I too vote to try to befriend the Mongrelmen. They are not usually evil and are more victim that threat. Perhaps we could call upon them for aid, and maybe help them in return.
Lirrathan nods, "Well, alright, if they're friendly and could help, I'll find them. I mean heck, I'd never heard of them before. As much as I knew, Terry here could have been a mongrelman and I wouldn't have been the wiser. In fact before now, if someone had asked what a mongrelman was, I would have just pointed at him. You learn something new every day." He replies in response to Terry's answer.
Mirel steps next to Terry. "I agree. We should try to talk to them and get directions out of here. Hopefully they are not looking for a fight."
"Mongrelmen should be able to be trustworthy...Kenabres legend has it that they were the children of First Crusaders who were exposed to dark energies. These things were not understood very well back then. Perhaps what vestige of humanity is left in them will make them somewhat peaceful...although theirs is a short and violent lifespan normally."
I could use a scale power to get up there if we need to do so. But if someone can climb it would save that power for later use.
"I have a spell that can levitate it, but I am loathe to use it on a trivial task. And I would need some exact description so I can picture it without my eyes. I would suggest mundane means of accomplishing the task though."
Lirrathan is focused on the trail itself, and ends up blocking out most other stimuli. Seeing it turn back toward their original direction, he continues forward, hoping the others keep up with him at the distance he had asked. Seeing the hanging pack, his curiosity gets the better of him, was this guy going up with it, or for it? It's worth a look.
"Does anyone think we need any of these items? And, oh! Look at this brooch!"
"Well, we have nothing. Bad gear is better than no gear. Worst case, the blanket could become bandages. Not that they're clean, mind you."
As the ranger climbs up the stone slope Arcessentes asks the group about the scales. We need to discuss the silver dragon scales. I think they are a gift from Terendelev herself and potentially our best chance at survival. We should try to catalogue what power each grants. The one I hold allows me to levitate into the air three times a day, while creating a column of obscurement below me. It is truly a wonder. Has anyone else else been able to discern what their scale does?
"Uhh... yeah *huff* I told you.... all... *hurghn* what mine did." Lirrathan manages as he fights his way up the stony surface.
"I do not have one of these scales. But, I understand that you and Lirrathan each found one. Did anyone else? What sort of powers do these other ones grant?"
"I picked up a couple. Hard to walk away from Dragon scales, don't you think? They don't seem to do anything."
Hmm. Would you mind passing one to Mirel for a moment Terry? I have a theory I'd like to test.
"Some, yeah. Dragon scales aren't exactly common, ya know. But, I can work with you trying to figure something out." Terry offers Mirel one of the two scales randomly.
"Thank you, Terry." she nods to the rogue in thanks.
As Lirrathan gets to the bottom, he digs through the bag real quick, seemingly bored by most of the contents. Until finally he drops the bag and pulls out two small vials of liquid. "Oooh, sweet, what do these do?" He asks, holding them up in front of Arc. Wizards know stuff like that, too bad the blind one can't tell me.
Looking at the bag, he adds while toeing it toward the others, "There's some useful stuff there too, probably be worth holding onto for whoever wants it. The rations at least."
After Mirel takes the offered scale, Terry slowly falls to his knees, crying. Then, quicker the he fell, he looks up,stands up, and seems ot have recovered.
"That's not normal. This scale is protective, but the emotional cost for picking it up seems awfully high."
Looking over the material that Lirrathan tossed aside . . ..
"Well, these arrows could be very useful if things go badly. The ones I have with me won't last through much in the way of combat. Heck, everything here is useful for our survival. That material makes water our worst problem, doesn't it?"
Mirel falls to her knees, tears welling in her eyes, as she accepts the scale. [/b]"You are right, Terry. The magic in these scales must be infused with the emotions of Terendelev as the mighty dragon was slain by the Storm King."[/b]
Yes, tools with baggage if you will. the wizard agrees.
"If we are done here, I suggest we move forward."
After being passed the potions to examine the wizard casts Detect Magic and studies them. a moment passes before he pronounces that they are curative in nature. The first is a Cure Light Wounds potion and the second is Lesser Restoration.
Excited, and watching eagerly, Lirrathan eyes the whole process of identifying the potions. He is crestfallen, however, when he learns what they are, "That's it? Well, that's not exciting. I thought it coulda been something to make me twice my size, or float, or even invisible. Healing is just kinda boring. Oh well, grab whatever your taking from the stuff, I don't think I really need any of it. The backpack is pretty nice, but some of you with weaker frames probably need a sturdier bag than I do." With that he gets back to what he was doing, wandering a little ways ahead, scouting out the passage that it looks like the two tunnels became.
I do not mind holding these potions for the group. pronounces. [b]Someone should grab the caltrops and be ready to use them if we need to fortify a position. (Are there two bags? Not sure what a set is.)
The wizard falls in behind Lirrathan, leading his blind charge and directing his dancing lights to lead the way. He can keep them enough ahead of Lirrathan so that the ranger is in dim light, or he can keep them behind the ranger for the same effect. The latter would better help the humans in the party that lack low light vision.
Mirel grabs the backpack and follows the party with her charge.
As Lirrathan sees the lights go between their different positions, he waves them back toward the others, displaying a preference.
Lirrathan tries to signal back what can at best be the crude representation of what he sees or hears. Oddly enough he just wriggles one of his arms, in a manner that almost looks like a tentacle. Having stated what he thought was a clear indication of what lie ahead he moves forward with his blades at the ready.
Wondering what kind of snakes might be in the tunnel ahead of them, Terry gets the bow ready as the group continues following Lirrathan.
Mirel wonders why an octopus in a cave is threatening, but readies herself for a fight nonetheless.
Lirrathan considers trying to convince the thing to just go away, being as it's just a hungry animal and all. Then again, it would also serve to feed them, and makes for a decent meal when prepared right. Besides, he didn't get to have any fun with the last fight. He moves up to where he saw the thing slithering around, and when he catches sight of it swings hard with his blade.
Terry continues following Lirrathan.
Mirel moves behind Terry, her whip and shield ready.
Lirrathan's quick strike proves true as the snake recoils...
Mirel attacks the snake!
Surprised the snake took the hit and was still standing, he swung again, and if it still didn't die he wasn't going to stay right next to it and get bit. Heck, even if it did die, he knows some snakes still can bite and poison after their heads are removed.
The snake slithers quickly to Mirel and bites at her...
The teeth sink into a fleshy part.
Suddenly, Mirel feels a burning sensation on top of the pain from the bite...
She starts to feel shaky and weak.
Terry takes a bow shot at the snake.
Arcessentes sees the small threat and tries to burn it with acid.
Mirel takes a step back away from the snake, and attacks with her whip again.
[ooc]Wow... :p[/dice]
Terry's bowshot and Arcessentes magical dart slam into the snake at the same time leaving it twitching for a few seconds. It stills and the death rattle can be heard by everyone near it.