Turning his attention to Aladir, he nods and a small smile, "That find is indeed handy. I believe The Inheritor is smiling upon us in our trial."
"Yes Quinn, it appears to widen ahead and we prefered to wait upon your return. You seem much more resiliant than the rest of us."
Nodding in acknowledgement to Quinn and Aladir as they return, Alikia listens cautiously "By all means, the knapsack is as good as yours. Would you like for me to check it for magical properties? Or would you like to wait until we make it to the surface?" Glancing down the way that they were waiting to advance, Alikia readjusts her own back so that it doesn't dig into her shoulder.
"To use a human expression, let's wait until we're out of danger of the frying pan AND the fire. It will keep until then." he answers, taking a few moments to switch all his things over to the new pack before letting anyone who wants it claim his old one.
With Quinn leading the way, you move into the new area which is wider than the rest of the tunnel that you have been traveling thru. While the path is clear, several mounds of rock lie in heaps in this cavern, recently fallen from the walls and ceiling. Now and then, bits of dust settle from cracks in the stone above.
Quinn peers intently around the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of anything before it might attack them, however he sees nothing, and other than the rocks, there is no evidence that anything from the surface made its way to this particular small cavern.
Moving forward thru the eastern exit to the small cavern, you travel about 1,900 feet in a winding tunnel that other than being featureless has no features. After 25 minutes, the east bound tunnel ends in a tee. South the tunnel continues beyond what dark vision can see, but to the north, a five foot wide opening in the wall leads into a cave f illed with soft but nasty looking green light. There looks to be a building of some sort in the cave.
Aladir frowns when he sees the soft green light, though at the same time he's somewhat grateful to have the illumination present to help his low-light vision catch up to the prior darkness.
"I say we head north. If there's something in there, we don't want to leave open the possibility of having it sneak up on us as we continue forward. If there's something in there that needs killing, we should go ahead and kill it. Out in the wilds, leaving a predator in a position to flank you will often come back to bite you in the rear...no pun intended."
Hyram sees the soft, green light and mutters, How inviting! He turns to Quinn, I agree with Aladir, we should check it out. Most likely it is a foe, but then again it could be an ally and we need all the allies we can to help us get back to the surface! Hyram will advance to and gripping his shield and sword call out in the common tongue, Greetings! Is anybody home?
Quinn moves to the threshold of the building. "I dislike the feel of this place. That light... is unsettling. But, this is a place we could rest and heal, if it is safe."
He rests his spear against the rocks and draws his longsword, then turns the corner facing the entryway.
As for the potions, I am fine with someone else having access to the potions. Do we want to give Quinn's backpack to an Aravashnial?
Wincing as Hyram advanced and announced the groups presence, Alikia stays at her position in the back, scanning the darkness from where they had advanced from. "I concur with Quinn and Aladir's assessment. The good news about this light is we can see them as well as they can see us."
Noteing Alikias rather burdensome pack he says, "Perhaps if we find a safe place, we might redistribute our loads. It would be safer to make sure no one is encumbered to greatly."
Then looking forward and noting the light he nods to Quinn, "I agree my friend. It is still light, even if unsettling. The Inheritor will guide us though"
Ezro continues to move with the group as they head towards the light, his weapons ready.
"Let us hope this is a friendly place..."
A single sizable 20-foot-tall building remains in the center of this 30 foot high cave, a bunker like structure with no windows and walls of worked stone blocks. A 10 foot long carving of a hammer decorates the building’s facade on the side with the door. The ruins of collapsed out buildings stand to either side.
There is no response to Hyram call out.
"A temple to Torag," Quinn chuckles. "If I'd given it half a thought, I might have guessed we'd find such a thing down here. I knew there were Toragdan* Crusaders, but I've met few. I wonder why it's been left unattended?"
"Their may still be more vermin that have taken up residence in this place," Quinn warns. "Stay on your toes." With that he steps through the door and looks around.
*
Hmmm. No answer. Looks like the lights are on but no one is home. When Quinn says that its a temple to Torag and points out the facade Hyram will shine his light on it. Never knew dwarfs to need nasty green light. I think you are right about the vermin.
Hyram will follow Quinn through the door and as he approaches the door, he will check the ground for any sort of tracks leading into or out of the temple.
Watching as Quinn disappears into the structure, Alikia studies the area around them. "I wonder what is causing this light? It seems strange that this area would be illuminated like this." Scanning the area carefully, Alikia loads her crossbow, prepared for the next multi-legged monstrosity to appear from the shadows.
Quinn opens the door and steps into the antechamber. A stone bench lines the southern wall. At the far side of the room, a basin of water sits atop a stone pedestal. A stone door engraved with an image of a hammer stands to the north. Hyram takes Quinn spot at the door, as everyone moves into the cavern. He looks to see if there are any tracks in or out, but the dust seems undisturbed.
Alikia, tries to figure out the source of the green light or what would be causing it, but just can not seem to figure out where or why the light is coming from.
Quinn steps forward and looks into the basin. "It looks like water. Think it's blessed?" He dips two fingers into the basin and touches the water creating small ripples in the stillness, then touches his fingers to his lips.
Hmmm..I don't see any tracks, but that might not mean anything since this green light just about allows me to make out the ground! In response to Alikia's question about the green light, Hyram just shrugs. I am not too familiar with dwarves but I don't think they need light and if they did, I can't see it being this nasty light! As Quinn steps up to the basin, Hyram will keep an eye out for any vermin or any who wish to do us ill.
"Huh, well maybe this light is how they could see farther than their limited range would allow. I wonder how old this temple is?" Hearing a slashing of water, Alikia glances back at the way they came to ensure that nothing sinister was approaching, until Quinn alerted everyone to the presence of water.
"Mr. Prable, do you know if the water is safe to drink? If it is, I have a water-skin that could be filled." Addressing Quinn, Alikia spared a glance at the other three silent travelers. It was odd that they had been so quiet after such a loud introduction.
"Dwarves wouldn't need a light to see by. They have vision similar to Quinn's; they can see in the dark. It's unlikely that the light is here for them." Aladir responds to Alikia's observation. It's clear that his paranoia about this particular situation is relatively high. He looks around, focusing his eyes on every nook and crevice that his low-light vision allows him to see with any clarity.
Quinn glances from Hyram to Alikia to Aladir. The presence of a friendly temple seemed a good omen to him. But, he couldn't deny a qualm of anxiety from their continued concern and the eeriness of the green luminescence. He sank into a reverie focusing on what lay within the temple proper...
Quinn looks at the basin on the East wall, and dips his fingers into the water. He believes it is where clerics of Torag would put a small amount of water, perhaps two vials worth, and bless it.
He then looks at the door in the north wall and concentrates on what is beyond, but the walls of this temple are thick enough that he does not get any sense of what is in the next room.
Hyram and Aladir, keep a very sharp eye out because they are concerned about this green light, as dwarves would not need it, and Alikia after questioning Quinn, looks over at the other three, and wonders why they are not saying more.
The three companions, all looking somewhat tired and disheveled right now just are keeping up with everyone, and have not seen the symbol of Torag nor the inside of the building.
"My... condition makes me sensative to the undercurrents of evil. I sense nothing," Quinn shrugs, "except an opportunity to rest and recuperate."
Quinn licks his cracked lips and blanches. The water, blessed with the power to harm demonic creatures tasted somewhat foul on his tainted tongue. "You could drink it. But, you would find it somewhat unpleasant, and expensive. There is powdered silver in this water, and the blessings of a goodly god upon it. I have some empty flasks, here. Though, I didn't expect to use them for this..."
"Shall we?" he asks as he pushes on the temple door.
Even with Quinn's reassurances, Hyram can't shake the effect that the nasty green light seems to have on the otherwise goodly temple. He is glad that it seems that Alikia and Aladir share his apprehension.
In response to Quinn's question, Hyram will respond, By all means! After you, I will be right behind you. With that he will follow Quinn through the temple door with his sword and shield at the ready.
Nodding as Quinn informs her of the status of the water, Alikia scans the area one last time as Quinn advances. "After we ensure that this place is safe, we can rest here. According to Quinn it is a temple of Torag. I think most of his worshipers wouldn't mind." She says to Aravashnial, Horgus, and Anevia; wanting to make sure that Aravashnial wasn't being left out of their current progress.
Watching Quinn lick at the water in the basin, he was about to stop the man but was too slow.
"Perhaps it would be wise to not lick at abandoned water in an abandoned temple. Especially one to a forge god. That could have been a quenching pool. Which I would imagine to be a very unhealthy liquid."
Looking around at the green light he felt somewhat uneasy.
"I had heard of fungus underground that emits a light, perhaps this is what the light is from? I will be ready to move in with you though Quinn, we should make sure the inside is secured."
Alikia mentions that the building is a temple to Torag to the other three in the group, and hearing that information, Anevia says,
"My leg is starting to hurt. Is there a bench in there that I might sit on for a bit."
"She is slowing us down. Maybe we should leave her behind." he mutters.
"I am not surprised that a man afraid to acknowledge his own faith wouldn’t be moved by a forgotten temple like this, and that to be ashamed of one’s faith is as bad as worshiping demons." she explodes.
"Oh the irony of being chided by someone who has been known to consort with thieves." he says contemptuously.
Quinn, not hearing the outside conversation well, pushes the stone door and sees broken stone benches line this narrow room. The air is cold and stale, and thick layers of dust cover the floor, benches, and a large altar at the far end of the room. A stocky hooded creature sits with it's back to you, on perhaps the only remaining bench that is not broken into pieces.
"Perhaps it would be wise to not lick at abandoned water in an abandoned temple. Especially one to a forge god. That could have been a quenching pool. Which I would imagine to be a very unhealthy liquid."
Quinn shrugs, smiling a black-toothed grin. "Once you've been poisoned with demon's blood, you stop worrying about little things like dirty water. But, I should be more careful... at least until we get out of here."
Quinn, not hearing the outside conversation well, pushes the stone door and sees broken stone benches line this narrow room. The air is cold and stale, and thick layers of dust cover the floor, benches, and a large altar at the far end of the room. A stocky hooded creature sits with it's back to you, on perhaps the only remaining bench that is not broken into pieces.
Quinn takes a few steps into the room, but finds it already occupied. "Not quite as empty as we thought," he growls to Hyram. "Hello," he calls to the figure in the room. "Forgive our intrusion."
Even as he speaks, Quinn steps to the side of the room, giving space for Hyram and others to follow him in.
"Er.." Looking bewildered at the fight that she had inadvertently started, Alikia glances helplessly to Aladir for guidance. She wasn't great with social situations; this was why she preferred books. Looking around for a place for Avenia to sit, Alikia subconsciously strokes the engravings on her crossbow.
"She is slowing us down. Maybe we should leave her behind." he mutters.
"Now sir, I do not plan on leaving anyone behind. How would you feel if you were the one with the broken leg? We are all in this together." Sending an annoyed glare at Horgus, Alikia takes a deep breath to calm herself as her temper rises.
"I am not surprised that a man afraid to acknowledge his own faith wouldn't be moved by a forgotten temple like this, and that to be ashamed of one’s faith is as bad as worshiping demons." she explodes.
Sighing as Anevia quips back at Horgus, Alikia pauses as she studies Horgus. It had been obvious that when they had all first met that these two had previous history, but she was willing, and wanting, to overlook it. However, with tempers flaring, and the low blow from Anevia about faith, Alikia realized that she couldn't anymore.
"Okay... Everyone just needs to calm down. Not all of us here venerate one deity or any deity and that's okay. Not all of us here have the best past, and that's okay. We just need a break, a little rest and some food." Smiling tightly, She hoped that the advancement into the temple would be quick, painless, and uneventful and that they could all rest.
"Not quite as empty as we thought."
Unable to stop a groan issue forth, Alikia calculated the pain of just banging her head against one of the fungal walls, versus attempting to keep their ragtag group together. Today just was not her day.
Not aware of the brouhaha taking place outside, Hyram will continue to follow Quinn further into the temple, his sword and shield at the ready . He will look at the figure to see if there is any reaction from Quinn's hail and to try and determine if the figure is the size of the dwarf.
"Alikia has the right of it, Master Gwerm." the elf begins, deciding that the man might respond better to a more respectful title than simply his first name.
"Each of our histories has no bearing on the situation we find ourselves in. Each person unable to continue leaves us short a sword or a bow and, with no knowledge of what we're going to encounter in the next room or on the surface, we need every able arm we can find. It's as simple as that."
"And that reminds me, Master Gwerm...given that you have not suffered the serious injuries that Anevia or Aravashnial have suffered, would you be willing to take up arms with the rest of us, should we find a weapon you are disposed to? I cannot speak for the others, but I would certainly be very grateful for any help you may be able to provide."
Quinn and Hyram move into the room, while Ezro moves to the door, and hail the creature sitting on the bench, both of them moving to the far wall. The creature rises, turns to them and under the robes covered in dust, rotting vestments hang across the withered flesh of this walking corpse, and its mouth hangs open in a silent scream, as it moves to attack the Paladin and Holy Man.
Hyram UP
How dare you defile this temple you foul undead! Hyram shouts as he advances to the creature. Keeping his shield in front still glowing with The Inheritor's light that Ezro had cast, Hyram will bring his longsword down on the creature.
The fact that an undead is in such a goodly temple surprised the inquisitor and his blade slices the air harmlessly.
A feral growl rises from deep in Quinn's throat. Small orange sparks flash as he grinds his obsidian teeth. The shadowy, blood-red haze of rage falls down over his eyes, and all he can see is the wrongness in front of him. "You should've stayed dead," he hisses. "I will remedy that for you."
Relaxing a bit as tension dissipated, Alikia runs her hand through her hair "It's alright. We all have had a long da-" Cutting herself off as she hears Hyram shout, quickly followed by Quinn and a loud sickening squelch.
"Uhh... Everything okay in there?" She calls into the temple.
Hyram steps up and swings at the undead creature, but misses, while Quinn, enraged at an undead creature in such a temple, swings and critically damages the creature, cleaving it in two.
Quinn's blade sweeps up from the ground, shearing through the undead creature and tearing free at the crown of the monstrosity's head, leaving the creature lying in two parts on the temple floor. Quinn stands breathing heavily, though he had only exerted himself for a split second.
Fortunately, the extreme dessication of the undead creature limits the mess made. Quinn begins pulling the pieces together to remove them from the hallowed space.
"Uhh... Everything okay in there?" She calls into the temple.
"Yeah," he calls hoarsely. "Though, this place has been defiled. Bring everyone in. We can let the wounded rest, while we cleanse this place of... this," he toes a piece of the corpse in emphasis.
Aladir seems a little taken aback at the brevity of the fight inside the temple, casting a glance towards Quinn with a raised eyebrow, his blade the only one with any detritus that would indicate recent use. Still, he says nothing, only helping the two holy warriors remove the remains of the undead from the temple. He was no follower of dwarven gods, to be sure, but that didn't mean he wanted their temples treated poorly. It seemed like they would soon be needing all the divine assistance they could muster.
Hyram looks at Quinn with admiration. Well done! The Inheritor was with you! but why didn't she guide my hand? Hyram quickly casts away his doubts and is embarassed that he questioned The Lady of Valor's reason. It is not for me to know her plans, but only be her instrument in delivering her justice. He helps Quinn and Aladir remove the unrecognizable remains of the undead from the temple.
As he passes Anevia with some of the remains, he will say, Anevia, there is a bench inside where you can rest that leg of yours.
Ezro pokes his head into the room as he hears the commotion inside and sees a heavily breathing Quinn with a sword draw, bloody from the bisected corpse.
"Is everything okay in here? Quinn, what did you do to that corpse?"
Looking at the haggard individuals with them, he searches inside for an area to allow them rest.
"My friends, lets make sure to remove this corpse, and make the place somewhat habitable for a time to rest. I think some sleep would do a great deal in bolstering us."
Alikia shakes her head and sighs before offering an arm to help Anevia through the temple. After she ensure that Anevia is settled, Alikia pulls out a bedroll from her pack, along with a mess kit and some flint and steel. "Did anyone see anything to use for firewood? Or is everyone okay with cold rations for dinner?"
Digging through her pack she pulls out the candles from the earlier campsite, ten torches, and five rations, and a water-skin, partially full."This is all the rations I have, so feel free to help yourself." Resting her back against the wall, Alikia pulls out a quill and some ink from her seemingly endless backpack, before starting to jot down something in her journal.
Quinn, Hyram and Aladir remove the remains of the now dead creature from the Temple of Torag and dump them at the back, with Quinn searching the body before hand, and he finds two potions covered with dust in an almost rotted belt pouch. He also finds a rather well made warhammer, apparently forgotten by the undead priest, behind the altar on the floor and covered with dust.
Alikia and Ezro, finish searching the room, and finding nothing else of import, they begin setting up camp, including looking for firewood. The only thing burnable here are some old rotted wooden benches. It seems the only bench that is still somewhat intact is the one that the creature was seated on.
"Ok, what just happened?" he asks, casually rubbing the cloth that is covering his eyes and portions of his face. When lead inside, he finds a place in a corner. "Is this place defensible?" he asks, and upon hearing folks mention firewood, "is that a good idea inside an old temple?"
"Yes, I have been trained with a rapier, but I am not very good with it. I am a business man and noble not a warrior. If I must fight, my fists would probably be best" he says. Looking at the pieces of the creature being removed, he continues, "no where near as good as you all are" and he shudders.
mutters something very softly as she is lead in, and finds a place on the remaining bench to sit on.
As Hyram passes by Anevia, he is able to hear her mention someone named Irabeth.
Pardon me, Anevia, I heard you mention someone named Irabeth. Is this someone that was with you on the surface before... Hyram tries to think of the best word to describe the calamity that would not distress the woman, but finding none, he just let's his voice trail off.
It looks like we will be camping here for the night. The Inheritor allows me to heal in her name a certain number of times per day. Since we are getting close to the end of the day, and we should not expect anymore trouble. He glances at Quinn still flush with victory over the undead. Perhaps I can further heal your wounds while you tell me about this Irabeth.
Finding an area out of the way, Ezro sets his pack down, taking out his Bedroll and Blanket along with a ration, one of a few he has on hand.
"Thank you Alikia for sharing, but for now I may be able to take care of myself. I suggest we give Anevia, Horgus, and Aravashniel a ration each from those we found earlier."
Setting his area up he speaks with the group as a whole, "Perhaps we should determine watch schedules? I still have a great deal of blessings left that I was given by the Inheritor before I need to rest, I do not mind taking first watch. I would also like to say, I will be holding a small ceremony in the morning, as I do every morning, for any who wish to join me in seeking the benefices of Iomedea."
"Ok, what just happened?" he asks, casually rubbing the cloth that is covering his eyes and portions of his face. When lead inside, he finds a place in a corner. "Is this place defensible?" he asks, and upon hearing folks mention firewood, "is that a good idea inside an old temple?"
Pausing mid-word, Alika furrowed her brow. "I have no clue what just happened. I was outside with you. I presume Quinn found some sort of corpse making a mockery of him, and he destroyed it." Thinking on what the older wizard said with the thought of the campfire, Alikia nodded.
"I suppose I wasn't thinking it all the way through when I mentioned the fire. I can get ahead of myself sometimes without thinking of all the logistics." Picking up three of her trail rations, she holds one out to Horgus, waiting to see if he is willing to accept the pre-packaged food.
"As for if this place is defensible, I would presume so. Hyram and Quinn have dealt with any inhabitants and checked for secret passages, so I trust that we are as safe as we can be down here." Rubbing her nose absentmindedly, Alikia transfers some ink from her fingers onto the bridge of her nose."Here, you should eat something. It's been a long day." Placing a second in Aravashnial's hand, Alikia moves over to Anevia, leaving the third ration within arms reach before returning to her bed roll.
Turning her attention to Ezro, Alikia nodded at the suggestion of watches"I still have all of my spells that I had prepared this morning memorized. I can take first watch, but I will need eight hours of uninterrupted rest to prepare spells for tomorrow. Is that alright with everyone?"
"Ok, what just happened?" he asks, casually rubbing the cloth that is covering his eyes and portions of his face. When lead inside, he finds a place in a corner. "Is this place defensible?" he asks, and upon hearing folks mention firewood, "is that a good idea inside an old temple?"
"Easily defensible," Quinn replies as he re-enters carrying his longspear. "Two stone doors and an antechamber. A good choke point. One or two could hold this door indefinitely. But, only one way in or out means we are trapped. It's a trade-off I am happy to make, right now.". He glances at Anevia's leg. "Fleeing isn't an option I'll consider."
"You seem very well versed in matters of war," Quinn commends the elf. "What rank do you hold in the crusade?"
"Yes, I have been trained with a rapier, but I am not very good with it. I am a business man and noble not a warrior. If I must fight, my fists would probably be best" he says. Looking at the pieces of the creature being removed, he continues, "no where near as good as you all are" and he shudders.
"Skill at arms is not the only mark of a champion. Your aid with the wounded and the supplies does you credit." Quinn nods to the man who seemed to at least be complaining less.
"If you have blessings of healing, and you can renew them on the morrow, I would recommend using them," Quinn suggests.
Quinn closes the outer door. Then, carefully removing his remaining two vials, he balances one atop the other and leans them against the door. He leaves the interior door slightly ajar, and places the two vials of holy nearby. "One sentry at a time. If it is demonkind or undead, pitch the vials in and slam the door closed."
"I will take any watch."
"I will take a watch, as well. And regardless of your skill with arms, Sir Gwerm, I'm sure that having another sword in the ranks would be a welcome addition. If we should happen to find a rapier, would you be willing to take up arms with us?"
Quinn walks past Anevia without registering her whispers. He hands the two potion vials to Alikia. "What do you make of those?"
He flops down, his long frame sprawled across one corner of temple floor, and grabs the warhammer from where it rests against the alter. "This is a well made weapon. Better than more than a few I've seen. Want to take a swing or two with it?" he asks Hyram.
After a while, he tears into one of the trail rations, quite literally tearing it apart with great, large bites. It becomes abundantly clear to anyone watching how much damage his massive, black teeth can inflict. Then he spends a few minutes transferring his equipment from his old pack to Aladir's more suitable one.
“I will be holding a small ceremony in the morning, as I do every morning, for any who wish to join me in seeking the benefices of Iomedea."
I will be glad to join you each morning brother Ezro. I usually pray alone, but it will be welcome to have united voices in supplication to Iomedae.
"As for if this place is defensible, I would presume so. Hyram and Quinn have dealt with any inhabitants and checked for secret passages, so I trust that we are as safe as we can be down here."
As much as I hate to admit it, Alikia, my contribution to the fight was neglible. Perhaps in the next combat my blade will prove more useful. Then a rare smile comes over his face. That is, of course, if Quinn gives me a chance next time! He follows with a chuckle.
“And regardless of your skill with arms, Sir Gwerm, I'm sure that having another sword in the ranks would be a welcome addition. If we should happen to find a rapier, would you be willing to take up arms with us?"
Too bad we can’t use Horgus’ insults as weapons. The skill with which he would wield them would fill the most seasoned adventurer with envy. Hyram thinks to himself.
"This is a well made weapon. Better than more than a few I've seen. Want to take a swing or two with it?"
Hyram takes the warhammer in his hands and takes some swings with it. Indeed! This is a well-balanced weapon. Any follower of Torag would be glad to wield it! Perhaps if we ever get out of this cavern, we can let some dwarves know about this temple. They might be interested in reclamation.
As Anevia is speaking about Irabeth. Hyram will use his last cure light of the day.
"No, no, stay your spell. No need for the curing spell for me" Anevia says to Hyram. "Other than my leg, all my wounds are healed, and that I am afraid is most likely beyond anyone here to heal." She then looks at Horgus and Aravashnial, "Horgus also looks rather well, but I am sure that Aravashnial could use additional healing, besides his eyes and face."
"Hyram, isn't it? You heard me" she says. "Irabeth is my wife. She is a Paladin of Iomedae, and was with the Eagle Watch in the square. I just pray to Iomedae that she is still alive after that battle. Seeing this temple to Torag brought memories of her to me." she concludes.
"Well, no official rank" he says. Then thinking for a moment, he continues "I am a member of the Rift Wardens. An organization dedicated to eradicating demons and their ilk from this plane of existence. And I know alot about demons."
"Yes. If you a rapier then I will help with combat. Not that you need it" as he shudders at the sight of the corpse being removed. "However, I believe that my best help can be helping Aravashnial and Anevia to navigate."
All three of them accept the rations, and even Horgus says "thanks" along with the other two. After downing the rations, both Aravashnial and Horgus find a spot, near the altar to sleep for the night. Anevia, however, stands and using some of the cloth remains from the corpse, starts to clean the shrine, at least wiping down the dust and the area where it was killed in an effort to remove the stain. As she does, much to her surprise, Horgus gets up and using another rag starts to help her. The two of the share a look that you can not quite understand, but it seems that they are not quite at war with each other as they were earlier.