Kayne continues to stride forward into the room, turning his gauntlet to send another surge of energy forth. This time, instead of a simple blast of force, though, an arc of fire blazes forth, wafting across the skeleton and missing the book and Kiril's body.
"Care for the brute," Kayne comments, glancing over his shoulder at the others. For himself, he gingerly picks up the tome and takes a deep breath before opening its pages to seek the knowledge doubtless hidden within.
The blow of the skeleton's sword drives Kiril to his knees, and it looks as if he will collapse onto the floor unconscious.
The Skeleton is distracted by Kayne, who destroys the monster in flames, and then seeing Kiril about to fall unconscious, the robed man turns to Sandy and instructs her to give the big man aid
BUT
then Kiril shots upright, pulling his feet underneath him, he spins, his eyes bulge and he stares around the room, ready for the next battle, and breathing hard.
Sandy approaches Kiril cautiously, and asks
Kiril, Sandy says cautiously, come and sit down for a bit, let me see what I can do to fix up that shoulder wound.
Under his breath, Myna mutters, "See what you get when you rush into an unknown....". He then examines more of the room, including the weapons and armor of the skeletons.
Kayne's smile widens under his scarf as he flips through several pages of the book, and eventually he holds up a hand and turns to the others. "We need to rest for a while, yes? Kiril is wounded. I've found something of what I came here for, and it will take some time to decipher. But, I can tell you this:" he points a finger in the air and stabs for emphasis. "It will be well worth the time spent."
"Woah!" Flint's eyes shoot open with wonder and surprise to what followed his impotent dent into the skeleton's armor. The firebolt from the elf and Kiril's fortitude caught him off guard.
"You can cast magic?!" he says, pointing at Myna. "And I'm surprised you aren't flattened after that blow!"
Kiril grunts in response to the cleric and clears shattered bones off the chair to sit, still breathing heavily.
"The one that sat here. Was a mage. Gotta drop 'em fast. They're dangerous." He glances at Kayne, but flinches as Sandy does her work.
"Mm, that we are. Good on you for keeping it in mind," Kayne murmurs, not bothering to look up from the book. "And, ah, good arm, by the way."
"Well..." starts Flint, looking around. "Thems all the boneheads to swat down in here. Are you wanting to keep going, Kiril, or d'ya need a break? What's in the book, Kayne?"
"A great deal of hidden lore, forgotten by the rest of the world." Finally coming to the end of a page, Kayne looks up at the halfling. "About this dungeon, specifically. It will take time to decipher, though, as I said before."
"Hmmm..." Flint says, stroking his chin. "Wasn't paying attention. Sorry." he grins at Kayne.
"Guess we should probably take a break then, I'm finally starting to feel a bit winded. I... I think I might have pulled something." he mutters this last while stretching his shoulder, a bit jealous that Kiril is getting all the attention from Sandy.
"Wanna head back to the HQ? Maybe tidy it up a bit more while you go through that book. I hope there's a map!" He turns to Myna. "Dibs on first pick of mattress!"
"Think I could use a breather, and some food," Kiril digs through his pack a moment and starts eating some travel rations, beginning his short rest right there unless stopped.
Flint gives Kiril a light kick with his boot. "Not here, dope. We've got that hideout we cleared of stinking bandits, let's use it."
Flint leads the way, using up almost all of his remaining torch, and soon the party is back in the secret chambers in the south eastern corner of the Palace, just off the first large chamber on the right after entering.
It is a safe place, with a three doors leading into a small room, a resting room to the west, and an escape through either of the other two doors should something overwhelming happen by.
The group settles down, staying close to each other. Kayne takes a moment to check on his animal, while Sandy closes her eyes and begins deep breathing exercises.
A good long rest will do everyone some good
The Palace of the Vampire Queen, on the mountains to the North/Northwest of Cipinney
Location – inside the Palace of the Vampire Queen. The Dungeon is in Darkness and there is Heavy Fog. Flint has used his forth torch, he has 5 remaining). Current location –The secret rooms (13, and 53).
The party settles down for a quiet rest. Sandy’s lamp goes out, but Flint has more torches, and Kayne even more, just in case.
After a good rest, a few drinks from the waterskins, and a bite to eat, the party feels rested enough to move on.
Sandy takes a moment to say a quiet prayer, and then gathers everyone close together.
I am going to let you all in on a special secret. I carry a valuable relic of my temple, it is called the Relic of Pholemba. It is extremely rare*. Once every day, if the spirit of Saint Pholemba is willing, it will grant a blessing to those who are near it, when a special prayer is said. Often this blessing will heal injuries, or even grant a renewed vigor. So please gather in close while I attempt to invoke the relic’s power.
Sandy speaks a simple protective spell while holding the relic in front of her.
Sandy waits for a moment with her eyes closed, and when nothing happens, she opens one eye, glances down at the relic, shakes it up and down a few times, and then mutters
Well, sometimes the Saint is busy with other people's problems I suppose.
One of these legendary monks became a hero in the early days of the unification, prior to the Unification Wars, when she sacrificed her life in the rescue of a drowning dwarven child. This Monk’s name was Pholempa Helgadelga. The drowning child she rescued from the dangerous waters of Eagle Bay was the Father of King Harragold, Prince Halgold the First. Pholempa was very old at the time of her heroic rescue and the effort, it was said, ruptured her heart and she died only three days after saving the prince’s life.
Pholempa’s body was cremated, in the traditions of her order, but when the remains were examined one of her toe bones was found to have turned a metallic black in color and was not consumed by the fire. According to legends, this bone was placed in a crystal philatory (a tube shaped sort of reliquary) capped, and sealed, with silver and gold, and placed within an iron box stored in the top of the ceiling of the light house shrine.
During the Orc (Tafganor in Urandoman) uprising under the reign of Queen Geurtrot, the shrine was destroyed and sacked by an Orc tribe under Chief Tzool Kisjergit. The Relic of Saint Pholempa was lost at this time.
The order of monks eventually disbanded (some say they evolved into the current religious order of the State Church of Balor). The light house was reconstructed under King Arman’s Grandfather, Prince Regent Llyngold Isnorjur. During the reconstruction the iron box was found within the ruins, buried under tons of ruble, still sealed, However when the box was opened, the relic was missing.
The current noble houses of the Kingdom of Balor all trace their patents of nobility to the unification of four dwarven families under King Harragold, and the divine right placed within him to rule based upon the interpretation of the miracle of the rescue of the drowning prince (his father). The Relic of Saint Pholempa is said to be physical evidence to support to truth of the mystery of this miracle.
Many temples, and noble houses of the Kingdom all claim to be in possession of the one true Relic of Saint Pholempa, and keep the relic as a sign of their right to their positions of authority (early in the establishment of the Kingdom, during the first drafting of the laws of the land, there were conflicts of epic proportions regarding disputed claims to possession of the relic, and some of these conflicts nearly brought about an end to the fledgling kingdom). To this day many dwarves believe that a secret meeting was held among the early religious leaders and noble lords and an agreement was reached that no longer would any dwarf dispute the claim of any other dwarf’s possession of the Relic of Saint Pholempa.
Today, in the Kingdom of Balor, there are at least seventy three known Relics housed in special shrines, temples, museums, and private collections, all claiming to be the Relic of Pholemba.
Kayne grudgingly walks over to Sandy as she attempts to invoke her miracle, but he only shakes his head when nothing happens. Belief in higher powers is all well and good, but it's better to rely on more tangible effects.
Kiril grunts when Sandy tells them to gather close. "Glad to have a Cleric. The things down here hit a lot harder than regular men."
He shrugs when the miracle fails, gathering his gear and strapping on his fur-lined chainmail. "That's why I pray to the Lion-God, little lady, he ain't merciful but he's always reliable." The big half-orc gives his halberd a skillful flourish and grins. "We ready to kill some things or what?"
-
"Well, thanks for trying Sandy. I'm feelin' pretty good though. I haven't been kicked around nearly enough today to make me need a miracle." He winks, attempting at bravado.
Flint stands with Kiril, grabs his head with both hands and wrenches first one way, and then the other. A series of loud pops are created with each twist. "Yuup." he says lazily. "Same hallway? Seems like there was more to see down it."
Kayne sniffs and closes his new book, setting it in one of the pockets of Alighieri's saddlebags. "Killing things. That's all you care about? And in such a crass manner." The warlock sighs and shakes his head. "I'm all for watching the light wane from an enemy's eyes, but it's rather meaningless without a goal in mind, don't you think?"
After having a quiet conversation with Myna, Sandy approaches Kayne, Flint, and Kiril
I've been talking with Myna, and he suggested we return to a place he knows called Loamstone Hovel, which he says is located in the Black Village below the mountain not to far from here. I would like to see if there is a chance for me to purchase new equipment, as my previous friends, who I still would like to locate, were carrying all our supplies. Do you think we might do this before exploring any further today?
Kayne turns to Sandy. "Hm... Yes. Returning to the village with what we've found, to further prepare, seems a good idea." And I'll be able to read more of this tome. Excellent.
Flint remembers the Kobolds from... Yesterday? Has it really been that recently since he last saw them? It appears as though many days of inaction felt like less time than a single one of action to the halfling. He grins as he realizes that he is no longer caught in the indecision he found himself then.
"Works for me. We've still got a lot of daylight left. We can make sure those bandits have moved on as well. We can pawn off the meager treasure we found so far, and see if the kobolds have anything interesting to trade for."
"Killing, eating, f@%$ing. Sleep is nice too," Kiril responds to Kayne, stretching a bit and ruffling Flint's hair (if he doesn't duck away).
He sighs when it sounds like they're all going back. "Fine I guess. It's clear I can't take this place on by myself," he massages his ribs. "Let's go."
After Kiril musses his hair, Flint's hand goes to his head automatically as if thinking something is in his hair. A moment later, it registers what Kiril just did.
His mouth drops open slightly, his eyebrows knit, and he gives Kiril a 'Did you just really f+*&ing do that?' look, incredulous.
The Palace of the Vampire Queen, on the mountains to the North/Northwest of Cipinney
Location – inside the Palace of the Vampire Queen. The Dungeon is in Darkness and there is Heavy Fog. Flint has used his forth torch, he has 5 remaining. Starting a new torch, round 1/6. Current location –The secret rooms (13, and 53).
Even though the rest was good for everyone, the party takes a moment to review their situation. They have been making progress, but it is clear this place is much larger than anyone suspected.
Sandy recommends heading back to Loamstone Hollow, the idea is met with grumbles at first, and then a slow consent.
Following Flint’s lead the party quickly heads back to the entrance, and as it is just midday the bright light of the sun makes everyone squint as they stagger out into the cool spring air.
The campsite to the east of the entrance has been cleared, the fire dowsed with water, and there is no sign of Morgrym’s followers.
It is not an easy march down the mountain*. After a few hours you reach level ground some quarter of a mile from the Black village. It feels good on your legs to be on a flat trail again, and the knots in your calves are soon worked out with slow long strides.
The Party has returned to the Black Village and the entrance to Loamstone Hollow, a Kobold hovel.
"Benny." Flint greets with a nod. Passing the Kobold and hopefully heading inside. "Mortie. Lorelai. How's it goin'? Break out some food and drinks! Can we sell you guys some treasure, maybe pick up some gear? Made a good first day, and I'm lookin' forward ta kicking the next day of the teeth also! Get yourself some drinks on me, I'll tell ya dudes all of the s!@~ we did!"
Flint swaggers over to an empty table and starts deequipping. He takes off his pack and tosses it into a seat, and begins pulling off his sword belts.
Kiril follows Flint, eyeing the kobolds suspiciously.
*Waggles his fingers in Flint's direction*
Dude, sounds epic, fer sure. Head on down. I'll catch up with you later.
Benny steps aside and lets the group access the stairs going down below the burnt out tavern
The Main Hall of the Hovel at Loamstone Hollow is busy with activity, and the children of the Kobold settlement are gathered by the large fire place and are listening to lessons.
Lorelei shows up as soon as word spreads through the Hovel that adventurers have returned from the Palace of the Vampire Queen, and she enters the hall with a smile on her face, but her smile soon fades as she looks at each of you in turn.
Greetings, Flint, Kayne, and friends. Where is your gnome companion? Did you find anything on the list I gave him? Certainly we will look at what you have to sell, but don't be surprised if we cannot offer you much. As to what we can offer you, our kitchen is always open, and we can provide hot soup, with a fresh crop of radishes just harvested this day, and bread, but we are running low on some things ourselves, and are down to our last barrels of beer and only a few bottles of wine. In fact, we are putting together a caravan with the folks at Little Creek Hollow and Boulder Hollow, that leaves tomorrow for Cipenney to pick up new supplies ourselves. Maybe we can strike a bargain with you. We can offer to sell your treasures in Cipenney for you, for only a small piece of the profits, that way you can get better prices for what you've found and we can keep our larders well stocked.
"Oh, his vanished in the mists. A lot of our comrades did... The Teifling, Jade, the gnome... Something isn't right about that place. What's the list, maybe we can keep an eye out."
Kiril looks around for a drink and a place to sit, putting his feet up.
The three men and Sandy make themselves comfortable at a table near the wall of the main hall of Loamstone Hollow, below the Black Village.
Lorelei frowns when Flint mentions the missing gnome, and says
I’ll draft up a new list and make sure you get it before you leave
Kiril settles down at the table, and soon a kobold is placing large blows of hot and spicy radish soup on the table and mugs of cold beer.
Sitting at a table a short distance away from Flint and the others are a few other dwarves, and he recognizes the dwarven warrior who had been rescued by that Nobleman, Rumnahiem. He thinks her name was
Gwendolyn
She is sitting with some other dwarves that Flint doesn’t recognize, but when Sandy sees him looking at her, she says
Do you know that girl? I’ve never seen her before, but I recognize the dwarf she is sitting with. His name is
He is an aspiring cleric, like me, only he serves the temple to My Lady’s daughter, Yerina Silver Hand. Reverend Drogglespock has told me that the temple to Yerina is small, in Cipenny. I wonder why he is here.
Just at that moment, a group of Kobolds enters the main hall, they are mostly young Kobold warriors, wearing clean shirts and new kilts. Each of the kobolds is carrying a small round shield and wears a small sword on a belt around the kilt. This group is lead by peculiar Kobold.
The peculiar looking kobold is old, and dressed in chain mail armor covered by a long coat that is dyed a deep forest green and trimmed in gold. His boots are black and polished, and he has a large sword on a belt around his long coat.
Ah, excuse Lorelei says to Flint and his friends. This is the hero Marvin Stouttail, or Marvin the Valorous, as he is known all over the Hollows. He is showing a group of new recruits of the Tunnel Patrol our Hovel this week. He is an honored guest, and I need to see to whatever he needs, please excuse me.
Brunar can be seen at the table cleaning his battle axe which is already shining like a new mirror. Like his axe, Brunar's vestments and under clothing have no holes, rips, or signs of battle. And his pristine scale armor shines like a freshly minted unused silver coin. Either the poor dwarf is suffering from some sort of mental disorder especially for a dwarf, or is new to the field of adventuring, or both? Although like all dwarves, he probably knows how to swing that pretty axe he is cleaning and has more muscle than your average cleric.
Brunar puts down his battle axe and picks up his pint of beer, looks around, and notices Sandy looking at him, and talking about something. The next time she looks at Brunar, he toasts and winks at her. After all, he is from the Church of Yerina Silver Hand.
"Lion's bloody mane, I'm starving." Kiril digs into the food, thanking the little kobolds heartily. In response to Lorelei, Kiril chimes in with a muffled "Hero!" through a mouth full of food, raising his mug to the Kobold guest.
In response to Sandy, Kiril wipes his mouth and says, "Brunar eh? BRUNAR! DRINK WITH US!" He waves a big hand at the dwarf across the way.
After the food is served, Flint becomes a juggling act of divided attention.
"Oooh, yes!" he says, and picks up the mug of cold beer before the thunk of it being set down has even finished. This means that he only has one hand to undo one of his several weapon belts.
He tries to undo his scimitar belt with one hand while drinking his beer, partially succeeds before realizing that his shortsword belt crosses OVER it. He slumps off his warhammer instead, tossing it onto the table. He tries to pull off his chain armor, and realizes that he still has too many weapons strapped to him to accomplish that quite yet.
Flint passes the beer to the left hand, grabs the soup bowl with his right, takes a swig of the warm soup, another of the beer, puts the bowl down, begins undoing his short sword belt with his right hand while finishing the mug of beer, puts the mug down, switches his belt into his left hand to complete its unfastening, picks up the soup bowl as he tosses his short sword belt onto the table near his pack and takes another big drink, reaches for his scimitar sword belt, realizes this hand doesn't have quite the right angle to undo it, switches his bowl to his other hand while still gulping hungrily from it and reaches for his belt with his newly freed hand and accidentally grabs the hilt instead, drawing the blade free.
When Lorelei mentions Marvin, Flint immediately spit-takes, sending spiced radish soup at everything in front of him.
With soup dribbling down his face, Flint looks with wide eyes at the Kobold hero, his dwarfish scowl entirely forgotten.
"Hey!" he says from across the room to the old Kobold, shamelessly, waggling his drawn scimitar at him in a wave, and lifting his bowl up energetically in a 'cheers' motion, slopping more of the soup out onto the ground.
He then calls for a refill on his beer, almost entirely without a pause between.
Kiril laughs boisterously. "A friend to fight beside, a friend to drink beside." he offers a toast to Flint.
Brunar nods, "AYE! I'll drink with thee!" He motions to the others at his table to move to Kiril's table. Then picks up his wine, battle axe, and then heads over to the table. "Well met stranger, you know me name, what's yers?" He leans his axe on the table and then motions to fist bump Kiril. Brunar's habits are very dwarven but there are also oddities with this Dwarven cleric.
Kiril grins, sharp canine fangs showing. "Kiril Hoxha, formerly of the Iskurral Wolves. My drinking buddy is Flint the dwarf!" he laughs again, grasping Brunar's outstretched arm and shaking it vigorously. "Are you going into that f@*$ing dungeon? What a place. You should come with us if you are. Hey what kind of wine is that?"