The scales are indeed magical and as he picks one up Varn is nearly overcome by a great sensation of sadness, regret and determination. He can feel the soul of the great dragon Terendelev that yet remains in part in this scale. You do not need your magic to know what the effects of the scale are, you can sense from the moment that you hold the scale that you can call upon it to grant you resistance to cold or electricity three times a day.
Varn hears a voice in the wind One for each of the chosen, carry me always and I will protect you.
Looking around Varn counts six scales and somehow he knows who they are for.
In the meantime while exploring the edges of the cavern looking for exits Raven spot a soldier in armor on a ledge about fifty feet above. You can only see a should and an arm hanging over the side and he's not moving and is most likely dead or unconscious. Also on a ledge only 20 feet above you there is a backpack most likely one that belongs to the soldier above.
He then takes the time to take a closer look at his companions and to wipe clean some of the gore from his armor and weapon. He spots the strange woman with the tail and cocks his head to one side inquisitively. He blinks as he stares openly at the strange woman. "Why do you have a tail, m'lady?" The massive Ulfen man's tone is strangely innocent and curios.
As Tessai shoulders her longspear, and turns back to check on the wounded, she is taken by surprise at the man's question, but only momentarily. Turning around to face him, she does not wear a shocked or offended look at the inquisitive approach.
Not having yet introduced herself to him, she offers - "Well met Aeron, I am Tessai. This..." - she grabs hold of her tail - "Is a sign of my heritage - as much as one may usually sport the distinctive signs of their parents, like the colour of their eyes or skin, so do I bear this distinctive trait that connects me to my demonic progenitors" - she answers matter of fact, as she has done in the past when directly confronted about it, silently thanking Darius for having taught her to deal with what she is.
Well we seem to have four options, east and right, east and left, dig out the western tunnelHe puts up a sad grin
Of course we can always wait here for rescue but I doubt that's coming anytime soon for any of us or the city.
"I don't think we have the means to dig out the western tunnel" - Tessai responds to Varn - "Mainly I think we lack the tools for it. And as far as a rescue from the Kenabres, I agree with you that it is unlikely"
"Selka, do you believe we are mostly in a condition to try and start moving forward" - Tessai comments to the woman, as she moves towards the eastern tunnels, crouching down by the leftmost, momentarily listening for any sounds from beyond, and asking Raven - "Have you seen anything else?"
While she does so, her hand absent mindedly reaches for one of the scales strewn on the floor, picking it up from the ground, and dusting it off to take a better look at it.
As Varn touches the first scale knowledge rolls through his mind filling it with confusion. He turns and looks at the others
Ok I can either say that these scales talked to me, or just hand hem out as protective amulets for the others.
Deciding it best to let he scales do the talking he waits while Tessi picks one up herself and then walks toward the others to hand out the scales.
Here, take this I don't know why but it is imbued with some protections from the dragon. Well we should carefully examine the west tunnel first. If nothing else the fellow withe the hammer could take a few swings. Or Aravashnial can send an earth elemental through to scout.
Edited.
Selka nods slightly as Aeron thanks her. "You are welcome. I'm sorry I couldn't heal you fully. I hope your wound won't hinder you, we need to get moving soon".
As the massive man remarks on Tessai's countenance, Selka represses a frown, but that quickly changes in a sincere smile as she hears the Tiefling's response.
'Well said! Let your actions dictate who you are, not your origins!'
When Tessai asks for her opinion, she takes a moment to look at the other survivors. "I believe so, yes," She finally offers, "We have wounded with us, and we must tend to them, but we can't stay here any longer. If Anevia can walk, and someone helps Aravashnial along the way, I say we move out."
When offered the strange silver scale, Selka accepts it with curiosity, thanking Varn for handing it to her.
Slowly gazing over the rest of the group, and knowing all to well that time is of the essence, Selka takes a few steps back, where she thinks everyone can see and hear her clearly, and addresses them all.
"Everyone! Please hear me out. I am Selka Thunivhen, cleric of Iomedae. You don't know me, nor I you, but since we woke up here in the darkness, our fates are intertwined. If we want to see the light of day again, we need to stand together." Spear in hand, she point towards the dark passages to the east, "I don't know what lies ahead in these caves, but I know this. If we stay here, we die. I we press on, we have a chance." She pauses for a moment, trying to gauge the others reactions, then concludes "Are you ready to leave?"
Approaching the group, Tessai reinforces Selka's words with her own - "It is indeed time to leave, and Selka's words bear the wisdom that will make we will make it out of here alive, regardless of what we may find beyond" - she turns to the priestess nodding, and adding - "Trust that we will do our best to keep you safe - as long as we stand together, our chances are tenfold"
Not wanting to leave any loose ends, she turns directly to Horgus and, though she dislikes the man's arrogance, decides that it is best to keep the harmony - "Stand close to us and your safety will be ensured, as well as a path to the surface"
"We have noticed that some of you possess fighting abilities - we thank and welcome your assistance, but please do not take any unnecessary risks" - again she turns to Horgus, wanting to keep the man acknowledged - "I do not believe that we possess any rapier amongst us, would there be another weapon that you are skilled with?"
...and asking Raven - "Have you seen anything else?"
Raven turns to the tiefling and points upward. "Upon yon ledge lies a man perhaps a soldier, or leastways his arm and shoulder. And down there..." she traces the line with her finger so Tessai can see it, "...lies his pack. There may be some value in retrieving that pack and perhaps in checking on the soldier. I have some climbing skill, but wonder if anyone has a grapple or other means of anchoring a rope before I attempt it?"
To Selka she calls:"I will be along in a moment, Mother Cleric. Get the rest of your 'baby chicks' in order, as I check out these ledges and I'll be along."
"Here. Use this"
You pick up the scales and you can sense the spirit of the dragon whitin empowering each scale with a different power. (They can be exchanged whenever and however you want but I'm assigning one to each of you for now)
Varn: Three times per day as a standard action, this scale
can be used to cast resist elements—but only against electricity
or cold.
Aeron: Three times per day as a standard action,
this scale can be used to cast align weapon, but only to make a
weapon lawful or good. Unlike a normal align weapon spell,
this effect can be cast on an unarmed strike or natural weapon.
Tessai: Three times per day as a standard action,
this scale can be used to cast levitate. A pillar of roiling clouds
rises below the levitating object or creature, growing and
shrinking with the target’s altitude. This pillar is 5 feet in
diameter (regardless of the target’s size) and provides
concealment (20% miss chance) to any creature or object
wholly contained within.
Selka: Three times per day as a standard action, this scale can be used to cast fog cloud.
Raven: Three times per day as a immediate action, this scale can be used to cast feather fall.
Orlando: Three times per day as a standard action, this scale
can be used to cast alter self. While disguised, the target gains
a +4 bonus on all Bluff checks made against evil creatures.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I ready to press on. I will need someone to be my eyes however and before we move there was a matter of introductions that we were interrupted, I still do not know most of your names." says Aravashial
"I can your eyes, and I need someone to help me walk so we can help each other." says Anivia
"I have been ready to leave for ages, if nobody has a rapier then I'll settle for some other short blade or nothing as I intent to stay back from any fighting and let the warriors handle that." says Horgus
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Raven takes the grappling hook and rope and uses it to climb to the ledge were the backpack is.
Raven arrives at the ledge with the pack with minimum effort thanks to the grappling hook and rope. Working carefully on the narrow ledge, she picks up the pack and examines the contents for anything useful.
Orlando takes the time to gingerly wipe the maggot slime off of his rapier.
"...before we move there was a matter of introductions that we were interrupted, I still do not know most of your names."
"Now where were we before such rude interruption? Allow me to introduce myself; I am Orlando Nedraid, Playwright and Actor. It is a pleasure to make your aquaintence." He gives a sweeping bow. "I was trained at the University at Oppara, amongst other things, at the blade by duelling master Antrose of Osirion. And so I know the blade tolerably well and a few tricks besides."
On receiving the silver scale, he sheds a tear at the sadness and sacrifice. He puts it away in his belt pouch.
"...if nobody has a rapier then I'll settle for some other short blade or nothing as I intent to stay back from any fighting and let the warriors handle that."
"I do apologize milord Horgus, but as you can see I yet have a use for my rapier." He pats his rapier fondly. "We shall be on the lookout for a suitable weapon for you that you may join us at the vanguard as is appropriate for one of the gentry such as yourself."
The protection of the great wyrm is upon this scale, its power can protect me from lightning and cold magics.
Looking at the others he tilts his head
Does yours' do the same my new traveling companions.
Holding his scale, Orlando looks up with wonder.
"My scale seems to give me the power to alter my appearance, even better to fool those of evil intent."
Tessai holds the scale firmly in her hand, almost not believing the strength of the small fraction of the spirit captured within.
While she stares at Raven's ascent, her eyes seem to drift beyond it, looking upwards, wondering what exactly may be happening on the surface.
She speaks absent minded - "This scale seems to grant powers of levitation" - as she wonders if such power could lift her all the way up, and out of this cave.
Selka gives a sigh of relief when Tessai adds her voice to hers, pleased that an orator much more skilled than herself came to her rescue.
She smiles when she hears Raven's response, nodding to herself. 'Ah! I guess I deserve that. Still, it was worth it, and seems to have worked... She managed to notice something on that ledge, in this darkness? She does have sharp eyes, that one! That may come in handy soon enough...'
When her attention goes to the silvery scale in her hands, Selka has to fight back a tear. 'With her dying breath, she saved us all... And now, she helps us again, with a gift of magic from her very scales.'
"Thank you..." She murmurs silently, before putting the scale in a pocket of her cloak.
Then to the others "With the help of this one, I'll be able to summon magic mist to cover up the battlefield... I don't know how I know this, perhaps a fraction of Terendelev's power remains in these scales?"
Raven:
The pack itself is a masterwork backpack that contains 10 trail rations, a flint and steel, a set of caltrops, two flasks of oil, a bundle of 12 arrows, and 3 potions.
Selka:
Both passages seem like natural passages. The left passage is a dark tunnel that leads into another cavern. The right passage is another dark tunnel but you spot strings of spider webs on the walls.
Thinking the gods for small favors she lowers this pack to the ground, alerting the others to its contents. "A good pack here, looks like food and a few other small items. And some potions, if any here are capable of reading enchantments on such things. I am going up the rest of the way to get a look at that soldier."
Looking up at the higher ledge, Raven throws the grappling hook once more. She climbs up to the where the soldier's body lies. She checks him for a pulse or any sign of life first, then checks the unfortunate man for any useful weapons, armor, or gear.
"Oh, and it appears my dragon scale allows me to fall from heights almost weightlessly, and land light as a feather. It seems we have all seen that power first-hand."
Varn wanders over to the collapsed tunnel and looks around. He has nothing better to do while Raven is climbing the wall. Looking for something of value or interest before heading back to the group he hums a song to himself.
Raven manages to climb the cliff to the man on the ledge. She checks for a pulse and finds none. The man is most likely a crusader, he wears a breastplate with the symbol of the golden eagle. You do not see his weapon and he is buried under rubble beneath the waist.
Varn doesn't see anything of interest over at the collapsed tunnel.
Raven looks at the poor soldier with concern. "He is dead, I fear and buried under the rubble besides. He does have a breastplate and it has a sigil of a golden eagle. This device is not known to me, but perhaps one of you knows this faction? Is there value to anyone in this armor? If not, I will dismount and we can start finding our way out of this place."
She will bring the breastplate down if anyone wishes, if not, she whispers a quick prayer to Pharasma and, using the dragon scale, leaps off the ledge landing softly at bottom unharmed.
She goes to the backpack she lowered and begins counting out the items:
1) 10 trail rations
2) flint and steel
3) set of caltrops
4) two flasks of oil
5) 12 arrows
6) 3 potions
"I am keeping the pack, but someone can load the food into mine and carry it, along with the flint. I would take those caltrops which may come in handy later. Anyone want the rest?"
Raven takes the 3 vials of what she assumes are enchanted potions to the elven wizard. "Can you spare a moment to examine these and perhaps tell what they are, good sir? They may also come in useful down here soon."
After determining (or trying to) the properties of the potions, Raven moves to where Selka stands. "I cry your pardon, Mother Cleric, but do you need me to scout ahead a bit and see the lay of the land?"
Orlando tsks at the fate of the fallen soldier and will claim one of the flasks of oil.
Tessai raises an eyebrow at Raven's assumption to take a part of what has been found without debate, but does not press the issue for the sake of expediency.
She does add a point to the ranger though - "That backpack seems to be crafted in a way as to ease its burden, so I would suggest that the provisions - namely the rations - should be carried within it, either by you or someone else"
Taking a look at the breastplate, Tessai picks it up to feel its weight - "I could use this one - it will slow me down some more as it is quite bulky, but it does offer added protection. I'll defer to the group decision if anyone else wishes to claim it"
When Raven asks the others if they need some of what she found in the dead soldier's pack, Selka shakes her head. "Thank you Raven. I don't need anything right now, but if the weight of the backpack is too much to carry," she offers, "I can help share the load".
Taking a look at the breastplate, Selka nods at Tessai without saying a word. 'It looks sturdy enough. I'm glad someone has a use for it.'
Selka welcomes Raven's offer to scout ahead with a big smile and words of thanks, "You have sharp eyes Raven. Thank you, and yes, that'd be for the best. I'll travel with you at the front of the formation. The others can form a ring around the wounded and follow us. Hopefully this way we'll be prepared for... Whatever lies ahead in these tunnels."
Varn finding nothing detects magic on the stones then turns around and wanders back to the party and examines the breastplates insignia.
Varn then examines all of the objects for magic. He picks up and examines the three potions. Trying to judge their effects.
All right so have we decided to go right or left. I don't care much either way.
"Raven, could you perhaps scout a tad further in the left tunnel, so we know there is an immediate continuation for that one?" - Tessai offers.
Varn: The symbol of the golden eagle is often worn by members of the Band of the eagle so named in remembrance of the massacre at Eagle rock. A group of crusaders who venture out into the worldwound daily to hunt demons with the ultimate goal of cleansing the worlwound once and for all. Joining their order is often seen as a form of suicide as 2/3 of new members don't survive past their first outing. Even so they have hundreds of members and their headquarters is in Kenabres.
2 potions of cure light wounds and 1 different potion you cannot identify.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
You head down the passage on the left for about 20 feet and you notice a campsite up ahead. There is a tent and an unlit campire.
After repeating what he remembers about the symbol he holds up the three potions.
Hmmm. I can't tell what one of these potions is but I have identified the others as potions of cure light wounds. If someone else would like to check on the nature of the potion it would be appreciated. Raven, Selka since danger would strike at you first perhaps you would like to take the potions.
I hold out the potions for anyone to take.
Aeron stares openly at the scale in the blessed scale in his hands for several moments after Varn hands it to him. 'This is for me?' He has no knowledge of magic; however, he somehow understands the inherent powers of the item. He listens as the others explain the powers of their scales, he wonders how to explain his... He holds it up to the others. "This makes weapons good." He announces feebly, frowning at his stumbling attempts. He sighs and stashes the scale in his bandolier, close to his heart.
He watches Raven's ascent up the wall a grin on his face. He should have climbed with her, that would have been fun! Upon her arrival back on the ground he declines the offer of the breastplate, tapping his hand against his scale mail with a shake of his head. "This was my father's armor." He states simply, as if that were explanation enough. He does, however, reach out to take one of the proffered healing potions in his large hand and then turns to the others. "Can I have this?"
As plans are discussed for direction and marching order, he stays quiet. Such things were better suited for people smarter, that's what Aeron had always been told. He moves to where he is told to go with a nod, his massive hammer carried in his hands.
You head down the passage on the left for about 20 feet and you notice a campsite up ahead. There is a tent and an unlit campire.
As soon as she spots the campsite, Selka gestures for the others to stop.
'What is this? Someone made camp here!... Why in the heavens would anyone be down here in the first place!?... We need to keep our eyes open...'
"Something up ahead. A campsite. Let's be careful."
Weapon in hand, she resumes marching, trying to discern if the campsite is unattended or not.
You move closer to the campsite and look around. You do not see any movements or signs of life. A torn bedroll lies next to the cold remains of a fire. A pile of bones, broken equipment, and rubble lies just
past the campsite.
Kneeling down near the remains Varn looks around before turning to the others.
Well this is certainly interesting I wonder what someone was doing down here. In the caves under the town. That was just attacked by demons.
At each sentence varn's voice gets lower and angrier.
Orlando looks around the campsite cautiously, hand on his crossbow.
"Oh the sadness of existance, that it should end here so far from the sun..." He said as he looked upon the pile of bones.
The body is just bones and the tent and bedroll is rotten and torn. This has clearly been here a long time.
Hearing Varn's words, Selka nods her agreement. "Indeed," she remarks, "the presence of this camp is unsettling... The sooner we find a way to the surface, the better!"
Selka stops for a second and raises an eyebrow when she hears Orlando's prose, but otherwise she focuses on searching the campsite for useful items or clues about the possible whereabouts of its occupants.
Taking the MW backpack, Raven loads her gear inside, and takes the caltrops into her belt pouch and the 12 arrows fit in her quiver. She loads the remaining oil, flint and steel, and 10 trail rations into her old pack and hands it to Selka when she offers.
As the discussion occurs about the potions, Raven demures. "The Mother Cleric should hold this potion, not I. I have see she has some experience with healing and hopefully knows when it will be of most use."
As they approach the abandoned campsite, Raven will look at two things, first the fire to try to determine if there is any warmth remaining to show how long it may have been abandoned. Secondly, she'll look at the bones to see what type of creature they may be from - human, prey, or something else.
Examining the bones they seem odd, it's like someone took parts from one body and parts from another in order to make a whole skeleton. The different is small and many wouldn't notice but some of the bones seem human while others are more similar to those of a lizard-folk. The skull in particular is split right down the middle with human on the left side and sharpened teeth and a lizard nostril on the right side.
Searching the area you find a bent fishhook, 10 feet of badly frayed hemp rope and a copper brooch depicting a bat perched on a mushroom- both of the bat's eyes are tiny amethysts so it could be worth something.
Orlando peers into the dark past the campsite, torch held high. Does the path continue?
It does yes more tunnels going as far as your light can reach.
Raven examines the bones and finds them to be more a puzzle than a clue. She explains her findings to the group and asks the others:"What bit of magic makes creatures like these? Certainly not something that was natural or of this world. Perhaps a demon of the Wound?" She thinks about her woodcraft and if she's ever seen a creature that would fit this bony remains.
She makes a warding sign against evil when the bat and mushroom brooch is uncovered. "Those look like signs of witchcraft to me. We should be careful with any of these items. Witchcraft is not something to idly attempt to manipulate." The girl's peasant and superstitious ways are hard to break and she does not like to touch or look at that jewelry further.
Aeron comes over to stand next to Raven and look at the strange skeleton. He frowns when she points out the strangeness of it, especially the skull. He scratches his cheek idly while they examine the strange little campsite, he knows nothing of such things though he does pick up the brooch to look at closely.
While the others search the makeshift camp, Tessai stands watch over the group, siding with Orlando, and peering towards the gloom.
Varn walks over to Aeron and detects magic on the brooch.
He then turns and looks at the corpse and tries to think what would cause such a strange collection of bones.