Kel shakes Kosz' hand. "Thanks for helping us get this far. We'll be back once the way is clear."
"Indeed, your aid has been invaluable, Kosz. Thank you for leading us civilians through the tunnels." Max gives the firmest handshake his scrawny hand can muster.
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Deia smiles as widely as she can.
"Yes, Kosz, we appreciate everything you have done to get us this far. I'm sure the people of Neathholm will appreciate everything you do for them too. It's very noble of you to stay and help. Is there anybody we should tell of your decision or any letters we can deliver for you?" she asks.
"There shouldn't be any need to deliver letters. I'll be joining you on the surface as soon as we're called for. What you should be more worried about is who will scout ahead for you now that I'm not coming along."
Lann steps forward at mention of a scout.
"I can be the scout. I know these tunnels better than any of you ever could, and I don't require light. Also, one of us walking this path is far less suspicious than an Uplander. Now, shall we get going?"
All ready to go.
"As ready as I'll ever be," says Max with a hint of apprehension.
"I'll put a fair distance between us, and then wait for you to catch up. I'll try to stay within earshot so that if anything happens, I'll be able to yell for help."
Lann then takes off down the tunnel, moving in a way that only one who's lived their whole lives down here could. After about 5 minutes of walking down the winding tunnel you catch up to him. As soon as your lights reveal his position, he nods and takes off again.
"He's sure going about this in an interesting way. Almost as if he's been trained."
Well it makes sense he has learned how to scout down here.
After about 20 more minutes of Lann leapfrogging ahead, the tunnel starts to narrow. As you approach Lann's position, he holds up one of his claws to his mouth to indicate silence and he holds his other hand open at chest height to indicate for you to stop. Slowly, and carefully, he approaches. With a hushed voice he says,
"The traitors make their home just a short distance ahead. The tunnel stays narrow until it reaches their complex, making it hard to position yourself if combat ensues. Whomever you wish to be at the front should join me there now. But be warned, the traitors, like myself, need no light to see. Any light source will immediately arouse suspicion."
"That Lann is a pretty good scout, feel a lot better with him leading the way."
Tina quickly crushes some herbs and crystals together and mixes them with water. Kel, this potion will make you stand twice as tall and strike harder. It is excellent for helping control the battlefield
"I'll stay toward the back - wouldn't want to get in the way of you all."
"Wow, really? That's amazing, thank you." Kel smiles at Tina.
"Everyone try to keep behind me, and if things get ugly, get close, or stay far enough back that you aren't a target. I'll try to keep everyone safe, but I can only be one place at a time."
The narrow path continues for about 50 feet before opening into a small cavern. Lann stands right at the mouth of the cavern, pressing himself against the wall and trying to make himself as small as possible while looking ahead. Kel's attempt at stealth fares differently; A misstep has caused his equipment to rattle loudly. Sharp barks and howls have erupted from the cavern ahead.
Lann hisses as the traitors sound their alarm.
"We've been found! It's time to fight or die!"
Rawr
"Since it looks like I'm going to be busy up front, it's going to be up to you to protect Aravashniel and Anevia." Kel had said to Horgus. "When we first met, you mentioned that you were fond of Rapiers. I'm sure you're used to finer weapons, but I think this one will serve."
Kel had handed Horgus a rapier and a buckler. "I'll try to keep them focused my way so you don't have to use it much."
Kel had spend too long holding in his frustrations and biting back choice words to many people. he guarded his tongue like a dragon with it's horde. The wrong word to the wrong person got people like him hung.
Now though, he was faced with a situation where the only option was the complete abandonment of restraint. He surged forward in an all-out sprint.
Horgus takes the rapier and buckler, looking them over.
"I've used far better. But any rapier is better than that awful crossbow that the bookish one tried to give me."
"What's going on?" Max moves forward until he sees the mongrels in his light spell. "Oh!" He then fires his crossbow at one of the mongrels.
;
Tina runs until she is east of the traitor that Kel is north of and stabs with her spear.
Kel dashes forward with surprising speed, not giving the traitors time to react.
Max moves forward and fires his crossbow, but the bolt buries itself in the barricade.
Deia moves forward and attempts to curse one of the traitors, but fails.
Rex looks over his shoulder after hearing the start of battle up in the front.
He then draws his pistol and moves up towards the front."Horgus watch our backside."
"Let's see if I can lend a hand this time."
Anevia moves forward, nocks an arrow, and lets it loose. But sadly, it buries itself in the barricade right beside Max's shot.
Rex moves into position.
Anevia tries to shoot one of the traitors, but hits the barricade instead.
Tina tries to stab over the barricade, but it proves to be an awkward angle for her short stature.
Aravashnial moves forward slightly.
Lann moves between the barricades and swings his club at one of the traitors. He lands a solid blow to the one guarding the door.
Horgus moves to stay within the light.
The traitor nearest the door moves directly in front of it and then swings at Kel. Kel deflects the attack easily.
The other traitor swings at Kel, but his wild swing misses.
"The blessing of Aroden upon you, Rex." Max casts guidance on Rex, then takes a 5-foot step south (if possible, squeezing if necessary) and reloads his crossbow.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Kel returned the favor, smashing his studded gauntlet into the wounded one's face.
The room ahead has two barricades made of stone, loose timbers, and other odds and ends. They stand almost chest-high. Behind them you can see two of the traitors, howling their warning.
Kel swings his spiked fist at the mongrel in front of the door, landing a nasty blow.
Max offers Rex a blessing and steps away to reload.
Deia throws a hex in the direction of one of the mongrels, who then crumples to the ground fast asleep!
Tina passes her turn.
As Rex takes aim at the awake traitor,"thanks for the blessing professor."
Rex's pistol belches fire as the slug flies through the air slamming into the traitor.
Anevia moves further forward and tries loosing another arrow, which hits the mongrel.
Aravashnial senses that he's been abandoned at the back and pushes his way past Horgus.
Rex's shot grazes the traitor by the door.
Anevia scores a hit.
Tina holds her action since her target has disappeared from sight.
Aravashnial moves forward.
Lann steps to open up the path between the barricade and swings at the traitor. The traitor blocks the blow with its own club.
Horgus does nothing.
The traitor by the door swings at Kel, but misses.
He then yells "Hurry up and get out here!"
The second traitor snores loudly.
Max will offer a blessing to Lann this time, while still trying to stay out of the way.
Kel managed to just barely avoid the attack, blocking it with his new buckler. The situation wasn't ideal for the pole arm he was currently wielding so he dropped it and drew his trusty longsword, slashing out at the Mongrelman who had attacked him as the blade cleared it's sheath on his back.
Kel cuts clean through the mongrel's collarbone and into his upper chest, causing him to crumple to the ground a bloody, lifeless mess.
Max offers Lann a blessing.
One of them is snoring away behind the barricade here.
Deia readies herself to help intercept any reinforcements that may be coming.
Rex reloads, then steps closer to the barrier.
Anevia moves forward, hoping to use the barricade to her advantage.