Kane Callahan's page

Kane grit his teeth as the arrow cut through. That was probably going to leave a mark. Certainly were rude little creatures! And very presumptuous, too! Draconic is a raw and powerful language, capable of great feats of magic!

In fact...

Stepping around Yantri, Kane angled himself just right, waving his axe and chanting words. In draconic, no less! Perhaps it was time to show these little brutes what true mastery of their parent tongue could do!

The runes on Kane's axe began to glow, shifting from vibrant color to vibrant color, before blasting forth and splattering themselves onto the ground, the wall, the tunnel ceiling... and of course, the kobolds, leaving a wide array of bright colors everywhere!

Stepping 5 feet to between Yantri and Sheridan, and casting Color Spray (DC 14) on the kobolds. I think I can angle it between Yantri and Sheridan. Forgot I had that saved up!

I am sooooooooo sorry for going dark like that, everyone. I did not mean to, but the circumstances were... extenuating.
And by that, I mean asinine. It's a long, stupid story, but I will do my best to keep it brief.

Baby sis just falls out of nowhere and clonks he head, but good. Baby sis has coumadin (blood thinner), so we take her immediately to the ER because, you know, thin blood +head trauma = bad sh*t. We suspect it might have been a seizure. Doctors at the ER go "Naaaaaah, it's probably fine, just send her back home for some bed rest!" and discharge her. Her doctors in Philly catch wind of this, call up her local doctors, and rightly go "WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL DID YOU DO!? GET HER IN A HOSPITAL NOW!!!" Baby sis is hospitalized for a few days, while they scramble to figure out what's wrong with her without admitting they royally screwed up. And denying any and all possibility that it could've been a seizure like we suspected.

And then, two of my coworkers just kinda up and vanished for half the week, leaving me to handle a good deal of work that would normally be covered by three people all by myself...

So... that's the whole affair in a very brief nutshell. And I sincerely apologize for going dark like that. I really hate to do that, especially without any kind of warning, but, as you can no doubt guess... that was just a little terrifying.

I should be back in action.

"Hardly, but I have a suspicion of his identity. Our elusive wizard, Master Hunclay. The late Master Hunclay, I fear..." Kane mused, frowning a bit. Sad, really. Always hard to see an academic go like this... though it raised the question of WHAT he was doing to be caught in a collapse like this.

Kane noted the key ring and lifted it up, studying the pair of keys. "Most curious. Answer one question, only for it to be replaced by more questions. The biggest one being: why would kobolds be interested in slaying a local wizard?" Standing up, Kane pocketed the keys, before readying his axe again.

"Fortunately, I speak Draconic quite well... what say we find one and ask it directly?"

Kane waits for the all clear, before moving down the tunnel after the others and climbing as carefully as he could over the barricade.

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Once he's on the other side, Kane takes note of the area. Recently cut and seemingly off the beaten path... were they TRYING to collapse the tower? When he spies the man's body, Kane hurries over and kneels to start digging him out and pulling him free. If only to determine his likely identity. If he'd been here long, decay would've set in... was this their elusive and absent wizard?

"Between the side of the blockade and the recent construction of the tunnel, I do believe we have found the location of our little troublemakers. Everyone be on your guard." Kane said, readying his axe. "Sheridan, perhaps you can creep in quietly enough to not alert them and see what's going on? Yantri, keep your weapon trained."

Kane blinked at the horde, admittedly a little in awe. Yes, he came from nobility, but he often didn't see it arrayed before him quite like this. "That was... quite the collection. Yes, ah... yes, I believe typically, legal matters regard this as a 'finder's perk', in that unclaimed property discovered under contracted work in dangerous conditions are often distributed as seen fit by the finder. In this case, we are such finders."

Kane helped gather the resources up, before returning and peering down the tunnel, spying the barricades. Interesting... Kane tried to assess just how recent and well constructed they were. It's possible that the ghoul's recent injuries came from whoever built that blockade... and it's entirely possible that the ones who built that barricade were kobolds.

Kn. Engineering: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Kane smiled, gathering his things back in his pack and standing up. "A benefit to working in the field over a packed library; you learn the lessons firsthand." he replied, before stepping over and offering to take the other dagger from Sheridan.

"A wise decision, Miss Yantri. I will help Master Sheridan unlock this mechanism, collect anything worth our troubles, and be right with you." Kane agreed, before placing the dagger into the other slot. "Master Sheridan? When you're ready, on 3?"

"That would explain why he went down so quickly... but that's good to know. So long as he's alive, he can recover."

Kane knelt down next to Stone as he pulled out a book and flipped through it. "Field Medical Practices for Extended Expeditions: A Practical Primer". Checking over his patient, Kane did his best to try and aid Stone in his recovery, though being more a linguist than a field medic, he wasn't terribly certain in his skills. "Some practical aid would be helpful. I confess I'm better at books than bandages..."

Heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Sighing as he looked between the book and Stone, he shook his head. This wasn't working... luckily, he always came prepared. Sifting through his bag, Kane rummaged about before pulling out a bottle of red liquid labeled "Curative". "Always come prepared... though I thought I had more of these. Note to self: make a trip to the local pharmacy on our return." Popping the cork, Kane leaned Stone up and placed the bottle to his lips, easing the liquid down his throat once the paralysis wore off. "This will at least treat his wounds. As for the other effects... we'd best see a physician on our return."

Potion of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Kane stepped up to put the ghoul in between him and Sheridan, readying his axe and taking a mighty swing at the ghoul. "Sheridan, now!"

If I've got the map in my head right, five foot step to get into flanking with Sheridan, and attacking with my axe!

Battleaxe: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 2 = 181d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Kane hurried forward and whistled again, before planting his axe into the mess of rubble beneath him and extending a field of protective magic around him and the others. "Yantri! Draw it this way! Sheridan, see if you can maneuver behind it! I'll keep it busy once it closes in!"

Moving up next to Yantri and using my Protective Ward ability to give everyone a +1 Deflect bonus!

I appreciate that, guys.

And no worries, I appreciate that prayers. I view it all with gratitude!

Really sorry for being slow, all. My mom got a message from her doctors in Philadelphia at 3:15 that they had scheduled her for an appointment.
In Philly.
10 hours away by car.
For Friday.

That's in addition to her other doctor's appointments here. So last night, we were running around like headless chickens getting her and my parents packed for travel. Hopefully won't be for long, but I meant to get to moving my piece and posting last night. I couldn't, sadly.

Since the map won't work for me at the moment, could you move me up next to Sheridan. I also plan to take the full defense action again to draw its attacks, which I incorrectly calculated as 18 (10+2+4+4 = 20, Kane... some brainiac I am, right?) I'll get something else up as soon as possible.

Just wanted to offer an explanation for my quiet. I'm still invested, I promise, it's just... please stop the world, I'd like to get off now.

Kane blinked as he looked up from his inspection, before seeing Stone seize up from the attack! "STONE!" No, not another ally! Kane stalked towards the creature, weapon in hand as he glared the beast down. The runes on his axe began to glow bright blue, before he took the head and slammed it into the ground.

A circle of strange symbols spread out across the floor around Kane, before he put his fingers in his mouth. "*WHISTLE!* Hey! Over here! Let's see you break through me!" Kane shouted, confident that between his prior remaining magics and his new defensive barrier, the creature would throw its weight needlessly at him while the others positioned themselves. He glanced towards Sheridan, nodding for him to slip in and strike from behind.

I'm assuming that my Mage Armor is still active, so, taking a move action to move about 10 feet from the monster, and a full defense action to bring my total AC up to 18. Hopefully, that'll keep it busy. Also not sure which knowledge check it needs, but I'm guessing it's an aberration? So, Kn. Dungeoneering, I think.
Kn. Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

...it's the most violent sheep I've ever seen!

I personally appreciate that! I enjoy alternative solutions to battle, and in Kane's case, it suits him to a T! Yes, that battle axe isn't for show (sorta), but if he can find a more "academic" solution, so much the better!

Sorry for my sudden quiet, everyone. Work has some new hands on deck, and I'm helping train them, so my time is a bit strapped. But thanks for moving ahead with that. That was my plan, assuming I had a good sketch of it.

"NGAI!" Kane shouted as the pit trap opened up and swallowed her! Rushing back to bang the door, Kane shook a little bit, angry at himself for letting something like this happen, before bolting up and looking back at the construct as it rounded the corner. "D..dammit! Damnable arcane architecture!" Kane cussed, even slipping into a few other languages and uttering curses in those before trying to assess things.

Ngai could still be alive... if they wanted to help her, they needed to remain focused and continue forward. That meant giving this construct what it wanted. To say Kane was not fascinated by the machine would be an understatement, but at the moment, his concern for his companions' well being was a little more prevalent. Pulling out his book, Kane sifted through his notes and sketches as he spoke. "Present the crest, present the crest... I wonder if a drawing of it would suffice. Okay... we need to keep composed. There might be a chance to help Ngai still. Does anyone remember seeing some sort of crest or coat of arms earlier in our searches?"

Kane felt his stomach slam into his feet as the door opened. A part of him expected that to fail miserably and plummet him into a pit or sprout spikes and impale him. But... he was right! Only once he stepped on the other side of the door did he finally let go of his held breath and lean against the wall for support.

"Okay... not gonna lie, that scared the hells out of me." Kane said, before looking back at the door. "Yep! That's the pass phrase. You guys can come on through!"

"I would imagine a Magic Mouth spell would make sense. Possibly made permanent. As to the result of a bad guess... well, again, could be any number of things." Kane mused, staring at the room and thinking for a minute, before inhaling and nodding. "Well... it's my theory. I suppose it's only fair if I be the one to test it, yes?" Kane mused.

Tapping along the runes on his skin, a thin layer of energy flows over him, protecting him. Dangerous? Certainly. But he was not one to sit on his laurels and let a good experiment stop him! Assuming nobody stops him, Kane will enter the cell, close the door, and put his faith in the phrase that believes (and prays) might be the password.

"Good Baron Sarvo wills it!"

Kane blinked a bit at the sudden booming voice requesting a pass phrase. He was about to comment on it, but Sheridan bequeathing him a nickname shut him up just a bit longer. Bookend... he couldn't argue that it fit. He'd have to return the favor with a fitting name himself. He'd have to think on that one.

"Oh... well, uh... it could be any number of phrases. If this dungeon is as old as it seems, the correct phrase could be lost to time for hundreds of years now." Kane replied, trying to think of something. Perhaps that devil could've told them... but come to think of it, they'd met someone else who might've known.

"...it's a tenuous lead, but... I suspect it might be 'Good Baron Savro wills it.' The phrase that spirit kept repeating. Even when putting it to rest, it repeated that. It must have some significance. Though I'm loathe to test such theories in such an uncontrolled environment..."

Kane smirks, shaking his head at Stone's crack... get it?

"But why the extra door? A hidden door, I could understand. This seems more a security measure, of some sort..." Kane mused, tilting his head as he studied the construction. He drew another piece of paper, once again placing it to his head and scanning it for magic.

Detect Magic and Knowledge Engineering check to try and deduce the function... if possible.
Kn. Engineering: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Kane paused, blinking at Sheridan's laugh and following question, before smirking. "I might be a scholar, but I am not so frail. It may be unorthodox and lack elegance, but it is an option. Unless you'd chance another bath in the acid. But no offense taken."

Kane pauses as he studies the strange room at the end of the hallway. It seemed to be some sort of... checkpoint? A security measure of some kind?

As they say, flip all the switches in a dungeon. Surely, it does something good for the group!

Kane pulls out a few slips of paper on the other side once everyone is across, each marked with the same symbols. "Cleaning talismans. Hold still, these will get the slop off, I believe." Chanting a few words, each of them glows before blue light begins to run down each of the group, steadily wiping off the acid goop as it goes. Once everyone is clean, he takes back the talismans, smiling, though clearly out of a bit of embarrassment for his lack of aid. "Perhaps, on our way out, it would be simpler to just carry folks one at a time on my back." he mused.

With everyone cleaned, he pulls out his axe and faces the hallway, holding it up to shed light on the area with glowing runes.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Kane smirks, nodding, about to respond positively, but when Sheridan slips, he steps back in surprise, before quickly helping Sheridan up and ushering him through the sludge. "C'mon! Quickly!"

Pulling his hand out, Kane studied it, before smiling at the runes as they glowed with power, tying his cloak up at his waist before standing up.

"Of a sort, Master Stone. On my last trip to the north, we excavated the tomb of an Ulfen warrior, and he was covered in runic blessings. I'll spare you the details, but in short, I have replicated their power with a degree of success. Luck is with us today - this acid seems to have congealed over time - it's much less dangerous than I expected." He nodded at the branding iron as it smoked. "Still caustic, but not as badly as I feared. It means I can help everyone cross safely!"

Pulling up his boots, Kane waded into the goop, motioning to the ledge along the wall. "If you're willing, I can brace everyone along the walls as you sidle along the edge. I should be able to keep everyone from falling in. One at a time, of course."

"Ah... Thank you, Stone, my good man! I feel fit enough to take on a whole tribe of kobolds!" Kane continued jotting down sketches of the room, following along and detailing additional notes alongside his pictures.

At little wrapped up in making sure his notes were complete, Kane kneels down to observe the green goop, putting away his book and rolling up his sleeve. "Ah... a shame I did not wear my spelunking clothes today... but I suppose I do have finer outfits back in my room. If I may? I may actually be better suited to address this."

Rolling up his sleeves, Kane revealed a number of runes running along his forearms, and judging from their length they run all the way the full length. He reached down to the caustic goop, the runes glowing a pale green as he pushed a hand in. If his theory was right, this was acid... albeit, quite congealed. And his protective runes would shield him from this.

Some of it, anyways.

Kane's school grants him Acid Resistance 5 for the day, so he's testing to see if the sludge is bad enough to harm him through it.

Kane lowered his axe, inspecting Stone's kill and nodding. "Nice clean cut. Perhaps a wise decision not to hear what he had to say. Devils are notorious twisters of the truth." Not that Kane will admit he was vexed at what he WOULD have said. Just had to hope it wasn't important.

Looking around, Kane stowed his axe at his hip before pulling out his book and looking up at the plaque on the wall. Anything of value in the room, he wanted a decent recording of. If not for his records, than perhaps for later use! "Miss Ngai, how are you feeling? Imp poison can be highly detrimental... might I suggest Master Stone have a look at the wound? I should like to get a record of a few of the objects in here. Might prove fruitful for the local records keeper of Belhaim."

Ever the academic...

"Good! It shall make my task of dispatching you all the easier! Beware! Our friend here is an imp! If you have weapons of silver or aligned with the forces of good, now would be the time to draw them! Sheridan! Do not waste your fire on him, if you have any!" Kane earned, readying his axe to put the little devil down!

I think I'll go ahead and spend a move action to circle around, if that helps with moving! My goal mainly just to keep the little guy from having an escape route.

Kane growled as the creature turned hostile and attacked! Waving the piece of paper he was using to read the magical energies of the room, the symbols changed, before glowing brightly. The paper flew from his hand, before attaching to his chest magically, a soft blue glow outlining his figure. "Ngai! Stay back! I'll handle this one!" Kane said, taking a five foot step closer to the creature and hoping his new presence will coax it into turning it's attention on him. All the while, he tried to recall what he knew about a creature like this. It looked like a devil... so...

Casting Protection from Evil on myself and taking a five foot step towards Harzogopas. Hopefully it'll waste time attacking Kane we can put it down! Also gonna try and use Kn. Planes (I'm guessing by it's description it's a devil of some kind) to identify the creature.

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Kane continues to hold up his sigil and study the area. He was getting something... but what?

Continuing Detect Magic. Also, it might be prudent to throw out a Spellcraft to discern the aura, I'm guessing.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Kane's first object of note is the phrase inscribed under the spear, interested in what it said. Perhaps a clue..?

Linguistics (if needed): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Kane blinked a moment as Ngai actually took a seat in one of the torture chairs! What was she thinking!? But when the raven presents itself and starts talking to them about plying its trade, Kane furrowed his brow and stared at the creature. Something about this seemed... off. Kane suspected magic. Compulsion, perhaps. Now HERE was his area of study.

"Not treasure, my little friend... kobolds. And possibly a wizard. And no, I believe I will refrain from your kind offer. Though, if you wouldn't mind holding still... Ngai, I believe it wise you stay back for this one. This is my expertise." Kane pulled out a slip of paper with foreign symbols drawn down the center, holding it up and holding it between his eyes for a moment. The symbols glowed a dull blue, his eyes matching the hue as he studied the creature.

Call him skeptical, but he doubted this raven was really a raven.

Casting Detect Magic on the raven for a couple rounds. Either it's actually awakened and genuinely talking, or it's an illusion of some sort. Last I checked, most ravens don't talk unless they're familiars...

Kane dropped his torch prior... but opts for a change of pace and instead holds up his axe, the runes etched into the blade glowing brightly much like a torch. "As they say, work smarter, not harder." Kane said, holding up his axe and looking around.

Kane will stick behind Ngai as they make their way forward, ready for anything that might pop up. He pays particular interest to the roofing, mentally mapping out the layout of the dungeons.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Unfortunately, the runes on his axe begin to distract him as he lowers it to study them a bit closer. "Most intriguing... the initiator strokes on these two runes seem to match closely with those of Tien origin... and these two runes bear striking resemblance to..."

Aaaaaaand he's back to muttering about his work.

Kane winced. Why did he always have to be right!? Luckily, he had his trusty little paper! Holding it up as the symbols on them glowed bright blue, it hovered up in the air over him, casting rays of light that printed the symbols on those nearby. Anyone within 10 feet is probably feeling a tad more secure while they covered by it.

Using Protective Ward, everyone in 10 feet gets a +1 to AC. Not sure who all that encompasses...

Kane frowned, before drawing his axe and stepping to the side, readying a small slip of paper with curious symbols on it. He had a bad feeling about this...

If the elemental does anything other than sit there while she messes with the machine, Kane is readying his protective ward ability. Gives everyone a +1 deflection to AC.

Kane allowed Sheridan to try and communicate with the elemental... though his prediction that it wouldn't understand or regard him was true. But it afforded him some time to study things a bit more, eyes roving over the device and the area, before tapping his foot.

"...you know, I think this actually feeds into that ceiling ridge from the northern block. Though... hm... you know, now that I think on it a bit more, these guys are drawn to metal. Perhaps it's not meant to power this device... but to deter its use. So, uh... if we have any desire to use this thing, we'll have to get rid of the elemental beforehand... what it will do, I still don't know for certain. Either way, unless anyone speaks Aurun, which is the language of the Plane of Air, I doubt it will listen to us. Even if we did, it probably wouldn't bother. It seems to be a security system." Kane glances down in embarrassment.

"I... I fear I left my Planes Translation Pocket Guide at home."

Kane studies the machine and the cloud of lightning that it seemed to be guarding...

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Kn. Planes vs. creature?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Kn. Engineering vs. contraption: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

"Not sure what this device is supposed to do, but the creature above it is actually a lighting elemental! ...just a small one though. My guess is, it was summoned from the Plane of Air and put to work powering whatever this device does. Not entirely uncommon to use them for purposes like this. They are attracted to metal, so it'd be wise for less armored folks to tackle it, should it get angry... curses. And I've already placed a defensive talisman on my person for the day, too... that would've really helped."

"As to the device it seems to be powering... the most logical answer is that it controls some other aspect of these dungeons. Anything from doors, to floor panels, the like."

Kane just stares sadly at the food and water. He knew there wasn't anyone here. He just wanted to believe he could undo something so... unfair. Taking the food back, he nodded glumly. "My apologies... I... I couldn't just do nothing. Stand idle in safety while someone suffers so needlessly... over a deer.... a damnable deer! It sounds like something my... father would do." Putting away the food, Kane shook his head.

"...I suppose I must learn to put a tether on that notion, shouldn't I? If I'm to inherit my parents' estate and title." Kane took a moment to sober himself up from his thoughts, before folding his arms. "'Good Baren Sarvo wills it...' What a strange phrase. Something about that certainly stuck with this prisoner... I wonder..."

Kn. History: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Kane is too distracted by his efforts to free the poor soul to recall much of his history lessons. His main priority was getting the man and his cousins, if they still breathed, free! Yes, what Yantri and Stone were saying made sound, logical sense. Yes, by all accounts, nothing should be alive down here. Every fiber of his brain told him nothing should be taking the food and water he offered.

But then how did those hands take his offering? How could they hear what he said? These things also shouldn't be happening... and he wasn't quite ready to divorce himself of his hope yet. It sounded too much like what his father would do.

"...forgive me, but I cannot stand idle on this." Kane attempts to open the door, calmly, axe in hand as he braces for any trouble on the other side. If the door refuses to open, he'll take his axe to it and strike it until it does.

Kane blinks, shocked to find someone else down here! The voice talking seemed to be speaking as if nobility stilled lived here... and a jailer. Was he talking about the kobolds? Either way, it was someone in need... and posterity be damned, he wasn't going to let a fellow countryman suffer like this!

"Move! Stand aside!" Kane orders, moving to the door and retrieving his waterskin and some rolls he'd save from breakfast, holding them up for the prisoner. "Irori's touch... here, get something in your stomach. We'll get you out. Ngai! Sheridan! By force or deft hands, I want this door open! I won't stand idle while my people suffer!" Kane sounds a tad different as he speaks about this... gone is the wide-eyed wonder of his usual tone, and replacing it is a semblance of authority and command. That of a noble... and one who wants something done now.

Finally up and at 'em!

Axe in hand, Kane brought up the rear of the group. Given his less sturdy figure and prior injuries, perhaps it was for the best. Though he did retrieve his map and pencil, jotting notes as he did. Perhaps it was because this wasn't his first spelunking expedition, but he didn't share the worry the others had. He was more curious than anything.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Oh snap! As some who has done theater work, I know that is a time sink! Break a leg, man!

Yeah, the forums seem to be a bit... temperamental. I'm going to assume it has something to do with some behind the scenes stuff for the release of "Pathfinder 2: Find Harder"

I personally am waiting for the add-ons brought about by "Pathfinder 3: Find Another Day" before totally ditching PF1.

Indeed. That's why I had Kane be an only child. My original intent was that his love of his work was meant to clash with his parents' wish for him to be groomed to takeover their job someday. As their only kid, he couldn't just say "Let my little brother take over the job." But without access to the family funds, he can't continue his work like he enjoys.

My plan was for him to continue getting letters from his parents saying "Enough games, come home now!" while going "Uh, kinda busy here!" He recognizes that he will eventually have to take over for his parents, but he feels inadequate about it. He's just a nerd and a bookworm studying a subject he's pretty sure nobody else understands or cares about. How is he supposed to take over as the head of a noble house? (And especially now that I've finally figured out how big a deal his title actually is!)

He knows what he is supposed to be: a lofty Taldan noble. Now he's trying to reconcile that with what he wants to be: a good leader. Hopefully spending time with the rest of the party will help him reach that answer, because right now, he's avoiding that internal clash by drowning himself in what he loves: his studies.

This has absolutely nothing to do with what is going on in the gameplay, but I just took a browse through the background generator and... I may have accidentally made Kane REALLY high up on the nobility chain!

To quote:

Duke: You are the child of a duke or duchess, the most powerful noble in the realm apart from the royal family. Your parents attend directly to the monarch and have the highest place at court. Your lands, titles, and estates are significant, and many lords and knights serve under your parents' command.

So, uh... when I said he was the son of a Duke, I didn't know he was a mere couple steps from the crown of Taldor itself! It also makes his disinterest in his parent's court all the more telling... unless the GM would like me to lower his rank, I'm totally gonna keep that and play off it!

This is like that rich kid who hangs out with his middle class friends not realizing what a big deal with family's name actually is.

Kane braced for the opening and... nothing! This was starting to become a repeat offense at this point... still, it was totally dark in there. They'd need light... oh, right! Wizard! "Iosta!" he said, before the blade of his axe brightened up, first on the runes and then spreading to the whole head, shedding light to help illuminate the surroundings. "I believe this will help us better... who wishes to do the honors? I shall be right behind you."

Kane will follow after whoever goes first to help light the way...

Scratching a bit at his self-made map, Kane indicates the secret passage, before closing in to the other two. "Noted and set, Master Sheridan. Do be careful... I fear my magic can only do so much to staunch danger." Kane warned, rolling up his map and grabbing his axe.

Just in case...

Kane continues to jot notes as he follows closely to Stone. Best to stick with the most veteran of war. As he took notes, he kept an eye out for things... but a thought also crossed his mind as he wrote.

"Master Stone... you mentioned that your intentions were actually related to Belhaim itself... I wouldn't suppose such spelunking is related to your original intentions here, was it?" Kane was genuinely more curious than suspiciously prodding. This clearly was some sort of keep at one point... perhaps Stone's original group had an interest in recovering a number of relics from here.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Kane nods, seemingly more entranced by the ruins than the words, but clearly listening. "Certainly. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I could call on in a moment of danger, and given my... status, I'll be happy to remain here and simply observe. Ah!"

Kane reached into his pouch, pulling out a small book and pencil, starting to jot things down. "The best thing a spelunking scholar can create - a map of their travels. Please, continue, I'll be taking notes..." he said, tilting his head this way and that as he jotted down a rough sketch of the area, writing notes on each locale to himself.

Kane blinked, reaching out to take the key... and shaking his head at the puns. "If you two are done acting like boneheads... this key is a fascinating find, though. I wonder if perhaps the prior occupant actually worked in the dungeon... perhaps a revolt of some kind..."

Standing up, he looks to the south. "And, quite possibly, our solution moving forward. Shall we?" Kane offered, before holding up the torch and leading the way south.