"You, sir! With the hammer..."
Eli brings his attention upon Serra. "Yes, very good. You are doing well to organize us. Lead on, Serra."
Eli looks back to Anevia. "Do you require anything to brace yourself? My hammer is long enough to lean on. I have other weapons on which I can depend." He avoids looks of pity or patronization.
...
"It's Cole actually."
"Ah, then Cole it is. I will not make the same mistake a second time. Cole has a much better sound to it."
...
Eli takes his place amongst the fallen. He chuckles heartily as he hears Beagan beknighted by the word 'Sir', and Beagan's enthusiasm. It pushes away the cloy of the darkness.
Grasker advances until there is a room or some option to make a choice, looking for giant spiders, listening for other survivors and mindful to stay within Cole's light.
Cole bristles at Serra's long speech, but it does seem to be getting the non-combatants moving so he accepts it for now. He shrugs without comment and takes his position near the front.
He shakes his dragon scale a little before putting it away. Doesn't seem to be working. Hrmph. Must be the light.
Cole follows Grasker, staying 5-10' behind him unless he indicates he wants more room. He lets the point-man decide where we go and set the pace. With a 30' light source we're able to see reasonably well overall.
After tucking the dragon's gift into a sack on his belt, he scrambles to get his heavy pack on his small but stout back. Hefting the shield heralded with three daggers, gloved hands trace his amulet once more before he takes up his position at the rear, sword drawn and at the ready.
Serra nods and offer a crispish salute to Beagan.
Yeah, I'm a knight. Just keep going. I'll get myself to the front lines soon enough...
...after we get these people to safety, of course.
Serra's eyes go Beagan's shield and the 3 daggers.
"One moment, Sir Beagan. Your shield? The 3 daggers? You mention a 'Big R'? Uhm...who?"
Know (Religion)
* * *
** spoiler omitted **
Oh good. He's up here somewhere.
Coming, Kastor. We're coming.
If there are no exits, he lowers his bow and does the search himself.
Apparently Cole is too worried about being jumped to see anything of note.
Initiative, surprise round
Cole: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Grasker: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
cockroaches stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
As Grasker and Cole enter the campsite, two giant cockroaches scramble from the trash.
Round 1, Initiative 21
HP: 10/10
Weapon Equipped = Long Bow
Cold Iron Arrows = 27/30
Silver Blunt Arrows = 10/10
Conditions = None
Ranger Focus = 1/1
Child of the Crusade = 1/1
Cole, surprised by yet another set of ‘bugs’, jumps back 5’ and shoots at the cockroach that had been next to him chewing on his ankle.
(point blank) (point blank)
He remains quiet, not seeing the need to summon the rest of the party for some unusually sized roaches. Though he wonders just how far back they are, he's more worried about summoning something more dire creeping around in the darkness with them.
Grasker tries to skewer on of the roaches on his sword tip but unfortunately misses.
Cole drills one of the cockroaches, dropping it at Grasker's feet. Grasker tries to do in the other one, but misses, his blade clinking off the stone wall.
The sound of steel on stone and the high pitched hiss of the cockroaches filters back to the others.
Round 1
Serra: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21+
Cole: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Beagan Berelcar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21-
Grasker: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
Elyanius Myoch, 2nd roll: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Jurin Kreedsön: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
cockroache1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Round 2, Initiative 21
HP: 10/10
Weapon Equipped = Long Bow
Cold Iron Arrows = 26/30 (0 missed)
Silver Blunt Arrows = 10/10
Conditions = None
Ranger Focus = 1/1
Child of the Crusade = 1/1
Cole moves deeper into the room to get a clear shot on the remaining cockroach.
(point blank) (point blank)
Damn bugs everywhere. I hope nothing larger hears all that hissing.
Round 2, Init 18+
Serra double moves (at half speed) while guiding the blind elf down the corridor.
As Serra walks the blind elf, he is thankful that the elf cannot see the girth of his gut, nor the non-shininess of his vomited armor, nor the dust caking his face.
I need to die a knight, not a worm in a hole.
"Come along, Elf...say, did I get your name? What was it again?"
Round 2, initiative 19
Grasker more accurately stabs at the vermin underfoot, if it survived Cole's arrow.
Once the ambush bugs are dispatched he will glance at Cole to see that he is keeping a look out. Then poke through the belongs with his sword, looking for things of use for the survivors.
Round 2, Init 18+
Serra double moves (at half speed) while guiding the blind elf down the corridor.
As Serra walks the blind elf, he is thankful that the elf cannot see the girth of his gut, nor the non-shininess of his vomited armor, nor the dust caking his face.
I need to die a knight, not a worm in a hole.
"Come along, Elf...say, did I get your name? What was it again?"
"The name is Ara-vashnyel. I'm afraid I'm a little at a loss just now, but if you could explain our surroundings to me, I'm sure I will be able to help us find our way out of here."
Round 2, initiative 19
1d20 +4; 1d8 +1
Grasker more accurately stabs at the vermin underfoot, if it survived Cole's arrow.
Once the ambush bugs are dispatched he will glance at Cole to see that he is keeping a look out. Then poke through the belongs with his sword, looking for things of use for the survivors.
Having called a quick end to the bugs, Grasker pokes through the belongings of the former tenant of the camp,
"One moment, Sir Beagan. Your shield? The 3 daggers? You mention a 'Big R'? Uhm...who?"
"Why yes, Sirrah. The shield was a gift from the Temple of Calistria, the Lady of Stings and all that. That is her symbol on my shield. Her temple helped arrange training and equipment for my mission." That goddess may be a nasty piece of work at times, but her followers can be very generous when they want something from you.
"The Big R is the patron who brought me here. The one who blessed" or is it cursed? "me with the powers to help further the Cause. It is because of the Lord Ragathiel that I maybe able to contribute as a warrior for the Crusade." And perhaps one day even serve as a Holy Knight, if I ever prove myself that worthy.
Having heard the commotion, the others move cautiously towards the exit taken by Cole and Grasker, only catching up after the bugs are dispatched.
On the other side of the smaller cavern, Cole is just able to make out a dip in the tunnel that may branch back the way they came, as well as what may be a way forward.
Eli escorts Anevia as she allows. "Are you joining the ranks, young lady? Or are you local-born? Do you have anyone above who will be missing you?"
Getting caught up, Eli nods approvingly. Didn't have to raise a hand against these. Perhaps it will do to stay back, and let the proficient ones clear a path.
"Cole, Grasker. Well done. If you run into something more formidable, we will wait for you to draw it, or them, back into us. Would you have us hold on command? We would give you the space to proceed without blocking a necessary retreat."
Eli escorts Anevia as she allows. "Are you joining the ranks, young lady? Or are you local-born? Do you have anyone above who will be missing you?"
"Neither...that is, I wasn't born here, but I've been here for awhile now." She looks up at the many feet of stone above them, sighing softly. "My wife is probably very worried. I hope she is worried." The alternative is unthinkable.
"Cole, Grasker. Well done. If you run into something more formidable, we will wait for you to draw it, or them, back into us. Would you have us hold on command? We would give you the space to proceed without blocking a necessary retreat."
Cole says seriously, "Closer is better - we won't have so far to run."
Cole waits for Grasker to retake the lead and then proceeds down the hall bow in hand, sunrod sticking out of his belt. He'll gesture to Grasker to wait a moment at the intersection while Cole confirms the passage does indeed link back to their original landing site.
Then the pair will (hopefully - don't want to speak for Grasker here) continue on.
narrow fissure yawns up into the dark.
Hanging off the ledge by one of its straps, a crusader's pack dangles some 10 feet up, of the ledge.
sigh.
He mutters under his breath, "There's probably a +1 bow in that magical sack hanging there. Sure, and I'm an exotic dancer."
He puts his bow on his back and climbs up to the ledge to see what can be seen. He leaves the pack alone for now.
Cole carefully, and quietly, lifts up the pack to the ledge and checks the contents. He'll then lower himself back down to the floor - also carefully and quietly I hope - and return to Grasker.
I'll make a post to Gasker after I know what's in the pack.
caltrops, two flasks of oil, a bundle of 12 arrows, and two potion bottles. Whoever this tourist was, he had money.
He takes the caltrops out of the bag and leaves them on the ledge in a pile.
He sips a little of the potions to identify them.
He then returns to Grasker sitting in the dark. As he walks, he transfers the things from the found pack to his own.
He speaks low, "I found a ledge up 10' or so. Had this pack on it. A couple odds and ends in the pack, but two potions are useful. Can you ID this one? The other is lesser restoration. A nice find."
"I suggest we follow this path and see where it leads us. It's a squeeze, but everyone can manage that. What do you think?"
"Why yes, Sirrah. The shield was a gift from the Temple of Calistria, the Lady of Stings and all that. That is her symbol on my shield. Her temple helped arrange training and equipment for my mission."
"The Big R is the patron who brought me here. The one who blessed" "me with the powers to help further the Cause. It is because of the Lord Ragathiel that I maybe able to contribute as a warrior for the Crusade."
Know (Religion) - Ragathiel
Know (Religion) - Calistria"Oh...so you serve two gods? And which one sent you to die here?" Serra asks, looking down at the be-vomited less-perfect symbol of Irori dangling from his armor.
* * *
"The name is Ara-vashnyel. I'm afraid I'm a little at a loss just now, but if you could explain our surroundings to me, I'm sure I will be able to help us find our way out of here."
Serra nods and tries to explain the area to the Elf as best he can.
"Uhm...it's dark in here. And...*watch your foot there*...over...*ohh, step up*...there, but we're in a tunnel...*bend down a bit here*...of sorts. Uh..there is lots...*ooh! did you see that?*...of dirt...and, uhm, oh look! A campsite with two dead bugs...arrows in them...and now we're walking...*what's that smell?*...down a tunnel..."
"Kastor!? Kastor?! You around here?! Speak to me boy!" Serra looks around for his squire that has been calling to him.
"Uhm...it's dark in here. And...*watch your foot there*...over...*ohh, step up*...there, but we're in a tunnel...*bend down a bit here*...of sorts. Uh..there is lots...*ooh! did you see that?*...of dirt...and, uhm, oh look! A campsite with two dead bugs...arrows in them...and now we're walking...*what's that smell?*...down a tunnel..."
"What are our strengths? Who are the people with us. Be my eyes, and I'm sure I can get us out of here."
"Kastor!? Kastor?! You around here?! Speak to me boy!" Serra looks around for his squire that has been calling to him.
"What are our strengths? Who are the people with us. Be my eyes, and I'm sure I can get us out of here."
Serra rubs his beard, trying to quickly analyze those around him.
"Uh...we have Jurin and his uh, strength, is, uh...that he thinks differently. Very differently," Serra says, starting off slow.
"We have Ely, and he has a huge hammer. HUGE. And he seems good at smashing things, but he doesn't really know where it is going. But he's taking take of the lass with the broken leg, which is nice."
Serra rubs his beard and looks around more, gaining steam.
"We have the fat politician, I don't know his name. But he hasn't dropped the light yet. That's impressive, right?"
"Oh! We have Sir Beagan, a stalwart knight of Ragathiel. Now, do you know much about Ragathiel? His father was Dispater and, uhm, well, symbolizes that evil can be redeemed."
"Uh...we have Cole and Grassy, but I don't know much about them. They seem to like whispering to each other and exploring. What else did you want to know?"
The elf squeezes Serra's shoulder as he mentions "the fat politician" and lowers his voice. "That would be Horgus Gwerm. Be kind to him, I'm sure this has thrown him some. He's a better man than he gets credit for."
He considers each bit of information separately. "Oh Good, we have scouts. That is excellent. They should definitely scout ahead, but not so far that they can't return to us. Definitely."
"Ragathiel? symbolizes that evil can be redeemed? Well, I'm not sure that's what I take from Rathiel's story. Perhaps it is more that you are not bound by your origins." He nods, as if, having it said it, it must be so.
"He has five wings of flame, did you know? Do you know why it is five and not six?"
Jurin listens to the various conversation around him, the light orbiting his head making the cavern walls pulse.
"Oh Serra, Serra, Serra, I don't think differently, you just haven't caught up yet. Like these poor cock-a-roaches. Smushed. No sense taking trophies from them, plenty in the food at camp."
"Homadee, homadii, lost in this cavern am Iiiii"
The odd man brings up the rear, making sure none fall behind and walking backwards every few steps. Occasionally he stops to lick the cavern wall or tap it with the pommel of a dagger.
"Why only five, Ara-vah-n-yel? Did he lose one in a bet? Maybe he decided to see what angel feathers taste like. Why would he use his own wing? Sounds odd."
What do angel wings taste like?
The sound of conflict from the front had concerned him, but he followed his orders and had kept watch over the rear of the party. His eyes moved from scanning the area behind for threats and reviewing the safety of those survivors just in front of him. The scouts ahead seemed to have the threat well in head.
"Oh...so you serve two gods? And which one sent you to die here?"
His mouth drops open, about to reply, but he resists his normal practice of responding with the first thoughts that race through his mind. His eyebrows actually crook in contemplation for a moment before answering.
"Well, to a certain extent, all of the gods are worthy of service, I guess. But I am dedicated to serve the Big R, the great Liberator! He has given me his blessings, and I am in Mendhev to serve the Cause, and to provide whatever humble assistance I can in His name. I'm on a mission from god!"
His expression is earnest, a boring stare of serious commitment on his face at first, but then worry lines start crinkle just a little across his face.
"But now that you mention it, I guess the Lady of Stings had quite a bit with me being here, too. Her Priestesses made sure I was properly equipped and trained to be able to fight and fulfill my vow to the Big R. Maybe she sent me to my death?" I wouldn't put it past her. "But if I die in furthering the Cause of Liberation in the name the Big R, than I would be content to have such a worthy and noble fate." There are worse fates than death...
"He has five wings of flame, did you know? Do you know why it is five and not six?"
The Gnome's eyes widen excitedly. "Yes, I know that!" He sheathes his sword and his free hand holds forth the small amulet around his neck, the pendant shaped in the form of a red wing crossed by a silver sword. "He lost his sixth firey wing when fighting a fiend from Hell, his father I think, and so those of us dedicated to him sport a red wing as his symbol."
He stands forth, the sign of Calistria prominent on his shield, a symbol of Ragathiel hanging from around his neck, his face locked in serious thought. "All I know is the Big R is committed to this Crusade, so therefore so am I."
The odd man brings up the rear, making sure none fall behind and walking backwards every few steps. Occasionally he stops to lick the cavern wall or tap it with the pommel of a dagger."Why only five, Ara-vah-n-yel? Did he lose one in a bet? Maybe he decided to see what angel feathers taste like. Why would he use his own wing? Sounds odd."
What do angel wings taste like?
The Gnome had been tasked to watch the back, but Jurin seemed intent on protecting that flank as well, so Began's attention switches back and forth from his conversation with Serra and the Elf and then back behind again so he can add a second pair of eyes to the man covering the rear defenses.
Before he answers Jurin's questions, he searches his memory. "I've never tasted a real one. At least not an angel feather. I imagine my amulet tastes like berry paint and silver. What does the wall taste like? Is it savory? Or does it tell you something?"
Excitement twinkles in his eyes and smile. "Are you part Dwarf!?!" Jurin didn't look like any dwarf he had ever met, but perhaps his intimate interactions with the stone were some kind of clever ability to interrogate the rock.
** spoiler omitted **
Serra seems concerned that his squire is running off and up ahead, but isn't in the position (much less the physical shape) to go chasing after him. Instead he fills his time and worry by focusing on the discussion at hand.
"I am dedicated to serve the Big R, the great Liberator! He has given me his blessings, and I am in Mendev to serve the Cause, and to provide whatever humble assistance I can in His name. I'm on a mission from god!"
Serra seems humbled by this sentiment...himself failing to find the strength to ever answer or seek such a calling.
I wonder if he realizes we're not so much on a Crusade, but trapped like worms in a hole? I'm pretty sure a Crusade would have lots more knights and horses and sunlight. And music. Mom always liked music.
"That's a good story about Ragathiel there. I like the part where others are taking up his wing as a symbol of the fight against evil. And even one's own parents, if necessary."
My parents would have joined that cause. Me? Hmmpf.
"Cole, Grasker. Well done. [...]"
When Elyanias joins them by the ruined camp, Grasker will point out the medallion.
"A bat upon a mushroom. Does that give anyone a clue to our location, or what lived down here?"
He continues to scout ahead ...
Later when Cole returns with the backpack..
"A fortunate find. The food may be the greatest treasure of all if we do not find an exit soon."
"I can almost place this .. but can't be sure. Lets move on."
"Neither...that is, I wasn't born here, but I've been here for awhile now." She looks up at the many feet of stone above them, sighing softly. "My wife is probably very worried. I hope she is worried." The alternative is unthinkable.
"Of course she is worried for you. Spouses always worry. At least, the good ones do. As you so aptly demonstrate yourself. Don't worry. It looks like we're in good company. I'm sure we'll find the surface soon enough for belated reunions." Eli watches Jurin lick a wall, and loses his next thought.
"Jurin, if you're thirsty, I'm sure one of us has water. No need to imbibe condensations tinged in masonry dust." Eli considers. "Unless it brings you comfort, then please, lick away. We had a young local boy who took great comfort in eating his old scabs. Called it building materials for the next scrape he suffered."
Eli enjoys the banter between the believers. That candle has a long tallow.
"Well, to a certain extent, all of the gods are worthy of service, I guess."
"Careful, master Beagan. Not all gods are as pure and good as the Big R. Unless you believe that evil is a necessary service to the world. Then I can't argue with you. And that would be no fun." Eli starts to hum a very out-of-tune version of 'Bright Sides Need a Dark'.
Keen Gnoman ears pick up a phrase from up ahead.
"A bat upon a mushroom..."
I know a good recipe for that... assuming the bat isn't a friend, of course.
"Careful, master Beagan. Not all gods are as pure and good as the Big R. Unless you believe that evil is a necessary service to the world. Then I can't argue with you. And that would be no fun." Eli starts to hum a very out-of-tune version of 'Bright Sides Need a Dark'.
"Evil is never necessary!" Wide eyes blink in uncomprehesion, and then stop as the thoughts process a bit more. "Well, I guess that could be, as some say the unseelie are as natural as... hmmmm...." He nods. "I sometimes forget that your kind sometimes include abominations and their ilk as gods." A little shiver shakes through him at that thought.
"Yes. My kind can be pretty ignorant, can't it? I'd much rather not include the abominations myself." Eli smiles to himself, then Beagan. "So tell me. How far have we fallen, do you think? I can't quite judge our current position. I understand that 10' down, and the walls taste like honey. 20' down, like chocolate. 30' down, like raspberry. Be a sport, and have a go of it." Eli delays his chuckle only so long. He might just be curious enough to try.
"A bat upon a mushroom. Does that give anyone a clue to our location, or what lived down here?"
"Let me take a good look at it. My mind is currently a little foggy." Eli hopes something about it jogs some understanding.
While we are clumped up Grasker will look over his companions. He looks with a practical eye at capabilities to move through this caved in environment and whether weapons are at hand.
Grasker's own appearance is a young human man, wearing a dark explorer's outfit, with sword and shield equipped and other possessions in a leather backpack.
Knowledge is trained only... under normal circumstances.
With a gloved hand Grasker picks up the medallion and gives it to Elyanias to examine.
"Eli, what do you make of this? It does not compare to that dragon scale you handed me, but perhaps this will grant some clues to this underground realm."
"Eli, what do you make of this?"
"My knowledge of this symbol is pretty limited, I'm afraid. Do you think we're in a large realm? I hope not. I wonder if Kenabres herself was aware of the tunnels that exist beneath her." Eli considers a bit longer.
He turns to Horgus. "Horgus, good man. Would you know anything about a local chapter, represented by a winged marsupial dining on fungus?" Eli looks hopefully at the local representative.
"We should keep moving. I can't imagine what hellscape awaits us above." I can imagine, but that wouldn't be a very motivational conversation as we move towards it.
"No, I don't think I recognize that. The copper looks... well, different somehow, doesn't it?! But it does look like it ought to mean something."
Horgus trudges along with the others, complaining occasionally about...well, more or less everything. "I just need to get home. If you get me home, I'll pay you handsomely, I promise. I just need to get out of this hole."