Davor stays to the front of the group, probably right with Gregor leading the group into the wilds....
Shalissa is eager to get into the trail and excited about the promise of exploring Azlanti ruins in the jungles. She directs the mates to pick up the supplies and spends a good part of the path talking with Nkechi about the dangers and animals they will face in the jungle.
She is happy to leave the Wall of Eleder behind, but marvels herself observing the picks of the Bandu Hills from afar. In fact she points them for reference in Father Kerndrew's map "Look, this landmark is here. Give me, I have been studying a lot the geography of the region during these weeks. In the following it is better you let me lead on this"
"While we just let Gregor or Davor lead on how to survive in the field..."
Looking at the map provided by Kassata, Shalissa notices, that you are approaching the area where the Laughing Jungle veers towards the northeast and cuts into the Bantu Hills. she quickly realizes that the old road needs to cut deeper into the hills in that area and you likely need to look to the north for a way forward.
After a bit of backtracking Gregor is able to spot the place where you missed it. You decide to build a few stone pyramids as signposts for the main caravan and start your way up the hills. While the road rises steeply you begin to worry where it this will lead you and how Kassata will be able to cope with this track.
"It is better if we take the north path here" Shalissa points out after examining the map attentively. She helps to build the small pyramid signs and even asks a blessing to Gozreh for him to show Kassata's part of the expedition the right way.
"Do you think we will find some of the Azlanti art back in Tazion?" the elf looks at the group and poses her eyes on Gregor "Even our scout and ranger could be refined with a few pieces of jewelry" she smiles in good mood despite the clear difficulties of the ascending path.
Orisons
light
detect magic
divine guidance
create water
Level 1 (5/day)
shocking grasp^
liberating command
obscuring mist
protection from evil
shield of faith
Level 2 (4/day)
flame blade (electrical version)^
bull's strength
spiritual weapon
summon monster II
Half further along the road you meet a track branching off to the right with an old wooden sign saying FUZMI SALT MINES. On your map you find a marking of an abandoned mine. Looking more closely you also find marking of another entry leading onto the Mneri Plains on the other side of the hills you are trying to cross.
If that's true it might be worth exploring to see if you can find a suitable way through the mines. that would probably save at least a day traveltime for you and the caravan.
Looking at your surroundings you fell like you have been here before, after a while you remember that strange dream you had with the tempest:
A small mountain range pops out of the mist, and you see a opening leading deeper into the underground. A group of misty shapes seems to vanish inside that tunnel and later you see a group of humans trunning out of the same tunnel.
Davor considers the signs. Could they cut through and save time? "It's underground so it'll be dark. Doesn't matter to those of us with darkvision, and we do have light for those that don't.... Basically, faster but maybe more danger. ??"
"The dream journey though. We're supposed to go through?"
Father Kerndrew considers their path and the dream. "Thank you, Davor; that's a good reminder. I might have forgotten. I think we probably need to go through. I wish we could leave markings for the overland path for the caravan; I think instead we'll just have to do our best to make sure the way is safe for those following us."
"The dream was an omen, I think we are supposed to go through the mines" Shalissa checks the map once more and nods slightly "Indeed, if this is doable, it can save a few days to the caravan. But we must make sure it is safe... and if there is any dangerous beast that has made the mine its lair... we would need to deal with that so the caravan can cross safely"
With that said, Shalissa raises a prayer to Gozreh and touches Father Kerndrew's sword making it to light.
Then she follows the group into the mines.
The group follows the new road into the mountain and are soon able to spot the miners camp ahead. behind the five huts of different sizes a gaping dark hole leads into the mountain.
You are still a few hundred yards away from the camp when Gregor notices some movements up in the tocks to your left side.
"There is somebody follwoing us behind those rocks."
Shalissa takes cover behind the back of the tough ranger "Natives? Or perhaps some allies from the caravan?"
She readies her trident in case a fight begins and casts guidance on Gregor "We can try to parley, otherwise it is perhaps wise to into the mountain where we can defend ourselves more easily"
"I think its only one man." Gregor remarks before stepping up towards the rocks shouting "Who goes there!"
Confronted in sich a way a young woman leaps out behind some rocks. The Huntress stands near 6 feet tall with
a perfectly muscled figure and stunning features, her dark
hair woven into clumped tangles. She dresses in scraps of
animal hide and carries a glaive crafted from the toothed
jaw of some fearsome jungle beast.
"Going Away! No allow Hunting here." The woman has obviously only a very miniscule knowledge of Common and is hardly understandable.
Davor sheaths his weapon and looks the woman over with interest. The clothing and weapon have the look of someone living in the wild. "We aren't hunting. If you need food we can share some of ours. We are only curious about the salt mine over there. What do you know of it?"
Shalissa raises her free hand in a sign of peace and attempts to address the woman in Polyglot to see if she feels more comfortable in that language, otherwise she comes back to Common "As my friend Davor says, we are no hunters"
"We are only travelers in our way to Kalabuto and we were thinking to cross these mines in order to cut short the long journey" she takes one of the normal pearls they got in their diving and offers her to the woman "My name is Shalissa. Please, take this pearl as a token of friendship"
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Shalissa raises her free hand in a sign of peace and attempts to address the woman in Polyglot to see if she feels more comfortable in that language, otherwise she comes back to Common "As my friend Davor says, we are no hunters"
"Aren't you? You look a lot like a hunters to me." THe woman is clearly happy to speak Polyglot instead of common.
"We are only travelers in our way to Kalabuto and we were thinking to cross these mines in order to cut short the long journey" she takes one of the normal pearls they got in their diving and offers her to the woman "My name is Shalissa. Please, take this pearl as a token of friendship"
When Shalissa offers her the pearl she seems pleased with the beautiful gift () and relaxes slightly.
"Thank you! That's a lovely pearl. I think I will let you pass, if you promise me not to hunt dinosaurs in my land."
"The weapons are only to defend ourselves in case of attacks. The jungle can be dangerous, but you know that better than us" the elf smiles pleased when the woman likes the gift "We promise not to hunt any dinosaur"
She does translate for the others that might not know Polyglot that she only wants us not to hunt dinosaurs.
Finally, before continuing the trip, Shalissa also asks "Do you know what is inside the mines here? And whether if it is a good shortcut passage?"
Father Kerndrew listens intently, patiently nodding as the Pathfinders negotiate in Polyglot. I'm going to need to learn this tongue, I can see that already.
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Davor hears Shalissa's promise and adds his own. He draws his dagger in one hand and holds his familiar in the other. "I give my pledge as well, on my weapons both physical and magical that we do not hunt any dinosaur. We will defend ourselves if attacked but will do our best even then not to kill any such." He sheaths the dagger again and puts the little coral bug up on his shoulder.
"How long have you been living out here? And did you make that weapon yourself?"
Athyra () proudly shows Davor her handmade spear and tells him. "I have been living out here since I was a child. I am living of the land and protect it from the game hunters coming out of Eleder for a week of fun."
Then she whistles sharply and behind you a mdeium sized two legged Dinosaur appears rushing to her side. "Jaji is keeping me company and the land provides plenty."
When Shalissa asks her about the mine, her expression turns darker. "The mine is a evil place. There live the ghosts and tehy will kill you too when you go there."
"Ghosts?" Shalissa shivers for a second, her smile at the appearance of the dinosaur disappearing when the undead are called "Those are nasty things... normally their souls remain painfully in the Material Plane because of an incomplete task in life..."
"We received a dream some time ago by Gozreh herself. I think we are meant to go into those caves. Perhaps it is our fate to clean them from this evil..." she looks to Fathern Kerndrew at this point, then asks Athyra "If you know more of what is holding the ghosts in this world we might be able to let them rest."
"Maybe the dream was directing us to either clear the evil from this hole, or collapse it so it isn't a danger to the countryside! Either way it does seem that we must enter."
He nods politely to Athyra, "We've had a number of enemies try to kill us. None have succeeded thus far."
You continue discussing the mine and after some time the whole truth comes to light.
"My Parents used to work in that mine. One day they went underground. to try to cut through to that old abandoned mine on the other side of the mountain. But they never came back. Instead not long afterwars Angry dead things came out of the mine. and killed everyone in the camp."
"Thankfully I was playing in the hills at that day, and ran away before they could find me. But I never dared to go in this cursed place."
"But if you really want to enter that place, could you do something for me? My father wore a silver locket. It held a picture inside I would like to have that. to remind me of him."
Davor feels great sympathy for Athyra as she relates her story. Her young life had been so hard.... "If we find it we will return it to you, and any word of your family."
He moves to take the lead for the team. "Ready to fight ghosts Father Kerndrew? Hopefully your Iomedae is with us! I know Pharasma hates any undead."
Shalissa frowns, placing her hand compassionately on Athyra's back "I am sorry for your loss Athyra. Davor is right, we will do whatever is possible to find out what has been of your family"
Once everyone is ready, and with a heavy heart, the elf makes her way into the mines, looking for danger.
She casts light on Father Kerndrew's blade, to ensure the human can see going forward.
The sagging and overgrown remains of a small camp mark the site of the old mine, its gaping entrance visible in the hillside behind the camp.
The mining camp is abandoned, and consists of a large barracks and meeting house, an operations office, two storage buildings, and a small house for the mine owner and his family.
Once they get close to the entrance Davor moves ahead of Father Kerndrew. "Stealth isn't a real option with all of us close together, but I think I'm better at spotting things, and dodging if something jumps out at us. And my darkvision lets me see a bit better than the light spell. Let me lead please."
Shalissa nods and casts guidance on Davor "Sure, but do not get advance yourself too much. Remember how much it takes for Fathern Kerndrew to keep up with the running lead" she blinks an eye at the good and solid Father.
While Davor takes a look on the tunnel, the elf looks inside the tents, starting with the bigger one.
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"You'd be slower too if you walked in this armor on forty year-old knees!" Father Kerndrew defends himself with a return of the wink and a smile.
The wooden beams supporting the mine’s main entrance are weathered and sagging. Water trickles down the sloping floor among the wooden footholds leading down the main shaft.
Inside the mine, the tunnels are pitch black and the light from Kerndrews Blade is only throwing a limited circle of light around you. The walls of the mine are carved from gray rock salt, and most of the tunnels and chambers in the mine are flooded with water, ranging in depth from knee-deep to shoulder-deep. Narrow walkways connected by rickety wooden bridges run along the walls in most of the rooms and passages.
Father Kerndrew takes the lead and carefully treads on the aging planks. Shortly before he reaches the next bridge suddenly a column of water rises from the pool below them and slams towards the unsuspecting Davor. the Halforc is taken completely by surprise and samashed against the wall of the cave. He feels the water trying to hold onto him, but for now the slick water just pearls off.
"Ouch!" Davor feels the water thing slam him and the acid burns his skin where touched. He slashes with his dagger calling out a warning to everyone. "Some water creature! Hits hard and uses acid!"
He reaches his off hand into a pouch to retrieve the Wand of Vampiric Touch.
"You'd be slower too if you walked in this armor on forty year-old knees!" Father Kerndrew defends himself with a return of the wink and a smile.
"You are only a youngster" Shalissa laughs softly and truthfully amused.
---
Shalissa shouts in surprise while she tries to provide knowledge on how to fight such a creature.
Finding herself close to Davor, she casts shocking grasp and steps forward trying to shock the creature "Father of Lightning bring this creature away from us!"
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With reflexes seasoned by the venomous snakes on the Shiv Davor lashes out before the water tentacle can retreat and cuts the tip of the attacker.
In the meantime Shalissa unleashes the lightning of her god onto the water while keeping herself in the background.
Gregor rushes forward jumps into the water and lashes out with his battle axe.
"Its made ot of water crystals, so fire and cold won't hurt him" the Ranger informs the others ()
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"So long as steel work, Iomedae guides my arm to victory!" Father Kerndrew slashes his blade down towards the crystalline attacker.
Father Kerndrews mighty swing cuts another large swatch of the watery figure, which is by now noticable smaller.
The Shape just creates another arm which this time slams towards Shalissa, trying to end the painful currents. The elven woman is barely able to raise her shield in time to deflect the water onto the wall behind her.
"Never heard of those things, but it really seems that steel works Father" Shalissa grasps again the trident with two hands and attacks after blocking the ooze slam.
Afterwards she steps back to leave space for Gregor.
Davor hears the words, but he already has the wand in hand.... "Die.... whatever you are!"
Correct, it doesn't.
Settling into the peaceful meditation of swordwork, Father Kerndrew continues trying to disassemble the crystalline ooze piece by piece.
With all the experience of his many years in battle Father Kerndrew continues to slowly chop of the arms rising out of the water as soon as they appear, his blades almost dancing accross the body of the ooze. within a few seconds the spectacle is over and the puddle of water lies still before you, leaving you wondering if you all imagined it.
You move carefully forward until you reach the main drift of the salt mine. In the front of you over a small bridge you spot the remnants of an old campsite in a protected alcove.
"Thanks the gods your blade is strong and does not falter in times of need" Shalissa looks at the ooze sinking in the waters after Kerndrew made it into pieces.
"Athyra was certain, this place is dangerous, let's be careful" the elf renews the light on Kerndrew's sword and the guidance on Davor and the Father before checking the remnants of the old campsite.
The Bridge looks reasonably save for now, but will probably need a bit of fixing before you trust it to hold a ladden mule.
The campsite contains mining equipment, three mine carts, the desiccated remains of three mules, and a rusted iron strongbox.
Disable Device DC 30:
The chest holds the mine’s payroll of 500 gp and a bone scroll case.
"I'm no engineer, but show me what to do and I'll help make that bridge safe for the caravan to follow."
Tucking the wand away after the end of the ooze.... Do things like die? It acted alive.... Davor looks around the area with the others. Seeing the rusted iron longbox he carefully examines it to see if he can open it without destroying it, or the contents.
The first attempt fails but he feels the rusted lock is within his skill set....
Davor shows the contents to the group. He examines the scroll case for anything dangerous, but then hands it to Shalissa.
It takes Davor quite a while, but after a lot of fiddling with the rusty lock, he finally manages to open the the lock with a satisfying Click. Inside he finds 500 gp and a srollcase.
"We will need to add some supports and change some logs there before a mule can cross" Shalissa gives indications to Father Kerndrew to use the remains in the camp to try secure the bridge while Davor works on the lock.
When Davor succeeds and hands the case to her, Shalissa scans it for magical auras, and then opens it with hope for an ancient scroll.
Shalissa opens the scroll case and it contains something completely different, than what she expected. Once she unfurls the paper she finds the official deed to this mine written out to Feran Crinhouse, Althyras Father.
Davor nods at the discovery. "So Althyras owns the mine, and I guess this gold. I wonder if she knew that? Maybe we should take it to her before we continue forward and risk more dangers?"
Shalissa blinks a few times, surprised at the finding "That is a real finding. Ok, let's take this to Althyras" she saves the deed back into the case and has a look forward before they move back to the entrance to deliver the finding.
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Father Kerndrew smiles at seeing such unconditional willingness to help others. Sometimes, I don't have to lead... just observe and let people be their best selves on their own.