Blick

The group having agreed to travel with the merchant, Srileena turned her thoughts to the next destination. She had been guided on this path, and was trying to prepare herself as best she could for whatever outcome came of it. When the Pelorites started muttering prayers in front of the Drow merchant, and Thorgill reinforced it by pointedly mentioning their holy symbols before the same merchant, she sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose for a moment. Before they reached the city of Kiaransalee, she would likely have to kill the merchant and his companions so they did not speak of these things.

Srileena Razorleaf, Priestess of Calistria and Warrior of Cyrnea

I thought we were headed right?

Merrick pointed out the shambling dead and whispered softly, "I suggest we start burning them once they fall." With that, he readied his flail and looked to the warriors. "Or I could try driving them away.", he added absently.  

The actions of the paladin goaded Merrick into action, as the feat of courage from his comrade showed that his teachings were taking hold. Lifting his flail, he sneered down upon the fallen horror, before whipping the spiked ball downward....

  Merrick had trained well as an acolyte at his temple, one of the most dire lessons being facing the unholy horrors that his calling might provoke him to face. He was taught to be brave and stalwart in the face of such evil, and how to counter it with his faith. The shambling horror before him was his first experience facing it, and he fought inwardly to resist the terror that was gripping at his muscle, trying to force his will over his body so as to sustain his companions.   Even still, the young idealist found his desperate reach for the symbol hanging around his neck was forestalled, as the true horror of their situation locked him muscles in place, preventing him from exhibiting his courage for the others to follow.    

Is save vs magic Paralyze or Spells?

Merrick started to reach for his flail, as his eyes took in the spectral armored figure that took form before form. Before his loosed the weapon from his belt, his eyes widened and he calmed.   "Iomedae. The symbols. Perhaps our paladin should answer.", he recommended with an encouraging smile.  

Merrick paused in his look around as the voice spoke. He had to admit that despite his faith's sometimes alliance with the church of Iomedae, being in an area sacred to that deity and possibly being judged by It was disconcerting.   "There are many aspects to evil. Courage does not always mean rash actions and attacking perceived wrongs, or evils. I suggest we do not attack anything here unless we are attacked first or are assured it is necessary.", he called out, knowing some were prone to rash actions.  

Merrick waits for Jocelyn to descend before heading down. The idea of letting the paladin with the divine nose go ahead appealed to him.

Merrick peered down the hole and then looked to the others, "Does anyone have a lantern or torches? It is likely to get dark down there."