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Post by spacemanspoof on Dec 14, 2016 6:33:50 GMT -7
Seeing that his party is the only one left, Kanir picks up one of the maps offered by Zartak and turns to his companions. "Shall we be off, then?"
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Post by Rayl on Dec 15, 2016 15:03:15 GMT -7
Talon packs up his things, and says "Lets. We've got a job to do, after all. You lead the way with your map, Kanir." After this, he heads for the exit himself.
Sirru would simply nod to Kanir, and fall into step behind him, while keeping an eye out into the darkness of Salisara.
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Post by Tycho on Dec 15, 2016 16:40:01 GMT -7
"I am Piotr Zakaev, a Streltsy of Krome." Piotr fell into step behind the pair as they headed outside.
"The duty of the Streltsy is, at the moment, acclimation. Forming Krome was a struggle, and in the old country people would attack our sort on sight." He indicated his militaristic garb. "Fortunately, in the Free Cities, clothes seem to make the man. Or they help, anyways." Unslinging his stonebow, he settled the padded butt firmly in the crook of his shoulder, the prod aimed at the ground, his finger resting outside the trigger guard. The weapon wasn't loaded, but the posture seemed unconscious. At Jhoren's question, he shakes his head.
"No, I have everything I require."
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026 
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Post by Geckilian on Dec 18, 2016 14:27:27 GMT -7
As the various groups head out and take the various tunnels downwards, as well as having to traverse the odd crevasse, you all gradually head towards the sites where initial sightings have been. It's a mere few hours of careful spelunking before Talon, Kanir and Sirru come across the site of the first reports. True enough, the area seems like an abandoned enclave. Though the area is certainly dim, there is enough light originating from the various smatterings of bioluminescent lichens on the cavern walls to highlight the surroundings. There are no bodies and, aside from the likely looting that's already taken place, the area seems to still have personal effects. It's almost like a ghost town left close to how it was in life. Tents are still pitched and several small hut-like simple buildings remain standing. Here and there a stall with mouldering food stands, unattended aside from flies and small insects.
The area matches the briefing description and rumours almost exactly, though Sirru, Kanir and Talon all notice one slight detail either left out from what they were told, or missed - roughly in the centre of the cavern is what appears to be a corroded hole leading further downwards. It's irregular and even as the three of you look on another small piece crumbles off and falls below, echoes rippling around the cavern and nearby tunnels. In the dim light the edges look blackened as if with soot, and none of the various insects on the ground seem to be going near it. From down below can be heard the usual dripping of water, overlapping on itself from either multiple drips or yet more echoes.
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Piotr, Lazarus and their two companions come across the ruins of another enclave further to the south. Indicating the various points around the place, Jhoren says, "This is where we fought some scavengers yesterday. Looks like the bodies are already gone, though you can just about still see some of the stains on the rock." He looks thoughful as he walks over to one of the sites and crouches down, checking the rock and glancing along the floor. "I don't see drag marks," he muses, "so either whatever took them is apt to carry or some of the mist rolled through here very recently."
Looking back and forth around the cavern, Cassia frowns and points towards one of the tunnels leading out. "That one wasn't here yesterday, and we've felt no tremors." With a smooth movement her sword is suddenly in her hands, angled downwards from above as she starts to carefully pick her footing and slowly moves towards it. Jhoren is similarly on guard, his sword drawn, this time taking up a defensive stance and keeping an eye on the three other tunnels that branch off from the cavern Lazarus and Piotr are in. The new tunnel's edges are ragged and look as if they've been savaged into the rock, gouged out with little care or planning.
((Knowledge Dungeoneering or Craft Alchemy (or similar) for those who want to inspect the crumbly rock more closely. Knowledge Dungeoneering for those who wish to work out what caused the gouges in the rock. If you'd like to use any other skill check, feel free to state what for and roll/take 10 as appropriate. Also, rewards will be initially given on the 21st.))
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Post by Rayl on Dec 19, 2016 14:00:57 GMT -7
Talon, lighting his way with a random stone with the Light spell, would investigate for any signs of a struggle such as bloodstains or the like. He would spend about five to ten minutes going through each tent, seeing if anything seemed out of place. After this he would inspect the hole, seeing if anything in his admittedly limited knowledge repertoire could help.
((ail7SEc5+6= 19 Survival on the Struggle, Take 10 for a 20 Know. Arcana/Religion or a 17 Planes))
Looking on the eerie camp, Sirru would investigate with his usual quietness. First inspecting a couple tents, he would end up making his way towards the obvious hole. He would first circle it slowly, before finding a lengthy wooden stick, probably a tent pole of some sort, to poke at the crumbling rock. Then, as long as it still seems safe and being careful to not touch the crumbling rock itself, Sirru would peak down the hole to see if he could see anything at all.
((+7= 15 Perception))
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Post by spacemanspoof on Dec 19, 2016 15:01:10 GMT -7
Kanir lifts the weasel out of the satchel and scratches its head. "Alright, Scragg, look sharp. Could be anything down here". As soon as Kanir places him on the ground, Scragg scurries off to search the area. Kanir then joins his comrades, looking for survivors or clues that might indicate what happened here (journals, notes, etc.). After finishing the search, he also goes to inspect the hole. While examining it, he casts Detect Magic in an attempt to determine if it was caused by some magical effect.
Kanir Perception:
D|w9XqmV + 7
Scragg Perception:
+ 7
Kanir Dungeoneering:
+ 7
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Dec 20, 2016 11:57:11 GMT -7
Talon, Kanir and Sirru take their time inspecting the tents and surrounding area. There are no signs of a struggle visible - no blood strains or damage to indicate gouges or scratches in the surrounding rock. It seems as if everyone had simply vanished, due to the tousled clothing, slept in beds and various bric-a-brac that are indicative of a space lived in. One tent has scrimshawing tools and a selection of small carved figures, all in various states of finish and seemingly of the same subject at a glance. Another has some barely finished knitted jumpers - slightly too large but warm, only needing the wool to be tied off to complete the weave. They're a mottled patchy colour that looks reminiscent of Salisaran rock. A third has several toys, little dolls and a tiny metal carriage no larger than a fist, discarded on the floor as if they had not been cleared away from play. They lay on the floor near a pair of small beds.
One of the small constructed buildings, slightly more solidly constructed than the rest, is segmented into a pair of rooms. One appears to be a general eating area, whilst the second is a form of combined bedroom and study. Scattered parchments remain on the desk, a quill pen and open bottle of ink next to them. A cursory glance shows that whoever was writing was well educated and meticulous. The script is ordered and neat and spelling mistakes are minimal. Judging from the surroundings of the place, it's likely that whoever lived here was the one in charge of the enclave.
Though Kanir is unable to detect any lingering magic from the ragged edges of the hole, or indeed down it, Sirru's poking causes more to crumble away in small flaky chunks. The bottom of Sirru's found stick hisses slightly and gently chars black and a small wisp of smoke rises from it. Kanir, close by, immediately recognises it as some form of strong acid akin to a slime or jelly, though the number of those that affect rock is fairly rare and he can't quite bring one to mind. Talon would notice that the acid reminds him of some of the stronger evocations, though identifying it this long after the occurrence, if indeed it was a spell, would be a challenge.
Strangely, there seems to be no trail of acid-etched rock leading to or from the hole. Looking down, the cavern underneath also shows no sign of corrosion aside from some of the crumbled rock that's fallen. The drop appears to be roughly twenty feet and there doesn't appear to be any significant movement from down below - a few bats do rustle and squeak loudly as Talon's light catches them.
((If there's anything in the various descriptions you want to focus on, or would like more detail for, feel free to say.))
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Post by Tycho on Dec 20, 2016 13:46:07 GMT -7
Craft Alchemy
3IM9Yacr+8
Piotr quickly works the goat-leg lever on the underside of the stonebow before setting a lead bullet in the pouch, chambering the weapon. He moves with Cassia, staying to her left, weapon up and aimed down the tunnel as he moves. Upon reaching the tunnel, he crouches down, keeping the weapon level, but glancing down at the rock to see what might have worn it away.·
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Post by spacemanspoof on Dec 22, 2016 17:27:31 GMT -7
"Good idea, Sirru," says Kanir. "How about trying to clear out more of this weakened rock from around the hole? I have a feeling that whatever we're looking for is down there, and we'll want to minimize any risk from this acid when we go down."
"Talon, why don't you look around for some sort of storage room? This hole isn't terribly deep; perhaps you might find a rope or ladder that we can use."
Kanir looks toward the ceiling of the cave to see if the acidic effect is evident there. He then heads back towards the administrator's building for a more thorough search, looking for any documents or other items that might be of particular interest.
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Post by Rayl on Dec 23, 2016 2:02:42 GMT -7
Talon would nod, simply saying "Good idea." He'd then, with his light spell, search the various tents for any ropes or ladders. Starting with the bigger tents and moving down, if he finds a ladder he'll bring it back to the hole along with any rope he manages to find. During this search, he would also double-check his findings from before the the people here just up and left. This time, however, he focuses on weapons: Specifically, If they are there or not, and a general condition that they're in.
((wMXQ7T|V+8 = 16 Perception{Or +6 = 14 Survival, if preferred} For the ropes, and a +8 = 28 Perception for the weapons.))
Sirru would gather up a few more poles, and then continue pushing in the crumbling rock as Kanir suggested. First he would world on clearing away one section to see how far back he needed to go, replacing the stick as needed to stay a few feet away from the acidic stone. While doing this, he would start humming a quiet tune to himself to help keep the silence at bay.
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Dec 23, 2016 14:02:11 GMT -7
As Piotr looks down on the gouges on the floor of the tunnel entrance, he notices that whatever made them was no manufactured concoction - the notches are too irregular and serrated, suggested some kind of corrosive claw. From the pattern of the slashing, whatever caused each set of gashes to churn through the rock had a footprint around the size of his head. Jhoren continues to visually cover the other tunnels as he nods to Cassia and Piotr. He sends a series of brief and terse hand signals that Piotr may recognise as a set of sign language towards Cassia who nods in response even though she doesn't appear to be looking at him.
Taking a few steps up to close to the tunnel entrance with Piotr, Cassia inhales deeply and steadily releases the breath in a long slow stream into the tunnel. After no more than a hand span from her mouth the breath appears to billow and smoke, appearing as a glutinous green vapour that starts to snake down the tunnel almost with a sentience of its own. Cassia turns to Piotr and asks, "Do you have a method and means to scout ahead without risking yourself?"
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The ceiling, under Kanir's scrutiny, doesn't appear to show any signs of corrosion or damage to the stone, merely a set of uneven stalactites. With such a threat thus dismissed, the exploration of the study shows that whoever was writing was seemingly compiling reports on local trades, patrols and disappearances. Though the papers are scattered slightly, it is easy enough to piece together a timeline of events - patrols were held on an approximate two day cycle with two groups out at a time, leading to a group entering or leaving the settlement roughly daily. Their compiled reports on the various dangers of the tunnels are referenced by a shorthand for a filing system, which again is readily found in a drawer within the main writing desk. Those reports are all written in shorthand in some kind of alchemist's script, almost like the notations for formulas. The only other thing that catches Kanir's eye is the inkpot appears to be well made from carved and scrimshawed bone. It's covered in designs that similarly look like formulaic notation.
Sirru would be able to clear another several inches of stone from around the hole, making it easily large enough for a pair of people to travel down at once, before the rock itself retains enough integrity to not be easily dislodged by his thorough poking. Shortly after beginning to hum, he'd notice, as would Talon and Kanir, that the sound carries eerily well in the cavern, echoes of it bouncing back from afar and overlapping. It almost sounds like a chorus.
Though Talon is unable to find a ladder he is indeed able to find just over two hundred feet of rope in varying lengths of 30 to 60 feet each. Throughout his investigations he's found no trace of weapons, though smaller implements like cutlery and tools, which could conceivably be used as weapons, are still around. The small tools he does find are basic but certainly workable. He does, however, find a partially splintered shield stashed away in the tent with the toys underneath the rope there. The heavy metal shield looks old, though the surface appears to have been haphazardly etched with strong acid and subsequently cleaned. The damage appears very new, maybe within a week or so.
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Post by Rayl on Dec 27, 2016 12:50:22 GMT -7
Along with bringing the rope to the hole, Talon would also bring the shield he found to the center area. Once the three had gathered together again, he would say "I finally found proof that they didn't vanish into the Aether. While searching for rope as you suggested, I kept an eye out for weapons. I found nothing but this old shield, no swords, axes, spears, or even a bow. In Salisara, that would be a death sentence for anyone. I suppose someone could have looted them all, but I found that highly unlikely given the time span we're dealing with here."
Sirru, noticing the effect the cavern has on his humming, would happily continue to do so while rather enjoying its effect. As Talon brings the rope in, Sirru would begin to knot three of the longer pieces to make it easier to climb. After finishing this, he'd take an unknotted rope and search for a heavier object to tie it around, as a base.
((851506 407e4a))
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Post by spacemanspoof on Dec 29, 2016 8:33:58 GMT -7
Kanir shares his findings with the group as well. "I found no direct evidence of what happened here, but look at this." He shows the group some of the coded notes, as well as the bone inkpot. "Here's something you don't see everyday. It looks like someone here was familiar with alchemy. Possibly even necromancy, unless this inkpot just reflects a peculiar taste in decorating. I wonder if that had something to do with this hole and the disappearance of the people?"
He also mentions to Talon about the regularly scheduled patrols, pointing out that there must have been weapons here at some point. Wherever these people went, it's likely that their gear went with them.
((Rolling some kind of appropriate knowledge check to figure out more about the unusual script:))
tnBmom4p (+10 for Arcana, +7 for Planes, +8 for Linguistics, +10 for Spellcraft)
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Post by Rayl on Dec 29, 2016 9:08:21 GMT -7
Talon, looking over the notes, would say "This is indeed interesting." He would also attempt to decipher the coded script himself, using his Translator Gloves to help out, possibly. As for the gear, perhaps something forced an immediate evacuation? Perhaps this Black Mist. In any case, I agree that this Hole should prove fruitful.
nBMsOj23+10 Arcana/Religion/Linguistics/Spellcraft for a 25, +7 for a 22 Planes, +3 Int for a 18
Languages: Common, Draconic, Abyssal, Infernal, Undercommon, Necril, Shadowtounge, Grippli, Celestial, Translator Gloves(Spectacle of Understanding)
Sirru, not as well versed in knowledges and languages as his companions would look over the notes, but not nearly for as long. In response to the other two talking about the hole, he would say "Whatever did this, it wasn't something permanent. I was able to scrape it off, mostly. However, going down we should remain careful, as the acidic rock will be at the bottom now, and may still be very dangerous." And with that, head cast the knotted rope over the side.
+1 for an 8 on Linguistics, Known Elven, Undercommon, and Common
((851506 407e4a))
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Dec 29, 2016 11:08:25 GMT -7
Sirru would notice plenty of jutting rocks, smaller stalactites and stalagmites and various oddities to secure the rope to, but the strongest would be some of the support beams from the building with the study - it's no more than fifteen feet from the hole and is by far the most reliable looking point.
As the group look over the coded notes, Kanir can't fully decipher them but does notice a pattern within the writing - markings that at first appear to be punctuation instead seem to occur far too frequently around certain letters and shapes, suggesting that they are a form of cipher themselves and a secondary layer of obfuscation. Whoever wrote these messages wasn't messing around, and clearly had something to hide. Talon, who notices the same pattern, has more luck. With his translator gloves donned, the message bleeds and warps itself to something he can understand. Though still somewhat fractured by the incomplete words scattered here and there, the meaning of the message is at least clear.
The meticulous notes detail that 'the bargain' isn't fully being upheld and that 'recrimination' is going to be coming. Payment is too steep, and thus Shorn'dal is going to unleash the 'Shades'. There is various conjecture as to their specific nature, but the writer concludes that they must be some form of ravenous undead, as previous threats from Shorn'dal have hinted as much, and the entity practically reeks with necromantic energies. There are half-written plans to move the settlement in four shifts, with the first being dated for a week ago, and the last scheduled for next week - seemingly something happened in between. 'The Vault' is referenced several times as to the location for the enclave members to move to, but there is no reference as to where that actually is. The only other information of merit seems to be that the writer is certain that the shades can't be contained - everything he's heard about suggests that it is vastly preferably to flee rather than come into contact with them.
As Talon is making sense of the coded messages, Sirru notes that the rope is perfectly fine when it falls down to hang within the lower cavern. Though the tip occasionally brushes the crumbled rock at the bottom he can see it barely corroding, if at all. It seems like only prolonged exposure with the crumbled detritus below would be an issue.
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Post by spacemanspoof on Dec 31, 2016 8:19:57 GMT -7
"Those gloves are quite interesting," says Kanir to Talon. "Perhaps I should obtain some for myself once this investigation is over." As Talon relays the deciphered notes, Kanir writes down the summary and addresses it to Zartak. Ever the pragmatist, he feels that this is important information that must return to Zartak even if the party doesn't.
"Alright chaps, what now? Head on down the hole and try to find either the fleeing settlers or this Shorn'Dal fellow, or report back to Zartak what we've found and see if he knows any more about this 'bargain'?" He calls Scragg back to his satchel and secures his gear for traveling again.
(( If the party decides to go down the hole, Kanir will place his message back on the desk with the other notes, such that anyone else searching the area would easily find it. ))
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Post by Rayl on Dec 31, 2016 9:50:26 GMT -7
Talon would hand the encrypted notes back to Kanir "Here, put this with your letter. As for what we should do, I suggest we head back to Zartak before we head down the hole. We're only a few hours out, we can make it back with time to spare. I will note, given the mysterious nature of these events, it may be prudent to continue." He then looks to Sirru, who speaks up next.
Sirru, looking between the group and all the hard work he's put in clearing away the acidic stone and getting the ropes ready, speaks up and says "We should investigate the hole, at least. This Shorn'Dal is likely the Black Mist, and perhaps the 'Vault' is down the hole. If there are indeed survivors, we could bring them to Zartak as well. Eye witnesses can be better evidence than coded messages."
((851506 407e4a))
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Post by spacemanspoof on Jan 1, 2017 19:36:48 GMT -7
Kanir thinks for a few moments before deciding. "Very well, let's press on. We have one piece of this puzzle now; perhaps there are more through this hole." After leaving the message he'd written on the desk, he takes the rope and begins climbing down.
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Post by Rayl on Jan 2, 2017 10:20:29 GMT -7
Sirru would follow Kanir down, staying alert. Once reaching the bottom, he would begin to look around.
((YgyMeOAX +7 for a 26 perception))
Talon would go last, putting away his quarterstaff for the climb. Once at the bottom he would draw his dagger and cast light on it, then proceeding to also look around the hole.
(( +8 for a 20 perception))
((851506 407e4a))
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Jan 2, 2017 11:10:55 GMT -7
The trio reaches the next cavern floor after their climb, easily avoiding the corrosive rubble at the bottom. Looking around, it seems less like a fully formed cavern and more like a rift within the rock, all jagged edges and narrow passages past the main space the trio climbed down into. The central part is still relatively large - at a guess it would be probably forty feet across or more, though it's irregular around the edges. A whole plethora of passageways meander off in all directions including downwards, though the vast majority look like they would be an immense struggle to fit through for an average sized human. Someone small would have a much easier time in general and many more choices.
The first unusual detail that is readily apparent is that various small piles of detritus are scattered across this uneven area, tucked into nooks and crannies as if they had been stashed away. Without sorting through it most seems like refuse - splintered bits of wood, oddly shaped rocks, the odd scrimshawed bone and rare glint of a piece of bent metal. Though initially unimpressive, their nature does suggest some sort of intent. Though not organised well, a lot of the pieces seem roughly grouped with those that are a similar shape, similar colour and so on.
A small odd outcropping catches Talos' eye. It looks expertly patterned and roughed up to match the rock, but in the glint of his light there's something that just seemed off. It takes a moment to identify what it is, but soon Talos realizes what it was - part of it looks almost like a shoulder and part of a head, with the shadows just about delineating something small and person-like hiding behind some rock, something that would be very hard to notice with darkvision alone. A small beady eye is barely visible looking back at the group and the first thing Talos notices about it, aside from its small size, is that it seems to show fear.
((Next rewards are on the 4th, so just a couple of days to go.))
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Post by Rayl on Jan 2, 2017 11:48:18 GMT -7
Talon would lower his lighted dagger slightly, enough that its not shining in the creature's eyes but enough that he can still see. He'd step forward a bit and motion with his free hand towards the creature to signal the other two of its presence, then say in Undercommon "Greetings Small One. You've no need to fear us. We're simply investigating some rumors. You may call me Talon, and this is Kanir and Sirru. What would you have us call you?"
Sirru would look in the direction that Talon motions, readying himself to draw his spear if it comes to blows. When Talon introduces him, he nods slightly and says "Greetings" in undercommon. If after a few moments the being seems unagressive, Sirru would move to investigate one of the stashes more closely.
((851506 407e4a))
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Post by spacemanspoof on Jan 2, 2017 17:09:54 GMT -7
Upon reaching the floor, Kanir retrieves his staff from where it was stowed while he climbed. He uses it to poke about in the various piles, looking for anything of interest. When Talon and Sirru address to the creature, he turns to face them, keeping a firm grip on the staff but maintaining a non-threatening posture as he waits for it to respond.
(( Knowledge check to identify the creature, if it isn't readily apparent: ))
BRSmiYFN (+10 Arcana, +7 Dungeoneering, +7 Planes, +4 Nature)
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Jan 3, 2017 11:15:46 GMT -7
The creature flinches back as Talon approaches, clearly revealing it to Sirru and Kanir. It seems nervous, flinching again when Kanir pokes around the refuse near him. After a few moments the thing edges out slightly and nods it's head uncertainly. Slightly away from the rock it can be seen that it's rocky appearance is largely comprised from its ragged clothing and dirty flesh, though the light just about highlights an unhealthy pallor. Close to emaciated, the ungainly creature looks like some form of troglodytic goblin, a ghoulish cast in its thin features and overlarge eyes that are almost fully jet black pupil.
It licks it's lips hesitantly before nodding again and giving a slight inclined bow, though shallow and never taking it's eyes off of Talon, Kanir and Sirru. "Gillik." it rasps in a voice thin and dry through either dehydration or age. "Gillik I be," it nods, before gesturing a thin wasted arm towards Talon. "You and you and you no here to hurt Gillik?" Its other hand seems to twitch with some kind of palsy now its in view, and the sorry state of the creature indicates it's lived through hard times yet is still just about clinging on.
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Post by Tycho on Jan 3, 2017 12:42:43 GMT -7
Piotr shakes his head slightly at Cassia's question.
"No, I'm just a granata, not a misticheskiy. I've no magic, just potions and explosives." He keeps his cheek snug to the padded rest of his weapon, covering the tunnel. He crouch-walks slowly to the left edge of the tunnel, getting behind cover and preparing to duck back should anything come flying out at him.
"These are some sort of claw marks, but the erosion sugggests acidic properties. I don't suppose you know of anything that would match that?"
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Post by spacemanspoof on Jan 3, 2017 14:39:59 GMT -7
Kanir leans his staff against the wall, still keeping it within arm's reach. He then slowly takes a food ration from his pack and holds it out toward the goblin. "Hello Gilik. Hungry? We're not here to hurt you. We are looking for some others who may have passed this way. Have you seen anyone?"
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