Maelchar, you are pretty sure your body is fighting the disease filth fever effectively. However it is something that may take a bit to get over. (1 success out of 2)
While the others set about their morning routines, Zeriax gathered his gear, mulling over what had passed in the early hours.
So'rien's approach had been totally unexpected, and caught the monk offguard as he found himself allowing a stranger to perform some sort of ritual bonding with a mysterious scale and their own blood.
He felt mesmerized by it all, the situation being completely new, the strange feeling of trust and communion, the sharp pain as the dagger pierced his hand, and then the ovewhelming warm sensation of reparation and healing.
He lead So'rien to the underground stream as requested, and as they parted he could only offer a few short words - "I never got to actually know you friend, though now our blood is connected. I wish you all the world's fortune, and..." - he looks at the marvelous scale in his hand - "Thank you" - and offers a low bow.
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It had all been completely surreal to him, even though he did not tend to be easily phazed. He shook it away with the help of his usual morning exercises, and the methodical packing of his gear.
"I am ready" - he offers to the others.
So'rien departure saddens the dwarf. "Be well, good friend. May your soul's flame burn bright always."
Once So'rien leaves, Pakak finds himself swaying a bit. He looks to Mael,"Im not feeling too good either. Maybe we both have whatever it is."
He also adds to the group, "The cloak still remains a mystery, but the morningstar is of excellent make and has sufficient enchantment to aid slightly in making blows solid and true."
"I don't think there is anything that obliges us to rush off today - as much as I would like to get to the surface as quickly as possible, and understand what has really happened, the fact is that our chances are much improved if all are at their best"
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"Our wards are rather insistent that they be brought to the surface with us as soon as possible if not sooner, and Anevia and Aravashinal are valuable assets. As she noted, another well places arrow could mean the difference between victory and defeat, as can a well-timed summoning. I also believe that it is imperative that we defeat these impostors of the Crusade attacking the Descendants and report in. Every day matters, and it is already our third day down here."
"After such a Brazen attack by the demonic forces, we do not have the luxury of time. Kenebras is shattered, I too saw it in a dream, and while I would like to be at my best, On the surface there is more likely to be those with more powerful healing that what we have access to, better chances of curing the disease rather than let if fester. Filth Fever is not a pleasant affliction and given time can be deadly."
Pakak doesn't want to be a burden,"Do not let me slow you down, I will carry on as best I can."
"Same here. I'm sure I'll throw this thing off in a day or two, in the meantime, we should press on, I think."
"Very well" - Zeriax nods - "In that case, and as stated before, I am ready"
Hearing the oath by Pakak Aravashinal smiles in your direction. If I may, will you let me examine the cloak. For although you may have your sight I have years of wisdom and knowledge that can be brought to bear on such matters.
Spellcraft:
Indeed, my young one. Even without my eyes I can Devine the nature of this cloak. I may not be able to tell its color or pattern buti can tell you that it provides a modicum of protection against spells, diseases and such that assail the mind and body. Let this be a lesson to you that things may be hidden from your sight yet you can still triumph.
"Hey; you want to model clothes all day, that's fine - but we got demons to slaughter and blood to spill!"
"I mean, you know - honorable and good deeds await... " he says, curtailing his enthusiasm a bit.
"But the point is; let's do this!"
At which point he'll happily head on out with the gang.
Hearing the oath by Pakak Aravashinal smiles in your direction. If I may, will you let me examine the cloak. For although you may have your sight I have years of wisdom and knowledge that can be brought to bear on such matters.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Indeed, my young one. Even without my eyes I can Devine the nature of this cloak. I may not be able to tell its color or pattern buti can tell you that it provides a modicum of protection against spells, diseases and such that assail the mind and body. Let this be a lesson to you that things may be hidden from your sight yet you can still triumph.
"Thank you, Master Aravashinal," the dwarf responds gratefully.
He looks to the others, "Such a cloak might be of use to Maelchar or myself for the next day or so." If Mael doesn't wish it, he will don it himself for the short term.
"Sounds like a good idea. You use it first, Pakak, and if you recover before me, I'll borrow it next, then after I've started recovering, someone can claim it as their own."
To her brother, Maelchar, she had a quiet word, "If you require assistance, brother, as we move, give signal or speak quiet word, and I shall be at your side. Your body is strong and I have faith it shall fight off this illness, with Iomedae's blessing."
Oriana assented to the cloak being used by Pakak and Maelchar until they regained their health and vigour. It made the most logical and practical sense. She had Sull's magical morningstar and that was enough for her.
Last night's dream was still vivid in her mind and the shattered state of Kenabres and the world above them filled Oriana with a steely determination, and she stroked the silver holy symbol and her golden eyes grew more vivid in the dim-lit cavern. Garith's steadfast words stirred her heart's fire.
Collecting her gear and essentials, Oriana looked to her companions and added, "I am ready."
Maelchar nods to Oriana and looks ready to head out, carrying all his gear, wearing his 'new' (hand-me-down) morningstar hanging from his belt, the first time anyone's seen him carry a melee weapon other than a dagger.
He wipes his brow from time to time, loath to show any sign of weakness or illness to others. A slight scowl on his face is the only sign of any distress he shows outwardly, but unknown to others, that is more the result of the lingering vision from his dreams than any sickness.
After a brief moment's pause, he nods again and says as brightly as he can, "I am ready as well. Let's set off."
Ryu grins at his companions.
"Kick ass!" he says, and eagerly moves out with the rest.
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AS the group prepares to leave Chief Sull himself appears dressed ready for a possible skirmish. In place of the Morningstar he holds a flail, his shield strapped to his back and a bag in one hand. Here is one more gift for you to use from us Descendants. In it are six healing potions and 3 potions to restore your body should it become weakened. Use them well and may they see you to the surface. If for some reason the path before is too difficult, you can return here to rest and recoup. Now if you would follow me I will show you to the pathway myself. Once on the path it is a straight shot to the traitors lair. Good luck and may whatever god you favor find favor with you as well.
Chief Sull takes you to a different tunnel, this one closed by a stone door with 2 guards posted at it. Continue down this path for a third of a mile. There you will find them. Strike swift and true and bring the message of us Descendants to the surface. We will wait to here from you.
Oriana was greatly relieved with the gift of healing and restorative potions from Chief Sull. In such a short time, he had become a firm ally. Praise be, Iomedae.
Once the Chieftain had led them to the correct path and wished them well, Oriana bowed to him upon his last words and looked about her, surveying the area and path and listening for any sounds etc.
From the entrance to the tunnel no sound can be heard. If what Chief Sull says is true once you go a ways further then you might be able to here something.
Ryu cups his hand to his ear and peers down the tunnel with an intent but thoughtful gaze.
Hearing and seeing nothing, he shrugs and moves down to get closer and hear better.
That said, he will elect to go a ways further before he tries to hear something.
Ryu nods at Garith's advice and moves down the tunnel..
Pakak takes his usual position while others go to point.
"I will scout ahead - I can move well enough unnoticed, and my heritage allows me to see in complete darkness" - Zeriax offers.
With this, the monk moves ahead - "I will come back shortly to relay information about what lies ahead" - his eyes scouting the best avenue of movement, as he silently draws away.
After about 20 minutes of slow travel trying your best not to make a sound the two lead scouts are 60ft in front of the rest of the group. Zeriax can just make out the sound of movement 80 feet ahead of you. Creeping closer you can tell that the path opens up in a small chamber. The walls of the tunnel here are 10 feet wide and the signs of picks and chisels are evident.
Currently Ryu and Zeriax are 55ft from the entrance to the chamber so as to not give themselves away. Yet they can not see into the chamber enough to know how large it is or what it may all contain.
Ryu peers ahead at the dark dimly.
"Hey, brother - why don't you slide up real slow and see what's around; I'm not near as handy as you for stealthy moves, you know?"
"I'll wait here - if there's trouble, holler, and I'll push up to help in a pinch; or do you want to go tell the others what's up first?" he says quietly.
"I will take a look further ahead" - the monk whispers - "Then we can go back and inform the others"
Zeriax starts inching closer, as carefully as possible, until he is able to observe the interior of the chamber ahead.
Zeriax, you are able to move closer to the opening of the cavern. As you do so your foot just touches a loose rock on the ground. The sound is faint but it was still a noise. Looking up you see two mongrelmen behind a barrier with a third mongrelman behind a second barrier behind them. It is this third mongrelman that is staring into the tunnel where you are located. Not wanting to even breathe to alert the three of the, you hold your breath. Your rigid monk training giving you th calmness needed to not react. After what seems like two minutes the third mongrelman looses interest and picks up the piece of wood he was whittling. Behind the third mongrelman you now notice a single door leading onward.
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Zeriax carefully sizes up the creatures ahead of him, and the whole setup.
Afterwards, and as agreed, Zeriax doubles back to convey the information first to Ryu, and further back to the rest of the group.
The main group is about 100ft behind you right now. The mongrelman do appear humanoid with the front ones carrying clubs, the back one has a light crossbows, and all have padded armor. All of them are slightly deformed like the Descendants. They are relaxed for the most part as anyone trying to get to them from the tunnel will have to work around the barricades and any one from the door way would be an ally. The mongrelman in the back does flick his gaze up tot he tunnel every so often though. The front two chatter aimlessly about supper that night or playing games of chance later, one of them mentions reading a book later only to get hit on the head by the other, etc. The barricades themselves are a conglomeration of stone, wood and 'some' mortar holding it all together. Too heavy to lift and too large to destroy easily. The door looks like a simple wooden plank door without bars that is currently closed.
Ryu moves back to his comrades.
"Watch it lads and lasses - we got trouble brewing down the tunnel a piece."
"Come on and have a look; but if you do, you gotta go real quiet-like..." he says quietly to the others.
At this point Ryu will wait to see what his comrades want to do, as they generally don't favor the direct approach. When they tell him their plans, he'll act on them.
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"While this armor is less clunky than my standard issue mail, I doubt that I can be silent enough to not be noticed by the enemy. Perhaps we can lure them from their position with a noise?" Garith suggests
"An advance party of a more stealthy sort can take point, and attack from the darkness unexpected, while the rest of us advance. Ryu and Zeriax taking point say 30 ft away and attacking once the enemy begins to close to surprise them. The rest of us then close. Zeriax, i know you specialize in use of your bow, but if you can drop the archer then retreat behind the rest of us, it may make a large difference in how this skirmish goes."
In lowered voice, "Cousin, I can move forward and wait in the darkness to attack after Zeriax and Ryu."
Oriana, sheathing her longsword and drawing forth her magical morningstar, on command edges forward as steathily as she can, hoping to provide some support to Ryu and Zeriax, heeding Garith's instruction to stay as quietly as she can behind the two taking point until the enemy moves in to attack.
When she is closer, Oriana makes her observations.
In his heavier armor, Maelchar is no sneak, but does his best to be as silent as possible while staying about 30 feet behind the leaders, so he doesn't negate their stealth, but if necessary he can charge if a foe presents himself.
"Wait for me..." Ryu whispers out hoarsely than moves up after Oriana; ready to charge forward after Zeriax drops the bandit with a veritable Flurry of Arrows...
In whisper, Oriana replies, "I will follow you, Ryu Tadamasa. I am not leaving you behind."
Zeriax nods as the plans are drawn - "I can open the hostilities with an arrow volley, and retreat. I fear only they may raise an alarm and bar themselves within... But agreed"
stealth check for Zeriax
perception checks for bandits...
initiative
Ryu
Maelchar
Pakak
Zeriax
Oriana
Sir Garith
Initiative for mongrelmen
Ranged attack for Zeriax in surprise round vs flat foot with cover
damage
Surprise round good guys...
Zeriax takes a shot with his bow but hits the top of the barricade just missing the mongrelman behind it. Horgus stays in the back by Sir Garith keeping himself protected. Aravashinal waits to hear from
Pakak if his services are needed and how. Anevia draw an arrow from her quiver and used a spell like ability to cast light on the arrow. Giving you all a look she says simply, I can't be giving away all my secrets.
While Zeriax is taking his shot and Anevia casting her spell, Maelchar takes a step (to AA-2), creates a lucerne hammer (swift action) and casts lead blades on it.
Ryu looks at the creatures in front of them and watches Zeriax's arrow narrowly miss.
"My turn..." he says with a low growl.