The Great Gates (In-Character)

[sirravd]

The dwarf nods. "Precisely what I came here to do. I was inquiring about the cavern, though."

[beniliusbob]

The Violet Chaplain

"It seems this cavern is the only safe place this side of the Spire - ironically, since it's the home of brigands and outcasts. If you are a follower of the Law, brother dwarf, then watch yourself carefully in this place."


Briarthorn Brightwater

"Now, now, Chaplain, we can't all be perfect! Say, are we going to go scout out that temple? I have a mind to get out in the fresh air... elves don't like caves, you know!"

[Karaunios]

Divitiakus

"Yes, Briar, I'm also willing to get out of this place. Not because I don't like it, quite the contrary, but I think we ought to do something... Let's look for this temple, but not without talking to our hosts about it before we depart. Maybe they have some advice, and they deserve at least to know about when we leave... in the hopes that they'll admit us back.

He raises a finger. "But, we don't know about the forces we may confront either on our way there, or in the temple itself." He looks at the whole group. "So I'd say that, just for the time being, we try to avoid any confrontation, and just scout the place. It's better that we know what is that we can find between here and there, and have our backs covered, before we attempt any action. We should inform Gaius and the others about it too."

[Modric]

Robern

I agree whole-heartily. No need to rush into death. I'd rather meet it slowly in my old-age!

[Paladin]

Just to reframe the situation here. It was mid-morning when you entered the cave.

Gaius told you there would be a feast of sorts that evening and to rest till then. You've awakened in the late afternoon, a couple of hours before the gathering at dusk.

You are welcome to explore the place a bit more and see what's to be seen. Or proceed straight to the evening's gathering. Or attempt to slip out unescorted back to the outside world. When you choose to leave the witches cave, you'll post in the new warrens thread.

[Karaunios]

Apart from the main cave entrance, are there other means of egress? If not, Divitiakus will go out of the cave. Let's do some exploring. Who and what does he see?

[beniliusbob]

Derp. Thanks for the refresh Paladin!

The Violet Chaplain sits cross-legged in prayer and contemplation, wearing her armour (only loosening the buckles slightly so as to better focus on the divine) and keeping her mace close at hand. She whispers holy words in an effort to steer the souls of their lost comrades the right way to paradise.

Briarthorn Brightwater leaps to her feet and shadow-boxes around the fire, wanting to explore the caves. "What do you say, old buddies, old pals? And new dwarven chums, too! They gave me this bag of exploding powder... they must have other relics here, as well. I say we take a look around and see what riches these Warren-folk have gathered." She pauses. "Purely for interest's sake."

[Paladin]

Silla's cave goes deeper into the mountain before darkness makes it impossible to see farther There is also the front entrance through which Giselle led you. At present, you are alone with your comrades.

The air smells of the strange brews and concoctions created by your host. You can hear the sound of voices outside. They sound faint, as if floating in on the breeze from outside.

[Karaunios]

Divitiakus

The shaman rubs his ching. "Hm... Briar, I must admit that I'm intrigues about what might be hidden in there but, after all they did for us, do you think we should do it? We don't have other allies here, and surely no other place as secure as this to hide from the cruel world that's outside." He walks next to the entrance to the deeper caves to 'see' if he can hear something. "If someone's there, maybe it's the seeress, and we could pay her a visit, if not, I'd say we just come out and greet whoever is out there."

[beniliusbob]

The Violet Chaplain nods knowingly at Divitiakus's wisdom.

Briarthorn Brightwater sighs. "Well, alright. Let's go out and see what's what."

The elf makes toward the voices. Curious again, the Chaplain follows.

[Paladin]

When you push aside the heavy animal skin which covers the cave entrance, late evening sun intrudes upon eyes grown accustomed to the dim interior of your refuge. After blinking a few times, the little spots in your vision fade and you see a familiar, yet strangely alien scene.

People mill about the large central green. Some fish in the creek which meanders through the center of the complex before flowing out beneath the mountain. Downstream, sun-browned children splash and play. A group of older women stand in a circle, scraping the hair and tissue from fresh hides.

A pair of ancient, wizened men squat against the perimeter of the clearing and, using clubs made from deer antler, strike shards of flint from larger pieces, presumably for arrowheads and spear points.

Two small boys hunker near them and weave laces of stout leather through holes drilled in long, flat bones. The bones overlap like scale armor. Cave entrances dot the area in concentric circles which grow ever-wider as you look skyward. High above it all, lookouts perch on small outcroppings at the rim of the Warrens and keep their eyes trained outward.

In the center of the clearing, directly before you, a massive fire is blazing. On a spit above the fire, several beasts have been skinned and dressed, their legs wrapped around the spit and bellies sewn closed around the meager selection of vegetables which may be grown in this unforgiving landscape.

The precious fat from the drippings is caught in shallow pans beneath the meat and poured back over the slowly rotating spit. The aroma is mouth-watering and reminds you how long it's been since you had a proper meal. People are already gathering, socializing, and discussing the arrival of the group of well-armed adventurers.

Near the fire, a heavily-tattooed young woman inks intricate designs into the skin of another woman--who brightens considerably when she notices you. Giselle waves energetically, prompting a curse from the tattoo artist. "Be still!" She grumbles. "You'll ruin the ink."

On the far side of the clearing, a group of men stands clustered around Gaius. All are armed, some armored in harness of twisted rope, sewn bone, or layered hides. The tall man is speaking and gesturing with his spear, but he is too far away for you to catch the words.

[Paladin]

We'll pick up in the new thread.

I havent forgotten that I owe you XP, either. I'll try to comb through the thread and count it all up tonight.
You will certainly level up, since only a few of you are still kicking and active.

[Karaunios]

I actually suggested that we take a look at the interior of the cave, I'm curious about what we may find within this place, but it's fine

[Paladin]

I completely misread that part. Forgive me. I don't mind at all going back, if you'd prefer.

[Karaunios]

Probably it was my fault making it not understandable enough, beniliusbob also interpreted that I suggested going outside.

Let's say we take a look outside to see if there's anyone close to the entrance that might not like us poking our noses where we shouldn't do it... and then we go back inside.

[Modric]

Robern

Follows the crew outside to check out the clearing.

Are there any opportunities to trade or get provisions? Anyone we can speak with about what lies outside the village or what to expect from the temple?

[Paladin]

Okay. We'll say you took a look outside and saw all the people and events I described. Giselle spotted you, but only because she was looking in your direction. You think you could squeeze in a quick look deeper into the cave, if you make it fast. Otherwise, you might have company. Or you can proceed outside.

Apologies again for missing that the first go-round. Our recently sleeping dwarf has dropped from the game, and our other stalwart dwarf has been/will be gone for a bit due to RL things. Just fyi.

[Karaunios]

So, how many of us are active now on this thread?

[Paladin]

Three. Unless I miss my count. With one coming back soon. I've bumped our recruiting thread a few times, but there are no takers. Its frustrating.

But we'll continue as long as you lot care to play. If you get tired of carrying things alone and want to pack it in, that's fine too.

[beniliusbob]

Sorry Paladin, which new thread do you mean?