Zombies Round 2, Farron and Cadfael Join In
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 1
Hearing Sa'id's cry Cadfael wordlessly slides his mace back into his belt and swings his shield back across his back. He'll then grab a hold of the rope, climb down and make his way toward the rest of the group.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 1
Farron will let the two fighters take the lead and will then follow. On his way to the hole he will chatter for Jack to climb up on his shoulder, and once he's over the lip will tell him to climb onto the rope itself at least until Farron is able to get good enough footing to, hopefully, provide a dry shoulder or head for Jack to jump onto.
When he gets inside the hole, if he is able to discern what's happening, he will cast magic missile at the nearest foe as soon as he is able.
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; undercurrents 2
[Initiative garyth, zombie5, sa'id, rennik, mission, zombie2, Farron, Cadfael, zombie6]
Garyth turns to face his second zombie. Now that they are above water, they are not nearly as frightening. He smirks as he swings his blade in a wide arc designed to remove the undead things ugly head. His eyes widen a bit at the zombie casually swats the sword away, and moves to counter attack. [Attack 11, miss]
Mission is trying to keep his sore shoulders from being pounded on any further. The zombie he faces moves forward in another clumsy attack, and this time Mission is able to easily avoid it [zombie 4 slam 4, miss].
One of Sa'id's zombies comes bursting out of the water, and leaves the wizard stunned. The zombie he faces is wearing a perfectly preserved robe of scintillating blue. He immediately recognizes the robe as one given to field researchers at the wizards college in Nesalin. They are designed to be protective, and to endure the elements without rotting. There is no way to know how old the robe is, but the desiccated state of the zombie wearing it leads him to believe it is quite old. The zombie gropes for him, but he is able to dodge away from it even in the deep water. [zombie 5 slam 8, miss]
Sa'id begins casting his Halt Undead enchantment, but is immediately set upon by the two zombies near him. [Attacks of opportunity] The first zombie misses [Zombie 5 AOO slam 10, miss], but the second zombie, the one behind him, strikes a glancing blow on his back [Zombie 6 AOO slam, 20, hit; Damage 2]. Sa'id is still able to maintain concentration and complete his spell [concentration check 22 vs DC 17, successful]. The zombie in front of him, and the zombies still fighting Garyth and Mission. [zombies 4, 5, and 2 held]. Unfortunately, the zombie behind Sa'id, not being in his line of sight, is unaffected.
Rennik finishes stripping off his gear, and clenching his dagger between his teeth, jumps brave, but foolishly, into the water. He slides down the rope and into the pool, and begins trying to swim toward the fight. [swim check 11 vs DC10] He is able to make a little progress with a very energetic dog paddle style, but is not able to get to the fight this round. [Rennik is at -6 swimming, so he will have a tough time making progress at all. 3 swim skill -4 armor (double for swim checks), -5 weight. He can't really drown, since he only has to beat DC10, but he can have rounds go by where he doesn't move forward at all.]
Mission sees Sa'id hold out his hands and yell something, and then the zombie in front of him goes stiff. Mission dislikes magic, but he is not one to pass up an opportunity, so he uses this chance to beat the helpless zombie into bits. [damage 10, 9; zombie 4 destroyed]
Farron begins climbing down the rope, with Cadfael standing above him waiting impatiently. He gets into the cold water in time to see Sa'id casting spells, and Mission punching a zombie into pieces.
Cadfael stands above, yelling at Farron to get out of the way so he can come down the rope.
The only free zombie, the one standing behind Sa'id, attacks again. The zombie slams its arms down on his exposed back yet again [zombie 6 slam 20, possible critical, crit roll 18, critical hit; damage 8]. The blow is incredibly painful [Sa'id at half hit points], and knocks the wizard back under the water for a moment.
[zombie 5 and 2 are still held. Zombie 6 is fighting sa'id. If anyone tries to get to sa'id's zombie, they will need to make balance checks or slip and fall. Rennik is still trying to swim, and if he makes a successful check next round, will get into range with sa'id's zombie. Farron is at the bottom of the rope and in the water. Cadfael will come down the rope next turn. Check in with round 3 actions please.]
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 2
Garyth growls as the zombie turns aside his attack. He starts to make his next move when the zombie suddenly stops moving. Startled, he turns to look at Sa'id, just in time to see the zombie strike him from behind. With a shout, he runs to his companion's aid.
OOC: Hope he doesn't fall over... He'll attack the remaining mobile zombie when he gets there. If he gets there.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 2
(OOC - I wrote that Farron would wait for the other's to go down the rope first. Even with Farron having the higher initiative, can't he wait until Cadfael goes down? Anyway /OOC)
Farron will get out of Cadfael's way and will cast Magic Missile, aiming all missiles at the still moving zombie.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 2
Even in a sewer, Mission could taste the stink of magic. The creature in front of him halts-- and Mission does, too. For only a moment. Then, disgusted, Mission shoots his left hand forward to grip the zombie's neck, then brings his right hand hard against the bridge of what's left of the zombie's nose.
No Anileth. No Promise. As the zombie's body sinks into the muck again, Mission grabs it and pushes it toward the pile of rocks. It may be that it has something on its. . . body that could be useful.
The zombie attacking Garyth had halted as well, as had one of the zombies attacking Sa'id. But the remaining creature pounded away at the mage, sending him under the water. Mission tastes the bitterness of magic in his throat, but forces his legs to start moving in that direction anyway.
Mission will attempt to half-swim, half walk over to Sa'id, and attack the zombie attacking the mage.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 2
(OOC - "There is no way to know how old the robe is, but the desiccated state of the zombie wearing it leads him to believe it is quite old."
So if the zombie has been lying in wait under the water, yet is still 'desiccated', can we assume that the robe is a robe-of-protection-from-moisture? Or maybe a robe-of-eternal-blowdrying? /OOC) ;-)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 2
Pre desiccated zombie. They get leathery, and when dipped in water, have a low absorption rate. Sort of like beef jerky.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 2
Mmmmm... Teriyaki zombie jerky... ::drools::
Cadfael and Rennik, Next Round Tomorrow
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 2
Cadfael moves to come down the rope and then stops himself. They are deep within the jungle and it is no secret that they are here. After their encounter in the tower, the sound of Rennik's chopping and Rennik's meeting with Elise it's entirely likely that they're being observed right now. If someone were to come along and cut the rope they would have a very hard time getting back out of the well.
After a moment's hesitation he pulls out his mace again and begins to warily watch the trees that form a natural fence around the clearing. He will *not* be taken by surprise again.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 2
Sorry guys, doing training class today.
Turn 3 goes out tomorrow.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 2
AUUUUUUGGGHHHH!
:)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents 2
Rennik struggles to stay afloat and still make progress toward the fight. The weight of the chain shirt surprised him as he hit the water - it was obviously not meant for use in the water and threatened to tug him under the water. In his leathers, he wouldn't be having this much trouble, and he cursed himself for neglecting to consider the extra weight and stiffness of his new armor.
Still, he was in the water now and couldn't back off. His only hope would be to help end the fight quickly, then scramble back up the rope to dry land.
Zombies Round 3, Something in the Jungle
Subject: The hole; Undercurrents 3
[Initiative garyth, zombie5, sa'id, rennik, mission, zombie2, Farron, Cadfael, zombie6]
Garyth begins fighting his way through the deep water, trying to get to Sa'id's remaining zombie before it can strike again. Unfortunately, he is much less cautious in his haste, and halfway to his target his feet slip out from under him and he falls below the surface for a few seconds before regaining his balance [Balance check 4 vs DC 15].
The two halted zombies continue to stand rigidly.
(Raja didn't send me an action for Sa'id, so I am taking this liberty)
Sa'id pops back up above the surface, spluttering and spitting swamp water out of his mouth. He knows that every time he tries to cast a spell, the zombie will just hit him again, and the pain in his back is terrible, so he just begins backing up, hoping to draw the creature closer to the fighters.
Rennik keeps up his ferocious doggy paddle, trying to get to the zombie. Unfortunately, the weight of his chain shirt is becoming a real problem [swim check 3 versus DC 10], and the small barbarian disappears beneath the water.
Mission sees Sa'id backing toward him, and begins hop swimming for the zombie that follows the mage. His balance is excellent, and he has no trouble reaching the zombie before it can attack the hapless mage yet again [Balance check 22 vs DC15]. Mission strikes out at it twice, his tattoos glowing, and hits it both times [Flurry of blows attacks 27, 18; Damage 7, 10]. Unfortunately, this appears to be a particularly durable zombie, and though the blows fling large chunks of its back away, it continues moving in its mindless drive toward Sa'id.
Farron moves away from the rope, and moves into position to magic missile the one still moving zombie. This being his first couple of steps in the tunnel, he is not prepared for how slick the floor is, and it takes him by surprise [balance check 2 vs DC 15]. His feet shoot out from under him, and he is instantly submerged.
Cadfael remains above, keeping a sharp eye out on the jungle around the clearing. He sees nothing, but does hear some fairly alarming grunting noises coming from the jungle to the north. It's far enough away that he doesn't think it's an immediate threat, but if the noises get louder, he may decide to get nervous.
The last remaining mobile zombie continues its rough lurch towards Sa'id [Balance check 17 vs DC15]. Even though its movements look awkward in the extreme, some ill fate keeps the creature on its feet, and it slams it into Sa'id yet again [zombie 6 slam 15, hit; Damage 5]. This blow is not as painful as the last one, but it is enough to send Sa'id reeling and off balance again [5 hp remaining]. Mission can hear the wizard choking on swamp water and breathlessly saying "help me" as he resurfaces. It must be like a nightmare, with the water keeping him from moving to escape, all his actions happening in a seeming slow motion, and the implacable advance of the undead thing as it strikes him again and again. Even with his distrust of magery, Mission can't help but feel a little horror at what Sa'id must be going through.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 3
Garyth pops back above the water, spitting the foul water from his mouth. As soon as he gets his bearings he continues toward the remaining zombie.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 3
Farron prepares to cast Magic Missile on the zombie attacking his friend, but he knows Cadfael needs him out of the way of the rope, so he moves to get into better positions. This move proves unwise as the slipperiness of the rock bottom of the pool sends him plunging under water. Just before he disappears into the murk, he sees Mission attack the zombie, chunks flying.
He struggles to regain footing and get his head above the water again. He will try to maintain firm footing, wherever he resurfaces, and will try again to cast magic missile, dividing the missiles among the remaining zombie targets.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 3
The strange grunting draws Cadfael's attention northward. It doesn't sound humanoid, but it's too far away to be sure. It takes him a few moments before he realizes he's heading toward it and he returns to the opening of the well.
The cries of pain and anger float up from beneath the earth, sounding strangely distant to his ears. He gives the rope another long look and wonders again whether or not he should be climbing down to help his comrades and yet, he still feels strangely reluctant to do so. No matter, the grunting sounds are enough for him to convince himself that he ought to stay above.
Still wary he stays as still as he can, beads of sweat dripping into his eyes. Most of his attention is now Northward but he keeps an ear open for any sound from below that would indicate that his presence is needed immediately.
Zombies Rounds 4 and 5, Tunnel Diagrams
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 3
"Sand take you!" Mission growls at the zombie as it continues forward.
He will attack it again.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 3
Rennik grits his teeth as his armor pulls him under the water. Sinking to the bottom, he'll kick off to get his head above water and continue splashing awkwardly toward the zombie attacking Sa'id.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 3
OOC: I hope the other zombies don't wake up. . .
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; undercurrents (on hold)
I took Raja's turn for him last round, but I don't want to do it again.
Raja, I need you to check in before I do round four.
Thanks.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; undercurrents (on hold)
[OOC: Sorry, Ty. I was suddenly swamped with work. Today was crunch time, so I seem to be in the clear. Actually, I'm writing this from class. ;) You did what I would have done, which I appreciate. Thanks.]
Sa'id's thoughts are beginning to blur, and he can feel himself losing focus. The combination of the cold and the pain comes close to overwhelming his mental grounding. He sees Rennik and Farron come down... but where is Cadfael? Couldn't he just slide down and destroy all of the zombies with a mere gesture? Some help the gods were. Sa'id doesn't have time to think it through, however, as the zombie facing him takes another swing, knocking the breath from his lungs. "Help me," he gasps at no one in particular.
He sees Mission moving to his aid, and will try to get behind the monk if at all possible, keeping Mission between himself and the zombies.
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; Undercurrents 4
[Initiative garyth, zombie5, sa'id, rennik, mission, zombie2, Farron, Cadfael, zombie6]
Garyth quickly regains his footing, and lunges at the zombie. Though he retains his footing, his lunge is hampered by the water, and his normally skillful sword work suddenly looks clumsy. Off balance or not, his skill is still good enough to land a blow on the creature's back [Attack 13, hit; damage 8], and cut off one arm at the shoulder. That is enough to finish the thing off, and its body sinks slowly out of sight.
Zombie 5 continues to stand very still.
Sa'id uses the reprieve to move over to one wall, and clutch the stones while trying to catch his breath.
Rennik pops above the surface for a second, launching so far out of the water that he must have pushed off the bottom with all his might. Unfortunately, he is above the surface for only that one second, and drops back out of sight again almost immediately [swim check 4 vs dc 10].
Mission, seeing that the most immediate threat is gone, steps over to the nearest immobile zombie, the one with the nice blue robe on, and twists off its head. [Attacks 21, 13; Damage 10, 12; zombie 5 dead]
Zombie 2 strikes continues to do its amazing wax figure impersonation.
Farron, seeing that the other two zombies are dead, finishes his magic missile spell and directs all three missiles at the one remaining zombie. [damage 3, 4, 4] The zombie is riddled with holes, but remains on its feet. In fact, it immediately begins moving again. [Damage breaks halt undead affect]
Above, Cadfael moves a bit to the north, to try and get a better idea what is making so much racket. It is getting closer now, and it isn't just grunting, but making a sort of crashing noise too. Like something big smashing into branches. Cadfael estimates it is about 200 yards away, and moving toward the clearing in a sort of zig zag pattern, at least from the way the sound is moving. And whatever it is, it sounds bigger and bigger the closer it gets.
[Only one zombie is remaining, zombie 2, and it is badly damaged by magic missiles. Please send in actions for the next round.]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 4
Farron smiles as the missiles strike home, but the smile quickly fades as the zombie begins moving again, made all the more horrible for the fresh ragged tears in the rotting corpse. Not dead, but surely damaged sufficiently that it won't be much problem for the other, closer, men. He moves carefully toward Sa'id to see how badly he is hurt.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 4
The speed of the approach was impressive, so fast that Cadfael's first thought is that a rider must be approaching. But no, I horse could not move through the dense jungle so fast, if indeed at all. Then, quite suddenly, a thought pops into his mind. "What was it Rennik said about swamp dragons?" He wonders aloud.
Part of him still curious he kneels down by the rope, hoping to get a good look at whatever is coming their way before dropping down the well to join the others.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 4
(OOC: I hope Cadfael has the presence of mind to grab Rennik's stuff before he jumps down the hole...)
A growl rumbles in the back of Rennik's throat as he plunges once again beneath the water. What he wouldn't give to get his feet back on dry ground again... even in a dark cavern underground.
Pushing again off the bottom, a little easier this time, Rennik will try to get closer to the fighting.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 4
Garyth yanks his sword free of the zombie and turns to face the last one. He shivers slightly, whether from the cold of the water or revulsion at seeing the dead walk, but pushes thought aside and moves to intercept the zombie.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 4
Mission will push the zombie he just destroyed toward the shore so that he can search it for clues later.
Then he will make for the still moving zombie to finish it off.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 4
Sa'id will move along the wall away from the remaining zombie.
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Garyth moves toward the remaining zombie, this time easily keeping his feet under him [Balance check 18 vs DC15]. He whacks the zombie on the back of the head [Attack 30, hit; Damage 7], removing the entire top of the skull just above the mouth. The body collapses into the water and sinks.
Farron moves over to Sa'id and says, "How badly are you hurt?" Sa'id's wordless groan is a succinct answer to his query.
Rennik continues to bob in and out of the water, until Mission finally reaches him and pulls him over to the wall, where he clings looking like an angry drowned rat.
Above, Cadfael continues to monitor the progress of the approaching noise. It is moving very quickly, and he estimates it will be in the clearing in less than a minute.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Garyth lets out a breath as the zombie falls, the energy seeming to leave his body with the air. He looks around for Sa'id and, seeing the mage's distress, starts toward him. He turns his head toward the hole and shouts, "Cadfael! Sa'id has been wounded!"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
"You don't say," Sa'id tries to reply, but breath is still hard to come by for him. Clutching his glowing staff, Sa'id leans against the wall. To distract himself from the pain, he runs through mental concentration exercises. However, as his control returns, so does his anger. He wasn't sure what exactly was keeping the priest, but Cadfael could have dispensed with these zombies with a mere gesture. Instead, he had nearly been killed -- and even Rennik, who couldn't stand with his head above water, had come to Sa'id's aid. Priests were obviously as fickle as their precious gods.
Sa'id will remain where he is, collecting himself and trying to calm down.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
If these were the zombies Cale had mentioned, where were their masters?
"Sa'id?" Mission calls across the water, as he makes his way into the shallows. "All right?"
He will cross the water and help Sa'id and Rennick to dry ground.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
While Rennik accepts the help, he acts much like a wet and shocked animal. He growls in the back of his throat and breathes heavily, staring angrily at the water and the rocks and the world.
"My gear. I left it up top." He gazes across to the rope. "I'll have to go up and get it. I won't be much good down here with nothing but a dagger."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
"Thank you, Mission," Sa'id says as the monk helps him and Rennik to solid ground. "Again you pull me from jaws of death." He sits down on the ground, his staff in front of him, and draws his knees up to his chin to keep from shivering. At Rennik's words, Sa'id speaks again, and this time there is a hint of ice in his tone: "Let the priest bring your things down, if only to make himself useful."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
What dry ground?
A description of the local is in order.
The front view of the tunnel gives you an idea of the shape. The blue is the level of water, and the black line hanging down is the location of the rope.
The side view shows the rope in relation to the collapsed area (grey rubble at the right side of the picture). Also, the waterfall coming in through the same hole you used. The current runs in the direction of the big black arrow, and that direction is west.
The collapsed area is stone rubble, and looks recent. It angles up sharply, and the top of the rubble pile is not visible. Someone will have to climb up to see what's up there.
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; decisions
Dan, are you just waiting to see what comes out of the jungle?
If so, there will be about 5 rounds for the people down below. Feel free to send in actions for those rounds if you wish.
I will write up the next turn when everyone has checked in. thanks!
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; decisions
OOC: For some reason, I had thought the collapsed portion of the tunnel was more gradual.
Mission frowns. "The floor isn't rising up like I thought it might. Rennick, can you make it to the rope? I'll get the. . ." Mission swallows. The mage has a name. "I'll get Sa'id as close to the rocks as I can, maybe find him a place to rest."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; decisions
Well, you can certainly get to the point where only your feet are wet.
Helping Sa'id, Warthog of Death
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Cadfael continues watching what is approaching from the forest. He feels the rope tighten as Rennik grabs a hold and turns his head down to him, although he does not take his eyes from North.
"Rennik, do not come up here, I will be needing the rope in a minute. But... Rennik, what does a swamp dragon look like?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Farron moves over to join Mission and Sa'id. He will check Sa'id's injuries and try to see if there is any first aid he can give.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Garyth comes to Sa'id's side. A twinge of guilt comes over him for allowing his companion to be harmed. He does what he can to help the mage, but his skill at healing is limited to simple battlefield first aid. They really need Cadfael. Where was he, anyway?
But first things first. Garyth helps Mission move Sa'id over to the rocks.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Rennik will attempt to get to the rope, brooding and not talking to anyone. If he must, he'll ask for aid, but he'll give it a go on his own first.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Whoops! Scratch that... Didn't read Dan's email.
Turn coming in a sec.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Rennik freezes, hoping that he heard Cadfael wrong, then yells back.
"It's like a great big alligator or crocodile, eight or nine feet high at the shoulder, thirty or forty feet long! If you even think you see one, get down here!"
He then turns to Garyth or Mission (whichever is closer to the hole). "If Cadfael drops my pack down to you, could you catch it for me? I'm afraid it'd drop me right to the bottom."
(OOC: I'm gonna hope the answer is yes, and that Rennik will yell to Cadfael to drop the equipment down. If the answer is no, Rennik will make a dash for the rope and an attempt to climb up to get it hissowndamnself)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Mission will catch Rennick's gear.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Cadfael nods slowly. He'll then carefully reach over and grab Rennik's gear, gingerly pushing it over the lip of the well. All the while keeping as close a look North as he can, as if such a creature were looking directly at him. Once he's done he'll get ready to swing down the rope but won't actually do so until whatever is coming pops out of the clearing.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Wait wait wait. Ty, let's say that *is* a swamp dragon that's coming. Let's say it's hungry for, I dunno, man-flesh. Let's see it sees me drop down the hole or smell us down the hole. Could said swamp dragon reach inside the hole? In order to get at said tasty man-flesh. Based on Rennik's description anyway.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
Yeah, just how big is this hole? Now, granted, if we got it in the hole, we'd likely pound it into dust... it's huge, and it wouldn't be able to turn around. But, I'm thinking it'd be too big. I'm not entirely clear on the size of the hole.
If Rennik thinks the whole is big enough for a swamp dragon to crawl down after them, he'd tell Cadfael to get in the hole, then direct the group to split up - half on one side of the hole, and half on the other.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; Undercurrents 5
(OOC - good idea. That way, while it's eating Farron the rest of you can pound it to dust. :-)
From: Ty
Subject: The hole and above; Monster mash
With the last of the zombie destroyed, there is little left to do down in the hole. Farron and Garyth get Sa'id mostly out of the water, but there is little they can do for his bruises. Mission goes over to the rope, and begins catching Rennik's gear as it falls down a bit at a time. The monk has amazing reflexes, even catching the weapons easily and always by the non sharp bits. He carries everything over to the rock pile for safe keeping. Rennik works his way over there as well by clinging to the stone walls.
Above, Cadfael finishes tossing Rennik's belongings into the holes, and goes back to watching the jungle. A few seconds later, the source of the grunting and crashing bursts out of the wall of trees. It is a creature unlike any Cadfael has ever seen, though on first glance it appears to be a giant boar. But, surely no boar every grew to this prodigious size. This creature is even bigger than a large bull, and stands almost seven feet high at its massively muscled shoulder. The mouth sports two ragged tusks that look capable of gutting a horse, and above them are two ill tempered reddish eyes that show no hint of intelligence. Most unusual though, is the creature's skin. It at first appears to be shaggy with fur, but a second look shows that it is actually covered in short, thick spines, like a giant hedgehog. In all, it is a ferocious looking thing, armed and armored for survival in the inhospitable jungle.
It enters the clearing and makes snuffling noises, as though scenting. Periodically, it roots in the ground with its tusks, pulling up clods of dirt and sniffing beneath them. It does not seem to see Cadfael? yet.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole and above; Monster mash
OOC: Ha ha! Scott was right!
Cadfael heaves a sigh of relief before realizing that his is still above ground. Not the best place to be right now.
He slowly and as quietly as he can manage climbs down the rope. If he's noticed this will become as quickly as he can manage.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole and above; Monster mash
Farron will continue trying to make Sa'id as comfortable as possible in the waterlogged hole.
The Blue Robe, Another Scroll Case
Subject: Re: The hole and above; Monster mash
Thoroughly waterlogged. Mission scowls in the darkness. He hates walking around wet.
Mission will take the nice looking robe off the zombie he destroyed, and search the other zombie(s) for any clues or other objects.
He'll then attempt to climb the rockpile, and lower his rope for others to climb up it.
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; stuff
While Cadfael makes his way down the rope, Mission finishes dragging all the zombie corpses to shallow water where he can examine them. He pulls the nice robe off of one zombie, and discovers that there are deep inside pockets on the garment, and at least one of them has stuff in it. Inside the pocket is a scroll case. At first he assumes it is yet another devil's contract, like those found before. But when Farron catches sight of it, he says, "Can I look at that case? It has the seal of the wizard's college on it."
The other zombies carry nothing of note.
Cadfael bulls his way through the water to the shallower area near the rockfall.
[I need posts about what you plan to do with the case, what cadfael tells the group, and when exactly mission plans to climb. Will he wait to talk and look in the case? Or does he climb immediately?]
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; stuff
Rennik will prop himself up on the rocks with his gear at his side. He will then take a bow and notch an arrow, aiming at the opening of the hole. If the creature sticks its head down, he will draw... and if it looks like it might drop down the hole, he'll whack it in its nose as a discouragement.
Mission On Recon
Subject: Re: The hole; stuff
OOC: Ty, you'd mentioned that Sa'id noticed something special about the robes. . . does Mission as well?
Mission pauses only a moment before handing the box to Farron. And chastises himself for thinking, uncharitably, of the greed in Farron's eyes back at the tower. He bites his lip to keep from saying anything.
Cadfael drops through the hole above into the water. Mission turns away, and fixes his eyes on the rocks that block the tunnel. Now was as good a time as any to test his boast about climbing.
Mission will cautiously begin climbing up the rocks. When he gets to the top, he'll stop to see if he can see anything.
"Who needs help? Oh yeah..."
Subject: Re: The hole; stuff
Cadfael takes his time as he comes down the rope and Rennik can clearly see worry in his eyes as each foot of descent takes him farther from the sun's rays and deeper into darkness. His shoulders slump as he eases himself into the water, sucking in a breath at the shock of its chill. He clings to the rope as if it were his last connection with the light while in a hoarse voice he speaks to Rennik.
"You need not train your bow at the hole, the creature that emerged from the woods was some sort of boar. An immense creature, only if you were to stand on my shoulders would you be able to meet its gaze. Though its eyes were almost less than those of an animal, there was no glimmer or spark within them. I do not believe that it was one of the devil boars you set out to slay."
With one last forlorn look up at the sky he flings the rope away and crashes through the water toward the rock pile, following the magical light that flickers in the distance. Drawing up next to Garyth he looks over him briefly before asking, "Were there any injuries? We should all be hale and sound before continuing on, there may not be another opportunity to rest."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; stuff
Garyth brings Cadfael over to where Sa'id is lying, quite obviously in pain. "He needs your attention," he says, just to be completely clear.
Smoke on the Water
Subject: Re: The hole; stuff
Cadfael nods and splashes to Sa'id, inadvertently soaking the mage with more of the frigid water. Upon Sa'id's shivering a slight chill goes down Cadfael's spine and he slowly rubs his hands together to warm them. In this pale, unnatural light Cadfael looks much more worn and weary than he did this morning at the tower. Still, he kneels at Sa'id's side without hesitation. "The heat of healing may actually be pleasant this time, Sa'id. All the same, try not to cry out." [casts cure light wounds] Satisfied that the healing has run its course he stiffly stands and focuses on Garyth once again, "What of you, Garyth? Do you still carry wounds from old battles? The rest of you?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; stuff
Mission will unobtrusively avoid Cadfael's healing touch.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; stuff
"I'm just wet. Otherwise fine," Farron will reply. After the memory of Cadfael's last healing, he will involuntarily hold his breath while Sa'id is under the Cleric's hands.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; stuff
Garyth shakes his head. "Thank you, Brother Cadfael, but I am unharmed." He glances up to where Mission is climbing up the rocks, then takes up a position a few paces to the left of Mission at the base of the pile and waits.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; stuff
OOC: I'm waiting to see how much Cadfael healed me for (and therefore how I feel) before replying.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; stuff
Cadfael does 9 points of healing to Sa'id, leaving him 6 below his maximum.
[next turn coming this afternoon]
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; smoke on the water
The party gathers on the small ledge of loose rock created by the rockfall. No one is able to get completely out of the water without climbing, so everyone stands ankle deep in cold swamp sludge. It is a quiet and irritated group of adventurers that wait for Mission to make his reconnaissance, though Cadfael does take the time to place a quick healing spell on Sa'id [Heal 9 points].
Mission begins cautiously climbing the rock pile. He is forced to move slowly, since rapid movements cause the rock to slide. Even so, he slips badly the first time [climb roll 10], and it looks like his will take a bad tumble. In an impressive display of skill, Mission seems to tumble back down in slow motion, his hands and feet finding places to slow his descent as he falls. He lands on his feet and without any damage.
He smiles at the group. "Oops, better try that again."
His second try is much more successful, and he quickly clambers up the steep slope of loose rock [climb roll 24]. The upper half of his body disappears from view as the rock pile begins a much shallower slope near the top. "It gets pretty narrow up here, " Mission shouts down to the group. "I'll see if it's even possible to squeeze through to the other side."
[Awaiting response from Scott before proceeding]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
The roof of the tunnel is close to the rocks-- very close. Mission wonders if Cadfael would even fit through it.
He takes a moment to secure his length of rope. (OOC: If mission can't find anything readily available to tie it around, he'll use his mallet to hammer a piton into the stone and secure the rope that way.) He lets the rope fall down to the others below.
There. Even the mages should be able to climb that.
Dark holes opening up into darkness. Mission shudders, and thinks of Promise.
He will slide down the rope. "It's a tight squeeze up there. I'd rather have some light before going further."
OOC: I may not be able to get on again tonight-- if everyone's fine with it, Mission will take Cadfael's glove, climb back up the rope, and scout a little further into darkness.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
While Rennik waits for Mission to report back, he will take a closer look at the rocks, to see if anyone has passed this way recently - or even how recently they were placed.
From: Ty
Subject: The hole; smoke on the water
Mission decides it looks big enough to give it a try. He takes one end of the rope and begins looking for something to secure it to. On top of this big pile of rocks there isn't much to attach to. A little ways ahead, he can see where the roof and some sections of wall were caved into to create this pile of rubble. Whoever did it, it's an impressive display of power to move this much rock around.
Spotting what looks like a bit larger stone to tie the rope to, Mission crawls forward a bit. [Search roll 9] What he does NOT spot is the almost invisibly thin wire running across the width of the tunnel, and just a few inches above the top of the rock pile. He does sense it the second his hand comes down on it, but by then it is too late. The wire moves down with an audible click, and is followed by the sound of several springs releasing. 6 cleverly hidden tubes are revealed as 6 glass vials are flung over the rock pile in a very well thought out pattern. Two of the vials strike the roof of the tunnel just above Mission's head. Two more land on the shallow rocks at the base of the pile. The last two strike the walls of the tunnel about 20 feet away. [See map: A is Mission's location. B is the party in the shallow water]
The placing of the explosives potions leaves everyone in an area where the blasts overlap. Above, Mission is directly in the path of two of the explosions. But even as the wire was clicking, he was already beginning to launch himself backwards. While the potions were first leaving their tubes, he was in the air above the party members. As the potions struck the walls, he was falling toward the water in a tight ball. As the explosions swept fire across the tunnel, he was diving into the water and twisting away from the blast. When he emerges, only the fringe of his pants is singed. [Saved on both, Evasion, no damage taken]
Rennik, meanwhile, is looking at the rocks when he hears the click and spring, and looks up to see Mission flinging himself off the cliff. His reactions are nearly as fast, and he too dives for the water while yelling to the party to get down. But even his halfling reflexes are no match for the astonishing speed of the monk, and he is hit by the edges of three explosions just as he goes under water. [Saved on all three, half damage; Damage 3x2d6+2 = 31(1/2); damage 16]
Cadfael hears the halflings yell, and sees him dive toward the water, but in the split second it takes him to process this turn of events, the explosions are already happening. He is directly in the path of one blast, and at the edges of another. [Saved on one, failed on one; Damage 2x2d6+2 = 10(1/2) and 4; damage 9]
Sa'id, sitting next to Cadfael, is caught in the same two blasts. [Saved on one, failed on one; Damage 2x2d6+2 = 8(1/2) and 7; damage 11]
Farron, who is near Sa'id and Cadfael, is able to slip partially into the water before the explosions reach him. [Saved on both; Damage 2x2d6+2 = 22(1/2); damage 11]
Garyth is standing near Rennik when the blasts go off. He sees Rennik dive into the water, and is only a step behind him, but it is enough for him to be caught by more of the explosion that the fleet footed halfling. [Saved on two, failed on one; Damage 3x2d6+2 = 18(1/2) and 7; damage 16]
The fire lasts for only a brief second, but it is enough to turn the top layer of water into steam, and knock everyone still standing flat. It is followed by a roar from the tunnel beyond the rock pile, and many stones falling down the pile into the water. A cloud of dust billows into the tunnel from above the rock pile.
[HP update: Cadfael is 19, Farron is 14, Garyth is 27, Mission is 26, Rennik is 31, Sa'id is 3]
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
Unhggggf.
Blood. Pain. Searing, scorching pain. Something... cold. Water. Soothing.
A ragged breath. Another.
Sleep. He wanted to sleep. That would make the pain go away. Sleep...
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
One moment, Garyth is watching for a sign from Mission, the next, the whole world is on fire. He hits the water almost before he knows what's going on, but still not quickly enough to avoid the flames. He surfaces with a roar of anger and pain, drawing his sword and rushing toward the rock pile. If there are any enemies about, they must surely have been alerted; the area must be secured.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
Blood and Stone!
Mission kicks off the wall-- no form, no discipline, just raw instinct. The wash of heat and force pushes him down, but years of training with Reeve Innocence help him keep his head. He cuts through the stagnant water, beneath the fire, and emerges untouched.
His first sight is Sa'id, choking on water, badly burned.
Sand.
Mission will hurry over to the mage and give him one of his healing potions.
"Drink up, Sa'id," Mission says, coughing on the dust in the air.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
"Drink up, Sa'id."
Sa'id opens his eyes. He was floating on the scummy water, though the fact that he was soaked probably helped minimize the burning and thus keep him alive.
Alive. Not dead. Not unconscious.
The pain was excruciating.
The liquid that Mission poured into Sa'id's mouth was surprisingly viscous and sweet. A little like honey. Soothing waves of cool healing wash over his aching, burnt body. Sa'id offers the monk a quiet chuckle. "Now we're even," he says, his voice a mere whisper. "When Anileth knocked you out I gave you mine. Of course, you've saved my life twice since then." Sa'id coughs. "And again I thank you. Shuk'ran." Gripping Mission's arm, Sa'id tries to right himself and stand up, then picks up his staff and nestles it gingerly in the crook of his arm. Looking directly at the monk, he adds -- quietly -- "I know you risk yourself so recklessly because you want to face Anileth again. We will find her, Mission. And thanks to you, I will be there to lend what aid I can."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
Drinking the potion of cure serious wounds restores his full health (I rolled two 8's and a 4! The gods like Sa'id).
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
Ooops!
I forgot to roll saves for the familiars! Dammit!
Well, we will just pretend they both made their saves this time. I won't forget again... :)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
The dust settling on the water. . . Sa'id coughing in his arms. . .
Mission realizes something. "No. Not Anileth. I don't care ever to see her again.
"I want my boy. I want promise."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
Sa'id smiles. He should have realized. His respect for the monk, who had sacrificed so much to follow this course, increased still further.
He nods. "The darkness will NOT have him." There is iron in Sa'id's voice, quiet though it is, and it surprises even the wizard himself. Years of caring for the dead in his father's funeral parlor... quiet years of studying corpses in Nesalin... and now, in these last days, to see the perversions that others were willing to visit upon both the dead and the living... it sickened Sa'id deeply. The perversions that the gods were willing to allow.
If men could stand alone, without the meddling gods, the trials to come would show it.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
Rennik sputters to the surface, then scrambles up the rocks again to a place he can stand. That had been too close. Surveying the party and the damage, he realizes just how close it was. They could have died, all of them. Fast reactions and dumb luck held the day, but the next time they would not be so fortunate.
"They know we are coming."
He waits for the group's attention before he continues.
"This rock hadn't been touched before we got here - the dust from the cave in was fresh on top, undisturbed. The zombies lied in wait on this side, knowing we would come down this entryway. The trap was laid to blow out this side, either burning us to cinders or burying us under rock. As it is," he glances back at the rubble, "it seems to have made our way even more difficult."
He stares at the scorched walls and broken rock, wondering what horrors the dark preganant witch had in store for them, what other pawns she had besides Elise, this master trapmaker, and the dark halfling clans.
"We must be more cautious."
The Way Is Blocked, Dear Master Ketimar, Rennik's Ponderings
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
"They know we are coming."
Mission suppresses a laugh. Rennick had a keen grasp of the obvious.
He makes his way back to the pile of rocks and will look it over.
OOC: Ty, he is looking to see how safe it appears.
In addition, did Mission pick up any vibes off the robe? What did Farron discover with the box?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
"It's a tight squeeze up there . . ." Mission had said. Farron watches again as the monk's legs disappear over the top of the pile of rock once again. Perhaps the monk could use a little help in a tight spot. Farron chatters a command to Jack to climb up the pile and scout ahead with Mission. The little weasel jumps from Farron's head, down to his shoulder and crosses down the front of Farron's robes, but just as he is about to jump onto the bottom of the pile, several violent explosions rip through the darkness, throwing Farron face-down on top of Jack, forcing him into the murky water.
Farron gasps in reaction to having the air forced out of his lungs by the blast, but chokes as the slimy water hits his lungs. He searches for footing to stand up but the slimy bottom nearly sends him back under. Finally able to stand, he gasps for air. The steam and dust from the explosion fill his lungs and he begins to cough violently. "Jack!", he yells between chattered syllables made nearly incomprehensible by coughing as he searches the dark water with his hands, trying to find his companion. He feels cold panic pour into his gut when suddenly he feels tiny sharp claws digging into his singed right forearm. The pain is intense as Jack clambers desperately to get out of the water, but Farron's relief that his friend is not dead makes the pain almost welcome.
Jack now safe and, thankfully, unharmed, Farron thinks next of Sa'id, but the mage now looks better than he did even before the explosion. He wonders at this for a second, then spots the empty vial floating in the water next to him. "Healing potion," he says, to no one in particular and his voice sounds strangely muffled, as if he is talking with his fingers stuck in his ears. He sees the Mission and Sa'id talking to one another. Their lips are moving, but even though he is right next to them he can't hear their voices. Every sounds seems buried under a roar he had thought must be the explosion echoing down the tunnel, but now realizes has gone on much too long to be an echo.
"IS EVERYONE OK?" he says to the two of them. "WHERE'S RENNIK?" He does not hear the halfling sputter to the surface behind him. He looks at the monk who, too, looks completely unscathed by the blasts. "WHAT HAPPENED? IS EVERYONE ELSE OK, TOO?"
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
Smoke on the water? I don't suppose the robe we found was Deep Purple, was it? Anyway, I'll reply in an hour or two.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
[Farron has not checked in to ask about the scroll case. Mission can't detect magic, so even holding his breath and squeezing his face really hard doesn't allow him to detect anything about the robe. Other than that it is a nice cotton blend.]
Mission climbs the pile of stone again, and his fears are realized. The tunnel is now completely collapsed. There is no way through.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; smoke on the water
(Sorry, I thought that was assumed from the narrative.) Regardless, if Farron didn't have time to check the scroll case before the blast, he will check it once his ears stop ringing.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
While Mission is clambering up the rock pile to discover the tunnel collapse, Farron sits down on the edge of the pile, and pops open the scroll case. He is not as cautious as he would usually be, but the ringing in his ears leaves him disoriented and dizzy.
In this case, his incaution has no ill affects. Inside the scroll case are a tightly bundled roll of blank parchments, a nice pen and ink set, and a loosely rolled parchment on which a portion of a letter is written.
[The text of the letter coming soon]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Mission gingerly makes his way back down the rockpile.
"The space between this pile and the ceiling is completely collapsed. Whoever didn't want us to go down this tunnel is going to get their way."
His shoulder is sore from climbing, and from where the zombie slammed into him earlier. And nothing to show for it but a robe. A nice robe, but nothing that he'd endanger the lives of the party for.
He wondered if Cadfael's monster boor was still romaning around out at the mouth of the hole.
"Unless we want to start digging through this mess," Mission gestures upward and falls silent.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
(OOC- Isn't there also the alternative of exploring a little ways in the opposite direction? I thought the water was flowing away from the rock pile and that the tunnel trailed off into darkness that way.)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Yes, the tunnel does go on to the west, and the water flows that direction.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Is my staff still glowing?
From: Ty
Subject: Letters to home
Farron begins reading the letter he found, but only a few words into it he calls Sa'id over, and they read it together.
The letter says:
Master Ketimar, (Farron and Sa'id know a Ketimar. He is the old Professor Emeritus at the college in Nesalin)
I am so excited! I have too much to tell you, and I will not be able to get it all down in this quick note, but hopefully this will whet your appetite. When I return, we can really dig in and hash out the details. The paper we will write with shake the history group right to its foundations! And, of course, watching that idiot Tormin eat his words won't break my heart. (Farron and Sa'id know a Tormin. He is the head of the natural history department at the college)
I am finished with my interviews of the indigenous halfling population. You already have my notes on those, and my early conclusions. I agree with you that it appears Tormin based his entire paper on a few sessions with members of the five tribes. Yes, of course, each tribe has its own settler story. But even a cursory investigation leads one to the inescapable fact that they are all variations on the same story. Tormin took five slightly different arrival stories, and turned them, with no further evidence other than some tribal physical variation mind you, into his "multiple migration" theory of halfling arrival on the island.
At first, the striking physical differences between members of the five tribes made it difficult for me to totally throw out his theories. However, the time I have spent living with these people has been invaluable. I have now spent no less than a month with groups of each of the five major tribes. I have lived with the Logi, Kukara, Chorrdath, Huan, and Kalama tribes. The physical differences Tormin describes in his paper are definitely there. The Chorrdath tend to be heavy bodied dark. The Huan are more fair haired and slender, nearly elven in appearance. The Kalama are quite tall for halflings. It is easy to see how a cursory inspection of these people would leave one with the impression of five distinct races.
It do not think this is the case. In my time with them, I gathered the notes on genealogy I sent you. If you study them closely, one striking fact becomes clear. These groups have been inbreeding for hundreds of years. In even the largest tribal group I stayed with, there was literally no one in the group that was not related within a generation or two to everyone else in the group. The tribes do seem to have the "taboos" against sibling marriage that often arise in primitive folk, but nearly one third of the marriages are between first cousins, and almost all the rest are with only slightly more distant relations.
Which led me to my current theory. When breeding dogs or horses for a specific trait, we often inbreed them until that trait becomes dominant in the family line. I think that something very similar has been happening with these people. There is some marriage across tribal boundaries, but it is not common. These groups have been breeding specific traits into their line for hundreds, or possibly thousands of years now. That is what Tormin missed. That's why he was so quick to pin it on multiple migrations! He just used the minor variations in arrival fables as the excuse.
But there is a key element still missing. We have been finding traces of a much greater halfling civilization for decades now. It has been impossible to connect this civilization with the scattered and frankly primitive tribes that inhabit the island's forests. There just doesn't seem to be any logical path from one to the other. At least, until now that is.
That is my most amazing find! There is another tribe, a sixth tribe, living here on the island. The other halflings call them the Murrkat, and spit when they say the name. It seems they are viewed as the worst kind of savages and murderers, and are universally hated. But they live at the center of the island, deep in the jungle. The jungle that the other tribes shun. The jungle where provocative bits of a possibly advanced halfling civilization are found.
I have a theory. I have no facts yet, but hear me out. The evidence will come soon.
The Murrkat are the remnants of the original tribe. The five tribes we know are cast offs from that tribe, driven from the jungle and living a semi savage life in the forest rim. Some war, or other cataclysm shattered the single civilization that ruled this island, and broke it into six weak and damaged parts. What was this event? I can't even imagine. In a thousand years the halflings have still not recovered from it. They still live in fear of the jungle, and the mountain at its center. They still hate those who live there with an unreasoning hatred. What could possibly have done that much damage to these people? I have to think a war of some type. But the reasons for and events of that war are a mystery.
I need to meet these Murrkat. I need to spend time among them, like I have with the others. They are surely closer to their past, and the events that broke the halflings to pieces, than the other tribes. They live on the remains of their once great civilization. They MUST know something.
I have arranged to meet with one of them, though it cost me much in coin and trade to arrange it. Those halflings who claim to know how to reach the Murrkat are also not of the highest character. I will have to be extra cautious, but the rewards are surely worth any risk. I will be meeting these "forbidden" halflings at the end of this week. I will write as soon as I can.
With Respect,
Danmonoth Kassader
PS I will send this to you as soon as Percy returns. I am getting worried about letting that old owl fly out of this forest to bring you the parcels, but I have no more reliable means of sending messages yet. I look forward to sitting in your study and drinking a glass of port over my notes. Keep the fire warm for me.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Letters to home
Almost unconsciously Cadfael casts his spell on Sa'id, lost in the swirl of his own thoughts. Dimly aware of the goings on around him he tries to remember his days with Pelor at the church at Nesalin. It seems so long ago. The lessons with Father Belstaff, the sound of the church bells ringing in the morning, everywhere he went the sense of his God was present. The vision of the angel he had not 3 nights ago flashes brightly before his eyes. It's strange, that the light should be so strong he could be blinded by it. Perhaps, when the light is brightest it becomes black. Blackness with substance if cold could be considered form. It seems now that he is immersed in darkness, the tendrils of its chill worming through his clothes and down past his skin. Working their way through his blood and taking residence in his bones. He takes a great shuddering breath and is not surprised when the darkness fills him, pouring down his throat and burning his lungs. It presses heavily against his heart, which slows and freezes in the grip of the black. "Bereft of the light I am drowning in darkness," he thinks sadly. When was it he lost the light? It did not seem so long ago that he bathed in it, when did the shadow settle across the sun?
Something is tugging in the back of his mind, demanding to be heard... Drowning... with a sudden rush he remembers the cavern and the explosion, he realizes he is underwater. Somehow, seemingly without his guidance his feet find their way underneath him and propel him toward the surface. He breaks free of the darkness and a dim light forms before him, painfully stabbing his eyes. It seems feeble, weakly beating against its surroundings, but it is still able to keep the darkness at bay. Slowly, he peals the glove from his left hand and holds it up before his face, shielding his eyes from the light, though spots still float across his vision. Gently, he presses his hand against his eyes and casts a spell of healing [Cure Light Wounds -- Detect Evil]. When he opens them again he sees that the light is Sa'id's staff, clutched tightly in the mage's trembling hand. The image is still blurry, he must have been facing the explosion when it went off. Taking a moment to settle himself he pulls his shield tightly to his body. The sun still beams brightly beneath the coating of scummy water. Somehow, there is comfort in that and with a slight smile he stumbles toward Sa'id and the rest of the party.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Letters to home
Cadfael heals himself for 8 points.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Letters to home
The mention of study, port, and a warm fire simultaneously make Farron long for those things and realize how far from them he really is right now. This Danmonoth clearly didn't expect to end up a zombie in this dark jungle hole when he wrote this letter. For perhaps the first time Farron gets a clear picture of how unsure it is that any of this group will return from this venture alive.
He turns to Sa'id, "WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS MEANS?" he says, then seeing Sa'id wince he realizes he's still shouting, the ringing only now beginning to leave his ears. "er. . . sorry . . . What do you think this means? If the Murrkat have been in the jungle since the time of this vanished halfling civilization, Danmonoth here is probably right. If anyone knows what happened here, and what dark thing has been awakened here, then it is most likely them. Don't you think?"
Unless Sa'id objects, he will share the letter with the rest of the group.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Letters to home
"Remember," Sa'id replies, "that the halflings we battled earlier were Murrkat, with the exception of the one Logi tribesman. There may not be any left who are not sworn to the drinker of souls."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Faced with a solid wall of rubble, Garyth sheepishly realizes that there's no way an enemy could get to them now. He sheathes his sword and looks around. Seeing that everyone is alright, he breathes a sigh of relief and feels the adrenaline rush fade. He sinks to the ground, trying to collect his thoughts on where to go from here. The skin on the backs of his legs and arms is blistered from the heat of the explosion, and he feels as though he's been pummelled by a giant.
At Mission's suggestion, Garyth nods. "It looks like that's the only way left to us, if we're to get further east." He peers up at the hole, trying to see any sign of movement. "One of us will have to climb up and see if the boar Cadfael saw is still there."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The hole; Letters to home
Rennik remembers this man, this human who came to the Chorrdath. He was a fool, a mockery of a human that proved all the rumors true. They were foolish and ignorant, they thought too highly of themselves, and they looked down their noses at all other races. The warriors humored him by answering questions in badly accented halfling, none letting on they also knew Common. Rennik was a child then, and laughed openly, making a shadowplay of his university ways and stiff walk. After he had left the tribe, he became a common thread of stories involving fools or humans - his body is dead, but his folly will live on for generations.
When Rennik hears the Murrkat tribe mentioned, he spits and his face contorts as though he'd caught a bad scent. Foul, foul creatures - more scavengers than halflings, like hyenas or vultures, feeding off rot and decay.
So the fool met his end. It did not surprise him, nor did it sadden him. It would be one more story to bring back to the Chorrdath - the Fate of the Fool, to be told around the fires. Only one addled in the brain would go off looking for those vile subhalflings for any reason other than to wipe them from the earth. He found them, that is sure, along with their corruption and evil. It consumed him as it had consumed Fayten, stealing not only his soul but also his life, leaving only a rotting husk.
Listening intently to the history of his people, Rennik felt many pieces falling into place. Long had he felt there was something binding the tribes, something underneath their differences. His anger rose as he wondered why this fool never chose to tell the halfling councils of his theories, but his emotions cooled quickly. He would have been shunned, exiled for saying the Murrkat were related to the other tribes. Rennik himself balked at the idea, but gradually came to accept it.
Whatever evil destroyed the city, whatever this dark god in the mountain did to drive away the halflings, would have turned those who stayed into dark and twisted things. They were walking into a place of evil - evil unleashed by the brethren of Cadfael, Rennik was convinced. Halfling clerics of Pelor who loosed a blackness on their city and shattered the halfling people.
When Farron finished, Rennik spoke.
"The evil that destroyed this city made the Murrkat..." he paused. "The evil that was unleashed in the past, that we rush to face, that drives our enemies against us..."
He nods, seeming to come to grips with this, wrestling to incorporate it in his world view. Again, he looks over the rubble.
"Evil is watching us, directing us. It knows which way we come, when we stray from the group, and what entrances we will find to the mountain. We are being herded. But to what?"
He peers into the darkness, then sighs as he looks across the surface of water too deep, water he would somehow need to cross.
"Where does it wish us to go? Toward some other trap, some other danger? Is it watching us now? Does it expect us to go down this tunnel, or back above ground?"
His brow furrows in thought, the ranger side of his brain trying to impose rational thought on his anxiety.
"What are we doing here?" he says finally. "What is our purpose? How do we stop an evil that can destroy a city and shatter a race? I think it rests with that evil woman, who ignored my axe as though it were a fly."
He turns toward Mission, not sure how to continue.
"You know her, friend Mission. She carries your child, the son who gives her power." he hesitates, not sure how to proceed. "If it comes to it, would you be willing to kill him? Or allow us to?"