Emirikol, Part II scene 2

[subplotkudzu]

In the pre-dawn light our four noble heroes made their way along the cobbled road till Vulture Point was in sight, then took a side path to avoid detection while they compared map to reality in an attempt to find the best path of ascent. The cliff face did indeed resemble a vulture whose open beak formed a declivity which once housed an imperial garrison and has since been home to an endless cycle of bandits. While there was a hewn path that approached the 'mouth' from the northeast, the foursome did not dare take that lest they rouse sentries or trigger traps on so obvious a route. Instead they stuck to the western slope, moving up one of the more gentle parts of the incline with Cybele's strong arms and sure feet picking out a path when the incline approached the vertical.

The group was roped together, which proved a boon at points, and dispite one brief slip no harm was done and little sound was made. They passed under the vulture's beak, eschewing entry through any of the waste holes that carried water, detritus and offal out of the vulture's maw, opting to circle out of sight to the head of the hewn path, where they might enter with safe footing having circumvented all obstacles. The lack of any organized resistance to their arrival was taken as proof that this had worked, but passage through the maw into the caverns below was blocked by dozens of vulture nests. Melas again raised his argument about the improbability of Vulture Point both looking like a vulture and being infested with them, to which Cybele replied "I don't know, my aunt Bunny's land is just infested with rabbits. . ."

They conferred quickly in the brightening day before Hiram's plan to light some of the nests with thrown oil was adopted. The hope was that this would startle and scatter the beasts and throw any defenders into disarray, and with the young actor's strong pitching arm this was achieved - oil spattered and caught over 4 of the nests, sending a flock of panicked animals into the sky. Before our heroes could press their advantage a quartet of giant vultures, each the size of a pony, emerged from one of the deeper tunnels and, in a trained fashion, took to the sky bearing stones!

Rocks rained down on our heroes as they retaliated with crossbow bolts and magical attacks, with damage on both sides. Two of the giant vultures dropped their rocks and landed to press the attack. While they drew blood on Deitrich and Melas, they fell to those warriors' deft rapier and tremendous greatsword as Hiram and Cyble accounted for the two remaining fliers. Once Melas removed the neck of the enormous carrion beast with a single swipe of his greatsword both he and Hiram spotted someone preparing to attack their position - not Gnomes, but Dog Men! Melas charged forward and engaged the agile creatures, finding them harder to strike than the vultures. Still, between his skill, Hiram's support and a timely spell from the lade Florane the beast men guards were dispatched.

But as the panicked normal vultures began to reassess the situation or heroes are left with few options but to seek shelter inside the caves, which they now know are home to more beast men, and therefore more threats to themselves and the stability of the republic.

To be continued.