Seeing Kyra cut deeply into the Cultist, Alesie lines up a shot at the other archer, trying to find a gap in the melee.
Thetin swings again at the cultist standing in front of him.
And again swings wide.
Alesis finishes off the stunned archer as Kyra leaves the woman bleeding on the floor. The tiefling turns to flee but is cut down as the fight comes to a quick conclusion.
The blood sticks sickeningly to your boots and you can't help but wonder what the conditions on the surface have deteriorated to.
We can give thanks to the goddess on the surface,Thank your chief for his hospitality, but we need to hurry to the lands above and see what aide we can provide there friend."
He spoke to the Mongrelman offering him a little bow as he cleaned his sword of the heretics blood on their garments.
It was all he could do to not smile broadly. "Who is ready to see the surface again?"
Kyra slips out of her trance-like dance as the last of their enemies falls and her eyes focus on the blood dripping from her blade; with a quick flick of the wrist she flings the off the bright blood. She then takes a moment to eyeball the carnage surrounding them as she suddenly becomes aware of the sticky blood coating the floor. "Let us strip them of whatever gear we can and then finish clearing this place. We at least owe Chief Sull that much for everything they have done for us."
She begins to check the cultist at her feet... "Let's make this grisly task quick. I am ready to see the surface once again." She grins over at Kelden.
"Agree! Oh the surface will be nice." Alesie chirps enthusiastically, stashing her bow and helping to strip the dead of their belongings.
Carilain takes a knee, letting the warhammer's head rest on the floor. The tiefling had drawn blood with both his strikes. Carilain is in pain, and exhausted.
"Aye. It will be good to see Castrovel's green twinkle in the night sky again. And to breath fresh air."
Once the carnage of battle had cleared the cleric of the Dawnflower said a simple prayer and channeled forth healing energy.
Thetin kneels and does a quick prayer to his god for seeing them through the battle safely.
"I would like to search the rest of the cave for anything we may be able to use on the surface."
"Umm, I guess so. Might be nice to know why there are cultists and evil tribes just below the surface..." Alesie contemplates.
"So whats are the options? I count down the rope into the well, river thing, and the ladder to where we first fought that archer lady." Alesie lists.
Seeing his wounds not fully healed by Sarenrae's graces Kelden remembered the wand after a glance from Kyra and withdrew it, using it finish off Caralain to good as new.
That is not a bad idea I suppose, We may need all the gear and things above if things went badly. Perhaps we should start in the rooms below and work our way back to that pool then out to freedom and the blessed sun?
"Thanks to Sarenrae and to you again Kelden."
Carilain feels much better, and his wounds have closed. He's going to have some scars, and his shirt is going to need a good washing to get the blood out, but the elf feels as good as new.
"We really don't know what to expect on the surface, or on the rest of the road leading there..."
"I agree that we should spend the time to search for useful items. But do we want to tangle with that creature in the water supply?"
"Nope, not really. but then I don't want to leave some nasty creature for the Netherholm folks to deal with either, and why have a creature, and an easy way down if their isn't something valuable down there?" Alesie rambles.
"I like Kelden's idea. Let's go check out that lower level." She agrees, nodding her head at no one but herself.
Alesie slowly begins to head for the ladder down to the lower level, sneaking into the shadows.
Alesie quietly drops down through the hole, landing nimbly on her feet and quickly hiding in the shadows.
Treasure
2 light crossbows 18 bolts
potion of cure moderate wounds, potion of invisibility, wand of spiritual weapon (6 charges),alchemist's fire (2), tanglefoot bag, chinshirt, mwk glaive, antitoxin, bejeweled book of prayers devoted to Baphomet worth 50gp, lockbox key, orders from Staunton Vhane , 32 gp
studded leather armor, short sword, light crossbow with 20 bolts
potion of cure light wounds, Wand of Longstrider (10 Charges), mwk chain shirt, club, mwk longbow with 16 arrows, obsidian unholy symbol of Baphomet worth 20gp, 34gp
Hosilla,
You will remain, for the time being, in Kenabres, but know this: the city's days are numbered. Seek a place of saftey-the underground den of your mongrel lackeys should suffice to keep you safe from the devastation to come. I shall assume command of Drezenshortly, and once Vorlesh has finished with the Wardstone and Kenabres is no longer of
interest to us, you are to return to my side.
Excellent news regarding the salvage of Yaniel's sword from the museum as well-bring it with you, for I believe this weapon could be quite useful once we corrupt it. Before you leave for Drezen stop by the three safe houses (Nyserian Manor, Topaz Solutions, and the Tower of Estrod- the passphrase remains: "I've new material for the archives," for now) to ensure no evidence remains behind.
May Lord Deskari and Lord Baphomet watch over you!
S.V.
H8
Old bloodstains the floor of this small cavern. Barrels filled with scraps of fur and fat sit against one wall, emitting an foul stench. The two long stone slab tables are covered with skinning tools and piles of freshly butchered meat. Two wooden racks hold drying animal skins.
H9
A stone pedestal holds a copper brazier a loft in the center of this room. Against the western wall, an enormous pile of animal furs and thick quilts serves as a bed. Sheathed weapons and stone carvings adorn the walls. The eastern half of the room holds a wooden desk, beneath which stands a long, thin iron lockbox.
The lockbox under the desk is fastened with an average lock. The lockbox holds a small leather pouch containing an assortment of semiprecious gemstones (three chips of lapis lazuli worth 10 gp each, two bloodstones worth 50 gp each, a citrine worth 50 gp, and a white pearl worth 100 gp) as well as a scroll of bear's endurance and a scroll of remove disease. The lock box also contains long, thin darkwood sword case worth 200 gp
The contents of the long darkwood case is the greatest treasure present. The case is not locked-inside lies a breathtaking longsword-a weapon of obviously superior craftsmanship with a razor-sharp blade that appears to be made of shining gold.
In 4692 AR, soon after the start of the Fourth Crusade, a paladin of Iomedae and renowned demon slayer named Yaniel spoke out against the Mendevian crusaders, accusing them of negligence and sloth, and claiming these faults were what allowed Khorramzadeh to invade Kenabres and damage the wardstone. Her accusations cut too close to the truth, and in a moment of weakness her superiors threatened to excommunicate her. Instead, she said she would enter the Worldwound and fight the Fourth Crusade on her own, with only her magic sword Radiance for company.
The church was happy to see Yaniel go, and in the 2 years that followed, she was thought to have been slain. Yet when she returned to Kenabres in 4694 AR, leading a small army of crusaders she'd rescued, both Yaniel and her superiors had changed. For her part, Yaniel had shed her pride and insubordination, and had gained a new appreciation for the difficult decisions leaders are forced to make. And the church leaders had learned that sometimes the truth is exactly what you need to hear. Alas, Yaniel was assassinated before the year was out, slain by the lilitu demon Minagho only a week into her second personal crusade. Her followers managed to return to Kenabres with Radiance, but Yaniel's body had been taken. The sword had gone dark after Yaniel's death, its magical powers apparently lost or dormant, and so the crusaders elected to place it in the Gray Garrison on display.
Yet several months ago it was stolen by the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth, who plan to soon send the sword north to Drezen for corruption into a weapon of evil.
He didnt have the magic prepared to do much with the sword, nor did the names on the parchement from a Staunton Vhane mean much to him, just recently here in the city himself but he took the orders and carefully slid them into his pack.
At the sight of the unholy and heritical symbols and prayer book he scowled. "These horrid items should be destroyed and by the Dawnflowers cleansing fire, but if any of you can think of a use for them I will hold off. The vile nature of the room almost made his stomach turn, it was obvious the normal eager and easygoing young cleric was...perturbed by the discovery of the obviously long standing plan to strike at kenebras.
Carilain casts his spell to allow him to detect magic, as a matter of course. His knowledge of local history is limited, but the power of the sword is unmistakable.
"It could be the sword of Yaniel? No idea who that is.
This weapon's aura burns with power though. Exponentially greater than any of the items we have found so far. Because of that, I would suggest that we handle it with extreme care."
Kyra reads over the parchment several times to glean anything and everything possible from the orders before allowing Kelden to take them for safe keeping. The news was troubling indeed... "By the goddess, how long has this attack been in the planning?"
When they uncover the blade Kyra lets out a low whistle at the beauty of the sword. "Look at the exquisite workmanship! Is the blade forged out of gold?!" Like Carilain she casts a Detect Magic spell and is staggered by the overpowering aura radiating from the blade. She looks at everyone for permission... "May I?" Assuming no one disagrees, Kyra gingerly reaches for the blade...
Upon learning of the three Templar safe houses, Anevia is eager to get this information to Irabeth and the Eagle Watch. Aravashnial is particularly intrigued by the mention of the Tower of Estrod being a safe house and would like to either investigate it or learn more about it second hand.
As the sword enter's Kyra hand it seems dull and lifeless as if the magic had been sapped from it.
Hargus feignes disinterest in the news of the locations of the safe house.
"What does it matter how long they've plotted this. The attack is done and we best move quickly back to the surface. If this is what those cultits will do to their allies I fear what may be left of our fair city...
Kyra practically gasps as suddenly the blade seems to lose all magical properties when she handles the blade. "I! What did I do??" She quickly places it back into the case, terrified of what she may have inadvertently done. "Perhaps its best I do not handle that weapon again..."
Kyra turns at hearing Hargus' words with a frown. "What does it matter? The identities of the traitors must be uncovered! What would stop them from attacking the other cities?!" Her words turning into a shout as her anger against everything is directed towards Hargus. She looks at him closely and stops suddenly as a cold pit begins to fill her stomach. "You are hiding something..."
With a shrill metallic ring her blade comes free, its point directed at Hargus' chest. "Speak Hargus! Are you in league with these cultist?! Answer me!"
Thetin stares at the blade with a quiet wonder. "If no one minds i would like to hold onto the sword. If this is truly the blade of Yaniel i would like to be the one to return it to Church. As Thetin goes to take the sword, Alesie angered shout suprises him. Thetin quickly places himself between Kyra and Hargus.
"Kyra calm yourself."
Thetin then turns to Hargus. "Hargus we need to know any information you might have. The more we know the better we can keep you and any others we run across safe."
Hargus seems honestly shocked to be accused of such an association. W-what? DO you honestly believe that if I were in league with such beings that I would have placed myself in such obvious danger and get myself trapped down here with the likes of you! Or perhaps you think that Trendelive's dying act would be to save one of these cultists as well?" He spits on the blood soaked floor.
"If it were not for your own part in helping us reach the surface I would challenge you to a duel. Next time my hand flies on its own. Where I come from, there are penalties when a woman lies."
As soon as Thetin's hand touches the blade it blazes with a holy golden light blinding everyone for a moment. As the flash dims the sword is gone. In it's place is a shining golden Warhammer. The craftsmanship matching that of the sword.
The light is in enough to distract Hargus from his tirade against the young half-elf woman and he stares in amazement at the weapon wielded by the Paladin.
"I know Kandra Nyserian,he is a good man I only find it hard to believe that he is working with these 'Templars'. I actually recently borrowed some large sum of money from him for a certain purchase."
"okay, that was cool." Alesie stammers as the sword flashes and then reappears as a warhammer. "I'm thinking you keep that weapon Thetin."
What does this have to do with Anevia?
Alesie eyes Hargus suspiciously. "Why all the secrecy? We are about to go up to gods know what. Is this really the time to be vague?" Alesie cries.
"Perhaps because it has nothing to do with you or the attack! Or do you think that everything in our lives was simply leading up to this moment?"Hargus practically growls at Alesie.
Anevia lets out a sigh of frustration. Then speaks almost only to her self. "Then you must be the one that bought it." She blushes.
"Hargus is right this isn't something we should be discussing right now. We should focus on getting to the surface or seeing what else this sword can do..."
"Okay. I was just trying to look out for a friend. Well I'm about finished here. Watering hole and then surface? or just straight to the surface?" Alesie asks, tired of being underground and in desperate need of seeing the sky.
He didnt notice Hargus' demeanor shift slightly, He did notice His friend and sister in faith Kyra's action however. He moved subtly to step between them already running the words he would use in his head to try and sooth the situation until Sir Thetin spoke, apparently the paladin had that well in hand. For a brief moment he almost felt... unnecessary.
"Temperance Els, Temperance." He said softly smiling and turning to the others just in time to see the ... transformation of the sword.
Perhaps it favors another faith, I certainly now see no issue with you holding onto it Thetin, It seems to have... accepted your touch at the least. Perhaps this Kandra fellow is an unwitting helper to them, or perhaps there are those in his service aiding the cultists We will discover it goodman Hargus and please have patience on us, most of us are far from home, here to help the city to the thrust in such a...situation tempers are bound to flare with the stress. Let us continue checking the other areas and get to the blessed sun on the surface Dark places hold dark thoughts within them.
"It's not wise to assume that everything is unconnected, Goodman Hargus. Your city had strong defenses, and staunch defenders. It would take an intricate plan to infiltrate such a place. If you and Anevia were to compare your stories it might give us a glimpse of the bigger picture."
Carilain turns to Anevia. "You will not find a more private place than here to discuss private matters. And I think you can trust the discretion of all of us. Our only motivation is turn back the demons to the Worldwound, and seal it, if such a thing can be done. We have no interest in becoming involved in rivalries or political maneuvering."
"The bastard borrowed a large sum of money from me, if he used it for any dark design he'll have to answer to me."
Thetin stares in wonder at the new warhammer now resting in his hands. "I can't believe it." Thetin then takes a few practice swings with Radiance and begins laughing cheerfully. "Well i'll be blessed by the light of Torag's forge this hammer is amazing."
Thetin then takes the morning star off his belt and hands it back to Alesie. "I don't believe i'll be needing this anymore."
Thetin then reverently belts the hammer onto his belt. "We may talk more of this later, for now i believe we should head over to the water supply and then make haste for the exit."
Thetin then begins to move off towards the water.
Down the hall the sounds of rushing water greets you, the rope is still where you left it. Coiled by the hole leading down.
Kyra glares at the fat merchant, prepared to launch into a tirade; however, before another word can be said Thetin intervenes and suddenly he touches the blade. Any further disagreement is silenced by the burst of blinding light... She gasps as she stares at the warhammer in the paladin's hand where there once resided a longsword.
Kyra casts one last glare at Hargus before the group continues onward. "I'll take up rearguard as before... I believe our wards should take position in the center of the group." Her gaze remains on Hargus. 'Best place for me to keep my eye on you.' She thinks...
Watering Hole
Kyra sheathes her scimitar and quickly recasts her dancing lights. She then draws her shortbow and puts an arrow to the string. She sends her lights down into the hole. "Let's see if our little friend is still down there."
As the light illuminates the chamber the pale forms of two large creatures can be seen before darting out of sight.
Kyra let's loose with a Osirian curse beneath her breath when she spots a second creature. "Now there's two. Are we really sure we want to deal with this? They don't seem to like the light... Unless we can see in the dark I don't see anyway of catching them."
The water appears to be part of an underground stream...
Thetin notices what appears to be a seam in the rock along the east wall. Perhaps a door of dwarven make? Whatever it is its well hidden.
"You're probably right Kyra, but I knew something had to be hidden down here." Alesie claims excitedly.
"I still don't see what your looking at Thetin." Alesie mumbles.
Kyra looks around, her bow still in hand. "Who wants to make the climb?"
"Hard to climb back up a rope while being attacked... We'd best be certain we can beat those things if they come at us."
Carilain gives Kyra a grin. "They might be less afraid of the light than they are of standing out in the light, where we could stick them with arrows."
Kyra winks at Carilain's ingenuity and sends her lights plummeting into the waters in an attempt to back-light the creatures... "Let's see how smart these things are..."
I could perhaps enact the power of Terendelev's scales and we could tie a rope dangling somone over to uh... fish the old fashioned way was well. He added a little amused at the situation.
As the lights descend into the water the two creatures are clearly illuminated now. Each is about 7 feet long and weighs nearly 200 pounds. Their lean bodies lead to long jaws filled with sharp teeth. The light doesn't seem to bother them as much as before but they stick to the overhands and keep mostly out of a direct line of sight.
Kyra spots the large fish-like creatures and observes how they remain out of sight. 'Animal cunning? Or intelligence?' She stares down the well for a few moments until a thought comes to her. "Why don't we try and distract the creatures? Perhaps we could toss down that tiefling? Give them something to gnaw on for a bit."