The light sources move about the collapsed end of the cavern while you discuss the events of the day, check for survivors, etc. As they do, you notice flashes of silver amongst the rubble. It as if the light were catching small pools of molten silver fire in and around the detritus of the cavern.
The tiefling shouts:"Someone is alive."
Utterly clueless about the medical situation he gently picks up the elf and carries him to the others. Putting his flask to the elves mouth he pours some water into him."My name is Bollwerk, follower of the inheritor. You are alive. Whats your name? Are you hurt, apart from your ... face?
to calm him down.
The tiefling shouts:"Someone is alive."
He gently picks up the elf and carries him to the others. Putting his flask to the elves mouth he pours some water into him."My name is Bollwerk, follower of the inheritor. You are alive. Whats your name? Are you hurt, apart from your ... face?
”That makes it better? That there’s an army trying to kill everyone? Do you even listen to yourself?” Seraphyna yelps incredulously, jaw working to expound on her statement, but no words coming out.
Kazul sighs loudly from the other side of the cavern at the halfling's rant. "My goodness, child, how do you wake up everyday when the sky is falling all the time?? You do know this city is close to the Demonwound, right?!! What did ya think? It was just a colorful name?! No, there are actual armies of demons there! And brave souls battle them, quite often actually. Now, did they expect that their protections would be penetrated and their greatest defender killed in a span of seconds? Probably not. But, as the orcs say, sh*t happens! So you can either cower under your hiding spot in the fetal position or fight! Get busy living or get busy dying! It's that simple, I've learned. Your choice, halfling. Either way, I don't..hey, I've got a survivor here!! Female! Broken leg, though! Is anyone of you a healer?!"
Kazul proceeds to dig her out quickly without disturbing her leg. "Easy, easy, young lady. You're going to be okay."
Kazul mumbles, "Never done much healing, but hopefully this will make you feel better, miss."
Fabian looks with sympathy at the halfling. "I don't think I have come to terms myself yet with Terendelev dying. It's just too much to take in. But... as I said, I think one of her dying acts may have been to save me, make it so that I, and perhaps all of us here, survived this fall. The waggling of the fingers.... If that was the case, then we need to honor her sacrifice. We need to get out of here, but we can't run away, we can't run and hide down in the center of the Inner Sea. We have to stand tall, fight, and make her sacrifice mean something."
Fabian sees that the tiefling Bollwerk is taking care of the elf. He goes to inspect the flashes of silver, to see what they might be.
Lucille shrugs at the halfling's words.
"Right now what I'm worried about most is the roof falling in. Picking a fight with a demon, or an army, or anyone else isn't really on my list of things to do."
She watches as Bollwerk finds a survivor, and then the Bear does as well.
"Now you think you can make yourself useful? Maybe help with the wounded, or find a way out of here? Nothing's gonna get taken care of, less'n we do it ourselves."
Lucille had never learned much about healing, so she follows the scholar over to the silver puddles of light. She leans down towards one -- without touching it -- and takes a good whiff, to see if she can figure out anything about it.
Dieter kneels beside the elven male, clasping his shoulder with a gentle hand and whispering softly, "There, there. Do not move. We will see what we can do to help. Rest easy. What is your name?"
Diplomacy
Remembering all he learned about setting his own broken bones, Kazul creates a makeshift splint and a crutch for the woman out of wood scraps in the rubble.
"Th-Thank you." She stammers, lurching to her feet, "I am Anevia. Anevia Tirablade"
Some ways away, the elf moans in agony, but manages a few words through the ruin of his face, though it causes him great pain. "I am...Ara...Aravashnial."
Lucille and Fabian bend low over one of the silver "pools", which bursts into a brilliant flame as it reflects the light from Fabian's staff. Reaching down to examine it, he discovers with wonder that's not a liquid at all, but a shining silver scale, about palm-sized. Throwing caution to the wind, Fabian holds it up for all to see. The scale shines like liquid fire, held high above the wizard's head.
Scale of Terendelev
You also know that this scale provides you with the ability cast Levitate 3x a day as a standard action.
Conflicting emotions run across Fabian's face as he picks up and regards the silver dragon scale. First his eyes widen in wonder, as these are the scales of a silver dragon! Then his brow furrows in sadness, as he realizes what the spare scales imply. Finally, his face briefly takes on a distant look, as if somebody were communicating with him. "In the name of the Inheritor, I will," he says, although it's not clear to whom he speaks.
Putting the scale in a pocket, he says to the others, "We must collect all of these scales. These are gifts given to us by Terendelev. We must not let them go to waste. And it is our duty to fight back, to somehow find a way out of this hole and to fight back the demonic hordes."
He looks at the blind elf. "Greetings, Aravashnial," he says. "I suspect it is not me, but the other follower here, but I too am a follower of Iomedae, and my name is Fabian. I fear that my studies are of the arcane nature, and I do not have any magical abilities to provide healing."
Fabian will help the others find and collect any remaining dragon scales, and will make sure each person present holds a scale, hoping to see them receive the same message he received.
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Seren rushes forward towards the elf whose face is scarred and, well, not too pleasant to look at. She eyes him closely, then waves the hard looking woman over. With a soft breath of words, her hands touch them. "Go raibh tú ag fulaingt a thuilleadh." Slowly a gentle wash of light flows from her and into the man.
"I thought the Wardstones were to protect us. But if that... Demon got past... What about the others in the coty? Or the other forts and towns?" Her face begins to show fear and anxiousness as she winds herself up.
"Aravashnial, we will do what we can to keep you safe." He turns to the woman and opens his mouth to speak and then pauses for a moment. "I am... Dieter. We will... help you both. Yes, both. Both of you. Right now."
He shakes his head slightly as though clearing a fog and turns to Seren. "That is why we need to flee east. The further we move from the Worldwound, the better. Regardless of circumstances."
He accepts the silvery scale from Fabian and cradles it gently in his hands. "A scale of Terendelev. This is a great honor indeed. We must escape with our lives, if we are to put it to good use."
As he makes sure each of the others carries one of the dragon scales, Fabian says, "When I first picked up the scale, I heard a voice in my head. It said, Avenge me. Avenge Kenbares."
Shaking his head, Fabian continues. "It's not a week since my master gave me my first spellbook. I'm not worthy. I'm not ready. But we must take the tasks that are set to us."
Bollwerk will reluctantly accept a scale. A part of him hopes he is worthy. "This is my second memento. With gentle hands he puts it into next to his holy symbol!
Lucille walks with the wizard as he gathers the scales, making sure he didn't miss any. Not that she understood the point -- I mean, she'd heard about impressive tinctures you could make from powdered dragon scales, but she decided against bringing those up. She didn't know how to make any of those herself, and they talked about this dragon like it was almost a person.
When he hands her a scale of her own, she studies it intently, trying to visualize what part of the beast it might have been attached to. Then, catching a bit of her reflection in its shine, she tries to use it as a mirror, shaking her head at her dirty face. She finally stows the scale in her pack, and returns to the matters at hand -- getting out of this hole, and finding her horse.
Sera looks suitably rebuffed after everyone’s retorts to her rant, and busies herself by staying out of all the big peoples way. When the silver scales are discovered, she looks around and finds one nearby. Picking it up and seeing her reflection in its beautiful sheen , she bites back more tears as she remembers the woman who this scale was once a part of. Pocketing the item, she quietly debates her meaning in all this, and why one of the mightiest creatures in the world chose her to be one of the few saved.
Pretty lady. "I am Kazul, pleasure to meet you Anevia, though we'd both wish it was under better circumstances. I did the best I could with your leg, miss. I think there is a healer here who can help you." He helps her stand, if she takes his hand.
"How did you come to be in the middle of this demon invasion? Native of Kenabres?"
Kazul grabs the scale given to him by the wizard. Never been tasked for something by a dragon before? Then again, never met a dragon either. I'm just a half-breed looking to survive. Kazul stores the scale away.
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Seren takes the scale, holding it in hand. A small tear comes forth as thoughts of what is happening come forth. "Avenge? I can see why, but... Can we do it? You all saw what that demon did. But... I guess someone must." She looks at the scale, then gently places it a belt pouch.
She turns to the two newcomers whom she just cured some. "How are you feeling? Do you need more healing? I'm not sure if it'll help, but, well, I'm willing to try if it makes you feel better." She looks at all gathered. "And to you all as well. We're in this together for now, so if anyone needs help, ask and I will plead with Desna for assistance."
In a quit moment.
As you touch the silver scale, you are filled with the memory of the dragon's eyes looking deep into your soul as she dies. You are overcome with a deep sadness, tinged with resolute determination. A voice inside your mind speaks to you:
You know that this is a scale of Cloudwalking.
You know that this ia a scale of Disguise.
You know that this is a scale of Sacred Weaponry.
You know that this a scale of Sacred Weaponry.
You know that this a scale of Healing.
You know that this is a scale of Sacred Weaponry.
It is still quite apparent that Anevia and Aravashnial are sorely wounded. While Kazul did an adequate job on her leg, Anevia won't be doing more than a hobble. As for the elf, he is quite obviously blinded by his wounds.
Anevia smiles weakly at both Dieter and Kazul. I live here, but I am not a native, no. Thank you for saving me." She says.
"That's lovely." The elf says harshly, sitting upright. "But we have more important things to worry about than simple pleasantries. Who are all of you? Do we have anyone with experience here at the front? No? By the Spiral, we are in trouble. Very well." He says, struggling to his feet. "You there, Iomedaen, you will lead us out of here. Fabian, you will assist me." His tone suggests that he is one used to giving orders.
Your various reveries, contemplations, and discussions are broken by a loud moan, coming from the opposite end of the rubble pile from where you found the girl and the elf.
"Ohhhhhhhhhh. I am dying. Surely this is my end. Is anyone out there? I see the light. I am coming! I am coming to you my lady!"
At the edge of the light, you can see a hand raised up towards the ceiling, as if reaching for a faraway star.
Fabian makes his way over to the new person who's groaning for help. He finds the hand, and looks to see what's connected to it. Is the person buried? If so, Fabian starts to dig him out. If not, he kneels down next to the person and says, "All you all right? I am Fabian. There are several others of us here, no are not alone."
Now is not the time for pride. Later. Dieter calls ahead to Fabian, "Do you see someone? Are they alive?"
Bollwerk will aid Fabian. Checking for wounds,
and trying to sooth his worries
"Come closer, we can help you!"
Sera pulls out the scale again and stares at herself, pondering what she heard as Bollwerk approaches. His words snap her out of her thoughts, and she has a moment of panic as she realizes she is away from the group, alone with the Tiefling. She quickly calms down when he doesn’t make her flesh dance off her body and devour her organs for a snack, and simply nods in agreement, finding it difficult to speak. When he rushes off to assist with the newest survivor found, she exhales a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Setting her jaw, she tries to put on a brave face and joins the group.
"I will try and do my best to protect you, Anevia." Kazul smiles at the woman and goes back to his recon of the cavern. When he is far enough from the group, he pulls out the scale.
Disguise? When have I ever disguised myself? Oh well, I am sure it will come in handy. Thank you dragon! Your sacrifice shall not be in vain.
"I guess that dragon was pretty special after all," Lucille muses. "But I wish it spoke plain Taldane instead of cryptic mumbo jumbo."
It looks like all the wounded are being tended to, and Lucille was never much of a hand with healing. But there's no telling what else is down here, and no one seems to be looking out for trouble. So she finds a spot which will give her the best view of the cavern, preferably with her back to a wall or large pile of rubble, and unslings her musket. After a quick check that it is still in working order, she turns her attention to keeping watch.
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Seren was about to say something to Aravashnial, but when she hears the groan of pain and muttering of impending death, she rushes over to help Fabian and Bollwerk help pull the person free. "Don't... Please, don't..." She is horrified at what is happening above possibly, but right now, she is attempting to focus on healing all the others around her. After all, a group of healthy people are more likely to find the sky again.
Once the person if freed, she looks him over. "Are you badly hurt? Is anything broken?"
"IS that you? Is that..." A stout man sits up quickly as he realizes that he is not, in fact, dying.
" Well. Well. I see you have taken your sweet time getting to me. Do you know who I am?" He snaps, quickly recovering his wits.
"Gwerm, Horgus Gwerm." He says haughtily. After a moment, in which you do not seem to show any recognition of his name, he snorts: "Commoners, hrmph. Well don't just stand there, help me up, I am sorely wounded!"
As far as you can tell, he doesn't have a mark on him.
Sweet Lucille notices that the rogue has readied his weapon and is peering out into the darkness.
Fabian will say to Horgus Gwerm, "Hello, Mr. Gwerm. I am Fabian, newly-minted journeyman abjurer of Kenbares. I would help you up, but it's probably a better idea if you let Seren look to and tend to your wounds before you move too much."
This time, Kazul yells out, "People, we got a giant spider over here about X feet away. Don't know what it's waiting for, but it's staring at us. Thought you should know."
Bollwerk looks at Horus. Shrugging he addresses the man.
"Well, Mylord, excellent that you are of such good health. Now normally I would offer you my hand in assistance. But today is a very black day indeed. You have no broken bones and two good eyes. I think you can help Aravashnial as his eyes. I humbly ask you to help us to guard you and get you up to the surface. Now, excuse me!"
With a short nod Bollwerk unsheathes his shortsword and readys his shield.
He moves closer to the half-orc. Noticing his huge sword he whispers:"Kazul, Dieter, I will try to draw its attention, so that you can flank it! Madame Lucille, can you shoot from there, I do not want to spoil your aim? Master Fabian, is it poisonious?"
The only thing common here is this man's manners.
Dieter grips his buckler firmly in one hand and draws a chakram with the other, taking a defensive stance next to Kazul.
Lucille aims her musket at the indistinct shape, then she hears Kazul's words. She calls out to the group.
"Got it covered. But I suggest it's time to start moving out before we get any more creepy crawlies."
Then she lowers her voice so only the half-orc can hear her. EDIT: And presumably Dieter, if he's right next to him.
When the warning comes about the giant spider, Fabian moves in that direction, firmly holding his staff in his hand. "Unfortunately," he says, "I am not well versed in spider lore."
"Gather near me, and stay within 10 feet of me!" Fabian says to the others who look to be in combat. Grasping his staff, a pulsed spherical shell of bluish light temporarily radiates out from it, indicating the creation of a protective sphere.
Anevia very calmly moves to take Aravashnial's arm. "Come here. I will be your eyes and guide you. We can't afford to distract them."
"I suppose, although I daresay they could use some practice at taking orders." The elf says gruffly. To the group he shouts "A spider? That's all?? Don't just stand there, DO SOMETHING!"
Meanwhile Horgus ducks back behind Seren and Seraphyna, crouching down behind the Halfling. With his hands on her shoulders, he tries to be as small as he can. "Protect me! I am too important to die here!" He cries.
"As you say." Dieter whips his arm forward and sends a chakram hurling toward the rather large spider.
Attack
Damage
As Dieter hurls his weapon at the spider, Lucille fires off a shot of her own.
Bollwerk shifts to the window guard position with shield held high and awaits the spiders jump.
Kazul takes a defensive stance, while he waits for the spider's reaction.
When the shout of a spider is heard, Sera quickly pulls out her tiny crossbow and tried to load a quarrel, her hands shaking so much she drops one into the rubble before its finally nocked. Using where Lucille fired as a guide, she tries to aim in that general direction, crossbow wobbling from her nerves. Calm down, focus, it's just a spider... a big hairy spider with venom dripping from its fangs... It'll probably go for the bigfolk first, they are meatier, it's a good thing I've been working out, trimmed myself up so I look less tasty. I wonder if I do look tasty at all?
The report of Lucille's musket echoes throughout the cavern like rolling thunder. The round hits the spider at nearly the same moment as Dieter's chakram. Both weapons tear into the spider's body causing horrendous damage. So much in fact, that the bulbous abdomen bursts open, spewing bile and fluids all over the surrounding rocks.
Suddenly, three giant maggots crawl out from the remains of the spider and heave themselves at you!
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As the party either attacks or attempt to defend themselves, Seren makes the mark of Desna upon herself. She pulls her starknife free, readying herself. Please don't be demons, please don't be demons... "Please don't be demons..." She raises her hand, preparing to bless herself or heal an ally, though how close these people are to actual allies only time will tell...