Piria raises an eyebrow - "The Vault? No, I don't know the way to it, bu-", she is abruptly interrupted by Sophone who almost shouts "I DO!"
Sophone suddenly lowers her voice, and adds "Sort of. I just need to find a place in th3 catacombs I am familiar with. I've never been in this area, so we might have to, erm- explore, as you put it."
Xene adds "I know where it is too, but I'm in the same boat as Sophone here. We need to find a familiar place first. Once we do that, I can lead you to the temple."
Other Blossoms just shake their heads when the Pathfinders ask about the Vault or other entrances to the catacombs. They point out that the complex is bound to have many, if not several dozen, entrances into it from the surface, but exploring is often dangerous due to dangerous creatures, or 'antisocial individuals' lurking within, hidden from the Porthmos Militia and other lawbringers.
After the Blossoms point out that there are likely several dozen entrances, Piria looks back at the dusty rubble behind you, and just adds "Minus one.", with an odd smirk on her face. She attempts to lift the group's spirits, and goes for a smile, but is clearly not happy with the current situation.
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Eadric nods as the Blossoms fill the Pathfinders in on the dangers and the labyrinthine nature of the catacombs, "No dramas, we're Pathfinders after all: exploring is what we do!" He starts heading out in a seemingly random direction, readying his new spear just in case, "I've been through a real labyrinth before, and totally made it to the centre in no time... Well, like, we had a most intelligent gnome leading the way, and she kind of like... went totally insane and stuff, but we made it!" With those inspiring words lingering in the air, Eadric nods at Oma, "Most excellent idea with the chalk, Bro! Mark as we go, and follow me!" He points ahead with his spear and strides off confidently.
Found exits: 2
Time searching: 6
Piria nods to the chalk suggestion. "At least we won't be running around in circles."
While you look, Sophone and Xene occasionally consult which way to pick to get to the vault. After a few minutes of looking, Oma hears sounds of a river nearby. Following the source of the noise, he finds a source of light in one of the tunnels. It seems like an opening to the surface. Further investigation proves this to be so, and you locate one exit hidden behind a few trees and bushes, leaving to the trough of Porthmos river, a few dozen feet above the water-line. Looking at the city, you note a few distinguishable buildings and return to the relative safety of the catacombs.
A few minutes later, Eadric could swear he hears the sound of birds chirping, and decides to investigate. He reaches a dead end in one of the tunnels, and the floor under his feet wet, muddy, and filled with trash. The stench is nothing to look forward to, and it seems the place is littered with rat droppings. Convenient ladder handles fixed in the wall are illuminated from above, and lead to a metal grate. Once you reach the top of the ladder, you don't have issues with lifting the grate, and look around. You see a few benches, a pathway leading through a green clearing with a few scarce trees, and a fountain not far from here. The fountain seems to depict a colourful songbird, and many passers by feed the birds that perch on its edge. A bit further, you see a now-empty stage, and a large building with the text "Kitharodian Academy" written above the entrance.
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Cypher climbs back down the ladder to the awaiting gaggle of refugees and describes what they've seen above.
So, we're underneath someplace called the Kitharodian Academy... it's got a Sheyln songbird fountain. Do any of you know how to get to the vault from here?
While they speak, they also look over the refugees and evaluate their look. Would the locals be able to pick them out as Sarenrites if they dared just walk through the streets? Or would they have to stick to the sewer.
Sophone and Xene discuss the direction from the Kith to the vault, and seem to agree that the group needs to head south-east. As of their attire, they don't seem to have some sort of formal apparel on, so they are all in their civilian clothing.
Piria looks at the rest of the Sarenites, as Oma asks the question. They look over each other, and seem reluctant to leave the catacombs after the recent events.
"I think we should stick to the tunnels for now. The Militia will probably be on high alert, and hunting for us.", Piria responds.
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Cypher nods and sighs outloud.
Your probably right. It's just not my cup of tea is all. Eadric deary, would you take point?
Sweetsong chirps into Cypher's ear and they shake their head.
I'm pretty sure they don't teach our kind of dancing at this particular academy sweety... or maybe they do, but I doubt it's on the register.
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Eadric raises an eyebrow at Oma, "Maybe later, Bro, but..." He glances back at the assembled Sarenites, "Umm, I think it would be most wise to find the vault first." He then nods to Cypher and cheerfully says, "Always, Cyph!" He strides off in front again, giving the Blossoms a confident smile and wink on his way past, "Let's go somewhere that smells way nicer than here." At the end of the tunnel, Eadric stops and scratches his head, looking left and right.
Tenibri attempts to locate another exit from the tunnels. Despite his vision not being limited by darkness, he fails to do so. Helme, on the other hand, reads the underground stone like an open book, and quickly locates another way leading outside. This time near a rather crowded marketplace. Trash and rat droppings are prevalent in this area as well, and the setup is similar to the one near the academy. You make note of a few distincs buildings in the area, and carry on through the catacombs.
When asked about Khismia, the Blossoms just shake their heads with a saddened look.
Piria speaks out after a moment of awkward silence. "She didn't make it through last night. I never thought the Militia would actually be capable of outright murdering so many people. I mean, exile us sure, but-", her eyes water up, and she pauses for a moment.
"So many souls...", she whispers under her breath, wipes her face with her sleeve, and continues walking.
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Eadric frowns when he overhears the conversation about last night, "So... Like, are you all that's left of the Blossoms?" He asks sadly, "I totally thought this vault place was, like, a big hideout or something filled with more..." He trails off, thinking that perhaps he should keep his mouth shut and eyes open for potential dangers. Still taking point, and using his spear as a hiking stick, Eadric continues confidently striding through the tunnels.
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"Ah man!" Eadric exclaims as he unslings his shield and puts away his spear, "Seriously?! Like, why are there always bugs when we're working? I mean, they're just soo creepy..." He keeps moving, but keeps his eyes focused on dark corners lest he have a spider jump on his back, "You Blossoms should, like, keep a few steps behind us, just in case... And watch out for webs."
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At the mention of bugs, Cypher gulps.
Bugs.... are not amenable to my charms.
They pull a wand out of their pack and twirl it for a moment.
This should help though... Granted, I normally use it for nude wrestling matches, but it'll get the job done.
Those slightly use to spells can recognize it as a wand of grease.
A success means you notice a spider on the ceiling, ready to pounce something.
As you look up in the direction of Oma's shot, you can see an overgrown eight-legged creature hiding in the web. Oma's arrow lodges into the spider's fuzzy exoskeleton. It winces, and instantly runs down the wall to return the favour.
The mandibles are easily evaded, however. At least for now.
Turn 1 - go if bolded
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Cypher
Oma
Crawly thing
Helme
Eadric
Tenibri
Soraya
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From its movements, you are fairly sure the spider does not enjoy the situation. Nevertheless, it's not dropping to the ground just yet.
Cypher produces an ice slick with her wand, and the spider does an awkward tapdance, but remains on its legs.
It attempts to bite Oma again, but the bolts lodged in its carapace seem to hinder the fuzzy-crawly thing. Oma dodges the attempts easily.
Turn 1 - 2 - go if bolded
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Cypher
Oma
Crawly thing
Helme
Eadric
Tenibri
Soraya
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"Why do you want spiders to have brains? So they can be even more wicked?" Tenibri seems incredulous at his companions unusual wishes, but smiles as he does so; the threat doesn't seem so terrible that some levity couldn't be welcome.
Meanwhile, he draws a flask of acid from a pouch at his side, and uses it to focus the energy of a simple spell. A small globe of acid appears and flies through the air towards the spider.
You fire a small orb of acid at the target. You must succeed on a ranged touch attack to hit your target. The orb deals 1d3 points of acid damage. This acid disappears after 1 round.
A common flask of acid has many uses as a power component, particularly with attack spells.
Acid Splash (F): The spell deals +1 point of damage.
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Once you are done with the spider, the Blossoms only look at you with horror and someone whispers "What in the heavens did that spider do to them?"
Looking at the mush of fur, legs, and a slightly meaty residue in front of you, you come to the agreement that it might have been a bit of an overkill. But - you never know when mimics lurk about. In the end, the Blossoms are safe, you are unscathed, and the opposition is oozing down the wall. In bits.
After a short while, Sophone seems more focused on the travel. She stumbles into random caves a lot less, and seems to be following a familiar path. When questioned by Xene, she nods her head and accurately predicts a few turns in the tunnels. It seems you will be at your destination soon.
And indeed it is so - an hour after the ... well, whatever is left of the spider... you arrive to a large cavern underneath the capital.
In the center of this large, natural cavern, easily more than forty feet in height, stands the ruin of a truly ancient temple constructed of chipped grey and white marble. Its domed roof collapsed long ago, but the structure is otherwise in remarkably good shape. Where doors must once have hung, a small campfire now burns, surrounded by piles of ragged but neatly folded bedding.
Seven people sit huddled around the small campfire to ward off the damp and cold of the cavern. As soon as they spot the you and your companions, they pick up wooden clubs and leap to their feet suspiciously. A few of the Blossoms that kept you company speak out almost in unison after seeing clubs lifted, but eventually leave it to just Piria once she gets going: "Well met by moonlight, sisters and brothers, but soon the dawn will come!"
Upon hearing the coded greeting, the cultists by the fire set down their weapons and welcome the party and their fellow Sarenites to the camp.
A slim, redheaded human man with pinched features approaches you: "Welcome, sisters and brothers. You bring visitors?", he looks over the Pathfinders curiously, but invites you over to the fore with a gesture of a hand. "Come and warm up a bit. It is oh so important in these cold, cold days."
As you walk to the fire, Piria introduces the man as Akkuret, one of the lay priests in the temple.
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"Thanks Bro! Don't mind if I do." Eadric makes his way over to the fire and starts introducing himself to those around it, "This is a most excellent hideout! I could, like, totally see myself plotting coups down here..." He smiles and enthusiastically shakes everyone's hand, "I'm Eadric by the way, are you all Blossoms?" As he does so, he makes sure to pick up everybody's name, hoping to hear one in particular, "Anyway, we've been wandering around for, like, ever. You mind if we have something to eat before we, like, continue with our super secret mission and stuff?"
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Cypher does what Cypher does best, and mingles.
Oh goodness I'm so happy to see there are more of you! Such horrible business really is awful.
After shaking hands and some introductions, they look around at the hall.
Your not wrong Eadric, this is a good planning place, but not much of a "Get out of the country in 1 piece" place. I don't suppose this secretly connects to the harbor or something similarly convenient so we could all get you out of here?
They sit down and look at the fire and rub their chin in thought.
It's either that, or we somehow get the search called off on you, and I don't think we have the pull to do that.
Once you all sit down, the Dawnflower cult offers some simple refreshments, but they do manage to find a few bottles of wine to lighten the mood. Once a conversation get going among the Blossoms, the topic lands upon the most recent attack and the casualties involved. Akkuret only smirks when the Sarenites all loudly ponder who could have orchestrated such a brutal slaughter. The not unnoticed smirk is questioned soon after, and Akkuret spills the beans.
"Yeah - I know who did it, alright...", he starts his story. One of old family feuds, debts, a spoiled son and a murdered brother.
"He was there. I caught a glimpse of him in the shadows as we were fleeing - Chalfon Dalsine. I'm curious as of to why don't you know him, Pathfinders. He was one of your ranks after all. At some point, anyway."
The man looks into the fire for a short moment, and continues.
"Well, someone in Oppara is working to take down the Pathfinders society here. And it plays straight into Chalfon's hands. He wants power, and his family members are in the way. So he decided to pit Jaqcuo, his cousin, and Muhlia Al-Jakri against each other. The Dawnflower Blossoms just happened to have a member that is related to Muhlia. She's dead now, however. Dalsine's faction will get the blame for not warning Al-Jakri's faction, and they start infighting. The local lodge would fall soon afterwards..."
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"Whoa, Bro!" Eadric exclaims when the story has finished, having listened to the whole thing with rapt attention, "So that must be why he has Musello's totally sweet armour parcels. Musello said that he, like, led the attack and stuff, but now we know why." He shakes his head, unable to believe that a man can do this to his own family, "Well now we really need to find those parcels! It would be most tragic if he manages to connect them to the work of Pathfinders." As much as Eadric is enjoying this slight break, he is suddenly overcome with an urge for larceny. However, not wanting to be associated with someone like Chalfon Dalsine, he does make sure to add, "Oh, and Musello said that Dalsine was only nearly a Pathfinder. That's, like, way different from being in our ranks, Bro... Now, umm, does anyone know where he lives?"