Let's start with our first delve roll
Delve the Depths: with observation => +Wits; 4 +2 vs. 5 & 1 => strong hit => progress now 2/10
Find an Opportunity: 22, terrain favors you; Feature: 27 twisting passages
The cavern narrowed as it led away from the daylight, eventually becoming a narrow twisting passage that seemed to angle slightly upwards, ascending into the hill that the cave was in. The floor of the passage was covered with small stones, making their footing uncertain, and Lili took the lead as they cautiously advanced. Several times they came to branches in the passage, but each time Runbjorn was positive as to the direction they should take. It was obvious that he had a scent and was determined to follow it.
Delve the Depths: with observation => +Wits; 2 +2 vs. 6 & 4 => miss
Mark Failure track: now 2.75/10
Reveal a Danger: 62, environmental hazard, rockfall
Face Danger: Agility, +Edge; 3 +1 vs. 4 & 3 => weak hit => -1 Health, now +4
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| Insipiration for Lili |
Delve the Depths: with observation => +Wits; 5 +2 vs. 4 & 3 => strong hit => progress now 4/10
Find an Opportunity: 48, locate a secure area; Feature: 78 towering stone formations
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will end the villain that created the Chimera", progress now 7/10
Make Camp: +Supply; 5 +5 vs. 7 & 3 => strong hit => choose recuperate (+1 health, now 5) & focus (+1 momentum, already +10 (max))
Their progress was slow, and they came to a large cavern where the stalagtites and stalgmites had joined forming tall stone pillars that disappeared into the blackness above - their torchlight unable to reach the ceiling. They needed to rest, Radulf's leg, having been hurt in the rockfall, was bothering him. Looking around the edge of the large cavern they found a niche big enough for the three of them, and the way that it curled back on itself would hide the light from the fire they intended to have - all felt the need for hot food. Confident in Runbjorn's ability as a sentry, after eating, Lili and Radulf got what sleep they could.
Delve the Depths: with observation => +Wits; 3 +2 vs. 5 & 2 => weak hit => on Wits table: 39, mark progress, now 6/10 and
Reveal a Danger: 48, encounter a hostile denizen; Feature: 14 blight or decay
When they thought it was morning, they packed their makeshift camp, said their prayers and continued deeper into the Villain's Lair, Radulf donning his Mask-of-Charun.
They thought the passage had levelled off now and it had begun to bend back and forth like a meandering river. Then the stench of rot and decay began to permeate the passage. Perturbed by what this might portend, Radulf readied his Hammer-of-Charun and Lili drew her sword, holding her torch higher. They both knew that if it came to a fight Radulf would be forced to drop his torch, so Lili's would be their only lightsource. She had told Radulf, that if it came to that, Holy Vanth had blessed her with power that would help them.
Rounding a bend, the passage opened into another cavern and the stench of decay became almost overpowering. The floor of the cavern was littered with bodies - there were people, animals, Varou and Vanth only knew what else.
As they stepped into the cavern, the bodies began to move. Each of them seemed to jerk repeatedly, as if while lying on the floor, some evil dance was making them move. Then with disgusting, squelching noises, the bones of the bodies started to tear themselves free from their rotting bodies. As Lili and Radulf looked on horrified and Runbjorn whined his fear, above each body the bones began to coalesce into a floating, whirling mass of stark white bleached bone. One part of Radulf knew from his training what was happening. A small part, but it fought back the terror that sought to freeze his limbs, managed to make him drop his torch, ready the Hammer-of-Charun and step in front of Lili. "It is becoming a Bonehorde," he forced out.
A Bonehorde is an extreme foe, but with Lili and Runbjorn to help Radulf, in this fight it will be formidable
In a strong, confident voice Lili announced, "It matters not my Charun, for we are Iron in our Faith and in the hands of Lady Vanth!"
Fleeting shame raced across Radulf's thoughts, that the fear that almost had him gibbering on the floor had no hold on Lili. It never occurred to Radulf that Lili was as frightened as he, but by stepping in front of her, Radulf had given Lili the strength for her defiance.
The bone masses began to revolve around a central point, quickly coming closer and closer until, with a great clash, they came together and formed one large mass that fell to the floor, sending splinters of bone flying all around.
Enter the Fray: formidable foe, facing off +Heart; 3 +2 vs. 7 & 4 => weak hit => take initiative
Strike: +Iron, +1 Masked, +1 ferocious Hound; 1 +3 +1 +1 vs. 2 & 1 => strong hit => keep initiative; 2 harm +1 strong hit, +1 ferocious Hound; progress 4/10
Strike: +Iron, +1 Masked, +1 ferocious Hound; 3 +3 +1 +1 vs. 3 & 2 => strong hit => keep initiative; 2 harm +1 strong hit, +1 ferocious Hound; progress 8/10
With mighty swings of his Greathammer, Radulf laid about the Bonehorde as it slid across the rotting flesh that covered the cavern's floor. Behind him Lili uttered a holy phrase and the light from her torch blossomed forth, filling the cavern with its holy radiance. Beside him, Runbjorn tore bones away from the foul mass with his mighty jaws. Their weeks of practice together had been for moments like this. Together they were the earthly instrument of Holy Vanth's divine will.
Note: Vanth was an Etruscan deity and was frequently depicted carrying a torch and sword, so in this game they are her 'holy symbols'; I've given Lili the Lightbearer ritual, hence her ability to enlarge the torchlight
End the Fight: progress 8 vs. 7 & 2 => strong hit
With a huge swing, putting all his strength into it, Radulf brought the Hammer-of-Charun down on the centre of the Bonehorde. Whatever evil magic animated the mass of bone was destroyed by the blessed Greathammer and the mass fell apart, falling to the floor all around.