At every minute that passes, more and more citizens, visitors and soldiers of all sort enter and leave the plaza. It is easy to sense the anxious atmosphere around you as the time passes and the official opening of the Armasse comes closer. Kodan, and his mammoth companion, grows more impatient about looking for the Sharp Inn, even after Darius explaining that the place was already completely full, and leaves the others to their luck, guided by Artis and the half-orc and his half-sister, still fighting about the Golden Shield Tourney.
Matheus continues to walk around the plaza, delivering his books, while both Edril and Sayid escort him. The first more silently and clearly more interested in the books the halfling is carrying, and the other trying to maintain a conversation, despite the halfling and the elf not being much talkative.
As promised, Darrien leads Jiao, Finja, Darius and Constantine around, taking them to try the lamb legs he insistently talked about. As it happens, the man was true to his words, for the lamb was indeed delicious, specially when covered in a runny sauce made primarily of olive oil, garlic and mint. Judging by the amount of food that particular vendor had, it was obvious that he would be sold out by the time the festival actually started.
:: Kenabres - Arodus 16 - Noon ::
It was a terribly hot day, despite being the end of the summer, and it was becoming hotter as the sun reached for its higher position. The Clydwell Plaza reached its critical mass and the few shades of the trees became as disputed as the food stalls and the games tents. When it was about noon, the word spread that Lord Hulrun, the ruler of Kenabres, would be opening the festival at any moment, causing even more madness as many tried to move closer the stage to the east. As it happens, coincidentally, Matheus, Edril and Sayid were just passing by Darrien and his group when it finally began. Clad in shining, resplendent armor emblazoned with the holy sword of Iomedae, Lord Hulrun climbed the stairs leading to the stage. The crowd quieted as the aged inquisitor cleared his throat. "Citizens of Kenabres... travelers and merchants of Mendev and beyond... soldiers and crusaders of all over Golarion... I..."
You were never able to listen to what he was about to say for a bright light shone from the west, as if the sun were rising from the wrong direction. Lord Hulrun's shadow fell huge and distorted across the cathedral's facade. A moment later, the sound of a thunderous explosion ripped through the air and earth, along with a violent tremor that brought everyone to the ground. To the west, the fortress know as the Kite - the location of Kenabres's Wardstone - had vanished in a cloud of ashes and dust. In its place, a brilliant plume of red fire, lightning, and smoke erupted into the heavens.
A moment later, a powerful roar accompanied a welcome sight rising the crowd as Kenabre's greatest guardian, the ancient silver dragoness Terendelev who had until that moment been attending the opening ceremony disguised as human, took flight, changing from woman to dragon in mere seconds. Through the smoke, however, another form appeared, as nightmarish as the dragoness was breathtaking. A humanoid shape three times the size of any man, with skin coated in fire and lightning, gripped a flaming sword and whip. The creature's identity was also immediately obvious: Khorramzadeh, the Storm King of the Worldwound, had come to Kenabres once more!
A clash of these titans was about to happen, even if none could stand still to watch for there were demons everywhere. The ground shook once more and then once again. It was a pandemonium. Fissures formed across the plaza and the earth itself started to disgorge even more demons into the streets. A woman besides you was separated from her child as a fly headed demon swooped to grab her... on the other direction, a large and horned blue demon was charging through the crowd, crushing many under its feet and sending many others flying... a group of crusaders were fighting a red demon a couple feet away. Darrien recognizes his father fighting a bird-headed demon in the distance but isn't able to call for him. A fissure opens close to you and Finja is separated from Darrius and Constantine.
The balor lord and the dragoness clashed above. For the most part of the time Terendelev appeared to have the upper hand... but sadly the fight was over in a few more harrowing moments, as the Storm King cut deep into Terendelev's body, swooping down to strike the dragoness and arresting her charge. A few more blows and the titanic duo spiraled downward toward the crowd. The sight of the dragoness smashing into the facade of the Cathedral of St. Clydwell close to you is one no witness would ever forget. The Storm Lords's whip flies around, hitting a glancing blow at a wizard fighting a wing of imps. A couple seconds later, a titanic demon clad in cracked boulders, jagged shards of rock, spars of crooked metal, and shredded steel, with four immense arms and bony wings erupted at the far end of the plaza, reducing several buildings to ruins as it smashed into this world. The rift it created shot across the plaza, and this time there was no escape... it opened below your feet, angling away into the darkness. Despite the chaos, Finja was able to hear Darius screaming in despair.
You quickly fall into the darkness... at least for a moment. At first you imagined you were dying, for the time appeared to slow to a crawl, but soon you realized that you were actually only falling slower. From what was left of the cathedral, you notice a bleeding talon of Terendelev pointing at you even as death was standing over her... it appears that she decided to seize this final chance of saving a few more souls before the end. Yet the fall remained as inexorable, and as you drifted downward into the depths, the last thing you saw was the Storm King standing before the ancient silver dragoness, his sword lashing out and cleaving full through her neck. As her severed head fell, the rift above you slammed shut, and the light of the world above was gone...
:: Underground of Kenabres - Arodus ?? - unknown time ::
You wake up. It is completely dark and silent, except for the occasional sound of small pebbles falling and moans of pain of a woman. It is also cold, however not enough to harm you more.
In the back of the cavern, a disturbing shape looms. Nearly the size of a horse, what appears to be an immense black spider crouches silent and still on the ground
Matheus passed through the crowd continuing to watch the larger people around in case any stirred or one of a larcenous bent was using the distraction of the speech. The lighting change stopped him in his tracks and he watched with horror as the invaders began destroying the city. Clutching his hands to his head he sought to make himself smaller as his mind was locked into a loop. Was the demon here? The one who tormented him? Was his time also up? Matheus barely could keep track as events spiraled out of control around him, his errand completely forgotten for trying to hold out the things of the moment. The fall into darkness seemed appropriate, matching the world falling.
But then a ray of light reached him before being blocked out. The dragon had saved him? Why me?...
Awakening in the dark with a groan the halfling breathed in shallow relief. The pain of the fall making him aware he was still alive. Standing to take stock of himself he called upon his divine link, glad also that still answered him and he invoked a light.
The looming shape of the spider took attention, a new threat? Matheus' blood ran cold again, but this was also a threat that was mortal. Not an abyss spawned monstrosity. Some allies also were around him? Ones that looked much more capable. Tapping and pointing carefully he sought to check over each of the others including those partially buried.
A sense of excitement bubbles within Sayid's chest as the official opening of Armasse draws closer. Finally, to join the crusade and make a name for himself in the annuls of the family history.
Then the chaos started. It began so quickly, at first he was stunned into stillness. This was nothing like the order of forms and sparring of the temple. There was blood and death everywhere. People screaming. Babies crying. And the demons. Sayid had seen depictions of hell-born in his studies, but the terror had never conveyed itself well in paper and ink. Here, in the present presence of the ilk, there was no denying their power.
Shaking himself, Sayid called out for others to rally around him. With such a sudden and overpowering attack the obvious choice was to retreat and regroup. Try to get civilians to safety. That is what his grandfather Bartorian did when the attack came on his watch.
"To me, to me, Fall back to the temple. We can mount a defense there."
Scooping a middle aged man in fine clothes off of the cobblestone, Sayid begins to run to the gates when a fissure opens beneath his feet and they both tumble into the dark abyss below.
***
The ground's sudden arrival pushes the air from Sayid's lungs, but not nearly as forcifully as it should have done. Rising slowly and achily to his feet, he is about to ignite his holy symbol in light when another pierces the darkness from the halfling he had been accompanying.
He is about to greet the diminutive fellow when his hand signals indicate the need for quiet. Following the furtive gestures, Sayid makes note of the spider in the back of the cavern. Crouching back down he draws his blades and enters a defensive stance.
As the chaos erupted within the city, Darrien acted more out of instinct than rational thought, the latter being preoccupied with trying to make sense of what was happening. For the first moments, he stood in awe at the spectacle unfurling before him, but soon was drawn back to the present due to the screams and smell of fire and brimstone.
No, Not again! Dammit this is what I came here to prevent!
As the child is separated from their mother, Darrien hefts his shield to cover the child, as he furiously glances around the chaos he pauses for a moment to look to the child.
It will be alright, just stay behind me.
He gives the child the best smile he can manage before he continues to look about for the mother. When he spots his father, he grimaces, he wouldn't be able to reach him anytime soon, besides others needed his help. However, Before he could think further, the fissure ripped its way under his feet and he began to free fall through, his last act was to try and tuck the child next to him onto his shield and blunt the fall for it.
After waking, Darrien would check around for others, and upon seeing the large creature would bring up his shield and cause his armor to clatter. He also notices the others on the peripheral of his vision.
how are the rest of you fairing? Any serious injuries? Someone needs to quickly tend to those that are greatly injured. His attention is focused on the large shape in the shadows, and very likely, its attention would soon be on Darrien as he takes steps forwards to be the one nearest the creature of the group. He wanted desperately to check on the others, but for now, the potential threat demanded his attention. He does however, glance around, looking for the child he had tried to shield.
Does anyone see a small child nearby? His normally deep and graveled voice cracks slightly at the words small child.
Finja was watching Hulrun with a dark mood, considering the inquisition had barred her entry into the Paladins of Iomedae. But she had trained for combat all her life - when the thunderous explosion eradicated the Kite, she instinctively moved into a fighting stance, drawing her longsword as she looked for the source of the attack. When Terendelev took flight, she was among those who cheered for the Silver Dragoness.
Seeing crusaders locked in battle with a red Demon, she moved a few steps to join them while locking her blade in her gauntlet, when a fissure separated her from Constantine and Darius - the former his bow out, shooting at the fly-headed one that just swooped past them, the latter two short-swords in hand, scanning to make sure his children were as safe as could be. All was Chaos - before Finja could decide between trying to find a way over to her foster family, or continue towards the red Demon, a fissure opened below, swallowing her...she fell, suddenly slower, wondering, until she took note of the dragons selfless act as it lay dying.
When Finja came to, she was lying on the ground somewhere...deep below Kenabres. Her armor and luggage seemed to have softened the fall somewhat, but it was utterly dark. Thankful her foster father had previously chosen the lantern to make an example of un-needed equipment, which helped her remember it's position on her backpack, and soon she sat it down in front of her - now to find a thundertwig.
Suddenly, it became light as some halfling who she remembered fell with her invoked a spell of light. Quickly, she used the chance to light her lantern, then looked around, trying to understand the situation she was in. Some of the others she had been talking with were down here with her.
Better than strangers.
Some others were here, too...Finja looked at the still figure on the ground, and the woman in pain, then at the spider. She was no healer, so could not help the person possibly dead or dying. And the spider had a great chance to attack before - there was probably no need to aggravate the beast.
So Finja moved over to the woman with the crushed leg, setting down the lantern nearby, deciding to try and free her:"Hej...I'll try to help you. If you can, try and not scream - we might attract attention we don't want..."
Before she starts to try and push the boulder off the woman, Finja unstrung her own shield from her backpack, so that she could pick it up if needed, taking the moment to try and see if the cavern had a visible exit.
Jiao Feng followed Darrien around, pleasantly surprised about the tour and kind reception she experienced. The delicious lamb did the rest to let here feel like she arrived at the right place. Finaly. A place to live, build a new home and perhaps even find friends and a purpose.
She watched in awe, still chewing on the rests of the lamb, taking in the masses and the spectacle as Lord Hulrun climbed the stairs...
only to see everything shatter again by the explosion, torn apart by demons, as they would probably tear the world and her apart.
Paralyzed by the dragons beauty and the horror of it's demise, she just stood there, feeling powerless and lonely, seeing the spark of hope that had just sprung up become quenched in smoke and a flood of blood, she fell into the opening rift...
An unknown time later she opened her eyes, lying on the ground, hearing someone moan.
Are we dead yet?
Still on the ground she looks around, seeing Finja help the injured woman.
Uh oh. Is this the afterlife in the abyss and that's the demon to eat our souls over there?
:: Underground of Kenabres - Arodus ?? - unknown time ::
Matheus reaches for a small pebble and makes ir shine with a blueish light, which is able to illuminate a portion of the cavern, even if not reaching far enough to the spider, keeping it half-hidden in the penumbra. However, you are able to notice the walls and floor of this cave, which have the rough texture of natural stone. The distant squeaks of bats echo broadly, suggesting that this underground space is large and relatively open. Grit and rock dust covers everything. Clumps of stalagmites jut from the ground.
The halfling moves around, not so quietly thanks to the loose pieces of stone, while Sayid draws his weapons in a fighting position and Darrien moves with his huge shield risen in defense of the others. The spider doesn't advance, even if it shakes a bit.
Clearly in extreme pain, the woman with the crushed leg grits her teeth and nods to Finja, trying to make no sound while she tries to remove the bounder. The woman is a bit smaller than average and also skinnier, with pale skin and dark hair cut short in a rather masculine way. She wears a leather armor, a short sword in her waist and a shortbow on her back.
The loose stones beneath her slide a bit as Finja raises the boulder and rolls it to the side, since the woman was unable to move herself. With the boulder removed, both Finja and the woman are able to see the damage... despite not being an exposed fracture, it is clearly broken and she will not be able to walk at all on her own if nothing is done. "By Iomedae..." The woman cries in pain as silently as she can. "... what have we done to deserve that? I thought we are safe in Kenabres..."
"Well, I do know what you have done, thief, to deserve that..." The middle aged man snaps as he dusts his clothes with his hands after getting up. You notice he has only minor scratches. Wearing fine clothes and a mantle, the apparently nobleman is overweight, with grey hair and stubble. He possess many rings and other jewels, but is unarmed.
Meanwhile, Matheus is able to check on the other bodies. Sadly, most are clearly dead. Among the living, however, he notices a small child, the same one that had his mother swept by the demon. His eyebrow is split, covering half his face in blood. The small girl is unconscious. Her skin is darker, betraying some kellid blood, and her hair is red and curly. The other, also unconscious, survivor is a male elf extremely wounded, his eyes destroyed. You recognize him as the wizard fighting the wing of imps who got hit by the Storm Lords's flaming whip.
Edril remains still, perhaps in shock to do anything but to look around.
As usual, last night you dreamt about demonic attacks on Kenabres... this time it was true, so you were more prepared to handle all the madness you witnessed.
With a nervous glance over to the possible threat and seeing people moving to protect the survivors, Matheus looks back to attend to those most heavily hurt first. "I would ask if any carry bandages can we help clean and tend the wounded. Too many have perished already this day, even our savior has left a sign of wounds here." He speaks in a quiet voice that is almost swallowed by the gloom of the cave as he indicates the silvery scales. Taking a breath against his own pain he then moves and invokes his healing magic, hoping that it would be enough upon the elven man and unconscious girl before moving again to the second child and trying to find his status, using a sleeve to dab at the blood.
The sight of the child, safe, or at least not crushed under stone, lessens the weight on Darrien's heart.
I just have to trust the cleric to tend to the little one, thankfully the beast is dead, however, that likely only means we may need to contend with its killer.
No Jiao, I think, I think its just caves. Good news though is that the giant spider is dead, however, something seems to be moving about in it... eating it. the thought mildy sickens Darrien, beore he shakes it off.
At the womans question, he doesn't respond, but thinks to himself
a good question. It seems that far too often the gods are absent when they are needed. and his thoughts drift momentarily to his late family.
He shakes himself back to the present and steps towards the dead vermin, weapon ready. He stays about 10 or 15 feet away, but doesn't let his guard down.
how is the child? Does she live?! And does anyone know how far we fell, or anything about caves under Kenabress?
Finja snaps back at the middle-aged man:"The Dragoness saved all of us. We all will prove worthy of being chosen by her, no matter our past!", before turning her attention back to the woman:"That...does not look good. I'm no healer, but I think we need to stabilize that leg..."
Using a soft cloth, two pitons, and hemp rope, Finja improvises a splint on the leg, like she had seen Darius make one 2 years past:"You can't step on it, but if you lean on me, we should be able to move..."
With the application of the splint having taken a while, Finja looks around to see if any of the others had meanwhile found a likely way towards...well...out or up both seemed good.
With a sigh, Jia Feng stands up and pats some dust out of her clothing. Not that it would matter that much, mudstained as it already is.
This is horrible, i never saw something the like. How can such beauty be brought to fall by such terrible, terrible things? How can they even exist and enter our world?
She pauses feeling her aching bones and looking around.
I'm sorry i have nothing to help the wounded here. Is there anything i can do? Can we even same them and ourselves somehow?
She points into the darkness where most other can barely see a larger shape looming.
Maybe we should stay clear of it. I see the wiggling and can hear the chewing as well. And my name is Jiao-Feng, not just Jiao.
arrien takes a moment to turn and look to Jiao, a large smile forced on his face.
Ah, yes, apologies miss Feng, but of course we can save them. Though, I would rest better at least knowing what creature we have at our backs.
Jiao Feng looks puzzled.
No, no, you misunderstand! I'm not miss Feng, my name is Jiao Feng. It's only one name. I don't have a family name, or if i do, i don't know it. Guess you could call me Jiao Feng of Tala, but i'm not sure i like that either. So just Jiao Feng is fine.
She points around at the wounded.
I agree with you on the creature though. We should bring them into safety and then prod it, to see what stirrs. Does someone have fire? Burning it might be good, unless it's a demon of course...
Towards the end of the sentence, her face gets sour and her voice slower, clearly she remembered something disgusting.
With recent events, it's no wonder.
:: Underground of Kenabres - Arodus ?? - unknown time ::
As Darrien moves slowly towards the spider, Finja manages to make a pretty good job at the woman's leg. With the help of a clutch, she is certain that the woman will be able to walk. The nobleman, grunts before answering Finja. "Indeed... everyone makes mistakes. Perhaps even the dragoness... a burglar and a lunatic." He gestures towards the unconscious elf. "On the other hand, aside from this one..." he indicates Jiao Feng. "... all of you looks like to be decent folk. 7 in 10, not bad."
The woman grits her teeth, holding herself with anger. She first nods to Finja in a clear signal of thanks before trying to get up. "Thanks. I'm really grateful. " However, she looses her temper soon after. "Shut your trap, Horgus... I don't know what you are talking about... just shut it."
Horgus, the nobleman laughs in disdain at Jiao Feng's comment. "How you ask? Please, take your head out of the mud you seem so fond off... From where are you from, beggar? We are in Mendev, at the blasted Abyss's ass border. If beauty had any power against demons, we'd have naked Callistrians fighting them instead of crusaders..."
Meanwhile, Matheus works his magic and both the elf and the girl are healed and wake up. The elf moans in pain, since he is still direly wounded, his face still a mess. "W...what is happening..." He coughs a gob of blood. "Arr... it hurts... my whole body... I... I can't see a thing... He makes a quick gesture and touches his ring, making it alight in a purplish color "solas... What? I still can't see..." He then reaches for his face. "FOR THE GODS! MY EYES... MY FACE... I CAN'T SEE! I CAN'T SEE!" He screams in horror.
The girl, fully awake a fully healed also screams, terrified by what remained of the elf's face and encouraged by his own desperation. Scared, she runs away... dangerously close to the dead spider.
The dead bug bursts as three large pale maggots with greasy flesh and a dripping circular mouth emerge once Darrien reaches closer... or perhaps thanks to the screams...
_________________________________________
Round 1
Edril - up
Matheus - up
Woman
Darrien - up
Jiao Feng - up
Sayid - up
Little Girl
Horgus
Maggots
Elf
Finja
Darrien sighs, both in relief that the other two are alive, and exasperation at their actions. Of course, its to be expected. The only thing really keeping Darrien going was his drive to protect the child and others, as well as to find his father and anyone else still potentially alive. He turns his head and half yells towards the child, his voice booming, but he tries to also put a comforting tone to it,
Stay far behind me child, you hear me!? Remember what I said, it will be just fine.
darrien takes a moment to cover his mouth and nose with his scarf, he then moves to stand between her and the maggots and strikes out at one of them maggot (red)
He then slams his shield into the ground to his left, providing himself cover from his left.
"Sir! Please calm yourself, I need to go help the child!" Matheus says loudly and quickly before scrabbling over the rubble to the panicked girl. "Miss! Miss! Come away from there!" He calls as he brings the light forward, trying to calm or at least redirect the panicked child.
With astonishing speed and body mastery she lifts herself up from the dirt, standing upright and dusts off her dress.
Naked Calistrians might get more done than some others...I'm from Tala, way deeper in the worldwound than you probably ever were. And as you can see, i'm alive. I wonder how long you will be able to stay alive and keep your robes clean. Best stay behind me, so i can do the dirty work for you!
Jiao Feng moves forward, positioning herself between Matheus and the child and the maggots, to protect them. She gets out her roped dart and throws it at the first maggot.
:: Underground of Kenabres - Arodus ?? - unknown time ::
Edril remains still, unable to act. Still pretty wounded and with his head bleeding, it is possible that he had suffered something more serious. At the same time, Matheus runs towards the little girl, trying to calm her down. Unfortunately she appears to be in panic and simply runs to another direction... at least away from the maggots, a disappears behind a couple rocks.
The woman shifts and looks around, angry with the nobleman. It appears she had not seen the maggots so far. Darrien moves forward, his morningstar in his hand and smashes one of the maggots. The powerful blow almost finishes the vermin, but it still moves, barely alive. Luckily, Jiao Feng also hits the same maggot, making it fall.
Sayid quickly moves forward, his two kukris in hand. Once in close quarters with one of the maggots, he slashes it in quick succession... unfortunately, he isn't able to land a single hit, the low-light hampering him.
With a wall of steel in front of it, the maggot regurgitates its meal all over Sayid... the stench is so foul that he barely holds himself from emptying his own stomach . The maggot tries to bite him but Sayid is able to dodge it, and in the end the maggot even opens its flank . The other maggot also chooses Sayid as its target but fares no batter than its companion, managing to even bite itself!
__________________________________________
Round 1
Finja - up
Round 2
Edril - up
Matheus - up
Woman
Darrien - up
Jiao Feng - up
Sayid - up
Little Girl
Horgus
Maggots
Elf
Finja
Red [13 dmg]
Orange [2 dmg]
Yellow [flat-footed]
"Miss...I'm sorry, I did not catch your name - there seems to be trouble, please sit back down for a minute!", Finja explains to the woman leaning on her as she gently lowers her back to the floor, careful not to place too much stress on her leg.
With no time to retrieve her Tower Shield and don it properly, Finja settled for grabbing the lantern and re-drawing her sword while moving towards the maggots, leaving most of her equipment with the woman.
She does not quite manage to close towards them, but she does get close enough to see and cast her lanterns light on them: "What disgusting creatures."
Darrien smashes his morning star into anither one of the maggots with a sicking squelch.
He then sees the girl disappear behind stone, and rushes off after her, going around the front of the rocks to hopefully cut her off and keep her from hurting herself in the dark.
Matheus follows the girl again hoping that his size matching hers will allow him to connect to her better but in any case he moved to block her movement further into the unknown.
"Stop! Please do not run! I healed you!" he says with force now in his voice.
Jiao Feng takes a step to the side to have a better line at the maggots and with graceful but fast movements sends the rope dart flying at one of them again.
What disgusting creatures! And that foul stink!
:: Underground of Kenabres - Arodus ?? - unknown time ::
As Finja moves closer and bathes the maggots with the light of her lantern, Matheus moves once more towards the child. He finds her curled in a tiny ball, shaking and crying. "I want my mommy... I want mommy." She doesn't flinch from his touch, even if he feels it will not be so easy to calm her down. At least she stopped running.
Darrien swings his morningstar one more and again almost brings the maggot down if it wasn't so tough. It tries to bite him as he leaves the combat, but it is far too slow. After Darrien leaves, Jiao Fang finishes both vermin with two quick attacks, the second one far more precise than the first. All three maggots now lay dead or dying.
Sayid leaves the maggots behind and moves towards one of the rock formations and rests his hands against it while he empties his stomach. The stench infesting his clothes are indeed disgusting to say the least.
"Anevia... the name is Anevia." The woman answers Finja once she notices the most immediate danger had been dealt with. CLAP.. CLAP... CLAP... You hear the sound of claps coming from the nobleman. "Very nice, very nice... the heroes of Kenabres. Slayers of maggots. I'm glad that I'm here safe in your hands!" The man mocks. "Whatever... you'll have to do... very well, 1000 pieces of gold. They will be yours if you get me to the surface safe and sound..."
"CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE NAME OF THE GODS?" The elf demands in an authoritarian tone, interrupting the nobleman.
The small girl is mostly in shock, but you believe that with patience, she can be reasoned with. However you are mostly sure that she will not handle well the truth about her mother's destiny at the moment.
After she is certain the maggots are indeed dead, Finja returns to Anevia:"Finja, pleased to make your aquaintance." While she starts packing up her equipment, both the nobleman and the elf speak up.
Shining her light in his direction, she answers, without stopping what she was doing: "What is happening is that we lost. The Storm King slew Terendelev, the Kite was destroyed, and we fell through a rift, to some place far below Kenabres, only surviving because the Silver Dragoness choose to save us with her dying breath. I am no medicus, but I believe restoring your sight is beyond the capabilities of any of us. There was a small incident with some oversized maggots, but all is ok. We will try to find our way back up to the surface - for all of us. There is one woman, Anevia, with a broken leg that needs to lean on someone. I believe you could help each other, if you help steady her and she in return guides you."
With the nobleman, she was unsure if his intent was to insult or to bribe...or both, for that matter. Certainly, they all had better chances if they stuck together. But 1000 Gold would go a long way, even split among all of those present. With that amount of money, she, Darius and Constantine could...suddenly Finja grew worried. Her foster father always handled all situations that he had to face...but then, so had her real father before that fateful night. Were they safe? Was anybody safe up above ground? Finja hoped she would see them again. Constantine, don't you dare die... But for that, she needed to survive, and she needed to find a way up...
Shouldering her backpack once more, Finja shines the light of the lantern across the ground, only now having time to see all the grizzly details:"There were many less lucky than us - unless either of you knows how deep we are, we would do well to search these for anything we may need during our journey - rations, weapons, even a rope or something. Can any of you do the proper blessings to send their souls onward?"
Finja got that right. We are alive and we will find a way out of here. I didn't escape and come so far only to give up now and here. If we give up, the demons win indeed. But we can figure them out! The silver dragon didn't save us for no reason! We have to fight on to honor her!
She turns to the man:
Don't worry, we'll get you to the surface and into safety somewhere. Just can't promise your dress will stay clean.
Matheus, will you take the girl? Finja can you lead the blinded man? Who will help Anevia walk? Eril and Sayyid, are you allright? I guess i'll lookout for danger and for...Horgus here. To make sure he stays safe and keeps his mouth a bit more closed, so he doesn't alert the whole of Kenabres to where we are.
She tries to smile at everyone, but it looks more like a frown.
When we are ready, let's go and points into a direction.
Matheus guides the girl back to the group for safety of numbers before wiping his dirty brow and looking over the others in the cavern. He bows to the group before speaking. "Greetings, it looks like we have been pushed together by great forces and we should perhaps take some stock before undertaking this journey forward into the caves." He nods towards Finja as the person who broached the topic. He then pauses a moment to look over everyone before introducing himself. "Some of you have already introduced yourselves so I shall go next.
I am known as Critchton. Servant to a learned sage and blessed to follow the roads by Desna. I am able to bring some relief, assistance and defense. Although half of the strength that Desna granted is expended for now the rest remains." He dusts off his clothes and pats himself down before finishing. "But that being said is I am only dressed for the city and have only a few small tools and a dagger to my person right now."
Darrien walks back with the girl and matheus, and offers the girl some of his food, and offers to carry her if she didn't feel up to walking while forcing a warm smile on his face despite the circumstances.
Here, have a bite, it will help. Can you walk? Would you like a piggyback ride? We'll find your mother okay?
As they gets back to the group, he speaks up, putting on a large friendly smile.
hah, yes, well most of you know me already, for those who don't, I am darrien, Darrien Rose. And while it seems that things have taken a dark turn, with some perseverance, and some hard work, and we should make it out alright.
He looks to the shouting elf.
as others have said, we fell an undetermined distance into caves, it is quite dark down here. Perhaps you know about cave systems under the city? Any information on that could prove useful.
:: Underground of Kenabres - Arodus ?? - unknown time ::
The elf calms himself a bit after Finja's explanation and Anevia nods at her suggestion about guiding the elf. "I'll do it, if he is ok with that..." she answers with a bit of uncertainty.
"Fight for whatever you want, girl, as long as you bring me to the surface, that gold is yours." The nobleman answers, making short case of Jiao Feng's bolstering worlds.
Matheus and Darrien manage to bring the girl back with them towards the rest of the survivors, even if initially she resisted them. In the end, she nodded in silence and swallowed her tears before gripping Darrien's leg with her tiny hands, following him closely. At Finja's question about anyone being able to say a couple words, Sayid raises his hand in signal, even if he still takes a couple seconds to settle his stomach. "I... I believe I can say a few words, just..."
"There will be time for that..." The elf interrupts Sayid. "... once the best course of action has been determined. Until then, lets not waste our time with such frivolities." He sits, trying to find something around him. Once he finds a small purse, he opens it and retrieves three vials. "Critchton, come to me and give me the two advanced healing potions. My wounds are keeping me from thinking straightly." There is no request in his voice, only command.
Meanwhile, he adresses all of you again. "Finja, your report is acceptable. Short and concise. Are you a ranking crusader? Your voice seems too young for that, but you humans are all too young... nevertheless, I digress... what are your capabilities? I have the same question for all of you. I want to know your names and abilities. Critchton, hurry. Are you a healer or not?"
Horgus remains silent for the first time. It doesn't appear that Jiao Feng's words had any effect on him, but instead that he is simply refusing himself to heed to the elf's command. "As I've already said, I'm Anevia Tirabade, a volunteer at the Temple of Iomedae and part-time investigator for the Eagle Watch. I'm good with a bow, even if I only have four intact arrows."
"Investigator... perhaps a new word for burglar..." Horgus mocks in a low voice. Edril wakes from his comatose state to answer in a low voice. "I'm Edril... a mage." He says no more, perhaps still in a bit of shock.
Sayid also answers the elf, perhaps already used to having a commander or other figure of authority. "I'm Sayid Al'Shaytan, a warrior of Iomedae... in the process of becoming a crusader myself."
"I...am not a crusader. Not yet. I had hoped to sign up with a company today. I trained with armor, sword and shield all my life. But I have never seen actual battle.", Finja answers the Elf, his assumption lifting her spirits. She was confident in her abilities, but well aware that she lacked experience, so she gladly submitted to the Wizard, thankful he seemed willing to take on the responsibility of command.
Matheus stepped towards the elf and the potions while saying. "Could you please introduce yourself, we saw a glimpse of you fighting the demons and know that your puissance could be our savior. May I suggest we drink a single potion to allay your pain, for we are trapped away and should husband our resources." He takes the potions and examines them for labels prior to giving one carefully and watching the results.
Darrien looks up to the elf and sighs before reciting an oath.
I do so swear under the Light, by the Sword and Scales of Truth, and all the fires of heaven, to undertake this holy Crusade. I pledge to guard heart, spirit, body , and mind from the corruption of this wound upon the world. I furthermore promise and declare that I shall wage relentless war against the spawn of the Pit, and their manifold legions, as directed by those with charge of this Crusade, and whenever opportunity presents, to extirpate and annihilate their execrable race and any who serve them. Darrien looks to the ground as he finishes his reciting. A small glimpse of a troubled heart before smiling again and shaking his head before speaking again.
I had planned to recite this oath today, in-front of my father as I joined the crusade, yet it seems that once again, the gods decided that my plans were not to be. And while I may not officially be a member of the crusade, I am in my heart. And so will continue to shield those I can from the encroaching darkness. He is quite again.
The only course of action we have before us, is getting these innocent folk to safety. The only course of action to debate, is how best to do that.
He finishes with a resolute look before smiling and patting the girl head.
He then bends down to her and asks.
Tell me, what is your name little one?
Edril shakes his head. The entire situation had unfolded with such speed that his mind had broken trying to take it all in. Terendelev slain? The city breached? Himself and these others spared? How was he to proceed? Not to mention he was nearly knocked unconscious in the fall.
From his spot on the ground, Edril groans. "I would benefit from aid, the fall injured me, I am barely able to move."
"Allow me to help you up friend."
Sayid rushes over to Edril's side and with a muttered word of prayer casts a healing spell upon Edril as he lifts him to his feet.
"I have a small amount of ability from my studies in the temple, but what I have must be conserved where necessary.
"Unfortunately, most of my supplies I left back in my dormatory. I have no rope or survival gear about me. It is morbid to do so, but necessity forces us on. Shall we see if the victims of this tragedy had anything on their personages to that will help us avoid their fate?"
Sayid begins to search through the rubble for any materials that may help them in their current situation.
I have no magic of any sort, but i can help you walk if that's necessary Edril. Or anyone else.
My name is Jiao Feng old elf, and i was trained in martials arts at the monastery of Tala.
Jiao Feng steps into the middle and adresses everyone:
If we are to make it out of here, we need to cooperate and silence all of our squabbles, at least untill we made it! I ran from demons and cultists before and i suggest we better move carefully and quietly. It seems there's only one way to go forward at the moment. It doesn't matter who you are or what you think you can do. Either we move or we stay here and perish. We better go now!
"We perish without supplies. There is no reason to rush into the unknown before at least checking these remains. I'll gladly share what food I have, but my waterskin is half empty as is, and there's no guarantee we find a source up ahead. We are in this together, and we should not squabble, but it would be foolish to rush ahead without at least looking. With your permission, Sir ...?", Finja responds to Jiao, then the nameless blinded elf as she moves up to Sayid and starts looking over the bodies as well, using her lantern to give both of them light.
At first, the view repulses her, but she pushes through...it must be done.
Jia Feng considers Finja's words.
I went quite some time without proper food or anything. Maybe you are all a bit soft here. But you have a point, we need something. Perhaps that lamp seller and his goods are somewhere. I'll help you!
She moves up and begins to look through the rubble and bodies, notably without any light.
Darrien rummages through his backpack.
oh honey, if you were still with me... you'd conure water from the air... no, if she were still here, I wouldn't be here, and likely, neither would this little girl..
I have about a weeks worth of food for one person on me. So, if we are forced, we may survive off it for several days. However, I only have two waterskins of water, which is the larger concern. Though, if you are truly starving for food, you could likely cook those vermin. he gestures to the spider and maggots.
though I will abstain from that. I also have some rope should we need it. 100ft worth. I will check around the area.
Darrien then takes time while the others loot to see if he can get a bearing, either looking for a light from somewhere, the sound of water or movement, or the tale tell sign of a draft of wind moving towards an exit. He keeps the girl close by, and even tries to show her how to do some of the things he does, such as checking for a draft.
The elf listens as you describe yourselves, sometimes showing signs of approval, even if it is clear that he is a bit disappointed. Once Matheus reaches the elf and is handled the potions, he notices that two of them are labeled "moderate healing" and one "light healing", both with the stamp of Iomedae. The elf had asked clearly for the two stronger potions, but Matheus seems to have convinced him to spare the potions. After the salve is uncorked and administered to the elf, you can all hear a faint whisper of relief as many wounds are healed. His vision is not restored, however. Once healed, the elf takes his potions back and stores them back into his personal purse. "Thank you, Matheus. My name is Aravashnial, member of the Riftwardens."
After a couple seconds of deliberation, he continues. "Very well, it could certainly be better, but it could obviously be worse. If I understood it correctly, four of you combatants, even if two have no real fighting experience. One is a mage and the other a healer. We also have two civilians and a wounded woman." He remains silent once more for a couple minutes while you conduct your search on the bodies. "I've reached my decision. I'll accept Anevia's help, thus she will be my eyes and I'll help her walk. In my current state, I loath to admit that my arcane arts are a last resort for I can not properly aim it and I won't be able to prepare new spells... first because I can't read and second because my grimoire is not with me. Darrien, you seem the more capable fighter, so I need you to guard us and when I say 'us' I mean me, Anevia, Horgus, Matheus, Edril and the little girl. The others will move a couple feet ahead, scouting the tunnels. Do not go far, however, for obvious reasons."
Meanwhile, Darrien is able to discover the little girl is called Isa. He discovers nothing more, for she is not a really talkative girl, or is still in shock. The search around the bodies are fruitless, save for a couple silver scales that clearly pertained to Terendelev. There are six in total.
"Are we moving or not? If we have so few supplies, it seems logical that we should not stay here forever..." Horgus points out with sarcasm in his voice. "I'm also NOT eating vermin... and if you want my gold, I'll be eating rations at least!"
Darrien shrugs. I've not seen enough of the others to say if I am. But, I can do that. Come Isa. He guides Isa along with him.
As he makes his way over to the group, he leans down and picks up one of the silver scales.
Well, lets be off, the more time we waste, the worst things can get no? haha!
After a moment, he kneels down to Isa and hands her the scale. Here, you keep a hold of this ok? Its very special, and will help you, do not lose it or let it go ok? And remember, the darker the night grows, the brighter the stars shine.
Matheus nods as the blind elf offers suggestions. "That sounds sensible, although I will travel with the forward group to aid them and I can help in a scrap." says the small halfling with some confidence despite his beaten and disheveled appearance.
Overhearing Darrien speaking to Isa he smiles and steps forth to recast his light cantrip on the scale the girl carries. "There is a star to carry. To light the way for the rear." Matheus offers before heading to the remaining scales to gather up for safety. "I hope our saviour is not truly lost and we may return these." he suggests.
Finja watched with...envy, as Isa was handed a scale and both Darrien and Critchton did their best to comfort her.
SHE wanted to be comforted too. She had felt ready to go into battle, all adult and well-prepared - but at some level, she still was a child, too. She was afraid.
There was no guarantee there even was a way out of this underground cavern. Or that the surface was not flooded with Demons celebrating their victory. Or that any of her foster family survived - what if she lost everybody and everything mattering to her, for a second time?
Her heart sank, as she answered the Elf "I shall serve in the Vanguard then, Sir Aravashnial. If I...nevermind."
When Critchton moves to gather up the remaining scales, Finja quickly takes one for herself, glancing at the little girl, then Critchton, not speaking up but holding the scale close to her heart. - I have to be strong. So that we can maybe get out of here. Survive if we can. But I also want a symbol of hope from our saviour.
Finja is scared, afraid and probably close to tears if given too much time to think. She pushes through for the time being, clinging to what she considers her strenghts and keeping herself occupied as well as submitting to the Riftwardens judgement, but the teenager is mentally on edge and possibly close to breaking.
More experienced fighter my back, bet he never saw a real demon before! Jiao Feng grumbles under her breath. She then gathers herself.
It is an honor to meet you Aravashnial, member of the Riftwardens. I heard a lot about your order. I'm sincerely sorry for the loss of your eyes. You speak wise words, we should move on. I'll scout ahead.
She turns and moves to the exit of the cave part, as silently as possible, trying to take cover.
Focusing on his own battered body Matheus moved to gather himself together to set out as he heard a small catch in the woman’s voice. Smiling up to the armoured form he says quietly ”Wear the scale like a badge. May you be valorous as the great wyrm, for we set off into the dark. We need crusaders now more than ever and our journey as one looks to have started with a dire challenge.”. Matheus finishes with a small formal bow of acknowledgment and respect.
"Well, I haven't found anything that would help us in our situation. Our best bet is to try to get out of here quickly before the lack of supplies become a problem."
Sayid brushes his hands together as he retires from the search and heads towards the exit of the caverns, staying at the edge of the light spells, about 30' back from Jiao Feng.
Edril slowly rises after being healed. "I should be well enough to proceed now." He wipes some of the dust and dirt from his robes, though it seems largely pointless it's helping him get back into the proper frame of mind.
"I hope to be of more use in the future." He looks about nervously, and with more than a bit of apprehension. While the others certainly looked capable, he was less confident about himself. His magic spells were barely more than tricks yet. He takes a medallion from beneath his robes, and touches the inset jewel. With a few soft words and a focused will, light begins to emanate from it.
"I am ready to move, if we are to do so."
Matheus stops mid-step as understanding washes over his face. "Oh my. Please pause a moment. These scales are even more blessed than we thought. Each provides some magical effect... although they also interfere with each other..." Looking to see if he has people's attention he suggests. "We should distribute these to aid our survival chances. I hold Cloudwalking, Disguise, Protection, and Vanishing." He looks up to Finja and then across to Isa. "Did the dragon also give you a gift? Can you name it?" he carefully asks the little girl.
"Of what you mentioned I imagine the one to help me the most would be the protection talisman. Unless someone else feels passionately about it. "