Ariarh takes a 5" step backwards and holds action.
Air Elementals 3 & 4 are flanking each other.
Air Elemental 3:
Air Elemental 4:
Earth Elemental 1:
The elemental has reared up under the spider - with a mighty blow - it tears into its bloated belly!
With hideous shriek and gurgle - the spider collapses - its bowels exploding into a hideous mess onto the ground. The stench near overwhelming - you all feel somewhat sickened - but, after a few seconds - you master you nausea and are free to move forward and make your next move...
What is that move?
Dire will get steady on his feet and with an thick swallow, grin,"Dark caves, scary magic walls, and giant poisonous spiders....you guys really DO know how to party!"
When he gets rid of the nausea, he'll help to cut down Dior and check to see if anything else might be left alive.
Ariarh commands the two Air Elementals to help with Dior. She hands one of the Air Elementals (3) a sword and directs it in to the place Dior is cocooned on the web and to cut the webbing and cut him down from the web. She directs the other Air Elemental (4) in to catch Dior carefully so he doesn't fall onto the stalagmites and then bring him safely to her.
Hmm... well - that may be tricky - Dior is 50 feet in the air.
Remember - the webbing is criss-crossed between stalagtites which are above many sharp stalagmites. You will need to figure out a way to get the 50 foot gap between the two sets of spikes - get to the rocks above - get to the cocoon Dior is in - cut the webbing somehow - then get him down without letting him fall and impale himself on the spikes.
Sorry about that - I should have been more clear...
Ariarh commands the two Air Elementals to help with Dior. She hands one of the Air Elementals (3) a sword and directs it in to the place Dior is cocooned on the web and to cut the webbing and cut him down from the web. She directs the other Air Elemental (4) in to catch Dior carefully so he doesn't fall onto the stalagmites and then bring him safely to her.
Ah - I missed this.
Okay - if Air Elementals are able to carry something (like a weapon) - and they are able to lift Dior (he is about 70 lbs for Strength - carrying capacity) - then they can do it. Just let me know...
Sadly yes - he is still prone - though Arsinian would have otherwise smacked this guy down!
Fooey! =P
The air elementals work together, one cutting the webbing and the other holding Dior and then placing him by his mistress' feet.
In Auran, "Thank you for your assistance in battling the giant spider and returning my precious friend to me. You may return to your own realm now with my heartfelt gratitude." She bows before all the elementals and dismisses both SNA spells and the air elementals and the earth elemental vanish to their own planes.
Pulling her dagger out of its sheath, she carefully and steadily cuts away the layers of silken threads that make up the cocoon until she can see her griffon within its open folds.
Putting her hand on Dior and examining him for signs of life, she prays he is alright or that she can heal him.
"Brett, are you able to come here and help me, please?"
Brett comes over and looks Dior over - seeing what has happened to the little guy - he offers him a small potion he has on him.
"Here, lad - drink this," he says - the potion seems make Dior feel somewhat better.
The potion is a anti-toxin Brett has purchased while on his journey's in town.
As he loathes spiders - and vermin in general - he took steps to purchase such potions - they aid with the easing of sickness from wounds - filled with the venom.
(I.E. - Strength Damage, Con Damage - that sort of thing) -
Dior looks up - his body is heavily covered in thick sticky webbing, and Brett moves quickly to him - lifting his scarf over his face to keep away the foul reek of the dead spider.
As you work on it, Anuk-su quickly checks on Dior, when she sees he is not dead - she briskly pushes past and barks out commands.
"Attend! The noise of the weapons of good Master Brett should have been noticed throughout the largess of this dark cavern. We may yet have enemies en route to deal with promptly. Come then, my comrades - move with all haste and do what thy would in this spot - even as thy are quickly assisting the goodly Dior in his health and liberation," she says, her eyes scanning the darkness around you.
Brett watches the others work on Dior - then turns to the cocoons - and the stalagmites underneath...
"Hmmm... wonder what be over there - maybe we ought to take a look, eh?" he asks, looking at all the filth and refuse under the massive spider threads - though with a skeptical eye above... watching for "creepy crawlies"....
After removing much of the sticky webbing from Dior's fur and feathers, he is freed from the cocoon and is able to now stand and walk. Flying would not be option at present as the matted, sticky webbing was still all over his wings. She looks up and enquires after Dire, Henry and Mak Morn. "How are you gentlemen faring? Can you continue on?", knowing they were feeling rather poorly after being hit by the spider's barbs earlier.
"Anuk-su is right, we need to keep moving as best as we can."
Looking toward the stalgmites that Brett was just pointing to, she stands and begins walking over, ensuring Dior is by her side and moving alright, careful of the remains and crud on the floor of the cavern, looking over the area for any sign of things,
Arsinian uses his lights to illuminate the area, and takes a moment as Ry is cutting Dior free to slice open a cocoon, see what kind of thing id inside. Perhaps it will provide a clue as to what sort of creature lives in the area.
He keeps a weather eye and ear out for other things approaching.
"Thanks for your concern, yeah, I'll be alright, soon as my stomach settles down. The poison on those stickers really knocks the humors out of balance but I'm feeling better by the moment."
"As for the rest of the things in the webbing, maybe we could figure out a way to cut the webs from the nearby stalactites and lower them down. I take it we don't want to burn the webs as there may be someone still alive in there?"
Dire picks up the sunrod, and holds it up high as he can to add to Arsinians light.
"Might we be able to get a foothold in the rocks and climb up to cut things out? I'm not a bad climber but if I did it I'd have to take off this breastplate. "
** spoiler omitted **
In a series of chirrups and screeches, their conversation continues.
"He isn't human. That is worse than I imagined." A reptile? Could he be like the hybrid experiments the Osirion was conducting? But no, Dior said he had never smelled such a smell before. Hadad is different. "Did you sense he had magic, most importantly dark magic? I asked him the question about magic users in his group but he was rather evasive and feigned some ignorance. If he is evil, we must remove him and his cult from this land, lest the taint spreads or worse."
Waiting for a moment, she asks, "Do you sense Hadad al-Kazeem heralds from a different plane?"
and
"Did you notice any other things in his tent? Symbols, items, artifacts, script, anything we can use as evidence to the Council or decipher and use to our advantage?"
and
"Are his guards human or are they "other" like their leader?"
Since Dire was using his sunrod, she casts on her dagger and holds it before her, granting them all more light in this cavernous room. Her darkvision was sufficient for the task at hand, but not all shared her ability.
"Dire, can you see how many cocoons are on the web? Though I believe your purpose is well intended, we may not have enough time to climb up there and bring those things down. You are still nauseous, as are two others in the group. I would see no further harm come to you through falling. Mayhap Anuk-su can fly up there, cut and bring down one of the smaller cocoons for you to examine. But you must ask the young lady first. She seems adamant we should press on lest we encounter more of these creatures."
Speaking her thoughts out aloud, "Those 10ft wide stairs we came down, they could not have been built by a spider, the Undead, the slugs or any of the fell creatures we have encountered to date. We are 200 feet underground and there are tunnels leading off this main room. There is much ground to cover. But the creator of this place, it is not one of these fell creatures, that I am certain of..." pointing to the splattered remains of the spider. "It would have taken someone with knowledge and skill," recollecting what she remembered of the staircase as she moved down into the cavern.
The party advances forward – some of you working to cut apart the webbing from Dior – who seems somewhat weak and a little dizzy – but nothing too serious.
The others move to the webbing – above you are the stalactites. You can see that the edges of them dip from the ceiling – which is about 75 feet above you – but the lower edges of the stalactites are still 50 feet from the floor. The walls of the cavern are well out of range from your light – you could theoretically fly up there – if anyone who flies is willing to do so – but it seems risky at best – because you may get caught in the webbing (not unlike a spell – only 50 feet above sharp stone spikes below you, should you break out and fall).
Anuk-su is flying up and around the cave – Ryul is moving after her – offering her some cover – even as Ironhorse follows them with his bow – so that they can offer her some cover as she tries to scout out the stalactites and see if there is – in fact – anything moving in the webbing above.
Meanwhile - you believe, then – that the Troglodytes may occasionally stray near these webs – and become a feast for the spider – or perhaps the spider moved the webs near Troglodytes to expand its feeding ground?
Of this – you are not sure… However – what is clear is that among the bodies there are some things of value – and of note.
The Troglodytes have – for the most part – ruined [oooc]Hide Armor[/ooc] – some basic axes and spears (with stone heads – and some metal as well) – however, none of this seems useful or interesting.
While the others explore the webs – Mak Morn and Brett help look through the stalactites – Arsinian, Ariarh, Dire and Dior are able to do what they wish now – and help who they choose.
Brett will inform the party of what he finds, however – what, though – will the others do?
Brett says – in the filth beneath the stalactites you end up finding bodies of dead creatures and bones. Rummaging through the corpses you find the majority of the dead bodies are unidentifiable. The bones are fairly smashed and crushed in the stones – but, with some examination – you believe the bodies you are able to discover are, for the most part – a type of Troglodyte – not unlike the ones you have seen earlier which attacked the town.
What does seems interesting is the following items –
1. A horn – it looks remarkably like a trumpet – it seems silver in colored to know more on that part – there seem to be unusual Runes on it…
2. A small pouch is stuffed up and under one of the ruined armor breastplates of one of the Troglodytes – pulling it out – you dump the contents into your hands. For the most part – the coins are a few copper, silver and gold – (7 copper – 6 silver – and 8 gold) – Brett says he believes most of the coins have stamps on them from Brevoy – nothing of real note here. However – there are 17 other coins. These are Platinum – and they all have the same stamp on them – he and Mak Morn have never seen this symbol before.
Is anyone nearby – if so – what do you choose to offer to this observation by Brett and Mak Morn?
She moves over to Brett and Mak Morn, Dior slowly following her on foot. She raises her lit dagger to offer them more light.
Ry casts and concentrates on the items in the area, trying to detect any magical aura surrounding the horn or the coins, in particular.
While Arsinian wouldn't now much about them, Arsinian will take a look at the coins, commenting "Well now, these look valuable. Wonder what sort of kingdom they come from..." shrugging.
He flies his dancing lights up around the Stalactites, looking at the ceiling ahead and around them for potential enemies.
His bow is out and ready for combat, in case there are any other sorts of vermin up there.
perception:
Looking over at the coins, Dire remarks, "Look like they will spend."
Dire will sheath his swords and draw his bow once again scanning the distance along with Arsinian.
She moves over to Brett and Mak Morn, Dior slowly following her on foot. She raises her lit dagger to offer them more light.
Ry casts and concentrates on the items in the area, trying to detect any magical aura surrounding the horn or the coins, in particular.
Knowledge, Nature (re bones and the type of Troglodyte): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
It looks consistent with the type that was found and reported above ground –you believe such creatures may live deep beneath the caverns – though you are not certain where they are – as you have not seen any since you have arrived.
Appraise roll on horn/trumpet: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Looks silvery – but other then that – you don’t know…
Linguistics check on the runes: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
They are magical runes – and written in the language of magic – you can read them if you cast “Read Magic” – as this is a first level Orison. Regrettably you do not have that spell memorized – so you cannot read it – the skill will not allow you to read magical writing.
Knowledge, Nobility (on the stamp on the platinum coins): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
You are not sure – but believe you have seen the symbol before – a heraldic device – you cannot recall its meaning – but you believe (the coin is small) – that the heraldic device looks very similar to a heraldic device on Sylvath’s breastplate…
Knowledge, History (re platinum coins): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
This is way out of your recollection – must be a recently made coin – as you are certain there is nothing historic about this coin!
Knowledge, Religion (re symbol on platinum coins): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Nothing religions about this at all – but yes – this clinches it! The symbol is identical to the one on Sylvath’s breastplate. How odd – he had no breastplate when you found him – and only recently had it commissioned several weeks ago. Odd thing that he has the same symbol on the breastplate that is on this coin.
While Arsinian wouldn't now much about them, Arsinian will take a look at the coins, commenting "Well now, these look valuable. Wonder what sort of kingdom they come from..." shrugging.
He flies his dancing lights up around the Stalactites, looking at the ceiling ahead and around them for potential enemies.
His bow is out and ready for combat, in case there are any other sorts of vermin up there.
perception: 1d20+4
Arsinian – you see three other bodies bobbing in the spiderwebs – they look like they are long since dead. In fact – poking between the cocoon’s fibers you think you see a ragged, desiccated arm – dry and withered.
You think it may be the arm of a troglodyte; but – you cannot be sure. It certainly is not moving, though – except for the occasional twitch in the winds from the rising air elementals which have not been dispelled.
Looking over at the coins, Dire remarks, "Look like they will spend."
Dire will sheath his swords and draw his bow once again scanning the distance along with Arsinian.
1d20+8
Dire – you also believe the bodies in the webs above are nothing but Troglodyte corpses… However – you are also able to see that the ceiling’s stalactites are stretching well beyond the range of the light.
"Damn! This place is huge! Who do you all think built this place and why?"
Dire urps once more then stifles a small burp. "Think I am starting to feel a little bit better."
He'll wander over to the giant spider just to examine it a bit closer, as long as its not too far from the group. He's never seen anything like this.
Recognising the symbol as one she has seen on Sylvath's newly commissioned breastplate, she calls Ryul and Anuk-su over,
"Anuk-su, Ryul, we've discovered something interesting, here. If you would be kind enough to join us."
When they arrive, "See the stamp on this coin? Is it not the same as the symbol that appears on Sir Sylvath's breastplate? Is this heraldry related to your race or from your time?"
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** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Dior continues to preen a moment, then looks up.
”No – I am no scholar of foreign things – I only know my senses. This “man” - he was no man – he had a cold-blooded smell – like creature – he did not smell like a warm blooded type – he smelled foul – and dark… there was something unpleasant about him – but I need not my nose for that – even as you; I could sense the darkness about it - whatever it was,” Dior adds about Mister Hadad.
About his guards, he cocks his head.
”I paid little heeds to his guards – but, the ones outside I was sure were human – as for the large one next to him? I do not think he was human – but as for what he was? I have never smelled the like before – yet… he had a… hmmm… a smokey smell to him – if that makes sense? I don’t know how to describe it better then that…” Dior adds with a small shrug of his golden shoulders.
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Since Dire was using his sunrod, she casts on her dagger and holds it before her, granting them all more light in this cavernous room. Her darkvision was sufficient for the task at hand, but not all shared her ability.
"Dire, can you see how many cocoons are on the web? Though I believe your purpose is well intended, we may not have enough time to climb up there and bring those things down. You are still nauseous, as are two others in the group. I would see no further harm come to you through falling. Mayhap Anuk-su can fly up there, cut and bring down one of the smaller cocoons for you to examine. But you must ask the young lady first. She seems adamant we should press on lest we encounter more of these creatures."
Speaking her thoughts out aloud, "Those 10ft wide stairs we came down, they could not have been built by a spider, the Undead, the slugs or any of the fell creatures we have encountered to date. We are 200 feet underground and there are tunnels leading off this main room. There is much ground to cover. But the creator of this place, it is not one of these fell creatures, that I am certain of..." pointing to the splattered remains of the spider. "It would have taken someone with knowledge and skill," recollecting what she remembered of the staircase as she moved down into the cavern.
Re: Engineering –
The stairs look like they have been in the past twenty years – no more. You do not think they could have been made before that – though; you are not sure. They are certainly not ancient – and have likely been made less then twenty years ago – probably less then ten; though you are not sure as the exact date.
Re: Dungeoneering –
The stairs are consistent with the rock in the cliffs of the fortress. In fact – this point you had noticed before – and wondered at. Typically – underground rock (as opposed to rock exposed to the elements – such as cliffs and mountainside) is a different type of rock – due to pressures and geological weathering.
You are surprised at this – but the stone of the stairs – and the caves beneath – all of it looks very much like the rock of the cliff. How and why – you are not sure….
Recognising the symbol as one she has seen on Sylvath's newly commissioned breastplate, she calls Ryul and Anuk-su over,
"Anuk-su, Ryul, we've discovered something interesting, here. If you would be kind enough to join us."
When they arrive, "See the stamp on this coin? Is it not the same as the symbol that appears on Sir Sylvath's breastplate? Is this heraldry related to your race or from your time?"
The three of them will eventually return – while they are gone it becomes clear that the place you are in now is not made – rather – there are massive underground caverns here – and someone has taken the time to cut tunnels and stairs in a few places. As for how deep and complex the caverns are – you do not know… But certainly this chamber was not carved or created – rather; it was either discovered intentionally or by accident – by those who carved the stairs.
Gods know how many antechambers – tunnels – chasms, caverns and other horrors may exist in this deep place.
Anuk-su has returned with Henry Ironhorse – who moves over to Dire – and assists him in examining the area with the spider – Henry will speak to Dire – then Anuk-su, even as she orders Ryul to take sentry and watch the massive darkness that threatens to engulf you…
Hank looks at Dior, wrinkling his nose in disgust. The smell is abominable – and he tries not to wretch. Something about the smell of feces, blood and urine is foul enough – but beyond that lingers the stench of something more potently foul – something black and evil – though he cannot speak on what it is – for he does not know.
Ironhorse glances at you.
”Was a bloody tough fight – and we’d all be finished, I reckon – if it weren’t for those magic elemental types. They can’t feel poison as we do – and the poison would have got us all… Could be useful to have that kind of poison in a fight – could be useful to have that poison in general – eh?” he says, giving Dire an appraising look.
”What do you think? Want to try to hack out some of these barbs – they could be useful in a fight – and hell – David’s wife is a damn fine alchemist – she could probably do something with this stuff while we’re waiting for them to jaw, eh?” he adds, watching Dire, seeing if he interested in helping him try to cut into the body and extract some venom.
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Recognising the symbol as one she has seen on Sylvath's newly commissioned breastplate, she calls Ryul and Anuk-su over,
"Anuk-su, Ryul, we've discovered something interesting, here. If you would be kind enough to join us."
When they arrive, "See the stamp on this coin? Is it not the same as the symbol that appears on Sir Sylvath's breastplate? Is this heraldry related to your race or from your time?"
Anuk-su pushes past the others and barely gives the coins a glance – rather, her gaze is on the horn.
Her eyes stare at it for a moment, and she continues to speak to Ryul in her archaic and unintelligent form of ancient draconic, then – she looks up at you.
”I have seen such a horn before,” she says to Ariarh, reaching out her young hand, and snatching it up from the Druid.
”Verily – this horn is one as alike as those of my people’s captains used on the field of battle. Yea – it is so – mark well the runes? Do thee mark it? They are runes of Power and Great Virtue – for whosoever places this horn to lips and blow the cry of "Rally" – any ally who doth hear the sound of it shall hearken to their aid with all haste – and if any enemy prevent them from advancing to he that winds the horn – then great wrath shall fill the ally as he runs forward to aid his companion – and he shall therefore smite his enemy with a greater power because of it,” she adds.
Anuk-su ponders this mystery for a moment – then, reluctantly – examines the coins.
She gasps!
”See here – this is the standard of our people – and, moreover – the coin itself is from our very lands… Could it be that other bastions of power may yet exist or be sequestered through my own kingdom in some darksome dungeon or pit as foul as this? Or – more grim – and, foresooth – more likely – could it also be that these scum may have merely pilfered the tombs of a fallen captain – and the loot they carried is evidence of that?” she asks – though you sense she is asking all – including herself.
You can all see that Anuk-su is suddenly filled with a strange hope and desire – it may be there is evidence – somewhere – in the land of her lost people – evidence of… what? Other survivors – like her? Perhaps – as these troglodyte creatures have found such evidence in the caves – if you explore the caves – you yourself may find more evidence of such things…
Yet – as you noted – the caves are extremely vast! Even now – none of you have any idea how to get out – nor where the entrance was – or where you are in relation to where you came in – nor how to find those stairs – and so exit…
Yet – exit you probably should (at some point) – or you shall end up for all time – buried alive… buried alive… with no way out…
Well – there are lots of ways out, I guess – but, it will take some doing to find them. Perhaps other things down here may give you a clue – or perhaps – they may give you something less savory!
Turning to Mak Morn, "Khald Mak Morn, you are the most experienced of our company when it comes to caves and traversing them. Which way is out, sir? I am sure there may be multiple routes as there seems to be many tunnels but if we can find the staircase once more...? I can aid you for I have some underground knowledge."
To aid Mak Morn:
"We take the horn and the coins with us and anything else of value. I am sure Sir Sylvath would be interested in seeing them on our return to the surface."
She looks around the cavern for more clues ...
Dire nods to Hank, "I hadn't thought of it but yeah, I would say it would be of a lot of use, now hrmmm let me see if there is anything left to salvage."
Dire begins moving around the corpse, lifting and prodding various points carefully with the tip of his bow, looking for some indication that there are poison glands still intact.
If he finds them he will pull out a sack and try to gather as many as he can.
Arsinian hears mention of using the poisonous barbs, and chimes in "That sounds very clever, I'll lend a hand plucking them. I feel like this sort of non-lethal poison could be really useful for subduing folk without needing to muck around with fighting and trying not to kill 'em. Just make 'em sick and tie 'em up!"
"M'lady" Arsinian says quietly with slightly bowed head, to Anuk-su, "pardon my saying, but I've heard about how you and your guards were preserved, powerful sort of magic, and while it could be possible for there to have been more of those sorts of tombs built, it seem a mite unlikely. So these were probably stolen from somweheres, and since this swamp was a lake in your day, this stuff's not likely from here... But we aught to keep looking in case these Trogs brought more than just this loot, for sure."
Then he adds, "I just don't want yea to be gettin' yer hopes to high up and wind up disappointed..."
To Arsinian and Dire –
You waste little time with your search in the ruins of the body - confident it will reveal nothing.
Spiders feast on warm blood – they don’t swallow their prey – or eat anything. You know that you will find nothing inside the body except for “guts and gore”.
You also know that – though Ironhorse’s idea is a good one, in theory – it will take some clever finagling to do (i.e. – a very well done to remove the glands from the body – very high – because if you make a mistake – you could poison yourself. But – if you are willing – you can take a 20 to ensure it – but that will take time – in this case – roughly 10 minutes – not the standard 2 minutes – as you will need to be delicate).
Your move…
Turning to Mak Morn, "Khald Mak Morn, you are the most experienced of our company when it comes to caves and traversing them. Which way is out, sir? I am sure there may be multiple routes as there seems to be many tunnels but if we can find the staircase once more...? I can aid you for I have some underground knowledge."
To aid Mak Morn:
"We take the horn and the coins with us and anything else of value. I am sure Sir Sylvath would be interested in seeing them on our return to the surface."
She looks around the cavern for more clues ...
1. Your roll – while splendid – is highly hindered by the massive penalties you have incurred lately.
You are in the middle of a dark cave with no point of reference to guide you. That is – even if you cast and looked around – since you have not done this before – you wouldn’t be able to say ”Well – there’s the old stump we passed over there – if we head that direction – we should be able to turn left and head south for a bit – and we’ll be out soon.”
No one took directions – no one prepared a map – and no one paid attention to how far you traveled – and what direction you traveled in. You don’t know – and aren’t sure – where you started from – what direction you traveled to – then what direction you traveled from – to get to where you are (or how far you went, too).
The ceiling is so high that you cannot see it without using – you cannot see any marks on the ceiling or the floor to find where you are. The walls are so far away – that you can barely make them out – and when you see the walls – many of them seem pockmarked with caves and tunnels – any one of them could be your entranceway – or the way to another monster – or possibly a trap! You don’t know at this time – you are not sure which is the right tunnel you exited from…
2. Your Dungeoneering roll does you somewhat better – even though it is much lower.
You recall the tunnel you passed was the exit of a 10x10 set of stairs – this suggests that tunnel – and the stairs – were crafted – which would suggest the tunnel look “not natural” – but one that is closer to being “Manmade”.
So your end goal will be the exit of a cave that looks "Manmade". But, to get there - you need to find this cave!
You'll need landmarks - did you pass any? You believe so - yes, in fact - you're sure of it.
Indeed - you recall that what initially drew your attention was the sound of hissing – and what you advanced on was some sort of steam – by your best guess – there is a deep chasm that hot steam is venting from – even so – the spider has made its nest is a strangely remote collection of stalactites and stalagmites – elementary logic suggests those were formed by water dripping (which seems evident by the pools of water beneath the webbing).
If water did indeed drip from high above to form these rocks – the water would have – likely – made its way somewhere – likely it would have dribbled or trickled downhill – probably toward the very same chasm the steam was venting from.
OR – the steam – having vented – rose to the surface of the ceiling, followed the curve of the ceiling toward the stalactites – then dripped down the stone rocks into the pools below once the curve ended. In either case – the floor; or the ceiling – should be able to be studied somewhat for rock erosion where the water moved over – and, that area could be followed like a blurred rock trail to the chasm.
Then – to get out –
Once you get to the chasm – you would be able to then follow the chasm – in what you believe to be a somewhat southerly direction until you reach (theoretically) your first primary landmark – namely – the black flecks of stone.
Depending largely due to luck – and the amount of such flecks, which you could use a landmark – you would be able to presume that is your first “primary landmark” and, in which case, you would then be able to reorient yourself perpendicular to the chasm and the stone flecks; with your back to them, then – advance forward cautiously until you reached the wall in front of you – search the wall back and forth for the first and (hopefully) only tunnel with a “Manmade” looking entrance – advance inside – discover the stairs leading upwards – hurry up the stairs – use caution, perception and careful tactics to avoid any other potential threat and enemy – get out of the cave – into the tree – and then - you’ll access the secret military spy satelite that is in geosynchronous orbit over the Midwest – ID the limo by the vanity plate "MR. BIGGG" and get his approximate position – after which you’ll reposition the transmission dish on the remote truck to 17.32 degrees east, hit WESTAR 4 over the Atlantic, bounce the signal back into the aerosphere up to COMSAT 6, beam it back to SATCOM 2 transmitter number 137 and down on the dish on the back of Mr. Bigg's limo... .
It's almost too easy….
Arsinian hears mention of using the poisonous barbs, and chimes in "That sounds very clever, I'll lend a hand plucking them. I feel like this sort of non-lethal poison could be really useful for subduing folk without needing to muck around with fighting and trying not to kill 'em. Just make 'em sick and tie 'em up!"
"M'lady" Arsinian says quietly with slightly bowed head, to Anuk-su, "pardon my saying, but I've heard about how you and your guards were preserved, powerful sort of magic, and while it could be possible for there to have been more of those sorts of tombs built, it seem a mite unlikely. So these were probably stolen from somweheres, and since this swamp was a lake in your day, this stuff's not likely from here... But we aught to keep looking in case these Trogs brought more than just this loot, for sure."
Then he adds, "I just don't want yea to be gettin' yer hopes to high up and wind up disappointed..."
Anuk-su turns a withering look toward Arsinian.
”Thou – where is thy heart? If there is life – there is hope – and where no life is present – we may yet still believe, though no facts lend credence to that belief – for it does us no good to doubt!”
Yet – other then her speech – she seems to accept your proununcement that there is no chance for her people (other then she and her four kobolds) to have survived – and is willing to go with her “Subjects” – and leave this place.
Yet – you sense – she will not easily forget it. And, in time – you feel she may wish to return – and in greater numbers…
Which reminds me – whatever did happen to the “Sand People?” – oh yeah – they’re still fighting on the combat thread!
"Ariah? Would you be willing to give us a hand in cutting out this spider's venom sacks? I've no skill at that sort of delicate work..." Anyone with the heal skill wanna lend a hand here?
"Well we've made some headway here, slaying that spider that even the Trogs hadn't handeled, I think it may make sense to leave this place for now, explore more of the swamp if we are not too injured, and return to this cave with numbers, and take greater care to map out what's down here. I'd rather not have to face an army of those lizard-folk right now." arsinian says as the party tries to find our where it is...
"Never pulled a venom sack from anything THIS large. Do we have the time to do this?" Dire squats over a section of the corpse giving it a closer look.
"You guys are footing the bill so if you all want to leave that's fine by me, but I could go on as well. I'd agree though, this place down here, these caves, they are so big, we could bring a platoon down here and still get lost!"
"Well, we've done some valuable scouting, know about the rocks and dangers they hold, so bringing a more respectable force down here would be a wise endeavor, I'd say."
"I doubt the whole tribe of the lizards came and attacked us, so there's probably a sizable amount down here still. I'd like to be able to bring some more of my boys down here and bake proper maps and records of what's in these caves, yeah?" he asks the councelmen, looking for their take on the matter.
"Hmm. Anuk-su if I cast light somewhere on your person while you are in your dragon form and you flew up toward the high ceiling, mayhap we could see better." She looks at her young ward, praying she will not receive an ear full for her suggestion.
She then goes to explain her theory about the water and the chasm and backtracking in a southerly direction until they come across the black flecks of stone. They would however not touch them and suffer Dire's earlier predicament. From there they would reorient themselves perpendicular to the chasm and the stone flecks; and with their back to them, they advance forward cautiously until they reach the wall and then search the wall back and forth for the first and (hopefully) only tunnel with a “man-made” looking entrance, advance inside and discover the stairs leading upwards. "What do you think, Mak Morn? Is the suggestion sound?"
She makes her way over to Dire and Arsinian and cautiously lowers herself to a crouch position and examines the poison sacs. "I will aid you in cutting; it can be tricky and I would not see either of you poisoned in this task. We have enough issue at present, like finding a way out of this place."
"Hmm. Anuk-su if I cast light somewhere on your person while you are in your dragon form and you flew up toward the high ceiling, mayhap we could see better." She looks at her young ward, praying she will not receive an ear full for her suggestion.
She then goes to explain her theory about the water and the chasm and backtracking in a southerly direction until they come across the black flecks of stone. They would however not touch them and suffer Dire's earlier predicament. From there they would reorient themselves perpendicular to the chasm and the stone flecks; and with their back to them, they advance forward cautiously until they reach the wall and then search the wall back and forth for the first and (hopefully) only tunnel with a “man-made” looking entrance, advance inside and discover the stairs leading upwards. "What do you think, Mak Morn? Is the suggestion sound?"
Mak Morn nods once - stroking his broad beard, as he listens to Ariarh's lengthy - and (seemingly) overly verbose plan before offering his opinion...
"Aye - the way ye say it lass - it be almost too easy!"
She makes her way over to Dire and Arsinian and cautiously lowers herself to a crouch position and examines the poison sacs. "I will aid you in cutting; it can be tricky and I would not see either of you poisoned in this task. We have enough issue at present, like finding a way out of this place."
This will help the process go very quickly - do you have anything to store the Ichors from the sacs.
Brett watches the proceedings with a somewhat disgusted look on his face.
"Um - ye know - we've been down here fer damn near half o' mile of trekking about, since we left the tunnel and all - and, um - I don't see nothing but that tunnel and whole hell lot of other tunnels; not to mention this big bloody cave... Are ye all sure ye want to be fiddling with that hash there?" he adds - gesturing to the spider with his big toe, a sick scowl on his face at the proceedings.
"I mean to say - we got more then enough poisons and other hash back up above ground that no one be touching - seemingly - with a ten foot poll, as it were - if ye want to take this - be my guest - but I don't like places like this here cave! I'd rather be out in the fresh air - or what passes for it in the swamp, eh?" he adds - putting it to the party as they continue to remove the venom sacks and dribble the thick, copious, mucus-like venom into the fragile glass vials they have on them...
Holding the sacs carefully, she calls over to Brett, asking him to search in her backpack for the empty vials she has stored wrapped in there. They once housed healing potions which were used on their last quest to the Temple.
"Unstop the vials, please. I need to get the Ichors in there for safe transport."