Thalrik nodded at Maggies words, but as she started towards the darkness he motioned for her to stop.
Hold a moment Paladin, I should like to inspect this unnatural darkness before we go any further.
Well is that is where our quarry has gone then we should follow.
Gyness will start to walk towards the opening.
Jicix paces nervously, braying, as the massive door disapears into the sills at the ceiling. Willow says a few words of powers and the torches she bears explodes splendidly into life.
A moment Gyness. While I admire your spirit of adventure, your enthusiasm can land all of us into a heap of trouble. She gives him a quick impatient glare.
She throws the torch into the darkness to see what happens.
Evandrik lets out a low whistle. I'll be a goblin's uncle... Any of you seen the like before? No one go in 'til we know what we're dealing with. Could be a trap. A portal. A shadowy ooze. Who knows. Evandrik takes a few steps away and to the side, and lets the mages inspect it. He has his mighty axe hefted across his shoulder, waiting.
This darkness has a quite powerful aura and its not coming from the door. Its like it is simply filling up the space.
If you wont mind, I would send Rikka to have a look before we go in there. She is small and likely to go unnoticed, and she has a keen sense of smell. Even if she cant see anything in the darkness she will know if something is in there waiting for us. That is, if she is up to the task.
At his words, the Mongoose which was lying on his shoulder cat napping, raised its head and looked him in the eyes. Then it sat up, nose raised high to sniff the air, before jumping down on the floor and scurrying to the edge of the darkness. It stopped and looked back at everyone, as if waiting for their reply.
Will update in a couple hours.
Evandrik examines the other door more closely while Thalrik plays god with his familiar.
Perception vs Traps
Survival to track
Magnitofera stands her ground, trying to protect Old Mother Willow.
Willow tosses the torch into the void. The strange effect of a torch illuminating the area around it, except for the passage ahead, has you all befuddled. As the torch slips past the dark curtain, it vanishes. No longer visible, the torch simply disappeared beyond the void.
Having concentrated on the magical aura, Thalrik nods to Rikka and she scurries into the darkness.
The magical aura is one of Abjuration magic. Such magic most often deal with wards and barriers, things to keep people out or in. Since Rikka could pass through unhindered it stands to reason this particular one is attuned to a specific kind or type of creature...most likely devils and demons if the rumors of this place are true.
Noticing his empathic link weaken as Rikka passes through, he concentrates to "hear" Rikkas emotions.
Understanding the nature of familiars, Willow asks
How does Rikka feel Master Thalrik? Is she okay?
When he originally heard that Thalrik wanted to send his mangoose the ranger open his mouth to protest but decided against opting for a different plan . Spreading jerky crumbles all over his rope he ties it to one of his arrows and launched it through the portal. Don't worry Thalrik, this will get Rikka back and check your one way idea as well.
Shortly after releasing the arrow he pulls the rope lightly.
The far eastern door is just like the northern door, displaying an image of a guardian titan, and a celestial phrase beneath. The insides of this door seem to be more exposed, allowing you to get in and examine the inner workings. You don't see any indications of a trap, half wondering if the magic behind it circumvented a need for traps.
Firing the arrow into the darkness, it pulls about 40 ft. of rope with it before stopping. Leaving it a few seconds for Rikka to find, you begin pull it back. Much to your surprise, however, the rope only seems to be being pulled taut between the barrier and you - unable to return back through.
Thalrik was slightly worried. That other feeling he couldnt quite grasp could be any number of feelings and confusion and fear tended to go hand in hand.
Something has her confused, althugh I cannot tell if its something she sees, smells or hears. Our link is partially blocked by the barrier. Either way im not leaving her in there. Ill pull once on the rope if you should stay out, twice if you should come inside.
With that he stepped through the barrier before anyone could object.
Crazy wizard, he's going to get us all killed or stuck there for life Kowus said as soon as Thalrik passed through the darkness. He cuts the rope loose leaving only two feet connected to the portal. He makes a loud sigh and takes two steps back exchanging his bow with his glaive and putting the lantern and the remaining rope back in his backpack. If this is where the others have gone through I guess I have no other option. He lets out a warcry and runs through the portal , weapon in hand
Willow goes to see Maggie.
Girl now is not too late to go back to the village. I would not think less of you. But I know you have the courage to cross. She bends down and kisses the young dwarf on the cheek.
She looks back at the tunnel and sets her trembling lips to a grim line
I wish i had taken the time to share my secrets with one of the widows. She thinks to herself.
Come Jicix, I cant do this without you, you know this.
Together the witch and the goat cross the treshold and disapear behind the veil.
Upon being told to stop Gyness heeds the command of Willow obeying her unquestionably. He than patiently waits until the others decide it is okay for him to continue and then follows into the doorway.
Oh no you don't, little brother! Evandrik retorts, and rushes through the door, grabbing the satchels of notes on the way. Stout! You coming? I'll likely need a healer. And Evandrik disappears into the blackness.
Once through the door Evandrik says in a loud whisper We do this together like always. Smart but addled, you can always get another pet.
He turns to Kowus and whispers, and you can always get more rope. he chuckles.
So it is a way way door... And a one way trip... That explains why the bandits never appeared again. I would have preferred to leave it as that, and return home, but now that we need to continue, let's do it boldly and with honor.
About Willows words she says:
Thank you Mother, your love I thank, and I'll used it to have the courage to go forward, and try to be a valued companion in this quest. Just allow me a minute.
She grabs one chalk from her backpack and writes one the wall:
On <date> the group commissioned by the people and elders of <town name> crossed this portal, obeying the quest they where commissioned. If we don't return, please remember us. "
After that she asks all her companions to sign their names.
Well lets see what this prison has in store for us.
Gyness wil search the area they have come too.
Evandrik takes up a protective stance near Thalrik while the cleric explores the room they have entered.
The eastern door, when opened revealed a similar black void behind it.
Your torchlight gleams feebly in this complete gloom, lighting up a small region of what appears to be a large room. Two iron doors, one straight ahead of you and the other to its side, are the only things that break up the unending mass of worked stone. The chill and damp air clings to your body, and you are not the only ones feeling it judging by the cough coming from the shadows to your right.
Kowus, you are able to pull the rest of the rope through the void and retrieve your arrow. You now have a 40 ft. piece of rope cut from the rest.
Being safely through the barrier, Thalrik quickly concentrated to find out what Rikka was feeling, while sofly calling for her to return to him.
Gyness moves quickly towards the cough light still on his shield.
I hear something over here.
Willow follows on the heels of Gyness. Hearing someone in trouble, even an enemy troubles her.
After writing the names of her companions, Magnitofera grabs her warhammer and shield, mumbles a quick prayer to Torag, takes a last look at the outside world, the only one she has know, and hurries to follow them into the Darkness.
She will try to be in front of Old Mother Willow, to protect her from enemies in front of them or even in the front of the party, if able.
Evandrik peers into the darkness where Gyness points.
Thalrik, be alert.
Searching for Rikka, you find her close to the door, trying to show that she can't get back through the doorway causing a puzzled emotion.
When you look back at the doorway, you're able to see clearly through, at least as far as your light shines. The image is hazy and wavy, but still visible.
As Gyness explores the darkness, shield raised Kowus, Maggie, and Willow follow closely behind; Evandrik and Thalrik stay closer to the door in a defensive posture.
You are able to spot it before Gyness's light reaches them - Orcs. Three of them, huddled together, and apparently injured. They have a store of what smells like rations, some good and some bad. Their attention is turned towards the party. They share an equally confused and angry expression.
You feel tension in the 3 behind you before you spot anything peculiar.
Laying his hand against the barrier to confirm Rikkas feelings, Thalrik sighed audibly. I should have tried harder to convince him not to go.
He picked up Rikka, the mongoose scampering up to his neck, wrapping itself around it, tugged inside the high collar of his jacket.
Suspicions confirmed. We are not going back the way we came. Lets hope theres an alternate way out. If not, this has truly been a pointless quest.
Noticing the orc at the edge of Gyness' light he tensed up, readying himself for potential conflict. Going from bad to worse!
Maps Updated.
Magnitofera tries to reach Gyness and grab his arm to stop him. Once near him mumble the words "orcs - hurt" in his ear.
See wil try and see if the Orcs are armed, and if they are hurt.
If unarmed and hurt, she will drop his weapons and shield, and try to approach them with her empty hands in front of her, signaling peace.
If armed, not hurt, and/or in aggresive posture, she will try to stand between them and the rest of the party, to protect them, but she won't attack first.
Perception (if needed):
For those who can see, they are armed and armored, but their axes are on the ground by their side. They are seated on the stone floor, and don't appear to be reacting to your approach. Their expression is threatening, but not terribly aggressive. You cannot make out any injuries. At the sight of dwarves and elves, they bare their teeth and let out a low growl. Make a sense motive check.
Sense Motive
Sense Motive:
Kowus... Orcs, there. Evandrik tilts his head in the orcs' direction.
Thalrik edged closer to the front group, still warily eyeing the Orcs.
Doesnt look like they are in the mood for a fight.
He looked one of the orcs directly in the eyes.
Hey, you, orcs. Are you of a mind to talk with us?
Jicix stay away The goat retreats back towards the door, bleating feebly.
Willow looks at the orcs, seated by the wall.
They are not guarding the door thats for sure, they would have jumped us by now. What are they doing here?
Master Kowus, before you feather them, do you speak orc? They might know something useful. If they have segregated from Longtail, they might even help us on our quest. I want to speak to them