Within the radius of the light, you also see the two dead men are dressed as crusaders of Iomedae, each wearing fine looking chain shirt. Curiously, Goron, with his religious expertise, notes that worshipers of Iomedae tend to prefer the weapon of their deity: the longsword, while these men wielded glaives and spiked gauntlets. As you begin to search them, you notice one of them clutched something in its dying fist. When you open it, you see a small symbol of a brass bull’s head with tiny red gemstone eyes.
Sana idly glanced over as the bodies were examined, noting the symbol. It seemed... rather familiar.
"Oh. I think I understand." she said quietly, hiding a little more within her cloak. Religion was something of her specialty, after all, and she hadn't lived for decades without learning at least a few things about how people tended to behave. "Everyone... that's an evil icon of the lord of minotaurs, Baphomet. Whoever these people were, I don't think they were friends of ours." More importantly, the fact that individuals dressed as Iomedae were holding them (and weapons of their god) suggested... well... infiltration and betrayal from within. Sana frowned a little at that; this was exactly the kind of thing that caused problems with her own faith.
Anevia gasps at hearing the news. "Baphomet infiltrators? Among the crusaders?! By the gods! Irabeth...my wife is in danger! We must hurry! Please don't let anything happen to her!"
Aravashnial has a completely different reaction, completely ignoring Anevia's worry: "YES!!! I knew it! I knew there were infiltrators in their ranks! I had rumors only, of the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth, who were infiltrating mercenary groups in Kenabres. But the crusaders of Iomedae?! Please grab the bodies, we must bring them with us as evidence of the conspiracy."
Lann the mongrelman, speaks, "It seems this cult is important, eh? We've seen others like them in the tunnels before. Lately, their presence in the tunnels has increased. Furthermore, the mongrels say that they have some sort of alliance with a different tribe of mongrels down here—a bad tribe."
Goron stiffles a moan of pain, gritting his teeth as his wounds heal.
"Me thanks lass. Never felt better."
Goron on hearing that the crusaders are false strips them of their armor and weapons first. Looking at Sana, Goron indicates the foul symbol she's holding.
"Here lass, a few swings is all it's going to take me......"
As Goron strips them, he finds a potion and scroll (both glow with magic) and 129 gp on the bodies. The chain shirts they wear are of Masterwork quality. The scroll contains Cause fear and the potion is Cure light wounds. The unholy symbol takes two good whacks before it breaks and is destroyed.
Sana nodded a bit, glad to see that Goron was feeling better. He'd done most of the work so far, so helping him as best she could was really the least she could do. With her care completed, she turned back to their other companions, starting with Anevia. "We're going as quickly as we can." the girl said quietly. "Kenabres is a powerful city, and I'm sure the gods are watching over all of its inhabitants. I know you're worried, but the best thing you can do for her right now is remaining calm and making sound judgments." Her tone was a mix of sympathy and sternness... though not too stern, considering how timid she was.
Anevia is comforted a little by Sana's words.
The blind elf meanwhile grows impatient. "Did you grab the bodies already? Are you dragging them along? This will prove to them that I was right. HA!"
Horgus seems not to care about this discovery and urges the party to move along.
Goron winces at his wounds but bears with it.
"Master Aravashnial, we have seen the bodies and can bear witness but carrying the bodies along is folly. It'll slow us down and we can't have that. You have my word that I'll vouch for you that a paladin of Torag has seen evidence of infiltration."
"Let's us move on quickly. Lest yon beasties seeks to mke a meal of us once more."
Levelle hands up a hand to Sana to say "I am okay for now" as she gestures to Goron to receive the bulk of the healing. At the orcales mention of waning power Levelle nods to herself. Once the group is clear of the room Levelle offers out loud, I wonder if we should try to find a place to rest. Sana is low on her magic and if I rest I can bring Caomhnóir back from his home. Muscle we might need if more creatures lurk in the shadows?
Sana glanced nervously towards the ceiling, then nodded rapidly at Goron's words and picked up her pace a little. "Um, i-if we do find a good place to rest, I-I can take the first watch." she said. Any darkness wouldn't be a problem for her, and in her mind, it was much more important that everyone else be able to rest and heal. Going without much sleep wasn't fun, but if it would help them... well, she'd pulled more than one long night in the past.
The mongrel people urge you to move on, that their home is not far and you may rest there. Goron's words soothe Aravashnial although he is upset the bodies of the Baphomet worshipers are left behind and he remains quiet for the rest of the trip.
You continue along the winding tunnel and 45 minutes later, you reach a circular, 20-foot-diameter cavern. Four mongrelmen stand guard here before a large stone door. They greet their fellow companions warmly and eye you with suspicion, but Lann vouches for you all and your efforts to save one of their kind. They let you pass through the door into the cave. "Welcome to Neathholm."
A small, dark lake ripples in the center of this two-hundred foot-wide cavern, the walls and ceiling aglow with thick sheets of luminescent fungi. In the center of the lake, over two dozen low stone buildings cluster on a rocky one-hundred-foot-wide island. Lights glow in the windows of the buildings, giving the settlement an almost welcoming look. Rafts made of mismatched planks of timber bob along the length of a crooked pier at the lake’s closest shore.
Guards arrive soon enough to escort the you all to the largest building atop the island’s low central peak. There you meet Chief Sull, a bloated and unpleasant-looking but mild-mannered mongrel with one clouded white eye. Pic
Horgus is trying very hard and failing to hide his disgust at the sight of the Chief.
Lann introduces you to the Chief and he gives him the report as how his band came along the party and your efforts to save the trapped mongrelman. In a rough yet wise voice, the Chief speaks, "Enough, Lann. Thank you for your efforts warriors in saving one of our kind. It is rare to not see hatred and prejudice from strangers. We are...unaccustomed to it. But pray tell, why are you in these caverns, so far away from the light of your world?"
Sana looked over to Horgus, noting the expression on his face. She elbowed him a moment later to get his attention, then whispered (while turning on her charm), "They're being nice and helping us, and I don't care about your prejudices. We're not planning to stay long, so just hold it in... unless you want to mortally offend a Paladin by insulting his host after he bled to protect you." It probably wasn't necessary to explain why that would be an incredibly stupid thing to do. Hopefully, his fear of the gods would be able to outweigh his fear of beings that had never done him harm... particularly when he'd had ample opportunity to see an agent of the gods crushing his foes.
The girl stepped forward a moment later and bowed slightly, raising her voice. "I don't think it's good to judge people by appearances." she explained to the Chief, still a little shy and hesitant... but it was clear that she was trying to make sure this discussion went smoothly, regardless of Horgus' issues with decent beings. "There have been some... problems... up above, and we found ourselves trapped down here. We were just passing through on our way back to the surface, but there's always enough time to help people who need it."
Tomas helps the group along, re-casting his light spell at need, until they enter the cavern.
"I cannot believe this exists below the city. I had never even heard of such a place!"
When introduced to the Mongrelman leader, he lets Sana speak for them, as she has a much more diplomatic way about her.
The Chief looks intrigued. "Trouble? What trouble above?"
A gathering of people above was...attacked? Great calamity and panic...I don't remember much but most of us were caught in some sort of cave-in and here we are. Who knows how many perished in the battle or the fall?
"Probably less than most people would expect." Sana offered quietly, recalling the circumstances of their fall. Namely, the fact that they hadn't seen massive devastation down here. At the very least, it was unlikely that the whole city had collapsed, and Kenabres was a militant town that wouldn't fall without taking a lot of enemies down with them. "Still... i-if you have a more secluded area to run to, Chieftain, you may want to be ready to take your people there. I can't say for sure if you're in any danger or not, but I do think it's better to be cautious." Considering where they lived, she was actually relatively confident that they had some sort of plans.
Goron begins his tale.
"It all started with a celebration in Kenabres. Then the unthinkable happened! Demons attacked and the geat guardian of the city, Terendelev was slained by the Storm King. We bear now Terendelev's Scales for her last act was to save us even as we fell into the depths from the results of the battles above." Goron pauses a moment in homage to the Sliver Dragon that fought so valiantly for the city.
"We." gesturing to all that is gathered here
"Have come together and have braved many dangers, crossed many an obstacle before fortunate circumstances brought us to yer kin. Aiding them was not question and they have kindly shown us to your city. We have also found what seems to be cultists dressed as crusaders which may not bode well for the defenders above and thus we need be bringing this important information to that lassie's wife." vaguely gesturing in Anevia's directions.
Bowing low as he makes his request to the Chieftain.
"I would ask ye for yer permission to partake rest in yer city, Gracious Chieftain. I Goron Boulderstep, Paladin of Torag would beg this boon of thee for mine companions are weary and do need healing if possible. I ask rest for my brave companions, Mitress Sana, Mistress Levelle, Master Thomas, Master Horgus, Mistress Anevia and Master Aravashnial by your leave." Goron points out each of his stalwart companions who have come so far with him.
Nodding when Goron introduces him, Tomas is still fascinated with this city below the city.
"Do you keep any records of your settlement here? Or perhaps tales that tell how you found yourselves here. Does the city administration above know you are here? Can you tell me...oh..I am so very sorry. I did not mean to seem rude or ask too many questions, but you and this place fascinate me. Humbly I would ask if I might learn more about your city and its people."
Chief Sull grows quite concerned at hearing Goron's tale. "By the gods! Terendelev has fallen?! To the demon horde?! This cannot be!" The Chief pauses, seeing the surprise in your eyes. "I know you may think my kind and I may be outcasts and freaks in the eyes of uplanders like yourselves", nodding at Horgus, "but it was our ancestors who helped drive back the demons in the First Crusade." The passion in the Chief's voice is quite apparent. "I want the demons defeated as much as anyone who lives above. Yes, you may stay and rest in my settlement as long as you like, with one condition: You bring a message to the surface when you return: My people, if they'll have us, will stand with the inhabitants of Kenabres to defend the city! What say ye?"
Levelle will look to the others but nod before getting a response. I think that is more than fair. Hopefully our actions here with members of the community that might vouch for us will make our voice heard rather than others eyes looking upon us and striking them deaf to our story and your offer.
Sana nodded quietly at the Chief's words. "I believe they will welcome anyone truly committed to standing against the demons." she said quietly. If nothing else, though, it was certainly true for her. As much as she was bothered by much of what those who called themselves 'good' did, she disliked the minions of evil far more, and would happily accept those who opposed such enemies.
"I'd say Aye!" Goron exclaims.
"I'll bring your message to the people above and hope that they'll accept your offer for any willing to stand against the foul demons is useful indeed."
"How could we not agree to such a proposal!"
Chief Sull nods sagely at the party's decision. "As I stated earlier, please rest as long as you wish, though I know time is of the essence, given the city's predicament. The nearest route to the surface lies to the south, but this exit is guarded by a tribe of mongrels who do not have the same opinions as those of Neathholm. In fact, I've come to call this smaller tribe of mongrel, “the traitors”. I believe they have consorted and allied themselves with human cultists, most likely the same ones whose corpses you found. I've tended to ignore them but that time has passed. It's time to deal with the threat. If you agree to deal with them, as you make your way back to the surface to bring word of our pledge to aid the crusade, I will promise you aid in the form of a small stash of curative potions. My own soldiers, alas, I cannot spare— I need them to fan out deeper into the tunnels to gather the other mongrel tribes to Neathholm. Once we receive word that the crusaders above will welcome our help, we will be ready to rise up and help take back Kenabres."
"Thank you very much, Chief." Sana said, bowing a little more deeply than was strictly necessary as she gazed out from beneath her hood, etching into her mind the appearance of the noble leader. "If these traitors from your tribe are indeed involved with the human traitors we found..." she thought for a moment. Then... for just a moment, her tone hardened. "May the gods give them exactly what they deserve." She lightened up again a moment later. "It's been a long day for all of us, so with your permission, I believe I'll check on everyone, then get some rest." With another polite boy, Sana excused herself to do what she could for all of her companions, get a little food into her belly, and get some much-needed sleep.
Horgus whispers to Sana, "He wants us to rest...here?! In this germ-infested settlement?! Where only the gods know what lurks.." He sees her angry eyes and shuts up, murmuring, "If they want to help the crusade, they should give us the finest rooms..." The blind elf and Anevia are just glad to rest after a long and arduous day. Anevia volunteers the stay with Aravashnial to look after him.
Sana looked at Horgus for a few moments. "...Come with me." she said, grabbing his hand and tugging him towards an out-of-sight area, away from both the local residents and their companions. "There's something I think you should see before you continue talking." She sounded quite determined, but she was also trying to make it clear that she had no intention of hurting him. He did seem rather paranoid, after all, so she put in just a bit of extra effort to convince him that it was safe.
Horgus is scared as he follows Sana...."Please don't hurt me. I'm just not used to these...conditions. I am no warrior, can cast no spells, cannot heal on a whim. I am just an ordinary merchant, albeit wealthy one. Please try to understand."
"I am not going to hurt you." she said softly, standing within the radiance of holy light. "But you are going to listen to me. The gods are very real, Horgus, and they see the things you have done. You have belittled and insulted the innocent for no reason other than satisfying your petty arrogance and insecurities, and had we not stopped you, it's possible that you could have destroyed an alliance that Kenabres could have in its greatest hour of need. If the city falls, then demons will move across the land, slaughtering countless innocents... and your words could have been what turned salvation into destruction." she stared into his eyes, the essence of her sacred heritage pulsing within her. "We are not playing games, Horgus, and I don't believe you even truly understand the stakes here. However..." her expression softened.
"The gods are also compassionate, and willing to accept those who strive to correct their errors. Imagine the other side of this scenario - a group of residents who brought allies when Kenabres needed them, turning the tide against the demons and saving the city. You think you are an ordinary merchant? If you help to bring an alliance together, people won't call you a merchant - they'll call you a hero. Everyone in the city will know your name. Mothers will tell their children stories about you, encouraging them to follow in your footsteps, and buyers will flock to your shop from a hundred miles away just for the chance to see you. You don't need to be a warrior or have the blessing of magic in order to do great things. You don't even need to do much yourself. All you really need to do is what you know is right. Set aside your hatred and your fear, Horgus, and for once in your life, look past what's right in front of you. I can't make your choices for you, but you will die someday... and it's up to you to decide whether you want the eternal rewards of a coward or a hero." Her halo vanished as she withdrew the power of her heritage, and after gathering her hair back together, Sana quietly pulled the hood over her head once again. "I think it's best if you simply go to bed now." she said quietly. "And I would appreciate it if you didn't mention this to anybody." This was not said as a threat, but as a sincere request.
Finished with the discussion, Sana quietly stepped out of the alleyway, heading back towards where they could sleep. Oh, it would be nice to finally get some rest, and she did hope the others were doing okay. Maybe just a quick check before she went to bed... i-if that wouldn't bother them too much, anyway.
"A Kingly gift indeed. It seems that out route needs must be through those 'traitors' mentioned. We have here certain items we have picked up along the journey. If it's possible, we;ll like to trade these items in your city." Goron shows the equipment gathered and items and baubles picked up, the most valuable being a brooch.
Chief Sull's eyes widen, as he sees the brooch. His one good eye gets a bit misty. "May I?" He grabs the brooch and explains, "One of my sons, Drago, left Neathholm after an argument. Funny, I can't remember what we fought about. I didn't expect him to ever return but he loved his brooch. If I may be so bold to keep this, I will reward you with my enchanted morningstar. Only as long as you use the weapon to split at least one traitor’s skull before you reach the surface. Deal?" Chief Sull then takes the brooch and retires for the night.
"I'm sorry for your loss. I would let you have the brooch for free but I thank you for your generous offer, no doubt, it'll find great use for my companions. I daresay it'll split more than just a traitor's skull before it's done." Goron bows...
Goron and the party bid adieu to the mongrelmen, who are in the process of gathering allies to await the call from Kenabres for aid. The party is escorted out of the southern entrance and told to bash as many traitor skulls as possible.
The tunnel winds mostly in a southeast direction for about 2,000 feet (26 minutes of travel), when it narrows down to a 5-foot-wide passageway, the walls carved with picks and chisels.
Goron stops the party suddenly and asks Tomas to move back a little to hide the illumination of his Light spell. The dwarf hears sounds of what appear to be a conversation down the tunnel.
As the day had begun, Sana had quietly joined the others, considering her newfound magic for a few moments. She'd also spared a look for Horgus that was just a few moments longer than totally necessary... but since he had yet to bother anyone else again, she'd refocused on the path ahead and moved along with the others. When Goron motioned for them to stop, however, Sana quietly whispered a divine phrase under her breath, helping to focus her mind and allow her to better understand the world around her.
Tomas does as Goron asks, and shields the light from the corridor ahead. He looks to the others for more information.
Goron stays very still as he attempts to pick up the conversation.
Motioning to the others about possible trouble ahead, he gestures for them to keep silent.
Levelle stops in her tracks at the exchange over potential trouble. As before, Levelle urges Cao up to Goron's flank to silently stay with the dwarf in case the paladin needed aid...
Barricades made of heaped loose rocks and wooden boards bisect this cavern. Beyond the barricades, a wooden screen covers the lower half of a tunnel mouth. Two mongrelmen oblivious to you, stand leaning against the wall, speaking in a weird tongue and guarding the entrance. Whatever they are discussing, you hear snickers of laughter.
Levelle pauses and waits, reaching out to Cao to be ready but waiting for Goron to make the first move...
Tomas starts the incantation for a sleep spell in the hopes of avoiding both an alarm and unnecessary bloodshed.
Sana wasn't really close enough to do anything, though she did focus a little on one of her newer powers. If the enemy had some dangerous ranged weapons, then she'd probably be able to try and deflect them...
Goron notices the mongelman and Thomas muttering somthing.
He waits.
The Sleep spell goes off, but perhaps due to the hybrid anatomies of the mongrelmen, they both resist Tomas' spell. They notice the party and prepare to attack!
Sensing that things did not go as Levelle and others wanted, the eidolon tenses but holds waiting for the dwarf or the strange man creatures to move.
Much like the Eidolon, Sana felt that this wasn't exactly the time for her to step in and be bold... they were a bit too far away for her to try and intimidate, though if they got closer, she might be able to shake them enough to help the others take them down.
Goron seeing the mongrel man ready to attack hefts his shield up and advances!!