"I did not give any orders as to what others do, be it attack on the front or with arrows, not did i suggest action for Pakak. "
Ryu sights, somewhat frustrated at the turn of events.
"No, no - I got that part fine - I'm asking specific this time; do you want them taken alive, or killed outright? Hell, if it was up to me, I'd kill. But I was going to do that last time, and you didn't like the plan."
"You didn't order me then, you just told me it was important to you."
"I thought you were crazy, but I respected it, because you're my friend. Hell, man, it's not a matter of orders, you know?" he says with a bit of frustration.
"The thing is, before I go charging in there, I'm just kind of trying to figure out what you're planning here, too; I mean, do you want them dead, or do you want them all alive, like the dwarf?" he says genuinely confused at the strategy before they advance.
"I'll kill them easy as I can - but if it bothers you, I'd rather know in advance in case you need me to pull punches or use a potion on them if they fall, you know?" he adds.
"I used my two healing spells on you and Ryu Tadamasa earlier, cousin. I am spent for the day. My apologies."
"Hell, no need for apologies, darling - you healed me up propper for sure. All it means is that we can't get hit," he adds, giving her a quick wink.
"Anyhow, even if we got the bad luck, don't one of our lads have that dragon scale that can heal a lot of us at a time, or am I mistaken on that?" he says glancing around.
Oriana quietly bows her head at Ryu's words and wink.
"So'rien only has one healing spell left on his scale for the day, Ryu Tadamasa. I have been keeping count. It provides deeper healing than the spells Mael and I possess , but can only heal a person at a time."
Oriana quietly bows her head at Ryu's words and wink.
"So'rien only has one healing spell left on his scale for the day, Ryu Tadamasa. I have been keeping count. It provides deeper healing than the spells Mael and I possess
"Oh yeah, Sori-san, my main man who talks too much," he says with a grin.
"Right - sounds good to me," he adds a bit more seriously.
"Okay; as soon as I know if it's drown them in lakes of blood or just rough 'em up a bit, let me know - I'm game either way," he says, his eyes beginning to glint with an eerie light.
Raising an eyebrow at Ryu's excitment, Garith says "It depends on who they are, and what they may know. so we'll see."
Ryu sighs a bit and looks at Garith.
"Okay, how about this - you go in all diplomatic and chat it up with them; those with range weapons hang back in the shadows ready to shoot; if they're amicable to chatting it up with you, you've got it in hand."
"If they try to slaughter you in cold blood and you decide to let them live - you tell me that, too."
"If you want me to charge up and knock 'em flat, let me know - if you want me to charge up and butcher them, tell me and I'll do that, too."
"You just say the word, mate," he says punching Garith on his arm in a friendly manner and gives him a gesture that says - You go to it and do what you want to do! Once you make up your mind on a solid plan, it's all good - I got your back, Jack!
Clearly Ryu has very expressive eyes...
Mr Shin nods his head at the request to inspect further and see what is happening. Like a ghost he vanishes down the tunnel with barely a sound being made. 5 minutes later he reappears, It took me a while but I was able to get to the exit of the tunnel. It opens up to a chamber 70 ft across and 50 ft high. In the middle is a large rock formation that looks to have partially collapsed recently. The voices were from two 'people' trying to move rock but couldn't free a trapped friend.
Well, I'm very familiar with the formal rules on how taking 10 and 20 works because I read them in the past before. Of course, the rules specifically state you can take 10 when "not in immediate danger or distracted".
As you know, the definition of "immediate danger" was the issue at hand, as that is a somewhat flexible definition as defined by circumstance.
However, as you're ruling that climbing without being attacked is not "immediate danger" that's totally cool with me. I just wanted a clear understanding for how things work in the future.
Anyway, thank you for explaining, I appreciate it :)
"This potion...it heals light wounds, and this one renders one invisible. I'm sad to say the cloak still remains a mystery to me. Let us go aid those folks with their trapped friend, eh?"
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"let us approach, but be at the ready should they be hostile to us. Ria, keep an eye on them when they speak, for deception. We have yet to meet anything friendy, and we are short on healing at this point, so we cannot affort to be taken by surprise. But if they are friendly, then we shall aid them and perhaps they can assist us in escaping this place." Garith suggests.
Ryu thinks a moment.
"Well, to be honest, I'm feeling like a fifth wheel here, chief," he says after a bit.
"It seems like I can't talk without annoying people, even when I ask some pretty straight questions. Meantime, my plans are generally not much help, even when I try to do what I figure you guys want to do."
"Anyhow, I think I'm going to cut back on all the chatter for a while. There's no reason to talk anyhow. The gods don't reward people for "Conversation", no matter how interesting the story is. I don't really think that they care about that stuff. Anyhow, since all I end up doing is bugging people when I open my mouth, I guess maybe I should keep it closed for a while."
He sighs.
"You guys do what you want to do, just tell me who you want me to kill and I'm on board. I'll still be around, but I think I'm going to cut back the chit-chat," he says, then moves back out of the way to let the others tell him what they want to do.
"That plan sounds fine to me, cousin. Let's put it in motion."
Pakak listens to his claykin, and reaches up to pat him on the back to reassure him.
Then nods to Garith
Ryu bows to Pakak.
He stands straight.
He looks at the ceiling a moment.
He looks at his companions.
He sighs.
He looks down the tunnel at the place where there are new threats.
He puts his hand on his weapon.
He looks at the floor a moment and coughs once.
He looks at Pakak again.
He turns to look at Garith and nods.
He looks back at Oriana and So'rien.
He scratches his jaw.
He looks at Maelchar and the nobles.
He looks back at Pakak.
He glances up the tunnel.
He adjusts his tunic slightly.
He coughs quietly, then waits.
Pakak clearly realizes that Ryu must be practicing haragie.
This method of communication is unusual, but it's clearly effective as there can be no doubt what Ryu is thinking or planning.
He merely waits for a sign, than he shall follow.
Proceeding down the path with the charges in the back, Ria mentions lighting a torch so the people in the cavern aren't surprised by the sudden appearance of a group of well armed people. Anevia nods and takes the torch in one hand and her crutch in the other.
Reaching the opening the group sees that the two creatures are carefully digging in the rocky debris. Every once in a while one of them calls out into the debris and a muffled sound is repeated out. One of the creatures is a woman with a face so distorted by tumors that they almost enclose her mouth. The rest of her looks elven in nature with a cool graceful presence. The other appears to be a man of slender build with a rams horn coming out above his right eye and wrapping itself around his right ear. the left side of his face appears to be part lizard like as there are scales covering it. His fingers are broad and spade-like as he digs carefully in the dirt and rock before him.
The woman notices the light form the tunnel and taps the man on the shoulder. Immediately he spins into a defensive crouch with a hand on his spear. In a raspy voice he calls out in eloquent common, If your intentions are ill, then I ask you to move on and leave us in peace. If you are good then perhaps you can help. As you can see, misfortune has befallen us and a comrade is trapped within. Please come and help move this rock if you are willing and inclined.
You can tell that he is stressed and his nerves are frayed. Although it seems he does not want to attack you as he is worried about his friend, he does not trust you completely either. Any aggressive action will result in a quick attack by him in the hopes of finishing you to return to the aid of his friend.
Maelchar has no idea if he is truthful or not, but by the activity he saw them engaged in when the party arrived, he seemed to be doing what he claims. Therefore, Maelchar moves forward without any weapon in hand and says softly, "I am not the strongest among us, but i will help you. My name is Maelchar."
He tries to help move the rock and free whoever is held there.
Ryu bows low to the man.
He deliberately lifts his sword in his hand in a slow and obvious motion, than slowly sheathes it.
He keeps his hand up slowly in a gesture of non-aggression and advances to them carefully.
"There's others behind us; they're armed, but they're not going to harm if you you're trusty folk," he says slowly, hoping that when the others advance they will not startle these people.
He advances slowly and attempts to help them move the rock.
Hearing Garith's words, he nods than glances to the others.
"You can believe him; he's a good guy, it's shinjitsu," he says with a sincere tone, attempting to back up Garith's words.
Though his words were somewhat inept, he hopes his tone and emotion is enough to convince these people to trust Garith.
Oriana noted the strange male's frayed nerves and the distrust emanating form his person.
To her companions she relays the information in whisper,
"He seems concerned for his trapped friend and does not trust us entirely. His nerves are frayed and if we act aggressively, I believe he will attack us quickly so he can finish us off and return to rescuing his comrade."
Oriana leaves the convincing to those in the group gifted with honeyed tongues. Instead she moves closer to give aid to those moving the rock in hopes of freeing the trapped stranger sooner.
Pakak whispers to the elder mage what the two look like, and their condition, but mostly he hangs back while the others work. "Makes me wish I'd studied more about levers and such."
The man drops his spear and motions you all forward. He pauses momentariley when Ryu draws hs sword, but exhales quickly when it is resheathed. Here it is this stone here that I can not lift by myself. Perhaps with all of us together we can lift it enough that Xin can pull him out.
With that he gets his spadelike fingers under the rock to start lifting. It takes the combined efforts of Ryu, Maelchar, and Oriana straining for all they are worth, but the rock finally tilts enough that Xin is able to pull the buried man out.
You can see that he is severely damaged by the collapsed tower. One arm is completely smashed, parts of the humerus sticking out. Although not in danger of dying now, he does look like he will need help and soon to prevent the loss of the arm and too much blood loss. He is conscious but in a state of shock where he is not always coherent but does seem to be able to stumble around by himself.
The man with a ram's horn on his face turns to you. I thank you much for helping us this far. My name is Carl, Please come with us to our town. With the tower collapsed there is no reason for us to stay here and guard this path. It is a thirty minute walk there. I would ask that you come with us. You will find a place to rest and recoup from your travels.I will speak on your behalf to the elder and present you before him.
As he is talking, Carl takes some water and rinses the other man's arm. Reaching into his pack he pulls out a poultice and applies it gently. This will not help fix his injuries, but will give him some relief till we get home unless some of you are skilled at healing and can do more for him? he ends in a question.
As Pakak details the description o fthe three to Aravashinal, the wizard gets excited. Voice raising inexcitement, I told you there was rumor of these 'molemen' living under ground. This is proof of it. Even your descriptions of their deformities relates to the idea that they were tainted by the chaotic demonic forces at play a century ago. Think of what this could mean.
Maelchar bends down at the injured man's side and examines his injuries.
When he is done setting the break, he casts one of his cure light wounds spells on the fellow to help him out further.
Once done he looks to his companions, hoping none will object to his use of a spell in this case. "That should do him for now. I guess we should press on and accompany these folk to their homes. Perhaps they will know a way out and up." He turns to Carl and nods, "If my friends are in agreement, please lead on to your town."
Maelchar is able to prevent any more damage from being done, but is not able to set the arm completely. The care provided and the healing from the spell ensure that Dax is stable enough to continue the journey with out risk to himself.
Since it seems that the groups have met peacably, Aravashinal motions for Pakak to lead him closer so he can talk to these 'molemen'. Yes, lets go to this underground city of refugees and molemen. I wish to see what has happened to them in the past century. Let's See how such people have lived away from the light of Kenebras with the taint of the worldwound and how these afflictions manifest themselves.
At these words it is easy to see that both Xin and Carl are offended by such talk of afflictions, taint, and molemen.
Maelchar bites his lip a moment, sighs softly. "It is obvious you folk have a thriving community here and are offering us hospitality. My apologies for our friend's outspoken comment. He meant no offense, I'm sure. He is merely curious."
Maelchar attempts to change the subject to some extent and distract Xin and Carl.
"Perhaps you can tell us more about these caverns as we walk. How far they extend and is there a clear path to the surface? Perhaps when we reach your city, you might be able to provide us a guide, or directions at the very least? In return, perhaps there is something more we can do for you and yours? We have little coin, but we might be able to provide some other service."
Pakak nods to Xin and Carl, "Thank you both for your kindness."
Since it seems that the groups have met peacably, Aravashinal motions for Pakak to lead him closer so he can talk to these 'molemen'. Yes, lets go to this underground city of refugees and molemen. I wish to see what has happened to them in the past century. Let's See how such people have lived away from the light of Kenebras with the taint of the worldwound and how these afflictions manifest themselves.
Pakak leads him closer, but finds himself agreeing with Maelchar and says to Aravashinal "I will describe what I see to you, but I worry that if I grow too intrusive I shall be seen as rude to our hosts. Perhaps they'll have spokesman who will be kind enough educate us. If so, we'll need to treat him or her with respect I think."
Wonder if I'm being too subtle? I do not wish to anger Aravashinal but nor do I wish to insult those providing haven.
Turning to his eyes, Aravashinal lets out a long sigh. Be that as it may, we must call them something. Certainly individuals are known by specific names, but a group must have a name as well. Would they prefer to be called 'the citizens of under Kenebras' as that is too long and drawn out. What about deep dwellers or dark dwellers as a name for themselves?
Clearly Aravashinal can not tell that he is offending these people by trying to label them as his literal nature needs some way to classify them.
"I would suggest we ask them what they call themselves collectively; surely you yourself would not wish outsiders to name a group you belonged to when you were right there?" Pakak tries logic, since that's what Aravashinal seems to respect.
Very well, once we are before the leader of this 'group', we will ask him what they wish to be called.
Maelchar attempts to change the subject to some extent and distract Xin and Carl.
"Perhaps you can tell us more about these caverns as we walk. How far they extend and is there a clear path to the surface? Perhaps when we reach your city, you might be able to provide us a guide, or directions at the very least? In return, perhaps there is something more we can do for you and yours? We have little coin, but we might be able to provide some other service."
Carl turns to you and says quietly, I wish I could answer your question more directly, but circumstances have changed much in the last few months. I will let Chief Sull talk to you more about that. I can tell you that the reason we were so suspicious is that there have been multiple sightings of people dressed in the garb of Iomedae. These followers of Iomedae have not been kind to us and have been a source of all kinds of trouble. Seeing you I thought you may have been a similar group.
In fact the next cavern we will enter hash the bodies of a couple of Iomedae followers that were killed by a basidirond. We left them be as we did not know what to do with them and we were concerned the spores might still be potent. I will show them to you as we continue on.
The group proceeds onwards tot he cavern that Carl mentioned. Indeed, there they were, two men dressed in the traditional garb of crusaders of Iomedae. The curios thing though was that they lacked the traditional longswords that accompanied most such crusaders. Instead they had glaives and spiked gauntlets. Clutched in one had was a small brass symbol of a bull's head with ruby red eyes. In addition each of the men had a MW breastplate, potion of cure light wounds, and a scroll of cause fear. Combined they had a total of 117gp in coins.
This symbol is the holy symbol of Baphomet, a deity associated with demons. Clearly these men were dressed to imitate a worshiper of Iomedae.
Moving on form the cavern Carl leads you on a 15 minute walk through some more tunnels. There before you as you exit the tunnel you can see pinpricks of light from an underground village. Welcome to Neathholm he says with a flourish.
Maelchar notes the red-eyed bull's head symbol and shakes his head in disgust. "These men may be dressed as crusaders of Iomedae, but their costumes are false. They are servants of demons if this symbol is theirs, for it is a sign of an evil deity, who I shall not name. No true crusader of Iomedae should trouble you."
"Neathholm, eh? A very nice name with a welcoming feel to it. I look forward to meeting more of your people."
"My brother speaks the truth. These men are not affiliated with the great Iomedae and have brought dishonour to her by using her name in such deception."
When Oriana witnesses the lit underground village and Carl introduces it and welcomes them, Oriana softly adds to Maelchar's words, "You honour us with your welcome."
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"This affront is unconscionable. To attack innocent people in the name of Iomadae. I apologize on behalf of our kind, and our crusade for not halting these Demon-worshipers sooner." Garith days glowering at the corpses, his contempt palpable.
Seeing their home, Garith shows his admiration. "Thank you Carl. My, my. This is impressive, your home down here." He adds, "This man is a Mage of considerable power. He must be restrained as to ensure he is not a threat to your people. We can keep him under guard, and interrogate him. Can you lead me to a place to lock him up before he wakes?"
To Horgus, Garith assures, "We may take ease here for a short time, but will resume our journey topside as soon as it is safe for you. It may be more secure if we can fine somewhere here for you, and the others while we explore and search for an exit as to avoid subjecting you to the dangers of the underground more than necessary if these people do not know of an exit."
Pakak's brows knit at Maelchar and Oriana's words, "Folks seek to besmirch the crusaders then, posing in mimicry of the garments." The dwarf is disgusted at the ruse. "Carl, forgive me, but I wish to sense magic on these pretenders and see if it is of use to keeping us, and perhaps your people alive." Unless carl objects, he points out and gathers the potions and scroll. "Should we take the coin as well? I know wealth does us very little good here but it was likely illgotten anyway."
Ryu is content to merely help the others do what they need.
Normally extremely curious about towns in general, for now he'll merely content himself to watching things unfold.
He eyes the gear a bit wistfully, but says nothing, feeling it is to no purpose.
With that in mind, he hands over the Masterwork dagger to So'rien; feeling that the Summoner could benefit from it better than others, as they could at least handle a dagger.
Meanwhile, he was comfortable beliving that if the others wished to share equally, no doubt they would tell him.
He had asked the questions twice, and none answered, but it was likely they had their reasons and would make that soon in time.
For now he could be patient.
Of course, if dividing spoils ever became a real issue to cause him distress, than he might have to rethink things - but for now, he wasn't worried.
He had his sword; his wits, and he could make coin fairly easily.
A man good with a sword very rarely starved to death.
His monk training had assisted Zeriax from the moment the earth opened to swallow him - but what saved his life was the underground stream that softened his fall, though it dragged him through the underground complex in such an haphazard way that he was now completely lost.
After travelling for a day, and sustained by meager, and stale bread loaves he had with him, it was time to stop moving and ponder his options - although unaccostumed to underground travelling and survival, his adaptability was still enough that he believed he was moving in the right direction to return to the surface, though he could not be entirely sure.
Standing on an isolated rock outcropping, in the midst of pondering his next move, the faintest of sounds came to him across the expanse of the underground - a tapping, and a rapping that carried through the stone walls and perhaps... Voices?
On the move again, he threaded carefully and patiently for a couple more miles, following his instinct and direction sense, until he found it - an underground small settlement with creatures most unusual. Their majority human, they had deformities the likes he had never seen before.
Not knowing if they are friend or foe, again he sat patiently in hiding, watching and waiting to learn what he could of this knew development. A couple of hours later, a commotion no more than 50 feet away from his hiding place stirred him, coming from a tunnel leading into a network of caves further back he saw a group - some of its members recognizable to Zeriax - new recruits he had seen preparing for the crusades in Kenabres, before disaster struck.
As his mind reminisced on the recent events, and on the colossal demon that simply ripped apart the temple courtyard, plunging him into this veritable abyss, he knew this was the time to turn desperation into belief - knowing not the nature of the and guiding purpose of the approaching combatants was a pungent fact, but then again, looking around him was a solid reminder of the truth of his current situation, and that one needed immediate solution. He had no immediate reason to believe they would be hostile, but the world did go through many sharp turns in the last days...
Fortunately, his skills allowed him a non-aggressive approach, whithout being defenseless - nodding, he refitted his bow on his back, and jumped down from the cranny where he had been hiding, striding without hesitation towards the group - empty handed, his arms down, palms open, and facing outwards - "Our parents sire us, but who we become is our option - the same path can be treaded in infinite ways. Options are the most wonderful of things Zeriax - they represent the freedom of deciding one's direction in life, and the responsibility of dealing with that exact same freedom" - his master's words echoed vividly in his head as he strode forward.
From a bend in one of the side tunnels, not far ahead, you see someone approaching - a humanoid with a shaven head and darkened skin, he carries himself with confidence as he approaches the group. Dressed in torn, plain travelling clothing, he travels light, with but a backpack and a bow at his back.
You definitely notice also the many quivers, apparently holding varied types of ammunition, neatly stacked and identified by their distinctly coloured feathers. At his waist dangle a pair of simple, roughly hewn iron knuckles, though the most surprising feature of this one becomes distinct as he approaches - his eagle like amber eyes, that shine as they pick up and reflect the lights carried by the group.
His approach seems to be a non-threatening one, unarmed and with his arms and palms clearly visible he halts some 30 feet from the group, a corded medallion at his neck dangling lightly around his neck, depicting a simple image of an open palm.
The open palm symbol is the mark of Irori - a god of enlightenment, self-perfection, knowledge, healing and inner strength.
His voice sounds calm and direct - "Well met strangers - I am Zeriax, hailing from Kenabres, and dragged underground on the aftermath of what I can only name as... Some sort of demonic onslaught on the city. I seek parlay, and a path to the surface. Are you friend or foe?"
Oriana spied the approaching male, and when he was close enough she noted his shaven head, amber eyes and the medallion with the mark of the god Irori. She had been ready to lift her longsword in protective stance, yet when she saw his open palms, she lowered her weapon by her side.
To the others, she quietly and swiftly remarked upon the medallion and Irori, the god of enlightenment and self-perfection.
To the newcomer, she bowed her head slightly, and lifting her golden gaze to his amber eyes, introduced herself in low voice, "Well met, Zeriax. I am Oriana Zeru and we are friend. Were you alone when the ground broke and dragged you under or did others fall with you?" Oriana would know if there were others, hiding, waiting in the shadows, until Zeriax gave signal, or whether he was indeed on his own, seeking a path to the surface, just as they were.
Maelchar moves to stand at Oriana's side as she confronts the newcomer and speaks to him. Though well-spoken himself, he lets her do the talking to this stranger.
Unsure of Zeriax's motivations, he waits and watches, bearing no weapon and posing no apparent threat. He does flash a smile to Zeriax, which lights up his entire face.
At first contact, Zeriax measures and evaluates the body language, not only of the impressive female addressing him, whose features and frame immediately catch his attention, but also the reactions of the ones around her, and the protective stance of the violet eyed one - to whom he offers a nodded greeting as he approaches.
He interprets their actions as obviously careful, which is expected, but not overtly aggressive, for the time being.
With a nod, and maintaining his hands open, he responds - "Well met Oriana Zeru. I was at the temple in meditation when they struck - there were others, but I was alone at that particular time. I was fortunate enough to have landed in an underground stream, which allowed me to survive but dragged me further below"
Looking around at everyone, he continues - "You are the first ones I have come across since then" - and with surprising practicality he adds - "I have observed you before approaching, and have made my decision to do so, believing indeed that you would be friend. As such, I offer myself to whatever reasonable inspection or questions you deem necessary to ascertain my purpose" - he bows again.
"And would like to ask also - where do you hail from?"
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Also approaching, dragging along an unconscious dwarf is a powerful man with bronzed skin that might radiate in better light donning standard issue Scalemail which is surprising well polished considering their current location and a large spiked shield. WHile the others greet him, h gives Zeriax a powerful and scrutinizing look before his expression softens. Everything about him is hard and clean-cut from his short cropped hair to his solid jawline, save his eyes of a warm amber. With a smile, he says. "We too are from Kenabras, having fallen into these catacombs. We are heading toward the settlement of these people," indicating the molemen. "Pardon the scrutiny, but there have been Demon-followers masquerading as crusaders and attacking their people so I had to observe your aura for demonic corruption. As a safety measure for you are clean."