You have arrived at the camp a small gathering of camps and small structures that is home to about 350 inhabitants. Mostly the knights of Ozrem and their allies and families. It is the last safe bastion before going into Virlych.
The two days aboard the ship, the darkened and dangerous waterways of the Path, and the dreary and desolate landscape of the cursed countryside seem not to bother the huge 1/2 orc. He spends the two days, mostly, on deck, either practicing martial styles or meditating quietly.
Ahmose jumps easily from the deck onto the makeshift dock. He approaches the camp, eyeing the comings and goings of its inhabitants.
Reminds me of a village my clan used to visit.
He then smiles wickedly.
Except for that village being an orc village, that is.
On the ship, Z'dim spent much of his time aloft, keeping watch in the air. He would definitely talk with the others about how to work together, and about more personal things if they are willing.
"Oh, hobgoblin villages are like that as well. Some things are alike all over."
Zoren spends part of his days attempting to commit a few new spells to his memory.
Greater Invisibility DC 19.
Well at least I got the spell more akin to the mission!
The rest of the time he spends on the ship smelling the air and feeling wind on his face.
The most noticeable thing about Zoren during this time is that his blade is never see strapped to his waist. Despite that fact, there are at least a half dozen instances throughout the two days where he is seen holding it in disgust and heading back to his cabin.
He makes small talk with his "team" members discussing his tactics in relation to dungeoneering. "I must confess, the underdark and upperdark are not areas I am familiar with except as a student. My time in dark places has been spent in dusty trapped tombs".
-----
As they disembark Zoren sees the village and his face has a blank affect.
"Reminds me of a village that I do not remember visiting... except in my nightmares".
When the group heads off to the ship, she quickly moves ahead to scope out the ship, and to lay claim to a comfy cot.
Once on deck with some of the group member, Better make the best of enjoying the scenery and weather. For where we going is not going to be pleasant at all. Oh by the way, I go by the name of Shady. Deliberately not providing her real name as that would be bad business for a hired assassin.
When discussing tactics, she gives limit information regarding her skills, and definitely not mentioning at all that she is an assassin.
Below deck when she is alone she does practice her dagger usage, keeping herself in top shape.
On deck, she normally sat at the bow end of the forecastle relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Noting Zoren uneasiness with the dark blade he seem to be holding, she thinks to herself, May need to dispose of that one if he becomes a problem.
When Ayla boards the ship she appears as a Ulfen woman of 6 foot 3, and has with her two rather big weapons, a Huge Maul and Mattock each one over one of her shoulders.
"Sorry for being late on boarding, I had things to take care of."
Some of the boat's crew are shocked at how easily she can wield big weapons and one handed as well.
While the boat is sailing, Ayla helps the crew with her strength in tasks that can use it.
On the first day of the ship's sailing Ilithial speaks with his fellow recruits explaining that Shimmer, his tiny angelic friend will use her ability to commune with Desna or her designee to gain some information about the coming challenge. This is Shimmer. the tiny Azata curtsies to those gathered. I encourage you to recommend questions. he says. Shimmer speaks to the gathered group as well advising The questions should be answerable by yes or no. The results are better if we keep it simple so there is not more than one way to take the results. Her speech is somehow relaxing. Each of you hear it in your native tongue, whatever that may be.
Ahmose bows to the wizard and his pet.
I am Ahmose; Guardian to the clan of The Wandering Star, at your service.
He studies the Azata, pondering a question.
While I appreciate your assistance in foretelling, it is not something to which my order subscribes. We are prepared for everything!
The huge 1/2 orc then laughs.
And when we are not...we improvise!
Z'dim will nod to the small celestial. "Being ready for anything is good, but one should always be grateful for the help of the gods. I wouldn't be here otherwise."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Well my new friend, I follow Desna and she is a dreamer and granter of visions. So I'll ask that you humor me in this. Ilithial asks his questions, sharing anything that he learns.
Addressing the group the wizard mentions Most of you will be much better at stealth than I. That is why I have purchased two elixirs of hiding with the funds I received for this effort. I would appreciate your help in choosing when to use them. Each will last for an hour. I can also cast Invisibility if needed. And thanks to some ancestral orc blood I see quite well in the dark. Shimmer speaks as well. I however can be quite stealthy and can fly faster than most of you can run.
Ahmose raises a black eyebrow when Ilithial mentions his orc heritage.
He slaps him on the back.
I knew I like ya for some reason!
He then winks at the wizard.
I appreciate your willingness to use your castings on me daily also.
The huge 1/2 orc produces a pearl, offering it to the other orc.
Ilithial pockets the pearl casting Extended Mage armor on the monk before he does so. You note that during the casting one hand rests on one of 4 rods in his belt. Responding in orc the wizard says it is my pleasure brother.
"I have many spells myself my brother in the Arcane Ilithial. Rest assured I understand how to operate as a team and can aid you all with my magic. Many a dungeon have I traversed with my Father and here I am to tell those tales. Though that of course is not why we are here.
This Old Death though does concern me. We must tread lightly and look for signs of that creatures passing. Avoidance would allow us a greater chance for success than confrontation against such a creature".
Ahmose bows from the waist to Ilithial.
In orc, he states,
I shall be your guardian in this quest, my brother!
Z'dim nods, "I agree about avoiding encounters where we can. I can become invisible, Shimmer is easy to overlook, and Shady is made of shadow. I think we can scout ahead and support each other. I can deal with traps and three sets of eyes will help find them. I've worked with a mage before who had a simple spell to let people whisper over dozens of yards. If you have that, it will help us keep in contact."
Ahmose nods in agreement to Z'dim.
I am able in scouting also, although someone should always stay to guard the...
He grins at the wizard.
Those not so hardy.
This Old Death though does concern me. We must tread lightly and look for signs of that creatures passing. Avoidance would allow us a greater chance for success than confrontation against such a creature".
Of course I have the Message spell. It will last an hour and a half. Perhaps we should play it safe and have the scouts come back and check in about every hour so it can be renewed. The wizard will cast the spell including everyone including Shimmer.
Having made final preparations you leave the camp and head east into the mountains.
It takes you three hours to reach the entrance to the caverns and the trip is uneventful.
Once there you see the tunnel is about twenty feet across and fifteen feet high and goes on as far as you can see.
Zoren draws his wand of Unseen Servant and summons one of the creatures instructing it to inspect the entrance.
"This has worked in other settings, let's see what such a magical being can do with natural caverns".
The wizard travels with the group but he flies just above the ground using Overland Flight. He mentions I carry a Rope Trick spell that we can rest in each rest period. I find it much safer than sleeping in natural caverns.
Ilithial casts Detect Magic and maintains it as the group closes on the tunnel entrance.
Message
Mage Armor
Ahmose smiles at Zoren's ingenuity in approval.
The 1/2 orc attempts to circle the group's parameter at a range of 60', as he guards their flanks.
Shady
Upon the cave entrance appearing in their view, without saying anything she quickly moves around to edge of the cave entrance to peer inside, using the the shadows to help her concealment.
She also views the entrance for activity.
The way seems all clear and unguarded.
"I believe it is time for the message spell." Once that's ready Z'dim, and Shady will lead the way. Z'dim will go invisible and float in the center of the cavern.
Ahmose nods toward the hobgoblin.
The 1/2 orc allows the scouting group to go ahead about 50' before leading the rest of the group.
Zoren will also cast invisibility and begin to move with stealth into the mouth of the cavern.
Stealth
Shady
Z'dim shrugs, "I'd prefer to detect traps and disable them quietly. Often the simple tripwires are alarms. If your spell triggers them, that lets them know we're coming. I'll adapt, but I recommend against it."
Ilithial whispers to you all. <<Z'dim's words are wise. The trap could be an alarm, or if loud or flashy could serve as one. Let us not alert our enemies.>>
The wizard flies to the entrance while concentrating on his Detect Magic spell. At the entrance he casts a Greater False Life on himself and then recasts Detect Magic.
Greater False Life
Message
Mage Armor
Detect Magic
Zoren nods acknowledging Z'dim and Ilithial's wisdom on the matter and draws the unseen servant back next to him.
Ahmose keeps the scout group in sight at a range of 50' to 60' at all times.
Also, as he leads the main group, the 1/2 orc confirms that there aren't any surprises between them.
Shimmer also scans the entrance her always on Detect Magic and Detect Evil looking for magical dangers and hidden evil. For now she hides in Ilithial's robes but looks out unhappily at the cavern entrance.
Ayla keeps am eye out for danger as they move about quietly
Shimmer gives a warning that something is evil around and just as she does several shadows around the cavern seem to come to life an attack.
A greater shadows and several regular ones
Ahmose is caught of guard as one of the large shadows seems to emerge from the floor to attack him.
Smaller shades go past him searching the rest of the cavern for other prey.