"Checking where that possible waterfall was like Bakji said might be best before resting... we wouldn't want a few demon worshipers to sneak up on us while we are trying to rest. I am hoping that the worst in this area have been dealt with."
"Hmm, good idea. Let's check that up then get some rest."
The group walks back to the door where they heard water running. Standing in front of it, you still hear the water and no other noises.
Identified items
Guard Potion 1 :Potion of cure light wounds
Guard Potion 2 :Potion of cure light wounds
Woman's Potion 1:No idea
Woman's Potion 2: Potion of Invisibility
Wand:No idea
Bakji nods to the others as he's grown accustomed to before pulling the door open wide and giving the others a chance to stop whatever potential threat there may be on the other side.
"These two are potions of cure light wounds and this one is one of invisibility. The other... I do not know and the wand evades my investigations for now." Nicholas informs the others before getting read to help with whatever the door might bring.
Iona took one of the options from Nicholas and handed it off to Viktor. "Here, drink this for now. Better that expending our own power." She said before she readied herself for what may come.
Viktor gives a nod of thanks, chugging down the potion in a few gulps before trying the door.
A muted roar echoes down the walls of this hallway. Near the eastern end, the worked stone gives way to natural cave walls, just before the hall ends at an open shaft. Hanging over the edge of the shaft is a knotted rope—the other end tied to an iron spike driven into the ground. The drop is about forty feet down to the water below. Looking over the edge, Iona notices a hidden door in the eastern wall of the room below.
"There is a door," Iona began as she pointed to the wall, "There" She said before she looked to Viktor. "Do you feel good enough to go on? I shall go first if you need a bit longer."
"As long as we think this spike will hold." Viktor straps his shield to his back and sheathes his weapon, and gives the rope a hearty tug downwards to test the spike. Assuming it seems steady, he heads down and goes to open the door.
Viktor climbs down the rope and land in the water. The current is a bit stronger than expected, but the weight of Viktor's armor prevents him from floating away. He takes a few steps toward the concealed door and notice that it is a good foot above the water line. Meaning that whatever is on the other side, there is a good chance that it hasn't been touched by the water. He opens the door and he finds a small room. Inside a thick layer of dust coats the cavern. Near the far wall sits an old wooden chest covered with dust and cobwebs.
"It could be a trap, or perhaps a cache of supplies. If we have one we could lower down another rope to Viktor, I'm sure the three of us could manage to haul it up together."
Bakji thought about the words that Nicholas said and shook his head "If we were to try and remove the chest, that might trigger the trap and get three people injured that way. If anything, we choose one of us to open it there and pray that if it is a trap, we can save the other."
Bakji stood there for another few seconds before he raised a finger "Best chance we could give him would be to tie a rope around the chosen one and be ready to hall them out." he said looking around.
Iona gave a small roll of her eyes. "Make room Viktor." Iona said before she jumped down as well and made her way over to the chest.
Joining Viktor in the chamber below, Iona inspects the chest. After a moment, she finds no traps or other signs of danger.
Iona looked back up to those she left above and smiled. "It isn't trapped." She said. "Shall we bring it up there or open it down here?"
"If it's not unlocked you might as well see if it has anything of value in it. There's not much point lugging an empty chest up here."
Hearing that it's untrapped, Viktor attempts to open it.
Iona readies to shield Viktor just in cause she is wrong, after all she is only human.
Viktor opens the chest under the protective gaze of Iona. As the lid fully opens, a suspicious click noise is heard and Iona has barely time to jump in front of the Paladin to shield him from whatever is coming their way. Small darts fly toward them, but Iona manages to block them all.
Inside the chest, the two divine warriors find multiple magical items. There are a light wooden shield, a ring, two scrolls, two potions, and 250 GP.
Iona looked back and gave the paladin a small smile though she looked a bit... worn. "I have your back." Iona promised. "Always."
Viktor gasps as Iona jumps in front of him. "Iona! You didn't have to do that!" He looks to the others. "We should definitely get some rest now."
"It was my failure Viktor." Iona said. "I was the one who said it was safe... I was wrong and thankfully only I paid the price this time..."
Bakji sighed and slapped his forehead. This, was the last thing that needed to have happened. "Will you be good to continue back to the village?" he asked, not really caring about the loot at the moment.
"I will be fine, for all we know the potions in here maybe able to help me and we can continue." Iona said as she looked the items over. "The more we leave and come back the more likely there will be many more here to fight. Best to do as much as we can." Iona reminded them.
Nicholas doesn't look happy with how things happened but seems relieved that Iona is stable. He carefully examines the magic items. "We're definitely having a rest, there's a whole city in disarray up there and it's too dangerous to go up as tired and hurt as we are."
+1 light wooden shield
ring of climbing
1st scroll not identified
scroll of magic fang
potion of darkvision
potion of darkvision
Iona sighed but then nodded. "Alright, let us head back to the village. Get some sleep then come back with the rest of our party." Iona said.
Walking back to the village, you are receiving as heroes. The villagers are happy to know that there is one less threat near their town. The rest of the party meets you half way to your temporary house. They are worried at first when they see in what shape you came back, but relieved to know that they will finally be able to reach the surface soon. You spent a good night's rest and in the morning, you prepare all your gear for the last leg of the journey back to Kenabres.
Nicholas prepares his spells and checks his bandages. "I'm not feeling quite so sore as yesterday but we can't stay here much longer I suppose. I'm ready to strike forward to Kenabres."
Iona smiled seeing that everything had been fine even with village, she had worried that they might of missed something and it got by, but now she felt a bit more at peace.
When they got into the home they had been given for the time, Iona tells them about the sword they found and even shows it wondering if and of them knew a thing about it.
The following morning Iona went about ensuring they had everything and she had to agree with Nicholas. "I am worried at what we will find... but I too wish to reach the surface.
"Indeed, it has been too long since I have seen the light of the sun." Viktor laughs and claps Iona on the shoulder. "Come, we have progress to make!"
Bakji noting the wounds of his comrades....spends the night tending to their wounds, Iona's most carefully.
Upon the morning, he does not look as rested as the rest of them but makes little conversation as to the specifics of why.
Iona allowed Bakji to tend to her wounds, doing her best to talk to him and keep him company as the night passes on. "Thank you for this Bakji." She told him with a smile.
When Iona mentions the sword, Aravashnial tries to stand up. "You found Yaniel’s sword? It was stolen from the Gray Garrison, and the thieves were never found. I guess now we know who stole it." He voices lower as he comes to the realisation that he can't study it since his sight hasn't been restored. "It was said that most of its magical properties went dormant when Yaniel died. In its glory days, it was called Radiance. There are rumors that great acts of heroism and valor could reawaken the blade, but none knows for sure."
After everything that the group faced, this last trip to reach the surface seems rather easy and fast. The happiness and joy of finally reaching it are crushed when you come to see the devastation that happened to Kenabres during your travel underground. The most noticeable change is the city skyline. The tower of the Kite and the Cathedral of St-Clydwell are gone, only smoldering ruins now stand. Columns of dark smoke rise to the sky and you can see the fat buzzards wheel above in skies scarred by red smoke and black clouds.
Horgus moves toward you with a grim face. "I know we didn't always agree on everything, but if you are unsure of where to go from here, might I suggest my mansion. It is not too far north of here. There might be useful stuff for you in my vault if it is still there."
Iona helps Aravashnial up as she has been his guide since all this happened. She was able to see the distress on his face and feel it in his voice so she reached out and took his hand. "I cannot give you back your eyes Aravashnial... but," She ran his hand over the sword so that he could feel it without getting cut. "We're going to keep it safe. I'm going to try and get your eyes back, and make sure it's the first thing you get to see." Iona told him before she put the weapon away.
When they came to the surface Iona stood there, silent, looking at what remained of her home... When Horgus spoke she said nothing. She didn't answer so just kept her eyes upon the remains of her city as streams of tears began to make trails down her face. Iona seemed lost in the moment.
Bakji pauses upon entering the light of day once again and looks around. The destruction was enough to make anyone pause, but the brilliance of light after several days without was another.
He squinted heavily, his eyes stinging under the brilliance. He shook his head at what he saw but went completely stock still once Horgus spoke up. He turned slowly towards the man "That is awfully....noble of you to offer. Is this purely benevolance on your part or are you worried that there might be bandits and looters at your home and you'd appreciate the backup." he said flatly.
Taken aback by the directness of the inquisitor's comment, Horgus looks like he is about to explode in anger. Instead, he breathes deeply and waits a few seconds before speaking again. "Well... You are partly right. I wouldn't want to head there alone, more than likely I wouldn't make it. But, also, the city needs to be saved. And from what I've seen, you are the kind of people that could achieve that."
You feel that he is honest about it.
Iona seemed to break herself out of her dazed mindset and turned to them "Where did you live Horgus?" She asked. "At the very least if we are lucky we will have some place to stay for the night... it will be easier that sleeping out in the open."
Bakji nods "I am indeed sorry for my bluntness. I have been told in many lives that I am without tact, and it seems I've angered you once again. However, I appreciate your honesty in the matter." he said feeling a bit tired.
He looked around at the others "It appears our duties have not yet been fulfilled. I would suggest mending any wounds we can. Resources can't be used if you are dead, so use them to be alive to use them later." he said turning and knocking an arrow into his bow.
"I'm sure everyone has places they'd like to go first but the resources could be useful. I imagine you've invested in more secure areas. Given what has happened I imagine the building has taken some damage but you might be safer holding up there than moving about with us."
Horgus looks around getting his bearing. "My house should be that way." He points to the north and a bit to the east. "Once we get there, I have a vault in the basement. It is well-stocked and while not the most comfortable place, it should be secure... if it is still standing." None of the others with you seem to have any opposition to that plan and they all seem more or less ready to go.
"Lets get headed that way then." Iona said. "Anevia, if you get worn out or need to stop please don't hesitate to say. We need to do our best out here so getting worn out won't help anything." Iona told her. "Aravashnial, keep you hand upon my shoulder and I'll get you through this." She promised.
Bakji looked around at everyone and made note "Viktor, perhaps you should lead. I have gotten used to your movements so I should be able to be more effective in battle even with you in the thick of it. Iona, be the front guard of the non-combatants. Nicholas take up the rear guard of the non-combatants. I will take up the rear, I should be able to spot anyone sneaking up behind easily...and if not, then my armor will protect me." he said trying to rationalize the situation and how best to get there.
He thought about what he remembered of the city and drew a couple of lines "We can move along with the outer wall along our left side, that'll be safest. But going this way will take us into the heart of the district and give us a proper feel for the city and it's plight. However, it could also lead to more trouble." he said looking up after explaining.
He looked at Horgus "Any thoughts?"
"I think following the wall is the best idea." Iona spoke up with a nod. "If we get caught by what is unwelcome we can put non-combatants between us and the wall, ensuring they have something that isn't an enemy to their backs."
"It does limit our options for retreat a bit if it comes to it but Iona's suggestion does seem sound."
Horgus looks back at at Bakji. "I'm no tactician, but I would appreciate staying clear of trouble." With the path decided, the group start heading out toward the mansion. At first the progression is hard because of the huge scar on the city. But once passed, this section of the town is still in good shape. There are signs of looting and some small fire, but that's about it. The empty street feels weird and once in a while you hear a blast of energy and other loud noise in the distance. There is still fighting going on somewhere.
Eventually, Horgus mansion is in sight. The place looks like it was looted, but it shows no sign of damage. Horgus still seem upset, however. "I hired the best guards money could buy and it looks like none of them are here. I guess loyalty only goes so far..." He points to the back of the mansion. "There is a hidden door on the other side of the house. No one knew about it, not even my staff. Once we reach it, I'll be able to open the vault and get to safety."
You reach the spot that he mentions with easy. Looks like the looters are all gone. He guides you to a small non-assuming storage area of the mansion. Walking all the way to the back, he activates a few hidden levers and after a few mechanical noises from the floor, an access hole opens up, revealing a set of stairs descending into the darkness. This time, Horgus takes the lead. After a long flight of stair you come face to face with a huge steel door. The thing is equipped with a very complex lock. "Here we are. He gets the door open and you enter a big room filled with crate and chest. There is also a small section that looks like an emergency shelter.