Chapter 1: Don't Go Into Dark Places Alone

Though battered and bruised, Alterith realizes that to let go at this point would be almost certain death, he wraps the reigns tightly around one hand, and focuses more on his riding and less on trying to calm the beast. His main focus is to keep the attention on himself and away from his companions. He begins trying to force the raptor towards the trench in the middle of the cavern while keeping its head turned away from the hazard. His intent is to jump clear while the beast is off-balance, then try and force it into the vapors, and the crevice. He beats on the side of the raptors neck with the butt of his dagger in order to get the beasts attention if the reigns aren't effective.

Ride: 19+6=25

Rasa is pleased that he finally has something to do. Even though he knows he is injured and really shouldn't engage in this fight at all, at least he can shed some blood. Plus, he's unaware whether Squin even notices the creature. Probably not, as the centaur has proved that he was not at all battle hardened. Calling out probably would just fluster him, so Rasa planned to alert Squin of the creature in the most effective way he thought possible...... the thump of his arrow, and the yelp of the creature as it pierced the thing's body.


Hand crossbow: 18 + 4 -2 (range penalty is -2.... right?) = 20
Hand crossbow dmg: 3

Caught totally off-guard by this creatures sudden bold charge Squin jumps and yells in alarm. "WHAT THE!" Cutting him off a small bolt comes flying in from behind and pegs the creature, or at least that's how it looked at. Surprised, his initial reaction is to back away from this hard charging creature. Hastily retreating away from the creature he realizes after several steps that he is still dangerously close to the ravine. Still backing away hoofs scrapping and flailing the ground trying to get a good grip, he takes an arcing path away from the ravine. Remembering his weapons, he fumbles with them as he gets them out. After a very uncoordinated effort he finally gets the bow out (MW shortbow).

OOC: Moving to J12

If creature continues to come after Squin or another ally.

Spoiler:

If creature stops moving or does not seek to chase and attack anyone else.

Spoiler:

Mystia reels in horror as Krytox lays, unmoving. She tells the boy, "Stay here and smack that guy in the corner for me," and dashes into the room, waiting until after Rasa shoots. ooc: this will set my initiative to rasa's...but iirc, mine was 3 or something, lol

Run movespeed 40', moving to I-9

let's hope the cleric doesn't die while attempting to jump the fissure, lol...or, Krytox can just hurry up and stabilize, sheesh.

ooc: sorry guys, just been really busy with school stuff =\
Upon seeing the lightning lizard, Skythar's body bursts into action. His small, powerful legs pump his body in a strafing motion (to G10), while drawing his bow and taking a shot at the lizard. However, a look at his face betrays more than the fluid action shows. His face seems to be a mixture of composure and confusion. As he runs, he points behind him (bottom right corner) and shouts to the others, " ssssstrange drawingssss over there."


attack roll: 20+5 +(10) = 35
crit threat: 10+5 = 15
damage w/ no crit: 5+3+1 = 9
additional damage: 3+2 = 5

The Traveler looks at the potion and then moves quickly to the fallen lizard man. He notices the strain the creature is going through. "Alterith! Keep a hold of that thing for just a little longer!" He props Krytox's head up and carefully pours the healing potion into his mouth.

The halfling twists and pulls the raptor closer and closer to the edge of the chasm. The lightning reptile lunges forward with a screech. The centaur feels the hairs on his furry hide prick up painfully, as the creature nears. A sizzling pulses through the air, and Squin's vision blurs as an electric current supercharges the space between him and the lizard, creating an uncomfortable heat. The creature's black horn-like ears point together, and sparks concentrate above its head between them.

Before it can deliver its lethal shock, the creature is put down by Rasa and Skythar. Arrows zip through its body, pincushioning the small creature. It skitters, clicks, and scampers no more.

Alterith with one final grunt, edges the raptor over the edge. Its sickle-like claws were never meant to grab a hold of a ledge, and it begins its plummet into the cloudy orange doom below. As it falls, it lashes out with its fearsome arm claws, barely missing The Traveler. The potion slips from his hand (whether from the tension or the blood soaking his hand, no one can tell for certain), but The Traveler tightens his grip on it, muscles trained to do the impossible near death, and administers the healing liquid between the blackscale's great jaws.

The raptor falls into the pit, and Alterith suddenly finds himself in almost a similar predicament.


Alterith, please check PM.

Seeing the tingly creature become a pin cushion, Squin stops his hasty clumsy retreat. Shaking his head to clear his vision, he gathers himself for a moment. Looking back, he gives a wave and a nod of thanks to those behind him who shot the creature. Hearing some scrapping noises, he turns back to look towards the noise in time to see the raptor fall and the halfling attempting to avoid the same fate.

OOC: If we are still doing 6 second turns, then that's probably all Squin can do for this turn. If we are not doing 6 second turns, then this follows

Spoiler:

Rasa puts away his weapons seeing how they are no longer needed. He watches the others to make sure he doesn't need to help. He will if he must, but there is no reason to exert himself if he doesn't need to.....

As he watches the edge approach, Alterith tightens his grip on the lizards reigns, making sure it will not turn away at the last second. The down side of this is that he almost seals his fate to that of the lizard. However, that is not a sacrifice he really wants to make, at least, not in this situation. Reaching out with one hand, he yanks out the dagger that he threw into the beast earlier in the battle. Once he feels the lizard begin scrabbling at the edge of the cliff, he brings his short legs up under him and stands fully erect, pulling the reigns back and forcing the lizard back into the gorge. At the last second, he launches himself backwards away from the creature, turning as he travels through the air, his arm extended out to catch squin's hand. Unfortunately, his release comes a half-second late, and the loop of leather catches his foot, and yanks him downward. It is all he can do to catch the lip of the ravine and hang on, as he watches the beast slip away beneath him. His muscles bulge as he pulls himself up by one arm, and sheaths his dagger with the other.

Scared and terrified that he failed to grab Alterith's hand because the saddle catches Alterith and yanks him down with the raptor. Relief spreads when he realizes that Alterith manages to catch the edge and climbs out quickly and seemingly with ease.

Taking a step back from the edge, he looks back and forth between the Mystia/Rasa/boy group and the group still on the other side of the ravine. Not sure what to do, he just waits for someone to do something or say something.

...and stops in her tracks.

Mystia looks around at the scene before her. The quiet dungeon walls echo an eerie silence around her. For the first time since morning, she feels at ease. A terrible wrong has been righted in this little town on Miderth. She glances behind her at Rasa, coolly surveying the situation, putting away his weapons. Ahead of him is Skythar, looking like he always does. On her other side is Squin, looking pensive and uncertain.

Mystia walks towards Squin, saying, "Are you alright? You look kinda shocked," and laughs, hoping Squin would also receive the pun in good humor. She looks beyond Alterith at the Traveler and Krytox, still on the other side. Both of them have sustained horrible wounds, and it's a miracle that the Traveler is still moving at all. Her eyes narrow, and knowing that she can do naught to help Alterith, she calls out to the Traveler.

"Are you two going to be okay? I'd rather not have to jump over there, but if you can't fix Krytox, I'll take care of him." Mystia looks towards the two battered warriors and awaits a response. She knows she can't jump the ravine on her own power...there must be another way across...

Seeing that they all have the situation under control, Rasa says to everyone: "good work. you all made it out alive. now i have something i want to go check on, so i will be right back...."

He then turns through the door and walks out, not waiting, nor even listening to any responses.

[Jerry check pm]

The Traveler watches the last drop of healing liquid fall into his new companion's mouth. "It is not your time, yet, my friend. Not yet." He waits for the mighty lizard's chest to begin rising and falling normally. Once he is certain that he will be all right, he set him on his back and tilts his head to the side. He pulls himself to his feet, the world is blurry and cloudy. He blinks a few times and attempts to keep his composure. The pain shooting through his battle torn body is excruciating, but he stands. He hears Mystia's voice across the ravine. "Krytox has been given the healing vial. I believe he will make it to fight another day..." He coughs, his world spins and he tastes the irony flavor of his own blood in his mouth. As he spits it from his mouth, and sees the viscous dark liquid on the stone floor, he understands the depth to which he is injured. "Has anyone else been wounded?" He surveys his own wounds. His shoulder and chest have borne the brunt of the damage. Three large and quite deep gashes trail across his midsection. Part of his ribs are exposed and it is clear one or two are broken. His clothes are stained with the crimson of his own lifeblood. The skin is white, but with a grayish hue, now, perhaps a result of blood loss or the orc's foul magic. "Mystia, I will wait here until Krytox stands, I... I don't know if..." He stops his statement, unwilling to accept the failings of his mortal and quite fragile human body. He bows his head and grits his teeth in pain and frustration. He turns to watch for the healing potion to take effect.

Krytox closes his reptilian eyes at the last moment. But no blade skewers him. Nothing touches him. There is only the nonexistent still breeze of this metaphysical realm. The Great Divide... The blackscale opens his eyes. His warrior deity stands quite a ways away from him, surveying the distance. The blackscale suddenly feels exhausted, and sinks to his knees, gasping for breath, forked tongue lolling. Behind the fearsome mask, Dakkon's features betray no emotion. But beyond them, off in the distance, comes a wave of rushing water... no, not water. Something else. It is deep blue and green, as deep as a living soul. A tidal wave of life. And in front of this wave is a striking faerie woman, simply dressed yet majestic and resplendent, and certainly divine. Kyra, the Battle Angel.

Dakkon sneers. Suddenly, the Blackblade flashes from the ground as he holds it straight out before him, pointed at Kyra and the oncoming rushing wave of life. "Halt." And now, less than ten paces from them, the wave freezes instantly, its inside churning and roiling with life. Kyra herself lowers her graceful feet to the ground, the dying-yellow grassy plains of Krytox's soul. Dakkon grins maliciously. "And who are you?" Kyra frowns gently yet firmly.

"You know well who I am, ..." Krytox's scales twitch. The name Kyra used to address his master was not one he could recognize or even hear. He tried to think about what he might have heard, and his mind split with pain. Kyra turned to face the blackscale.

"Do not be afraid, scaled one. My love I extend freely to all who live, for I am gracious and judge not good nor evil. All I desire for the living is life, that they may enjoy it to the full." Turning to Dakkon, she bowed. "And I shall entertain thy master, for he is powerful." Kyra holds out her hands to Dakkon, fingers splayed, palms open and facing upwards. Dakkon grunts (with disgust?) and shrugs, looking away.

"Your endless love shall one day be devoured by this pathetic world, and one day shall run out. Do what you will, young one. For I do wish for this one to continue entertaining me." Dakkon turned to the blackscale. "SHE PITIES YOU, AND SO YOU ARE FORTUNATE, LITTLE ONE. HOPE THAT NEXT WE MEET YOU SHALL BE WORTHY OF MY PRESENCE."

There is a roar of fire, a gush of wind, the ground trembles, and Krytox blinks. Dakkon is gone. Kyra smiles and vanishes as well. And suddenly the roaring wave of life reanimates, and engulfs him.

* * *

Krytox opens his eyes. His wounds are still grievous, but for the time being the blackscale can move. Rasa has left the cavern, and the others gather on their respective sides of the ravine, finally able to rest. Holg's slain corpse still lays on the far side, as does the lightning lizard's corpse on the near side.


rasa, a response PM will be forthcoming... prolly late Monday or so

Mystia takes a deep breath. She says a silent prayer to Sedna, not knowing what else to do. She opens her eyes, and sets them on the ravine before her. Taking a few....more....steps back, she launches herself over the ravine, feeling the wind beneath her, almost pushing her towards the other edge...

Roll: Jump: 16 - 2 (str) + 1 (circumstance bonus) = 15 SUCCESS

Her foot slips on the other edge, causing her to lose her balance and fall. Thankfully, she managed to get enough momentum that she falls towards away from certain death, collapsing in a nervous heap on the other side. Mystia has managed to not hurt herself, and gulping down breaths of stale dungeon air, she dusts herself off and walks towards the Traveler.

She has never seen such wounds on a breathing person before. Never during her days on Aquatrane, nor on Miderth. "Don't move," she commands the Traveler. She takes a deep breath and bows her head. Being exhausted doesn't help calling on her deity, apparently. With the last bit of spiritual strength she can muster, she recites a prayer and her hands glow blue once more.

Mystia casts Cure Light Wounds on the Traveler 0:0/3

When she opens her eyes, the Traveler no longer looks as bad as he did before. She turns to Kyrtox, helping him stand, looking into the eye facing her.

"Krytox, can you hear me? We've beaten that atrocious...whatever he was. Rest well, brave warrior, but only after we make it back to the other side..."

She looks at her two friends beside her, and points to the ravine, and the friends waiting on the other side.

Cringing as he watches Mystia tries her best and almost fail, Squin's minds starts racing for better alternatives. Looking around he is trying to find something long, something like a long sturdy wooden board. "Anyone have rope?" he asks in general to everyone still there. "Anyone see anything we could use as a bridge?" he continues. He walks around the room looking for it.

Search: 20+5 = 25 (taking 20)
If taking 20 is not possible, 3+5 = 8

OOC: Searching/asking for rope and sturdy long things that can be used to form or help form a bridge.

"We saw all those boards piled up in the other rooms, there was also the beds that the gnolls occupied, we could surely use one of those." Alterith leans heavily against one wall, observing his companions, as images of his battle with the raptor flash through his mind. Hopefully no more surprises lie in wait around her.

"While you help them get back across I will go and make sure that the entrance is still clear, and that that half-orc hasn't betrayed us."

Alterith begins the long hike back to the entrance, using the command word to lower the barrier, he cautiously leaves the underground lair and begins scouting the surrounding territory, after first ensuring his pig is still healthy.

"If people who aren't hurt and aren't busy could help out, that'll be great" Squin says as he leaves to take a look at the boards piled up in the other room.

Search: 20+5 = 25 (taking 20)

Panic engulfs him. The waves crash around him and he is overcome by the swirling liquid. The great beast's tail strokes back and forth, forcing him upwards, but the rippling surface only seems to get farther away. His lungs burn fiercely as the oxygen quickly runs out. Finally it happens and his appendages seizure, sending bubbles in all directions. Instead of air, Krytox inhales the liquid. He goes into shock, muscles still convulsing, as his vision fades to black, his body slowly sinking into the abyss.

* * *

Krytox coughs and spews some of the liquid onto himself. He rolls to his left and tries to focus, but his vision is still blurred. Trying to make sense of what just happened, he blinks back the stupor. What... happened? What is this tingling? He looks down and realizes he has a gaping wound, though it is visibly healing. The taste of the liquid in his mouth is suddenly familiar. A healing potion! The memory of the vision flashes back into his mind and he cringes at his own weakness in front of his master. Krytox coughs again as the flesh around the deep wounds meshes back together. His great black eyes take in the scene around him and realizes that not everyone is present. Muscles aching, he pushes himself up into a standing position. He tips slightly, not fully recovered, but finally notices Squin exiting the room. His feet stick slightly to the floor as he takes a step and Krytox recognizes the feel of blood beneath him.

Looking down to where he was just lying, he sees the giant pool of blood... and the Traveler, potion bottle still in hand! Krytox quickly kneels and helps to prop the man while Mystia works her magic. The Blackscale positions his head aside the Traveler's and attempts to give him words of encouragement. "We... have done good this day. Rest now, you have my thanks. My loyalty is yours, I owe you a debt of blood."

The Traveler looks at the blackscale groggily. He does not understand much of the ancient language he speaks, except for the words "owe" and "loyalty" but he smiles, "The townsfolk... will be safe, now. You... owe me nothing, Krytox." He looks at Mystia and grins, weakly, before closing his eyes and giving his complete trust to his new friends' abilities. When he feels the soothing magic warm his body with healing energy, he looks Mystia straight in the eyes. "Thank you."

The Traveler blinks with closed eyes and a comfortable warmth engulfs his body. Almost angelic hands press upon his wounds, but instead of inducing painful pressure, spread a soothing, refreshing coolness. Splotches of skin reunite, sinews mend. The monk opens his eyes as though awakening from sleep, and looks down upon his healed body. Strength flows through his bones once again.

The group labors to bring everyone back over to the other side, from where they entered Holg's cave chamber. With some more effort they manage to bring the half-orc's slain body. Looking through, the group discovers some more treasure in the form of Holg's personal belongings. There is also a scroll on his person. Check treasure records

Alterith leaves the dungeon, emerging back at the entrance. Disappointingly, but not surprisingly, the half-orc is nowhere in sight. The area around the cave looks secure. The halfling looks up into the afternoon light. Feels like so much has happened... but it's not even time for dinner yet. Speaking of which... Alterith's stomach growls. Old woman Shiane and her family may not be that rich... but they do make a mean stew. The halfling allows a small, satisfied smile to cross his face for an instant, knowing that they must be thankful to have their little one returned to him. And not to mention the other family either... hopefully that other boy has learned his lesson. Alterith returns into the dungeon, noting that there is no longer any magical barrier barring his entrance.

The swirling orange mist seems to be growing noticeably larger, though not at any alarming pace. However, the group suddenly feels chills down their spines - should they stay in this dank environment, the mist will surely envelop them and most likely produce... undesirable results.

Chapter 1 Epilogue

Roleplay here for the next several days. Keep in mind I am gone on a trip from April 25th to May 4th.

After defeating Holg and freeing the local woods from the tyranny of the Bloodaxe clan, and returning to town to reap their rewards, they decide to train to become stronger, after a few days of relaxation, of course! Shortly after the few days of their training, some of them begin developing a strange illness...

Alterith sat heavily upon the ground, violent coughs ravaging his body. Rasa arched an eyebrow - the most concern he cared to share with the world. "What is wrong with you, friend?" he asked. "I have never seen you ill all the days we have been together." Alterith attempts to answer but is cut short with a fit of coughing. Meanwhile, other members of the group are also being similarly afflicted - mid-strike, Skythar and Squin break down with coughing fits. Even Rasa suddenly coughs, and his throat burns painfully. He looks down at his hand. It is spotted with blood. "What is... happening... to us...?!" He looks over at Alterith again, who is lying comatose upon the ground. Emanating from his nostrils are the tendrils of some orange gas! Rasa immediately remembers the fissure in the cave! The dark elf fights to maintain consciousness, but eventually falls to the dark, breathing out his own toxic orange fumes.

A few days later, after the rest of the group has carried them to the local clinic, the clergy and healers inform the rest of the group that they are resting peacefully, and are expected to recover fully. "But 'tis strange," notes one cleric of Pelor. "Their symptoms were very similar to the young man from Bartholomew whom we treated a few days ago - in fact, it seems to be the same disease."

As members of the group recover, the others are brought to a meeting with Sesolston town officials. "We know something is brewing that is beyond typical bandit raids and orc tribal activity," states one of them. "And we know that you eight - responsible for bringing the cave area under order - deserve to know the truth, particularly for risking yourselves on behalf of old woman Shiane's family.

"We caught a half-breed lurking around a few days ago, around the same time your group entered the cave to rescue the children. He is currently being held in the stockades, and while it wasn't easy, we have gotten him to confess some information.

"Apparently, the Bloodaxe clan has increased their activity in the Kingdom because they have been supplied with some kind of weapon. This weapon is not steel or stone, but a vaporous gas, less deadly but more venomous than the marsh gases of Gaia. They have been using this gas to afflict nearby towns, and we suspect that Bartholomew is no exception - hence that is why it is being reported that so many of their townsfolk are exhibiting the strange symptoms that your group has now experienced as well - the hot fever, rashes, boils, and bleeding, among others.

"We found some strange items in the cave, and we know your group must have encountered them as well: The strange golem-like creature, and the tarps of skin on which there is scrawled strange words that we still are having trouble deciphering.

"It seems that the Bloodaxe clan is receiving help from somewhere. Surely they do not have the means to concoct such a vaporous weapon all on their own - they must have had some kind of outside help. But we do not know who it is.

"All we know for now is that the clan's activity in our surrounding settlements in the Kingdom must be opposed and stopped. If this 'burning plague' spreads, it could spell doom for not only Bartholomew and Sesolston, but eventually the entire Kingdom of Somi as well! We are loathe to ask for your continued services, but we must spare as many able men as we can to aid in this cause. We have sent out detachments of traveling militia with seals of approval from the good Mayor specifically to seek out bandits and savages under the banner of the Bloodaxe clan, and eliminate them. Certainly, we would continue to compensate for your troubles should you choose to continue helping us.

"But as heroes of the town, particularly since some of you are still suffering from the burning plague, we will not command your help."

The Sesolston town officials sit back and patiently wait for the group's response.