Nicolette glances over to Callen as he offers an unwarranted explanation. Clearly he felt she needed some explanation. "Perhaps I was a bit odd to him to not have a reaction like Horgus?" "I'm sorry for your loss..." she whispers, "I remember that time. There were many who were sick. We've sure seen a lot of suffering, hmm?" Now that he has called her attention to it, she does him the honor of looking over his affliction from a distance in sympathy and then with the similar grin from before, nods to proceed into the next room. Once they are inside and it is clear of hostile forces, she stands up straighter.
"Yeah...perhaps. It looks like an easy climb. I'll probably fall on my face though," she will clearly laugh. The sirene quality of her laugh travels up into the shaft a small way before she shuts her mouth with an "oops" face.
"As you can maybe tell," she whispers, "I'm not the most...mmm...sneaky kind of person. Battlefields are much noisier than this. You though...you're great," she nods in an affirming way.
"Be careful up there, Callen..." she states with all seriousness and reaches down to his shoulder. "Do try to refrain yourself from exploring and making sound up there until someone else comes up to back you up. I'll send Joska next. I need to make sure Anevia is educated how to climb without making her leg worse on this venture and someone is there to call out where these pitons are for Aravashnial...Oh, and be mindful traps on the way up."
Callen will see that she climbs just as efficiently as he managed to.
"Take your time if you are not comfortable with the climb. We don't mind waiting as long as you are safe. Don't feel pressured. If you want a rope as well as a means of a safety harness, we can lower one too."
Nicolette checks over Anevia's split on her leg, ensuring it is stable and able to be used. As she does, Horgus begins to grumble his frustrations about the impending climb. Aravashnial leans toward Joska, "I am sorry, but I don't think someone giving me directions is going to adequately allow me to climb such a sizable distance. It's a funny thing, vision - You don't realize how much you use it until you don't have it. If I had my sight I could study the appropriate incantation and allow myself to float effortlessly up the distance. Of course if I could see, I could also simply guide myself up the shaft. But no, I don't trust myself to climb it. You'll need to find another way.'
Once a second person has ascended, Horgus suddenly shuffles his way toward the front and rubs his palms together. He smiles, "Well, what are we waiting for? This is the way up, right?" He glances back silently at Aravashnial, a smirk on his face.
Despite a few grumbles about a jammed finger as he climbs, Horgus makes it to the top.
At the top of the climb Callen finds the tunnel continues on. The climb itself was surprisingly easy, despite the makeshift nature of the supports. There is also a heavy metal post hammered into the ground, that could be used as an anchor for a rope. Callen estimates it is perhaps 70 or 80 back down to the bottom of the shaft.
Kevin looks at Aravashnial and says "Do you think you could hold on to me and I will take both of us up? Someone else could carry my backpack and gear."
Joska doesn't like the risk involved with Kevin's method and suggests an alternative.
"Kevin go ahead and make the climb alone so Callen and Nicolette have backup. Tie a rope off me for to use when you're up and drop it down. I'll remove my armor and make the climb with Anevia and then Aravashnial tied to me by a rope around our waists."
She turns to the pair and explains the setup she has in mind.
"You will both be below me by a few feet and can take hand and footholds as you find the opportunities. However, if you can't proceed on your own at some point, I can support your weight and keep going up until you can take your own weight again."
"If you come to a place where you can't find the way upward or you slip, call out so I will know to brace myself. You might be able to make it up on your own Anevia, but every alternating step will require your full weight on your broken leg. It's a long climb and you may do harm to your injury. Best to come up with me and the rope. It will also help me gauge the climb for difficult spots if you come with me first. Bringing Aravashnial up will be more difficult so I would like to be familiar with the route before I do."
Joska sheds her armor and ties Anevia off behind her. After Kevin is on his way, she goes up:
Comes back down:
And brings Aravashnial up:
Finally she ties her rope onto the one already in place and drops it down so someone below can tie her bundle of armor and other possessions on to be pulled up.
Meraati ties up Joska's gear to be pulled up.
"We can pull them up, if they stand in a loop or noose, with a foot, on a knotted rope, non?"
Missy watched all of the discussion about how to get the two injured people up. She... wasn't of any use for this, being nowhere near strong enough to help lift those two. So she stayed down there at the bottom for a moment. "I-I'll stay down here, just in case someone falls. B-Better a healer at the ready for injury. I can c-climb up last."
Aravashnial reacts with shocks and uncertainty at Kevin's suggestion he hang onto the tiefling as he climbs up, but seems to calm as Joska offers her thought out alternative. "I am not much of a climber, having never engaged in such pursuits myself. I can attempt it, Lady Joska, as you have proposed, though fear I may end up mostly a burden. Had I the ability to prepare, as I said before, I could be up the shaft in a matter of seconds. Amelia, young miss, I don't suppose you have yet reached the ability to cast spells that would grant flight, or at least levitation?"
Looking up the shaft, it has a slight incline - just enough to make pulling someone up with a rope a rather painful experience. Though a guide rope would definitely add safety for those making their way up.
With Nicolette and Horgus already up to the top with Callen, Anevia follows Joska's lead as she sets the path for the two of them on their ascent. Despite her injured leg, Anevia shows some skill as a climber, and makes the ascent slowly, but successfully.
Aravashnial continues to squirm around at the idea of climbing. It is clear he is concerned about the risks involved in a blind ascent, even if he is tied to Joska.
Nicolette and Callen have a few moments to examine the landing at the top of the shaft as the others climb up. The metal post that has been hammered into the stone is old, and covered in rust, yet still strong. Whatever it's original purpose, it looks like at some point it has had many ropes tied to it, exhibited by worn grooves in the metal with significantly less rust. The tunnel continues on at a nearly horizontal pitch, and the air smells slightly fresher than below.
After helping Nicolette and Horgus over the rim, Callen hands off his glowing mace to Horgus. "it would be of great value if you would hold that light aloft, allowing our allies to climb safely, and to give me some visibility to watch down the tunnel." Callen hopes giving Horgus a purpose will both keep him occupied and inflate his ego, even if he is asking him to be a torchbearer.
Callen draw his bow and keeps a wary eye down the tunnel. Noting Nicolette at his side, he can hear the conversation they were having before they climbed the tunnel. "A lot of suffering indeed. It seems to be the norm of life in this part of the world. Though it wasn't always I suppose, there was a time before the Worldwound. No need to dwell on it. And thank you for the kind words, I miss her, but she gave her life doing what she believed in. Both my parents did. All I can ask for is the same."
Callen chuckles at Nicolette's poor assessment of her field craft skills. "Don't be doubting yourself so much, miss. I've only been with you a couple hours, but I'd stake your skills on the move against more than a few members of the woundstalkers. Looks like you're more than capable of keeping yourself out of trouble."
Nicolette will watch as the limp-legged Anevia climbs readily and even better than both her and Callen did. Her advice must have helped somehow? She can hear the elf complaining below and Joska, who she had wanted to climb up first, is still figuring out what to do.
"I guess I'll just tie this here and they can use it or not," she will whisper to Anevia, Callen, and Horgus.
She will tie a rope to the metal post and will give it a strong yank to signify a body falling. It seems secure, so she lowers the rope to those below. Anyone who is climbing can hold onto the rope and they can help lift their weight. When it comes to Joska's armor, she doesn't mind pulling it up. The weight isn't too much for her, which shows her strength in pulling bodies out of the frey of battle.
To Callen at her side, she smiles at his musings about the suffering of the world. She nods knowingly and seems to mirror his thoughts. He then volunteers his opinions on her sneaking skills which causes her to laugh, albeit much more silently.
"I highly doubt I can keep myself out of trouble. Most of my life has been wandering to places I shouldn't be...and then getting into trouble...and then having to be rescued." She tucks a hair back into her wrap in a coy, nervous manner as though she thinks of saying something but isn't sure she should, then just says it anyway. "Is your father still with us?" she asks, having noted that he used the past tense when he returned to both of his parents.
Aravashnial sighs loudly at Amelia's lack of a response. He slowly hobbles over toward the wall. Looking vaguely in the direction of the others, ”Lady Joska, your plan sounds half mad, but that's a far deal more sane than any other option. If you feel you're strong enough to bear my weight should I slip and fall, I will trust you in this climb.”
Aravashnial allows the group to tie him to Joska, setting the ropes as a makeshift harness. With some assistance from several of your company he slowly begins the ascent. He clearly has no experience climbing, and moves with difficulty. His lack of sight has him fishing around for handholds, and more than a couple times he grabs on nothing but loose rock.
Though he starts off slowly, whether by dumb luck or some untold destiny , the blind elven mage makes his way of the 70 ft shaft.
You all breathe the sigh of a relief before each making your own climb, reuniting the party once again.
After taking a few moments to regain your composure, your party begins its typical format for moving down the tunnel ahead: the company together, with Nicolette and Callen running point a short stretch ahead. You continue to move slowly between Anevia's limp and the blind Aravashnial. Nearing an hour's progress, Nicolette and Callen reach the entrance to a large chamber, more than a hundred feet across. Several braziers are set at the outside edges of the cavern, but perhaps most surprisingly in the half-ruined tower that has fallen at the center of the space.
You spot two humanoid figures, moving carefully about the shatter ruin of the tower. They appear to be lifting stones away from one particular sight, beneath which seems to be echoing forth muffles cries.
Once underway, some thoughts wander through Meraati's mind.
...will the group remain coherent, i wonder.
...with some luck, we'll stay undiscovered.
Callen continues his quiet banter as they continue to scout ahead. "No. Well... I don't truly know. He left on a mission after the Storm King's attack back in 4692, but that detachment was lost to the Wound. The fiendpox hit Kenabres soon after, and my mother was gone too. I was 5. It is the reality of those who stand against the darkness. Even now, today, after all this, we must have hope. And so, we go on. I-"
Callen stops his words suddenly as they approach the opening into the cavern and spot the fallen tower. Tucking low at the sound of toppled stone, he catches a glimpse of the two figures trying to excavate something in the ruin. Nodding to Nicolette, he motions for them to go back.
As they approach the others, he slows his step, "We have a big cavern up ahead, with a fallen tower within. Not sure why you build a tower underground... Anyway, there are a couple figures moving about within, possibly try to get someone out. I did not get a good view , but by the numbers, if they are a threat, we definitely have them outnumbered. If not a threat, they could know a way to the surface. How do we want to approach this?"
Kevin listens to the report and says "If they are hostile they will attack when we approach. We go in and offer help and see what happens. I would lead the way but they may not like my looks. Joska would you go with me?"
She listens intently as they slowly move forward while the group adjusts. Back to scouting, it seems. Callen speaks of his father but breaks off. Perhaps he was feeling emotional? She doesn't press the issue and instead states, "I'm sure he made it. After all...look at us." Shrugging, she nods to affirm her words. By all rights, IF anyone is alive up top, they surely will think whoever fell down into the chasm is dead. She then shuffles forward a bit faster, indicating that she's going to focus on scouting so they don't get ambushed, but she by no means is done talking to him.
As the hour of walking concludes and they reach an entrance, she nods to Callen to steel themselves. It was gutwrenching to wander into the unknown. Ahead of them is a half-ruined tower and darkness far beyond her sight.
"I am no tactician. I would think that if they have those arrow slit things...then it could be dangerous to approach. Taking cover behind shields would be good. If we can parley with them, that's worth the attempt."
She scans the tower for what the others are seeing.
Callen listens to the tactical advice of the others. 'Nicolette doubts herself foolishly. She had a good mind for these times.' "I can hang to the shadows and move around to the flank, so that should things go ill, I can bring an assault from a different front. Though I hope it doesn't come to that. We could sorely use an ally to help us to the surface."
Once Joska has Aravashnial up and the climb is done, She unties the rope to uncouple them.
"There! I'm sure it was disorienting but you did well and now it's all over. Looking back it wasn't so terrible was it?"
She gives the elf a pat on the shoulder then puts her armor back on.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Joska considers Kevin's idea for approaching the laboring figures.
"How about this? I'll go and take Missy with me if she's willing. Much less threatening, only one us us will be well armored and the other small like a child. Also, if things go badly, only one of us two becomes a pin cushion. You can bring the others up to rescue us."
None that could help others... She mutters far too late to Aravashniel as she seems to be lost in thought for the most part, only minimally aware of what is going on around her.
At the mention of others, Amelia perks up a little bit.
It may be best to call out to them, since just approaching someone can be misunderstood as threatening. I...I'm sure they attack unprovoked.
"I'll back you up," she comments to the halfling and will take off into the darkness.
Nicolette will go with Callen and scout around the side a bit and see if there is another way to approach this. If things come to combat, they will be an asset to sneak up on the enemy.
Callen listens to Joska's words, then looks over at Kevin, a strange look in his eye. "What if we play against both hands at the same time? Kevin goes with Joska and Missy, but hooded - if they appear to be goodly folk, Joska and Missy take the lead. But if they are servants of the dark, Kevin might be able to convince them we are allies, at least long enough to get the drop on them. No reason to leave a potential strength in reserve." He glances around his companions, clearly hoping they see some wisdom in his idea.
"As for us, we'll head up and get into position." He nods to Nicolette as they move off, his bow in hand.
Kevin shakes his head at Callen "No, I won't try to trick them but I can stand ready. Go ahead Joska and Missy take the lead and I will back you up."
"Completely understandable Kevin."
In reply to the various pieces of advice given Joska replies "we will call out to them, but not before they are able to see us when we do. I don't want anything to appear like trickery."
She sheathes her sword, but makes sure her flail is loose and right close at hand for grabbing should it be needed. She borrows a torch.
Joska starts forward with Missy without attempting to be stealthy about her approach in any way. As she gets closer she does her best to get a read on what exactly the figures are doing so she can craft her introduction, or response should they hail her first, as best she can to their interests.
Nicolette and Callen make their way into the cavern and begin working their way around the chamber in the shadows. The rest of the company slows draws up close to the mouth of the . Joska and Missy begin to make their way directly forward, approaching the ruined tower head on. The creak and swoosh of the pair's armor seems horribly amplified as they walk, and after getting halfway to the tower, the two huddled humanoids look up, and quickly climb to the edge of the shattered stone rubble, tucking against what cover it affords while drawing their arms.
On the left is a long haired woman who might be human, bent over from a hunchback, with auburn hair and strange growths beneath her skin twisting the shape of her jaw in hideous ways. She wears a faded gray surcoat over what might be leather armor and holds a spear at the ready. The second it a tall, thinner man, with attractive, elf-like features on the right side of his body, juxtaposed by the green scaled hide of a lizardman on the left side. His right temple sports a single horn, and he wears a threadbare purple tabard over an aged chain shirt, while holding a steel-shod club. He looks at both Joska and Missy, and seems to note the crowd beyond. In a strangely accented yet surprisingly eloquent Taldane , he speaks. "Ladies, how be you disposed to this approach? If your intentions be ill, I would ask ye leave my comrade and I in peace, we have seen enough misfortune this day, and seek not trouble with you." Even a casual eye can see he warily awaits our reaction.
Standing back with Amelia, Kevin, and Meraati, Aravashnial can barely contain his excitement. "If only I had my notebooks, I could be scribing every detail of this encounter. People will need to know, for surely this is them. I mean, who else would build a tower under the city? It is so clear to me - why yes, indeed! OH! umm, who can tell me what is happening?"
Quite surprisingly, Horgus looks to the elf, and makes a harsh shushing sound. In a harsh whisper, "Are you mad, do you want to bring down their wrath on us? Be silent Aravash, while they deal with whomever this is." Anevia for her part just shakes her head at the pair, though seems to be waiting with a hint of anticipation.
Having made it far enough around the collapsed tower, you can see into the rubble more clearly. Multiple bodies lie broken amid the fallen stone. An especially large bolder sits wedged in the area the pair were working only moments ago.
*+1 for traps
Joska comes to a halt when the man calls out. She raises her empty hand to show she bears no weapon and replies.
"We bear no ill will or intent toward you. We have also suffered misfortune today. We are lost, looking for a way back to the surface. We have wounded among us. We seek your aid, and offer ours in return if we can help you."
Amelia does her best to describe to Aravashnial what the mongrelmen look like as best she can see. She also can't help but stare.
I suppose... all this time of isolation means they would change their speech that much... Though I do find it odd they haven't encountered others.. She mutters at hearing them.
"I-I'm fine going with Joska. I-I can handle myself decently well in a fight." Nodding her acquiescence with the plan, she followed the human woman forward to make contact. Her eyes widened at the sight of the people, but she raised her hands as well. What in the world were these people? "E-Exactly as my friend here said. Misfortune has befallen us all on this day. W-We have strong warriors if you're t-trying to move rubble, and I-I'm a healer if you've got someone wounded. W-We're just trying to get back to the surface."
Coming around the tower, you can see that much of the ruin that still holds it shape though on its side is facing toward the tunnel from where you came. Behind it, the bulk of the tower's rock structure has shattered in, battering the occupants with both the fall itself, which you guess happened in the last couple hours, and the stone structure collapsing on them. Mixed in the shattered rubble are several hunks of stone of a different make and origin, that appear to be pieces from some lofty construction as you would see in the heart of Kenabres. Is it possible a rift opened in the cavern ceiling here similar to what you fell through?
The twisted man looks between the armored warrior and the diminutive healer before him warily, then glances again at those standing in the shadowed mouth of the cave entrance before turning back to his companion. All she offers in response to his questioning gaze is a shrug. Turning back, he sighs, "Very well, if your intentions be true and ye seek only to return to the uplands from whence ye came, I would be inclined to assist in that endeavor if ye would all lend your might to rescuing our kinsman. A massive boulder is slowly collapsing the lower structure within which he is trapped. Come, quickly."
The pair quickly turn and scramble over the rubble, back to the sight where they were previously working. There sits a massive hunk of stone that appears to be a section of the Kenabres city wall's rampart - possibly it was shattered off and cast down through a rift in the ground? You see the broken wood and stone floor beneath crumbling, and can hear the muffled cries of someone trapped beneath.
Callen watches the exchange between Joska and Missy and the two deformed figures from the shadows beyond the tower. They are speaking at a distance and so are projecting well enough for it to be easy for Callen to listen to. When his allies agree to assist the underfolk and they begin to move back into the ruin, Callen will tap Nicolette's shoulder and point for them to slide along the outside of the tower ruin, allowing them to connect with their allies who had hung back as they all approach.
Once they have rejoined the others Callen will step forward with those who are preparing to help move the boulder. "Joska, Kevin, you two are obviously gifted in such matters. I may be small, but have a sturdy back. Who else will lend a hand?"
With Callen touching her shoulder, she nods to him. She had thought the same. It is sad to her that a similar fate befell those even here.
Back with the group, she emerges with the halfling from the blackness of the cavern wall and into the dimness of the magical light.
"It is just Nicolette and Callen, returned," she will warn. "We are seeking to help out. It appears they were attacked," she mentions to Aravashnial and Horgus before rushing forward to aid the others.
Arriving at the scene, she assesses what can be the problem out of sight and the best way to fix the problem based on where the cries are coming from below.
Her powers would help her destroy crafted works by imparting that blessing onto a weapon, but for worked stone and beams? They were hardly crafted items. Perhaps brute strength is the key for her, unless the one who blessed her with powers inspires her to give freedom to those within.
"I know not what strength you have to give me, but I recall the days when I felt trapped. Trapped like these here. Please, bless my words and actions to give those trapped below freedom from this dire imprisonment."
Some might think it odd for someone to pray and evaluate in a time where great strength and leverage is needed, but Nicolette may not be religious, but she is faithful.
If inspired, she will look to the largest weapon wielded nearby and the perfect place to strike with the ability granted her. If not blessed, she will rush in to aid the others.
"Hold on there! If you can, all of you move to one side of the room and let us know where you are by calling out."
Joska nods agreement. "I will signal the others they may approach. I'm right behind you."
Joska holds her torch high and waves it, signaling it is safe for everyone to come forward. She follows the man to his trapped friend. She looks at the situation quickly, then checks for opportunities to use shoring the stone as it's lifted by placing smaller objects beneath to keep it elevated, or perhaps making a simple lever to multiply their strength when shifting the stone. If a lever seems feasible, Joska also looks around for something long and stout enough to do the job.
Being arguably the physically weakest person there, Missy follows after nervously. She stays a bit away from the efforts to move the rubble and free the person, getting out her healer's kit instead. She was gonna have to be ready in case of injury, and it would be useful to have it on hand in case of something that magic couldn't fix.
Joska and Nicolette spent a few moments looking over the massive chunk of rampart that shattered the lower part of the tower and now rests precariously perched on the half-broken floor beneath it. Even as they move around, they hear sounds of the floor below them creeking, with small stones falling away. Joska notices the spear the twisted female carries has a heavy wood, metal bound shaft and would likely work best as a lever. She also determines the best direction to work and move the boulder toward. Nicolette realizes that, though her blessing will help to weaken the structure of something struck, the chuck of rampart is so large that she would not be able to get through it in a timely manner. Instead, working with Joska's plans to move it from one direction, she could use her blessing to damage the floor beneath the path they plan to push it, helping to reduce resistance.
In response to Nicolette's instruction to move, the lone voice trapped in the layer below seems to shift slightly to the side below the party, away from the direction you intend to move the rampart boulder.
The male steps forward, having stowed his weapon, preparing to do his best to help move the stone. "All my thanks I offer unto you. I am Lann, of Neathholm." he shares as he places his hands on the stone. Anevia hobbles forward, bracing her good leg against the outer frame and her back against the stone, "Let's do this then," she offers matter of factly.
Lann introduces himself, showing his valiant behavior and willingness to help. With such a face, it is easy for some (Horgus likely) to be unable to find compassion. Lann's face just brings to mind Callen's affliction. Was Lann's one from birth, or the consequences of demonic magic? She was curious about him and this place called Neathholm.
"Neathholm...what have I heard of it?"
Without tarrying long on her thoughts, Nicolette replies, "Greetings Lann, I'm Nicolette."
It is strange to feel a minor bit of attraction to one side of Lann's face and utter revulsion to the other side of his face. She truly dislikes lizards, thinking of them as disgusting as cockroaches in cleanliness. Fortunately, this hatred does not communicate through her face, which is a neutral, kind look as she welcomes the half-lizardman from Neathholm.
The group of them now have a plan and just need the muscle to get the job done.
As her muscles strain, the others can tell she actually tries very hard to move it, causing the medic to cry out in pain, "Uaah! Puuuushhh!"
Getting down low near where Joska has dug in the spear as a lever, Callen digs deep into his soul to help drive the boulder over.
"It's good to meet you Lann, I'm Joska."
When the lever is in place and everyone is in their positions, Joska starts a countdown to one so coordinate the effort. She pulls with all her weight, hoping the spear doesn't break.
With the combined might of your company, the ingenuity of Joska’s lever, and assistance of Nicolette relief channel, the massive chunk of castle rampart first creaks and groans, then slowly tips over and rolls over, off the side of the shattered tower. Smashing through the edge of the remaining wall, it nevertheless leaves the partially collapsed chamber below intact. As the resounding boom of the rampart boulder echoes across the cavern, Lann drops to the ground, thrusting his arm down through the hole left behind after the boulder’s removal. He pulls back, heaving up, and pulls up his companion. Up comes a short, stocky individual with mottled, stony gray skin, a salt and pepper beard, and a heavily scarred and twisted left quarter of his face. He has tried to comb his scraggly hair over to cover it, but it does little to help. He is girded in a leather jerkin with steel plates inset, and a hefty axe hangs from a baldric at his side. He and Lann embrace as brothers, then turn to your company.
Lann reaches out his elven hand toward Joska. ”My thanks be upon you. This be my broodkin Crel. He, Dyra, and I are all that still breathe of the guardians that held this tower. Your honor has been tested and proven in this moment. I am bound to ye, to see that ye reach the uplands as ye so intend. Were it yesterday, such an endeavor would be far easier to facilitate. Whatever conundrum besieges your realms has shattered much of these tunnels with quakes and collapses. Yet if we can return to our municipality, I have faith we can set forth a course to deliver ye upward. Will ye venture forth with us?”
Before you can respond, you hear a disgusted cry from behind you. ”GYEH, these things are hideous! I can listen no more to their deceit!? Lady Joska, please don’t let yourself be tricked by the twisted, demonspawn before you. They want us to follow them into their lair? To feast upon us, or worse, no doubt! You promised you’d see us all safely to the surface - this is the opposite of that! Do you all now betray your oaths?” Horgus is heaving and panting, on the verge of vomiting as he cries out his protest. You realize you are going to have to keep Gwerm in check if you are to foster any relationship with the underfolk...
Further back, Amelia seems to be actually managing to keep Aravashnial’s inquisitive mind engaged for the moment.
Given the varied nature of Lann, Crel, and Dyra’s conditions, and the cases of mutation you have seen before, you would theorize that all three have been heavily effected by the warping influence of the Worldwound’s chaotic energies. More than likely there is no way to reverse it, and it is quite possible each was born this way.
Kevin smiles as the man is freed and approaches Lan afterward with his hand out. "My name is Kevin. Nice to meet you."
When Gwerm explodes Kevin rushes back to him "Did you forget so quickly! Look at me! Are they worse looking than I? Have I not bleed for your safety? If it makes you feel better I am able to detect evil and will do so on each of them!"
Callen steps up next to Joska, pulling his hood back and scarf down to reveal his own damaged form. Offering his hand up toward Lann, "I am Callen Shieldborn, Woundstalker and devotee of Iomedae. It is fortuitous to meet you Lann... of Neathholm? Is that the name of your settlement?" Looking them up and down, he tries to draw any conclusions regarding the name of their settlement, or any symbols on their tabards, that might relate to Kenabres' past as Aravashnial has suggested.
At Horgus' outburst, he nods to Lann, then turns and steps back toward the man. Hearing Kevin's tone, he brings forth the tone of a comforting caregiver. "Lord Gwerm, I gave you my word that we would see you safely home onto your estate, and I intend to do just that. These are strange times, and strange times sometimes bring about unexpected allies. Kevin and I, well, we don't look right proper such as Nicolette, Amelia, or Missy, but we are dutiful servants. And if Aravashnial's crazy theories have even a touch of truth, then these folk may have the heart of their crusader forebears. Have faith, we will see the sun of day soon enough."
A laugh elicits from Nicolette as the scarred individual is pulled out of the hole. It is a laugh of pure joy as the two of them embrace and she almost can ignore the hurt in her fingers because of it.
"Awww...that's great," she voices in a still small way. She clearly understands this isn't an affliction beyond the gentlemen's control, and so she has no issue with them in their appearance. With anticipating eyes, she awaits the introduction of the broodkin and his faith to the group.
She is about to answer when Horgus's cry goes out, causing the medic to immediately eyeroll as her back is turned to the man. Clearly, Crel, Dyra, and Lann can see from Nicolette's face that this man is a source of irritation. She then puts on a sly smile and hides her irritation as she turns to rebuke him. Instead, she finds her other companions give him a courteous lashing with great diplomacy. As Callen takes an opportunity to slyly compliment Nicolette, she will actually blush to a minor degree and her smile grows as both people's statements come to a completion.
"Perhaps we should speak to our grand elf, Aravashnial?" she turns briefly then to the group of three strangers with a raised hand to direct her speech from Horgus. "He seemed particularly ecstatic coming across this tower down here." Straightening. "But as for me, I would love to allow you to uphold your honor, with the caveat that you allow me to examine you for any injuries or lingering wounds from the tower collapse you may not have known you've incurred."
Meraati has been watching the diplomatic tensions go well, as far as she knows it could be.
Things considered, it's good to meet a friendly face down 'ere.
Kevin and I, well, we don't look right proper such as Nicolette, Amelia, or Missy, but we are dutiful servants.
Where does that place me?
Ah, doesn't matter.When introductions are done, she modestly raises a hand in greeting.
"Greetings, i'm Meraati."