"If they are indeed a bad tribe and helping bad people it would be our honor to clear them from down here, especially if its in our path to the surface anyway. I can understand your caution about losing the strength of your soldiers too your duty first and foremost is to your people."
Kelden began hiding the slight frown at that news. He really couldnt blame the chief that was very true. It would have been nice to have a dozen or so armed warriors for such matters though, not just the four of them and possible the other survivors. Still He asked if and where there was a place for them to stay and went so far as to make sure he had directions to find it before he sought out those who manaeged to make it here before them. He was glad Caralain was along, one more person to look in and take judgement.
Kelden raised his hand up in a greetings as he closed. His eyes taking in the details of the crusader before him.
"Hail friend good to see others at least survived the troubles above, though i hope you are as ready as we to get back up there to do what we can." He began offering the man his hand. It was easy to place Kelden, From the Dawnflowers holy symbol on his shield to the obivous Kelishite decent even to the scimitar hanging at his waist said much.
"I am Kelden Sunblade cleric of Sarenrae, and this is my associate Carilain. We are here with a couple others, and some wounded from above." He finished, leaving an opening to his companion Carilain and for the man.
Intrigued by the hints that the brooch they pulled off the first camp belongs to the chieftains son, Alesie returns to Sull after her time in the market with the brooch in hand.
"Umm, sir? One of the merchants mentioned this may have special meaning to you? Said it belonged to your son? We found it in one of the caverns nears where we fell from the surface." Alesie asks quietly.
1. Knotted Gold Ring: 100-150gp
2. Dagger
3. Light Crossbow w/ 10 bolts (Unless someone wants this)
4. Marble Statue: 75gp
5. Glaive x2
6. Spiked Gauntlet x2
7. Bull's Head w/ Gemstones: 50gp
8. Studded Leather Armor
9. Leather Armor
Kyra agrees to Sull's terms. "Chief Sull, I think my companions and I will gladly assist your people in ridding these tunnels of those vermin. They aide or directed in the slaughter of countless many in Kenabres. And thank you for your hospitality." She curtsies to Chief Sull and the others before departing with Alesie to unload some of the items they'd discovered during their travels.
Kyra directs their wounded companions to the Inn while she and Alesie split off. "We shall return soon, in the meantime I suggest getting some food and rest. If you are to continue with us to the surface... I believe we aim to leave at once after we have rested."
At Marketplace
"Chief Sull's son you say?" Kyra shares a look with Alesie. 'This does not bode well... The bones we saw... I am sure the Chief would want his son's brooch back.'
Kyra will join Alesie at the Chief's home after they leave the marketplace. "Alesie speaks truly. We found the remains of a camp that appeared abandoned and overrun by giant roaches." She shudders at the memory of the giant insects. "Milord, we also found bones in the camp... but they did not appear to be that of a humanoid."
The death of her parents weighed heavy on Ilse's heart. She was now truly alone in the world. Ilse did find solace in knowing that her family died honorably in battle and thus gained Gorum's blessings. Ilse kneels down in prayer.
Gorum, give me the strength to wield my father's mighty hammer in my quest for justice and revenge. Let my enemies tremble at its reputation for violence.
Ilse picked herself up and noticed her body's stiffness as she dressed. The last battle had nonetheless left her no worse for wear. She smiled at the memories of her parents last moments; bravely they fought the unclean hoardes until their last breaths.
That is how I want to die.
Ilse left the small house feeling determined to spill blood for glory and the greater good.
Kyra and Alesie: His one good eye gets a bit misty; as he accepts the gift, explaining that one of his sons left Neathholm after an argument. Chief Sull didn't expect his son to return, but he treasures the return of this brooch nonetheless. In thanks for the brooch's return, he gives you his own +1 morningstar, asking only that they use the weapon to split at least one traitor's skull before they reach the surface.
Kelden an company: As you speak to the paladin you see a human woman exit another hut, wearing leather armor and carrying a missive hammer across her back, she seems lost in thoughts.
"Pardon me, good lady!"
Kelden called out, once more holding out his hand.
"The good cheif mentioned there were a couple of survivors I would assume you would be the other perhaps. We are some other survivors and will be leaving for the surface again soon after a bit of rest. Will you be joining us?"
He asked taking a measure of the woman. From the size of her weapon and her kellid descent he held no doubt she would be effective in battle. At least if any of the stories he had heard on his travels to Kenebras were to be believed.
"Kelden Sunblade, humble cleric of the Dawnflower." He added offering her his hand as well.
Ilse looked over the cleric to determine his merit. He appeared to have seen many battles, and she did not have any better options for the time being.
She grabbed his hand and with a firm, war-hardened shake introduced herself: "I am Ilse Goremark, the last of my clan. I am a demon slayer, and I come from a long line of warriors. If there is danger and a chance for glory, then you can count me as one of your travelling party"
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Thetin. Even in these dire circumstances."
Carilain follows Kelden's lead, and introduces himself to the Kellid woman as well. "Last of your clan? That's a shame, they must have been a mighty folk. I'm called Carilain Riveroak, of Kyonin. I'm here to avenge my family and learn how to slay demons."
Kyra's eyes widen as Chief Sull passes them his own magical weapon in return for his son's brooch. "Milord, we will wield your weapon with pride. I swear to you it will bathe in the blood of your enemies. I cannot begin to thank you for all your help. I hope one day we will be able to repay your kindness."
She reverently hooks the magical morningstar to her belt. "We shall take our leave to allow you time alone with your thoughts." She looks to Alesie. "Let us go find the others."
"okay." Alesie whispers quitely to Kyra.
"Thank you for your help, and umm... sorry for your loss." She adds quickly as an afterthought to Sull as they depart.
well that went far different then I expected. Maybe these guys aren't too bad.
Thetin shakes Kelden's hand.
"It'd be my pleasure to lend my hammer to your group. Doubly so if it means fighting demons."
Seeing a female human approach, Thetin listens as she introduces herself.
He then turns to Kelden and Carilain.
"Well, now that we are all introduced I'd say it'd be a good idea to meet up with the rest of your group to start planning our next step."
Ilse turned to Carilain and while aggressively shaking his hand explained: "My training was only just completed when my parents died, but I will pass any knowledge I have on to you."
She gave the elf a hearty slap on the back to show her goodwill. As they walked Ilse sized up the Paladin, Thetin.
He appears to have seen many battles, and he too wields a hammer. There is definitely glory to be had while travelling with this party.
Ilse found it hard to contain her enthusiasm.
Carilain endures the energetic hand shaking with out too much discomfort. Both fencing and spell-casting require strong wrists and fingers.
Carilain's smile is genuine. "I'll be glad to learn whatever I can from you."
Then is a serious tone Carilain adds: "We like to soften our enemies up with arrow and spell, before we rush in. You might want to count to six before you rush in with that great big mallet. It makes it harder to hit with arrows if we have to worry about our own people. Also I have a spell that can drop several enemies, if I can cast it without fear of taking my friends out too."
"A spell, hm?" Ilse considered the idea of magic. Although her parents would not approve of her associating with a spellcaster, her curiosity was greater than her mistrust.
Besides, I don't have anywhere else to go
"Count to six first, I think I can do that. I just hope you leave some enemies for me!"
Thetin laughs.
"I can share that sentiment Ilse but I've got a feeling that where we're going there'll be more than enough enemies to go around."
Turning back to Carilain and Kelden again.
"Speaking of enemies, do you two have any idea on what we may be facing on our way back to the surface?"
The chief had mentioned there is a tribe of 'bad' mongrels in the pathway and we believe we might have some infiltrated evil 'crusaders' with them as well. As to the numbers... we have no idea, we came to meet you while the others in our group went to see about supplies, once we get a chance to rest up we will be ready to move. We do have some wounded with us, I think it would be wise to leave them here until we clear the path... though part of me also wonders if we couldnt push on through and reach the surface then come back with more help from above. But come along lets meet back with the others."
The young cleric began with a smile for them both, he felt much better seeing two healthy warriors ready to take the fight to the enemy. He led the way back, hoping to perhaps run across the girls.
Kyra spots Kelden and Carilain with two newcomers after she and Alesie left Chief Sull's home. "Ah, Brother Kelden, it seems you've already met the other survivors!" She smiles politely, dipping into a low curtsy. "I am Kyra, dervish of the Dawnflower. It gladdens my heart to see more survivors from Kenabres."
She grins at Kelden, slapping him on the shouler. "Come now, Kelden, don't be rude. Introduce us to our new acquaintances!"
The yougn cleric colored just for a moment in half embaressment. He was really about to introduce them honest she just beat him to it. He grinned slightly though.
"This is Initiate Thetin Dorvas. Of the Order of the Nine Moons right?"
He began hoping he remembered the mans introduction properly. He had never heard of any such order, but then again he was new to Kenebras in the first place.
"And this is I am Ilse Goremark, last survivor of her clan."
He added with a hint of solemnity for her fallen.
"We told them of what the chief mentioned, about possible heretical planted crusaders and bad mongrelmen on the pathway to the surface, and I believe they are willing to help clear the way."
He added patting Kyra on the shoulder and turning to stand by her giving them a chance to speak themselves.
"Hey Kyra... Could I see that mace from sull?" Alesie asks curiously.
Handling the mace, Alesie looks back at Kyra sheepishly. "Would you mind if I keep this? I'm not sure my rapier will be effective if we come across another skeleton thing."
After Kelden's introduction Alesie looks over the two new people.
At least they don't appear to be dressed like those crusaders that died.
"umm. Hi." Alesie squeaks at the new individuals.
Oh right, probably don't know your name.
"Alesie." She adds, answering her own internal thoughts. wait...I guess they can't hear my thoughts.
"I mean my name is Alesie. Desna help me, this is not going well." She whispers, sliding slightly behind Kyra to hide from the Thetin and Ilse.
Ilse smiled at Kyra and Alesie and bowed awkwardly and said: "I'm honored to be in the presence of such great warriors."
She noticed Alesie's shyness and said in a warm, quiet tone: "We are all among friends here. There is no need to worry."
This elf female has no reason to trust me but soon I shall prove my merit on the battlefield.
Thetin nods at Kelden then smiles at Alesie and Kyra.
"It is a pleasure to meet both of you."
Seeing Alesie slide behind Kyra, Thetin chuckles to himself.
Well this is certainly an interesting group to be fighting with.
Okay no time to be shy now, they both looks good enough and I mean you're about to go raid an evil mongrelmen tribe.
Alesie looks down at the mace swinging from her hip with sudden realization and sighs.
Wait...Oh Goddess what have I gotten myself into. Did I really agree to that? hmm, okay, well, umm, I've survived so far I guess. Who knows, maybe this other tribe likes to fight with feathers! Tickle attacks of death hehehe. Alesie giggles to herself behind Kyra before remembering she isn't alone and stifling them suddenly.
Okay, you can do this, deep breath.
Alesie peaks from behind Kyra and smiles back at Ilse and Thetin.
"It's nice to meet you as well."
She breathes deeply and steps back out from behind her.
"So, umm, where to now?"
Ilse nods in agreement. "Yes! I too am eager to find a battle. Do we head out in the morning? Or perhaps shall we send some scouts out tonight to assess the mongrelmen situation?"
"Now we rest, and prepare, perhaps talk a little stratagy before we head out. I am completely out of magical spell in which to heal and aid our endevours and I hold no doubts that fighting evil infiltrating crusaders and bad mongrelmen will be an easy task. In the morning, so to speak, I plan on asking chief Sull to at least have a guide take us most the way torwards the enemy.
Kelden began smiling at Alesie. Of all the ones here as awkward as it sounded, he was the most proud of her. He, Kyra, and Caralain had come to Kenebras to fight the demons... this was her home. She hadnt held such aspirations of crusading he would bet.
"Well not fresh out i do have the one gift left, if anyone is less than well, no sense wasting it before i renew my prayers to the goddess I suppose.
He said pratically.
Carilain smiles at Alesie, but answers Kelden and Ilse. "I'm in good shape, thanks to your earlier work Kelden. Our best scout needs her rest too, Ilse. I think we should get some sleep, then scout in force tomorrow."
Carilain looks around at the village. "I don't distrust these people, but I think we should maintain a watch, even here."
Looking at Thetin and Ilse, Carilain adds: "You two might as well get used to being in the rotation, too."
Alesie looks over at Kelden with a smile. "Umm, I haven't quite recovered from those flying dark suffocating things back there. If you could, I mean if it's not to much trouble." Alesie asks slowly moving towards Kelden.
"mmm, sleep would be good."
Alesie wakes up screaming, sweat coating her body. Oh goddess, please let us get out of these tunnels soon. I'm not sure how much longer I can survive down here.
Kyra smiles and laughs at Alesie's shyness, trying to urge the elven rogue out from behind her. "I believe we could use a rest, including our wounded comrades. Before I sleep though, I must return to the merchant... he was looking over our goods while we returned Chief Sull's son's brooch to him. Oh! Kelden, Carilain... Chief Sull gave us his very own magical morningstar for the return of the cooper brooch we found. Alesie carries it now, I have desire to wield such an uncouth weapon." She pats the scimitar hanging from her baldric. "I shall rejoin you all shortly! Don't eat all the food before I return!" She grins and departs.
Merchant Shop
The merchant offers Kyra a fair amount for the goods she looks to sell; however, he offers an exchange in trade rather than a full payout of gold, to which Kyra agrees.
She takes a few moments, looking around and finds three masterfully crafted backpacks of finely tooled lather and brass fittings. She places them upon the counter and also decides to replenish the group's supply of arrows, in addition to a couple quivers full of cold iron tipped arrows. She remembered learning cold iron was especially useful against demons... Lastly she spots a wand of white ashwood, etched with runes of a language unfamiliar to her. "What is this?"
"Ah yes... it is magical. Containing in it the ability to heal wounds. I have had this for sometime, I took it in trade for something many years ago. Are you interested?"
Kyra nods, adding it to the pile of gear upon the merchant's countertop. "Rope! Do you have any rope?" Two coils of silk rope are added to the pile as well. The totals were tallied, Kyra dishes out most of the party's gold and platinum... 'I hope they support my decisions!'
She gathers the gear and waves farewell to the merchant. "Thank you!"
With the Party
Kyra returns triumphantly, carrying their new equipment... showing it off with a grin! "I return bearing gifts!"
Kyra reluctantly agrees with the decision to keep a watch, preferring the group to get as much rest as possible; however, she understands the decision given their experiences in the cavern.
Night/During Watch
During Kyra's watch she repacks her newly acquire pack, but leaves out a leather-bound journal with some ink and inkpen. She writes about the fall of Kenabres and their trials during the travel through the caverns beneath the beleaguered city above. While mid-sentence Kyra gave a start when Alesie suddenly screamed!
Kyra looks around, tossing her journal to one side, drawing her scimitar as she stands! When she does not immediately observe any threats, the dervish sheaths her blade and walks over to Alesie. "Are you okay, Alesie?"
"Okay? no not really. Surviving? yes. but I'll be okay, ya I'll be okay." Alesie sputters off, more to reassure herself.
Calming down a little bit from the nightmare Alesie stares off into space.
"That was the first time I've needed magic to survive. I still can feel that inhuman grasping when I close my eyes" Alesie recalls of the darkmantle attack, tears flowing down her face.
"I don't know how you all do it, walking openly against things that can hurt you like that." Alesie states through the tears.
"You're all so brave; so fearless. I don't belong here, why did Terendelev save me? I'm not the hero you all are."
Kelden Awoke with a start at Alesie nightmare and sat up reaching for his weapon... but stopped as he realized the source. He was about to say something as Kyra approached but for the moment he sat there and watched and listened. He had faith that his sister in faith could set the young rogue on the right path... and if not, well he was listening now regardless.
"In my culture I have not yet earned the right to be called a hero," Ilse remarks. She was roused from her slumber by her companion's terror.
Yawning, she adds, "Even the most brave heroes have fear. What makes a hero then? I believe it is how you react to your fear. I know that my enemies also fear me, and that makes me brave."
Ilse rubbed her eyes. I am cursed with my father's inability to sleep deeply. Since there will be no immediate return to dreams for me I might as well take the next watch.
She turns to Kyra and asks, "Would you like to get some rest? I am ready for the next shift."
Kyra quietly puts her arm around Alesie, letting the elf speak aloud her fears. When the tears begin to stream she kisses her lightly on the head, much like her own mother used to when Kyra had nightmares of her own. She looks over as Ilse wakes and helps her in trying to calm Alesie.
She nods. "She has the right of it. And thank you, Ilse. I will take you up on your offer." She goes to gather up her gear, tucking her journal back into her pack. She unrolls her bedroll next to Alesie, opening up her blanket.
"Alesie, I'm not fearless, nor a hero. I'm just as terrified as you, but my faith in the Everlight does give me strength to keep on moving, to keep fighting. I have never faced a demon and from what I know of them... I do not know what I will do when that time comes. I pray to my goddess that I will have the courage to fight."
She lays down next to Alesie, pulling her blanket up to her chin. She looks over to her. "I would like to share something with you..." (Assuming Alesie consents...) She pulls her arm out from beneath the blanket and rolls up her sleeve, displaying a thin, white scar about five inches in length along her inner forearm. "Until the night I received that scar I was no more than a barmaid and a dancer in Sothis... and I was content. Nay, I was happy with that life. I wanted to be like the bards that came through our Inn, to be a storyteller... to captivate an audience with my dancing. I dreamed to one day dance before the pharaohs." She smiled wistfully at the memory. "A silly dream, I know, but such are the dreams of children. Regardless, My dancing drew the attention of a strange boy. I rebuked his attention for a year, there was something strange about him I never quite understood... until it was too late."
She took a steadying breath, absently rubbing the scar on her forearm. "I was kidnapped by a cult of demon worshipers. When I awoke I was laying on a table covered in the blood of a gutted goat that was hanging above me. The boy was one of the cultists and he gave me this cut. I do not know what he was going to do to me, but it was evil. Of that I have no doubt. Before they could complete their ritual, I was saved by a Dawnflower Dervish. She attacked the cultists and I escaped, but she died during her assault; her sacrifice saved my life. Sometime after I went to the temple to learn more about my savior and that was when I saw the dervishes training... Since that day, I have devoted my life to the Dawnflower in memory of Shalaye... the dervish who saved me."
"I do not know exactly why I journeyed to Kenabres, but recently I felt a calling to come here. I had hoped to learn more about what was done to me, but I do not know if I will ever find out now."
She pats Alesie's shoulder. "I do not know what strength hides within us, but I promise to protect you, sister. Now let us get some rest." She lays down next to Alesie.
With Party
"Well a good nights rest seems like a good idea to me, but i have something else i need to do before i rest."
Thetin's smile fades into a somber look.
"I lost some good friends yesterday. They deserve a good nights worth of drinking and a prayer. So unless one of you has happened to have seen a tavern or an alter to Torag, I'll see you all tonight."
With that Thetin walks around until he finds a place to drink and a suitable place to pray for his dead friends.
Nighttime
Thetin rolls around in his sleep, dark dreams disturbing his rest
Thetin is awakened by Alesie's screams, cold sweat covering his body. He listens to Alesie as he recovers from his dream.
Thetin smiles at Alesie.
"It is ok to be scared Alesie. Though it may not seem it some days, none of us are fearless. A demon attacked me when i was younger and almost killed me. If it weren't for the intervention of a nearby Paladin i would be dead. To this day not many nights go by without me having a nightmare about the demon that attacked me. On top of that I am also terrified of being unable to protect the people around me. The thing is i don't let that fear stop me, i instead use it to drive me to be better."
Thetin stands up and stretches and begins putting on his armor.
"Also Terendelev saved you because she could and as far as i'm concerned you deserve to be here, alive and kicking, just as much as any of us do. And as far as heroes go, heroes were all at one point just ordinary people like you. Then something extraordinary happened, and instead of backing away or shrinking from it, they faced it and became more than what they used to be. We are here for you Alesie, so the question is what are you going to do now?
Thetin finishes strapping on his armor and gives Alesie a big grin.
"I believe you can face this and grow stronger. Get some rest and think on it in the morning."
Seeing Kyra slip next to Alesie, Thetin heads out to keep shift with Ilse.
Ilse props herself up on the wall opposite to the door in order to maintain a proper watch over her new friends as they slumbered.
Indeed, everyone has been touched by the unclean demonic scum.
She loses herself in thought: remembering all the lessons that her parents taught her over the years. Remembering her sparring sessions with her father in which he taught her the intricacies of wielding the warhammer.
She whispers quietly to the Paladin so as not to wake the others. "I am in need of a sparring partner. Someone, like yourself, who is trained in hand to hand combat. Someone who might teach me some new techniques. What do you say? Will you help me someday?"
Thetin goes and sits himself in the corner of the room opposite the door so he can see the entire room, then pulls out his personal journal and begins to write about the last couple of days.
Hearing Ilse whisper to him, Thetin looks up from his writing and whispers back.
"It would be an honor to be your sparring partner. Once this current crisis has been dealt with I will certainly enjoy sparring with another who practices the hammer."
Thetin looks back at his journal and then at his new companions, a fresh smile on his face.
I wonder just how many of my journals will be filled with adventures with these people. Hopefully many.
With that Thetin goes back to his writing.
In the morning, Chief Sull escorts you to one of the several doors that mark exits from the cavern in which Neathholm is located-the route beyond this door leads directly to the traitors' den, and past that, to the surface. He wishes you all luck in your journey, gives you the potions he promised, and tells them he eagerly awaits word of whether the crusaders wish them to join the battle above.
Lann steps forward to accompany you, "While it is not too far to the traitors' lair I offer my services as an envoy and guide. You of course are always welcome to return here to Neathholm if we need to retreat, rest, and recover before making additional assaults on the traitors."
From the hamlet of Neathholm, the tunnel winds mostly in a southeast direction for about 2,000 feet (16 minutes of travel). The tunnel narrows down at this point to a 5-foot-wide passageway, the walls carved with picks and chisels.
In a hushed voice Lann speaks trying to prevent his voice from carrying farther down the tunnel. "We're very close now to the entrance to the traitors' den. The entrance lies just around that bend there, I'll wait here with the injured and let you clear out the worst of them. I'm sure we can pick off..." At this he eyes Anevia and Hargus "any of them that manage to get past you."
"You are a brave heart Lann,guard this well, if we need to pull back it might be under duress."
He said clapping the friendly mongrelman on his shoulder with a nod.
He glanced to his companions barely hesistating over little Alesie.
"As much as I value your scouting Alesie.. Im not sure it will be necessary this time. My friends and new companions, up this tunnel lies the way to sun and sky and possibly a city over-ran by demons. I would rather pass through this tunnel to the air above, but i have little hope that those in the way will let us."
He began unsheathig his scimitar and readying his shield. He met their eyes each one offering them a simple nod. He looked a bit nervous, it was easy to tell but he looked determined. Sister Jalistae his mother figure though, had preached to him the importance of Morale... He had always been afraid to ask her about the scars she bore, nor how she got them but it was a lesson he understood.
"Most of us do not share the same faith, but companions we are none-the-less. Today we fight under one banner, that of Kenebras, against those in our way and against the demon horde above. Pray with me."
He intoned and knelt dropping his scimitar to the ground,and clutched his holy symbol.
"Sarenrae, grant me the strength to move forward in your name, the wisdom to lead my friends in combat against those beings that hold the good of the world to mean nothing. Grant me the mercy to show the fallen and repentant the way back into the light should they deserve it. Grant me hope, that even should I fall here those in my charge can continue on, and do great deeds, in their name and for my honor."
He rose and nodded to his new allies, he was sure he and the paladin would certainly lead from the front.
Emotionally exhausted from the nights events Alesie follows the group to the entrance to the traitor's den in silence, her fears not quite quelled.
Such kindness from everyone. Why would they do that? Do I really deserve it? Oh goddess look over me, I'm not sure what I'm doing anymore.
Noticing that they appeared to have reached their destination, Alesie pulls the bow from her back and tries to smile at Kelden as he prays for them, though it comes out shaky and forced.
"Okay I'm Ready."
During the solemnity of Kelden's prayer, Ilse quietly invokes the favour of her god. She bows her head and places it gently on the head of her hammer:
Gorum, give me the courage to smite my enemy and to laugh in the face of their evil deeds. Let my father's hammer find it's target so that I may honour his memory. If I must die today, let it be in the heat of battle so that my deeds may live on in the memories of my companions.
Ilse raises her head and smiles. She was born for battle, and her heart swelled with pride at the imminence of glory. She readied her hammer in both hands as they prepared to meet the enemy.
Thetin walks to the front of the group, donning his hammer. As he passes Alesie he puts a hand on her shoulder and smiles.
"Don't push yourself. Just use that bow of yours to keep them off my back."
Thetin gives a quick prayer to Torag, praying for the protection of both himself and the party. He then addresses the party.
"Alright me and Kelden up front, next i want Ilse and Kyra to back us up by flanking the enemy when they can. Alesie and Carilain you two stay back and hit the enemy from range, focusing on any enemy casting magic or using a bow. Does that sound good to everyone?"
Carilain passes a restless night.
"May the end of this day find us under the open sky."
The elf makes sure to fill all the waterskins with fresh water, then heads out with the others.
He bows his head for Kelden's benediction, it would certainly help to have a god on their side.
Carilain listens to Thetin's orders, then turns to Lann. "What can you tell me about the layout of Traitor's Lair, Lann? Have you been to it? It would help us plan an effective assault if we had an idea of what to expect."
Lann admits that he's not been beyond this point, the other reason he's willing to stay back with the wounded.
Ahead:
Barricades made of heaped loose rocks and wooden boards bisect this cavern. Beyond the barricades, a wooden screen covers the lower half of a tunnel mouth. Two mongrelmen maintain a watch here, keeping an eye out for troublemakers from Neathholm.
Kelden could only grin as the paladin suddenly began to take charge. He rose an eyebrow at his sister in faith Kyra and chuckled.
Well then,You heard the man, I suppose its time to say hello and win our way to the sunlight lit lands above eh friends?
The cleric began readying his shield and holding it up covering his upper body and the lower half of his face as he advanced scimitar in hand and up at the ready as well.
"A difficult bowshot with that barricade."
Carilain puts his short bow back in its case and draws his warhammer. Maybe he can get a lucky with a spell.
"Let's do this thing."
Kyra gives Lann a hug before they prepare to assault the mongrelmen lair. "Wish us luck, Lann! Dawnflower willing we shall return soon to gather our companions."
When Kelden gathers the group around, she draws her scimitar and takes a knee, laying her blade across her thigh. She lowers her head in supplication during the prayer. 'Sarenrae, steady my shaky hand and steel my resolve. Grant me the bravery to face my enemies... and the strength to dispatch my foes.'
With a steadying breath she stands, scimitar in hand, recasts her dancing lights spell in preparation, and nods at Thetin's instructions. Kelden's grin is infectious as one lights up Kyra's face. "What else would you expect from a paladin?" She winks at the handsome paladin.
She looks at the fortifications. "Perhaps we could bluff our way up to the barricade?"
Ilse, ponders Kyra's question and responds:
"Kyra, do you think we could provide a distraction for Kelden and Thetin? I think bluffing could work."
Kyra's grin turns into a sultry smirk at Ilse's inquiry. "Why of course I could provide a distraction, Ilse." She taps her index finger against her lips, pondering. "Now the question is... what would be the best type of distraction to use on these guards. Lann, do you have any suggestions?"
Thetin casts detect evil focusing on the two guards (and Lann i guess just for safe measure) while listening to Kyra and Ilse's planning
"A distraction would certainly be nice, but better figure out what you're doing pretty quickly. There's no telling how long we have before the guards notice we're here and i'd rather hit them before they have a chance to raise an alarm."
With that Thetin straps on his shield and stands next to Kelden, his smile replaced with a focused look.