|
You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World, and you’ve always longed to explore one of the countless ruins of failed conquerors that litter the plains outside the city’s walls.
You’ve heard rumors that one of the sealed siege castles has been laid open by a minor earthquake. Word on the street is that no one has yet entered the tower, which folks are calling the “Fallen Fortress.” What better way to start a life of excitement and adventure than by exploring its long-abandoned, dusty halls and perhaps claiming its ancient treasures?
A wealthy benefactor put out a notice looking for a group of brave adventurers to plumb the depths of the fortress for artifacts. You were one of the brave souls who answered the call and now you have gathered at the local inn, The Stinky Bull, to finish your preparations.
The inn is a decrepit watering hold made of nearly rotting wood but the drinks are cheap. The bartender is a gruff half-orc wearing a stained shirt that drinks one mug to match every mug he sells. There are a handful of patrons sitting in the snug booths lining the walls but the large table in the center of the room is reserved for your party with a spread of dried meats of unknown origin, flagons of wine, and stale bread.
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
There’s a statuesque human woman at the table picking at random foods. She is rather beautiful for her kind with pale skin and long dark hair. She also looks extremely out of place; wearing an ornate floor-length gown of deep red material with a plunging neckline as well as several expensive-looking jeweled accessories and adornments.
Despite an obvious noble background, she appears rather excited to be here. She’s all smiles as she tries tiny bites of the various items on the table. Humming in delight at some and silently placing others down in front of her after a moment of consideration. She visibly grimaces when she sips the wine but her smile easily comes back.
”Isn’t this delightful?! Had I known of this beforehand I surely would have brought a dish to contribute,” she says while gesticulating wildly. Her voice is clear and bright accompanied by an accent commonly used by nobles. “Back in Cheliax? You arrive empty-handed and sign your own death certificate in one fell swoop!”
Her head flies back and she guffaws without abandon for a few seconds before stopping abruptly. She continues to plow forward without allowing a moment for response. ”Not literally! Obviously. Merely a jest! Well....” her eyebrows furrow and a slight frown contorts her face, ”Usually. Suppose it depends on who’s hosting.”
Her face suddenly resets to its happy demeanor and she waves a hand dismissively, ”Anyway! I’m Na-Eun. I have a much longer name back home but I don’t expect anyone to learn it. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintances!”
She finally finishes her ramble with a dazzling smile and a sip of wine, the grimace only slightly present this time.
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
She sat with her elbows on the table and her legs splayed wide, claiming as much table real estate as she could. Her brown hair was spotted with bread crumbs, though she currently gnawed on a piece of meat. Meat that she couldn't seem to identify, no matter how much she thought about it.
There was another noble sitting a few seats down prattling on about Cheliax and making a fool of herself. Liluth hadn't traveled over to Absalom to hear about what so-and-so had done at the latest party. She drained the remainder of her wine and put the cup down, maybe a little too forcibly.
Her armor chafed, she hadn't slept, and she didn't particularly enjoy anything about a place named 'The Stinky Bull' - to say she wasn't in the best mood would be putting it very, very lightly. If she ever wanted to make it higher than Knighthood, however... She would have to suck it up and put a few adventures under her belt.
She breathed a heavy sigh through her nose and reached for the flagon of wine, refilling nearly to the rim. "Cheliax, huh? What are you, some sort of escaped devil in disguise?" Liluth snorted as she took another swallow of wine, her brown eyes narrowed over the top of the cup. Thus far, uninspired and unimpressed by her assigned company.
|
|
Since leaving Urgir Olox had been hard pressed for reliable work. He had hoped that accepting this contract and working alongside others would continue to help him control his blood lust, but after seeing the group he had his doubts. He had half a mind to just go storm the fortress himself, be done with it, and find a better job.
Despite his pessimism something compelled him forward. He lumbered toward the center table in full plate armor, with a great sword strapped across his shoulders, and his trusty war drum hanging by his side. He took care to focus his breathing and avoid the other patrons - after his shameful expulsion from his human mother's town he learned to avoid pointless fights, well, he at least made an honest attempt most of the time.
Olox didn't bother to make eye contact with the others at the table. If someone showed up to make introductions he'd oblige them, but otherwise small talk was pointless. Besides, he hadn't eaten a proper meal in weeks and the spread of dried meats was making his mouth water.
|
|
A well dressed Varisian man walks up to the head chair at the banquet table before calling over the bartender.
"Pull out this chair for me! I certainly paid well enough to book this...tavern." he huffs while waiting impatiently.
Confused but also visibly irritated the half-orc stumbles over and pulls the chair back for the man before stomping back to the bar to help himself to another drink.
"Lovely." the man quips before sitting down to address the table. As he clasps his hands together you notice a multitude of jeweled rings adorn each of his fingers, a few sparkling bracelets and a large pendant holding a ruby is around his neck. It is clear this man prefers to flaunt his wealth in the most obvious ways possible.
"My name is Sir Alveedo. You can call me that or just Sir. I only see three of you and I am quite sure I asked for at least four if not six adventurers. Higher chance of one of you surviving to bring me back something of interest. Well...speak up! Who are you lot and where are the others?" he barks out before sipping on a flagon of wine using a golden straw he pulled out of his coat.
|
|
As the Varisian man began to sip his wine, a very well-worn boot kicked open the tavern door. She walzted in, determined yet very loose after already having a few drink prior to her arrival. Her appearance is just as foolhardy as her entrance: half her brown hair up in a dishelved bun with a few stray beaded braids hanging about and beneath her leather armor is clothing of various patterns yet matching in similar colors.
She peers around and spots the designated table. However she sees two people dressed unusually well for such a place and is having a hard time trying to determine which is the hiring party, and her mildly inebriated mind cannot remember if there was a possible description.
After perhaps three seconds she decided she would rather talk to the pretty lady in red. She approaches the pale woman, takes her hand, and nods her head. "Hello there, madam. The names Ahnsil. Pleasure to serve a lovely woman like yourself" The woman looks surprisedly at her and begins rambling and pointing at the bejeweled man across the table. With a huff and visible disappointment in her wrong guess, she plops down in the nearest available seat and shoves a random piece of meat in her mouth. As she chews she gives a half-arsed salute towards the benefactor. "Sir."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The moment the words “escaped devil in disguise” are uttered by the woman a few seats down, Na-Eun goes still. Her jaw drops a little in surprise and she blinks a few times at the lady with crumbs in her hair. Clearly dumbfounded by the uncouth behavior on display.
Curious. What society could possibly exist that allows such behavior? Must be normal behavior for foreign commoners. Any normal court would shame her out of town. Hm. Maybe that’s why she’s here.
She quickly collects herself and takes another sip of the wine. ”Ha! A fine jape, my friend. While most people know of Devil Binders and Hellknights from my homeland, few know that they are incredibly boring and suck the soul out of any party. You have nothing to worry about with me,” she finishes with a wink.
Soon after, a man in expensive clothing joins the table. Na-Eun perks up somehow even more when he announces to the entire establishment that he is the benefactor. She waits for him to be seated before addressing him, making a mental note not to touch her wine again since she didn’t bring her own golden straw. I must study up on foreign customs when I have the chance; lest he think me a miserable lout. We already have that position covered and the silent orc surely won’t help me make a good impression.
She bows deeply enough to allow her hair to fall in front of her shoulders, subtly outlining her cleavage. It’s a practiced skill that has worked for her in even the most dire of situations and she is sure that it will secure the job for her here. She goes to cite her perfectly planned and rehearsed introduction but the door of the inn flying open kills the words in her throat. She spins to see a half orc woman spot the table and make a beeline towards her. Oh for heaven’s sake. What now...
The newcomer takes Na-Eun’s hand and introduces herself through slurred words. Not only that but confuses her as the benefactor. Na-Eun is so bewildered that she momentarily freezes, whipping her head back and forth between the benefactor and the newcomer while she thinks of a plan. A cheeky oaf. A stoney mute. And an ill-timed drunkard. At this rate, the benefactor is sure to fire us before he finishes his wine. Well... at least if I fail, I can drink my woes away with the flattering newcomer.
”HA! Yes! Uh- it... is... A PLEASURE INDEED! For I hired you... Ahnsil... to help me with this quest!” she says haltingly with a clearly strained and awkward tone. She isn’t certain how severe it is to insult the host in foreign custom but surely it’s at least frowned upon. ”Obviously you know that the generous Sir Alveedo is the benefactor. Haha! What a silly thought to think otherwise. Haha!”
Ahnsil sits and she winces at the indifferent salute, fighting the urge to facepalm. With the biggest smile she can muster, she forges on. ”Sir Alveedo! It is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Na-Eun and I’ve ventured here from the noble courts of Cheliax to heed your call. I am not aware of any others joining as it were but I’m sure we here can manage! It is a wonderful opportunity I’m certain we are all very excited about and it is my hope that you are equally excited to...” she stops for moment to gasp for breath, not realizing she had attempted to say all of that in just one. ”.... Hire? Us?” she finishes with an attempt at a smile that instead comes out as a nervous grimace.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The background chatter at the Inn was beginning to lull her into a stupor. The banging of cups, scraping of knives on bread, chairs scrubbing the floors... It was enough to relax any road weary traveler. Things came back into focus as a rather large orc galumphed over to the group. He practically had an aura of depression floating around him.
Liluth held her plate steady as he sat, unsure of if it was going shake off the edge of the table from the mass of him. She did take a peak at the impressive sword slung across his back, though she much preferred the lightness and ease of her own lance, it was a wonderful weapon. Subconsiously, she patted the shaft where it leaned against the table beside her.
Before she'd even let go of the dinnerware, another man whisked his way over. She looked him up and down, wondering how much she could make selling his pretentious get-up. It would be nice to trade up her worn, bronze scalemail for something a little... Flashier.
From the corner of her eyes she watched the spoiled one bow her head and held back another snort. Another rich girl making it through life t!ts first. I suppose she'll make a good shield if things get dicey. She managed to drag her eyes away from the plunging neckline in time to see yet another orc approach their motley crew. This one, at least, seemed like a spot of fun.
As Na-Eun (Her name makes her seem even more absurd.) prattled on, she slipped some of the leafy greens garnishing the plates into her pockets to take to Fleetfoot after they had finished here. It would seem that her dappled mare, and maybe the drunk, would be her only good company for the forseeable future.
"Name's Liluth. Pleasure, Sir Al." She raised her cup, sloshing wine over the brim, before slurping some down. It made her cringe to even refer to someone she had just met with such a title. And yet, money makes the world go round...
|
|
The brow of Sir Alveedo starts to furrow as the mixologist barges in and begins to report to Na-Eun. After their introductions (well most of them) he pushes aside the flagon and wipes his hands with an elaborately embroidered handkerchief...which he then tosses away to the floor behind him.
"Yes, good for you. Better the noble court than being stepped on in the street as the lower class. Everyone that has shown up is certainly hired but payment only comes after you finish your mission...although I certainly have my doubts if you will all make it back." he says eyeing each member of the group sighing as he realized he got a slob, a noble, a drunk...ah and a warrior!
"Except for you! Mr. Big Tall and Green...I will call you that since you are short of words. Please take care to complete the mission in case the others lose their way. Here, I have passes for you that make traipsing into that ruined watchtower...legal but your mission is to bring back anything of interest and I find valuable things interesting." he says pulling out a stack of writs of passage and leaving them on the table. He motions for the group to come pick them up.
"That said I may have gotten this nice spread of food but I don't plan on paying for rooms so you can head out immediately. The roads to the site are safe enough. There really shouldn't be any questions but I have already been surprised by you lot so fire away." he whines leaning his head to the left anticipating any questions.
|
|
Olox was watching his new proprietor closely. He certainly didn't respect him enough to address him with a noble title... yet, but he was more or less to the point and Olox valued that trait more than most.
The formalities mattered little anyway. Olox had already swiped enough dried meat to last a few days and was itching to cleave something in two.
What am I going to be killing in order to retrieve your... valuables? Olox asked without so much as acknowledging his soon to be companions.
|
|
"Oh...kill whatever gets in you way. Apparently these hills have tribes minotaurs, harpies, and centaurs. As far as what is in that tower...maybe some other adventurers or even a GHOST! OooOooo." he says with a mocking tone but clearly has no idea just what is inside.
A human man comes out from the back room looking at the gathering of people and shaking his head. He heads over to the bartender and slaps him fairly hard before whispering something in his ear.
"Grobus...did you take the payment before letting that fool reserve a table this time?" he whispers.
"Uh...no."
The bartender shakes his head after a whispered conversation just a moment before the human clobbers him with his empty mug. Furious he starts to storm over to the group.
Sir Alveedo looks over and quickly grabs a decanter of wine before rushing past the group.
"I believe it is time to go! See you when you get back in townnnn" he says darting out the door as the proprietor gives chase.
|
|
Na-Eun blinks in surprise at the silent orc’s question but otherwise doesn’t comment on it. She listens intently to Sir Alveedo and politely chuckles as he jokes about ghosts.
In the background, she notices a human man glare at their table and head towards the bar. She keeps her face passive and trained on Alveedo but focuses on the exchange with the bartender.
Her brow furrows at the exchange but she doesn’t have a chance to do anything further. The human storms the table and Alveedo makes a hasty exit. She decides to capitalize on the sudden chaos. She quickly swipes a pass off the table and stands.
“Well! This has been enlightening and truly a delight. I will make sure to give this pass to my personal steward and she will join you on your journey. I hope to see you all arrive safely from your ventures. Oh! And if anyone happens across a golden straw, please keep me apprised.”
She finishes with a wink and her trademark smile before quickly strutting out of the inn.
|
|
Liluth is only halfway listening to Alveedo because has her eye on the drama unfolding at the bar behind them.
She tilts her head curiously but can't hear what they're saying over the sound of her chewing. She shrugs and turns back to their queer benefactor. She shoves a few pieces of dried meat in her pockets, and a few in her mouth, along with one of the passes from the table.
She grabs her lance, completely oblivious to the man charging their way, and slings it over her shoulder. She stands and makes for the exit, "Come on, Slowpokes, time to hit the road!"
|
|
Olox listens to Sir Alveedo intently despite the mocking tone. He's learned well enough that information is 'almost' as important as prowess in combat.
A commotion at the bar distracts Olox:
Not wanting to get stuck with the bill and cause a commotion with civilians, Olox grabs a pass and pretends to storm off after Alveedo.
This revelation doesn't bode well for getting paid later, but perhaps he could pocket something valuable in the tower just in case.
Once outside he sighed heavily and started toward the fortress. Olox wasn't in a hurry after realizing his proprietor might be a fake. Nevertheless, he didn't have any other prospects.
He assumed the party would find each other near the fortress... if they were still interested.
|
|
Ahnsil decides quickly that she cannot stand this guy that hired her, but she may as well sit and enjoy the spread on the table. Wouldn't wanna be completely rude and not eat what's been provided.
As she absentmindedly gnaws on the mystery meat, her eyes wander, only partially listening to the the boss man, when she spots a human striding with purpose and tangible anger towards the bartender. Ahnsil switches gears to try to listen in, hoping for some choice words to be thrown.
She can't clearly hear them and immediately loses interest. However, she notices that the hiring party is hauling ass as fast as he can towards the exit. She assumes the meeting has adjorned as the pretty lady and the big guy make their way out too, so she takes it upon herself to sneak a few more pieces of meat into her pockets, grab a full flagon of the cheap stuff and a pass, and swagger on to the door, wondering to herself if she'll be able to find enough treasures to snag for herself to get a big swig or two of some nice top shelf drinks later
|
|
As the group approaches, the figure faces them while absentmindedly twirling a dagger. Her face is completely covered by a realistic model of a sphinx cat’s face; her dark hair hanging like curtains on the sides. The mask gives off no hint of expression except a cold and eerie glare. She wears a short quilt-like kimono that’s tied tight around her midsection by a floral sash and simple black leggings. As she turns, the glint of a sword hilt can be seen underneath the large bow the sash is fashioned into on her back.
With a flurry of motion, she thrusts the dagger-twirling hand into one of her oversized sleeves and pulls it out holding a familiar writ of passage instead. ”Ah. The oaf, the mute, and the drunk. Not sure which one of you is which but based on what my boss told me, I’m sure it won’t be difficult to figure out. You can call me Sphynx. Nice of you to finally join me,” she says in a surprisingly unmuffled voice. Her tone is plain and rather unremarkable. She gestures towards the ruins with a nod, ”Who’s going in first?”
|
|
Only Ahnsil is able to hear the growling approaching from behind the tower as Sphynx poses the question. Those keen senses come in handy as she is able to react to the three wild dogs charging madly at her. Two close the distance and begin snapping their jaws at her legs. The red furred hound stumbles and misses but the one wearing a rotting green collar bites down hard on her calf before thrashing about. It releases the grip only to continue growling at the group.
|
|
As soon as the green collared mongrel bit Ahsnil, Olox leapt to her side with a surprising surge of comradery. He might not have been impressed with them yet, but no manged mutt was going to interfere.
In what looked like an effortless motion Olox brought his great-sword over his head and attempted the cleave the green collared mongrel in two.
|
|
After Olox deterred the beast, she squinted at him for a moment, then gave him a quick nod of acknowledgement. She wasn't expecting the quick reaction to come to her aide but it was appreciated all the same.
Anhsil decides to hop backward, training her eyes on the red mutt and readying herself to fight while the big guy focused on the green collared mutt.
|
|
Liluth slowly sauntered forward on the back of her dappled mare, Fleetfoot. She had a loose grip on the reins with one hand, and a piece of dried meat from the Inn in her other. As the ruins came into view she squinted at the masked figure waiting for their arrival. She only squinted more as the being began to speak. As she started to dismount, she spoke. "Who the f-"
Her speech was cut short, and she whipped her leg back over the saddle as the snarling dogs came into view. The meat ended up trampled under the mare's hooves as Liluth quickly urged her forward.
She grabbed the lance from her back with a flourish, and maneuvered nimbly around Ahnsil as the dog was releasing her new comrade's leg. She watched as Olox made a swing and a miss for the reddish hound.
Liluth turned her attention back to her own foe. She took a deep breath to steady herself, and with two hands, she tightly gripped the lance toward the base of the shaft. She forcefully thrust it down toward the closest dog, the one wearing a collar, aiming for the nape of it's neck, a grunt escaping her throat as her muscles stretched downward...
|
|
Ahnsil misses her thrust in the commotion of the two wild dogs jumping about wildly.
The third hound with a face covered in some blue slime (hopefully it just got into a blueberry pie) rushes up to join the pack.
This one isn't able to find any limbs to clamp down on as it tries to squeeze between the other two.
|
|
Sphynx momentarily freezes at the sight of the rabid hounds. This wasn’t even close to what she was used to. Usually combat for her entailed shadowing a person and studying them; waiting for the perfect moment to strike and flee. As far as being ambushed and beasts go, she knew extremely little.
However, the sight of her new comrades immediately coming to the aid of Ahnsil manages to spur her into action. Regardless of what she was used to, the current situation demanded her attention.
She brandishes the short sword from her back with a fancy flourish and starts running in a wide arc around the chaos . While assessing the enemies, she sees the male orc take one of the beasts attacking Ahnsil but there’s still another one she continues to struggle with up close. Sphynx locks on and changes course in her dash; skidding slightly in the dirt before heading straight for the collared beast. She holds her sword low and close to her chest during her approach then finally thrusts towards the back of the beast as deeply as she can.
|
|
Lilith remained still, clutching her downward lance. Huh, I thought for sure I had it. She took a moment to shake off the failed attempt, and noticed from the corner of her eye as the dog was felled by the one called Sphynx. Her face contorted to a scowl as she once again pushed Fleetfoot forward and readied her weapon toward the last remaining dog.
She wheeled the horse sharply right, and as her mount turned she swept the weapon along beside her. With both hands grasping the pole, she allowed the momentum to carry the attempted attack...
|
|
With the immediate threat abated; the group is allowed a moment to deal with three dying dogs, tend to their wounded, and prepare for the harrowing journey ahead.
To the west lies their destination, the ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress. It rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.
|
|
Olox let out a deep rumbling laugh as he turned to face the group: Haha! Not bad!
With a satisfied smile on his face he knelt down, and placed his hand on Ahnsil's mangled leg:
The name's Olox. At one point I was known as the First of Gorum, but I'm not sure I'm still worthy of that title.
He placed a crude metal bowl on the ground, uttered something in a guttural language, held his hands over it for a moment, and as he pulled them back it was full of fresh, clean water.
I underestimated your prowess in combat comrades. But we allowed these mutts to inflict too much pain on Ahnsil. We should proceed cautiously and as one blade.
He stood up, motioned for the others to take as much water as they needed, and turned to survey the crumbling tower.
|
|
Sphynx looks down at the dying creature at her feet; unsure of how to react. Most people she knew would take the beasts out of their misery but she had heard rumors of others rehabilitating said beasts into companions. The male orc made no urgent moves to do the either so she takes a few steps back for the time being and gives him some space to work.
”Well met, Olox.” After a pause, she sheathes her sword while gesturing to the dogs with her off-hand, ”That’s one way to start this assignment. Might sound stupid for asking— but what are we gonna do with them?”
|
|
Ahnsil stares down the dying beasts, making sure they weren't getting up before lifting her head and letting out a powerful, much needed yell of release. Like a sigh, but a lot more aggressive. She then hears the silent orc...laugh? She wonders if one of the dogs hit him in the head one good time and she did not notice. He then introduces himself and heals her bleeding. She assesses his work, hopping up and down a couple times and kicking the once mangled leg to make sure it was stable.
"Ha, well what a fine mess we were met with...bodes well for the rest of the journey, aye?" Ahnsil gives a strong pat to Olox's shoulder in comeraderie. "Was beginning to think you were a mute. But thanks big guy for the fix up. And uh, thanks to all of ye for the assist. Should be an interesting trek through the fortress for sure."
She takes the metal bowl from Olox out of politeness and partakes of the water, splashing some of it on her face as well. Handing it back she pulls out the wine she took from the tavern and has a few swigs to ease the tension. She hears the masked woman ask about the mongrels.
"At this point I don't really give a damn what happens to the beasts. Leave em for the vultures or take their teeth as a prize for all I care...Hm, those might make for a fun accessory. I'll take em if no one wants em. Except from the oozing blue one. Gross."
|
|
Lilith swung from the back of her mount with practiced ease. She wiped the blade of her lance clean in a nearby patch of grass. As she placed the weapon on her back, she traded it for a dagger from her waist. "Nice to know you can speak, Olox." She said with a snort.
She walked around to the downed dogs and put each out of their misery with a quick plunge and twist of the twelve inch blade. She may have taken part in their demise, but she couldn't see leaving them to suffer more than they had.
"Well, that was a fine way to start the afternoon, eh? Good bonding exercise!" She punctuated with a hearty laugh. "I don't reckon this is going to be an easy trip." She stood with her hands on her hips and stretched her back, massaging the sore muscles from sitting in the saddle.
"So, where should we start?" And though she asked a question, she pulled Fleetfoot's reins down and led the mare toward the ruins, slowly picking their way over the rubble...
|
|
Sphynx is glad for her mask as Liluth puts down the dogs one by one. She grimaces thinking of her own furry babies back home and hopes they don’t miss her too badly. She gingerly steps over the bodies and pats Ahnsil on the shoulder “Guess you’ll get that razor sharp necklace after all.” She leans in close and whispers ”Watch your fingers.”
She breaks off and jogs after Liluth towards the ruins; looking for any entry points. She spots two and makes her way to the one on the right. Wish I would have brought a grappling hook. I bet that Olox could throw it pretty high. Knowing my luck, all the good stuff is at the top. ”That horse wouldn’t happen to have a hidden pair of wings, would it?” she mutters dryly; not expecting a response as she overtakes Liluth and her slow-going horse in the rubble.
Sphynx quietly crouches and presses up against the wall once she reaches the entrance; attempting to be as invisible as possible. She leans and looks into the entryway to see if she can spot any more enemies lying in wait.
|
|
Olox heals a good portion of Ahnsil's wounds, but she still has a few painful spots.
As Lilith and Sphynx make their way to the tower, they can only see darkness within. The southern doorway is choked with more debris making the room inaccessible without clearing away large amounts of rubble. Sphynx peers into the darkness of the north wing. As the outside light streams into the entryway it illuminates a rubble littered floor and swirling dust clouds. Hanging down from the ceiling are thick cobwebs like glistening gossamer tapestries.
|
|
Olox noticed that Ahnsil was still limping a bit and offered to finish the task:
That pass seemed to do the trick so he made his way after Sphynx. There was only so much stealth a half-orc in full plate could accomplish while climbing rubble. Still, better to approach the entrance deliberately and slowly and not like a clanging gong on wheels.
He made his way to the opposite side of the right entrance and waited for his eyes to adjust...
|
|
Liluth approaches after tethering Fleetfoot to a tree that stood around twenty feet from the side of the tower. In her hands she's holding a torch and her flint. While the others are busy squinting into the dark, from partially obstructed views, she gets a spark and ignites the oiled rag tied on the end.
She puts the flint in her belt pouch and draws her dagger, just in case. She may be rash, but she wasn't stupid. She advances to the door and shoves her arm between the two, sweeping the flame side to side to clear the thick webs.
"I don't know about you, Kitty Cat, but I'm not much of a climber." She says in response to Sphynx, adding on a cheeky wink.
|
|
Ahnsil catches up at her own pace to the party at the foot of the fortress, watching them with an indifferent gaze as they try to decide whether to enter the busted open first floor or attempt to proceed upward. She hears Olox's comment about the webs inside.
"...Hm"
She strides past the group and stands in front of them, looking into the darkness. As she looks around at the ungodly amount of webbing within she lights up one of her torches. She hates spiders;such nasty things. With a devious grin she looks back at her comrades.
"Stand back, fellas"
Ahnsil takes full pitcher stance and throws the torch into the sticky hell hole.
|
|
Ahnsil heaves the torch but it spins awkwardly and veers off her thrown course but still ends up colliding with the webbed wall. The fire slowly spreads as the room lights up in a blaze.
The chittering is loud enough for anyone to hear now as it grows more agitated. It actually sounds as if it was nearly above the doorway but now the sound of quick clattering of many legs begins to fade into the distance.
The blaze spreads for the next few minutes. Those brave enough peering in past the extreme heat and bright inferno can see the room fairly clearly. Burning strands fall to the floor but no arachnid foes come rushing out. Some debris and wooden furniture smolders in the dark providing a little light.