I thought it be amusing to add the Characters, before I added the story..

In seeing what they look like, I think you will appreciate their caution! The brackets for their attribute was the original roll and how it was raise or lowered is noted.

Shárâ; Cleric of Krimmr 1st lvl; Amazonian.Str: 8, Dex: 8, Con: 9 (11), Int: 9 (11), Wis: 13 (11), Cha: 8. HP: 4; AL: CN.Gender: Female; Age 19; Height: 5' 9"; Weight: 137# (Light).ToS: 2/6; EfoS: 2%, ToD: 2/6; EfoD: 2%, HPA: +0; PA: +0; TS: 75%; ToC: 2/6; EfoC: 4%, Lan: +0; MBS: N/A; MLNS: 50%, WA: +0; CBS: +1; CLNS: 65%, R/LA: -1; MNH: 3; UTA: +0. Saving Throw (SV): 16 (+2 vs Death; +2 vs Sorcery).FA: +1. TA: +1; CA: +1. AC: 15/5 (Studded Leather and large shield; +1 extra vs missiles).Mêlée: 1H Longsword: +1 (1d8-1).Missile: Short Spear: +0 (1d6-1) #Att: 3/2; Range: 15/30/45.Note: 3d6; PaR. Scribe Scroll, Turn Undead, Sorcery.Languages: Hellenic (Amazon Dialect), Common.XP: 0.Spells (2/day): Cure Light wounds: x2*, Bless, Protection From Evil.Gear: Tunic, loincloth, belt, breeks, boots, cloak (fur lined), warm hat, Bandages, Gauze (10-ft. Ball), holy (wooden) symbol of Krimmr, backpack, hard leather pouch, soft leather pouch, torch: x2, winter blanket, Scabbard, Leather (with baldric), prayer book, sacred scroll: x3, 0gp, 2sp, 9cp.
Description: Auburn long hair, hazel eyes, was born on a farm on New Amazonia.

 Bâjûir Mâcc Aodhán; Fighting-Man 1st lvl; Kimmeri-Kelt.Str: 13, Dex: 7 (6), Con: 8, Int: 6, Wis: 10, Cha: 9 (11). HP: 4; AL: CN.Gender: Male; Age 17; Height: 5' 10"; Weight: 215# (Heavy).ToS: 3/6; EfoS: 16%, ToD: 2/6; EfoD: 2%, HPA: +0; PA: +0; TS: 65%; ToC: 2/6; EfoC: 2%, Lan: +0; MBS: N/A; MLNS: N/A, WA: +0; CBS: +0; CLNS: 50%, R/LA: +0; MNH: 4; UTA: +0. Saving Throw (SV): 16 (+2 vs Death; +2 vs Transformation).FA: +1. AC: 14/6 or 15/5 (Studded Leather/Large Shield: +1 vs missiles).Mêlée: 1H Battle Axe: +2 (1d8+2) #Att: 3/2; Mastery.Mêlée: 2H Great Hammer: +2 (2d6+2) #Att: 3/2; Mastery.Missile: Stone (x6): +0 (1+1) #Att: 3/2; Range: 30/60/90.Note: 3d6; PaR. Illiterate, Heroic Fighting (doubles Attack: 3/1).Languages: Hellenic (Kimmerian Dialect), Common.XP: 0.Gear: Tunic, loincloth, belt, trews, boots, cloak, fur hat, Bandages, Gauze (9-ft. Ball), backpack, winter blanket, sinew cord 100 ft., drinking horn (stoppered), fishing hooks: x12, fishing string (100 ft.), tinderbox, torch: x4, 50 ft. hemp rope, iron pry bar, 4gp, 6sp, 9cp.Description: Black hair, blue eyed, heavily built lad, weak beard showing through as stubble. His Father is a Tailor and taught him the skill, and his Mother is a Weaver. Follower of Krimmr beliefs.

 Hálumán; Magician 1st lvl; Kimmerian.Str: 7, Dex: 10, Con: 10 (12), Int: 15 (13), Wis: 8, Cha: 7 (9). HP: 1 (4^); AL: CN.Gender: Male; Age 18; Height: 6' 4"; Weight: 198# (Light).ToS: 2/6; EfoS: 2%, ToD: 2/6; EfoD: 4%, HPA: +0; PA: +0; TS: 75%; ToC: 2/6; EfoC: 4%, Lan: +1; MBS: +2; MLNS: 75%, WA: +0; CBS: N/A; CLNS: N/A, R/LA: +0; MNH: 4; UTA: +0. Saving Throw (SV): 16 (+2 vs Devise; +2 vs Sorcery).FA: +0. CA: +1, AC: 13/7** (Sorcerous Armour/staff +1 in mêlée**).Mêlée: 2H Staff: +0 (1d6-1).Mêlée: 1H Dagger: +0 (1d4-1).Missile: Dart (x4): +0 (1d3-1) #Att: 3/2; Range: 15/30/45.Note: 3d6; PaR. Magician's Familiar, Read Magic, Scribe Scroll, Sorcery.Languages: Hellenic (Kimmerian Dialect), Common, Thracian (Kimmerian Dialect).Spellbook: Sorcerous Armour, Charm Person: x2*^, Magic Missile*, Detect Magic.Familiar: Raven^ (HP:3), AC: 11/9. Called: Hyginos.XP: 0.Gear: Tunic, loincloth, belt, trews, boots, cloak, fur hat, Bandages, Gauze (9-ft. Ball), backpack, winter blanket, tinderbox, candles (beeswax): x4, torch: x3, spell book, ink and quill, parchment: x3, writing stick (charcoal), chalk: x5, brass scrollcase: x2, bottle (glass): x2, hard leather pouch: x2, soft leather pouch, leather dagger sheath, 22gp, 2sp, 0cp.Description: Weathered bronzed skin, black hair, steel grey eyes, and thick, blue-black beard. Trained in the art of navigating by his Father, who was a Navigator on many a sturdy ship. Follower of Krimmr beliefs. 

Bálârón; Legerdemainist (Mountebank) 1st lvl; Common (of Kimmerian-East).Str: 13 (12), Dex: 13, Con: 7 (6), Int: 13 (12), Wis: 4 (8), Cha: 4 (6). HP: 5; AL: CN.Gender: Male; Age 17; Height: 6' -"; Weight: 266# (Heavy).ToS: 3/6; EfoS: 8%, ToD: 3/6; EfoD: 16%, HPA: +0; PA: +0; TS: 65%; ToC: 2/6; EfoC: 2%, Lan: +1; MBS: +1; MLNS: 65%, WA: -1; CBS: N/A; CLNS: N/A, R/LA: -2; MNH: 2; UTA: -1. Saving Throw (SV): 16 (+2 vs Avoidance; +2 vs Sorcery).FA: +1. CA: +1, AC: 15/5 or 12/8 (Studded Leather & Small Shield/ or+1 Agile).Mêlée: 1H Falcata: +1 (1d6+1).Mêlée: 1H Dagger: +1 (1d4+1).Missile: light Crossbow: +2 (1d6+1) #Att: 1/1; Range: 60/120/180.Note: 3d6; PaR. Agile: +1, Backstab, Detect Secret Doors (3/6), Magic Item Use, Read Magic, Scribe Scroll, Sorcery.Languages: Hellenic (Kimmerian Dialect), Common, Thieves Cant, Keltic (Goidelic).Spellbook: Phantasm: x2*.Climb* (Dex) 8:12 Decipher Script (int) 0:12 Discern Noise (wis) 4:12 Hide* (dex) 5:12 Manipulate Traps (dex) 3:12 Move Silently* (dex) 5:12 Open Locks (dex) 3:12 Pick Pockets* (dex) 4:12*-4 if in medium armour or more.XP: 0.Gear: Tunic, loincloth, belt, trews, boots, cloak, fur hat, Bandages, Gauze (10-ft. Ball), backpack, winter blanket, tinderbox, torch: x2, spell book, writing stick (charcoal), chalk: x3, leather scrollcase: x1, hard leather pouch: x1, soft leather pouch: x1, leather bolt case: x1, bolt: x20, leather scabbard (with baldric), leather dagger sheath, 4gp, 1sp, 0cp.Description: Weathered bronzed skin, musclar, black hair, brown eyes. Worked as a labourer, but the work did not suit, plus, the keen intelligence he had, allow him to glean a hidden force within him. Follower of Krimmr beliefs.  

Assiminik; Ranger 1st lvl; Esquimaux (coastal).Str: 13 (12), Dex: 15 (14), Con: 7, Int: 9 (8), Wis: 9 (11), Cha: 5 (9). HP: 1; AL: CN.Gender: Male; Age 18; Height: 6' -"; Weight: 247# (Heavy).ToS: 3/6; EfoS: 16%, ToD: 3/6; EfoD: 16%, HPA: +0; PA: +0; TS: 65%; ToC: 2/6; EfoC: 4%, Lan: +0; MBS: +0; MLNS: 50%, WA: +0; CBS: +0; CLNS: 50%, R/LA: -2; MNH: 2; UTA: -1. Saving Throw (SV): 16 (+2 vs Death; +2 vs Transformation).FA: +1. CA: +0, AC: 15/5 or 16/4 (Leather/small shield, +1 Dex).Mêlée: 1H Flail (footman's): +1 (1d8+1) #Att: 1/1.Missile: Composite Longbow: +3/+4*(1d6+2)#Att: 2/1; Range: 30*/80/160/240.Mastery.Note: 3d6; PaR. Alertness (-1), Ambusher (3/6), Otherworldly Enemies, Track Concealment, Traverse Undergrowth, Wilderness Survival.Discern Noise (wis) 4:12 Hide* (dex) 5:12 Move Silently* (dex) 5:12 Track (Wilderness) (wis) 10:12 Track (Non-Wilderness) (Wis) 6:12*-4 if in medium armour or more.Languages: Esquimaux (Coastal Dialect), Common.XP: 0.Gear: Tunic, loincloth, belt, trews, boots, cloak, fur hat, winter blanket, sinew cord 100 ft., drinking horn (stoppered), quiver: x1, arrow: x12, 3gp, 4sp, 8cp.Description: Black hair, dark narrow-eyed, heavily built lad, weak beard and moustache showing through as stubble. His Father is a docker in his village. Follower of Kthulhu. 

Ploikil Graax; Warlock 1st lvl; Hyperborean.Str: 15 (14), Dex: 7 (6), Con: 7 (9), Int: 13 (12), Wis: 8 (10), Cha: 5 (7). HP: 7; AL: CN.Gender: Male; Age 17; Height: 6' 9"; Weight: 213# (Light).ToS: 3/6; EfoS: 24%, ToD: 2/6; EfoD: 2%, HPA: +0; PA: +0; TS: 65%; ToC: 2/6; EfoC: 2%, Lan: +1; MBS: +1; MLNS: 65%, WA: +0; CBS: N/A; CLNS: N/A, R/LA: -2; MNH: 2; UTA: -1. Saving Throw (SV): 16 (+2 vs Transformation; +2 vs Sorcery).FA: +1. CA: +1, AC: 15/5 or 16/4 missiles (Studded Leather/large shield +1 vs missiles).Mêlée: 1H Longsword: +3 (1d8+2) #Att: 3/2; Mastery.Mêlée: 1H Hand Axe: +2 (1d6+1) #Att: 1/1. Range: +0; 15/30/45.Missile: Shortbow: +0 (1d6) #Att: 3/2; Range: 30/60/90.Note: 3d6; PaR. Magic Item Use, Read Magic, Scribe Scroll, Sorcery.Languages: Hellenic (Hyperborean Dialect), Common, Thracian (Ixian Dialect).XP: 0.Spellbook: Enlargement: x2*.Gear: Tunic, loincloth, belt, trews, boots, cloak, fur hat, Bandages, Gauze (10-ft. Ball), backpack, winter blanket, spell book, drinking horn (stoppered), tinderbox, torch: x2, quiver: x2, arrow: x24, 5gp, 3sp, 7cp.Description: Golden hair, violet eyes, extremely tall and heavily built, shaven face. His Father taught him the skills of fletcher and of being a bowyer. Follower of Aurorus “The Shinning One.”

Last edited by Caveman (9/28/2017 5:47 am)

 The Hyperborean was of average height for his species, six foot; nine inches at last count and he was of a guant and lean built. A youth in his seventh year, his shoulder lengthen golden hair held to his head by a broad bandanna, his pale smooth skin was without a blemish and his bluish-purple eyes dark and keenly observant. He was a Warlock by trade and was from the City-State of Castle Blackmarsh along the eastern coast some three hundred or more miles north-east as the crows fly. The Hyperborean was called Ploikil Graax and his family was noble by caste, they also had holdings in Khromarium, but he had no wish to stay at this place, his reason being that they mostly were concerned with trade and business with far Blackmarsh, he was concerned with other matters.  He had stepped off the Hyperborean merchant ship and disappeared into the crowd with his gear, explaining to the captain that he would take a later ship if needs must back to Blackmarsh. He was clothed in brigandine armour and carried his pack and large shield over his shoulder. At his hip swung a longsword in a shagreen scabbard and also slung was a unstrung shortbow and two quivers of arrows.

 Shárâ saw the three lads of the north standing watching the sea, she was curious by the look of their cloth and that they did not belong to the city. She approaches them cautiously and introduces herself as a Cleric of Krimmr. The three were aghast for in truth their god was not worshipped as such and none of their tribe had priests or shamans in his honour, though it was not unheard of. “So, has Krimmr accepted you as his voice upon this land,” asks Hálumán. “He has granted me power, if that is what you ask and in his name,” replies Shárâ. “Indeed a great honour,” said the Magician, “come join us so we may speak further, this indeed is a great thing, perhaps we were meant to meet and join forces?” The four adventurers move along the old stone pier while Hálumán and Shárâ discuss these strange events, the other two listen with Bálârón wondering if fate was intervening as it was only Hálumán that was interested in the wonders of the world, he was more interest in avoiding being part of it. Later while they sauntering through the harbour they met Assiminik. The Esquimaux had been staring at them as they walk by and Bâjûir could not help but ask.. “Is there something I could assist you with friend?” Assiminik just stares back, then said, “ it is such a fine day, yet I find myself alone; may I join your small group in your meanderings?” Taken aback, then with a roaring laugh, Bâjûir said “for sure, if you wish, come join us in our wanderings!”
The tall Hyperborean Ploikil Graax found them, they in their youth and craving adventure was a good sign to him that he had found the right group of spirited folk to plan their future together. As they talk he suggests a tavern and a place to discuss in private from the busy comings and going of the harbour-life, they quickly agree and found a dock-side tavern called the “Silvery Eel,” and stroll in. The place is empty much to their surprise and quickly they find themselves a seat, for they have much to talk about.

Things were not right in this tavern, ill-kept and in much dishevel...
A brief talk to the barkeep Xill Vuntos seals the deal, and the group quickly rouse to explore the tavern. Talks of rats infesting this building was not such a great job for adventurers but the pay was reasonable, a pearled necklace of great worth and a magical shield that radiates a faint glow of light.

Assiminik questions Xill's remaining daughter, this wife and his other daughter had died because from this infestation, Xill's wife going mad and killing herself at the lost of their youngest daughter who had been tore to death in her room. Xill also mentions a Hyperborean who boosted he knew the reason for this disturbance, he said this half looking at Ploikil and then embarrassingly looked away.
 

Last edited by Caveman (10/02/2017 6:44 am)

Shárâ grips her spear ready to cast, Ploikil and Bâjûir move to the side, so not to be in the way of the barrage of missiles and ready, holding their ground. Hálumán, now not able to see much upstairs, draws forth a long dart and readies to move by the Esquimaux once he has shot his arrows.

The giant rats appear from their hiding place and scurry out in splayed fan-like assault, the adventurers cast, but to their dismay fail to hit even one of the rats. One rat goes for Bâjûir and two for Ploikil, while one goes for Bálârón and the last one at Shárâ. Bâjûir strikes first with his battle axe, and successfully kills this rat. Again Ploikil strike first before one of the rats but misses and growls in his shame. One of the rats darts through the Hyperborean's guard and tears into his flesh, the other one misses, but the Warlock is groaning inside at his folly. Shárâ evades the assault upon her person while Bálârón is wounded again and is wavering on his feet. Assiminik cannot get a good shot at the rats, though the one near Shárâ is more exposed. He must take the chance. The arrow rattles of the flagstones inches from the rat, but the shaft shatters and splinters in twain. Hálumán trudges by the Esquimaux and dropping the dart then reaches Shárâ's side and strikes with his staff at the rat, but in futilely he misses! Bâjûir attempts to assist Ploikil, but misses his attack on one of the rat who returns it's attention back to the tall Ploikil with it's fellow rodent. One of the bites hits and the large Hyperborean roaring in rage, near to collapsing.

Shárâ blocks another set of fangs as she draws her longsword, but misses as Bálârón falls from yet another wound from the rat fighting him. Bâjûir and Ploikil swing wildly missing the scuttling rodents who block their way from reaching the rest of the adventurers. Again Hálumán's staff strikes cobble stones. Assiminik rises, drawing his flail as he moves and attempts to assist Shárâ, his attack is still a miss. Hyginos the raven fearing for his master's life swoops down on the rat that was turning on Hálumán from the fallen Bálârón and pecks at it, drawing blood. Bâjûir curses as yet another one of his attacks misses. Ploikil at last has some respite and both rats miss him and luck be with them as his longsword pierces and kills one of the rats followed by Bâjûir who cut his in twain. The tall Hyperborean stomps to aid the others. Only two rats remain and both Shárâ and Hálumán evade the vile fangs of their small foes.

The Amazonian cuts air above the rats head, she unable to call on her god's aid, least he think she be weak, cursing her lack of skill she hunches down to guard her legs with her shield. Hálumán again gets a lucky hit with the butt of his staff, and kills the wounded rat, his raven had peaked at! Assiminik the Esquimaux swings his flail but strikes only flagstone with spark flying. Bâjûir moves in and attacks the sole remaining rat from the rear, but still manages to miss. The giant rat is in a frenzy and keeps fighting, striking at Shárâ, but misses with a frantic screech. Bâjûir attacks quickly and kills the rat from the back.

Shárâ moves quickly to help Bálârón, casting one of her healing spell available on the fallen Kimmerian. Bálârón sits quickly, but seeing the rest close by he relaxes, “I guess we won?”
“Yes,” hisses Assiminik, “but it was a bad win, we were lucky, Kthulhu smiled upon us this day,” speaking as he retrieves his arrow which was not broken.
“I not sure he was smiling Assiminik,” grunts Bâjûir and starts to help Bálârón to his feet.
“I am grievously wounded, I need to rest to regain my vitality!” growls Ploikil.
"I have one more spell left,” said Shárâ, “but even so we are poorly equip for this venture and should rest to recuperate our powers.” She cast her remaining healing spell on the Hyperborean.
Ploikil stretches, “ah, that feels better!” But something inside him stirs and he felt it, he felt quizzy and a slightly nauseas, a feeling that things were not well.
Hálumán spoke, “let us at least attempt to seal this place and block these holes!”

They could hear the rats scurrying behind the sandstone walls that surrounds the chamber. The Esquimaux kept watch from the stairs as the rest set to work, it was then Assiminik notices the central floor's flagstone with a faint reddy-brown stains covering it in places. He moves to it and gave it a solid stamp with his heel of his boot. “This is hollow!” He points at the flagstone and then returns to his place on the stairs. Bálârón moves close and examines the area, watched by some of the others before they turn quickly and continue blocking the gaps. “Look,” says Shárâ who was using the wood the rats were hidden behind to block a gap. It was gold and silver coins in a small pile, glittering in the lamp light Xill had lowered down as they had entered the cellar. Hyginos squawks as it saw the gold glisten...

“Hmm, at last something for our efforts,” sneers Ploikil as Shárâ counts them.
“Fifty-seven gold coins and hundred and two silver coins,” snorts Shárâ.
“We're rich,” scoffs Assiminik as he scans the room, making sure he could move around to train his composite longbow in any direction.

Last edited by Caveman (7/02/2016 8:55 pm)

They rest in the room of Xill, convincing him to shut shop and with his daughter remain with them this night, though the night would never come as Helios the sun never sunk below the horizon and the day was lit in perpetual light.  As they have succoured the holes at present and barracked themselves in Xill's room, which seems to not have suffered any invasion, they believed that though the rats might try to get in, their efforts will be wasted and any damage done will either be replaced by more scrap wood or a spear tip will be trust into a rat's face through the spaces and it be skewered, so the group relaxed a little and set about their business! Hálumán sat reading through the thick volume that was his spell book, aye thick volume, but only 10 pages of a book, ten times it's size was full of written spells. 'Charm person,' he thought, 'but what good was that against rats. sorcerous armour, he had that already cast on him, and it would remain until dispelled, now the only spell he had left to use was magic missile. 'That would do fine!'

Bâjûir patrols the room every now and then listening at the walls, the scratching was loud, but by judging where the rat would be, he give the wall a thud with his fist, causing the beast to scurry off in fright and leaving a smirking Bâjûir to his patrol.

A few hours later Assiminik returns knocking on the outside door and it was opened by Bâjûir. In strolls the Esquimaux with the tall Kiloplo.
“Your in luck,” growls the Hyperborean, “ I took your messenger to one I knew and we have made a deal.” The tall Man looks out of place amongst the youthful group as he strolls to the sleeping form of Ploikil and knelt beside him. The youthful Hyperborean was sweating and shaking violently, “lads and lasses, will they ever learn,” he near whispers, but a short grin appears on the Hyperborean's face and quickly disappears, becoming stern again. “The deal is this he,” he spoke again returning to the important issue, “the one who offers aid demands any arcane or sorcerous lore that maybe found below in the depth beyond the cellar, with some minor consideration to any who also seek such thing,” he glances at Hálumán who had been about to speak his opinion and discreetly remain silent, listening intently, “but the majority is to go with him. Your friend here has kindly inform us that you have found a secret door, this is true of most of these old places, so you many have found something important. So, I if this deal is acceptable will assist in some small manner as the one I speak of will pay me compensation and you only need to accept his terms to gain his help. As I am to speak on his behalf, I am sworn to offer some aid in the matter and to aid my fellow Hyperborean as soon as we come to an agreement and I will stay with you till this matter is resolved and he whom I speak will know if I not return that the deal is set and we can continue on or way as soon as possible. My ship does not leave for a few days as we are still waiting for more cargo to arrive from inland, so what do you say?”
They could not but agree...
“Good, first,” he knelt beside  Ploikil and rough grabs him by the shoulder, shaking him awake while pulling out a small flask, “drink this Ploikil Graax,” he said, “you will feel better in a short while.”

Assiminik found a corner to sit in and starts unrolling his winter blanket so lie upon. The others watches Kiloplo as he rouse, uncertain of his actions.
“I go and explain to my Captain of my absence, he knows me and has no fears of me not returning. And of returning, I go to a better tavern, I will return at morn, I will be watching.” With that he stomps out the room and was gone.
When he left, those awake crowd around the Esquimaux.
“What happened,” asks Hálumán, a question that the others were desperate to ask!
Assiminik stare into no-where, his dark eyes wide, stern and fearful, “we travelled north into the north-side of the city where those twisted towers still stretch high into the sky,” he pauses discerning the right words to say, “thankful we did not walk far into that place, though we passed may living on the streets in tents and make-shift shacks.” The rest silently urges him to speak... “We entered the gates of one of these towers, I was for going back, but Kiloplo just laughed and walked on, I just followed through those dark halls. We enter a great hall reaching upward, near roofless, though I could eventually see far above me, I could also see a great winding staircase rising upward around me, broader that a merchantman's ship in width. Kiloplo called out and his voice echoed through the darkness. I looked around me and I swear I saw many dæmons staring at me from out of the shadows.”
They sat silent, each unsure who to speak first, it was Assiminik that spoke first, “ a voice came echoing back down the tower, bidding us to ascend the stairs, we did and after climbing for what seem forever we arrived at a balcony that held a great black stone door of such a smooth surface, it almost looked like water. Runes I could see on it and around it, some fading and reappearing upon it surface. The Esquimaux shut his eyes tightly, “Kthulhu save us,” he hisses and he continues his story, “the door was slightly ajar and we went in, a place of smoke and lights, glass jars of various different things I could not possible describe or want to. I kept my eyes fixed on Kiloplo and then on another, it was another Hyperborean, but this one was ancient and had a long white beard, it is him that Kiloplo bargained with, though I did not know what they said to one another and they treated me as a dog that was underfoot. “that is that,” hisses Assiminik in contempt, “we have their help and they have saved Ploikil with their cure. I believe Kiloplo carries more on his person, but how many I do not know; I need to sleep!” The Esquimaux settles down and the others slowly step away from him to give him peace.
“Troubling news indeed,” whispers Hálumán... Shárâ nods and Bâjûir slightly grunts, he and Bálârón had been bite by these beasts and had seemingly survived, but he was not sure. “Let tomorrow morn show us what we need to know,” he spoke softly, much to the surprise of the other two.
 

Last edited by Caveman (7/02/2016 9:10 pm)

 The Temple of Aurorus “The Shining One!”

A spiral staircase was revealed, covered in old dusty cobwebs and descended into the darkness below. They stare into the entranceway for awhile, then Bâjûir takes one of the torches and proceeds downwards followed by Ploikil and then Kiloplo... Assiminik follows, an arrow ready, then Shárâ spear in hand, Hálumán and his raven, then Bálârón holding his slung bolted crossbow and another torch, wondering why he did not go first. The stairs twist and spiral down for fifty feet, Bâjûir burning away the cobwebs as he went... They enter into a dark chamber through an archway. Before them, across about twenty feet of paved floor was another set of stairs going downwards. They had arrived in the centre of a large chamber, with four pillars supporting the forty foot high ceiling that the light of their torches did not touch and the chamber's walls dimly illuminated as they slowly circled the central stairwell... “Aurorus 'The Shinning one',” part whispers Ploikil to himself, this was a temple to his god and it was in a pitiful state! “Beware,” hisses Kiloplo. The floor was covered in excrement, obviously from the giant rats.. “They go this way,” retorted Assiminik to Kiloplo warning, pointing towards the set of stairs leading downwards where even more excrement was abundant, a feeling of revulsion at the stench wafting from the dark depths caused Assiminik to step back. On a dais on the opposite side of the chamber to the stairs, Ploikil stare blankly at a twelve foot tall statue of Aurorus carved of greenstone, it's head, that of a three-faced Woman. The dais looked remarkable clean and untouched apart from a thick layer of dust. In the south-west and south-east section of this hundred foot square chamber, dozens of crates not fitting of these surrounding lay strewn. “Careful Ploikil, lets move as a group,” hisses Kiloplo, “no drifting off, lets explore this place one corner at a time.” The group bunch together and slowly move into the south-east corner! Scones are seen riveted into the walls, and Bâjûir places his torch into one of them, Bálârón finds one attached to the stairwell wall, lighting the south-east part of the chamber in bright yellow light sending eerie flicking pattern across the walls. Boxes, crates and casks which Kiloplo recognised as containers for wine from the port of Greely, he gave a brief thought for the place that had become isolate of the last few years.

The group have experience enough to know that the rats could be hiding in the area and tap the boxes to irradiate the creatures which bust forth with frustrated screeches. There are four giant rats which scurry around the feet of the warriors closest to their hidden lair. The adventurers react quickly and flay around them in fervour, but seem to hit fresh air more than the spitting rodents. Bálârón shoots his crossbow with deadly precision and one rat is  hurled against a crate and pinned to what was left of the rotten wooden panelling. Hálumán held himself back, scanning the chamber as Shárâ rushes in and stabs with her spear, thrusting it through the chest of a rearing rat, she hisses through her teeth at her first kill in ferocious joy. Assiminik cannot get a shot at the rats and not willing to shoot an arrow into a crowded fight and as the din of battle echoes through the hall, the cautious Esquimaux scans the temple for more danger. The giant rats fight back though only two remained, but their attacks are in vain as both miss, giving the adventurers time to exhale in some slight contentment that they had not been bitten again. Bâjûir and Kiloplo having evaded the rats attack manoeuvre to swarm the foe, surrounding them, their unrestrained roars joining the rats screeches in echoing through the high-ceiling temple, even Kiloplo joined in the barrage of howls and curses.  Bâjûir attacks and slices through one of the rat, then with a quick sidestep cuts the head of the remaining rat! Bálârón quickly loads his light crossbow as the group waits tense and ready. Ploikil hissed, “listen.” In the quiet eerie darkness of the temple of Aurorus 'The Shinning one', from the other side of the chamber came the sound of scurrying feet. The rats cautiously approach, but eventually they burst from the darkness into the light of their torches. Hálumán casts at magic missile at the first to enter his vision and kill one of the rats Instantly. Assiminik looses his arrow and impales another rodent, who screeches to a halt. Bálârón shots his crossbow, but misses, his bolt ricochets off the stone slab inches from the rat and disappears into the dark. Shárâ lobs her spear, but it only scathed and creature keeps coming. Bâjûir, Ploikil and Kiloplo step forward in front of the missile-users and wait as the remaining four rats keep coming, but the warrior hack upon them. Ploikil slashing downward, kills one... Kiloplo instant kill another, his battle axe making a mess of the rat. The rats hesitate and decide to flee, but not quick enough. Bâjûir attack kills as does Kiloplo's. Silence reins again as the adventurers wait patiently in the torchlight!

They saw a bookshelves with leather bound prayer books and a cedar box upon it.

“There maybe more secret doors,” encouraged Hálumán...

“Aye,” said Assiminik, “true, we seemed to have found a room fit for our sponsor, but what is in that box?”
Bálârón moves closer to the bookshelves, but before he got there, the curtains threw apart and out stepped tall shrouded shapes, donned in helms with red horsehair plumaged flowing. Their weapon were long rusted halberds, though one on the weapons looked remarkable clean and well presented. But, even with this, it was not just the surprise of their appearance, it was that no flesh or muscles hung from their bones, the moving Humanoid shapes were nothing more than skeletons; moving to attack the adventurers a evil red glint glowing in their eye sockets. Bálârón is at the far end of the small room surrounded and trapped! “Beware,” shout Assiminik, starling the group for out of their shocked trance!
Shárâ just in front or the door to the room raises her spear and calls on the power of Krimmr and screams “begone foul creatures!” But, her evocation does nothing but to turn the heads of the closest to her position!
Hálumán standing at the door casts his magic missile at the closet skeleton, but the damage is minimum. Assiminik drops his bow and pulls out his footman's flail and swings at the one hit by the Magician's spell; but the swing misses and goes wide.
Bâjûir roaring his rage and drops his battle axe and shield pulling forth his great hammer and rushes forward to aid Bálârón; he hits the back of a skeleton warrior; his mighty hit shatters the skeleton and it crumbles to the floor with a rattle.
Skeleton turn and strikes first at Ploikil who approaches it, but misses the tall Hyperborean. So, he attacks back, at the damaged skeleton using his longsword; it was a mighty hack and again another skeleton came crashing to the floor.

Bálârón at present surrounded goes into a full guarded stance and he lets go of his crossbow which is carefully tied around his shoulders by twine and does not drop to the floor and draws his falcata, he retreats into the corner attempting to at least put distance between him and the two skeletons on the far side of room.
Kiloplo stomps to the right side, he knew he fights the skeletons of his own People, but he knows they are unknown of his origins and he feels no remorse destroying them! But the Skeleton gets to strike first at Kiloplo, the halberd blade cutting deep through his armour into flesh, a brutal wound! Kiloplo roars as he attacks back and near fumbles his attack, luckily remain on balance “by the gods,” he screams. Three Skeletons remain one attacking Bálârón, and another attacking Bâjûir; the other was still pulling his halberd free of Kiloplo armour.. The both Skeleton miss the fortunate adventurers, but the battle is not finished yet and they knew it. Bâjûir attack his foe, but frantically miss, his desperate need to save his friends life etched into his face! Ploikil moves closer to attack range as Shárâ holding by the door stunned at her own failure. Assiminik; considers he has done his bit in this fight and retrieves his bow...
But again Bâjûir misses his attack! But swings again instantly destroying the animation.
Kiloplo attacks and hits also, his battle axe in two hands and smashes the skeleton to the floor. Ploikil moves attacking the rear of the remaining Skeleton, but misses.
Bálârón tries a back hand attack with his shield, but the forces is weak and the Mountebank grits his teeth and waits.
Assiminik seeing the trouble rushes in; so the skeleton's skull is shattered by the Esquimaux's footman's flail and the skeleton comes crumble to the ground at the feet or a relieved Bálârón, the red light fading for the remains of the skull's sockets!
“My thanks Assiminik!” Said Bálârón.
“Such is the will of the Great Kthulhu,” retorts Assiminik and he stares at the floor and turns and walks away, retrieving his bow again.
“Looks safe?” questions Bálârón of Bâjûir.
“Looked safe at the time,” grinned his friend...

They approached the door, one like the other which would swivel on a central pivot; inside they could see a rusted iron cage hanging from the centre of the chamber from the twelve foot high ceiling, the cage itself had no sign of a door on any part of it's construction, but within the cage there was a skeleton, the group stiffen, they had enough experiences of skeletons this day to fear what may occur.

For a few heartbeats later nothing had happen and the adventurers in the torch light could
begin to discern the features of the tall skeleton, perhaps it was ten feet tall with ram-like horns on each side of it's skull, and the bone structure of it's back defined what should have held wings. It's fists still gripped the bars of the cage and died many, many years ago...
Beyond, was a pentagram etched into the floor, and within the circle lies a well kept silver knife...
They slowly more around the cage on each side of it in a dazed trance, carefully attempting to avoid it and stealthy more by it unheard...
The silver knife was tempting, each knew it was of worth, yet feared to reach out and take it, even Bâjûir held back, fighting monsters was one thing, strange magic was another.
“This is an unholy place,” hissed Shárâ, “I wish I could sanctify it!”
Ploikil was unsure, “this is a place of the goddess Aurorus, show some concern for her worth,” and with that he stepped into the pentagram and pick up the silver knife.
“Fools! How dare you destroy my host? No matter, my new host will prove even more powerful! I will be free!” Screamed a voice from the skeleton.
"Krimmr!" Hissed Bâjûir....
The group turn in horror, they saw no movement from the skeleton yet needed no prompting as they rushed for the door...
"Get out and seal this dæmon within...!” Cries Kiloplo.
They bundled out of the entranceway and turned pulling the heavy door shut...
"What did it mean, a new host?" Gasped Hálumán. 
“Curses,” hissed Bâjûir again, “what kind of horror was that?”
“No time, take what you can and flee,” urged Kiloplo, “I will explain matters to him that I speak for, go!”
Assiminik scoops up his idol of Kthulhu and the halberd is carried by Bálârón, they quickly make haste to the stairs and travel up their twisting constructs...

They reach the cellar and lower the door over the stairway, replacing the slab in hope it was enough...
Kiloplo paused, “it is not our domain or within our power to dabble in such things,” he turned and strolled to the stairs to the kitchen, “I will advise he whom I speak for and return with advice, farewell for the now!”
With the Hyperborean gone, the youthful group felt depleted, the Warlock was of great power and they had so little left...

“Let us retreat upstairs, we shall explain to Xill there is still a few matters to deal with,” said Hálumán.

They trekked downstairs to watch a dark carriage pulled by two sturdy black horses come around the corner from the main road on the opposite side of the tavern from the docks.

Twenty rugged swordsmen in mail and donned helms from many nations stood ready, shields on arm and swords in scabbards at their hips.
Kiloplo moved to the back door to the kitchen, ordering half the troops inside and telling them to enter the cellar.
Torches were proved and as the carriage arrived and stopped, it's door was swung open with a slam and out stepped a tall Man in black robes and boots, his cowl flung forward so that his face was in darkness, only a thick white long beard was shown hanging down his chest.
Kiloplo lead the robed Man into the kitchen and down the stairs into the cellar, followed by the adventurers. The flagstone was removed again and the trapdoor open.
Then Bâjûir and Bálârón were indicated to go down first to give the mercenaries some encouragement, which they did and lead the way with torches.
At the bottom the two started setting the torches in scones and lighting more.

“Splay out and guard the area,” ordered Kiloplo of the mercenaries, which they did without question, though they looked a little hesitant.
Being back in the temple generate the eerie feeling the adventurers had before and the dark shadows seem to come alive again; a possessing dæmon spirit inhabited this temple and was near.
They give the Dark Magician time to concentrate as the mercenaries stare around them in amazement, tavern and city wall were more their environment.
The Dark Magician recites an incantation, then indicated that he required the door to be opened, Bálârón locates the hidden mechanism, much like the other door he had found and opened the door, then quickly steps out the way. The cowled Man slowly walks forth into the chamber alone!
The high pitch screech of the enraged voice pierced the ears of those who could hear outside, then instantly the door swivel shut with a slam. The mercenaries and the adventurers gripped there weapons tightly looking around them...
“At ease dogs,” shouted Kiloplo, “it is as it should be, do yer job and ye'll be paid!”
Minutes, pasted, then into hours, the sweat pored from under helmet and fingers fidgeted in leather bond hilts.
Hálumán returned to the other chamber giving Kiloplo a look and who nodded back..., there he spends some time examining the books, though he did find nothing of great interest to him, the language was incomprehensible to him. He later returned to the temple, content he could do no more.
Assiminik was a Ranger, he could sit for hour unmoving, but he did prefer the outdoors to rancid dungeons.
Shárâ approached Kiloplo, “if you may, I could attempt to heal you wound now, she inquired, “ it might not be a great job, but it will improve it!”
Kiloplo looked at her sternly, then nodded. Shárâ concentrates and a faint humming chant came to her lips as she touch the Hyperborean chest, some of his wound was healed, though is was not a great amount!
“Good enough,” he said gruffly.

Eventually, Bálârón, Bâjûir and Assiminik become curious and set to return down into the depths of the dungeon area; they had refused to go further once the dæmon rat had been killed, but it just seemed they had killed the dæmon's host and there was no more danger from them.
The dungeon was in the same mess as before though the web had disappeared as if had never been there, the rupture body of the bloated rat lay as it had, it litter lifeless as they hung from her carcass.
The stench was repulsive, and they covered their noses as the moved around it, then at the end of the corridor was an alcove and in it the nest of the dæmon rat.
As they had suspected as they riffled through the debris with caution that like above the rats had enjoy the shin of anything that glittered, they found coins, gold electrum and silver, a pearl ring, a gold chain and a silver chained periapt with a set aquamarine opal in it.
The three adventurers gave each other a grin and returned back up the stairs cautiously avoiding the mess.
“I going to need a new pair of boots after this delve,” grimly spoke Assiminik.
The other two look at him and grinned.

Hálumán was there watching the three appear from the lower cells and pondered himself, there was other rich down below that they could possible not know of and he himself carefully went down the steps...

A Time to Relax:

A day passed and Kiloplo did return, they sat in the tavern main drinking watered ale. They now use the lower floor to doss in as the tavern was still quiet and free of any patrons. Kiloplo nodded at them and asked for a short moment so he could speak with Xill who he lead into kitchen for a private word with him and his daughter.
The Hyperborean joined them later at their table and began explaining to them the extent of their items, some were magical and some were not.
The pearl necklace was just that a pearl necklace, containing no magical properties, nor was the pearl ring.
The periapt however was a great and powerful item and should be treated with regard, “A Periapt of Health,” said the Hyperborean, “this will grant the owner of such an item immunity to diseases, magical or otherwise, but first it must be placed around one's neck!”
“The shield grants a slight enhancement to protection,” he explains, “plus the obvious faint light, there seems to be no way to turn it off though.”
The weapons are magical precision weapons, enhancing both attack and damage by a small amount,” he continued, “and a silver blade is useful again lycanthropes,” he smiled.
“Oh, and one more thing,” he said, “give Hálumán a few more days. Magicians once they get to talking?”
“Still cannot maligner here,” he said rising from the bench, “my Captain will be missing me and we should be setting sail in a couple of days and I as 1st mate, I believe I should be close to the ship before it's departing!”
He stared at them sternly, “I probably not see most of you again and such is life, but remember this, do not give the enemy a second chance for they will not give it to you!” He grunts, then turned and stomps out the tavern.
They sat pondering the day as Xill came in the tavern main from the kitchen and crossed to
their table. He looked part relieved, part concerned.
“I have been paid by that darked robed fellow to vacate these premises,” he said hesitantly, “he has paid me three times what I bought the place for and I suppose there is a lot of bad memories for me here in this place and I have family in the east-end of the city.
They grunt approvingly at him and got him to join them at their table...
“It is for the best Xill,” said Bâjûir, “this place is cursed and even though it has been made safe, there is no need to take any more risks!”
“Yes I sure you right, and it will be best for my daughter!”
“Indeed!”
 

A great read; thanks for the write-up - will have to continue reading this tomorrow :]

Last edited by seb (11/11/2015 5:20 am)