"There's a faint green light straight ahead, all." A fearful tenseness in his voice. "I don't think wolves are the only thing lurking within these corridors. Stay alert!"
Round: 1, Initiative: 7
Weapon Equipped = Sling (loaded)
Cold Iron Bullets (10/10), Silver Bullets (10/10)
Conditions = Blessed (2 of 10), Light (1 of 10)
Channel Energy (1d6+1) (3/5)
Sling Attack: BAB +0, Dex +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 1, Concentration +5)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (14): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Stabilize
First (15): (2/4) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Liberating Command
Ascaria takes out a hairpin and casts Light on it before stuffing it into his bright yellow hair. He does not wear his hat indoors as a rule and would have taken it off eariler.
He then 5’ steps toward the entrance.
”Green light huh? That doesn’t bode well now does it?”
Round 1, Init 18+
The halfling snaps her torch alight with a tindertwig and holds it high. She moves forward slowly, bringing her flame closer to the front, silently cursing as her unloaded crossbow is helfted heavily in her other hand.
The sounds of the deep breathes of wolves are heard, just before they emerge from the darkness. Solrisa can see them well before the others, sprinting directly at Mort and Tynan. A third, larger wolf seems to pause, waiting in the darkness.
Each wolf that emerges from the darkness targets its own intruder.
The wolf attacking Mort easily misses a strike from Solrisa, but yelps loudly as Mort's longsword meets it in stride.
Mort suffers a similar fate as Solrisa earlier in the day, as he's thrown to the ground, prone at the paws of the wolf. The wolf shakes its muzzle, savoring the blood oozing from Mort's thigh. It almost fails to let go, until it hears the wolf barking from the shadows.
The wolf attacking Tynan receives a lesser welcome, but it is equally displeased by Tynan's blade.
Tynan avoids Mort's fate, his thinner frame shifting beneath his clothes. The wolf manages to draw blood, but only rips Tynan's pant leg.
-------
Round 2, Init 6+
Sol recoils as she sees Mort fall down.
to hit;
damage.
She swings at her wolf, trying to bring it down before it does more damage.
Round 2, Init 5+
Tynan studies the attacking wolf's movements, looking for an opening, and stands his ground.
He stabs at the wolf when he sees its defense falter.
Round 2, Init: 6
Mort writhing in pain, flails at the wolf on his thigh:
Really... hate this place.
Round: 2, Initiative: 7
Weapon Equipped = Sling (loaded)
Cold Iron Bullets (10/10), Silver Bullets (10/10)
Conditions = Blessed (3 of 10), Light (2 of 10)
Channel Energy (1d6+1) (2/5)
Sling Attack: BAB +0, Dex +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 1, Concentration +5)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (14): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Stabilize
First (15): (2/4) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Liberating Command
”Wolves!” he shouts belatedly as they dig into his companions. He sees injuries spring up on two folks, so he rushes forward and channels energy to heal them both. He is careful to not heal the wolves, just in case.
”There, that should help a little, but I can’t keep up with those wolves so try not to get hit so much you two.”
Round 1, init 3
"It's ok, I've got this. You're gonna be ok, man!" Crap! Must they all run into danger's maw at the drop of a hat?
Temporarily distracted by Raella's toe jabbing his kidney, he indicates his unwillingness by continuing to flail at the wolves in front of him.
I'm a perfect target right where I am.
"Uh -- I'm OK!"
Rae tries to move the man, but he waves her off.
"Damn you and your stubborn pride!" In her anger, Rae throws her torch over the man's head into the darkness beyond the wolves.Idiots! I'm surrounded by idiots!
Sol looks at Rae, a big loving smile on her face.
She is the best yeller I know! I'm so proud of that!
Round 2, Init 18
Pillette curses as she sees the wolves attack. She drops the torch and steps forward, trying to get as clear of a shot as possible. She quickly slips a bolt into her crossbow, and fires over Mort's prone form into the wolf attacking him.
Raella attempts to switch positions with Mort, but fails to convince him of the wisdom of deference. Instead, she illuminates the way for all. Pillette tries to train on the wolf in front of Mortimer, but fails to strike it. Ascaria steps up, figuratively and literally, and brings his static cling to all, except Nature's children, healing Mortimer and Tynan fully. Solrisa checks her swing, realizing she may do too a good a job, and cut fully through the wolf, and into Mort. Mortimer brings both swords to bear, both of them hitting! The wolf finishes its noise, but the sound echoes down the hall. Tynan almost finishes his study of his wolf, leaving the creature barely standing in front of him, mostly fur and bones.
The bigger wolf stalks out of the darkness, not caring for Solrisa's and Mortimer's metals, prefers instead to engage Tynan the Ineffectual.
Tynan joins Mortimer on his back, and begins to join the slaughtered wolves and their journey to the other side.
The more sickly wolf joins the larger wolf, taking advantage of Mortimer's prone condition. Its weakened condition prevents it from enjoying a long-overdue meal.
-------
Tynan smiles as he feels the healing energy from Ascaria mend the bite wound on his leg. Rejuvenated, he stabs the attacking wolf solidly.
Distracted by the combat, he doesn't see the large wolf as it leaps out of the darkness. He feels the sharp pain as it latches onto his leg, savaging him with a brutal bite. He's tossed from side to side as the wolf shakes him like a ragdoll. Tynan feels himself dropped to the floor of the corridor, and the sound of a rumbling growl is the last thing he hears before slipping into darkness.
Round 3, Init 6+
Sol moves to strike at a wolf.
to hit;
damage.
Round 3, Init 6
Mort stands, hoping to distract the wolves off of Tynan onto himself.
"Over here, Mince Pie!"
He takes a swing with his long sword.
for
Round: 3, Initiative: 7
Weapon Equipped = Sling (loaded)
Cold Iron Bullets (10/10), Silver Bullets (10/10)
Conditions = Blessed (4 of 10), Light (3 of 10)
Channel Energy (1d6+1) (1/5)
Sling Attack: BAB +0, Dex +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 1, Concentration +5)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (14): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Stabilize
First (15): (2/4) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Liberating Command
Watching the wolves continue to savage the party Ascaria cringes. That looks like it hurts. Look, he’s a rag doll!
”Tynan!” he yells as the poor man drops from his injuries. He steps a little closer to him (5' step).
Ascaria will again channel energy to heal, carving out the three wolves he sees from the effect.
"This is much harder than healing miners. This is fun!", he shouts, elated by the energy of the fight.
AoO
As Mort tries to stand, the wiry wolf snaps at him, trying to keep him down.
Thanks to Ascaria's healing, Tynan finds himself conscious, but prone and weaponless. Not empty-handed though, as wolf saliva has dripped onto the palm of his upturned hand.
Round 3, 18+
Watching the protective taller folk fall, Pillette steps forward and scowls, quickly slipping a large quarrel into the groove of her bow. Her gaze stares daggers at the wolf while she lets loose with another crossbow bolt.
Round 2, Init 3
Rae rushes to stand over the fallen Tynan. "Damnit, man, learn to step back!" Too late!Standing in the man's stead, she strikes at the wolf in front, letting all her frustration center on his muzzle.
Round 3, Init 5+
Tynan once again feels healing energy from Ascaria surge through his body. He opens his eyes to find Raella standing above him, and the large wolf still snapping at anything in reach.
Knowing he can't easily move from where he is, and not wanting to throw Raella off balance, Tynan shields himself from both errant boots and angry wolves.
Raella steps over Tynan's fallen form, and finishes what he was unable to do himself. Pillette draws first blood from the larger wolf, her bolt slamming into it and enraging it further. Ascaria creeps closer, horrified and fascinated at the same time, releasing more healing energy to awaken the unconscious man. Solrisa tiptoes over to the remaining wolf, but fails to take her piece of flesh. Mortimer stands from prone, and steps to the last wolf, but also misses his mark. Tynan, newly awoken, errs on the side of caution, and tucks in errant appendages.
The remaining wolf sizes up the sudden change in dynamics, and gnashes at the slayer of her packmate.
-------
Round 3, Init 3
"I've had enough of these furballs!"
Rae swings wildly, her anger blinding her to any finesse or grace. Seeing Solrisa up close to the wolf and Tynan still of the floor, she circles around it, nattering, trying to confuse it as she goes.
Round 4, Init 6
for
for
AoO
As Raella circles the wolf, so the wolf marks the woman.
Mort's longsword draws a huge gash in the wolf's side, but it still lives, as if willing itself to remain standing.
Round 4, Init 5+
Seeing his opportunity as Raella moves to fight beside her sister, Tynan stands, swiftly pulls a throwing dagger from his bandoleer , and slashes at the wolf.
Round 4, Init 6+
Sol moves to strike at a wolf.
to hit;
damage.
Round 4, Init 18
Seeing the space around the wolf filled with angry humans, Pillette steps forward and reloads her crossbow. She peers at the rest of the room, keeping an eye on the fighting wolf, and prepares to fire if she gets a cleaner shot.
Round: 4, Initiative: 7
Weapon Equipped = Sling (loaded)
Cold Iron Bullets (10/10), Silver Bullets (10/10)
Conditions = Blessed (5 of 10), Light (4 of 10)
Channel Energy (1d6+1) (0/5)
Sling Attack: BAB +0, Dex +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 1, Concentration +5)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (14): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Stabilize
First (15): (2/4) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Liberating Command
Ascaria wonders why everyone seems to like getting hit so much that they provoke more attacks. He shrugs at the mysteries of the universe and channels one more time to try to keep Rae standing and help Tynan as well (he does not heal the three wolves).
After channeling, he creeps in a little closer to the action so that he can save someone should they fall now that he's feeling empty.
As Tynan finds his feet, a blade appears in his hand, and he extends Mort's mortal wound. The wolf collapses, succumbing to its injuries.
A closer look at the pool of blood surrounding the dead wolf reveals a faint trickle of a different substance, thin and white, that smears across the surface of the blood itself.
The torch light flickers to the north and the south. With the absence of the threatening growls of the wolves, it's more apparent that the wind continues to carry the almost-human sounds.
Approaching the walls, you hear the sounds grow stronger, as you realize there are thin, hollow tubes passing through the walls that seems to allow wind to pass through and resonate the sounds.
Also, down the hall to the north, a dim green light becomes visible to those who study the darkness more thoroughly.
Solrisa reaches down to help Tynan and/or Mort up after she sheathes her sword.
"Sorry we had to kill so many wolvsies...but they were endangering our citizens," Sol says, looking over the bodies of the dead wolves.
"Ugh. What is this other stuff in the blood?" She bends down to get a closer look, pointing out the thin white "other" upon the top of the blood.
Rae's head lifts, suddenly cocking to one side, "Do you hear that? I think it's caused by these thin hollow tubes passing through the walls. The wind passes through, making that gawdsawful racket."
Tynan joins Raella in examining the blood. "Good eyes. I would have missed that... whatever it is. Ascaria, do you have any ideas?"
Tynan recovers his short sword, and moves to keep watch down the north corridor.
"Er, what? White stuff?" Ascaria takes a closer look at the blood and attempts to identify this new humor.
"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about." Ascaria shrugs.
"How's everyone doing?" he checks his companions for injuries they may not know they have - remembering some of the mine-sickness that would confuse the miners.
Sol looks around, waiting for others to collect their fallen weapinry.
"If these wolves were here, the rest of the space is probably completely safe," Sol says cheerily. "And if the wind is making the noise, then we just need to barricade the door or collapse this ceiling and we're done here."
In the bodily fluids you've encountered, not many have appeared white and runny like this. The pus always has a way of coloring yellow or green. Saliva and tears usually remain somewhat transparent. Even the contents of a miner's stomach, either ripped open or vomited up, doesn't have this consistency. Then it comes to you- if the light were brighter, and you removed the reddish tinge of the blood, it would look very much like milk.
Ascaria frowns and pets the downed wolf swiftly cooling on the cave floor.
"I think this was a lactating mother." he says simply and with some grief.
"I don't think there's any reason to kill the pups. We just need to find what was summoning Meghan here and stop that. Not the puppies..."
He considers, "If I'm right."
"If these wolves were here, the rest of the space is probably completely safe, and if the wind is making the noise, then we just need to barricade the door or collapse this ceiling and we're done here."
Tynan looks over at Solrisa, and frowns. Choose your words carefully, Tynan. Don't want to anger Raella again...
"We should check, anyway. The wolves didn't lure Meghan here... there must be something else." He looks at the rest of the group, and continues. "And if whatever is here was able to get into her mind while she slept, I'm not sure that caving in the entrance will actually be enough to stop it from doing this again."
"Rae! Did you hear that?! There might be puppies!!"
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"And death! Won't that be FUN??" Tynan shakes his head, and turns back to keeping watch down the north corridor.
What an idiot...
"And death! Won't that be FUN??"
Sol claps her hands together excitedly, completely missing Tynan's sarcasm.
"Oh yes! This will be fun! Let's go find the puppies!" Sol marches next to Tynan, having found another less grumpy exploring, brave spirit to follow.
"Raella, you better get a move on... Sol's off to find puppies."
Tynan remains standing at the North corridor.
"Solrisa Iome, get back here!" Rae stomps after her sister, calling her back.
"Do you not remember the scary thing calling Meghan here? That's not puppies. Now stay with the group."
Mort absently wanders over to where Raella threw her torch. Retrieving it, he absently hands it back to her.
Sol, did we check here for the puppies?, he asks, scratching the back of his head.
He finally notices Sol wandering off once again.
Dangit.
"I'll try and get her back," he says quietly, brushing past Rae.
He hurries down the hallway to catch up with Sol. When he does, he stands in front of her trying to gently impede her forward progress and get her attention.
"Sol, listen -- Rae's seems against this whole puppy idea. I confess, I don't understand it myself," he lied. Blundering forward he continues "You know what, though? She's not completely mean or unreasonable. I bet she'll let you have one if you stick with the group and listen to what she says. Maybe if we don't find one, she'll let me get you one when we get back to town -- but you have to stick with the group and listen to Rae. What do you say? Is it a deal?
Sol smiles at Mort's concern.
"Oh Mort! Don't worry about danger, I'll protect you," Sol says earnestly and without a worry about doing it willingly. "I don't actually expect to find any puppies down here, let alone ones that would want me as a guardian. But I like to have things to look forward to. It's dark down here and I just focus on that, then I'd be sad like the others."
She looks at her sister, a mere 30' away, easily within shouting distance.
"And if Rae needs my help, she can call for it."
With the torchlight and Ascaria's magically-lit hairpin, the bunch can see into the right and left alcoves. The right alcove seems to be free of any debris, while the left alcove tends to an abandoned bedroll.
The walls are chipped in several places, but closer inspection reveals... names. 'Bridgette', 'Mel', 'Tabitha', 'Stevie'... They are somewhat lower to the ground, as if carved into the wall while on one's knees. There also appear to be whittling shavings scattered around the bedroll itself
As you advance down the corridor, it becomes plain that at the far end of the hallway, there waits another doorway, cast in a green light, and strewn with very dense cobwebs.
Just to your right, you can see a collapsed alcove, rocks piling to the ceiling.
The wind continues to sound through the hollow tubes. Perhaps it's the play of the hallway, but the sound is almost dirge-like at the moment.
"Oh Mort! Don't worry about danger, I'll protect you,"
"Oh, I'd like that Sol, I'd like that a lot. I know you're very powerful -- more so that I can guess. But, even if you could protect us from a distance, I'm sure we'd all feel much safer if you stayed with the rest of us. I know that I would."
At the sound of the dirge, he pleads:
"Please, walk with me back to Rae and the others now."
Ascaria glances around at the alcoves briefly, and moves up with Sol and Mort. He recasts his Light spell lest it go out and peers into the darkness.