Chapter 2A - A Jaunt Into The Country

[Nocturno]

Vic looks shocked.

"Ate them?!?"

[Chris1234]

Isaril doesn't look shocked.

[Dargon Lonewolf]

Luka

Yes, ate them. I saw a halfling skull in those bones over there that the rats had been chewing on. But that would not account for all the villigers only one. But the longer we wait the more that could be eaten. Sorry, just my thoughts.

I can scout ahead but i dont think we should go back to town unless we finish what you started. This whole cave should be searched before leaving. Longer we take the more that could be rat food.

He hoists his bow and waits for the others to reply before moving off to the main cavern and up to the next cave..

[Nocturno]

"We can't leave them to be eaten!"

[Chris1234]

Isaril nocks an arrow and stands ready.

[Squirrellord]

"We find the villagers. We go back to town with them." Unbar states flatly while hefting his hammer. "Lead on."

[Dargon Lonewolf]

Luka

Takes the lead down the cavern to the left. Staying to the side of the cavern close to shadows.

≈=========

[1d20+8]=9+8=17 Stealth

[Chris1234]

Luka leads the group to the left (northards) into an irregular ten foot high cave* that's perhaps thirty foot long and twnty foot wide. The place is littered with giant rat droppings and the odd humanoid bone or two.

Exploring further reveals a western alcove* behind some rocks that contains a stash of weapons and the partially consumed remains of a male dwarf.

At the north end of the cave is a four foot diameter round boulder that servs as a door to somewhere beyond. While the task is somewhat beyond Luka, Val rolls the boulder back so effortlessly that he finishes the task with one hand. Beyond is smaller cave*, only six foot high, where a terrified human female cowers. "Please! Please don't eat me. My Lady, the Lady Velrosa Nandar will pay you for my safe return. Please!" she sobs, not daring to look up. Val and Luka can see a nasty purple bruise running the full length of the left side of the young woman's face. Her very elegant gown is ripped and soiled.

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*See R20 map.
The western cache contains nine spears, five clubs, two daggers, and six wooden shields.

[Dargon Lonewolf]

Luka

Excuse me, Missy but we are not here to eat you. We are here looking for the Villagers of Nightstone. Are you from Nightstone if so we are here to rescue you. Even if your not it would be my pleasure to rescue you from what ever you needed. If you would be so kind as to fill us in on everything you know about these caves we can get you out of here. Are you part of the village?

[Squirrellord]

Unbar will gather up the weapons and bundle them up with some rope.
"Not going to leave weapons around for them goblins if more come along."

OOC - He would have done the same during the rest earlier. Collecting weapons from the fallen creatures (including the ones that fell just outside the cave) and stashing them to the side to be collected on the way out.

[counterkid]

"Who is this Velrosa Nandar? We would be glad to take you to her and collect our reward." First where have all the villagers gone my lady?

[Chris1234]

Luka's overture solicits a pause in trhe sobbing, a shy eye and a nod. She starts to sit up and winces. Her leg is troubling her. "Hurry. Must go, now, before they come banck to eat me." She weeps again until told that the goblins have apparently been defeated. Wherupon, red-eyed she replies in fits and starts, "Oh, right. Thank you. Nightstone? Yes, I'm from there. Village? No." She manages to stand, left leg supporting her weight. With a curtsie that almost causes her to topple, she says less hesitantly, "I am Daphne Featherstone, lady-in-waiting to Lady Velrosa Nandar, Steward of Nightstone, Waterdhavian noble and Speaker for House Nandar." She leans against the wall, almost falling again. "I was in the village when the cloud giants attacked. The bridge was destroyed so I was unable to make it back to Nandar Keep. I fled with the other villagers to the safety of the Dripping Caves. Much to my regret. Filled with these hideous beasts that kill and eat good people."

While this diaglogue is progressing Unbar bustles around collecting and hanging a ridiculous number of weapons and shields from his personage.

When Val chimes in, Daphne curtsies again and this time does fall over but answers through the pain, "They were here too, in the caves. I don't know where. It was dark when some huge beast brought me to this cell. I'm certain Lady Velrosa will be generous."

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Unbar ... would have done the same during the rest earlier. Collecting weapons from the fallen creatures (including the ones that fell just outside the cave) and stashing them to the side to be collected on the way out.

That's fine. Take it as done. I've added the weapons cache that you've just found. You can add whatever reamains of previous finds, e.g. from goblin corpses, to the Loot thread if you wish. Any that Unbar, or whoever, claim personally can be added to the char sheet and deleted from the Loot thread.

[Dargon Lonewolf]

Luka

Moves in and puts one of her arms over his shoulder to help her walk. And moves her back out into the larger cave. Sits her down on something.

Alright lift up that gown and let me have a look at that leg. What happened to it?



=========================

[1d20+2]=7+2=9 Medicine for Leg Exam

[1d20+5]=20+5=25 Investigating under the dress.

[Chris1234]

She answers, "I didn't move fast enough for the beast," and wobbles as she balances on her good leg. Daphne lifts the garment to just above her poorly knee. The knee is red and swollen and the area above and below are black and blue. The leg is very pretty. She wears sensible but high quality leather shoes and silk anklets.* "Are you a cleric?" she asks Luka.

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*Akin to mid-calf stockings.

[Dargon Lonewolf]

Luka

No, Ma'am but I do have some experience in Medicine. It appears you have smashed your knee. Walking on it will make it worse.

He looks around for any kind of wood stick that could be used for crutches.

Unbar, do you have any healing left? It may speed up our search if she can walk herself and we don't have to carry her.