Callen looks to Kevin and Missy nearby at the altar. "It would be right to leave such a place with a bit of respect. A cleaning and blessing, even one offered from another good faith, would do it right. I am going to lay these bones to rest outside. I think there was enough rubble to make a proper grave. Either of you, or you-" looking up to the approaching Nicolette, "want to come assist?"
With his words complete, Callen with carefully carry the robe and bones outside. He then begins the process of collecting stones to pile atop them toward the rear of the chamber.
Once there, Amelia sighs.
I'm glad you are all so capable.. just the the knights in the stories I love! She gives a smile as she starts looking around to answer Aravashnial's questions.
Amelia, for her part, is actively looking around and taking in what she can see. As Aravashnial continues to question her, she, without thinking, gives him a Shush as she tries to find the answers to his questions. She didn't want to disappoint him.
Ah, sorry, I'm thinking. But, no, he seems to be almost purely bone.
As Meraati sits with Anevia, her eyes can't help but notice some details about the building itself. The construction is well done, showing signs of dedication, skill, and talented craftsmanship. Meraati would estimate that the building itself has been standing for between 30 and 40 years.
Anivia sits up, looks Meraati in the eyes, and smiles slightly. She chuckles, "Hope. That is something I knew little of in my life. That is until I met Irabeth. Her passion, her drive, her temperance, she inspires me. What she sees in me, I still don't know. But we have each other. And she would not give up... You are right, there is always hope. Thank you." She leans in and hugs you, then rubs her splinted leg a bit.
Nicolette is just considering stepping in to answer the elf's questions when Joska places herself into the role. Given that Nicolette has treated Horgus a couple times successfully, and that the elf and the noble don't tend to care for each other, it might make sense to have different people attending to them, so they don't view their heroes as betraying them. Being the case Nicolette continues on toward Callen as she had intended.
Aravashnial turns toward Joska, clearly taken about by your clear and direct responses to his questions. He sits down in the pew Amelia had lead him to as he listens to your responses. Every so often he nods, and as you share details on the walking corpse, he brings his hand to his jaw. "Joska, is it? Hmm, you speak with the clear knowledge of one both attentive to detail and clear in thought. The corpse wore the vestments of a clergyman, and died of a self-inflicted wound? Hmm, I recall tales in my research of rare cases, when the most pious would abandon and betray their faith, either at or near the moment of their death. The hate in their hearts would be so vast that shreds of negative energy would bind to that hate even as their soul escaped their form. Rising as the undead, they would possess a special hatred toward those who are faithful to a higher power, just as they had been before their fall. Heucuvas, I believe they are called. Is there any clue that would suggest this priest turned from his god? This close to the Worldwound, everyone is tempted by darkness. Perhaps it was that corruption that lead to this…"
For his part, Kevin finds a sense of purpose as he begins to straighten up the shrine. He knew many places of worship as a child at his parents' side, and there is something right about putting everything into place.
Missy finds herself with the choice to follow Callen outside or assist Kevin with his work near the altar.
Callen gets outside and begins collecting stones for the burial. Similar to Kevin, a calm bestills his heart as he begins the work, and it reminds him of his duties at the temple where he was raised.
Hearing Callen's speaking, she nods her head and glances around. After a moment she lets out a sigh and digs into her pack. A rag is drawn out, and she casts a simple spell. Create Water, dousing the rag so that she can go over to the altar and start to wipe it down. A bit of respect to the gods can go a long way, and they'll need a miracle to get out of all of this alive.
Having shared the information, and watched to make certain Meraati's intentions were well and good with the injured woman, now Nicolette proceeds to move over toward Callen. However, there was something that had caught her eye earlier--a small block of stone toward the bottom of the altar. With Kevin and Missy there, she looks to the halfling and Kevin. She then states, "Be careful, this block here is different than others. Let me check it."
The medic seems to be communicating that it could be trapped. They are welcome to keep cleaning or even help her look for traps on the stone, but it is at their own risk.
*if trapped
If everything seems to be in the clear, she tries to see if it can be manipulated and pushed out of its place.
Although Aravashnial won't see it, Joska smiles. It's very rare for anyone to notice the things he mentions about her, and it's refreshing.
"I appreciate your kind words Aravashnial. I guess I've learned to stay calm and clear headed in... tense, situations. But, while I might see a lot, I often don't know what to make of it. My father was a carpenter and I would probably be one now too if not for Gorum, or fate at least, stepping in."
"I didn't see anything very obvious the priest had done to desecrate the place. There's a dark cloth over what I figure is the alter, and a couple of lit candles. But I don't know what a priest of Torag would do normally. Could it be the priest became trapped down here, maybe a tunnel collapse, and despaired?"
"Finding the place seems like good news to me though. There must have been a way for worshippers to get here from the surface. Maybe it's still open, or can be reopened. Have you ever heard anything about tunnels or caverns under the city? I'm fairly new here."
Callen spends some time collecting stones, then carefully placing them over the remains of the dwarven priest. Once the grave is complete, he offers a prayer to Iomedae to watch over the resting place, keep the soul safe, and help it find peace. He also offers a prayer to Torag, seeking absolution for whatever the man's sins may have been.
Returning to the others inside, he picks up his pack. Shouldering it, he looks around the shrine. "Shall we be on the move then?"
Coming out of her thoughts, Amelia looks around the shrine and draws the following conclusions:
- the temple is 30 to 40 years old and was built on this spot.
- undead can be made through active necromantic magics or by the raw negative energy drawn by the committing of horrible acts. Torag is heavily opposed to undead.
- though she has not read of any particular temples or ruins under the city, she has heard that there are a good many tunnels that weave through the cliffs below Kenabres.
Aravashnial scoffs at Amelia's shushing of him, even as he turns his attention to the warrior Joska. He listens carefully to the further feedback, "Hmm, it is strange indeed. The nature both of this shrine and it's keeper are puzzling. While there are many legends of forgotten crypts, mountain tunnels, and similar such things under Kenabres, there are no clear details. If there are, they have not crossed within my studies. As for a path to the surface, I am afraid not. Were there such a thing, then others surely would have come, at some point, and the undead priest would have more than likely already been dealt with. No, my guess is this was a private, unknown shrine. Which means we likely have still far to go."
Nicolette looks at the odd block at the base of the altar and it does not make any sense to her. Confused, she kneels down and studies it further, revealing that what looks like a block is actually a thin stone set in a track, that with a little pressure could be slid away. After several more moments to ensure it will not harm anyone, Nicolette pushes it down and then out, revealing a small hold with an oiled leather pouch within.
Kevin stands back and let's Nicolette do her work and tries not to distract her. He does pull his scimitar again uncase anything bad happens.
"I found something, Callen. One moment, then yes."
It could still be trapped on the interior, so she makes sure that when she seeks to lift the pouch, it is not on a pressure plate or something.
With the pouch (hopefully) retrieved, she now stands taller after checking to make sure there is nothing in the recess.
"A strange thing..." "...to find here in this fashion," she thinks to herself. Cautiously, she feels the pouch for what it is from the outside. Something squishy, something hard like a potion? Something solid like a gold bar? The jangle of coins? Whatever it is, the medic eventually opens the pouch and inspects the contents. "Let's see what you are..."
She will then show what she finds to the rest of the group and wonders if the presence of magic is there.
This is no forgotten crypt... not really. I'd wager its less than a century old <maybe not even quite half that. Look, there are no signs of the wear of time on the stone that you see with other such things. Built here on this spot... Also, given the deity, I doubt it was anything like a guardian or the sort. Torag, as many know I'm sure. Despises the undead, and would never willingly allow such things in, much less guard, his temples. In this case, I would agree with the two theories of either the follower taking their own life to spite their once god, or they were assassinated and this place desecrated by a rival follower.. like you read about in books! I wonder how the villain got what was coming to him... She stops her splurge to look back, a little sheepishly.
Ah, um I didn't.. I didn't particuarly mean to shush you, its just that, whenever I'm really focused on reading or thinking about something I kind of act without proper thought.. I was just wanting to impress... A-Anyway. Anyone up for a small story or something while we walk? I know many by heart. And it often cheers up my mood.. so it might help others?
Meraati smiles as Anevia's mood lightens up a bit.
"You are welcome."
The hug she received was a bit unexpected, but as not to make Anevia feel awkward if she didn't, she returned it slightly.
After that,
"She sounds like a woman with tales to tell.
Closest one i know to such a situation, is my mentor. She didn't share much about it, but she was part of the last, or second to last, crusade. She went to Cheliax some years ago. Some day i'll look for 'er, catch up on things."
When everyone is ready to go, and Amelia suggests telling a story,
"I'd love to 'ear a few. Been a while since i last sat down for one."
Seeing Nicolette down on her knees examining the lower area of the altar, Callen hurries over, intrigued by what the medic may have discovered. He prepares to pull her back quickly, in case a trap of some sort goes off as she removes the package.
Nicolette's investigation of the cubby reveal no trap on the bag itself. Carefully removing it, she is impressed to discover the pouch is rigid, made of hardened leather. Though it prevents her from getting a clear picture of the contents by simply feeling it, it also means whatever within is worth protecting. Unlooping the catch on the cover, Nicolette opens the flap to reveal a trio of small vials with, two containing a pale red liquid, the third with a purple liquid mixed with metallic flecks. There is also a small stack of gold coins , and a small, poorly cut green stone.
The two pale red vials are potions of cure light wounds, the metallic purple vial is a potion of expeditious retreat, all at CL 5.
The stone is a peridot, worth perhaps 30 gold.
Aravashnial chuckles at Amelia's delayed response and apology. "Better late then never, young one. Always remember, it would be best to ensure you speak with tact, lest your manners derail the intent of your argument. You recalled a good bit of knowledge, but in other company, may have already been dismissed for your lack of etiquette. No worries, there is much still to learn. Perhaps Joska here can teach you about order and conduct?"
Anevia lets go of Meraati, a smile on her face. She carefully rubs her leg and adjusts the bindings on her split. Hearing Callen's call to move, she looks back to Meraati, "My leg is definitely sore, but I think I can continue on for a little longer."
As everyone continues their investigations, explanations, and cleaning of the shrine, Horgus can be seen clearly getting restless. Eventually, he stands, and bursts out, "Well, this has been a lovely visit to an abandoned shrine. I especially enjoyed the reverence paid to an undead murder beast. Now, don't we all think it would be best to be on from this wasted place, and back to safety?"
Anevia scowls past Meraati at the nobleman. With a seething anger on her tongue, she responds, "Gwerm, you wretch! I am not surprised one so ashamed to even acknowledge his own faith in public would not be moved by the discovery of this shrine, or our allies' desire to set it right. A coward who is afraid to stand by his beliefs is little better than the demons that wait at the doorstep!"
Horgus is clearly taken aback by the woman's sudden outburst. After choking on his own words for a few moments, anger rises in his voice as he retorts, "Am I to be chided by a alley-stalking miscreant?! I know the type of thieves and cutthroats you keep for company, miss Tirablade! Don't think I didn't know you were involved in the break-in at my warehouse last week - wanted your wife's sword back, did you?"
"Why did he have her wife's sword? That's what I would ask if I really wanted to get involved in these stupid, moronic struggles. Idiots. Don't they realize they are on a battlefield fighting for their life? What the hell does all of this matter right now if you'll die because you are so impatient you can't sit for a few minutes?"
Nicolette has a smug look on her face, but says nothing. She just focuses on intently, and carefully, pulling out the contents. Interrupting any reply to Horace's finishing statement, she calls out, "I have a few vials here. Two with a pale, red liquid, the third with a purple liquid, mixed with metallic flecks. Some gold, and a small rough cut green stone."
She then will turn to the group and Callen who had come to her aid and will display them.
"Are there any mages who wish to see if these vials are magical? Then we can proceed on our way," she directly relates to Horace with a kind smile.
Joska is embarrassed when Aravashnial calls her out as someone from whom Amelia should seek conduct tutoring.
She offers Amelia a weak smile and a shrug, trying to signal to her that she should just ignore the elf.
Callen is about to reply to Nicolette when the pair break out into their argument. 'By all that is holy, those two are going to be the death of us.' Turning, he hops over the nearest pew and puts himself between Anivea and Gwerm. He yells, or something that might have been such, were his voice so low and raspy. Still, it carries the intended force. "I do not know what bad blood sits between you two, but I will not have it pose a threat to all of those assembled here. Like it or not, we are in this together. I am sure all of us would prefer to be in our homes, with those we love. Even I, a Shieldborn, an orphan of these crusades raised by the church, have people that I am concerned about. Our best chance of reaching those people is working together. The learned elf spoke true, none of us are the great heroes of this crusade. Yet each of us was in that courtyard, swearing our oaths on Armasse. And by all the righteous gods, we will stand against whatever threat lies before us. I am a Woundstalker, a scout and guide in dangerous lands. As I have said before, I will do my best to keep us on a safe path. But I cannot do that if you two are constantly at odds. You both have issues with each other, perhaps one of our wiser companions can help you two work them out. By my job is to keep you safe, help me do it."
Finishing her job of wiping the altar clean, she wrung the rag dry and put it back into her back. Turning her eyes back to the party, she saw the... general argument unfolding. Letting out a small sigh, she chose not to get involved, heading over to Nicolette when she heard her mention potions. Taking them from Nicolette, she cast Detect Magic and gave them an inspection.
"Two healing potions and one that quickens your step. The healing will be useful, though I-I'm not so sure about the speed boost."
Amelia shrugs. Maybe, I've never been particularly good at such things.. Honestly, a trait my old professor liked, my uncle found it funny, and my grandfather quite disliked it.. I, I just tend to have a hard time realizing I do certain things when I'm focused or deep in thought...
Amelia looks rather uncomfortable as the others argue, almost like a child who is trying to ignore a parents squabble. At the mention of the potions, she gets excited to inspect them, however, by the time she finishes casting the spell, Missy had already figured out what they were. Looking rather sad, she cheers herself up and is about to speak with Missy when Callen yells at the two bickering children.
She casts a wide eyed glance towards missy before looking back to the three.
Um. She starts to say something, but then decides against it before returning to Joska and Aravashnial
Nicolette gives a warm smile to the timid Amelia as she seemed excited to come over. When Missy explains what they are, Nicolette nods.
"Your skill is very great. I use these all the time and I wouldn't have been sure as fast as you are, but I believe you."
With the redhead deflating and returning, Nicolette will hop delightedly over to Amelia, ignoring the drama with what has been said between Horgus and the others, then will scoop her arm up playfully and hold out the flasks in the leather bag.
"Maybe you can tell me something about these I don't already know? It's worth a try. Also, have you ever seen this type of stone before?"
Her eyes shoot to Meraati as well, almost inviting her to get in on the action of identifying these items.
Maybe you can tell me something about these I don't already know? It's worth a try. Also, have you ever seen this type of stone before?"
Her eyes shoot to Meraati as well, almost inviting her to get in on the action of identifying these items.
"I am unsure if i can provide any new information, but if you like...."
"Well, the 'ealing potions are the basic variety, but it appears to give off a clearer vibe, i reckon it was made by a more experienced person, so it will be stronger in effect.
As for the other, the same story, as well."
Anevia and Horgus stand is stunned silence, staring down at the forceful ball of reason planted between them. As the shock begins to fade, the pair look up to each other, then back to Callen. Horgus is the first to recover his words, though with an unexpected stutter. "Well, of-of course I want to survive. Why else would I have been ah-asking about moving on in the first place. I meant no disrespect to any of you, and as for my beliefs," he turns to look at Anevia, "they are my own. We each choose to worship in our own manner, though clearly you have seen mine. As for your wife's sword, I am sorry if you had poor information, but I do not have it. I was not the buyer, though I did learn that another I lent a considerable sum to did."
Anevia looks from Horgus to Callen, then back, still clearly very confused. "What do you even mean? Irabeth sold her family sword? How did I not know this? None of this makes sense - but yes, Callen, you are right. I am sorry for the part I have played in disrupting our journey on."
Now Horgus looks as confused as Anevia. "Umm, perhaps we should speak more at a later time, Ms. Tirablade."
The pair seemed to settle their issue for now, and as each of you look about, it would seem people are ready to depart from the shrine.
Callen relaxes his stance a little. He heads back toward the door, hoists his pack, then looks back across the room. "Now that is settled, shall we be onward to the surface?"
Missy gives Nicolette a smile. "Thank you, I do try my best." Blinking as she rushed off afterward to talk to the redhead, she just shrugged. As long as the potions were available for an emergency, she could do what she wanted with them. Looking over at Callen, she nodded her head, moving after the other halfling. "H-Hopefully we don't find the surface more dangerous than the caverns."
After whatever Amelia's input is, Nicolette will grin to the women, thank them for their help and then will hop back up front with Callen.
"Ready. Let's go."
Leaving the building, she feels awkward praying to the one who blesses her with her power in a foreign god's shrine, so when she leaves the location, she asks that she be watched over. It is a moment of reverence given for the fact she was blessed and kept alive, even if it was the dragon who saved her from certain death. Finding these things spoke to blessings, if not given by her deity, at least her involvement in the past has led her to this point. That is reason to give thanks.
Once outside, Nicolette will work with the others to seal the door back up so that no other crazy animals or cave denizens make it their home. She then moves back to the winding tunnel and proceeds.
*+1 vs traps
Joska follows the same procedure as before, giving Nicolette about 60' of lead as she follows her.
Kevin pauses before leaving the sanctuary and says to the group "One moment please. I am not a follower of Torag but many of his followers have fought and died in these crusades. I believe his temple here deserves a few words." He then puts a hand on the stone door frame into the sanctuary and says "Good solid stone! Like the good solid blow of a dwarven smith's hammer. May Torag grant sanctuary to any who need it here and may his spirit fill this place once again." He then turns and leaves and takes his spot next to Joska. He turns his head back and says to the group "We will need to let the worshipers of Torag know this is here when we get out."
As Kevin stops to offer his prayer, Callen bows his head in reverence. He steps up to Kevin, reaching a hand up toward his shoulder. "Well said, good sir."
The words complete, he turns back to Nicolette, offering her a piece of jerky he has produced from a pouch. Assisting her with sealing the door of the shrine, "Seems like we are splitting responsibilities as eyes and ears. Same formation as last time - you at the fore, I at the aft? Last thing we need is something sneaking up behind us, and my bow will let me get involved in any troubles at the front quickly."
Assuming she likes the plan, he will wait for the others to depart the chamber, then fall in behind the column. He offers a distinct nod of gratitude to both Horgus and Anevia. 'They seem to be behaving for the moment. And it seems like some of the friction between them may be based on false information. Perhaps we can make them both allies yet still.'
As he takes his last steps out of the chamber, he pauses to look at the shrine, then begins to hum a low, marching tune.
As each of you departs the shrine and makes your way back into the tunnel, your hearts feel just a little bit lighter. When Callen looks back for one last glance at the shrine before departing at the rear of the column, he notices that the green burning torch has changed to a warm ember color. The Forge Father is pleased, and you each benefit from the bless spell for the next 24 hours.
Your company continues to slowly travel the tunnel as it winds and weaves left and right, up and down. You pass several smaller branches, but after investigation, they are revealed to either end in collapse, or narrow to the point that they are impossible to pass. So, you can continue on the main tunnel for what you guess may have been an hour. Perhaps a little more. People's bearing is better than it was before, and even the gripes and complaints from Horgus Gwerm have become rare.
The first sign of something different strikes Nicolette and Joska's noses. The smell of smoke, not a fresh fire, but one that burned recently and remains in the air can be detected. Cautiously continuing forward, Nicolette discovers that the tunnel opens wide into a long cavern before her. In the pale remnants of light echoing forward from her party behind, she can just make out the silhouette of some figures towards the walls on either side of the chamber.
Nicolette watches with wonder at Kevin's behavior. Her arms wrap about her as she listens to the words he says. Nicolette has always had a reverence for the good gods, but would she ever consider doing what he just did? She ponders this as she thinks on and agrees with what he is saying to Torag.
When finished, she moves up toward the front and gives a bit of a chuckle to Callen. "Hmm...sounds like a plan, if you're too afraid to be up front," she jests. "I could always use more eyes up here than back there. There are plenty of people to see if something is sneaking up on the group. Here we are going to face traps and who knows what else?"
If he still wishes to go to the back, she has no hard feelings. In any case, she will move through the tunnels with them all in tow until she picks up the scent of fire.
"I smell smoke," she whispers to Meraati through her spell. With the long cavern opening up in front of them, she crouches low and observes it. "Hold here, I think I see some shapes in the distance. I can't be sure. I'll scout it out"
*+1 traps
As she moves, she pulls her other concealed dagger out and places it in a slot on her utility belt where it belongs when not hidden. She also will hold the magical scale in her hand, just in case it is needed.
Meraati whispers back.
"Be careful.", she then turns to the others.
"Nicolette 'as sensed smoke. She is going to look first, and asked us to 'old our advance momentarily."
Joska nods. "I smell it."
She doesn't advance, letting Nicolette do her work. After all, that's the whole reason she's up there. She waits, sword in hand and shield ready, and watches for some sign from he scout before acting further.
While Nicolette and Callen have their tactical exchange, Anevia approaches them. "My apologies about before. I have never been a fan of that man, yet when the church tasked me to look into him, I only found out good things that surprised me. It's most confusing. Sorry, that is not the point. I heard you two discussing how best to travel with this group. I am the slowest in the company, and already bring up the rear. I am a skilled scout, and can cover eyes for the back, so that you too may focus your attention forward. It's the least I can do that for all that you've done for me."
--------
After notifying her allies of the possibly occupied cavern ahead, Nicolette slinks forward, with Callen covering her flank. The cavern itself is large, and difficult to fully discern in the dim light, but measures perhaps 80 to 100 feet in length and 40 feet across. The ceiling stands 15 to 20 above, dotted with multiple stalactites, several coming down so far as to create natural columns. Drawing closer, she realizes the motionless figures are actually statues. Strange to find in a natural cavern, yet stranger still is they appear to be carvings of knightly crusaders!
The armor and tabards on the statues are clear examples of those worn during the first crusade.
Perhaps a quarter way down the southern wall, you also spot a small, haphazard campsite, with a small fire pit and bedroll, that looks like perhaps it was abandoned with haste.
Nicollete smiles widely at the kind words of Anevia, "You are too kind. Thank you. And thank you for the information. If we are going to work together, it's good to know such things if there is going to be animosity in the group. As we can already see, it has caused some rifts. That is a dangerous thing to happen down here. Shouting matches in natural tunnels made by who knows what can bring all kinds of disaster. So, thanks."
------
After having moved forward into the darkness, she cannot see anything concerning to her within the light of her distant allies. From time to time, she would have them advance so that she would be able to spy out this cavern until they all had come to the campsite. There she whispers for them all to advance after describing the scene. In the meantime, she will remain hidden and circle around the campsite to the other side and see if there is anyone hiding there.
Joska advances through the large cavern as cued to do so by Nicolette. The statues as certainly a curiosity, but she saves comments and questions until the party stops for a break.
As the party is near the statues, Meraati slows her pace to take a better look.
"Ah...interesting. These tabards, i've seen them before in a history book. They were used by the members of the first crusade. Maybe an old fort of them lies further down the path?"
Kevin glances quickly at the statues but keeps his eyes on the ground looking for threats. When Meraati mentions the First Crusade connection he looks back up at the statues. He turns to Meraati briefly and says "You are right. Those look like my parents old tabards."
"Hmm? They were at the first crusade?
They must have been brave people. Organizing the first crusade against a demonic invasion was no small feat."
Feeling some kinship in that regard,
"From what i 'ave been told about my own birth parents, they were involved in the last one. Albeit as physicians for the wounded. Never knew them, so couldn't say anything more aside from i was told they were decent people."
Once Nicolette's first investigation has established a safe perimeter, Callen will proceed in with her. As she flanks around the possible campsite, he will approach on the southern wall, hugging the shadows between the statues.
Noting the details of the monuments, he has an intrigued thought. 'Hmm, these look so much like some of those in the House of the Hallowed Shield, and they date from the same era, could the same craftsman have carved them?'
At Kevin's comment, Amelia goes wide-eyed.
Woooowwww! She pauses
SO your parents were like, real knights of legend from the stories?! Thats amazing! What were their names? Did they smite any of the demons single-handedly? you have to tell me more! they may have stories about them!
Nicolette circles around the far side of the campsite while Callen approaches along the southern wall. They both find an abandoned site composed of little more than a small stone firepit, a ragged bedroll, a few scattered items, and, perhaps most concerningly, the dark stain of blood on the stone.
Collecting the scattered items, you pull together three candles, an old but finely crafted dagger, a spool and fishhook, 20 feet of worn hemp rope, and a copper brooch depicting a bat perched on a mushroom - both of the bat's eyes are tiny amethysts.
The blood stain is no longer the bright red of fresh blood but is still not fully congealed, suggesting it was spelled within the last day.
As you begin to exchange details about the statues and their connections to the first crusade, Aravashnial becomes visibly excited. "Wait! You say these statues depict knights from the First Crusade?! Then it's true! It's all true! I knew it. There have been rumored stories that, as the First Crusaders returned, those that had been afflicted by the fell Abyssal energies of the Worldwound were persecuted. Many fled to other lands, but others escaped into the caverns and tunnels below the city. It is said that since then, there have been rare sightings of these people, and their mutated, deformed offspring. The Children of the First Crusade! My, we have found their city! This must be the exterior approach, are there signs of their gates?"
Joska thinks she now has a handle on how best to manage Aravashnial, feed him information. She does so.
"The statues are lined up along the side, much like you'd would expect to find along a road or pathway. But there's nothing ahead yet to suggest gates or an entrance. We've slowed right now so our scouts can check would looks to be something like a small campsite. I'd suppose it's the source of the smoke I can smell, but I don't see a fire."
Kevin smiles at Amelia and says "My parents only fought about 2 years into the First Crusade before I was born and the chose to leave here for Absalom. Now isn't the time for stories but later I can tell you a little of their time here."
Nicolette finishes her circling around with Callen, and upon meeting him on the other side, gives him a playful nod to head back to the camp. She was not some back alley rogue. She had to sneak through battlefields to get to injured people, appearing less noticeable than everyone else fighting amid fog and smoke. This is different, and it's almost fun. It shows on her face to the halfling.
"There are some things there," she points out to the group before Aravashnial begins his tale. She gives a look over them and if no one keeps her from doing so, she will lift up the old dagger and bring it to Horgus. He seems to have a grip on items of worth. His insight would be worth noting.
"There is this dagger." She then points out to the others. "I also noticed some other items over there. It looked like a brooch. Do you think it could be from the First Crusade? No...right? That's far too long ago."
She suspects these are from some ground-dwelling race down here.
As Aravashnial continues his excited outburst about the Children of the First Crusaders, Joska and Kevin have a brief thought that something is not quite right. Suddenly, a bursting arc of fire flares out from behind a statue at the far end of the chamber, surging forward at the two warriors.
Joska sees the threat coming with enough time to more less get mostly out of the way. As she recovers her balance Joska starts moving straight forward as she directs a response to the attack.
"Kevin, forward to cover in the center! Give us some ranged cover people, keep it busy for us!"
Joska stops halfway to the figure to shelter behind a statue against the wall.
Nicolette had thought she had checked there, but alas, it seems not, as a flaming gout now comes out of that area. She steps forward as she pulls out her sling, and a moment later, flings a bullet as hard as she can at the beast.
50ft shot
As she flings the bullet, it seems to be going wide. Surely, she is going to miss and have it hit the dirt walls of the tunnel.
Seeing the wave of fire burst forth from the shadows at the far end of the chamber, Callen bolts out, taking him south of the large column. Hoping to catch the shadowed figure off guard, he lets loose a shot as he gets past the stone, still not entirely sure who or what they are engaging.