that is fine with the int
Marhok explains his leverage system to move the block out a bit, to make the lifting easier to do. The idea is sound, but the boulder slips and there is a cry of pain
but only one assist
f you fail
2 assists
"Crud, now we have no other option. Lift!"
When the rock has been moved, Edric rushes to the side of the freed creature. He whispers a short prayer to Abadar and lets the healing energies from his hand flow into Crel.
, After that he gives another short burst of healing energy with a channel energy
Cruel breathes a tagged breath. He lives. The other mongrels pull him out of the hole.
thank you for your help...I would have rather we not crushed him but his continued life is a blessing.
He offers his hand
Marhok hrasps the hand in strong grip and shakes it.
"I'm sorry for him being crushed as well, luckily he is still alive. I am Marhok, from the city of Kenabres. This young man here is called Edric. The two of us and three others were trapped in here after our city got attacked. We're looking for a way out."
Edric looks up and smiles at the three mongrels in turn.
"Might I ask you what you were doing here? How come your friend got trapped under this pile of rubble?"
We live here, this was our outpost to keep watch for our settlement area-Neathholm- but the tremors collapsed the
tunnel that once led directly to Neathholm as well as our tower. But we know some other ways. Would you care to join us at our home, or chief will surely welcome you.
"If you could offer the five of us shelter for the night I would be much obliged to you. It's been a long journey so far with a lot of obstacles. We would gladly take you up on your offer."
Marhok motions to Edric and the pair of them head back to get the rest of the group. "We'll be right back Lann, we'll get the other three and tell them it's safe."
When they come back to the group Marhok begins talking. "Good news, we've found shelter for the night, away from any encounters with inhabitants of these tunnels."
Edric pipes in as Marhok finishes.
"We're invited by the ones you called Mongrelkin. Though I would suggest not calling them that to their face. They're actually very nice people, though different from you and me, but that shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Gwerm, hems and haws, but his desire to escape outweighs his revulsion, while Aran is very interested in learning more about their history
After another 25 minutes of walking
Ahead, a w i d e c h a s m s p l i t s t h e t u n n e l fl o o r. T h e fl o a t i n g rock
dust in t h e a i r and t h e g ro a n s a s t h e t u n n e l wa l l s settle i n d icate
t h a t t h e t u n n e l s p l i t rece ntly.
Lann speaks No...how are we supposed to cross that! My god what if everyone is dead back at home... the others seem very worried.
The chasm is 10 feet across, 70 feet wide, and 30 feet
deep
"Hmm if we could span a rope across this chasm we could cross it easily enough. If one could jump over the chasm he could tie it at the other side on a rock."
Marhok looks for strong points on both ends to affix the rope to.
They exist.
Edrick takes Marhok aside
Remember that we have a blind man, an aristocrat and a woman with a broken leg...
"Hmm.. you're right, we would need to build a bridge to get them across. we don't have the time or materials to do so."
He claps Edric on his shoulder.
"Seems we must need to take a different route then. Lann is there another route to Neatholme?"
No there isn't... he seems lost
Marhok looks to see if there's also two higher points to affix the rope.
"If we must cross this chasm, we'd need either to build a rope bridge or find some long poles or beams to put over it. That way we'd have a more solid footing."
"I can at least try to jump this chasm and affix one end of the rope I carry. Guess we'd need to help others get across then."
Marhok doesn't see two higher points.
Marhok peers down the chasm and guesses it's about 30 feet deep.
"The other way would be to slowly descend the chasm and climb back up the other side."
He looks to the others, especially the three companions from the fall. "How good are your climbing skills? Arvanshnial, Anevia, do you two think you'd be able to climb down and up again using a rope to hold on to? Else we could lower you two down and pull you back up on the other side if that's better for you. We're close to shelter and we can't stay here."
Arvan shakes his head no. Anevia looks, tests her leg and says I am afraid I would fall
Gwerm speaks up. And you will lower me as well he says imperiously.
Lann says. If you are truly able to jump, might as well lower and raise everyone if yo are strong enough.
"Then I shall try to lower everybody and pull you back up or provide a safe support for those that could climb for themselves." Marhok unrolls the silk rope he has with him and looks at the others.
"So who climbs down first? Edric you want to have the honour?"
Edric gulps and nods, "I am still in good health I will do if you ask it of me."
Marhok looks to the others. "Whoever can climb the rocks and use the rope as a safe line please do. Every thing you do to support yourselves eases the stress on me. I will lower and pull up Arvanshnial and Anevia with the help of those that are still left on top, that seems fair to all agreed?"
Dc 10 w the rope I will let yu roll it
Edric comes down safely and unties the rope from his chest and pulls the rope slightly to let Marhok know he's safely down.
"Alright, who's next? Anevia, Arvanshnial? We now have the most people up here to help me lower you, than I'll help lower the others. Edric's down there to help you further."
Gwerm then Anevia then Aran then the mongrels
"Lann, Crel? Can you help me lower Arvanshnial the elf and Anevia? I should be able to manage you guys by myself."
They can and do
everyone gets lowered down safely
Marhok pulls the rope back up, takes some distance and takes a running jump to hope to cross the gap over the chasm.
And that was anti climactic
You make it and pull the others up
Marhok pulls the others up slowly but surely and makes sure everyone is alright before continuing on.
Marhok's arms and muscles look really strained though and he rests on a rock, swinging his arms loose so he gets rid of the aching.
"Right. Give me a second to catch my breath and I'll be ready to move. Is Neatholme far from here Lann?"
It is not too far now. Assuming it is still there.
It takes another 20 minutes and the party comes to what is another open tunnel.
Careful Lann says, This tunnel contains a dangerous plant creature, a spore-cougher
Perhaps if we work together we can kill it if it is not out hunting. Crel says
T h e t u n n e l o p e n s i nto a c i rcu l a r cavern, ro u g h l y forty feet i n
d i a m eter. T h i c k sheets of f u n g u s g row i n t h e cave, a n d seve ra l
t u n n e l s b r a n c h off. A l l of these save o n e i n t h e n o rth wa l l l e a d
downwa rd; t h e n o rt h e rn o n e l e a d s u pwa rd . W h a t a p pea r to be
two d e a d bodies lie o n t h e g ro u n d i n t h e m i d d l e of t h e cave,
next to a stra n g e hea p of ropy g re e n f u n g u s .
"If we work together we could kill it perhaps indeed. I'd have to ask you though, what is your area of combat expertise? Ranged or melee?"
"I'm not entirely sure what we're up against, so any thing else you might know about this plant creature might be helpful. I'd suggest using fire at least, plants burn easily enough.""
He feels into his own pack and finds the flask of alchemist's fire.
"One of these should help out against it I think. I'll take the brunt of it's assault, so any magic to boost me is welcome."
"Arvanshnial I might be forced to again call upon your magical abilities to help us out."
MArhok knows that they face a Basidrond, a spore spraying plant that can cause insanity and death. But he knows nothing more than that...and you know the plant traits
they are hand to hand fighters, they have clubs
Arvanshnial casts the spell asked
"alright I'm all set, let's head out, be careful Lann, Crel, you too of course Edric. If you see something move call out."
Marhok approaches the tunnel with the ranseur in his off-hand and the flask in his other hand. Moving slowly and readying to throw the flask at any point when he notices the creature.
Ok read the spoiler above
Edric tries to manipulate the eagle to investigate the green heap of ropy fungus.
Marhok then approaches holding the Flask of Alchemist's Fire in his hand and readies throwing it if the heap would move.
"Friends of yours?" Marhok remarks to Lann and Crel as he indicates the two dead bodies lying close to the heap. "Careful now, it might be very close." He indicates of the strange heap of fungus there.
It is quickly obvious that all parties involved are dead
a search of the bodies discovers
Both men are dressed as crusaders of lomedae,
and each still wears a masterwork chain shirt. One of the
dead bodies still carries a potion of cure li,ght wounds, while
the other has a scroll of cause fear in a pouch. Between the
two of them, they also carry 129 gp.
The one with the scroll has clutched in his fist a small symbol of a brass bull's head
with tiny red gemstone eyes.
Curiously, the crusaders are not armed with longswords, but with Glaives and spiked gauntlets
of Baphomet worth 50 gp.
[b]Well I am sorry these crusaders died, but glad that the beast is dead.
Marhok nods slowly as he looks through the stuff of the crusaders.
"Aye sad for them, but good for us. Shame they had to die, but we who live by the sword will most likely die by it as well. At least their death has honour to it.
Marhok removes the chain shirts and equips himself with the one having the least holes and dents in it. He also takes the potion and the gives the scroll and symbol to Edric to hold on to.
[b]"We should take their weapons as well, the dead do not care for weapons in the afterlife. Lann, Crel, could you make use of these things at Neatholme?"
Edric though, still looks puzzled by the strange preference for glaives and gauntlets over longswords of Iomedae. The scroll gives him pause as well, as it seems not in character for Iomedaens. He shrugs, puts his thoughts aside and helps to collect the weapons, armour and trinkets.
It is possible...but you can speak with the leader. He would know best.
Breathing sighs of relief they move on leading the way for another 15 minutes, the party comes to a cavern with a large stone door at the end of it, guarded by several mongrel men.
There is an exchange of joy as the trio approaches, hugs exchanged.
The door is opened after the explanation of how you all joined them.
A s m a l l, d a rk l a ke r i p p l e s i n t h e center of t h i s two - h u n d re d foot-
wi d e cavern, t h e w a l l s a n d ce i l i n g a g l ow w i t h t h i c k sheets
of l u m i nescent f u n g i . I n t h e center of t h e l a ke, ove r two d ozen
low sto n e b u i l d i n g s c l uster o n a rocky o n e - h u n d red -foot-wide
island. L i g hts g l ow i n t h e w i n d ows of t h e b u i l d i n g s, g i v i n g
t h e sett l e m e n t a n a l most we l co m i n g l o o k . Rafts m a d e of
m i smatched p l a n k s of t i m b e r b o b a l o n g t h e l e n g t h of a cro o ked
p i e r a t t h e l a ke's c l osest s h o re.
You are taken through the city, eventually meeting a large mongrel man known as chief Sull. After the report he thanks you for the assistance and asks as to what you are doing underground
"Well actually we fell through the surface in short." Marhok begins. "But I guess that deserves some explanation. Our city of Kenabres was assaulted by several powerful demons, one of which seemed to me to be the Storm King of the Worldwound. One of the wardstones that protected our city was lost and that's it how the demons came in.
Terendelev, the city's dragon protector didn't hesitate to battle with the Storm King, but eventually fell to him before horde of smaller demons crept out of holes into the streets. The five of us fell through an opening caused by an earthquake, but we fell slowly like a feather. We woke up a far end into the tunnels and fought through several creatures before we finally met up with Lann, Crel and Dyra."
Marhok explains and waits to see what chief Sull makes of this story.
The chief grows quiet. Then speaks This is not good, I know that you uplanders like to ignore us and pretend we do not exist...but our ancestors fought in the first crusade and we want the demons killed as much as anyone. When you leave deliver word that we will stand with the defenders. Will you do that?
"I will do so chief Sull, you have my word." He seems to think for other things to tell and nods slightly to himself.
"We've seen two fallen crusaders close to here, apparently they defeated the spore-cougher before they succumbed. We have collected their weapons and gear, are you able to put any of them to good use?"
He shows them the two glaives and the spiked gauntlets and his old chain shirt.
"If you could put them to good use, they're yours to keep."
"Also we've met a crazed and confused dwarf that attacked us on sight, he could be dangerous so I'd rather warn you before anything happens to your socuts."
Yes we have run across him, he usually keeps to himself...Crusaders had these weapons? The longsword is the weapon of Iomadae...that seems odd. He does take the items and order you paid in gems.
Chief Sull nods sagely and
goes on to inform the party that the nearest route to the
surface lies to the south, but this exit is guarded by a
tribe of mongrels who do not have the same opinions as
those of Neathholm. In fact, this smaller tribe, a group
he contemptuously calls "the traitors," have consorted
for some time with cultists.
This brings me to my next request, I would wish that you would destroy these traitors. If you would do so I will gift you a stash of potions. I would send my troops but I can't spare them.
but that time has passed. If the PCs agree to destroy the
traitors as they make their way back to the surface to bring
word of the mongrel's pledge to aid the crusade, Chief Sull
promises them aid in the form of a small stash of potions
(six potions of cure l(ght wounds and three potions of lesser
restoration). His own soldiers, alas, he cannot spare-he
needs them to fan out deeper into the tunnels to gather
the other mongrel tribes to Neathholm. Once they receive
word that the crusaders above will welcome the crusaders
below, the mongrels will be ready to rise up and help take
back Kenabres.
Edric chimes in as chief Sull mentions the longsword should be the weapon of choice for Iomedaen crusaders, "That's exactly what I found strange."
When chief Sull asks for another favor, Marhok grits his teeth, thinking about the possible implications. Eventually he nods and offers to help chief Sull.
"Aye, our road lies through these traitors of yours as well. I don't see any problem with helping you out, those potions will come in handy for sure. After we've gotten some rest I'll head out alone with my trusted friend Edric, is it alright if my other three companions stay here? They are not fit for any prolonged fight and two of them need some medical attention."
"Could you perhaps tell me what kind of warriors these traitors are? I'd like to be prepared as much as I can be."
Marhok offers the trinkets as well for sale, wondering if the mongrels are interested in any of them. He thinks offering to trade the candle stumps might be a little insulting, so he keeps them with them for now, perhaps he will find a use for it later.
As Marhok offers up the trinkets and items they found, Edric steps in and takes away the brass bull with red eyes from the items offered for trade.
"I want to keep this for some time, I know I've seen this sort of symbol before, but I can't quite make out who it belongs to."
Marhok shrugs; "If that's what you wish, so be it Edric. If you're done with it we can still sell it."
Sull glances over the gear and stops at the brooch...It can't be. His eyes mist up. This belonged to my son, he left after an argument...I know he is not returning, but this was his, a gift I gave him... He trails off
Thank you, it is something I can cherish. Take this as a token of my thanks. He pulls off his own morning star and hands it to you.
Yes, I can give you gems worth 200 gold He says with a pained look
depends on what you say, but I will reply
"If it was your son's then you should keep it chief Sull. I do not want any money for it in return, remember your son by it."
Marhok looks at the offered morningstar and bows to Sull. "My thanks chief, for this gift. I'll be sure to use it for a good purpose."
Use it to bash in the traitors skulls.
Gwerm complains the entire time and is disgusted by the appearance of them all. Arvanagail seems to be researching for a book and drives many of th emongrels crazy.
[ooc] I assume you rest, Your friendly mage cannot prepare new spells cause he was blinded in the attack./ooc]
From the hamlet of Neathholm, the tunnel winds mostly
in a southeast direction for about 2,0 00 feet (16 minutes
of travel at a speed of 15 feet). The tunnel narrows down
at this point to a 5-foot-wide passageway, the walls carved
with picks and chisels.
Ba rrica d e s m a d e of h e a p e d loose rocks a n d wooden boa rd s
b i s e c t t h i s cave r n . Beyo n d t h e ba rrica d e s, a wooden screen
covers t h e l ower half of a t u n n e l m o u t h .
When the morning comes Marhok outfits himself quite easily, the new armour, though second-hand, fits easily over his broad shoulders and takes even less time than his previous armour.
He hears the mongrels muttering about Arvanshnial's incessant questioning and he can only smile about it as it is only a slight nuisance to their hosts. Gwerm's complaining though bothers him more and he hopes he turns around eventually. Better be quick about those traitorous mongrels then, the sooner we leave, the sooner he can keep stop grumbling and the mongrels have their peace and quiet again for a time.
As he finishes, putting on his own armour, he helps Edric get into his and the pair of them go sit at a old wooden table to eat their morning meals.
Edric is the first to begin with the small-talk again. "So Arvanshnial, what new and interesting things did you learn about our hosts during our short stay? Anything unexpected?"
Both Marhok and Edric listen carefully to his answers and nod where appropriate.
Later Edric begins asking Anevia what she thinks of their hosts. "Miss Anevia, you've been awfully quiet since yesterday, don't you like our new hosts? Or is it just a longing to be back on the surface again?"
When they've finished their breakfast and ended the small-talk Marhok looks at the three Kenabrians one at a time.
"I think it's best for all of us if you three stay behind here, it's safer here than going out with us. As soon as we clear out those Baphomet worshipping traitors, we'll head out for the surface and send back for you at once. It might not be as pleasant as your homes aboveground, but it will keep you alive at least. Everyone alright with that?"
Absolutely not! Gwerm says. I am not stating with these mutants![/b]