I. Entry

[onlyme]

Kernodle gets closer to take a look at what's going on.
He still keeps checking the south for any invading rat armies, but will glance around the room to take in his observations.

Dang, another one. What happened that so many fell through the earth? How many more are there?

[dmw71]

Luken joins Tavari in watching the eastern and northern passages to make sure no unwanted visitors arrive. Kernodle moves in closer to the rest while still keeping an eye on the southern passage they just entered from, cursing the rats that seemingly infest this place. Abe quickly lays his hands on the man and prays, "Mighty Thuul, hear my prayers. Grant this man blessings and healing that he might live on. Your humble servant asks these blessings in your infinite grace and wisdom." A brief moment later, the man begins to stir.

The man, approximately six feet tall with short, curly black hair dons banded mail. The shield and flail he clutched before collapsing lie at his side, just outside his grasp.

He is understandably disoriented upon regaining consciousness.

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[dmw71]

This 'I. Entry' thread has reached 300 posts.

+300xp each

[Alethan]

Abe restrains the man from achieving a full standing position yet.

"Easy, brother. Looks like you took some nasty bites from some rats. Better rest a moment before we try and move on. My name is Abelard, but you can call me Abe. What's your name, then?"

[spanningtree]

Taking a few steps back from the east passage Luken will glance at the stirring figure on the floor. Seeing the flail he will try to disern if there are any prominent religious symbols on him. He'll position himself near the north entrance and keep an eye out for anything coming.

[Starbeard]

'Hey, wha-who?'

The resuscitated man slowly blinks himself awake, glancing around at everyone blankly. As though recalling something important, he takes in a sharp breath, his eyes shooting with violent fear.

'Gah! Rat!' he exclaims, tossing his arms around him until he realises his weapon is out of reach. He stops his flailing, more than a little confused. Finally, he calms himself enough to comprehend, rubbing the dull ache out of places where open wounds were previously.

'Eh, it seems I have finally found a bit of luck today. Bloody rats I'd wager were raised in a pool of Hero's potion.'

The man rises to his feet and goes to collect his flail and shield, unslinging his pack from one shoulder with a habitual flair as he does so, checking that everything is fastened and intact. Then, remembering himself,

'Salutations, I am Pardu. Did one of you heal me? Is there a holy man amongst you?'

[Alethan]

Abelard shrugs and replies, "I am a man of humble means, but I do what I can. How did you get down here, if you don't mind my asking?"

[onlyme]

Kernodle looks around and wonders what the heck happened. Kinda funny that even a human didnt see the need to waste his time doing that magic stuff on that stupid elf, earlier. That said, can you wake the half-dead all the time?

Then he answers Pardu, Greetings. Name's Kerndodle, and yes those rats have some really good streaks of luck in them. Two even nibbled at ME. They're dead now, of course.

[Starbeard]

Pardu acknowledges the dwarf. 'Well, you've certainly got the hang of rats better than I have.'

Turning to Abelard, he bows and offers his gratitude. 'Humble to last, I imagine. As for myself, I was travelling through the town of Seaside, which now lies in ruins. Some cursed fellow told me I would find survivors out this way, but all I found was a sand trap; and so, here. If I ever make it back there I know someone who will have to find himself a new skull.

'How did you come by this wonderful place? Are the four or you alone?'

[onlyme]

Kernodle answers,
We fell into through the sand, much like you I imagine from your description. And, well I dont know the answer to that second question. Seems we keep finding folks here and there wherever we go. I suspect there are loners walking about in these caverns. Say, which direction did you come to this particular room from?

[Alethan]

"Please, do not accuse me of favoring one race over another, master dwarf. The elf was dead before I could get to him, or I would have tended his wounds as best I could, regardless of whether or not he has a soul. I didn't attempt anything more than a little sour wine for your wound as I don't have the fortitude to even attempt such a blessing more than once in a day and felt it best reserved for something more dire. If the minute scratch on your toe still causes you pain after we rest, and if we're both still alive, I may be able to see to it further," Abelard replies, sounding tired and irritated.

[spanningtree]

Luken peers back with an eyebrow raised at the direction the conversation is taking: I'm Luken, pleased to make your acquaintance, I would prefer under better conditions.

[Starbeard]

Pardu nods to Luken as he finishes shaking off the dust and wringing what blood stains he can off his habiliments.

'I came from this passage here', he says pointing to the east tunnel, 'There are several passages, including a dead-end where I landed onto an unfortunate scene: a pair of corpses and a dead giant rat. I could not tell if they died from the fall or by the rat—or perhaps by treachery—but there was certainly at least one other with them, for their belongings had been discarded and I followed some foot tracks that led me up this passage.'

Pardu looks about the cavern and the little pool, examining its shape and contents.

'At any rate, that is as far as I've come. Have you explored much of these caves?'[/dialog]

Pardu will examine the pool of water. Is it fresh or seawater? How deep is it?

[onlyme]

Kernodle answers,

Yes, we have exhausted most of the south. It circles and heads up and we were overhead through many dead-ends. If we lose all hope down here, there were a couple of less desirable paths we could still take. If you havent been that way as he points north, then I'd say we should venture there. You feel up to walking yet?

[spanningtree]

Mulling over Kernodle's and Pardu's conversation Luken will use the pommel of one of his daggers to create a symbol of a circle with a triangle in the center. I'm thinking that we may find ourselves going in circles if were not careful...

[Starbeard]

Pardu approves of Luken's caution and Kernodle's practicality.

'North is good. There is a further passage leading south from where I came, as well; but I did notice that the tracks I had been following led down that passage as well as back up to here. I suggest that until we find more corpses, we consider ourselves not alone. What with the bodies back in the cavern, our company may or may not be receptive to having us around.'

[dmw71]

Pardu is appreciative of his rescue and well met by the original members. Now five in number, the group decides to head north, but not before investigating the pool, which amounts to little more than a shallow puddle of natural groundwater. Before setting off, Luken uses the pommel of one of his daggers to mark their current location and planned direction of travel.

Tavari resumes his position at the point, followed by Luken, Abe, Pardu and Kernodle, and cautiously enters the cavern, which is very similar to the previous cavern, including the standing pool, or puddle, of water. Almost as soon as the halfling enters the cavern, a pair of the giant albino centipedes which are familiar to some, begin to scurry. The creatures, easily a foot in length, their rows of multiple legs moving with lightning quickness in waves, seem to linger for now in the northeast corner instead of approaching the party.

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Please let me know if the marching order I used needs to be modified.

[onlyme]

order looks good to me.

Kernodle will again notice the stopped procession and call out.
What, more rats again? How many this time?

[Starbeard]

Pardu braces himself behind Abe.

'Rats? I hate rats.'

[spanningtree]

What's there? Luken will say not happy to be pinned in the tight passage.