Serinda frowned and sheathed her sword as the robot died before Rovaan's assault. She could see she was mostly superfluous this fight. She must strive to do better in the future.
"I hope you will let me..."
Nope. Before she can even finish her request, Eska starts smashing the thing. She had been planning to salvage it for potion materials, but now that obviously won't be possible.
"Please try not to destroy it too much. The head might make a nice trophy."
Then, she turned to walk into the workshop as she hears the voice. She follows it carefully to the girl, kneeling down as the Kellid youth climbs out from beneath the table. The question causes her to look back to the robot corpse, just to make certain.
"If it is not, give our companion another minute with it," she answered, before looking back to the girl and holding out her hand. "I am Serinda. Who might you be?"
Eska cocks her head at the beast. She draws a very fine mace and prods at the creature.
"That's it?" she grunts.
After a moment of disappointment she swings her mace at the disabled robot, smashing it again and again--just to make sure.
As she realized the bot was down and not getting up, Molly lowered her weapon. Her face was a study in relief. It very quickly was replaced with annoyance as she looked down at her musket.
I knew that was too slow.
With determination she raised up the musket again and sighted in on a portion of the bot that wasn't being turned to scrap metal.
Breathe out and squeeze ...
Click ... hisss ... BANG!
There was a metallic Twang! and a piece of the bot spun off away from the rest.
Molly nodded in satisfaction and shouldered her firearm.
"Can't be sure it's dead 'til it's scrap." Eska grunts in reply, whacking the broken robot with her mace a few more times.
Rovaan's expression softens moments after the immediate threat of the robot is no more. Embarrassed at his savage behaviour, he focuses his attention on his blade, checking that the edge hasn't dulled from the impact of steel on steel.
As Eska violently belts the broken machine with her mace, he glances at her with curiosity before sheathing his sword. At the sound of the child's voice, he moves closer to see if she is alright.
Watching Eska wantonly reduce the vanquished construct to scrap, Frankie raises her weapon-wielding hand half-open palmed in a gesture of placation, a sharp intake of breath preceding a calming statement before she thinks better of it and stops herself.
With a concerned look undulating across her face, Frankie leaves Eska to her work. Approaching the rest of the group, she sees the young girl and greets her with a friendly nod. "You must be Val, I take it? I think the big metal thing will be well past dead by the time our friend is done with it. You're not hurt, are you?"
As the group gathered in the house, Molly moved close to Rovaan. The woman placed her hand on the large man's arm. "Are you okay?" she asked quietly. "You sounded a little ... " Her eyes moved conspiratorially from side to side as if checking to see if she was being overheard. "... a little 'ruff' out there," she finished with a friendly smile, but behind it could be seen concern.
"I'm Valeria Baine, but everyone calls me Val." The young girl looks at Serinda with a look of curiosity in her eyes. As everyone begins to move into the workshop Val begins to become a little nervous, she looks at Frankie as she voices her concern "I'm alright, just a little frightened is all. I was cleaning the storeroom for when father gets back when the robot just came to life and lunged at me. I ducked underneath the table and it just ignored me as it began breaking things and then trying to put them back together."
A look of comprehension crosses her face as she surveys the group assembled in her house "You must be her about father. Let's go to the tavern proper and we can talk more there." with that she leads everyone from the house into the tavern building.
Rovaan turns as he feels Molly's small hand on his arm.
"I'm fine, little one. It happens sometimes when I... when I feel angry or afraid. My father says it's a gift, that the old spirits of my people are with me, but I just feel embarrassed about it." he says with a forced smile and blushing cheeks.
------------------------------------------
He listens as Val introduces herself and suggests they all head to the tavern, then waits for Molly to leave before following her into the building.
Finally through with the robot, Eska shoves its smashed, hollowed out head into Serinda's hands.
"One of your ancestors?" she asks curtly--clearly intending the remark as a threat, not a question. Then she stomps off after Val into the tavern without waiting for an answer from the android.
Serinda nods as the girl decided to head to the tavern, choosing to follow. She frowns as she is handed the head, hearing the comment and tilting her head.
"Unlikely. But I doubt you are either," she muttered as Eska stalked off.
The android then followed into the bar, carrying the head and hoping it would garner them a good reputation by displaying it.
Lifting her warhammer over her shoulder and placing it back into it's thong, Frankie's face lights into a sincere smile.
"Ah, a tavern! No argument here," she exclaims, eagerly following Val inside.
You enter the tavern as Val begins to take chairs off of a table for you all to sit. She gestures around the tavern as she says "It's not much, but you're welcome to stay here free of charge while you search for my father. There's cots and bedrolls in the cloak room and I can serve you your meals, they won't be the best but they'll be plentiful." She looks almost sheepish when she adds "You can help yourselves to the alcohol, just make sure you leave enough to celebrate when you bring my father home."
"Um...yeah, about that. You have any ideas on how you're going to do that?"
Serinda began to look around the tavern, trying to see what she could find and if there was anything hidden she needed to deal with. Or toss Eska at while running away. Either or.
"Thank you," she replied to Val. "Hopefully, with alacrity."
She has no idea how they're going to do that, and is silently hoping someone else has a plan. She is not looking forward to however-many hours of winging it that is the other option.
Eska sits down in a chair, and sprawls out in it. Leaning forward with a serious look she eyes Val.
Soft.
She scowls. "We're going where he went. If he's alive, we'll drag him back. If he's dead, we'll bring you his corpse."
Eska sits down in a chair, and sprawls out in it. Leaning forward with a serious look she eyes Val.
Soft.
She scowls. "We're going where he went. If he's alive, we'll drag him back. If he's dead, we'll bring you his corpse."
Molly rolls her eyes at Eska's bluntness.
"I'm sure he's still alive, Val," she says with a glare at the Kelid. "He's probably just trapped somewhere in the caves."
She looks around at the others.
"So where are the caves?
The little girl swallows the lump that rises in her throat at Eska's brusque words "Y, You see father found a passage between the caves and the Weeping Pond." she begins to explain "He was down there checking the toxicity level of the pond when the Flame went out. It was there that he found a large group of footprints that went into the water but didn't come out."
Eska scoffs and shakes her head in disgust.
Figures. Damned robots were bound to have something to do with that poisoned pond.
"We'll swim in that filth if need be," she grunts. After a moment she begrudgingly elaborates, "Some priest is going to use his magic on us, so we can breathe underwater. We'll find the passage and anything else down there."
Leaning back in her chair, Eska kicks her feet up onto the table and crosses her arms over her chest. "I'm not afraid of getting wet."
Molly glances down at her powder horn.
"I can seal my powder horn, but I'm going to need some oil-cloth to wrap my weapon. I think I know where I can get some, but it might take a little bit of time. Should we get some waterproof bags as well? I mean, we're gonna need light and wet torches don't work to well."
She looks around at the others for confirmation.
"How soon did we want to leave?"
"I can make light of my own." Eska remarks without further explanation.
While the others 'grumble' about shopping, Eska looks at the girl.
"Did your father say anything about the caves? Are there other robots there?"
"Speaking of torches, I'll, ah, need to rely on sticking close to everyone else for that."
She gestures to her left shoulder, "My multitasking days are a bit behind me."
"I have spells which can bring light as well, I don't think we need to worry about torches so much.'says Rovaan. He stands awkwardly toward the back of the group near Molly, amazed at the thought that he might actually be venturing under the mountain in search of Khonnir. A real adventure!
"I didn't even think of half of that stuff Molly, you're so clever! I told you it was a good idea for you to come along." he mutters under his breath to his halfling friend.
Serinda quietly decided to buy a waterproof bag as soon as she was done here and before they headed for a swim. But for now, and with a questioning glance to Eska at the woman's limited danger consideration, she wanted more information.
"Are there any dangers that are not robots?"
"I overheard father talking to people in the tavern about his first expedition. He mentioned something about a tribe of mysterious humanoids who could blend in with the walls and shadows of the cave walls as well as a nasty nest of gremlins.
What he talked about the most was his discovery of a solid metal wall, made of some alloy of adamantine and iron, with a pair of doors built into it. The first door was locked up tight and he couldn't get in but the second door was open, that was where he found the robot he brought back. He was going to go through that door again when he...disappeared."
"So ... gremlins and other shadow creatures ... " Molly reiterates.
"Well, even if we have sources of light, I'm gonna need some waterproof bags. So, brief shopping trip and meet back here?" she looks around at the others hoping for confirmation of her plan.
As some of the group exits the tavern for last minute shopping, Molly walks close to Serinda.
"Serinda, right?" the halfling questions hesitantly. "Eska really seems to be mad at you about something. Normally I wouldn't nose into something like that, but since we're working together ... " she shrugs her small shoulders as if that explains it all.
"What did you do to tick her off?" Molly finally blurts out.
"I have spells which can bring light as well, I don't think we need to worry about torches so much.'says Rovaan. He stands awkwardly toward the back of the group near Molly, amazed at the thought that he might actually be venturing under the mountain in search of Khonnir. A real adventure!
"I didn't even think of half of that stuff Molly, you're so clever! I told you it was a good idea for you to come along." he mutters under his breath to his halfling friend.
Molly doesn't respond to Rovaan's whispered compliment, but her embarrassment is indicated by the flush in her cheeks.
Eska grunts out a curt "Fine," in response to Molly's request for a shopping trip.
While the others prepare to spend their coin, Eska thinks about these strange stories... Camouflaged cave-dwellers, gremlins, and metal walls...
Whatever was lurking in the tunnels, it was sure to be trouble...
Upon arriving back at the tavern, Molly appears to be all business.
"So let's go find Joram, get en-spelled and go swimming."
Rovaan fidgets with the small pendant which hangs on a leather cord around his neck, his excitement obviously turning into nervousness.
"I'm ready when you are." he says with bravado.
"I could use a good swim. I hear the water is lovely this time of year," Frankie jests with a wry grin. Anyone and everyone in Torch knew that the waters of the Weeping Pond were foul enough to keep a person in the latrine for a day.
Serinda tried to remember what kind of wildlife or problems they might find near that kind of water, even as she walked out.
On her way out, she was surprised as the... Was it a halfling or a child? The android decided it must be a halfling and decided not to mention the child possibility to the authorities. She had heard humans hated it when you endangered their young.
Anyway, she stopped when Molly approached her.
"I was unaware she was angry with me," Serinda answered. "Some humans are not happy with what I am. She may be one of them. We should watch her closely in the future."
She walked into the tavern quietly, just in time to hear others preparing to leave. She nodded; this was the time to speak up.
"I am ninety percent certain there will not be any spontaneous explosions from me when we get wet. I am ready if all of you are."
It doesn't occur to the android just yet that no one is aware of her bombs.
Sorry guys, busy couple of days. Will get things kickstarted in the morning.
"I was unaware she was angry with me," Serinda answered. "Some humans are not happy with what I am. She may be one of them. We should watch her closely in the future."
Molly looks sidewise at the android as if the woman is toying with her.
"Uh, yeah. I don't think she'd like you any worse if you peed in her oatmeal," she says and then immediately her face turns red.
"Are you sure you didn't do anything?" the halfling continues after looking around to make sure no one heard her rude comment.
"I just can't believe someone would treat someone like that just because of what they are."
With the shopping trips over you reassemble at The Foundry before going to meet with Father Joram Kyte, the priest of Brigh in town. Approaching the temple the buildings bronze chimes and clockwork statues jingle and whirr in constant amazement.
Entering the temple you are met by an acolyte who leads you Father Kyte's office and, after knocking, announces you. Joram looks up from his work and waves his acolyte off with a shake of his head "I'm not that old yet" he says with a smile. For indeed Father Kyte is old, he's been the head priest of the temple for as long as anyone can remember. Standing up, he comes to greet each one of you with a still firm handshake "You must be the people who are going to look for my friend Khonnir, Dolga told me to expect you." After exchanging a few pleasantries Joram picks up a small rod from his desk and with a wave of his hand says "Let's be off then, shall we?"
Walking, slowly, through town you arrive at the shores of the Weeping Pond, whose acrid stench of sulfur and other chemicals burn your nose "It was here that Khonnir first found the footprints leading into the lake." Father Kyte explains "All the other expeditions have left from here." With that he takes the rod from his belt and begins casting a spell. Channeling the divine power through the rod he finishes his incantation. "You all have the power to breath underwater now" he tells you "The spell will last for a little under five hours for each of you. Good luck, be safe, and God's speed"
Upon arriving at the temple of Brigh, Eska casts a glance at the clockwork statues and gizmos all around. Despite her hate of the devices she couldn't help recognizing their parts, and mechanisms. Her infection had given her insight into such objects creation. She curled her lip up in disgust. Blasted curse.
At the sight of their mage her scowl deepened. A clockwork cleric. Figures.
Eska doesn't accept the man's handshake. Instead she mutters, "We have work to do."
She follows him to the Weeping Pond and scowls at the scent. Infected, just like everything else in this country.
"Where did he find the prints?" she asks, rubbing her nose.
As the man approaches her to cast a spell she flinches, then scowls.
Don't be a coward. You're already cursed, how much worse could it get?
Eska grits her teeth and accepts the man's spell without verbal complaint. As the spell takes hold she suppresses a shiver. Slowly, she eyes the poisoned pond.
That old fool had better be right...
After a few steadying breaths, Eska stomps into the lake.
At the Weeping Pond, Frankie thanks Father Kyte with a casual salute and a smile, "Thanks for the help, Joram. With any luck we won't need any more of your blessings today."
Before entering the Pond, she moves up beside Rovaan, "I'll move a lot better through the water with some help, and you're a strong lad."
Frankie demonstrates the assistance she needs by putting her arm around his shoulder and bracing herself against him. "We'll have to move together. It'll be slower for you, but much faster for me. So faster all together. Do you mind?"
Rovaan blushes a deep shade of red as Frankie puts her arm around his shoulder.
"I....uh.... Sure, I can help. Just hold on tight, I'll make sure we both get to the other side." he stutters with an awkward smile..
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Eska rolls her eyes at Rovaan's stupidity.
Without another word the five of you enter the Weeping Pond and begin your descent to the caves. As you swim down the fetid water clings to your skin like an oily film. After a few minutes underwater you find a passageway which leads you to a small stony beach. As each of you emerge from the water you feel a wave of nausea wash over you which quickly dissipates.
Looking around you see that the underground passage continues to the northeast where it disappears around a bend into the darkness. The air in this chamber is heavy and dank and smells slightly of vinegar and mold and, while distasteful, is not harmful. A five foot high ledge marks the eastern edge of the beach and several stalagmites can be seen from your vantage point disappearing into the cavern beyond.
Several scorch marks mar the stony floor, signs that you are not the first to land here.
You spot the tracks of several people who have climbed this ridge before you. An obvious sign that the other expeditions have gone this way.
As you get your bearings you notice several glowing red lights coming towards you from crevasses and cracks in the rock walls. You are not surprised as four giant beetles appear, their glowing red glands emitting an eerie light onto the beach. With hunger in their otherwise emotionless eyes, they rush to attack.
These creatures are Fire Beetles, small, mindless Vermin
The glands of a Fire Beetle can continue glowing for days after their deaths and as such are often prized by miners and other spelunkers.
Initiative:
Serinda had shrugged at Molly. She had done nothing she was aware of, and was not going to worry about it right now. She had preparations to make.
During the trip over, the android kept quiet. She had no clue what she was actually doing and was just following their lead. But she tried to put on a front of being a stoic adventurer. Mostly because she didn't want them taking her head off at a slight hesitation; Molly's words had bothered her a bit, even if she tried to ignore it.
It was not until they arrived in the cave that she really tried to be of use, looking around to try to discern anything helpful.
And then the fire beetles came. She glanced over at Paul, briefly wishing she had the magic to turn him into a walrus or something, and sighed as she drew her sword.
"Their glands will be useful to us as torches. They glow after death. And I may have use for anything else I can scrounge from the bodies, depending." And then she swung at the beetle before her and muttered, "Sword, don't let me down. I don't have time to twist and shout in extended combat."
As the group exits the water, Molly immediately drops her bags end begins to extract and ready her musket.
As the beetles appear, she drops her musket and readies and throws her short spear.
"Can't I even get a moment to dry off!?" she screams out.
As the party emerges from the water, Frankie thanks Rovaan for his assistance and begins attempting to dry off a bit. She frowns as the grimy substance clings to her despite her best efforts.
As the strange lights approaching the party materialize into large beetles, she sighs. "Well, at least we know what kind of day this is going to be."
Frankie un-slings her primary weapon and, eyeing the bug directly in front of her, brings the hammer down upon its head.
Serinda swings her sword at the onrushing vermin only to have it slide harmlessly off it's armored carapace.
Frankie unslings her hammer and brings it down on the beetles head, smashing through it's skull and splashing it's ichor all around.
Molly tosses her spear at the ravenous beast as it approaches. Her throw finds a spot between it's armored thorax and it's leg joint, sticking deep into it's abdomen.
The first beetle bites at Serinda but swerves to avoid her blade, as if some dull memory warns it to how dangerous those bits of metal can be.
The beetle in front of Frankie makes a feeble attempt to snap at her with it's mandibles before it succumbs to it's wounds.
Limping forward the next beetle makes a cautious approach to Molly before lunging to attack. Fortunately our heroine is nimbly able to dodge it's clumsy attempt.
The last beetle crawls from a crack in the rock face next to Eska. It's sudden emergence catches her unaware but the beetle is unable to capitalize on it's surprise as it's jaws close on nothing but empty air.
Eska's eyes widen in surprise as the beetle's mandibles snap shut near her face.
Foolish! I've grown soft!
Eska draws her ancestral mace, a beautiful cold iron weapon covered in the ancient sigils and imagery of her people, and swings it at the beetle's face.
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! You just threw your only hand-to-hand weapon!
"Rovaan!" Molly calls out as she dodges the snapping jaws - her shortspear protruding from the beetle's leg bobbing tantalizingly close.
Great! Just great! You couldn't look any more like a helpless maiden needing rescuing.
Serinda frowned as the beetle dodged her sword and swung again at it.
She frowned as she glanced around, trying to see what the others are up to and how they are doing. Melee fighting isn't her forte...
As the beetles rush toward the group, Rovaan's demeanour once again shifts into a feral state. A low, guttural growl not unlike that of a threatened wolf rumbles from his throat as he swiftly draws his blade and brings it to bear against the creature which is threatening his friend.
Eska's mace bounces harmlessly off the beetles tough outer shell as she swings at the creature trying to eat her.
Rovaan's blade slides between Molly and Frankie to pierce the creature attacking Molly in the eye. The beetles legs slowly splay out from underneath it as it sinks, motionless, to the ground.
Round #2
Serinda's sword finds a chink in the beetles armor as it sinks deep into the vermin's side. She withdraws the blood soaked blade as the creature wobbles unsteadily on it's legs.