The scene of torture enrages the band of adventurers. As you enter the fray you see the partially burnt Centaur look up in pain... and hope before slouching into unconsciousness.
Two of the Troglodytes step forward with evil malice in their eyes. They tower above the other four, and seem to want to have all the fun.
@Lysander>>: Lysander bellows in rage as he enters combat, but the uneven floor, and the stinging smoke of the Centaur meat fire sting his eyes causing him to miss one of the hulking beasts (TB1).
@Mateo>>: Mateo stands forward with the legionnaire, and stabs his spear into a vital spot on the same Troglodyte, inflicting a deep wound on his side... Which seems to make him laugh... if that's what that sound was. (TB1)
@Coronus>>: Coronus moves forward to the edge of the room, waiting patiently for his spiritual weapon to trail him. He says a quick prayer for some of his comrades, and prepares to enter the fight. Seeing his fellow Centaurs being tortured causes great rage within his heart, and he is determined to see justice served.
@Deimus>>: Hacking and clearing his throat of flehm from the odor of the beasts, Demius decides to complicate the battlefield before the Troglodytes can attack.
Blinded Condition
Blinded A blinded creature can't see and automatically fails any ability check that requires sight. Attack rolls against the creature have advantage, and the creature's attack rolls have disadvantage.
TB1>>: Troll Brute one takes swings his mighty claws and attempts to bite at Lysander.
Bite
Bite (Disadvantage)
Claw 1
Claw 1 (Disadvantage)
Claw 2
Claw 2 (Disadvantage)
Piercing (Bite)
Slashing (Claw 1)
Slashing (Claw 2)
TB2>>: The other giant Troglodyte turns to scream something at the four remaining regular Trogs, then steps forward to engage Mateo.
Bite
Bite (Disadvantage)
Claw 1
Claw 1 (Disadvantage)
Claw 2
Claw 2 (Disadvantage)
Piercing (Bite)
Slashing (Claw 1)
Slashing (Claw 2)
The other four Trogs look at each other and begin to move forward. Everyone is in "Close" range now except Coronus, Deimus, and Aristiedes who are at "Near".
RESULTS:
Mateo takes (7) Points of damage from the bite of TB2 The rest of the flailing and rending are thwarted by armor, and fog.
Players up... with Aristeides still having Round 1.
Before he can react, the troglodytes close the gap and Aris has to rush his magic. He throws some sand into the air and shouts arcane words.
Aristeides steps to the edge of the room and observes the chaos within. Just before a heavy cloud of fog enters the room he completes an incantation, and sees two of the smaller Troglodytes at the back of the room slump against the wooden cage, and seem to slip into a slumber.
The centaur roars in frustration.
He draws his sword and bangs it against his shield. His Divine Weapon closes above him and swings against the Fog Cloud in futility.
The fog covers over the battlefield and Mateo grimaces for a moment. All there was now was shadows in the fog covering them all. He knew Lysander was close to him though, as he shouted to his friend. "Stay by me Lysander, we've been through worse together." With his spear in hand, he would deftly avoid the claws and teeth of the shadows nearby him and go after the same one that he and his comrade had attacked before. Aiming for precision, Mateo struck with hopefully Chrion's blessing.
"I'm so sorry, it's all my fault! You see, I was hoping to cut their numbers by isolating the back from the front, but the smoke has billowed in unexpected ways, and is now engulfing most of you. Should I work to make it go away then? I can do that if- Yes, now Coronus, I see you don't like- Well, I hear mostly, because I can't see you, but that's the point, yes? Ok, ok, I'm removing the fog then..." says Deimus as he drops his concentration on the spell.
The fog, gone, Deimus flickers his fingers to send a dart of flame at one of the fighting Troglodytes.
Lysander continues to push for the trog as the fog clears, planting his shield to give aid should it, or any other trog close by attacks one of his friends.
Lysander steps forward bravely, swinging at the injured Troglodyte Brute, and scoring a deep wound in his side... which seems to anger him even more.
Some of the Fog begins to dissipate both past the party, and through some cracks in the roof.
Aristides notices that everyone seems to be concentrating their attacks on one of the bigger Troglodytes, so sends a flaming ball in it's direction.
Firebolt
Damage
And the bolt catches the creature under the right armpit, further enraging the beast.
They scream their battlecry.
TB1>>: Heavily injured, and bleeding from numerous wounds the creature still lashes out at Lysander in rage. with his first claw attack rending the stalwart legionnaire.
Bite
Claw 1
Claw 2
Bite (Piercing)
Claw 1 (Slashing)
Claw 2 (Slashing)
(7) Points Slashing Damage
TB2>>: Confident that his brother has the armored warrior well in hand, The brute turns his attention to the more lightly armored Mateo. He sinks both sharp claws into the half-elf, followed up by a savage bite from his nasty bite, and sends Mateo Reeling.
Bite
Claw 1
Claw 2
Bite (Piercing)
Claw 1 (Slashing)
Claw 2 (Slashing)
(7) Points Piercing, (14) Points slashing
One of the two remaining smaller Troglodytes steers towards the delicious tasting Centaur, and the other heads towards the fire throwing mage. The other two nap peacefully at the back of the chamber.
T3>>: On Coronus. And this one is obviously well trained.
Bite
Claw 1
Claw 2
Bite (Piercing)
Claw 1 (Slashing)
Claw 2 (Slashing)
(6) Points Piercing Damage and (11) Points Slashing damage.
T4>>: The other awake Troglodyte snaps his teeth in anticipation, and closes on Aristeides.
Bite
Claw 1
Claw 2
Bite (Piercing)
Claw 1 (Slashing)
Claw 2 (Slashing)
And this one is well trained as well, tearing viciously into the unarmored Mage.
(4) Points Piercing, and (9) Points Slashing***
*** Lysander and Coronus get an AoO on the Trog charging at Aristeides as he goes past... perhaps keeping him from attacking.
Coronus grits his teeth as the monster's teeth and claws bite into flesh. He holds on to the blessing of Chiron until the third claw rips and sprays blood.
Now with the monster in melee, Chiron's divine Blade slashes down from the effective high guard.
The centaur counter-attacks with his own blade slashing from the low guard position.
Then, he back-slashes, but the blade glances the floor.
Mateo tried to back away from the onslaught of teeth and claws, ducking and dodging under the swift attack. Yet the repeated attacks proved too much and exhaustion in battle took its toll. A misstep proved his undoing as one of the festering claws of the troglodytes raked across his neck, spraying red across the floor. The spear fell from his hand as he stumbled back, holding his hand to his neck while a confused look came to his face.
"W-wait...it isn't supposed...to be...here..." The soldier fell backwards onto the ground, earning a triumphant cry from the monstrous beasts.
Deimus cringes at the brutal madness displayed by the Troglodytes, and trembles at the thought of being so shredded as his newfound companions. for a heartbeat, he thinks of escaping, saving his life, but he finds resolve in his heart and stays his ground, though nevertheless backs up to make sure he stays behind the line of frontliners.
Feeling this moment as a turning point, his body settles, strangely enough, and he feels energy course through him; reserves he didn't know he had, suddenly at the tip of his fingers. And with a flick, he manages to summon fire again!
He struggles still to control the flames, but at least one catches a troglodyte squarely!
As a smaller trog charges past the centaur, Coronus slashes at the opportunity.
Lysander's strike draws a deep gash upon the charging T2, but it continues it's assault on Aristeides un abated, and Coronus is unable to draw his weapon around in time to to the same.
T3 looks down in shock as a ghostly weapon appears out of nowhere, and strikes him firmly in the back of the head. He sways for a moment, then his eyes roll back in his head, and he slumps to the ground.
TB2 is distracted by this development, and for moment lets his guard down, He looks up just in time to see a flurry of flaming spheres come exploding from the open doorway. Most zip by him, and he looks left then right, then back just in time for the third to slam him directly in the chest. He pays no attention to the flaming wound, and advances to attack.
Aristeides is badly injured and in fear for his life, and hums a gentle lullaby to try to make the creature quit hurting him. Oh no. I've moved too close to the action. He maneuvers around the beast, and lets sly with his magical sleep spell. Sleep HD
Not only did his immediate threat fall into a slumber, but the more damaged, and battered TB1 Decided it was time for a long rest to return to health as well. Probably not a wise decision.
But the Cleric is able to dodge and move his armor to most of the attacks, only letting the second claw creep through.
1-3 Coronus, [i]They really hate Centaurs..., 4-Lysander.
TB2 decides he needs more of that delicious Centaur Flesh, and as he saw his Brother fall his greed was complete. It was all his now.
Bite
Claw 1
Claw 2
Bite (Piercing)
Claw 1 (Slashing)
Claw 2 (Slashing)
But is this enough????
Party... or what is left of it up...
With the last slash of trog claws, Coronus falls. And takes with him the angry Spiritual Weapon causing it to wink out of existence.
Lysander growls in anger as another of his comrades falls. and lunges at the standing trog, putting everything he has in his tank at the creature.
Deimus lifts his hands palm up and conjures more flame, though much less than before, and fires at the troglodyte.
Mateo lays against the cold floor, red still flowing from his wound as he begins to grow paler.
Lysander bellows in rage, and is rewarded as his blows finally end the final TB2. The sound grows quiet except for the cries of pain from Aristides, the whimpers of pain from the roasting centaur, and the muffled cries of the bound and gagged Centaur in the cage... oh... and the gentle snores of TB2, T3,T2 and T1.
Combat is over for now. Actions?
Deimus stands silent, listening to the sound of death around him, and the snoring of the sleeping Troglodytes. As weak as they are, he cares not to wake them up and looks to the others still standing for guidance. He grabs his dagger, just in case.
After seeing death much closer than what he would have wanted, Aristeides finally breathes out when the dust settles. Paralysis took control of him, and decisions made were suboptimal - and his life and that of his comrades might have ended because of this.
If course, he's an intelligent guy, and he understands this happens to reach and every decision taken during a fight, but he can't help feeling bad. It is something hell have to live with from now on, because it seems there'll be plenty of similar situations.
He slowly moves and looks around. "Everyone okay?" he asks in a small voice, noticing his robes are wet and several body zones hurt more than usual.
Mateo's breath shudders in that dimly lit cavern, joining the sounds of the sleeping troglodytes and the wounded centaurs. He still has not moved since the troglodyte ripped into him.
Solemnly, Lysander steps to the slumbering trogs and dispatches them with the sharp edge of his makhaira. But ever the commander, he does not let his fear for his friends' imminent fate show.
"I'm useless at healing. Aristeides, Deimus..." he motions to the caged centaur. "Can you find a way to free the centaur while I search for potions or something I can use to save our friends?" He shrugs a little sheepishly. "Unless one of you is a healer."
Lysander quickly begins searching the dead troglodytes and their scattered paraphernalia around the chamber.
Deimus nods and scans the fallen, allies and enemies, for potions.
Coronus bleeds on the ground.
1 fail
2 successes
2 fails
stabilizes!
When Aris realises the situation, he quickly rushes to help as best as he can. Since Deimus found some potions, Aris helps him administer them.
Once the potions are administered, Deimus will turn to the roasting Centaur. He doesn't speak, but signals to Aristeides to give him a hand taking the spit off the fire, though the size of the Centaur makes him reconsider and, instead, he channels his magic to douse the flames.
Coronus awakes with the sweet taste of a healing potion on his tongue. Then, he smells the disgusting odor of roasting centaur that jumps him to his hooves. Head swiveling to find the source, he joins the new half-elf by the extinguishing fire, as Aris pours another potion into Mateo's mouth.
"By Chiron's grace, I hope I'm in time," he prays to cure the cooking centaur.
+10 HP
While he starts to free the centaur from the spit, Coronus calls to the one in the cage, "Are you Grli or Nossin? Can you hold it together for another minute until I can stabilize your companion? Hukar gave me a horn to sound in case we save you."
Deimus finds an readily available potion on Coronus, and holds his head carefully, till he begins to cough and hack. He then turns his attention to the roasting centaur, and is quickly joined by a panicked Coronus to remove the burning centaur.
Lysander walks the room with the grizzly task of dispatching the sleeping trogs.
Aristeides finds a potion to give Mateo, then moves to the cage to release the captured Centaur.
Just as the roasting Centaur seems to give his last breath, the healing magic dispensed by Chiron brings the being back from the brink, and he groans at the pain of his wounds, but climbs unsteadily back to his feet.
The centaur that had been captured smiles his thanks, and readily takes a sip of water from a bowl on a table. He looks at Coronus puzzled for a moment. "I am Kaluk, and Hukar is my cousin. Hirak is the one who almost joined the great stampede. I don't know who you are, but we both owe you a life debt".
He then moves to give his companion a drink of the water. "I would suggest we get out of here before more arrive". And without waiting he assists his friend to start up the stairs out of this cursed place. "If you're not going up with us, could you give us the horn to summon our herd once we get out of here"?
"If more creatures can come from further in the caverns, we should all escape together. You will need my companions support to climb the stairs anyway."
"Do you know of Grli or Nossin? Hulak specifically asked about them." Coronus helps Hirak to his hooves and slowly starts hobbling toward the exit.
More? Wait, more!!!
"Yes, we need to get out fast. Take them to safety, yes. They need us, yes?" offers Deimus.
"We won't survive another wave, so yes" Aris comments, "we should regroup and recover."
Mateo's eyes flash open a few moments after the potion is poured down his throat, the wound the claws had left behind healing enough for the surface damage to be closed. He could still feel the ache underneath though as he slowly moved up to his feet and gave them all a nod.
"Thank you friends. Told them it wasn't my time yet." Mateo said through a pained smile, nodding with the agreement that they should fall back. The cavern was still not clear though and there were more dangers that needed to be defeated before the mine could be opened once more.
The bruised and battered group slowly works their way back to the surface, and down the waterfall to the bank of the river. Despite several near falls and slips from the three Centaurs trying to navigate the slick, treacherous ground, they are able to make it to safety, and Coronus is offered the honor of blowing the horn for rescue. Within an hour a group of angry well armed Centaurs makes it to the rendezvous point, and concern turns to joy at seeing their comrades returned from a sure death.
The party is invited back to the camp of the Centaurs, and offered food, respite, and massive amounts of ale is desired, and are celebrated as friends of the Tribe. In fact all are offered a small brand on their shoulders as honorary members of the tribe.
"If more creatures can come from further in the caverns, we should all escape together. You will need my companions support to climb the stairs anyway."
"Do you know of Grli or Nossin? Hulak specifically asked about them." Coronus helps Hirak to his hooves and slowly starts hobbling toward the exit.
Coronus accepts the brand to join the tribe. While he does not put down the tribe's loyalty to Sydon, he makes a point that Hirak was directly saved by the grace of Chiron. And that Chiron guides Coronus as the First Centaur.
At the feast, he makes a sacrifice to Chiron offering any of the tribe to join him to celebrate the recovery of their kin.
Deimus is glad to see the Centaur come to their rescue and terrible thoughts of Troglodytes and their terrible stench are quickly replaced yb the joy of libations and the fascination of Centaurian communityship.
As thing slow down, Deimus turns to his new companions: "It has been a great honour, and I feel still in your debt. Having fought alongside you, I wish to consider myself your friend, and hope you will allow me to call you as such. As I mentioned, I am currently at a loss. I have been... sleeping for many years, and the weight of prophecy has released me of the grip of sleep. Yet, as prophecies usually go, my path forward remains unclear, except that perhaps us meeting is not by chance, but by design. As such, I would like to continue travelling at your side and help you in your endeavours. Would that be suitable?"
Aris expresses his gratitude for being granted such an honor. He accepts being branded, and says to himself that one never knows when such a thing will help you.
Of course, one never knows when it will hinder you. But such is Fate's will.
Mateo leads the way, despite his battered form, but he keeps a close step with his good friend. The trip down the cliffside was perilous and full of close calls but they eventually make their way to the safe ground beneath the falls and near the river's bank where he washes himself clean of the filth that the troglodytes suffused their layer full of. The horn brings a smile to his face as Coronus and the rescued centaurs are greeted by the tribe of centaurs that arrive. Seeing their concern grow into joy brings a smile to the tired, beaten warrior and reminds him of the early battles he fought with the Centurions. Reunited lost ones with their family was always the greatest joy and brought him the greatest pride.
While hesitant, Mateo could not refuse a chance to go with centaurs to their camp where fine, if simple, food, drinks, and rest are offered. He could swear he was even given a wink by one of the woman warriors there and it brings a roaring laugh from the doomed one as he imagined how Kyrah would write that tale. The offer of being brand as an honorary member of the tribe. It takes Mateo a moment to make a decision before he finally comes to it and agrees but not after drinking a mighty amount of ale.
"See...ba-back in the day...we would've likely fought you guys." Mateo says with a drunken slur, his arms around the waists of two centaurs as he makes his way to the one heating the brand. "With things changing though...w-we need to do better, you know? There is so much old, bad blood. We don't need it anymore right? We can make Thylea better, right, all of us. Wait, what are we doing?" What followed was one of the most impressive strings of cursing ever heard by mortal ears before the half-elf soldier passed out with the tribe's brand on the inside of his forearm.
During the night, Mateo would wake up only the slightest bit drunk still before making his way over towards his comrades. Deimus spoke up and Mateo would listen quietly to the man as he explained his lost time, his confused haze, and the fact that he considers that it is fate to have met them just much as them. It brings a smirk to his face as Mateo leans in and nods.
"Anyone who will fight by my side will be my family. You had fought to protect us and helped save our lives as well as the lives of those centaurs. These actions will reverberate through destiny, meeting the other choices we make. As for helping in our endeavors, I feel it would be unfair to just accept your help and not tell you what we're about." Mateo looks to the others first before he starts again, giving a little shrug. "We're the heroes of Thylea. The Oracle summoned us and the fate of...well...our world lies on our shoulders. So we'd welcome the help but that awful situation..." Mateo says, mentioning the terrible battle in the caves. "...is just the first of bad situations we are going to gleefully be jumping into. You fine with that?"
"The heroes of Thylea... The Oracle named you such... That's just... AHAHAHAHAH! Nice one Mateo, you're either drunker than you look, or not as drunk as you look! But no matter, I am honoured to stand besi- well, behind you as we face worse things! Oracle or no Oracle!" replies Deimus, slapping his leg gleefully.
Yet, he sobers up but a heartbeat later. What if it were true? And had he just teases the Fates?
Lysander holds up a hand. "Regretfully, I cannot accept the brand. Though I am thankful of your offer." he turns both to Deimus and the centaur leader equally as he sips from a skin of very fine mead. He thinks it was given from one of the centaur tribe. "We're bound for the Mithral Forge. My grandsire, the god Volkan, has set us on a quest to seek and stoke the fires and forge a mighty weapon so we may meet the Oracle's prophecies."
The big man takes a slow swig.
"This area seems to belong to you and your tribe. And Deimus, you seem to have been here before us. What can you tell us of what we might find below?"
@Coronus>>: Hirak joins you in your offering to Chriron. He stand a bit back, but seems to hang on your every word and action. He comes to you in the night to speak privately.
@Demius>>: The "Heros of Thylea" seem to welcome your company, and have no issues with you accompanying them.
You dream... you slumber... and in your feet you find yourself drawn to the banks of the river.
Standing suspended over the waters of the river stands a ghostly visage of a beautiful woman. "I am Versi. Most know me as the Oracle, but I would hear my true name from your lips. I have seen you in my visions for years, but now that I know you stand in the flesh I know our destinies are entwined. Your path has also crossed onto the same path as these new friends. They are indeed the hope for Thylea, and you must now count yourself among them. Follow them... support them... and they will be strong for you. But when you are through I wish you to return to me. Swear me an oath that you'll return to stay by my side when this is over".
You awaken shivering... Standing on the bank of the Arkelon.
@Aristeides>>: You drink...you sing... from the blisters on your feet you even danced a bit... and your arm hurts badly. Then the memories return, and you groan and lay back holding your aching head.
@Mateo>>: The night is long and fun. The near brush with death makes you doubly sure to live life as fully as you can while it is with you. But as you rise to your elbows and look about the scene of the previous nights activities, you notice Lysander speaking with the leader of the Centaurs. The tribe is all packed up, and look ready to depart... and in fact once Hukar finishes speaking with Lysander, the tribe turns and rides off south at full gallop.
@Lysander>>: The big Centaur leader looks at you with a squint. "We thank you for your intervention, and many of your herd carry the mark of my tribe. While in these lands you shall not be harmed by any who respect my mark... but make no thoughts that we are allies. We follow Sydons rule, and care little for the petty machinations of your "Gods". We will not interfere at this time but will not turn our allegiance from the inevitable reward of the Titans".
Hukar then straightens up and with a final word begins to ride away.
"The problem with those of you who follow the gods is that you are blinded by your ideas that lands, and people can be owned by others. These lands do not belong to us or to anyone... as do no lands". He then gives a yell and the troop of Centaurs thunder away.
The Fog begins to lift off the river, and the sun causes the riffling current to glitter like a waterfall of diamonds. Another day dawns, and though stiff and sore except for the fresh wound of the brands the group is ready to go forth.
"When the time is right, show your tribe that there is an alternative to Sydon. A divine patron who actually listens and provides solace and grace. Until then, I will do what I can for you." Coronus shares his ritual of prayers and traditions with Hirak that he learned from his father.
Before Hukar can depart, Coronus politely interupts, "My chief, perhaps there is a god who you are over-looking. Chiron is the First Centaur and answers my prayers, like saving Hirak's life. He is the god of centaurs and will answer your prayers too if you have faith."
Coronus raises his hand to bless the tribe, "Let Chiron's Blessings of Life's Battle be with you."
After the tribe has thundered off, he turns to the companions, Coronus suggests, "Down that damned cliff again. It was so much the first time, I want more."
Deimus watches the Oracle over the river and tears come to his eyes as his memory returns to him in a flash. I am of the first ones, and by right, I should stand amongst the gods. Yet I have spent centuries in your arms, and they have filled me with bliss. I recognize you Versi, the Oracle, and this quest I am happy to take on, for it will bring me back in your arms. This I swear!"[/b] he says.
The next morning, Deimus goes to Mateo: "Sorry for yesterday... I was quite drunk, and the night has brought wisdom. I am happy and proud to stand with those heroes of Thylea, if you will still have me. Count me as your friend, in any case!"
Rubbing his arm, Aris tries to concentrate on his book to get his spells ready. The evening was fun, but now he's paying the excess.
Once ready, and knowing the centaurs are not too fond on the idea of friendship, he starts getting nervous until they part ways.
The Centaur chief gallops off paying no attention to Coronus's preaching. It's obvious he is done with your group.
The party gathers their things, and as the fog lifts off the river begin their treacherous ascent behind the falls again. This time knowing where the worst parts are allows the party to enter once again. They make their way down to tunnel, and if anything the stench here is worse than it was yesterday. The bodies of the slain lay where they were left, and the tunnels are quiet. Your group continues down past the Prison Pit, and arrives at a conjunction of some sort with tunnels leading off straight ahead, to the right, and to the left.
This area seems to be a den of sorts. Straw mats lie along the edges of the cave, and they are covered in filth. The floor is littered with the bones of humans, centaurs, and other creatures.
Perception DC16
Just before the party entered this area, they detected movement. Something is trying very hard to conceal itself along the walls of this chamber.