[IC] Aesithas (D&D 5e Homebrew) - On Hiatus

[Vertigo]

ℑ'ℜ𝔞𝔧𝔦𝔱𝔥

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Having never set foot inside a tomb before, I'Rajith was so excited by the prospect of experiencing something new that he forgot to show due reverence. His hand trailed along the stone wall for no other reason than to feel what it'd be like, and he had to constantly struggle against an urge to call out into the darkness and see whether anything would answer. Ghost, echo or imagination; any of them would do.

Then they arrived into the antechamber with its many statues, and I'Rajith wasted no time reaching his unnaturally long, cracking limbs up at each of them in turn. His fingers looked like dark spiders, running across the stony skin of the statues as he examined them for... well, he didn't truly know.

Out of all of them, it was the statue of a man with a downcast gaze that piqued his interest the most. Not due to particularly detailed stonework, but because something seemed amiss - literally. Its empty hand was meant to grasp something, and I'Rajith couldn't help but wonder what, and why. Was it something valuable, stolen from the tomb by a scoundrel? Or something frail enough to be eroded away by time? Was whatever was taken perhaps a key that might unlock a new path if returned, like in tales of old?

Perhaps it was none of those things. Perhaps it didn't matter. But I'Rajith ran his spidery fingers around the hand regardless, trying to find answers. The Noctem hadn't noticed the paths. Only the promise of a mystery, and the chance to be the one to solve it for once.

That was, until the peculiar chill became unbearable. He shuddered, though not out of cold. "Something lingers here," he murmured to the others, fingers sliding off the stone statue, his search unfruitful. "Whether we seek riches, answers or shelter, I believe it awaits further ahead."

One long finger rose to point to the path closest to him (Path 1).

[Lucius Cypher]

Francesca Varangian

After taking shelter into the tomb, Francesca focused largely on ensuring that they weren't being pursued. While she has no doubts that the bandits did not notice them, one can never be too careful of what sort of scouts they had, or if some other unrelated entity had spotted them. Thus Francesca was the last to join the others in the antechamber with the statues. Nothing here particularly rang out to the warrior, though she was surprised at the size of this place. "Huh. Bigger than I thought. Must be some sort of catacomb, and not a just a mere burial chamber." She still wasn't very excited at the idea of robbing this place however. Not just ethically, but also due to the potential dangers. They were already on a mission that would no doubt endanger them, she felt no reason for them to put themselves at risk chasing treasure. Such greed is often the end of many a cocky adventurers.

However it doesn't seem like the rest of the group agreed. Most wanted to explore the catacombs, with Francesca the sole objector. She watched grimly as everyone investigated the area, dark thoughts seeping into her mind. Of course as the sole human here, she was more than aware that she fell very low on the power scale. She knew all too well what these others are capable of by virtue of their race alone. That should she be too open in opposing them, they could easily subdue her though vote or force, and thus Francesca would have to play her cards very carefully if she intends to have any sway here. She doubts that everyone here was helping on behalf of the Dale after all: everyone has their own agendas to fulfill, and the safety of her kingdom may not be their top priority.

Unfortunately, this also means that Francesca is likely going to have to put aside her own pride and ethics in order to stand equally to these people. The gods has given human the right to have more than others, but in order for that to even matter, Francesca must take it. So as much as she wanted to let the dead rest, she knew she would have to rob their graves for whatever trinkets or weapons they were entombed with. If nothing else, she will at least do her best not to defile anyone. Though she would not be surprised if simply being here uninvited was defilement enough. The dead weren't exactly known for their even temperament.

"If we're going to go in deeper, let's set up a marching order. This isn't a mere tomb but a catacomb, so I'm sure it belonged to someone important in the past. Someone who likely has protectors to keep grave robbers such as us from defiling their graves to pilfer treasures. I am willing to take the lead, though someone with better senses and quick reflexes should scout ahead for any traps or ambushes."

[XxFellsingxX]

Vigil

Like Francesca, Vigil remains near the back of the group as they make their way further into the tomb and keeps his eyes and ears opened to make sure no one followed them. He doesn't pay much attention to the statues or really any of the chamber's contents, instead keeping his eye on each member of the group. He didn't want any of them to go wandering off alone and get themselves into trouble.

It was only when a marching order was suggested that he turned his attention towards the pathways. "I, ah, could go first," he offers. "While I am not the most nimble, I have honed my senses living in the badlands, and should be able to detect any threats." He sweeps his tail upwards to indicate his shelled back. "Besides, even if I do set a trap off, I'm well enough defended to take a hit."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Amaryllis

Amaryllis, who had been silent if not gone scouting, finally speaks up, "Perhaps it would be wise if I went with Vigil. I too am familiar with the wilds, and I can provide support,"

She was not sure what to make of Francesca. She was not in the initial battle, and the Wooded One could only hope that the human girl is capable of protecting herself. It's sink or swim out here in the wilds.