(Moved a few posts from the Yarl in Charge thread and started a new thread )
At about 8:00 pm, shortly before dusk, the Rats of Rivington move out...half take the river to the harbor and put to shore there, while the others follow Yarl, Oak, Trueshot, and Cookie to the Riverveins and put ashore, heading into the tunnels.
Yarl and the others put to shore and survey their surroundings. A tunnel leads off into darkness to their left...
Oak, aided by darkvision, can navigate the darkened tunnels without much difficulty, but his plan, unless instructed otherwise, is to remain pinned to Cookie's side. He fetches his hooded lantern from his pack and holds it, unlit, until illumination becomes necessary, or until Cookie requests it.
While his skills and abilities likely make him a valuable asset in this sort of situation, Oak doesn't volunteer for anything that would distance him from his ward. He will, however, consider specific requests made of him as long as he has time to make preparations for a suitable backup to keep a close watch over Cookie in his absence.
Which gets him thinking.
Yarl is geared up for war. His favorite club is tucked in his belt as his hands are holding his short sword and a torch. He thinks that the light might keep away some of the underground pests and he always has the dark vision to fall back on.
Normally he'd be more comfortable in the lead but Yarl is wary of having too many blades at his back. Then again he doesn't want to get cramped in the middle. Or taken unaware from something lurking behind. Goddamn fucking sticks.. he mutters as he heads out towards the front...
Tying their boats off on a stalagmite or two, the Rats venture into the tunnels known as the Riverveins. Yarl moves toward the front, although not happily, and with torch in hand, leads the rest into down a wide tunnel of knee deep water and muck. Oak sticks close to Cookie, with water nearly up to her chin, watching the other members of the Rats closely. Trueshot takes up the rear, bow ready, should anything try and sneak up from behind. There are a score in all, heading into the tunnels, nearly half of the Rats of Rivington.
Barely a few yards in, the group comes to an intersection with two tunnels branching off.
Yarl calls a halt and the Rats converge on the openings. After a few minutes, Skipper asks, "Want us to split up, boss man?"
Oak:
Oak, happy with his place in the order, keeps a close watch on Cookie, making sure the lass is able to keep her head above water at all times.
He holds her hand as they navigate the occasionally unsteady ground. The pair follow along with the progress and pace of those in front of them.
Taking the right tunnel, the Rats press on slowly and cautiously...or as cautious as one can be in knee-deep water. The tunnel turns to mud a few yards on and the going slows a bit more...until Yarl turns a bend and spies something lying on the ground a few feet ahead at the edge of torch light.
Calling for more light, a couple of Rats move forward and hold their lanterns and torches high. Revealed is body, bloodied and covered with some type of creatures. Creatures with flapping wings and slurping beaks. A few of the Rats up front gasp and gag when they spy the body...which sends the creatures airborne...and coming right at the group!
Actions!!