GM Toothy's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Sir Longears

Sorry, I've had a heck of a last few days. Didn't mean to go quiet like that.

Worried over Kelumarion's fall, Arrika kneels next to her companion and begins to shake him, gently at first, then harder and harder. Tears begin to form in the corner of her eyes as she bends down over his ear. Kelu...wake up, please, wake up... When he finally rouses, she gives a damp cheer and throws her arms around his neck, burying her face in his mane.

Her companion out of danger, she turns to the items the dwarf had been carrying. The connection she had with Kelumarion had made her sensitive to the auras surrounding everything that had even been touched by magic; she'd learned to ignore it, but now she gives it her full attention, and Kelumarion, sharing in her mental commentary through their bond, weighs in, an occasional nod of understanding an unusual sight from the beast.

Casting detect magic on everything, read magic on the writings. Is it ok if I have Kelumarion aid on the Perception checks?

Kelumarion - Perception the first aid another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 Success. +2.
Arrika - Perception the first: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Kelumarion - Perception the second aid another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Success. +2.
Arrika - Perception the second: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Oh, sure, he gets all the good rolls...if those rolls were reversed as to who got which, I'd have both the checks. Hrmph.

Do I need the Spellcraft roll for the scrolls if I have read magic? As in, is it [(Spellcraft 20 with detect magic) or read magic], or is it [Spellcraft 20 with (detect magic or read magic)]? Guess who majored in math and logic at college...I'll assume I can read them for now.

Sorry...I...haven't had much in the way of formal training with magic. This bottle holds some kind of conjuration spell, and this one bottles some kind of illusion...and the cloak is some kind of protective magics...but I can't be sure of what they do exactly. She offers up the flasks and cloak to everyone, an embarrassed look on her face.

Once they're handed off, she starts poring over the scrolls, Kelumarion's insight helping her to decipher the strange texts. This parchment discusses how to channel electric energy out of the air...and this one how to protect yourself from hostile energies. And this spellbook...it's got all kinds of interesting spells. Finding hidden doors, sending up a cloud of fog...oh, Kelu, this must be how I tripped him up! Quickly she becomes absorbed in reading, fascinated with the arcane writings.

I am going to put a point in Spellcraft next level, I swear, now that she's got some study material. ;)

I'm not sure about the aiding of Kelumarion (since you are trying to identify the potion by its taste) but it is moot in this case! You are correct about the read magic... you need not Spellcraft to use read scroll.

I thought, since they have free-action telepathy, he could get feedback from her thoughts expeditiously enough to contribute. Worth a shot. :)

"Ok, he's got stuff. Nice stuff. But who was he? What was he doing down here? OH! IS THERE A MAP?" he asks Arrika.

Bertholdt's shout shakes Arrika from her reverie. Map? Map...no, I don't think I saw anything like that...and there's not much to say what he'd have been doing here...some more food and another bedroll, though, at least. That'll be good if it comes to another night in here. While the adrenaline coursing through her from the fights had helped to distract her some from her illness, she was still feeling rather miserable; the thought of having to go any part of the night without a bedroll again was a miserable one, but she had resigned herself to it.

There was that temple, though; it wouldn't surprise me if some dwarves have been living in here for a while, or if it's a place the dwarves come to visit sometimes. She peers down at the fallen form of the mad dwarf, simultaneously repulsed and unable to turn away. Should we bury him? I mean, he was mad, right? He didn't know what he was doing...What do dwarves even do to take care of their fallen?

Bertholdt's shoulders sag as he learns there is no map, and sag even further when he is reminded of his duties as a priest. His back sore from crouching in caves and digging graves, he shrugs: "Of course we must! Let's gather rocks everyone and I'll say a few words. Quickly now!" he shouts, but his voice is weak, for he wonders what should take precedence in the face of a demonic incursion: decency or expediency. He knows the answer, but he knows he'll die once he reaches the surface...

Once more, he fails to find the right words, but nonetheless sends this Dwarf on his way to the Boneyard.

"Enough time wasted! Let's find the surface..."

"I think we should not really worry about what have brought this crazed fellow down here... the underworld was always a place for pariahs and fugitives, even if there are exceptions... I'd not be surprised if he was some sort of fugitive, heretic or criminal, escaping from noble persecutors..." Aravashnial ponders about the matter.

Anevia nods. "Nevertheless, now that we have 'buried' him, I agree with you, Bertholdt, we should press forward... if I never enter a cavern again I'll not complain..."

A steeply inclined tunnel leads upward to the north, its walls lined with numerous nooks, handholds, and dozens of iron pitons that have been driven into the walls long ago. This shaft leads upward at a steep angle for 60 feet. The cracks, handholds, and pitons, placed here years ago, allow you to ascend the shaft almost as if a ladder were present.

After climbing for 60 feet, the shaft levels out and heads northwest for approximately an hour. The tunnel opens into a large cavern, about seventy feet across. Cylindrical rock formations along the walls arch up to make a dome like chamber, but the walls and floor are riddled with cracks. At the center of the cave a stone tower that may once have reached the fifty-foot-high ceiling has collapsed onto its side.

Besides the collapsed tower you see two creatures that drop in defensive stances, but not aggressive, as you approach. One of them is a hunchbacked woman, her face completely warped by tumors. The second is a tall and thin man, with a face that melds the features of an attractive elven man, a goat, and a lizardfolk. His oversized fingers end in dull, spadelike talons.

"Greetings whoever you are... if your intentions are ill, we ask you to move on and leave us in peace. If they are good, then perhaps you can help. As you can see, misfortune has befallen us." He speaks in a raspy voice, speaking in a strangely accented but quite eloquent Common. His hands are covered in dust and he seems to have been digging the pile o rubble, perhaps after something, or someone, trapped inside.

back at the crazed dwarf

Sabrina looks a bit somber at the need to kill the dwarf, it is unfortunate that it did end the way it did. I have seen the evil that can corrupt a good heart. unfortunately this was for the best.

moving on...

Sabrina assists the wounded with the climbing, doing her best to ensure everyine remains safe. all the while still looking out for Horgus, just in case.

Once near the tower. Sabrina scans the area for danger while listening to the creatures below.

Detect evil on the two then scan the area.

How may we help? Sabrina calls back down (If the do not detect as evil)

Arrika - Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Kelumarion - Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

After the undead priest and the crazed dwarf they had just laid to rest, Arrika was on edge; she eyes the newcomers warily, sagging against Kelumarion as the day's efforts and her illness began to catch up with her again. W-what happened? she adds to Sabrina's question, a slight shiver from fever chills working its way back into her voice. She's learned her lesson this time, staying well back from the two until they've proven good will, although she moves her spell's glow to a stone and throws it further into the space to better illuminate them.

At Sabrina's question, the creature moves back a little, besides a big rock, in position to lift it. He awaits for your help though.

"One of our friends, Crel, is trapped beneath the tower! We have cleared away enough rubble but this large rock is two heavy!" To Arrika he adds. "I'll gladly answer any question you have, miss, but please, help us first!"

Up to six creatures can lift the large rock.

::If they deceive us, I cannot tell, child.::

Kelumarion bounds forward, his soft footpads making nearly no noise on the stones, and begins to push against the large stone, planting all four feet and leaning into the rock with his shoulder. Arrika moves forward instinctively as well; though she finds her fever has left her surprisingly weak, she digs in and gives as solid of a shove as she can manage.

Strength check? - Kelumarion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Strength check? - Arrika: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Bertholdt frowns at Arrika, obviously wondering whether to stab or help them, and waits for her signal.

Arrika's result is still not enough (19, +2 from Kelumarion's aid)... you need a total of 25 to move the rock.

I detect no evil in them. Sabrina adds, as she moves to assist them.

Sabrina strength check: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 - 1 = 5

It would seem Sabrina is still to wounded, as she tries to assist a small amount of blood seeps from under her armor as the wound starts to open again.

Bertholdt snaps to life at Arrika's command and leaving his lngspear within reach, gives the rock a heave.

Str: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"It's- It's too big!"

Oh, come on, you guys going to let a little sick girl beat you? :P If Aravashnial was guided over, could he help to push? Could the man and woman help any? Can Bertholdt or Sabrina retry the check? Me and Kelumarion won't - our results are too good already.

Straining against the heavy stone, Arrika can barely gasp out a reply. C-come on - h-hurry up! I c-can't hold it m-much longer... Her feet start to slip, and Kelumarion beside her strains with all his might as well.

I'm back and slowly catching up. I have a crazy rest of the week but should be able to keep up and post.

Elriel spat on his hands and flexed a couple of times before putting his back into the rock.

With the cat-thing's help, the rock slowly but steadily moved...

___________
STR check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Elriel moves to one side of the rock and the man to the other. With your combine effort you are able to move the big rock and release the poor man trapped under it, whose craws as quick as possible. Crel, the formerly trapped man, has the legs of a goat and strange formations along his body, resembling roots and thorns.

"T-Than-an-k y-you g-g-go-o-o-od p-p-p-eop-p-p-ple" Crel stammers. You can see this condition is not caused by his emotion and perhaps, for the sake of a better understanding, it would be better to talk to the other man.

"Yes, thank you! I can not stress this enough! My friend would be doomed if not for your noble help... oh, I'm Lann and this is Dyra." Lann bows to you before continuing. "As I promised you, girl, now we can talk more... all of this happened yesterday, when a strange earthquake brought our watchtower down! Most of us that were inside the tower died within the rubbles and only we survived."

You hear Anevia whispering to Aravashnial, probably describing what was happening. He smiles after a couple seconds and steps forward with her help. "Oh, I assume you are the mongrelmen, sons and daughters of tainted crusaders from the First Crusade! We saw the sculptures you left behind and I have lots of questions to ask you!" Aravashnial then bombarded the mongrelman with a big sequence of questions, from their tainted blood, to habits, their habitations, and even how do they look for partners. You can see that Lann is clearly uncomfortable with all this questions but, luckily, after the mongrelman asks the elf to stop with the questions, Aravashnial nods.

"T-Than-an-k y-you g-g-go-o-o-od p-p-p-eop-p-p-ple" Crel stammers. You can see this condition is not caused by his emotion and perhaps, for the sake of a better understanding, it would be better to talk to the other man.

"Yes, thank you! I can not stress this enough! My friend would be doomed if not for your noble help... oh, I'm Lann and this is Dyra." Lann bows to you before continuing. "As I promised you, girl, now we can talk more... all of this happened yesterday, when a strange earthquake brought our watchtower down! Most of us that were inside the tower died within the rubbles and only we survived."

Happy to be of help, Elriel stands aside as the mongrelmen are peppered with questions.

After it was finished, he stated, "The earthquake that killed your people was no natural event. The city above has ben taken over by demons and we are trapped below."

He cocked his head, "At least we were trapped. Do you know a way to the city above?"

Lann nods to Elriel's question, even if his face betrays his astonishment and worry. "Oh, you bring dire news! I'm sure our chieftain would like to know about his... about a way to the city above, I know a couple but all of them are dangerous, walking close to horrors from the underground that are better to leave undisturbed. We used to have a quick route from our own city, Neathholm, to the surface but this route was seized by 'the traitors'... perhaps we should guide you to Neathholm first, yes, I think it is a good idea... the tunnel that leads directly to it collapsed during the earthquake but we know a secondary route." Lann gestures and points to one of the tunnels. You can see many tunnels leading out of this area, perhaps this was the reason why the mongrelmen built a watchtower here, to watch all the tunnels.

The t-traitors? Who a-are the traitors? The idea of a city to spend the night in sounds unspeakably appealing to the feverish Arrika, and the mongrelmen seem friendly enough...but the idea of possibly getting further from a way to the surface appeals less. We r-really do need to get to the s-surface...K-Kenabres is going to need all the help it can g-get...

While Arrika's times in the crusader city had never been precisely happy, there were some who had treated her well enough; the Inheritor's Wings had certainly taken her in and kept her fed and clothed, and she'd started to grow fond of some of the younger kids who had arrived after her. At the thought of them caught in the demon-conquered city above, a catch works into her throat that has nothing to do with the fever...

Holding back the sudden emotion, she turns to the others. I-if the f-fastest way is from here, we n-need to keep p-pressing on, not go to their c-city. But if we can f-fix Anevia's leg better in N-neathholm, or g-get a chance to get some better r-rest...do we follow them?

"We need to get to the surface quickly! This is our goal, no?" asks Bertholdt, looking to Sabrina.

Elriel speaks to the deformed, "We have two in our group that are sick or injured and we need to get back up to Kenabres quickly."

His hands were up, "You know this area much better than us; which way is best?"

At Arrika's question Lann frowns. "We should not be talking about them... traitors from blood, cursed ones." He spits on the ground.

Lann shakes his head. "You misunderstood me... there are other paths to the surface but not directly to Kenabres." The mongrelman starts to point the tunnels. "Two of them goes north, for almost two days before there is a way out but it ends in the middle of the Worldwound; one of them goes west and ends in a big subterranean lake and then, if you can hold your breath for a couple hours, will lead you to an underwater cave on the Rushflow, no, not this name..." He pauses for a moment, scratching his forehead before continuing. "Ah Sellen River, West... I think you use this name; another goes east and then south for almost a week before reaching the Estrovian Forest." Lann counts on his fingers as he enumerates the ways to the surface. "Neathholm lays directly below Kenabres, since it was the home for the sons of the First Crusade... I only remember the blocked passage but perhaps our chieftain knows another way... Neathholm is, I think, less than two hours from here."

Elriel shakes his head, "Middle of the Worldwound, one week of walking, and holding our breath for hours are not real options."

He turned to his companions, "Let's go talk to their chieftain. It's only a couple of hours away and he may have a better solution. Anyone disagree?"

The question was more rhetorical than anything else and Elriel wasted little time in turning back to the deformed, "Lead the way but go slow. Remember we have injured among us."

hello all, sorry been silent, still a little sick but gonna post. up till now Sabrina has simply listened to the suggestions without to much to say. (makes it a little easier)

I know all to well about the taint of evil and how it can turn friends into enemies. even family. Sabrina is silent for second as she tries to put aside some painful memories.

anyway, it is best we go with them. If Kenabres is able to be saved we will need all the help we can. and perhaps these people can assist in that. maybe a chance for them to regain the honor they once had and become respected crusaders once more.

Sabrina finally introduces herself, I am Sabrina. Knight of Iomedae and Crusader of the second crusades.

Sabrina will move to assist the injured as she urges the mongrelmen to lead the way.

O-ok, Arrika answers with a shiver. L-lead the way. She falls in near the back of the march, watching to make sure Anevia and Aravashnial are managing all right and leaning slightly on Kelumarion as they walk together.

::Maybe they'll have a bed I can sleep in tonight, Kelu. Or at least better blankets I could buy.:: Her hand strays to her belt pouch, where the few coins she had brought to the festival rattle loosely. She'd hoped to pick up some of the Brevic sweets she'd seen last year, or even a piece of costume jewelry from one of the Varisian caravans...how much plans had changed. ::If they use the same money we do...::

At that thought, she slowly makes her way forward to Lann, Dyra, and Crel. Excuse m-me...sorry...in your city, is there a p-place we could get sup-p-plies? It's just...I got caught by s-surprise, didn't have my t-traveling things with me...I can p-pay, I have a few coins...

Lann gestures to Crel and Dyra and they start to lead the way. Lann remains a couple steps behind so he can answer your questions as you move. At Sabrina's comment about 'regaining their honor' halts for a second before continuing. "We have lost no honor and the only thing we should regain is our right to walk in the surface without prejudice... Arrika's questions distracts the man and he chooses to forget the crusader's slip. "Yes, girl, we indeed have supplies but I'd be surprised if our chieftain do not reward you for assisting us... your money will not be necessary."

After winding roughly southwest for almost one hour, the tunnel reaches a significant obstacle. Ahead, a wide chasm splits the tunnel floor. The floating rock dust in the air and the groans as the tunnel walls settle indicate that the tunnel split recently.

Perhaps the same tremors that brought down the mongrelmen guard post also created this small chasm. The mongrelmen clearly express dismay when they see the chasm. Lann comes closer to the chasm and Dyra communicates with him through strange gestures... he nods then walks back to you. "There's a way onward on the far side of the chasm to the southeast, so we might still be able to reach Neathholm but I've also begun to worry that the tremors may have destroyed our home..."

The chasm is 10 feet across, 70 feet wide, and 30 feet deep. The tunnel continues on from the chasm's opposite side about 40 feet east of the entrance. Climbing along the edges of the rift looks as difficult as climbing down and then back up.

You can jump the chasm with a Acrobatic Check DC 10 or climb along the edges of the rift or climb down and then back up with a Climb Check DC 15. It will be hard for Anevia or Aravashnial to cross in either ways though...

During the walk, Bertholdt wonders at the comments about lost honours and wishes to pursue the conversation, but he prefers to wait and asks Sabrina in private.

As they reach the chasm, Bertholdt whistles softly: "That's a big one... Was there a rope in that bag we found? We barely see the bottom. Safest is to go down, then all up." He looks at the injured members of the party and winces.

Elriel looks at chasm, confident in his ability to jump it, but then sees the injured in the group and shakes his head in dismay.

"Yes, Bertholdt is right; we need to go down and then up on the other side."

He shuffles through his pack and pulls out pitons and rope. "I will be the anchor on this side and go last. Once you all descend, I can pull up the rope, jump across, and set up the rope on the other side for you all to climb up."

Confident he found the most practical solution, he starts hammering a piton into the ground...

In succession, the three mongrelmen takes distance, run and jump across the rift with ease.

"I also have some rope if you need..." Anevia is visibly worried about how she will be able to cross the chasm but, in a reassuring tone, Aravashnial calms her. "If the crossing seems to dangerous, I could conjure a flying creature strong enough to carry us across... it will be easier to cross but will rob us his aid in the future..."

If he's g-going to be more help later, then w-wait...I think we can manage. If you and Anevia have trouble climbing, we should be able to lower you down and pull you up, right? With you just needing to hold on? Secretly, Arrika hopes the answer is yes...because she's not sure her already-shaking arms can take the climb, and there was no way Kelumarion was going to pull himself up a rope. And she hated sending Kelu away if she didn't have to...but she knew Elriel's plan was best, and if her companion had to go home for a few minutes, so be it.

If he's g-going to be more help later, then w-wait...I think we can manage. If you and Anevia have trouble climbing, we should be able to lower you down and pull you up, right? With you just needing to hold on?

Elriel reassured her, "Yes, and I can put a couple of knots in the rope so you can all rest your feet in it. With myself and a couple of others pulling, we should be able to pull anyone up."

He sort of whispered to Arrika, "Would it be Ok if I tie the rope around your cat once he jumps across? He looks strong. Can you tell him that so he won't try to bite me?"

Bite you? He wouldn't - Arrika trails off, looking genuinely confused at the question. He's not some kind of circus animal - he knows friend from foe. And he knows what you're saying - you don't have to go through me to talk to him. Just ask him yourself. She turns to her companion...

...only to find the cat already padding toward Elriel, sitting on his haunches and stretching to expose his midsection and make it easier to secure the rope. Of courrrse I will bearrr it, he replies, the usual hint of growl behind his words. The brown-furred woman has anotherr...shall I jump now, so all can begin the climb upwarrrd as soon as they rrreach the floorr?

...only to find the cat already padding toward Elriel, sitting on his haunches and stretching to expose his midsection and make it easier to secure the rope. Of courrrse I will bearrr it, he replies, the usual hint of growl behind his words. The brown-furred woman has anotherr...shall I jump now, so all can begin the climb upwarrrd as soon as they rrreach the floorr?

Elriel was about to start an awkward explanation, complete with exaggerated hand gestures and slow speech, when the cat-thingy approached.

"Er, Ok. Sure. No, wait. Don't jump now. We need to maintain ourselves in groups for safety purpose. Let them get down first, after Sabrina for protection, and then you can jump across. Ok?"

Here's what I propose. Going down: Sabrina, Bertholdt, Anevia, Aravashnial, Arrika. Jump across: Kelu and Elriel. Going up: reverse order of going down.

Right, since you are using ropes to lower and the lift everyone and they will only need to hold the rope, no climb checks or strength checks will be necessary, except for Elriel's and Kelumarion's acrobatics check to jump across.

One by one you go down the chasm and, to your relief, nothing creepy was on the bottom. Since the chasm is a new feature, no predator claimed it yet but who knows in the future?

From the other side, the three mongrelmen gestures to you to throw the rope to them, so they can haul the ones on the bottom. "Throw us the rope! We can haul them in no time!"

I will brrring it with me, and assist. With the rope tied around his middle, Kelumarion dashes for the chasm's edge, bunching his ropy haunches for a powerful leap.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

With ease, he alights on the other side of the ravine, landing next to the mongrelmen with barely a sound. Thrrrow the rrrope to those at the bottom. I will help to brrrace it.

Once the cat-thingy is across, Elriel takes a couple of steps back and jumps the chasm.

"Get away from the ledge; I'm coming over."

___________________
acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

With the help of the mongrelmen, Elriel and Kelumarion are able to lift all the others from the bottom of the chasm and soon resume their travel through the dark tunnels.

The tunnel continues along a mostly southeastern course for another half hour before reaching a circular cavern. As you approach, the mongrels stop you for a couple seconds. "Be careful ahead... the cave ahead is rarely used nowadays. It has become the den of a particularly dangerous 'spore-cougher', a monster with spidery stalks, long green tendrils, and an inverted bell-shaped cap filled with spores." Lann gestures as he explains.

"I think you are describing a basidirond..." Anevia tries to help before Lann continues. "Perhaps you are right... nevertheless, with your help I'm sure we'll be able to defeat the monster and move through its lair or, if we're lucky, the creature might be even hunting elsewhere..." Lann then resumes walking.

The tunnel opens into a circular cavern, roughly 40 feet in diameter. Thick sheets of fungus grow in the cave, and several tunnels branch off. All of these save one in the north wall lead downward; the northern one leads upward. What appear to be two dead bodies lie on the ground in the middle of the cave, next to a strange heap of ropy green fungus.

As you come closer to inspect the scene, you see that the basidirond that dwelled here has been killed recently, but the two men who probably killed it were slain in the battle. One of them was killed by the fungus itself, bearing bruises around his face and, the other died in the agony few seconds of the creature's spores. The mongrels are obviously relieved. "Oh! Looks like you bring luck with you! The spore-cougher is dead! We should now head north, to Neathholm, unless you wish to take a look at the bodies first..."

Since you are still looking for Horgus, I'll assume you will take a look at the bodies to save us time.

Both men are dressed as crusaders of Iomedae, and each still wears a masterwork chain shirt. One of the dead bodies still carries a potion, while the other has a scroll in a pouch. Between the two of them, they also carry 129 gp. Curiously, the crusaders are not armed with the
longswords typically wielded by Iomedae's followers, but instead carry glaives and a spiked gauntlet. Furthermore, the body on which the scroll was found clutches something tightly in his fist, a small symbol of a brass bull's head with tiny red gemstone eyes.

Sabrina continues on, offering aid to the wounded the whole way. she tries to keep up everyone' spirits as they travel.

The dead crusaders is of concern to her. strange, why are they armed like this? Sabrina ponders out loud. though she has no evidence to the contrary.

If we need to rest, perhaps a spot nearby would do. at least long enough to catch our breath and check on the wounded.

Elriel looked at the crusaders and the apparent loot but was at a loss at identifying any of it.

He proceeded to describe the symbol to Aravashnial to see if he knew what it was. He then asked the mongrelmen about it. "Do any of you know anything about it?"

He did take a look at the fine chain shirt and decided to keep it. "For the time being unless any of you want it..."

Once the armor was on, he moved with his blades to make sure they would not be hindered. "Ready? Let's go find this spore-thing."

let me know if I can add the chain shirt to my PC sheet

Arrika - Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Kelumarion - Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Casting read magic.

No, the spore-cougher's d-dead, he said...that's what killed them, the f-fungus there... Arrika mumbles, absorbed in deciphering the arcane symbols on the scroll. After several more moments, she speaks out again. I've heard some of the c-clerics talk about spells like this b-before...it's w-written to cause fear in s-someone...and it's not n-nice reading...

At Elriel's offer of the armor, Arrika takes a close look, admiring the fine rings. It was certainly much nicer than the shabby leather she wore, stained and missing several of the sunburst-shaped studs... There's t-two of them, right? So y-you and I could both wear o-one...Sabrina? Bertholdt? Do either of y-you need lighter armor to w-wear? While she didn't exactly relish the idea of wearing armor pulled from a dead man, now wasn't the time to be squeamish...and who knew what else could be hiding in these tunnels?

Bertholdt said he would not be able to post from Friday to Wednesday so I'll bot him right now.

"By the Inheritor, these are not crusaders! The brass bull's head is the unholy symbol of Baphomet, the Demon Lord!" He then turns his attention to your mongrel companions. "Have you seen these kind before in these tunnels?"

Lann nods affirmatively. "Indeed we have and their presence around here have increased, but the information about their alliance was unknown to us... well, it makes sense for they have some sort of alliance with "the traitors"..." He sighs before continuing. "The traitors are a bad tribe of mongrels that live on a small complex southeast of Neathholm."

Once the bodies are identified as Baphomet cultists, Anevia is visibly disgusted and Aravashnial is, somehow, delighted. "I have heard about the rumors that the cult of Baphomet had infiltrated various mercenary groups, but proof that at least two had been disguised as Iomedaean crusaders is something else entirely! Oh... I fear more and more about my wife..." Anevia sighs.

"Indeed! This cult is known as the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth! I told them it was real! I believe we should bring the bodies with us so they can be identified by the church!" Aravashnial is quick to say.

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Elriel frowns, "Listen Aravashnial, I don't know what you want with these bodies but there's no way that we are taking them along. We already have living, friendly people that need help so I'm not about to carry evil, dead cultists with us. The unholy symbol will have to provide proof enough."

He turns to Lann, "Ok, but we are NOT going to the traitors' complex, right? We have sick people that need help and we are interested in leaving the tunnels, not fighting. Understood?"

"Now, let's get to this Neathholm of yours."

Sabrina stood guard as the others discussed. she felt something was wrong with those bodies, but Berthold confirmed it.

at the offer of lighter armor, Sabrina declines, I am fine with this. thank you for the offer.

sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Sabrina seemed to distracted to pay much notice to Aravashnial's intentions. but does agree that lugging the bodies would not be beneficial at all.

Lann nods to you and then leads you through the tunnel. The tunnel winds north for about half an hour before reaching a circular, 20-foot-diameter cavern. Four mongrelmen stand guard here before a large stone door.

The guards greet their mongrel companions warmly. While they eye you with suspicion, Lann's word is good enough to let you all enter the chamber beyond the door, into the settlement of Neathholm... a small, dark lake ripples in the center of this two-hundred­ foot-wide cavern, the walls and ceiling aglow with thick sheets of luminescent fungi. In the center of the lake, over two dozen low stone buildings cluster on a rocky one-hundred-foot-wide island. Lights glow in the windows of the buildings, giving the settlement an almost welcoming look. Rafts made of mismatched planks of timber bob along the length of a crooked pier at the lake's closest shore.

Lann, Crel and Dyra escort you to the largest building atop the island's low central peak, this is the home of Chief Sull, a bloated and unpleasant-looking but mild-mannered mongrel with one clouded white eye.

Chief Sull listens to Lann's report, in undercommon, nods, and speaks to you, this time in common. "Oh, thank you, noble heroes... it is not common, unfortunately, for the people from the surface to see us not as monsters but you made more! You saved Crel, one of us. Lann told me something about an invasion in Kenabres and how you felt into the these darklands... could you tell me more about it?" Chief Sull waits for your answer with patience.

Elriel was a bit taken back when the conversation went on in a language that he did not understand.

Once the leader addressed them, he stated in a practical, even tone, "Yes, demons have run amok on Kenabres. A more detailed story can wait until my companions are taken care of. We have one limping, one blind, and one sick. Is there anything that you can do for them?"

He then added, "We are also looking for a way back up to the surface..."

Sabrina steps forward, I am Sbarina De'Foe, Crusader of the second Crusades, Sabrina greets the chief as a fellow noble, My friend is right, I will gladly share what we know of what has happened, but please, I implore you, can you aid out wounded?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
knowledge nobility: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

P-please, Arrika adds, leaning against Kelumarion and holding her cloak close. She's got a b-broken leg - She indicates Anevia, propped against the wall. We n-need a healer to look at it. And his e-eyes are hurt... she adds, pointing to Aravashnial. And I n-need to buy a couple of s-supplies, if there's a place...I c-can pay... Strangely, it doesn't seem as if asking for a doctor for herself has even crossed her mind; nearly all her concern is focused on Anevia and Aravashnial.

There was a f-festival in Kenabres, A-Arnasse. We were watching, a-and then... It pained Arrika to recall the horror that had followed, but she soldiered on stoically. The Kite was g-gone, and d-demons started appearing everywhere...and then the whole p-plaza broke in half, right under us... Between the fever and the pain of the recollection, Arrika's face is steadily fading from a warm brown to a pallid grey, but she seems intent on meeting the Chief's request.

Aid another - Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 +2 to Sabrina's Diplomacy check for a total of 27.