Chapter 1: Beneath the Streets

Tilma has taken you deep below the streets of Iskandar. It is a whole different world down here, a kind of wilderness of feral and foul beasts. It is the refuge of the desperate and the deplorable, and decidedly not safe. The Nightwatch does not usually patrol down here - you're on your own for better or worse.

Tilma has adopted this place as her problem and source of income. In the wake of a recent plague, the Grand Council has placed a bounty on vermin and other dangerous creatures that lurk beneath the streets. Tilma is contracted with the Rat Catcher's Guild and has free reign to use maintenance access points to enter the undercity.

Recently, Tilma came across something strange - a region of tunnels devoid of life. This can only mean one thing - something bigger and meaner than even the Iskandar giant rats has made its nest here. Tilma has returned with backup, three other newcomers to the city. Armed with blade, bow, and spell, each has entered for their own reasons.

The party enters a final tunnel before entering the dead zone. This tunnel runs into a circular drop shaft wider than the tunnel you are in. A pair of chains hangs from above and dangle into the darkness below.

"By the stones, the smell here is worse than the last five channels,"Berry adjusts his knife belt before flipping an errant flop of red hair out of his face. He has been quiet for much of the journey so far but he seems annoyed by the smell.

Berry appears very comfortable underground, his steps careful and delicate. A rapier hangs from his belt, a crossbow strapped to his back. He is dressed head to toe in leather armour stained a deep red, matching his shock of unkempt red hair.

---

In sharp contrast to the gleeful gnome, Jasera, on the other hand, found this winding maze of tunnels and shafts and pipes to be the most uncomfortable and inhospitable environment she had ever had the misfortune of wandering into. Each step fell on uneven, slippery ground that provided absolutely no traction and similarly absolutely no confidence in her prowess should the group find themselves in a skirmish. "This lead better be legitimate..." she muttered under her breath. It was spoken in a soft tone, however, more as if she was grumbling at fate than threatening one of the others.

Under normal circumstances, Jasera would not have been caught alive in such a place... dead, perhaps- but then again, when in that state, you have little choice. However, she had been approached by Tilma, a quirky and outspoken elven girl who seemed overwhelmed with desperation after being awarded a contract to purge one of the sewers of whatever vile presence occupied it. The concept of purging the sewers of some unknown malice seemed counter-productive to Jasera; like wringing out a tunic in the middle of a rainstorm.

Nevertheless, a case of big-eyes and a small-mouth lead Tilma to accept something that was a bit beyond her scope, and so she wandered around the tavern, looking to see who may be interested in joining her. Her first offer and interaction with Jasera was an absolute failure. The tracker had no interest in dredging through a filthy sewer system and no amount of pay she was offered would sway her. Even after Tilma pushed against the limits of her budget Jasera still would not budge. Fortunately, curiosity got the best of the eager rat-catcher, who asked the sly elven ranger what would entice her into joining the cleansing mission. Learning of the 'bigger picture' and Jasera's desperate situation, Tilma pulled a few ears and called in a few favors to make the forest warden an offer that she couldn't so easily dismiss; information.

The Rat Catcher's Guild, while lowly in some circles, was in good standing within other circles- the more nefarious ones, the ones which skulk in the shadows, which peddle information as a commodity. One of the members of the guild, Jabbo, had heard about a group of slavers who had brought in an elf rumored to be of royal descent. Whether the rumors were accurate, or even true, wasn't clear- a risk that Jasera would have to take. It was a lead, and even a weak lead is better than no lead. She agreed; her services in exchange for information.

Fast-forward to this moment and the lithe elven girl knee-deep in the gray-green muck. The entire arrangement was starting to look like a bad deal. It was just then that she decided that her negotiation skills were going to need a lot of work.

Tilma advanced in the sewers.
"Smelled worse. There was once this… I don't even know what it was. Some kind of mix between an octopus an ooze and a plant. That I encountered back in the sewers of my city. Now THAT smelled terrible! I lost consciousness first time I approached it. Luckily it couldn't move so I was safe. Took a week and a lot of preparations to take it down."
As she looked at her companions she realized how much more at ease she was in this place compared to the other elf. I guess spending years working in the damp, dark underground has its advantages. If they can be called such.
It's not like she loved to be down there. It was simply the job she had to do to earn her living. She was happy each evening when she finally emerged from the stinking sewers. Lately she was getting sick of this life and was wondering if she should just quit the job and do something else. It's not like she'll be able to find a good mate down in this dump.
She looked at Berry. The gnome had been a great company, ally, friend, since the day she arrived in the city. The guy even saved her life. But gnomes were not her type. Perhaps she should give him a nickname? "What berry would suit him the best?"
While thinking that her gaze drifted towards the elven girl she had somehow succeeded in recruiting to help them. She didn't know how the hell, but she did it and felt proud about it.
"So, Jasera? Wanna hear a joke?" She kind of knew that her attempt to make their companion more at ease would fail, but she just had to try.

While talking they had reached the drop shaft. Tilma carefully looked down while holding her hand on her crossbow. When entering the quiet zone she had opened one of the bolt cases attached to her waist just in case.

Jasera's response was silent. A cold shifting of the eyes said all that needed to be said. It was a brave effort to break the ice, but as expected, it fell far short.

Looking over the edge, watching the sewage cascade over the rocky lip like some foul-smelling waterfall, she began to imagine that if the level floor was this slippery, the vertical floor would be far, far worse... especially with a rushing, cascading torrent of muck and grime. She leaned forward cautiously, glanced down briefly, then leaned back slowly and carefully.

Glancing at Tilma suspiciously, Jasera prodded "How in the Nine Hells are we supposed to go down this?" she inquired amusedly. "So you know... there is no way I'm jumping..." she declared firmly, crossing her thin, muscular arms in a most stubborn manner.

Tilma and Jasera both see the bottom of the dropshaft about 30 feet below, their darkvision registering the ripples of water at the bottom. You can discern the water down there is probably at least waist-deep for an elf from observing the way the waterfall disappears into it. The thick, iron-wrought chains are rusty, but if anyone tests their strength, you get the distinct impression they are still intact and they will support your weight.

"I have rope. Jasera, can you hold it and lower me down?" Berry begins tying his hempen rope around his waist.

While seemingly on-board with Berry's plan, Jasera did appear to have some reservations. "That water level... are you going to be alright?" she asked showing actual, sincere concern.

"I can use the opportunity to scout ahead, see if there’s solid ground. It’s either that or I ride on your shoulders," the Gnome grins, "your choice."

Tilma giggled, imagining the scene, when Jasera suggested that the water would be too deep for Berry. But when he proposed to ride her shoulders she couldn't hold down a small laugh that echoed in the tunnel.
"I vote for Berry to investigate. Then we can get down using my climbing kit." She patted her backpack. "Just need to attach it. Somewhere..." she looked around trying to find where and how to use the kit. "Or we can just jump on those chains and climb down that way. Your call, Jassy." She shrugged.

Berry is first down the hole via the rope. He does a quick scout around the dark area and finds out the following:

* The pool at the bottom that you drop into is inside a 20ft radius circular basin made of polished stone. It is 5 feet deep and contains clear water.
* The edges of the basin are adorned with six bronze statues of woodland creatures, indicating this may have been a fountain long ago.
* Tunnels branch away from the basin. They appear to be from a different era of the city's past.

While the others get their climbing gear set, a dripping-wet Berry makes a quick scouting tour down the non-collapsed tunnels. He confirms there is not even so much as a cobweb or beetle down here. The tunnels seem to end in cave-ins, but one tunnel is special. which has something that looks like a cave mouth gaping in its side. Loose rubble is strewn about the floor in front of the cave as if it were vomited out.

Meanwhile, Tilma is able to hang her climbing kit's grapple off the ring holding the chain. She then descends with the safety of a harness, which turns out was a wise investment. She slips on the wet chain, but the harness catches her before she falls too far. The brawnier Jasera fairs better on the difficult climbing task.

The three meet up at the entrance to the tunnel that leads to the cave.

Tilma looked at the statues trying to recognize the creatures they represent.
The place wass really weird. Never before had she seen part of sewers that felt so out of place. Shivers ran down her spine as she advanced towards the tunnel where Berry was waiting. She was right to bring reinforcements this time.
The water was dripping from her soaked pants as she looked in the tunnel. "Found anything interesting in this weird place, Cranberry?" she was leaning slightly against the wall as she spoke trying to seem natural. It was her first attempt of nicknaming the gnome.

"Look at the ground. I've heard of things that tunnel and throw their rubble behind them, but the size of this?"

Berry sneers at the nickname, "Cranberry? Am I so sour?"

The woodland animals are common and instantly recognizable as a hare, a fox, a fawn, a raven, a toad, and an owlbear cub.

Impressed and relieved that the gnome was able to manage without using her as a step ladder, Jasera moves towards the remaining, accessible tunnel while the others explore the statues.

Cautiously approaching the cave, Jasera kneels by the opening and examines the dirt and rubble. How moist is it? If it's very damp, this happened a while ago and the humidity from the area has already soaked into it. If it's very dry, the 'work' is recent.

After determining this, she searches the area for any signs of tracks or movement, what may have made them (if she finds any) and/or how long ago they were made.

"No you aren't." She said with a smile while watching Jasera examine the tunnel. She seemed like a real hunter. "A strawberry is too feminine. Blueberry... Well you aren't blue. Raspberry perhaps?" she continued to talk in a carless manner while in reality keeping her senses sharp Justin case. "Found out anything?" she added changing her intonation to a more serious one. The question was clearly directed towards Jasera.

"Well, my name is Seabury. If you insist on making the long form, you can always use that. Or if you want my full name, Seabury Valmop Rasdon Rasmin Tanser Timbers III. Brevity is always better in my trade so, Berry."

Berry wanders past Jasera studying the ground and peers into the tunnel, absently removing the crossbow from his back and loading up.

Jasera inspects the debris by the cave opening. The stones are somewhat damp, confirming your suspicion that they have been on the ground for a while.

As you look at the pile of broken rock, some of which appear to be finely carved. Among them you recognize a stone hand broken off at the wrist and half of epaulettes from a piece of armor. The more you look, the more you think this may have been a complete stone statue of a humanoid that was smashed to smithereens.

You also get a glance into the cave. The rough-walled tunnel opens up to a series of
larger caverns ahead. In the dimness of your darkvision, you make out the silhouette of a short humanoid standing still in the dark.

"I doubt sneaking up on the thing will grant us much advantage," Berry pulls his lanterns and lights it.

Warm light spreads from Berry's lantern, filling the cave and tunnel with a flickering orange and yellow light. The figure in the cave now becomes clear: it appears to be a statue of a dwarf looking forlornly at its arms, which have broken off and fallen to the ground. It occupies a small cavern, to which two additional worn-earth tunnels branch off. The cave tunnels are 6 feet high, where as the cavern has a 12 foot ceiling.

Berry approaches the statue and looks for the arms, looking for any details. Was the statue carrying anything? He tries to understand the pose of the dwarf and what it was sculpted to be looking at.

"Strange place to erect statues?"

Tilma readies her crossbow as well while she slowly advances towards the gnome and statue. The way it looks at it's arms seems way too "Real". "Do you think that he was... Alive? That he was petrified or something?"

She tries to remember if she has ever heard of something like that.

Looking closely at the dwarf, both Berry and Tilma are impressed by how lifelike it appears. Your suspicions are well-grounded.

The stone dwarf has a rough, worn look to him. He is dressed for underground exploration - wearing light armour, a rucksack with rope strapped to the side, and a brace of daggers across his chest. His broken arms appear to have been extended as if shielding himself from something below his knees, and his face is forlorn, wearing the expression of someone who knows the moment of their demise is upon them.

Tilma has definitely heard of stories of people turned to stone by magic spells, and there are many creatures that can innately cause this to happen: basilisk, cockatrices, gorgons, and medusas to name a few. But specifically what might have caused this transformation is unclear.

"Perhaps it was a basilisk or cockatrice or a gorgon or even medusa?" she tries to guess. "Or perhaps an evil cult of mages! Nah, probably not those. The dwarf is looking down." she leans to see his face more clearly and then looks at the ground where it was looking "The thing that petrified him must have been small. Problem is, that me personally, I have no idea how to counter petrifaction. So we might be in high danger here."

"I was thinking the same thing. Looks like we might be dealing with more than your average giant rat."

Berry thinks of anything he might have read of in relation to the city and creatures using petrification.

Berry rummaged through his memory. A recent scandal that has been making the rounds in the local broadsheets associated the Bartoz merchant house with the recent plague that ravaged the Old Town district. Their house coat of arms features a cockatrice.In addition to the statue, the cavern you find yourself in is a crossroads of sorts.

* You arrived through the eastern tunnel.
* To the west, a tunnel extends further into a bigger cavern. There is a glowing light of purple and green hues coming from inside there.
* To the south, a longer tunnel winds upward and curves west, possibly rising above or around the cavern to the west.
* You also notice that your lamp flame is flickering. An unusual breeze is coming from the north wall of the cavern.

Berry relays this memory to the others.

Jasera seems uneasy but stalwart. "I don't like the looks of this either- we may be in over our heads if there's something of that magnitude down here" she comments, though she doesn't seem fully convinced. "Though... all this talk of plagues and conspiracies has me thinking. This would not be the first time that someone is conducting some nefarious deed and keeping inquisitive folk at bay with some sort of pet, or spell that leads you to believe that there's something far worse inside."

She pauses and glances at the others to see if they're following along, "Simply put- the House may be up to something and trying to scare any nosy people off. This is definitely worth investigating, but I'm with Berry here- be it creature or clever foe, this is not an ordinary 'rat' matter..."

"The lights leave me curious..." she starts, nodding in the direction of the multihued glow, "...let me creep forward and see what I find. Be cautious of your flanks; the direction of the drop shaft is the only one we don't have to fear. Between the breeze from one side and the winding path from the other, I fear that this crossroad is the most visible, most dangerous, and least defensible position we could be caught in" comments Jasera biting her lower lip nervously. With her eyes shifting about, she leaves her allies with one last bit of advice before advancing towards the west, "Take cover my friends, keep your eyes and your blades sharp".

With a hearty nod of encouragement, the ranger slinks off to the west- barely disturbing the dirt underfoot.

Jasera moves quietly along the western tunnel to the edge of another cavern. A dozen humanoid statues, many of them broken, decorate this broad cavern. Tall columns of stone rise to the rough ceiling, and a rune-decorated gateway of worked stone stands before the rock wall to the north, swirling with magical energy.

Two podiums flank the gateway, holding glowing crystals of violet and green. The green crystal has a large crack in it, and sends intermittent pulses of arcane energy arcing into the stone of the wall and floor.

---

A map of the current area explored (click to enlarge):

Tilma follows her elven companion. Sneaking as silently as she can. The moment she sees the source of the light, however, all the caution goes out the window.
"THAT, definitely isn't just to scare off someone!" she exclaims loudly. She glances around at the statues. "Do you think it was the gate that petrified them? Or that green glow flowing from the green crystal. Or did the creature come through there? Well, in any case this is in no way Natural. Someone is definitely responsible."
She positions herself in front of the gate. "Does any of you have something to eat?"

Petrification and necromancy don't share much in common, and in some ways they are opposites. A body turned to stone cannot be raised, for example. But Tilma does know that this effect is magical and that the creatures that can cause petrification are all prized for their components.

As for the gateway, Tilma's seen nothing like it. Glyphs and writing appear on the front of this gate but at this distance it is hard to tell what they say.

Norran sauntered in the Western cavern trying to look casual, or as much casual as someone who just woke up from a hangover.

Well, they've left me behind...again...and this time, I'm sure it's not my fault...I've only had five mugs of ale last night! five!

IT WAS NOT FIVE! IT WAS TWENTY-FIVE! AND YOU WERE SO DRUNK LAST NIGHT AGAIN YOU TRIED WRESTLING ME ON THE FLOOR OF THAT PUB! YOU FOOL!

The elf barbarian shook his head with the loud voice of Angry Jondalar still ringing inside his head.

Aww man, you're too loud Jon! keep it down will ya? And I don't remember about that..come to think of it I don't remember anything else after my fifth ale...Anyway, what's done is done mayyybe I tried to wrestle you inside a place with a lot of strange people around...but that's all water under the bridge okay? now let's catch up to the others, shall we!

Keep it down he says...as if these other fools with him can hear spirits like me...I am a dignified warrior spirit...not some nursemaid to a wet behind the ears whelp...Why In my time--

Whatever the grumblings of the warrior spirit may have that time, they were cut off short by the loud exclamation that issued forth from the elf. Despite himself, Norran was surprised at the strange room before him decorated with equally weird decorations. These statues almost look life-like and to the untrained eye, they would appear as just that. However, Norran had spent much time becoming observant around things even in his constant inebriated states that he had picked up some details of the statues.

WHOA! Man! radical! this is a dwarf! someone or something turned these people into stones! that's hard!

Angry Jondalar snorted in undisguised derision, A yes a master of the obvious this one is...

Norran ignored the snide remark from the spirit and joined his other companions in observing the rest of the cavern. Not a few steps away from the statues and another remarkable sight presented itself before him: Some kind of gateway with ornate symbols flanked by two podiums at either side. The podiums were emitting each a strange light one of them purple, the other green. If not for their strange appearance, it might have reminded Norran of those ghost lights he used in his parties back at home. He shrugged and noticed his other companions trying to look busy in their own way.

Regardless of whatever they thought about him, the elven barbarian from Taurenairë had a blood debt to these people. Although they might be strange 'outsiders' to him (even though two of them are elves like him) they have helped him survive in this strange great village of Iskander after finding himself almost drowned in excrement and urine after an encounter with irate patrons of an inn in his first day in the city. After that experience, he now knows more about the concept of 'money' and 'payment' in 'civilized' areas like this. Tilma and the others have taught him that and many other things to guide a bumbling barbarian in the harsh reality of a big city. Whatever it takes, he will help them in their quests as long as he is able and as long as it won't take long. He has his own quest to undertake. The village is still in peril.

At Tilma's mention of food, Norran smirked a mischievous grin, a thought in his mind, and approached the other elf woman with confidence. The other woman named Jasera was just too cold. Colder than skinny dipping in the Ghost Falls in winter. He shrugged and sidled over to the 'exterminator'.

Hey Tilma babes! I hear you might be hungry! you can still have MY SAUSAGE if you want...hehehe

The woman looked up from looking at something from the ground and at him with a frown and a look that looked equal parts confused and slightly disgusted...

Ahem...I've saved one from last night's dinner, He said while unfolding a napkin containing a grilled garlic sausage.

I wish she would kick you in the gonads...

The handsome elf she had rescued the other day had finally joined them. Though he still smelled like booze. And probably had a pretty heavy hangover from the looks of it. The moment he proposed his Sausage she was left confused for a second. Sure she found him Very attractive but things have order. One must first know the person a little better.
She took the sausage and looked at the elf. After a quick memory of her past adventures with men she thought, "Then again...". She gave him an enigmatic smile, turned towards the gate and broke the sausage in two.
"Watch out!" she said as she threw one half into the green light of the broken orb and one at the gates to see if any of them would petrify.

The sausage flops harmlessly into the green light and the other against the gates. They roll to a halt, unchanged.

Then, from out of the unexplored recesses of this chamber you hear a scurry of scratchy footsteps. A small bird-like creature, maybe the size of a duckling, darts out and spears the meat with its beak, and the sausage turns to stone! It swallows the other piece whole, and by the time it's done, the stone sausage has reverted to meat and it starts working on that too. It seems ravenous.

You are quite certain this is a baby cockatrice.

Tilma's eyes open wide. "Give it to me!" she practically tore the food out of Norran's hands.
She knelt down and as softly as she could said, "Here. Come. I have some more food for you." she threw a couple of pieces of food on the ground between her an the creature and held a few more in her outstretched hand.

The cockatrice hatchling jerks its head around to you and starts approaching warily. It tests the food, eats it, and continues to approach toward your outstretched hand. It emits a shrill squawk before gulping down the morsel in Tilma's hand. It looks up at you sideways, the way birds do, as if to say "Do you have more?"

At that moment, another hatchling of similar size wanders into the same cavern from the shadows, possibly drawn by the smell of meat. It comes toward Tilma too.

Berry backs away from Tilma, "Seems like the young's talent of petrification is short-lived but where there are babies, there's usually a mother."

Watching Tilma approach after she had asked the others to wait seems to rub her the wrong way, the evident smirk of displeasure sweeping across a flustered expression, "Are you carrying a sack of metal pots?" she grumbled disapprovingly. "There's a point and purpose to having someone scout ahead, then return and inform the others of their findings". She allows the escape of a long, heavy, frustrated sigh, then stands and waits- certain that Berry too will soon amble up the path, making more noise than a collapsing siege tower.

"If we ever work together again... we'll need to work on our communication and planning skills..." she suggests optimistically, once the trio are reunited.

At the arrival of the ostentatious Norran, Jasera yielded all hope for stealth and silence, rolling her eyes in a show of surrender. He should have stayed asleep... she thought to herself, having preferred being one person short but quieter, than one short person more who's louder.

When the sausage is tossed and the chick approaches, Jasera begins to develop a posture of concern and preparedness, and as Berry shares his revelation by saying exactly what Jasera was thinking, it becomes apparent that their foe is something far greater than an alpha rat. "We're going to need to plan our approach here- unless you want to join your kin as a decorative piece...?" she queries Norran rhetorically.

"There's more at work here than this fledgling or its parent- these spheres... these lights... this is deliberate. This was built this way, put here on purpose, by someone" she observes aloud, the depths of her curiosity revealed as she verbalizes her thoughts.

Tilma gives the last few pieces of food to the little birdies. "Do you have any more food guys? Perhaps we could take them and make a run for it? If the mother follows us outside, guards there could be of some help against her. And if we have the chicks we can tame them! Imagine having cockatrices in our team!"

Jasera stares at Tilma blankly, at a complete loss for words.

After a moment of recovery, the ranger chimes in on the plan.

"We're going to need something better than Let's steal her kids... because if you think a cockatrice is dangerous, imagine one raging with anger because you've taken her children. That's also not knowing if both parents are there- are you prepared to face off against two adult statue-making birds?" she inquires dubiously. "I'm sure not. I have too much to do to spend a hundred elven lifetimes as a garden ornament. We need to get more information. One of us should keep the chick..." she pauses, realizing there's two now, "...chicks rather, distracted while one or two of us delve further into the tunnel and get a better understanding of what we're up against. I have no concern with a possible fight, but I'd like to know what I'm fighting so I know if it's a fight worth having" she clarifies.

"Ok. That sound like a solid plan. Being chased by two angry parents probably aren't the best idea. I'll stay with the chicks. You're the stealthiest one I guess so you should go investigate. Will you take Berry or Norran with you?" Tilma says as she carefully tries to pet the first chick. "Though I really would love some extra food to give them. They look like pretty big eaters"

All adventurers know that being pecked by a cockatrice's beak turns you to stone for a period of one day, although particularly hearty or strong-willed individuals have been know to be able to shrug off the effects. If the petrified creature is shattered before then, the creature will remain stone forever. Some of the statues in the cavern ahead appear to be in perfect condition and you might still be able to save them.

Jasera recalls that cockatrices can lay dozens of eggs which hatch in waves of around 6. Usually only the female stays with the eggs, as the male is petrified during the mating process and then smashed to pieces. He also recalls that Cockatrices are extremely territorial and possess no fear.

As Tilma is running out of food, the two fledglings are starting to make a fuss. Tilma knows that raising a cockatrice could be dangerous and possibly cost a lot in time and money. But, where there's a will there's a way.

Nodding in silent agreement, Jasera turns to Berry and the slush. He pauses on Norran then begins to say something and suddenly stops, reconsidering her words. She shakes her head in obvious disapproval and instead focuses on the gnome, "Are you up for this?" she asks.

If he seems in agreement, she will again take point, slinking into the shadows of the ominous tunnel, eager to see what brood of hatchlings... or what brooding mother... awaits them.

Berry, crouched on his haunches, picking his nails with a blade as he studies the young cockatrices, considering how he might bag one and how much it might sell for.

He looks up at Jasera, and nods, slipping away his dagger and foisting his crossbow once more, silently following.

After advancing further down the tunnel (successfully or not has yet to be determined), the lithe elven girl glances back to gauge Berry's place in their stalking duo, only to find the sly and feather-stepping gnome has already caught up to her. "Gods, man... you make all the noise of a falling leaf" comments the girl admirably and, of course, at whisper tones. She makes no effort to hide how dazzled she is by his uncanny skill at stealth.

Jasera and Berry move west and silently enter the chamber with the glowing crystals. They encounter the following:

* The sealed gateway and podium, as described earlier, bathed in green and violet light. Now that you are closer, you can see a markings on the gateway - a five pointed star with markings around it that look to be written in Infernal.
* You can now see a cylindrical vertical shaft above the podium in the roof of the cavern. The roughly hewn shaft heads up 40 feet, which you estimate is close to street level. There is a round wooden trapdoor covering the top.
* In the southeast corner of this cavern you see a clutch of eggs, 5 in total. You might have mistaken it for stone rubble if you hadn't been on the lookout for signs of a cockatrice.
* Ten stone statues, most of which have been damaged but a few of which look perfectly intact.
* You discover new, unexplored passages lead out from this cavern to the northwest, southwest, and south.

Map (click to enlarge):

Back by the armless statue of the dwarf, Tilma and Norran have run out of sausages and the fledglings are starting squawk louder. You expect that if you don't take some action soon, they will either become aggressive or loud enough to be heard down other passages.

Norran was quite disappointed when the conversation piece sausage was snatched away by Tilma and fed to the fledgling cockatrices.

That was good sausage. That was almost a good pickup line.

Too bad it wasn't good enough, loser hahaha.

Ignoring the ghost, the Barbarian now looked as the chicks approached. And they are not of the kind he was used to seeing approach him. Cute as they are now, it could be quite problematic if one of them turned one of their body parts or equipment to lawn decorations.

You aren't serious about taking one as a pet are you? whenever there's a young one, a big angry mama is always around the corner. It might be a bit safer if we leave the kids at home. Besides, aren't we gonna do something about these hardcore men and women?, Norran asked Tilma while gesturing towards the inert statues.

Coward...If I have my way I'll crush these little abominations under my heel to lure the mother here to a glorious fight to the death!

You can talk...you're a ghost...like, I don't think you can get stoned by a stoner...and I won't gonna be fighting one just because you say so...I'm sober now Jondalar.

*sigh* One can dream...

BERRY AND JASERA

---

Berry recalls the name from his studies, but only in passing. Astaroth was the false name of an Elven archmagi who lived thousands of years ago. He was an important figure in the first Fiend War, when the walls of Iskandar were assailed by the armies of the Nine Hells for the first but not the last time. There were some spells with his name in it, like Astaroth's Arcane Armour.

TILMA (AND NORRAN?)

---

Jasera seems very much uncertain; if the lack of a response weren't clear enough, the blank expression she's wearing would be. "Nobility and history are not my strong suit, I'm afraid- I do not recognize the name. You?" she throws the query back at him.

He seemed to have twitched at the reading of the name as if it struck a chord, so she suspected there might have been a connection.

Berry relays what he recalls before adding his own thoughts, "Question is, is this holding something in or out? And it appears to be damaged which is very worrying either way."

The ranger seems to be in agreement but doesn't appear particularly enthusiastic. "I suddenly wish this was just one big rat..." she trails off, knowing her simple wish will never be granted, "Well, it isn't and we need to do something about it. Whether it's keeping something in or keeping something out, we don't know and we won't figure it out standing here. We need to go deeper and find out more. Something's going on here that I suspect, if we don't do something about it now, is only going to get worse. I've a feeling this emptiness is going to spread. The cockatrice can't be solely responsible for what's happening here- there's more" she declared urgently. Her fist tightens into a small ball as she ponders the next step

"Let's make notes about the symbols and markings we've found here, then press on into one of the tunnels. We're going to need the help of someone skilled in this script, or in the name of Astaroth. Odds are that whoever knows about him, would know what he was mixed in with and what this might all be about".

"I'm fluent in the script. That's all it says. there are spells named after Astaroth so this ward doesn't have to have bene placed by him necessarily. Let's explore further, but what of the others?"

The ranger contemplates the inquiry. They may not be the quietest, but they are part of the team and [apparently] reliable. It was the right thing to do. "You're as loud as a mouse's breath. Skulk back and update them, then return. We want them near enough to provide aid if things turn sour- but not so close as to cause enough of a racket as to force that sourness sooner than it needs to be" she clarifies.

"I'll hold the line here".

Berry slinks back to the others to check all is well.

...And aren't we supposed to catch a rat or something and not you know, get new pets?

Norran was still complaining about Tilma's sudden interest in the fledgling cockatrices. This wasn't part of the job description and the eerie way the gate with the strange runes glowed just get him feeling on edge. The statues they passed by almost had a disapproving look to them like seeing a bunch of people stumble around in this cavern with a troop of stone-turning creatures following them.

Besides, that was the last bit of food you gave them, I don't know what will happen if these critters realize the feeding program is over. I'm already a 'hard' man. I don't relish getting turned to stone-hard if you know what I mean!

Joking tone aside, Norran continued to look around at his surroundings more keeping watch of any danger that might be lurking around the corner with all the ruckus the chicks were doing (including Tilma who's doing an approximation of some bird call) something or someone should have heard them by now. The mama stoner is still not accounted for.

Tell me if you're going to pee in your pants Norran. I want to get away from that pathetic display.

Shut up Jon...

While Tilma tries to lure the fledglings, they continue to get louder and louder until one of the lets out an ear-piercing shriek that echoes through the caverns. In a heartbeat, the mother cockatrice charges out from the southwestern, screeching madly and eyes wild with murder.

IN PROGRESS... DONE

"Damnit, I knew this would happen." Berry brings his crossbow to bare, watching to see if Jasera runs or stays put.

Hoping to delay the creature's advance until the others are ready, Jasera readies her bow and nocks an arrow, moving over to an area between one of the statues and a pillar (O-9) which provides cover while still allowing her plenty of mobility. Counting on the mother exhibiting a form of blind rage, the ranger will ready her action (does such a rule still exist?) to see if the mama-trice stomps by her towards the others or stops to search/sniff out the woodland girl.

If it charges by, she will fire at it from behind right as it passes. If it stops to sniff her out, the ranger will instead play a game of peek-a-boo, darting out from behind one side of the pillar then the other, keeping her distracted and diverted.

Berry moves his 25' to get out of the corridor and into the chamber.He readies his crossbow, if Jasera fires, he will fire too.

Norran was still trying to herd the fledglings with Tilma when an ear-wracking shriek resounded around the cavern. It sounded, big, mean, and angry.

It's the Mama Stoner! and the Ice Woman (Jasserra) is still back there!

The halfling Berry dashed off toward the other Elven woman and the approaching threat seemingly oblivious to the concept of danger. Despite himself, Norran begrudgingly admired the small person and his bravery.

I guess the fight and flight instincts are sound on that one and he decided to fight. Guess I have to pitch in with them, He thought.

I will be so disgusted even more of you now if you ran away with your puny tail between your legs Norran...

Before he can go to assist the other two members of the party from whatever was making that loud screeching sound, two smaller yet similar screeches issued from the ground. Looking down, he saw it came from the two fledglings he and Tilma were trying to lead away. They look angry. and hungry. A combination that is equally as bad as ale and Dreamweed in I mbair en Ndengin.

Did I tell you it's a bad idea to take these stoners out of their nest?, he said as he readies his glaive while the baby cockatrices look prepared to attack and turn them to stone.

*Laughs Manically*

The Mama Cockatrice charges through the cavern, leaping and soaring over the statues coming right for the closest target - Jasera! All the while it lets out a horrific screaming sound.As if on queue, maybe something to do with Mama's encouragement, the fledgelings hiss and strike! Norran squishes one of them, but the other charges him with its deadly beak. The beak scratches his leg and he feels the stone-to-flesh magic spreading through his limb, but he's fought off hangovers that felt worse than this. He shrugs it off with ease.

Berry fires once he has a clear shot.

Waiting until just the right opportunity, Jasera unloads a missile at the mother-bird before preparing to drop her bow and ready her blades. Archery will fail her at shorter range; it would be best to ready herself for the inevitable skirmish.

With fluid and almost effortless motion, the ranger levels her bow, quickly sights the raging cocktrice mother, and unleashes her arrow.

The elven-crafted projectile tears through the damp cavern air to strike unerringly at its intended target. Having accurately calculated the creature's trajectory, the shot pierces it dead-center on its thick, long neck. The serrated arrowhead easily tears through feather and fowl skin, burying itself deep in the cockatrice's windpipe and forcing her into the struggle between gasping for air and not drowning in her own blood.

The carved yew shaft holds true and protrudes from her throat as an indicator to all that, at least for this first round, this bitter and foul creature has been bested by the daughter of House Thirildin.

Berry's bolt tears through the leathery, reptilian wings of the horrid Cockatrice. (8 damage!)

With Jasera's arrowshaft protruding from the adult Cockatrice's neck, its shrieking is suddenly turned into a horrible whistling sound. It writhes with its feet, trying to scratch away the shaft, but ultimately fails. A murderous rage burns in its eyes as it resumes it's charge toward Jasera! (12 damage!)

The adult Cockatrice's long strides and short bursts of gliding allow it to close the gap between itself and Jasera in seconds. Tilma tries to step around the fledgling but it knicks her leg, transforming her to stone!

Round 2Updated Map: Click to enlarge!

Berry reloads as he moves to position between the wall and the statue (Q5) and braces the crossbow on the arm of the statue, "Thanks for the assist," he mutters to the statue before firing at the back of the Big Mama.

Berry’s bolt flies true, tearing through back of the bird’s head, piercing the brain. The creature staggers a moment, then topples sideways, the wings giving a final flap before lying still.

Berry breathes once more, and gives a quick salute to Jasera.

Tilma NO!! Norran shouted as the woman turned to stone due to the fledgling's attack. Looking across the Cavern, the mama stoner is now on a raging rampage with multiple arrows and bolts stuck on its body. He should get to the other members of the party and help them fight off the adult cockatrice. But first, the remaining fledgling needs to get squished.

You know I was starting to like you, little fellas, and I find you cute...but what you did to Tilma...THAT.IS.NOT.CUTE.

You do not look spiffing as well Norran...but I tolerate you all the same. And how long does it take you to kill a pathetic--

Without letting the ghost finish Norran swung his glaive in a deadly arc to finish off the danger fluff in front of him.

The Cockatrice crashes to the ground, dead, and the fledgling goes squish. In a handful of heartbeats, Tilma unpetrifies. The caverns are once again silent, save for the whistling wind behind the dwarf statue you encountered in the first cavern, and the sound of rushing water coming from caverns to the west not yet explored.

First Drafty Cavern

* The eastern tunnel exits back to sewers.
* To the west, a tunnel extends into the large central cavern. From here you can see the glowing light of purple and green hues coming from the crystals.
* To the south, a longer tunnel winds upward and curves west, possibly rising above or around the cavern to the west. (NOT YET EXPLORED)
* You also notice that your lamp flame is flickering. An unusual breeze is coming from the north wall of the cavern. (NOT YET EXPLORED)

Large, Central Cavern

* The sealed gateway and podium, as described earlier, bathed in green and violet light. Now that you are closer, you can see a markings on the gateway - a five pointed star with markings around it that look to be written in Infernal that declare "Seal of Astaroth."
* In the southeast corner of this cavern you see a clutch of eggs, 5 in total. You might have mistaken it for stone rubble if you hadn't been on the lookout for signs of a cockatrice.
* Ten stone statues, most of which have been damaged but a few of which look perfectly intact.

* You can now see a cylindrical vertical shaft above the podium in the roof of the cavern. The roughly hewn shaft heads up 40 feet, which you estimate is close to street level. There is a round wooden trapdoor covering the top. (NOT YET EXPLORED)
* You discover new, unexplored passages lead out from this cavern to the northwest, southwest, and south. (NOT YET EXPLORED)

Map (click to enlarge):

Returning to the group from her position in the larger cavern, nodding admirably to Berry as she approaches him, Jasera notes Tilma's initial reaction and seems compassionate to the loss of the little ones, "It could not be helped..." she explains, "I'm not one to needlessly kill animals- I'm a forest warden after all- but when you are in danger, or others are, you have little choice but to act" she notes, and her previously cold and harsh words are presented with an underlying hint of humanity, feeling and emotion.

"Now we need to decide where we shall investigate. I'm sure they were contributors to the vacancy of the passages..." she suggests, nodding at the birds, "...but I sense there is more afoul. This podium, these spheres, this name... Astaroth... I think our job is not finished and instead has barely begun". She seems uninterested in searching the creatures or the area for wealth, though she was seen plucking a few quality feathers from the mother bird. "These are good for use as fletching" is the answer given to anyone who looks at her oddly for doing so.

"Where next?" asks Jasera, glancing at Tilma, the one awarded the contract.

"I don't really know." she puts away the bolt and lowers the crossbow. "What exactly did you discover there? Who is Astaroth? And yea, there probably is more. And probably more cockatrices as well." She nods towards the statues.

Berry looks at the corpse for a moment, considering cutting parts off for sale, instead he opts for the head. Cutting at the thinnest part of the neck and avoiding touching the beak. At the very least, there should be some bounty. He then lugs it back to the others.

"Astaroth, there's some script over this portal saying it's the Seal of Astaroth. It's written in Infernal, I'm sure that means something to you. What are we doing about those eggs?"

Tilma instantly turns around. You see her eyes widen with joy as she sees the eggs. "Take them to the surface and hatch them. Keep a couple as pets and sell the rest." she states in all seriousness

"I was thinking fry them up for breakfast, but that works."

The defeated ranger lets out a heavy sigh, "I'd wager you would get enough gold to enjoy ten feasts, if you sell them to the right merchant. Someone, somewhere, has convinced foolish people that if you eat cocktrice eggs, all of your ailments are purged. Or you wake up the next day a whole foot taller... or your become more manly... or you become fertile... or... who knows what other nonsense...." she grumbles.

"If we're ready to go, we should take them with us to the surface. However- are we ready to go?".

You acquire the five eggs, which feel heavy and warm, like stones that have been in the sun all day.

Tilma looks at the eggs and puts them back down. "I think we should explore some more. The job might not be done yet. Perhaps there are other cockatrices or the base of those who brought them here. If it's the latter I suggest that we don't fight. Just note where they are and send the guards. My job is getting rid of critters not humans. We'll report about the magical gate as well." she talks while walking towards the south passage.

"Or loot," grins the gnome.

"Or loot." Agrees the elf with a grin.

The ranger hesitantly returns the eggs to their resting places and it's clear she isn't entirely convinced, "If you are under the impression that you will find joy and satisfaction in the pittance of coin you are paid for these vile errands... you will find yourself at the foolish end of every bargain" she cautions sagely.

"We'll press on for now, but if anyone is coming back for these little nuggets... it's us, not some sentry in the pocket of the guildmasters..." grumbles Jasera dismissively.

"Which way next, oh wielder of the contract?" she inquires, her tone a little more impatient this time since she's already asked once and must ask again. The comment had some jest to it, but still plenty of urgency.

"Coin always brings me Joy and Satisfaction. There’s even a halfling wench called Bliss in the darker part of town," the bawdy gnome winks, "I think researching what that gateway is will be worth our time, but while down here, let’s keep searching. A job worth doing is worth doing well."

Norran was silent amidst all the conversation happening around him. Other than the undisguised groan he made when Tilma and Berry decided to bring all the stoner birds' eggs along to exchange for something called ''money'', he was mostly reticent. He couldn't understand all the strange weird talk these ''city people'' were doing.

I guess this money thing is good...I remember that fat ogre of a woman in an ''inn'' demanded me some of it the first time I set foot in this village...It seems people here cannot move without mentioning that word...

That's the thing they barter with you fool! unlike our village, these outsiders need circle-shaped gold for the exchange of goods and services! Pathetic and greedy notion if you ask me...

Yeah, I know that I just find it weird that's all...anyway I guess we have to help Tilma and company get more of this money then maybe they can help us in our village...

You mean YOU Norran, not me. I wouldn't care less about Taurenairë! The blood has been diluted...the people have become weak! the--

ANYWAY! We just have got out of a hairy situation here, did we? So what's next? hey! does that pillar shine so weird? and what are we gonna do about these statues? I think I saw some of them begin to move! whatever we do we need to do something...like now? I don't wanna find out what else these caves will bring...

Rude...

Tilma explores the tunnel to the south and finds herself meeting up with the large, central cavern again. She finds no loot, but more signs of the Cockatrice. It looks like it used a particularly long stalagmite in this area as a back scratcher, and the floor around it is littered with molted feathers and skin.

Updated Map (Click to enlarge)

"That trapdoor. Something above has access to this place, which makes me wonder who."

Berry starts to make a mental note of research points when he gets out of here and places he could go to find out, - Astaroth, Seal of..., Crystals - broken?, Cockatrice spell components, restoring petrified victims.

Tilma returns from the tunnel. Looks at everyone and says, "We should have used that tunnel to come here... There's a bunch of signs of cockatrice. Notably a load of feathers and old skin." she raises her hand and releases the feathers she picked up as proof. "Next, that one!" she points towards the southeast tunnel, readies her crossbow and moves on with an energetic spring in her step.

Tilma heads to explore the southwest tunnel. As she approaches she can smell a hint of sulfur in the air, as well as increased levels of humidity akin to rain on a hot summer's day in the forest. After a short tunnel she sees a bubbling pool of hot mud. Piles of hatched cockatrice eggs lie along the edges of the cave. Eight fledglings cockatrices are pecking about the pool. At the back of the new cavern, she sees a statue of a dwarf against the far wall.

As she quietly observes from the shadows, the statue turns from stone back to flesh again! The dwarf lets out a cry - "You little fuckers!" - and then is immediately swarmed by the hatchlings, who quickly turn it back to stone again. They go back to pecking at the mud.

Updated map (click to enlarge)

Nodding in agreement, Jasera chimes in, "We MUST do something- how many of you are skilled at archery or with the crossbow? We can try to engage the chicks at range, to minimize the chance of being picked and solidified, then engage them with blades when there's no other choice".

Tilma raises her crossbow, "I like to think that it's my best weapon. And I think that makes three of us." she points to herself, Berry and Jasera. "The big and handsome can be our shield. You should have seen him in action earlier."

Berry sniffs the air before whispering to the others, "Is that sulfur? Perhaps fire would be a useful tool here?"

Emboldened by Tilma's comments about the ''big and handsome'' which he assumed was certainly not the halfling, Norran visible squared his sagging shoulders and flexed a little bit showing off.

That I am Tilma babes! let me go in the front while you guys shoot down those baby stoners, okay!

Although norran can contribute in the ranged barrage with his throwing javelins, his ego was stoked and stroked that much that any logical ideas were thrown out the window at the moment. Puffing his chest out and carrying his glaive over his shoulder he strode off to where the remaining fledglings were pecking on the ground.

Please turn to stone permanently...please turn to stone permanently...please turn to stone permanently...

"Hmm looks like we found our useful tool," mutters Berry as Norran strides into the chamber. Aiming his crossbow, he readies to pick one off.

Map updated above with Jasera and Tilma's positions! Once you declare your starting spot, feel free to take your first turn. Initiative rolls put you all ahead of the fledgelings.

ROUND 1

Ensuring Norran is ready, Berry takes his first shot at F3

Tilma shoots her crossbow at the same time as Berry. She aims at F5.

ROUND 1 UPDATED

Tilma and Berry hit their marks, killing two cockatrice fledglings and sending the rest into a murderous frenzy.

With the remaining fledglings all riled up with the shooting, Norran readies himself at the oncoming tide of angry, fluffy, tiny, stoner birds. And to make sure he survives the onslaught he decides to unleash the Barbarian Rage his people are known for.

It's Go Time Jon!

...

Umm...right now?

No...

What do you mean no?

I will not be used to fight insignificant creatures such as these!

C'mon man! now is not the time to get prissy!

I am an honorable warrior spirit! I will NOT be subjected to shameful combats with weak and pathetic enemies! Why, what would the Spooky Combat Association say when they found out that I let a whelp as you use me to--

I will ask dad to remove a hundred years commutation to your servitude if you help me with this and other times in this quest...okay?

...

Hello?

FINE!! GRAAAAHHHH!!!

The spirit known as Angry Jondalar leaped into the air and into the body of Norran adding to him the rage and strength of a lifetime of warfare and single combat. The elf barbarian's muscles become more toned and he grew to be a little taller in stature. Emanating a menacing aura, Norran brandished his glaive and pointed it at the oncoming baby cockatrices...Speaking with a cold booming voice that sounded like two people speaking at the same time he said,

COME! YOUR DEATH AWAITS! YOU...baby...stoners...

The fledglings rush forward, swarming the group. Norran swings at the first one as it enters the arc of his weapon, killing it outright, but the rest are upon them, pecking madly. Most swarm Norran but in his state of rage he is unstoppable. Only a single fledgling gets past his defenses, but its petrification is no match for Angry Jondalar's raw emotion coursing through the barbarian's veins.One of them slips past Norran's twirling glaive and pecks at Berry, but he nimbly sidesteps the little monster.Round 2!

Dropping his crossbow, Berry whips out his blade in a flourish.

"Little bugger!"

Tilma makes a couple quick back steps in order to keep her distance (H1). She recharges her crossbow in movement and releases the projectile towards the closest fledgling bugging Norran. "Get your beak off of my handsome!"

Norran half-screamed/half bellowed some kind of warcry while brandishing his glaive in a deadly arc.

BLEUARGHHAAGRHAHAH!!


What the F*!" was that about?


Just play with me here dude! I'm raging!

Idiot...

Tilma and Berry manage to snipe fledgling each, and Jasera lets loose a flurry of arrows to impale a pair of them himself. The final surviving fledgling seems oblivious to its odds and presses the attack, sneaking through Norran's legs and coming straight for Jasera. It pecks him in the shin, but Jasera resists the petrifying magic that tries spread through his body.

Round 3!

The final fledgling falls dead at Tilma's crossbow. After a moment of catching your breath, the dwarf statue by the sulfurous mud pool comes to life again.

"Agh! get away from... ! What? Oh, by the hells, thank you for murdering these little bastards! Eh, elves? And a gnome? Ha! Life has some funny twists don't it? Fancy a dwarf being rescued underground by a pack of forest dwellers! Don't get me wrong, I am most grateful."

The dwarf introduces himself as Ulfgar Durthane. He kicks a fledgling's corpse into the boiling mud for good measure, and reclaims his fallen crossbow - a fine piece of craftsmanship if anyone should take notice. "By the way, did you deal with the mother yet?'

"I'd sooner keep a pet devil. I've had enough of being a stone to last me several life times! But no ordinary warriors you must be to take down this terror. So, you working for Bartoz?"

The way he drags out that question you can't help but notice the tension, both in his voice and in his crossbow's string, which was loaded with a bolt where it fell. His eyes shift back and forth between you all.

Berry ignored the 'forest dweller' comment, his own people, Rock Gnomes, being closer to Dwarves than this fellow would care to admit.

Berry keeps scanning around, making sure nothing shows up.

"No idea who's that. " Tilma bluntly declares. "We, or rather I, work for Rat Catcher's Guild. Jasera, Norran and Berry here are helping me out. Name's Tilma, by the way."

Ulfgar seems to hesitate, as if doing some long-digit tallies in his head. But, you can see his crossbow hand relaxing.

"So, you just found this place by ... accident?" Ulfgar scratches his chin. "Well, I used to curse my bad luck but I guess sometimes it has to go your way. You must be new in town. Word to the wise - this place belongs to the House of Bartoz. The Lord Bartoz is crime lord. He owns half of Old Town and is aggressively expanding. This is one of his murder holes that he makes people disappear into when he wants somebody dead."

"I had the bad misfortune of trying to run an honest business - you might have heard of us: Durthane Cutlery, in Southward? He couldn't buy me out, so his goons grabbed me in the night and tossed me down yonder hole." He gestures to the vertical shaft that extends into the ceiling by the glowing purple and green crystals. "You should stop by sometime, you've earned yourselves a lifetime friends and family discount! Plus, I could use some better security if you're interested in earning a little extra silver."

Any character who prides themselves on their weapon skills may have heard of Durthane Cutlery. It is world-renowned, and its smiths turn out every kind of blade imaginable.

"Berry Timbers, at your service, " the gnome extends his hand, knowing this is a contact worth having, "Do you know anything of the portal back there?"

WHERE IS THIS WARLORD BARTOZ YOU ARE SPEAKING OF DWARF? I CHALLENGE HIM IN SINGLE COMBAT AND BATHE IN HIS BLOOD WHILE I EAT HIS ENTRAaaaAAAgghhh--

Norran's rage augmented body was suddenly wracked by seizures, convulsing and spasming in earnest. After a few seconds of that, the barbarian finally got control of his body the rage now subsiding.

Whew! Sorry about that! it was the shrooms I take to rage...Oye, Dwarfmang! You're not a decoration anymore! how ya feelin'? and did ya come here all alone or did you come also with these statues?

I WAS MONOLOGUEING!!

Not now Jon!

"Timbers, hmm? You related to ol' Marty Timbers? Runs a tannery in Southward? I get all my leather from ol' Marty. Anyway, what's this about portal? Didn't have much time to notice that earlier when I was running for me life."

Ulfgar walks over and inspects the gate.

"Well, that's disconcerting. Smells like wizardry if you ask me, and you can never trust a wizard. I would leave that right there, untouched, and forget you ever saw it."
Ulfgar shakes his head. "It's just stone up there. He could always get a few folks with strong backs and pick axes if he really wanted to get back down here."
"No idea who those folks are. People that pissed of Bartoz, I guess. A couple look like they might thaw out by tomorrow."

He knocks on a couple of the stone statues as if to test them.

"Yep, these fellows right here."

He points to the statues of a strong looking woman and a young halfling.

Tilma looks around pensively. "Say, Ulfgar... What's above these caves? Houses? Or perhaps just some greenery?"

"Eh? I don't take your meaning. You asking what these caves are for? Its a graveyard if you ask me, and you get to be your own tombstone. I for one will be glad to be rid of this place, although it won't be long before Bartoz realizes I'm still alive."

Ulfgar's brow furrows and he turns away and begins pacing silently.

Impatiently "Hey! I'm still talking!" she grabs the dwarf by the shoulder and points upwards to the hole through which he said he was thrown in here. "I mean, what's there!? Above us! On the surface!"

"Right, sorry. My brain is still a little stoned! It's a big, empty warehouse above us. I had a hood on my head the whole time they lead me there so I'm not sure exactly where it is, but I could tell by the smell in the air we're under the Harborside District."

This checks out with Tilma's maps.

"Fuck! It's the city." Tilma curses "I wanted to blow the whole cave up. But that would risk to sink half of the district. Any ideas guys?" She looks at her compatriots for ideas.

"I think this is well above our paygrade. Messing with Bartoz is not a good idea and even killing his pets puts a target on our backs. We did what we came here to do, let's get out while the going's good. When these folks come round, they'll be safe enough to find their way out."

Berry isn't wrong. Tilma is hesitating. On one side she agrees with Berry that this is above what they are paid for. On the other hand she feels like her work here is incomplete as more creatures could be easily introduced here later.
She kneels down, slides her fingers among her dreads and angrily messes her hair with her hands "AAargh! So be it! Let's take those eggs and get out of here!" she gets up and starts to decisively walk towards where the eggs are.

Tilma picks up the remaining eggs without difficulty.

So are we going to explore these tunnels more or call it quits and go topside? I do relish the prospect of breathing cleaner air again but if staying here will give me more chances to earn this 'money' of yours then I'd be welcome to squish more stoners!

I would rather like to squish your stones if I can...I was monologuing...

Satisfied that their job was done, the group departed to return to the streets of Iskandar.

Berry retrieves the cockatrice heads as the others take eggs, hoping some coin might be had.

Phew! we can finally get some fresher air than this!...what about them though? they look close to be un-stoning!, Norran said gesturing to the other stone statues.

"Don't worry about them. They'll find a way out once they unstone. The cockies are dead after all." Tilma says steadily leaving the sewers.

Why don't we just crush these statues instead? after all I'm still pissed off that I didn't kill that mother cockatrice...









Don't be such a warfreak Jon...even though you are...

Norran started to go towards the entrance where the group entered in...after a few steps forward, he stopped, scratched his head and turned around towards the party.

Uhh where did we enter again?

The crew backtracks their way to the surface, emerging out of an access tunnel in Old Town that Tilma has the keys to. A heavy rain falls from the sky between the closely-packed tenements which washes off the grime and smells from your hair and clothes.

Ulfgar bids you farewell, and again reiterates his offer to come by his armoury shop, Durthane's Cutlery, for a lifetime discount.

---

End of Chapter.