"We mean you no harm," Archie says. Pointing to the others, she adds, "We have several wounded; we've done what we can for them, but they will need to see some of the clerics up topside to be completely healed. We are just looking for a way out."
At hearing him called out, Dakkar grumbles as he stands from his hiding spot behind the rock that was pointed out and joins the others.
To the surface we search a path. Guide or direct, and leave we will.
At Archie's mention of a cleric, the recovered refugee looks up. He expounds, throwing his arms wide. With those words a wave a radiant health flows outwards to each of those present.
"We are fortunate. This one seems to be a skilled healer... though unfortunately, it also appears he was indeed struck in the head." Sarasanna remarks at Iacobus' grand display.
She turns back to Gabriel with a gesture toward Archie and company. "Archie is with us. We can vouch for her. These other three are other survivors from the collapse. They are eager as well to make it to the surface to see if their loved ones survive in what little may remain of the city." Once again, her utter serenity may appear unsettling to some.
Gabriel addresses the tranquil one, considering the freed man. He speaks with vim and vigor. Evangelist... Thank you.
Lann, I have been among your people for 13 days. Incidents like this collapse are no longer uncommon. What threatens the surface, threatens here as well. Can and will you lead us out of here? It is time for me to leave. There is work to be done, for all our sake.
Sarasanna nods with approval. "When we reach the surface, there shall be vengeance for as all." She declares.
"When we reach the surface" - Akkramar emphasizes, looking back at Lann and the others, waiting for their answer to Gabriel's question.
If we reach the surface... Dakkar mumbles to himself as he looks over the mongrelmen, his first time encountering the species.
"That we will" - Akkramar shows what could be a hint of... A smile?
"Then let's get moving. There are those who are going to want to know about this." He begins gathering his belongings; his friends begin doing the same.
Thank you, Lann. Gabriel let's the mutant lead. He remains close behind, in case of trouble.
As Lann & the other Mongrelmen gather their belongings, Iacobus assists them declaring,
Iacobus stops, his back rigid, his eyes wildly flicking back & forth, either to see from whence the voice emanated or if any others heard it as well. Quickly, he resumes his pace, hoping not to attract attention.
"Your aid shall likely be of use in the fight to come when we reach the surface," Sarasanna comments with a pragmatic smile and nod. Shen then follows the mongrel men and allies new and old down the tunnel after she has recovered her halberd and backpack.
Interesting. You seem to seek out conflict, while I try to avoid it. Perhaps... we shall find common ground. It was just an observation, he continues moving.
"What I seek is the destruction of demon kind. This often leads to conflict, though I do seek to avoid injury..." Sarasanna explains as the party continues down the tunnel.
Iacobus inhales, seemingly about to declaim...
something, before pausing a moment & merely nodding in agreement, though with whom, you are uncertain.
All of you start to move forward down one of the tunnels leading away from the remains of the watchtower. Lann explains how the watchtower was necessary, given how many tunnels lead back to their territory. The walk is slow, to accommodate the wounded.
After about 30 minutes, you find before you a chasm in the tunnel, looking rough and new. Lann is immediately unhappy and dismayed by the newly opened hole. after looking down and around, he turns back to you and asks, "Can you think of any way to get across this? We didn't exactly bring any climbing gear with us." He tries to put on a wan smile, but you can tell that he is worried.
Sarasanna studies the chasm. Is there a corresponding opening above the chasm on the ceiling or on either wall? Based on the rough appearance of the opening, does it appear as if something dug out through the stone, or does it look like a sink hole?
Sarasanna then looks to Lann. "I have rope and pitons. We could set a secure line across the wall that may make it easier for the injured to cross. My companions and I are skilled climbers- we may be able to help some of the weaker ones in getting across."
Sarasanna, how wide a gap by your estimation?
Noting the width & the depth, Iacobus takes one of the coils of rope & ties one end about his waist before beginning the climb down.
We should extend and knot the rope, making it easier for all.
"Maybe it would be easier if we climbed all down, and then back up on the other side. Those that need more assistance can be lowered or pulled up as needed" - Alkrammar adds - "Stand ready to offer assistance to Iacobus in case he finds hostile units down below" - the android finishes, nearing the lip of the chasm and observing his new companion's descent.
Gabriel follows.
"Akkramar has it right. I estimate the chasm is wider than it is deep, Gabriel. Therefore, it would best to lower everyone down and climb up the other side. I shall stay up here for now in order to help the injured."
Sarasanna stays up top to help lower others down. When she gets the chance, she ties a lop at the bottom of the rope for the injured to use as a foothold to make it easier for them to hang on.
Once everyone is down, Sarasanna follows.
Archie pulls out her own coil of rope and begins securing it to a nearby rock.
"Start with Aravashinal,"Archie yells up to Sarasanna from the bottom of the pit.
Sarasanna complies by Archie's instructions. She first lowers down the blind elf. "Let me guide you. Feel the rope- this is a loop for your foot..."
Afterwards, she helps lower down Anevia. "Just hold on. Put a foot through here."
Then she helps Horgus. "I'm going to need you to help me Horgus. I will hold the rope to be sure you do not fall and ease your descent. Since you are neither blind nor broken, you can help me climbing as I lower you down. We can tie the rope around your waist."
** spoiler omitted **
Sarasanna complies by Archie's instructions. She first lowers down the blind elf. "Let me guide you. Feel the rope- this is a loop for your foot..."Afterwards, she helps lower down Anevia. "Just hold on. Put a foot through here."
Then she helps Horgus. "I'm going to need you to help me Horgus. I will hold the rope to be sure you do not fall and ease your descent. Since you are neither blind nor broken, you can help me climbing as I lower you down. We can tie the rope around your waist."
It's bumpy, but he does make it down without taking damage.
Eyes & nostrils flaring at these 'new' voices in his head, Iacobus quickly unties the rope from his waist before quickly climbing back up to assist the injured.
"I will offer you also my assistance" - Akrammar moves from the edge of the chasm to assist Sarasanna and Iacobus with the task.
Once all are lowered, he descends himself, standing watch while the setup is repeated on the other side of the chasm.
"I did not expect for you to return to offer aid so swiftly. You have helped to complete the task." Sarasanna flatly acknowledges Iacobus' aid with a slight smile.
"You have also done well, companion Akrammar, thank you for your assistance," Sarasanna practices gratitude, something that came easier to her in her previous life.
I've got a bad feeling about this...
Alley-oop!
OK, so who wants to start climbing up the other side?
It does, in fact, look like a tunnel collapse. Combined with Lann's expression of dismay, it is safe to say that this wasn't here yesterday.
Sarasanna ties the bottom of the rope into a foot loop, ties the other to her waist, and then begins climbing up the other side, with a nod to the others. "I shall go up and secure the line for the others."
Akkramar follows Sarasanna in silence, and will aid up top when it is time to pull the others.
Once all are safely at the bottom, Iacobus slings the rope over his shoulder & begins the climb up the other side.
Dakkar will wait until the others are up, tie the rope around himself, and climb up last.
Gabriel will wait until everyone is safely up before starting his ascent. He seems almost protective of complete strangers.
Go, I'll come up after you. Dakkar makes it pretty clear to Gabriel that Dakkar will wait.
"Why would you like to wait until all others are up top?" - Akkramar asks of Dakkar.
I'm lighter, and y'all can pull me up if need be.