RP:The Kappa Of The Well

This is a Mage's Guild RP.

Summary: Dyraxdiin is joined by the Swordsman Krice, the half-elf Archer Mallory and the Saurian blacksmith Nikola as they delve into the heart of the caverns below the well of Xalious Village. The mission entrusted to them: cleanse the well of its taint and find the missing Hydromancers. What they find is a mix of surprise, danger and one evil Kappa.

Xalious Village

The Xalious Village is even more quiet than ever, it would seem, as if the silence is nearly deafening. No crickets chirp their song, no owls to emit their spooky call. Nothing, save for the yawning sway of the Xalious Tree, as though a sentient desire to keep from falling into slumber. A light fog touches the ground, rolling this way and that as it winds its way through the village betwixt mountains. The moons provide enough light to see by thankfully, because all the homes have their windows shuttered and their doors closed – not even the breath of a flickering candle to help illuminate the well. It appears that the people know what is going to take place tonight. Just beyond and to the north, the Mage’s Tower stands ever-watchful over the mage as he awaits his companions.

Dyraxdiin stands near the well, his hands inserted into either opposite sleeve, assuming the look of sagely wizard. It is at this hour that he has arranged to meet with the group, the location he met each one individually before. While he doesn’t plan on swimming down to the bottom of the well, he figured it would be a good location to go over their plan, and develop some tactics before descending into the aqueducts and the caverns below. His is as alert as ever – a quiet storm of arcane prowess pent up inside of him, as if it is an edge honed and ready to cut. Troubled thoughts touch his mind and flit about as he anxiously contemplates on the possible encounters they might have down below.

Nikola sat by the well, same time and place when she last saw the man. This time however, she wasn't carrying a crate of liquor but a crate nonetheless. Armor. Just like how the man requested. Normal smiths would work on a complete set within a week, maybe longer but Nikola was able to complete so within two days. The thing of beauty sits inside a wooden box by her feet as she watched the man by the well. "Well Well Well..." She smiled and teased. "I did not bring any liquor today though." she adds. Pushing herself off the well's rim as she bowed and showed the man the crate. "I sure hope it fits." reaching for the lid and unlocking it, showing the mithril set for him.

Mallory parts from the jewel shop in the middle of the night as she sputters to her father that she is going to be late to work in Cenril if she does not leave “now”. The little white liar was detouring. The air was chilled and the fog uneasy to walk through alone. The empath, of course, makes adventure look good with her long socks and slip-on hiking boots, black skinny pants, a dark blue longer-sleeve with a denim vest over the top. The woman has a pack strapped to her back with a bow and a pack of arrows around her torso, smaller than the rustic one and grey, this one was waterproof. She approaches the well with the one familiar face, and looks at the other stranger. Mallory smiles, yet she appears uneasy. “Hello,” she even sounds hesitant. Do not back out, Mallory. She was not a baby, or was she?

Krice 's origin of arrival was unclear, but he walked into view from a southwesterly direction - which must have meant that he was in Xalious before the rest of the party. Dressed in his usual black garb with the collar of his shirt open and the sleeves rolled to his elbows, the warrior had changed little in preparation for this encounter. A katana strapped to his back, some kind of cord visible hanging from his neck but disappearing beneath his shirt--maybe it was always there?-- and a trio of small daggers strapped against his left hip. His moon-purpled gaze strayed to the impressive Xalious Tree as he neared the meeting point, though soon enough the gathered group drew his focus. He slowed to a halt just outside their field of reach with his gaze drifting across the two more-unknowns; Nikola and Mallory. The empath would be able to detect that the silver-haired enigma was just that, an enigma whose emotions weren't readily detectable, guarded away by some unseen sentry. Or perhaps he didn't have any at all? He scrutinized her because of her apparent uncertainty, but it didn't take long for his attention to drift across the box grounded between Nikola and Dyraxdiin. The dragon received a nod, he the most familiar to the warrior, who then turned his attention to the well and waited silently whilst Dyraxdiin shared his plan of attack.

Dyraxdiin smiles to Nikola in greeting, momentarily ignoring the nagging feeling in his mind. “It is good to see you, Nikola.” The mage moves forward to gaze upon the newly-wrought mithril armor. “A thing of beauty…” Fragments of his memories stir within his mind’s eye, looking back upon the very moment he received this set from the Gray Arbiters… so many eons ago. It is almost enough to draw tears, the mage standing silently in awe and appreciation. “Thank you,” Is all that he manages, as both hands draw from sleeves and begin to twist in the motion of arcane practice. The armor rises as if worn by an unseen entity, and begins to attach itself to the great wyrm. The subtle ‘click’ of clasps as they lock a fond sound to Dyraxdiin, as he continues to orchestrate the dancing half-plate into place upon him. As he does so, he smiles in turn to Mallory and Krice, “I am glad to see you two made it.” The armor finishes it’s placement upon him, and he turns so as to face the three. “As you all know, I am unsure what we will stumble upon down in the caverns, but I want you all to be on your guard.” He looks to verify everyone is properly attired and armed. “Mallory,” He points to her bow, “I don’t know how tight the caverns will be, so I need you to keep a body between you, both front and back. That should keep pressure off you while you use that. I will take point with Krice, and Nikola,” He looks over to her, “We’ll have you bring up the rear.” He looks over to the well, idly playing out varied scenarios in his mind. “If we do have to fight, I need you all to keep a cool head and communicate your needs as they arise. If anyone gets injured, it will be a damn trouble to get you out of there.” He looks the three of them over once more, as if making sure they’re paying attention, “Any questions?”

Nikola wasn't exactly hiding what she is, she joined the last Titan's tournament to sort that out. She was a dragon, a blue one in fact. She removes the large crate that was strapped on her back and said, "The sewers eh? I don't think I'll need a bow down there." she sets its aside and leaned it against the well. She doubts anyone would even try to steal it due to its weight. Wearing simple leather padded blouse, pants and boots. On her hip is a length of chain and a smithing hammer. She turned to the two and bowed. It is only respectful to greet probable clients. "A fine evening to you both. I am Nikola, A local blacksmith." looking upon the small lady, "A bird won't fly if you don't push it off a ledge." smiling at her. Then turned to the sword wielding man. "If your sword gets chipped or lose its sharpness down there, feel free to visit my shop." Smiling

Mallory felt the wall between herself and the silver-haired man that was familiar from the other night. As he analyzes her, she feels a sense of discomfort and a sense of emptiness due to his hidden emotions. Her stare is stoic as she senses judgement towards herself that he looks her over, though as attention drifts, so does her own. The empath playing the emotion guessing game was never fun, but she pulls her shoulders back anyway to prove her “worthiness”. All head games, Mal. The woman watches Dyraxdiin apply the armor, and there is a sense of comfort in that and as he speaks towards her about her being between two of the team, she breathes out for the first time in a while. “Okay,” she lets the mage finish his guidance plan, he seemed so clear in his plan it made it easier to forget about the creepiness that was the tunnels (for the meantime, anyway). As he talks about anyone being injured, she finally adds. “And that is what my pack is for. I’m good with herbs in my spare time, I can do the best to assist any of you to make it easier getting out if you are injured. I’m not by any means a doctor, but I’ve had my fair share of incidents,” she addresses all of them in, what is now, a flatter tone to hide any uncertainty she might have. Okay, she was not so useless after all. As Nikola introduces herself, Mallory finally grins. “Name’s Mallory, daughter of Jonik Mirdan, town jeweler. We’ll just see how this little birdie does, hm?” This was the first time that she would be using her bow for a sketchy adventure, but the half elf was a quick-wit.

Krice glanced across the armour as Dyraxdiin magically dressed himself, something that seemed to impress the warrior little; Hollow was a place rife with magic, and such occurrences were not uncommon. In response to Nikola, he acknowledged - and politely declined - her offer with a nod. " I have a blacksmith," said the stalwart man, thereafter casting his attention to the ancient wyrm. " I'll take up the rear," he corrected, reaching overhead to withdraw his sword from its back-mounted sheath. As similarly to the night prior, a turn of the wrist held the well-crafted weapon in a reverse grip with the blade angled upward along the length of his spine. Hopefully the tunnels wouldn't be too cramped. " One experienced force at each end of the party." It was generally more sensible - especially if Mallory was as green to battle as he perceived her to be. He regarded her again, a fleeting look to acknowledge her--he hadn't meant to speak as if she wasn't present--before he took up Dyraxdiin's offer of questions. " Where's the entry point? The well itself?"

Dyraxdiin nods his head to Krice, accepting his change to the formation. In response to his question, he points off in the direction of the tower… And the group grimly moves towards the tower, the sound of the gravel path beneath them the only disturbance to the otherwise silent evening. As they approach the structure, the ornately carved doors swing ajar to admit entrance of the companions, echoing boots to ring out as they strike marbled floors. The usual gaggle of mages, scurrying about hither and fro, are nowhere to be found this evening, as the tower swallows up the entering companions like a gaping maw of a dragon, ever hungry for more. The only light to be had here are the floating flames that flicker along either side of the grand entrance, casting shadows reminiscent of ghosts at play. Doors line either ends of the hall, while a grand door stands erect opposite the entry door, and beyond that the grand hall of the Mage’s Guild. Tapestries can be seen lining the walls as well, some of the depictions are constantly in motion, as if a canvas alive with the telling of another world. Beyond the crackle of flames and the scuff of boots, the tower stands silent. As the group finds their way through door after door and down stairwell after stairwell, they eventually arrive at the entrance to the caverns that hold harbor Xalious Village’s water supply. The trickling sound of water running and dripping can be heard just beyond the iron-clad door.

Caverns: Xalious Water Supply

Dyraxdiin gives everyone a final look, his visage that of a picture of warning, before magically opening the door. The sound of bolts sliding and locks clicking can be heard just before a puff of dust emits from the frame when the door swings open. The eerie ‘creeeaaaaak’ of the door to echo beyond and denote the distance beyond. There are no lights to guide the way, so Dyraxdiin begins to cast once more. “Illuminate,” He whispers in High Saurian, a guttural language nigh forgotten. Just then, glowing lights begin to spark into being, dancing about like a group of playful sprites summoned forth from another plane. A light descends down and hovers over the shoulder of each person present, acting like a bullseye lantern – that is, they emit light in a cone in front of them, so as to keep from blinding the wielder if they happen to look towards their shoulder. “Let’s see what secrets these caverns hold,” He steps across the threshold and into the caves.

Nikola simply shrugged a bit. The man speaks of combat experience without knowing her. It was not in her nature to correct him and actually create drama right off the bat so simply allowed it. It was his decision. "I guess we'd be at the middle then my little dove." She sticks her tongue out, teasing her." Her tail wags alittle as they moved toward the Mage tower and into the stairwell down towards their entrance. "Oh~ Spooky." she seems to be in a good mood at least. But emotions seems to flush out of her system as soon as the cavern door opens. Alert as they made their first steps.

Mallory nodded along with the chatting group. She takes notes of Krice’s short glance, so he did know she was present. The woman would fall silent until she had a job to do, and she was pleased to hear there were experienced people within the group. She liked being the Little Birdie. The woman follows suit and trails behind to the tower, leaving Krice behind her for safety and her sense of mental safety. The half elf was easy paranoia and since it was dark and spooky, her mind liked to play tricks on her. The feeling of the dim-lit tower was stomach churning, she was feeling sick again. Smoke eyes rest upon the mage as he does his magical (bippity boppity boo). As the doors click open to the caverns, a shiver casts down her spine and a cat had snatched her tongue. Was she ready? Sven knows she would find out as she automatically moves her feet forward as her mind wants to say “no”. Too late.

Krice potentially would have preferred to enter via the well, as told by a final thoughtful glance at the structure, but he didn't argue against Dyraxdiin's plan. He hesitated to follow until Mallory was moving and, as stated, kept the space behind her occupied with his experience and awareness, walking just two metres shy of her back. He was naturally stealthy, an air of silence cushioning his relaxed stride - except on surfaces that shifted, like the gravel initially underfoot; he had no control over substances and materials outside of himself. Magical firelight bobbed at their flanks and illuminated his face in a kaleidoscope of orange and red, catching the gold in his eyes but not blinding him. The warrior paused whenever the group did, maintaining his spacing, but he was ever vigilant of their surroundings once they moved into the seemingly abandoned Mage's Tower and traversed the long hallway. His acute senses attuned to the sights, sounds, and smells of the vacated area, he ventured forth into the cavern as Mallory did, scanning for evidence of the creature lurking deeper inside. Dyraxdiin's little conjured ball of light at the warrior's shoulder inspired a moment of disagreement; with a quiet 'hrm', he lifted his right hand to swat at the glowing orb, hoping to dismiss it. He could see just fine.

The glowing orb nearest Krice does indeed disperse as he hits it, the light to fade like steam as it condenses. The sounds of running water persists as the group makes their way forth. Each turn and twist of the narrow passage draws the sound closer and closer. Soon, the passage opens into the mouth of a broad cavern, stalagmites jutting up in desperation to reach stalactites hanging down – to partly obscure vision and cast wild shadows upon the walls. ‘Plop, plop, plop’ comes the sound of water dripping into an open pool off to the right. Were one to look closer, they would find the skeleton of some long-dead creature, huddled into a hole on the opposite side of the pool. Perhaps they got stuck down here, and eventually starved to death. Their things are scattered haphazardly around the edge of the pool: a crushed box, a miner’s pickaxe and some clothes that have almost completely decayed into dust. What secrets could that skeleton be able to share? What sights has it seen these long years? Above, the sound of rustling can be heard… and then screeching. A lot of screeching. Bats! They break the edge of the shadows as they drop down and fly through the group, darting ahead and into the direction the companions are aiming to go. Soon enough, their sound grows silent, and something else takes its place. The sound of little feet. Pitter-patter, pitter-patter. They move with an almost rhythmic timing. Many feet, all joining together in unity as the sound approaches. “RUN!” Comes the twisted words of a creature as it bursts into the cavern, followed by several more sprinting in on its coattails. Their shadowy shapes are difficult to make out until they reach the light emitted from the group. Goblins. A group of eight, headed by one quite a bit larger. Nine, then. There is a moment of hesitation upon the face of their apparent leader, but he barely misses a beat and draws his weapon as he charges towards the group. The sound of steel can be heard, as the goblins all draw their chosen weapon. Knives, shortswords, spears and pitchforks, they charge in with grim faces – whatever they are running from has them terrified enough to risk life against the companions.

Dyraxdiin isn’t one for wandering eyes, and therefore ignores any sights and sounds that might come as they make their way. What does get him is those damn bats. “Sh-“ He curses as he ducks, his hands to swat at the swarm as he tries to evade them in vain. Just as he reorients himself, he looks up in time to see the big goblin leading the pack towards him. “Damn,” the wyrm mutters beneath his breath. His hands begin to move, painting together the tapestry of a ball of fire – the most simplistic mage’s spell – which is quickly fired off at the goblin leading the attack. It engulfs their leader entirely, but staggers him only for a moment. Instead of dropping down to the cave floor, he resumes his rush towards the mage and group beyond. “What the hell?” Dyraxdiin is quick enough to react though, and draws up a wave of water from the nearby pool, which collides with the burning goblin and impales him upon a stalagmite.

Nikola has already drawn her weapon at the sound of bats alone. Something has disturbed them. She didn't have to wait long to know what it was as the group of goblins began rushing towards them. She connects the chain upon the hammer and threw it violently toward the group. Dyraxdiin was already trying to take care of the leader so there is no need to assault that one, The light provided by the orbs and the leader's burning flesh allowed her to see more clearly, holding one end of the chain, lightning began to jump from one link to another, allowing her to magnetize the whole weapon and control its trajectory, trying to hit a goblin straight to the chest.

Mallory ’s breathing felt faltered when she was deeper within the cavern. The smell of must and mold, probably a mixture of something else fowl, but she brushes this off. The overly girlish half elf does not want to gross herself out. Her eyes eventually adjust to the subtle lighting around them, she is not quite sure what she is looking for. Honestly, she lets the leaders do the searching until her brains have to be thrown forward. The light fades out now. She walks blindly until her eyes adjust yet again. Eventually, they come along a pool with a… skeleton? “Oh hell…” she groans, then again curiosity strikes as she sees the crushed box and the pick axe. Oh, what the artifacts would feel like if she picked them up: fear, peace, suffering, or what? The thought exits her mind as she hears through the tunnel the sound of screeching. The half elf gasps through the startle. Many feet scatter across the floor and Mallory looks forward now, the batch of goblins fighting their way towards them. The leader is relentless, they are all relentless. The empath is quick with reaction as she slides her bow around her with one and grips an arrow in the other as a goblin comes in to swing Dyraxdiin because he is trying to take out the leader. She crouches her knees and angels herself behind Nikola. One hazed eye winks and the arrow is drawn back and soaring to hit the creature in the stomach. Her connections are faded to mute to feel no pain from the critters, she is full on ready as she is programmed with adrenaline. She prepares her next arrow waiting for the next goblin to come chomping up to one of them.

Krice lowered his hand as the glowing orb at his shoulder dissipated, allowing him to use the light ahead, from the -other- orbs, as a less direct source by which to chart his surroundings. Ever vigilant the warrior pressed on, as attentive to the members of his party as to the cacophony encroaching upon them. Sounds filled the cavern, some obvious and others rattling beneath the flow of auditory perception - perceivable to him through evolved means. The distant ceiling unfurled and flight alongside screeching revealed it to be a horde of bats. They didn't startle the warrior, but his focus was sharpened as a result. He braced himself through the onslaught of their hasty treat, but his attention already drifted past them to another force up ahead. From the darkness emerged a squad of goblins, as ugly as depicted in books of fairy-tale and fact, but Krice was not a girlish elf or an inexperienced warrior, and thus not so easily disgusted. As Mallory notched an arrow, the enigma moved to defend her flanks. Not to protect Mallory but to complement her actions; whomever she missed, he dispatched. Nikola's chain-weapon and the lightning conducted along the links assured him that she knew something about battle, so he remained at the weakest end of the group to bolster it, though intermittently strayed just a little further out to accentuate the battle by catching goblin necks at the point of his katana before they could get close enough to cause trouble. Their insistence itself was troubling, but Dyraxdiin's magical prowess provided a sufficient cushion with which to dispatch the stragglers. There were only eight goblins with the leader dead, and the skilled swordsman efficiently ended the lives of three as others advanced on the group; a tight arc of his katana, or a lateral sweep speckling the curved steel in goopy patches of creature blood.

One dead to Nikola’s hammer and lightning, the electricity to arc and leap into the shortsword of the goblin next to the first, killing both. Two. The goblin hit in the stomach falls face forward, to squirm on the ground and slowly bleed out. Three. Four. Five. Six. For each one that falls, the one behind takes its place in advancing. They thrust and claw, slash and swing. They would rather die to these people, than face whatever it is at their backs. Why? The group will find out soon enough. The two of the goblins left break away from the front and try to flank Nikola, darting this way and that in an attempt to avoid that flailing hammer, Krice’s expert strikes and the soaring arrows. Soon they are both lunging at the blacksmith with unrefined grace, mouths foaming in ragged anticipation, weapons poised to strike. They scream like stuck piglets, comically in unison, “DIE!”

Dyraxdiin can feel the group come together to meet the assault, a faint smile to touch his lips despite the combat breaking out. Very well, they are useful enough in a fight – something he is pleased to see. But really, goblins. Dyraxdiin mutters a command word in High Saurian once more, “Crush,” a hand reaching out towards the two leaping at Nikola. They suddenly collide with an unseen force; it rapidly envelops them and, quite literally, crushes them. Their bones snap sickeningly, meat to squish and blood to spurt. All in a confined box, creating a gory mess at the ground as the tension subsides. These creatures are trivial, but now that Dyraxdiin had a chance to see the group react to the Goblins there’s no need to draw the fight out any longer. “Is anyone injured?” He asks in a voice undisturbed by the gruesome slaughter of the goblin raiding party.

Nikola blinks. It happened again. Her surroundings. As if she was in a trance. She lost track of the world around her as soon as they entered. The corpses, mining tools, stalagmites, dripping water. All seems to have melded to her mind so much that she lost track of her group. She wanted to shake her head and try to think for a second, old habits perhaps? She was still busy thinking when she heard two screaming toward her. Turning her head only to find them two destroyed by Dyraxdiin's spell. "Oh.." something is clearly wrong with her. Running a hand against her head before calling back her weapon using magnetism. "I'm... sorry." bowing at Dyraxdiin. "No, its okay, I am well. Just..." exhaling loudly. "Let's keep going, yea?" looking around as she try to make sense of her surroundings, One has an arrow in them. That would be the little one and the other three is killed by a bladed weapon. One of them though appears intact, With mouth hanging open and a faint scent of scorching. She was sure the other was killed by her hammer as the indent on its body and armor says so. "Who killed that one?" pointing at the one clutching his sword.

Mallory was the girlish elf and thought that the goblins were even uglier than in the story book. The bee-charmer is also disgusted by Krice’s massacre of three goblins, however she does not stop to think this until it is over. Mallory was the weakest link in the group, so she did only manage to strike the first goblin. The guts spilling out. Maybe she should have gone for the leg so it could still live an okay life? No, scratch that, she felt herself getting too attached. Also to mention that these goblins did not care if they lived considering what was beyond the cave. As the two try to reach Nikola, they envelop together and are crushed. The blood squirts and Mallory looks to be in a small bit of horror for a moment at the scene, yet she sucks this up. It was defense. Dyraxdiin was powerful and this shook this little bird. As Nikola speaks, she is concerned for her spaced mind, though she keeps quiet. “I think we’re okay,” she looks back on Krice and gives him a nod in reassurance, she was sure he was healthy. She falls back into her silence even when Nikola questions the goblin with the blade because she was unsure. Her mind foggy as well. The half elf now leaves the bow at her side, continuing forward with the group if they manage to move forward.

Krice withdrew into a relaxed standby stance once Dyraxdiin's magics crushed the two goblins launched at Nikola, the sound of their cracking bones reverberating off the cavern walls. The blue dragon's subsequent reawakening earned her a glance, but the warrior did not focus on her apparent blackout; other people could help her with that. Small talk was left in the annals of history as he stepped forward, affording Mallory an acknowledging glance whilst coming up beside her - but out of her reach, to the left. He scanned the shadows in the north, nodding upward to indicate it as he spoke with the ancient wyrm. " The scent from before... It's wafting in from that direction, stronger by the minute." A flick of his katana dislodged excess goblin fluid from the blade, splattering across the ground, before he angled his weapon alongside his spine once more - out of the way, but ready for use. " We shouldn't stop for long. It's noxious."

Dyraxdiin answers Nikola’s question by stating, “Chain-lightning, by the looks of it.” The stench of cooked meat and something akin to wet dog – the one that was doused and then subsequently impaled, probably – is thick in the air, but Dyraxdiin manages to pick out the scent Krice notices. “Aye, it’s best we move on and quick. These goblins came in from another route, and I don’t want whatever they were running from to escape.” The wyrm waves his hand and pulls his Xalious staff, seemingly, out of thin air. “Be ready for something a great deal worse than these green-skins.” Mallory is offered a reassuring smile, and Nikola a light tap on the shoulder as he leans in close and whispers, “That hammer is fearsome. I’m glad you’re here.” This is, perhaps, to calm the nerves of the group. Krice is left to his task of bringing up the rear, he being the one the mage is least concerned about. Dyraxdiin moves on, leading the group deeper into the belly of the cavern.

With deadly efficiency, the group managed to dispatch the filthy goblins. What were they running from? The cavern has gone completely still again. Eerie. Once the group begins to head onwards, the large chamber steadily narrows until it is completely closed off save for a tight passage, one that the group must squirm through sideways – the goblins were fortunately small enough to sprint down it. The sound of running water is much louder now, as it bisects the path at the groups feet in a narrow little stream, carving a neat little hole into either side of the rock face, large enough for a rat to scurry through. Were one to look ahead, they might see the faint blue light of… something, casting its own shadows as it moves away from the advancing group. When the group finally reaches the end of the almost too-tight tunnel, the cave opens once more, large enough for two to walk side by side with room to spare. A ledge, higher up to the left can be seen, illuminated by that ghostly blue-glow for the briefest of moments before it fades out. Whatever is creating that light is moving ahead of the group, keeping just enough distance to not be completely seen. It is clearly intelligent, perhaps even playing with group. It’s anyone’s guess as to what exactly it is. Were one to have the keen eyes of a tracker, they might notice splotchy footprints left upon the surface of the cave floor. Slimy and three-toed, they lead in hopping patterns towards a decrepit rope ladder that goes up to the ledge previously mentioned. There are no prints on the ladder, but the smell of swampy frog is thick in the air here. Whatever was on the surface a few nights prior is down here with them. Could it be the blue light?

Nikola nodded. "Oh.. that was me then." it was clear that she wasn't herself at the moment. Distracted as she felt the man's hand against her shoulder and said, "Yea.. if only I could get my head straight." She miss her bow now. She thought they would go underground, in the sewers. Not in an open cavern such as this, a missed opportunity. She turns to Mallory and said, "I'm sorry about that. I'll keep my head straight." She wanted to reassure to the little one her own combat readiness. Somehow she assumed that Krice won't enjoy little talks so she didn't bother saying anything to him. Just a nod for now. She followed the ancient as he walks towards the gap, she extends her hand toward the little lady as she began sliding herself in the gap. Sometimes a simply hand to hold does makes one feel alot more secure and clearly shoving oneself in a tight corridor is a gift for nightmares.

Mallory reflected on the scent from the other night (ew) that was all she could remember. As Krice splats goblin goop blood, she frowns. “That’s gross,” she sounded disappointed. Boy, was she fun to be with on an action-packed adventure full of gory fighting. The reassuring smile by the ancient wyrm is taken lightly and she mirrors his image. As they move further within the midst of the cavern, the smell grows stronger and she grows sicker. Her face is twisted as she walks through the tight tunnels. A hand is extended back to her and she grasps the sweet dragon’s hand in a trustworthy hold. As there grows more room, she stands besides Nikola momentarily scoping out the area, the loud pool of water echoing through the tunnels. The only calm sensation to grasp onto between the humid fowl stench of frog-swamp. The blue-glow is noticed briefly, but she is also paranoid and she unties her hand from the woman’s to point and whisper. “Did anyone else see that?” Her voice was hushed. The ghostly blue light is gone in an instant. “I swear I’m not insane… right now, anyway,” she finishes in a very gentle whisper. She did not want to start a ruckus with her panic, although something was about to boil to the surface in climax.

Krice , as before, waited for Mallory to move in pursuit of the other two before he ventured forward, leaving behind them the rancid corpses of the goblins, and the echoing cries of the retreating bats. Her comment earned her a stiff stare. This was quite a trial by fire; what was she doing here if she couldn't handle the 'spoils' of battle? All was still once more; the friction of the fight had burned through the energy in the air. Eerily soundless was the cavern that even the little stream underfoot sounded more muted than it should have. Angling his katana down to his side, the warrior lessened his overall bulk to fit through the unforgiving narrowness of the rocky corridor, gazing past the silhouetted heads of his comrades to glimpse the blue glow beyond. Only once they were clear of the passage and back in breathable space did he get a better glimpse of the creature, though granted, it was obscured by that strange light. " We all saw it," said the man to Mallory, his tone just as quiet. Krice squinted thoughtfully, his head turning in a slow, upward arc from the floor to the ledge - as if he was tracking invisible movement. By the time he caught the tail end of that cerulean glow overhead, he came to a likely conclusion. " It's got a lure," he mused, his tone almost reflecting intrigue. Focus now staunchly on the monster ahead, but hearing diverted between the path in front and the corridor behind, the enigma said, " This whole cavern is its perceived territory." The leaping creature probably could have kept them chasing it for days if it wanted - unless one of them advanced swiftly to end the game. By his side, the warrior's left arm vibrated slightly, caught in a minor tremor that twitched through to the steel of his katana. It was minimal and he pulled his arm back into the shadow of his body, gazing up toward the fading glow once more. " There may be bodies," he murmured toward Mallory, his expression softening ever so slightly with a hint of compassion for her naivete. " Steel yourself."

As the group climbs the ladder, they’re greeted by that same faint blue light, further ahead, just beyond a stone-wrought archway. Peculiar. As the companions cross the threshold, their footfalls to the floor produce quite a different sound. Cobblestones. It would appear that this area is a room at the bottom of the well. Rushing water can be heard now, much more like a river. Sure enough, as magelight casts itself into the room, a narrow tunnel can be seen from where a strong current of water flows from a spring in the mountainside. This water flows across a cobblestone river bed and fills a large pool-like container, where it drains from a small outlet – the source of the water in the rest of the cave they’ve been through. Just on the other side of the pool, illuminated by both magelight and blue light… “And here I was thinking I would have to return to the surface to get myself some new playthings.” Comes the twisted voice of some creature, hunched over and sheathed in shadows. The outline of him can be seen, and from his head, the blue light can be seen – the ripples of water are cast upon the ceiling, illuminating the well on the surface above. “I do so love the taste of elf…” A sniffing noise can be heard, “And what else? Dragons, two. And a…” He sniffs again, a low grunt. “What are you? A tainted human?” The sound of the creature licking its lips is audible over even the sound of rushing water. “You’ll do nicely.”

It rises now and steps into the light of the magelight. “I am Grov’Shalnik, Kappa of the Well.” He is large, gangly too, and green skinned. Three-fingered hands are tipped with long claws, an almost turtle-like shell upon his back. Large, nearly luminous blue eyes gaze enchantingly at the group. “It is a shame you brought all of those weapons down here, they won’t do you any good.” He cackles in what can only be malicious laughter. As he laughs, the group might notice something. The walls are closing in? The ceiling is coming down. It’s as if the room is slowly compressing, the lung of some creature as it exhales. The shadows begin to dance, they laugh too, in unison with the Kappa. The water in the pool calls to each of you, “I can save you! Come, my children! Come!” It’s voice is so soothing, welcoming. It tries to fill each person in the group with a sense of warmth and safety. “Hurry, before it gets you!” The room is getting smaller and smaller, the air is getting thin! “HURRY!” The water screams in terror. The shadows laughter grows louder, the blue light dances, the Kappa cries with glee.

Dyraxdiin squints against the light, Saurian eyes taking only a moment to readjust to the room he finds himself in. Is that a… and the creature answers his question for him. Perfect. They’re similar to banshees or temptresses, meant to lure those it hunts into water where they will drown…. He can feel the illusion closing in on him, but before it can completely snap shut around him, he puts up his own mental fortifications via arcane command. “Do not listen to the water!” The wyrm shouts, his hand and staff quickly weaving together a counter spell of his own. It’s too strong, the Kappa had already weaved this illusion before the group even came down into the caves. It set it as a trap and simply activated it, having had days in advanced to prepare for such an occasion. “Deal with the Kappa,” Dyraxdiin shouts, “I’ll take the brunt of this illusion. Be quick!” The room opens up once more and the water goes silent – but some traces of the illusion remain for those too weak-willed to ignore it entirely. The mage lets loose a low moan as he steps forward, but falls to a knee instead of continuing. “I can’t hold on long…” His voice is distant, as if he is speaking to them from another place, his eyes peering into something in another world entirely.

Nikola looked onto the little elf and teasingly said. "I didn't see it." she tries to do a face of either surprise or anguish but cannot hide the laughter behind it. Soon enough she simply smiled, shook her head, "So sorry, can't help it." Earlier she said she'd keep her head straight and yet here she is making jokes. It was simply because, earlier she was so focused that her mind began blocking everything else, it was a deeper means of focus and she end up losing her senses. Maybe being goofy is a part of her own way of focus? Probably. Confronted by the beast before them. She turned to Mallory to make sure she is holding up well. Soon the walls move and water speaks. What is going on? Panic came in first but the ancient's words clarified it. Something was battering her senses. Calming her nerves as she took a step forward to cover the kneeling mage. Scales soon began growing out of her skin, covering her fore arms and legs. Boots, sleeves and the edge of her pants suddenly burned away as lightning from her scales began to lick the fabric repeatedly. There are some along her neck as well, lucky for her it didn't destroyed the rest of her shirt. Her tail have been scaley all along so nothing much new there. As her opening strike was a lightning breathe. She may have used her powers for blacksmithing and electromagnetism but no dragon would forget one's breathe. Lightning began surging against her jaws with plasma licking against the walls before firing a powerful roar. Aimed straight at the Kappa.

Mallory lowered her gaze to the ground, noticing the foot prints. Nikola teases with glee, and she half-smirks, but she is also distracted. It was something monstrous--that was obvious. The half elf watches Krice idly as he was slowly figuring out the investigation. The man was well experienced. “It wants us here?” She questioned and looked back up at the strange light. As the warrior leans to warn the woman, she reaches backwards slowly for an arrow. Although portrayed as naïve, it was mostly sensitivity in her book. Creatures and people shook her, and her reactions were more exaggerate than others unless prepared right to fight them off. Yes, she was not used to blood, blood involved tension and goosebumps from cold stone death (and blood stained, come on!). The woman glances towards Krice and nods, the light in her grey eyes fade back into a stoic gaze. The woman climbs the latter, one bow in hand with the arrow twined within her fingers. As they reach cobblestone, she shifts her gaze around. They were in the well. The water is rushing rapidly and is still loud. As the voice of the kappa echoes over, the prickles rise up her neck, but she refrains and does not let the creature get to her. Her bow is risen as the walls begin to close in--she glances around exasperated. Panic mode. The air is thickened and growing thin. With everything spinning around her, her eyes land on the illusion of the water. It speaks. It really is the only calming rush she had connected to below, and now it speaks. Mallory inches forward. ‘Do not listen to the water!’ the half elf snaps her head out of her daze towards the wyrm. Her head shakes and she stares at the kappa, her bow rising. Although the water does not speak, it is rushing and it is alive to her. She has to connect to something else. Dyraxdiin was her bingo. Her emotions tie around his, which would be unnoticed, but what he is feeling, she would be too. He was strong enough to fight the illusion. As Nikola shapeshifts and releases her electricity, the woman finds her way with her bow. It may not work, but she would try. The woman unleashes the arrow and lets it fly straight past Nikola’s hip to the kappa’s thigh, and quickly enough she would try for another arrow to top that to shoot towards his abdomen.

Krice ascended the ladder last, allowing Mallory enough space that her girlish ways did not make her feel victim to the prospect of a 'peeping tom' issue. The fact that he was last to climb only served to sharpen his focus because he consequently was not the first to face the danger, effectively incapacitated until on level ground again. This put his team at risk. With the goblin corpses behind them and the glowing creature up ahead, he righted himself alongside the elf atop the cobblestone floor of the well, glanced past Nikola and Dyraxdiin, and spotted the blue light just ahead. Its attached beast was more visible now, and it... could speak? Furrowing a brow in disapproval, the enigma murmured, " This thing talks. Kinda disturbing." As if the dead goblins, panicked bats, and stench of decay and slime weren't? Despite his complaint, his tone was steady and features only marginally reflecting of his disgust. Whether by mental prowess or some other means, the warrior was apparently able to supersede the effects of the illusion, his attention honed in on the Kappa, though he must have heard the screaming water because he looked sharply at the pool. At this point, he noticed Mallory's water-leaning movement and he reached out, locking his right hand around her left wrist just as Dyraxdiin's warning caught her mentally. Once she was back on guard and aware of her surroundings, he released the elf's arm and moved to rush past the ancient wyrm, following the trajectory of the draconid Nikola's electric breath to the kappa. Its power and glowing light obscured him from view, the perfect cover under which to advance. Mallory's arrow caught up and whizzed past his right ear, splattering into the slimy flesh of the kappa's thigh. Aware that Dyraxdiin's illusion-bending abilities were being taxed by the second, Krice rushed to follow the dying glow of Nikola's lightning belch, ascending through the crackle and snap of electricity to drive his katana upward through the kappa's belly, from groin to throat - if it hadn't erected some sort of defensive mechanism beforehand. A deft twist of each wrist angled the curved blade for maximum effect, a killing blow that sought the vital organs maintaining life through the hideous beast.

It is killed! Or… is it? The lightning breath and subsequent plasma byproduct licks the creature as assuredly as the arrows striking thigh and stomach. The bold swordsman’s katana to nearly separate the Kappa’s left from right… but the areas hit simply turn into liquid for a moment, and the arrows fall away to the floor with a clatter as steps away from Krice. The liquid wound solidifies and the Kappa bellows with laughter, “Grov’Shalnik is impervious to your weak attacks!” He jumps and lands on the ceiling, somehow clinging to its surface. “I enjoy playing, but I’m hungry now.” It states down to the group gathered in a matter-of-fact tone. He springs down with breathtaking speed, wicked claws poised to tear asunder Mallory, who has been left to fend for herself at the rear. Prevail or fail, he’ll land in a frog-like position and jump once more, issuing a fit of laughter as he dashes in a series of hops straight for Dyraxdiin – who is preoccupied with the illusion – and despite being guarded by the anthropomorphic blue dragon, looks an appealing target for the Kappa. His mouth draws agape and wicked fangs are revealed, razor sharp teeth evolved to rend flesh, it intends on latching onto his back and tearing into his throat.

Dyraxdiin is lost. Wandering across the sunbaked surface of cracked desert ground. So thirsty… He coughs. No, it’s just an illusion. The scene continually changes, with him needing water for whatever varied reason, the sparkling pool always off in the distance. He fights it with what little magic he can conjure, trapped in this illusion. Were he not taking it on four-fold, he would be able to shatter his portion of it with ease, but the great wyrm isn’t strong enough to combat the full force of it so deftly. “His… head. Spill the water. Bowl on. Head. Blue light.” He whispers to his companions, who to him are in a completely different world. It takes every ounce of his will to deny the water calling his name. Unaware is he of the rapidly approaching Kappa at his back.

Nikola closed her mouth annoyed that she missed. Looking toward the creature as it began to hop toward them. "Get the bowl! I'll distract it." With said, she pulled her chain and it began snaking around her forearm, pulling it around with magnetism. Adding even more armor to her scaly fist. She leaned forward and suddenly vanishes from sight. It was the same move she used in the tournament. Normal beings tend to get thrown across a room whenever they get electrocuted, not because of the power of the lightning itself, but their muscles spasm-sing uncontrollably. Now imagine controlling such raw power, using her own electricity to jolt her muscles forcing it to move beyond what her body could move. Her dragon bones and muscles would bear little damage plus her own regeneration. Breaking the ground underneath her dragonic feet as she crosses the gap in blinding speed. Sending her chain covered fist to connect upon the creature's head. As soon as she did, the chain would attempt to sneak around its neck for her to take it down, trap it like a dog not wanting a leash.

Mallory found this whole quest disturbing. Krice would be thanked later for grabbing her wrist. In the meantime, she watches her arrows hit the creature with a splat, only to be oozed through his body and clunked on the floor. “Are you kidding me?” She begins to cough, her throat is feeling dry. Dyraxdiin’s thirst is wearing off on Mallory because it is the only thing he can cling onto. The desert, she was strong enough to handle it unlike the wyrm. It was in her blood. The frog-like creature jolts down and the girl has her mouth gaped until the beast is distracted enough for her to jump out of the way and skid on her stomach to dodge the clawed blow. The woman stares at Dyraxdiin with wide eyes. “Watch out!” Water… he is talking about the water? She feels the itchiness of her throat, the woman could not tell if he was just thirsty or if he was sane. The half elf is slowly growing weak as well. She looks at Nikola. “I don’t see a bo—wait,” she thinks of the pool-like container. Was that the bowl? “Krice, I think we need the water from the pool? I think that’s the bowl?!” She is trying to be quick-witted but she knows they do not have much time left, especially if weapons were not helping.

Krice lowered his sword through the same path he'd taken to raise it, water splashing around the blade and across his bare forearms. Weird. And annoying. The kappa would take a bit more innovation to kill than he'd originally thought. As it leapt overhead and stuck to the ceiling of the cavern, the warrior watched and observed, but he was not idle. Katana held in his left hand, he withdrew a dagger from its trio-belt against his hip with the right, reaching across his abdomen to do so, and prepared his next move. As the kappa lunged toward the ground for Mallory, Krice reared his arm back and tossed the dagger at its head, aiming not to kill but to at least deflect the creature from its target. " Move!" he called to the half-elf, hoping that if she was still affected in some way by residual illusions, his voice would be enough to keep her focused. And then Nikola's chains were moving in, her varied abilities and strengths enabling her to accurately attempt restraining the monster. Krice sprinted around the anthropomorphic dragon and pivoted between Mallory and the face of the beast, his movements efficient and swift. At some point during his advance, he had sheathed his sword. Now with both hands free, the warrior lunged at the kappa, fingers spread to grab hold of the glowing water-filled orb dangling from its head, the lure that had drawn their attention at the beginning of the cave. -This- was the bowl of which Dyraxdiin had spoken. With two of the party members actively engaged with the beast, their ancient wrym companion would be spared having his back flayed. Musculature tensing and tendons taut, Krice exacted a mighty pull on the beast and, in conjunction with Nikola's restraints, he collapsed to his knees with the intent of shattering the kappa's bowl against the cavern floor.

The Kappa lets out a grunt as it collides with Nikola, his face taking the full force of the attack, but thankfully it turns into liquid to absorb most of the blow like before. The thrown dagger meets its mark as well, serving to exacerbate the impact from Nikola. The chain, however, wraps around him and has him reeling. He claws out with giant, gangly arms – akin to a spider – reaching and tearing with grisly claws in wild panic. “You filthy dragon!” He begins to bite too, in frantic desperation to be free… As the chain tightens, his neck begins to turn liquid. At this vantage, so low to the ground, a bowl in the top of his head can be seen. Blue water, the source of the light, sloshing this way and that. The bowl Dyraxdiin spoke of, perhaps? “LET ME GO!” It screams as its neck slides out of the would-be noose… Just in time for Krice to bash its head, now separated and free of its body, against the cobblestone floor. “NO!” It hollers, but is cut off as the magical water spills all over the ground. It’s body falls lifeless, it and its head to simply turn to dust, another stain upon the ground.

Dyraxdiin is suddenly back in the room at the bottom of the well. “It is done then?” He asks without turning to see and instead stands up, if only to look down into the pool before him. The water shows him his own reflection, sparkling mithril half-plate and sullied gray half-robes. But beyond, the bodies of the two Hydromancers can be seen beneath the surface, lifeless and swollen. He waves his staff once again, using it as a conduit of arcane prowess brought to bear. The bodies float up from the water, and then ascend the well. The lid slides open, and the bodies are floated up and out. Now he refocuses magical might upon the water itself. The sparkling surface begins to stir a bit, as if by some unseen force, moving this way and that. A magical net, if you will, cleanses the taint from the water. Even more, Dyraxdiin creates a magical filter, filling up the pool from one end to the other, which will help to clean any further contaminants in the future. “It is done.” Finally, he turns back to the group. “You have all earned my respect.” He steps forward and the sun, which is shining down through the well, engulfs him in an amber light. With his staff, Dyraxdiin magically draws up the water from the Kappa’s spilled head; the very soul of the creature. It slowly fills into a bottle he produces in his free hand, which is corked and put away in a pocket within the folds of his half-robes. “Shall we be off then?” He offers a sly smile to each in turn.

Nikola growled and tried to drag the beast around the room. Her dragon like feet were clawing the ground thoroughly, trying to gain traction as she pulled the beast around. With Krice helping her, the blacksmith pulled with all her might. The ghroundium chain was holding its ground even strained with this much force. Electrocuting the chain every now and then to get the beast to stop resisting. She followed Krice's move wanting to slam the creature onto the ground and finally destroying whatever bowl it was. Trembling as she pulled away the chain. Breathing heavily before strapping it back to her belt. "I need a drink." she groaned as she walked around, trying to regain her strength. Stressing one's muscles does cause it to ache and would take a few minutes to recover but the energy loss would require a meal and a full rest. She looked toward the Dyraxdiin and said, "We done?" wiping away the sweat from her forehead as she looked at Krice, nodding at him quietly.

Krice stepped back as the kappa's magical water spilled clear of its head, splashing across his boots. With the creature now -properly- dead, he huffed out a breath and glanced around at his allies, noting Dyraxdiin's health despite the threat to his life not seconds before; Nikola's awareness following her involvement, and Mallory's relief that it was finally over - though she still had to navigate the caverns back to the surface. Upon everyone's acknowledgment that their job had been completed, the warrior nodded, glancing briefly between Nikola and Dyraxdiin. " I'm going that way," he murmured, pointing a drooping hand to the narrow corridor through which they had arrived. The wyrm's ability to excavate the fallen hydromancers from the pool--there they were; dead after all--was met with a speculative glance but nothing more. Like the rest of the team, Krice's mind was already focusing on leaving this place, on getting back to life sans slime and illusions. He began to move toward the narrow corridor and Mallory glanced after him. If given an alternate route to navigating the horrible caverns and passing goblin corpses, she would take it. Otherwise, the elf moved at Krice's heels, trusting his lead.

Dyraxdiin releases a low sigh, allowing himself to feel the wear of the journey. His shoulders hang low, his posture slackening. He bites his lip, and releases the spell he cast before, just as the illusion took its hold on him. He is… tired. It feels as though he’s walked a thousand miles in shoes with nails for soles. Through the fog of his mind, he is surprised at how strong that Kappa turned out to be. “Let us be off then.” He would venture back through the cave, and while doing so, place several wards to restrict any further access by anyone not of the Mage’s Guild. Finally, reaching that iron door at the end, he reseals it with magical command. The mechanisms begin to slam into the locked positions, the magelight to disperse as Krice’s had here when they came through. “I can take you all back up to the surface, but I am afraid I have things to attend to from there.” He pauses, looking them all over once more, eyes heavy with weariness, “I owe each of you, the Mage’s Guild owes each of you. I do hope to see you all soon.”

Nikola nodded and groaned as she went through the gap again, following Krice as he went out with the little lady. and finally to the tower. "I should've brought in my bow. Speaking of which, I need to get it." Turning toward Dyraxdiin and said, "Well... if you need more weapons or armor fixed up, feel free to send me a courier." Taking the steps up back to the surface. Groaning all the way to the top as she stretched her back and arms. "I did liked those boots." scraping her feet on a carpet somewhere. Eventually finding herself outside, going for her crate and back home.

Krice continued through the cavern at a comfortable clip, but his steps were careful. Perhaps he was aware of Mallory at his back and wanted to lead her safely back to the tower? Whatever the case, she followed his steps and grumbled quietly about the grossness of those goblins, but muttered relief that it was over - and something about needing hot springs. And lots of soap. Once on the topside of the doors leading into the caves, she halted to listen - and say farewell - to Dyraxdiin and Nikola, but Krice continued walking. He was on another mission already, it seemed.