The man wears a frown, whilst the woman's face is so twisted that it's impossible to tell what she's feeling. The man speaks up first, in oddly archaic Common. "Upworlders. If your intentions be ill, we ask that you move on and leave us in peace. We've naught to steal save our lives, and even those are threatened at every moment. Should they be benevolent, however, perhaps you might yet render us some aid." His voice rasps through the cavern, a dissonantly rough sound for such eloquent words.
Elyda had not threateningly raised her longsword upon sight of the pair; yet she remained ready to strike if they proved false. Unlike the disagreeable Horgus, the young inquisitor inclined her head in respectful acknowledgment - yielding to those in the party with gentler manners to speak with them.
Instead, she watched them keenly; listening to their words and attempting to judge the motive/sincerity of the pair.
Horgus giggles softly. "The Abyss can make monsters of us all. Some more obviously than others." He replies to Thesius. "And they can feel it in their bones, if not in their minds or souls... the Untruth."
Arvashnial looks up in excitement. "Wait, you are descendants of the first crusaders who came down here? What do you do down here? How do you live life? Is your religious symbol that of Iomedae piercing the Eye of Aroden?"
The spokesman looks from one face to the next, the elven half of his features set in a tight frown, especially at Horgus and Aravashnial. "Whilst I would normally be most pleased to spend time exchanging pleasantries, our friend, Crel, has been trapped beneath the tower for a day and a half." He gestures at a pile of rubble near the edge of the tower . "As we're cut off from the normal route to our home, Dyra and I have only been able to move much of the rubble away. If you would show compassion and aid us in shifting aside this obstruction, we would be most grateful."
"Ah. Yes, of course." Aravashnial, at least, has the good grace to look abashed.
As the heroes approach the tower, they see that there is a single, large rock beneath which an arm and a leg extend.
Thesius steps up to assess the tricky situation, hoping to find a way to minimize the risk to Crel.
The spokesman looks concerned at Thesius' suggestion. "Excavating the rocks does pose a risk of collapsing what is already there on him..." However, he acquiesces to the suggestion, lacking any other options.
With Thesius' insight into how the rocks might shift and change, the group sets about working to excavate the rockslide surrounding Crel. Though Anevia, Horgus, and Aravashnial do not help in the endeavor, the spokesman and Dyra do, and after ten minutes of careful shifting of stone at Thesius' direction, the last of the lost children of the crusades is safely pulled free of the collapsed tower. He looks severely battered - at least, insofar as one can tell with his crustacean shell about his left and lower torso, and beak-like mouth - but he is alive.
The spokesman turns to the heroes with a wry half-smile - his lizardman features unnervingly displaying needlelike fangs. "Thank you, upworlders. If there is aught I can do to offer you aid, I will do so, upon my troth. My name is Lann, son of Rokk. This is Dyra, daughter of Kyr, and Crel, son of Sorin. I am honored by your help." He bows stiffly in gratitude.
Aravashnial looks intently curious, but he manages to restrain himself from asking more than one question. "Tell me, are you truly the descendants of the First Crusaders?"
"You have come from the Cavern of Ancestors, unless I mistake myself, so you have surely seen the statues of our foremothers and forefathers." Lann says. "The Inheritor's servants drove them down here, but they kept the faith, and so have we." The elven half of his face darkens. "Some of us, at least."
Aravashnial nods, clearly eager to learn more, but keeps silent for now.
Elliot makes a mental note to apologize to his master later... maybe he'd been wrong to walk off, despite that it resulted in them knocking out the crazy dwarf. Maybe he'd been overeager to prove himself after yesterday, too willing to make some difference after hearing the cries of pain from his friends.
But to Horgus? Hell no - that guy was an a*~$%##. Case in point with the... uh... 'creatively put together' human-beast hybrids, whom he really wished he knew what to call them. Maybe that interfered with Verene's attempt to play nice with him, but with this added to his earlier outburst towards his master, pretty much painting him both a bully and a racist, Elliot couldn't say he cared about the man that much.
It was fortunate that there was something to keep them busy so he could focus on something else instead of snapping at the merchant as well. And doubly fortunate for Crel that Thesius knew exactly how to do it.
"Thanks Lann - for the information," Elliot replies afterwards, just as he wiped the dirt from his hands. "Like Merixia said, we were hoping to run into friendly people, as we're not faring much better up there than you might be down here. At least... I think we don't. We fell down a chasm and have gotten trapped, and we'd like to go back to the surface to fight back. Would you know a way for us to get there?"
"So they kept worshipping Iomedae despite being attacked by her followers... I see. I guess I wasn't that far off with my symbol interpretation?"
Verene smiles in relief at the safe recovery of Crel and nods to each of the children of the crusades as Lann introduces them. "A pleasure to meet you, Lann, Dyra, and Crel. Merixia and I already introduced ourselves, but this is Thesius, Elliot, Elyda, Anevia, Horgus, and Aravashnial. Oh, and this is my familiar and friend, Thamyris." She indicates each in turn. Thamyris whistles a short greeting, then spreads his wings and dips his head in an absurdly solemn bird-bow.
"As Elliot said, we are chiefly searching for a way back to... the upworld. However, as you can see, we have people who were badly injured in the recent turmoil above, and by our fall. Merixia's magical healing has helped them, but not fully restored them to health." She gestures to where Anevia, Aravashnial and Horgus are standing, slightly back from the others. "So we would also be very grateful if you could tell us of a safe place to rest for a time, or even a healer we could consult with about their injuries."
"Thesius, Elliot, Merixia, Verene, Elyda, Anevia, Horgus, and Aravashnial." The strange man mutters the names, apparently committing them to memory. After a moment, Lann considers the siblings' questions, although Crel and Dyra seem fascinated by Thamyris. "I do not know of any such way to the surface... however, I know that Chief Sull, our leader, has sent others to scout the surface in the past. You are welcome to come with us as we return to Neathholm, where our tribe resides. It is... safer there."
Crel looks at Lann. "The way back is blocked, you said. What of the second route?" His voice has an odd chirping quality to it.
"Quite. The main tunnel has collapsed, but we know of an alternate route." Lann replies, before turning back to the heroes. "Chief Sull will want to reward you for saving Crel, and you may rest freely in Neathholm. As for a healer... Seer Opoli has some knowledge of such things. She will wish to see you, Crel, regardless."
Dyra grunts, and the two men look to her. She waves a hand at them both, and Lann nods, responding in a language the heroes do not understand, though his tone is exasperated.
"We would appreciate any aid you can provide and perhaps we will find more ways to help moving forward as well. I know that some of us would be grateful to learn more of your history and perhaps we can provide information you may seek as well. This structure that collapsed is of interest. We ran across a temple on our way here."
Thesius takes some time to inspect the area as he speaks.
Merixia lets out a sigh of relief when the odd folk mention that they have a healer. "Oh, thank Ragathiel. I've done my best for Anevia and Aravashnial, but my best isn't nearly enough. Thank you so much for your hospitality."
"We would appreciate any aid you can provide and perhaps we will find more ways to help moving forward as well. I know that some of us would be grateful to learn more of your history and perhaps we can provide information you may seek as well. This structure that collapsed is of interest. We ran across a temple on our way here."
"Yes, an old temple of Torag that had... well, been defiled. We cleared out the undead, cleaned up, and reconsecrated it. None of us knew the proper rites of Torag, though, so we consecrated it to Torag and Iomedae." Her expression darkens, and her tail lashes behind her. "We also found a criminal wanted on the surface for practicing dark magics, who has been dealt with, and a drow follower of Abraxas, who has also been dealt with."
Lann nods slightly. "Borr is the storykeeper. He shall share what tales you seek." He looks to the tower. "This was our construction, from when we were of greater numbers. Neathholm has used it as an outpost for many years. And now, well... we shall have to find another place to guard us."
Crel's expression changes at the mention of the temple. "Ah, you found the Place of Dread?" He says a few words to Lann, who nods his understanding.
"We appreciate your consecration of this ancient place to the Lady of Valor. Perhaps, in time, it will become another refuge for our tribe - or that of another." Lann says. "We know naught of this 'drow' of which you speak, but Lifetwister, ah, Lifetwister we know. A smallish dwarf wizard, yes? If he is dead, we shall be able to return once more to the halls of memory."
"I'd hoped as much, when I heard you had come from the Cavern of the Ancestors, but the confirmation makes good hearing." Crel adds. Dyna nods eagerly, before tapping Crel on the shoulder and making a sign with one crustacean claw and one hand. "Oh. You... you didn't... happen to see another like us, on your way here?" He asks.
Lann's elf features grow grave.
"As far as I am aware, we came across a dead giant spider that was in turn infested by giant maggots, giant cockroaches, zombies, a hueveca, some darkmantles, your lifetwister as you knew him, and the drow lady with her constrictor familiar. I believe that sums up our encounters down here," he says after pulling his journal out of his pack and while making some new notes.
"It is good of you to permit us some respite in your camp. The chapel is indeed re-consecrated, and, I believe the Lady of Valour has shown me that she is pleased and we are on the right path. Your people may find it a suitable refuge. As to the dwarf wizard - his madness was so far gone he could not be redeemed. The drow woman and her demon lord had wished to use him for some wicked deed - thus we could not permit such a thing from happening." Elyda spoke steadily and matter-of-factly; following up on what her companions had said.
"I'd hoped as much, when I heard you had come from the Cavern of the Ancestors, but the confirmation makes good hearing." Crel adds. Dyna nods eagerly, before tapping Crel on the shoulder and making a sign with one crustacean claw and one hand. "Oh. You... you didn't... happen to see another like us, on your way here?" He asks.
Elyda thought back on what she had seen and heard since falling down into the cave - far too many things had befallen them in a row and she wondered if she had forgotten something..."I did hear distant voices in a tongue I could not understand before we came to Torag's temple. Yet, I do not remember seeing one of your folk. Have they been missing long?"
With a sinking feeling, Verene remembers the abandoned campsite wherein they found the holy symbol and the bat brooch - and a pile of trash and bones inhabited by giant cockroaches. She tries to recall if any of the bones seemed the right size to be from a medium humanoid, but stays quiet for now.
"Should the worst come, I shall inform Chief Sull of the change in the area... but old dangers are hard to forget." Lann replies to Elyda.
Lann listens to Thesius' account impassively, though his lizardman features seem oddly menacing in the magical lights that the heroes use. Crel replies first. "We know some of those dangers by the names you've used, but not others." He turns to the Iomedaean. "He left some months ago, and headed in the direction from which you came. If you know aught that might lead us to him - or any knowledge of his fate, Chief Sull would be doubly grateful."
Verene thinks back on the bones, and, uh... she thinks that they might've been the right size? It'd be almost impossible to tell, of course, because of their deformities. Furthermore, she struggles to remember what the exact shapes of the bones were. In all, she's less than certain, but they could be the bones of one of these lost children.
"Very near the place we fell - so, about twenty minutes' slow walk west and upward from the temple you called the Place of Dread - we found an abandoned campsite. It is where we killed the two giant cockroaches Thesius spoke of. There, we also found a holy symbol, of the sword piercing the eye, and a brooch made of copper, in the shape of a bat with amethyst eyes. Elliot has them now, I think." Her fear about the bones is too uncertain to burden these people with it. Verene hesitates, then adds, "I don't wish to give you false hope. The campsite looked like it had not been inhabited by anything but the cockroaches for some time. And the rocks had shifted considerably in the place where we fell down, burying much of that cavern under impassable rubble. But we saw no other person, and no body either."
"Ah." Lann grows sorrowful. "Truly dolorous news. Chief Sull will certainly wish to hear this, and likely want the brooch, too. It was his son's, you see, passed down from our ancestors." He bows to Verene. "Deepest thanks for your information."
He looks to the others. "We should begin our journey to Neathholm. If any questions remain unanswered, we ought to speak of them on the way."
Crel and Dyra nod. "Aye. With your injuries," the other man says to Aravashnial and Anevia, "it will not be a short trip. The sooner we get started, the sooner we can get you to safety."
Dyra smacks his shoulder lightly. "And us, too." He adds, abashed.
Aravashnial looks considerably pleased at the thought, Anevia curious and perhaps a bit sad. Horgus looks less than enthusiastic, though there's a shadowy cast to his eyes.
The forgotten children guide the heroes through the vast room, towards the southwestern edge of the cavern. Once there, the three (with some help from Elyda and Merixia) shove a few rocks out of the way of Aravashnial and continue leading the companions onwards into a long, winding tunnel.
Of course, the adaptations are fascinating as well - the frame, the building's skeleton, so to speak, looks to be built from some sort of fungus, from what he can tell - likely due to a dearth of wood in the tunnels beneath Kenabres.
As they go, Crel and Dyna continue to peer curiously at Thamyris. When Verene notices this, Crel shrugs a little, his skin flushing grey. "Sorry. We've never seen anything like him before. He's a bird, right?"
Thesius pulls out his notebook and makes a quick sketch and notes to remind him of his findings so that he can better fill it in when he revisits it later on prior to falling back into line with the group.
"I for one would be interested in hearing a bit about your history. We know some of what happened, but often facts are skewed over time and clearly contact has been limited sense the unfortunate occurrences of the past" Thesius asks to guide the conversation knowing that Aravashnial would also like to hear about such things. "We of course are happy to answers questions as well," he offers with a smile.
Elliot nods at Verene, impressed by her ability to link the earlier brooch to this. In all the fighting and worrying, he'd forgotten to keep his head cool - as much as possible when your hair was on fire. "She's right - I'm afraid it's likely she passed away. I am sorry for your loss, Lann, Crel, and Dyra. Do you know why he would set out on his own so far? Do you think he was taken by Lifetwister...?" he wonders, realizing the location of the body was a bit odd.
Until that huge chasm had formed, was there even another way to get there? And they'd ran into the dwarf's camp right away... so had the chief's son been a prisoner to him?
When the journey to Neathholm is discussed, Elliot falls back to the rear of the group with their guests. "Master, shall I take over guiding you again? I apologize for the earlier decision to join the fight, as it didn't seem to go well. But... given I've used all my reserves subdueing Millorn, I can't do much else, even with this scroll. Anevia seems much better suited to fight than I am now."
On the way there, he doesn't notice Lann's furtive glances - pretty typical of him. He does, however, listen up with rapt attention when Thesius begins asking more about their history. This was very interesting stuff, and if nothing else, they might learn a thing or two that could help negotiating with chief Sull later...
"I'm so sorry for your loss. We can show your chief the items we found, maybe they will provide some clues as to what happened." She bows her head for a bit, respectful of the dead.
Huh, that's odd. Anevia seems almost familiar with these folk. Merixia is dying to know how, but decides to ask her in private later on. And one of the strangers is... confused, almost, by the aasimars. But not by Merixia. Interesting.
"I would love to hear about your history as well! All I've ever heard about you are a few vague rumors. First hand information is always better." And hey, it would be nice to talk to people who won't blink at her horns and tail.
Verene bows her head in respect to Lann, and to Dyra, who had seemed especially hopeful for news of their lost clansman. "Our sorrow for yours," she adds gently to Merixia's condolences.
She moves out with the others, keeping one eye on Horgus in preparation to interrupt or try to smooth over any grossly insulting remarks he may feel moved to make. Anevia and Aravashnial, at least, seem in possession of enough of their common sense that they're unlikely to purposely give offense to their newfound hosts.
As they move, it's not long before Verene notices Crel and Dyra's curious looks at Thamyris. She smiles reassuringly at the two of them to show they have given no offense. "That's right. He is a type of bird called a thrush. They are known for their sweet songs. Because of the magical bond between us, Thamyris can also express himself in our language when he wishes."
She holds out her hand, sending reassurance and pride down the empathic link between herself and Thamyris, and the rotund little bird flits from her shoulder to her finger.
"Friends?" he chirps to her, and when she nods, he says in a clearly-memorized phrase, "I am Thamyris, familiar to Verene Tanaquil! Pleased to make your acquaintance!" He adds of his own accord, "New friends. Dyra. Crel."
It's clear the thrush feels no particular fear or disgust at Crel or Dyra's unusual appearances; all humanoids are far more different from him than from each other, and these ones had inspired only hope and relief in Verene's heart.
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Crel sighs a little at Elliot, and the other two look grim. Well, Lann looks grim, Dyra looks... maybe slightly upset? It's hard to tell with how twisted her features are. "Irem had a disagreement with Chief Sull. Arguments were had, words that could not be unsaid. Irem left Neathholm. If you wish to know more, you must ask the Chief."
Lann nods, the lips of the elven half of his face twisting in a slight smile. "It is not for us to say any more." He speaks swiftly to Crel, perhaps in reprimand, and leads onwards.
Seizing on the chance to change the subject, Lann answers Thesius, his lizard eye turning slightly to face the half-elf. "As I said earlier, Borr is our storykeeper. He will be able to share the tales with you more than I. I can but share what all children know. When our ancestors saw what the Abyss had wrought upon their children, they went together into exile rather than face the ignorance of humans." He looks at the humans present, appearing ashamed. "My apologies. I simply tell the story as I learned it."
"Since then, we have moved in tribes, divided slowly, and gradually expanded. We have never been populous, but..." Lann shrugs. "We are still populous enough to split over ideology, resources, and other such... difficulties. We've struggled with monsters whose names I do not know in this tongue, and we've striven to survive. Ultimately, many of us live, many die. Same as any tribe, I suppose."
Crel and Dyra are very distracted by Thamyris, and play with him for as long as he tolerates the attention.
At Elliot's offer, Aravashnial waves his hand. "No, Elliot, you are more capable of moving quickly than I, and your senses are better suited to paying mind to the surroundings than Anevia's." He half-turns to her. "No offense intended, of course."
"No, it's true. I can't see in the dark, Elliot - you can. Even if I can shoot a little better than you can - even much better than you can, if I can't see the target, it doesn't matter. Don't worry, I won't let harm come to Aravashnial here." The archer offers the embarkin a genuine smile.
Horgus remains silent, almost eerily so, his expression shadowed and his demands (currently) suppressed. Nevertheless, his posture makes his displeasure clear.
As they go on, the forgotten children (other than Dyra) ask occasional questions about how life is on the surface, what flowers smell like, how colorful the sky is, and so on. They also answer innocuous questions about their own lives, though they politely refuse to discuss matters of a more personal nature to their tribe. This continues for another twenty-odd minutes of walking through the tunnels, when Lann suddenly freezes and lifts a hand for pause.
"Do you hear that?" He asks. "Something is amiss. We ought tread cautiously." Crel and Dyra both have adopted wary stances, their fascination with Thamyris and the surfacers forgotten as they proceed.
Elyda noted Lann's distraction to hers and Elliot's presence. Had the downloaders not seen beings touched by the celestial planes? She was not inexperienced in the attention of others, yet the glances still discomforted her composure. A slight blush touched her cheeks and the young inquisitor merely smiled politely at Lann (making a mental note to inform Elliot at a more suitable time) and then turned her focus on the conversation at hand. She, too, extended her quiet solicitude at the death of the son of Chief Sull. The death of Millorn sat more comfortably within her, for his madness had turned him into a true monster.
As they go on, the forgotten children (other than Dyra) ask occasional questions about how life is on the surface... This continues for another twenty-odd minutes of walking through the tunnels, when Lann suddenly freezes and lifts a hand for pause. "Do you hear that?" He asks. "Something is amiss. We ought tread cautiously." Crel and Dyra both have adopted wary stances, their fascination with Thamyris and the surfacers forgotten as they proceed.
She quietly responded, "Yes, I hear it. There's a quiet rumbling coming from the tunnel ahead."
Elyda, with longsword in hand, called upon her Lady's guidance and readied herself against whatever was up ahead. She fixed her buckler in place.
"I will move forward, quietly, to see what is there and will report back," and then steadily on quiet feet made her way closer to investigate.
Thesius, distracted by the conversation, fails to hear what the others have picked up on. At their words, he remembers to pull out his own longsword in preparation for what might be to come while renewing his dancing lights.
Verene is pleased to see that under the attention, Thamyris preens happily and seems almost returned to the playful, cheerful chatterbox he usually is. She answers any questions from Crel and Lann about the surface simply and to the best of her ability, but as she slowly realizes that none of them have ever seen the sky, or a flower, or a bird, she has to take care to conceal her sudden flame of anger and sorrow for what has been taken from them. It seems to her an injustice and a tragedy too deep to properly express, that whole generations of thinking, feeling people should be condemned to live out their entire lives trapped down here in the stifling dark by the prejudices and fears of those long dead.
She says nothing of her thoughts yet, for the First Crusaders' children are still nearly strangers to them. And undoubtedly if they did come to the surface, they would face some hostility and misunderstanding even in this modern era, when those of all races are officially accepted into the Crusade, including tieflings like Merixia, half-orcs, and stranger beings still. But as they walk on, a quiet conviction forms in the wizard's heart. This is wrong. It must be corrected.
She is roused from her obvious brown study by the sound of low rumbling from ahead.
Verene stops walking as the group tensely awaits Elyda's word. She draws and makes sure her crossbow is loaded properly, her spell-light is refreshed, and Aravashnial's scroll of grease is close to hand.
The pit itself is only 10 feet across, and is 30 feet deep, and on the far side, she sees the tunnel continue to the east.
Merixia frowns, looking toward the tunnel ahead. "I hear it too. A grinding sort of sound." She draws her bastard sword and readies her buckler, just in case.
The darkness embraced her and the colours of the stone filled the spaces around her. Elyda moved with soft, steady footfalls until she came to a stop and surveyed the current surroundings. When she saw enough to recount the detail to her companions, the young inquisitor turned and retraced her steps back the group waiting vigilantly for news from her.
"I found the source of the groaning. As you move along the tunnel, it rapidly expands and a wide chasm splits the floor. The earth is still settling into its new shape and rock dust floats in the air. The pit appears to be ten feet across and thirty feet deep. On its far side, the tunnel continues to the east. I cannot speak to the integrity of the rock structure or what lies within - I will leave that to our scholar of archeology and structure, Thesius, to gauge, for his knowledge surpasses mine. I would say let us tread carefully."
Turning to Lann, Elyda asked in a steady manner, "You and your people know these tunnels better than we do. Were you aware of this gaping fissure or is it newly appeared/created?"
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Lann shakes his head, his eyes wide. "No... there shouldn't be any such thing there." Crel looks positively alarmed, and even Dyra's body language is worried.
"If things are that bad out here..." Crel says, his chirp-like voice filled with dread. "Is Neathholm even there at all?" Dyra smacks him upside the head with her humanoid hand, and Crel winces. "Ow. Apologies. We must continue to pray that Neathholm survives."
"Let us investigate what manner of trouble this will cause." Lann says firmly, leading the group forwards once more. Within a minute or two, the heroes arrive at the pit, just as Elyda described it. Though the crevasse spans almost the whole tunnel, there are a few tiny ledges near the wall, though it is impossible to see whether they continue all the way across the abyss.
Anevia groans. "No way in Hell I'm going to be able to cross that easily." She gestures at her leg, before continuing for Aravashnial's benefit. "The damn thing's so wide I can't even see the other end."
"And I will not be able to climb down either. Up might be easier, but..." The elf wizard frowns, before sighing and muttering something in Elven.
"If need be, I can cause myself to levitate, and you can use a rope to pull me along through the air. Like a kite." He sounds positively embarrassed at the idea.
Horgus snorts at the thought. "Here I thought you were a wizard, not a stage magician." Aravashnial's cheeks redden, but he doesn't reply.
Lann and his fellows remain silent, deeply distressed, until Crel speaks up. "We can climb down and walk across... One must hope that nothing is watchful below."
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Merixia sheathes her sword and puts her buckler away, tail twitching as she ponders the crevasse. ”Hmm… Elliot, you have Terendelev’s scale that allows levitation on a cloud, right? Three times per day? Maybe Aravashnial could use his spell to get down and Anevia could use the scale. We can tie a rope up here for the rest of us. Then when we get to the other side, Anevia can use the scale again, bringing a rope up with her and securing it there. Toss the scale down to us and Aravashnial can use it a third time.” She looks around at the group. ”What do you think?”
"I could move my lights forward so we can get a look at what awaits us below if you wish," he responds in response to the worry of what might lurk below.
Upon hearing Merixia's idea, he nods in agreement while adding, "Whomever is up here last may need to untie the rope before descending so that we can use it on the other side. We have a fairly limited supply of rope from what I recall. Anevia are you okay with doing that before descending or would you prefer to be helped down so that someone else can take the back?"
Aravashnial sighs, exasperated. "If I cast my spell, I don't need to go down, so long as you are willing to let me hold an end of a rope and guide me along a wall or the ceiling. The same is true of those who might use the scale, unless it functions differently than my spell."
The forgotten children look bemused at the magical plans, but don't ask too many questions. Instead, Crel cocks his head at Thesius. "No, thank you, but my kin and I have no need for light to see what is below - it is simply that the depths on the far side are beyond our vision." He looks at the group. "But together, I doubt that anything awoken in this area will pose a threat to us."
Anevia looks at the others with a shrug. [b]"I'll be fine so long as I don't need to climb up and down on my own. If you want to use the scale on me, I'll take it. It'll be a relief to not have to try to clamber around on the walls.
"It still seems a good idea for you to briefly move your lights as far forward as possible, Thesius, so that we can check first that the continuing tunnel is passable and no obvious danger awaits us there once we climb out of the pit," Verene suggests.
"If need be, I can cause myself to levitate, and you can use a rope to pull me along through the air. Like a kite." He sounds positively embarrassed at the idea.
Horgus snorts at the thought. "Here I thought you were a wizard, not a stage magician." Aravashnial's cheeks redden, but he doesn't reply.
With a quelling look at Horgus that she knows Aravashnial will not be able to see, Verene says, "That is a good idea, but I don't think it will come to us needing to simply pull you along through the air. If Anevia levitates as well, and you stick close to her, she will be able to navigate the wall for both of you."
"Perhaps we should further discuss our individual abilities and supplies so that we might work in concert moving forward."
"I believe Elyda said she has fifty feet of rope with her. That should allow those of us without serious injuries to descend into the pit more easily, then Anevia and Master Aravashnial can use it to link themselves together, and Anevia can guide them along the wall or ceiling to the other side while they levitate. If you're amenable to allowing both Anevia and Master Aravashnial to use Terendelev's cloud-pillar scale, Elliot, then I think both of them should do so - in order to save your own spell of levitation for a later time, Master Aravashnial. The end of the rope can dangle down from them to us in the pit as we all cross, in case they need help navigating, or any additional momentum. When they reach the other side, they can affix the rope there at the top, and the rest of us can again use it to climb out more easily.
"This way, no one has to make a truly difficult climb, and Anevia and Aravashnial needn't climb at all. How does that sound?"
"I'm not sure if two people can use the scale at once, Verene. Other than that, it sounds like a good plan." Merixia eyes the chasm with trepidation, remembering her failure on the previous climb. But this time she'll have a rope, and she won't be helping someone else. Hopefully she won't fall and break her neck.
Elliot at first isn't really sure what Elyda tries to tell him with her silent glances between Lann and him...
...But he eventually makes the connection, and his eyes widen at her as if to say "Really!?", while his hair briefly burns a blue hue instead of golden-red.
Fortunately, his master provides ample distraction from this unexpected conundrum!
"And I will not be able to climb down either. Up might be easier, but..." The elf wizard frowns, before sighing. [/spoiler]
"This will be embarassing." He mutters in Elven.
Elliot chuckles.
The arcanist then hangs a back a bit as Verene puts forth her plan. "Um... wait a second, Sis. I'm not sure letting Master Aravashnial and Anevia go on by themselves and relying on them to lower the rope for us is such a good idea? Both of them are still injured, and if something were to push either of them down from the other side... well, I'd hate to see Anevia break her leg again, and Master can't see how to fall. Even if this untested scale we have would stop their fall, I'd rather not have either of them in the front at all."
He shrugs as he grabs one end of the rope and makes a simple knot. "Aren't we, like, overthinking this a bit? Just knot the rope along its length as that makes it really easy to climb, no need to even touch the cavern walls. As long as its fastened at the top, I think you don't even need to see to climb up it as such; you can just feel for the next resting points? And our best climber can simply climb up the other end and secure it. Though, if Anevia and Master still prefer using the scale, I wouldn't object."
"I'm not sure if two people can use the scale at once, Verene. Other than that, it sounds like a good plan."
"That's fair. If it turns out that the scale can only levitate one person at a time, then the safest thing would be for Master Aravashnial to use his prepared spell for the second levitate effect."
"Um... wait a second, Sis. I'm not sure letting Master Aravashnial and Anevia go on by themselves and relying on them to lower the rope for us is such a good idea? Both of them are still injured, and if something were to push either of them down from the other side... well, I'd hate to see Anevia break her leg again, and Master can't see how to fall. Even if this untested scale we have would stop their fall, I'd rather not have either of them in the front at all."
Verene manages not to twitch in surprise at the unfamiliar nickname, but the moment of pause it gives her is obvious. She smiles hesitantly at Elliot. "Well, if they are successfully levitating, they certainly will not fall. But it's a fair point that having them land first on the other side of the tunnel may expose them to danger. Maybe our best uninjured climber could climb up the other side first, then, and affix the rope, before we all join them."
I, for one, would vastly prefer not to expend my spells, but... I'm unsure of how easily I would be able to ascend even a knotted rope against a wall." Aravashnial confesses. "Even at my best I am hardly a physically adept person."
Anevia looks embarrassed. "I'd prefer levitating, if it's not a cause for trouble. I'm pretty positive that I can't climb up as I am now. You'd probably need to heft me all the way up - I'd be able to help, but I'm not going to be able to support my whole weight with just arms and one leg, especially without jostling or otherwise damaging this one." She gestures at her splinted leg. "That said, if you'd prefer to do that, I won't be too embarrassed."
Lann mutters something in his language to his fellows, gesturing impatiently at them. He turns to the others. "We shall investigate ahead this time - do not overworry yourselves - we are used to the dangers down here, and should there be any that can spy us, we're quite willing to flee back to you."
The three forgotten children swiftly drop down the walls, climbing hand over claw into the dark before moving swiftly into the tunnel.
"I think it makes sense to have Anevia and Aravashnial use the scale so we can move forward. It will be easier for the scale to replenish as opposed to Aravashnial to recover his spell. Meanwhile I will move my lights forward so we can keep an eye out for dangers. If nothing is there, they can set the rope. Otherwise, we'll try to have someone move up to assist before they get there."
Thesius renews his dancing lights and moves them forward slowly to give their new comrades time to stay ahead while they look for anything of interest.
Elyda stowed her buckler, sheathed her weapon and pulled out her fifty foot silk rope for those who wished to climb the pit. She also removed the ten foot rope she found in the pack lodged in the fissure in case more rope was required.
"I have two ropes - one is fifty feet long and the other is ten feet long. I will try to walk along the edge of the rift, and, once I reach the other side, the first climber could toss the rope up to me and I will find a place to tether it so people can climb up. I can also help by pulling them up, if they require it."
Elyda, through her spell, quietly called upon the Lady of Valour's guidance once again.
"If anyone else wishes to walk the edge with me, I will aid them in the endeavour. I can even tie the smaller rope around my waist and around their waist to help them around in case they slip and begin to fall..."
Leaving the longer rope with the companions wishing to climb, Elyda carefully put a foot on the edge and then steadily/carefully attempted to make the trek around, testing precarious sections with her foot before continuing to step along the perimeter.
"No thanks, Elyda. I'd rather use the rope." Merixia begins looking around for a place to secure it.
"In that case, I will assist with knotting the rope and helping Aravashnial and Anevia use the scale. While I would like to accept your invitation, Miss Elyda, the uneven footing appears more dangerous to me than the rope. Still, my thanks for leading the charge!"
He grins slightly at the prospect of pulling along his Master like a balloon. It was sweet, sweet payback for that time he'd unfortunately made himself weightless on accident and almost flew out the window...
With their plans in order, the group proceeds - Merixia and Elliot work together to secure one of their ropes to a nearby stalagmite, even as Elyda moves along the edge on her own, scouting ahead.
Thesius sends his dancing lights along with the lawbringer, revealing to both her and the others that the chasm is empty of threatening life. Elliot, finishing up with the rope, activates Terendelev's scale and immediately the two begin to float, clouds of silvery mist puffing up beneath their feet. With a slight mental effort, Elliot finds that he can, in fact, cause them to move up and down, something that startles Anevia and bemuses Aravashnial.
With that, the climbers descend into the pit, hand over hand, and while Verene almost falls, she manages to catch herself on one of the knots in the rope, her hands burning from the friction. With that, Anevia unties the knots around the stalagmite, and pulls the rope back. Calling on Elliot to lift them, she guides Aravashnial by pulling them along the wall and calling his attention to any oncoming obstacles that might hit him.
Elyda, meanwhile, arrives on the other side of the chasm, where the three forgotten children wait at the edge of the chasm. "It is safe, as you no doubt are aware." Lann says. "Deepest apologies, but we were too... enthusiastic... to see to the safety of our home."
Within a minute, the rest of the group trundles up to the cliff leading back to the corridor, and a few moments after that, Anevia and Aravashnial arrive with the rope, which Elyda, Lann, and his two kinsfolk lower back into the chasm, and aid the others in climbing out.
"A lovely diversion, this, but shall we get moving again?" Horgus says, his tone poisonously polite, once everyone has had a chance to catch their breath.
"Lord Gwerm isn't wrong," Anevia sounds annoyed to admit it, "though I think we could afford at least another few moments of respite. How are your injuries doing, Thesius, Aravashnial? Crel?" She looks to each of them in turn.
For his part, Aravashnial waves a hand. "No worse than they have been since we fell into this wondrous and accursed place." Lann chuckles at that, while Crel laughs aloud, and even Dyra smiles a little. Probably.
"No worse than they have been since I was dug out of that accursed collapsed tower." Aravashnial's voice says, coming from Crel's beaked mouth.
The elf looks befuddled for a moment, before brightening. "Mimicry? Fascinating! How do you use it in your survival in these depths?"
Verene rolls her aching shoulders, ruing her hubris in volunteering to carry the masterwork backpack and some of what they'd discovered along the way in addition to her own regular supplies. She hadn't done any strength exercises in years, neglecting them in favor of her studies, and it was showing now. It hadn't seemed so bad when they were simply moving slowly across flat ground, but trying to haul everything thirty feet down the rope and especially the same distance up again had been foolhardy.
"Only good news of your home, I hope?" she inquires politely of Lann, Dyra and Crel. "I am ready to move on. And to reorganize some of these supplies - but that can wait until we reach safety."
She refreshes her crossbow light and moves out with the others, in whatever marching order the more martially inclined think is best.
The three look confused, before Lann shakes his head, casting his eyes away in embarrassment. "Ah, you misunderstand. We are still about an hour or so away from Neathholm - assuming we do not encounter further... obstructions such as this. Our impatience made is impetuous and discourteous. I... we will strive to not do so again."
"I am well on the mend. Thank you for your concern Anevia," Thesius says with a smile before turning to Lann and continuing, "You acted so out of concern for your cared ones. That is understandable. As soon as everyone is ready, I don't see why we can not continue on." With that said, he'll untie the rope and coil it once more before handing it back off to Elyda. "Thank you."
"It's perfectly understandable. If my family was anywhere near here, I would be anxious to see them too. Fortunately they live in Andoran." Merixia is slightly out of breath after hauling herself up from the chasm; climbing in scale armor is no joke. But she's in good spirits, and draws her sword once more to continue their journey.
Elyda accepted her silk rope from Thesius with a nod of her head at his thanks and stowed it in her fine pack.
"We are still about an hour or so away from Neathholm - assuming we do not encounter further... obstructions such as this. Our impatience made is impetuous and discourteous. I... we will strive to not do so again."
Elyda turned her light blue eyes steadily on Lann, "You were concerned for your people and there is no shame in that. Thank you for waiting for us to cross so we may all travel together to Neathholm."
"I am ready to move on. And to reorganize some of these supplies - but that can wait until we reach safety."
"That is a sensible suggestion, Verene."
Looking to the combined group, "From our party, I volunteer to continue leading the march forward." Looking to the three forgotten children she asked politely, "Do one of you wish to lead in front and show us the way to your tribe or do you wish to take up another position in our march?"
When the enlarged/combined group was ready to move again, Elyda cast Guidance upon herself and drew her longsword before continuing along the passage; keeping a keen eye and ear out for trouble/threat or something of note.
"Good. I don't want to fall down and have you break an arm or something before catching me." Anevia winks at Thesius, a friendly grin on her lips. "But hey, maybe next time I'll be catching you."
"Andoran?" Crel asks Merixia, before Lann mutters something to him. "We shall continue our questions about that later, I think. It would be best if we pursued our objective in returning to Neathholm with focus, after all." He looks guiltily at the other forgotten children.
Lann and the others look at Elyda. "Crel can take the rear - we are capable of seeing quite well in the dark, and I suspect our eyes can use what little light we have better than the humans. Dyra and I can scout ahead as well. Apologies, Elyda, but while I doubt not your diligence and prowess in battle, your ability to move in silence is no doubt hampered by this environment. Dyra and I are used to it, and can scout ahead capably."
The party assembles , and continues onwards, this time in greater silence. The exuberance of being aided has faded from the forgotten children, while both Aravashnial and Anevia are putting their focus on continuing their movement, though they still emit small puffs of silver cloud-smoke as they walk.
The group moves forwards almost twenty minutes, when the forgotten children call a halt. "Ahead of us lies a threat - the main reason why we do not travel this path as our first choice. There is a cavern ahead that is now the home of a spore-cougher. I know not what name you may know it by, but it is a most dangerous creature. Its spores cause you to see that which is not there, while remaining oblivious to that which is, and unlike most fungi, it is able to move on its own."
Lann hastens to add. "Together, I have no doubt that we will be able to slay the spore-cougher, but if the gods smile upon us, the creature will be out hunting elsewhere."
Thesius gives a small laugh at Anevia's joke while offering back, "Well hopefully it will come to neither of those things, but I would be happy for the assistance if the latter does occur."
As they start forward, he falls back into his prior position, renewing his lights as before to keep some light in the back for those without the ability to see in the dark.
Upon hearing Lann's description, Thesius steps in with what he believes might be being described. "That sounds like what we know as a basidirond. The spores cause hallucinations and they are found to be aggressive against humanoids for they feed off mineral-rich liquid, such as blood."
Longsword in hand and buckler upon his other arm, he readies himself for the potential encounter.
Merixia grimaces at the forgotten ones' and Thesius' description of the enemy ahead. "Airborne hallucinogens, lovely. Well, here's hoping the gods smile on us today." Ragathiel, General of Vengeance, please be with us on our travels. I don't want to see my allies dying again. She looks around as they move forward, tail twitching nervously.