normal.
This cave system stretches deep below the foothills of the Kortos Mounts, though most of it is accessible only through a narrow keyhole tunnel. All of the tunnels in this area are between 3 and 10 feet wide and vary equally in height, though most are a comfortable 7 or more feet wide in each dimension. The caves are damp, and water dripping from stalactites and the distant rushing of underground streams creates an eerie backdrop as you explore. The caves’ walls are patterned with blue-green luminescent fungi that provide dim light. Petroglyphs—most depicting marine animals or spiral shapes.
The narrow tunnel twists and turns for several hundred feet before slowly opening to a wider passage. A large hole spans the cave’s width and stretches ten feet down the path. At the bottom of the pit lies a small bundle of cloth. The tunnel here is 10 feet wide and 10 feet tall with a ceiling mostly devoid of stalactites.
At the bottom the of the pit you see a bundle of clothing, likely what remains of a past pilgrim to this cave. The 10-foot-square pit here was once a concealed pit trap used by some of the local denizens, but has since been abandoned. There is no easily accessible means to bypass it. One could attempt to climb down, but it looks perilous as you can also see several sharp stakes embedded in the floor below. Approximately 30 feet beyond the pit and out of sight around a corner is a long, 3-foot-wide wooden plank that rests against the cave’s wall. It looks like someone had used this previously to pass over the pit safely.
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Taggin's mumbles as the inactivity causes them to lose sight of the minotaur. "Take could have made a nice wallpiece."Sigh.
Taggin's nose get's right on the scent again prior to entry into the cave, "Well, looky here, some funny web looking prints. Wonda wut kind of dragon this could be. Water dragon?"
In the cave, he relies on someone else to bring a bit of light as he believes he needs two hands 'just in case'. Examining the pit, he comes to an additional conclusion to Hellena, "And this pit is also at least a year's old, wonder what it's doing here. So, how are we getting across? I don't feel so good with my climbing skills. I can give you cover, just in case it's a trap the dragon left to bait or something..."
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"Tch" Dante replies as the Minotaur is lured off and they make their way to the cave system, after the debacle with the Mosquite he had wanted to get his sword arm in. Carefully, he brings out another of his torches and lights it, the flames providing enough illumination to see by here.
"I just hope that our friend can get away from the beast, else we will have to explain it to her mentor." The Taldan knight replies testily before turning his attention to the pit they had nearly stumble across.
Bringing his Torch forwards to examine it, the noble nods and then hands it to one of the others, taking the time to unbuckle his armour and place it carefully in his pack.
"I shall climb down, I have rope and pitons to make the climb easier for us should we need it." Dante explains as he brings out his rope and other climbing gear.
Using his grappling hook to secure the line, the noble descends down the rope, using his pitons to anchor it for the others.
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Ser Draven is able to easily climb down, with the party holding the rope for extra security. At the bottom, Ser Draven sees that someone has obviously rounded off the walls to make it more difficult to escape, but (Taking 10 with the parties Aid) makes it fairly easy, if he takes his time getting back up.
But, before so, inspecting the bundle of cloth at the bottom reveals a few old humanoid bones and tattered clothing, with a single exception. A cloak, while a little dusty and dirty, is otherwise still in excellent condition, and you can sense there is something special about it.
Of course, climbing down the pit, and then climbing back up with your new prize doesn't help the party get across it.
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Looking back at Hellena guilty the Knight shrugs slightly. "The cloak seems the only thing to have survived the times, though as you insist." Throwing the cloak over his shoulder for now for ease, The Knight then bundles the remaining bones and scraps of clothing before unhooking his rope with aid.
Tossing the Grappling hook up the other side and then has an idea, tying his rope into knots as they had been taught. Bracing himself he prepares to climb to the other side to make it towards the plank.
Once on the other side of the pit, Ser Draven easily hoists the plank and then passes it to his allies on the other side, letting it balance over the hole.
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Ser Dante makes it down the pit and then back up, pulling the plank away from the wall so that the others might use it to cross the pit safely. It also reveals a tunnel leading further into the darkness.
The tunnels continue on, leading deeper beneath the Kortos Mounts until they eventually open into a large cavern. What must have once been beautifully carved reliefs and inscriptions have since weathered heavily, their features dulled and softened to the point that it is hard to distinguish what each once depicted. A wide tunnel exits the cavern on its far side, and blue-burning torches line the passageway’s walls.
The soft light of the surrounding fungus mixes with the flickering glow of the nearby torches to reveal a grand chamber. A large pool of water along the chamber’s southern edge reflects the blue and green radiance to illuminate the massive stalactites that cling to the ceiling overhead. Two other tunnels branch off from this area, leading to the east and west.
Rising up from the pool is a column of rock with steeply sloped sides and a flat top, as if someone had sawn off the top of a massive stalagmite. A miniature city carved from this same stone occupies nearly the entire surface. Tiny trinkets such as ancient coins, polished semiprecious stones, and ornately braided loops of string are scattered throughout the diorama, and pale cave frogs clamber atop it. The smooth cavern floor is covered in gravel and pebbles along the edge of the pool, and several foot-long centipedes prowl among the gravel in their search for prey.
Here the cavern’s ceiling stretches 20 feet overhead and is crowded by dozens of stalactites, some measuring 10 feet long from base to tip. Despite the impressive geology, the cave’s focus is the sloping, 15-foot-deep pool and its tiny city. From this distance, you can also spot a lone figure kneeling in the water. He or she doesn't seem to have noticed you.
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"She will either be long gone or wishing she was." Ser Draven replies to Omrijka as they move along handing the gathered bones carefully to Hellena for her safe keeping. His torch and Blade held ready, Dante follows the Sczarni down the carved corridor and towards the fancy reliefs on the wall.
Using the flickering light to examine them he frowns slightly, trying his best to work out just what they were meant to represent but clearly having no luck at it. Shrugging, he waits for someone, likely Cyruss, to tell him what is going on.
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Cyrus gets quite excited at the sight of the reliefs on the walls, and immediately takes out his notebook and starts jotting things down. "Ahhh yes, this is most impressive! These carvings must be ancient. These images depict the History and Future of Humanity and Aroden's 12 guises. There are similar carvings found on the walls in Westcrown. Oh I could spend days down here studying these. Surely though, these were not made but lowly gillmen."
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Smiling as Cyrus rattles off the meaning of the fresco, Dante makes sure to write a note or two in the journal they had all been given as trainees. The Knight's was almost as new, you would be forgiven for thinking he took care of it, but as the spine creaked it was clear that Dante had rarely used it.
"An interesting concept, asking the strange person in the Cave rather than simply killing it. That is a nice change of pace." the Knight replies to Hellena as he move cautiously down into the cave, his torch waving slightly to each side to try and give a better view.
If they are not ambushed on the way, Dante rests at the edge of the pool, more than a lunge's distance and smiles before hailing the figure in the water.
"Hail and well met fellow! Tell us, have you an idea who made the tiles back there?"
We actually have an Air Cavalry unit in the outback I have seriously considered putting in for. I figure Texas is not so different. You have Drop Bears and we have Bearded Spiders that jump slash fly. Wild coyotes vs Mad Max.
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If they are not ambushed on the way, Dante rests at the edge of the pool, more than a lunge's distance and smiles before hailing the figure in the water.
"Hail and well met fellow! Tell us, have you an idea who made the tiles back there?"
So excited at the prospect of studying the murals, Cyrus was oblvious to the fact that they weren't alone until it was pointed out. "Hail, friend! These murals are absolutely fascinating! Do you happen to know any information about them, or if there's more around here?"
The man kneeling in the water does not respond, either to your calls of greeting or even to Ser Dante's approach, although as he reaches the further cavern, it's very clear that the man is not entirely human. On both sides of his neck are large fish-like gills. It isn't until the Knight is nearly right next to him that he whips about, as if surprised, but not hostile. He looks the Knight over curiously, he nods his head in greeting, but says nothing.
robe is of a similar style and color to Ser Dante's new cloak.
As Ser Dante moves into the new cave, he also spots more carvings throughout the room. While all twelve of the previous "Guises of Aroden" are present here, though in far more detail and better craftsmanship, eight of them seem to have been damaged. Partially destroyed, likely from an earthquake in the past, four of them seems to remain intact. Not only intact, but a soft, serene green light radiates from them, possibly indicating that some magic still remains within the icons of the now dead faith, and you have the distinct impression these carvings are meant to impart wisdom for those that follow their teachings.
After noticing the soft glow coming from the four carvings, you also notice that same glow coming from the large diorama in the pool as well.
The diorama as an intricately detailed model of Absalom, easily identifiable by its Starstone Cathedral. This representation of the City at the Center of the World and the Inner Sea also acts as an altar to the dead god Aroden.
Lastly, you spot two other exists from the further cave, one leading left and the other right into the unknown.
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Taggin's cautiously moves up behind Ser Dante, unsure what to make of the Gillman, as far as he is concern, the Gillman comes to feed dragons. Although, Taggin's makes an acute observation that the Gillman wears the cloak that Dante owns and is somewhat interested in it. Whispering to Dante, "Careful, he's looking at the robe you hold with much interest, It's much like his as well. Could be sacrificial clothing."
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"I would love to take you up on that Xanko. While Absalom and its history has never been a focus of mine, I would love to share what I know and learn from your experiences. Perhaps we could even venture back here and study theses murals more in depth." Cyrus moves a bit to the south to take a closer look at the glowing carvings, paying no interest in the gillman.
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Dante rolls his eyes at Xanko's comment and nods to the Gillman, slightly alarmed by his friend Taggin's observations. "I amm impressed Hellena! A shrine to a dead God? I wonder why." The Knight responds to Hellena before turning to the praying Gillman, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.
" Tell me my quiet friend, can you enlighten us on the carvings or this shrine? Why is it your people go on a pilgrimage here?"
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The Gillman seems to only react to those he can immediately see as he casually places a small bag of dragon treats off to the side of the pool, completely oblivious to those not in the immediate area. "I am Uori, and my people care nothing for your god. We come here to listen to the waters. These pools are sacred to us. So long as you do not harm these holy waters, you may do as you please here. Now please, allow me my own rituals."
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Bristling slightly at the Gilman's unfriendly tone, Dante narrows his eyes and is about to retort in sarcasm before Cyrus smoothly steps in and explains their purpose here. Nodding and ignoring the pilgrim, Dante nevertheless smiles at Xanko's ruthless put down by Hellena.
"Yes my friend, drinkig aplenty once we are done here! For then we will be fully fledged agents! Now let us see this miniature Absalom."
Wading into the pool, the Knight looks through the city, using his torch to illuminate the streets to better see the detail.
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Omrijka moves up to inspect the city and see if any objects have been left as offerings upon it. She will pick each one up and inspect it and put it down again and write a description in her journal. after inspecting the first one she puts in her pouch before digging out a pen to record stuff properly and forget to replace it
"One trinket of yellow metal. One coloured glass bead. Two ... she drones on through her recordings