A volley of magic is sent at the injured cultist, headed by Gorin's javelin. All of them meet their mark and end the cultist's life. Both Zim and Arkon dispatch the last cultist, ending the fight.

Combat Over - 150 XP Added

Dungeon Map -

Gorin looks at carnage as he walks in. "What happened here for these to be like that?"

"They were myrkulytes, crazed cultists trying to master death. I'm sure we just helped them by sending them closer to their dead god." The redhead says callously. "Don't bother with trying to understand their motives, it will only risk making you hesitate carrying out our orders. They all have been given a death sentence, they just don't know it yet."

Meanwhile an invisible imp, his pride hurt more than his body, investigates the next chamber for threats and curiosities.
(Mal perception: 9 )

"Hmm oke, I guess Ill see a lot more in here that I don't really understand, but we got a job to do. What's in this next room." Gorin answers after which he moves to the room with the stairs going into it.

Arkon will retrieve the flail and shield he dropped but keep his greatsword equipped for now. He will follow Gorin into the room with the coffin.

Zim searches the bodies, then,

Zim searches the room.

"Hmm, messy."

The bodies hold no gold, only their weapons and a few small bones. The room is mostly bare with the exception of the torch in the center and the blood, both new and old, around the room.

In the next room, it is partially collapsed with the only thing in it being the sarcophagus, already opened. Inside it is just a few bones and dust, seemingly looted a long time ago already.

"Let's move on. And this is twice these maniacs had the jump on us now, better stay in formation and expect more ambushes ahead." Valeria suggests, motioning for Zim to take point as the team of Flaming Fist deputees moves deeper into the dungeon of the Dead Three, the invisible imp as always ahead when possible to hopefully be able to warn the team about threats.

Arkon nods at Val's suggestion and returns to take the lead alongside Zim, keeping an eye out for more cultists. He will sheath his greatsword and equip just his shield for now.

Perception: 11

Zim mentions to Val, "Aye, did you see some water over there (west)? I'm not one for swimming. Let's head East."

Zim returns to the octagonal room and stops to look at the third image of Bane. "Hmm, can't recall the name for this one. I'm sure he's up to no good like the other two."

Zim opens the door.

"That would be a depiction of Bane I think, actually he's the least deranged one of the dead three, but don't expect any mercy from his followers, they are most likely as bloodthirsty and vile as the others." The redhead mentions from the middle of the group.

The door opens into another corridor, descending downward and once more into tainted waters.

"I see water this way too."  Zim whispers to the group. "I'll get a little closer then come back if I don't see anything."

Zim walks (east) slowly down the narrow corridor with the party trailing behind. At the water he peeks around the corner before reporting to the others.

The walk down is quiet until Zim reaches the water.

"H-hey, K-Kazzira or whatever your name is, p-please just let me go. I-I won't say anything about this a-a-and I can get you gold! Yea, I-I'm a son of a patriar so I can get you as much gold as you want. J-Just let me go and I-I'll bring back whatever you want! Gold, food, o-or even more people! J-j-just please s-spare me!"

With the invisible imp flying into the chamber ahead of the dwarf, Valeria would take use of her servants sight to observe the room and it's inhabitants. Perhaps the team would get the jump on the cultists for a change.

The eastern part of this room is unlit, flooded, and braced with floor-to-ceiling wooden beams. Rough-hewn steps rise out of the murky water to the western portion of the room, which is dry and lit by two torches in sconces that flank a stone altar. Shackled to the wall behind the altar is a sickly man in a loincloth with a burlap sack over his head. An alcove in the north wall contains a freestanding suit of plate armor missing its helm.

Standing before the altar are two grim figures: a powerfully built woman clutching a mace, and an even bigger man wearing a bucket helm. They both look to the east, armed with their weapons. They remain silent even as the captive goes on,

"I-If not gold then...then how about another hideout! Y-yes, my family have some places that can work! W-we can even pay for guards and more!"

Valeria quickly and quietly informs the others of the situation in the semi-flooded chamber ahead. "Most likely banites, definitely cultists, let's make quick work of them." She finishes, ready to follow at the back to direct Mal to stabbedy-stab some more.

History to recognize the patriar: 8

Quote from Oberon99 >>

History to recognize the patriar: 15

With his face covered, it would be nearly impossible to tell which family the man is from. Even more so as his captivity has done damage to his health, affecting his body and voice. 

Sarris sighs and sheaths his dagger and slips his handaxe onto his belt.  "Maybe I can use the bow down here... maybe."   He spends a moment stringing his bow and preparing an arrow before moving forward with the group.

Zim stands alone at the end of the hallway, silently signaling the rest to follow him to the end of the way.