Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP)

Hastos looks around as the sounds of battle fade and is replaced by the minuscule scurrying of small legs as their owners inspect the wealth of food that covers the cavern floor. With a whispered word, the flames of Hastos’ axe extinguish and he uses it to prop himself up.

”By the gods, I am tired. After we see what falls from the ceiling perhaps we should take a rest.” He turns to Buckeran. “Buckeran, does  your portable house fit in this cave and do you think will be safe in it for a rest?”

BeforeBuckeran can reply, Sera call on sacred Flame.

Quote from Larskolstad >>

She removes bug splatter and gore from her face. " ..great another stink to cover all the other stinks..Hastos be knocked unconsious if he get close to me now..." she sigh. Then look at Orr. "Orr..if you can just make yourself useful by not taking all the damage we be glad" Sera grins and slap his back then shake her head as she peeks up " now that is odd. How 5 dragonarmy soldiers get all the way here? " she points up at the roof. " let me try get rid of the webbing holding them. Maybe they have orders, maps or something useful. And Buckeran. Are you using lots of words the tell we most likely meet undeads next?" 

Sera start call sacred flame around on the roof to get the dragonarmy corpses go fall down.

 Buckeran visbily shudders at the thought as the Dragon Army soldiers fall to the ground, their dried, hollowed bones shattering from the impact. "I certainly hope not. But where magic has spoiled, the dead do tend to come back to life. We had that problem with our own cematery when we first settled Santekh. Many Acolytes lost their lives defending the people from the graves. It would've been nice to have a powerful cleric then, I tell you what." He chuckles uneasily at the poor attempt at humor. "Tekel and his mercenaries played a huge role in cleansing the graves. That's how he rose to fame as a paladin in service of some ancient Silver Dragon. I can't recall her name at the moment, but she's supposed to be the daughter of Paladine."

He hesitates and sweat is beading on his forehead at the though. "What if the dragons themselves are undead? Can we hope to defeat such a foe?"

A quick search reveals that each corpse has standard gear for a Dragon Army soldier: Scale Mail, Shield, Longsword, Javelin. Their personal affects are standard as well. They each have a small local map, a compass, a small knife, and the emblem of the Green Dragon Army.

But some of it is more personalized. Personal letters to their families, nonmagical totems for ritual prayer, handcrafted charms... nothing particularly valuable. Their rations have long since been eaten by bugs. Each of them have potion vials, but only 2 of them are still unused. One of them is labeled Potion of Healing (Common) and one is labelled Potion of Comprehension. In their coin pouches, you find a total of 17 gold pieces. Hardly a fortune, but these were clearly low-ranking soldiers. One of the notes explains to the deceased son that they are beginning the push north to uncover a rare and powerful artifact. Though the writer doesn't know much, they've heard rumors suggest that it can be a powerful tool that can be used or against Takhisis. The writer refers to it as a key that is not a key to a lock that has already be opened.

Quote from MrUncleTio >>

Hastos looks around as the sounds of battle fade and is replaced by the minuscule scurrying of small legs as their owners inspect the wealth of food that covers the cavern floor. With a whispered word, the flames of Hastos’ axe extinguish and he uses it to prop himself up.

”By the gods, I am tired. After we see what falls from the ceiling perhaps we should take a rest.” He turns to Buckeran. “Buckeran, does  your portable house fit in this cave and do you think will be safe in it for a rest?”

BeforeBuckeran can reply, Sera call on sacred Flame.

 Buckeran snaps out of his musings and turns to Hastos, leaning on his axe. "Perhaps... but there are risks. The manor does not yield as it expands, which is why I always summon it in open spaces. If I summon it, and it disrupts the structure of this dungeon, or weighs too much and weakens the floor we're walking on, we could awaken to find the manor buried under tons of rubble. Perhaps Merkas's golem friend could watch over us while we make camp?"

Orr the Unseen interjects. "I do not think it is wise to camp here. The magic in this cave wreaks... it is filthy. Perhaps those of you who do not practise magic cannot sense it. But I feel seperated and subdued in here. I hear whispers and vague harmful threats. I think it is partly why I was so easily overwhelmed by the Night Hag. The thoughts are coming from within... like my own mind is attacking me. I don't trust how the cursed magic is affecting us."

Buckeran looks surprised and puts on his monacle. He immediately winces, and lurches as if he's about to vomit. "I see what you mean. Magic pervades everything here... it's blinding. It's clearly spoiled magic as well. This monacle can protect the wearer from it some, but," he takes the monacle off, "it's also giving me a splitting headache. We can retreat to the manor if you think it is best."

“Well, we’re not terribly far from the mouth of the cave. I doubt the spiders will have a go at us again, and if myconids try anything we can just set their mushrooms on fire again.” Hastos, sensing his words sounding calloused , adds “ I know, I know. But it’s either they kill us, we kill them, or everyone is saved by us setting their mushrooms on fire. I’m not saying it’s a great option just that it’s better than bloodshed.”

”And it will give Orr a break from all the spoiled magic. He could probably use the break.” 

Hastos looks around at the team inviting any feedback. “Anyway, it was a thought.”

Sera read the notes and carefully prepare the dead dragonarmy soldiers. Husbands, sons and loved ones that not return to their loved ones. As the others talk she listens. But her task is done efficent. Taking off armor and weapons. Putting it in a orderly stack to the side. The pitions and gold collected to use for thoose who needs it. 

Standing over them and feeling no anger to servants of a Evil deity. Just calm resolve. They made their choices. She made hers. 

" My lord. Paladine...see too that the dead gets rest. That they pass to the afterlife and stay undisturbed...to find peace however they prefered..wherever they prefer..." she not pass judgment. Then she point at the corpses and radiant fire engulfs them. Cremating them...untill only ash drifts away...

She stand a while ...

" it is a short stroll to go out. The idea of an undead dragon is plausible. We should not risk die and add to the undead horde here.  We go outside. Rest and prepare. I have good tools vs undeads. A scroll of protection. And turn undead ability " she looks at Hastos and nods. Then adress the others "We go outside and rest unless very good reasons against it"

" 

“Bucky left the mansion at the entrance when we came in, to kinda block the way and give us a place to store the stuff when we find it” Merkas waves back towards the entrance as he collects some of the empty potion bottles and attempts to use them to collect venom from the beheaded spider and then some of the crystal sludge, both are very poor attempts. (4 - Survival, 5 - Nature for collecting resources) 

“We could go back a different way to try and sort out safer paths for the cleanup teams I guess, but what if the treasure is just down there?” His frustration gets the better of him and he sits back on his heels to look around some more “Y’figure that this whole thing is just a dragon lair gone feral, and wild? Just cause the owner took off? Undead doesn’t seem to be a problem so far, most things in here are eating just fine. At least they’re trying to” He winces as he probes the bite in his shoulder. “These spiders probably wouldn't have the appetite or self preservation if they’ve been fighting undead stuff for ages” 

Hearing what was written on the notes he says “How can a not key be used on an open lock? I sure would like to know what kinda riddles these dragon army bozo’s find enjoyable cause that one just doesn’t make sense”

Orr the Unseen sits down after Sera performs her death ritual. Their stoicism is fading, and their exhaustion is really showing. Buckeran gives them a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "So, it's decided then. But... how do we return? The path we entered is sealed off. Routes for servants are likely to be even more dangerous. There were no traps on the way in, because dragons can't be bothered with them. We may face more danger on those paths than we did coming through the entrance."

He purses his lips and begins pacing with his hands clasped behind his back. "The cobblestones indicate servants pathways. Perhaps that's the safest way to go. But as I recall, those paths were sealed off by crystals too. We could try to blast our way through." He looks back at Orr the Unseen who looks up and nods. "I can cast one more Fireball spell if that is what is required."

Buckeran nods slowly, knowing that Orr the Unseen is trying to be strong. "We have that. But we also don't know how stable the caves are. The last time you did that, part of the wall caved in. If the treasure inside is buried under tons of volatile crystals because we blasted the hell out of this place, the acolytes will never be able to purify the ground." He doesn't seem to be whining, but rather working through the possible solutions. "Still, we need a way back. It does us no good to clear the treasure out of this den if we remain trapped in here. We need to create a permanent opening for the cleansing party to follow..."

“Well, we won’t know unless we try. Perhaps you should stay here. I might need someone to put me back together.” Hastos stores his axe and walks over towards the servants entrance. He extends his senses as he approaches, trying to be aware of anything out of place or unusual that might signal a trap. (Perception: 12)

Assuming he gets there in one piece, Hastos will examine the servants entrance for some way to get past without blasting the crystals. (Investigation: 15)

Sera make sure to stand very close to Merkas while talking and planning. The little blue menace can have some sharing the stinky result of his spellcasting...

"I can put u togeter but....ok be careful ...Paldine protect you"

( cast guidance on Hastos)

Quote from Larskolstad >>

Sera make sure to stand very close to Merkas while talking and planning. The little blue menace can have some sharing the stinky result of his spellcasting...

"I can put u togeter but....ok be careful ...Paldine protect you"

( cast guidance on Hastos)

 
Merkas, covered in, sweat, blood, charred mushroom, spider viscera, and crystal muck, doesn’t notice anything out of the ordinary from his current situation. “Would reassemble me too? Or is it just Hastos you want to keep in one piece?” 
Watching Hastos follow one of the paths he asks the group “What about the path that Yuki fellow came through, they seemed pretty fresh after joining us, maybe we try all the paths at once and let the others know what’s safest?” (Nat 1 Insight roll for hints on going on or returning for rest) 

Hastos walk over to the entrance that appears to have a crystal blocking the way. After a few minutes of examination he turns back to the group.

"I think this thing is activated by electricity, but the gem inside seems to be insufficient. Sera, do you think you could use your lightening javelin to activate this crystal?”

" sure...step back..." Sera fknd it and double check the inscriptions a last time. Then throw it and utter the commandwird that transform the javelin into lighting.

It strikes the crystals. And flickers of lighning runs over it like water. Stench of ozone add to all the other smells. 

The electricity from the javelin crackles and surges wildly for a moment, then filters into the out-of-place crystal on the wall, sucking inward. An even smaller stone inside it begins to pulse and glow... throbbing like a power source.

The entrance to the cobblestone pathway forms small, crystaline eyes that blink open and gaze upon its summoners. Then the crystal barrier rumbles and cracks to form a stout, humanoid shape, similar to the crystal golem you fought earlier, but much smaller... about the size of a dwarf. Dutifully, it steps forward and aside, then freezes in place like a statue. It makes no move to attack or defend, and waits soundlessly for you to enter. Past the removed barrier, a narrow tunnel presents itself. It's wide and tall enough for a medium-sized creature to fit, but Barkly will have to duck their head and squeeze their way through, without a passenger or her barding, in order to get through. The cobblestone pathway ahead arches in a horseshoe shape. Beyond it is a more natural part of the cave, with fewer crystals, and more dirt and scree. Hastos has deduced that heading west is your best path out of here.

The blue circle marks where the small crystal golem is standing. Any inspection reveals that it is pretty much immovable. The thing is suprisingly heavy for a collection of crystal mass. Unlike the golem you fought before, this one is made of thick, dense limbs and a barrel torso, with a small, kabuto-shaped head. It seems to be built more for defense than attack.

Barkly looks skeptical and lets out a low rumble deep in her throat. Buckeran looks at her sideways and pats her neck. "Not to worry, girl. Merkas my boy, will you help me remove her saddle and packs? I think we'll need to carry them seperately."

" Nice.impressive. .lets get out. Please let it not be any bad traps. .." Sera see Merkas and Buckeran remove the harness. The rest of the party is rather beaten up. Orr especially. Bad.

She picks up the javelin and utters a quick prayer.

( giving guidance on herself)

" I still have not gotten injured on this journey. Please I go first and check for traps and earn some scars too." And step up. 

She give a grin and holde her shining sword up high to shine bright and  inspect the corridir . Then and careful walk first. 

( perseption 21 )

Sera goes in first. With this level of densely packed crystals emanating their spoiled and chaotic magic all around her, Sera feels itchy and sweaty. The inundated magic is in direct conflict with her own nature, and it's a bit disorienting, but nothing she can't shake off with a bit of focus and grit. You imagine that spending the night inside these cavern walls would impede your magical abilities after the rest and probably caused troubled dreams. All the more reason to get back to the mansion...

Sera makes it most of the way through and can look out for danger in the open space beyond. Straight ahead, you see a few mushrooms near the cavern wall, but they look more wild, and weeds surround them. It doesn't look like the myconids dwell here, and the mushrooms don't crackle with the same energy that the one's before did. The cobblestone path arches north, then back east, but within the cobblestone horseshoe, the large tiles Buckeran warned you about are visible, and seem undamaged by time. Based on his description, they are probably traps. The tiles appear to feed into the glittering chamber you were in before, but the traps within the main chamber (if they existed at all) no longer appeared to work. Another path veers northward, and is partially caved in. Large rubble stones form a natural stairway up to a fork in the path. Based on the structure of the cave-in, it looks intentional... like a trap that has been sprung, which may explain why the myconids do not dwell in this area. Though it's difficult to see, it looks like another passageway near the western wall leads south.

You look back and see Merkas behind you, struggling to help Barkly through the narrow passageway. It's a tight fit, and Barkly doesn't like it. Buckeran and Orr the Unseen are behind them, pushing from behind and occassionally getting tripped up by Barkly's tail. Hastos is in the rear, keeping an eye out for danger. Cautiously, you move on, making sure not to gain too much distance from the rest of the group.

Barkly is moving at half speed due to difficult terrain.

Once Sera makes it out in the open, she feels less agitated, but still uncomfortable. The proximity of the crystals only enhanced her unease. Behind her, the party is about halfway through the tunnel, and the golem has moved. It's now watching your party's passage through the tunnel, and seems to be wating to return to its role as a barrier. It blinks once, watching you patiently, and occassionally swivels its head around to look behind it for threats. Then back to you. Out here in the open, the silence is occassionally broken by barking sounds that you recognize as Yipyak, the language of the kobolds. They don't seem to be hushed or agitated... more like casual conversation. It sounds like it's coming from the north, and if you move silently, you could probably avoid notice.

Hastos keeps a keen eye on the teams rear. “How are we doing up front?” He shouts to Merkas and Bucky.

Sers flinch as the yup yap sound of kobolds comes right around the corner. But if they are quiet....maybe them can sneak out without any fuzz?..

"HOW ARE YOU DOING UP FRONT?!" 

Hastos shouting makes her facepalm...descreet was not this parties strong side...

She start fumble in her pouch for the tiny mechanical spider toy she got from last kobold tribe. A symbol of friendship...she hoped they spotted it befire attacking or tricking them into a trap. . Sera carefully moves towards the sound of kobolds holding the toy high and sword sheated. 

" we friendly....look. we got cool mini dragon too...." in her most friendly voice

Moving north and coming in loud, you immediately gain the kobolds' attention. Six of them come down from where the seem to be working, looking curiously at you and your trinket. Unlike they Letni Inhelk, these kobolds have blue scales, and their bodies are adorned with cyrstal trinkets. They seem fancier dressed and well nourished. Their lack of caution implies that they either do not see humans as a threat, or have never seen a human before, and do not know that they should feel threatened. One of them, the smallest of the six, wearing robes that indicate they are a spellcaster, approaches you. She's still maintaining a distance of 40', but is close enough to see the gift you bare.

"I haven't seen that symbol in ages. Friend to kobolds, eh? We'll see... will you submit to a harmless spell? I promise we will not attack if you do."

These kobolds are very different from the Letni Inhelk. They carry trinkets, magitech, and wear odd, but well tailored, articles of clothing, even though their bodies are immodestly exposed. Their mannerisms seem to be a bit eccentric too, which makes sense due to their location. But they appear to be somewhat resistant to the mind-breaking effects of the dungeon.

You can roll an Insight check to determine if this kobold is trustworthy enough to let her cast a spell on you.

Sera look at her toy. If it was the toy or simply not holding a weapon ready that seemed pesceful she not know. 

" a harmless spell can be named what is....and if so I agree. We mean no harm. Name your spell and use it. My companions will watch"

She pack down the toy again. And look closely how they act. 

( insight 24 )

The kobold cocks her head in a bird-like manner, that you've seen Kasi do when she's considering something.

"It is a Charm Spell. Friendly creatures do not attack, yes? And I'm more likely to trust your answers if we're friends. I will dispel it when I am satisfied with your answers."

Hastos exit the tunnel to catch the latter part of Sera’s conversation with the kobold. 
He slowly approaches behind Sera, keeping a respectful distance and trying to make sure he doesn’t present a threatening appearance.