Lann turns to Meraati, "The shattering of the earth's ceiling closed the causeway primary to our tower, and the realsm beyond. This cavern to Holm it leads, and as we just passed, the tunnels webbed behind will allow travel, slower albiet. A boon to our people this presents, easing the loss."
Anevia smiles at Nicolette's offer, then taps the well-worn leathers upon her chest. "Thank you, but this armor has seen me through much, since you were a young lass, and will continue to serve he well. Hang onto it in case you need an alternate option in the future."
Having been keeping toward the back, but come forward with Anevia, Amelia, and Horgus, Aravashnial catches the details of the discussion between Kevin, Nicolette, Joska, and Callen, and suddenly bursts forward. "The Cult of the Ivory Labyrinth!! OF COURSE! I knew it, I knew it! There are infiltrators everywhere! I have said for years that the Crusader forces had fallen to dark powers, and this proves it. Every knight, priest, mercenary, and sellsword needs to be tested, to judge their purity and loyalty! Oh yes, most definitely!"
With a booming yell, Horgus shouts down the elf. "Just like you knew I was a demon conspirator, eh?! No doubt this is proof of enemies among our ranks, but that does not mean everyone is a traitor - you sound like one of Halrun's torch-wielding witch hunters. I am surprised to find such an educated man among such fanatics."
Aravashnial scoffs, suddenly taken aback by Horgus' statement, "What! Well, I never?! A witch hunter? They are brutal, paranoid madmen! I could... no... I mean... there are infiltrators... this is PROOF! But, not everyone - I guess, perhaps I am acting a bit hasty. Geh, blast it all!" Sucken, he storms back blindly a few steps, muttering to himself. Horgus chuckles slightly, a bemused look on his face.
As the bluster subsides, Anevia leans in toward those gathered close of your company. "Aravash is a conspiracy theorist, but if they are Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth, it would be wise for us to learn the truth. My wife, Irabeth, has hunted them before, and even routed out a great leader among them, who had for years served the Crusades most faithfully. This could speak further ill of today's events."
Amelia sighs, both happy and, oddly, somewhat sad she had not be needed. She had always been proud of her magic, of course she wasn't close to many. Still. She thinks back to her times spent reading in a tavern, listening to people. To all the times her grandfather found her "lazing" about when she should have been bettering herself and couldn't help but wonder.
At the outburst Amelia flusters, before
ahhhhh Amelia tries to comfort Aravashnial. Its okay, I know you mean well. And you are right, Crusaders should be vetted, the military ones. But, you can't go around vetting everyone for no reason.
"Alright," she answers Anevia.
The half-elf looks to the conversation between Horgus and Aravashnial. She can't help but smirk as the justice comes full circle on the elf and Horgus makes him stammer. The smirk is short-lived as she doesn't seek to get involved in this instance. It's a good lesson for the blind man in her opinion. Nicolette dislikes anyone who lords their authority, especially righteous authority, over the innocent. If Horgus ends up being a bad guy like Arav says he is, she has no problem jumping on the bandwagon to denounce him.
"Well, if no one wants this armor, I'd rather travel light as it helps me move silently and scout. Is there anyone who could carry it for me? And does anyone want to use these spiked gauntlets or these glaives?"
Joska has no interest in the weapons of the dead cultists herself, but she's loath to leave resources behind when they don't know what's ahead or how long they will remain cut off underground.
She ties the stuff up into a bundle and fashions a sling so she can carry it all over her shoulder.
Unlike most everyone else it seems, Joska is a newcomer to Mendev. She's not informed on subjects like infiltrating cultists and zealous witch hunters. She keeps her mouth shut through the latest round of bickering. Listening to yet more of it, along with their current situation brings a pang of homesickness for Korvosa to her.
There is one thing though that Joska does want to know more about right away. She does her best to ask Lann about it, taking him aside if possible, so the subject won't have to be litigated by everyone before they take another step.
"Guards, no. Come from above, they do. In recent weeks several, seeking passage to our kin most foul. Betrayed their oaths, their way is lost. These men would for their lair make."
"Lann, you mentioned these men as travelers to some of your kin, another group who you are in conflict with? Will we be passing through them to get to your town going this way?"
Aravashnial leans heavily on his staff as he listens to Amelia. "Indeed, I can get a bit excited and hasty. I despise traitors, and surely today is the work of the worst kind. When these troubles are put to rest, the authorities will need to cleanse the ranks here in the city, no doubt - but as you say, do it wisely."
Lann's face becomes tense and downcast at Joska's question. "Indeed, decades have come and gone yon our forebears clashed steel within the Crusades. Our ancestors ways are to some lost, and with each year's falling, more into shadow drift. In darkness do they find gods of the Wound. Men like these-" he slightly kicks one of the dead templars, "trust we do not in depths down they seek. To persecute us, or to our fallen kin's side, either way we avoid."
As the remaining salvaged gear is distributed and discussed, Horgus leans in close to Joska. "Lady knight, Lann's people likely have limited resources. I am sure when we get to their village, presenting the unused salvage as a gift or peace offering might prove useful."
Lann, Dyra, and Crel all move to the far end of the chamber. Lann looks back at the party, "Come, Neathholm have we almost attained. Onward let us go, that we may the word spread of today's travesties."
Kevnin falls in beside Lann and marches onward, "If it's ok I'll join you at the front in case we run into any more of those traitors. I know all too well that looks on the outside are not a marker for what is on the inside."
The tabards carefully stowed in his pack, Callen shoulders it, getting ready to move out with the others. The truth of infiltrators within their ranks, bearing the markings of servants of his own deity, weighs heavily on Callen. 'Still, there is the need to persist, to get back to the surface and take up arms against this foe. The crusades have faced adversity before, surely we can overcome this?' The question resonates in his head as they venture into the next tunnel.
"It is probably mid-afternoon by now." Nicolette comments just loud enough for those in the party to hear. "I can imagine the scent of sweet rolls being baked and set out for the lunch hours. I wish we were there..." For a moment, the half-elf medic seems a bit lost in thought as she helps Joska with her makeshift pack. Nicolette will keep one of the spiked gauntlets since no one has claimed it. Even if she is disarmed, she will always be armed with it in hand.
With the others moving further away, she will speak up to the group.
"Crel warned that there are numerous deadly foes ahead...I think. He's pretty hard for me to understand. Horgus, you should try to speak to him in dwarven at some point."
After that is stated, she too will join them and keep an eye on the pathways ahead.
*+1 for traps
As he is handed the poition Kevin says "I have two of those plus the ability to heal, someone might be better of with that than I. If not I will take it."
As your company moves out of the chamber, leaving the fallen bodies of the cultists behind, a sense of purpose beyond just reaching the surface begins to form in each of your minds. Each of you has a different perspective, and yet each of you is affected by the truth of these traitors' or infiltrators' behavior - you undoubtedly have lost friends, loved ones, on this day. There are wrong that need to be righted. Injustices that need to be avenged...
Your thoughts come back to the present as you continue to follow Lann and the others. It has been at least half an hour since you left the last chamber when then tunnel cuts left suddenly and the incline increases, as it makes a spiraled ascent. Coming out of a full revolution, the tunnel leads you into a roughly hewn rectangular chamber, perhaps twenty feet wide and fifty feet long. A wooden barricade stands forty feet into the chamber, and a large stone door can be seen beyond cut into the far wall. A couple torches burn atop the barricade, and four individuals, each as twisted as Lann's trio, stands on guard behind it. As your company exits the tunnel, you can see at least one crossbow and a long bow pointing in your direction, though they quickly lower as they see their three kinsmen at the front of your company.
Lann raises his hand high over his head, the haft of his axe turned parallel to the ground. This apparently is some nonverbal sign, as two of the underfolk quickly pull back a section of the barricade, allowing your party to pass through. Lann and the others exchange pleasantries with their kin, embracing as family often does. Lann can be heard sharing their tale, "The ground was shattered, above and below and collapsed the tower, smashed from the rent sky. Claimed our kin were, only we three remain." Deep gasps and muffled tears escape the four as they listen. Pointing back toward your company, Lann continues. "Down cast these Uplanders were, when Kenabres put to ruin beyond the Wound's invasion most fell. Just of heart, Crel they did help escape the tower's collapse. Honorbound am I to deliver surfaceward with haste. To Chief Sull I must present."
Joska doesn't quite follow Lann's answer to her question about a split among the underground folk. His language can be difficult to parse sometimes. It seems to her he is saying yes, there are two factions; but no, they don't block the way. She lets it go. What will come will come. She figures Lann is going his best, and they wouldn't be getting along nearly as well without him.
When Horgus suggests the extra cache of weapons go to the village as a gift, she's surprised the man has so quickly accommodated his thinking to new circumstances. Joska would have expected him to think they would use the weapons on him as soon as the chance came. His idea is also good.
Joska nods in agreement. "Yes, that a fine idea Horgus. I'll do that when we get there."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
At the gate Joska thinks it best to let Lann handle things. She stays quiet and tries to look friendly.
"Very well, I'll hold onto this unless someone else wants to."
Nicolette will tuck the healing potion into an empty loop on her belt. As she does, she lingers a bit before the infiltrators who bore a tabard of Iomadae. Her eyes read over them with intensity and laser focus before she continues onward with the party.
Thankfully she has plenty of time to sort out her thoughts of betrayal and love long lost before they cut left. The change causes her to shift from her disassociated mental state to one of hyper-focus.
"How did I even get here? I don't remember walking back there. That is such a strange sensation when the mind wanders..."
Before her is a gate and Lann raising hand high in the air and leveling his axe. She keeps this in mind should they ever need to approach such a place again.
Once inside, her face contorts in misery at the pain shared by those hearing the bad news. When direction is focused once more upon them, she states, "I am sorry for your loss. Such a terrible tragedy should befall such honorable people."
Nicolette then bows a small bit to show her intensity of emotions. While she is no stranger to death and demise, her heart breaks all the more for those who must endure it. At the mentioning of Chief Sull, she tries to think back in history to the First Crusade if there was any mentioning of the Sull family name.
The guardians of the gate stand in awe of your company.Lann's telling of the aid you offered clearly has eased any fears they have. Eventually one goes up to the stone door and knocks on a small metal plate set within it. The plate slides open, and he gives a nod to someone beyond. Slowly, the heavy stone door swings open, with several more underfolk guards standing beyond it.
You're led through a stout tunnel that opens into the largest chamber you have encountered beneath the city. The entire vast cavern has a green and purple bioluminescent glow, given off by the fungus that grows on the walls and ceiling. It is then reflected back by the large lake that fills the massive cavern. At the center of the lake rises a compact island, upon which a few dozen stone and wood buildings stand. A narrow spit juts out from the shoreline where you stand, with a wooden bridge connecting that spit to the island. Several rafts and boats can be seen along the island's shore as you approach.
Crossing the bridge onto the island, Lann leads you toward the center of the island, where a stocky stone structure marks the likely seat of power. As you pass the other buildings, the residents of Neathholm gaze from their windows and doorways, observing the uplanders who walk their street. Bass has been the case for each of the underfolk you have encountered, they all bear a unique, twisted form, though also all show their human or demi-human origins.
The structures themselves are serviceable built, neither fine craftsmanship nor shoddy hovels, but rather simple, stout buildings that have likely been in use for several decades. A limited amount of timber is used among the mostly stone construction, and most buildings appear to have flat roofs. Horgus can be heard offering the occasional grimace at the sight of an especially malformed individual, while Aravashnial pesters for details. "What do you see? A settlement, does it have serviceable defenses? Does there seem to be any structure or heirarchy to the society? What manner of mutations and deformities seem most common among them?"
After a short walk, you reach the town center and the great hall. It's doors have been opened at your approach, and though Lann leads you right in, you note that more then a dozen guards stand outside the hall, a armored and armed.
Missy for her part, just followed along. As time went on she just got more tired, stressed out, and worried. Traitors in the army, who knows how many are dead, having been walking and climbing for so long... She just wanted to know if her family were okay. Looking around with a blank expression at the small village they passed through, she followed Lann into the great hall. Hopefully their either stopped to rest, or continued on towards the surface quickly after this.
Entering the hall, you get the feel of being in something between a tribal lodge and a frontier garrison. Some twenty or more of the underfolk have moved to the outer reaches of the hall, opening the center of the floor for your company to enter. Several braziers hang from the ceiling, casting off both a warm light and a fragrant, if pungant spiced scent. Several old, faded banners hang on the walls behind the onlookers. At the head of the chamber on a slightly raised dias stands a mountain of a man, accompanied by two others.
The banners each bear the crest of a knightly order, noble family, or mercenary company that dates back to the time of the First Crusade.
Over seven feet tall, with broad, muscled shoulders and a rotund belly, the man who is undoubtedly Chief Sull had a pudgy, misshapen face that looks something like an obese, hairless mouse. His eyes and nose are almost comically small in comparison to his massive head. Yet the density of his frame and his muscled forearms, paired with the leather surcoat and bracers he wears, and the hefty, brutally spiked morningstar whose pommel he rests his right hand on cast the image of a mighty warrior.
To either side of Chief Sull stand two more: on his left a thin, wiry individual with mottled gray and black skin, and an oversized milky right eye. It's scraggly white hair hangs down to its darkly robed shoulders, and it stands hunched over, leaning on a gnarled staff with several precious stones set into it. On his right is a female, slight of build, wearing a crimson dress of an older style, with a similar mouse-like mutation to her face as Chief Sull. Whereas his face is disproportioned, hers fits her physique rather well, and her soft brown hair frames her onlooking face as she watches the Chief step toward you.
Taking two large strides down off the raised platform, the giant man looks down at Lann. In a bold, deep voice, he speaks firmly. "That your post abandoned is informs how dire must be our situation. Demons of the Wound are seen on this day, and blades hath crossed with claws. Now, those born of Sarenrae's Light deign entry into this outcast hall. Truly darkness hath come forth." He looks from Lann across your company, taking note of each of you. As he does, the strange, white-haired advisor hobbles down in a bent gate, circling around, examining each. After several moments, the giant man continues, "Yet among the Uplanders now walk those befouled by the Abyssal taint - that which our forebears banishment suffered. Does the witch-hunter's torch not burn so anymore? What truth would ye speak to me on this day?"
His eyes linger briefly on any character with an exposed holy symbol.
Partially obscured by his surcoat and hefty neck, Chief Sull wears a metal chain with an amulet upon it - a bat with gemstones set in its eyes.
Alternative link to chief Sull.
As above, same below., Meraati thinks, as the comment of the chief almost makes her eyes roll.
"Chieftain, if i may answer that."
"There are still 'over eager' people on the surface who would love nothing more than to slay people like myself, to the last. Prejudices aplenty. However tieflings are a diversely spread people these days, albeit not too common a sight, more often than not, in some lands."
"But like those without the heritage, there are the good and the bad."
As time passes, and sights are seen, more questions flutter into Nicolette's mind. She etched into her mind the styles of construction, the strange woods used (were there trees underground?) in boat and dock construction. The strange illumination above seemed to excite her elven sight. The black waters she wondered if they swam in them or if there were hazards unknown in the depths. This was better than any storybook she has never even read before. So much so, that the feelings of betrayal and hatred in regards to the conspirators fade from her mind.
They travel through the city. To her, it is beautiful in its own way. It shows their determination and far behind her, she can hear Amelia and Aravashnial chittering. As they pass the onlookers, if there are any visible children, Nicolette will cheerily give the little ones a wave, as if saying "I see you and I'm nice", even if it makes them duck away. One further thing she does take note of is Missy's stress upon her face. It is something she will address later when they settle down.
Upon seeing the chief, she mentally smiles as she jokes in her mind how he may crush his two attendants if not careful. She reminds herself that these are honorable people and listens.
With attentive eyes, Nicolette spots what he's intended to keep remained hidden.
Entering the settlement through the barricaded stone door, Callen is acutely aware of the single known exit as they step onto the shoreline and head from the bridge. He leans back and strains up to whisper to both Joska and Nicolette, hoping some of the others close by might hear him. "They seem to be goodly folk, and Lann and the others certainly recognize our role in freeing their friend. But the same might not be said for many here, they have clearly suffered persecution and may seek some measure of vengeance. Keep a wary eye about you."
Callen checks the side alleys and corners as they pass through the town, 'the last thing we need is an ambush,' he thinks to himself, though admittedly his attention still lingers on the two cultists of Baphomet from earlier.
Callen comes back the present moment as they enter the Great Hall. Callen grew up in an Iomedaen temple within Kenabres, and spent the dim hours of his childhood scouring over the history and legends of the Crusades. That included the coats of arms for the many orders and companies that took up the swords during the Crusades. "Those banners, they date back to the First Crusade..." his raspy voice has an awed tone as he speaks.
Callen listens carefully as the giant chief speaks to them. 'This is a man of some intelligence and wisdom.' Noticing the chain around his neck, he quickly points to it, "Nicolette, is that like the amulet we found at the abandoned campsite, near the statues, where the mad dwarf attacked us?" still waiting for her response, he steps forward beside Meraati, the lend further credence to her words. Pulling his hood and scarf down, "Chief Sull, I am sorry to say there are still those who would judge others based on their appearance rather than action. But there are many more of Noble heart. And as you say, now is the darkest of days - horrors have been unleashed from the Worldwound and laid siege to Kenabres! The city is thrust into chaos, and Terendelev has fallen. We were all cast down through a rift in the ground and seek a way back to the surface."
Kevin looks around in awe as they enter the large chamber. He mutters "It is tremendous." and lets out a quiet whistle. He keeps his eyes open as they walk through town taking it all in. When they enter the City Hall he nods as he sees they banners. He then says to Callen "Yes they do. I recognize many of them from my parents time here and talking to the veterans."
As Chief Sull speaks Kevin notices the small bat but says nothing. Kevin then speaks "It is better than it was up there. My parents left Kenabres when I was born to avoid the persecution even though they were devout followers of Iomadae and Sarenrae. I have only just returned to the city of my birth to see it besieged by demons, it's great protector dragon slain and the Kite destroyed. We ask you help in getting us to the surface and ask for help against the demons there."
Compared to the others, Joska probably doesn't feel the weight or sting of possible betrayal from within the crusaders as much as the others. She is rather new to Mendev, so relatively free of expectations or preconceptions. Besides, her own past experience has shown her that unity, even tight bonds, can be a fragile thing under dire circumstances.
Likewise demons are an abstract for her. She knows little about them except for the bare basics. She certainly understands the surprise attack that has taken place is very bad, but she did come to fight demons, so she will. In this respect she probably suffers from the overconfidence common in novices.
The fortress village of Lann's people is the thing she finds overwhelming. It beggers her imagination that such a huge open place might exist underground. She had been expecting a warren of small caves along a widening in the tunnels. To instead find the place rising from the middle of an underground lake and lit in the strange, colored light of of funguses on the walls and ceiling astounds her. Everything about the place is like something from a dark fairy tale. It seems it should be fiction, yet here it is all around her.
When they are taken in to meet the Chief, Joska waits to speak until those who are better practiced with niceties have had their say. When she finds an opening to do so, Joska lays the bundle of cultist glaives and gauntlets in front of the Chief. She also takes the dagger from her belt and adds it to the pile. Joska explains the circumstances by which they came to claim the weapons, adding that the ones taken from the cultists are well made and the dagger is of cold iron, so more effective than most against demons.
"It has been a terrible day, but we shouldn't forget the points of good fortune to be found in it as well. We found Lann and his kin, and they have guided us to safety. One of your enemies destroyed another of your enemies at a cost to themselves, which is the best kind of victory."
Lann steps forward to build on your words. "The tower and tunnels beyond lost they are to us, crushed in the cataclysm above. Crel they helped liberate from the shattered tower's remains. Honorsworn am I to see them upward onto the land suntouched. They are like of heart, crusade sworn and duty committed."
The Chiefs twisted crone continues to circle your company sniffing, glaring, and poking as they do. Finally in a sharp hissing tone it cries out, "SKYFALLEN! Cast down from halls hallowed through land asunder, yet neither broken nor battered of body. In darkness they roam, a womb from which to be reborn. DESTINY, it's Mark be upon them!"
The mountain of a man looks to both Lann and his advisor as they speak, then back to you. Several tense moments pass before he starts to slowly laugh in his low, baritone voice. It goes on a bit longer than is comfortable before he speaks. "One of my kin bound of oath is to you? Yet of assistance you ask humbly? No, demand you do not. Threaten you do not. Angelborn my seer says you are. Perhaps right he is? Humility and assistance you offer - respect and gratitude you shall receive."
He walks up to you, hanging his hefty cudgel from a loop on his belt as he does. He places his massive hands on the shoulders of Joska and Kevin at the front, before greeting each of you in turn. The crowd of under folk that have been standing along the walls, remaining silent, now began to speak and chatter with each other. Horgus shies back slightly, and a keen observer can see he is clearly uncomfortable, yet Chief Sull seems especially impressed by his Noble clothes and bearing, and Horgus does his best and the giant mutant clasps his forearm and pats his back. Aravashnial begins to pester Amelia with a myriad of questions.
Finally, Chief Sull in his bold voice, "come, the day is not young, and faced you have many trials. Tired I trust you are. Would you share our table?" Waiting only but a moment, he calls out, "Feast we must, for much there is to discuss!"
In a matter of moments, three long tables are brought in and set up to form a 'U'. You are welcomed to seats on benches on either arm of the table, with the chief, his seer Seelu, and his daughter Giri (whom he introduces), Lann, and another all seated along the center.
In response, Nicolette nods to Callen, who reminds her of the necklace on the dwarf. How it slipped her mind was truly a wonder, yet not abnormal for the half-elf. She frequently misses details of the recent and distant past--a fault of her father's. Perhaps it was the killing of the dwarf, the long journey here, or the distractions on her mind since then, but now, her mind recalls the necklace.
"We thank you, kindest of chiefs," she bows, indicating that of all the chiefs in the world, he is most kind. Really, such places of pomp and presence are not her comfort zones. In front of a Prince above, she would not know how to act. This is no different. Her eyes are then carried away by the mutterings of the common folk on the walls about them before returning to the large man.
Nicolette will gladly meet the acquaintance of those introduced to them and will try to make jolly with tales of battles at the forefront of the crusades. While she has not attributed much to such glorious moments, she can at least relay them in a splendid, charismatic way from what she's seen, not to mention her thanks.
During the course of dinner, likely of strange otherworldly foods, she will try to gain knowledge on some things she has been curious about:
"What are these waters like? Do they allow fishing? Are there dangers in the lake? Do you swim in it?"
"Where do you get wood for making fires, boats, and various other uses seen?"
"What is making the light in this cave?"
"What are the biggest challenges you face here from natural beasts?"
"What do you raise your children to believe?"
"Do you keep prisoners here?"
Kevin smiles largely at the Chief and says "A good home cooked meal would be a delight! I have had to subsist on my own cooking or dried meals since my mother's passing. Many thanks to you."
Amelia can't help but stare overly long at Sull, and barely manages to hide her astonishment at his appearance. After all, there were plenty of demons that looked not only better, but nicer and friendly as well. She does jot down notes to quill Aravashnials curiosity at a later time as the meeting progresses.
at the mention of dinner, Amelia does perk up. Ah. Really? What, if I might ask, is grown down here? ah, oh! And um, thank you very much! After a few moments of silence she perks up again.
oh! Um, do your people practice any arts? Like, painting, performing or music?
"Thank you..." Missy, feeling grateful for the chance to stop, sits herself down. She doesn't talk a lot, just quietly eating and resting from the long walk to get here. Listening in on the conversations, trying to get a feel for the culture of the small town. Sat next to Joska, her eyes would droop a little as the emotional and physical exhaustion took its toll.
Nicolette will sit on the other side of the smaller halfling Missy and will reach out to pat her armor in a kind, silent gesture. If the halfling looks up to Nicolette, she'll wink playfully and grin, as if encouraging her in so few words to cheer up.
Callen tries to stand tall and shake the Chief's hand, though the size difference is no doubt comical. "Thank you Lord, a meal and a brief rest would do us all good before we press onward." Watching the commotion surge up, Callen is suddenly overcome with emotion. Though it may be a strange sight, it is still a sight of community, of family, and that brings true to him the loss of the day - 'was it just a strike against the oathtaking, a quick shock and rapid withdrawal, or have they conquered the city - hell, what even remains of the city above? Do the temples, the walls, still stand? Does the House of the Hallowed Shield remain resolute? What of the other Shieldborn? Do any still stand?' The thoughts linger and his guard falls - for a brief moment, Callen fears his legs are about to give out.
Just in time the tables are arranged and a seat presented, which he graciously accepts.
"Much obliged, chief. A meal is most welcome."
Meraati picks up a hint off Callen's body language. A sign she'd seen on people touched by music that moves them.
She places a hand on his shoulder, tapping it twice with a friendly smile. Then she focused on what was brought in onto the tables.
Nicolette will sit on the other side of the smaller halfling Missy and will reach out to pat her armor in a kind, silent gesture. If the halfling looks up to Nicolette, she'll wink playfully and grin, as if encouraging her in so few words to cheer up.
Blinking a bit at the feeling of a hand on her shoulder. Glancing up at Nicolette, a tired, small smile formed on her face before she'd go back to her food. At the very least, she wasn't alone in this mess. She'd probably have just curled up in a ball somewhere and rotted away if that had been the case...
Feeling the gentle tap on his shoulder as he awaits Horgus, Callen looks up to Meraati and catches the meaning of her action. He smiles, nods his head, and in the softest whisper utters, "thank you."
He gestures to the open space on the bench beside him, welcoming her to sit down on the side opposite where he has invited Horgus to join. 'I am certainly keeping the strangest of bedfollows in these dark moments...' With a swig of his ale, he summons a smile and looks expectantly to the chief.
When Joska notices Missy fading, she puts her arm around her. Missy can lean against her and doze upright if she needs to.
During the feast Joska mostly converses by asking questions about the first crusade. It's a subject she knows next to nothing about. It also seems to be the most recent news the town's inhabitants have knowledge of to share. It seems to her a good meeting point.
Missy blinked again as she felt the arm go around her, looking up at Joska. Giving her a smile as well, she shifted a bit to lean into her and get comfortable. She was going to probably sleep but a thought came to her at that moment. Looking towards the more... mystical looking advisor, she spoke. "Excuse me... Could you tell me about any useful herbs down here? I'm more familiar with the surface variety, and I want to know what to find in case of an emergency."
As people are still getting settled and Nicolette asks her first question, Aravashnial’s ears perk up and he pushes Amelia to take him in that direction. Chief Sull’s daughter Giri, is seated on the corner of the central table, adjacent to Nicolette, and is eager and excited to converse with the Uplanders. Though exact details are difficult to determine based on her mutations, her slight stature, more pleasantly-mousey features, and excited engagement in the conversation lend the suggestion that she is slightly before the age of maturity, perhaps in her early to middle teenage years.
"What are these waters like? Do they allow fishing? Are there dangers in the lake? Do you swim in it?"
The waters of the lake are cold and clear, filled with fish and cave crabs. Underwater tunnels connect it to the West Sellen River, keeping it fresh. Hahaha, of course we swim in it, and any dangers lurked there once, they are long ago gone.”
"Where do you get wood for making fires, boats, and various other uses seen?"
”Some of our folk follow the long ways out to the surface, away from the city above, to harvest wood or trade for it at times. Plus, any that can be found or repurposed. We burn a few types of giant mushrooms for fires mostly.”
"What is making the light in this cave?"
The fungal fields that grow along the cave shores and walls give off the glow. I don’t quite understand it, but they always have, and do in other areas of the Darklands as I have read. Seelu said because we are so close to the surface they feel the change in the sun’s light, so they give off a different hue depending on the time of day - a dim purple overnight changing to an emerald green in the early afternoon and then back to purple.”
"What are the biggest challenges you face here from natural beasts?"
”Oh, there are plenty of cave dangers - predators and scavengers - that we deal with both trying to enter Neathholm and in our journeys beyond. Many have been warped and enlarged by the Worldwound too! Monstrous spiders, scorpions, and other vermin, oh, and cave bears. And not beasts, but Raveners - well, that’s what we call them. They used to be people like us, but they’ve abandoned our ways and faith, and given over to the Worldwound’s dark masters. Oh, and the witch hunters with their torches, but we haven’t seen any of them in some time. But always, we are warned to be wary of a torch.”
"What do you raise your children to believe?"
”hmm, I am not entirely sure what you are asking, but may have an idea? We are raised to understand that the generations before us were from the land above, and fought the demons in the First Crusade, but the Worldwound’s evil magic warped them. Others were scared of their changes and hunted them, so they fled underground. We believe in the same things they did, that the lands must be defended, and in the faiths of the good people of the realm.”
"Do you keep prisoners here?"
”There are few crimes committed within Neathholm. Minor offenses often require a service to repay those offended or harmed. I took a neighbor’s bracelet two years ago, and had to assist them with. Worse actions, when they rarely happen, generally lead one to be cast from our clan - banishment, as it were.”
Perhaps most intriguing of Giri’s answers is the very nature in which she replies - almost completely lacking the strange grammatical structure that seems to be shared by most of the underfolk. At the questioning of her speech pattern, she smiles and blushes slightly, ”I love reading, anything I can get my hands on. We’ve compiled a respectable collection of tomes, manuscripts, and other writings over the years. I have tried to practice my use of traditional Taldane, that is partly why it is so exciting to have you here today! I have developed also some skill with Hallit, Skald, and Dwarven, and can even piece together a few words in Varisian.”
As the residents of Neathholm scurry about putting together the impromptu gathering, you are first brought trays of salted fish and pickled tubers. A dark, curiously sweet ale is provided to drink. Within a few minutes, several cauldrons are brought in from elsewhere, from which you are each presented with a bowl of fish stew. Some time later a large board is brought in with roasted sides of meat, though the smell is not entirely familiar to you. In a strange reversal of roles, Kevin, Meraati, and Callen find few eyes upon them from both those seated at the tables and those working about the room. Several young girls giggle and chatter off to the side, their eyes flitting about your company, while a handful of guards watch you warily from the back wall.
The old seer wobbles over toward missy, ”No, herbs, no, no… mushrooms, of types enumerable! A cradleneck raw soothing be, but boiled will ye eyes bleed… and boiled fernback the senses perk, yet raw your gut expelled… know so much, years trying, no, tasting…. Yes, yes.”
After beginning to eat and drink, Chief Sull looks between your two halves, ”With lost the tower and crushed the webway be, then much to above is gone. The road longest remains, perhaps, though days several to traverse it is. And far away it yields to suntouched lands. A week perhaps afore Kenabres could be reached. Nay, another route is there, but held by the faithless - kin lost to our beliefs, in darkness fallen they now hold. Embraced the demon’s touch have they - dangerous, most dangerous. But likely stable and clear.”
"Cradleneck raw has soothing properties, but don't boil it. Fernback raw makes you throw up, but can boost your senses when boiled... What do these look like? I can imagine you had to suffer a lot to test them all. Thank you for the information." She bows her head towards the old seer, mentally noting down the information. Turning her eyes towards the chief, she frowned at the two options. A week's worth of travel, or fighting through an army of demon worshippers.
"We... we can't take a week to get back."
Kevin shakes his head and says "No we can't and we shouldn't leave a bunch of demon worshipers here if we can get rid of them. They might even have information about what happened on the surface."
"I would have never expected your people to come up to the surface as I've never heard of your existence until recently. I would love it if I could learn generally where you all come up to the surface at. I know a trustworthy trader. He would probably love the sales. Do you trade with any races down here?" She then looks into the fire in the room to see what the mushrooms look like. "So I imagine then you have people who go out and collect these as sort of an occupation?"
--
"Oh, interesting. I'll have to what the colors the mushrooms are when we go out and what they will be after some sleep."
--
"Our lives are so distant from each other and different, yet our struggles seem to be so similar. Can you tell me more about these witch hunters? When did they show up? What do they do?"
--
"Yes, I was asking that. Do you teach your children to read? Write? Learn medicine? Create art?"
--
"We are new here, and naturally we may upset some finely crafted balances you all have. If you have some time, I would enjoy hearing the rules you have in place to make sure that we don't upset those things."
--
"I noticed that your way of speaking is very similar to our own. Is there a reason for that? Are you using a spell of some kind?"
Nicolette folds her hands pleasantly and listens to the explanation given. The enthusiasm of the child makes Nicolette laugh delightfully.
"Well, I think you speak it wonderfully. We will have to be friends now, for I too am a reader. Not of languages as much, but of medical texts, engineering manuals, religious tomes and on occasion, a local biographer's chronicle of some important person's life or some such thing. It is a shame I don't have any of these books on my person. I could have shared them with you, however, since you like languages so much, I could teach you some Elven basics if you don't know it and are interested?"
---------------------------
Whispering to Missy, she shares, "I can't say I've ever had a pickled mushroom...it's not half bad." What at first was a little nibble will give way to a bigger bite. While some of her companions may be more hesitant in their eating, she is openly enjoying herself with both drink and food. An amused smile stays upon Nicolette's face, both from the conversation and the giggling girls at their more flirtatious banter.
As Chief Sull explains their choices, she considers their options. There is no guarantee that the long passage is open. Stable and clear does sound better, but with Lann wishing to repay them, as well as the others in their care, she is unsure of what to do.
"Great Chief Sull. What numbers of those who embrace the demon's touch lie ahead in this path held by the faithless? Do they possess fortifications?"
Callen graciously accepts the food and drink that are offered, but is careful not to overindulge. 'These people have made a serviceable life for themselves, but I doubt they have a plentiful bounty, by any means. Cannot be greedy with their offered hospitality.'
He listens to the many questions Nicolette asks, and lends half an ear to capture the responses offered by young Giri. The other bit of his attention is to the words of the chief. "If the most direct way back to Kenabres is through those who have sworn themselves over to the dark powers of the Worldwound, than perhaps it is time that they be dealt with justly. You say they are kin of yours, are there any concerns we should be aware of? Any specific dangers we should expect?"
Joska agrees the shorter route must be taken. A week is far too long for them to get to the surface and make a difference, if they can make a difference, defending the city. She also wonders many of the things being asked and more, like the experience and skill of any known leadership among the breakaway group.
But, they are the friends and relatives of the people present, even if the two factions' relationship is violent. If might well be a painful thing for the hard particulars of the other group to be discussed for many who are present. Joska has known those feelings personally. They should be spared reminders during the gathering for the meal.
"We can't wait so long as a week to get to the surface. By then the city's fate will have already been decided. It will have to be the shorter route. Chief Sull, perhaps we can talk about the details involved after this generous meal has been concluded?"
Chief Sull looks at Joska, nods his head, and smiles. "Enough be fair, later talk we will on details. Now for, drink and food shall be enjoyed." And for the next hour, you continue to take comfort in the tasty, and different, meal presented by the folk of Neathholm.
Giri excitedly answers most of Nicolette's questions. "I suppose I would be up for a swim this eve. I hope you like the brisk water. As for the ways upland, well, there were several but who knows now with everything today. There are a couple merchants that are sympathetic to our situation, but mostly, the key is to not get noticed. There are several among us whose twists and curses are less noticeable than the rest, and even a few who can mask their forms!"
"We don't have any fancy scholas or colleges as might be dedicated to educating the elite of Nerosyan, but we learn what is important to get from one day to the next. I suppose it's like above, some of us learn to read, but not many. The basics, how to speak, count, and help our clan, is taught to all. Then we each learn a skill or trade. Many work to grow and harvest the fungus and mushrooms, others as fishermen or hunters. Then of course there are those few who work stone and timber. And we have a couple that carry the gods' blessings, who minister to our ails."
"Our rules and laws are simple: do not take what is not yours, do not harm another, do not swear false oaths, be wary of outsiders, protect our home. There is nothing written or codified, but we are taught how to act as children."
"It was the witch hunters, zealous madmen, who killed many of the First Crusaders after they were afflicted by the Worldwound. The survivors fled, seeking shelter beneath Kenabres. But every so often, they descend to seek us out. In years passed, they struck our camps, but that was before Neathholm was founded. No witch hunter has set foot in our town, though we always keep a wary eye for them."
[b]"Elven, really? I heard it is a beatiful tongue, but so complex. Maybe, though I am sure it would take a lot of time to learn."
As the dinner completes and the food is removed, the room partially empties. Chief Sull finishes the mug before him, then looks over your company. "Traitors, darklings, raveners, some of the names these be for those kin who fallen have. Given to demon worship they are, and blessed with demon's strength they be. Brutal warriors, mad in the head. And devious. And Uplanders they may have with them - mentioned Lann did the dead you found. Like Crusaders they look, but with hearts blackened. Evil, evil it is."
He picks up a jug and fills his mug before drinking again."Their hold not like Neathholm. Not great cavern, built city like. No, old dwarven outpost it is. Our forebears did find it, years ago. Very sturdy, with access most limited. Time was it became home, whence a boy I was. But came the torchbearers and flee we did. Now, the banished and fallen have refuge claimed there. Beyond it, a road solid up to Kenabres. That be yer goal, and the path be it through.
"
"Impressive! Well, I know I'm definitely going for a swim. I don't care how cold it is." she asks.
--
"It sounds like a good life. One can be focused on lands afar even where I come from, but it sounds like your home is a good one."
--
As Giri speaks of their laws, Nicolette pays them close attention. The last thing she wants is someone among their company to do something that causes them all harm. She will keep an eye on her companions throughout the night as much as she can.
"We have many laws, all written, all enforced. It can almost be a hindrance at times, but they are meant well."
--
"Those with the ambition to end another's life usually do not let such things as walls stop them. Keep up your guard here, especially with some signs of infiltration. Grow strong. Don't let down your guard. I can't say I've experienced these people, but if these witch hunters seek to end you, I hope they don't succeed."
--
"I can give you some trade language basics of Elven, and that should be good enough. Then, if and when you find someone to talk to, you can ask them questions in elven to learn more. Someone smart like you will be able to figure it out, I have no doubt," she compliments the girl.
---------------------
"Perhaps if we can fool those who watch the path, we can get in close enough to take out those who would alert the stronghold." Looking then between the chief and his daughter, she also states, "Perhaps in time, both locations would do your people well to possess them."
"I want to ask his daughter what that symbol is around his neck, and why does it match that dwarf's?"
Joska isn't happy to hear the outcasts possess a good defensive position. But there are other factors to consider which will hopefully work against them with the right planning and some luck. She asks several questions of the chief along those lines.
"Can you estimate their numbers? Are all of them capable of fighting?"
"Are they united and determined, or more a rabble? How willing do you think they are as a group to hold together and maintain morale against us?"
"Is there anyone among them who you would count as a talented or intelligent leader?"
Callen listens carefully as Nicolette and Joska ask their questions. He takes in the Chief's responses, considering the fact that though these are traitors to their people, they are still their kindred in some way. It may be difficult for him to come to terms with such an act. When the issues of tactics and and dangers are put to rest, he asks a single question. "Chief Sull, thank you for all you have already done for us. Your hospitality in these times is most welcome, and I hope we can form a friendship here that lasts beyond today. This day has seen long hours, and before we take on the challenge of these traitors to your people, would you offer us one other boon - sanctuary within your town for this night?"
"You have never encountered the witch hunters, but I thought you can down from Kenabres? Don't they rule the city - what's their leader's name, Lord Holrun? And trust me, we always keep a wary eye for them. Anyway, I would love to learn a bit of Elven!"
A grim expression comes over Chief Sull's face as a contemplates your questions. "Some years it has been since claimed those banished did the outpost. Several it was, at first, but in time since more to their tribe have gone. Beyond Neathholm settlements there are, smaller but numerous. Drawn to darkness some be tempted. In years recent, more fall it does seem. Being demonsworn, our ways they now hate, and fight ye they will furious. Doubtful to break, though not mindless either. May beyond one hundred or more, fighters all. Though, with demons in league drawn to the conflict above possibly? So, perhaps then less?"
He pauses for a long moment, then lifts his mug and finishes it. "I have not certainty in all who among the raveners now stand. But five at least I can name. Brothers paired, Melk and Mong, of stature and skilled at arms. The hunter Wendaug, a stalker deadly silent. Kudrani, bearer once of Iomedae's blessing, soul lost now. And my comrade once, Gorden, whose heart rages stormlike. Dangerous, dangerous all."
Finally, Chief Sull smiles a little, "Inn and taverns we have not, but this hall within you shall find haven. If nothing else the remains, to night's embrace I would go."
As you are considering asking Giri about her father's bat amulet, you happen to notice she is fidgeting with a bracelet, a bracelet from which dangles a bat-shaped medallion with gems in place of the eye.
Nicolette watches the Chief explain in anticipation during his long pause. It worries her, this list and examples of beings they may fight. Could there be redemption for these people? If the ties to demons and darkness were wiped away and washed clean, would they turn back to light and good? To be even stronger advocates for it? Nicolette shifts in her seat and looks at Callen for a little bit before standing at the chief's exit.
"Thank you for your warm welcome, acceptance, and hospitality, Great Chief Sull. Please, rest well, and may these troubles at your doorstep come to an end. If you will permit me, I wish to steal away your daughter for a swim and fun."
It was possible the chief and the whole of the table heard their questions and excitement to each other. It was not the only conversation at the table though, so she just wants to make sure she has permission had the chief not heard.
"Anyone else coming?" Nicolette asks as she lets down her hair with a side-to-side shake of it free. "I have soap too..." she hints to those who had fallen, as well as those who have gotten dirty or injured during the day's activities.
Chief Sull offers you each his regards, then takes his daughter to depart the chamber. At Nicolette's request, he chuckles a deep, hearty laugh. "A woman mature she is, welcome to do which that pleases her. Giri, enjoy." He gives her a loving hug, then departs on his own. A few other underfolk bring in some blankets for each of you to use, stoke the fire high in the hearth, and depart as well.
Giri looks to Nicolette and the rest of you will a smile, "Well, who would like to enjoy the lake's crisp waters?"
-----
As you slip into the night's embrace, your mind wanders to the many thoughts of the day. Each of you considers this situation within the city, and what May have befallen your loved ones, friends, or colleagues. Your dreams also include people from your past, trials and tribulations from before the current time. Awaking in the morning, you are physically rested, But far from refreshed.
Looking about the chamber, you notice a figure kneeling by the hearth, trying to rekindle the fire. Rising at the noise of people awake behind him, he turns, revealing himself to be the underfolk Lann whom you met the day before. "The ravenors' hold unto the passage I am to lead you. Assault is feared, so spared few can be to assist, yet deliver you I shall. Those to whom combat be not accustomed will have haven's continuity be offered, lest burden be posed upon efforts most dire. Take sustenance, then be on shall we, lest anything there be need to procure?" Gesturing toward the central table, several loaves of bread sit, with a wheel of cheese and a bowl of dried mushrooms.
Horgus looks about you all, at first a bit confused, then suddenly concerned. "Wait, does that mean you are leaving us here?! You said you would deliver us to the surface, and our homes. You swore you word!"
Kevin stretches out the stiffness from the night and then rummages in his pack. He pulls out a coffee pot, a bag of coffee and a silver cup. He fills the pot and puts it on the fire and waits. He then removes it, barehanded and adds the coffee. After a few minutes he pours the steaming black liquid into the silver cup and takes a drink. He says "Mmmmmm. Nothing to get you going like a cup of hot coffee in the morning. I'm not myself until I've had a cup.
When Horgus has his outburst Kevin looks at him and says [b]"I am a paladin of Sarenrae. I keep my word. He is offering those not use to combat the option to stay safe here. You are welcome to do as you wish but I for one will not abandon you here except upon your request. Would you care for some coffee?"
Callen cannot help but smile and Nicolette's request to the chief. 'Then again, a cool dip might just be enough to cleanse the mind of today's horrors.' With a smirk, he wanders over to Nicolette and Giri, "I'll come for a quick jump in. It will help to start tomorrow anew."
When they get to the water, he is slow to undress, but eventually strips down to a brief loincloth. To any that take notice, lesion scars are scattered across his body, and the black, necrotic lacing of dead nerves covers the left side of his body from a mid thigh up to his neck. He seems to show little notice of the cold as he enters the water, first walking to his waist, then diving under.
Callen rises quickly with the others in the morning. He quickly collects what few belongings he had unpacked and prepares to move. Taking Lann's offer of food, he rips a piece off one of the loaves and cuts a chunk of cheese, then pockets a few dried mushrooms. Turning to Lann he inquires, "How far off is this outpost? Does it still lay under the city above?"
Turning toward Horgus at his clear concern, Callen walks over to the noble. "Lord Gwerm, yes, I gave you my word, and my word is my bond. I will see you delivered safely to your home, but in order to gain a route, we must deal with these traitors to Neathholm. Likely the fighting will be fierce, so staying here will be safer for you. Besides, perhaps you an negotiate a deal or two. Business is business, is it not?"