View source for Walk in the Shadows

The village of Redbarrow, Alexandros, early afternoon.

Redbarrow is several hours away from the city of Alexandria by briskly-paced horseback. It's a community of all sorts. Farmers and craftspeople who occasionally make the trek for the big city to sell their wares. They've never had really anything in the way of problems, or so the grumpy older man by the name of Jamise informs you as you sit down in his comfortable abode, which also serves as his woodworking shop. Jamise is a man of dark complexion and smooth voice, but there's a sort of weariness in his eyes as he speaks, like he's tired and has been for a long time.

The source of his tired state might be the lovely little girl that's constantly trailing him, her coiled hair braided lovingly with two bowties at each end. She's already introduced herself as Maris. "Doggy," she insists. "I saw a _big_ doggy in the caves."

"That doesn't make any sense, dear," the father says in exasperation. "Nobody in the village has big dogs."

"Big doggy," Maris insists. "Woof woof. I even heard a howl!" She looks at all of the adventurers assembled in her house like she wants them to back her up.

Aragos stands uncomfortably holding a wall up. Or rather leaning against a wall. He might be holding it up, or it might be holding him up. Impossible to tell really. He looks distinctly uncomfortable however, his face set into a frown and scowl. His purple eyes occasionally darting to the girl with her hair in braids. He says nothing. Just stands there and looks... intense.

The threat of werewolves has receded considerably, but... there's always work to be done, especially in the hinterlands of Alexandros during the winter. All manner of nasty things will prowl looking for a meal. The weather only makes it worse, what with the rain and the chill. The dispassionate yellow stare of Khepri, Executor of Vardama, rests on Jamise first before its eyes move to Maris with curiosity.

The metallic voice sounds from behind the plague-doctor facade, "There are many things that sound like dogs," the golem remarks. "Not all of them are domesticated."

The rogue of the party was hard to spot from all the rags. Or he was really easy to spot from behind all the varied colored rags. "I believe you." A low, bass like voice comes out from the black beak peeking out from the folds and folds of fabric.

"Dogs can be very big." A small notebook is held up. "I read about it in a book."

Tlanexhuani crouches more than his usual stoop, all but squatting in their host's home. This makes him consume less space in the abode, and brings him nearer the youngling's level. "Ssa," he agrees with the metal one, though his words are soft as he regards the child as much or more so than the adult. "Many creatures about. Not all are danger, but many can be. Isss good to ensure cave iss safe, ssa?" Now he looks to the father with the question.

The green-haired Gnome was quiet for much of the journey, seemingly uncomfortable with the method of transportation. Her expression brightened once they were able to step away into the small community. Xasany settles comfortably in a chair, to listen to the tale from Jamise and the little girl.

"So what is the nature of the odd sounds you've been hearing, then, sir? Have any of the adults heard them, or just the children?"

Her eyes go to Maris. "Are you sure it was a doggy? Could it have been a wolf, perhaps?" She glances back at the man, "Have there been reports of missing herd animals... er, if you have any? Have pets gone missing? Have game animals disappeared?"

"It's just been the children hearing noises," Jamise responds to Xasany. "We're all too busy to go playing in the caves--someone had a look in there a long time ago and there wasn't much of anything of value in there, so it's a favorite spot of the children to go looking for mischief." He reaches up and rubs his temples. "My apologies for my poor hospitality. My wife just left for Alexandria to seek some treatment a few days ago for her illness, and... You know how it is."

Maris pipes up, "Mommy's sick, but she's going to get better in the big city."

"Yes, sweetheart," Jamise replies, but the way he says it says he's not entirely convinced of it, in that way stress lingers in a person's voice and rests on their shoulders like a weight. He turns his tired eyes back onto the group. "I don't have any pets and I'm a woodworker, not a farmer. But I think I've heard of someone's cat going missing lately."

"Ami's cat," Maris says. "Fluffy. Fluffy hasn't been home in a week."

Jamise scratches at the back of his head. "That's the thing--we've never had _wolves_ here," he says to Xasany. "I could believe it's a bear that's taken up in the cave for winter, but not a wolf. I'm not entirely sure that the children... Well, I think they're telling each other tall tales, but the village seems to think better safe than sorry."

Aragos continues to stalwartly hold up the wall. It's very important (surely). The paladin of Vardama looks a tad intimidating standing there silently without offering any sort of words of his own...

Khepri tilts its head, considering the new information. "A sweep of the cave might be best then, to roust any scavengers or predators." A pause. "Having any wild creature in close proximity to children is unwise. Please do not allow your children near the cave system until we have certified it is empty."

The inquisitor considers, then adds, "I will offer prayers for your wife in the meantime, that she will return to you and your daughter."

Crik reaches out into his cloaks and produces a tiny sketchpad for the child, and a pen. "Sketch the creature for us?" He offers, helpfully. Meanwhile, he rustles his feathers and stares at Khepri. He was not going to ask how golems pray.

Even if he was deathly curious.

"This one wishes your Cihuaa, and your nest-mother," Tlanexhuani returns his focus on the child," well. The city hass many great healersss, many great shaman. This one'ss kin among them. Best healer. Best care."

He reaches into a pouch and fishes around a bit before producing a small thing (especially in his claws); a bipedal reptilian figure with a tail, mostly of carved wood and joints of metal wire. The old Makari extend it towards the daughter, though hesitates as Crik offers the writing implements.

Xasany's eyebrows rise upwards, her expression one of curiosity. "May I know what your wife's symptoms were? And for how long?" She leans forward, fidgeting a little in the seat.

The Gnome nods in agreement with Khepri, "That's very good suggestion." She looks to the little girl. "Maris, you and your friends should stay out of the caves for now, okay? We'll go through them, and make sure nothing's in there that's dangerous. Could you tell us what it is you and your friends were hearing?"

Glancing back at Jamise, she shrugs her shoulders, "The children have the only information, so it is best we take what they say at face value, assume that there's a large dog or wolf that's taken up residence in the cave. We'll get to the bottom of it, for good or ill."

"She's just struggled with... Energy, and sadness, for a very long time," Jamise replies to Xasany's inquiry. "Started when her mother passed away a few years ago. She stopped helping me out in the workshop and would just stay in bed most days, sleeping or crying. We tried a number of herbal remedies, but I eventually saved up enough coin and sent her off to Alexandria. I have to stay here to provide for Maris and I and the meantime."

Maris takes Crik's sketchpad and writing utensil, and she cheerfully says, "Okay!" It takes her all of five minutes to scribble...

Something that kind of looks more like a horse than a dog, in that crude child's way of drawing. Except, uh. It has a really important detail Maris hadn't mentioned until now.

The dog has two heads.
<pre><OOC> Riptide says, "Would actually be a Knowledge/Arcana check for this one."
GAME: Khepri rolls knowledge/arcana+3: (18)+8+3: 29
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls knowledge/arcana: (10)+8: 18
GAME: Xasany rolls knowledge/arcana: (12)+10: 22
GAME: Crik rolls knowledge/arcana: (14)+3: 17</pre>
Khepri stares at the crude image. "I am not sure -- wait." The golem stands in that weird, hunched over posture for a minute, as its yellow eyes flicker with thought. Then it straightens up again. "Landowner Jamise," it says formally, "do not allow your daughter, or anyone else near those caves until we give an all clear."

"I may be mistaken," the inquisitor concedes, "but this may be a dangerous beast known as a 'death dog', known for spreading disease." The golem looks to the others. "This must be dealt with, immediately."

Aragos squints from afar at the image of the dog, but he doesn't comment on it. Doesn't stop his all-important task of holding up the wall. What would happen to the house if he were not there? He does however frown more deeply at the knowledge that that the man's wife is sick, his purple eyes flickering toward the girl. Surely to look at her drawing. Not for any other reason.

Finally he pushes himself away from the wall, which miraculously doesn't fall down without his support and heads to the door. "We should go then." Words, be still thine beating heart!

Crik stares at the drawing as it is made, and his beak slowly opens. Ah. Yes. No. Wait. A _new_ notebook is brought out, flipped rapidly about, then backwards. "Oh." The corvid sounds nearly disappointed. "I actually know this one." Droop.

The corvid then shuts his book and nods rapidly towards the daughter. "It is a very nice drawing," He pushes the paper at her. "You should make your father hang it on a wall." Because what doesn't inspire decore more than death dogs!

Tlanexhuani stares at the results of Maris' scribbling, and not just because of its worthiness for wall-hanging. He blinks slowly and his tail flicks nervously. Now he offers up the swiftclaw-like jointed wooden doll to her along with gentle words, "Iss very good draw. Reward for great tale-share and craft."

The azure Makari shifts eyes to Khepri's announcement and Aragos stepping from critical wall support. "Ssa. We must go. Make cave safe. For village, for younglings." He straightens himself up now that they have a better idea of what may be there.

"Oh, well, I can sympathize, the death of one's parents is very sad. Sometimes it is difficult to deal with." The little witch scratches her chin a moment. "Her mother passed on from natural causes, right? Old age, perhaps?"

Xas eyes the drawing for a few moments, and gestures to Khepri gently with a hand. "I believe you've got it right. All the more reason to stay out of the caves. Everyone, not just the children."

Maris's eyes are bright at the offering of the wooden doll. "Yay! Thank you!" she says, taking it and holding it tightly to her chest.

Jamise can't help a little smile at Maris's happiness. It's the first thing he's had that's remotely happy, until Xasany asks about his wife's mother, then it's back to a frown. "Yeah, old age," he says. "I think I better get a move on with food. You all ought to head out before it starts getting to sundown. Sun sets early at this time of year. I'll tell the others not to let their kids near until you got it all taken care of."

So the adventuring party gets shooed out so father and daughter can focus on that most pivotal of mealtimes: lunch. Thankfully, it's not hard to find the caves. Another villager helpfully points the way. They're in a wooded area not far from the village, and it's easy to see why the villagers tolerate their children playing here. It's not hard at all to hear the villagers going about their daily business even from the mouth of the cave. A parent can easily call their children back if needed.

But it also means that the adults have to have either been really busy to not notice death dogs... Or the children have been going further into the caves than the adults realize. Either way, it stands before the adventuring party... Quiet.

For now.

Khepri has not been idle on the walk to the cave. It inspects its heavy composite bow, before reslinging it. Then it attaches a light steel shield to its left arm, flexing its hand to make sure it's clear. Lastly, the golem draws a beautifully polished khopesh from its sheath, the blade inscribed with Vardaman prayers, and a black and gray tassel attached to the pommel.

"If any of you require light to see, please speak up now." Khepri intones.

For a moment, Aragos stands at the mouth of the cave thoughtfully. His purple eyes flicker to Khepri and he nods once. "Light would be good." His voice is oddly gruff, and he pulls his massive sword off his back; the black-blue blade gleaming in the afternoon light. He moves cautiously into the cave a few steps. Allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness, but not in so far that the dark will obscure his vision entirely. He'll wait for a light to do that.

"Not too much light!" Crik complains - all of his dark cloaks hoisted over him. He then hops and half walks along towards the cave, starting to peer inside. "I will look ahead?" He suggests, before starting to blend into the shadows.

With a loud caw. Old habits die not so fast.
<pre><OOC> Crik will engage stealth mode
GAME: Crik rolls stealth: (1)+12: 13 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Crik does not engage stealth mode</pre>
Tlanexhuani's crystal-tipped spear is already in one hand, though it serves as walking aid more than anything else on the way to the cave. "This one does not, but light better than dark." He steps into the cave mouth and sniffs at the air. "All go in?" Crik answers that by volunteering to be hunting party and scout ahead, so Tlanexhuani waits.

Xasany peers at Aragos a moment, blinking. "That sword might be a bit... much, trying to swing that around in the cave." She pulls a dagger from a sheath on her hip, and offers that up to the man. "This may work better..."

She decides to wait a moment, for Crik to scout and Aragos to frown.

Crik's caw is perhaps louder than he'd intended. It echoes some ways, and Khepri's light allows the group to see where they're walking. These are things that hang in the air like they will have consequences. Whatever's in the cave probably knows they're coming...
<pre><OOC> Riptide says, "Athletics checks please (for reasons :D)"
GAME: Crik rolls athletics: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Aragos rolls Athletics: (17)+-3: 14
GAME: Xasany rolls athletics: (2)+0: 2
GAME: Khepri rolls athletics: (7)+4: 11
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls athletics: (7)+0: 7</pre>
Aragos pauses just a little inside the cave, his boots sticking slightly against the somewhat slippery floor. He doesn't need the light to tell him what it is. He can smell it. Blood. His mouth goes dry at the scent of it, his muscles tense. Something died here. He knows it.

Blood.

Screaming.

He looks anywhere but at the floor. Moving through the space with slow careful steps lest he make a mistake and fall in the stuff. He doesn't change the method of his breathing. Anything is better than tasting the flavor of blood in the air.

Khepri detects the stickiness, and slows its pace for a moment. Pausing, tilting its head down. There's no perceptible change in its demeanor or posture, but it squares its shoulders a bit more. "Continue. We are blessed by the Harpist in this, that we can stop whatever lairs here."

The khopesh in Khepri's fist twitches, as if tugging the golem onward, its pace unrelenting.

Crik kind of knew what he was stepping into it the soon as he tripped into it. Slowly getting up, and with his bared feet sidling on the floor, he holds his beak open.

"This is too much." The corvid quietly says. "For just the cat." A brief pause. "And for lunch." Step, step, careful step.

The Gnome walks along, though any cheerfulness drains out of her face at the first *splort* sound, and she looks positively horrified after looking down. "Oh gods.", she says softly, at almost a whisper. "Either the children have never made it this far... or there's something really, really wrong with this place. There is no way in the Nine Hells there should be THIS much blood. And I am not walking in this..." After a moment, she begins to float gently in the air, and she hovers along after the group.

Scales a non-absorbent. This is excellent for protection from rain, less so for traction on wet, mud, or ... congealed blood. Toeclaws are less helpful on hard rock, even more. Tlanexhuani slips and stumbles, more than once. The growing odor from it doesn't help, either. At all. He snorts several times to clear nostrils, though it is a momentary reprieve at best. "Is not cave. Is ... butchery." The tone of disgust is exacerbated by having to hunt for a proper word. "Younglings not come thiss far..." He assures all, himself included. Because thoughts of the alternative are not allowed. He continues onward as best he can while watching his footing.
<pre><OOC> Riptide says, "Okay! Perception checks from errybody please."
GAME: Khepri rolls perception: (7)+11: 18
GAME: Xasany rolls perception: (9)+4: 13
GAME: Crik rolls perception: (6)+11: 17
GAME: Aragos rolls Perception: (14)+1: 15
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls perception: (13)+9: 22</pre>
The smell of decay sets in as the group makes their way through the cave. Oddly, there's less blood to deal with as the cave goes on--just the increasing smell of something rotting from further up ahead.

Up ahead, there's what appears to be an entrance into a larger chamber. And while there's nothing obviously standing in the 'doorway'... There's the audible soft sound of growling. Soft enough for the group to know that there's something waiting in the room ahead. Maybe several somethings. Crik's sharp caw must have carried all the way down to alert what was ahead.

Aragos glances to the rest of the group as the sound of growling becomes audible. He motions them back a little bit, and steps slowly forward himself. He is, as far as he can see, the only one wearing armor (he knows from experience that the metal frame of a war golem's body doesn't count). Slowly stepping forward. He prefers in a way the scent of decay to the scent of blood. Though he doesn't say as much.

The dim shadows recede as Khepri stalks forward, its sulfur-hued eyes burning in the bird-mask of its face as it approaches the chamber. "Fear no darkness. Her eyes are upon us, always -- if we should arrive in Her august presence, let Her judge us with approval." With that, he walks side by side with Aragos, the Executor's sword coming up, almost vibrating in anticipation.

Crik pulls out his crossbow and dagger, slowly coiling into a smaller bundle of bloodied rags. "Do not let it bite. It will infect with worms that eat from inside." The corvid warns and looks like the shadows were about to collapse in on him. Or he was becoming the shadow. It was a confusing moment.

The Gnome floats to a halt when Aragos gestures, settling down to the ground with a splort, and nods to Crik. "Yeah, flesh eating worms. Excruciating, I am told. Not looking to experience that." She waits to see what comes next.

Tlanexhuani's grip tightens on his spear. The hammer stays on his hip for now as he moves up with Aragos and Khepri. His tail flicks behind him with concern as Crik repeats the warning of bites. At least the blood is lessened and they seem to have found what they hunt, judging from the growling. "No let bite. Strike first. Strike hard."

As Aragos and Khepri enter, they discover: four death dogs, two heads each on them. They growly meanly, saliva dripping from their mouths that promises an excruciating bite for those who are unlucky enough to be bitten.
<pre>GAME: Khepri casts Bless. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14</pre>
Khepri is undaunted. "The Harpist gathers all to Her Halls," he invokes, a sheen of light pulsing out from his hand, washing over the party. "Her wisdom, absolute. Her judgements, never in question." Another shimmer, this time over Khepri's armor, as he moves to the side to threaten the two dogs there. "Come, creatures, I will gift you with Her beneficence here and now."
<pre>GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+4: (8)+4: 12</pre>
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+4: (13)+4: 17
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+4: (14)+4: 18
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+4: (7)+4: 11</pre>
The death dogs begin their assault. One charges at Aragos, snapping at him, but it manages to bite only at empty air above Aragos's air. But its breath smells absolutely abominable.

Khepri gets cornered by two of the death dogs, who try to snap at the war golem, but find their efforts stymied by the inquisitor's armor. They growl with dangerous intent as they draw back, readying to attack again.
<pre>GAME: Crik rolls weapon1: (11)+8: 19
GAME: Crik rolls damage1: aliased to 1d4+1: (4)+1: 5</pre>

Crik glances around the room, watching Khepri run off and the rest of the dogs start hounding on them. And like most perhaps would - he bolts straight forward deeper into the cave, pausing at a moment to try and swipe at his thick and short bladed dagger at the dog's heels. It draws a bit of blood. "Keep their eyes on you!" He calls out to the golem - and then engages in waves of hands and arms, just in case he wasn't heard in the darkness.
<pre>GAME: Tlanexhuani activates his Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Str
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls weapon3+1: (17)+9+1: 27
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls damage3+1: aliased to 1d8+6+1: (2)+6+1: 9</pre>
Tlanexhuani does not wish to be bitten. This would be true even if it weren't for the threat of infesting worms. He also does not want anyone else bitten for the same reasons, and this takes precedence. He moves past Aragos to stand with him at the warrior's flank, pulling the hammer from his belt. It is then brought down at one of the beast's heads.
<pre>GAME: Xasany casts Web. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+5: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+5: (7)+5: 12</pre>
The little Gnome is more than a /little/ nervous, knowing that multiple growls means multiple death dogs. Finding out there are four is rather worrisome. "Well, thanks to the Gods above that the children never made it this far, and that these beasts didn't go after them.", she says, as the fighting starts in earnest.

Eyeing the different beasts nearby, Xasany focuses on the farthest one, one seemingly biding its time. Extending her too-long fingers in the beast's direction, she yells, "BAD DOG, STAY!" The web spews from her fingertips, coating the deathdog and the ground surrounding it with a thick, sticky fluid, which begins to solidify and expand, rooting the doggo in place.

The death dog that Xasany has successfully ensnared in her webs tries to break out. But all it manages to do, for the moment, is to writhe against the gossamer that has wound against it.

Turnabout is only fair play, considering the mess that the group walked in earlier.
<pre>GAME: Aragos rolls 1d20+6+1: (2)+6+1: 9
GAME: Aragos rolls 1d20+6+1: (18)+6+1: 25
GAME: Aragos rolls 2d6+7+1: (5)+7+1: 13</pre>
Aragos brings his own sword to bear perhaps a little more slowly, looking for the opportune moment to strike. Just as his ally draw's its attention, he does so, cutting a head free of the dog's neck and sending it tumbling to the ground. He is pleasantly surprised to find that the creature can not survive without both heads intact; it's body following to the ground a moment later.
<pre>GAME: Khepri rolls weapon9+1+2-1: (13)+7+1+2+-1: 22
GAME: Khepri rolls damage9+2+2d6+2: aliased to 1d8+1+2+2d6+2: (6)+1+2+(10)+2: 21
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+4: (18)+4: 22
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+4: (19)+4: 23
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d8+1: (6)+1: 7
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+5: (6)+5: 11</pre>
Khepri raises its shield to deflect the blows, the bites bouncing off the magically-augmented steel. It nods, ever so slightly, as Crik moves to attack, and it strives to keep the two focused on it through the expedient of bringing its heavy khopesh up, and -slamming- it savagely into the death dog in front of it. Energy crackles and the blade flashes blue-white as it carves a deep, severe wound into the beast. "Look," the golem says in a way that might be considered sarcastic, "oh dear, I am terribly vulnerable, please attack me first."
<pre>GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+4: (5)+4: 9
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+4: (9)+4: 13</pre>
Khepri's attack on the death dog sends it into a frenzy, looking to repay the favor just dealt to it in kind. It growls as the first bite finds no purchase, but the dog does sink its teeth into a weak point of Khepri's armor, dripping saliva as it gives a little thrashing mangle on the war golem before it seems to realize it's not a flesh and blood creature. Khepri will not bleed for it.

The other dog in front of Khepri decides to go for Crik in the meantime, lunging out twice, but the corvid-egalrin is too adept at dodging for its bites to land.
<pre>GAME: Crik rolls weapon1: (3)+8: 11
GAME: Crik rolls weapon1: (13)+8: 21
GAME: Crik rolls damage1+2d6: aliased to 1d4+1+2d6: (3)+1+(12): 16</pre>
Crik quietly attempts to maneuver himself into position while Khepri...

"Khepri." Crik states. "You can do better than that." The corvid was obviously disappointed at the distraction - and then lets out a sudden caw as the dog in front of him swipes and bites at him. Only one of the bloodied cloaks was caught in the claws, before the corvid manages to angle himself to strike for the jugular, leaving the beast heavily bloodied.
<pre>GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls ranged: (3)+4: 7
GAME: Tlanexhuani spends ONE use of CHARGE POOL.
GAME: Xasany casts Lightning Bolt. Caster Level: 5 DC: 17
GAME: Xasany rolls 5d6: (13): 13
GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+5: (6)+5: 11</pre>
The beast before him was brought low by Aragos, and the one in the distance appears caught in Xasany's webs... so Tlanexhuani moves to aid Khepri and Crix. Mostly Khepri, as he drops his hammer at his feet. He takes up his spear in both hands to point at the the one nearly behind the construct. A spark of power from his blood leaps from claw to wire on the spear, racing along the path and spiraling in the windings before reaching the crystal at its tip. The crystal flashes blue-white before a small bolt of lightning leaps from it to impact... on the rock wall behind the creature.
<pre>GAME: Riptide rolls 1d20+5: (10)+5: 15</pre>
The death dog in the corner continues to try and liberate itself of Xasany's web, but does not manage, instead baying with an angry intent at the people in its cave who are killing its brethren.

Xasany glares at the stuck death dog, and says again firmly, "STAY! We'll deal with you in a moment." Eyeing the other beasts, she frowns. "Fire's out of the question at the moment." She inhales a lungful of air, "Try not to move around too much!" Extending her fingertips towards the beast three of her comrades fight against, the Gnome mutters something under her breath, spidery little words that crackle with energy. Her other hand gestures, tracing out arcane symbolism in the air.

There's a giant burst of static, followed by an arcing lighting bolt that flies from her fingertips, blasting a sizable hole in the deathdog, and continuing into the wall beyond. An echoing crach-THOOOM fills the cave, rolling outwards into the darkness.
<pre>GAME: Khepri rolls weapon9+1+2-1: (10)+7+1+2+-1: 19
GAME: Khepri rolls damage9+2+2d6+2: aliased to 1d8+1+2+2d6+2: (6)+1+2+(7)+2: 18</pre>
Aragos looks across the cavern to where the other dog is situated, and looks at Xasany. "Hey, I need you to get rid of the web so I can kill that blasted thing." He frowns at her. Politely.

Unfazed by the bite -- for the larvae infesting the death dog will find no flesh to feast on within its metal shell -- Khepri simply grabs the dog by one throat as it comes in for another bite. "Enough." The glowing khopesh flares as the golem drives it tip-first up into the beast's chest, right up under the sternum, gutting it. Then the corpse is dropped almost casually. Metalshod footfalls announce Khepri coming to assist Aragos and Xasany. "Now we end this," the Executor intones, the blade in its hand almost crackling with fury at these creatures.
<pre>GAME: Crik rolls weapon2-2+1: (12)+7+-2+1: 18
GAME: Crik rolls damage2: aliased to 1d4+0: (4)+0: 4</pre>
Crik watches the dogs get crushed and electrocuted around him - but his attention is already on the other side of the room. Dagger clatters to the ground as he runs forward, pulling out his trusty hand crossbow that definitely was showing the wear. A bolt whirls through the darkness, and hits the beast squarely.
<pre>GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls ranged+1-2: (7)+4+1+-2: 10
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls 2d6+int: (9)+int: 9</pre>
Tlanexhuani is not happy with his aim before. In truth, he has not utilized it much, so that could be why. Practice it is, and practical practive even. He move back towards the last creature to stand with Crix and lifts his spear again. Once more, the spark from his claw is carried to and amplified by the crystal before leaping out as a bolt of electricity. This time, at least, it connects with the beast.
<pre>GAME: Xasany casts Burning Hands. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
GAME: Aragos rolls 1d20+6+1: (2)+6+1: 9
GAME: Aragos rolls 1d20+6+1: (14)+6+1: 21
GAME: Aragos rolls 2d6+7+1: (7)+7+1: 15</pre>
Xasany blinks and turns to look at Aragos, and then the poor, be-webbed Doggo. "Oh uhm. I wasn't sure how long this would take. Erm. Web lasts a while." The Gnome rubs at the back of her head. "Shouldn't be too long. Say... about an hour?"

She cants her head slightly. "Well, there's one thing that can speed things up. But uhm... hold your breaths! It stinks!" Stepping to the edge of the web, she splays out her fingers, and touches the thumbs together, spitting out a few quick words of arcane power, causing a WHOOOOSH of flame that lights the closer fringes of the sticky webs on fire. Fire which spreads quickly across the mass of webs.

As the flames leap up to burn the prison of the last of the creatures, Aragos's eyes narrow and he rushes forward, his sword set before him like a lance. The dog has no chance to protect itself. No chance for an attack or defense. His blade cuts into it deeply, and he feels the hilt grind against bone as he rips it free once more. Purple eyes unpitying on the creature.

The death dogs all dead, the room is still now. The smell of decay and death is rank in this chamber.

Now that there isn't an imminent threat, it becomes apparent what the source of that smell is. There's bones strewn throughout the chamber. They, thankfully, appear to be a size consistent with larger creatures, such as elk, or... adults of the mortal peoples. Up on the ledge that overlooks the lower level of the chamber, there's the skeletal remains of two adults and their little campsite--presumably travelers.

But there is something else. Someone else, actually.

A child, seemingly of human stock, walks forward, and she peers down at the group. Her golden eyes look at them, and her clothes look torn and ragged. Her brown hair seems like it's caked with blood and mud in the way it's sullied. "Mmm." It's the only noise she makes.

As the last dog is felled by Aragos's blow, Khepri turns to check and make sure nothing else has come out to challenge them. "All the beasts are dead. Do not touch them. The larvae are still infectious even after death." A pause, then, "I will assist in hauling the corpses out to be burned."

As Khepri's blade shimmers down to a soft, faint glow, the golem's stare sweeps the chamber, noting the bones and corpses. Clearly, the death dogs had turned this into a den, but-- the golem pauses, seeing the child. Tilting its head, it sheathes the heavy khopesh blade. "Child, why are you here? We will speak the words over those poor souls taken by the beasts, but this is no place for the living."

"Whew... that was rough, but quick at least. Ugh, I don't think I'll get the stink out of my nose for weeks."

The Gnome glances around, and then stares as the child comes forward. "Oh gosh, are you alright? Are you hurt?" Xasany takes a few steps forward, gesturing to the child to come to her.

Tlanexhuani lowers his spear and returns it to use as a walking aid. He also returns to his prior spot in the cave to retrieve his hammer and return it to his belt. "Ssa, burn the-" he stops at the movement and Khepri's words, promptly turning towards. He blinks. "Youngling! Now are safe! Are injured?" Yes, he is also confused as to why the girl is here, but less curious of that than her well-being. He steps towards her as well, looking up at the ledge to wonder how best to get her down.

Aragos's purple eyes narrow at the sight of the child. Frowning deeply. Not only at the presence of a child... but also the reaction to the death and decay that surrounds this place. "Wait." His voice is a low commanding thing. "Step back."

He himself steps forward in spite of his words, fingers gesturing to the others to stay away from the child. "Who are you?" He says carefully, tone measured.

Crik quickly hops over to grab his knife, make sure it isn't covered in too many icky bits, then looks around the room. He stares at the child for a moment, before the sneaky egalrin is off to explore the rest of the room - or was about to, before Aragos tells everyone to stop. He instead slowly cowers.

"A monster," the child intones, her golden eyes fixing onto Aragos. She doesn't come closer to Xasany at her request. "My parents abandoned me here to die." Despite the fact she appears to be maybe nine or ten years old, she sounds far more mature than she should. If her words are true, it's probably an effect of that.

"I was bit by someone," she says. "A friend of dad's. I told mom and dad what happened and they decided to get rid of me. They told me I was a monster because the person who bit me was a monster, and they couldn't fix me."

She gestures to the death dogs. "They came in the cave, and I thought they would kill me... But they sniffed me and decided to take care of me instead. They brought me deer. They killed people, too, but I told them to stop. I also told them not to harm any of the children who came to play. I scared them off with all of my growling. I didn't want them to get hurt."

The child looks at Aragos a moment longer. "So... Are you going to kill me too?" Her voice wavers just a little.

Khepri stares at the child for long, unnerving moments, before it speaks. "No. The Harpist is the ultimate judge, but there is no crime here. Your actions saved the lives of children by encouraging them not to remain. However, you cannot stay here. Winter is coming."

The golem turns to the others. "The child will need to be fostered temporarily, until we can make better arrangements."

Tlanexhuani has reconnected.

Aragos's face shows little of his emotions as the child tells her tale. Explains that they have in effect, killed her guardians. Those that had protected and fed her after her abandonment. Slowly, he moves toward her, kneeling only a small distance from her. "You are not a monster." He says with gentle certainty, then offers her his hand. "So, no one here will harm you. Not while I am around."

"No, I don't see you as a monster, there's no reason to slay you.", the Gnome says softly. She eyes Aragos a moment, before looking to Khepri. "What do you suggest? I will lend what aid I can in that endeavor."

Tlanexhuani stops at Aragos' direction, but continues to regard the child. He doesn't seem wary nor concerned... until she mentions monsters, that is. Though the concern may not be for himself. He looks to the others, lizard brain slowly considering and seeking words for them.

When they offer words first, his flicking tail slows its sway and tension leaves his posture. Turning back to the child, he affirms, "Ssa. Not a monster. Not harm." This is accentuated with a slap of tail to the rock of the cave floor.

Crik stares at the discussion from the distance - and then very slowly creeps along the cave to resume his mission of making sure nothing else was lurking in the cave. He can only handle a handful of death dogs and one heartstring puller in one day.

"Ask what bit her?" The corvid calls out. "Many things in the dark bite."

The child stares at Aragos's hand that's offered to her for a moment... And she looks like she's scared. "Please don't hate me," she says, quietly, before she reaches out and...

She takes Aragos's hand. And she looks up at Aragos and, seeing that whatever she'd feared to happen hasn't happened... She simply bursts into tears. Sobbing all of the tears she must have held in for a very long time.

"Absolution Aragos," Khepri intones, "please take guardianship of the child. She will need to be evaluated, but that does not mean she will have to face it alone." The golem pauses. "Child, do you have a name?" Clearly, Khepri isn't comfortable with the idea of just referring to her as just 'the child'.

Turning to the others, the Executor continues, "I will begin with disposing of the corpses, and then gathering the bones for burial. The words must be spoken. The dead must be laid to rest."

Aragos nods to Khepri. The sound of the girl's tears bring anguish to the paladin's eyes, but he says nothing of it. Instead, he does what any father would do in such a situation. He gathers her into his arms. "Cry now. Let it out. I will keep you safe." He murmurs to her, pulling her close to his chest, and then away from the death that has surrounded her for far too long.

Tlanexhuani has partially disconnected.

"No one here hates you.", Xasany says softly. "Is anyone wounded, I have a few spells of healing that I can offer. Barring that, I'll help gather and organize the bones of the dead for you, Khepri.

The Gnome woman sets off to do exactly that. As Aragos makes his way out, Xas speaks up again. "If you need help in her caretaking, I offer babysitting, cooking and cleaning."

Tlanexhuani regards the youngling and Aragos a long moment before turning away to grant the two respect of their embrace. "This one alsso help," he offers to Khepri as he moves towards. "Can help gather. Not know words of Death-Singing dragon."

Crik steps on after the rest and looks at the child. He then procures bottles out of his clothes. "I can set the bones on fire?" He offers. Then pulls out more bottles. "Or acid?" He glances at the bottles a bit. "I think it's acid."

The corvid then looks towards the child and the dark paladin. He lets out a sombre caw for the night.

The girl does exactly as Aragos has invited her to. She holds onto him like she's afraid he might disappear. And for a long, long moment, it's just the sound of her wailing.

Eventually, Khepri and Crik get their answers. Crik is informed that her memory is hazy--probably because of the trauma surrounding that event--but she remembers a wolf with golden eyes that bit her. That her father had talked with his friend before... the wolf bite, and then they abandoned her. It smacks of a deal. The parents must be living somewhere nice and comfortable now in exchange for their daughter, who they abandoned to her lycanthrope fate.

Nervously, as she walks with Aragos out of the cave, she says, "My name is Bela." She tells it only to him, like it's a secret. And she flinches when the light of the waning winter day hits her face, but... much like when she took Aragos's hand, nothing happens.

There's hope at the end of the cave after all.