Part 9: "I have nothing left to heal him with."

Nida stands guard in the dimly lit hallway, her sturdy frame towering over the torch held firmly in her hand. The wavering flames cast eerie, flickering shadows that danced across the cold, stone walls. In her other hand, she gripped a javelin, the glint of its sharpened tip promising swift and deadly retaliation should any threat approach.

Her keen eyes, accustomed to the darkness of the underground passages, scan both directions of the corridor. The tunnel stretches out before her, vanishing into obscurity in both directions. The silence around her is palpable, broken only by the persistent, enigmatic sounds of clanging and chanting echoing from deeper within the labyrinthine recesses of the subterranean world.

As she stood there, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the hours that had passed since they first descended into this cryptic maze. Weariness gnawed at her bones, and the passage of time had become indistinct in the perpetual gloom. But there was no consideration of rest or retreat; the allure of uncovering the source of those mysterious sounds compelled them forward.

Nida knew that beyond the shadowy corridors lay answers to the questions that had driven them here. Answers about the dark-skinned monsters that had terrorized the quarry, about the ancient secrets hidden within these forgotten catacombs. There was no turning back now, not with so much at stake.

Nida's thoughts swirled in the quiet moments of solitude within the underground corridor. She couldn't help but replay the recent encounter with the goblin in her mind. The lifeless form of the creature lay still behind her, a stark reminder of the relentless struggle between her people and the forces that sought to encroach upon their forested sanctuary.

The goblin's death had been swift, a consequence of the hatred that had simmered within her for years. The forest of Ildoren, her homeland, had been her refuge and her family's legacy for generations. The memories of countless battles, of hordes of goblins and their allies, led by the sinister bugbears, stirred within her. The faces of her fallen kin, the laughter and screams of goblins as they sought to vandalize the ancient woods, were etched into her heart and mind.

In her world, the forest was sacred, a sanctuary that deserved protection at any cost. It was where she had been nurtured and raised, where her skills as a warrior had been honed, and where her bonds with the trees, the animals, and the land itself had deepened. She was a guardian, a protector of the woodland realm, and she would stop at nothing to defend it.

And so, when faced with the goblin's plea, her resolve had been unshakable. Her hatred for those who had threatened her home and her people had surged, fueling her actions. In that moment, she had chosen to end the goblin's life, to purify the sacred space from the taint of invaders, and to retain the sanctity of her forested sanctuary.

As she now stands guard in the underground passageway, clutching her torch and javelin, the weight of her responsibilities presses upon her. The clanging and chanting continues to beckon them deeper into the depths, a haunting reminder of the challenges ahead. Nida's commitment to protecting her homeland remained unwavering, and she knows that every step they take brings them closer to the answers they sought and the battles they were destined to face.

As Lorett and Seraphina exit the cramped secret chamber, their faces bore different expressions. Seraphina's features are marked by a mix of curiosity, contemplation, and perhaps even a touch of disbelief. The events that had transpired in the chamber with the trapped goblin had left her with many questions swirling in her mind.

She couldn't help but question the choices made by the party, particularly Lorett's decision to end the goblin's life. In her eyes, there was always a chance for redemption, understanding, and uncovering valuable information. But the weight of their mission and the emotions of the moment had led to a different outcome.

Lorett, on the other hand, seemed resolute and focused. His actions had been driven by a deep-seated resentment towards goblins, a resentment that ran as deep as his bond with Nida and the shared history of battles fought against goblinoid invaders. In his mind, the goblin had been a threat, a potential enemy, and a source of information that may or may not have proven useful.

Seraphina and Lorett shared a silent understanding of the complexities of their journey. They were a diverse group brought together by fate and a shared goal, and each member brought their own perspectives and experiences to the table. As they moved forward, their challenges would continue to test their unity and resolve.

"Ready?" Nida asks, her voice tinged with determination.

Seraphina pauses, her eyes scanning the party's gear and their surroundings. It's a moment of contemplation amidst the anticipation of what lies ahead. As she assesses their situation, her gaze falls upon Nida, who bears a noticeable wound on her ankle, a reminder of their recent battle.

Upon seeing Nida's injury, Seraphina's innate instinct to heal and mend takes over. She nods slowly and speaks calmly and caring, "Let me help with that." Her hands begin to glow faintly with a soothing, radiant energy as she moves closer to Nida.

[Seraphina casts Cure Wounds on Nida healing her 9 HP.]

With a gentle touch, she lays her hand on Nida's injured ankle, channeling her restorative magic to mend the wound and alleviate the pain.

As the healing energy flows through Nida's leg, the wound begins to close, and the pain subsides. Seraphina's magic leaves a warm, comforting sensation in its wake. When the healing is complete, she withdraws her hand and offers a reassuring smile. "There, you should be good to go now."

[TSAT "Passage table": 4 "Passage turns left 90 degrees."]

Nida takes the lead as they continue their journey through the underground tunnels, her pike held at the ready and her keen eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. Seraphina follows closely behind, staff in hand, her senses heightened, and her focus on the task at hand.

As they progress, the tunnel gradually slopes downward and curves to the left. It's a subtle change in the terrain but doesn't escape Nida's vigilant gaze. She senses the need for caution and signals for the party to halt. With a quick, quiet gesture, she indicates that she will scout ahead.

Nida inches forward, her footsteps soft and deliberate, and cautiously peeks around the corner of the tunnel. Her eyes narrow as she surveys what lies ahead, her senses on high alert for any potential threats or surprises lurking in the shadows.

[Oracle "Is there anything noteworty around the corner?" Not very likely -4: 3 No]

[Perception DC10: Nida 4+1 Fail]

[TSAT "Passage table": 12 "Door in right wall. Go to Door Table."]
[TSAT "Passage contents table": 32 "Empty"]

[TSAT "Doors table": 72 "Roll d6. 1-2: Wooden door. 3-4: Stone door. 5-6: Iron door.": 4 Stone door]
[TSAT "Doors table": 72 Roll d6. 1-3: locked, 4-6 unlocked.": 3 Locked]
[TSAT "Doors table": 72 Roll d6. 1: trapped, 2-6 untrapped.": 5 Untrapped]

As she proceeds down the tunnel, Nida signals for the others to follow, the eerie sounds of clanging and chanting growing louder with each step. As she ventures forward, she spots a stone door to the right. The door is robustly constructed, bearing the marks of dwarven craftsmanship with intricate carvings adorning its surface. The carvings depict scenes from dwarven history, showcasing their achievements, battles, and the forging of mighty weapons. The door stands as a testament to the artistry and skill of the ancient dwarves who crafted it, a stark contrast to the rough-hewn tunnels that surround it.

[Oracle "Does the sound come from there?" Likely +2: 19 Yes]

The party huddles together, their voices hushed as they discuss their next course of action. The chanting and clanging from beyond the stone door fill the air, creating an eerie backdrop to their conversation.

Having listened intently at the door, Lorett confirms that the noise source is indeed behind it. The group exchanges glances, the weight of their journey and the unknown pressing upon them. They've ventured deep into these ancient tunnels, but they haven't truly considered what they might encounter.

Nida speaks up, her voice determined but laced with uncertainty. "We need a plan. Seraphina, do you have any spells ready that might help us?"

As the party discusses their next moves, Seraphina admits, "I have a few spells at my disposal. I can try to persuade someone to become friendly, conjure some light, shield myself, and heal others. Nothing too extraordinary." She pauses, feeling the weight of their situation. "I also have the ability to cast eldritch blasts, but they may not be our best option in this situation." She shrugs, "But who knows."

Nida nods, taking in the limited resources they have. "We'll need to make the most of what we've got. Lorett, any ideas for a plan?"

Lorett takes a moment to reconsider. "Actually, before we charge in, let's see if there's any way to assess the situation without making too much noise or alerting anyone inside. We should try to sneak up and take a peek. If it looks safe, we can proceed cautiously, but be ready for combat if things take a turn for the worse."

Lorett gently tests the door to find that it's securely locked. He turns to the group and says, "Seems like we're locked out for now. Our next step should be finding a way to get through this door. Once we're in, we can better assess the situation and determine our next course of action."

Lorett thoroughly examines the door, running his fingers along its surface for any hidden mechanisms or keyholes.

[Investigation DC15: Lorett 3+0 Fail]

However, he can't find any obvious way to unlock it. After a few moments of investigation, he steps back and says, "I don't see a way to open this door from here. It's possible there's another entrance or a key somewhere down the tunnel. Let's continue forward and see what we can find."

The group agrees, and they proceed deeper into the tunnel, determined to discover an alternative way to access the source of the clanging and chanting.

[TSAT "Passage table": 13 "Door in left wall. Go to Door Table."]
[TSAT "Passage contents table": 46 "Emtpy"]
[TSAT "Doors table": 92 "Heavy stone door, requires athletics check to open (DC 16). -1 hp for every 2 failed strength checks. Opens into room."]

The stone door on the left is similar in design to the previous one. It is stout and solid, with intricate dwarven carvings adorning its surface. The carvings depict scenes of dwarven craftsmanship and industry, showcasing their skills in metalwork and stonecraft.

Lorett examines the door closely, running his fingers along its edges for any locking mechanism.

[Investigation DC10: Lorett 12+0 Sucess] 

After a thorough inspection, he concludes that the door is not locked, but it appears to be stuck or jammed in some way, making it difficult to open with brute force. They may need to apply some additional effort or find another way to get it to move.

[Athletics DC16 ADV (Lorett assists): Nida 1/15+5 Success]

Nida and Lorett put their strength together, pushing against the stubborn door. With a gradual and steady effort, they manage to create just enough of a gap for Seraphina to slip her mace into the hinges, wedging it open to prevent the door from closing on them.

[Seraphina removes mace from her inventory.]

[TSAT "Room table": 8 "Square, (d8+1) x 10 ft. on all sides, 1d8 exits": 80x80 feet, 5 exits]
[TSAT "Room contents table": 21 "Level appropriate Hard Encounter. Clue, Loot, Random, SD all 30%.", No Clue, Loot, No Random, No Secret door.]
[DMG "Individual Treasure: Challenge 0–4": 3d6 EP -> 6d6 SP: 6+3+6+6+1+4, 26 SP]

[Oracle "Is the encounter one involving carvuses?" Very likely +4: 23]

[Contents of the room prompt: refuse sabotage talk]

The large, dimly lit room beyond the door measures about 80 feet by 80 feet. It appears to be some sort of meeting or assembly chamber, though now it lies in a state of disrepair. The room's purpose seems to be multifaceted, serving as a place for gatherings and discussions among dwarves.

In the center of the chamber, a massive stone table, its surface chipped and weathered, stands as a focal point for discussions. It appears that this room might have hosted important talks, negotiations, or decision-making sessions. Dwarven runes once proudly etched into the table's surface, have been marred by time and neglect.

The chamber is filled with the refuse of ages past, including broken chairs and benches likely used by attendees. The room seems to have suffered from sabotage or an intentional attempt to erase its historical significance, as several stone carvings on the walls have been defaced.

In the center of the room, a horrifying sight unfolds. Two carvuses are feasting upon a dwarf who lies sprawled on the stone table. The dwarf's labored breathing and twitching limbs indicate that he is still alive, though in agonizing torment.

On the chamber's floor, bizarre and unnatural creatures engage in a frantic brawl over the remains of past feasts. These creatures appear to be a strange hybrid, with the lower body resembling an oversized spider and the upper part extending into an eel-like neck and head. Their sharp mandibles snap at each other as they fight over morsels, creating a scene of gruesome territorial dispute.

The party stands at the threshold of this nightmarish scene, confronted by a moral dilemma. Do they intervene to rescue the dwarf and potentially face the wrath of the carvus and these spider-eel creatures, or do they remain hidden and observe the macabre spectacle? The clanging and chanting that led them here echo through the chamber, adding an eerie backdrop to this horrific tableau.

Nida yells, "Damn the gods!" and charges forward, fueled by both courage and rage, and hurls her lit torch into the midst of the grotesque creatures on the chamber floor. The torch arcs through the air, trailing flames, before crashing into the center of the skirmish.

Encounter starts

Enemy: 2 Carvuses, 4 Neogi Hatclings

[Initiative rolls: Nida 19+2, Lorett 20+3, Seraphina 4+0, Carvuses 18+1, Neogi Hatchlings 19+1][Order: Lorett, Nida, Neogi Hatchlings, Carvuses Seraphina]

The scene in the chamber unfolds amidst a grim battlefield. At its center lies a massive stone table, stretching twenty by forty feet, surrounded by a ring of ten chairs. In the north-western corner of the table, a dwarf's struggling form is juxtaposed against two menacing corvuses, who are feasting upon him.

The chamber's architecture is marked by four imposing pillars, one near each corner, their stony presence lending a sense of weightiness to the room. The chamber boasts multiple exits, with openings along every wall except for the northern one, which harbors two possible routes. Among these exits, only the one through which the party entered and the exit on the western wall bear doors, while the others simply appear as open passageways.

Further furnishings and features complete the tableau. A large bench stretches almost the entirety of the northern wall, while a bookcase of considerable size is mounted on the eastern wall, the shelves brimming with dusty tomes. In stark contrast, the bookcase on the western wall has suffered a fall, the shelves now shattered and their contents scattered upon the ground.

The floor is strewn with debris throughout the chamber and littered with scattered chairs and piles of rubble. Torches, once providing a flickering light, are scattered around the room, stationed near each door and along the sides of the pillars, though not all of them remain alight, casting dim pools of illumination in the vast darkness.

Nida's torch illuminates the macabre sight further, casting dancing shadows as it hovers in the air. The corvuses, taken off guard and with no weapons at the ready, are positioned with their backs pressed against the pillar behind them. One of them sports a grotesque necklace of severed ears, while the other has bandages wrapped around its black head, hinting at a recent injury.

Surprise round

Lorett

[To hit: Longbow 4+7 vs. Corvus AC 15+2 (1/2 cover): Miss]
[Lorett loses arrow.]

Seizing the opportunity, Lorett aims with his bow and shoots an arrow toward the corvus with the ear necklace. The arrow, however, narrowly misses its target, embedding itself into the edge of the stone table instead. Without delay, Lorett retreats behind the nearest pillar adjacent to the door from which they entered, using the momentary respite to reload his bow.

Nida

[To hit: Torch 17+2 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11+2 (1/2 cover): Hit]
[Damage: 1 Bludgeoning, 1 Fire]

As Nida's torch flies through the air, it lands directly on one of the Neogi hatchlings. The flames catch onto its vile form, scorching its skin and causing it to squeak in pain with a terrible, high-pitched noise. Not wasting a moment, Nida swiftly retrieves her pike from her back and runs toward the skittering hatchlings.

[Arcana DC10: Nida 18+1 Success]

With her weapon at the ready, she realizes with a sense of dread that she has encountered these abominations. They are Neogi hatchlings, foul creatures that crawl out of the plane rifts within her home forest. She urgently shouts to her companions, warning them of the hatchlings' poisonous bite.

Seraphina

[Seraphina casts Eldritch Blast]
[To hit: Eldrich Blast 19+5 vs. Corvus AC 15+2 (1/2 cover): Hit]
[Damage: 5 Force]

With a focused mind, Seraphina unleashes a powerful bolt of purple and golden energy toward the corvuses. The eldritch blast strikes its target squarely in the face of the corvus with the gruesome necklace, causing it to stumble back, coughing and clutching its face in agony. Taking cover behind a nearby pillar, Seraphina prepares for what may come next.

Round 1

Lorett

[To hit: Longbow 7+7 vs. Corvus AC 14: Hit]
[Damage: 5+3 Piercing]

Lorett seizes the opportunity and steps out from behind the pillar, sprinting across the room toward the opposite side. With a swift, practiced motion, he lets an arrow fly at the same corvus Seraphina targeted. The arrow hits the target in the flank, causing it to scream in pain.

[Athletics DC10: Lorett 17+3 Success]

As he continues his dash, Lorett leaps and skids to a halt, ending up with his back against the wall on the far side of the room.

Nida

[To hit: Pike 4+5  vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Miss]

Nida skillfully maneuvers past the pile of rubble and charges straight at the Neogi hatchlings. With a swift and determined thrust of her pike, she attempts to strike one of the hatchlings, but the agile creature manages to dodge her attack, narrowly avoiding the deadly weapon.

Neogi Hatchling A and Neogi Hatchling B

The two Neogi hatchlings, noticing Lorett's movement as he leaped behind the cover, begin skittering rapidly across the room, making their way toward the fallen bookcase where he's taking refuge. Their unsettling eel-like movements and venomous intent are evident as they close the distance to their intended prey.

Neogi Hatchling C

[To hit: Bite 12+3 vs. Nida AC 14: Hit]
[Damage: 4 Piercing, 3 Poison]
[CON save CD10 against "Poisoned": Nida 2+4, Fail]
[Nida gains condition "Poisoned"]

The first Neogi hatchling lunges at Nida, sinking its fangs into her. She feels a searing pain as the creature's venom courses through her veins, causing her head to spin and her vision to blur. The poison takes hold quickly, and Nida knows she's in a perilous situation.

Neogi Hatchling D

[To hit: Bite 18+3 vs. Nida AC 14: Hit]
[Damage: 4 Piercing, 5 Poison]

The second Neogi hatchling joins the attack, sinking its fangs into Nida's other leg. The combined effects of their venom cause her agony to intensify. She's now in a dire situation, desperately fighting off the hatchlings and trying to endure the excruciating pain coursing through her body.

Corvus A

[Corvus chooses weapon: 1-3 Bow, 4-6 Spear and shield: 6]

The corvus with the gruesome necklace quickly reacts, rushing to retrieve its spear and shield. It then seeks cover behind the fallen bookcase, preparing to defend itself and retaliate against the intruders.

Corvus B

[Corvus chooses weapon: 1-3 Bow, 4-6 Spear and shield: 1]

The remaining corvus dashes to the nearest pillar, swiftly grabbing its bow and taking cover behind the stone structure, preparing to take a shot at anyone who comes into its line of sight.

Seraphina

[Seraphina casts Eldritch Blast]
[To hit: Eldrich Blast 14+5 vs. Corvus AC 15+2 (1/2 cover): Hit]
[Damage: 2 Force]

Seraphina steps out of her hiding place again and releases another blast of eldritch energy. The bolt hits the corvus hiding behind the bookcase squarely in the shoulder, causing it to wince and shift its attention toward Seraphina.

Round 2

Lorett

[To hit: Longbow 2+7 vs. Corvus AC 15+2 (1/2 cover): Miss]
[Lorett loses arrow.]

Lorett peeks around the pillar and notices that two hatchlings are skittering in his direction. He also spots the corvus hiding behind the cover with a shield. Weighing the dangers, he decides to take a shot at the corvus. Unfortunately, his arrow misses the mark. Realizing he needs to reposition, Lorett leaps into action, vaulting onto the table.

[Athletics DC10: Lorett 7+3 Success]

He struggles to maintain his balance as he slides across the tabletop but lands safely behind the table, taking cover behind a nearby chair.

Nida

[Disengage]
[CON save to remove condition "Poisoned" DC10: Nida 13+4 Success]

In a desperate attempt to break free from the attacking hatchlings, Nida kicks them away as she retreats toward the door closer to Seraphina, hoping for some healing and support.

Neogi Hatchling A and Neogi Hatchling B

The two hatchlings on the western side of the room follow Lorett as he jumps away from them, easily skittering over the table in pursuit, but Lorett manages to stay beyond their reach for now.

Neogi Hatchling C and Neogi Hatchling D

The other two hatchlings follow Nida as she retreats, but she manages to outpace them and reach the door nearer to Seraphina.

Corvus A

The injured corvus with the shield limps to cover behind the column in the southwest corner, staying out of sight from arrows and magic blasts.

Corvus B

[To hit: Longbow 18+3 vs. Lorett AC14+2 (1/2 cover): Hit]
[Damage: 8+1 Piercing]

The corvus with the bow aims at the group in the far corner and decides to shoot at the most significant menace, Lorett. The arrow hits him in the shoulder, making him wince in pain.

Seraphina

[Casts "Cure Wounds" healing Nida 6 HP.]

Seraphina walks next to Nida and places her hand on her, healing her wounds. She then shouts that maybe they should retreat and pulls back behind the column, urging the others to follow.

[Round 3]

Lorett

[To hit: Longbow 17+7 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Hit]
[Damage: 3+3]

Lorett swiftly nocks an arrow and takes aim at the hatchling, skittering toward Nida. He releases the arrow, and it finds its mark, piercing the hatchling's body and ending its life. Lorett dashes towards the northeastern column, taking cover behind it. From there, he prepares to engage the corvus with the bow, hoping to eliminate the ranged threat.

Nida

[To hit: Pike 11+5  vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Hit]
[Damage: 10+3]

With renewed confidence, Nida swings her pike with precision and ferocity, skewering the hatchling as it approaches. The creature writhes and twitches before falling lifeless to the floor. Nida then moves swiftly to protect Seraphina from any further threats, positioning herself as a stalwart guardian.

Neogi Hatchling A

[To hit: Bite 10+3 vs. Nida AC 14: Miss]

The other remaining hatchling, undeterred by its companion's demise, lunges at Nida with its venomous fangs bared. However, Nida's swift reflexes allow her to evade the creature's bite, leaving it poised and ready for another strike.

Neogi Hatchling B

[To hit: Bite 8+3 vs. Nida AC 14: Miss]

The fourth hatchling, emboldened by its comrades, scrambles over the overturned bench and attempts to sink its fangs into Nida's flesh. However, Nida's agility keeps her one step ahead, and she avoids the hatchling's venomous bite once again.

Corvus A

The corvus with the shield, desperate to protect itself, charges across the room and takes cover behind the same column where Seraphina is hiding. It gets so close that Seraphina can feel the heat of its breath and see the scorch marks on its skin from her previous eldritch blasts. The corvus seems determined to eliminate her as a threat.

Corvus B

[To hit: Longbow 14+3 vs. Nida AC 14+4 (3/4 cover): Miss]

The corvus hiding in the corner with its bow, attempts to shoot an arrow at Nida. However, her position behind the hatchlings and the table obstructs its aim. The arrow strikes the column next to her, missing its target.

Seraphina

[Seraphina casts Sacred Flame]
[Corvus DEX save DC13 against Sacre: Corvus 10+1 Fail]
[Damage: 7]

Seraphina, now under pressure from both sides, the corvus and the hatchlings, realizes that she cannot make effective attacks against them. She concentrates her mind, calling upon the power of the Solar, her patron, to grant her the fiery radiance she possesses. A radiant blast descends from the ceiling, hitting the corvus square in the chest as Seraphina utters the command word and locks eyes with the creature. The sacred flames engulf the corvus, reducing it to ashes.

Round 4

Lorett

[To hit: Longbow 2+7 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11+2 (1/2 cover): Miss]
[Lorett loses arrow.]

Lorett carefully aims at the hatchling harassing Nida, but the tiny creature's rapid movements make it a difficult target. His arrow misses the mark and strikes the ground near Nida, who continues to fend off the hatchlings.

Nida

[To hit: Pike 18+5  vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Hit]
[Damage: 10+3 Piercing]

Nida glances at the arrow that missed its mark and then at Lorett before turning her attention back to the hatchlings. With a swift and casual swing of her pike, she cleaves the other remaining hatchling in half, ending its threat.

Neogi Hatchling B

[To hit: Bite 18+3 vs. Nida AC 14: Hit]
[Damage: 2 Piercing, 1 Poison]
[CON save CD10 against "Poisoned": Nida 9+4, Success]

The last hatchling lunges at Nida, sinking its teeth into her thigh. Though the bite itself doesn't cause much harm, the burning sensation of the poison begins to sear within her.

Corvus B

[To hit: Longbow 5+3 vs. Nida AC 14+4 (3/4 cover): Miss]

The corvus with the bow, realizing it's somewhat outmatched, fires an arrow at Nida, but its aim is off, and the arrow lands in the table, not even reaching halfway to its target.

Seraphina

[Seraphina casts Eldritch Blast]
[To hit: Eldrich Blast 10+5 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Hit]
[Damage: 7 Force]

Seraphina moves from behind Nida and points her staff at the hatchling. Golden energy gathers around it as Seraphina says the magical words. Instead of firing from her hand, the eldritch energies are unleashed from her staff with a bright burst. The hatchling is struck, its body shivering from the impact, before collapsing into a small pile of charred remains.

Round 5

Lorett

[To hit: Longbow 16+7 vs. Corvus AC 14: Hit]
[Damage: 6+3 Piercing]

Lorett steps out from behind the column, and in the dim light of the room, his eyes lock with the corvus's. Realizing its poor choice of cover, the corvus desperately tries to draw its bow, but it's too slow. Lorett's arrow is already in flight, finding its mark. The arrow strikes the corvus's hand holding it, causing it to drop its weapon with a pained screech. Satisfied, Lorett quickly returns to his cover with a triumphant grin on his face.

Nida

Nida swiftly dashes past the table and chairs, making her way behind the fallen bookcase. She steadies her pike, ready to charge at the corvus pinned in the corner when the opportunity arises. Her breath is heavy, and adrenaline courses through her veins as she prepares for the final confrontation.

Corvus B

[To hit: Longbow 5+3 vs. Nida AC 14: Miss]

The wounded corvus, realizing it's in dire straits, quickly moves to the other side of the column for cover. Its injured hand throbs with pain, making it difficult to maintain a steady grip on the arrow. As it releases the projectile, the arrow clumsily falls to the ground, never reaching Nida.

Seraphina

Seraphina swiftly navigates through the debris, making her way to the opposite side of the room. She takes cover behind the pillar in the southwest corner, seeking shelter from the looming danger in the chamber.

Round 6

Lorett

Lorett takes a strategic position, bowstring taut, and patiently awaits the corvus's next move. He's ready to react swiftly should the enemy attempt to find cover on his side of the room.

Nida

[Atletics DC10: Nida 12+5 Success]
[To hit: Pike 9+5  vs. Corvus AC 14: Hit]
[Damage: 10+3 Piercing]

Fueled by determination and fury, Nida leaps from behind the fallen bookcase and charges at the corvus. Her pike strikes true, impaling the creature, leaving it stunned and lifeless, staring in disbelief at the deadly weapon that had just ended its existence.

Encounter ends.

[Experience gained 100 XP per character.]

As the battle comes to an end, the injured and unconscious dwarf lying on the table in the meeting hall remains largely unnoticed amidst the chaos. With the Corvuses defeated and the Neogi hatchlings slain, the party has a moment to assess their surroundings and check on the dwarf.

[Oracle "Is the dwarf dead?" Most likely +6: 9 Maybe]
[Oracle "Is he breathing but unconscious?" Likely +2: 20 Yes]

Approaching the table cautiously, Nida, Seraphina, and Lorett find the injured dwarf still unconscious, his breaths shallow and labored. His body bears the grim evidence of the Corvuses' brutal assault—his stomach is ripped open, and his hands are bloodied and torn. It's evident that he's in critical condition, and immediate medical attention is required to stabilize him.

[Seraphina uses  the"Healing Hands" ability to heal the dwarf for 2 HP]

With her limited healing abilities, Seraphina rushes to the dwarf's side. She gently places her hands on him, channeling her magic to try and stabilize his injuries and awaken him. After a few tense moments, the dwarf's eyes flutter open, and he lets out a groan of pain.

Seraphina quickly explains that they are not enemies and have defeated the creatures attacking him. She asks him his name and how he came to be in this situation.

The dwarf introduces himself as Hrylle, his voice strained from the agony of his injuries. He winces and clutches his stomach, the pain evident on his face. Despite Seraphina's initial efforts to stabilize him, the bleeding from his wounds continues unabated. With each passing moment, Hrylle's condition deteriorates, and it's clear that more substantial healing is needed.

Nida, her face etched with concern, rushes to Hrylle's side, attempting to provide some form of makeshift bandaging to staunch the flow of blood. However, her efforts prove insufficient to control the profuse bleeding, and Hrylle's groans of pain persist.

[Oracle "Does the dwarf die on the table?" Most likely +6: 11 Maybe]
[Oracle "Can the dwarf say anything meaningful?" Not very likely -4: 6 No]

As Hrylle's groans of pain persist and the bleeding from his wounds shows no sign of abating, Seraphina casts a helpless glance at her companions. She shakes her head sadly and whispers, "I have nothing left to heal him with. We've exhausted our magical resources."

Lorett, not the one to give up easily, steps forward and attempts to communicate with the wounded dwarf. He addresses Hrylle in Common, but the dwarf's responses are limited to incoherent moans and grunts of agony. Frustration creeps into Lorett's voice as he tries to elicit any information from the suffering dwarf.

Frustration creeps into Lorett's voice as he attempts to elicit information from the suffering dwarf, but Hrylle's responses remain limited to incoherent moans and groans of agony. The dwarf's eyelids grow heavy, and he closes his eyes with a final, pained exhalation.

Lorett and Seraphina exchange somber glances, then turn their attention to Nida. The room is filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the occasional groans of pain from the wounded dwarf. Seraphina speaks softly, her voice tinged with regret, "There's nothing more we can do for him. His injuries are beyond our ability to heal."

As Nida holds a cloth over the dwarf's stomach, his labored breathing gradually ceases, and the room falls into an eerie stillness. Nida looks down at Hrylle's lifeless form and then raises her eyes to Seraphina. There is a silent exchange of understanding between them, a shared acknowledgment of the grim reality they face.

Nida's voice is soft as she asks, "What should we do with him now?"

Seraphina takes a moment to consider their options. Her expression is pensive as she replies, "Carrying his lifeless body with us would only slow us down, and there's no guarantee we can provide a proper burial in these tunnels. It's best to leave him here for now, hoping that one day, if we make it out of this place, we can return and give him a proper farewell."

Nida nods in agreement, her gaze lingering on the fallen dwarf. Lorett strikes the table and screams in frustration. He says they need to get their shit together and figure out what to do. They have been injured also, and they cannot really do much to defend themselves currently.

Lorett's outburst echoes through the chamber, a raw manifestation of the frustration and uncertainty that weighs on the group. He's right, and they all know it. In their current state, they're vulnerable and ill-prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. Nida, Seraphina, and Lorett need to regroup and make some tough decisions if they're going to navigate the dangers of the underground temple.

Seraphina steps forward, her voice steady, "Lorett is right. We can't afford to let our emotions cloud our judgment. We must assess our resources and injuries and plan our next move carefully. Let's gather what we can and find a secure place to rest and recover. From there, we can decide on our next steps."

Nida, though still somber from the recent events, nods in agreement. She's breathing heavily and nursing the wounds inflicted by the Neogi hatchlings. She gathers her thoughts and explains, "Those creatures, the spider-like ones, they're Neogi Hatchlings. I've seen them before in the depths of the Ildoren woods."

[Arcana DC10: Seraphina 5+1, Fail]

Seraphina, her curiosity piqued, responds, "Neogi Hatchlings? I've never heard of such creatures. What are they, and why were they here?"

[Arcana DC10: Lorett 17+0, Success]

Still catching his breath after the intense battle, Lorett adds, "I've crossed paths with them before, too. Nida and I fought them in the Ildoren woods. Vicious little things, they are."

Nida continues, "They're dangerous and venomous. Their bite can be deadly if not treated. But they usually travel with Neogi masters, who are even more sinister. We should remain vigilant; there might be more of them lurking nearby."

The party takes a moment to process this new information, realizing that they are now deeper into danger than they had ever anticipated.

Lorett, his bow still drawn, raises a valid point. "These Neogi hatchlings must have been brought here or have some connection to the Corvuses. There might be a lair nearby or another entrance to these tunnels. We should remain cautious as we continue deeper."

Nida nods in agreement, her pike at the ready. "Agreed, Lorett. We can't let our guard down. Who knows what else might be lurking in these tunnels."

Seraphina, casting a worried glance around the room, adds, "We need to press on and find out where those Corvuses were heading and what they were doing here. But we must be prepared for any surprises."

Seraphina's expression weary voices a concern that weighs heavily on her mind. "I understand the need to press on, but we're all exhausted, and I fear we're running low on resources. Is it wise to stay in this temple to rest, knowing that we might be ambushed in our sleep? Perhaps we should consider other options or fortify our position before continuing."

Lorett nods in agreement with Seraphina's concern. "She's right. Going outside at night doesn't seem like a viable option either. We'd be stumbling around in the dark, and we don't know what else might lurk in these tunnels. Perhaps we should find a secure spot in this temple to take a short rest and regain our strength before we decide our next move."

[Decision check: Nida 4, Lorett 5, Seraphina 3]

The party decides to thoroughly inspect the room they're in before considering their next move. Nida leads the way, checking for any hidden traps or secret passages. She carefully examines the tables, chairs, and bookcases, ensuring no concealed compartments or triggers exist. Lorett and Seraphina follow suit, searching for anything of interest or importance.

Despite the chaotic battle that unfolded within, they find that the room appears to have served as some kind of meeting or dining area. The large table in the center of the room is now stained with blood, with scattered plates and utensils. The bookcases, while mostly destroyed, once held various books and scrolls, most of which have been torn or burned.

[Investigation DC10 ADV (Lorett assists): Nida 1/11-1, Success]
[Previously determined loot: 26 SP -> 24SP and 20CP]

As Nida and Lorett sift through the wreckage and remains of the fallen creatures, they discover a few bags and pouches hidden among the clutter. Together, they carefully search these containers, hoping to find anything of value or use.

Amidst the debris, they uncover a small cache of coins. The coins consist of a total of 24 silver pieces and 20 copper pieces. It's not a significant fortune, but in their current situation, every bit counts.

[Nida adds 24 SP and 20 CP to her inventory]

[Seraphina casts Detect Magic.]
[Oracle "Is there anything magical in the room?" Most likely not -6: -1 No]

Seraphina, determined to uncover any hidden magical treasures, focuses her magical senses and casts Detect Magic. She carefully scans the room, her eyes and senses attuned to the ethereal energies surrounding objects infused with magic. However, to her disappointment, there are no magical auras or items nearby. The room, cluttered with remains and debris, seems to hold no enchanted secrets.

[Investigation DC15: Seraphina 4-1 Fail]

With her magical senses still heightened, Seraphina takes a moment to investigate the bookshelves that line one of the walls in the room. She carefully examines the books and scrolls, hoping to find something of interest or value, perhaps a hidden tome of ancient knowledge or a useful spell scroll. Unfortunately, her search yields no such discoveries. The shelves contain mostly decayed and weathered texts, many beyond readability.

As she continues her inspection, Seraphina feels the fatigue weighing her. The long and perilous journey through the temple and the intense battles they've faced have left her and her companions physically and mentally drained. The need for rest becomes increasingly apparent.

As the party stands amidst the cluttered room, Seraphina grows increasingly anxious. The pressing weight of time bears down on her, and she can't shake the sense of urgency. It's approaching midnight, and the darkness of the temple feels more suffocating with each passing moment.

Seraphina turns to her companions, her voice tinged with concern, "We can't afford to linger here any longer. The longer we stay, the more dangerous it becomes. We need to gather what we can and get moving. It's unsafe here, especially after all the commotion we've caused."

Nida, always ready for action, nods in agreement. She's eager to press on and continue their exploration of the temple. Her hand rests on the hilt of her pike, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

[Lorett gathers d6-3 arrows: 4, 1 arrow.]

On the other hand, Lorett takes a moment to scavenge a few intact arrows from the battlefield. He knows the value of every arrow, having seen their dwindling numbers during the fight. Once satisfied with his findings, he looks to Seraphina and says, "Alright, I'm ready to go. Lead the way."

With their gear gathered and resolved steeled, the party leaves the large meeting room behind. Nida gives one final look at the dwarf on the table.

They know the temple holds more mysteries and dangers and are determined to uncover its secrets.

[Seraphina adds mace to her inventory]

The party retraces their steps through the temple, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridors. Seraphina holds the mace firmly, ensuring the door they leave behind won't close and seal them in. Nida, clutching the everburning torch, guides them back toward the mysterious chanting and clanging sounds echoing through the ancient halls.

They pass where the deadly snake once lurked, its lifeless form a grim reminder of their previous encounter. Climbing the stairs and navigating the tunnels, they eventually return to the grand foyer, where they had initially entered the temple.

The party cautiously enters the puzzle room, stepping carefully to avoid the trapped floor tiles. Seraphina's words about the room's defensibility bring a sense of reassurance. With its intricate dwarven mechanisms, the massive stone door can serve as a formidable barrier against any potential threats lurking in the temple.

Nida and Lorett nod in agreement with Seraphina's assessment. It's a defensible position, and if someone skilled enough to open the door approaches, they might just find an unexpected ally in their quest to uncover the temple's mysteries.

With their bedrolls in the cozy chamber, the party settles in for some much-needed rest. The chamber's warmth and the knowledge that they've secured a defensible position provide a measure of comfort. They arrange their backpacks in the corner.

Nida takes the first watch. Her sharp senses alert to any potential dangers in the temple. As she keeps watch over her companions, the rest of the group starts to unwind and prepare for a more extended period of rest, knowing they've exhausted their daily rations. The idea of getting a full night's sleep is a welcome prospect after a long and arduous day of exploration and battles. The soft glow of the everburning torch casts a warm and reassuring light in the chamber as Seraphina and Lorett gradually drift into sleep.

Nida, the vigilant sentinel of the group, settles into her watchful position. She sits on the chamber's floor, her back against the stone wall, and rubs her ankle where the hatchling had bitten her earlier. Fortunately, the poison hadn't taken a strong hold, and she had managed to avoid any serious harm, only experiencing slight dizziness.

As she surveys her companions, Seraphina and Lorett, who are now peacefully sleeping, Nida's thoughts wander. The journey from Otha to this chamber has been a series of trials and tribulations. Yet, she's no stranger to hardship and battle, having faced the relentless hordes of goblinoids that threaten her homeland, the enchanted forest of Ildoren.

Tomorrow promises new challenges that may rival those they've encountered thus far. Nida can't help but worry about what lies ahead in the winding tunnels of this ancient temple. Will they encounter more enemies, traps, or mysteries that could jeopardize their quest? The memory of the slain dwarf they discovered earlier still lingers in her mind, a reminder of the perilous nature of their expedition.

But for now, Nida focuses on her duty: keeping a vigilant eye on the chamber's entrance. In the dim torchlight, she contemplates her homeland, the towering trees of Ildoren, and the soothing sounds of the forest that once surrounded her. It's a bittersweet moment of reflection amidst the eerie silence of the temple's depths, a temporary respite before the challenges of a new day.