Aenthurien, you also find another one buried under some dirt that wasn't visible from below.
Aenthurien hands down the scales and prepare to jump down, before something catches his eye. Digging in the dirt, he finds another scale!
Na'shok grunts in thanks as the elf cracks the lock on his manacles. After a moment of rubbing feeling back into his raw throbbing wrists, the brawny orcish man retrieves his gear.
"Anyone know where we are?" he growls as he straps his armor on.
Varda shakes her head.
"Somewhere under the city... if..." she chokes up, not wanting to say what she's thinking. ... if the city's still there. If Dolek's still there...
Taking a deep breath, Varda shakes her head to clear it and speaks in a confident voice. "Come on. We need to find out where exactly we are and how to get out. We've got wounded to keep safe, so it's probably best if one or two of us stay here at any time, while two or three go scouting."
Varda shakes her head.
"Let's try to find a way out of here", Na'shok says after slinging his remaining gear over a shoulder.
The hobgoblin returns. "There are two corridors out. Follow me."
He pauses, "Do either the blind one or the lame one need help moving?"
Aenthurien begins to follow, then turns at the hobgoblin's question. Are all of you able to walk? He asks.
Aravashnial stands up, using the rock walls as a guide. "So," he begins, "Who are all of you? I've heard some names, but I don't think I've heard everyone's. Anyone here besides me have experience battling demons or other fearsome creatures?"
Anevia speaks out. "I'm Anevia Tirabade. I've been a scout for the Eagle Watch for awhile now, though I doub't I'll be able to sneak around much with this broken leg. I don't suppose someone has magical healing on them?"
"Save the healing for those who are healthy enough to fight," the male human says.
"Can it Lord Horgus. I can fight well enough," Anevia responds.
Aenthurien gives the three a short, stiff bow. Then turns to bow to the others. Speaking to all present, he says. I am called Aenthurien. I have had some experience, but I would not call my ability great.
”I am Na’shok”, the massive orcish man answers with a grunt. ”I’ve killed demons before. Never big ones like the beast that killed that dragon but plenty of the little ones. If it bleeds I can kill it.”
He pauses to consider his still bloody wrists. ”You have my thanks for freeing me.”
"I am Gorn-Rel, heir of Namaris. I have served in defense of my city for two years. Do either of the injured need carried? I would not leave any to starve down here even if you are currently less use than you otherwise could be." These last two sentences are said grudgingly but with sincerity. When you have demons on your doorstep, it's best to be friendly even if they are human.
"My experience is of the book sort," responds Varda. "Not useless, I think, but as I said before, I'm no battlefield veteran. I am Varda Beardedheart."
Looking around and nodding at Anevia as the woman tries to move, she continues. "Very well, we move together. Anevia, Aravashnial, and... Lord Horgus? - you three will be in the middle. I'll take rear guard with someone else, and the others can scout ahead and protect our front."
"Call me Frekhi. The biggest thing I've killed was a deer, once. I can help carry someone, my shoulders are wide enough."
"Well then, if you don't know me, I am known as Aravashnial, leader of the riftwarden of Kenabres. Not to disrespect you Varda, but I highly doubt someone will be sneaking behind us. It sounds like we have 3 fit men, and one of them will need to be my eyes, both to guide me and should I need to cast spells. I think Na'shok and Gorn-Rel should be up front. Aenthurien, you can bring up the rear. Varda, if you could assist me."
"Call me Frekhi. The biggest thing I've killed was a deer, once. I can help carry someone, my shoulders are wide enough."
"I am perfectly capable of walking on my own," Anevia says.
"Well then, lets go. We need to get back to the surface quickly. Who has a rapier I may borrow then?" Horgus asks.
"Good enough", Na'shok says as he makes his way to the front of the group and heads down the tunnels.
"I have some pointed throwing sticks if you need a weapon." Frekhi points to a javelin.
Gorn-Rel snorts a laugh, "Wise council."
That was uncharitable, son of Namaris. This elf is like an old monk. His limbs are weak, and less than useful in a fight, but he still wants to feel of worth. If he is an important man, perhaps he can be of use. . .
"Self-sufficiency is a fine thing, Anevia, but when it hinders the whole, than it is a luxury. If you cannot keep pace, then we will carry you. Injury is no shame, though pride can be."
With that he leads the group down the corridor.
"I have some pointed throwing sticks if you need a weapon." Frekhi points to a javelin.
"How can none of you have a rapier? I can't believe I'm accepting a weapon from a beast."
"Self-sufficiency is a fine thing, Anevia, but when it hinders the whole, than it is a luxury. If you cannot keep pace, then we will carry you. Injury is no shame, though pride can be."
Annevia raises an eyebrow, both impressed and angry at Gorn-Rel's words. "While I thank you Gorn-Rel, but I should still be good in a fight, even if I don't move quite as fast.
Using the cane in one hand and carrying a short sword in the other, she hobbles right past Gorn-Rel, moving at a speed of 15'/move action.
Before the group gets going, Aravashnial pulls out a potion and drinks it, and some of his wounds heal.
"Fine, don't take it then. You wanna die helpless and unarmed? Fine by me." Frekhi growls and shakes his head.
"If you cannot be pleasant, human, you may a least be silent. We are not your servants we are your life line. The sooner you understand this the happier you will be."
Gorn-Rel is not going to let Annevia go into danger alone. He will get slightly ahead of her, but not put up a punishing pace.
"Lets head towards the northern exit." Aravashinal says.
This smaller cavern appears to have once served as a campsite or temporary lair. 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.
Na'shok kneels as he studies the area. "Someone was down here. These caverns serve a purpose."
Frekhi will try to determine how long it's been since someone has been here.
It appears that the original inhabitant of this cave went west, past the way you came.
"We should follow these tracks. Whoever this was might have known a way out of here", Na'shok suggests.
"But be on guard. They might not be friendly."
"Like those maggots were any more friendly? I'll be glad if he doesn't try to kill us."
"Perhaps thats not a bad idea. Can you tell what race they are from? Aravashnial asks.
Anevia looks at the tracks.
"They kinda look like humanoid tracks, but none I've ever seen."
"I can't tell either."
You follow the tracks back toward the huge cavern, where they end at the collapsed rubble on the west side of the cavern.
"Well, why are we stopping?" Aravashnial asks.
"Well that was a total waste of time."