Lasciel smiles as the Doc does his work, thanking him graciously as he works to heal her wounds.
Doc and Tawn'Garth exchange pleasantries and after a short time you are all patched up...
Doc's healing was both professional and somewhat scientific as if he spent twice as much time to patch you up. While simultaneously inspect your forms, he doesn't do anything untoward but takes a particular interest in the Aasimar's, Shadowtouched and Tiefling. When he finally finishes he mumbles something about writing down research notes in his journal.
Cids silence was noted with a sad expression from Doc as he departed he mumbled. "Profession - still unknown. Pity."
When he finally leaves Tawn'Garth snorts again before giving a deep chuckle that rumbled from deep in her chest. It takes a moment for you to realize shes laughing...
"You got lucky, normally his treatments are much longer. Especially when he's dealing with something he hasn't seen before. Come the baths await." Her speech is getting more fluent with each moment she listens to you all speak.
___________________________________________________________________________ _____
The baths are open air with very few walls and a full view over the cliff where the naturally flowing hot springs flow into the raging river that cuts through the mushroom forest below. Tawn'Garth shows you where you are to hang your clothes and store your gear, as there is a small enclosed and guarded armory attached to the baths themselves. "Soldiers returning from patrol frequent the baths. It is... necessary much of the time."
Tawn'Garth is unconcerned with being completely unclothed around you lot. In fact all of those in the bath are completely unclothed and in the nude...
Luckily most of the bathers are female and primarily mongrelfolk. There are a couple of gnomes and a particularly scarred up svirfneblin also in the bath as well. The baths are set up in a series of pools cascading downward into the lower bathes and eventually commingling in the last, larger bath before the excess run off falls into the river below. Several of the bathers are in the upper pools, which are a bit more private but not by much.
Some of the bathers, similar to the swimmers that were guarding the river below, appear to be enjoying themselves quite noisily. As they wrestle, rough house and horseplay, sliding from one upper pool to the next lower pool before making there way back up and doing it again. Tawn'Garth explains the upper pools are much, Much hotter than the lower pools and that it was designed that way when it was discovered. A set of Stalamites were carved and shaped to accommodate the pulls and route the hot springs water down the twin stalagmites and downward in the fashion you see before you now.
She laughs again, a deep rumble in her chest. "That would be our guests Tal."
He lays with his head back and eyes closed. "I see... If they have spare maggot tell them to share some will ya?"
Tawn'Garth just laughed as she lead you to the left set of ascending pools...
It's no surprise that some of the bathers stop their frolicking and watch the men of the group come into the bath. Some of the spectators have an almost hungry look to them while the majority merely curious.
Despite the higher amount of women bathers they get about as much attention as the men do. The same hungry looks, the same curious stares and the Svirfneblin turns to regard you for a moment before closing his eyes and leaning his head back once more.
Seeing you all have noticed the watchers Tawn'Garth mumbles to your group. "It's been a long time since we've had visitors and there are more females here then males due to the stress of war. Be wary."
Settling in one of the upper (middle) pools, Tawn'Garth gestures for you all to get comfortable before settling in. Water sloshes over the edges as the mass of you settle in comfortably as even the upper pools were made for much larger groups apparently.
She becomes much more serious despite the comfortable location, she eyes you all much more warily. "The Captain's offer is generous, I suggest you take it. Your homeland is too important to lose to them."
She looks to Cid. "Until you leave Neathholm you should stay close to me it will be hard to protect you if you wander. There are some who lost their homes and loved ones to the dark elves before they left this part of the darklands. I have a spare bunk in my home for you tonight, this will not be debated. The rest of you..." She looks back to the group. "... will have your own accommodations in the Garrison. My men can rough it for a few nights or whatever time you need to recover."
She settles in, more relaxed now that the water was working its magic on the mighty looking Mongrel Minotaur. "As the Captain said, I can answer whatever questions you have and show you around as needed. My men are more thn capable of fighting without me for now."
A female gnome is glaring daggers form the opposite stalagmite pools. She is staring with so much hate at Cid its surprising that the water isn't boiling. After about a minute she stands, revealing a well toned body, a flat chest and with a large scar in the shape of an 'X' in the center. She makes her way hastily out of the baths and makes for the armory.
Seeing that you all noticed the gnome Tawn'Garth sighs. "That is Bri, sadly shes spotted you..." She nods at Cid. "Watch your back, shes one of the survivors I spoke of..."
Jaeger frowns at being told to leave his gear but does so with a shrug. Leaving his clothes and weapons and walks in unclothed the strange gem embedded in his chest pulses with a strange reddish glow. It's rythym not unlike a normal heart.
Jaeger sinks into the water with a sigh, unfortunately the heat is lost on him. His demonic nature that protects his body from fire also denies him he comforts of a hot shower.
"I thought ju said dis was a hot spring Tawny? Dis jus a bit oh lukewarm soup." The tiefling mutters to Tawn'Garth. It's apparent his complaints are half hearted as his eyes hadn't left the body of his wife since they entered the baths.
I disrobe quickly and enjoy the baths, "Invigorating. I needed this."
Displaying no shyness, everyone can see Seren's statuesque beauty. However, she keeps her symbol of Shelyn about her neck.
I admire Jeager's lean muscles and pulsating gem/heart, "You, my friend, are a living, breathing work of art. I would love to hear more about your heartstone some day."
Tawn'Garth chuckles again pointing upwards towards the next two pools. "Most can't handle it past here. Try your luck but they're hot."
Placing her gear where suggested Lasciel takes in the scene of the idyllic hotspring. With a slight shrug and a grin Lasciel removes her dress and boots, stepping out to enter the pools. Her appearance is nothing short of stunning. Her beautifully proportioned figure, reflects the near perfection of her celestial lineage, her flawless tanned skin possessing a metallic sheen in sunlight reacts differently in the subterranean environment displaying a myriad of silvery celestial sigils adorning her naked flesh.
The eerie iridescent blue birthmark that dominates her back seems to glow softly in the wan light. An intricate sequence of swirling runic spirals, the symbol of the Seeker’s Spiral.
As she wades into the bubbling waters, a low heartfelt sound of contentment, part sigh part groan emanated from the young sorceress, the healing waters extremely welcome after their less than comfortable exploits. Submerging herself for a moment, she lets the water wrap her in comforting warmth, before coming up, genuinely joyful for the first time in days as she stretches, water cascading off of her.
Her eyes take in her companions, an eyebrow rising at the gem in Jeager’s chest, a flicker of kinship as she recognizes Seren’s aasimar heritage. Noticing…....in fact feeling, the attention of the other bathers in the area, a small smile comes to her lips. It is clear that she enjoys the attention, aware of the hunger and curiosity in those gazes. She was used to it even fully clothed in the middle of Kenebres' town square. Noticing Lormar trying to give dark looks to just about everyone looking in her direction she splashes her brother laughing, as she mouths the words “be nice”.
”This is marvelous Tawn'Garth, I’ve never felt anything like it.”
"He is the strongest, even now. Sickness comes from the demonland's. It is... Hard to fight."
The warrior woman's words are received with surprise and speculation on Kieran's countenance. The bastards. Filth! Spread their poison even at the bowels o' the earth. You were right t'come to Kenabres. And you were right t’keep Nore and the boys back home. Ain’t the symptoms but the source is what I need t’focus on.
Cid's passive treatment on the Doc and the ensuing argument on his behalf brought a smile to the barbarian. Little sonofb+&!$ can piss off just bout anyone without even opening his mouth. A rare talent, that.
When the patchwork creature gets ready to examine him, Kieran simply grunts, "I'm fine, Doc; jus dirty n' hungry."
At the pool, Kieran clumsily unfastenes his scalemail with his back respectably facing the woman of the group even though the gesture proved unfounded when he turned round to see their uniform immodesty. His surprise was unmistakable. Never in his years had he beheld such perfect figures as the otherworldly beauties before him. Goddesses; the word he found begging at his tongue. Fighting the urge to stare, Kieran plorps heavily into the springs with a lazy splash and is quick to find respite in its soothing waters.
Kieran Crane was, by no means, an ugly man yet he found himself somewhat out of place in the company of his fellows; as if he should be in the pools with the mongrelmen instead of the mixed bag of surface walkers he was attached to. Lasciel and Seren, both, had an unearthly radiance about them. Their pale skin glistened in the water and stray beads of water shone like starlight from their shoulders as they laughed and casually mingled with the rest of the bathers. Definitely right about keeping Nore and the boys behind. Probably won’t be tellin her bout this part er she’d have my balls. His physique was much rougher than those of the others. His bones seemed thicker and the sheer bulk of his muscles did not come off as pleasing to the eye as those who were more athletically proportioned. His skin was not youthful and smooth, it was weathered and course black hair grew in everywhere from chest to knuckle, occasionally outlining ribbons of scar tissue along his torso.
"Can't say I expected t'end the day like this," he announces, smiling. "Ay! Sure as shit, you'd be unlike t'find good springs like this up top." He cups some water in his hands and rubs at the back of his neck. "Even if y'did, you'd find yerself a spectacle fer some pryin' eyes. Not t'say I ain't perfect, but I got me a wife n' three boys back home. A glance ain't an ogle!" he laughs.
Jaeger frowns at being told to leave his gear but does so with a shrug. Leaving his clothes and weapons and walks in unclothed the strange gem embedded in his chest pulses with a strange reddish glow. It's rythym not unlike a normal heart.
[dice=Perception]1d20+5
Jaeger sinks into the water with a sigh, unfortunately the heat is lost on him. His demonic nature that protects his body from fire also denies him he comforts of a hot shower.
"I thought ju said dis was a hot spring Tawny? Dis jus a bit oh lukewarm soup." The tiefling mutters to Tawn'Garth. It's apparent his complaints are half hearted as his eyes hadn't left the body of his wife since they entered the baths.
Ethyra gracefully slides her garments off and releases her long, wavy, black locks from the grasp of her hair pins. Her smooth, porcelain skin was now fully exposed. Her voluptuous breasts, curved hips and tattooed back were no longer being hidden by her black garments giving way to her sheer seductiveness. She daintily casts one small foot down into the bath then another. She lowers herself into the water and closes her eyes out of sheer ecstasy. A soft rose tone flushed across her face and breasts, so lightly it was barely noticeable. The water greeted her curvaceous body with warmth and comfort.
"Jaeger mi amor, quit your complaining." She says playfully with a smile. She scoots closer to him and places herself under his muscular right arm. "If only we could stay in here all day! A bottle of rose wine would complete this perfectly" Hearing Seren compliment her husband, Ethyra smiles again. "He is a work of art for sure, one I never grow tired of looking at...among other things." A soft giggle emanated from her full lips and her large eyes were filled with a genuine amusement in the fact that she was pretty sure she just embarrassed Jaeger a little.
"I advise caution... your group is far too noticeable. Not many uplanders come here at all really. Those who are here are the scattered remnants of the darkland villages that have been lost. The Shadow elves held out the longest before they too were crushed and scattered into the depths. We lost contact with the last village a few weeks back and now their tunnels are teaming with demons..."
She sighs as she flexes her hand in frustration. "Since our Captains illness we have pulled back to our main line and have allowed these abysmal creatures to retake much if what we once held. I fear it is only a matter of Tim before Neathholm is struck. However the lady of light protects us from them still. There powers do not work near her so they cannot just appear out of thin air as they have in the past.."
She looks to your faces then making sure to catch your attention. "There are places in the deep you should not tread. If you came to a place of columns and statues do not pass the warriors of the dual sword. If you do you will die... The path to the village of Croatoan... is marked by several burning packages crossed on each side of the tunnel. It is dampened and those who enter never return. I lost a band of forty men, so of our best, they went to destroy that place and only one returned. He said nothing and the moment he was left alone he gouged out his eyes and threw himself into the refuse pit to be devoured by the slime..." She looks to each of you and fixes Jaeger with harsh look as if she sensed some sort of snarky sassy remark was brewing on his still lips. "These are truth. Dark things lurk in the depths and terrors stalk the tunnels beyond our borders... Refugees are nonexistent now and I fear there is no one beyond our border save for death and demons..."
Enjoying the view of the unusual group that had ended up in each other's company, Lasciel sits back as Tawn'Garth speaks, listening quietly.
"There must be something we can do to help you. All this time most of the people above have no idea what is happening down here."
"That was the Captains wish..." She snorts as Anevia, Arvada and Horgus finally join you. "The sunlands he believed suffered far worse then the darklands so we battled in the tunnels below. Holding back the flood of demonkind that now nearly dominates everything now. Your fight is on the surface and we will aid you as best we can... We are not against aid but what can you do?"
There appears to be an almost imperceptible blush on Jaegers cheeks as Ethyra speaks. But it's hard to see on his bronze skin, So it's surely a mistake. Desna must be laughing I've got Ethyra in a hot spring and eveyone else got'a be here too. Some time life ain't fair. He thinks sulkily punctuating his thoughts with a splash. The core in his chest seems to pulse faster as Ethyra curls against his side.
"Huh aid what?" He says as his mind returns from the place his wife's leading words had lead it..or at least until she shifts again.
"If we can at least help you secure what you hold now, and once on the surface let those in a position to help know that the fight goes on down here. What you do here, it's vital, and your sacrifice needs to be recognized." the sorceress says passionately.
"Well then," Kieran starts, his disposition flawlessly passing from joyous to serious, "When you dam up a flood, the water don't disappear - it finds another path. Those monsters did the same. Our fight's on the surface, ay, but we ain't on the surface yet. You done a great deal for us; it's only right we return the kindness. All serves the same purpose in the end."
"As much as my people will appreciate your thoughts, your aid would lead to your possible capture and deaths i am afraid. When we first met you used torches and light, as your friend here knows such use is easily seen here where darkness reigns. The demons see better then we do and would trick you into an ambush." She raises a hand to ward off argument. "Seeing you survive so far down here shows you have the mettle but they have numbers. Pure and simple. So can you travel without light? And how far can you see without it?" Tawn'Garth's tone is cautionary.
Sense motive auto pass.
Its obvious by her lack of reaction to the aasimar women in the group that she is complete unfamiliar with uplanders other then what she has already revealed to you all.
Perception Auto pass.
Its easy to tell now that she is speaking common fluently. Shocking as it has only been a matter of a few hours since you all met.
"My self, my brother, Seren and I'm assuming Jaeger and Cid can all see in total darkness, mostlikely all to about 60ft." the aasimar sorceress replies indicating each of her companions as she names them.
I nod along to Lasciel's words, confirming my ability.
"I have a duty to aid others. I would not shirk it."
Tawn'Garth considers her words carefully before speaking again. Her ears flick a couple of times before Sh speaks again. "Duty and obligations are powerful things but your duty lies up there as well." She points upwards to indicate the surface. "Kenebras has as much needs as Neathholm. Perhaps... some of you can stay and some can go. Once we secure ourselves we can bring the full weight of Neathholm Crusaders to the surface..."
"Duty and obligations? Why such a heavy subject we in a bath house? Sometimes we worry about tings like dat, but right now is not one of dos times." Jaeger says as he opens one baleful red eye as he leans back against the wall of the bath Ethyra nestled comfortably under his arm the picture of relaxation.
Voices from the next bath above catch your groups attention as they spoke purely in Undercommon and chuckle quietly together as Kieran quickly translated flushing red as one commented about him personally...
"Tawn'Garth doesn't relax Uplanders~ I'm afraid she wouldn't know what to do with herself. But we know~ Oh so well~"
"I like the hairy one~ Very much...
Another lounges on the edge looking towards Serena and Lasciel in a lustful way. "So smooth and pretty. Do you think they have some hidden symbols Sister?"
The first speakers tail rises from the water and slams back down with a loud slap. "Oh I'm sure they do. By the light I am sure..."
"Come and join us up here, we promise to entertain you uplanders~" the one in the center reaches out with their inhuman hand and beckoning for you to come hither with their long fingers.
Tawn'Garth's responded with a growl in their direction. "Those three 'Sisters' are pure trouble. Best stay away from them or you might catch something foul..." She scratches at her chest to emphasize her words.
The three glare at Tawn'Garth's backside as her growl turns to a chuckle.
"Kieran who knew you had such a way wid da ladies. If you need some time alone I sure we all look da uder(other) way." Jaeger says with a cheeky grin.
"Heh! Plenty a ways, plenty a ladies - but those days are done n' gone," the familiar look of a man fondly reminiscing over past sexcapades escapades briefly filling Kieran's features. After a short pause he lifts a hand from beneath the water to display his wedding band, first to the salacious swimmers and then to Jaager. "Wife. 'Nuff said."
The blush spreading from Lasciel's face down along her neck ad breasts clearly indicates that though she regards the warning, she is also somewhat entertained by the attention, her eyes widening slightly as the innuendo hits home.
"We are strange and new, of course they gawp. I find myself staring all too often in strange places."
I shrug off the cat-calls even here I am singled out, but I find I am not alone. I smile at Lasciel, "It is ironic to find a sister here, beside the worldwound."
Lasciel smiles back at the other Aasimar, noting her silvery eyes and hair. "It definitely is ironic considering what had to happen. I have to say it's a welcome feeling to be a bit less of a novelty...athough you wouldn't know it from the audience" she says with a chuckle.
Cid's silence toward the doctor's question was less rude and more cautious. His response in his head held many meanings.
Hunter...
A hunter of the wild game of the darklands; a hunter of his house's enemies. His profession was akin to a marshall.
Heeding Tawn'garth's advice, he stuck close without argument. The peering eyes of the denizens was understandable, as Cid was all too familiar with the sadistic wrath of the drow.
Despite the relaxed sensations from his companions, and the plethora of nudity before him, he was stoic and unmoved. But deep within, he took comfort knowing that his group hated demons as much as he. However, the tiefling's callous disregard for the severity of the situation made him uncomfortable.
"I agree. We should see your position secure if we are to enlist your help above. Unless my colleagues suggest otherwise, I would excel at wayfinding through the Darklands."
"So den how we do dis? Sound like almost eveyone want ta stay down ere in da ground. Me I tink we need ta find out how dis happend how'd dey get past the ward stones?"
"Wife? What's that?"
"Oh I bet he means like those two." One gestures to Jaeger and Ethyra.
"But aren't the pretty ones with him too?" Another gestures at Seren, LAsciel and Jaeger.
The three sisters look longingly at Kieran, one asks questioningly. "Yet he chooses to only have one?"
Another gives Kieran a sad look, running a long finger along the wet edge of their pool. "Thats no fu..."
"ENOUGH." Tawn'Garth's voice ends further harassment as the three sisters back away from the edge temporarily. "If you want to join then do so, if not then BE SILENT."
Tawn'Garth looks to Cid as he speaks for the first time. "Having your assistance would be a great help..."
Jaeger's words made her looked to him and laugh. "They haven't, this part of the darklands lies within the wound. We are the shield that keeps them from possibly crossing beneath the stone. That is our purpose, our duty and our sacred promise to the Lady of the Light."
She gestures to the great statue, whose eyes seem to pierce the mist of the bathes and appear to be staring at all of you at once. As if nothing avoided her gaze. "We lost contact with the others but I feel it that they are out there, fighting on. Holding back the tid..."
She is interrupted by a falling shadow that engulfs all of you in a resounding splash of hot spring water in the face. By the time you blink the water away you find Tawn'Garth has gained a new companion with the head and face of a gnoll and similar build for its lower body. However under the water you can tell it isn't completely gnoll. It gives you all a toothy grin as it leans back against the Carved wall of the pool pressing its bosom upward without a bit of shame. This one spoke undercommon in a dog like and guttural speech. "Fresh Blood eh Tawn? They're all pretty enough but are they worth a damn in a fight?"
Tawn'Garth looked angry as she introduced her to the group. "Uplanders. Ga'Tul. Ga'Tul. Uplanders. She is one of my officers and leads our Death Squad. And yes Ga'Tul they are decent fighters they aided the rescue effort." At the introduction Ga'Tul smiles more her grin appearin far more savage then friendly. "A pretty bunch I will say, no wonder the sisters lost interest in me."
Tawn'Garth grumbles as Ga'Tul sits closer to her. "Anyway... Whoever wishes to give aid is welcome, so long as your not needed in uplands but I cannot gaurrantee this struggle will be quick. We've been fighting them for generations."
Lomar glares at the three sister as they lust after his companions, primarily his sister. He then gives Ga'Tul a nasty look. "Great another creature after my sister. Other then the strangeness of this place I am fine with staying and fighting demons or going back to Kenebras. Whereever she goes I go." He nods to his sister then before being quiet once more.
Ga'Tul looks at Lasciel, obviously tracing every pattern on her body with her eyes before smiling wickedly when she looked back at Lomar. "After your sister? If I wanted her I would try but it's rude to speak around such a beautiful creature, or was that a challenge I heard? Eh Shadowling?"
"Drop it Ga'Tul." Tawn'Garth speaks firmly but the gnoll headed warrior continues to smile at Lomar who glares back at her.
"Fine. Fine. Besides she's far to pretty for ugly creatures like us anyway." Ga'Tul shrugs just as another set of hands surface, these limbs a little smaller then her upper arms but obviously just as effective and dexterous. "Its a pity though I wanted to see if he could take on something with four hands... Probably not though." Ga'Tul's barbed comment was aimed at Lomar who looked ready to jump at accepting the challenge.
"Смири Lormar. Јас сум голема девојка, а покрај тоа, никој заканува да ме повредат." Lasciel says quietly looking at her brother. As she finishes her sentence a little smile pulls at the corner of her perfectly shaped mouth.
She addresses the newcomer with a smile, "A pleasure Ga'Tul, my brother is very protective of me for which I'm greatful, even when it isn't needed. I'd appreciate it greatly if you didn't taunt him unnecessarily. It would be better for everybody."
Looking back at Tawn'Garth she responds to the earlier conversation. "The battle down here is every bit as important as the one above and it seems like you may be more in need."
Laciel speaking in a different language is not missed by the three sisters above your pool. One of which stares at her starry eyed before the others pull her back, fearing to anger the Minotaur like commander more than already had. Not long afte rthey disappear from sight the sounds of loud playful rough housing and laughter echo from their pool.
Tawn'Garth looks somewhat hesitant at your groups wish to fully aid their cause but before she can respond Ga'Tul slaps the water and looks at Lasciel with something more than curiosity. "Intelligent,Beautiful and polite, a rare 'shroom for us Darklanders, and your brother is lucky to have you to protect him." She smiles at Lomar who gives her a stony look in response, this elicits another chuckle from her as she leans back and starts using her multiple hands to brush the hot spring water over her cooled off fur. In a more serious tone she answers Lasciel. "Not wishing to offend such a unique lady such as yourself, I will refrain from further play with your brother. But I will have to get your name sometime as I think chatting with you would be quite interesting~"
Tawn'Garth gives Ga'Tul a withering look, which the Death Guard officer ignores completely and whose light chuckle shows she noticed Tawn'Garth's frustration. Clearing her throat roughly Tawn spoke to your group once more. "I will speak with Captain Sull on this development and see what he believes is best. If he is indisposed I will regroup with you all in the morning and decide then. However I will need time to think on this."
"You have done us a great service; we would like to repay the favour before we return to the surface."
After spending another hour in the hot springs, you all recover your gear. Which somehow feel dirtier now that you are all so clean, before making your way to your assigned quarters. Cid Stayed with Tawn'Garth, while the rest of you were taken to the garrison and shown to your bunks. They weren't the best but the bedding at least looked clean despite the ragged look of the fabric.
The temperature in Neathholm stayed a cozy seventy degrees due to the presence of the nearby Hot Springs warming the massive chamber. Along with the swift flowing river and mushroom forest there was a fairly high humidity as well. All of this together made sleep easy to come by.
Thanks!
The bunk room had a single entrance that has the ability to be barred but no block or bar is currently in the room. The bunks are not affixed to the wall but they are attached to each other by their stone frame.
@Cid
Tawn'Garth's home is warm and accomdating. She is greeted by her four daughters, the eldest appears to be six years old. when they notice you they get shy and quiet but throughout the night you catch them spying on you curiously, they don't appear to be treating you coldly. Merely entertained and intrigued by your presence.
Tawn'Garth shows you to a spare bed, stuck in what most uplanders would consider the size of a broom closet but in the Darklands you took whatever space you could get. Thanks to the prevailing warm temperature and moderate humidity of the settlement you required few blankets and surprisingly Tawn's home wasn't too stuffy. There was just enough air flow throw the stone structure to avoid discomfort.
As you were preparing to bed down Tawn'Garth approached you, stripped once more down to little more than her small clothes and appearing quite fine with it as well. "I assume you haven't been in the darklands for some time. Unlike the ones I met before your people being overrun they were more or less slaves to their matriarchs. Am I wrong in my assumptions, Cid?"
The bunk room appears to be unoccupied at the moment.
Cid was confused. He felt an anomalous feeling of sadness at the thought of his people being overrun by demons. Still, he couldn't help but think it was inevitable. Their gods cared nothing for the drow's well being, and their worship of them only left the drow for dead, or perhaps as a tool for their plans.
"It is true. The men are enslaved, though our idea of slavery is much different. Our matriarchs are quite cruel, but intelligent and beautiful. Only the strong survive in our society, which why I was able to avoid a life of slavery and instead married into noble blood."
He had no problem speaking of his merits. It was simply a matter of fact.
"What was the nature of your encounters with the drow? Anything you can tell me about their current state?" Cid was surprised to find himself so curious about those he rebelled against.
Tawn leans against a wall. Her ears flick as she digest your information. Apologies when she speaks finally her voice is heavy with regret.
"Broken and scattered.. We encountered some lost in the tunnels but they are dying out here in this part of the darklands. Some believe it is fate Or punishment for what they had done. Our encounters with them were bloody and without mercy. They sought to bring all of us under their dominion, summoning demons to help bolster their forces. Theypushed us back for a time, over running two settlements and enslaving their inhabitants before we could rally. But the frightening thing was their city and slave towns fell in a single week, one day they were there the next they're lands were overrun with demonkind..."
She pauses for a moment before speaking in a whisper. "We found a survivor some time ago. A conditioned slave who broke free and had been seeking help. However the demons found him first and left him to die in a cavern after hey brutalized him. He had little time left when we found him. he spoke of survivors being used as breeders for demons. We haven't been able to reach their city to confirm it though..."
Breeders? Do they intend to create more ilk such as that tiefling? Or perhaps more deadroth spiders among their ranks...
"That does not bode well for anyone, including my... people. I wonder if their demon masters can instigate the drow to change their ways. We'd have a common enemy, after all. Will we be venturing near any of these settlements if we are to aid you?"
”Lasciel,” the aasimar says with a grin at Ga’Tul. ”I have a feeling I’d enjoy chatting with you. You’re quite the flatterer.”
As the group is led to the bunk room, Lasciel looks around at the area, glad for the warmth of the air currents coming off the hot springs. It was odd that she felt…..somewhat at ease in this place. Accustomed to the stares of those who found her different or exotic, she found herself enjoying the attention, and even the danger that went with it. The part of her she found the hardest to explain to others, the dragon inside, found herself enjoying the bestial nature of those she encountered here.
Giving Lormar a warm hug, hoping to break his dark mood she looks around at the others. ”Well I guess there’s nothing more than to pick a bunk and turn in for the night.” she says yawning.
”After the day we’ve had any bed is better than the alternative.” she says before removing her dress and climbing into bed on one of the upper bunks. ”I guess they put us here by ourselves.”