The Glamorous Life of an Adventurer Part 1 (HaloHeroWolf118 & Atroxa)

[HaloHeroWolf118]

See more

Name:Azoth Kaine
Age: 23
Race: Half Drow
Description or Picture: Standing at an even Six feet with short black hair he wear leather armor occasionally changing it as needed. He also wears a dark hooded cloak, short sword and a bow complete with quiver of arrows. Born with deep purple eyes he has slim shoulders.
Short Biography: Unbeknownst to him he his half Drow and not Half Elf as he continues to believe himself to be. Raised in a human city by a female elf who he believes to be his mother. Growing up on the streets he learned strong instincts for thieving and street smarts followed by his adoptive mother to teach him how to use knives, swords and bows. It wasn't until he was framed for killing a captain of the guards that he left home taking up a life of adventuring. After a Lucky series of events he earned some interesting items and Imp named Hctib. Traveling through a forest he encountered his friend Lucius a Argonian Mage from the Desert City of Isis
Other Information: The reason he was raised in a Human city was because elves half a bad relationship with their mountain dwelling kin and his eyes would be dead give away of his heritage.

Name: Lucius Korvo
Age: 19
Race: Argonian
Description or Picture:Lucius
Short Biography: Born in Isis he was taken from his family after it was found he possessed magical abilities. He was taken to the tower where he studied long and hard proving to be a prodigy he mastered many powerful spells as well as daily ones that every Mage knows. Upon reaching the age of adult hood he was given a knife, staff and special robes and told to further his arcane knowledge out in the world and to return to pass on what he had learned. Basicaly like this only a staff not a spear. Upon reaching a forest he encountered Azoth saving the other from a wild bear and forming a rocking friendship due to the Imp's improper attitude.
Other Information: He's rather naive and ignorant of the world beyond the tower and his desert.

The freezing wind cut through Azoth like thousands of tiny daggers even through the padded leather armor he wore. The wind howled through Screaming Wind Canyon as thunder rumble over head though it may have been a distant avalanche for all he knew. His purple eyes scanned the snow covered structure before them the old Dwarven fort had long been abandoned as the Drow pushed in on Dwarf territory within the mountain. One side was buried under a snow drift as what ever it had been that kept the snow at bay had stopped working many years ago. Azoth sighed his breath creating a mist that was swept away by the wind, "What do you think Lucius?" he asked as the crunch of feet behind him warned of his friends approach. "Looks like a desolate place for sure." his friend said as Azoth turned to him. "We'll wait for Hctib to find a door then we'll go in." Azoth said making Lucius sigh he didn't much care for the little demon it kept putting ice or other unpleasant things down his robes. Both men turned back toward their camp which they had set up instead of pushing on at Azoths request. Entering the tent which was made for deep winter which meant that it could house a fire inside but Lucius had created a ball of light that warmed the inside of the tent far safer than a flame. Both men lowered the cloths on their faces revealing a human like face if not for some sharper features consistent with elves. The other revealed himself to be one of the lizard folk that made their home far to the south in the arid deserts. How he stayed warm in his robes designed for comfort and function in the arid south was a mystery to Azoth whose own clothes were having trouble with the same task.

"Where is the Lady Eberhart?" Lucius asked as they entered and Azoth shrugged unsure. Lucius came to a logical conclusion with a shrug of his own, "Perhaps she's checking the pack mule we didn't bring others due to the cold, it would be a waste to lose the beast and have to carry all this around on our backs." the Mage said his long slender tail flicking back and forth. Azoth watched as Lucius sat near the orb to check that it was doing as it was needed and not going to go haywire and burn them all. "I can't believe we got dragged into this really.", Azoth said as he warmed his fingers he only had one pair and they were not meant for winter. He remembered how they had met Varena as they arrived at the house of the dwarf who had claimed to lose something at the fortress they were waiting for his Imp to find a path into. They had agreed to work together provided he kept the Imp away from her after it had made some suggestive remarks. The journey into the mountains had been relatively civil it seemed Lucius was far more talkative while Hctib may have ruined any chances for them to have more than a civil business relationship. It was a shame really she was beautiful with long red hair which was his weakness toward any woman, her eyes were another reason she had a strict yet warmness in them.

Lucius on he other hand watched his friend after saving the Half Elf from a rampaging Owl Bear they had become friends though his other companion, an Imp with a vulgar mouth and sickening sense of humor had almost soured his and Azoth's friendship that day. Azoth proved to be a loyal and stalwart companion as he saved Lucius from falling prey to what he called cons as they entered a village where a man was selling potions he claimed granted magical abilities and people were handing over hand fulls of gold for a few bottles. He claimed it was nothing more than flavored water or whatever else the man could have bottled. He had been nervous entering the Inn and Tavern of the village the noises and smell making him jumpy and again he was saved when he accidentally spilled a mans drink and the man got aggressive. Azoth had calmed the man by buying him and his friends a round of drinks before sitting them down for food while he 'hit up' the bartender for any jobs two men like them could do. He was lucky his robes were enchanted to keep him warm in cold climates or else he would be sleeping right now till he starved to death. Meeting Lady Eberhart had proven to be a great boon to their party he had learned much during the journey into the mountains, mostly about how some of the government worked in Melidor. Isis was far different it was one of many city states that warred with other cities over resources vital to life in the desert.

He sat near the orb after he made sure it was functioning as it should and took out some scrolls. He examined and read some of runes he was content to pass the time this way while Azoth sharpened his sword and knives. He was strange to Lucius with short dirty blond hair and dark stubble just forming on his face, Handsome would be the word he'd use. He was also slim but strongly built arms and back muscles trained and honed to wield a bow and sword in either hand it would seem. Lucius' staff laid near his bedding the polished wood carved in symbols of power and enchantments. For now they waited for the Imp Lucius hoped it was not a long wait.

 

[Atroxa]

RE: The Glamorous Life of an Adventurer Part 1

See more

Name: Varena Eberhart
Age: 22
Race: Human
Description or Picture: http://i.imgur.com/4dIxdu2.jpg
Short Biography: Varena is a knight in a long line of knights, the Eberhart family being among some of the most celebrated in the kingdom of Melidor, with several famous heroes throughout their line of knights. Varena was the only child born to her father, who refused to remarry after his wife's death when Varena was only a child. Because he had no sons he trained Varena to be a knight instead. Women, however, are not allowed to become knights, so instead she works as a mercenary, though she does her best to employ the knight's code of honor in her life.
Other Information: Heterosexual. Has a poor relationship with her father so rarely returns home to see him. She is very serious much of the time, and can be easily angered especially when she's insulted. She is also very loyal though, and has a good heart. She has a secret goal to someday become a knight, though she isn't sure how she'll achieve this.

Name: Laendiir Vanbineth
Age: 135
Race: Wood Elf
Description or Picture:
Female http://i.imgur.com/ilLiv1o.jpg
Male http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/6...13d340.jpg
Short Biography: Laendiir was born in the forests of southern Melidor, raised in her tribe in the traditional way of her people, moving about with them, learning to hunt, and learning to respect and revere nature. She was selected just before puberty though to join the Moon Tribe, the training of which involves a transformation in the priest or priestess's very physiology, tying it to the moon. As the moon changes, so does their gender, allowing the priests to embody both sides of nature. At the full moon they become female, at the new moon they are male, with the changes between the two being gradual as the moon waxes and wanes. Laendiir spent nearly a hundred years with the Moon Tribe until deciding she wanted to see more of the world and leaving.
Other Information: Despite her age, Laendiir acts rather youthful, because of her upbringing among the Wood Elves, who do not have the strictest of morality, she can be impulsive, often doing things simply because they seem like a good idea at the time. Laendiir has a strong preference for men, but during her new moon form does develop a sharper interest in women. Laendiir can also shape shift into various animals.

Varena had never much minded the cold, having grown up in northern Melidor, but this was just ridiculous. There was cold, and then there was this frozen hell she had found herself in. She could only hope that the pay would be worth it, the dwarf had assured them that it would be but she would see about that in the end. Especially since there was not only this unbearable weather to deal with but her companions. The lizard was alright, so was the half elf though he seemed a little too keen on her for her tastes, it was more that little imp that she wanted to pound into the ground that made her feel perpetually grumpy. Thankfully he was off in the ruins trying to find a way in, but Varena was sure that when he returned, she'd be subjected to his rude behavior again, despite Azoth's best efforts to curb him. Apparently it was usually the mage who had to suffer the imp's attention, but she was shiny and new, and a woman, so therefor more interesting. The warrior was generally stoic and quiet anyway, but between the weather and the imp, she was even more serious than usual. She disliked being poked fun at, it was far too close to being belittled, which meant not being taken seriously, and Varena took herself very seriously. By the gods, some one had to, since no one else really seemed to. Or at least that was how it felt much of the time.

She finished securing their pack mule, making sure the creature wasn't going to freeze to death or get away, before quickly returning to the tent. Once she secured the flap she pulled back the hood of the thick, fur-lined cloak she was wearing and pulled down the thick scarf she'd wrapped about her neck. That out of the way Varena gulped in a few lungfuls of warm air, thawing her lungs and face, her fair skin turning a bright, rosy red from the cold and now the rush of revitalizing heat. “This weather...” she growled as she took her cloak off and set it on a hook to let the snow melt and the fabric dry, “I can't believe there are people who actually live in the mountains voluntarily.” There were indeed barbarian tribes in the mountains, people so stubborn and proud that they would rather scratch out a living on the slopes than swear fealty to any king. A part of her admired their determination, but the majority of her mind thought them foolish and crazy.

Varena settled closely to the orb next to Lucius, holding out her hands near it to warm her hands. They were shapely and slender as any woman could hope her hands to be, but they were strong as well, calloused from nearly a lifetime of martial training. The rest of her followed similar lines, feminine and beautiful, but strong and hardened. She had a proud face, with bright blue-green eyes and long red hair that, when loose, fell nearly to her knees but was generally kept back in a long braid. Under her armor she had a curving body that most women would kill to have, though her fair skin was decorated in numerous scars. And though that skin was soft, underneath it was hard, trained muscle. Varena was far from weak or delicate, and if the long axe that she carried about wasn't indication enough for anyone who thought to press their luck with her, her skill in combat would set them straight quickly enough.

"The Imp hasn't returned yet I see," she remarked, guessing that if Hctib had come back, she'd be feeling far more violent at that moment. She was divided on whether she wanted the imp to hurry up, or to take a while longer. She wanted this done and over with, but she was very hesitant to leave the warmth of the tent.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

RE: The Glamorous Life of an Adventurer Part 1

Azoth turned to watch as Varena entered the tent removing her fur lined cloak and the scarf that hid her face, "They don't live this high up this time of year." he said as checked the edge of his sword, "Besides Dwarves have lost control of the tunnels leading up to this fort, I'd rather not fight Drow in the dark." he added as he sheathed the weapon. He lamented the loss of his bow, that bear had broken it when he had been trying to bag a deer for meat, it was a small thing to lament but it had been very important to him being a gift from his mother. He listened to Varena mention Hctib, "Aye, he's taking longer than I thought he would," he replied as he drew one of his knives it was one of many he had hidden on his body, small and good for throwing, it had been one of these that had framed him. "Hopefully he won't be much longer.", he added ass he twirled the knife from finger to finger, it showed he was nervous his first adventure had landed him with a companion, who had yet to prove he wasn't there just to enrage his other companions. He had begun to question the wisdom into agreeing to that riddle game now, he tossed the knife up and caught it, the blade vanished into the sheath as he stood up beginning to pace.

Lucius had been engrossed in a rather interesting rune, it had something with summoning a familiar, for a wizard it was commonly a animal which could speak and had a larger amount of knowledge than a similar animal. It was of great interest to him that he didn't notice Varena till she was sitting next to him, when he did he jumped a little bit in surprise, "Lady Eberhart. I'm pleased to see you had not gone far as I suspected.", he said smiling at her. He listened to Azoth's talk about the tribes of this land and shrugged, he wasn't fond of the Imp and would have banished him after the first worm down his robe if Azoth had not interfered. "Why do you suffer that creature?", he asked as Azoth paced, all the other did was raise his hands and shrug, "Does it have some hold on you?" he asked and Azoth shook his head. Lucius shook his head finding the whole issue vexing.

With a loud POP the Imp appeared hovering over Azoth, "I'm back baby." the little red thing said it's bat like wings fluttering to keep him in the air, "Found a door boss." it continued as it settled on Azoth's shoulder. "We have a door?" Azoth asked the Imp who nodded it's bald horned head, "More a hole in wall actually and not the good kind of hole in wall.", the creature added, Lucius had no idea what sort of hole in a wall could be good, he was already standing up ready to get the mission over and done. "Alright. Let's move." Azoth said to the others, "I want this done so we can go back where the weather is more agreeable." the Half-Elf said as the Imp fluttered down, it made no rude remarks at the others which was odd, all it did was hide itself in Azoth's pack. The cold must have cooled him off for the time, Azoth lifted his hood and mask and Lucius did the same as they waited for Varena.

 

[Atroxa]

RE: The Glamorous Life of an Adventurer Part 1

Varena looked at the half-elf as he spoke, not adding anything to the discussion really, even as the two companions discussed the imp's continuing presence, more preoccupied with getting feeling back into her fingers. She turned her head quickly though at the loud 'pop' that announced Hctib's return, informing his master of his find. Though his lewd joke about holes in walls made her roll her green eyes and let out a mildly disgusted sound. If that was all she was going to have to hear out of him though she would tolerate it, glad when he simply disappeared into Azoth's pack. Varena sighed and stood back up, grabbing her cloak and draping it back around her shoulders, wrapping her around her face and then pulling her hood up before grabbing her axe and slinging the strap over her back. “Let's go then, I'd like to have this done with,” she agreed with the half-elf's sentiment on that, as well as not wanting to fight a bunch of drow.

She followed Azoth out, letting him lead the way to his imp's discovery. She kept her head down a bit, though not so much that she couldn't see, trying to shield her face from the wind as much as possible, her arms wrapped tightly over her chest, trying to just stay warm. The wind was biting and full of snow, with the shadow of the Dwarven fort looming like a mountain in and of itself, drifts built up against every wall. Things must be going worse for them than she had heard for them to lose this ground to the Drow. It wasn't a terribly important or strategic location, but the Dwarves were generally stubborn enough to refuse to give up even the smallest bit of ground.

Varena was relieved when they found the hole that Hctib had spoken up, though she couldn't say she was exactly glad to be going through it. She disliked being underground, it made escape difficult, and she had never been very fond of tight spaces, but she had a job to do, and it wasn't in her nature to give up just because it was a little difficult or uncomfortable to accomplish. She had been taught better than that, and while she often resented her father for his teaching methods, she did not resent the lessons she had learned. “Who should go first?” She asked, voice raised so she could be heard over the wind.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

RE: The Glamorous Life of an Adventurer Part 1

Azoth drew his sword as he peered inside, within the hole was darkness but his eyes could make out features, it had been the Mead hall of the fortress rotted and broken tables laid strewn about, those that were whole looked like they'd fall apart at the briefest touch, the large door at the entrance to the Mead Hall had been ripped from it's hinges the remains splintered and scattered among the tables. He drew one of his knives, "Lucius light it." he told his friend who hurried forward his tail hidden in his robes, he used Mage light a simple spell to make the weapon glow, Azoth whipped his hand forward once Lucius was done and the blade flew. It illuminated the room as it flew forward, striking and sticking into the remains of the door that clung to the hinges, "Once more into the breach." he said as he moved forward his feet checking for hidden spots of ice. It was no warmer inside than it was outside but there was no wind, he moved forward and Lucius followed his staff in hand, "What was this place?" he asked and Azoth pointed out the remains of a table. "Mead Hall Dwarves love their beer ever had Dwarven beer?, he asked and watched as Lucius shook his head, "Good horrid stuff." he said as he moved forward and reclaimed his knife. "Halfling beer on the other hand now there's a drink that'll make you dance." he said smiling remembering his first taste. "So far so good." he said as he moved into the hall beyond, "Ah no." he said as he knelt down next to a corpse of a long dead dwarf, his body preserved by the cold a black shafted arrow sticking out of his chest, he tossed his knife down the hall revealing more fallen dwarves some had been cut down their blood frozen pools on the stone floor. "By the goddess." Lucius said shrinking back when he saw the sight, "Drow no doubt.", he said as he pulled the arrow from the dwarf. "They just wanted to clear the dwarves out they have no desire to occupy just yet." he said as he examined the tip, "I hate Drow." he finished as he moved forward dropping the projectile on the ground, "Watch your feet." he added as he moved through the bodies further into the fortress.

Lucius followed Azoth looking back at Varena before he was navigating among the remains, "Not one Drow yet." he said as they moved forward, "I doubt they would have suffered no losses taking this place." Lucius continued nearly slipping on a slick puddle of blood. "Drow leave none of their dead on the battle field they're taken so it looks like they are unkillable." Azoth said as he smiled back at his friend, "We might find one they missed but that doesn't really erase the effect." he continued, "We head for the armory the Drow would have left it untouched and what we're after may be there." he said giving them the best possible place to look. He reclaimed his knife and they continued forward, "How do you know this?" Lucius asked but Azoth didn't answer he had had to drag that story from his mother and he wished not to relay it, Lucius accepted the silence it was obvious he knew someone who had suffered at their hands and did not want to talk about it, so they kept moving forward passing by the fallen dwarves as they went.

 

[Atroxa]

RE: The Glamorous Life of an Adventurer Part 1

Varena watched from under her hood as the two companions investigated the hole and what lay beyond it. She couldn't see much with Azoth and Lucius both in the way, so she merely stood, waiting patiently, her arms crossed under her cloak to try and stay warm. Finally though they moved inside, the warrior following the two others and drawing back her hood as she got out of the wind. It was no warmer inside though so she left her scarf up, looking around curiously. She barely listened as Azoth went on about the different kinds of beer he'd had. She was more interested in trying to get a look at this place. Varena disliked fighting in such a place, it was dark, confusing, made it easier to get hurt, or killed. Or lost. Lost would be worse, she decided, than being either injured or killed. She frowned a little, following as they moved further in, but looking up as Azoth found the corpse of a long dead Dwarf.

She wandered over, looking down at the body, the black arrow sticking out of his chest telling an obvious story. She glanced at Lucius as the mage shrunk away, then looked back. She seemed hardly bothered at all by the sight of the body, she had seen many in her life, mos tin far worse condition than this one. At least the cold had prevented it from truly rotting, she hated dealing with bodies in that state, took weeks to get the smell out of her armor. Varena nodded at the half-Elf's assessment though, “Drow for sure,” she agreed, before following him further in. He seemed right about the Drow not having an interest in occupying this spot as well, it looked like they had moved in, killed anything that moved, and then left.

Varena found his knowledge of the Drow curious as well though, glancing between the two as the mage tried to question Azoth on the matter, but the rogue ignored him. She said nothing, it wasn't any of her business, she disliked people asking her unnecessary questions as well. In her experience, asking questions got questions asked of you as well, so she left others alone, hoping they would return the favor. More and more dwarven corpses, but no sign of the Drow, or anything else. Verena frowned, not liking this really, it was never this easy. Her hand lifted slowly, reaching over her shoulder to grip the shaft of her axe, ready to draw it at the slightest hint of danger. She thought she heard something to their left, but she saw nothing as she peered into the shadows, and saw no hint of movement, so she kept following Azoth.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Azoth continued to move through the hall filled with the corpses of Dwarves, it was a ghastly sight for anyone and Azoth was maintaining well, he looked back at the others his glowing knife held like a torch. Lucius seemed to be trying not to look at the frozen faces of the corpses most of all, Varena was following behind her scarf covering her face as she kept up with them. He heard whispering ahead of him, turning his head quickly he looked into the darkness seeing nothing but his breath, he moved forward avoided the dead as they searched for a way down to the armory. They came to another room it was large and it appeared this was where the major conflict had occurred, hundreds of Dwarves laid slain their armor pierced with arrows or spears, even the occasional sword had been left to rust in the breast of a fallen dwarf. "I feel magic here." Lucius said as he passed Azoth, "The drow brought wizards to fight the dwarven mages." he said as moved his hand through the air feeling the left over energies. Azoth walked around spotting a large set of double doors that hung open, they were ornate depicting rows of Dwarven soldiers facing off against an ancient evil they drove from the mountain long ago, turning away from the door he saw the next three doors that led off the hall one was a set of stairs leading down another door were stairs leading up and the last led deeper into the fortress on this level. "So down a level to search for the armory or explore this one?" he said, it would take longer staying close to each other but it was far safer.

Lucius followed Azoth occasionally glancing back at Lady Eberhart, he avoided looking at the long dead dwarves and worked on avoiding the corpses, when they came out into the large hall he felt the residual energies of magics. It had been a terrible exchange of arcane might the dwarves were overwhelmed by sheer force of blade and magic. He watched as Azoth approached the large doors and he created a ball of light to illuminate the room for Lady Eberhart, "I do not know how Dwarves map their fortress' perhaps we should find the commanders quarters." Lucius said then turned to Varena. "What do you thin?" he asked her not wanting to leave her out of the decision, it was better than being lost if they had something that told them where to go.

 

[Atroxa]

It was no wonder the Dwarves had been quiet about this loss, Varena mused as they walked through the halls that would be empty if it weren't for themselves and all the corpses laying about. This sort of large loss would be a blow to morale, and it would also make the Dwarves look like they were losing the war. Though by the look of things, that very well might be the case. If they were smart, they would admit they were in trouble and call on allies to help them fight the Drow, but that didn't seem likely. Dwarves were notoriously proud, they'd likely refuse help even if it was offered. She kept all these thoughts to herself as she followed Azoth and Lucius, especially the thought that the lizard brought up in her mind when he mentioned about the magic in the air. They would be in a whole heap of trouble if anyone with necromantic abilities showed up, all these bodies, the sorcerer would have a near endless supply of thralls to set upon the small group of adventurers. Varena tried to brush the thoughts aside, she had a bad habit of thinking up the worst possible scenarios, it could really mess with her head at times so she tried not to do it.

She paused at the large double doors, glancing between them and the other set as Azoth asked what they should do. Her bright green eyes peered out at both of them over her scarf, her red hair looking almost purple thanks to it's natural color mixing with the blue glow of the dagger. “We should stick to this level as much as we can, I dislike the thought of getting lost in some lower tunnel. At least if we stay on this level we have a better chance of finding our way back,” Varena told them, whether they agreed or not she didn't know, but those were her thoughts on the matter. “Besides, this is the level with all the external access, they'd want their weapons nearby if they were attack,” She added, “I don't think the Drow attacked from the outside, which is like why they were so caught off guard, but that would be what they prepared this place for when it was built.”

Varena walked closer to the double doors, her long cloak brushing the ground as she moved, stirring dust and small rocks as she passed. She pretended to study the door, but leaned in close to Azoth, not looking at him. “There is something here,” she murmured to him quietly, “It's following us.” She had heard occasional movement, never on the same side, sometimes to the left or right or behind. It could be different things, but she didn't think it was.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Azoth didn't seem to acknowledge she had spoken to him at first before he looked at her, "Keep Lucius close to you and search this level." he told her seeming not to have heard what she had said about something there with them, "I'll search the upper level. Whatever it is it will most like single one of us out sooner or later." he continued confirming that he had heard her. "I can handle myself just protect Lucius." he said as he turned back toward his friend, Lucius had sent the ball of light high up to illuminate the room. "Alright Lucius you stick with Varena and check this floor while I go looking up a level for the captains office." he said and Lucius shook his head, "We shouldn't split up who knows how badly you'll get lost." he said looking at the Half-Elf who was smiling confidently, "No worries Lucius I'll carve and arrow into the stones to lead me back here." he said simple plan but useful. "I don't like it Azoth I feel something is here." and before he could say more Azoth put a hand on his shoulder and turned toward the stairs, "Keep an eye on Varena." he told him as he moved toward the stairs and vanished up them before the two of them could halt or disuade him.

Lucius watched as Azoth vanished up the dark staircase glowing knife in hand like a torch, the lizard shivered more in worry than cold, "Well Lad Eberhart on your lead." he said smiling at her through the cloth covering his face. He had never been left alone with a woman before, he felt nervous with how serious and strict Lady Eberhart seemed to be so he waited for her to lead he felt better following.

Azoth was surprised how short the climb up was and he moved with caution, the upper level was less crowded then the floor below but that only meant fewer corpses to walk around, here was the officer quarters the lower level housed the rank and file. He came across a drow though dead and forgotten by his friends, He had a bow which unlike the other bits of wood which were rotted the bow had remained in prime condition. He picked up the weapon and admired it as the string and bow glowed briefly, "I'll have to have Lucius see what enchantments this weapon has." he said as he looked for the quiver but found none, it was no problem he could buy one and arrows when they entered a town. He tested the draw when a black shafted arrow with a broad tip appeared, this was getting interesting the bowman must have been some spy or scout to afford such a weapon, he focused and the arrow's tip changed becoming slim meant to pierce armor. It appeared that it created what ever arrow he could think of except ones that carried flasks of a desired liquid or were on fire, it explained why the drow had no quiver. He smiled as he carried the weapon, moving forward he came to a open door which he nudged open with his foot and slowly walked in as the light from his knife illuminated a room that was destroyed in fire, only the remains of armor told him who had been here before the fire had consumed them, a trap no doubt sprung by the captain to take his enemies with him. He heard another whisper and drew the string back on the bow as he turn dropping down but there was nothing there, "Jumping at shadows." he muttered as he stood, walking around the room all he found was the destroyed remains of the dwarven captains desk and the man himself, the only thing untouched or at least not overly damaged was a painting. It was simple perhaps of the captains wife or daughter comforting the man by having them watching over him, his years as a thief brought his hands searching around the painting till he felt a switch, pressing it the picture swung forward on hidden hinges. "Wall safe." he said as he reached for a pouch on his belt and pulled out his lock picks, working on the tumblers he started to undo the lock, the whispering again but it faded it was nothing his mind playing tricks, the last tumbler fell into place and the safe door opened revealing a series of documents sack of gold and the captains journal. Azoth took it all tying the gold to his belt to split with his companions later, he turned securing the documents as he walked forward and saw something standing at the door, he stared at it till he blinked and it was gone this creepy place was making him worried for the others.

 

[Atroxa]

Varena frowned a little, wondering if she had maybe spoken too low as the rogue hadn't seem to have heard her at first. Though he soon indicated that he had heard her after all, but frowned as he spoke of separating their small group, she and Lucius taking this level while he took the upper level. “I don't know if that's a good idea...” she protested sternly, before he told her that he could protect himself, just protect Lucious. She still didn't like it, and her expression, from what either of them could see over her scarf, showed it, her red brows pulled down low over her eyes. She glanced at the mage as he protested as well, the two companions arguing a little before Azoth simply left, seeming rather unconcerned. Varena sighed, and gestured towards the two large doors, “Come on then.” She pulled her axe off her back and lead the way through them, sharing none of his personal nervousness.

It was actually not very hard to make the warrior nervous, or embarrass her, but you wouldn't guess it to meet her or speak with her. Still, she was hardly nervous of being alone with Lucius. She had met others of his kind, and she had grown up around men, and the mage was obviously rather harmless. She just hoped that he could hold his own, Varena couldn't guarantee being able to keep him alive if they faced too big a threat, she was only one person. She walked slowly, eyes roaming back and forth, both hands gripping the haft of her axe, holding it low but ready. She heard occasionally scurries, but they sounded more like tiny rat feet than anything that might be really threatening. Varena paused though as they passed the body of a dwarf, something catching her eye. The warrior stooped a bit, a glint of some jewel drawing her attention, seeing that it was a necklace in the dwarf's hand, silver, with an amethyst pendant. The chain was broken, and it did not look of Dwarven make. Drow? She carefully slid it from his clutching fingers, eyeing it before looking at the mage, “Artifacts of Drow make are rare,” She told him, standing with the amulet in hand, “I'd like you take a look at this later.”

They kept walking, but she froze and turned her head quickly, staring off to the side after a few moments, her posture tense. Varena had thought she heard the soft scraping hiss of steel against leather, like a sword being drawn, and when she had looked in that direction, a shadow had shifted. She saw nothing, but the hair on the back of her neck was standing on end. “We should not have split up...” She whispered to Lucius, refusing to look away from the spot for a long moment before she took a small step back.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

"Of course." Lucius said as he took the amulet from Lady Eberhart and placed it in his coin purse which was unsettling in how empty it was, he was quite curious about the item as well as gems were common in the enchantment of accessories such as the amulet she had just handed him, what was most curious was what sort enchantment it may be. When she tensed he also tensed his hands gripping his staff as he felt the power hum through his fingers, he was new to all this and disliked confined spaces, tapping the but of his staff on the stone floor the top began to glow but unlike the dagger he could direct the light from his staff, pointing it down where she was looking he looked as well. Seeing nothing he dimmed the light so it would not blind her as he turned, "I fear you may be right my Lady." he said nodding as he felt a shiver run up his spine but this shiver was a warning.

Azoth moved out of the office his new bow at the ready as he drew it back and a black shafted arrow appeared, he moved toward the door leaping out the broad tip of the aimed where head of his mysterious on looker would be, nothing but empty hall he walked back ward half a step then turned, still nothing but his breath misting before the light from his knife which he placed in his belt so he didn't lose the light. Then something clicked in his head, "Empty?" he muttered and looked down the corpses he had passed were gone only their fallen weapons remained, He heard chittering like spiders and turned spotting the snow white body before his eyes as he turned and ran. "Spiders, I hate spiders." he said as he ran from the Giant Snow Wolf spider he heard it following and turned to blindly loose an arrow making the creature his and howl in pain, no doubt the drow had left them as a surprise to whomever found the place, a childhood trauma had left a deep fear and hate for spiders in Azoth as he jumped and ran his way down the stairs. "SPIDERS!" he shouted his voice loud enough for anyone to hear, he looked up and noticed several near Lucius orb and he shot up at them pinning the creatures where they were as more appeared coming up from the door that had led down.

 

[Atroxa]

Varena heard the chittering, clicking noise of chitinous legs on stone just before she heard the half-Elf's voice shouting what she had just started to suspect. “Great!” She growled, seeing a white body come flying at her, but it got the blade of her axe into it's side and she yanked it free just in time to lift it overhead and bring it down on the head of another spider that tried to rush in at her. Anyone who watched her would be surprised that a woman could wield such a large weapon so powerfully and swiftly, and indeed Varena handled the axe like it was merely an extension of her own arms. “Back to the entrance!” the warrior shouted, jabbing one spider in the eye with the butt of her axe as it got too close, taking a few steps back. “Azoth! Did you get what we came for?” She shouted to him, hoping that all this bother wasn't for nothing, but they couldn't really stay with a horde of spiders pressing in on them. All the dead bodies must have brought them in, the presence of living Dwarves no longer there to keep them in their tunnels.

She took another step back but tripped, over what she didn't know, all she did know was that she was falling back, and there was a very large spider flying right at her with a loud, whirring hiss, fangs bared. Varena braced herself to have those fangs dig into her but there was another streak of white, this one not a spider at all but a white mountain lion, colliding with the spider mid-air with a roar. It pinned the spider on it's back and with one swipe of it's claws, ripped it's abdomen open, killing. Varena stared, wondering if she was hallucinating, but she quickly realized that she wasn't as another spider charged her. She tried to scramble to her feet but wasn't quite quick enough, having to lift her arm to catch the brunt of the spider's attack, letting out a scream of pain as one of it's fangs dug into the gap of her armor at her elbow. “Fuck!” She snarled, dropping her axe and grabbing the dagger she kept on her belt for emergencies, driving it into the spider's head over and over until it was dead, yanking her arm free. She got to her feet, sheathing the dagger and picking her axe back up off the ground.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Lucius couldn't do anything without harming Lady Eberhart in the process, he was busy stomping a spider into muck when he saw her go down, the sudden appearance of the large feline saved Lady Eberhart from another creature so he ignored the cat for the moment. He rushed forward clearing Lady Eberhart as he summoned up his magic and sent a cone of flames ahead of them burning the insects as he drove them back clearing their path back to Azoth. They came into the main hall now as Azoth was nearly to be over whelmed, Lucius' eyes burned brightly as his hands erupted in flames which he directed toward the spiders, they howled and chittered as they fled back away from the fire and heat. Azoth launching arrows at the few that remained while Lucius spoke a intricate spell to seal the spiders below them with a door of fire over the entrance to the lower hall of the fortress, "That was incredibly dangerous." Lucius said a little upset at the series of events, he turned to Lady Eberhart as it appeared Azoth had suffered only small gashes from the spiders sharp chitinous legs his armor had provided some protection. Lucius approached Lady Eberhart, "Damn if only I had studied more healing magic." he said as he gently took a look at her arm where the spider had gotten through the gap, "My teacher was right arcane might is useless if you can't heal." the Lizard man said with hidden sadness in his voice. "Will she survive?" Azoth asked slipping his bow across his back Lucius could feel the magic on the weapon but didn't speak as he looked over Varena's wound not answering the half-elf.

Azoth found a place free of dead spiders and took out what he had found, "I didn't find what we were looking for." he said not in answer to Varena's question but more to explain what he had found, "The Armory is on this level." he said berating himself mentally. "We take the third door and we'll have only a little ways to go their doctor was close by he may have had some Anti-Venom in there." he said, "Can you move?" he asked Varena showing a great amount of concern for the warrior woman.

 

[Atroxa]

Varena flinched away a little as the mage sent out a cone of flames to drive back and char the advancing spiders, moving away to make sure she didn't get hit by any of that as well. She was panting, and trying to ignore the pain in her arm. Azoth finally reached them, and the spiders were kept at bay by a spell from Lucius, leaving the three of them to recover for a moment. She looked around, realizing that the large white cat was gone again. A ghost perhaps? She'd seen spirits before, and fully believed in them, it could be possible. She'd certainly never seen anything like that before. She looked at Lucius as he spoke, letting him look at her arm, before Azoth asked if she would survive, earning a frown from the warrior. How very considerate of him to ask that right in front of her. “As long as we can get out of here and get something on this, I'll be fine,” she told him, answering his question since Lucius didn't. The poison was dangerous, but not deadly outright. It was more the after effects that were deadly, infection being the big threat.

She sighed when Azoth told her he hadn't found what they were there for, which meant they had to keep looking. Great. At least he seemed to have some sort of idea as to where they could go to find it. She nodded though at his question, “I'm fine, I've taken far worse than this. Though I'd like to get a move on since losing my arm would make my life pretty difficult.” Varena blocked out the pain in her arm, just as she had been trained to, this could be both a blessing and a curse though. Blocking out pain meant you could keep going, but block it out too well and you ran the risk of putting yourself in more danger since you wouldn't know when to stop. The woman sighed and rolled her shoulders, steeling herself, axe still in hand, before she gestured forward, “Lead the way then Azoth.”

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Azoth took one last look at the map before guiding them down the hall, it appeared the spiders had cleared this area of dwarf corpses some time ago only weapons and broken off bits of armor remained, the hall was wider the wall line with archer slits that had long become covered in snow, The rooms were all open their door broken or ripped off their hinges to lay broken about the hall. Lucius followed him close to Lady Eberhart in case she needed a hand, the lizard was a little angry at Azoth for seeming to be mildly concerned with their companion's plight till the Half-Elf stopped in front of a door and led them inside, dried herbs and glass containers of other medicinal agents lined the wall undisturbed as Azoth was searching hurriedly for something to Help Varena, Lucius was collecting some of the ingredients spread about schooled in potions and Alchemy he had some knowledge but not enough for a treatment of the venom in Lady Eberhart. "Damn! Can't Dwarves ever keep Anti-venom stocked." Azoth said slamming his fists down on the table rattling the pestle and mortar close to him, "Calm down getting worked up won't help." Lucius said and Azoth just glared at him before he resumed examining the collection of ingredients before leaving the room and they resumed their original task Lucius stuffing a few more things in his pouch.

The armory was their next location Azoth cut through he rotted wood with ease, rusted weapons and armor laid scattered across the snow filled room the chest they had had described to them was not something one easily missed, it was large made of black Iron etched in the form of many skulls with a gargoyle sitting on top. It was not the most pleasant thing to see if one asked Lucius, Azoth produced the key and slid it into the slot, if he had any misgivings about the chest then he didn't show it, the lid lifted easily despite the weight of the lid should have been, as the lid fell back what laid within was revealed, treasure of course but he gold was all in neat bags he only Item out to be seen was a sword, the tip of a spear and a book. "The sword is the Dwarfs." Lucius said as he picked up a bag of gold and opened it, "It's a bag of holding?!?!" the lizard exclaimed as was almost able to fit his whole head inside, it was the same for the other bags as Azoth picked up the sword and the spear tip it was nearly two feet long and covered in ruins and Lucius picked up the last Item, "We should hurry and go I'm worried about Varena." Azoth said turning toward the woman.

 

[Atroxa]

Varena followed along with the rogue and the mage, keeping an eye out for anything that might cause them problems, but it seemed like the spiders had already cleared out this area and likely had no reason to be here. Except to come after them of course but they'd have to get through that spell of Lucius's to do so. Keeping an eye out helped to distract her from the throbbing pain in her arm though, so that was what she did. She could feel the pain spreading, a dull, deep ache in her muscle that occasionally sharpened into a stabbing sensation that made her wince. Varena stubbornly kept complaints to herself, trying to just stay calm and as getting worked up would only make the venom spread even faster. She just kept telling herself that there would be anti-venom somewhere, so there was no need to worry. Though it was hard to keep calm when they found a store room and Azoth had his small outburst over nothing being there. She shouldn't be too surprised really, dwarves had incredible fortitude, it took a lot of venom to even be bothered, probably from having lived down here with the spiders for so long. She swallowed softly and just tried to keep calm. “I'm fine,” she lied, trying to act as if she was completely unbothered.

They left and continued on their way, finally finding the armory, though by this point Varena was looking pale and had broken out into a slight sweat. She pulled off her scarf and cloak despite there still being a significant chill in the air, feeling warm as her body started to try and fight off the venom. Varena stood aside as Azoth got them in, following the other two inside and waiting quietly while they got what they came here for, plus a little extra. Usually, the warrior would be eager to find something for herself, but for not she stood by the door, already beginning to feel nauseous and lethargic. She was fighting it as best as she could, but you couldn't beat venom by sheer force of will. When Azoth looked over at her, she was staring off into space a little, face pale and drawn. “I'm... not feeling so well,” she admitted finally, swallowing slightly as her throat had long gone dry. What she wouldn't give for a drink of water.

That was all she got it before her legs finally gave out and the red-haired woman let out a weak groan before she simply fell over, hitting the stone floor hard enough to stun her into simply laying there. Before either of her companions could properly react though, a cat darted into the room, it's fur a bright white and it's eyes an almost glowing crystalline blue, the same coloration as the mountain lion from before had had. The cat was about half way to Varena when it began to change, glowing brightly, the glow itself shifting and changing so that it was hard to tell where the glow ended and the cat began, until it wasn't a cat at all but an Elf, small and nimble and pale, crouching beside the warrior.

She had her hands on Varena's injured arm, and even as the glow about her body began to fade, it began to intensify from her hands. Her lips were moving, a low whispering echoing resounding through the armory, the glow becoming brighter and brighter until it would hurt the eyes of anyone who looked at it, filling the room almost. It was only that bright for a moment though, before it began to fade again, and then it was gone, leaving just the silver-haired, pale Elf, looking very out of place among the dark grime of the underground. Her hands left the warrior, and Varena stirred, groaning a little. The Elf stood and took a step back, a serene look on her face, “She'll be fine.”