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Post by greentongue on Jul 11, 2016 18:03:34 GMT -6
The servants, porters, and Lord Seer Epengar followed Kumahl down the stairs to the bottom platform. Carefully avoiding the marked stair-step they bunched up at the water's edge.
Across the darkness, the light from the single lantern reflected from many sets of eyes. They were 50 to 60 feet away at a couple of openings to the northeast on the other side of the cavern. The landing jutted into the water but didn't reach the walkway or several irregular platforms that rose to the water's surface. The walkway was about ten feet away and the platforms between the walkway and the hallway opening were about five feet apart.
The sibilant whispering of Qol could be heard from the direction of the glinting eyes. The walkway extended unbroken to the side of the chamber where the Qol lurked. It entered the chamber wall in a ten foot wide opening. The second opening to the right was five foot wide and at the water's edge.
Directly ahead to the east was another wide opening that went direct to the south as far as could be determined. It did not connect to the walkway and there was about a ten foot water gap to reach it. There were no eyes there or if there were, they were hidden from the light.
To the north was another ten foot wide opening with a tan tiled floor but no eyes.
At the bottom of the stairs, the second lantern cast shadows from the crowd onto the chamber's walls and high ceiling.
At the top of the stairs, with Huruyan, the remaining lantern lit the way down.
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Post by greentongue on Jul 22, 2016 16:24:36 GMT -6
Kumahl "Lord Seer, keep your eyes on the Qol but do not threaten them. We do not have the forces to combat two different attacks."
"Brother, veil the lanterns and uncover them once we know we have secured a few Hlyss at the bottom."
Kumahl grabs some rope from the porters about 6 feet worth and cuts the section off. Taking his empty water skins, he fills them half full and ties them off. Securing the rope ends to two separate waterskins, Kumahl makes a crude attempt at larger bolas. He should have enough waterskins to make three such devices.
Kumahl places himself near the ramp in front of Lord Seer and the non-combatants.
Huruyan With the others safely down, Huruyan quickly joins them. "Kumahl, we need to get the non combatants across the water to one of the openings. I would suggest one with no apparent Qol lurking nearby. Then we set up and wait for the Hylss to come. Is there a spare mace I could use?" this last to the other fighters.
--- Everyone waited in the dark for an extended time. The nervous whispers of the servants and porters got more numerous as time went on.
Huruyan clutched the mace passed to him by one of the Lord Captain's men and even after his eyes adjusted to the dimness, saw nothing but the light from the afternoon sun up the stairs.
Behind them the Qol hisses had diminished and an occasional series of running footsteps could be heard. Sometimes the sound was of someone arriving with an accompanied increase in whispers. Other times it was the sound of someone running away that echoed across the chamber.
Kumahl had all three of his ad-hoc bolos completed and ready at hand as time went by.
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Post by greentongue on Jul 22, 2016 16:25:39 GMT -6
Lord Seer Epengar "What will we do if they don't come in after us?"
"Can we find the dowry and make a run for the Sakbe road in the night?"
"Do you think they will be guarding the outside?"
Kumahl "Lord Seer, have you anyway to track the dowry?"
Taking a length of rope from their supplies, he hands one end to the porters. "Hold onto this. When you have ten feet left," he makes a secure knot at the ten foot mark, "Yank hard on the line until you feel an even harder yank come back."
Kumahl then rumages for a bowl or a small shield amongst the gear and straps it to the backside of one of the covered lanterns. He then secures the rope around his waist and chest. Removing the cover from his lantern, he looks to the porters, "If the line ever goes slack, starting pulling in the line with all your might."
"Brother watch by the water's edge, I will find us a way out."
Huruyan "Good hunting, Kumahl."
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Post by greentongue on Jul 22, 2016 16:28:04 GMT -6
Lord Seer Epengar "Unfortunately I do not have a way to directly locate the dowry." "Our clan has such a person and that is how we were able to get this close but, they were not sent with us as we had soldiers skilled in tracking."
"It was assumed that the recovery would not be a problem for the force that we brought with us." "Clearly that has not been the case."
Kumahl "Lord Seer, put those thoughts aside. Focus on survival first and once we have sufficient details, we will make new plans."
Kumahl carefully follows the southern wall through the deep water and out. Being cautious of movement in the water and checking his footing with the but end of his fishing staff.
OOC: going roughly 30 feet and staying as south as possible.
Huruyan Huruyan checked the main stairs (looking up from the bottom) to make sure that they were clear, the trip stair was once again not marked in any way and that the Hylss were not visible.
--- Kumahl waded through the cold neck deep water until he reached the raised walkway, a couple of inches above the water, and clambered out. A loud hiss was heard above the usual whispers from the direction of the Qol as he pulled himself out. Private to Kumahl: The loud hiss was in the language of the Priests of Ksarul and meant, "Alert the Elders!"
Huruyan confirmed that the trip stair was not marked in any way he could tell and that the Hylss were still not visible against the light of the setting sun shining into the entrance above.
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Post by greentongue on Jul 22, 2016 16:30:16 GMT -6
Huruyan Having confirmed that the Hylss were not in sight, Huruyan assigned 2 fighters for 1st watch on the stairs and another 2 for 1st watch of the eyes across the way. He then went back to watch Kumahl.
Kumahl "The Qol have just signaled for their Elders. Be on alert."
Kumahl continues until he feels the tug on the rope.
--- Soon Kumalh had reached the end of his rope and the edge of the second pool of water. The walkway that separated the pools was smooth and well worn with what looked like a trail curving towards the entrance the party had entered. The other end led to the northeast cavern opening, where the shapes of may Qol could be seen from Kumalh's lantern. Most were well armed and heavily armored with several clearly having bows at the ready. Private to Kumahl: Your map has been updated to show more of the southern opening.
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Post by greentongue on Jul 22, 2016 16:32:32 GMT -6
Kumahl Private to GM: From as far as the tether will stretch south, Kumahl speaks to the Qol "The Hlyss wait above. I come seeking a treasure recently found and another exit from these ruins."
"Huruyan, Lord Seer the Qol are to the northeast. Armored and with bows and other weapons. I am asking them some questions. Be patient."
--- Those waiting near the entrance heard hissing speech between Kumahl and the waiting Qol.
"در جستجوی گنج aussi یکی که قبل از صحبت بود. وعده داده شده برای حذف صدای خش خش از آستان ما که آدم. چرا شما کمک کنیم؟"
Private to Kumahl: Seeking a treasure also was the one that spoke before. Promised to remove the Hlyss from our doorstep that one did. Help you why would we? The hissing is in a deeper tone than what was heard before.
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Post by greentongue on Jul 22, 2016 16:34:34 GMT -6
Kumahl Private to GM: If there be another way out, I would like to use it. I have no knowledge of what went on before I came here and I make no promises. Let us safely past and we will leave your home alone.
"Lord Seer, did you make promises to the Qol? About dealing with the Hlyss threat?"
Lord Seer Epengar "I didn't specifically promise them anything but, did say if they brought the dowry we would help them with the Hylss."
"Since they did not bring forth the dowry, we are under no obligation to them."
--- Everyone hears Kumahl hissing back at the Qol and their response. Private to Kumahl: "The north passage all you seek and more it will lead to."
None were more surprised than the Lord Seer who listened intently.
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Post by greentongue on Jul 22, 2016 16:36:07 GMT -6
Huruyan "Lord Seer, do you know what they are saying?" Huruyan asks quietly.
Lord Seer Epengar "Yes" with a quick glance at Huruyan. "They say we will want to go north from here."
Huruyan "What do you think, can they be trusted?"
Lord Seer Epengar "Trusted?" "They have their own agenda and as long as we don't cross them, they can be trusted."
"I think keeping just the Hylss as enemies and not adding us is in their best interest." "If we threaten them, that may change."
"They have learned much from my Lord Ksarul and can be quite dangerous if provoked."
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Post by greentongue on Jul 22, 2016 16:38:38 GMT -6
Kumahl Coming back to the group, Kumahl looks at Lord Seer and Huruyan, "I can explore to the north and find us safe passage ahead. Crossing the deep water is probably the only concern at this moment. Or maybe we rest here and then move on later."
Huruyan "I think getting into the north tunnel and having some water between us and the Hylss would be best. If we do then we can post guards and get some rest, with some degree of safety."
Kumahl Kumahl nods to his brother, "I will scout a safe path and then motion for the rest of you to come across single file, porters and servants first. Lord Seer, warriors and Huruyan to secure the rear."
Private to GM: Kumahl says to the Hlyss, "We shall leave you within a day or so. We need rest first."
Huruyan Huruyan waves one of the fighters over and tells him to follow Kumahl and act as a guard for both him and the following porters and bearers. Then he organizes the porters as they will have to pass the various baskets across the small channels of water with a couple of them actually in the water. He assigns their own porters the task of being in the water as he is sure they are not unused to being in water.
--- With occasional hisses in the dark from the Qol, the extensive group made there way into the open corridor with the tan tiled floor.
Huruyan and Kumahl herded Lord Seer Epengar, the three remaining Emerald Fisher guardsmen, the four Emerald Fisher porters, the eight remaining Blazoned Crescent soldiers, and the twenty two Blazoned Crescent servants, bearers and porters across the cavern and into the corridor.
While the ten foot wide corridor went straight north for a hundred and twenty five feet then turned east, a ten foot wide side passage opened on the right side after only fifteen feet.
That side passage extended twenty feet before it turned north again and continued ninety feet to join back up where the first had turned east.
It was dim at that distance but it looked like the joined passages headed off eastward towards parts unknown.
Seventy five feet down the first corridor was a five foot wide door on the west. At forty five feet and sixty feet along the parallel corridor two five foot wide doors were on the east side.
Private to Huruyan; Kumahl: Of the two passages, the right side one looks the most traveled but even it doesn't look frequently used.
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Post by greentongue on Jul 22, 2016 16:40:18 GMT -6
Lord Seer Epengar Spotting the door ahead on the left and moving towards it, "I think we should investigate what is behind that door."
"I've never seen decorations like on these walls." "This place must be very old." "There may be secrets of the ancients remaining down here."
"This may even date all the way back to Engsvan hla Ganga, "the Kingdom of the Gods," he said with obvious awe in his voice.
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Post by greentongue on Jul 29, 2016 15:20:43 GMT -6
Kumahl "Taking time to rest and in shifts is important. Find room for everyone. Our safety depends on everyone doing their part, including servants and porters. Huruyan, will you get this organized while I attend to Lord Seer?"
Kumahl finds Lord Seer and joins him in studying the reliefs, glyphs, markings, and writings. "Lord Seer, what do you make of this?"
[Private to GM: What does Kumahl make of the writings and markings?]
Huruyan Huruyan assigns 4 soldiers to watch behind them and takes the other 4 ahead to look into the door on the left. He posts the 3 guardsmen just past the door on the left and tells all the servants, porters and bearers to stay in the corridor between the guards and soldiers. He asks Lord Seer and Kumahl to remain in this area for now as well.
--- Lord Seer and Kumahl examine the images on the walls as Lord Seer heads for the door ahead.
[Private to Kumahl: There are many sets of pictures where a Lord is hunting, feasting, gaming, meeting, studying, praying and other activities while his wife is left alone in drab settings with few attendants. From what you can tell she is a faithful follower of Ksural and has some skills that are uncommon.]
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Post by greentongue on Jul 29, 2016 15:22:27 GMT -6
Huruyan As Lord Seer and Kumahl approach the door Huruyan asks if they think it is wise to open it. Then Huruyan looks at the door trying to determine whether it has been opened recently.
--- Everyone can see, when light is brought near, that the door on the left side of the first corridor is of an unknown grey material and completely sealed.
Not only is there a thick beam of wood across the doorway but official tatters of ribbons and wax like blobs with embossed symbols remain stuck to the beam and door's edges.
The symbols look both political and religious with a majority of an age discolored white mixed with other primary colors.
Symbols of Hnalla, Thumis, Ketengku, Belkanu, Qon and even Avanthe can be recognized though they are very old versions.
Lord Seer Epengar "Think what we could learn from whatever is sealed in here," Lord Seer said mostly to himself.
"Help me open it!" he added with excitement in his voice.
Kumahl "I share your curiosity but not your enthusiasm. We have neither tools nor the man power to secure what is in the chamber beyond. Sacrificing others lives may be your thing, but here and now, I say we leave it and come back later."
Kumahl makes some mental notes, especially about the seals and ribbons.
Nodding to Huruyan, "Post guards at this door and make sure it does not get disturbed.;
Following the edge of the torch light, Kumahl heads north till he reaches the T-junction and looks off to the east. Checking for signs of passage, detecting quality of air, additional light, and any other details that may give a clue to this place.
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Post by greentongue on Jul 29, 2016 15:31:41 GMT -6
Huruyan Huruyan tells the various servants and guards that this is a good place to rest for the night, and to get some food and rest. The two groups of 4 guards each he reduces to 2 each and assigns the others to a later watch, with instructions to eat and rest until then. "Kumahl, we all need some food and rest. I suggest that you continue exploring after some sleep." Then quietly to Kumahl, "if you don't need it yourself I really could use a healing spell."
Kumahl "I guess the adrenaline is pushing me and unfamiliar territory is calling to me." Stopping well inside the lamplight, Kumahl turns and looks at Huruyan closely. Getting his waterskins, Kumahl cleans what he can, then bandages what needs it, and then calls on Thumis as he prepares to heal Huruyan.
Kumahl will then attend to the Emerald Fisher men first, then the Blazoned Crescent after. If there is need for more healing than what he can provide, he will ask Lord Seer to lend a spell or two where he can. With wounds and sprains and strains taken care of, Kumahl along with Huruyan and Lord Seer, will check to make sure everyone is fed and has had plenty of water.
Making a note, to refill waterskins before leaving, Kumahl returns to studying the hallways. Kumahl goes to a spot just past the edge of the lamplight and stands perfectly still. Now he listens and smells and looks for other signs and sounds.
Kumahl will get some rest on the second shift and will stand watch on the first.
Huruyan "My Lord Seer, I can see that these inscriptions are very exciting to you, however with the loss of the captain it is up to you to see to the care of your people. This door has waited many years it will wait another night."
--- Kumahl's prayer to Thumis on Huruyan's behalf for Cure Light Wounds had a noticeable effect. 18:07, Today: GM, on behalf of Kumahl, rolled 3 using 1d6 ((3)).
Guardsman Lazhato was grievously injured but the bandages helped avoid more bleeding and the chance of infection.
The Blazoned Crescent soldiers appreciated the attention from Kumahl and gave indications that he was respected for his knowledge.
Everyone rested the best they could and though food was short, the nearby water was a welcome relief.
Time passed and all were able to get some sleep and nothing but the complaining about having to sleep on the cold stone like slaves or prisoners disturbed them. There was just enough oil left to keep the lanterns lit when turned low.
Luckily the Emerald Fisher bearers had kept their over stuffed baskets and some supplies remained.
[Private to Kumahl: Kumahl could see a little to the east once his eyes had adjusted to the darkness. There was the smell of age old dust and a faint whiff of unfamiliar chemicals. The noise from so many people so close masked any small sounds that might have emanated from anywhere else.]
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Post by greentongue on Jul 29, 2016 15:35:15 GMT -6
Lord Seer Epengar "Craftsman Kumahl you must share my interest in what lies beyond that seal." "Your Holy Thumis is no less a collector of knowledge than my Divine Ksarul."
"Hunter Huruyan, what you say is true." "Now that we know it is here, we can investigate under the best conditions and not in a haphazard rush."
Kumahl "Lord Seer, there is more here than just this," pointing to the sealed door, "We have no assured way out. Be reasonable and let us come back another time, better equipped, better manned, and better prepared."
Lord Seer Epengar "Yes Craftsman Kumahl, that does sound wise."
"I would very much like to be the one that brings new knowledge of the ancients to my temple."
"You are right again that getting back will be enough of a challenge for now."
"I will be very upset if the Hlyss have destroyed my palanquin."
Huruyan "Well, Kumahl, Lord Seer, do you think we should forge ahead into the unknown or should we try to get out of here by going back?"
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Post by greentongue on Aug 4, 2016 16:34:30 GMT -6
Huruyan "I think after a good nights rest that we should at least check carefully to see if the Hylss have left."
Kumahl Kumahl nods in agreement with Huruyan. "Take yourself and the remaining Emerald Fisher warriors and scout the ramp and our only known exit out."
--- Taking one of the lanterns Huruyan and the three remaining Emerald Fisher guardsmen returned cautiously to the entrance.
The Qol were still on guard against any intruders it seemed as there were shuffling noises as the group made its way to the stairs.
[Private to Huruyan: Huruyan saw the fire in the burned areas had all gone out after spreading only a little ways.
Nobody saw any obvious signs that the Hlyss remained in the area. A few more supplies left undamaged by the fire and some more in the tent, could be found in the light of the new day.]
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Post by greentongue on Aug 4, 2016 16:35:38 GMT -6
Huruyan Huruyan tells the guards to remain at the entrance while he does a little more checking of the area. He doesn't go far but tries to see if there is evidence that they left, tracks etc.
--- Huruyan did a quick search of the area while the guardsmen glance around nervously. They startle at every animal sound.
[Private to Huruyan: Huruyan noticed a separate trail in and out of the back of tent. The majority of the tracks head back in the north west where the Hlyss had appeared from initially.]
Huruyan Huruyan heads back into the ruins and down to where the others are, taking the guards with him. He reports to Kumahl and Lord Seer that it appears that the Hylss have left, and that there are some more things left in the tent area.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 4, 2016 16:37:43 GMT -6
Kumahl "Lord Seer, the dowry and discoveries here can wait for our return. The time to go is now."
Motioning for the porters and servants to begin moving single file back to the ramp, Kumahl waits with warriors at the water's edge till Huruyan has one of the porters signal that all have made it across. Next he sends Lord Seer and the Blazoned Crescent warriors.
Speaking to Huruyan, he has them secure the perimeter around the ruin's entrance. With both lanterns up ahead, Kumahl steps into the water until he finds a sheltered section from the Qol's arrows and spears.
[Private to Qol: Brethren, you have collected a treasure that belongs to us. We will be back for it! By Ksarul it will be ours again.]
Kumahl climbs from the water and carefully works his way to the top of the stairs/ramp. Motioning for the group to meet up around the corpse of tees due west. He directs the porters to secure the remaining items from the tents, then join the entourage heading back to the major thoroughfare.
Lord Seer Epengar "Craftsman Kumahl, we are so close."
"Hunter Huruyan, do you agree we should take a quick look around for the dowry?"
"It would be embarrassing to return empty handed after coming so close to finding it."
Kumahl "Our numbers are not sufficient to confront the Qol and their poison, unless you have a means not previously mentioned."
"What is important is that the Qol know that we know that they have the dowry. Anything we find after the fact, when we return, is an added bonus."
"As to being empty handed, not many can face a Hlyss and walk away. Consider your lives and the lives of Lord Captain and the fallen warriors. There is no defeat in surviving only in dying when reason dictates living."
Huruyan "I agree we don't have the resources to confront the Qol, however I don't think it would hurt to talk. We might get something and we are here. Let me talk with him." Then taking Kumahl aside and speaking quietly, "we can't stop him even if we want to, we have no authority over him. I think just letting him talk to the Qol might just get some of the dowry back and it will certainly be good for our relationship with Lord Seer, and that sort of thing always has value, especially with someone as important as he is."
--- Kumahl's hissed speech to the Qol sparked more hissing between them and increased the sounds shifting feet.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 4, 2016 16:41:58 GMT -6
Kumahl In odd tones, what one might term shouting in other languages,
[Private to GM: The Hlyss seemed very interested in you, Brethren of the Serpent. I could leave one of their portals outside here for them to more easily find you. Or maybe you would be willing to negotiate, say your lives for the treasure that is not yours.]
--- A deeper toned hissing voice responded to Kumahl.
وجود دارد برای گرفتن آن است. ما را تهدید به چه علت؟ این نمی تواند خورده شود و تنها جذب مشکل. [Private to Kumahl: There for the taking it is. Threaten us for what reason? It cannot be eaten and only attracts trouble.]
Kumahl Kumahl motions to Huruyan, "Be prepared. We may yet claim the dowry."
Turning to the Lord Seer, "What all was included in the dowry? It seems that the Qol will willing turn it over to us."
Kumahl turns back to the ruin opening, [Private to Qol: You play games to what end? If it is there for the taking then bring it forward and lay aside your weapons as we do the same.]
Lord Seer Epengar "To the best of my knowledge it is several chests of gold coins." "Enough to please the wife of even an imbecile." "A marriage of convenience is only a convenience for one side." "We really need to complete the gifting."
--- More deep toned hissing issues forth from the other side.
گام چهارم به چه علت؟ برای باز کردن درب شما به ما نیاز ندارد. تهدید خود را اعتماد به ما نمی دهد. [Private to Kumahl: Step forth for what reason? To open the door you do not need us. Your threats do not give trust to us.]
Kumahl [Private to GM: QUESTION: The door the seer was looking at, was the seal recent or did it look like it had been there a while?]
Clearing his throat, Kumahl drinks some water from his water skin. "[Private to Qol: Do you speak of the door in the old hallway? We know you are armed and we are less so. Safety for both would require that weapons be set aside as we retrieve that which is undesirable. And free you of its burden.]
--- The deep toned hissing continued from the other side in response to Kumahl.
ما خدمت سلاح ما داشته باشد. مورد استفاده در شما ما را ندارد. درب تمام قدیمی هستند. [Private to Kumahl: Our weapons serve us well. Used on you they were not. The doors all are old. ]
[Private to Kumahl: The door the seer was looking at, as I described, its seals had discolored with extreme age. I had also described which corridor was most used.]
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Post by greentongue on Aug 4, 2016 16:43:32 GMT -6
Kumahl Kumahl nearly takes his own head off when he smacks his palm against his forehead. "The second passage we never explored, the dowry is there. Lord Seer, have we porters and servant enough to carry out the dowry?"
Huruyan "Hah, that's great Kumahl. Isn't it Lord Seer?"
Lord Seer Epengar "We certainly have."
"We even have enough to work in shifts to reduce the number of stops we would have to make."
"If we can get to a Sakbe Road tower there may be a village nearby to get supplies from." "I seem to recall that there was, back the way we had come."
The excitement of actually having a chance to accomplish his mission, where others had failed, is clear in his voice.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 4, 2016 16:44:59 GMT -6
Kumahl "I have some further questions for the Qol. Huruyan, would additional light be of assistance to you in the tunnels? I could produce some light that might save torches and lanterns for later use."
"Before we head back down, come scout with me. We need to locate directions of the travelling Hlyss."
Looking to the guardsmen, "Be cautious and alert. We will be back shortly."
Huruyan "Extra light is always helpful underground."
Kumahl and Huruyan head out to scout the travel direction of the Hylss.
--- The morning sun reveals an empty clearing with a strong odor of fresh burning and charred flesh.
The bodies of the fallen are scattered where they died with many having gnawed portions from night scavengers. The rustling it the brush remind both that the feeders have not fled far on their arrival.
Both Huyuran and Kumahl agree that the Hlyss trail leads off to the north west. It is the direction that they had first come from.
Beside the lurking scavengers, and the set of footprints out the back of the tent, there is no obvious sign of other visitors.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 4, 2016 16:45:48 GMT -6
Huruyan "It looks like they are gone, and I say good riddance. Let's get the dowry and get out of here while we can."
Kumahl Kumahl nods to his brother. Gathering up a discarded piece of leather, he fashions a cone that he attaches to the head of one of the warriors. With the wide part opened upward, Kumahl places a scrap of cloth in it and casts Light on it.
Heading off in front of the the lighted warrior, Kumahl leads the group to the other hallway.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 4, 2016 16:48:01 GMT -6
Huruyan "Lord Seer, I think we should only bring those we need for the retrieval down with us. That would be Kumahl about 6 of your least wounded soldiers, 10 porters and myself. The rest should collect anything still scattered on the ground and start burying the dead. Does this sound reasonable to you?"
Kumahl "We need to get going, the extra light won't last long."
Huruyan "Exactly where did the Qol tell you the dowry was?"
Kumahl "The hallway to the right not the one with the sealed door."
Huruyan "Ok, then if we have the people we want, let's go and see what is in that corridor." With that Huruyan leads the way, asking the soldier with the spell light to follow just behind him. (if as it appears in the map there isn't anything in that corridor then I will proceed to the corner and take a quick look around it)
--- The intrepid group proceeded across the water ignoring the hissing from the Qol and proceeded to the end of the right northern corridor.
The decorations in this corridor's walls show a divine being providing the best weather to people that look to be her worshipers.
There are many different pictures of rain, wind storms, snow and baking sunshine. [Private to Kumahl: You think the being looks like an aspect of Avanthe from what you remember from your priestly studies.]
Both Huruyan and Kumahl agree the dust on the floor shows that Qol have gone in and out of the first of the two doors.
The corridor makes a 'T' intersection with double solid wooden doors in the middle of the 'T'. To the left the corridor connects back to the first corridor and to the right it continues east descending gently into the darkness. A ten foot landing separates each twenty foot section of stairs starting fifteen feet from the 'T'.
There has been some traffic up and down the stairs but the corridor has been rarely used, as far as the dust shows. Most of the foot prints look like Qol but other older ones are too dust covered to determine what made them.
The murals on the walls of this corridor depict views through dimensional doors into other planes. Some look like paradise, others look deadly. The pictures form interlocking loops, as far as can be seen into the darkness.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 4, 2016 16:50:06 GMT -6
Huruyan "It appears that we need to check out that first door that the Qol were using." Huruyan leads the group back to the first door and checks to see if it is locked.
--- The latch on the door is intricate and does include a locking mechanism. [Private to Kumahl: You have never seen such a door latch. It is a marvel of ancient locksmithing.] It is made of sturdy brass and shows only slight wear of removed tarnish on the handle. [Private to Huruyan: Are you attempting to open it at this time or just inspecting?] The guardsmen glance around and shuffle their feet nervously.
The other door looks the same only with more tarnish on the brass.
Huruyan "You 2 with the lanterns, stand over against the wall opposite the door. Kumahl, I'm ready to open the door if you are."
Kumahl "Go ahead. This is old and well built."
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