Chapter 2: A Shining Pillar of Deception

In deep conversation with the newcomer, Rasa spends most of his time further away from the group speaking to Dorian. It wasn't until he heard the screams that he realized the impending danger. Usually the two big lugs would take care of it, but he figured he'd at least fire a bolt or two to help easy their difficulties...... It was quite unsettling watching the centaur and little lizard man being thrown around like rag dolls by the massive beast. If worse comes to worse, Rasa hoped he was far enough away such that he wouldn't run into any unnecessary trouble for himself. Losing Alterith would be costly to him..... the others, while many he had grown to like at least a small amount, were still expendable.

Either way, he supposes he should do something to help.

Rasa pulls out his crossbow and advances forward, firing at the remaining beast.

Attack: 12+4 (minus range = ?) = 16
Damage: 2

ooc: Welcome back Andrew. I don't see an initiative roll for Rasa, so he'll be going at the end.

Armias looks back in horror. "Run, you damn fools!" he screams. "You will meet your end here!" The guide continues retreating madly out of the bog as his hysterically high-pitched voice is lost on the group. Alterith fulfills his wish, the axe bearing down upon the beast's body, sinking in deeply. Fresh blood spews forth in all different directions as powerful muscles and veins under high pressure bulge to seek release into the stinging air. The creature roars and rears up on hind legs thick enough to be trunks. Its incredible tail, like an oak itself, swings around with a frighteningly low swoosh, dragging air currents in its wake. Krytox, its target, suddenly finds his head exploding with pain as he is lifted off the ground from the force of the blow. He lands back down on his two feet, but unconsciousness threatens to sweep over him like a death shroud. The underlost fights off the growing cobwebs gathering in his vision, beady black eyes focusing on the creature before him. Krytox feels detached from his body, as though someone else were swinging the mighty greatclub downward upon the beast's head, match the intensity of its tail attack. However, it is indeed him, and after the mighty thud, the creature crumples into the murky brown-red water and remains still. Almost as an afterthought, a small bolt sails wide of the creatures body, as though warning it to stay down.

A all-too-sudden calm pervades the area as the tattered group surveys their surroundings. Nothing else seems to stir in the marshes - even the insects have gone quiet, at least for now. Content with the finality of the brutal fight, Krytox finds himself reeling backward into the realm of unconsciousness - his last blow to the crocodilian has brought him over the brink and into the Great Divide.

Armias returns to the group moments later, trudging slowly. His expression is unreadable - one could just as easily take it as one of mourning, or one of deep anger. He stares at Squin and Krytox's bodies, unable to take his eyes off them. "There are far better ways to fight your opponents than stupidly exchanging blows in the open, young ones. That may have worked on the band you defeated back in Sesolston, but if you refuse to consider other ways of fighting out here, your stubbornness will cost you dearly." Armias shakes his head as he kneels next to one of the creatures, taking its massive, toothy head in his rough hands. He seems fixated on the creature's eye, and examines and prods it at length. Finally, he looks back up. "They seem even more threatening today than normally. I don't know how or why, but something has happened to them. Look at this," he says, pointing out the orange tinge in the crocodilian's eye, something that in the chaos before could not be detected. "Some sinister force is at work here. Perhaps tied in with the missing ships."

He stands up again and begins to walk on, trudging in the muddy water, somber again.

"Gather your fallen and let us be off. We cannot be found here in the marshes by nightfall, or we will not be returning to town."

As the blood flows into the muddy water around him, Bloodlust's fury mounts. Unfortunately, there are no further targets around him. The adrenaline that allows him control over the body begins to subside. Desperately, he seeks for another target. Seeing further scales, he seizes his axe, and prepares to cleave this new foe in two. Fortunately for Krytox, the moment of calm has given Alterith an opportunity to battle his way back into control. Forcing the raging barbarian down, Alterith lowers the axe to his shoulder, and grabs a healing potion from his belt. Move rapidly to the centaur, he notices a small movement as he continues to breath, light as it may be. He grasps the centaurs head somewhat roughly and pops the stopper out of the vial, dumping the contents into Squins mouth. He watches to make sure the draught takes effect, then moves to Krytox. Finding another potion, he provides this to the blackscale. As Armias stalks off, the halfling glares at his back.

"It appears to me that we are the one's paying you to guide us. If you guide us into another ambush like this, I'll leave you to feed them, while we continue on. How's that for alternative tactics?"

He continues to grumble as he pulls himself out of the muck, and follows after.

ooc: By my count, there are 4 cure light wounds potions left. Has anyone been keeping track of who is carrying what treasure? In the future, you guys will have to resolve these details before setting out on the next adventure - for simplicity's sake, I recommend using your profiles.

After Alterith forces the potions down Squin and Krytox's throats, the group is relieved as they see their companions revive, their eyes blinking in the hot afternoon sun. They gingerly sit up and examined themselves, noting that their most grievous wounds have sealed. A rush of blood overtakes their heads as the healing potions travel throughout their bodies, instilling the blessed healing touch of Kyra, the battle angel.

Armias is livid at the halfling's remarks. He begins sputtering, but is too angry to continue. Several minutes pass as he fumes. "The lot of you are dumb of mind," he finally swears, his voice low. "You damn kids and monsters ought to know your place. If it weren't for the fact that Commander Sean had his orders for the good of Seawell, I'd leave you here to die, half-pint. Lead you into 'an ambush'? Don't make me laugh. Although, I'd hardly shed a tear if you were to get yourself killed treading so stupidly."

Continuing to swear under his breath, the guide continues onward. "Don't blame me for the trouble you've caused yourselves. If you want to escape this bog alive, you'd do well to heed my words. You lot are young, and not experienced. You can't honestly expect to take everything head on and live. But if you get yourselves killed stubbornly refusing to listen to me... well, that's less headache for me."The tone of his voice shows that Armias' thoughts regarding the group has shifted, though his words are probably more impulsive fighting words of the moment. They sense, however, that continued argument could escalate the tension between them and wound their relationship with not just Armias, but possibly Commander Sean and the Seawell militia as a whole.

The group wordlessly continues for a while, trudging onward. This time, they are far more cautious, and as a result, besides occasionally stirring up a few more of the crocodilians, these ones are much more lethargic and sleepy. Without coming too close to their holes, they stir, but do not bother the adventurers. The buzzing of insects surrounds them once more as the hours pass by slowly.

Alterith continues to stumble through the muck and slime. He grumbles beneath his breath, but manages to contain any further comments about the ineptitude of their guide. Occasionally a curse about the unknowledgeable commenting on that which they don't understand slips out, but other than that, he manages to behave himself.

Survival: +4

Random number (1,20) :

2

Move Silently: +7

Random number (1,20) :

17

This far into the peninsula, the cool breezes from the nearby shoreline of Sauron's Eye do little to stifle the heat. Though the hot afternoon sun does not do much to help alleviate the tension in the group, time is on their side, and as they trudge onward through the marshland having had no more disturbances since the devastating crocodilian attack, Armias' spirits remain grim, but have somewhat lightened.

As they walk, he turns to them, pulling a bloody handkerchief out of an open hip pouch. Unwrapping it, he shows the gory contents to the adventurers - the scratched but intact remains of one of the reptile's slitted eyes. "See here?" he points for the others to examine, and even the more injured among the group cannot stifle their curiosity at what he is indicating. Armias points at the center of the eye, when the slitted pupil stares unblinkingly at the group. Within the surface of the eyeball are tiny, swirling wisps of orange. The ranger frowns grimly. "I believe you lot are familiar with this... substance."

The group flinches with a start, beginning to realize the implications. Just how far have the increasingly sinister machinations of the Tornclaw-Bloodaxe alliance and the scheming Jinam Protectorate reached?

His head pounded and his stomach felt like it would turn any minute as they continued to trudge through the swampland. Though the feeling had begun to subside, it still threatened to overtake him if he didn't take care to force it back down. Krytox had known these sensations many times before, usually coming after a hard battle - and always after a battle in which he had nearly been defeated. As the time passed, so did the feeling and by the time they stopped again his head had nearly cleared.

It seemed odd to Krytox that Armias had waited so long to reveal his finding, but he quickly pushed it from his mind. Seeing the orange tinge in the bloody eye, he was transported back to their battle in the cave that had started their adventure. The orange fog rolling about in the crevice seemed so much more ominous now that at least some of the effects had been revealed. Whether it was the cause of the attack by the crocodilians or if it was just a coincidence remained to be seen, but it was suspicious at best and terrifying at worst. If it caused species that otherwise seemed to be placid on this day to rise up and attack a sizeable group, then what would it do to other creatures. Or people...

"Yes. We see big crocs get mad when we pass. Orange make angry, blue make heal. Krytox know color now," he says dumbly, mixing in his native Draconic when he found a word he didn't know. Wanting to be free of the muck and hoping for a place to find a few moments rest, he stands fully upright indicating his desire to continue moving towards their destination.

"I don't what it be that yer thinkin we know about dem nasty eyes, but it better not be dinner. Crazy crocs ain't somtin we've tangled with afor now if thats what yer askin. I thinks we were payin ye's to lead us to a place, not to be askin questions bout some gory blood-soaked lizard eye."

Remembering the dire instructions to tell nobody of their discoveries Alterith follows Krytox's lead, intentionally misinterpreting Armias' question.

Armias blinks. His features narrow slightly in thought, but all that results is a murmured "oh" and a light shrug as the subject passes.

The group continues on. At one point, Armias stops them. "More of the creatures up ahead," he cautions. "Hard to spot, but they're there..." The group follows his pointing finger, and they barely spot a few lumps in the swampy, reed-filled waters several yards from them. The lumps do not move, even as Armias waves to the group to follow him, and they successfully navigate around them.

"The swampy pits they dwell in are known as 'solution holes,'" the guide says quietly to the group. "The way of the land is that if you don't step in their solution holes, you don't get bitten. You lot had a small misstep earlier, but I'd say the attack had more to do with that orange substance... oh well."

The terrain begins to shift as they advance farther down the peninsula. At one point, Squin accidentally limps right into a viper's nest near a small clump of trees, and they explode out of their nest. But near strikes from the group's weapons and their expeditious retreat cause no harm as the vipers retreat back into the underbrush. Eventually, the companions are led to the foot of a large sand dune speckled with dry grasses.

"Beyond this, after another couple hundred yards, is the lighthouse," explains Armias. "That's where I was told to take you lot. You'll be able to see the tower as you crest this ridge. I'll wait here for you lot to take care of whatever business Commander Sean sent you on. Just come back over this dune when you're done and we'll be on our way again. I'll stay here for the next couple days." With a firm nod of good luck to whatever endeavors the group will be undertaking, Armias wanders away back toward the vicinity of the swampland, circling around for something to hunt and eat.

Glad to be rid of the irritating guide, Alterith shifts his axe on his shoulder, looks around to the rest of the group and shrugs, trudging up the sandy hill to see what presents itself on the other side. As he crests the ridge, he pauses, scanning the land beyond while presenting a low profile. He may be enmeshed in constant battle, but it doesn't mean he runs heedlessly into it. Seeing little but the lighthouse, he crests the ridge, and heads towards their destination.

Spot:6+0=6
Listen:14+7=21
Hide:12+8=20

Rasa, quite annoyed with all of the trudging through the swamp, is very happy to be out for the time being. He really started to miss the city-life, as you knew what to expect a lot better than you did out here. Yes, there were many more dangers in the city, like constantly having to worry about getting your pocket's picked or throat's slashed, but at least you could expect it. He walks beside Alterith and begins scanning the land as well, looking for any clues what so ever.

Spot: 7 + 10 = 17
Listen: 10 + 10 = 20
Hide: 18 + 6 = 24

Then he says to his friend: "Well, shall we do your usual strategy of rushing in and screaming at the top of our lungs? or can i suggest a more quiet approach?"

Alterith pauses as he is about to crest the rise. "Hrm...I like your thought process." He begins to unshoulder his axe and opens his mouth, obviously about to release one of his battlecries, his legs already compressed to launch him over the hill into a charge.

Skythar, bringing up the rear, quickly looks around to see if there are any others.


spot = 12 + 4 = 16
listen = nat20 + 4 = 24


ooc: is there any cover around?

"Why do you threaten us little one?! We have done nothing more than traverse this swamp to take in the sights of this famed lighthouse. Fellow reptilian, you can see we are worse for wear and yet you still throw spears? Please allow us to at least rest our weary feet. When I see another of our kind in these strange lands I would not expect such a hostile welcoming!" Krytox rambles on in draconic. He had not gotten a chance to use his native tongue in some time and realized how much more well spoken he was when not using a language of which he only knew a small portion.

Rasa looks to the Lizardman and then to the enemy. He really had no idea what was just said..... He hated when others spoke in a different language. All he could do now was hope that Krytox was still on their side and didn't set them up or anything....

He glaces around, looking for any and all potential threats, and begins weighing his odds.

Spot: 15 + 10 = 25
Listen: 4 + 10 = 14

If he betrays us, you get Krytox from behind, I'll take the other one in front of us. Hopefully Squin can handle Skythar. Maybe we should just remove this ones head from its body and save ourselves the trouble?

Alterith finishes signing to Rasa, his actions somewhat covered by his shifting his axe from side to side in front of him with his other hand. Not knowing what the larger lizard man has said, he decides to leave all the speaking to him, though he is ready should they be betrayed. He settles his axe to his side and rests both hands on its haft. In a moments notice he can launch himself forward while swinging the axe in an overhand chop, without worrying about it becoming tangled in his legs.

Seeing the whole scape of the field, he finishes his analysis.

There are more of these critters far away, but they all seem to be stationed and guarding other towers. Chances are, this one is just an underling that is here to guard this one. Because of that, I doubt Krytox and Skythar have any involvement, but keep on your toes. My best guess is that Krytox is just trying to make contact, not war. You should do the same, as we don't need to lose any allies going in if we don't have to. Rasa quickly flashes to Alterith. Despite the fact that It was one of the more difficult tasks he ever had done, he praised the fact that he spent those many long hours teaching the halfling, even though it seemed impossible at the time.

Rasa takes a slow step next to Skythar, trying not to make any sudden movements or threatening advances to set off the critter (hide check?) and whispers "what did he say?"


Hide Check: 11+6 = 17. If this task requires a different skill, let me know and I'll edit it.

Even though Rasa comes across as trusting Skythar, he still holds on to a drawn knife hidden under his cloak. He's pretty sure it won't come to anything drastic with Skythar, but he's been double crossed enough times to never let it happen again. And despite Alterith's plan, Most injured means easiest prey. He can help with the big guy after this one gets downed.

"My Dung eats with Roses in the Axe of the blood." Alterith rambles off some random words he's heard throughout the years. A big smile creases his face as he is quite proud of his attempt at the lizard man's language.

Rasa gives a very confused look to Alterith, and the proceeds to whisper to Skythar:

"And I hope HE didn't say anything threatening or stupid....."

"Shut filthy halfling mouth!" erupts Krytox. "You talk good or not say anything. You butcher ancient language!"

The outburst seems sudden and unecessary, but to hear someone make a mockery of his native tongue was unbearable. Even through his alien features it is obvious to Alterith that the Underlost is fuming over such an insult. He drew no weapons, partly because he was no match for the barbarian in his condition and partly because this was not the time nor place to fight with one's allies. With each rise and fall of his shoulders he calmed slightly and realized that the stupid grin on the halfling's face showed no harmful intent. Krytox suddenly felt sheepish for his rage, but kept his stern demeanor as a show of power to the much smaller reptilian who had thrown the spear. His attention returns to the task at hand - the other lizardman.

"Well, what say you little one?"

Squin remains in the background, shifting uneasily at the recent series of events. Not sure what is going on other than lots of talking, he resists the urge to reach for his bow. Leaving his arm hang at his side, he slowly clenches his fist to relieve some tension. After a few moments, he unclenches his fist. Carefully he looks around. He's already suffered a massive and almost deadly blindside attack. His mind wanders back and he shudders involuntarily at the memory of the orange eyed crocodiles. After what seemed to be a long time to him, he snaps back to what's going on in front of him. Realizing that he's only missed a few seconds, he resumes his careful surveying of his surroundings, all his surroundings, on all sides including up and down.

OOC: He's a bit paranoid considering his recent experience.

Listen: 11 + 6 = 17
Spot: 14 + 6 = 20

The swamplord narrows her eyes at the group. Though her demeanor wavers between indifference and unfriendliness, it is apparent that the lizardfolk does not see the situation in the same light. At length, the lizardfolk's nostrils flare open and closed.

"Liiiiiiieee..." Baring her teeth, the lizardfolk implies her intelligence and the obvious falseness of the group's claim. "No vissssitorsssa everr comme heeeeressa.... One more chancccce. What'n youssssa be doin' heeeerssa!" The lizardfolk's dry, scaly lips curled upward over her teeth angrily. "Ssssspeak!"

ooc: Group, please keep in mind to make appropriate skill checks if you plan to use certain skills. Please also keep in mind that this reminder is in itself a hint.

Alterith looks at Krytox wondering if he said something wrong. He was only trying to lighten the mood a bit, but apparently things have taken a turn for the worse (or better depending on your point of view). Seeing Krytox not really focused on him after the outburst he assumes it wasn't what he said, but perhaps how he said it. Alterith shifts his focus back to the creature before him. He studies her eyes and tries to find a sign of her intent. She obviously means to attack if she doesn't like their answer, but Alterith wants to try and estimate the size of her force surrounding them, if any. Is that twitch a sign to attack? Alterith's muscles bulge as he prepares for the inevitable. His grip on his axe tighten, and his front foot plants a little deeper into the soft turf in preparation of launching himself forward. He waits to see what Krytox does or says before committing the group to a suicidal frontal assault.

Sense Motive:+0

Random number (1,20) :

12

ooc: Results from Sense Motive check included.

After an extended period of time, the group realizes that it is not them the lizardfolk is concerned about, as much as it is who they are affiliated with.

"Lighthouuussse humannsss..." hisses the swamplord, "friennndss of triiibe. Give usss presssentsss and foooood..." Then her expression darkens. "But then theyyyyy came... ssssea dogsss!" She fixes the group with another glare, the twitching of her head and back spines showing her impatience.

"Youuusssa withh lighthoussse family... or with sssea dogss?"