DM Kathy Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 1:06:41 AM
You continue down the tunnel, pausing to examine the occasional marking. As you go, you note gradual changes in your environment. The smell is different; there's a musky undertone and a faint whiff of what might be wood smoke. The markings are more frequent, and are no longer limited to side openings. Evan notes more frequent signs of passsage.
You pass by another side opening and continue forward, only to turn as you hear a noise behind you. Stepping out of the opening are several muscular, humanoid creatures. They have thick, gray, scaly skin, matted dark hair, and blank, eyeless eye sockets. Even as you wonder whether to flee blindly down the passage, more of the creatures approach from that side, and you find yourselves surrounded.
Although the creatures do not have eyes, they seem to have no trouble discerning where you are. One of them steps forward.
"Surface dwellers are not welcome here," he says in oddly accented Common.
Arm d20+9=26 Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 6:00:05 AM
Still gripping his sword, Arm lowers it in an attempt to show friendliness. He then says, "Please forgive us. We don't wish to intrude on your world. We only seek others of our kind that fled underground due to recent events above, and may have been trapped down here. We promise not to disturb anything of yours, we only ask for passage through so that we may search further. Have you by any chance seen others like us?" (diplomacy=26).
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 53/53] Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 6:56:48 AM
Kadaz eyes warily the strange creature standing in front of him, axe at the ready. He takes no action but holds in ready to respond to any attack they may make.
Mira d20+5=23 d20+4=11 Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 7:13:47 PM Wow! is all Mira can think when the smooth talking bard speaks on behalf of the party. Good thing they aren't orcs! she thinks as an afterthought, pressing her lips together hard in order not to grin at the thought.
Out loud she adds her voice to Arm's repeating the bard's words, "Yes! So sorry to disturb you, but we believe there may be some folks lost down here. Have you seen anyone?(Diplomacy/Aid Another=23, Gather Information=11)
Conner d20+1=10 Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 10:37:11 PM
Conner prepares mentally for what looks like a nasty fight and tries to listen through the accented speech to determine just how serious a threat these creatures might be. [Sense Motive =10]
DM Kathy Thursday November 24th, 2005 10:25:56 AM
Arm speaks eloquently in the group's defense, and Mira throws in a few words in support. The man who had spoken listens for a moment, and you can see some of his tension relaxing a little.
Before he can speak, however, one of the others in the group says something in a language none of you recognizes. From the harsh, angry tone of his voice, however, you can deduce that he isn't singing your praises. The one who spoke to you answers him sharply, also in the language you don't recognize, and there is a brief, heated discussion. Finally, he switches back to Common and speaks to you again.
"There have been no others. Surface dwellers are not allowed. The penalty is death." He doesn't look happy about that last part.
Arm d20+7=24 Friday November 25th, 2005 9:37:08 AM
Arm tries his best to hide his gulp of fear, then says, "Kind sir, please understand that we don't wish any of you any harm. If we cannot pass through your lands, then we will abide by that. All we ask is that you tell us where exactly your lands extend, so that we don't intrude on you again." (diplomacy=24).
Shadow Friday November 25th, 2005 12:19:48 PM
Shadow looks around trying to see what chances the group has to escape if it comes to fighting. He will not move, but start looking for a way out. If Arm's plea is met with hostility and the group is attacked, Shadow will draw his rapier.
Kadaz Friday November 25th, 2005 10:04:08 PM
"Evan, those tracks you've been following. Any way to tell how recent they are or if they're human tracks? And if you can't figure that out maybe they'd be willing to escort us as we search."
Conner Saturday November 26th, 2005 9:04:57 AM
The fighter stiffens at the 'penalty' for incursions into these creature's realm. He remains prepared to defend himself and his comrades, but waits while diplomacy has it's turn.
Mira Saturday November 26th, 2005 10:59:57 AM
Mira clenches and unclenches her fists, flexing her hands in anticipation of having to cast a spell sooner rather than later.
DM Kathy Sunday November 27th, 2005 10:56:23 PM
"Our lands," the speaker replies to Arm, "extend upward from our home to the Lastmark tunnel. Retreat now beyond the Lastmark tunnel, and we will stay our hand. Return and die." With that, he and his group step aside, so the way behind you (that is, the way you came from) is now clear.
Evan has been pretty sure all along that the few signs of tracks he's seen are not townsfolk.
Arm d20+7=22 Monday November 28th, 2005 5:55:15 AM
Arm smiles with relief that they will be let go, and says to the apparent leader, "Thank you for your graciousness. We will leave now, and intrude on your lands no more." (diplomacy=22). He then turns to the group and motions them toward their only exit, hoping that the more battle-oriented of them will follow his lead.
Evan ac 18 hp 24 Monday November 28th, 2005 7:01:53 AM
Evan signs to Mira that the tracks he has been following are probably not those of any townfolk. He retraces his steps, taking Mira's arm as he passes her. He signs against her skn as he guides her back up the tunnel, This might be a good time to make a call to our employers.
Shadow d20+2=12 d20+2=22 Monday November 28th, 2005 11:17:15 AM
Shadow will follow Arm's motion, and will move to the front of the group as they head back the way they came. He will keep his eyes open for any trouble ahead, and hopes the rest of the group will watch behind them. (Listen=12 Spot=22 nat. 20)
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 53/53] d20+1=12 Monday November 28th, 2005 4:20:21 PM
Kadaz looks warily around him to make sure that none of these creatures sneaks up on them. As the others retreat past him he waits and takes up rear guard, walking backwards. As he leaves he nods at the creature keeping watch on its domain. (spot 12)
Conner d20+3=16 Monday November 28th, 2005 6:41:33 PM
Conner makes his way back down the tunnels with the rest of the party. He makes a careful count of the creatures and tries to visually assess their weaponry, armor, and overall battle readiness [Spot=16].
Mira Monday November 28th, 2005 8:09:01 PM
"Lastmark...lastmark," mumbles Mira, wondering which of the strange gouges in the wall of the tunnel would be considered the 'lastmark'. Maybe the first one the party saw? Maybe another?
Mira lets Evan take her hand and follows his lead. Signing to the ranger in order not to be overheard by the tunnel dwellers she indicates, Looks like these fellas are going to let us leave. We should be able to tell the other group..she whispers the name, "Griffon Road group", then continues signing about this ourselves when we meet up with them...outside. Mira points her finger down the tunnel after those who have gone on ahead.
DM Kathy Monday November 28th, 2005 11:59:04 PM
Deciding not to push the issue, you cautiously withdraw. As you go, Shadow watches and listens up the tunnel ahead of you, but neither sees nor hears anything unusual.
Conner takes a quick assessment of the humanoid creatures as you leave. Their clothing and weapons are crude, but their stone axes and clubs look to be very effective. They are obviously intelligent enough, and disciplined enough, to have planned and sprung the surprise you walked into. Conner finds himself just as glad they were also reasonable enough to talk before fighting.
Kadaz is the last to leave, and keeps a watchful eye on the strangers. They, in turn, keep a watchful eye on all of you. A couple of them follow you for a short way, then seem satisfied that you really are leaving, and head back down the tunnel.
Evan and Mira, meanwhile, discuss the advisability of calling on the Griffon Road group for a little aid, or advice.
Arm Tuesday November 29th, 2005 5:55:42 AM
Once they reach the top of the tunnel, Arm breathes a sigh of relief and says, "I must say...that was a close one. My only thought is if THEY were the creatures the refugees spoke of...the ones that took the missing. I suppose we'll never know. Well, which way now?".
Kadaz Tuesday November 29th, 2005 6:23:40 AM
"There are more unexplored tunnels to search. We can't leave until we know what's in all of them. So pick one and lead on."
Evan d20+9=25 d20+9=10 d20+8=26 d20+6=15 Tuesday November 29th, 2005 6:43:50 AM
Evan moves to the entrance of the last tunnel, the narrow tunnel and kneels down to peer down the tunnel. He glances back at the others and signs, If you were fleeing a great danger, would you flee down a tunnel that was so narrow, you had to crawl to get down it? Returning his attention to the tunnel, he searches carefully for any sign of use. (track-25, spot-10, listen-26, search-15)
Shadow d20+2=15 d20+2=15 Tuesday November 29th, 2005 12:39:06 PM
Shadow does give a sigh of relief once out of the underground people's land. Once back at the area with the three tunnels Shadow will help Evan check the last tunnel. (Listen=15 Spot=15)
DM Kathy Wednesday November 30th, 2005 12:00:52 AM
You make your way back up to "your" chamber and begin looking down the narrow tunnel. You hear voices approaching!
Shortly thereafter, you hear the sounds of several people climbing through the narrow passage, until one by one, the members of the Griffon Road Explorers stand in the chamber with you. A few of them look to be injured.
"And here you are," says Ciara cheerfully. "Sorry to poach this last tunnel from you, but we finished the rest early."
"It's just as well," adds Oswin. "There were some nasty creatures down there."
"Did you find anything interesting?" Ciara asks.
Mira Wednesday November 30th, 2005 12:05:23 AM
"You tell 'em what happened," she says, nudging the bard. Mira opens her scroll case and starts to sift through the parchments looking for the ones the Explorer's had loaned her.
Conner Wednesday November 30th, 2005 12:06:39 AM
Conner rests a hand on the pommel of his sword, and waits for Arm to say his piece.
Arm Wednesday November 30th, 2005 4:47:50 AM
Arm clears his throat and relates what happened with their encounter with the underground people, concluding with "Since they seem intelligent and gave us a choice to leave before attacking, I don't believe that they attacked or kidnapped the townspeople.".
Suddenly a thought strikes him, and he continues, "That is, unless they saw the townspeople were unarmed and DID attack them. You're welcome to venture down there, but I fear you'll meet with the same results. We gave them our word that we would not return, and I for one plan to stick to that.".
Evan d20+9=11 d20+9=21 d20+8=17 d20+6=18 Wednesday November 30th, 2005 6:50:29 AM
While the others explain what happened, Evan keeps an eye on the backtrail of the Griffon group, in case whatever attacked them is following. (track-11, spot-21, listen-17, search-18)
Shadow d20+2=12 d20+2=9 Wednesday November 30th, 2005 9:52:24 AM
Shadow listens to Arm relate what they have found, and then notices Evan watching the tunnel the Griffon's came through. He will see if he can see anything from the tunnel also. (Spot=12 Listen=9)
Kadaz d20+1=7 Wednesday November 30th, 2005 5:53:38 PM
"Anything else we can do to help?" Kadaz asks of the others. He looks at them to see if any are suffering severe wounds. (spot 7)
DM Kathy Thursday December 1st, 2005 1:13:31 AM
Kadaz looks, and it is clear that both Kernhelm the dwarf and Endrion the elf are still suffering wounds. It's also clear that they can walk and function reasonably close to normal--and they haven't asked for your assistance.
Evan and Shadow peer down the corridor behind the other party, trying to catch a glimpse of the creature they fought. Endrion the elf, now clad in leather armor, sees your interest and smiles slightly. "Don't worry," he tells you. "We got them."
At Mira's urging, Arm explains what the party's been up to. "That was well done," says Ciara, and the others nod their approval. "A truce of sorts. I think," she glances around at the others for agreement, then forges ahead, "I think we'll let the truce stay in place, such as it is. Plateau City is in no condition to start a war, even with a motley horde of barbarians. We'll notify the Guard and keep people away from here. Did you find anything else?"
Arm Thursday December 1st, 2005 6:07:52 AM
Arm proceeds to tell them of their leading of the refugees to safety, as well as the impassable lake cavern, "We don't have the means at the moment to cross it. Not only that, the gods only know what may be lurking beneath the surface, and if we SHOULD make the crossing, who's to say that we may be intruding on more of the underdwellers domain?".
Shadow Thursday December 1st, 2005 10:21:04 PM
Shadow relaxes a little when Edrion lets them know that there is nothing down that way of any concern any more. He listens to Arm let the Griffons know about what has transpired. He is a little hopeful this has completed their task.
DM Kathy Friday December 2nd, 2005 1:55:50 AM
The Griffons listen as Arm describes the rest of your adventures.
"You have done well," says Oswin, the human cleric.
"Indeed you have," Ciara agrees. "And now, if you don't mind, we'd like to come along and help you wrap up the last part."
The Griffon Road group acquires a couple of Quaals feather token boats, and together you journey across the underground lake. On the other side, you find a few tunnels, all of which dead-end shortly after the lake. In one of the tunnels, you find a cache of treasure, which has obviously been untouched for decades. You surmise that somebody stashed it here planning to come back for it, and then never managed it.
Your task complete, you return to the light of Plateau City above, each of you 3,000 gp richer. You also have the scrolls of Sending the other group gave you.
"Keep them," the elf wizard Daerlos says. "You never know when it might come in handy to send a message. You can only use it with people you know, but it is still an effective way to communicate."
You bid farewell to the Griffon Road group and return to your lodgings, wondering what adventures might befall you next.
[OOC: That's it for me. I hope you've had fun. Sorry about the rushed ending, but I wanted to get the game turned over. I will email XP over the weekend.]
Arm Friday December 2nd, 2005 5:56:03 AM
Grateful to finally be back home and getting a temporary respite, Arm retires to his room to get some rest.
Kadaz Friday December 2nd, 2005 6:21:53 AM
Back at the surface Birdie greets Kadaz by jumping up and down and licking his face. The return to their home where Kadaz spends hours cleaning and oiling his weapons and armor. Then he works longer tearing down overgrown vegetation, fixing the house, and just trying to right all that has gone wrong recently.
Evan Friday December 2nd, 2005 7:21:10 AM
Glad to be back home, Evan spends a little time helping Kadaz then takes some personal time to go and take Ariel out for a nice long ride.
Shadow Friday December 2nd, 2005 8:39:27 AM
Shadow is a little worried as the group crosses the lake. He is not very comfortable on the water, and especially since they do not know if there is anything under the surface.
He is very relieved when they arrive back on the other side (especially becoming richer for the trip).
When the group gets back to the apartment, Shadow lets out a large sigh of relief at successfully completing their mission.
(ooc: Thanks Kathy, and I hope you have a good time with your new game.)
Mira Friday December 2nd, 2005 8:56:32 AM
Mira tries to hide her nervousness as they return to the tunnels with the Griffon Road group. She wonders at the network of tunnels under the city, and wonders if the city officials are aware of how the city has been undermined.
The woman's trepidation turns to excitement when they discover the treasure, and the senior adventuring group generously shares it with her and her companions.
When it is all over, Mira is glad to return to the apartment. She will visit the market hoping that there has been some small return to normalcy or at least maybe an intrepid farmer or two has set up a stall. The sorcerer will do what she can to provision for the party, then return to the apartment to cook up a feast.
(OOC: Thankyou, Kathy, for your deadication to the game.-Carla)
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