Fortitude Save
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Fort Save dwarf bonus ?
Then all of you could decide on a course of action together.
Then all of you could decide on a course of action together.
Sitting around a table at the Inn are four two men, two women, two little girls, and a dwarf. A closer look reveals that the 'children' are actually halflings -- likely as old or older than any of the humans accompanying them. Some are outfitted for combat, though it appears that at least four of them wear little or no armor. The larger woman's greatsword and the dwarf's battleaxe, however, both show definite signs of use - and of great care.
Whatever it is they are discussing, they seem to be intent about it.
"We have to go back and clear out that cave tomorrow, or at least clear enough that we can safely rest in the area before continuing. People are going to start making fun of us if we have to come to the inn and lick our wounds every evening," the dark haired sorceror mutters to the others in the group.
"We have to go back and clear out that cave tomorrow, or at least clear enough that we can safely rest in the area before continuing. People are going to start making fun of us if we have to come to the inn and lick our wounds every evening," the dark haired sorceror mutters to the others in the group.
With a bone jarring whollop on Artival's back, "Artival has the right of it! Let's finish off this ale, then head back and finish the job."
"I would hate to see what would happen if you didn't agree with me," Artival says smilingly to the female, rubbing the spot between his shoulders which she had slammed. "But we do need to keep those undead from preying on anyone else."
A tall, brown-haired woman walks in, looking distracted by her own thoughts. Although she wears a black cloak, one can easily see the old breastplate she wears underneath, which is bent in numerous places and has definitely seen some use lately. A nasty-looking heavy mace hangs from her belt.
Eying the patrons, she nods at the barkeep, sits on the bar and orders some wine, keeping her quiet. After a few minutes it seems obvious that she is listening to the discussion going on with the group behind her, and isn't trying too hard to hide it. As the word "cave" is heard, she turns her head slowly backwards, and eyes the group, still keeping silent.
"Who cares if they are laughing . If they want me to take their mockery seriously , let them battle giant skeletons too ! "
One of the halflings, the one with pale coloring and a veritable mountain of hair for her tiny body, is paying as much attention to the other patrons as she is to her companions.
Something draws her attention to the armored woman as she walks by and when the woman turns around, the tiny woman waves her over to the table. "There is no reason for anyone to drink alone, friend. You seem interested in our tale and we have no secrets here. Please, sit and share your tale with us! I might suggest that you not shake hands with Ka'kara if you wield a delicate musical instrument, however." With this last, she appears to be looking the woman over for a lute or anything of the like while she gestures to the strong woman with the greatsword.
"Oh, and I am Roylenna!"
(Sorry, sister, feeling silly.)
Looking over the new comer, "By the looks of her she can hold her own in a fight. Like my little sister says. Come! Have a drink with us!"
The tall woman's eyes flicker and show a bit of uncertainty, but she nods to herself and approaches the party, taking her glass of wine with her. "Tis nice of you to invite a stranger like me to your gathering here. I'm Lyria, and music isn't exactly my forte...".
Turning to Roylenna, she adds, speaking thoughtfully and slowly, so that one may think that she is pretty indifferent to the subject: "But you were right, I am indeed interested in your tale. I've heard this area is infested by undead at night, and have been hired by several of the smallfolk to deal with specific creatures. I've even heard about the cave from which the creatures come. Seems that more than a few luckless adventurers have lost their life there. I take that that's the cave you're talking about. Who are you working for, or are you just doing this for loot?" Glancing around, she adds, a bit sarcastically "...or are you doing this for a loftier ideal?"
"Research opportunities!" replies Rhianna at once, looking up from the sheaf of notes that has occupied her throughout the evening. "I've already gained a number of important insights on the interactions between several common evocations and animated flesh, and that's only with one foray! Who knows what might be revealed with a longer and more thorough encounter?"
"We have many different reasons, but a shared goal. Some of us are involved as recompense for services received, some because of a hatred of the undead, some... for the research," the smile is still in her eyes as she adds, "and some to honor a fallen comrade."
"If you are prepared to enter the cave, you will be better served to avoid doing it alone. And we will be that much stronger for having another ally. For me, you are welcome to join us." Turning to the rest of the party, she asks, "What say you?"
"Loot? Hardly. I owe a debt to a priest who lifted the taint of undeath from my spirit. I would have done it anyway for Lenna here and the companion she lost." Glancing over at the paladin she says with a good natured laugh, "Hey Badru, you have some catching up to do. I think I put down twice as many as you did on that last run." She takes another long draw from her tankard.
Lyria nods slowly. "Indeed... you are right in saying that there is strength in numbers. There should even be some loot in there, to compensate us for our risk. I guess that means I'll join you for now. Tell me what you have already encountered over there, and try to describe the undead creatures you've seen." Looking at Rhianna bending over her papers and amending her notes, she adds: "You are probably the one to ask for this kind of information".
Glancing over at the paladin she says with a good natured laugh, [b]"Hey Badru, you have some catching up to do. I think I put down twice as many as you did on that last run." She takes another long draw from her tankard.
"Oh I am quite sure you will have bested me if this were a contest," he says smiling over his mug. "Besides much more drink and I'll be under the table for certain!" Badru turns to the Lyria,"We have not yet gotten very far into the cave. Master Mahaffy noticed some form of intelligent creatures further back in the cave. We do not know what kind but we came back to the to strategize a bit before going back in." Seeing Ka'kara order another round of drinks he endeavors to finish his before they get to the table.
With a glimmer in her eye she keeps the tankards coming, "Oh, but it is a contest Badru, just like everything in life. I'll tell you what, you can team up with Mahaffy or anyone else you choose to make things more interesting if you want. Now lets see who can stay upright the longest, shall we?" Turning back toward Lyria, "Lenna and I at least know what they are. We ran into one of them in a crypt awhile back. Their claws and fangs have a venom of some sort that'll freeze your muscles solid. Can't move an inch and as I imagine they will take their time devouring you. There were also shambling corpses of men and ogres but those are pretty slow. They pack a whollop if they hit you though." A little ale streams down her face as she guzzles the latest tankard in one breath while giving Badru a challenging look.
Tika continues to take notes as she watches the impromptu drinking contest
Lyria observes the drinking contest silently, while her eyes show a bit of amusement at both sides. Listening to Ka'kara's description of the undead foes the party has encountered in the cave, she nods, takes another sip of her wine and says "I've encountered those. My divine powers should be useful over them, although I can promise you it won't be a nice view."
Do you have any kind of marching order and how far into the cave do you want to go?
Lyria will offer to take the third place in marching order, unless anyone else wants it. Other than that, she keeps silent while listening to the other group members decide about tactics and plans.
"You have seen all of my tricks - I cannot do much other than what I did last time. I am hesitant to plan on a push deep into the crypt yet. With the reduced visibility, even for our dwarven friend, we cannot be certain that we have seen even half of the walking dead therein. The last thing we can afford is to get surrounded. I do not fear them individually, but with sufficient numbers, even goblins can bring down the mightiest warrior." She looks at Ka'kara from the corner of her eye with this last remark.
"Also, it is an evil place. I can feel it. Too much time spent within might be dangerous in and of itself. Since my bag of tricks runs dry quickly, I thought that it might be of use to purchase some vials of liquid flame or acid to throw at the creatures. Unless someone already has some in hand?"
"There is no reason yet to do so . I'm sure the creatures will attack us event if we stay at the entrance . Tht being said , Good night to all , I need a good night of sleep if I want my wounds to begin healing "
"You're hurt", Lyria comments as Mahaffy rises. "Let me take care of that", she adds while muttering a few words. .
Turning to Roylenna, she adds: "I can lighten up the darkness in the cave, but that means slightly less healing, although I think it will be worth it."
Turning to Roylenna, she adds: "I can lighten up the darkness in the cave, but that means slightly less healing, although I think it will be worth it."
"It certainly cannot hurt. The darkness there is overwhelming - it is as though the air itself were absorbing the light. But, then again, even Mahaffy, who can normally see without light at all, is unable to see as far as normal. I should think that you would do that early, before the need for healing is critical, anyway, so we will still be able to retreat as necessary when the need becomes so. I am very encouraged looking forward."
OK, first thing I need to know: will you stay another night at the inn to allow Rhianna to scribe some scrolls, head back into town for supplies or head back to the cave?
"That obviously sounds like something magical. Hopefully my prayers will be strong enough to penetrate it".
I think a return foray tomorrow is a reasonable plan.
"Mahaffy, my friend, forgive my inattentiveness. Let me see what my ancestor's touch can do for you." She walked to the dwarf and lightly touches a wound on his arm. A pale green glow can be seen for just a moment as the wound knits somewhat.
Heavenly Fire healing
Similarly, she walks around the table, sharing her gift with anyone else that is injured. (I think that would only be Ka'kara and Badru.)
Ka'kara: Heavenly Fire healing
Badru: Heavenly Fire healing
You set out the following morning, travelling back to the cursed cave. On your way you discover some unpleasant things. Roylenna and Badru are starting to limp, Mahaffy and Ka'kara are breaking out in rashes and there is a strange smell of carrion that seems to follow you.
Roylenna, Badru:
Mahaffy, Ka'krara:
Diplomacy, Gather Information, and Perform checks.
Artival:
Tika:
Noticing everything that is happening to everyone Tika calls for an immediate stop. "Guys there is no way were going to be able to really do anything in the state were in we best head back and get this sorted first."
BT:
Lyria checks the infected group members' infection and tries to find out both the reason for the infection and any possible solution for it.
Noticing everything that is happening to everyone Tika calls for an immediate stop. "Guys there is no way were going to be able to really do anything in the state were in we best head back and get this sorted first."
Ka'kara shakes her head at this suggestion, "It is a curse little sister. Whatever disquiet spirit lies within the cave needs to be put to rest. We must strike now! While we still can."
Rhianna follows Lyria around on her examinations of the party members. She takes lots of notes, but doesn't offer much in the way of suggestions. At Ka'kara's words, though, she nods. "A curse seems the most likely cause," she comments, "though typically such things require an intelligent, directive agent. This may be a manifestation of hypervalent ritual or even deific anger - if not, then an unusually potent necromantic expression has had a great deal of time to fester in there."
"Well, let's put it this way...I never had any trouble with my vision until we visited the cave. I suspect the answer to our illnesses is within that same cave, so I say we press on," Artival suggests to the group.
BT:
** spoiler omitted **
BT:
"I feel fine, but I must step carefully. I cannot retreat effectively, if it comes to that. I think a cautious approach, like last time, is still in order. I agree that the curse came from the crypt and should be addressed or at least investigated there."