Deimus touches Mateos on the shoulder and gives him a knowing look, tilting his head towards the wall.
Mateo stretches the next day, practicing the strikes with his spear as the sun rises higher in the air. For a short time, he spars against his friend Lysander in the chilly waters to wake himself up and keep his speed up. It was an interesting showing of their different talents; Lysander's skill in combat could not be underestimated. The water did not slow his strikes down at all and he powered through any resistance. Mateo, on the other hand, remained at a distance when he could and used the trickiness of the water to his advantage whenever possible. A half an hour and a few sore bruises later, the two left the water laughing and grinning as Coronus attempted to bridge the gap between the centaurs and the people of the Gods. The herd moved on though and Mateo would step close, clasping his four-legged comrade by the shoulder and giving him a nod.
"Chiron would be proud, my friend." The half-elf said softly before looking back towards Deimus. The man could handle his alcohol well at least and he would give a wide grin before looking back up that treacherous pathway once more and into the darkness of the troglodyte's lair. "We would be happy to have you friend. Your skill in the arcane will surely be a boon. Now everyone, take a deep breath of this delicious fresh air and let us get to it." Once more they climbed up towards that terrible cave in search of more enemies to vanquish.
Deep within the tunnels of the enemy, Mateo moved up ahead at the front to scout once more. The spear gripped tightly in his hand, he looked over at Lysander and sighed softly to himself. He should've grabbed a shield back in the city. They entered into a den of some sort, straw and filth indicating that this was a resting place for the troglodytes.
Mateo's eyes catch movement at the same moment as Deimus. He gives the slightest nod to his sorcerous companion and speaks up in the elven tongue quickly.
"<Something is over there. Be careful.>" As he speaks, his free hand quickly makes signs towards Lysander and Coronus. Lysander would recognize the signals thanks to their military experience, Coronus may due to the warlike nature of his god. The soldier tried to be subtle, in case the creature was sentient.
Lysander draws the damaged blade and cracks his neck audibly to get the kinks out.
At Mateo's soldier signaling, the big warrior steps forward. "Come out. I've no wish for bloodshed if we can avoid it."
At the warriors warning... and probably the mass carnage left behind yesterday, three shadows detach themselves from the wall where they had been hiding, and sprint further down the passageway. They seem to be normal Troglodytes.
The party's tensions eased a bit, but then alerted agagin.as they hear movement in the corridor behind them. The unmistakable sound of hooves on stone announced the arrival of Hirak; a hulking black one armed, one eyed Centaur, and a young female centaur. Without a word Hirak holds up a tattered piece of leather with a symbol drawn on it in charcoal. A symbol you all have come to know. The holy symbol that Coronus has so bravely put forth over the months you've been together. The symbol of Chiron.
Coronus approaches the two centaurs amazed at the amount of risk and effort it would have taken them to descend the cliff without two-legged help. "Hirak, my friend. What's wrong? What returns you here?"
Aris keeps a wary eye on the two centaurs arriving, though he relaxes a bit when Coronus shows sign of friendship. The four-legged Cleric seems a bit worry at their faces, though, so maybe Aris' first feeling was right...
"What is wrong is that you have made me question things. I have seen the power that this Chrion wields, and wish to help you spread the word of his presence. This is Bulag, and Syraia, and they too have cause to believe that there is more. I understand that your friends need you... but the Centaur Race needs you. We need something to believe in. I have come to implore you to lead us as we spread the word of Chrion".
As you get closer you can see that the big Centaur referred to as Bulag has a cleverly designed harness designed to help large four legged creatures ascend and descend heights.
Coronus appears clearly conflicted
Standing between the two groups, he looks back and forth from the centaurs to the Chosen One. "Lysander, Mateo, Aristeides, can you release me from my Oath of Fellowship? Such that I can follow my heart and faith to spread the word of Chiron. Perhaps, Chiron can wrestle the majority of the centaurs from the grip of Sydon."
Lysander puts a hand on his comrade's shoulder. "Our oath of Fellowship is one of allied endeavors and friendship. It is not one you need permission to leave. When we meet again, it will be on the same side."
"Maybe this is the spark that ignites a bonfire of mutual understanding and respect between all races. Go and spread the fire."
Deimus nods and smiles at Coronus: "The path at times stays draped in shadows, and yet at times it just reveals itself in bright glory. For once, the Fates have made their wishes clear, or so it seems. You should walk the path, Coronus, for as long as it stays bright."
A group of troglodytes rush down the dark passageway, bringing a frown to Mateo's face. The chance that they were now the ones going to be walking into an ambush had increased dramatically. He was about to speak when the noise behind them made him assume a more defensive position. Keeping his spear up, his eyes would finally pick out the outlines of centaur that had approached.
His weapon lowered downwards now as he quietly listened to the story the centaurs told and a small grin spread across his face. He had a feeling he would know what Coronus would wish for before the centaur spoke himself. The others spoke their feelings clearly and Mateo would sigh for a moment, leaning on the bronze spear.
"Well, I am saddened that my drinking friend is leaving me but I understand your cause. May the Gods bless you Coronus and may Chiron's star shine ever in your favor." Mateo would offer his hand out, the still fresh brand hidden underneath the cloth bracer on the centurion's arm, to grasp Coronus's in a firm shake of the hands. "Till we meet again, friend."
Nope. Happened while you guys were warning the others.
With mixed emotions, the tearful companions finish their farewells, and decide it's time to finish what they started. You follow the retreating Troglodytes deeper into the maze.
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.
This area seems to be deserted at this time, but so you continue deeper into the warrens. You follow around to the right, and come to an entrance to a side chamber that seems to radiate an odor even more vile than the standard rot and Trog. There is another passage into a side tunnel about 20' further down, into the darkness.
Nico
Lost. Dang it how does a dwarf get lost underground... well not completely lost. The old signs of Troglodyte passage, and the increasing odor of their presnese let's you know you're at least getting close to something. Oh well. You've fought your way out of tighter circumstances. Perhaps you might be able to sneak past them, to the surface and determine where you are.
You were exploring some tunnels when you were captured by two stupid Cyclops. They kept you knocked out much of the time, but you were finally able to escape a day ago, while they were arguing on whether to cook you or eat you raw... They might still be arguing that, but you feel you're about to find your way out. You feel comfortable underground... but you've got things to do.
"Anyone has suggestions on how to fight that smell? Oh, and do we know what language they speak? Can they understand us?" Deimus asks, feeling repulsed by the smell.
Aris tries an old trick to alleviate bad smell, though he's not sure if will work - such is the stench coming from the tunnels.
He carried his shield ready in his left and kept his right gauntletet hand free to respond to any threat, like those stinky trogs.
The Mithral Forge held a clue to repair his reality. It was around here somewhere.
"Wet some cloth and keep it around your face. Preferably with some kind of oils you like. It could help a little." Mateo takes some spare cloth and soaks it with his waterskin before tying it around his face. Hopefully it would protect him from the horrendous stench that these creatures expelled.
"I don't know what they speak but they eat men, elves, dwarves, and centaurs. I don't think negotiation would be best." The half-elf says grimly, tightening his grip on his spear. "It'll be better to get this done with. Keep the light at my back." Mateo would turn to head down the path that stunk of troglodytes. Carefully, quietly, he scouted ahead of his comrades.
Eat..? Eat!!!
Deimus pales and forgets the purpose of his question.
Mateo leads the group into the extra smelly chamber. The stench here goes beyond the ordinary Troglodyte Stench.
Any light sources? If so who / what?
A darkened pit gapes in the center of this chamber. The sides of the pit are coated with wretched streaks of black and brown. You choke on the stench, which burns your eyes and nostrils.
DC15 CON Save or poisoned for 1-hour.
This is obviously the Troglodytes Refuse area, but there don't seem to be any present at the moment. There is a lot of junk in the pile, but you do see some broken weapons, and scattered pieces of armor strewn about in the refuse.
Niko
You start to feel the air warm up, just as the overpowering stench of Troglodyte assails your nostrils. But you thought carrying into the echoing chamber for just a moment you thought you heard the sounds of someone conversing... not normal for Trogs you've encountered. They tend to be the strong, silent type.
Trudging forward you come up behind a group of Troglodytes trying to meld into the shadows of the chamber in front of you, paying total attention to the other opening of the chamber, and blissfully unaware of you. There seem to be (3) Normal Troglodytes, and (1) Big Boy. As you approach they turn to see what is causing the light coming from behind them.
Mateo keeps his cloth by his face, trying his best to keep the horrendous stench out of his mouth. It was too powerful though and bled through the thick cloth.
Aris enteres carefully, using his spell to mitigate the odour. "Ugh..."
There doesn't seem to be anything of interest here, apart from painful disease and deadly poison.
Deimus copies Aristeides's use of prestidigitation to fend off the nauseating fumes clawing at his nostrils.
Lysander bolts forward, no regard for the smell.
"Smells like the barracks after one of Old Leontos' meals, eh 'Teo?" As if to emphasize the point, the centurion drws his faulty blade and raps it aggressively on his shield to draw his enemies' attention.
Niko
Morning. You're up. What you do will determine the next sequence of events. If you attack, or bellow for help that will start combat. If you retreat down the tunnel, or try to hide that will delay the inevitable.
Aris starts to feel bad. The stench is close to unbearable.
The dwarf charges forward bellowing, and calls for a bolt of divine light to streak toward the Big Boy from his free hand.
Saved.
Niko Initiative (No disadvantage as you already had advantage on CON save for being a Dwarf).
Normal Trogs: Initiative
Trog Brute: Initiative
So...
Aristiedes, Lyusander, Mateo, and Demius
Then...
Trog Brute, Trogs
Then...
Niko
The group is standing around in the stinky trash room when they hear the bellow of a dwarven shout, They can see a flickering light appear from the next tunnel entrance.
Feeling bad due to the poison, Aris lets the others go first. Before following, he casts a helpful spell that would help him if combat starts. Several images, copy of himself, appear at his side.
There are the three troglodytes in the way as the voice of a dwarf roars from behind. Studying his foes for a moment, he points to the smaller one on the left.
"Eliminate and isolate. Aim for their softer underbellies!" Moving closer with his spear in hand, Mateo would execute the plan he had came up with earlier in the morning. Any creature, when threatened, would try to defend their face. Quick strikes towards the face would leave their vulnerable guts open to exposure.
"Do you mean isolate then eliminate? I mean, I'm confused, should I just fire at them or try to split them up?" comments Deimus, one hand holding a prestidigated handkerchief over his nose.
His other hand conjures a thick webbing that tries to cover the furthest two trogs and, if possible, block the passage out.
Feeling bad due to the poison, Aris lets the others go first. Before following, he casts a helpful spell that would help him if combat starts. Several images, copy of himself, appear at his side.
Trog #1 - DEX Save vs. Web
Trog Brute - DEX Save vs. Web
I'll give Lysander today to post, then moving things along.
Lysander does indeed follow through on working with Mateo, and attacks the smaller of the Troglodytes, and Mateo is busy engaging.
Attack
Damage
Lysander scores a deep cut between the shoulder and neck, and Mateo sneaks in, and finishes removing the head, which is accompanied by a look of shock. Trog 3 is dead
Trog 1>> Sees the new challenge of the Dwarf with the hated light, and turns to engage him.
Bite (P)
Claw (S)
Claw (S)
But surprise, and the hated light affecting his vision cause him to strike out at the Dwarves shadow instead.
Trog 2>>Seeing his comrade fall he aims his attacks at the slight warrior who strikes so true (Mateo), fully acknowledging that his friend will take out the Dwarf.
Bite (P) - Fangs
Claw (S) - Claws
Claw (S) - Claws
And he quickly grabs the warrior with one nasty claw, and sinks his teeth into the side of his neck, just barley missing with the other crud encrusted claw. Mateo - 6-Piercing, and 5-Slashing damage
Trog 3>> Continues to bleed out in great gushing spurts
Trog Brute>> Giggles under his breath, and launches a vicious assault at the heavily armored Lysander.
Bite (P) - Fangs
Claw (S) - Claws
Claw (S) - Claws
But finds the warriors armor and quick shield too much of a challenge to overcome.
Both Trogs in the back were too quick for the webs.
NOTE: There is an unhurt Trog right in front of you. In order to reach any other Trogs you would have to move through the web as well.
The dwarf pulls his warhammer from his belt and commands it to flare with white-hot intensity. Then, he grips his shield and swings his hammer from the high guard.
Bonus action to cast Searing Smite
CON Save
The Dwarven Stranger screams out some word in Dwarven, and pulls forth a hammer which glows white hot. His blow strikes true, and the Trog reels from the blow, somehow still standing... though probably not for long, as flames begin to flicker and grow on his body, spreading from the impact zone.
Foul teeth sink into his neck, earning a cry of pain and surprise from Mateo as he struggles with the smaller troglodyte. His throat would've been ripped out had he not reached up quickly and jabbed his thumb into the eye of his assailant, the monster stumbling back again.
"Once more, like we practiced!" Mateo shouts to his comrades, jabbing up and near its face to make it expose its belly. When the chance came, he tried once more to plunge his spear into the beast's belly.
"Like we practiced?!" shouts Deimus, somewhat confused, but then sees Mateo's feint and tries to play along.
He flicks a finger at the Troglodyte, aiming for his belly, hoping to catch it as Mateo strikes.
With the front line covered, Aris feels like his sword weighs more than usual due to the nasty effects of the poison. He decides to stay a bit behind and help in more subtle ways.