As no one seems interested in the arrows or other items in his backpack, Lomar shrugs his shoulders, puts everything back in and shrugs it back on his back.
He then waits for the others that Jaeger went to retrieve and once they have moved ahead, he falls in to guard the rear of the group.
He motions for Lasciel to join him and if/when she does, he speaks for her ears alone "So, sister, while our situation is grim, it is not without hope, and with the items in this pack, our chances of survival are that much better."
Pausing to take a long, evaluating look at the others in the party he turns to her again "So, what do you think of our companions? Some may be of aid to us, yet others are a clear liability. If something goes wrong, and we would have a better chance of survival on our own, we leave. I want no argument from you on this! Although, yes, perhaps we could take Jaeger and his wife with us. She seems alright, for a human. Why can I never remember her name??"
I give Kieran a cheery smile, "We just need to get used to each other."
The Paladin's optimism came as a much needed refresh to Kieran. He returns her smile with one of his own as he matches his steps behind her's and follows into the tunnels. Lasciel's arcane lights provided all the necessary illumination he could want for even though their benefit seemed solely for him seeing there was an unearthly presence lingering on each of the others who had taken to search for a way out.
"Best stick together and keep CID in some kind of earshot. In case he gets into trouble."
"Cid'll be fine," he assures Seren as they begin their next migration. "He's always runnin off n' comin back. B'sides, he's better tuned to the Underdark than the surface; this prolly feels like home."
"Guessing you were in Kenabras b'fore all this, right? You remember anything from up there?"
Cid reemerges into the torchlight after a few moments...
"My sincerest apologies. The invasion has placed my nerves in a different state that usually forgets manners. I am Cedeleon Reave, but, as my large friend has already mentioned, "Cid" is equally appropriate. I will scout ahead. I will not be more than 60ft away."
Before Cid retreats back into the darkness, he delivers a subtle, distrusting glare at Jaeger.
He seems quite affectionate toward the human-female... such are the ways of incubi...
Angelo's
The survivors gather but the dirty noblemen Horgus turned his nose up at the request. "HMPH! The elf can rot for all I care." He storms past, clipping Aravashnial who staggers into Anevia who purely out of instinct reaches up with both hands to steady the blind elf. She realizes what she's down after her makeshift crutch falls with a slap to the cavern floor.
"Well I'll be a monkey's aunt..." Anevia tests her injured foot some and grimaces. "Not good but not as bad as before neither..." She nods to Ethyra and Jaeger as she steadies Aravashnial. She sticks her tongue out at Horgus and makes an obscene jester while his back is turned before speaking to the couple. "He's just a mook, I can watch old Aravashnial for ya no sweat. Asides I owe ya one." She picks up her crutch, despite not needing it now, and gets Aravashnial situated and following her. However she keeps her crossbow out and her crutch tucked under her unused arm.
Aravashnial grimaces at the mistreatment from Horgus but doesn't comment like Anevia did. "Forgive him, he's a hard man to please and we are not on the best of terms... Obviously. What did you encounter now?" Aravashnial insecurities remain apparent.
Being ahead of the group you stumble across another road block. Just making it out in your darkvision you spot something large and coiled on itself like a snake...
However it doesn't appear to have seen you. The cavern room it is sitting in is quite small and appears to be filled with rubble. Dust particles from settling rocks above the room fall into your field of view every couple of seconds...
It's a cave viper, a rather large one in fact... If you get too close it'll smell you coming...
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"Jus some nasty cockroaches and an abandoned camp. Can't imagine who'd choose to live in a place like this. 'Cause its it's clearly older that the attack."[/b} Jaeger says with a shrug as visions of cutting down the foppish noble flash through his mind which he dismisses with a shake of his head and a glance towards Ethyra.
::Get ahold of yourself Jaeger you need control don't lose it anger makes you stupid. Embrace it and move past it.:: He silently reprimands himself.
[b]"Come on before that pompous fool gets himself caught by something with more teeth than sense not realizing the indigestion he's bound to give it."
He seems quite affectionate toward the human-female... such are the ways of incubi...
[spoiler=Cid Only]
The snake remains blissfully unaware, coiled and irritated in the middle of the path of the crumbling room as you move hastily away...[/soiler]
Cid reemerges, once again, into the torchlight at the campsite, just as the company is gathering themselves to head down the tunnel.
"There is a situation ahead." He works his way closer to Kieran, but is still directing toward the group.
"A large cave viper rest ahead, blocking the tunnel; the only path available to us. Its size cannot be understated, it is a threat to the group. I believe it did not notice me."
Kieran grunts an acknowledgement then turns to the group. "I say we cut through it, keep makin' way. Any better suggestions?"
Lomar steps forward, some slight condensation in his voice as he says "Well, as a matter of fact, yes. Instead of risking yourselves in a frontal attack, why do not those of us capable of distance combat attack the creature from afar? Then, if we have not taken it down before it reaches us, you melee types can 'do your thing', and get all close and personal."
"Ay," Kieran agrees in a firm, even voice; the same way he spoke to his eight year old son when trying to avoid unnecessary arguments. "Same as the maggots."
Lomar frowns at the tone, clearly not impressed, and replies, his voice a few degrees cooler "Yes, that's correct, same as the maggots"
Bluff:
It seems fairly clear that Lomar is not, at present, overly impressed with the big, loud, human barbarian in general, or in particular, being spoken to with the tone one would use for a child.
As well, it's pretty obvious what, and who, the arrogant Fetchling is referring to with his emphasis on the words same and maggots.
I begin to reply to Kieran's question, then stop short as Cid re-appears.
Keeping my voice low so that it doesn't carry, I respond to Lomar and Kieran's conversation, "Lomar's tactics seem sound."
I look around the small group, "Have we any magic which might help as well?"
"Yes we do." Lasciel says quietly "I can project rays of frost and Lomar bolts of eldritch energy that may destroy the snake well before anyone would have to engage. she says , laying a hand on Lomar's shoulder in hopes of restraining his temper in the already tense setting.
I ponder the narrow tunnels, then turn to Cid, "You're familiar with this kind of terrain: would we do better to lure the snake into a more open area where it is more exposed? Perhaps some ranged attacks could draw it on into a bombard of many weapons and spells?"
Lasciel's hand on his shoulder has an immediate, and visible calming effect on Lomar. He looks at her and all his anger evaporates instantly as he nods ever so slightly to her in acquiescence.
His gaze does still skip right over Kieran though as he looks to Seren, replying "Yes, that is a good idea. Perhaps we can lure in back to the area we all first fell in to."
Noodle-armed little chicken squirt don't know what he's playin' for... Quicker we get outta this, quicker I'm done with him.
"So we drag it back here n' burn er blast the thing to hell, eh? Sounds good by me," Kieran shrugs. "Now, who's bait?"
Arching his eyebrow and with the tiniest quirk to his mouth, Lamar replies smoothly, "Why, surely it should be the bravest of us, yes? And who could be braver than a big strong warrior such as yourself?"
"Someone swift, with ranged strikes, that seems best."
"Having a ranged fighter walk up to a threat doesn't seem to make much sense, although the swift part definitely does. Lasciel muses.
"You don't have to stannd next to something to get it's attention: firing arrows or bolts of eldritch fire into its side would probably work. Sorry, I should have been clearer."
"Look at this, I leave to get my wife and the rest of our happy family and Lomar has already made a friend I'm impressed." Jaeger says jokingly when he and Ethyra return with the other survivors. "I'll be right back." He says as he walks right past Lomar and Kieran I sheathing Abyssion as he walks.
Horgus Gwerm gives a Hrmph at all this dilly dallying in a very annoyed but noble manner.
Anevia rolls her eyes at the puffed up noble and Aravashnial remains silent. "Blow hard..." Anevia mutters under her breath and Horgus glares in her direction, he puffs out his lip in indignation but, thankfully, remains silent.
Kieran grimaces at Lomar's smug suggestion and, ignoring Jaeger's interjection, takes three wide steps to meet the warlock eye to eye. "You got a problem, best come out n' say it. I ain't got the patience to stand 'ere n' hide behind all these clever, pretty words. Kenabras jus got shat on by god-knows-what n' I mean to pull myself outta this f$%&in' hole n' see where we stand. Now go on. Say what ya gotta say n' lets be done with it."
"OI!" A crutch taps Kieran in the chest and then taps Lomar in the same girly fashion. She limps up quickly, dragging the blind elf with her and glares at both of you in an aggressive way. "We don't have time for this! Just whip it out and be done with it. If'n ya forgetting we has a ton of rubble above our heads that could finish coming down at any time. So if ya don't mind I'm movin' on..." She starts limping forward, with her crossbow out and her blind elf lagging behind her.
"Well, the choice has been made."
I begin to step back to an open area, gesturing to the others to join me, "Bring it to us, brave one. Together we will overcome."
Laciel quietly tries to stifle the smile brought on by Anevia's action and subtly gives the woman a nod of approval.
"We don't have time for this! Just whip it out and be done with it. If'n ya forgetting we has a ton of rubble above our heads that could finish coming down at any time. So if ya don't mind I'm movin' on..."
Kieran doesn't break eye contact with Lomar as Anevia wisely attempts to keep the group focused. He grips his belt buckle, "Don't know 'bout you, but I'd rather wait till they's done huntin' snakes."
His face is stone as he weighs the warlock's reaction.
Evidenced by a smile he's attempting to hide, Kieran is trying to make a joke to break the tension.
Despite her storming past Anevia chuckles loudly at Kieran's comment. She trails after Jaeger, dragging her blind companion along somewhat unwillingly.
Jaeger
You follow the tight confined hall from where Cid originated all the while overhearing the loud talk of your companions. However as the snake comes into sight, you realize your being followed. Aneiva and the bumbling blind Aravashnial are mere meters behind you. "I can't cast if your moving Anevia..."
"Wel hurry and cast then!"
Her loud words elicit a low hiss from up ahead and its then you spot the snake, coiling in outrage to being disturbed...
"Quit rushing me!"
"I Swear to Gorum my ass gets bit you'll get hit Aravashnial..."
"Galad! (Elven for: Light) There are you happy n... I think we've been noticed." Suddenly a bright light fills the hall and the snakes his rises in tempo. Its outrage is clearly heard and it rises nearly as tall as Jaeger as it faces its harassers...
Anevia checks her crossbow's tension as she responds nonchalantly. "What was your first clue genius? Oh and what you can't see can still hurt you by the way."
Aravashnial blusters for a moment before the snakes gives a much louder hiss in a forwardly aggressive manner...
Back at the main group
Anevia's and Aravashnial argument is none too quiet...
Which elicits a sigh of annoyance from the dirty noblemen...
Horgus rubs the palm of his meaty hand down the front of his face. "Why was I cursed with such Blundering fools..." He spreads his hands wide and looks to the rock ceiling in indignation as he curses his luck quietly at teh rear of the group. Finally he looks at Ethyra, his words dripping with annoyance for the others actions. "My Lady you wouldn't happen to have a vial of antitoxin would you? We may need it soon..."
Sense Motive:
Despite the human´s significantly greater size and bulk, Lomar stands his ground when Kieran steps up to him. Not batting an eye, he replies calmly yet with a dangerous edge to his voice ¨I have said what I wished to say, when I wish to say more, I can assure you, I will say it. Pretty words or no.¨
His gaze remains locked with the other until Anevia's wise and frustrated interventon breaks then tension.
Despite the barbarian´s terrible attempt at subtley, Lomar still picks up on his intention, and his own ire seems to cool several degrees. However there is still a clear ¨This is not settled yet¨tone in his voice as he says ¨Yes, let us wait till then¨
After a few more seconds of eye contact, he breaks off and moves to stand with his sister, his air one of completely ignoring Kieran as if the other hardly existed.
As Jaeger, Anevia, and Aravashnial (sp) walk by down the pathway, Cid turns his attention to Kieran.
"Your blood is too hot, my friend. Though.."
Cid hears the noise from down the tunnel.
"Indeed, Horgus. They probably lost the element of surprise now. I will see what I can do..."
Cid draws and reloads his crossbow and creeps down the tunnel...
"Damn, it's a bit crowded in here? How about we move this party somewhere a bit more cozy?" Jaeger says as he steps back and pulls a dagger and in one move flicks the blade out towards the large serpent.
"Fair 'nuff," Kieran grunts, his smile swiftly replaced by a grim look of displeasure. He returns Lomar's stare with his own, even going the "extra mile" to gift him an ocular escort back to his sister.
He tears his focus from the warlock only after Cedeleon gives him his typically bittersweet form of wisdom.
"I'm tryin', Cid. You know I am! Can't stand bein' down 'ere. Those f##!in' demon bastards shouldn't a been able t'get a whole g&&~+&ned army pass the wards. What if they marchin' south? Don't know how long we been down 'ere. Could be they halfway to River Kingdoms fer all we know," he breaks to smooth his beard worrisomely. Like a licking flame, his demeanor snaps back to anger, "N' that pr*ck is testin me!"
It felt good to vent. Kieran wanted to keep going but Cid was wearing the same look of a cat that sensed something in need of investigation. When his friend leaves, Kieran backs away from the tunnel entrance and stares heavily at the belt pouch containing the silver scales.
Shaking his head at the utter insanity of a cripple and a blond man heading off to confront a giant servant Lamar calls out " Out of the tunnel you fools! You'll get yourself killed! Did you not hear our plan?? "
He then readies and positions himself to be able to send distance blasts to the snake of when it shows up in the room.
I mutter to myself, "Oh, her blessings be over us."
Then I call ahead, "Bring it to space. We need to work together!"
I mutter to myself, "Oh, her blessings be over us."
Then I call ahead, "Bring it to space. We need to work together!"
Lasciel steps up preparing to attack the snake at distance.
Kieran puts his brooding on hold at the sounds of the flustered, uncoordinated combatants flooding the narrow tunnel and quickly moves to the entrance's perpendicular wall. He spins his spear over and readies a throw.
Kieran puts his brooding on hold at the sounds of the [b]flustered, uncoordinated[/] combatants flooding the narrow tunnel and quickly moves to the entrance's perpendicular wall. He spins his spear over and readies a throw.
[dice=Readied Ranged Attack]1d20+4
[dice=Damage]1d8+4
I position myself in space near the entrance and heft my glaive.
As Jeager presses past, knocking the blind elf down in all the brushing and pushing, he is pursued by the angry hiss of the snake he just struck. However despite everyone's shouts for her to pull back Anevia levels her crossbow and fires.
The hissing stops and silence falls in the caverns once more as Anevia calmly reloads. "Just a viper mates..." She fires again... Twang, Splat then grimaces. "... a mighty dead one. Nice throw, your knife really pissed it off. Ha! Oi what are you doin on your rump? Get up ya lazy elf, just cause your blind down't mean we get a break at a time like this." Aravashnial reamins silent as he fumes at Anevia before she helps him shakily to his feet.
Horgus makes a sign to whatever god appears to be listening. "Impatient thief... Gonna get me killed..." He reconsiders his last words. "... Us I mean..."