"Not to worry Donnen, we've got you covered."
Leothar's axe cleaves through the maggot with ease.
Ian and Petsha finish off one of the maggots that collapses in a heap. Donnen attacks and steps back and Fley moves in and stabs one. Leothar then moves in and cleaves the last one so there are two identical halves, a left one and a right one ending the combat.
As silence decends and the quick and brutal fight ends Aravashnial speaks up, "Is it done? What happened? Have you all survived?"
Horgus stands and claps and yells out "Great job! You look like you might be a competent lot. There's 1000 gold pieces for you if you get me home alive."
Anvenn nods his head and says "Well done! If you can get me something to use as a crutch I can guide Aravashnial."
Ardriel says to Anvenn, "I'll look around and see if I can find anything that will work for a crutch."
Ardriel suits action to words as he begins searching through the rubble in the area looking for something he could use for a crutch.
As Ardriel trys to find a crutch, Fley will scout ahead. Hopefully no more maggots or spiders!
Ardriel begins searching for something to use as a crutch but it quickly becomes apparent there is something extraordinary in the pile of rubble. He sees silver scales among the rocks and wood, as he picks one up he knows it was one of Terendelev's scales and that the one he picked up is a cloudwalking scale. It will allow him to cast levitate three times a day. A pillar of roiling clouds rises below the levitating object or creature, growing and shrinking with the target’s altitude. This pillar is 5 feet in diameter (regardless of the target’s size) and provides concealment (20% miss chance) to any creature or object wholly contained within. After making his discovery the then finds some wood suitible for a crutch.
As Ardriel trys to find a crutch, Fley will scout ahead. Hopefully no more maggots or spiders!
[dice=Stealth] 1d20+10
[dice=Perception] 1d20+4
You can see two exits out of the room but due to the line of sight you can't see far down either. Both head east. One to the north of the other. What do you use for light?
Fley is using a lit torch for light. He’ll start by investigating the southern exit.
As the maggots fall unmoving to the ground, Petsha lowers his bow and returns to the non-combatants, filling in the details for Aravashnial. "The spider was enormous, but dead. When the corpse was approached maggots burst forth, but they were put down easily enough." Taking the elf's hand, Petsha places it on Anvenn's shoulder. "As he offered to do, Anvenn here will guide you once we've fashioned a crutch for him." Nodding to the other in acknowledgement as he speaks, Petsha says, "My thanks to you Anvenn." Glancing over to make sure that the noble is still uninjured Petsha nods at him as well. "We'll be doing what we can to get everyone out of this bind we find ourselves in, yes."
Turning his attention to Donnen, Petsha points to the spot where the maggot made contact. "Maggots aren't usually a source of disease or poison, indeed I've seen them used to clean wounds. On the other hands, I've never seen maggots like that before, so if you'd like I can take a look at that wound you took to make sure it's not infected. It doesn't look too serious at a glance, but we're better off safe than sorry."
Hah! Some fun, ay' see. - says the Dwarf, tapping the scratch on the arm - Don't worry about it, lads.
He hugs Leothar with strength.
Well done, kid! Torag will bless us with many deeds, I'm sure!
Laughing, the Dwarf cleans his armor when he hears Horgus.
If 'ya stay silent, lad, I'll make it for 990 gold. - his expression is austere, but quickly opens in a smile - Hah! Hah!
Without saying much more, he starts searching around, following with Fley and Ardriel. When Petsha approaches, he looks at the Human with respect.
Thanks, mate. Ay' don' think I'll need it at this point, but 'ya offer is appreciated nevertheless. 'Tis just a scratch, nothing more.
Leothar winces at Donnen's mockery of Horgus, and quickly tries to smooth things over.
"Horgus, I will do my best to get you to safety. Your acknowledgement and generosity are appreciated."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ardriel examines the scale. It looks like one of Terendelev’s.
Looking over to the others, he said, ”There are some silver scales over here that may have magical properties. Come have a look.”
With that, he turned his attention back to finding something to use as a crutch - a spear haft, or a staff of some kind would do.
Petsha nods to Donnen as he declines the offered examination. "I don't doubt your hardiness, but do let me know if it starts to fester in any way."
When Ardriel calls the group to look at the discovered scale, Petsha comes near and gazes at the gleaming scale. "It's amazing that something so recently sullied by that combat could still look so pristine. You should hold onto it for now as it might be of use later, or Kenabres might have need of it as a symbol of hope."
Upon finding an appropriate wooden crutch Petsha looks to the others. "Are we ready to move and see what Fley has found down the corridor? I don't think that holding back here is likely to do us much good." Pausing to glance once more at the spider's corpse Petsha squints his eyes and frowns slightly. "Having said that, before we go we should perhaps take a good look at these remains. They clearly predate the attack on the city, so it shouldn't be out of the question that we'll run into more like it, still living. Have any of you seen one in action before and perhaps know of any nasty surprises it might hold for us? I don't believe I'm familiar with this species myself."
Leothar doesn't know about the spider, and it is evident that his lack of knowledge leaves him somewhat annoyed.
"It's a spider, it probably makes webs and has a poisonous bite. It's really big. If I hit it with my axe it will die. What else is there to know?"
He sighs and his tone softens. "I'm sorry. I've never been a great scholar. My ma got some history into my head but not half as much as what she had at my age. And giant spiders, I don't know a thing.
But you are right about keeping up with Fley. Let's go."
The scales of Terendelev leave him mystified. He says a silent prayer to Torag as he looks at the scales. "We should take what we can find of these. It would be fitting to adorn a shield with one of these scales in memory of the great champion."
Donnen also goes for the scales. The Dwarf isn't reckless, but reckon he doesn't know much about the spider or the vermin - so keeps his silence and hopes for the best, praying for Torag.
When he approaches Leothar and the scales, he waits, respectfully giving his brother Dwarf some space. As he does so, he closes his eyes.
Thanks for yar' sacrifice, noble dragon. Ay' don't know much 'bout demons, but ay'll make sure it wasn't in vain. - he says, while again touching his holy symbol.
Whenever possible, he will kneel down and take one of the scales, himself, to examine with reverence.
After hearing of the scales each of you look around and find one. As you pick it up you know what is. Donnen and Leothar each pick up a Scale of Sacred Weaponry: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast align weapon, but only to make a weapon lawful or good. Petsha picks up a Scale of Resistance Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast resist elements—but only against electricity or cold. Fley found a Scale of Disguise: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast alter self. While disguised, the target gains a +4 bonus on all Bluff checks made against evil creatures. Ian picks up a Scale of Cloudwalking as Ardriel found.
Leothar and Ian reassure Horgus of their intention of getting them all out of the caverns and he warms up to them.
Fley heads toward the southern exit and notices the shadows move with his torch and while he can be quiet he is easily seen. He sees the passage opens some and then narrows and heads northeast. A stone ledge juts out at a right angle on the south wall of this cavern, fourteen feet off the ground. The leather strap of a backpack hangs from the edge of the ledge, while above, a narrow fissure yawns up into the dark.
Fley rushes back to the group. Though he's trying not to make a sound, the light gives off his position. Maybe the creatures down here are blind. Better be most careful.
He relays what he say up ahead. The passageway up ahead widens then narrows. Theres a backpack up on a ledge - way beyond my grasp. No sight of it's owner...
He also asks the group Do you want me to continue scouting ahead or should we all stay close? If there's another spider down there or some maggots, I'd want you all around.
Leothar shares what he can discern of the scale's power. "Some of Terendelev's power remains in this scale. It can infuse a weapon with the power of righteousness. Truly the silver dragon must have been one of the greatest champions of Good."
"Let me take the lead, Fley. My armor is strong and I can see in the dark.
Stealth is not an option, so you should stay close.
But climbing ledges is not a strength of mine, especially in this armor. Do we have anybody skilled at that, or another way to reach the ledge?"
"We should definitely all stay close. Best we avoid being separated while we walk through these caves."
Once they had the appropriate crutch found and they were sure it would support Anvenn's weight, Ardriel leads him over to Aravashnial and says, "Aravashnial? My name is Ardriel Zinro, and this is Anvenn Tirabane. Anvenn has agreed to help guide you as we walk through these caves. I'll be behind you, as well, so that I can support you if needed."
When the ledge is mentioned, Ardriel looks at the scale he'd found, then said, "My scale grants a cloudwalking ability. I can create a cloud and then someone can stand on it and levitate. That should allow us to get to the ledge."
As each survivor takes a scale from the rubble Petsha examines his closely before tucking into an easily accessible belt pouch. "We thank you for everything you did today, Terendelev. We'll do what we can to make your sacrifice count for something."
As the others prepare to head out, Petsha takes up a position at the rear. "I'll do no good in the front, especially in the the dark like this, but I can make sure that none get left behind. Ian, if it doesn't get in the way your halo is doing me at least a service by staying on."
Ay' will be right behind the boyo. - says Donnen, tapping gently on Leothar's shoulder while he packs the scale.
As for tha' backpack... - he continues - It may come to 'ya as a surprise, but I'm not a good climber either. At least not in armor. However, I do have som'rope that we could try to tie to a javelin or something of tha' sorts and harpoon it down. 'Ya know, maybe some creative solutions.
He scratches the beard.
With my long sticker, we could also try to have you guys lift me, and I could try to pull it. It might be just enough...
Upon picking up his scale, Fley does a little prayer. He never knew the dragon personally, but this is bad news. I wonder if Kenebres survives.
Fley will keep his torch lit. Multiple sources of light are always useful. As he walks, he'll keep his eyes peeled, looking in every nook and cranny.
"A good idea Donnen. A tall fellow like an elf might make good use of your Giant Sticker to reach the bag even without a boost, though they could stand on my shoulders if need be.
But I think Ardriel's idea of using the magic of the scales is a better idea. These scales are either a sign from the gods, honoring Terendelev's sacrifice, or the last gift of the dragon to us. Either way, it is fitting to use them."
Donnen shakes his head in agreement as he likes the idea of levitating with the scale - despite not knowing exactly how it works. He keeps some steps close to help in case anything is needed.
"Right. We'll watch your back in case something is lurking up there."
Setting his torch down, bow at the ready, Ardriel watches as Ian activates his scale and rises up to grab the pack.
Ian activates the scale and clouds begin to form under his feat and begin to roil and lift him up. When he reaches the ledge he grabs the backpack and then wills the clouds to lower him gently down. It is a masterwork backpack and contains 10 days of trail rations, a f lint and steel, a set of caltrops, two flasks of oil, a bundle of 12 arrows, and what appear to be two potions.
As the group advances further it looks like the tunnel joins another that may go back to where you started though there appears to be a chamber in between with an old camp in it. To the east there appears to be another chamber as well.
"Some supplies - those will help while we wander around down here. I know a spell that might help with figuring out what kind of potions these are, but I think we should wait until we rest for the night. I can only cast once a day. We should also check out that old camp in that chamber there, as well - there may be more supplies there."
I agree, let's check out that old camp first, before moving on. I wonder why there's a camp down here though. Do people live here in the darkness?
Leothar leads the way into the cavern. This smaller cavern 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 in front of the campsite. From the pile of trash jump three dog sized cockroaches.
Ardriel, Fley and Petsha are up.
All of the roaches attack Leothar and don't inflict any damage.
Everybody is up.
Fley will drop his torch, move up, and pull out one of his kukris. His eyes are on the northern most roach
Petsha nods as Ian hands him the arrows. "I should be able to put these to use, yes. Thank you." Petsha examines them for soundness and then stores them with his other arrows in his various quivers.
As the group moves forward again Petsha splits his time watching the shadows behind the group and the figures in the flickering torchlight ahead of him. Suddenly, some sort of ruckus erupts from the front of the party. Petsha tenses, straining his ears to try to determine what is happening and if he can be of use.
"Dead spiders, giant maggots, and now giant cockroaches! All these vermin!"
There is some revulsion in Leothar's voice as he brings his axe to bear on a roach.
His distraction impairs his aim, and his strike goes wide.
Donnen pulls the weight of his long weapon and tries to attack the cockroach on the SW of Leothar, but the crammed space doesn't help much and the Dwarf - overly careful not to hit his companions - misses.
Ay' usually love the tight spaces, but this one sure ain't helping!
As Ian moves through each roach tries to take a bite out of him. All of them manage to connect with him but they can't get past his armor or shield.
Ardriel stepped past Horgus, Aravashnial, and Anvenn to the intersection. Once he had a clear line of sight, he dropped his torch and fired an arrow towards one of the cockroaches.
Once it becomes clear that there are more vermin to deal with Petsha follows Andriel as he moves towards the fight. Finding a space to squeeze in, he fires an arrow at the cockroach to the north.
The paladin frowns as his shot goes far over the insect, but readies another arrow to try again.
Taking a deep breath, Petsha trains her bow on the cockroach one more time, draws the bowstring back and releases.
Shaking his head, disappointed, he looks around to see if there might be a different location that might provide a better angle, though nothing looks promising.
The tight quarters are making it difficult for everyone and no blood is drawn as the fighting gets into full swing. The roaches retaliate by attacking; one switches to Ian the other two continue to attack Leothar.
Again no blood is drawn as the party attacks again.
Did you know, that cockroaches are one of the only species that could live through an apocalypse?. Fley mutters to no one in particular.
But die, vermin. He sticks the closest one with his sword.
"Is that so, Fley? Well I say that dwarves are another such species!"
The roaches are fast, and Leothar misses again. He takes a breath and tries to center himself.
Donnen attacks the same enemy again with his reach weapon - or the closest one, if this one is down.
Slow’n’steady, haly boy. We might take our time but we will still be standin’ ‘til the end. - says the Dwarf cheerfully.
Fley manages to stab one doing minor damage. Ian then adjusts and attacks and the one between him and Leothar no longer moves.
Leothar can't help but smile at the aasimar's wit. Especially when Ian follows up with an accurate strike.
"True enough Ian! But as Donnen says, it's just a matter of time."