The elf nodded as Arrika talked. "Of course, go ahead and release Anevia... but I still do not know your name girl..."
The man approached Anevia slowly, clearly not really willing to help. "Sure, why not to help a thief..." Neither his mood nor his attitude gets better by Arrika's tentative of diplomacy.
With his help, you two can easily free Anevia, that quickly tries to walk just to fall once more, screaming in pain, with her leg broken in more than one place. "I-I can't walk!"
As Kelumarion approaches the dead spider, two creatures burst from it and undulate forward to attack. This enormous maggot has greasy, pale flesh and a dripping, circular mouth filled with tiny, sharp teeth.
These are Giant Maggots, voracious scavengers able to regurgitate filthy upon their enemies.
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Elriel - up
Kelumarion - up
Sabrina - up
Giant Maggots
Recoiling as the giant, wormlike creatures emerge, Kelumarion darts forward, snapping with powerful jaws. But at the last moment, the powerful odor of rot clinging to them overpowers the agathion, and he can't help but twist away, jaws closing on only empty air.
My name? Sorry - Arrika. Arrika Telryn, of the clan Neverrun. Offering her shoulder for Anevia to lean against, she glances about, trying to help the woman over to someplace more comfortable to sit, but decides that using the boulder as a backrest is about as good an option as the cavern can offer. At the sight of Anevia's injury, she blanches again, but it seems she's starting to come more to grips with the situation.
Is anyone here skilled with healing? Her leg's going to need some attention, a splint or something - Just then, her speech is cut off by the sound of Kelumarion's growl and lunge. Looking over, she can only barely make out Kelumarion's shadowy form, and gets no hint at all of what could be happening, so she grabs the glowing stone and throws it into the room's center, trying to land it where it'll illuminate the cavern more evenly.
Elriel's face contorted as the maggots burst forth. He slashed and stabbed at the maggot closest to him, hoping to finish off the filth quickly.
Sabrina, come help out!"
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Arrika's stone fully illuminates the dead spider as well as the two giant maggots, undulating towards their new targets. It also shows how vast is the cave, even if not able to fully reveal the chamber.
Even if Kelumarion was not able to bite one of them, Elriel's twin blades quickly dispatches the first maggot and Sabrina's sword cleaves the second one in two, easily ending the vermin. Perhaps it was better this way, without putrid and rancid vermin flesh washing over the god's throat. Once more, only darkness and the distant squeaks of bats envelops the cave, no more movement inside the dead spider is noticed.
"Bravo! What brave heroes we have among us, able to defeat not only one but two terrible maggots! I'm not sure how Kenabres fell with such warriors..." The sarcasm in the man's words is evident, sit down at the same boulder that a couple seconds ago was trapping Anevia. "Hum... I have a proposal for you... if you, such powerful warriors, escort me outside this caves to the surface, I'll reward you with a thousand gold pieces... I'm Horgus Gwerm and you can trust in my deal."
At the mention of his name, Aravashniel remains silent for a couple seconds before talking once more in his usual commanding tone. "Very well... from what I hear you were able to defeat some sort of danger... now, once more, I need to know your names and your expertise!"
Anevia remains silent, bearing with her pain.
At Horgus' remarks, Arrika quails a bit, somewhat intimidated by his haughty manner, but stands her ground as Kelumarion rejoins her. At least they...at least they did something, right? We all have to do our part to make it out of here, and I'm sure everyone's got skills they can bring. And I know, for my part, I don't intend to leave anyone behind. Can...can I get your help, too? Please - everyone here will be important. We need you, and me and Kelumarion will help get you out of here.
Aravashniel was domineering as well, but in his case Arrika found it strangely comforting; someone who could take command and take action even when so gravely injured was a person she could look up to. It reminded her...well, of home.
As I said, Aravashniel, I am Arrika Telryn of the clan Neverrun, formerly of Gundrun, now a ward of Iomedae's church these many years. Cautiously, she reached a hand forward and set it on his shoulder, looking to make her presence known without startling him. Kelumarion advanced as well, butting his furry head gently against the man's hand. This is Kelumarion, my protector, of Nirvana when he does not accompany me.
My experience is little, but I do carry a weapon, and Kelumarion has fought before in protection of my family. We look forward to your guidance as your injuries recover.
After speaking with Aravashniel, Arrika kneels in front of Anevia and begins to look over her leg. Don't worry, we'll get it patched up... She begins to dig through her backpack for anything that will help, but comes up woefully short. Bertholdt, you said you're a priest, yes? Do you have any experience with healing? Her leg is hurt, it needs to be tended before we can move on...
Turning back, she meets the injured woman's eyes, beginning to pool with tears of pain despite her stoicism. Don't worry - we'll get this fixed up, and we'll be out of here before you know it. I'll help you as we go, and Kelumarion can help, too. You'll be...you'll be with Irabeth again soon, she finishes with a smile.
"Bravo! What brave heroes we have among us, able to defeat not only one but two terrible maggots! I'm not sure how Kenabres fell with such warriors..." The sarcasm in the man's words is evident, sit down at the same boulder that a couple seconds ago was trapping Anevia. "Hum... I have a proposal for you... if you, such powerful warriors, escort me outside this caves to the surface, I'll reward you with a thousand gold pieces... I'm Horgus Gwerm and you can trust in my deal."
Elriel nodded to Sabrina, "Good work. Your blade is sharp and your sword arm strong. Good warrior qualities."
He then addressed Horgus, "I don't need your money to try and get out of there. You are welcome to come along as long as you help out."
He then adds, "But your money is welcome. Hang around, we're all getting out of here together."
At the mention of his name, Aravashniel remains silent for a couple seconds before talking once more in his usual commanding tone. "Very well... from what I hear you were able to defeat some sort of danger... now, once more, I need to know your names and your expertise!"
Anevia remains silent, bearing with her pain.
"My name is Elriel and I worked as a soldier and scout in Kyonin. I am trained in the use of twin blades. I can also be pretty stealthy when needed. We only defeated maggots so no real threat."
He then looked at the injured woman, "I don't have any healing for you but may be able to rig up something for your leg. I've had to do that before out in the wilds of the Tanglebriar."
He then looked at both of them, "Maybe Aravashniel here can help you walk and you can be his eyes..."
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Approaching Horgus, noting the sarcasm in his tone, Perhaps you prefer the fiery whip of a Balor then? I am Sabrina, Crusader of the second Crusade. By the light of Iomedae, I will do all in my power to guide us all out of here.
Glancing toward Horgus, deserving or not. Keep your gold for now, Our main issue is to stay alive, and find a way out of here. If we managed to survive, there may be other survivors. I intend to save all that I can.
Looking to the others, in particular, the wounded. If any are skill in healing, I ask that you aid those that are in need.
Going to Aravashniel, speaking in a softer tone but definitely attempting to exert her natural instinct to rulership as a knight but in a respectful manner. As I told Horgus, I am Sabrina, Crusader of the Second Crusades, I ask you to stay with the Anevia, you can be her legs, she can be your eyes.
Well will need to work as a team to get us out of here. Now, Myself and Elriel are the most capable for combat. Our cat friend seems the best suited as a scout. Arrika, you have a gift of comfort. you are suited to help keep all of our spirits up. Bertholdt, I suspect you can provide us with some of Iomedae's insight. I do hope that healing is is among your repertoire of talents gifted to you by the Inheritor.
Elriel was able find the required materials to make a splint for Anevia's leg and Bertholdt's able hands patched her up, allowing her to hobble with the aid of an improvised crutch formed from a fallen timber.
Anevia smiles when she tries her splint and crutch, not felling the excruciating pain anymore. "Thank you for your kindness! I'll never forget your help..." She then draws a couple of vials and three sticks and handles it over to Bertholdt. "...here, take these, they might help you I guess."
At Elriel's and Sabrina's words, Anevia hobbles towards Aravashniel to help him to walk. "Here, Aravashniel, I'm Anevia and I'll help you, here, put your hand on my shoulder... to answer your question, a have only small expertise fighting demons but I've heard my wife, Irabeth, talk a lot about them. I'm a scout, but with my leg broken I think I'll only be useful at disabling some traps if we find any... I also only have four arrows remaining." She turns to you before continuing. "We should hurry for I fear for my wife..."
Aravashniel follows Anevia, even if a little curt and terse with her. "I'd prefer to send Elriel, this cat you are talking about, and Sabrina forward to explore the cavern while Arrika and Bertholdt remained here with me, Anevia and Horgus but you indeed look capable of protecting us while we walk along."
"As you might have already guessed, I'm a wizard, a conjurer of the Riftwardens and I'll gladly use them to help you. I'm able to summon creatures to our aid, as well as boost the morale of fellow companions, protect you against the taints of evil and even boost your defenses." He then draws a potion from his belt and drinks it, mending a couple of his wounds, even if he is still pretty hurt. "Whenever you are ready we shall press on."
Not moved by your words. "Sure, sure, lets get out of here... please light the way but be careful not to blind the remaining of us with your holy light, noble heroes... surrounded by thieves, liars and fools..." His tone is still sarcastic.
Not moved by your words. "Sure, sure, lets get out of here... please light the way but be careful not to blind the remaining of us with your holy light, noble heroes... surrounded by thieves, liars and fools..." His tone is still sarcastic.
The half-elf is puzzled by his find but picks up the silver scales for others to determine their worth.
He looks at Horgus and quips, "Sir, I am sorry your retinue is not here to save you so you'll have to make due with this ragtag band of fools. You are, of course, free to seek your own way out. If not, please try to make yourself useful or at least not hinder those of us that are working to get everyone out."
He then shows the silver scales to the rest of the party, "What do you think these are?"
Cloudwalking: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast levitate. A pillar of roiling clouds rises below the levitating object or creature, growing and shrinking with the target's altitude. This pillar is 5 feet in diameter (regardless of the target's size) and provides concealment (20% miss chance) to any creature or object wholly contained within.
Disguise: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast alter self. While disguised, the target gains a +4 bonus on all Bluff checks made against evil creatures.
Resistance: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast resist elements - but only against electricity or cold.
Sacred Weaponry: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast align weapon, but only to make a weapon lawful or good. Unlike a normal align weapon spell, this effect can be cast on an unarmed strike or natural weapon.
All these spells are cast with a 19th caster level.
"Perhaps this is not a bad idea..." Even if confrontational, Horgus remains with the group, for now.
As the half-elf was about to hand over the scales for inspection, his step falters a bit. With eyes wide open as if listening for something, he states, "Wait! I know what these are for. Don't ask me how I know but these scales are from the silver dragon. And they are magical..."
Elriel then briefly described, as best he could, the magical properties of the silver scales...
Terendelev's scales...and such potent magic remains in them even now? Arrika's hand hovers above the silver flecks in Elriel's hand, and she seems torn between fascination and inadequacy. For Terendelev herself had been near a god to the young god-caller; to see such a potent artifact of the dragon in the half-elf's hand is almost a worshipful experience to her. Her hand still floating, she closes her eyes and begins a low chant - from the sound of it, a prayer, though the words are in the strange, harsh language of the Kellids.
After several moments of sonorous syllables, her eyes re-open. I...I don't want to take something that will be more useful in another's hands. Please, if any of these magics will aid anyone, use them. They're...they're a gift. Terendelev's last gift. At that, Arrika is close to tears, and falls silent, her hand slowly backing away from Elriel's.
After several moments of sonorous syllables, her eyes re-open. I...I don't want to take something that will be more useful in another's hands. Please, if any of these magics will aid anyone, use them. They're...they're a gift. Terendelev's last gift. At that, Arrika is close to tears, and falls silent, her hand slowly backing away from Elriel's.
Practical as ever, the half-elf takes control of the situation, "Here Arrika, you should take the cloud-walking one, which will keep you safe and away from the demon scum."
He considers the others a bit and adds, "I'll be keeping the one that allows me to align my weapons against the demons. Sabrina, you should take the one that allows you to pass off as a human or something other than what you are."
He gives the last scale to the priest. "This will allow for better protection, for you and others."
he waits to see if others had any other suggestion,..
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fed up for now with Horgus' attitude Sabrina took a moment to scout the area (she does not leave sight of the group though) she apparently needed a slight breather.
As Elriel discusses the scales, Sabrina come back to see what was discovered.
She takes the scale offered and is appreciative. I am sure over time we may even switch these out as needed.
she then reports her findings from the scouting of the area.
from the best I can tell there are two passages just beyond those rocks.
She takes the scale offered and is appreciative. I am sure over time we may even switch these out as needed.
Elriel nods, "That's a good idea actually. I'm sure we can pass these around as needed."
He then considered the group and their mobility issues and stated, "We're as ready to move on as we'll ever be. We must stay close to each other. Here's what we'll do. Sabrina and I will take the lead, followed by Bertholdt and Horgus, then Anevia and Aravashniel, while Arrika and her god-cat will bring up the rear. This is assuming the passage is wide enough. If not, then I will take the lead and the god-cat will bring up the rear; other's fall in between us."
He moved closer to Arrika, "Can you cast your light spell on the top of my head? You going be Ok in the rear?"
He then checked his weapons, "Are we ready to go?"
The north tunnel extends for almost one hundred feet northeast before you encounter a small ledge, posing no difficulties to climb it over, even for Anevia or Aravashniel. After the small ledge, the tunnel opens up in a small cavern, almost round in shape and with roughly sixty feet of diameter. On the opposite side the tunnel continues southeast.
This smaller cavern appears to have once served as a campsite or temporary lair. A torn bedroll lies next to the cold remains of a fire. A pile of bones, broken equipment, and rubble lies just past the campsite.
Suddenly, from the trash heap, a pair of dog-sized cockroach skitters forth, greedily clicking its filth-slicked mandibles, bursting from the mound to attack!
Perception DC 19 to notice the cockroaches.
"Are you f*+&ing blind? Loo..." Horgus yelled just before the vermin charged Sabrina and Bertholdt. Sabrina's armor managed to stop the bite from the cockroach but Bertholdt did not have the same luck, felling the pain on his right leg.
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Surprise Round
Giant Cockroaches
1st Round
Elriel - up
Arrika - up
Giant Cockroaches
Bertholdt
Anevia
Kelumarion
Sabrina
Aravashniel
He moved closer to Arrika, "Can you cast your light spell on the top of my head? You going be Ok in the rear?"
If Kelumarion stays with me, I'll be fine. He'll take care of anything that may sneak up. I don't know if I can light your head per se, but... Arrika tears a strip of cloth off the bottom hem of her skirt and murmurs another prayer; interspersed threads in the loosely woven fabric illuminate, giving the effect of a plaid fabric woven with threads of solid light.
Here, you can tie this around your forehead or something. It ought to light the way without occupying your hands... Her train of thought is interrupted as she looks down at the pebble in her hand and notices it's gone dim. But apparently only one at a time works. We'll have to rely on this, she finishes, indicating the rough headband she's fashioned.
"Are you f++%ing blind? Loo..." Horgus yelled just before the vermin charged Sabrina and Bertholdt. Sabrina's armor managed to stop the bite from the cockroach but Bertholdt did not have the same luck, felling the pain on his right leg.
At the sudden emergence of the creatures, Arrika let out a tiny scream. She raises her hand in a knee-jerk reflex of defense - and a tiny green glob launches forward from it, though her hands had been empty only a second before. She gasps, as much in surprise at the liquid emerging from her hand as in fear of the creatures.
"Do something, Horgus!"
Swords already out in a flash, the rogue slashes into the dog-sized vermin with glee. But his aim is off and skirts off the cockroaches' carapace.
"Back. Get back!"
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Elriel completely missed his first attack and the cockroach dodged the second one. Arrika's glob of acid strikes true, melting both flesh and carapace.
Not slowed by the half-elf's attack, the vermin continued his assault against Sabrina but this time his mandibles missed her completely, not even needing to dodge.
The second one, perhaps threatened by Arrika's acid attack, changed its attention towards her, charging forward and cutting her deep in her tights.
Noticing a weak spot between the creature's carapace, Sabrina strikes a mighty blow with her heirloom sword and even if the vermin should be dead, it remains threatening, not willing to give up such delicious meal!
Anevia, without a proper space to shot and behind the wall that is Sabrina and Bertholdt, remains out of combat. Aravashniel, not yet knowing what the sudden danger is, moves his head, almost hoping to see something while yelling. "What is the matter? What vile creature attacks us? Do you need any assistance?..." Horgus only retreats a couple steps behind and does nothing.
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1st Round
Elriel
Arrika [5/9 - wounded(-2)]
Giant Cockroach [3 dmg - healthy]
Giant Cockroach [10 dmg - wounded (-2)]
Bertholdt - up [11/12 - healthy]
Anevia
Kelumarion - up
Sabrina
Aravashniel
2nd Round
Elriel - up
Arrika - up
Giant Cockroaches
Bertholdt
Anevia
Kelumarion
Sabrina
Aravashniel
"There are cockroaches. Big-tough-to-kill cockroaches. Just get back!"
Elriel maneuvers and once more attacks with his blades but curses as he cannot penetrate the vermin's hard carapace.
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As the cockroach jumps for her, Arrika shrieks again, stepping backward - but still keeping herself between the injured and the giant insect. Reaching over Kelumarion's back, she throws her hand up again, and another glob of acid forms and shoots forward. But this time, the shot goes wide, burning a small pit into the side of the cavern wall. Realizing that this newly-discovered magic may not work forever, she pulls her silver mace from her belt, praying she won't have to use it.
As the insect had run for his young god-caller, Kelumarion lunged, taking advantage of the creature's distraction to bite deep into its side. The horny carapace tore away, leaving a huge gash in the creature's side unarmored, and the ichor inside began to spill onto the ground.
Upon seeing the creature tear at Arrika, his resolve redoubles - but at the last moment, the creature pulls away, remembering the pain from before, and Kelumarion's jaws close on empty air.
As the vermin charged towards Arrika, Kelumarion took advantage of its lowered guard and bite deeply into its flesh. A second later the cockroach was impaled by Bertholdt's spear, stopping it just a couple inches from Arrika.
Elriel's blades once more miss the vermin completely, not even enough to draw its attention from Sabrina.
The remaining cockroach attacks Sabrina once more, biting deeply into her leg, even if it also suffered from its sustained wounds.
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2nd Round
Elriel
Arrika
Giant Cockroach [dead]
Giant Cockroach [11 dmg - wounded (-2)]
Bertholdt - up [11/12 - healthy]
Anevia
Kelumarion - up
Sabrina - up [8/11 - grazed (-1)]
Aravashniel
3rd Round
Elriel - up
Arrika - up
Giant Cockroach
Bertholdt
Anevia
Kelumarion
Sabrina
Aravashniel
His hackles raised from the rush of taking down the first cockroach, Kelumarion lopes forward, charging at the second creature. Facing off opposite Elriel, he takes advantage of the distraction the half-elf creates to bite deep into the creature, tearing out a chunk of thorax.
Arrika cheers raggedly as the cockroach charging toward her is quickly dispatched by the mad priest and her leonine protector. Realizing the immediate hazard to her has passed (and that it's a bit crowded around the other insect), she re-stows her mace and calls forth another small pool of acid, flinging it at the creature as she steps forward to put herself between it and Anevia. But in the rush of adrenaline, she overcompensates again; the liquid goes wide and the wall gains another small pit.
The half-elf grunted and put his core muscles into the next set of attacks but was frustrated as he totally missed the vermin.
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The second cockroach is also impaled by Bertholdt's spear, now responsible for the demise of both vermin. The cockroach tweaked by the end of the spear but finally remained still.
On this cavern, only the junk piles remains as well as a passage to the southeast. A quick inspection at the tunnel reveals a tunnel to the southwest as well as another to the east, after another small ledge.
On this cavern, only the junk piles remains as well as a passage to the southeast. A quick inspection at the tunnel reveals a tunnel to the southwest as well as another to the east, after another small ledge.
Elriel kicks the carapace of the dead cockroaches and congratulates his companions, "Good work. Everybody OK?" He adjusts his glowing headband and makes sure his weapons are ready to be used again.
He then peers at both passage ways and selects the one to the southwest. "Let's see what's in here. I don't want anyone sneaking up behind us."
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Sabrina sheaths her sword, she seems a little displeased with herself, letting that bug get the jump on her.
A quck check on the group's overall health, then she moves to join Elriel.
If any of this campsite is salvageable we could use it. will be usefull for the comfort of the wounded. Elriel and myself will check up ahead.
glancing with her darkvision down both passageways.
I agree, I can see in the dark, I can scout it out.
glancing back and remembering herself her own experiences, wouldn't hurt she suggests.
Elriel grimaced at the talk of eating cockroaches, even if giant cockroaches.
"Do what you will but I won't be having any roach tonight?"
He smiled and looked at Horgus, "How about you sir? Would you care for some gooey cockroach?"
He then added, "All kidding aside. What did you say you did in Kenabres? is there some way that you can help us get out of these caverns?"