The next two days likely pass by quickly.
The elf and halforc apparently don't leave their room for much. Maya can be seen walking around and looking over the railings.
The crew has many warm smiles but as they are approached by men, the men are quickly rebuffed. They merrily hang out with others in the kitchen when they can.
I have my meals with Cyril and Ed. Between meals I explore my new abilities and spar with some of the followers of Gorum. Then he trains with them. Each night he returns to the cabin late, slipping into his hammock to sleep. If you stay out late and hang out in the kitchen you see Arthur is well entertained by Kara the cook. Though she has many other skills including belly dancing and singing.
Cyril makes sure to keep a presence on the ship, whle still devoting hours to studying his new spellbook. Along with the ability to cast spells, a spellbook written in Cyril's hand, came into existence.
Could this spellbook be from another Cyril in another universe, if the theory holds, the young investigative wizard thought, dwelling on his arcane planar theory lessons.
Arthur mentions about his many encounters with the ship cook, Mara. So one night, Cyril accompany Arthur to entertain the cook and was surprised with her skill and song and dance.
As you watch the crew members you notice there is interest but without some interaction you won't know why. Lots of side glances.
As Stavian plays his music for the crewmates, Cyril offers to dance with any of the ladies.
Most of the gals asked join Cyril in dancing. You quickly find out they are more interested in you as a unique being and noble, as opposed to love interest.
☆☆☆
The day before getting to the ruins with the undead nest. The followers of Gorum stay on the deck taking time to pray to their god. This involves them doing stretches, weapon forms, and meditation.
☆☆☆
As the ship descends you can see it is heading for a rock outcropping amongst the forest. Once it arrives anchors are released and secured, a rope ladder is thrown over the railing to let people down. The Captain is the first one off as she swings down on a rope. After a few minutes she is seen coming up the rope ladder.
Cyril tries not to let his disappointment show, but smiles as he makes a exuberant dance partner. Once it get real late, the young Lucan retires to his cabin to rest.
She tells the passengers and crew, "It appears that the bunker is vacant and clear of threats. Don't let your guard down and be prepared."
Maya and the Death Dealers each take a rope and repel down to take point. As others descend see Maya waiting and holding other ropes.
"Captain, what's happening?" Cyril asks with concern.
|
Next he and The Bright repel down as well, all seven of them. Upon making the ground they draw their weapons and begin searching the outpost bunker. Once the area is scoured he asks, "I can leave Stark and Sarah here to keep the bunker secured. The Captain told me the ruins are on the next rock outcropping to the North. There is a small lake that surrounds most of the ruins."
She quickly tells those still on her deck, "The outpost bunker is a good staging point. The ruins with the undead are toward the North. There is a small lake preventing the undead from leaving the ruins."
He looks at Cyril then takes the rope ladder down. As he goes he says, "Here we go Cyril!" He pokes his head up and offers, "Ed come here boy I can take you down."
☆☆☆
Reaching the bottom he notices Sir Issac is taking charge and listens to his words.
Ed moves over and let's Arthur carry him down.
Cyril makes it down the ropes safely. Added to his gear, the investigative wizard has a firmly strapped spellbook on the outside of his backpack.
She retorts coming from a shadowed hallway, "We could but having the ten of us would be nice even if we do split up. I am sure some of the crew can watch the bunker. I could go and ask."
☆☆☆
Maya goes up the rope ladder, you hear some undiciperable words, then she repels back down. "Yeah she will have a few crew members to watch the bunker while we are away. Shall we?" Her group takes point entering into the forest. They can easily keep ahead of the armored allies.
The second hour of traveling a skirmish begins but before the Bright team can catch up the wolves are dealt with.
It happens again the fourth hour, the spiders are all dead by the time the other group reaches them.
Another half hour and you come to the edge of the lake. The Death Dealers wait for the others. Maya states, "Somehow the water appears to be pure water of some sort, though our skills are lacking to determine if there are other qualities."
He activates his detect magic making his eyes glow blue with the magic. He states, "Yes it appears to be pure water but nothing is growing in it. So it does not appear natural."
He takes a quick drink from the lake and wags his tail. Next jumping in splashing at least Arthur and anyone else nearby.
As no one can identify the properties of the water and the dog is playing in it. Most finish their water in waterskins or canteens, then fill them up with the pure water.
She then adds in a simple voice, "We will head around the West side and likely repel down the cliffs."
"I shall travel West with The Deathdealers", Lord Cyril nodded. "Help provide some arcane assistance if nothing else."
He states in response to Cyril, "Sounds good!"
The three Death Dealers, Arthur, Cyril, and Ed head along the western lake edge. The dog is playing in the water having a good Ole time.
The first hour there is very little movement, birds fly around overhead, insects move about giving off a buzz.
The second hour you hear some rustling and movement in the vegetation. As you walk the sandy beach.
He quickly yells a warning, "BOARS! A mom and three little ones!"
As he moves towards them his halberd appears in his hand, he prepares to swing.
With his elven courtblade in his hands in a flash he moves in stride with Arthur, he states, "You got this but I am here if needed."
He just stops and holds his halberd, he simply states, "Cyril, go get some experience."
She just walks over to Thorgar and waits as well.
Ed is soaked and is merrily swimming! Oblivious to the fight.
He just stops and holds his halberd, he simply states, "Cyril, go get some experience."
Is it that obvious? Cyril questions himself internally. Spurred on by the half-orc fighter, Cyril brandishes his own rapier, and readies an attack.
Round 1
The boar charges and attacks Saronis.
gore +4 (1d8+4)
Round 2
It goes after Arthur next.
Round 1
With halberd in hand he swings at the boar. The axe of his halberd hits but is deflected by the boar's hide.
Round 2
He brings it down again and cuts deep into the beast's flesh. He cries out in pain as the tusks break his skin on his leg.
Round 3
He hits the boar once more.
"Sh|t!" Cyril runs in to help his friend. "Die! You fu<king pig!!"
The boar squeals out in pain as the halberd and rapier hit.
Round 3
It has tasted blood and continues to goes after Arthur. But it misses him.
As Arthur and Cyril hit it again it crumples to the ground.
Cyril, huffing out of breath, comments, "Stavian! Good job!"
He merrily retorts, "Thanks but you helped too! What about the piglets?"
She replies, "Leave them, they should be fine on their own."
Leaving his axe in the sand he walks forward and pulls out his knife. "No reason we should be wasteful, anyone want a snack?!" He then begins skinning it and throwing pieces of meat to those who are interested including the piglets.
Cyril holds up a hand, mildly disgusted. "I shall pass. Thank you, Thorgar."
With clean weapons and the pigs in the distance the six of you continue forward. You see that the cliff and lake cut off the small section of land from anything else. You can easily see the walking dead along the shores and think there are more within.
She points out, "We aren't so sure about the water. Sure we could swim but why get wet? Undead could be teaming below! We are going to set up ropes and repel down to the back of the temple."
Arthur nods and follows along putting his halberd 'away', walking with free hands.
"Sound strategy, Maya", Cyril confirms.
The Death Dealers work their ropes and make sure the pitons are secure before testing the rope. Thorgar pulls on each of them and nods approving of the work.
She tells the group the plan, "We only brought three lines. Now we have plenty of rope but we are going to minimize possible threat. Cyril you will go down with Saronis and Thorgar. Then Arthur, Ed, and I will come down." Looking at the dog she says, "We will make it work."
---
Once all is ready she quietly states, "Cyril and Arthur are on point. We are here to help if needed but the little guys are yours."
Ed looks up at Maya and asks, "Why?" Then with no other remark quickly jumps off the cliff. He looks like a mountain goat and quickly jumps from one spot to the next even running down the wall at times.
He is the first one down and barks, "Come on you slow pokes!"
Saronis and Thorgar shake their heads at the sight and just wait. Ed then grabs the end of the line, pulling it taunt. Then the elf attaches to that rope and quickly descends.
Thorgar quickly follows after the elf is down. Maya takes another line as Saronis holds that line taunt. Once she is down the two of you have your own line. With the help of those below, you slowly descend.
As you arrive down the hundred or more feet drop, you see everyone arming themselves with weapons.
Arthur summons his halberd and states with a grin on his face, "I have the zombies covered... someone have a blunt weapon for my friend here?"
The half-orc of many weapons asks, "You want a club or a warhammer?" As he pulls the club from his bad of holding.
"Erm, a club, please", Cyril nods.