The tunnels spill out in front of the group, though the going is slow. Eventually, the narrow winding tunnel widens into another small cavern. Several mounds of rock lie in heaps, recently fallen from the walls and ceiling. Now and then, bits of dust settle from cracks in the stone above.
"The wall? Tastes like sweat and disappointment, with a little blood and dung. Like childhood really. No matter what she says, don't take the cup. It's not good for you. Maybe it made me part dwarf. Could I be? No, you can tell from my hair which way I'm facing."
Jurin follows, thinking on bats that sit on mushrooms.
"Why are we here, Beagle the gnome who wants to be an elf? This isn't a hole, it's not small enough and they don't have a rope for the food."
Cole takes the opportunity provided by the small cavern to rejoin the main group for a moment.
"We found a pack with a few simple supplies - largely food - and two potions. One has been identified as a draught of lesser restoration. The other has not yet been figured out. It's a very nice pack if anyone needs an upgrade." Cole holds up the pack with two potsions in it to any who would take it.
"This is likely to be a long slog as we find our way back to the surface. Is anyone unable to keep up?" Cole looks over the group briefly. "Good. That will help."
He turns back and rejoins Grasker. He idly wonders where the squire of the loud one is. Seems like we should have seen him by now. Might be a side passage we missed. He shrugs and presses on searching the cavern for exits.
Serra puts the Elf's hand on Horgus.
"I'll be back in a moment," Serra tells the Elf as goes to approach Cole.
"Cole, is it?" Serra asks, seeking confirmation. "I might be able to help identify that potion. I've seen a few potions in my day." Serra's girth confirms that he has known both drink and food. "Mind if I take a sniff?"
Perception
"You and your friend, Grass, are doing a fine job of scouting, Cole. Keep it up and I'll try to the rest of us moving along. The lady moves slow because of her leg and the elf is blinded...so we'll try to keep up as best we can," Serra comments, hoping the man doesn't realize that both he and Horgus might struggle on the climb out.
Serra turns away from Cole but then spins again, remembering something.
"If you see a young lad, about 8, with a limp, would you holler out? My squire is around here someplace. The thoughtful lad seems to be looking for a way out," Serra gives an uneasy smile that belies his worry.
Grasker will scout ahead with Cole.
"We found a pack with a few simple supplies - largely food - and two potions. One has been identified as a draught of lesser restoration. The other has not yet been figured out. It's a very nice pack if anyone needs an upgrade." Cole holds up the pack with two potsions in it to any who would take it.
Eli moves up to accept the backpack. "Here, let me unburden you before you set off. I've always been called a 'mule', so let the metaphor stand, at least until we gain the surface." He carefully folds over his backpack, which demonstrates a rather emptyish quality, in order to tuck it into the masterwork one. It slips onto his back with enough ease.
He readjusts a sheathe at his right side, as well as a couple of chakrams on the other. Aside from a shoulder slouch, Eli looks ready and able to continue the climb.
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"Why are we here, Beagle the gnome who wants to be an elf? This isn't a hole, it's not small enough and they don't have a rope for the food."
"I don't want to be an elf, I am one already, at least in the ways that matter." His little head nods fervently.
"Hmmm, Beagle the elf. I kind of like it! Beagle-Eagle-Eagon-Econ-Edon-Eston-Heston-Herston-Herstu-Hirsute-Bersoot- Berstu-Bird Stew-Bee Stew-Beastie-Bestin-Beckon-Beagan." His face crunches in puzzlement. "No, I guess it's still Beagan."
"As for why we are here, it seems the sacrifice of our betters has led us to this place, for better or worse, I guess. And if those wise and wonderful gave of themselves for us, it is up to us to make the most of their gift." And to be prepared to provide succor and sacrifice for those who need it.
"You're right, though, this doesn't appear to be a hole."
Beagan waddles a little as he moves up to watch Eli take the pack and he spies the remains of the camp of the former tenant and quickly peruses what remains of their gear.
"It appears somebody used to be here. I wonder why they were here, and where they were from. They must have gotten in someway, which means there must be someway out! Hmmm...."
He takes a closer look at the pack on Eli's back, looking for any indicators about its origins, including any clues from the style and craftsmanship as to what race or culture might have made it.
Beagan studies the finely crafted backpack. The thread appears to be made of some sort of spider silk, though not one he recognizes. Similarly, the leather appears similar to bat wing membrane, or something very much like it. Thin but tough and resilient, it looks to be made of one single piece, but that would mean a bat of quite some size....
The going is slow, with the various impediments, but with Cole and Grasker scouting ahead, they are able to avoid both a large viper as well as another maggot infestation.
Cole sticks close to Grasker as they meander through the maze of tunnels and passages always trying to find the best path upward. He starts to worry a bit that they haven't found the Squire yet. It's been a while, we really should have found him by now. I wonder if we'll need to go back. I dunno though. Tunnels always played tricks on me. Maybe we haven't gone very far at all.
Cole frowns reflexively.
We need to get out of this subterranean labyrinth before it becomes our tomb.
He puts his hand on Grasker to stop him and asks, "Do you think we've missed the squire? Much as I don't want to go back, I do think it's possible we walked past him in some side passage or other. I don't want to split the group, but it might be wise to double back a short ways while the lame among us rest a little while."
He takes off his hat and reflexively wipes his forehead on his sleeve while he waits for confirmation of his plan. His long greasy hair and somewhat receding hairline are damp with sweat.
As indifferently as Cole refused Serra's attempt at introduction, Serra will politely decline the backpack.
If I wear that pack, they might want me to carry more.
"Oh neverbother with the name," Serra passive-aggressives. "I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually."
That one is probably a hugger once you get him drunk.
Serra follows with his group, trying to keep the blind elf from both falling (due to trail hazards) and from going insane (from talk from Beagan and Jurin).
"What was your line of work, Ara-vashnyel?" Serra queries, trying to make small talk.
Eli stands from his squat, having allowed Beagan a close inspection of the new backpack.
"It seems that Cole and Grasker have a taste for exploration. Do any of the rest of us have experience in cave spelunking? This is the first time I've been underground, myself. And this is far deeper than six feet, I gather." Eli keeps pace with Serra and the elf, which isn't hard to do.
"What brought everyone to Armasse? That's something interesting we can all discuss, while we travel. I'll start. Nerosyan was unkind, and Kenabres was my best chance to participate in the Crusades. I think the gods are trying to tell me to give up on the idea. Collapsed, in ruins, buried. I'm rather thickheaded, so I'll pretend like I don't see the allusion." His hammer bangs into the side of the cavern, taking the blow instead of Eli's head. "Ah, and we're watching where we're walking... somone else?"
Eli also listens closely to Aravashnyel's response. Poor man. I do hope that he finds healing for his eyes.
He puts his hand on Grasker to stop him and asks, "Do you think we've missed the squire? Much as I don't want to go back, I do think it's possible we walked past him in some side passage or other. I don't want to split the group, but it might be wise to double back a short ways while the lame among us rest a little while."
"I believe our collective survival depends on finding safety or exit before our water runs out. Let us maintain our momentum until that time, then return properly equipped if the squire is not seen. If we double back and do not return, the injured would wonder if they should follow or wait."
Grasker considers who he is speaking with and respectfully adds:
"I would defer to your expertise in leading an expedition of course. Unfortunately I am ignorant in the ways of dungeoneering."
Behind them, he hears Eli's hammer clunk into the wall with a bang.
"We should move on."
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"You already know about me. The Big R wants some of his followers to contribute to the Crusades, to help Liberate the oppressed and all, so I'm here." The missing squire immediately springs to mind as a concern.
"I'm not an expert spellunker..." His mind considers just how wonderful that word sounds, but he stops himself from sharing it out loud. The Clergy of Calistria were not always amused when he audibilized whatever was bouncing around his freewheeling mind. "...but I'm wondering if the cave looks really big to anyone else." Glancing around, he doesn't feel any smaller than usual. Unless he's relaxing in a comfortable halfling home, it seems people are always towering over him.
" 'Cause either we shrunk, or whoever made Eli's new backpack used the biggest bat ever! It's expertly made of one piece of something very much like bat-wing hide. To to be that size, it would have to be from a leathery wing bigger that I've ever seen." Or heard of.
"It's also sewed up with this really cool spider silk that I've never encountered before, either. Does anyone know if creatures with huge bat-wings or exotic spiders are common in Mendhev? Or in the spellunked caverns beneath?" The sounds of such a fun word roll around his mind again and again... SPEL-lunk, spe=LLUNK, spel-lunk-ER, spel-LUNKED, spel-LANK-ed... helping him pass the time.
"I"m a... a free lance librarian, I suppose you could say. I... consult on various public administration strategies." He pauses for a moment before continuing. "I also craft items that others might use in the fight against the abyss, wands and whatnot. When we are out of here, I must reach the Librarium and... check in with the others."
Jurin skips at the rear of the group with his new friend Beagle.
"Caves all around, no hole to be found. Darkness and teeth I know, but this is new for me."
He fingers the finest maggot tooth he was able to harvest, measuring it.
"Faith led me here, to tasty rocks and elven gnomes. Maybe the next dead man will have a nice hat? That would be good, keeps the dark off your head. I need to save Othoe before I leave. Not here, we can leave here whenever."
"I believe our collective survival depends on finding safety or exit before our water runs out. Let us maintain our momentum until that time, then return properly equipped if the squire is not seen. If we double back and do not return, the injured would wonder if they should follow or wait."
Grasker considers who he is speaking with and respectfully adds:
"I would defer to your expertise in leading an expedition of course. Unfortunately I am ignorant in the ways of dungeoneering."
Behind them, he hears Eli's hammer clunk into the wall with a bang.
"We should move on."
Cole snickers at the sound, "They are loud aren't they? Maybe the demons will skip over us in their rush to the noise. Let us hope."
"But well said. I'm no dungeoneer either - and I'm struggling to find my way around down here. We might have doubled back twice for all I know. Water will be a problem. Thanks to my mother, I can create a little every day, but really just enough for the two of us. A pair more I think if we really stretch it. Certainly not enough for all this rabble though."
He looks down the tunnel into the darkness.
"Let's press on."
"I"m a... a free lance librarian...consult...strategies,"
"Oh, a free lancer, huh? Well don't worry, we'll get you back on your horse eventually. And back to your strategies. Maybe I'll get to join you on the front lines," Serra answers back, clearly mishearing for his worry over his squire. His voice seems octaves sadder.
Jurin sniggers at Serra's mistake.
"Paper horse for paper tiger, Serra knows the way. Ara-vash-n-yel makes wands from books for fighting demons. What demons could we find with your books, Ara-vash-n-yel? Do you have one to help slide Serra into his pants in the morning? They're so bright it hurts my teeth. His pants, not your books. Unless you have bright books? Or are your books for bright people to fight demons?"
"Unless you have bright books? Or are your books for bright people to fight demons?"
Serra looks to the faces of his companions, wondering if they are having the same reaction to Jurin that visitors to the Sitting Duck used to have while passing through town.
Eli leans over to Beagan. "Oo hoo, Still Beagan. Listen to his words, how they dance." Eli tilts his hammer in Jurin's direction. "You two should get along swimmingly, I should say. Just remember that dancing with a woman with longer legs than you will likely have you tripping over your own. His words have so many steps, so many steps..."
"Cole, Grasker!! Can you see anything up ahead? How much further do you think? Are we almost to the surface? Are we there yet?" Eli tries to project as much as he can, to make sure they can hear him properly. "I said, are we there yet?" Eli pauses to listen for response, and for echoes off the cavern walls. Anything to tell him they aren't trapped in small, ineffectual places.
He turns to Aravashnyel. "The Librarium, you say? That sounds like a nice place to sit and read for a spell. Is it open to the public for perusal? Do you hope that they'll have the means to help restore your sight, so you may read independently again?" Oh, I do hope it isn't too soon to address him regarding his recent loss of sight.
"Oh, a free lancer, huh? Well don't worry, we'll get you back on your horse eventually. And back to your strategies. Maybe I'll get to join you on the front lines," Serra answers back, clearly mishearing for his worry over his squire. His voice seems octaves sadder.
"A Fre...Oh no, not a lancer, though I know several. Magic and knowledge tend to be my preferred spheres.... What do you do, Sir Serra? What talents do you bring to bear on the horde?"
Behind you, the others continue to converse about themselves.
At Jurin's continued ramblings, Aravashnyel taps Serra and calls him closer to discuss in a hushed voice, "We'll need to keep an eye on that one. He may have been compromised. Or, possibly hit his head on a rock."
"Oh, not exactly to the public, no. But to certain scholars. I do think they'll be able to help me with my sight, once we can get there. If you take me there first thing, they may be able to help the rest of you as well. "
"Grasker? Grass! Are you up there? What do you see, man! Are we almost there yet? Have you found the blasted squire? I think our poor knight may be on the verge of losing it." Horgus whispers loudly into the darkening space between the two groups. Ahead, the shapes of Cole and Grasker are barely visible as they continue forward.
+plus misc.
Initiative
snake: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Serra: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Cole: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Elyanius: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Beagan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Jurin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Grasker: 1d20 ⇒ 11
"Big Snake."
Grasker will edge closer (5-foot step) and prepare to chop it if the snake should move to attack rather than flee (readied action).
The snake hisses and rears up, but doesn't attack. Beneath him, scratched into the rock, a faint circular symbol can be seen.
"Maybe we can scare it off."
Grasker will bring up his shield and move it around like the head of an enormous cobra, while grating the inside with his sword hilt to make an unpleasant rasping sound.
Serra gives Horgus a look, making a note to remember the man's rudeness.
That was unnecessary. Sometimes those with mean hearts hide in plain sight.
Serra is grateful when Ara gently corrects him, giving him time to think about things other than punching Horgus' face and his lost squire.
"Oh...you trade in magic and knowledge," Serra finally getting the gist. My father used to do the same. "Well, you are probably useful to the cause then, eh, Ara?" Unlike me, this one has value.
Serra puffs himself up, trying to create value where there is none.
"I am a knight, trained by my father. Studied in the ways of soldiery and more by him. He was a hero to Falcon's Hallow. During his time, he *was* the Hallow." He was the Hallow whereas I am naught but hollow. Serra continues his puffery. "My mother was gifted as well, trained me and loved me while she lived." I died the day she left. "I just await my chance to charge the demon hordes and give them the pointy ends of my arrows or mighty starknife."
Bluff
Serra gives Horgus a look, making a note to remember the man's rudeness.
That was unnecessary. Sometimes those with mean hearts hide in plain sight.
Serra is grateful when Ara gently corrects him, giving him time to think about things other than punching Horgus' face and his lost squire.
"Oh...you trade in magic and knowledge," Serra finally getting the gist. My father used to do the same. "Well, you are probably useful to the cause then, eh, Ara?" Unlike me, this one has value.
Serra puffs himself up, trying to create value where there is none.
"I am a knight, trained by my father. Studied in the ways of soldiery and more by him. He was a hero to Falcon's Hallow. During his time, he *was* the Hallow." He was the Hallow whereas I am naught but hollow. Serra continues his puffery. "My mother was gifted as well, trained me and loved me while she lived." I died the day she left. "I just await my chance to charge the demon hordes and give them the pointy ends of my arrows or mighty starknife."
1d20+8 Bluff
"I'm sure both of your parents would be very proud of the stalwart man you've become. Once we get out of here, your bravery will come in handy, but you will need wisdom, patience and cunning as well, Serra. Just diving in head first will be a sure way to get yourself killed, and then all of your parents hard work will have been for naught."
The elf grimaces, remembering his own youth, and his parents.
"Though sometimes, we must do as our conscience dictates rather than our parents, it is wise not to waste their gifts."
The snake slithers backwards a hair but doesn't move from the circle.
Round surprise, Initiative 21
HP: 10/10
Weapon Equipped = Long Bow
Cold Iron Arrows = 27/30 (0 missed)
Silver Blunt Arrows = 10/10
Conditions = None
Ranger Focus = 1/1
Child of the Crusade = 1/1
Cole ignores Horgus’ bellowing and focuses on the snake in front of him, shooting to kill!
"Shoo! We're coming through here!"
(point blank) (point blank)
surprise round
The snake hisses rears up, but otherwise does not attack. Grasker moves his shield in front of Cole's light, throwing a long shadowy "cobra" onto the ground in front of the snake. The snake slithers back 5 feet. Cole misses the snake, his arrow disappearing into a shadow.
Round 1, Serra's up.
Serra: 21
Cole: 21
Eli: 19
Beagan: 12
Jurin: 12
Grasker:11
snake: 10
Round 1, Init 21
With the commotion ahead, Serra again puts Ara's hand on Horgus fat, mean shoulder. "I'll be back in a moment. Stay together, you two."
Serra will move up 20' (in his soldier's waddle) and draw his starknife, looking for trouble.
Round 1, Initiative 21
HP: 10/10
Weapon Equipped = Long Bow
Cold Iron Arrows = 25/30 (1 missed)
Silver Blunt Arrows = 10/10
Conditions = None
Ranger Focus = 1/1
Child of the Crusade = 1/1
Cole restrings his bow and gives the snake another shot.
(point blank) (point blank)
Round 1
Serra feels his way forward until he finds the light again, the backs of Cole and Grasker a welcome site after his harrowing trip through the dark.
Cole drills the snake, wounding it mightily, though it still hisses and slithers on the side of the circle. Blood seeps from his wound, spattering on to the ground....
Round 1, Init 19. Eli is up
Round 1, Init 19
AC = 13
HP = 10/10
Weapon Equipped = Cold Iron Lucerne Hammer
Condition(s) = The big snake makes me fret a little
Eli rather deftly avoids hitting those in his way, passes Serra, and rests his hand upon his shoulder as he comes to a stop.
"Before you make yourself a target, why not gird yourself against the impending danger a 'big snake' presents?" Eli's eyes narrow, and he takes back his hand.
Round 1, Init 12+
Hearing the commotion ahead, he starts forward, but feels rather restrained by his heavy, overstuffed pack. Before moving, he slips the weighty rucksack off his back. Liberated by the reduced weight, he moves with a lighter spring in his step, passing the politician, woman and elf, sword and shield held ahead as he forges ahead into the shadows.
Eli moves up to Serra, lending encouragement and more before the "knight" must face the snake.
Beagan shrugs out of his pack and takes off after Eli, following him into the shadows.
Round 1, Init 12
"Nice shot."
Grasker considers that strange inscription on the ground. A magical trap, or a summoning circle?
Is the snake staying within the bounds of the lines, or did the blood spatter cause a reaction?
He will move in front of Cole but stay outside the inscription, ready to attack any enemies.
Hearing people approach he warns, "Watch out for snakes!"
Round 1
"Beagle, Beagle you forgot your pack!"
Jurin will pick up Beagan's dropped pack and carry it forward, before stopping at the back of the herd.
"Nice shot."
Grasker considers that strange inscription on the ground. A magical trap, or a summoning circle?
Is the snake staying within the bounds of the lines, or did the blood spatter cause a reaction?
[dice=Perception]1d20+9
He will move in front of Cole but stay outside the inscription, ready to attack any enemies.
Hearing people approach he warns, "Watch out for snakes!"
The snake edged just out of the symbol. So far there has been no other reaction.
Leaving Aravashnyel with Horgus, Serra moves forward into the dark. Cole drills the snake with a well-placed arrow, though it’s not enough to take it out. Eli moves up to Serra, reinforcing his resistance to poisons and others dangers. Beagan drops his pack and rushes forward at Beagan speed. Grasker moves in front of Cole , and eyes the snake and the symbol. Jurin grabs up Beagan’s pack and moves up behind the others.
Round 1, Init 10
The snake hisses and moves back 5 more feet into a shadowy alcove, ready to strike should someone come close .
Round 1, Init 9
A knife suddenly comes flying out of the shadows at Grasker, but misses wildly, skittering off of the stone wall behind him.
A wild eyed, bedraggled man hops into view, into the center of the symbol.
"Kill me if you dare! My Lord will rise from my sacrifice and destroy you!"
"Might anyone have a rapier? I could do more than baby sit if I had one. I'm afraid mine must have gotten lost in the fall!"
Round 2
Serra: 21
Cole: 21
Eli: 19
Beagan: 12
Jurin: 12
Grasker:11
snake: 10
crazy guy-9
Round 2, Initiative 21
HP: 10/10
Weapon Equipped = Long Bow
Cold Iron Arrows = 24/30 (1 missed)
Silver Blunt Arrows = 10/10
Conditions = None
Ranger Focus = 1/1
Child of the Crusade = 1/1
Cole does a double take when he sees the crazy knife wielding human jump out from the darkness.
”Get out of my way man! It’s not all about you! There’s a dangerous snake there don’t you see it? We’re from Kenabres trapped down here, for now, same as you I suspect. We’re allies you fool!”
I sure hope you’re right.
Cole targets the snake, shooting around ‘knifey’
(point blank, cover) (point blank)
"See?! There's the snake, right there on the end of my arrow!"
Round 2, Init 21
Serra gives Ely a slight nod of thanks for his magics.
Serra will waddle up 15' (still in his soldier's waddle) and ready his starknife should a badguy/snake come too close.
Readied:
to hit;
damage.
Maybe I should get my bow out like that guy, Coal...but using a bow underground like this never made much sense to me.
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Round 2, Init 12
"Beagle, Beagle you forgot your pack!"Jurin will pick up Beagan's dropped pack and carry it forward, before stopping at the back of the herd.
"Not only do you speak with the sagacity and clarity of the eldest oak of the ancient wood, you are truly helpful as well! Thank you, my good man!" Beagan is surprised and pleased that one so wise would deign to be his porter. I guess it's good to be SIR Beagan!
Now able to see glimpses of the conflict, he realizes his comrades are interposed between him and potential enemies. As he moves forward, he sheathes his sword, his now-free hand tapping the amulet around his neck.
"Kill me if you dare! My Lord will rise from my sacrifice and destroy you!"
”Get out of my way man! It’s not all about you! There’s a dangerous snake there don’t you see it? We’re from Kenabres trapped down here, for now, same as you I suspect. We’re allies you fool!"
Uncertain if the man in front of Grasker is hostile or not, he adds his voice to Cole's, preparing to follow through on his promises with a raised hand.
He stands tall (as he can), as he attempts to channel his inner noble."Man! In the name of all that is holy, move out of the way and submit, else ye be run in by serpent or sword!"
As the man threatens his guide, Beagan calls for the power of his god, fingers stretching out towards the fool. "May the light of Ragathiel blind your evil ways, and show you the truth."
A rush of bright flames burst in front of the man, creating a dazzling shower of light around him for just an instant.
Round 2, Init 19
AC = 13
HP = 10/10
Weapon Equipped = Lucerne Hammer
Condition(s) = Sore
Eli watches the exodus towards the front, and decides to retreat a bit for the moment. Won't do, leaving the injured to their own devices.
He readies a mighty swing on anyone other than his fellow travelers.
"Be careful! We're cut off from the above ground. We have enough hurt folk in the rubble to suffer further injury!"
Round 2
Serra waddles up, ready to hit anything threatening that comes his way. Cole unleashes another arrow at the snake, by passing the blade wielding cultist in front of him.
Eli pulls back and readies to protect the injured. Beagan threatens the crazy man and readies to dazzle him with flashes of Ragathiel’s might.
The man laughs wildly at the little guy's threats, "Holy? Nothing Holy could survive the onslaught today! Grovel and pray He finds you amusing! The Demons have won!"
Round 2
"The priest fell like us, but no dragon stopped his fall. Worships a goat with a silly name. Silly priest, can't even sell his soul to a demon with a good name. Next time wait little priest, always a better name around the corner."
With that Jurin sits on Beagan's pack and chuckles over the silliness of a demon named Grrlspchrt.