Sioned takes off her broach and hands it over to Sull. "How would this suffice?"
Sioned takes off her broach and hands it over to Sull. "How would this suffice?"
Chief Sull reaches out his hand and receives the brooch with a quizzical look. He stares at it for a bit and then turns his eyes to Sioned.
"It is a strange omen that this brooch comes back to me now. Where did you find this?" he questions.
"At an abandoned campsite just past where we first fell into the caverns. There wasn't anything else there but worn-out equipment, not even a body."
Suryani frowns slightly, but remains silent. The prospect of having to engage these bandits did not seem appealing to her.
Surely this is a matter best left up to the local crusaders. Although they've probably got bigger problems at the moment...
If their evil must be stopped, we will be happy to take the battle to them. Vengence shall be accomplished.
"At an abandoned campsite just past where we first fell into the caverns. There wasn't anything else there but worn-out equipment, not even a body."
Sull looks deep in thought after listening to Sioned's explanation. He speaks after a few moments, saying: "My son was banished from the Underholm many cycles ago. Ah, just thinking of that day still brings much pain to this old heart. He had broken one of our most sacred rules, striking down another in anger, and there was nothing I could do to save him." The Chief seems lost in thought again for a moment before snapping out of it: "That brooch went missing the day he left - I thought I'd never see it again."
He then stands up from his throne and grabs a weapon off of the wall. It's a very fine looking morning star, etched in strange ruins.
"Now, I must pay my tribute in return. It is a fine thing you have down for me today, reuniting me with this family heirloom, and a fine thing you shall do for this city by attacking the traitor settlement. Take my morning star and use it well. I am too old and fat to be a warrior anymore. That is a job for the young and fit like yourselves."
If their evil must be stopped, we will be happy to take the battle to them. Vengence shall be accomplished.
The Chief smiles at this, "I like your attitude, son. I believe you will be successful, and I wish you good luck on the surface." He points to the food, "Now if there isn't any other business, shall we eat to seal this agreement?"
Taking the proffered morning star, "Many thanks Chief, I am certain one of us will bear this gladly into the battle on your behalf." turning he looks pointedly at the rest of the party, raising an eyebrow in question to them.
Kloos looks on in disbelief as Sioned hands over the valuable brooch, but doesn't dare stop her, valuing his skin too much to upset the chief. Ravenous, he is enticed by the prospect of food.
The group sits down around the table with Chief Sull at the head, with Lann and Horgus of all people joining in. (Anevia and Aravashnial are still recuperating). The food is not terrible, but also doesn't exactly match with anyone's palate. There has been little to eat since the group was trapped under the ground though, and this fact alone would help anyone feign deliciousness if they so wanted. Horgus has been fairly quiet so far, but soon finds his voice again after eating and drinking his fill. There are a few regretful things said, but even that doesn't spoil the mood of this communal dinner.
Chief Sull will want to know more about this strange group, and will ask various things as he chews on some Gar bones trying to get the last of the meat off of them. He welcomes questions from the group as well Once everyone has had their fill, and the pack is complete, Sull will retire to his chambers and bid you to do the same.
----
People sleep soon after returning to the safe house, keeping watches as they deem fit, and wake up in the morning slightly more refreshed than previous days in the underground. Spells will get memorized as usual, swords sharpened, breakfast eaten, etc. until at last Lann shows up to lead the group away from this town.
"Chief Sull, the fight against our mutual enemies may well take more than one trip. May we return to our assigned hut as a place to rest between raids?"
"Chief Sull, I have a few questions I would ask of you:
Firstly, what can you tell us of the history of your people in this place? Secondly, do you wish your presence under the city to remain hidden from those who dwell above? Finally, what else can you tell us about our foes?"
"Chief Sull, the fight against our mutual enemies may well take more than one trip. May we return to our assigned hut as a place to rest between raids?"
"Oh yes, you may return here any time that you need. Lann will be your guide back through the tunnels. Once the raid is complete however, and you return topside our arrangement shall be complete. The tunnels are purposefully misguiding in places, I doubt you would be able to find your way back alone."
"Chief Sull, I have a few questions I would ask of you:
Firstly, what can you tell us of the history of your people in this place? Secondly, do you wish your presence under the city to remain hidden from those who dwell above? Finally, what else can you tell us about our foes?
"Yes, I can tell you what I know. The city of Kenabres stands above several layers of underground chambers. Where we are right now, are the caverns skirting the upper edges of the Darklands realm of Nar Voth. They have existed for ages, whereas closer to the surface, you see more old catacombs and tombs. In ancient times the city grew rapidly, and many tunnels were built underneath, more than would ever see use, and today we call them our home - the Underrealm.
"We are the descendants of those who fought in the First Crusade, when the crusaders had
little experience in dealing with the unique hazards the Worldwound presented. During the First Crusade, many unknowingly exposed themselves to fell energies and nightmarish radiations. In the years that followed, the taint appeared in them and their children. Many of these unfortunate innocents were put to death by overzealous inquisitors or even fellow crusaders, but some parents fled underground to raise their children outside of the light of intolerance.
"Today, we are known by various names, such as “mole people,” “pitlings,” “tunnel people,” or most commonly as “mongrels.” But we have no name for ourselves. Life underground is short and brutal but by banding together we have been able to survive it and flourish. There are at least 6 great tribes of like people dwelling in this deep labyrinth, but we are able to keep ourselves hidden because of the maze-like caverns and danger that follows anyone who dare investigate this realm."
After a good night's rest and the morning's preparations (although it's hard to tell underground what time it actually is), Lann returns to guide the group to the Traitor Den. The party leaves through the same doors they came, and receives a knowing nod from the guards at the front gate of the Underholm as they leave.
---
From the hamlet of Neathholm, the tunnel winds mostly in a southeast direction, through jagged crisscrossing tunnels. There are a few blown out walls from the earthquakes and Lann must double back a few times to get around these blockages, making it very difficult to follow exactly what path is being travelled. After an hour, the tunnel narrows down to a 5-foot-wide passageway, the walls carved with picks and chisels. The group is now very close to the outcasts hideout.
Lann pulls up before the group turns the next corner. He whispers to those around him "Around this corner is the entrance to the Traitor's Den. I cannot help you anymore as I have not seen the inside of this place, buttI shall wait in the tunnels for your signal if you wish to return."
Suryani nods. "Thank you, you've been a great help, truly. Be careful if you're going to be waiting here."
She swallows as the turns to the others, trying to hide her anxiety, and asks, "So, how are we gonna do this?"
Nodding to Lann, Caliban turns to his companions. "We seemed to work well before with Kloss or Caleb in the lead, although with Caleb's armor and shield it may make more sense for him to be in the front. I suspect I will quickly use what spells I have prepared, although I may save one in case we run into a more challenging foe. "
"Thankfully, none of us are particularly frail. I also have healing magic now as well so we won't be utterly dependent on Suryani."
Kloss grumbles, more out of habit than out of disagreement.
Caleb has the stronger armour, but I can see better in dark environments. Between the two of us, not much will get past.
I am fine what ever is decided.
Suryani nods. "Thank you, you've been a great help, truly. Be careful if you're going to be waiting here."
"Do not worry about me," Lann smiles as he whispers, "I can see in the dark.". He does a little bow and retreats back into the darkness from the way you came.
The tunnel leads on after the corner for at least 40ft feet to the east and opens up into a small cavern. Barricades made of heaped loose rocks and wooden boards bisect this area. Beyond the barricades, a wooden screen covers the lower half of a tunnel mouth.
A dim light illuminates the small area, coming from beyond the screen.
Kloss moves up silently through the cover of darkness, bow in hand, to see what is up there.
Kloss moves down the tunnel and into the small cavern at the end and hides himself behind one of the makeshift barricades. The cavern itself is only 20 ft wide at most and he can now hear two voices inside, talking quietly in an unfamiliar language.
After a few moments one of the sources of these voices comes through the door at the end of this cavern. It doesn't seem to notice Kloss in his current position, only 5 or 10 feet away on the other side of the barricade.
Kloos will jump out and attempt to grapple the person coming out
Well, at least it will be interesting.
Kloos will jump out and attempt to grapple the person coming out.
Kloss jumps out from behind the barricade, but his feet slip on the gravel floor bringing him to his knees. The strange person he sees in front of him is much like the mongrelmen of the Underholm.
It recoils in surprise at first, but then quickly turns its weapon at the ranger. Asking a question in a language he does not understand. "Gakk u'at, sootsa!"
Kloss takes a step back and draws his great axe. I don't know what you're saying, but you better stop waving that blade at me or pain is going to follow!
Hefting the chieftan's cudgel, Caliban looks at the other members of the group and hurries to Kloss' aid, providing a presence, and hopefully stopping around the side of the barrier where the creature cannot see him.
The paladin will pray to Ragathiel to help him discern the spirit of this new found person.
Detecting evil.
Suryani nervously rushes out towards Kloss, to show that he is not a lone wanderer to be killed and disposed of. "These must be one of the traitors the chief mentioned. Perhaps we can capture and question him," she whispers to the others.
"Good idea, Suryani, assuming we can speak the language."
At this, Sioned waits for the strange person to make the first move.
Ordered Initiative:
Kloss: 22 Step back, draw great axe
Sioned: 22 delay turn
Caleb: 20 move within 30ft, detect evil
Caliban: 11 ducking behind barrier with morning star
Mongrelman:
Suryani: 7 - Rushes out to beside Kloss
Kloss steps back and draws his great axe while Caleb, Caliban and Suryani move up - Caliban behind a barrier, and Suryani right beside Kloss.
The Mongrelman readies his spear against the group, standing between the two barriers so that none may pass. He is shrieking bloody murder at this point in his strange language. Sioned assesses the situation, but the creature has yet to make an offensive move.
-----
Kloss will have none of it, and will try to chop off the spear the mongrelman is holding:
The paladin will attack the creature with his bastard sword
Sioned moves behind the sentry, to set up a flank with Kloss, and waits.
If Kloss has successfully disarmed the creature Caliban will step out and punch it in the face. If Kloss failed, Caliban will step out and expertly swing the morningstar around himself limbering up while advancing on the creature.
if creature is still armed:
Kloss 22: Move forward
Mongrelman: (held action) attack
Kloss 22(continued): sunder
Sioned 22: Flank with Kloss
Caleb 20: Move up, attack
Mongrelman 2: 15 Move up, attack
Caliban 11 : Attack (miss)
Kloss moves up to the creature, who stabs him with a readied spear. Disregarding this, he goes to break the creature's weapon and is stabbed again with more fervor! Kloss grits his teeth and shatters the spear's haft in one swing, sending bits of it flying through the air in all directions.
Caleb and then Caliban descend on the unarmed creature while Sioned moves herself behind it, flanking with Kloss. Caleb charges up and easily finds purchase with his bastard sword - drawing a red gash across it's chest. While the monstrous humanoid screams, another guard bursts through the door and throws itself at the nearest target, Sioned.
Sioned is stabbed in the back by the creature's spear. It looks like the alarm has been raised!
----
Ok, that's what he meant. Kloss doesn't waste any time in trying to end the mongrel man's life. Ironic that I would be the one trying to spare his life in the first place.
Sioned is stabbed in the back by the creature's spear.
"Gah!"
Sioned turns around to counterattack.
Suryani takes a deep breath nervously as another situation devolves into violence. Reluctantly, she draws her scimitar, her hands clenching its grip as she rushes towards Sioned. She brings her blade down towards their new assailant, releasing her drawn breath with a gasp of effort.
The paladin will keep up attacking the one he hit.
Suryani 7: Draw (move) attack!
Kloss 22: Attack (miss)
Sioned 22: Attack (miss)
Caleb 20: Attack
Mongrelman 1: dead
Mongrelman 2: Attack Suryani
Suryani reluctantly throws herself into the battle beside Sioned, landing a blow on the mongrelman at the door. While she fights side by side with the inquisitor, she can here a commotion from inside. Sioned misses her target wide as she wheels around to counterattack.
Kloss and Caleb take the other mongrelman, disarmed but still trying to claw and bite at them. Kloss's second attack misses its mark but Caleb finishes off the beast with another thrust of his sword. It falls to the ground incapacitated and bleeding, but not dead.
The strange, chitinous humanoid uses to his advantage Suryani's rush to aid her friend, driving the tip of his spear deep into her belly. He smiles with bloody teeth and in a low rasp whispers, "Bleeeed..."
----
Sioned moves to flank the enemy she and Suryani are fighting and attacks.
Suryani gasps as she clutches her side, the feeling of warm blood on her hands making her queasy. She was fine with other's people's blood, she'd had to bind and treat several wounds before, but this was her own!
"Curse... you!" she stammers as she stumbles back, steadying herself against the rock wall, grabbing for her holy symbol.
Reacting to the new threat, Caliban slides into the space occupied by Suryani, taking advantage of Sioned's position and raising the morningstar to smash the enemy.
Morningstar attack (two handed and flanking) +5
Kloss swings his axe, trying to swat the chitinous man off Suryiany as if he's a fly
Have at thee cur and get away from mine ally says the paladin as he swings at Surinainy's assailant.