Ariarh commands the Cold Iron Elemental to charge toward Jackal 3 and flanks him with Kae.
Kolgrym pauses to take in the village and catch his breath. The journey from New Stetven had been uneventful, save for a chance encounter with a troll. The dwarf had lost his horse to the monster, but he managed to secure his equipment and escape while the troll gorged itself on its catch; the creature either had no interest in following Kolgrym or it lacked the ability to track the priest's progress. In any case, Kolgrym had been forced to make the rest of the trip on foot.
The dwarf reaches over his shoulder and into his pack, and retries a tattered waterskin. He places it to his lips, then scowls. Tipping the skin upside down, only a few drops of water fall from the opening. Kolgrym stashes the waterskin back in his bag and turns once again to look at the village. The dwarf tightens the straps of his pack and marches quietly toward the center of the new construction, his eyes remaining open for an tavern or temple.
During your long walk you have seen a large riverbed to your right side, and have been using this to guide your footsteps south. Rumor has it that this new “township” is being built by the river, and if you walk far enough, you’ll find it.
As you come walking over a crest you can see, from a distance, a long wide range of cliffs, perhaps seven or eight miles in width, though you are not sure at the exact length at this distance. The cliffs start low on both sides and move gradually higher and higher to a central place. Squinting slightly, you can make out a thin crack in the cliffs that light shines through – this break goes the entire height of the cliffs and, moreover, is fairly narrow and roughly in the center – you would guess that if this river did not deviate from its current course that it would slide through the opening fairly easily.
You can also see, if you glance down the riverbed, that though the waters are fairly deep (roughly ten to fifteen feet in depth, you’d say) they are now rushing more quickly and the riverbed is growing wider. It seems that the riverbed spills out into what looks like, from here, to be a wide opening in which the water drops forward hard and quick – possibly the beginnings of a short waterfall.
Just inside the ring of cliffs is a steep, deep valley. The valley looks almost like a massive bowl, and the “edges” of the southern side of the bowl are, in fact, the cliffs. The north, east and west sides of the bowl are tall, very steep, grassy knolls. In the bottom of this “bowl” you can see (from this distance) the silvery track of the water vanishing in the thick mists and some low-lying forests. You would guess the bottom of this deep valley – crater you might call it – is roughly two hundred feet in depth from the edges of the surrounding lands.
To the west, on the land outside the creater, level with ground you are walking on, you can see a rough, meandering dirt track that leads all the way to the eastern spur of the cliffs. The track itself seems to originate at what you believe is your destination – namely; the village.
Despite the extremely natural land formation, you find the village itself to be equally curious.
Located right near the very edge of the riverbed and the northern lip of the valley is the village itself. The village seems to be located on (to your dwarven eyes) a much more ancient and advanced set of stonework and the foundations of something bigger and more impressive then what is currently being erected.
The “foundation” of the village appears to look like stone streets – masterfully planned; with roads that are neatly laid and already constructed with well hewn rock. You can also see flat, level and symmetrically cut foundations for buildings to rest on; even though you see no buildings there currently.
Well, that is not entirely true; you can spy some buildings. However, they are crudely made (though clearly a labor of love). No well crafted stone work, or finely made structures, rather, you only see log cabins and other such buildings.
As your parched throat calls out for a taste of beer, and your belly rumbles for a taste of hot food, your eyes espy a large building which you hope is a tavern of sorts. It is certainly big enough… but you are not sure.
Beyond the building you a few basic buildings – you are not sure what they are from here. However, you also see what looks like a huge pile of garbage and refuse which rests on the edge of the town. This pile of garbage must be some sort of local oddity a human design, you'd guess – for it strikes you that only humans would collecting pile of refuse instead of frugally using everything. But then, humans are not always as thrifty with their possessions – throwing things they don’t want in a heap rather then reusing it? How wastefull...
Perhaps, as the town advances, they’ll reorganize that foul looking garbage pile into something more practical – such a place where honest folk can find old gear and reuse it?
You chuckle at where your mind has wandered, and continue to move forward, eager for a bite or a drink. Yet, even as you advance, the river rushing pleasantly by you, your eyes spy the presence of a group of riders.
There seems to be four of them; each of them are mounted, and they are trotting briskly (though no hard gallop) toward you. Stopping, you wait for them. No point in running away anyhow, after all, you want to go to this village.
Looking up, you gauge from the sun it is roughly a little after noon. Just about time to get some lunch. Hopefully that massive building should have a hot meal inside for travelers!
Turning your gaze back to the riders, you see that they are (for the most part) garbed in basic clothing, but that they have leather armor, some of it leather studded armor on them. They are holding light spears; short bows on their backs, and some of them are wearing swords. They are all human but one.
The non-human though –that is where you are truly surprised.
At first you thought he was some sort of kobold – but he is larger, at least as large as you, and kobolds are tiny little vermin… Further, this creature has a silver sheen to it; glistening like metal. His eyes are bright and intelligent, and he seems to be nearly radiating a presence of “Goodness”, whereas; every kobold you have heard of is some sort of cheap knock-off of dragon-kind. They are foolish; greedy; cowardly, and altogether contemptible.
This creature looks to be the opposite of that in every way.
Pointing his scaled hand, he indicates the men fan out around you, watching you thoughtfully.
Odd greeting, you think, for a lonely traveler…
But despite their martial presence, you sense no overt hostility. Rather, they seem like a well organized patrol.
Looking down at you from his horse, the silver kobold presses his hand forward a bit, and you see it is resting on the hilt of a fine blade.
”Greetings, friend. What brings thee hither unto this land?”
His tone is polite, though his accent seems archaic – as if it was from ancient days. Again, there is no hostility evident. Rather, he seems as if he is merely trying to figure out who you are, what you are doing.
A party of scouts for the village – being led by a very strange and unusual creature…
Ka'etil realizes that his Hammer is less than effective, so dropping it, he draws his magic mace, and rushes around the creature the elemental attacked, flanking with it. Horns grow from the Half-elf's forhead as his eyes yellow, and embers flake off of his body as he roars, smashing his mace down on the creature
Dior eagerly watches the bald-headed man, who is grinning at the far end of the room. Flying swiftly to the other side of the room, he bares his claws and opens his beak to attack the Osirion,
Bite:
Claw:
Claw:
To confirm crit:
The second jackal-headed creature falls, even as Dior scores a hit.
At the strikes, the bald man roars out in pain. He seems to be enraged - that the griffon would attack him!
But instead of attacking Dior, the lower half of his body begins to merge into a thick, twisting, smoky spiral. The legs spin faster, and it looks as if his body were becoming some sort of whirlwind… His hands reach out in front of him and he rises from the floor, and rushes forward hard and fast above your heads, and around you; avoiding you all. While this occurs, he seems to be directing his creatures to attack... though you are not sure.
Having rushed passed you he flies straight for the wall, and seems to vanish through it. He either succeeded previously at his chance to see through the illusion, or never believed it was there to begin with.
As he flies up the stairs in his mad rush – Alaric and Bronwyn are able to see him, for Alaric had the wherewithal to cast “Light” after moving up by Bronwyn when he retreated from the room.
Even as this “bald human” rushes up the stairs, it seems as though his body is continuing to change, and is now merging into something that merely looks like some sort of “gaseous form”. The creature now flies past the rearguard of the heroes in the form of the knight and the sorcerer.
The young fey-blood can see the creature rush past him, the eyes gleaming with a ruthless light, and sparks of electricity dancing through them. Turning once, the creature looks directly into Alaric’s eyes.
”Magi…” he hisses malevolently; then roars on to the grounds above.
You are left in the chamber with the two "Jackal Heads"...
You are free to make your actions and posts. I will answer them tomorrow, as I must now sleep.
I presume you will have your answers up tonight...
Oh yeah, the jackal's get their attacks!
They will move to flank Dior and each will attack... Perhaps in revenge for the assult against their master?
Jackal on the left
Attack
IF he hits
Jackal on the right
Attack
IF he hits
Ka'etil fully gives into his rage, Claws extending from his hand as he drops his mace, he roars as Electricity courses through his body and after a quick step, tears into another jackal.
Claw
Claw
Gore
Ariarh commands the Cold Iron Elemental to attack Jackal 4 (and is now flanking with Dior)
To confirm crit
Ka'etil fully gives into his rage, Claws extending from his hand as he drops his mace, he roars as Electricity courses through his body and after a quick step, tears into another jackal.
Claw
1d20+7
1d4+7+1d6Claw
1d20+7
1d4+7+1d6Gore
1d20+7
1d8+7+1d6
You put down your man!
Ariarh commands the Cold Iron Elemental to attack Jackal 4 (and is now flanking with Dior)
To confirm crit
1d20+10
1d6+6
A hit, a palpatable hit - yet your man is still standing...
Ariarh runs over to Mak Morn and checks him over and does a heal check:
Ariarh runs over to Mak Morn and checks him over and does a heal check:
1d20+11
Mak Morn still lives, though very barely... you would guess he is nearly dead... perhaps, if Brett were here, someone could cast a healing spell on him!
Dior, with a mighty scream, turns his beak and claws on Jackal 4
Bite
Claw
Claw
Mak Morn still lives, though very barely... you would guess he is nearly dead... perhaps, if Brett were here, someone could cast a healing spell on him!Ariarh runs over to Mak Morn and checks him over and does a heal check:
1d20+11
Ariarh lays her hand on the Mak Morn's chest and casts :
Mak Morn still lives, though very barely... you would guess he is nearly dead... perhaps, if Brett were here, someone could cast a healing spell on him!Ariarh runs over to Mak Morn and checks him over and does a heal check:
1d20+11
Ariarh casts on Mak Morn:
1d8+4+1
Mak Morn shakes his head slowly, his eyes fluttering open.
"Sons of Thunder!" he says looking around.
"There be one left - leave him fer me, stumpy," he growls at Kae.
"I'll splat him all over this bloody cave, as soon as I can find my damn axe!" he mutters, struggling to his feet.
Meantime, the jackal creature attacks Dior.
Attack
IF he hits
3d6 DC 15
Ka'etil's rage fades as extends his hand and Lightning arcs around Dior and the elemental, coursing through the Jackal-head.
He then reaches down and picks up his mace.
DC 15
Ka'etil's rage fades as extends his hand and Lightning arcs around Dior and the elemental, coursing through the Jackal-head.
He then reaches down and picks up his mace, saying, "Sorry, Mak Morn, time is of the essence," to the dwarf appologetically.
3d6 DC 15
Ka'etil's rage fades as extends his hand and Lightning arcs around Dior and the elemental, coursing through the Jackal-head.
He then reaches down and picks up his mace.
Despite the fact that the creature nimbly dodge the majority of the lightening and his body soaked the damage, the brief bit of damage that Kae can do manages to put it down - you suspect that it died of a broken heart....
The creatures are dead; you are now free to search the room - and discover what clues you can find, and treasures are available, if any.
Meanwhile, more on that in the morning.
Mak Morn claps you on the back -
"That's how we do it!" he growls, feeling somewhat weak.
Upon completion of the battle, the Cold Iron Elemental disappears, returning to its own plane.
Ariarh looks at the dead jackal-headed creatures around them and is worried about the Osirion priest who deftly transformed and escaped the tunnels.
Facing Mak Morn, "My valiant friend, you must be careful. You fought hard and your strength is not fully recovered. Mayhap Brett can perform another healing spell on you once we return to the base of the cliffs where they are waiting with the horses. Then I advise rest and sleep once we're back at the Fortress." Ry pats the dwarf's arm in a comforting manner.
Dior flies over to his mistress, and lands by her side, a little weary and mildly wounded. "Ah, my protector, I am sorry I have no healing spells with which to aid you at present. Once we return to the Fortress I shall ask Khrovin to heal you, and Mak Morn if he needs further remedy." She gently strokes the feathers along his neck.
Seeing Kae approach them, Ry turns with a tired smile and addresses him, "Well fought, Kae. We need to find out what manner of creature is this Osirion priest. I have not seen anything like him before. Perhaps in his rush to escape he has left something important behind."
Ariarh scans/searches the chamber for any items, objects, notes, anything which can provide them with more information.
Alaric realizing that his friends are outside as well rushes back up the stairs after the bald man.
Ka'etil searches his memory for any knowledge he has of the Jackal-heads, trying to figure out what they may be, while picking up his gear.
K(Arcana)
K(Dungeoneering)
K(Nature)
He also takes a moment to think about what may have turned into gaseous form like that bald man, as it is likely not a human.
K(Arcana)
these if anything domes up with them...
K(Dungeoneering)
K(Nature)
"Thank you Ariarh," Kae says to the Aasimar as he gathers his discarded weapons. "I'm going to head up once I get my things, to make sure nothing is wrong outside," the Half-elf is visibly worn down after his transformation, and sort of lumbers around the room, scrambling to gather his discarded hammer, Mace, and the blade of hi Glaive (assuming it was the haft that shattered rendering the blade ineffective, but allowing it to be repaired).
"And thanks to you Mak Morn, I am glad that you're well, those bastards didn't make things easy for us, did they," he says to the dwarf with a bit of a grin.
"Good idea, Kae. I will stay down here a little longer and have a serious look around. Dior will remain with me in case I come across something unexpected and require backup." The slain jackal-head creatures make Ry uneasy; she prays they remain dead when she is left to finish up in this chamber.
As Ariarh wanders around the room, searching, she thinks of the Osirion and what kind of creature could turn into a gaseous form with electricity in its eyes.
And also considers the classification of the strange jackal-headed creatures and from whence they hail.
He also takes a moment to think about what may have turned into gaseous form like that bald man, as it is likely not a human.
K(Arcana)
1d20+9these if anything domes up with them...
K(Dungeoneering)
1d20+6
K(Nature)
1d20+6
You doubt highly that whatever it did that was actually human. Even human spellcaster would be hardpressed to produce the powers you witnessed with such speed and efficicency...
Perhaps it is a mixed blooeded type - such a sorcerer with Air Elements in it - this would explain a lot, but still, it doesn't sit right.
Your best guess is that this creature is not even from this world - even as Ariarh was able to summon creatures from another plane, you suspect this creatuer was ALSO from another plane of existance.
The question is; how much do you really know about planes of existence?
Regarding the other rolls? No, you will find nothing specifically with them in the cave at this time...
Alaric realizing that his friends are outside as well rushes back up the stairs after the bald man.
As Alaric begins to charge up the stairs, he catches Bronwyn's eye for the briefest of moment. The sturdy, mail plated knight, gives you a look that seems to suggest...
So... this creature seems infused with electricity, can fly, and change into gaseous form - who knows whatever other powers it has - and you are charging up more then 200 feet away from your friends - because even though we are not 200 feet down from the starting point, it is still a lot of feet, you know, because of the stairs being on an angle and so forth... but charging up by yourself, when the creature seemed to have some sort of personal interest in you specifically - most likely leaving you because with our combined might he may be feeling overwhelmed... But while you rush up alone, your friends are still down below, and gods know I can't charge or run fast enough with this metal suit on to catch you... And your plan is to catch the creature alone and... do battle with it?
You are stunned how incredibly expressive Bronwyn's eyes are at this point; given the fact that he has barely said anything in what seems like days.
And the expression also speaks volumes; do you charge up the stairs alone, after this thing, and face it alone - or do you wait for your friends?
The question flitters through your mind in an instant. You are free to continue with your movement, if you feel it best, or take a moment to reconsider things.
If you do decide to follow, you are not going to be slowed down by this interchange with Bronwyn's gaze... You can continue to rush up at full speed, and get to the top as soon as you are able with no penalty.
This presumes, of course, you are still resolved to follow the creature alone...
Upon completion of the battle, the Cold Iron Elemental disappears, returning to its own plane.
Ariarh looks at the dead jackal-headed creatures around them and is worried about the Osirion priest who deftly transformed and escaped the tunnels.
Facing Mak Morn, "My valiant friend, you must be careful. You fought hard and your strength is not fully recovered. Mayhap Brett can perform another healing spell on you once we return to the base of the cliffs where they are waiting with the horses. Then I advise rest and sleep once we're back at the Fortress." Ry pats the dwarf's arm in a comforting manner.
Dior flies over to his mistress, and lands by her side, a little weary and mildly wounded. "Ah, my protector, I am sorry I have no healing spells with which to aid you at present. Once we return to the Fortress I shall ask Khrovin to heal you, and Mak Morn if he needs further remedy." She gently strokes the feathers along his neck.
Seeing Kae approach them, Ry turns with a tired smile and addresses him, "Well fought, Kae. We need to find out what manner of creature is this Osirion priest. I have not seen anything like him before. Perhaps in his rush to escape he has left something important behind."
Ariarh scans/searches the chamber for any items, objects, notes, anything which can provide them with more information.
"Bah, I've seen tuffer mutts at a bear baiting contest. Them dog boys got nothing on me axe; nor an yer skils - that goes fer the bleeding lot of ye," Mak Morn says with a gruff voice.
Dior absently places a claw on one of the fallen creature's chest, and slides it down the torso - spilling it open. You can see with a cursory glance that the basic internal organs look human - yet perhaps there is more too it then that...
"Good idea, Kae. I will stay down here a little longer and have a serious look around. Dior will remain with me in case I come across something unexpected and require backup." The slain jackal-head creatures make Ry uneasy; she prays they remain dead when she is left to finish up in this chamber.
As Ariarh wanders around the room, searching, she thinks of the Osirion and what kind of creature could turn into a gaseous form with electricity in its eyes.
And also considers the classification of the strange jackal-headed creatures and from whence they hail.
"Mister Kae, Miss Ry, but if ye don't mind, I be staying down here to, um... that is, it be a long walk fer some to get back up to the top o' them stairs. And anyhow, it be best to stick around and keep an eye on things, too. Just until we get things settled right and true..." Mak Morn adds politely.
You senese, though, that beneath his polite offer is the somewhat selfish needs of a wounded warrior who simply would prefer to wait a bit and catch his breath.
Nothing wrong with that; you know he will help you, but he is clearly not feeling his best, despite the magical spells.
Even as this proceeds, Ariarh purses her lips and thinks - the creatures with the Jackal heads seems normal enough - that is, flesh and blood, not magically created like a golem. But they also seem to be universally built and formed. In other words, as if they are all of the same race or species... Further examination of the bodies will no doubt reveal more in this matter.
But for the chief villian himself? You are not sure, but you have your guesses....
Is it possible that he may have come from the Plane of Air? This would explain quite a bit - his propensity to use electricity - his ease of transforming himself into a veritable whirl-wind - and his smooth and simple transition into flight.
Ariarh pauses at that last thought...
Flight... what a magical dream... Wouldn't it be grand if she too could fly?
Shaking her head of such silly ideas, she absently scratches her shoulder blade... the darn things have been so itchy, as of late. Perhaps she needs a better made suit of armor?
Or perhaps not...
"Mak Morn, Keep an eye on Ariarh while she's down there, I'm going to see if that thing has reappeared Ry come up as soon as you can," He says, rushing up the stairs to join Alaric and Bronwyn, quickly closing the distance to them.
Kae will head up the stairs, and go with Alaric and Bronwyn to join with the others.
Despite Alaric's head start, the speed of the barbarian half-elf allows him to charge forward quickly, even fast enough so that they are free to burst from the cave's entrence at the same time.
Stumbling into the bright light of day, they are shocked and, to an extent, angered - the sight of the whirling wind is rushing quickly away, hard and fast to the south west.
This is far from you friends, and the township in general - it is almost as if he is fleeing for his life. Perhaps he believes your combined strength may overwhelm him, or perhaps he is rushing to another place of refuge.
What is clear, though, is that this creature has fled into the distance. Even now you are having a difficult time seeing it on the horizon - its gaseous form seeming to vanish into a mysterious cloud - or perhaps your eyes deceive you, and what you presume to be a cloud is actually the creature, hiding from you.
You don't know where this thing is going, or where it is traveling. What is clear is that this is the second time you have had foul dealings with Osirions...
Even as you consider this, Bronwyn is able to finally exit the cave mouth - his armor heavy on his body. Panting, he grips his sword in his arm, looking to the horizon, even as you are.
"Has it truly fled? Are we finally safe?" he asks, holding the weapon at his side.
Seeing that there is no sign of the creature returning, he nods grimly.
"It is good this thing has fled - but I am not at ease leaving a lady unattended with only a wounded dwarf and young griffon to aid her. Perhaps we should return and see what is keeping the good lass?" he offers politely, even as your ears throb with the sound of explosions - not unlike gunfire...
Glancing quickly down into the valley, you see that even now, your allies are in dire straights! Something is not right in the grasses below -
Looking down into the valley, what you see makes you gasp in horror!
After viewing the jackal head's innards and recollecting what she knows of the Plane of Air, Ariarh is left with a few theories but nothing concrete at this point.
Dior had preempted her with slicing open the chest of one of the jackal heads. Ry asked him to do the same to the head in order to get a closer look at the brain, as well as all the major organs to compare them to the common/normal variety.
Thinking of the chanting she had heard from atop the staircase earlier, Ry scoured her memory for information she had read or heard in passing of religious ceremonies and alike that require such intoning and undertaken in obscure, underground places such as this. .
****
Later:
After a thorough search of the cave chamber, she could not espy a single item left behind by the Osirion. Artful spellcaster, Ry shakes her head disturbed by what they encountered here, today.
"Mak Morn, Dior, there is nothing of import here but these bodies. We should get back to the others aboveground, we have tarried here longer than I had expected. I am concerned by the Osirion as he seemed mightily displeased after Dior attacked him."
Ry begins making her way up the stairs (followed by Dior and Mak Morn). They were walking through the tunnel leading to the door and the outside when she heard the explosions, much like gunfire. She was sure the other two had as well.
"Hurry! We need to get to the others, now!"
After viewing the jackal head's innards and recollecting what she knows of the Plane of Air, Ariarh is left with a few theories but nothing concrete at this point.
Dior had preempted her with slicing open the chest of one of the jackal heads. Ry asked him to do the same to the head in order to get a closer look at the brain, as well as all the major organs to compare them to the common/normal variety.
Thinking of the chanting she had heard from atop the staircase earlier, Ry scoured her memory for information she had read or heard in passing of religious ceremonies and alike that require such intoning and undertaken in obscure, underground places such as this. .
****
Later:
After a thorough search of the cave chamber, she could not espy a single item left behind by the Osirion. Artful spellcaster, Ry shakes her head disturbed by what they encountered here, today.
"Mak Morn, Dior, there is nothing of import here but these bodies. We should get back to the others aboveground, we have tarried here longer than I had expected. I am concerned by the Osirion as he seemed mightily displeased after Dior attacked him."
Ry begins making her way up the stairs (followed by Dior and Mak Morn). They were walking through the tunnel leading to the door and the outside when she heard the explosions, much like gunfire. She was sure the other two had as well.
"Hurry! We need to get to the others, now!"
On the low tables you see plates that seemed to be made out of tightly woven fibers. It is as if someone has taken very thick grasses or leaves, and braided them and twisted the braids into a type of rope – then used the rope to spiral around into a tight, flat plate or bowl. Not clay, not metal – but as if the bowls and plates are made out of dried plants. They are brightly colored, and non-magical, and inside you see a wide assortment of dates, figs and some other dried meats. Moreover, as you look around you also see that there is heavy spices, exotic spicy peppers, mangos, pears, and other fruit that seems somehow foreign to you, but you recognize as likely southern fruits and vegetables. Little clay flasks of honey; fresh cream; raisins and grapes; palm wine, cups and flasks of potent looking beer; flat breads with cheeses…
The tables are not as fancy; they look like oak, probably local; the plates and mugs and so on look foreign. There are also clay mugs and flasks filled with beer and wine, and the mugs are well painted, with animals on the sides that looks like hawks and crocodiles and elephants and even - jackals.
But you are at once amazed at the variety of food, the freshness of it is perhaps the most delightful, and, in a way, alarming aspect of the food. There is no method of storage that you have found, there is no way that these foods are native, therefore – how could they exist here, fresh, and, from what it looks like to your observation – recently touched, as if someone had been having a late lunch when you arrived.
You docket this information away for later.
Under your feet is a magnificent rug – you sink nearly to your ankles in it. You would think it was a very deep velvet, but it feels as silky as linen. It is nearly ten feet in width and about twelve feet in length. The blanket is a midnight blue around the boarders, covered with a recurring star pattern like constellations which are stitched in white and silver. As it moves into the center of the rug, you see the blue become lighter and lighter, like a happy sunshine filled day. In the very center is a pale symbol, that looks like a star, possibly the sun, and the color is a very soft blue around it. Strange runes and symbols mark it, and grace the borders. As your eyes look over it, you catch your breath – the edges of the runes have little figurines on it, clouds and birds and little cyclones among the runes – but after looking them for a moment carefully (for they are very tiny in the borders) you are stunned after very careful looking to see the lightening bolts (which are perhaps the size of your little finger) flicker and crackle like they are flashing. The birds (the size of a pinhead, perhaps) seem as they are flying in tiny circles – the cyclones are spinning leisurely…
Even as you watch this, Mak Morn is stroking his beard.
”Huh, this rug – the fabric, and the good weaving, not to mention size and, er… exoticy? It be worth, going market value up here I be reckoning… say – 1,200 gold pieces to 1,500 gold pieces,” he adds sagely.
Then, you mutely point out the “moving patterns”.
His eyes widen in shock, after carefully examining them.
”Well, that be changing everything, then,” he mutters.
”I be needing to reconsidering it… but the raw part o’ the rug be what I said, that fer sure,” he adds, frowning at what you said.
You examine the rug again, but the aura, despite what you see, is extremely, extremely weak. You gauge is it somehow related to a very minor Universal school, not unlike the “Prestidigitation” spell. Could it be added simply for a beautiful appearance?
There is nothing about this that seems dangerous, though, though you gauge it is about fifty pounds to roll it up and carry it… Perhaps later?
To the right side of the room was the screens – there are four of them. They look like they are wooden frames and the fabric of the screens also like linen and has fine stitching on it – again, patterns of stars and the sky and clouds – birds and mists and so forth. This is clearly not magical, and is not flickering like the rug, but it is certainly beautiful. Each screen is five feet in width and roughly six feet in height. Very thin; very well made, very lovely – the kind of thing you can move around a room for privacy. You would guess they don’t weigh more then ten pounds each – but definitely have no magic connected to it.
Mak Morn looks with a sense of satisfaction at it.
”Aye, these screens are right lovely; and with nay magic to ‘em… On open market… I’d put ‘em at, I dunno… roughly 250 gold pieces each, give or take,” he says with a nod.
[b]”’Course, the rug over there, with the little magic effects, it probably be worth far more then mere 1,500 gold pieces… but, as I said, best have yer wizard folks check that out,”[b] he adds.
You nod at his assessment, then look behind the screens. You see behind them is a low table with a bronze lamp, and scrolls of parchment, though it is not parchment, it looks like some form of paper, not unlike what you had seen before with the other Osirions. By that is a large wooden chest, heavily locked. What is inside it? You don’t know…
Besides the chest and desk is a large shelf with row after row of thin glass tubes and jars, each labeled – in a language you cannot read.
You are not sure about all of this, but you are clear this more to see… no doubt it will be revealed in time.
Considering this, you now believe you can rush up to your friends, and not miss any time, feeling that this observation, though it may have seemed lengthy – examining the details were something you were most likely doing even as your companions were hurrying up the stairs, and if you choose to follow them now, you won’t have missed any time at all.
No worries, I simply hadn't posted things quite yet - was feeling really sick the last two days and didn't get it done. Sorry to all, though...
After viewing the jackal head's innards and recollecting what she knows of the Plane of Air, Ariarh is left with a few theories but nothing concrete at this point.
Dior had preempted her with slicing open the chest of one of the jackal heads. Ry asked him to do the same to the head in order to get a closer look at the brain, as well as all the major organs to compare them to the common/normal variety.
Thinking of the chanting she had heard from atop the staircase earlier, Ry scoured her memory for information she had read or heard in passing of religious ceremonies and alike that require such intoning and undertaken in obscure, underground places such as this. .
****
Later:
After a thorough search of the cave chamber, she could not espy a single item left behind by the Osirion. Artful spellcaster, Ry shakes her head disturbed by what they encountered here, today.
"Mak Morn, Dior, there is nothing of import here but these bodies. We should get back to the others aboveground, we have tarried here longer than I had expected. I am concerned by the Osirion as he seemed mightily displeased after Dior attacked him."
Ry begins making her way up the stairs (followed by Dior and Mak Morn). They were walking through the tunnel leading to the door and the outside when she heard the explosions, much like gunfire. She was sure the other two had as well.
"Hurry! We need to get to the others, now!"
You are at once amazed at how... perfect their bodies appear. The flesh and muscles look as if they were carved from marble. There is no body hair on their body; their skin is a dusky hue that seems as if they were well tanned (if that is the right word...).
Shoulders are proportioned to a wide form, which tapers down to a narrow waist; perfect abdominal muscles, with the exception of the bloodshed...
You see no internal discrepency in their oragns. Nothing inside that doesn't look - normal - if you were looking at a human body. Instead, what you seem to be observing, at least from the neck down, looks simply like a very large, very welll built human male.
The head itself strikes you as very canine, like a jackal - with sharp teeth, fetid breath, and fierce eyes, now clouded over with death. Their ears are long, and soft, and again, they look like a somewhat larger version of the head of a jackal.
Running your fingers around the edge of the head, you discover no seperation - this is no mask. And after a brief set of incensions, you discover the primary veins, such as the jugular, slide from the heart up through the throat and into the head normally, as if the inside of the body is not aware of the outsides' bestial nature.
Concerning the skull and brain? Perhaps because the head is larger, again, proprotionatly to match the larger body, the skull is larger, and so too is the brain. Man sized, at least - though you discover in your work that the nasal cavaity is consistent with a canine - as well as the rest of the skull. Only the size of the brain is larger, but then again, the entire head is larger, too....
"Now what, skin 'em and stuff 'em?" Mak Morn mutters behind you.
You are covered in blood and very overwrought by what you have seen... Turning a somewhat haggard face on Mak Morn's intense eyes you look at him squarely.
"Dammit, Mak, I'm a druid, not a taxidermist!" is what you want to say to him, but instead, you decide to simply remind him you have friends above who may need your help...
Calling for Dior and Mak Morn to follow your lead, you all go running up the stairs.
Even as you run, you think about the sounds of the chanting.
You aren't sure, but you seem to recollect it vaguelly, as if the song is some form of praise or worship song - perhaps the type of chant that a person may sing in a chruch...
Looking down in the valley you can espy your friends. You curse under your breath - it is nearly 200 feet to the bottom of the valley, and you can't just run down the extremely ragged cliffs. You will have to climb, and it may take time.
And while you wait there, deciding your next move, looking down into the valley at what is happening - your hands tighten by your sides.
What you can see is not only horrible, but frightening, and it seems very clear that your friends need yoru help, desperately! If they don't get it soon... well, based on what you see now, it could prove to be very bad.
Very bad, indeed!
Ka'etil will be rushing down the hill to get to the fray.
Move speed is 40.
climb
Perception
Depending on what he sees, Kae will likely want to start taking shots the round he is within 180 feet (so he'll take 2 shots at -2 because of being one range increment away, then shots are as normal) but this contingent upon what is going on down there...
Ka'etil will be rushing down the hill to get to the fray.
Move speed is 40.climb
1d20+8Perception
1d20+8** spoiler omitted **
Depending on what he sees, Kae will likely want to start taking shots the round he is within 180 feet (so he'll take 2 shots at -2 because of being one range increment away, then shots are as normal) but this contingent upon what is going on down there...
First, moving a fast speed gives you a bit of a penalty to climb, if I'm not mistaken. Every ten feet will need a climb check, DC Of 15. I think then, you fell the last climb check.
Luckily, each part of the cilff is only about 10 feet, if you recall, like ledges... This means you fall - taking 1d6 points falling damage -
However, you are thirty feet lower then when you started.
Also, the troubles are slightly farther then the very base of the cliffs. Remember, the valley is several miles around...
From this distance (with your Perception roll) you can see that your allies are clustered around a massive brown thing - like a bear, only much larger. You might even guess a dire bear, but you can't be sure of that from here.
There seems to be a lot of blood on the fields, at least one horse is slaughtered, and it looks like someone is on the field - dead or unconious you have no way of telling from here.
To be completely accurate for range increments, this thing is 400 feet from the cave opening. Also, it is in the middle of melee combat with your friends, so you will need to remember a misschance could result in you hitting an ally.
As you have moved 30 feet down, you are now only 370 feet away from your target.
While we're at it, what do the rest of you do?
ka'etil focuses on climbing down the cliff, and double moves at half speed, so that's 40 feet per round
Climb check 4
Round 2 of climbing
Climb check 5
Climb check 6
Climb check 7
Climb check 8
Round 3 of climbing
Climb check 9
Climb check 10
Climb check 11
Climb check 12
Round 4 of climbing
Climb check 13
Climb check 144
Climb check 15
Climb check 16
Round 5 of climbing Kae climbs down 20 feet then jumps on his move action,
Climb check 17
Climb check 18
Acrobatics check to avoid falling damage
Climb check 19
and casts .
Round 6 is a full round action to Run 120 feet yelling, "Get behind him and out of my way!"
and making a perception check:
Once he is within 80 feet, then charges the last bit feet, drawing his Hammer to swing at the creature, and raging.
Swing
This is conditional upon what's going on, but it assumes Kae gets his flank and doesn't need to swing over anyone's heads. (halflings only grant partial cover, so that's a +2 to AC)
Ry tries to wipe away the blood as best as she can but there is quite a bit of it on her that she just leaves it, hoping Alaric will aid her with a Prestidigitation spell once they are reunited. Or she could wait until they were back at the Fortress and she could bathe and put on fresh clothes.
Rushing forth from the tunnel, Ry spies Kae swiftly moving over the edge and down the cliff. She moves to the edge and cautiously looks down, scanning the base of the cliff and surrounding land, in the direction of her friends, trying to determine what is happening down below.
ka'etil focuses on climbing down the cliff, and double moves at half speed, so that's 40 feet per round
Climb check 41d20+8
Round 2 of climbing
Climb check 51d20+8
Climb check 61d20+8
Climb check 71d20+8
Climb check 81d20+8Round 3 of climbing
Climb check 91d20+8
Climb check 101d20+8
Climb check 111d20+8
Climb check 121d20+8Round 4 of climbing
Climb check 131d20+8
Climb check 1441d20+8
Climb check 151d20+8
Climb check 161d20+8Round 5 of climbing Kae climbs down 20 feet then jumps on his move action,
Climb check 171d20+8
Climb check 181d20+8Acrobatics check to avoid falling damage
Climb check 191d20+8
and casts .Round 6 is a full round action to Run 120 feet yelling, "Get behind him and out of my way!"
and making a perception check: 1d20+8Once he is within 80 feet, then charges the last bit feet, drawing his Hammer to swing at the creature, and raging.
Swing
1d20+11
1d12+10This is conditional upon what's going on, but it assumes Kae gets his flank and doesn't need to swing over anyone's heads. (halflings only grant partial cover, so that's a +2 to AC)
A climb check allows you to move 1/4 your normal movement speed. This means you can Climb 10 feet a round; which means it will take you 18 rounds to get to the bottom....
Ry tries to wipe away the blood as best as she can but there is quite a bit of it on her that she just leaves it, hoping Alaric will aid her with a Prestidigitation spell once they are reunited. Or she could wait until they were back at the Fortress and she could bathe and put on fresh clothes.
Rushing forth from the tunnel, Ry spies Kae swiftly moving over the edge and down the cliff. She moves to the edge and cautiously looks down, scanning the base of the cliff and surrounding land, in the direction of her friends, trying to determine what is happening down below.
What? Really? I just assumed you were setting it all on fire... ;)
Turning to Mak Morn and Dior, "I'm going to start climbing down. Hopefully I can get down there to aid Kae and the others. Dior, fly as fast as you can and catch up to Kae. Mak Morn? If you follow, please do so cautiously as you were injured earlier and you are still recovering."
Ry moves to the edge of the cliff and begins climbing down, steadily, as she does not want to fall and injure herself trying to get to her friends to aid them. Dior flies down from the cliff.
Climb check:
Acrobatics check to avoid falling:
Kae, you failed three climb checks, you may make 3 Acrobatic checks to reduce falling damage by half.
Ry, you failed 6 climb checks, you may do the same.
Kae, falling damage -
Check 1 -
Check 2 -
Check 3 -
Ariarh, your falling damage -
Check 1 -
Check 2 -
Check 3 -
Check 4 -
Check 5 -
Check 6 -
Kae, you failed three climb checks, you may make 3 Acrobatic checks to reduce falling damage by half.
Ry, you failed 6 climb checks, you may do the same.
Kae, falling damage -
Check 1 - 1d6
Check 2 - 1d6
Check 3 - 1d6Ariarh, your falling damage -
Check 1 - 1d6
Check 2 - 1d6
Check 3 - 1d6
Check 4 - 1d6
Check 5 - 1d6
Check 6 - 1d6
Ariarh, you failed at check 3 and 5. When you roll Acrobatics at a 15, you are able to soften your fall - or negate the falling damage for the first 10 feet. In other words, as the cliff is ten feet staggered, you have fallen a total of ten feet, succeeded at your acrobatics check, and taken no damage, except for Check 3 and 5 for a total of = 7 damage.
Kae, still need your three checks...
Bruised from a couple of short falls and a little winded, Ry draws a deep breath, brushes herself off (at this stage the dirt and debris did not matter much as she was covered in the jackal head's blood) and begins moving toward her companions, looking to see what is currently happening.
Rushing down the cliffs as fast you are able, you see, out of the corner of your eye, the remainder of your party has moved to a wide circle. They are all using melee weapons, you would guess that both Brett and Billy have already used their firearms and have had no time to reload.
Round after round is taken, as you move your way down the cliffs. Soon, you reach the bottom and rush across – only to discover they have finally managed to triumph!
Billy is badly wounded, unconscious; Hank and Ryul have blood on them. Brett seems a little scraped up, and Anuk-su is only landing, even as you arrive. You recall, vaguely, that she had been circling about the creature from above, using her claws to rip and tear on its back; even as Dior had, for he did not need to climb.
The creature, bear-like as it appears, is massive – its paw easily the size of your chest! One hit from that would most likely crush a person, and it is likely that it was that very thing that hit Billy. You see Brett’s face as he stands over the lad; grim, but not crestfallen. You also see that the horses are gone, run off away from the creature, with the exception of Ryul’s horse, and the horse of the good drover – who is nowhere to be seen.
These horses are dead.
You may have thought it was a dire bear, but somehow you doubt it. This thing moved too intelligently, too deliberately. You are not sure what it is, but you have a sense it was something much worse…
”Hey, Ry lass – ye mind stepping up and giving the lad here a hand? I ain’t got nay more healing spells on me, and he be near dying,” Brett barks out, the strains and stress of battle darkening his voice.
You look at Hank and Ryul; they are both badly off, but not as bad as they may have been. Clearly, Billy took the brunt of the damage.
”Well, what are ye waiting fer?” Brett asks.
Meanwhile, far above you, Mak Morn is slowly making his way down with Alaric and Bronwyn. Though they are moving slower, it is clear they are electing to take a safer path then a foolhardy one. And considering the circumstances, this seems to be reasonable.
Wearily eyeing the Holbyt and bristling somewhat at his tone, Ry answers quietly, "Brett, I have no healing spells left as we had our own troubles in the cave atop the cliff. I can use one of the potions on him and patch him up as best as I can using my healing kit. It will suffice until we get him back to the Fortress and further healing can be administered by Khrovin or Patty." Ry pulls out the potion from the satchel at her waist and the healing kit from her backpack and lifting Billy's head gently she slowly pours the potion down his throat. Sliding him gently back down to the ground, she brushes the hair from his eyes and she begins cleaning and bandaging his wounds.
Using the CLW potion prepared by Selendria on Billy:
"Hank, Ryul, I can bandage the wounds that are bleeding and some healing can be done on you at the Fortress. I apologise that I cannot heal you with a spell presently. Mak Morn was seriously injured in the caves earlier and I worked on healing him." Ry looks downcast, she should have memorised more healing spells that morning. Alas, she had not known that they would be without Khrovin's assistance this day.