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Horgus nods grimly at Xantrius as he accepts the dagger back, his blustering air long gone at the sight of the nightmarish undead. At the mention of consecrating the temple, he expresses that he could care less if it's consecrated, but that he would like to stop and rest.

-

Verene can detect a faint magical auras from the huecuva's pouch.

This shrine was always humble, and little treasure can be found within save for that on the huecuva's body. A pouch on its belt contains two potions of cure light wounds, and on one withered hand it wears a knotted gold ring. The priest's masterwork warhammer lies dusty on the ground, long forgotten.

I'm going to assume Verene takes 10 on identifying the potions.

Verene can easily identify each of the potions as a potion of Cure Light Wounds.

-

Anevia suggests consecrating the temple to Iomedae, since there are at least three worshipers in the group as far as she knows. She adds that even if they don't come back to the temple afterward, it would serve as a safe place for any other unfortunate wanderers who may find themselves stuck down in these caverns.

-

Aravashnial, who remained outside of the temple for the encounter, doesn't wish to waste any time consecrating it. He's interested in moving forward and sides with Verene and Sylvia.

Sylvia runs around its backside and strikes with her rapier, but doesn't manage to connect with the creature.

-

Huecuva Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
After breaking out of its previous daze, the huecuva braces itself for another wash of light from Anarya. As her holy power burns it, it manages to retain its composure for the round, ready to strike again.
1 damage.

-

Xantrius' stab with the dagger plunges right into the creature's body, doing significant damage to it. It writhes and screams as the silver weapon pierces through its defenses. This is the final blow, and the huecuva collapses onto the floor, its rotting flesh and bones finally going limp.

Grats, it's dead! Uh. Dead-er?

In his righteous fury, Baradesh unfortunately manages to swing and miss.

-

The dazed creature can do little but sputter in pain as it's doused with holy water.

-

Horgus moves in and hands Xantrius the silver dagger as instructed. He is quivering at the sight of the creature and is reluctant to give up his only protection, but he knows that the weapon is much more useful in more capable hands.

-

Anevia moves up to the antechamber, as there's not much room to do otherwise safely.

-

Sorry for brief post, thought I ought to get one in before work whether it was fancy or not.

It takes 2 damage then.

Undead Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

The undead priest is unable to shield itself from the attack, and it screams in pain as Anarya's energy burns it. It seems that the power of her channel has left it in a daze.

Xantrius Initiative: 9
Undead Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Sylvia Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Anarya Initiative: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (17) - 3 = 14
Verene Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Baradesh Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Horgus Initiative: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12
Anevia Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Aravashnial Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

First: Undead
Then: Everyone else

Alert to Xantrius' approach, the figure immediately turns around to attack him. It's a gruesome sight to behold; a decayed dwarven priest with a drooping maw and glowing undead eyes. It claws at Xantrius viciously, and surprisingly utters intelligent speech. "Torag never came," it says in an angry but chilling voice. "He abandoned me, so I have abandoned him. And so shall you be abandoned here."

Claw Attack 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Claw Attack 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Claw Damage 2: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The first claw swipes right by Xantrius' face, missing entirely. The second barely scrapes between his armor, slashing across his body.

I also rolled some dice in secret. Just giving you guys a heads up since this is the first time I'm doing that, so I want to set a precedent that sometimes you won't be privy to everything I roll. That might seem kinda "duh" since I'm the GM and all, but I just wanted to let you know that that was indeed a thing.

The pot would need to be carried, since it has no sealed lid.

There is no reply to Anarya's call. Not even so much as a movement from the figure. She can detect a faint aura of magic coming from it, though.

Thamyris observes that the figure seems to be of about the same build as Baradesh. Not surprising, considering the deity of the temple.

There's technically not enough room for Verene to get over to the altar with Sylvia at the door, but who really gives a hoot?

Sylvia finds that the door is untrapped, unlocked, and unstuck. She doesn't hear anything from the other side either. Peering through the door, she sees that broken stone benches line the narrow room facing a large altar at the far end of the room. The air is cold and stale, and thick layers of dust cover the floor, benches, and altar. There appears to be someone sitting at one of the benches, but they seem to be still and unaware.

-

Anevia waves off Verene's offer. While her heart still weighs heavily, especially at the mention of the destruction of the Wardstone, she knows she must press on if they're to save whatever is left of Kenabres and its people.

-

Upon brief inspection, Verene can easily tell that the basin is filled with holy water. There appears to be enough to easily fill two flasks if it were to be taken.

Covering Xantrius' shortcoming, Baradesh easily heaves the door ajar. Inside, a stone bench lines the southern wall of this chamber. At the far side of the room, a basin of water sits atop a stone pedestal. A stone door engraved with an image of a hammer stands to the north.

Despite Xantrius' best effort to goad the fly, it takes off after Sylvia.

Xantrius AoO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Xantrius Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Aww...

Xantrius Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

As it flies away, Xantrius hacks into it with his longsword, opening a sizable wound into its abdomen. Just as it makes its way over the building, however, Verene and Anevia fire in unison.

Verene Readied Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Anevia Readied Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Anevia Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Verene's bolt misses its mark, but Anevia's arrow flies true! The fly falls dramatically to the ground in a twitching heap. It is obviously still alive, but possibly not for long.

Fall Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

The fly easily maneuvers around Xantrius' attack. Its wings flutter angrily in response.

Horgus shudders and asks nervously "You're going to lead that thing right toward us? I'm getting out of the way, then!" He runs behind Verene for protection.

-

"Aravashnial, follow Gwerm!" Anevia shouts. "I'll hold here with Verene, get to where it's safer!"

-

Aravashinal nods and follows Horgus' steps as instructed.

Sylvia strikes the fly, piercing its side! It turns in aggression towards her and tries to bite her.

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Sylvia is easily able to dodge out of the way of its mouth, however.

Sylvia Perception = 19
Xantrius Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Fly Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

As Sylvia tries the door, she finds it is not locked, but stuck. She and Xantrius hear a buzzing coming closer quickly overhead. A giant flying insect lands next to Sylvia, its multifaceted eyes reflecting her face in each small pane. It looks aggressive and possibly hungry.

Fly Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Sylvia Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Xantrius Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Anarya Initiative: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (5) - 3 = 2
Verene Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Baradesh Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Horgus Initiative: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Anevia Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Aravashnial Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Fly Reroll: 1d20 ⇒ 11 vs. Sylvia Reroll: 1d20 ⇒ 18

First: Sylvia
Then: Fly
Last: Everyone else

Horgus looks taken aback by Baradesh's intervention. Looking solemnly at his feet, he knew the dwarf's words were true. There seemed to be something more, though. A certain kind of distant sadness at the mention of family. He quickly shrugged it away, donning his usual arrogance. "Fine, but if it comes down to a quick escape, she'd best keep up, because I'm not slowing down to get eaten by snakes or roaches or anything else in this blasted hole."

-

Anevia is similarly surprised by Baradesh's peacemaking and looks quite embarrassed as she realizes the merit of his words. "You're right, it's not my place to judge one's worship. Even a coward has his place down here, it seems. I didn't mean to offend you, Sir Baradesh, or this holy place. I could only hold my temper with him so much. I worry for Irabeth, and all those above."

The atheist wizard recognizes the symbol of Torag, but the dwarven paladin does not. I had a pretty good laugh at that!

Xantrius and Verene easily recognize the symbol as that of the deity Torag. The realization that this building is an abandoned temple to a lawful good deity stirs Anevia's memories of her wife, Irabeth. Anevia grows despondent, but tries to conceal her sudden depression by complaining that her leg is bothering her more than usual and that she needs to rest on the bench for a bit. Horgus mutters that Anevia is "slowing them down" and that perhaps the group needs to split up-implying that perhaps it's best to leave her behind and abandon her to her fate. Anevia explodes, saying she's not surprised that a man afraid to acknowledge his own faith wouldn't be moved by a forgotten temple like this, and that to be ashamed of one's faith is as bad as worshiping demons. Horgus is a bit taken aback by her outburst, but then contemptuously remarks on the irony of being chided by someone who (he believes) has been known to consort with thieves. Anevia falls into black, silent anger at this, her eyes narrowing as she draws upon inspiration from her memories of Irabeth to resist escalating the argument.

Gonna wait for confirmation that Sylvia does indeed want to go all the way around just yet before resolving her actions.

I'm kind of pissed. It doesn't actually say anywhere what the source of the green glow is. Let's just go with Baradesh's answer and call it glowing moss.

The passage seems to be lit by a glowing green moss. Aravashnial agrees with Baradesh's observation to confirm it. As the party peers through the passage, they can see the contents of the large cavern. Verene does not detect any magic.

A single sizable 20-foot-tall building remains in the center of this 30-foot-high cave, a bunkerlike structure with no windows and walls of worked stone blocks. A 10-foot-long carving of a hammer decorates the building's facade. The ruins of collapsed outbuildings stand to either side.

While the cave may look unstable, it weathered the disasters above quite well and is in no real danger of collapse. The passage Sylvia points out is dark and winding, and seems to go on for quite a while. If the party moves forward, it takes roughly 25 minutes to reach the end of it, resulting in Sylvia returning to her usual form along the way. The tunnel results in a junction. To the left (north) is a five-foot wide passage that emanates a soft but nasty looking green light. To the right (south) the tunnel appears to continue onward in the new direction.

I scooted Anarya up a square with Morphie's permission.

Verene's bolt skewers the snake, and it goes limp. It's still breathing, but is very obviously out of commission.

-

I accidentally forgot to describe the room when Sylvia got to it, so I'll just describe it now.

Several mounds of rock lie in heaps in this cavern, recently fallen from the walls and ceiling. Now and then, bits of dust settle from cracks in the stone above.

Sylvia's strike is true, and she punctures its tail! It hisses in pain, becoming even more agitated and violent.

Anevia hears Xantrius clanking hurriedly up ahead and is alerted to the commotion. She moves up to see what is amiss.

-

The agitated snake slithers forward and is able to smell that Xantrius is nearby. It bites at the paladin, but is unable to meet flesh in the darkness.

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

-

Horgus follows Anevia up with the light so that she can see what is going on.

-

Aravashnial follows up behind Anevia as well, since she is his guide.

Anevia describes the brooch to Aravashnial and lets him feel it for himself. He shakes his head though, and admits he is also unfamiliar with the design.

As Sylvia scouts ahead of the party, her nose picks up on another creature in the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

However, it also smells and hears her approaching. Sylvia can see a snake in the cavern rearing up and hissing as she approaches.

Snake Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Sylvia Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Xantrius Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Anarya Initiative: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12
Verene Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Baradesh Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Horgus Initiative: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Aravashnial Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Anevia Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

First: Xantrius and Anevia
Then: Snake
Last: Everyone else

Verene places the worth of the brooch somewhere in the range of 160GP-240GP based on the commodity of the amethysts and the detail of the design. If it has some symbolic meaning, it's lost on her, as she can't seem to recall any information on what this design may mean.

That really sucks that you rolled a 20 on a knowledge that you're untrained in. D: It would be Knowledge (Nature) in this case.

In addition to the torn bedroll, Baradesh and Verene find three candle stubs, a bent fishhook, 10 feet of badly frayed hemp rope, and a copper brooch depicting a bat perched on a mushroom - both of the bat's eyes are tiny amethysts.

-

Sylvia scouts ahead just at the edge of the light. She can't see anything dangerous down the hall, but it's difficult to make out the breadth and contents of the resulting cavern.

With another puncture, the remaining roach is hanging on by a thread. It bites at Sylvia with the last ounce of its strength, but its wounds are too hindering for it to connect. The roach collapses in defeat, guts oozing from the wounds it suffered.
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

In a single mighty blow, Baradesh cleaves the roach clean in half with his greataxe!

Aravashnial follows behind Anevia. "I can't see these blasted things, but they seem beneath my skill. I'll hold for now."

I'm just going to roll over into the next round of combat from there

-

Horgus stays where he is, not daring to approach any closer than he has to.

-

Now that she's in position, Anevia quickly fires two arrows at the roach she hit before.
Attack 1: 1d20 + 6 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 2 - 4 = 15
Damage 1: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Attack 2: 1d20 + 6 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 2 - 4 = 18
Damage 2: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Her aim is true, and both arrows puncture the roach, damaging its hard outer shell. Somehow, this assault doesn't take down the vermin.

Another seemingly fatal slice right through the critter, but somehow still it endures.

The roach that Sylvia stabbed turns to retaliate, biting at her legs again.

Bite Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

It misses her entirely. Bug juice from its insides oozes out of the stab wound as it exerts itself.

-

The other roach turns its attention to Xantrius and bites at him.

Bite Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

The bite can't make it through, however.

Sylvia flips past the roach and sticks her rapier through its exoskeleton. It hisses and scuttles in pain, but seems to still be alive and conscious despite what should have been a killing blow.

-

Horgus hesitantly steps up behind Baradesh at Verene's command to bring the light up. "Here's your chance to prove your talk, dwarf!" He says, only half joking.

-

As Horgus approaches with the lantern, Sylvia lets loose her bolt. It whizzes past the roach and ricochets off the floor into the darkness.

-

Anevia hobbles up past Anarya and pulls back her bow, peering around the edge of the cavern wall. She lets her arrow fly at the roach that isn't surrounded. It clips one of the roach's legs, puncturing it.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 4 = 20

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

As Xantrius sifts through the garbage, he rustles up a couple of giant cockroaches who were buried beneath it! The agitated vermin bite at Xantrius' and Sylvia's legs.

Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 vs 19 AC

Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 vs 14 AC

They miss and bite their shoes instead, though, and are unable to gnaw through.

Xantrius Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Sylvia Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Anarya Initiative: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (6) - 3 = 3
Verene Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Baradesh Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Horgus Initiative: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
Aravashnial Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Anevia Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Roach Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Roach Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
(15+3)/2 = 9

First: Sylvia, Verene, Baradesh, Horgus, Anevia
Then: Roaches
Last: Xantrius, Anarya, Aravashnial

Verene easily identifies each of the potions. One is a potion of cure light wounds, and the other is a potion of lesser restoration.

-

As Xantrius and Sylvia creep down the northern tunnel, they can see that this smaller cavern appears to have once served as a campsite or temporary lair. A torn bedroll lies next to the cold remains of a fire. A pile of bones, broken equipment, and rubble lies just past the campsite.

Xantrius can sense life ahead of them, but whatever the source is does not seem to be readily visible.

Baradesh retrieves the backpack, expending one use of Terendelev's magic scale for the day. The backpack appears to be of masterwork quality, and inside it contains ten days of trail rations, flint and steel, caltrops, two flasks of oil, twelve arrows, and two potions that look different from each other.

As the party peers closer down the tunnel, it becomes clear what the object dangling from the ledge is. About fourteen feet up, hanging by a jutting stone in the ledge, is a crusader's travel pack. The dark crevice in the ceiling matching the one in the initial room indicates that it must have fallen from the surface in the demonic raid, though no sign of its owner can be seen. It seems possible to reach the pack, but the slick rocks and steep ledge face wiould make it a very daunting climb. There doesn't appear to be anything more of importance in the room.

Horgus snatches up the dagger and wields it nervously. "I better not have to use this," he groans at the thought of entering combat with an unfamiliar weapon.

Anevia declines Xantrius' offer of a bow, tapping her own proudly. "I could use some more arrows if you've got them, though. I've only got four left."

Xantrius' Scale: 1d4 ⇒ 4
As Xantrius takes the scale, the power in both Verene's and Xantrius' come to life. Xantrius can immeditaely tell the use of Terendelev's magic scale.
Three times per day as a standard action, the scale can be used to cast align weapon, but only to make a weapon lawful or good. Unlike a normal align weapon spell, this effect can be cast on an unarmed strike or natural weapon.

Down the left path, Xantrius can see that the path does widen, but cannot see completely into where it leads. When he checks the right path, he can see that it also widens, and can see somewhat more into where it leads. There appears to be a sharp shelf-like ledge rising up from the southern wall of the smaller cavern, and it seems as though something is dangling from the ledge.

As the party moves forward, the light reveals two potential paths. Both seem to have narrow entrances. The munching from inside the spider can still be heard from behind in the silence of the cavern, and the stench of the rotting corpse is still strong. Horgus offers to take the light from Verene, admitting that he's unfit in a fight without a rapier in hand. Anevia insists that she will be fine to walk with Aravashnial, adding that every able body must be at the ready. On the way over, Aravashnial is making plans for potential danger and reveals his prepared spells.

Conjurer Spell-Like Abilities (CL 5th; concentration +9)
7/day - acid dart (1d6+2 acid)

Conjurer Spells Prepared (CL 5th; concentration +9)
3rd - heroism, magic circle against evil, summon monster III
2nd - acid arrow, levitate, resist energy, summon monster II
1st - mage armor, shield, sleep (DC 15), summon monster I, true strike
0 (at will) - acid splash, arcane mark, detect magic, flare (DC 14)

Verene's Scale: 1d4 ⇒ 4
The cold scale in Verene's palm pulses with energy as she mentally uncovers its secrets.
Three times per day as a standard action, the scale can be used to cast align weapon, but only to make a weapon lawful or good. Unlike a normal align weapon spell, this effect can be cast on an unarmed strike or natural weapon.

I forgot to include this, but each of the spells within these scales is cast at CL 19.

As Verene picks up the last scale, the energy from the first dissipates, and none can be felt from the second either. It seems as if possessing more than one scale at a time temporarily negates their innate magic.

Anarya's Scale: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Anarya can also feel the fading power of Terendelev in the scale she acquires. The magic within is suddenly known to her.
Three times per day as a standard action, the scale can be used to cast alter self. While disguised, the target gains a +4 bonus on all Bluff checks made against evil creatures.

Baradesh's Scale: 1d4 ⇒ 1
As Baradesh picks up the scale, he can feel the still-going energy of Terendelev within it. As if by magic, he can tell what the scale's use is.
Three times per day as a standard action, the scale can be used to cast levitate. A pillar of roiling clouds rises below the levitating object or creature, growing and shrinking with the target's altitude. This pillar is 5 feet in diameter (regardless of the target's size) and provides concealment (20% miss chance) to any creature or object wholly contained within.

Sylvia's Scale: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Sylvia also feels Terendelev's magic coursing through the scale she picked up. Like Baradesh, she seems to suddenly have an innate knowledge of its use.
Three times per day as a standard action, the scale can be used to cast alter self. While disguised, the target gains a +4 bonus on all Bluff checks made against evil creatures.

"I'm not quite certain how sturdy you do or don't look, madame," Aravashnial said with a soft chuckle, seeming less nervous than he once was. "I appreciate the assistance. You have the heart of a great arcanist. I'd say I could see it in you, but..." He trailed off, his joke seeming more like a grim realization than anything. "Thank you for your description. It sounds like the corpse is being eaten by some sort of detritivore, though I wouldn't be surprised if it had a taste for living flesh as well. A capable warrior could easily squash the nuisance and end its necrotic raid, though that is a risk I will let you weigh yourselves."

Forgot to add this in your searches earlier! This is better than never.

Glistening near Horgus' feet, Sylvia and Baradesh see five silver scales the size of a man's hand. It seems that he had kicked them up out of the rubble when he ran over. They are easily identifiable as the scales of the fallen Terendelev. Verene can detect that they emit various strong magical auras.

Unfortunately, Baradesh already attempted diplomacy on Horgus before. However, I'll take that roll as an aid to Anarya's since the argument was quite convincing and Baradesh has given Horgus much more patience than he deserves. (Also because 29 is enough to move his attitude 3 steps).

-

With all attention turned on him now, Gwerm began to squirm. He was like a dog chasing a cart; he didn't know what to do with it once he caught it. "I'm sorry, you're all right." he admitted weakly, as if it pained him to utter the words of defeat. Yes, in that moment, Horgus Gwerm was wrong, and he knew it. While obstinate and entitled, he was a smart man who knew when the opposition was in his favor.

He blushed with a bit of embarrassment as the small, innocent girl tended to his insignificant scrapes as if they were mortal wounds. "Oh, uh, it's nothing the great Horgus Gwerm can't handle, I'm fine." he admitted bashfully. It was one thing to get salty with a tough dwarf, but this girl had somehow softened his heart. "Anarya, was it?" he asked with all the charm of a nobleman of his status. "Thank you. I promise a reward of two-thousand gold pieces to you if we make it to the surface. You have my word, as I have yours." It was almost night and day between this Horgus and the sniveling pile only moments ago.

-

Anevia and Aravashnial slowly made their way over to the group as well, with Anevia using Aravashnial as a crutch to lean on, and him using her as his eyes. He seemed disgruntled with this setup, but otherwise did not complain.

-

"Just take my advice into account and we'll make it out of here alive." Aravashnial says in response. While it was clear that he wasn't putting up the same fuss as before, it didn't seem like he'd be much help. There was still an aura of false bravado about his words.

-

"If you need my services, I'm at your will," Anevia added. She knew that her full support would be necessary if they were to get out of here unharmed. "I might slow you down, but I've still got a few arrows for my bow. I'm good with mechanisms as well."

-

The spider continues to bulge and wriggle from the inside, but nothing more.

Whew, you guys are FAST! Keeping me on my toes haha. Do try and be a bit more careful about doing too much while waiting for the results on something else, though. Not only does it skew the timeline of things, it gives me more and more to respond to each time, which builds this into a bigger post that takes longer and longer to write the more you try to do in one sitting.

I'm going to assume that by "takes a step forward" that Xantrius is only moving 5ft toward the spider corpse.

-

"Another?" Aravashnial asked. "Who else is down here that you haven't listed? Aside from... Mr. Gwerm, as I seem to hear." The elf looks slightly displeased as he mentions the name, but not in the way that one might think considering Horgus' crass treatment of others. Before he could get his answer though, he could feel some of his life pulsing back into him from Anarya's channel. (HP 10/35)

Soon after, he heard Sylvia's cries of caution. Standing up and dusting himself off, Aravashnial took a commanding posture and began barking orders. "Everyone stand back from it! Who among you is the most able-bodied? Those with physical prowess should head forward to find a way out. The rest of you should stay and tend to the injured. Also, I will need someone to be my eyes." He says this in a way that seems as if he would not take any alterations to this plan of action.

-

"Avenia," the woman gives her name in response, maintaining her stoicism. The strain against the pain lightens as her body fills with Anarya's healing energy. (HP 11/17) She obliges on the offer of water and seems at least grateful for the help in splinting her leg. It takes a few tries between Anarya and Verene to set the leg just right, leaving Avenia wincing at each botched attempt. After quite some time and some careful placement, however, the two manage to splint the leg.

Avenia braces against the rocks to stand up on her own, refusing any assistance. Once she is upright, she hobbles a few steps to give the splint a test, and a smile finally replaces her stonefaced expression. "Thank you so much!" her attitude seemed changed now that she was up off the ground and able to walk again. "I may have some trouble walking still, but this will do until we can make it out of here... Wherever here is."

-

Horgus scoffed at the dwarf's attempt at flattery. "Hah! Do you know who funds your crusades? Such impudence. I'm not sure what I expected from a bearded midget, though." Horgus continues to be crass and insulting, despite Baradesh's charming approach.

At the mention of spiders bursting, Horgus cowers off to the corner. "Feed the dwarf to it and it'll let us pass!" he suggested. While it seemed like a cruel joke, there was a sense of earnesty in going through with the suggestion.

-

-

As Xantrius stepped toward the spider, he could hear the crunching much more clearly. Whatever may be inside seemed content with its current feast for now, though. The pulsating corpse was as disgusting to behold as it was to smell.

The elf draws away slightly as Anarya touches him, but allows her to heal him. Some of the smaller cuts and bruises closed and faded, but he was still far from the picture of health. (HP 5/35) "I'm fine," he lied. "The Storm King could not take my life, but unfortunately he did take my eyesight," he said, trying to maintain pride. It was obvious that the burnt scars across his face were from the fiery whip of Khorramzadeh himself, and his eyes were gashed beyond mundane repair. "I am Aravashnial, a Riftwarden," he added. "Who are you with? I want names, ranks, and soforth. Do you have any experience with demons, girl?"

-

Horgus made a disgusted face at the dwarf. "You don't know who I am? You don't know who I am? Oh gods, just call me doomed, then, for I surely am! Why am I here with a cut-rate bearded midget dressed as a paladin? What jest of fate is this?" He seems obviously perturbed by the entire situation and is more worried about himself than answering Baradesh's question.

-

"Thanks." the woman says simply. While the pain of the boulder moving off of her leg was unbearable, she kept a stern and serious expression on her face. After an assessment of her situation, Xantrius can tell that she is quite injured. (HP 6/17) Not a word more was said as she watched Xantrius collect supplies for a splint before running off to handle potential danger.

-

As Xantrius and Sylvia approach the spider, they can tell from the sight and putrid stench of it that it has long been dead.
Xantrius Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Sylvia Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
They can hear a muffled chewing sound and see a bulge wriggling inside of the spider's abdomen.

-

Whoops, that would be because a space accidentally snuck its way in there. Here you go.

https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1yF76d6NwrMU8s0LFYank2ckdIaN1-iHUYKT1k1x KWH8/

Edit: It did it again for some reason. It's adding a space in the url and I don't know why. Just delete the space between the x and K toward the end of the url.

This should help give you your bearings. You all should be able to view this.

https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1yF76d6NwrMU8s0LFYank2ckdIaN1-iHUYKT1k1x KWH8/

The smaller yellow circle is Anarya's halo, the larger yellow circle is the normal light cast by Verene's lantern, and the large grey circle is the area of dim light cast by Verene's lantern.

The ceiling and far walls of this vast cavern recede into darkness. On one side, the wall has collapsed in an enormous mound of rubble- here and there the arms or legs of victims who didn't survive the fall protrude. In the back of the cavern, a disturbing shape looms. Nearly the size of a horse, what appears to be an immense black spider crouches silent and still on the ground.

In the solemn glow of Anarya's halo and Verene's lantern, a few others who had made it alive slowly come to their senses, adjusting to the light.

Anarya finds an elf with burns and a large gash across his face shifting out of the rubble. "Hello?!" he calls out desperately as his still-ringing ears catch voices in the air. "Are you demons? Here to finish the job?" He seems heavily injured.

Xantrius uncovers a pretty, yet capable, human woman who also seems to be heavily injured. A large boulder rests upon one of her legs, pinning her in plce, yet she seems unerred by her obviously excruciating circumstance. She eyes Xantrius warily as she takes in her surroundings and situation. "What are you looking at, lug?" she asks Xantrius curtly.

From out of the darkness toward Sylvia steps a portly man of obviously noble carriage. "Oh, lovely, I'm stuck in a hole with a bunch of ragtag heathens who couldn't even be bothered to stay behind and protect Kenabres." he says with mounting frustration and disdain. "And with these injuries, I'll surely die down here! Oh, what an ill fate to beset the glorious Horgus Gwerm. I'm doomed to die down here with you lot now, and it's all your fault! Doomed!" Despite his melodrama, he seems to only have suffered insignificant scrapes from the fall.

For several weeks, excitement has been building in Kenabres- Armasse is coming! Traditionally an opportunity for scholars and priests to come together to study the lessons of history from wars past, since Aroden's death, this holy day has become more about training commoners in weaponry, choosing squires, and ordaining new priests. Over time, Armasse has grown to encompass jousting competitions, mock duels, battle reenactments, and other festival events. In Kenabres, the festival (which takes place on i6 Arodus) is eagerly anticipated, for it provides distractions from the horrors of being on the front line of the war. Smiles on faces normally marred by downcast eyes and furrowed brows do wonders for city morale in the weeks leading up to the event.

Armasse is a citywide celebration, but the majority of the event, including its jousting matches and other entertainments, takes place at Clydwell Plaza, just west of the cathedral. You are in attendance near the cathedral's facade, and you've been lucky enough to get good a good spot to observe the opening ceremonies at noon.

Armasse officially began at noon, with the blessing of the festival by Lord Hulrun himself, ruler of Kenabres. The crowd gathered in Clydwell Plaza quieted as the aged inquisitor took the stage, clad in shining, resplendent armor. He cleared his throat, but just as he was about to speak, a bright light shone from the west, as if the sun were rising from the wrong direction. Hulrun’s shadow fell huge and distorted across the cathedral’s facade. A moment later, the sound of a thunderous explosion ripped through the air and earth, along with a violent tremor.

To the west, the fortress known as the Kite—the location of Kenabres’s wardstone—had vanished. In its place, a brilliant plume of red fire, lightning, and smoke erupted into the heavens. A moment later, a powerful roar accompanied a welcome sight rising from the crowd—Kenabres’s greatest guardian, the ancient silver dragon Terendelev, who had until that moment been attending the opening ceremony disguised as a human. Above, another form appeared, as nightmarish as the dragon was breathtaking. A humanoid shape three times the size of any man, with skin coated in fire and lightning, gripped a flaming sword and whip. The creature’s identity was immediately obvious: Khorramzadeh, the Storm King of the Worldwound, had come to Kenabres!

As the ground continued to shake and disgorge demons into the streets, the dragon and the balor lord clashed above. The fight was over in a few harrowing moments, as the balor cut deep into Terendelev’s body, swooping down to strike the dragon and arresting her charge. A few more blows, and the titanic duo spiraled downward toward the crowd.

The sight of the dragon smashing into the facade of the Cathedral of St. Clydwell is one no witness would ever forget. At that moment, a titanic demon erupted at the far end of the plaza, reducing several buildings to ruins as it smashed into this world. The rift it created shot across the plaza, and this time there was no escape—it opened below your feet, angling away into darkness. Even as you fell, the dragon noticed your plight. Though she saw death standing over her, she seized this final chance to save a few more souls. After she uttered a few arcane words and stretched out a bleeding talon, you felt her magic take hold of you, slowing your plummet into the darkness as if you were feathers falling into a pit. Yet the fall remained as inexorable, and as you drifted downward into the depths, the last thing you saw was the Storm King standing before the ancient silver dragon, his sword lashing out and cleaving full through her neck. As her severed head fell, the rift above you slammed shut, and the light of the world above was gone.

Your head throbs with a thunderous headache. Your ears ring. You're having trouble breathing. After a few moments, the sounds of rocks clattering, coughing, and moans of pain, as well as the choking smell of dust, become apparent as your senses seem to return, but it remains pitch black. Feeling around in the darkness, you feel rubble all around you, and realize that your body is covered in dirt and filth. Despite general aches and pains, you can tell that you are undamaged.