"As far as the situation with the scale, it was indeed rather unfortunate and tempers were running rather high. You seemed to resolve it well in the end, and the scale has even just recently protected me as we fought the mad sorcerer," he added, saying, *"Thanks for giving it to me*-I hope to live up to my promise to protect you to the best of my ability, and the scale has certainly been helping."
There is safety in numbers... if they are potential allies? Then it would be good to join with them. If not? And they are enemies?, he says with a blood chilling pragmatism, Then we have numbers.
There is a intangible aura of violence around him.
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"As far as the situation with the scale, it was indeed rather unfortunate and tempers were running rather high. You seemed to resolve it well in the end, and the scale has even just recently protected me as we fought the mad sorcerer," he added, saying, *"Thanks for giving it to me*-I hope to live up to my promise to protect you to the best of my ability, and the scale has certainly been helping."
"Yes let's go. We might as well meet our destiny and hopefully an exist sooner rather than later." Stella replied after hearing Kokam's and Stormbrows words. And before anyone else had time to react, Stella entered the cavern proper towards the two people digging in the rubble. "Hi there, do you need any assistance?" hoping to come off as friendly and unthreatening as possible.
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Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
PS: Damon, take inspiration for that last RPing.
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Actions 2:
"We must be wary, for since we fell deep underground everything we have met has attacked us," stated Damon carefully, clasping his holy symbol and reaching out with his Divine Sense (and personal intuition) to see if these people were being upfront and honest or this was part of an elaborate trap.
Divine Sense,
Actions 3:
(Assuming he did't detect anything foul about the creatures), Damon continued, "Do we have anything that can be used for leverage? Some kind of lever perhaps?" he asked, looking around for a suitable aid--maybe Anevia's crutches if they are sturdy enough stacked together?
Whether he finds a lever or not, he says, "I will help you, and my companions seem ready to as well. Shall we work together, then?" and moves to help lift the stone.
Kokam smiles as her comrades join her in thinking that it would be wise to help these 'fallen' crusaders, hurrying forward to assist the rescue effort.
"We come in peace, and gratefully so....everything else we've encountered has tried to kill us!" Kokam calls out in greeting.
She did her best to hide her surprise as the two figure's features came clear...
Knowing she wasn't the strongest, Kokam put her spear to work as a lever, as Damon suggested, sticking one end under the rock and trying to pry it up...
"I'm sorry to hear about your friend and I'm sure we can help you get them out of there. I'm Stella by the way, pleasure to meet you" Stella replies to Lann before extending her hand in a show of kindness, unconcerned about his appearance.
Seeing the others get into position to lift the last boulder, Stella approached Kokam and worked with her in the group's first attempt at moving it.
"I think I feel it moving a bit!" she called out through gritted teeth as the group strained to push the rock aside
Have these things been cursed?, he muttered to Stella, Or born this way?... nonetheless your struggles are my struggles, he says laying aside his spear and also working the rock.
Onyx remained in the shadows, watching silently. They are real!
As his companions offered their aid he remained in the shadows, wanting to wait a bit longer in case they were being deceived.
Have these things been cursed?, he muttered to Stella, Or born this way?
"Cursed to bear the consequences of their ancestors perhaps" she whispered back sadly.
Hal merely grunts as he works.
OOC: FYI, It's a three-day weekend here and I'm pretty sure I will not post tomorrow Friday. I 'may' post on Saturday but don't be surprised if I don't post again until my Sunday afternoon/evening.
"Do you know if there's a safe passage out of these caverns? Stella asked Lann after the pleasantries were completed between the two groups making a quick prayer to Desna for a happy answer.
Upon seeing the way Anevia treated their new acquaintances, she approached her quietly and said "I know how you feel." she started looking over at Lann and the others "But you must try and treat them as equals and not pity or look down on them...they deserve that much" finishing her thoughts as she turned her gaze to Horgus who couldn't even attempt to hide his disgust. I swear if he does something to makes it even more difficult to get out of here he'll quickly wish he hadn't she thought to herself.
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Actions 1:
Damon accepted the friendly gestures in kind, hoping that these people were trustworthy. "Our friendly druidess is right; we seek a way out of these caverns," said Damon, asking Lann, "Is there a passage to the surface from your city?
Actions 2:
Nodding seriously at Horgus' warning, Damon responded quietly to him, "You are right to be cautious, Lord Gwerm. As we approached, I used my Divine Sense gifted by Iomedae to discern if any of them were tainted by evil given their...unusual appearance, but I detected nothing. I am hopeful that we can interact peacefully with them, but I see the wisdom in keeping our guard up. Please let me know if you notice any concerning signs."
At Aravashnial's seventh question, Damon preempted the answer from Lann and said to the elven wizard, "Perhaps when we are safely to the city and can rest, we can hear the whole story, my curious friend. Hearing it in bits and pieces along the road is somewhat confusing for me, I must admit. If you have some writing supplies, I would be willing to take notes for you at that time if you like. Ah, there seems to be a cavern opening up ahead. Step carefully, now."
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Actions 3:
Moving over to the scout, Damon said, "Onyx, this obstacle looks like it could be overcome quickly with a good running start for those of use with good mobility, or perhaps more slowly and safely with a rope setup like you guided us through before. If you think the ropes are a good way to go, I can head down first and see if there is anything dangerous at the bottom of the crevasse. We might also need someone good at jumping to get to the other side and help set up the rope for the ascent."
Having given his opinion, Damon looked to the scout for his decision on the best way to overcome this obstacle.
In truth Hallvardr was none too happy with the decision to accompany these mongrel folk. It did not lead the way up or back to his people. Still, allies were useful and if they could offer supplies, it would help.
He heard Damon talking with Onyx... a weird and Eldritch fellow, likely much akin to the creatures they escorted.
"Onyx, this obstacle looks like it could be overcome quickly with a good running start for those of use with good mobility, or perhaps more slowly and safely with a rope setup like you guided us through before. If you think the ropes are a good way to go, I can head down first and see if there is anything dangerous at the bottom of the crevasse. We might also need someone good at jumping to get to the other side and help set up the rope for the ascent."
With the Ulfen, words are as deeds, except when spoken in jest, or while drinking of course...
The Chosen of Gorum hears Damon's musings, unpacks his coil of rope and secures one end to his pack, then passes the other end to the Paladin.
Here... hold this, he says.
Without further ado he simply runs hard at the gap and leaps...
Easily clearing it and landing on the other side in an impressive feat of Athleticism.
Now you have what you require, he says simply, looking for a place to secure his end. Secure your end.
Can we burn these fungi out at a distance? Do we have anything or Magic's? Maybe even pointing the blind wizard at the room and have him wave hands?
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Actions 2:
Damon worked with Onyx and Hallvardr to ferry everyone across the crevasse after checking out the base of the deep crack to make sure there was nothing below to endanger the crossing.
Actions 3:
"A 'spore-cougher'," asked Damon of Lann, "What is that and how do we fight it?" Turning to Aravashnial, he continued, "Learned mage, have you heard of this kind of creature? With a name like 'spore-cougher' maybe we should find some way to protect ourselves from its spores?"
Damon started digging in his pack (and the one they picked up) looking for something useful--cloths to tie over his nose and mouth--and found the flasks of oil. "Should we try to burn it from a distance?" he asked Hallvardr, realizing at that exact moment the Ulfen warrior had asked the same question. Damon shared the oil with him--2 flasks should start a good fire on the ropy fungus if they can get it on the dangerous plant.
OOC: Onyx has stepped down from the game due to personal reasons.
I'll see about a replacement as the game advances. We'll have him 'fade' into an NPC for the time being.
Questions?
Game on!
"I can light the fire from afar once we douse the plant in oil" Stella chimes in. "I also agree with Damon that we should all cover our faces somehow before we start just to be safe"
Though the wizard vocalized Kokam's own curiosity about these underground people, she kept her inquiries to sidelong glances and the occasional impolite period of staring. She hoped they didn't notice.
She helped with the ropes and getting the infirm down and then up again, but she overheard Damon's statement to the nobleman...and she felt shame at her reaction to these poor people. She worked in silence, lest her feelings be betrayed by the sound of her voice.
She thought on her reaction as they walked on through the caverns, her eyes sometimes settling on Onyx, then over to Horgus...then upon Lann, their escort. Onyx, Lann....both look different , but they have nobler souls than Horgus could ever have...I have to look pass appearances! " she resolved.
Kokam listens to the discussion on how to deal with the deadly fungus, the points at the two bodies, "Is it that ropy stuff there by the bodies? There seems to be a lot of fungus in here, how do we tell the bad from the harmless?" she asks.
Burn it all... let the Gods sort it out, the Ulfen says with his customary casual attitude to violence and destruction.
You've a good arm... don't get too close and pitch one of those in there and see if it burns.
OOC: Onyx was also a player in the other 5e game I'm hosting (Ironfang Invasion). That game has also just recently started (2nd level), and I would like another player to join.
Let me know if any of you have the 'time and interest' for another one of my games.
Recapping this one now...
Questions?
Game on!
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Actions 1:
Damon went first into the room, with his sword and shield at the ready, moving up and poking/prodding the hopefully dead plant with his sword. His face covered with a wet cloth, Damon investigated the dead bodies as well, with the hope of laying them to rest--even if it is just a cairn of stone.
He looked carefully for any identifying marks on the bodies as well as any scattered items which may have survived the fire and be useful. Assuming they could find a way to compose these dead bodies in a semblance of respect, Damon will say a prayer for the unfortunate souls.
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Actions 2:
"Aravashnial, Neathholm is quite beautiful in an eerie, serene way," said Damon to the blind wizard, attempting to describe what he saw as they progressed into the underground city. "By the way, thanks for the information on the fungus--I'm not sure how it killed those others, but your warning about the spores and Hallvardr's idea with the oil seemed to do the eliminate the threat quite effectively."
Speaking to Anevia, Damon said, "You have guided our blind friend consistently and well, Anevia. Thank you for your efforts. Hopefully we will be able to rest here safely before returning to the world above."
After checking in with Horgus to determine if he had seen anything concerning about the behavior of their hosts (and if he had an opportunity to talk with her), Damon approached Stella and asked, "What do you think of these people and their city, Stella? Could they be descendants of the crusaders from years ago, living down here still? The luminescent fungi is not the bright natural light of the surface world, but our hosts seem to have endeavored to live in harmony with nature here."
I'm keen to look at ironfang. When do you recruit for this game?
OOC: the game has already started. I've extended an invitation to this group only so far.
Send me your proposed PC (fluff-wise). Since I'm only looking for one PC, if you're the only one interested then you're in. If more than one person is interested then I'll make a decision as to who gets in.
Fair?
Questions?
Game on!
This place does not smell of pride in their village. It is, maybe, what happens when you are outcast. It is a good lesson, he thinks, looking around. That said shelter and potential allies is a good thing compared to the alternative, he admits to himself.
He calls back to Lamm.
Under Home? It is well named. You have a Hetman? A leader?
Stella watched with the others as the fungus was burned up before moving forward into the now safe cavern. As they traversed through the remains of the plant, she noticed Damon performing funeral rites for the unfortunate souls lost to the spores and performed a silent prayer for them for a smooth passage to the world beyond.
When the party entered the the "city of Neathholm, Stella was awed at the sight. It's like they're living in the night sky! she thought to herself as she saw the way the peculiar fungus light up the space like millions of little stars. Moving closer to examine some of the fungus, she recalls having seen a similar kind during her travels down South and tells Lann with sincerity "Your home is very beautiful. Thank you for bringing us here."
"What do you think of these people and their city, Stella? Could they be descendants of the crusaders from years ago, living down here still? The luminescent fungi is not the bright natural light of the surface world, but our hosts seem to have endeavored to live in harmony with nature here."
"I think they live in harmony with Nature better than most surface dwellers. I don't know if they relate to the stories we've heard about the crusaders and they may not live here by choice but they've certainly made something pretty wonderful. I also feel...more relaxed here." Stella replied truthfully looking up at the "sky" above
OOC: I'll give Kokam a couple of more hours but I want to recap today.
Questions?
Game on!
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Actions 1:
"The weapons and the symbol of the bull--it marks these warriors as followers of Baphomet, the evil god of minotaurs and mazes, yet their clothing suggests crusaders of Iomedae. I wonder why crusaders would disguise themselves as evil cultists--or evil cultists disguise themselves as crusaders," Damon pondered. Turning to Horgus, he asked, "Lord Gwerm, are you aware of any influence of Baphomet's cultists among the crusaders of Kenabres? I am sure with your many connections you would be aware if any such unpleasantness were underway."
Turning back to the matter of the bodies, Damon reflected, "Still, their equipment might be useful to us or the citizens of Neathholm,", offering the armor and weapons to his companions or the mongrelmen if they were so inclined. Glancing at the bodies, Damon considered, "They appear to have followed an evil god in life...yet perhaps the gods will see fit to give them another chance to make better choices in the existence to come--that is what I will pray for them, in any case," as he strips the bodies of useful items and lays them out gently for burial.
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Actions 2:
"Chief Sull, a pleasure to meet you. I am called Damon. We fell into a pit as the demons attacked the city, only saved from certain death by the magic of the dying silver dragon..." began Damon, speaking as if he would continue but overcome by emotion at the powerful memory. Falling silent, the young paladin looked to the others to carry the conversation forward.
Stella watched with the others as the fungus was burned up before moving forward into the now safe cavern. As they traversed through the remains of the plant, she listened as Damon explained what he'd discovered about the bodies before beginning to perform funeral rites for the unfortunate souls lost to the spores. Making a silent prayer, she hoped that Desna would judge them fairly and offer them the opportunity to atone for any actions they may have made in their previous life before wishing them a smooth passage to the world beyond.
"Chief Sull, a pleasure to meet you. I am called Damon. We fell into a pit as the demons attacked the city, only saved from certain death by the magic of the dying silver dragon..." began Damon, speaking as if he would continue but overcome by emotion at the powerful memory. Falling silent, the young paladin looked to the others to carry the conversation forward.
Seeing that Damon needed a moment, Stella continued on in his stead. "When we awoke, we discovered that the few of us remaining..." pausing to turn to the small group survivors "...were brought below the city and we've been searching for a way to the surface ever since. It's been difficult to tell exactly how long we've been down here but we suspect that we've been traveling roughly a day or less." Pausing for another moment before continuing, "Lann also mentioned that there is a way to the surface nearby, is that true? If so we'd be very appreciative if you could show us the way as we must return to surface to see what remains of the city." Stella half-lied to the mongrel leader. "Oh and I'm Stella by the way, a pleasure to meet you. You home is a quite a wonder."
Actions 1:
[dice=Religion on the Holy Symbol]1d20+2
"The weapons and the symbol of the bull--it marks these warriors as followers of Baphomet, the evil god of minotaurs and mazes, yet their clothing suggests crusaders of Iomedae. I wonder why crusaders would disguise themselves as evil cultists--or evil cultists disguise themselves as crusaders," Damon pondered. Turning to Horgus, he asked, "Lord Gwerm, are you aware of any influence of Baphomet's cultists among the crusaders of Kenabres? I am sure with your many connections you would be aware if any such unpleasantness were underway."
Turning back to the matter of the bodies, Damon reflected, "Still, their equipment might be useful to us or the citizens of Neathholm,", offering the armor and weapons to his companions or the mongrelmen if they were so inclined. Glancing at the bodies, Damon considered, "They appear to have followed an evil god in life...yet perhaps the gods will see fit to give them another chance to make better choices in the existence to come--that is what I will pray for them, in any case," as he strips the bodies of useful items and lays them out gently for burial.
Hallvardr interjects after Damon's words.
They are warriors, who died a warriors death. For my part I have no love at all for the demon, or for their worshippers. I came many many leagues to fight such as these. That said, the warrior dead need be honoured lest we offend the gods... Take what you will. The dead have no need of things.
After the bodies are stripped of what the party wants, Hallvardr lays them out, straightening limbs.
Leaving the body in a condition where it couldn't, in theory, fight, is seen as disrespectful, he explains. but The Lord in Iron is NOT the kind who likes to waste good steel unless it serves Holy purpose. Gorum would approve of a worthy ally or foe taking up their weapons to keep on shedding blood.
The Ulfen gives a harsh laugh.
There's probably more tools of war littered about Gorum's realm than anywhere else in the world beyond, so it's not like they wouldn't have anything to fight with in the afterlife.
He prays briefly over the bodies, unable to recount their deeds in life or war, he is left simply with an entreaty for a Gorum to give these the same care as all warriors, and to ignore any demon taint they may have.
They probably should be burned, or placed within a cairn of stones, but this is the best we can do for them. It will suffice, I think.
"Chief Sull, a pleasure to meet you. I am called Damon. We fell into a pit as the demons attacked the city, only saved from certain death by the magic of the dying silver dragon..." began Damon, speaking as if he would continue but overcome by emotion at the powerful memory. Falling silent, the young paladin looked to the others to carry the conversation forward.Seeing that Damon needed a moment, Stella continued on in his stead. "When we awoke, we discovered that the few of us remaining..." pausing to turn to the small group survivors "...were brought below the city and we've been searching for a way to the surface ever since. It's been difficult to tell exactly how long we've been down here but we suspect that we've been traveling roughly a day or less." Pausing for another moment before continuing, "Lann also mentioned that there is a way to the surface nearby, is that true? If so we'd be very appreciative if you could show us the way as we must return to surface to see what remains of the city." Stella half-lied to the mongrel leader. "Oh and I'm Stella by the way, a pleasure to meet you. You home is a quite a wonder."
Hallvardr has little to say, wordplay being something he felt uncomfortable with given these villagers plight, but he gives the Hetman his due and inclines his head respectfully. He can't help but wonder as to the warping of these men and women. He shudders briefly, uncharacteristically in fact. Could the demons and their fell magics warp me like these? Turn the bounty of my manhood to such as these blighted creatures?, he muses.
Kokam sighs relieved that the danger the fungus posed was taken care of so simply, she'd not relished the thought of disposing it up close.
She stood silently, but respectfully as the others observed rites for the fallen warriors, whatever their affiliation. Though the discover of the demonic trinket worried her.
Later she looked with wonder at the city beneath the ground, commenting to Lann, "This is truly remarkable, you and yours should be proud of what you've wrought here."
Then, brought face to face with the Chief, Kokam forces herself to not slide her gaze away, but to look directly at the mishappen man as if he'd not a disfigurement at all, "The others speak true, Chief. I am Kokam Kawlo, if it were in your power to guide us to the surface..."
Your offer of food and shelter is welcome. I am happy to take the fight to these cultists at long last - I have walked many moons to do so but I would eat and rest first if that is agreeable. You can tell us more about this other village and these interlopers in the interim.