Upset at seeing her companion fall, Iona swings her sword in anger. The blade sinks deep in the creature. For a short moment, it feels like time as just stopped as Iona and the Cave Fisher just look at each other. Then the creature slowly falls, sliding off the blade with a wet sloshing noise.
As Iona ensured the creature before her death her mind returned to Viktor still upon the cave floor. She dropped her shield and sword as she fell to her knees next to him. "Come on Viktor, I'm not losing anyone down here." Iona said before her birthmark began to glow. She laid her hand on his chest over his heart.
A trickle of golden light flowed into Viktor from Iona, though she felt that wasn't enough and closing her eyes forced more into the paladin's chest. This time it flowed down her arms with ease and Iona seemed releaved. She leaned down, moving one hand up to check his pulse on his neck as she asked "You back with us?"
Viktor comes back to the waking world with a start. He looks around and after a cough of blood grins. "Ah, I see we were victorious. Well done. I am sorry I couldn't hold the line."
"Do not apologize. I didn't take proper advantage of the openings you gave me so fault falls more to myself." Iona said as she helped him up and dusted him off. "How are you feeling? Any aches?" She asked as she looked him over.
Viktor vaguely gestures at his gaping shoulder wound. "A bit sore, but I'm sure it will close."
"I'm sorry about that." Iona said with a sad look on her face. "I'll take a better look at it when we get back." She told him before she looked to Bakji. "Was this the thing the smith water?" She asked.
Bakji, dropped the glaive as soon as the creature slumped. The damn thing was heavy to be sure.
He looked over at Viktor and Iona was already on top of things as far as taking care of the man's health. He looked around real quck and gathers the arrows he shot.
He managed to salvage one of the two he had shot. It was unfortunate but he salvaged the scraps of the other to try and reuse the head eventually.
It seemed that Viktor was back on his feet by the time he was done with the arrows. "Good, it is not well to die so soon in a crusade. The spirit comes back displeased and with very little information." he said forgetting for the moment that only his race did these odd things.
He went over to the creature and checked that everything seemed in tact despite the fight. "Yes...this was the creature by it's description. Best hope we don't run into anything else on the way back. I imagine it's gonna be a bit rough to carry but between myself and Iona while Viktor lights the way, I think we can manage." he said before picking up the glaive again and resting it in a strap across his back.
"Shall we?"" he said before bending down and finding a handhold to carry the beast.
The walk back to the village. The trip is rather slower this time due to the weight of their prize. Finally, after an exhausting march, they get back to the same entrance they used to leave the village. The same two guards are there, looking at the group with eyes wide in surprise. Obliviously, they weren't expecting the group to come back. They take a step back when they see the creature.
"What is that?? Is it dead? Are you sure?"
Bakji drops the beast to the ground once they arrive "Do you think the beast would let us carry it's bloodied body around if it weren't dead!" he said rather annoyed by the stupidity of the questions.
"Perhaps one of you could go fetch the blacksmith and maybe another person or three to carry this bloody thing? We'd take it the rest of the way but honestly this is exhausting work."
"I'll even take your place as guard for the brief bit."
"Bakji please, they're only doing their jobs just as we would if this was our home." Iona pointed out with a nod to him. She looked back to the guards and offered a tired and weak smile. "If one of you would please fetch the blacksmith it would be much appreciated. I don't think you want us carrying this all the way there." She said with a nod.
The guards look at Bakji, then Iona, and lastly at the dead creature. "Yes. We'll get the smith, you stay here." They both run toward the village, leaving you at the gate with your prize. After a moment, you start to wonder if they haven't just run away from you. But eventually, they come back with the smith trailing them. You also notice that they are pulling some sort of cart behind them.
They park the cart next to the creature and the smith walks up to Bakji. "Well, that's one of those cave fisher alright. Ugly thing, but you can't beat the strength of the glue they produce. Help me get it on the cart, and we'll bring it down to the shop." It takes lest then a minute to lift the thing in the cart. Then, you all help him move down to the shop. Parking the thing on the side, he invites you in.
Once inside, he walks behind the counter and grab four quivers full of arrows and place them on the counter. "Well, as promises, those are all the arrows that I have. Aside from that, I can supply you with some gear. I normally have to pay around one hundred and fifty gold for those. So have your pick." You look around and you notice all types of gear, from weapons and armors, to tools and mundane gear.
Once you are done shopping, you head back to the house that was provided. You find the rest of the group, but you also see a stranger. He is sitting at the table, talking with Aravashnial and Anevia.
Iona gave the smith a smile before she headed back to the house for some well needed rest allowing her two allies to take whatever was offered.
When she entered the house and paused seeing their newcomer. "Oh... Hello. It seems we've a new comer. I'm Iona Pentaghast." She said as she walked over to the table.
Bakji nods at the smith and looks through his gear for a small bit before handing over his Glaive that he'd been using and grabs up a longsword on the table as well as fletching tools (provided he has them.)
He picks up the 4 quivers and starts out before stopping at the door. "Is this a reasonable exchange?" he asks making sure that he is not 'robbing' the man with what they've exchanged.
Provided the man says yes, he simply bows slightly and leaves back to the House where he sets down the lot of the quivers in the corner along with his own and starts going over resources as he pulls out a bit of cloth and starts polishing the blade idly. He seemed not to even notice the new person or even greet the others for the time being.
"It is our pleasure, and we appreciate the offer!" Viktor says as he happily looks among the equipment.
Nicholas is wearing silken ceremonial armor, already smiling his face splits into a broader grin as he is hailed by Iona and takes in the larger group. He quickly starts patting shoulders and shacking hands enthusiastically "You are at that! You are at that my good woman!" He nods taking the group in once more and standing back and gesticulates towards the chairs with one hand and runs the other through his hair with the other still grinning.
"Marvelous, just marvelous. I was worried I'd be wandering about these damnable tunnels all by myself for the rest of my days not that I could count them. I recall seeing ye in the square, I was not so far from ye then but I think by the time we hit the bottom whether it was a long distance or not when we landed this places weaves and twists as to make no difference." He holds his too index fingers together above his head and lowers them spreading them further apart as he lowers.
He stops and looks at himself still filthy and laughs just happy to not only have found other friendly people but now people from the surface and points to himself. "I'm Nicholas Ludd a mage and resident of Kenabres, though I hope you'll forgive my less than spotless state and lack of manners but the last while has been quite a trial and without friendly company to keep my spirits up." His spirits don't seem too damnpened just a little embarrassed it took him so long to remember to say his name.
The Smith nods at Bakji. "It is."
Back at the house, the others seem happy to see you back. Anevia stands up. "Aleria found what she needs for her gunpowder, but it is in raw form. It will take her a while to get it ready. Good thing that Nicholas here showed up. We were just about to explain him what the next step to reach the surface was. But since you are here, I'll leave that to you"
Viktor already likes the newcomer. "Well friendly company I can promise you here!" Viktor gives the man a warm handshake. "Damned good to meet good people down here. Tell us, how did you come to be here?" He inquires as he starts adjusting his new armor.
"Well I wasn't far from ye, I was a bit closer but caught by the same feather fall spell when she saved us with her last act." Nicholas pauses for a moment "But I fell down a different rent. I've been wandering the last while by myself, I've avoided what I could and overcame what I couldn't. My arcane resources aren't limitless so by myself I tried to ration them. Hopefully if we can work together we can get back to the surface sooner rather than later. I'm not entirely sure how long we have been down here but I'd rather we get up, we might not be able to defeat a powerful Demon Lord but if the line is to hold every soldier has to do his part."
"Facing facts Kenabres might have fallen but you never know what we could do, there's always loads of cultists and tieflings helping out big armies like this. We can destroy stockpiles and food, the demons themselves wont care but it might mean they can't leave for a little while longer. It makes little difference til we can get up and then assess the situation but as I see it it's our duty to help out the effort even if it's only minor set backs that we can do." He looks about the group assessing the situation.
"I'm happy to take the time to get to know ye and it seems ye have just returned so I wont press to leave this minute but I'd be keen to get to know what plans ye might have and what abilities? I wasn't expecting anything like this and a lot of my gear is back at my inn but I always make sure to have emergency supplies with me. I've got a signal horn, a potion of healing, my daggers, a scroll of feather fall, an ioun torch, a few other odds and end and was able to retrieve my spell book."
"As for arcane support as well as some minor parlor tricks I have a defensive spell prepared but ye have mundane means that will do you better and an ice based offensive spell that can throw the enemy a little out of sorts. If you were hoping for teleportation to the surface of fireballs I'm sorry to say I haven't refined my skills to that level yet but I have basic weapons training so if we find a functioning crossbow or other similar weapon I can employ it." Somewhere along the lines after that pause about the dragon the smile had crept back onto his face. It was good to refine his goals and co ordinate with others again.
Viktor nods sadly. "It is indeed a dark day."
The words of a soldier doing their part certainly seems to resonate with Viktor. "Aye, a strong line of soldiers can hold back the worst of monsters." He trails off for a moment.
Viktor shows his weapons and armor. "Pretty much the extend of what I had on me, most of my survival gear I had left in the inn. As for what I contribute, paladin of Erastil, at your service." He hefts his monstrous tower shield. "My job is to stand between you and whatever wants you dead."
Iona gently tapped the birthmark upon her forehead. "I am one of the priestess of the Inheritor and one even blessed with her mark." Iona said with a smile. "I thank you for what spell you can offer. Another set of hands getting us up to the surface is more than welcome." She gave him a nod as she stood alongside Viktor. "Just stay behind us and you'll be save."
Bakji seemed pleased at one point and turned about and stared at the new person for a moment. "I am Bakji, my spirit has been bound by this crusade for many years. Alas, I have been unable to fulfill my soul's mission. Maybe this time I shall find peace at the end of my life but I will not rest until we have won." he said simply
He looked over at the soldier "We should have enough arrows to last us till we hit the surface...provide we don't run into too many enemies. Ninety arrows should be plenty till we see daylight again...and if not then the blade." he said nodding at her.
Nicholas nodded approvingly as they listed off their experience. They could certainly use a bit more firepower. As long as you remember to keep your shield between you and the danger Sir I won't feel guilty. He gives Viktor and easy toothy grin, clearly at ease around martial types. "My name is Nicholas Ludd not sure if I haven't said already. Are ye planning on sleeping before venturing out once more? I would happily leave with you whenever is most suitable but you may be fatigued after the challenges you faced earlier. It's good to know that you are all experienced in combat so we can protect the rest of the group."
Frowning for a moment he spoke again. "Aside from stress and fatigue do any of you feel any different since coming down here?"
"Yes, we do plan to get some sleep before we head out to try and make it to the surface." Ion said with a nod. to their newcomer.
Though when he asked about how they felt she raised and eyebrow before looking to her allies before looking back to Nicholas. "Not really..." Iona said with a shrug. "I mean it has made us a little stronger but nothing more."
Nicholas strokes his beard briefly, maybe he should wait a while before discussing it with the others. After a moment of clearly considering things he gave a nod and a playful grin "You're far too heavily armoured Lady Pentaghast to play the damsel in distress-" He looked down at his clothing "-and I'm the closest one currently to wearing a dress with my robes, so if I end up being a bachelor in distress will you come rescue me?"
"Given the battles you've encountered so far do you feel it would be more beneficial to prepare a spell to complement ye that damages and hinders a single target, or blankets an area in flame, or one that will make an area slippery which can be handy to mitigate incoming enemy numbers and hold some up? I'll prepare one of these and a defensive spell so I wont be bothering Lady Pentaghast or the rest of ye by getting too badly hurt!"
Iona's cheeks turned a light pink as she scratched the back of her head. "Ummm, I mean. Well protecting people is my job so... I do believe I will." The priestess stated, obviously a bit flustered. "If Viktor doesn't beat me to you that is." She tried to joke, mostly to push some attention away from herself.
"As for spells, we're not really sure what would be useful going foreword. We've little information to work with." She told him honestly.
"Well I'll be in distress so I wont complain as long as someone helps! I wont stand by of course if one of ye is in trouble. I couldn't let anything happen to Bakji's piercing gaze, Viktor's fine mustache or Lady Penthaghast's rosy cheeks for that matter. The right to have immaculately groomed mustaches or bring a little colour to someone's cheeks is part of what we are fighting for after all isn't it... and for young mages to talk themselves into a hole." His smile was confident and he knocked on Viktor's tower shield with his fist before nodding and gave Iona a wink.
It was important to keep spirits up and he liked the way she blushed. Even if it was embarrassment and not any level of interest well it was better for her to think about the silly young mage she had no interest in from time to time than the hordes of demons rampaging on the streets above without a break. Being at the Worldwound was demoralizing at the best of times and these times were far from them, a bit of levity in dark times was needed. "We'll have you back to Lady Irabeth too of course Anevia before too long if I have anything to say about it. And you to your grimoires and tomes Aravashnial, none of us like getting caught unexpected but as a fellow mage I understand that we're at our best when we are prepared. Any obstacle can be overcome with cunning and perseverance."
Aravashnial turns toward Iona's voice. "We don't know much of what the way ahead looks like, but we do know what is blocking it. From our discussion with the Chief of this place, we learned that the enemy that bar our path will be mongrelfolk and possibly some humans. Also, Viktor and Iona are very good at keeping the enemy busy while Bakji sent deadly arrows at them. I don't know what you have available, but long term defense spell might be very useful." Then his face darken with sadness at the mention of his tomes and grimoires. "Sadly, without eyes to see, those books will remain out of reach even if I had them in my hands."
Bakji looked around to the group. "Personally, I think we could all use a bit more sleep. Let's save the chattering and the getting to know one another more intimately for the first camp fire we make under the night sky proper." he said before he began making his bed for the night and taking off his armor for bed.
Viktor nods. "Yes, sleep first. There will be plenty of talk and fighting to be had tomorrow."
"Right... Rest." Iona said as she got over her own embarrassment. She soon snapped out of it and turned back to Aravashnial. "Say, there was something I wanted to ask Aravashnial. I, should Iomedae be kind, can read magic. If I was to resite the spells in your books for you would you be able to gain from it?" She asked.
"I could similarly aid you and have more of a background in arcane arts. There are always ways around these things with consideration, rest assured with time they'll be found. For now however rest does seem like a good idea, there'll be plenty of walking then and the chat will let us pass the time." Nicholas started preparing to sleep for the night, it was a relief to not be buy himself, it hadn't lent to restful sleep.
The group wakes up after a good rest, though you are unsure what time it is exactly. Looking outside, you see some people walking in the street and some of the shops seem open. So at least you know that it's not the middle of the night. You break your fast and get yourselves ready. When you open the door, you see a pair of guards that are standing by the street a few steps of the house. They turn toward you as you exit. "Morning, the chef would like to see you before you leave to make your way to the surface. If you would follow us, please."
You follow the guards. At first you were expecting to head back to the same building as last time, but the guards turn toward a different direction. It doesn't take long for you to see that the chief and some of his people are waiting close to tunnel that exit the cavern. It is similar to the one you took to hunt the creature except for that fact that this one has better fortification and more guards. As you approach the chief turns to you. "Well, good morning to you. I hope that your sleeping accommodations were acceptable. wanted to bring you some supplies last night, but duty called and by the time I was free it was too late for a visit."
He turns to a guard that hand him a package. "It's not much, but I think it could help you reach the surface." He walks closer to Iona and hands her the package. "Stay safe, and may the gods look after you."
Nicholas smiled and nodded at the strange Chief of this subteranian settlement. He leaves the others to lead the talks with the chief since they've already proven themselves to him and the community.
Once they had moved a bit away he would ask Iona "If you want a hand identifying the properties of the items the Chief handed you let me know. Do ye have an established marching order, if so where would you suggest I fit in to work best with ye?"
Viktor greets the chief warmly. "Indeed they were. Although I suppose after sleeping in snow-caves most sleeping accommodations are pretty good." He jests with a deep chuckle. As they are given supplies Viktor bows his head. "The help is much appreciated. Thank you."
Viktor turns to their newfound mage. "Yes they would be much appreciated. As for marching order, I will lead. I suggest Bakji behind me for his good eyes, Nicholas behind him, and Iona to guard the rear."
Bakji nods at the Chief and then soon after at Viktor for his choice in marching order. He starts up a light spell on Viktor's shield when they head out of the "city's" gates.
Nicholas and cast light on the holy symbol of Apsu taking the form of a ring on his finger and made a fist.
Turning to Iona he grinned "There is somethig behind your ear!"
Iona accepted the package from the chief. "It was more than enough. We've not much to offer but there was something we found in the tunnels on our way here." Iona said as she handed the package off before digging out the copper brooch depicting a bat perched on a mushroom with tiny amethysts as the eyes and offered it to the chief. "I hope you'll accept at least this." She said as she held it out to him.
Iona looked to Nicholas, whom she had passed the items off to and raised an eyebrow. "My ears?" She asied as she ran one of her hands behind one ear then the other.
"Let me get it." Nicholas reached gingerly with a fist to the side of her head though he never made contact, opening his fist and a small glowing gem, an ioun torch, began orbiting Iona's head. "Huh, I had wondered where that went, well you might as well use it for now." He gave her a mischievious wink.
When you give the brooch tot he Chief, his eyes open in surprise. "This used to belong to my son. Where did you find this?"
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Walking in the dark tunnel, you are able to make better time now that you are not helping wounded people. After a couple hours, you arrive to the spot that marks the boundary between the two groups of mongrelfolk. Walking more cautiously, you get as close as you dare so to not raise any alarm. Finally, you get to the point where you will no doubt signal your presence. Even if you tried a stealth approach, the light would give your position right away.
Nicholas takes a moment to cast a defensive spell pushing arcane energy into it.
"A camp site close to where we fell. I'm sorry but we found no one there... and it looked as though it had long been abandoned." Iona said softly. "Knowing now how much it means... I wish I could give you more news."
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Iona was obviously a bit taken back when Nicholas put the ioun torch on her head. "I... Uha... Um, thank you." She muttered out before she joined the rest.
"There is no way we'll get the drop on them, not with the fact we have to use light in a dark cave." Iona whispered to the group. "Maybe we could try pulling them to us?"
Nicholas hummed for a moment. "Well they don't know we are coming, is anyone skilled at reconnaisance? If we knew a bit more about possible guards and numbers it would make a surprise assault or luring some away easier."
Bakji shook his head at Nicholas's request. "There is little we could scout as even I could not see far enough without some measure of light in these tunnels before they'd see me coming like a beacon. But perhaps we could use that idea to our advantage..." he started before looking around their surrounding area.
He picked up a few stones and held them out "We could space a few rocks out, with light, leading them towards a spot of our choosing? We could possibly manage about every sixty or so feet...with someone lighting one around a corner of where we assume they are as the last. It would give us enough light to withdraw back to our trap...while giving them a curiosity to follow."
Brown Gem": 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Green Vials": 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Wand": 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Nicholas eyebrows shoot up as he remembers he hasn't informed the group about those items. "Oh yes that reminds me. I haven't figured the wand out yet but this brown gem is an Elemental Gem of Earth, if we crush them it will summon a big earth elemental for about a minute that will follow the orders of whoever crushed the crystal. The vials of green substance aren't magical but seem to be acidic. They might be of use for future plans."
"Light on a rock is an easy thing." Iona said with a shrug. "But I do like that idea Bakji." She nodded. "Though we'll have to be careful about it. This is a narrow hall."
"I could cast light on a small pebble and float it about thirty foot in front of me, might be curious enough to draw a guard to have a closer look? Any other ideas or just want me to do that?" Nicholas demonstrates by illuminating a rock and slowly levitating it, making it bob up and down and move a few feet away.