Fantasy DUNGEON DELVER: Secrets of Caedia — Expedition #2, The Mapmaker's Dilemma

[Elenion Aura]

Expedition #2

BORIS

HUMAN FIGHTER

The Roads Below, Dungeons under Caedia

Dungeon Encounter
Attack Roll​

(Boris) Roll 1d20 = 19
(Thane) Roll 1d20 = 17​

Boris and Thane remind the Delvers what it means to have survived in this profession for years, if not decades. They are quite adept at the art of killing!

Aureliana's fireball flew fast, singeing the hem of Thane's cloak. The rest of him was too quick. With a sharp roll to the side, he evaded the spell, the flames splashing harmlessly against the stone behind him. He was up in a flash, his eyes glinting with dark amusement.

"I wouldn't be so sure," Thane's voice hissed, gesturing for Aureliana to look around.

The other Delvers—those who had joined them earlier—were lying slumped against the cold stone walls, unmoving. Beside them shimmered shadows that wore Thane's face. The echoes flickered and vanished, dissolving into wisps of illusory magic. In one fell swoop, and with shadow-blades coated in fast-acting paralytic venom, he had eliminated their numbers advantage.

With a flick of his wrist, the true Thane leveled his short sword at Aureliana and lunged, the blade gleaming in the dim torchlight.

On the other side of the chamber, Silvander's strikes had landed cleanly, feeling the satisfying crack of metal against Boris' skull. The large man had staggered, dazed for the moment... A moment that quickly passed.

As the dust from Silvander's strike settled, Boris straightened up to his full, gargantuan height, rolling his shoulders with a casual nonchalance that belied the beating he'd just withstood. Slowly, the veteran Delver turned his face to catch the torch-light, a broad grin splitting his features. There, on his cheek, stretched a single, thin scratch... All that those blows had to show for themselves.

Boris let out a booming laugh, his chest heaving with mirth. "Well, well! Look at that!" He pointed a meaty finger at the scratch on his face. "Y' drew blood, boy. I'll give ya that much!" He chuckled, and as Aurevele swung her holy sword his way, Boris hefted his axe in both hands, then brought it down into the ground at their feet with all his might.

The impact was deafening, the force of the blow sending a tremor through the stone floor. A blast of raw, violent energy exploded outward from the point of impact and rippled through the chamber, striking the offending Delvers like a crashing wave.

Boris stood tall amidst the chaos, his wide grin never faltering. "C’mon then!" he bellowed, his voice carrying over the din of the tremor. "You want to dance with the big dogs, don’t ya? Let’s see if you lot've got the bite to back up that bark!"

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[TreasureSniper]

Expedition #2

SILVANDER

HUMAN FIGHTER

The Roads Below, Dungeons under Caedia

Seeing the other party members do their party was comforting to say the least. It was good to know he wasn't in this fight alone. However, that comfort would soon fade away as he watched Boris easily shrug off his strike to the face. While he was holding back, to a certain extent, Silvander was confident that such a strike would leave a longer-lasting effect. Silvander took a few slow steps back, staring in bewilderment as the man merely laughed off Silvander and the Elf's efforts. Shortly after that, Silvander instinctively raised a defensive shield, but it was too late, with the big burly man already executing his attack, sending Silvander flying across the floor.

Tumbling towards the other party members who had already been knocked out, his gaze temporarily studied his would-be allies who were knocked out cold. He noticed that the ones the didn't get back up had dark blades coated in some sort of liquid. Looking back at Boris, Silvander was not too confident he could defeat this one with brute force alone. Considering the burly man's status as a veteran, they probably did have the skill to take them all on. They needed an equalizing factor, something to compensate for their lack of experience.


While getting up, Silvander sneakily coated strange liquid on the edge of his axes and his gauntlet before charging back toward the massive axe man. Whatever wounds or sourness he suffered were quickly healed thanks to the blessing from the paladin. He didn't know how skillful she was, but he had guess, she was also on her first mission. Based on her stance, and the way she fights, she likely was against killing this person despite the danger he posed.

"Paladin, we will take him together."

Hoping that the paladin had his back, Silvander silently stood back up and studied the area, wanting to make sure there was enough room for what he was about to do. Silvander threw both his axes towards Boris in a unique arc with all his might. The flying axe would look like it was headed towards Boris's direction but if he stood still the axe would instead fly right past him, looking like a fluke.

"You're not too big to fall."

Silvander planted both his feet into the ground, anchoring himself onto the surface. From there, Silvander shoots out both of his chains, wrapping them around a large man's only weapon, wrapping around it several times. With his medallion providing enhanced strength, Silvander began to pull on the chains, wanting to rid the man of his wicked weapon. However, this of course was not the only thing he was counting on. Eventually, the axes he threw earlier would come back and strike the big burly man. A sadistic choice, either lose his weapon to dodge the attack. Or hold onto the weapon and be struck from behind. Additionally, this also would leave Boris open to attacks made by the paladin.

"All that strength, all that talent and this is what you do with your life..."

While he was wearing a mask, Silvander's rage would leak out through his words. His disdain for such individuals was evident. And for the sake of the boy's life, he wouldn't lose.

"Dialogue here"

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[Beann]

Expedition #2

AURELIANA

HUMAN CLERIC

The Roads Below, Dungeons under Caedia

A look of awe showed briefly on Aureliana’s face as she watched Thane evade her fiery attack. She was quite impressed with his reaction speed but now was not the time to stand back and gawk. “Hm…?” Her eyebrow raised in confusion at his comment and she looked over her shoulder when he gestured, her confused expression quickly changing to that of surprise when she realized they no longer had the numbers advantage. “Huh. How ‘bout th– woah –!” Aureliana turned her attention back to Thane just in time to react to his lunge. She barely dodged his attack, his short sword piercing through the loose end of her cloak.

With his blade snagged onto the thick fabric, she feared she may have gotten tangled up in a close-range fight. As luck would have it though, Boris’ devastating attack from across the chamber worked well in the cleric's favor. The tremor caused her to stumble backwards and then the blast of energy sent her flying away from Thane, the momentum ripping her cloak from his short sword. She rolled across the floor a few times over before scrambling up to her hands and knees. “Might I suggest better coordination with your companion? You almost had me!”

Jumping up to her feet, she clasped her hands together before spreading them apart. A layer of flames formed in between, growing the wider her arms spread apart. Aureliana then pushed her hands outwards towards Thane, the flames traveling in pursuit of its target. Rather than collide with the veteran head on, it crashed upwards a few feet in front of him like a wave against a cliff side. The fire climbed up above Thane before pouring down the sides and behind him, creating a dome of fire. “A shield to protect you against Boris!” She called out in a taunting manner.

With Thane caged momentarily, Aureliana turned her attention to who she perceived as the primary threat. Seeing as Silvander and the paladin were fighting Boris head-on, her feet carried her quickly to flank him at a long range. Reeling her arm back, she threw her hand forward to release another ball of fire, intended for Boris’ backside.



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[AriAriAbabwa]

Expedition #2

AUREVELE

ELF PALADIN

Beyond...

Before her fiery sword could land, Boris' axe met the ground. She was unprepared to raise her shield. The shockwave sent Aurevele away. She saw her allies on the floor—paralyzed. Though their numbers advantage gave her confidence earlier, a nab of uncertainty wormed its way into her head.

Something best not to think about right now, as Aurevele skid across the ground, her armor undoubtedly taking scratches. She quickly rose back into action, still focused on her opponent. The elf could only hope the fire-wielding cleric could handle Thane on her own. Aurevele made her way beside Silvander.

"Paladin, we will take him together."

"Very well. Together, we shall subdue him to turn him in to the proper—"

The Fighter made his move. Right. No time for drawn out chit-chat. Aurevele watched in awe as he made his calculative move. While putting Boris in such a dilemma, he paved way for her to strike!

For her and the cleric, she noticed. Thane had been sealed away for the time being, turning this into a match of three against one. Clever. And they still had the numbers advantage.

Taking a breath, she charged. The elf yelled ferociously, her beaming sword growing in light and emissions. It swung from the top, leaving trails of light behind as it threatened to cut into Boris' shoulder.

And this time, Aurevele was ready to react with her Barrier of Light. Just in case.

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[Elenion Aura]

Expedition #2

BORIS

HUMAN FIGHTER

The Roads Below, Dungeons under Caedia

Dungeon Encounter
All-or-Nothing​

(Aurevele) Roll 1d20 = 8
(Silvander) Roll 1d20 = 6
(Aureliana) Roll 1d20 = 3

Vs.

(DM) Roll 1d20 = 1​

Once in a blue moon, the Lord of Fortune smiles upon the neophyte; likely, it amuses him, to lay his hand upon the scale. And so tips the balance, to one end or another...

Thane stepped back as the swirling flames encircled him, the crackling fire obscuring him from their view.

On the other side of the chamber, Boris scoffed as Silvander’s twin axes whirled past him, missing their mark by a hair. “Mind yer aim, boy,” he taunted, in a voice like thunder. But his grin wavered as he felt the chains wrap around his massive axe, the links pulling taut as Silvander anchored himself to the ground.

Boris dug his heels in, straining against the force of the chain. The muscles in his neck and arms bulged as he gripped his weapon tighter, refusing to relinquish it. His feet slid forward an inch, but he held firm.

Suddenly, in one synchronized attack, the trio struck. Silvander’s returning axe hurtled toward Boris’ back. Boris instinctively let go of his main axe with one hand, catching the first flying axe with a powerful grip, his fingers wrapping around the handle with a bone-crushing force. But the second axe? He was out of hands, refusing to give up his claim on his own weapon.

The second axe embedded itself into his back, the blade sinking an inch deep into his flesh.

Aureliana’s fiery blast struck next, searing across Boris’ armor, the heat scorching the fabric and flesh beneath. He howled, the fire spreading across his broad back, even as the second axe stuck like a jagged thorn in his spine.

Then, Aurevele’s sword of light came down. The holy blade, glowing with brilliant energy, cleaved into Boris’ shoulder. The force of the strike reverberated through his body, nearly toppling him. For the first time, a flicker of doubt flashed in his eyes.

Still, Boris stood. Blood dripped from his wounds, sizzling as it met the flames licking at his armor. With a growl of defiance, he yanked on the chain still wrapped around his axe, pulling the young warrior clear off his feet in a feat of might that rivaled even the champions of old. With a mighty swing, he used the chain like a whip, knocking the cleric, paladin, and warrior all against one another and to the ground in one sweeping motion. He sent them crashing to the stone floor, their weapons clattering away from them.

With a roar, Boris hurled his great axe with the chain still attached, sending it spiraling across the room before slamming it into the wall with a thunderous crash. His vision blurred as the poison from Silvander’s axe began to take hold, seeping into his veins. His breath came in ragged, labored gasps.

But still, he pressed on. Boris reached back, gripping the axe lodged in his flesh and wrenching it free with a sickening squelch, before turning toward the trio. With Silvander’s twin axes in hand, he began to advance, each step heavier than the last as the poison worked its way through his body.

“Party's over, friends…” he growled, his voice a rasp.

But before he could close the distance, a sudden chill swept through the chamber. The dark door Verne had opened earlier pulsed. Boris paused, casting his gaze back towards the open passageway... Just as it gazed back at him.

Tendrils of shadow, black as pitch and writhing, snapped out from the open door and snagged around Boris' limbs.

He froze, confusion flashing across his face as he dropped the axes and tried to wrench himself free. “No!” he shouted, his voice breaking with fear for the first time. He thrashed, struggling against the dark tendrils as they tightened their grip, pulling him closer to the door’s gaping maw. His strength useless against the force pulling him in.

Boris was dragged inch by inch towards the door. His once booming voice turned into a desperate cry. “No! Lemme go!” Turning to the Delvers, he cried, “HELP ME!”

The shadows enveloped him, smothering his screams, until finally, with a last, frantic gasp, Boris disappeared into the murky depths of that darkening door.

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[TreasureSniper]

Expedition #2

SILVANDER

HUMAN FIGHTER

The Roads Below, Dungeons under Caedia

Silvander stood his ground to the best of his abilities, staring at the brutish Boris as his plan came to fruition. A few seconds later, he would see his axes on a return path towards their intended target. Truth be told, he was rather impressed that despite being such a large man his opponent was quick enough to catch of his axes. Fortunately, the paladin followed suit with her own attack, cutting into the big man.

"I don't miss."

A brief grin formed around Silvander's hidden lips, a small sense of pride that he could outwit this veteran diver. Unfortunately, for him this was but a short moment, with Boris displaying herculean strength to pull Silvander towards him, and whip him around like a makeshift flail. Silvander's body impacted the his allies with great force, knocking away loose gear and tools as he continued to hold onto the chain with a death grip desperately. Eventually he finds himself flying towards the walls of the cave, following close behind the Boris' large axe, implanting the young fighter into the wall with great force.

Silvander vision was blurry, the adrenaline in his body was the only thing keeping him awake and numbing the pain. The paladin's blessing did its best to close the wounds, but some remained open, blood beginning to seep out of his back. He must have hit some hard rocks on his back. Mustering the strength to continue the fight, he slowly peeled himself off the walls, pulling on the large axe that was still attached his to chain loose, walking slowly toward Boris, wanting to continue the fight.

He knew he stood no chance. But what choice did he have?

Thankfully, he would not need to continue the fight as he something from the path opened by the mapmaker had grab hold of the big man. Silvander could barely work out what words were said, but from his vision alone, it looked like Boris was begging for his life before being dragged into the dark abyss.

Silvander, in a short moment of weakness, collapsed on his knees before faceplanting onto the ground. He was still breathing, but just barely. A few seconds later, the young fighter gathered his strength in his arms, trying his best to push himself off the ground.




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[Beann]

Expedition #2

AURELIANA

HUMAN CLERIC

The Roads Below, Dungeons under Caedia

A wide grin spread across the cleric's face as she watched her flames wash over the brute's backside. With their combination of attacks, it was impressive how Boris was still standing! He was a veteran delver through and through, and he made it known with his counterattack. Aureliana didn’t even have a chance to offer a taunt let alone take another breath as he flailed Silvander around and into her and the paladin.

“!!” The impact knocked the wind out of her and sent her colliding against one of the cavern’s pillars. Aureliana coughed and gasped, desperately sucking in air to refill her lungs as she lay curled up. “Ugh…” She groaned in pain, forcing her body to roll over to face Boris who was making his march towards them with murderous intent. Even in her crumpled form, she weakly extended an arm out towards him, clearly not wanting to go down without fighting until the very end.

As luck would have it, though, Aureliana realized it was not her time yet but Boris’. She squinted at the passageway that the poor mapmaker had opened earlier, trying to make out the being that latched onto the veteran. Her dazed expression slowly transitioned into an unsympathetic smirk as the cries for help reached her ears. Rather than send another blast of fire at him, her fingers wiggled weakly, offering Boris an insincere wave goodbye.

With the immediate threat gone, Aureliana sighed deeply and brought her palm to her chest. Her hand glowed a vibrant orange and a steady wave of flames washed over her body, providing her with a familiar warmth as the heat healed her injuries. Within seconds she felt good as new, sitting straight up before leaping to her feet. “Now that your buddy is gone, time to…” Aureliana turned to where she had caged Thane, dispelling the barrier to reveal that he was no longer there — or anywhere for that matter.

“Huh…that’s weird…”

She wondered if Thane was also grabbed by the mysterious being that dwelled inside the spooky opening but she shrugged a second after, brushing the thought off as she turned her attention to those who were present. “Ah – up on your feet, Silvander!” Aureliana walked over to her fellow delver, reaching down to grab underneath his upper arm to assist him back onto his feet. “Way to not die! That would have been embarrassing for our first mission…” She let go of Silvander once he was steadied on his own two feet and looked over at Aurevele. “Paladin! Are you alright? Haven’t lost your faith yet, right?”



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[AriAriAbabwa]

Expedition #2

AUREVELE

ELF PALADIN

Beyond...

Aurevele tucked into herself during Boris' throw, unfortunately disarming her of the sword. But she did not lose hope. They were gaining an edge over the traitor, and just a little more, and she was certain of victory. She spared no effort in racing to her feet for her weapon.

As fate would have it, however, such haste was unneeded. Verne's discovery came to life. She retrieved the blade, watching on with caution as whatever was behind the door targeted Boris. Then he had the audacity to beg for their help—which was annoying, but Aurevele already took a step to do just that. Alas, there was no time to aid him. Not that she would lose sleep over it.

But Thane?

He was... gone. Did Aureliana...?

No matter. They were safe for now, and it was time for them to leave. Aurevele smiled behind her helmet as Aureliana checked up on them. "I am well, Cleric." She looked over their unconscious comrades. "Now we must exfiltrate with all our allies." Then to the gruesome sight of their client. "Including Verne."

She'd be damned if they left him down here. Aurevele went to his corpse first. From her pouch, she retrieved a large scrap of cloth, doing her best to tie the mutilations together. She scrunched her eyes and nose every time her touch caused a squelching sound, and she cringed as his blood stained her gauntlets. It never got easier. "Please, assist me with him. His light is still too young to be extinguished."

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[Elenion Aura]

The Roads Below, Dungeons under Caedia

The room was still now, save for the labored breaths of those who yet lived. The dark door stood inert, tendrils of shadow no longer snaking out to claim anything further, its hunger apparently sated.

As the immediate danger faded, it was further confirmed that Thane did not lay amongst the bodies strewn about, both living and dead. Likely, he had slipped away while they had battled Boris... But through the flames? No blood trail, no shadowy figure lurking in the corners—just an absence where the man had been. Curious.

Aurevele, kindly, tended to Verne. However little there was to be done. Not withstanding the rest of their company who lay in the chamber, before the dark door that they had uncovered.

The group could attempt to drag Verne's broken body and their unconscious comrades back to the surface, or leave them behind and send help back for them, knowing it would take time for the Resurrectionists to arrive.

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[Elenion Aura]

Epilogue

The Delving party, led by the veteran Boris and guided by the eager but scatterbrained mapmaker Verne, ventured deep into the Roads Below, one of the conquered realms beneath the Caedian pit. Eventually, they arrived at what seemed to be an unremarkable landing, but Verne insisted it concealed a lost passageway. His excitement mounted as he uncovered an ancient mechanism that, with a rumbling shift of stone, opened a dark, yawning cavern ahead.

The thrill of discovery was short-lived, as Boris suddenly betrayed the party, cutting Verne down in cold blood. A fierce battle ensued. Silvander, Aureliana, and Aurevele fought valiantly against Boris and his ally Thane.

In the midst of combat, shadowy tendrils emerged from the newly opened cavern, dragging Boris screaming into the abyss. Thane, meanwhile, vanished amidst the chaos, his whereabouts unknown.

In the aftermath, Aureliana helped Silvander to his feet, while Aurevele knelt by Verne’s mutilated body, determined to carry his remains back to the surface.

Together, they managed to return topside, and Verne's lifeforce was recovered from the dungeon's depths, his body restored.

The news of Boris' betrayal and Thane's disappearance led to investigations into both men.

Traversal to the Roads was halted for novice Delvers, as news of a newly discovered passage spread like wildfire among the Delving community. Undoubtedly, many would turn their attentions toward this new opportunity.

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