Second Adventure 02: The Northern Cave

Spoiler:

"Considering the river runs north-south, depending on what time of day we approach the cave, one side will be better lighted than the other. We should approach on that better lighted side. More light will be directed into the cave, AND we will be less likely to be blinded due to looking towards the sun.
Also I have a hooded lantern that I will give to... Hmmm. I need a volunteer. Preferably someone that does not need both hands for battle."

"well to be quite honest ied like it if there wasn't any Battle on the narrow ledge next to the waters of death in the cramped cave if you take my meaning"

Tab says with a smile on his face

"but ied say give the lamp to the one that goes at the front of the group, me ied like my eyes to be a bit away from the light so i can get them used to the darkness if i can?"

Spoiler:

"Be careful when inside. Eyes wide open and listen for any suspicious noises. I don't like this. Don't like it at all." Ashakel slowly draws his sword when entering the cave.

"Think the situation inside the cave might be more important than the one at the entrance. Which side do you think gives us the more room to maneuver inside the cave proper?"

"I hate caves... i don't think it matters too much which side we enter. it's still a cave ether way." Araiguna has a very noticeable quiver in his voice, he's not scared, just slightly more nervous than usual.

The sun does indeed rise in the east and set in the west. It is currently approaching noon, not yet high-noon. Tabran will be able to make attempts to mark the cave once you actually enter it, but upon approach a horrific howl lets forth, just one, from the cave that reverberates horribly. From this distance the contrast in lighting makes it effectively impossible to see within, save hearing the rush of the river.

Spoiler:

"well... here goes nothing...."

Spoiler:

"Fear not this beast, brothers. You are warriors at heart!" Ashakel bravely, but perhaps foolishly tries to approach the cave entrance.

Spoiler:

Handing the hooded lantern to (will edit later), Gwydo strides confidently towards the cave entrance; sword and shield held ready.

Spoiler:

Rory, Snarg, Kolson, Sethos, and Gwydo all hesitate about 10' out from the cave entrance, finding themselves almost unwilling or unable to take another step forward.

The troll turned to those who hesitated to enter. "Muster up! There is nothing here, it's all in your heads."

Javan, now donning a heavy-looking half-plate, laughs nervously as he follows those that went ahead, his spear at ready.

Spoiler:

"I sure hope that screaming's not in my head. Had enough of that last time."

"By the Holy tenements of Life, what in the world is in that cave?!?!" Gwydo exclaims, his deep voice wavering as he tries to dispel his terror.

Rory, Snarg, Kolson, Sethos, and Gwydo:
If you blow one AP you will be able to overcome your unease sufficiently to approach with the rest of the party.

Gathering his will, Kolson buries his fear, and pushes forward, one agonizing step at a time.

He would not be defeated by fear of the unknown, magical or otherwise.

Spoiler:

Rory heard the howling come from inside the cave. What manner of beast could make that sound? He could not detect pain in its inflection, or fear, or rage. He could detect no emotion or feeling behind it, and a sense of foreboding seemed to grab at him from the cave, even after the noise had ceased. The reach of the invisible, intangible claw in the darkness was barely within distance of clutching at the barbarian. It was all he could do to keep back.

He shuddered, straining to keep his cool in the presence of the others. He couldn't focus on them enough to tell if his efforts made any difference. He needed to move forward, but he had not the power.

Haneul squared their shoulders, with Dara's support at their back, and continued forward, straining their eyes to see in the dark. Their determination blocked out the members of the party who had been halted from venturing closer.

despite his unusual anxiety about caves, Ariaguna finds himself ahead of many of the others in his display of bravery. a sudden wave of accomplishment swooped over him as he could feel himself press onward into the dark, damp chasm.

*In the end, whatever is in this cave will either kill them, or it will not. Or it will enslave them in some kind of worse than death torment, that's always a nice thought. Must stop imagining things. Eyes forward.*

Rory glanced around at his friends as they marched right into the darkness. Why was he hesitating, when a tiny mite was striding in confidently? He took a few steps, then leaned back as the invisible claw barely raked his face. He was afraid, but the suspension was infuriating.

His mind screamed at his feet, forcing them to move one after the other, trotting quickly toward the shadows. He tucked his head in, flinching as the claws seemed to rake at the nerves on his arms, back and scalp. Finally burrowing his way through the invisible wall, he headed straight for the comfort of Gwydo's lantern.

He breathed a sigh of relief and irritation. He finally made it inside, earning back his self-respect.

*Ashakel tries to hum a Naverre battle chant to keep everyone's spirits up.*

"Rory, all good?"

"I'm fine," he snarled. "Worry about your own fear, I've conquered mine."

Rory Vallon wrote:"I'm fine," he snarled. "Worry about your own fear, I've conquered mine."

"Awesome."

*Good advice, too.*