Antonio jumped a foot in the air and turned at Baldek's shout, crossbow pointing around wildly. Seeing no threats, he sagged against the wall and let his breath out with a sigh.
"Cayden's beard and moustache! You almost gave me a heart attack Baldek! What is your major malfunction?" He said as he looked over Baldek critically.
A sinking feeling washes over Reiko as the actions of the axe start to come clear.
Baldek... Dip the axe head in some blood. It doesn't matter where from, and if there isn't enough we can cut my hand on it. I have a feeling that thing is more sinister than we thought...
|
The axe does indeed suck up the blood. When brought in contact with a puddle on the floor, you see blood slowly streak along the blade - then slowly...evaporate?
"I would suggest you not do that Baldek..." Auric says apprehensively, "there seems to be some evil lying dormant in that weapon... perhaps allowing it drink blood might not be a wise choice... Where did you get this?"
Nia'Nikta growled.
"Enough. We will examine the blade later. We know its a blood drinking blade which means it is magical. Give me enough time later and I can identify its properties. If you don't want to use it that is fine but lets quit dawdling here and finish what we came here to do. If we get hung up about every dormant evil then we won't get any further." Her voice was firm but not condescending.
"Now Antonio, you mind taking point. Your eyes seem to be sharp. Baldek, Auric and Reiko you should follow behind him. Then me and Alyra with possibly Jun, Tania followed by and Sakura and Aya. Tania since you are ranged you should probably be in the back or middle with Auric and the others. Alyra, take my hand and I will guide you. Now that that is settled shall we continue on."
'I had heard adventurer's could be hard to handle but this was like herding cats that see shadows and shiny things around every corner.
Jun looks around, "That was Doran's axe he left behind. I had no idea!"
Antonion peered at Baldek's axe with an uneasy expression.
"Good lord. Just like that rock under the farmhouse..."
He shook his head and turned back to scouting.
That's what I was afraid of, Antonio. That axe cannot be good. I suggest we keep a close eye on it, and on you, Baldek, should the axe start to have a negative influence on you.
He looks once more at the dwarf, and then makes way to follow Antonio.
Having reloaded his crossbow, he looked up ahead at the intersections.
Carefully, he approached the larger one to the right.
Aya follows Antonio.
Reiko crinkles his nose in disgust, and then casts detect magic on the pile.
The dumb brutes may have thrown away something valuable. It doesn't hurt to check.
"That would have to be a pretty strong aura to be worth digging through ogre sh!t for..." Auric says quietly with a mix of surprise and disgust.
Oh, believe me, I agree completely. Still...
Well, there's nothing in the refuse, now we deal with this... Reiko whispers back as he sidles up the the side of the door way to stay hidden and strike out at whatever comes through.
Nia'Nikta had cast prestidigitation on her clothing to make it smell far sweeter than what the refuse smelled like. Wet dog would be a preferable smell.
As everyone alerted her ears would perk up and she catch's foot steps behind them. Uncoiling her whip she held the torch high her eyes trying to pierce the darkness.
"There's footsteps through the door, and behind us," Auric points out to any haven't noticed yet, "we should pick one enemy and hit it hard and fast before we find ourselves flanked."
"The one behind the door can wait. About face and let's take the one behind us! Go, go, go!"
"If it's stalking us, Baldek, it's not an innocent..." Auric says quickly and quietly, just the same, why don't you and I go first and we can make sure..." Without really waiting for a response, he rushes back around the corner.
Aya follows Auric.
Nia'Nikta was about ready to strangle someone. But in this type of situation it was normal.
'A lot of rushing decisions and no really waiting for acknowledgement. Running into a situation where it could be dangerous to rush ahead without a thought. Definitely the trademark of an adventurer. Someone who is to sure that everyone will follow their lead and that the noise of any battle that may happen doesn't stick them in the same flanked position in a more narrow corridor making them unable to effectively strike their enemies. It could also be good but no one knows and no plan to protect the flank. And Auric isn't bothering to be stealthy so everyone will hear him rushing about.'
Looking as Aya followed Auric she decided it was best to be directive and protect their flank.
"Baldek, if you want to talk with them hurry before Auric strikes. I'll protect our rear. Jun its probably best you go with them, Alyra, with me. Antonio, since you are in a rush go. Reiko, help us protect our flank as we withdraw to assist Auric in his rush. We must not let ourselves get caught with a weak flank. Sakuro, I know your magics are good at controlling an area so stay with us since Aya is assisting them. Let's move back the way we came Together. Tania, you can go with which group you want." She directed and waited for acknowledgement from everyone and would motion for them to leave.
|
|
Heading quickly back, you get to see what may seem a bit remarkable - the ogres apparently became aware of your presence, and are quickly - and as quietly as ogres can - fleeing their home. Some are already out, but one young one and two adults are heading to the entrance tunnel as you get to a vantage point where they're visible.
Once they see you, they panic, and start to run. They aren't wearing armor, so they move pretty fast.
"Well, that was easier than I expected..." Auric says, carefully backing away from the fleeing ogres, "let's go open that door and let them know that it's time to go."
Antonio started to lunge forward, then paused... Well, they were running already. If he caught them, he might have to cut them down from behind, and the job was already ripe with filthy business.
He waited.
Aya heads in the direction that the ogres came from.