Seeing the three creatures slain so quickly, Selann decides against wasting another bolt against the last one. He steps closer and casts a cantrip directing a small blob of acid at the creature.
The last maggot slinks toward Greta in the shadowy cavern. The magical light reflecting and glistening off of its slow moving, gore covered body. As it gets nearer to Greta, a blob of acid comes from overhead and sizzles its white, ribbed body. Ichor pops and oozes from the wound. It rears up and projects hours-worth of predigested spider toward the little fighter, but it misses her as she swings her hammer once again. The weapon spins the worm end-over-end, having the creature land in its own spittle causing a small splash of putrid spider and digestive fluids. It does not move again.
You stand in a dark cavern partially covered in bat guano. Your current light sources, magical in nature, show a grim scene. The corpses of a giant spider and four giant maggots lead a trail into darkness. On the opposite side is a rock wall covered in the victims of an Abyssal assault. Some of you are injured and will require slow movement, but you all realize that you will have to work together, if you are to make it out alive.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO? . . .
Selann moves back to the scales. "Before we move on, there are some curious things here. They appear to be dragon scales, maybe from Terendelev." He reaches out to pick one up.
Junior introduces each of the party members to the woman, the elf, and the man, "What are your names? I don't think we're heading up but it looks like we might there might be more caves back there." He points east. "That is once we're done picking up dragon scales." Junior picks up another scale.
Benedic continues to try to establish a rapport with the injured people, encouraging them to talk by quietly paying attention to them. He reports his findings to the others, and begins to try and fashion a splint from the materials in the rubble.
He raises an eyebrow as he finds another scale. "How many scales can Terendelev lose before she is a dragon no longer?" he wonders aloud.
Examining a scale, Caliban turns it over and over, Is it too late with the demon lords appearing in Kenabres? No, Trelendev and the others will hold them off. Now what is this enchantment?
Finding no luck in deciphering the enchantment on the scales, Caliban crosses to the old elf,
Terveisiä kunnioitettu serkku, olen Caliban Kyoninista. Autamme sinua pääsemään pois tästä tilanteesta. Ota käsivarteni.
Adding for the benefit of the non-Elvish speakers in the chamber in as calm a voice as possible, Caliban introduces himself, I am Caliban Tre'Athkar of Kyonin, please let us help you to escape this place. What do you remember of what happened before you awoke here? We plan on escaping just as soon as we have determined what the safest route out of this place is.
Seeing Benedic work on a splint for the injured woman, Caliban nods, and helps the old elf to his feet.
|
Massielo smiles as he realizes Greta has so effectively dealt with the maggots. Although he couldn't assess the woman's leg situation, he helps Benedic improvise a splinter for her leg. Afterwards he says "We'll need some people to support these people. I'll carry the lady, Tristan, please lead this kind elf. Benedic, you'll be more appropriate to help the ''lord'' over there". He asks Benedic to handle the demanding man as he thinks their personalities match.
Then, looking at the situation, he thinks they should leave that dreadful place. He says "We should focus on getting somewhere safe for now. We have injured people and there are clearly creatures in the dark that can be a threat to us. Greta, I believe your kind can see in the dark? Please lead the way. Tristan should cover the rear and the injured should stay in the middle for maximum protection. Uncover the dragonscales mystery after we're safe."
He didn't mean to be bossy, but he was stressed.
Selann gathers up any scales remaining on the floor. "Good point. I doubt the scales have any power to get us all back to the surface. We can try to understand them better when we are safe."
"I'll help Tristan in the rear," Junior added.
Greta is surprisingly quick for someone so short, and with a spring in her step she moves to where the scales were discovered and scoops one up.
its beautiful... I hope Terendelev is alright, but if... well, whatever happened, I'll cherish this scale always... maybe I can have made into a necklace or something...
She smiles at Massielo and nods. "You got it," she answers as she grips her hammer and begins moving towards where the caves are.
Moving to Greta’s left again Caliban talks to her, “I do not know what experience you have, but you are fast and use that hammer well. I will stay on your left and dispatch anything which comes too close to you. We can always drop back a step if there is room behind us. I can also freeze things a little further away which may help you as they close.
Caliban flexes his left hand to keep it loose and limbers his right hand with the long sword. The scarred elf grins at the diminutive woman. We sought grand adventure and to strike back at the demons of the world wound. Now here we are...
At Junior’s request for names, the human man speaks first after positioning himself in front of the other two. He fixes his clothing and stands up straight. ”I am Horgus Gwerm half-blood and you will treat me with respect. I demand you all lead us out of here and get us to safety.” He looks back briefly at the other two that were injured, ”And watch these two. That one there,” nudging a chin at the female, ”will steal the sword right from your belt. And the crazy Elf there … well that one thinks everyone is in cahoots with demons.” After his short outburst, he quiets down and looks into the darkening cavern. In a more mild, quiet tone he asks, ”How are we going to get out of here?”
After a brief pause, the Elf stands, almost stumbling he uses the cragged cavern wall and his staff for support. He addresses the space where he believes Junior is, ”I am Aravashnial. Have any of you fought demons before? We must make haste to the surface and close this scar on Golarion.” He reaches out a hand as if to test the air in front of him and starts to move about the cavern. With a growing anger in his voice, ”One of you will need to be my eyes and find a way out of her. We must find a way to the surface.”
The woman stumbles to her feet, testing out her wounded leg and makeshift crutch. She offers an arm to the Elf, which after a moment of consideration, he thankfully takes. She offers a smile to her healers and helpers. ”Thank you. My name is Anevia. Let me help him while you all find a way out.” She opens a bag and pulls out a few items and offers them to Junior. ”It isn’t much, but if these would help, you can have them.” She hands over two vials of alchemists fire and three smokesticks.
After watching the three individuals with them, Tristan makes these determinations based on his hunch. Tristan does not get much of a read on Anevia, except for what she has stated is true. With the healing she has received, she appears to be friendly and will help getting out of this situation. Tristan believes that if they allow the Elf to feel like he is being listened to and part of the solution, he maybe not only be helpful, but also very useful. Regarding the human, through all his angry bluster he seems to be a good man, he just seems scared and wants to get out of here. Tolerance is key with this man, if you are all to escape alive.
The Elf smiles at Caliban, but continues in common, ”I have not heard the home tongue in a very long time. The last thing I remember from the surface is that demon’s whip headed in my direction. Then I was here.” Listening to Caliban and nodding, ” Yes, we must make it to the surface before all is lost.”
When Massielo moves to pick up Anevia, she declines, ”I can keep moving. I’ll just be a bit slower than usual. We might need you if things get hairy. Besides, I can help Aravashnial.”
"Blessings to you, milord Gwerm. I am Benedic, late of the temple of Iomedae. My father was First Sword Knight of Nerosyan in the last Crusade. Do not worry, we will ensure you are treated properly and with respect as befits your rank and station. Can you stand?" He offers the man his hand, briefly looking over his injuries.
After seeing to Horgus, Benedic introduces himself again to the woman and the elf, certain that the shock of events has made it hard for them to follow what is happening, but certain that they were aware of his calming and protective presence during the fight. "Blessings to you Aravashnial, and to you Anevia," he says. "I am Benedic. That splint should support your weight, but there is no need for us to rush. We will make our way through these caves to the surface, and carefully enough that neither you nor Master Aravashnial need be unduly challenged."
As they prepare to move, Benedic cocks his head in curiosity as he addresses Aravashnial. "You speak like a military man, sir. Tell me, do you serve on the lines against the evils of the Worldwound? We are honored by your service, and grateful to have the benefit of your knowledge here with us now."
Tristan watches in fascination, as the seemingly diminutive woman easily dispatches the Giant Maggots with the quick assistance from Selann and Caliban.
The Inquisitor approaches them.
My Iomedae favor your swords. I am Tristan de Lion. Well done! There may be more of these Giant Maggots. Those were only babies; the parents may still be around.
He whispered that last bit to them.
The Inquisitor then says a prayer to Detect Magic. He also is attracted to the seemingly found dragon scales.
The young Inquisitor whispers,
These are wondrous and divinely given; I am certain.
He also takes one.
Studying the Trio being administered to by Massielo, Junior and Benedic, Tristan appreciates each of their individual styles with dealing with them. The youth introduces himself to the Trio, but he keeps it simple and follows the lead of Benedic.
Once the Trio is able to travel, Tristan will gladly take rearguard with Junior.
I see what you did there, my good 1/2 orc. This may be the start of a beautiful friendship...
The youth grins.
Seeing Tristan approach Caliban inclines his head respectfully, and grins with appreciation, Greetings as well Tristan, and thank you. I am Caliban Tre'Athkar. You say those were only babes and we may face larger and more of them. Wonderful. I for one am glad for more swords
of the Inheritor by our side in this cavern, so thank you.
Examining the power of the dragonscale, Caliban wanders over to Selann, These have power certainly, I feel as though I can abjure cold or electricity for a time with this in my possession. Do you feel the same? If so we should encourage each of us to carry one as added protection in these caves.
Crossing to Junior, Thank you friend, you have good ideas and are invaluable. A mere drummer I think not.
Caliban then approaches Aravashnial, We will hurry from here, has the demon's whip taken your sight for a time? I have battled demons once, I cannot say that I am as familiar as I would like to be in how to combat them. This is no place for pride, so if you have any advice to share that would be most welcome.
Selann lets others take the lead. Without darkvision he will need the magical lights which would advertise the approach of the group even better than all the noise that they are making.
When he picks up a second scale and notices the 'disconnect' to the first he looks around for a party member without one. "It seems these scales have a power that can be used, but only one scale can be acquired for one person."
After passing off the last scales Selann moves back to the center of the group. "I'll keep my dancing lights spell active here in the center of the group for those of us that don't have darkvision. I think moving slow, and safe, is an excellent idea, with our scouts that can see in the dark ahead of our light and noise."
"I am Selann Juris, Diviner. As a mage my combat abilities are rather limited. But if something does get by the warriors my magic should be able to at least slow it down."
Hearing Caliban's question Selann touches his scale again. "No. I get a sense of flying from mine, and it indicates that I might be able to use it to levitate, with a great wind supporting me and also providing some cover. Once we get to safety perhaps we could experiment with them? Exchange them to see if the power is the same when passed to another? I wouldn't recommend risking such now of course. There are too many unknowns already, and we do know that nobody can use two!"
|
|
Massielo takes the dragonscale offered by Selann and looks at it closely before returning to tend to the injured. He says "I'm sure you all know me as Massielo, healer in Kenabres. I haven't treated any of you yet, but it seems I'm starting today. Don't worry, you all get sweets when you start feeling better."
Seeing that Anevia can stand on her own, Massielo lets her guide Aravashnial. He makes sure that all are able to walk and suggest they move on.
Greta hesitates while introductory conversation continues, but when Massielo suggests moving on she smiles and begins leading the way towards the caves. ”It looks like there’s two caves over there, one to the left and one to the right... anyone have a preference which one we try?”
Horgus seems to warm up to Benedic due to the cleric’s presentation and treatment toward him. While Benedic does not know this nobleman personally, he can conclude that Hulrun has probably requested funds from him for the war efforts. It is unknown to Benedic if the nobleman has bestowed any funds, equipment, or men to date, though.
Anevia thanks Benedic for his kindness and seems to want to take an active role, to her best ability, in getting out of this cavern. She is convinced that the best way she can help is by aiding the Elf move forward.
Aravashnial smiles when asked about the military. ”I have had no formal military training, but I am a wizard of some high regard and have been fighting these demons for a very long time. The Abyssal hole is an abomination and must be closed and destroyed. Although my sight has been taken, I still have means to aid us in our escape from this infernal prison.”
When Tristan takes a Dragon Scale from Selann he feels, just for a moment, like he is looking through the eyes of Terendelev himself. There is an awareness he has never felt before, as if he was flying and looking down at the world and able to fixate on any minute detail. This feeling passes, but Tristan has gained the knowledge of how he can use this dragon scale.
Aravashnial sighs at Caliban’s questions, ”I fear the demon’s whip has not only taken my sight, but has also taken my eyes. His abyssal whip, I fear, has burned my eyes to dust. I wonder if I will ever read our arcanic language ever again. I will tell you this, as long as I draw breath, the demons are not safe.” With this statement, the Elf takes a deep breath, but coughs in pain as he exhales.
The cavern thins and widens as you slowly make your way around debris, boulders, stalgamites, and bat guano. A thin passage finally opens into a wider cavern.
Benedic remains in the middle of the group, close enough to the injured that he can talk with them in a low voice as they travel, and warn them of any dangers they come upon.
He notices the ledge above, but decides to wait until they have all gone past before calling attention to it.
Glancing about the cavern as they walk Caliban peers into the darkness...
Seeing nothing he continues on his way. This cavern is amazing, how long do you think this has existed underneath the city above?
”Hey,” Greta calls out as she stops moving forward, ”there’s a backpack on that ledge up there...”
She points at a ledge about fourteen feet up.
”I’m not the best climber, but I can try to get up there, unless someone else wants to?”
Junior says, "I see it! I can give it a shot! Uh hey can someone hold on to my stuff?" Junior proceeds to take off his scale mail and hands someone his backpack and various weapons. "Feels good to take that stuff off." He then tries to ascend.
Benedic nods to himself in satisfaction, perhaps as if he is pleased to see that his companions are so alert. Then he smiles back at Anevia and Aravashnial, noting that they are following easily, and at Horgus, taking pride by association.
"I must say, milord Gwerm, your name sounds familiar to me, though of course we travel in different circles. You are an important man of business in Kenabres, is that correct?" He takes care to compliment the man's importance despite admitting he doesn't know who he is, a habit he picked up when dealing with watchmen.
Once the pack is pointed out Selann directs his dancing Lights up to it. "Wait! This may be a good chance to test out the scale I found. It's supposed to do levitation.... Let me drop my gear and I'll try!"
Junior stops taking off his armor once Selann speaks up, "Oh yeah! Give it a go buddy."
Selann sets his pack and crossbow down, moving under the pack and pulling the scale out. He focuses on the scale for a moment trying to activate the levitation ability. Once the levitation starts he focuses on the pack, grabbing it as soon as he can reach it, then commands the scale to lower him back to the ground.
”Take a quick look around while you’re up there,” Greta encourages, ”make sure it’s owner isn’t up there too...”
As the others look up at the backpack, Benedic strikes up a conversation with Horgus. ”Aye, I have many business ventures sorted around Kenabres. When people need money, many come to me.” As he says this, he straightens his jacket and lifts his chin.
Selann places himself near the wall, almost directly under the ledge where he determines would be the opportune spot to grab the backpack. He pulls out the scale and feels it power. When the scale is touched, there is an underlying sadness felt, a reminder of the great silver wyrm. Selann focuses and the dirt and pebbles nearby start to jostle, then the ground slowly starts to spin and enshroud the Halfling. Selann feels his body leave the ground, but he has complete control over the swirling dirt cloud below and around him. He concentrates and he starts moving upward toward his goal. He grabs the backpack, seeing nothing else on the ledge, he makes his way back down. The air around him settles and not a speck of dirt covers him.
"Sure! OK, I will." Looking around before coming back down.
Handing the pack to whoever wants it. Then picking up my own.
"Great! Are we ready to continue now?"
When you continue on . . .
You move on down the passage where it opens up slightly. There is now a choice to make. Your primary direction continues although several mounds of rock lie in heaps in this cavern, recently fallen from the walls and ceiling. Now and then bits of dust settle from cracks in the stone above.
There is another passage that bends to your left.
"I wonder if our illustrious businessman would be willing to act as quartermaster while we are on this campaign?" Benedic suggests. "What do you say, sir? Will you keep hold of the company's treasure and distribute it to those of us who are in need? Beginning with the contents of this backpack that master Selann has retrieved?" (He narrates this last bit of information for Aravashnial's benefit.)
Greta frowns, briefly, at the news that there is no additional survivor on the ledge. When Selann passes down the backpack she sets down her hammer to quickly sort through it. ”Food, arrows... a couple of potions...” she reports, ”I can carry the bag if you want, since I don’t have one of my own? We can divide up some of the food later if we’re still stuck down here. There’s flint and oil too, if we need it. And, the potions... Massielo, do you want to be in charge of these?”
Once things are settled with the bag and it’s contents, Greta readies her hammer and begins leading the way forward again.
Horgus, stunned at first for being put on the spot, straightens himself once again. "Yes that would be wise for me to hold on to these. I can keep them safe and out of the hands of the unscrupulous."
Tristan stares in awe at the glowing Dragon scale that Selann handed him.
This is truly a wondrous gift! Iomedae has granted us Her blessing in our endeavors!
The young Inquisitor places the Dragon Scale under his cloak. Tristan then gathers his gear, readies his shield, and prepares to take rearguard.
Tristan stands guard watching for trouble, as Selann retrieves the backpack.
Once they begin to move on, Tristan takes out the Dragon Scale and attempts to activate it.
PFS Legal Heightened Awareness
Source Advanced Class Guide pg. 183
School divination; Level alchemist 1, arcanist 1, bard 1, druid 1, hunter 1, inquisitor 1, investigator 1, medium 1, mesmerist 1, occultist 1, psychic 1, ranger 1, shaman 1, skald 1, sorcerer 1, wizard 1
Casting
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, M/DF (a coffee bean)
Effect
Range personal
Target you
Duration 10 minutes/level (D)
Description
You enter a heightened state of awareness that allows you to notice more about your surroundings and recall information effortlessly. You gain a +2 competence bonus on Perception checks and on all Knowledge checks that you are trained in.
If this spell is active when you have to make an initiative check, you can instantly dismiss this spell and gain a +4 bonus on that check.
By turning left, this unexplored cavern could take you where you need to go, it may also circle you back to where you have been.
Selann hardly notices who takes the pack. He is basking in the experience of flight.... Well, levitation. But it was a first.
"Lead on. Unless either way looks to angle up?"
Greta gives Benedic and his businessman friend a hard look as they ignore her words and make their own plans.
I thought he had some connection to the crusade but he’s just some noble brown-noser... and his friend looks like the type who will eat all the rations and then get angry when someone complains...
”Here you go, Whoreguts,” she murmurs as she drops the pack on the path. That ‘resolved’ she heads for the left passageway.
Benedic watches Greta calmly, and when she turns away he smiles at Horgus. "Thank you, sir, for helping us out. It is good when everyone can contribute to the common cause."
I had assumed Horgus would be the hardest member of this group to keep friendly and positive on our journey-- but perhaps I misjudged the aasimar woman, he thinks. Why is she angry, I wonder? Perhaps it is more important to her to be in charge than to be helpful? I had thought earlier that Massielo was demonstrating similar resentment. That bears watching, by the Inheritor's gaze. We are all in trouble if our makeshift community fractures.
He frowns, unsettled by these thoughts, but follows the group as before when they continue.
Ha good one Greta! Maybe incorporate his last name next time? Something like Whoreguts Squirm? Junior holds up a gold coin to his ear, "You're right Fred." He turns to Greta and gives a wink and says in his best imitation of Benedic, "Greta please apologize to the nice man, don't you know how important her is?"
Watching with wonder and joy as Selann levitates up to the backpack and down again Caliban smiles, taking a quiet moment he scans the chambers they are in taking in the underground passageways.
When Tristan finishes Caliban quickly backs up what the young inquisitor has to say, Tristan is correct, this tunnel could lead us out, but has a good chance to double us back as well. I can not say where this continuation goes.
Seemingly pained by the interplay between Greta and Horgus, Caliban observes but does not add to the clamor surrounding the byplay or concern of the others.
Tristan suppresses a laugh. The young Inquisitor then gathers himself to pull rearguard as the group heads into the left--off the main tunnel.
He whispers to his rearguard partner.
You are an entertainer, aren't you.
Horgus's mouth tenses as if he might make a stern rebuttal towards Greta, but Benedic steps in to calm him down and he also acknowledges the respect shown by Junior. He takes the backpack and straightens his back and acts like he is ready to proceed.
Moving to the left, the passage opens into a small cavern. It appears to have once served as a campsite or temporary lair. A torn bedroll lies next to the cold remains of a fire. A pile of bones, broken equipment, and rubble lies just past the campsite.
Tristan seems to be distracted being stuck in the back....
When the Inquisitor sees the abandoned-looking campsite, he casts Detect Magic.
Selann walks along with the others. His interest picks up as they spot a camp site but he feels the leading team will search it. He can scan for magic once he reaches the area.