Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Steerpike]

((Pushing ahead for the sake of game flow. Feel free to post asides dealing with issues before opening the tunnels if you like. I'm working under the assumption that everyone got one full night of rest, in addition to whatever Goodberries Hiljikki provided)).

Burnbright returns Baldhart's hug. "I love you too, sis! And don't worry about me - I know how to ride a horse." When she receives the gold, her eyes develop into saucers. "I...I don't think I've had 10 gold pieces in my entire life! Don't worry, Baldhart, I'll take good care of your money and I'll have it waiting for you when you come back to Srilkind. Because you are coming back. I know those stupid lizards won't be able to stop you. Any of you!"

Burnbright looks at everyone in the group, tears brimming in her eyes. "You all have to promise you'll come back for me. I want to keep training, and I want to see the Dwarven halls, and if my mother is alive I want to help find her. You have to come back and let me know what you find out. Promise you'll come back for me. Baldhart?"

After receiving assurances, she goes with Hiljikki to where the horses are being cared for. "Don't worry," she tells Cadell, "we'll take very good care of the horses, and they'll be groomed, rested, and fed when you all get back to town." She gives Cadell a bit of an awkward hug.

Baldhart lifts Burnbright onto a horse and checks that she is warm. Burnbright nods and says she feels fine. "I'll be OK, I promise. Remember, I grew up around here. I won't freeze to death or anything. I'll be back at the Crow, all warm and fed, while you're down there in those stinky tunnels. I wonder if Grim will let me have rum again? Well, not that he exactly let me the first time...." she glances at Nodrick and frowns. "I understand why I have to go, Baldhart. I'm ready."

The trip from Srilkind to the temple was uneventful, and there is no reason to suspect trouble on the way back to town - at least during the day. It lies in the opposite direction from the Taint. Still, you are all cognizant of the attack on the Temple of Tyr, and the fact that there are hidden adversaries working against you. Burnbright promises to listen to Hiljikki, and that she'll be careful and watch for danger.

Once Hiljikki and Burnbright have set out for Srilkind, Darin makes his way back to the cellar, rune key in hand. When the party is ready, he places the key in the runelock and once more opens the passageway to the tunnels beneath the temple. The air from below is damp and tinged with decay. As soon as the runelock is opened, Darin draws in a sharp breath. "By the All-Father!" He swings himself into the opening, grabbing the rim of the runelock, then drops to his feet in the passage below.

Peering in through the opening, you can make out the dwarf in the flickering torchlight. Just at the edge of the light, as the passageway disappears into darkness, a dwarven skull is positioned atop an iron bar wedged in the crack where two stones of the floor meet. At the base of the bar, more dwarven skulls, and one belonging to an elf, are arranged in a semi-circular pattern. Vague, ill-formed markings are smeared atop the skulls in some kind of black substance. Darin has his hammer out already, peering down the corridor with a grim look on his face.

"Damn those lizards," he hisses. "No quarter from this point forward. This blasphemy shall be their final act, upon my life!"

 

[Sparkie]

They're ready for us. Will we be ready for them?

I hop down into the tunnel and put my hand on Darin's shoulder. "Before we charge in, let's get in order."

I turn back toward the tunnel enterance and say "Marching order, everyone! Just like before!"

((I assume we'll be using the same marching order as before? That puts Darin and Cadell in front, Matthew and Baldhart/Nod in the second rank, and Rydh in the third beside either Ankari or Mauve, depending on if she comes or not. Aliron brings up the rear.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I move up behind the shields.

"Should we have bows directly behind the shields, Rydh? The last bunch of lizards tried to shoot us from afar... not that I'm opposed to rushing archers once I get within 20-odd feet of 'em."


((By the way, I assume Nod is on Baldy's shoulders. If Sir Matthew let him use his light crossbow [d8 > d4!], Baldy wears some of those 98 remaining bolts on her back. Brynhild won't let her use ranged weapons, but carrying them for an ally shouldn't be an issue. Nissa would've said so if it were!))

 

[Philip Overby]

I climb on Baldhart's shoulders. "Yee haw! Let's go! Lizard killing time!"

((I'm not sure if I have another proficiency for a different kind of crossbow, so I'll stick with the one I have.))

 

[Sparkie]

"We can bring the archers up if we need to. Matthew has a spear to use behind the wall, and javelins as well. We'll be alright."

 

[Ireth]

((I still don't know whether Hiljikki finished her impromptu bow-holding prosthesis for Cadell, so I'm not sure yet what he can do when it comes to fighting.))

A snarl of rage rises in my throat at the sight of the desecrated dwarven skulls, and one elven skull. I nod in agreement with Darin. "No quarter."

At the call for marching order, I accept help down the hole from whoever offers it, and get into position beside Darin. Rydh's shield is on my left arm, and my right hand clenches on the hilt of my sword as I look on down the tunnel.

 

[Ravana]

((I still don't know whether Hiljikki finished her impromptu bow-holding prosthesis for Cadell, so I'm not sure yet what he can do when it comes to fighting.))

((It should be usable. It might wobble a bit, since she didn't have the time to make adjustments once you were actually wearing it. Also, since you aren't used to it, at a bare minimum it would become uncomfortable as minutes stretch into hours; she padded it as best she could—making very clear that stuffing it with untanned pelt is a temporary measure, though of course the whole thing is intended to be temporary. Were I calling the numbers, I'd say -1 for less than exact fit, possibly another -1 or -2 for lack of familiarity; plus any penalty which seems appropriate for firing with your hands reversed. Which really ought to be minimal: when I did archery, I could shoot as well with either hand. Or, rather, as poorly… which was the main reason I tried reversing them, to see if I was any better the other way around. Someone who could actually shoot well might experience a greater difference than I did. ))

((If you decide to use it to hold a shield instead—which it can do—I'd say no penalty as far as using the shield itself goes: all the control for that comes from the elbow and shoulder anyway. Whatever's in your other hand would have the usual off-hand penalties, of course. The prosthesis has a leather demi-vambrace, extending around halfway up the forearm, a strap which connects to a cuff which buckles around the upper arm to keep the whole thing from sliding off, and a broad leather flap which crosses over whatever's being held and then buckles. This would allow changing what's being gripped reasonably easily… probably two rounds: one to unbuckle and remove the first item, a second to seat the new item and buckle; removing the prosthesis entirely is actually easier, since all that needs done is to unbuckle the upper arm cuff and slide the whole thing off.))

((Finally: Hiljikki chose the best piece of wood she could find for the purpose, out of what was available, and knows how to work with the grain to keep it as strong as possible. That doesn't mean the "fingers"—each probably an inch and a half thick—are immune to breaking under lateral stress, so try not to have what you're holding get twisted too much.…))

 

[Ravana]

((Much as I hate retroactive actions: if I'm to insert a new character, it should probably be before the party goes down the hole. Which is why I mention it now… to keep things from getting any farther ahead than they are. Though I could always have him meet Hiljikki as she's on her way out, and have him come running up behind everyone yelling "Wait for me!" In any case, barring last-minute input from the GM, I've decided which one to use, so he should be heard from shortly, one way or another.))

 

[Ireth]

((Much as I hate retroactive actions: if I'm to insert a new character, it should probably be before the party goes down the hole. Which is why I mention it now… to keep things from getting any farther ahead than they are. Though I could always have him meet Hiljikki as she's on her way out, and have him come running up behind everyone yelling "Wait for me!" In any case, barring last-minute input from the GM, I've decided which one to use, so he should be heard from shortly, one way or another.))

((Or, you could always introduce him after this fight is done, possibly when they get back up the hole, or even after they set out for Drimmen-delve. ^^))

 

[Nihal]

The day before~~

((@Ireth Better introduce him now, before we die. Heh!))

The ranger finally agrees with my conditions. I feel victorious, even if it means almost nothing in terms of safety. I should have no more trouble with him — when in sight of the others — and also secured my voice in this group. It was crazy and risky maneuver which ended working.

Today was a good day.

I nod. "Right. Knowledge." I stretch and drink from my flask, savoring the bitter flavor of cheap wine and carefully picking my next words.

"This staff, more precisely its top, grants extra energy to the one who wields it. I estimate you would be able to cast two lesser spells, mayhap a simple one of increased difficulty, when relying on it."

((+2 mana))

"For this reason it is wiser to give it to life magic users. Enjoy." I place it on the ground in front of me. The decision of who keeps it is up to them now.

"The book is a spellbook. It has no value for you so I would like to have it if possible, it will keep me busy during boring days. Darin and I already decrypted it, you can ask anything about it if curious," I talk with a half smile then turn to Baldhart.

"Before I forget... the knife. As I said yesterday, it's magical. It also has a strange, salty scent. The sea, I think," I frown, "I do not know what it does, but its magic comes from the same place we arcane users draw our powers. It's a dangerous object which should not be handled carelessly, this might also explain why you and Cadell had nightmares but not the cleric. You are not prepared to deal with the Corruption." I shrug. "The last part is only a theory, if you wish to be sure we could devise some experiment later."

Another sip.

"And now, magic. The Darkness spell... I did not try the one on the book but I can provide some facts about the one I knew back at home: It works as a Light spell, can be cast on an object and it might last ten minutes at least, what makes possible to move it and stuff it in a pocket and retrieve it later. Do not assume the spell is over if the darkness vanishes. Daylight counters it, the Light spell will not work. You can not see when inside it." I look at Ankari. "I am sure you did the right thing by pure accident, but do not expect it to work every time, your foes may possess sharper senses than the vision," I turn back to them, "Anyway, expect something similar to those specifications."

Should I tell them also... hmm? No, they don't need any incentive to do stupid things.

"They might be able to heal their wounds. The spellbook also led me to believe they are able to summon the dead and retrieve information from them, be careful around soon-to-be-dead enemies, reveal nothing. We shall not speak of Burnbright, Hiljikki or our plans when down there.

"Oh, and this! Do not call me wizard, mage, spellcaster, witch or anything that suggests magic. If we ever come upon a village I do not want this habit making you slip and reveal my identity."



Tunnels

I study the skulls, attempting to determine if any of them is recent. After the others are done talking I speak up.

"Do not neglect the rear again nor forget to look for traps. Also, if we encounter a spellcaster we must deal with it first, the least you can do is to keep it busy so he will not be able to focus on casting."

 

[Sparkie]

I look around. We seem to be in position.

"Alright. Let's move!"

And our second foray begins. In walking past the skulls, I try to imagine the reasoning the reptiles may have in setting up this display. A threat, obviously, but for what purpose? Are they trying to get us to stay away, or are they goading us into venturing into their trap? Hard to say right now.

 

[Ravana]

((I'll just have my guy catch you up when he gets there. It'll be less contrived if he has to come down and find you than if he appears right as you're heading down, anyway. He'll bump into Hiljikki on the way in, so she'll be able to tell him where to go at the first couple intersections. After that, he'll follow the body parts. ))

 

[SeverinR]

"They have let it be known that they have reclaimed the tunnels. We should consider when to have me check for traps. It will be very slow for me to check every 10 paces. But watch for some area that looks distrubed, a place that branches off or has side tunnels, place one trap rather then one for each hallway."
I sigh, and add,
"They could put one in the middle of a hallway, there should be some small marking to alert their people of the trap, it will be small, so be alert. If anything looks out of place, let me know."

"When we reach a side tunnel or intersection, I will check for traps and see if it is apparent which way the lizards went. If too many footprints, maybe Ankari can figure out which is the newest tracks."

"I will have my bow ready, I can shoot behind, or if needed, slip past the group and shoot. I'm thin and quick, so if there is need of an arrow, I will be there. So close weapons and shields would be best for the front."

"When I check for traps, remains silent, the elves can listen during the silence for anything. The smallest sound could tell us of an ambush or where they hide."

 

[Steerpike]

((Quick question: is Aliron, or someone else, going to be scouting ahead of the party as it moves along the corridor?)).

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Feel free to scout ahead, Alin. I won't say a word," I whisper. "Oh... starting now," I add.

Nissa flutters beside the torch-light, just so she can give me a look.


Oh... my look wasn't because of that. I'm just worried because you're quieter than usual, Baldy. Do you miss her?

Yeah, but... she knows we did what's best for her. Now we can finish the fight without anyone getting distracted.

Okay. I'm gonna move away from the fire so I don't distract you, but I'm still here. I'm always with you. I haven't left your side since you were sixteen. You didn't know about me then, but I've always been at your side.

You mean... every minute? That's kind of embarrassing!

Oh. Yeah. I suppose it is. In my first century as a valkyrie, it was awkward for me to watch potential-valkyries-to-be. I got used to it after that.

How did others react when you told them you'd been watching them for years without their knowing?

By the time any of the others knew, they were already dead, so the topic never came up. You're the first to see me through mortal eyes.

 

[SeverinR]

Checked the area just ahead of us, confident in the check.

"Like I said, it will be slow going, to check every step."

Just in case I don't get back this weekend, I will offer the next trap check roll.


(Should be 14)

(disclaimer: trap checks are an Int based check, my int is average and not primary, not sure what is required for a good check)

 

[Steerpike]

Except for the skulls now arranged in a gruesome configuration, the corridor looks much the same as before. At questions about the markings on the skulls, Darin says it's just more 'lizard scratch.' "They mean to frighten us. Pay it no mind. We'll see these remains are cared for properly once we're done with the vermin."

The group moves forward in formation, with Aliron scouting ahead for traps or other dangers. He finds nothing as the party continues down the corridor, though there are signs of recent passage by creatures that might well be the lizards. After a round trip by the party, areas of the floor that might hold tracks are worn, but even so there is the occasional sign of a clawed foot that matches what you fought the day before.

For long moments, the party continues, retracing its previous steps. Torch light carries only a little ways ahead and behind the party, and you move like a tiny pocket of light in a vast darkness. Then, just as you are nearing the T-shaped intersection, Aliron raises a hand, barely visible at the edge of the party's light. The party stops, everyone careful to be quiet. From up around the corner, you hear the sound of hissing and words barked in the rough reptilian language. The voices are slightly higher than what you heard before, but the source is unmistakable. They sound angry.

 

[Sparkie]

I hear the noises. Arguing? I wonder...

"Aliron," I whisper, "You were able to sneak up on one of these creatures before. Care to try again? See what theyre up to?"

 

[SeverinR]

Moving up to look around the corner, quickly counting the number and looking for ones that stand out, leader, one that looks like the spell caster.
Check the hall in front of them for any differnece, maybe a line of dirt(trap), a damp line that might be flamable, anything that stands out.
Then I will return to tell them what I found.
move siltently back

 

[Steerpike]

((PM sent re: what Aliron sees)).