Benedic's holy symbol grows brighter and brighter, to the point where the rational part of your mind insists it should be blinding. All the same, you only feel a soft warmth filling the room, before it suddenly coalesces into a pulse of holy energy. The huecuvas throw their hands up to shield themselves, screeching, as it crashes over them. For a moment, it seems as if their blasphemous protections may have overcome the light of the Inheritor, but only for a moment. In the blink of an eye, the defenses of Benedic's attacker are swept away and the creature is simply obliterated, the sound of bones clattering against the altar the only sign that it had ever existed.
Selann continues studying the area for magical auras. He knows that his weapons are useless against these things, and attempting to fire his acid cantrip into the melee risks hitting allies as much as hitting the creatures.
Greta grits her teeth, leans to one side to see past Benedic, and swings her hammer at the standing undead creature.
The light from Benedic's symbol has scarcely faded before Greta's own shining steel smashes down onto the remaining huecuva, driving its skull into the ground with such force that its feet bounce up behind it.
The temple grows still once again.
Searching the remains of the creatures themselves, you find only rotted vestments and a knotted gold ring (worth 125 gp). Forgotten on the ground next to the altar, covered in a thick layer of dust is a masterwork warhammer, its head covered in intricate etchings. Selann's detect magic reveals a tattered bag tucked under the benches. Inside it are 4 potions of cure light wounds, miraculously unharmed by time or combat.
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Junior asks Tristan while sheathing his rapier, "What do we say to Urgathoa?" Without waiting for an answer his now free hand glows with a soft light. He steps to the inquisitor and touches him with a single finger.
Tristan smiles.
You say by the Inheritors will!
He claps the 1/2 orc on the shoulder.
Thank you, Junior. It got me good!
Tristan actually looks at the place.
With some work; this could still be a safe haven.
Tristan then gets a far away look.
Remember this place...
The glow fades from Greta's hair and hammer. Relaxing her grip on the weapon's shaft, her shoulders slump and she begins taking slow, deep breaths to recover from the toll her bloodrage exacts on her body.
When Junior offers her a potion, in case she needs it later, she accepts it with a smile and tucks it into one of the pouches on her belt.
Selann examines the dwarves, or their badly damaged remains. He takes the ring examining it for any marks that might indicate a family before pocketing it. "These creatures might have died here thinking that their god had abandoned them. I think they deserve a proper burial or the crushed remains might come alive again."
"Oh, I'll take one of those potions if there's one to spare. ?? I can't do any healing and if somebody needs it quick that'd give me that option."
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Massielo recognizes Benedic's energy burst as something similar to what he does, only Benedic's carries Iomedae's energy very distinctively while his has always left him in doubt. He sits on one of the benches as the others search the place and agrees with Selann "Yes, they should be respectfully buried under Torag's rites."
He gets up and walks around looking at things. He replies to Tristan "You think we could honor Iomedae properly with this building? I'm afraid to hope. But first we should rid the surroundings of the demonic magic we felt before entering this cave."
Caliban accepts the healing potion from Junior, thanking him before tucking it into his pack. Watching the interaction between Masselio and Benedic, Caliban asks, Is there some way we can all help? I am not well versed in the practices of faith in general, but I do know something about magical arts.
The next hour or so passes under Massielo's guidance as the party takes up the various tasks needed to prepare for a reconsecration. The remains of the dwarves are given a proper burial, interred under small cairns outside the temple itself. Inside, the work is equal parts tedious and grueling, as those not involved with the burial find themselves either removing the broken stone benches or locked in combat with the truly incredible amount of dust that coats every surface. The party is aided in these tasks by their wards, even Horgus (who, since the confrontation at the opening of the temple, has kept most of his acerbic comments and grumbling to himself).
Finally, the bones are buried and the shrine is clean once again. The ritual itself is made relatively brief and spartan by the circumstances, but no less powerful to those who participate.
Then, each of you feels the weight of the focus of something powerful. That weight is accompanied by a feeling of approval and warmth, which lingers even after the metaphysical burden of a deity's attention has departed.
Tristan happily helps, hulls, and hoorays while cleaning and chatting. The young Inquisitor adds his prayers to the ritual. He feels good about their presence here.
Camp sounds good. Some of us could use a relaxing place to recover before continuing our trek.
Spending the night here since we've cleaned it seems like a beneficial idea! Caliban agrees with the sentiment to sleep there.
Greta waits outside while the priests fix the temple, not wanting to interfere with their rituals since she worships a different god. But when they finish she comes in with a grin and looks around excitedly. ”Wow, guys, you did such a great job cleaning,” she gushes, ”I bet your god really likes what you’ve done with the place. Maybe after we get back to the surface you can tell people from your church about it and they can assign a priests to staff it for people who want to come down here. Maybe people will even come down and clean out the caves and rebuild some of what was here.”
When talk turns to spending the night in the temple, the powerful little woman looks anxious for a moment. ”I’d really rather reach the surface today...” she says without her signature smile, ”we don’t even know what’s going on up there right now, and there could still be demons in the city, and people could need our help... but, I guess, we really have no idea how long it’ll take to get there, and it’s better to sleep somewhere safe than to get stuck sleeping in some random cave when we can’t move any farther... alright.”
Junior takes the finely crafted dwarven warhammer and gives it a test swing. "You might have had a grim and dark origin but I like how you feel."
No stranger to back breaking work Junior pitches in on helping dedicate the shrine to Iomedae. He removes his armor and shirt first and starts lifting the broken stones causing his arms to bulge from the strain. He does so with a charming smile on his grayish, smooth, and clean face. Soon the work makes sweat drip down from his bald forehead onto chiseled chest. The rivulets collect in the canyons of his abdomen only to be shaken loose by his movement. He hums in a deep voice while he works.
Holding a gold coin to his head he exclaims, "I'm not showing off! I don't know what you mean."
Junior responds to Greta, "I'm good to move on if you are. But keep in mind that some of our number are injured." He snaps his fingers and says, "I'm sorry Tristan, I've got some more juice for you."
Selann helps with the cleaning, regretting not having prepared his Prestidigitation spell. While it couldn't handle heavy work, it was great for dusting and touching up colors of things that were badly worn....
When the idea of rest is mentioned he nods. "If we're safe here some rest would be good for casters. I've only used a little bit of my magic, but I don't have much.... So any safe place to rest is good!"
Benedic relaxes visibly when the creatures stop moving, and once the group decides what they are doing he pitches in to help with the heavy work. "We mean no disrespect to Torag, but it is thanks to Iomedae's light that we were able to cleanse this temple. May it shine as a beacon in this dark place, and lead many others out of the shadows."
Before they begin reconsecrating, he seeks out the more long-term injured party members, specifically Anevia and Aravashnial. "It seems that this place will be a safe place to rest once we have cleaned it up. I suspect neither of you would complain about the delay? It may be that after a few hours' sleep that you will feel reinvigorated and ready to continue."
Benedic also seeks out Horgus, separately from Anevia. He prays for Iomedae's aid in leading the man to confide in him, then catches him outside the building after they have dug a makeshift latrine for the camp. "Master Horgus, I hope you won't think me nosy, but I am curious about what Anevia said to you before the skeletons attacked. Were you once a religious man, did I hear that correctly?"
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Massielo looks at Benedic with some respect. He would never have guessed that he would get his hands so dirty and his back so strained like he did cleaning the temple.
He is somewhat happy when he says "We should at least plan some watch as we rest. We don't know what might be lurking in these caves. By the way, does anyone know how to work stone? We might benefit from repairing the front door."
Before the watch begins, as people are preparing places to rest and for the injured to be comfortable, Massielo comments "Temples sometimes have hidden places with divine artifacts. We might as well search for some." He searches the place thoroughly.
When the work is complete and the discussion of resting for the evening comes up, Caliban agrees with the consensus. We should not push ourselves too hard on this day, a rest here may do all of us well.
Caliban sets his pack in the corner, shrugging out of his armor. Seeing Massielo searching the compound Caliban will lend a hand. It is quite impressive how we've all taken to the task at hand is it not? I think we are all working well in the proper direction to assist with escaping this predicament. What do you think is occurring on the surface? I cannot imagine the destruction Kenabres must have suffered.
Caliban will seek out Selann later as well, Selann, I think I shall change one of my spells for tomorrow, swapping out read magic for flare. What do you think of that? I have few spells which are not directly related to combat, alas, but I think that may be a useful cantrip to prepare down here.
Addressing the group later, Given the divine and arcane abilities many of us have, we will need rest, how should we split watches? I do wish to re-memorize a simple cantrip to blind threats which lie in this darkness and will need relative leisure to do so.
Later on that evening, Caliban will seek out Aravashnial and sit with the elf. Terveiset tervehdykset, olen kiinnostunut tarinasi ja siitä, kuinka sinä tulit osallistumaan tähän ristiretkeen. Jätin valitettavasti Kyoninin liian nuoreksi ja liian täynnä hubria tuntemaan paremmin. Taikuuni tapahtui jotain Worldwoundiin tulon jälkeen, tuntuu ... älä koskaan muista sitä. Vanhempani ovat Caridas ja Mythia Tre'Athkar, tunnetko heidät? He ovat kiinnostuneita pääkaupungin suurlähettiläsministeriöstä.
”Wouldn’t that be kind of like stealing from the god?” Greta asks before reasoning aloud, ”although... it isn’t really his temple anymore, so I guess it would make sense to remove any of his artifacts...” With that ‘settled’ she joins in the search.
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Massielo is thankful that Caliban speaks his mind on the situation. It has been bothering him but until now he didn't know how to bring it up. He says "Kenabres is a strong city. We have many soldiers and holy men and women." As he says it, he attempts to not show his own fear, that most army officers are corrupt bureaucrats and that the city's strength has the dragon Terendelev as a pillar, and they've all watched that very pillar crumble before their eyes.
The healer holds the dragon's scale in his hand. He continues saying not only to Caliban, but to any who is willing to listen "Although we must hope that Kenabres still stands, we must prepare ourselves for the worst. It is possible that the last bastion of the World Wound has fallen. And we might be the last hope to lead the rest of the world to take a stand against the forces of the Abyss."
Now, looking at the everyone, one by one, he says "I don't know much about the world, but I am starting to understand the divine mystical powers that flow through me. Maybe I have gotten these powers for a very specific reason. Iomedae is strong in us. And her faith has driven down the forces of the Abyss since the First Crusade. And now we consecrate her temple on the same day that the Abyss gains strength. Friends, this is Iomedae's providence. We will survive these caves, and find the means necessary to bring her glory to Kenabres. I will make a vow with you. To never give in, and to defend each and every one of you until our mission is complete. For Terendelev!"
As they clean, the trio of Massielo, Caliban, and Greta search every nook and cranny of the temple, along with its surroundings. Unfortunately, the shrine is as humble as its secluded location would suggest, and they find no additional treasures.
Horgus eyes Benedic carefully, clearly reluctant to answer the question. But, after a few moments, he relents. "I still am. The Master of the First Vault has always been generous to me, and so I have honored him my entire life. But I've always considered that to be a private concern of mine, not anyone else's. I imagine Anevia learned of it while burgling my home."
Aravashnial turns his head at Caliban's approach, and he sits in contemplative silence for some time. Just before the silence lasts long enough to become awkward, he speaks.
"Tarinasi on tuttu minulle, vaikka en tunne vanheitasi. Vaikka lähdit nuorena, olen varma, että tunnet Treerazerin. Jätin Kyoninin Mendeville oppimaan ristiretkelijöiltä, jotta voisin palata ja karkottaa tuon kauhistumisen takaisin Abyssiin." His hand reaches out uncertainly until it find's Caliban's wrist. His grip is surprisingly strong. "Varo, nuori kalibanilainen. Minulla on syytä uskoa, että kultistit ovat solistaneet ristiretkeläiset, ja nämä väärät liittolaiset ovat tehneet enemmän haittaa kuin kukaan taistelu voisi, riippumatta siitä, kuinka tuhoisa."
Tristan gladly accepts the additional healing from Junior. The Inquisitor smiles sheepishly.
Wasn't really in my plans to pray for Healing spells, but with this sudden chain in events, I may.
Tristan then helps setting up a secure camp in the newly blessed chapel. While the time passes with preparations, conversations and proclamations, the Inquisitor does spend some time with each "crusader"; inquiring about possible combat tactics for the next battle and beyond.
The Inquisitor listens as each of his new companions list skills and talents. He commits them to memory for tactical information later.
The Inheritor has quite the band here.
Benedic nods. "A man's piety need only be between himself and his god, and Abadar is a worthy focus for an important man such as yourself. I wonder what Anevia meant by her accusation that you had abandoned your faith? That seems an odd crime to charge you with. Did she steal something valuable of yours? When things return to normal we will help her to do right by you, at the least to reimburse you for your loss, perhaps."
Selann considers Caliban's question seriously and nods. "While we might run across some written magic that would require the spell, it's not likely that it would be as critical to our success as blinding an enemy, even for a short time such as that spell does. I'm considering my spells too. For cantrips I have prepared Acid Splash like you for doing minor damage, Detect Magic for helping to locate and identify any magic that we might encounter, and Dancing Lights, well, because I don't have dark vision like so many others have. I don't think I could pick better there, but I'm wondering about my level one spells. I had Color Spray prepared, but it had no effect against those giant maggots. Besides, it's short range and a spray which could take out an ally if I use it wrong. Maybe I should ready two instances of Adhesive Spittle? It can stick a creature to the ground allowing use of missile weapons at range to safely kill it.... What do you think?"
Responding to Selann, I think that is an advisable choice to have two adhesive spittles prepared. I intend to go with Ray of Enfeeblement, and I have shocking grasp prepared. Since I am likely to be in melee I feel that is advisable. Otherwise it would be hydraulic push?
The "evening" passes without incident, and each of you feels more rested than you would expect, considering the stone floor and furniture you slept on. After your morning preparations, your entourage returns to the crossroads and takes the tunnel that remains unexplored.
After nearly an hour of walking, the tunnel slopes up slightly before a final turn into another cavern, into the walls of which are a number of carved stone figures. Each depicts a different crusader clad in armor and wielding weapons, but their carved stone features contain expressions of sadness.
If your result was 20 or higher, open the next spoiler.
Tristan walks ahead a bit. The Inquisitor searching the area for anything hazardous to their health.
stopping to examine the statues for a moment, Caliban comments on them, These statues look like they are from the first crusade; although I cannot say why they are so deep down here, or who would have carved them.
"I don't recognize any of the faces on the statues, the first crusade you say?"
@Caliban
"Hydraulic Push? I don't have that spell in my book. I've heard of it and if I understand it pushes your enemies away? Definitely could be useful! Once we get out of here I'd like the opportunity to review it if I may? You know wizards are always looking for new magic...."
During the evening, perhaps during one of the watches, Benedic again asks Iomedae for guidance before seeking out Anevia. "My apologies for disturbing you," he says kindly but directly as he sits down with her. "I feel we should discuss what happened earlier today between you and Horgus, to make sure there is no bad blood between those in our company that could impede our progress going forward. Do you have anything that you want to tell me about your interactions with him before this tragedy threw us together? Anything that could cause another argument between you?"
He listens carefully to what she says, and then asks: "Horgus believes that you once tried to rob him, or at least broke into his house and saw some of his personal possessions. Is this true? I ask so that we can discuss what can be done to make it right."
Greta tries to position herself near the front where her hammer can be of service. She listens with great interest to everything that is shared about the statues and as she does she looks around for current threats.
Anevia looks up as Benedic approaches, then back down at her feet. "Want to tell you? Of course not. But Horgus is half right. I was tasked by the Eagle Watch with breaking into one of his warehouses, searching for evidence that he was colluding with the forces of the Worldwound. Instead, I found meticulous records of his donations to various charities, knightly orders, and other ways to support the Crusaders. Anonymous, of course." She chuckles slightly as she says this last sentence. "I also found a private but well-cared for shrine to Abadar. I don't know why he's so secretive about his faith, and I certainly don't like his attitude, but I respect him enough that I only shared enough to exonerate him. Until I let my temper get the better of me, of course."
She looks back up at Benedic, with an intense look in her eyes. "But I never robbed him. I'm no thief."
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As Massielo and Caliban focus on the statues, Greta spots a sudden movement and a glimpse of leathery tentacles. She has enough time to shout a warning before the cavern is plunged into darkness.
Caliban lets out a muffled whumpf of air as something slams into him, tentacles wrapping tightly around his face.
Junior exclaims, "Killer calamari!" He begins to sing to a quick tempo and draws his longspear, holding it in one hand.
"There are times when you find, lobsters in a bucket, can't climb out. Why won't they climb away? Because other Lobsters pull them down."
If your roll was 16 or higher, click the next spoiler.
In the darkness, Tristan feels an oncoming rush of wind, allowing him to duck out of the way of another of the flying creatures.
The light spell on his shield suddenly goes black. Tristan listens intently to the darkness around him. He catches the swooping sounds of wings. The Inquisitor hears Junior speaking, but the meaning is loss on him.
Blinded and not certain of what or who or why, the youth begins to move in a random direction.
Tristan stumbles in the darkness, pushing and stepping on his comrades as he moves.
Anyone see what the f~@% was that?!
He does sound a bit out of sorts...the sounds of prayer is heard.
Through skill or luck, Tristan steps out of the way as his attacker grabs for him again, narrowly avoiding its grasp.
Greta, unfortunately, is not so lucky. Her supernaturally enhanced vision gives her a clear view of the creature's hungry mouth as it slams into her head and its tentacles wrap around her neck.
3 damage, grappled
2 damage, grappled
Greta begins to sway with Junior’s rhythm . Holding her hammer in her left hand, she clenches her right fist inside it’s cold-iron spiked gauntlet and punches at the creature grasping her.
Greta feels a satisfying crunch and a pained screech as her fist hits home, but the creature stays firmly attached.