DM Tanner Tuesday August 27th, 2013 10:50:10 PM
Tuck and Wilma retire to the house, while Ariach and Vaniime head shopping in the market.
Alleah casts for rumors from the beggars and mendicants of Plateau City, only to find that there is little on their tongues besides the missing king's bones and the enormous bounty offered by House Indevan. One toothless codger remarks, "I heard their butler met with some adventurers, and offered them a half a million gold pieces for its return! Do you have any idea how much ale and whores you could get with that much money? You could buy... a whole lot!"
Emrys stows away the goblin statue into his handy haversack, and joins the group in ascending to the surface. Above ground, the city guardsman waves him inside and he is permitted to investigate the inside of the crypt. There is little of note, unfortunately. Of the dozen or so sarcophagi, only King Froederick's was disturbed. The heavy stone lid pushed half-way off of the tomb. Emrys looks for some soil, but instead finds but would best be described as 'detritus.' The king was laid to rest directly into a stone tomb. He finds a gray, powdery substance formed of dead skin and clothing fiber.
Arriving home, you are greeted by Goody and the children, who are eager to hear of your adventures. So much action in but a day! After well-deserved baths, food, and rest, you retire for the evening.
ooc: Your evening is a montage. Just let me know if you would like some specific activity. Spellcasters, please update your prepared lists.
You rise with the morning, feeling rested and confident. The earth node awaits you, needing only a small expenditure of magical power before teleporting your party to parts unknown. Following, you believe, the trail of the missing king's remains.
Anything before you go?
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light, prestidigitation, comp. languages, identify d20+10=20 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+12=23 ; d100=86 ; d100=84 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+14=33 ; Wednesday August 28th, 2013 12:33:37 AM
Emrys will stop by the Druid Quarter and sees if he can find some berries to forage (Survival: 20). He will spend the rest of the day and evening brewing two Feather Fall potions at his highest caster level.
(Casting Feather Fall for the potions. Leyline checks: 86 and 84. Wow, both are FREE casts! Craft [Alchemy]: 21 and 23. Both potions take 2 hours/each. Emrys will make more if allowed, since he still has two 1st level witch spells left for the day.)
He spends whatever time is left of the evening playing a variety of instruments in the Music room. His first couple of performances are nice, but the last was truly spectacular. Those within earshot would have been moved to tears. "Yes, that is the stuff!"
(Perform [strings]: 23, 21 & 33.)
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Wednesday August 28th, 2013 7:42:37 AM
Wiping must of the bug goop off his arms, Grell treats briefly to his man cave and then disappears into the market for a LONG time. When he returns, Grell heads straight to Vaniime's room. Once he has attracted her attention, he hands her a small decorative box. "I wanted to give this to you before, but it was too crazy..."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Wednesday August 28th, 2013 8:26:59 AM
Alleah eventually returns back to the mansion where she takes a spot in the sitting room. For the rest of the afternoon she practices locking herself in manacles and picking the lock. She tries to do this as quietly so as not to disturb Emrys (or anyone else) too much.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday August 28th, 2013 5:46:37 PM
Ariach enjoys Emry´s music perfomance until it is time to go to bed.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Wednesday August 28th, 2013 6:02:17 PM
Tuck is up early. After a light exercise, he is downstairs and ready for the others. "Everyone ready to go? Hopefully there are no more bugs we will have to contend with. Oh man, that was nasty."
Emrys ac15, hp28/28. reduce person, hat of disguise d100=87 ; d20+20=33 ; Wednesday August 28th, 2013 6:47:14 PM
After putting the instruments away and going back to his room, Emrys begins his nightly rituals: brushing his hair, applying moisturizer and so on. And then he just stands there, in his silk evening robe, staring at the goblin statue that he had leaned up against his wall. He studies it ... memorizes every detail. He turns to Gestalt and says, "She may be homely or ugly to us, even hideous when compared to me, but I think she would have been quite lovely amongst her kind." Gestalt answers with a hoot and a ruffling of feathers. Emrys laughs, "Yes, I think you're right."
He takes his magic hat from the chair and puts it on his head. "Let's try something shall we!" Emrys activates the hat and tries to make himself look like the stoned goblin. He checks himself in the mirror to compare and make modifications. "Even a foot shorter, I'm still too tall. I got a remedy for that." He casts a witchy cantrip and he reduces himself to half his size.
(Leyline check: 87, lol another free cast. Casting Reduce Person. Disguise Check: 33, using the Hat of Disguise.)
In the goblin language, he mimics a female voice and says,"Lookie here you tasty owl! Aren't I pretty pretty?!" Gestalt's eyes go wide and he cautiously flies up and perches on the curtain rod, well out of reach of Emrie, the flirtatious, female goblin.
DM Tanner Wednesday August 28th, 2013 11:38:33 PM
ooc: Long day, abbreviated post. Sorry.
Everyone winds down for the evening. Emrys successfully brews two potions, and gathers two pounds of berries from a ripened blackberry bush. He thinks he makes a convincing facsimile of the petrified goblin (at least in his own mind), but is aware that he may be guessing on important things like skin color.
After a great night's sleep, you arise and head toward the graveyard. Following your own footsteps, you travel down the tunnel and descend down the rock chimney. You are, once again, on the floor of the earth node. It requires a 2nd-level spell to activate, and will allow up to eight people to teleport. The effect is instantaneous, and effects everyone on the node simultaneously rather than opening a portal for your leisure.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Thursday August 29th, 2013 7:41:55 AM "I have no spells of the required level" Alleah shrugs.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Thursday August 29th, 2013 5:53:24 PM
Wilma (after her bath) spent time catching up with the Centurion Children and speaking with the Dwarven nurse/governess that has come to the townhouse to make sure the time-displaced youngsters remain safe while the Vanguard is busy earning a living.
"Thank you so much for doing this," the priestess of Gargul said sincerely, "They're really old enough to look after themselves, but since they've been removed from their native time period and (to them) suddenly plopped into this contemporary age of the Wold...we didn't want to have to worry about being away for a long while just in case they needed help coping with whatever might happen in the Vanguards' absence."
Wilma spent the rest of her time recharging her curative wand and meditating on her clerical spells for the group's return to the underground node.
"I have four or five spells to choose from to use for the node," the redheaded cleric offered.
OOC: Wilma's 2nd Level spells are: Aid, Hold Person, Silence, Spiritual Weapon and Locate Object. The Locate Object spell is the one that she'd prefer to sacrifice, as it is a Domain spell and she can't "swap" it out for a Cure Wounds spell if the necessity should arise.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Thursday August 29th, 2013 6:34:38 PM
Ariach waits for someone to start casting the needed spell.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Thursday August 29th, 2013 8:49:47 PM
Van picks up her replacement supplies and heads bac to the house for a bit of a rest and some down time and finds herself pleasantly and suprisingly happy when Grell shows up to her room and with a present no less.
"It's beautiful Grell! she exclaims as she looks over the box and opens it to check out the rest of the workmanship and pictures what trinkets she can store in it. Standing up she quickly wraps her arms around him and gives him a hug that is like to curl his toes and kisses him lightly on the lips.
"I love it. Thank you." Grell, do you miss it? You know, the Culverwood, the Tower, All of it." There are times I wish I was little again and just playing with Uncle Bertram and and Aunt Trill and our parents....
Early evening as they head back to the graveyard and below, Van seems a bit mellower and very quiet. As they get on the "platform" she takes out her bow and suggests that other have theirs ready as well. "You never know what we will be popping into, so weapons and spells at the ready guys."
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Thursday August 29th, 2013 8:56:23 PM
Tuck unslings his own bow and tries the string to make sure everything is set to go. "So, I suppose we're sitting here for a bit, then. Anyone have any cool stories to tell?"
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Thursday August 29th, 2013 9:16:06 PM
Emrys stands there, in a moment of awkward silence, looking at the node. He slowly rocks on his feet and begins to whistle but then immediately stops and clears his throat. He then turns to Alleah oh so slightly and then Wilma. Alleah suddenly breaks the silence and says with a shrug, "I have no spells of the required level."
A perplexed expression forms across Emrys' face. After a moments hesitation, he asks, "What do you mean by 'level'? Are your spells uneven or bumpy in some way?"
Wilma then offers a suggestion by saying, "I have four or five spells to choose from to use for the node." The warmest of smiles immediately forms across his face. "Excellent idea, Wilma! Your wisdom is rivaled only by your beauty." He then turns to the group and adds, "I suggest arming ourselves. We don't know what or who could be on the other side!" Upon saying that he loads a bolt in his crossbow.
DM Tanner Thursday August 29th, 2013 11:53:31 PM
Wilma casts her spell, focusing the floor of the earth node as the target of her magic. The spell is cast, and in what could probably be described as a 'greedy' fashion, it is absorbed. A slight hum fills the air, and reality seems to slide sideways. With a blur, the world turns right again.
You find yourselves in a 30-foot-diameter rock crater within a larger space, but the crater's rim obscures the nature of the space. It is perhaps 10-12 feet from the bowl of the crater to the edge of the rim in height. It looks like an easy climb, with only loose rock dust presenting a challenge. Soft blue-green light suffuses your surroundings. By the temperature of the air and the echoing sound of your own breathing, you are still underground.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Friday August 30th, 2013 12:26:24 AM "Would Locate Object be a useful spell to keep, for instance, in trying to locate the remains?" Alleah asks before the casting.
She closes her eyes slightly, unsure of what to expect. When the casting is complete, she takes in the surroundings, and is thankful to be in one piece
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=25 ; Friday August 30th, 2013 12:30:00 AM Perception: 25
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Friday August 30th, 2013 1:03:10 AM
Emrys replies to Alleah's question, "To find the nearest random set of bones, yes. However to locate specific set of remains, like those of the King, one needs to be familiar with the bones; able to see them in your mind. I'm afraid none of us are that personally acquainted."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday August 30th, 2013 4:46:31 PM
As always if magic is used, the warrior does not feel comfortable with that. Therefore he is very happy when the effects of the spell disappear quickly and he is master of his senses again. He immediately sets off in one direction and secures one flank of the group. Then he waits for further instructions of Vaniime.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+11=17 ; Friday August 30th, 2013 7:55:45 PM
Tuck looks about for potential threats, scanning the rim of the crater. (Perception 17)
He tries to discern whether he can see anything beyond the crater, any tunnels, structures or other such things. Then he looks above, attempting to determine the height of the ceiling.
DM Tanner Friday August 30th, 2013 11:54:56 PM
You detect no threats along the perimeter of the crater, and have some difficulty in estimating the height of the ceiling above you. There are no landmarks, and the luminescence that fills the cavern is so diffuse that you could not accurately guess. Tuck ascends the side of the crater and looks over the edge.
Beyond the crater opens a wide Underwold vista lit by pale light shining through enormous columns that march into the misted distance. The benighted waters of a sunless sea meet a pebble-strewn shore a half-mile away. Across that dark water, another stretch of rock covers the base of the cavern until it joins the far wall.
A cobbled road, which emerges from an opening in the dimly glowing cavern wall about a quarter-mile to the left, passes within 10 feet of the crater and continues on to the right. It finally connects to a narrow but elongated stone formation that spans the shadowy sea.
Just across the road from the crater, a strange covered wagon sits. A broad and dusky dwarf, with ashen gray skin and a white beard, stands in front of it, smiling. He wears a thick leather coat and gloves that have gold piping. Two large gray lizards stand idly nearby.
SKILL CHECK Knowledge (dungeoneering) or Knowledge (geography) DC 10 - Highlight to display spoiler: {This creature is a duergar. Duergar dwell in subterranean caverns far from the touch of light. They detest all races living beneath the sun, but that hatred pales beside their loathing of their surface-dwarf cousins. Dwarves and duergar once were one race, but the dwarves left the deeps for their mountain strongholds. Duergar still consider themselves the only true dwarves, and the rightful heirs of all beneath the world's surface.}
The grinning dwarf calls out in a deep baritone in perfect Common, "Node travelers, and unless I miss my mark, surfacers, too! I am Durovar Silverblood, a humble merchant! Perhaps you would like to see my wares?"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+2=13 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+16=17 ; Saturday August 31st, 2013 7:45:55 AM Knowledge Dungeoneering: 13
"Well met Master Silverblood. I am Alleah Vanduer Gard, a humble traveller. I, for one, would be very interested in any wares you have for sale" Alleah tries to keep her calm. In these undergrounds, the duergar would certainly have the upper hand.
(Bluff check vs DC15 to pass secret message to the rest of the party that this is a duergar: 15 = Pass Perception: 17)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d20+5=16 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+10=11 ; Saturday August 31st, 2013 5:35:19 PM
As neither Dungeoneering nor Geography were in the sphere of Wilma's studies, she could draw on neither of those to help glean more possible information about the Duergar that Alleah was secretly identifying to the group. However, she did pause long enough to try to scrape the rust off her memory in regards to how the Duergar race interacted with the surface Wold through the annals of History.
OOC: first roll is a Knowledge (history) check of 16.
The cleric of Gargul kept her silence, her sharp sapphire eyes probing the group's surroundings while she also assimilated the sounds and smells around her as well. OOC: second roll is Wilma's Perception--totaling 18.
She tried to intuit Durovar Silverblood's motives in his greeting of the group, but came up a complete blank on that particular score. OOC: last roll is a natural 1 for Wilma's attempt at Sense Motive. Sigh.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+8=15 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+14=31 ; Saturday August 31st, 2013 10:55:54 PM
(Knowledge [Geography]: 15.) (Knowledge [Local]: 19, to remember info about this species.)
Emrys steps forward with Alleah and replies with his own greeting, "The Deeper, the Truer, Master Dwarf," he says with a slight bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you, here in the heart of the Wold. My name is Emrys Myrridanmyl." (Diplomacy: 24. To win favor with Durovar.)
As he continues to approach, Emrys maintains a warm smile, but his eyes scrutinizes the Duergar's mannerisms and tone. "I would like very much to see your wares." Which is the truth; he really does. However, he finds it odd to find a duergar alone.
(Sense Motive: 22, to sense deception. Perception: 31, to notice things hidden, like other duergar. )
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday September 2nd, 2013 9:21:47 AM
Ariach never has seen a duergar before, therefore he watches him very interested but doesn´t say anything. He is quite sure that one of the others know how to handle the merchant.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 d20+2=22 ; d20+11=24 ; Monday September 2nd, 2013 8:08:06 PM
(Dungeoneering 22)
Tuck also notes the grey dwarf and is quite proud of himself for doing so. He is curious about why the duergar would be out here on his lonesome, especially near a traveling node. If it was common knowledge, why weren't there others? Why wasn't this guarded?
Tuck approaches the merchant with Alleah and Emrys, his bow still held at the ready. He continues to scan this new place, prepared to fight if necessary.
Grell watches in excitement as Vaniime opens the box. Inside is a beautiful gleaming ring which bears the an inscription in orcish Highlight to display spoiler: {Happiness is victory.} . Grell happily reports that the ring is a +1 ring of protection and insists that she put it on immediately.
**Meanwhile...back in the tunnel*** Grell grunts at the dwarf. "Hmmmph...seems like a long way to come just to buy stuff!" Grell looks around, trying to spot any potential source of danger. Perception=23
DM Tanner d20+11=24 Monday September 2nd, 2013 11:52:57 PM
Wilma recalls that there is little of note concerning the duergar in the history of the surface world. Unlike the expansionist and depraved drow who warred with their surface cousins, the duergar are isolationist and live much further underground.
[Durovar Silverblood Sense Motive check = 24]
The merchant raises an eyebrow at Alleah's hidden message. Durovar smiles a placating smile. "You are new, node travelers, so I will give you some advice before we proceed. I am not a dwarf. I am a duergar. Likewise, drow are not elves, derro are not halflings, and svirfneblin are not gnomes. Those are surface names, and mark you as uncouth. I would highly suggest you ask what people call themselves."
He gives a small chuckle at the half-orc Grell's comment. "You must be new to node traveling, or have had the misfortune of a miss-jump. You are not in the wilderness of the Heartwold." He waves a hand, taking in the enormity of the cavern. "This is Bthanchend Grotto. It is home to the Nchardumz Sea, the Deepbridge, and the great city of Bthanchend. Which translates to Redoubt of the Ancestors in my native tongue."
Looking out, you see that the cavern is tremendous. Not only does it have a small sea in its center, but its sloping walls form a depressed oval perhaps a dozen miles in width. The luminescence comes from glowing fungus, which covers the entire ceiling. Despite Durovar's claims, you see no indication of a city anywhere.
"But enough about me. Would you like to see my wares? Come, come."
Durovar's wagon is composed of a light iron frame into which buoyant materials have been bolted and sealed. It's a covered wagon that is also built to float, and it contains two compartments - the front compartment is open and has a space for the driver to sit and lie down, and the rear holds trade goods. It is pulled by two cave lizards, squat reptilian creatures measuring nearly 10 feet in length with toothy maws.
ooc: Durovar sells any goods listed here with a value under 20gp. Surprisingly, he also sells a large compliment of poisons in small glass vials. Just ask him if you would like anything and he will check his stock.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 6:39:13 AM OOC: Sorry about not posting Monday--it's a holiday here in the USA and I was carousing at a family BBQ.
Wilma looks around her as the Duergar rattles off the names of places and the advice about checking to see how Underwold society labels itself. She pats Emrys' shoulder in a consoling gesture, as it was very, very rare for the learned bard to make a mistake about such matters. She looked over the wares Silverblood had in stock and pointed to the compass.
"Does this work here..?" she asked the trader. "I am new to your land, and I seem to recall hearing warnings that compasses could lead one astray if you used them underground..."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 8:17:50 AM
"Do you have a map of this environment" the young warrior wants to know from the duergar. "As you already have said, we are new to node travellng and need any support we can get."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 1:32:46 PM
(ooc: what language is Bthanchend? Is it dwarven or undercommon? Emrys knows both languages and would like to confirm which of Durovar's three languages he considers native. Durovar said it was his native tongue.)
DMTanner - His native language is Duergar. He may or may not speak Dwarf, but Bthanchend is not a Dwarven word. Undercommon (just called Common now that you are underground) is the lingua franca trade language.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 5:55:56 PM Seems like a nice enough fellow. I wonder what all the fuss is about Duergar being evil and all. I'll check his things out here. See if he's got anything nice.
"Say Durovar, you've got some nice stuff here. Do you normally set up shop here? I'll be you see a lot of people come through."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=35 ; d20+9=29 ; Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 8:03:32 PM
They say curiosity killed the cat, and it may well kill Alleah too, as the young halfling cannot help herself but poke through the various odds and ends that Durovar has for sale. She gives a whistle of surprise on seeing some of the poisons. Unfortunately Warrd has not been kind of late and she lacks the funds to buy any.
Perception: 35 Sense Motive: 29 Aaaand there go my best two rolls
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+12=27 ; d20+14=20 ; Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 8:32:29 PM
Emrys listens to every word said by Durovar eagerly. He truly finds the conversation fascinating. Then comes Wilma's consoling pat on the shoulder. "Oh, I'm completely alright with it. Mr. Durovar has graciously saved me from a great deal of future embarrassment. Experience is the best source of knowledge. It's also the name we give our mistakes. Thank you, Mr. Durovar. It's apparent that many of the books I've studied are obviously surface-centric." (Diplomacy: 27. Perception: 20)
With wide eyes, Emrys scans across Durovar's underwoldly treasures. "Oh, I do love that scarf!d Oh and this one too. In fact, I will take five of these. Hmm, a patchwork cloak ... this should be a nice aid when storytelling." Emrys pauses for a moment in disbelief. He then reaches out for the umbrella. This is quite nice, I'll take it." His eyes go even wider when he spots a very special and rare string instrument! "Is that what I think it is? Could that possibly be a Roar Cord!! I've only read about them, I've never been able to track one down. Amazing!"
(Total cost of purchases: 27gold.)
Emrys then turns to Durovar and asks, "I noticed you didn't have any maps or books about the Bthanchend Grotto, the Heartwold or any other lands. I was wondering if you could scribe a simple map in my journal. I'm sure I can fill in the rest as we go. What would you consider an sufficient price for the trouble?"
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP68/68 Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 11:41:13 PM
Grell pokes around the guy's shop, trying not to offend but not really that interested.
DM Tanner Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 11:56:08 PM
Durovar smiles at Wilma. "A compass works in the Heartwold as well as it works on the surface. Magnetic rocks exist, but they are concentrated, and effect readings only when very close."
He turns to Ariach. "I am afraid I do not carry maps. It is rare and unusual for someone to not know their way around. The Heartwold is not forgiving, and the lost tend to become lost forever. You could find maps for sale in Bthanchend."
He turns to Tuck. "I am but a humble wandering merchant, plying my goods along the safer routes between Bthanchend and neighboring cities. It is not currently trading season, so there are few travelers now."
Alleah notices that... Highlight to display spoiler: {Durovar is holding a small, polished stone in his hand as he speaks with the party.}
[Emrys - All purchases approved.]
He turns to Emrys. "Your manners are refreshing and delightful! I do not sell maps, but if you just wish to know the Grotto, then I see no harm." He removes a sharpened piece of graphite from his vest and motions toward Emrys' journal. He sketches a rough oval, with numerous tunnels leading away like the spokes of a wheel. "Most of these tunnels are currently empty, due to it being out of season for trade. The Grotto is quite bustling when the fungal harvest creates capital for investment." He makes a dotted line that squiggles across the page. "This is the road you are on now. It leads to the Nchardumz Sea. It is a great moat that encircles the city. Across the Deepbridge lies the plateau, where you will find Bthanchend. It is roughly in the middle of the entire cavern."
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Wednesday September 4th, 2013 7:48:05 AM
Van Is not too surprised when they find someone at the other end of of the transport but is more than a bit wary about it being a Duergar. Her mother being half drow had mentioned them in several of her stories but never in much of a flattering light. While lowering her bow as not to be offensive or threatening, she does not put it away and could easily have it at the ready in the blink of an eye. As she lowers her bow she catches a glint of something and realizes it is the ring, that Grell had just given her, that she is not quite used to seeing on her hand.
As the others peruse the Duergar wares, she feels the need to get to the point.
"Master Silverblood, Have you by chance run across any other of late that have used this node for travel? If so could you tell us how many what they looked like and which way they were going when they left?"
DM Tanner Wednesday September 4th, 2013 3:43:05 PM
Durovar considers Vaniime's question with a rub of his beard, which extends past his collarbone and is braided and decorated with tiny silver rings. "This node is a hub. It acts like an anchor for someone who wants to create an earth node portal, but does not want to go to the trouble of creating both ends of the portal. You can make an entrance, and simply point it to this hub and cut your labor in half. In fact, the reason it is in a crater is due to the portal magic pushing the rock and stone with each jump! Unfortunately, you need a portal key for a return journey. There are no other settlements of any size for several dozen... I believe the word is 'miles'?... but whoever you are following, you would need to know their portal key to make the journey back. It appears you need to find them, and they are likely in Bthanchend."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday September 4th, 2013 3:55:37 PM
"Nchardu... Bthanchn." Very quite Ariach tries to repeat some of the names he heared from the Duergar. How unfamiliar the words sound and how difficult it is to pronounce them. But all the others seem to have no problems with the strange names. Maybe he should have given more attention to the linguistic exercises at the academy.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Wednesday September 4th, 2013 4:14:30 PM
Wilma eyed the compass wistfully, stepping back from the merchant's display. She already owed the group money, and knew she could not afford to get the device. Listening to Silverblood explain the operation of the earth node, the cleric of Gargul suppressed a sharp sigh.
"Obviously," she commented wryly, "All roads lead to Bthanchend. I hope we may catch up with our...friends in a timely manner and find that all-important portal key."
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Wednesday September 4th, 2013 5:36:09 PM
Tuck takes a look at the road leading to Bthanchend.
"Any advice to travelers from above ground for getting around and being safe in Bthanchend, friend Durovar? We wouldn't want to ignorantly break any customs or offend."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Wednesday September 4th, 2013 10:13:02 PM "I imagine being here alone that safety is a concern for you. May I ask what it is that you have there in your hand?" Alleah asks directly
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Wednesday September 4th, 2013 10:42:26 PM
Well all i guess it is time for us to part company with our new friend here, Wwe do have a job to do.
DM Tanner Wednesday September 4th, 2013 11:59:44 PM
Durovar reaches out and pats Wilma reassuringly on the shoulder. "Do not worry! Most portal keys are easily replaceable items so that you are not stranded if you happen to lose your key. Something most people would not carry everyday, but you could easily buy. Like a pair of tongs, or a stick of butter. You could hire a diviner to sort it out, if you have the coin."
He raises an eyebrow at Alleah and his smile fades slightly. "It is in case I meet people who are less than friendly. You cannot be too careful."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+14=19 ; Thursday September 5th, 2013 12:05:19 AM
(ooc: Tanner, thankfully I'm a Texan of Scottish descent, and I live near Scotland, Texas. :)
(Perception: 19)
Emrys notices Wilma eyeing the compass and he says, "Wilma, you want to purchase it? No one will mind. I was given one as a child, but it wouldn't work for me. The needle would just spin round and round whenever I held it. It so frustrated me that I smashed it with a rock. Oh the insolence of youth. It didn't matter, I've always had the uncanny ability to discern true north; even when blindfolded."
Before they leave, Emrys puts away all the items he had purchased, except for one of the thinner scarfs. He primps and teases it until it flows from his neck just right. He looks to his friends with the warmest of smiles, obviously fishing for compliments.
He then turns to the duergar and says, "Thank you so much Mr. Durovar. It has been a pleasure. By the way, I wanted to show you something." Emrys removes one of the drowian coins from a pouch and shows it to Durovar. "I'm just curious. We found this coin near the node. It looks to be a drow coin, though I'm not familiar with its markings or where it's from. Do you know its origin or the woman depicted on the front?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Thursday September 5th, 2013 8:39:51 AM
Wilma smiled and shook her head.
"Thank you, no, Emrys," she replied. "I will trust our new friend Master Silverblood in that we can get ourselves from here to Bthanchend without the need of a compass. Although..." Here she turned her sapphire eyes to the Duergar once more, "...I would like to make sure there aren't any fees and such to enter the city--I've also heard that some outposts of civilization charge for entrance, besides having certain laws or codes that restrict the use of magic or the practice of certain religions...?"
DM Tanner Thursday September 5th, 2013 2:30:14 PM
Durovar squints and holds the gold piece closely. He reaches into a pocket and removes a jeweler's loupe, peering closely at the coin. "Hmm... no, sorry." He reaches out and hands it back to Emrys. "Drow have not been very numerous in these lands, although a group of them settled in Bthanchend several years ago after the destruction of their city. Disreputable sort, mixed up with rogue and thieves."
He turns to Wilma. "As long as your worship does not harm others or encourage people to harm others, it will be allowed. Of course, 'harm' is likely quite a loose interpretation in the Heartwold compared to the surface, and city justice has a great degree of... flexibility... in judgment. Cutting off fingers for theft, stockades for debtors, that sort of thing."
He raises his eyebrows as he remembers a thought. "Oh, and one more thing. As a first time visitor to Bthanchend, you will not have a visitor's token. The city is protected against spying and observation, so you will likely not be able to actually see the walls until you are almost across the Deepbridge. Whatever you do, be respectful as you cross the bridge. You are being watched."
With a wave, Durovar jumps onto the seat of his wagon and grabs the reins. "A profitable journey to you! Yip, yip!" With a snap, the cave lizards grunt in acceptance and clamber across the rock floor, pulling the wagon behind them.
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Thursday September 5th, 2013 6:11:58 PM
Tuck watches Durovar trumble away.
"I don't suppose you picked up any kind of trail, Vaniime? If not, I suppose our next destination would be Bthanchend."
He flexes his fingers as he looks in the direction of the city. "Is everyone ready to go. This should be interesting."
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, d20+11=28 ; d20+13=27 ; Thursday September 5th, 2013 10:21:18 PM
At Tuck's comment vaniime responds quickly. You know I haven't even looked. Let me remedy that now.
Van begins looking for the signs of recent travel that match up with the prints they saw at the neux hub under the graveyard.
Perception DC 28 Track DC 27
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+10=15 ; Friday September 6th, 2013 12:19:38 AM
Emrys watches Durovar as his wagon rolls out of sight. He takes off his hat and runs his fingers a single stroke through his coppery-blond locks. He stares out into distant thoughts, confounded and faintly annoyed. "Were we all a witness to that?" His tone lost of all the warmth from just a few moments ago.
"Is everything I know of the Duergar a lie? Everything I've read about them they're described as vile and cruel! It's written that they'll slay their hated dwarven cousins on sight without a moments hesitation. Yet not a single throbbing vein of anger nor a hateful word bellowed the moment I called him DWARF! Gods! Couple that with disturbing insights into my own family! YES, I may be a half-breed elf, but the other half ... I can no longer be certain; not with recent revelations. How can I claim to know someone I've never met if I don't even know myself?!" After a short pause, he says, "To be perfectly honest, it would have eased my heart and mind if Durovar had been belligerent and violent! How sad is that?"
Emrys angrily kicks a small stone next to his boot. He strokes his hair one last time before putting his hat back on. He stares at the ground, mutters a bit and then forcefully points into the distance. "That way is North! That's about all I'm certain of."
DM Ezra - Idle Thoughts Friday September 6th, 2013 12:32:15 PM
The cavern isn't as quite as one would expect. There is a slight breeze that seems to whisper lightly as it passes the cavern you came through.
There is a low clicking and clacking, as if by many small feet on rocks. And occasionally, in the distance a louder chirp can be heard.
Signs that the cave is not dead, but home to a thriving population of creatures.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Friday September 6th, 2013 1:06:32 PM
"Take it easy, Emrys," Wilma said consolingly, "We're in a completely different environment here--unless it's someplace that is observed and reported about on a regular basis, we aren't likely to know everything about everyone who is native to it. Just as not all Drow are automatically evil, obviously the same holds true for Duergar." The young priestess looked around her again.
"Is north the way to that city--to Bthanchend? If so, then we'd probably try getting there as soon as we can."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday September 6th, 2013 1:08:15 PM
Ariach gives Emry an amicable backslapping before he starts to talk. "As i know it isn´t that important where you come from and who your ancestors were. More important is who you are and how you behave in difficult situations. And for all i know you are an honest and good guy and always controll yourself in each situation. So there is no reason for you to lament."
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Friday September 6th, 2013 5:39:29 PM
Tuck waits to see what Vaniime turns up before they move off to the city.
DM Tanner Friday September 6th, 2013 10:02:25 PM
Vaniime searches for tracks that match those found at the earth node near Plateau City, but finds little of notice. Whatever tracks they might have left have been covered by the tracks of dozens of other creatures who have used the avenue of approach to the city.
The road to the Deepbridge lies ahead of you, as well as Bthanchend.
Ok all I guess we go in blind as whatever traces there may have been are trampled by a dozen or more sets of tracks. So i guess we have two directions. Any thoughts on which way??
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. Sunday September 8th, 2013 3:02:50 AM
"I'm sorry, friends. You caught me during a moment of weakness. Ever since being severed from the Wold, within that horrid realm of ooze, everything has been different." He turns to Wilma and Ariach and softens his voice, not to disturb Vaniine and the others. "It's hard to explain. The rhythms, the ebb and flow, are stirred into chaos. I find myself out of tune. My problem isn't with being wrong or discovering inaccuracies in my studies. What vexes me has deeper roots than that. Memories, about my life, I once thought true, have now proven to be lies."
After hearing the clicking and clacking, the sounds of life all around, Emrys lowers his voice to a whisper as if in fear of being overheard and says, "I think ... I think I've been under the influence of powerful magik ... all, all my life! Why, I don't know! However after we left the Wold's embrace, became trapped in that realm of ooze, the spell was broken!"
Emrys wipes his eyes and steps back. He straightens up and restores a stoic facade across this face. He takes a few clear breaths and says, "This isn't the time or place. I'm better now, thank you." Looking back in the direction of Bthanchend. "We have a king to find."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 Sunday September 8th, 2013 8:26:07 AM
Alleah wonders what the little stone may have been in the duergar's hand. A thunderstone perhaps? It distracts her from engaging with the others for the moment.
OOC: Apologies for my poor posting this week guys - been busy buying a house! :))
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Monday September 9th, 2013 5:53:28 PM
Tuck makes a funny face at Emrys' declaration. "What? I don't get it."
"I think we should head to Bthanchend. Durovar seemed to think our thieves might be there. If not, at least we could get some information. We'd have to be very careful, though. We're outsiders there."
Tuck HP 49/49 AC 21/21/17 Monday September 9th, 2013 5:54:07 PM
(OOC - I will be unable to post from Wednesday through Friday. Could anyone take Tuck for those days? Thanks in advance.)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday September 9th, 2013 6:58:17 PM
Ariach waits for further instructions. He is looking forward to enter the unknown city called Bthanchend but also wonders himself if the thiefs of the bones will be there setting an ambush for their pursuer.
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, Monday September 9th, 2013 10:13:32 PM
All right then lets's move out then. Bthanchend it is lets go.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary Monday September 9th, 2013 11:09:20 PM
Wilma kept an eye out as she walked along towards the underground city.
"I wonder what kind of food they have down here..." she asked out loud. "I've heard that some cultures develop some pretty wild cuisine..."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d100=62 ; d20+14=22 ; Monday September 9th, 2013 11:13:37 PM
"Does anyone want a scarf to wear. It wouldn't hurt to adorn oneself with local flair." Emrys retrieves several colorful scarves he had purchased from Durovar.
(Perception: 22)
DM Tanner Monday September 9th, 2013 11:53:51 PM
A cobbled road emerges from a natural tunnel to the west and connects to the Deepbridge that spans the Nchardumz Sea. It then leads on to Bthanchend, or so the duergar says. The road provides easy passage over the rough floor of the cavern, which is covered in broken rock, slippery clay, and fissures.
A lone island protrudes above the glassy water a half-mile or more away, faintly glowing with blue light from a source impossible to determine at this distance.
Walking along the western shore of the Nchardumz Sea rewards explorers with the discovery of the pilings of a collapsed dock. Now, those who don't carry their boats with them use the Deepbridge.
Spans of massive stone blocks mingle with the sculpted southern side of the Bthanchend Grotto, forming a bridge over the ominous waters of the Nchardumz Sea. Even cursory examination of the bridge shows it to be solid, if old. The bridge rises about 2 feet above the surface of the water at its highest, eventually connecting to a road on the eastern side of the sea near Bthanchend's southern gate. The bridge is the only way to reach Bthanchend.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday September 10th, 2013 6:13:03 AM
Ariach watches around and then enters the bridge. He walks slowy, not forgetting the duergar´s words that they will be observed. His shield is ready to protect his friends who are walking behind him. But his mace is in his belt to look peacefully.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=17 ; d20+24=30 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2013 9:37:26 AM
Alleah creeps forward carefully, but in doing so doesn't maintain her usual awareness of her surroundings.
Perception: 17 Stealth: 30)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d20+12=23 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2013 4:59:22 PM
"I'll take one of those, Emrys," Wilma said, taking the bard up on his offer. She chose one and used it as a loose sort of head scarf. OOC: as a cleric of Gargul, Wilma is supposed to stick to shades of gray, so her color preference would be for a gray scarf, or a silver one, or a white one (in that order.) She continued to keep her eyes peeled as the group came to the ancient bridge that spanned the water.
"Well..." the redhead said with a nod, "...this explains the unusual nature of Master Silverblood's cart--anyone going to and from the city would benefit from having a vehicle that converts to being a boat when needed."
OOC: I forgot to roll for Perception last time, so I'll roll for Wilma's Perception this time; Perception check total is 23.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+14=18 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2013 11:11:51 PM
"This one has a nice shade of gray with silver accents." Emrys hands her the scarf. "Oh look, it's not silver, they're small pieces of polished stephanite sewn in a pattern. See how they catch the dim light and sparkle. However, after we get home, you shouldn't expose it to sunlight or the crystals lose their luster and turn dull. A true Underwoldian garment, you can't find anything like that on the surface."
Noticing that Alleah has gone into hiding again, Emrys decides to take his lute and pluck the strings of a simple traveling song. A halfling traveling song called, Hair On Wandering Feet Never Turns Gray (a literal translation from their native tongue). Emrys performs the song in halfling, however one of the verses he substitutes the lyrics with a message for Alleah (sung in halfling) Highlight to display spoiler: {"Be respectful, we're being watched, shadows wont hide you here."} Of course, in halfling it rhymes.
(Perception: 18, too concentrated on his song, i guess.)
Since this is non-cobat, and there are no npc's about, no issues. Otherwise there would have needed to be a perform and bluff check.
Vaniime takes up the offer of a scarf and starts whitling a catchy little tune as the walk across the bridge. (Simon and Garfunkel, Bridge over Troubled Water)
DM Tanner d20+15=26 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2013 11:49:24 PM
Ahead, a few of the massive stone blocks of the Deepbridge are cracked and sit askew. A navigable path yet exists here the corners of the crooked stones come close enough together, but unlike the minor erosion endured by the majority of the bridge, this section seems to have sustained damage.
Mystery check 26
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday September 11th, 2013 8:52:18 AM
Ariach stops for a short moment, waiting for further instructions.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=27 ; d20+24=26 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2013 10:00:09 AM
Alleah pauses on hearing Emrys' song "Has he seen something I haven't?" Not seeing an immediate threat she edges forward.
Perception: 27 Stealth: 26
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 51/51; Sanctuary d20+12=23 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2013 9:14:23 PM
Wilma frowned thoughtfully.
"Is that...damage...?" she asked, moving closer in an effort to peer at the stonework. "Odd that the only landbridge to and from the city is left damaged like this...it's quite contrary to maintaining a profitable relationship to merchants coming and going..."
OOC: Wilma's Perception check is 23.
DM Tanner Wednesday September 11th, 2013 10:51:29 PM
The serene and gloomy surface of the Nchardumz Sea ripples, and the air grows foul with the stench of rotting fish. Four humanoids haul themselves from the depths. These hunchbacked, green-skinned humanoids have wide, frog-like heads but a mouth more akin to that of a toothy fish.
They pause approximately 60 feet away. Their breaths are ragged, wet rattles as they stare at you with white, unblinking eyes. They stand still, not moving forward.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. d20+14=23 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+8=23 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2013 11:48:22 PM
(Perception: 23, to notice any other fish-like humanoids. Knowledge [Nature]: 28, to identify these monstrous humanoids.)
Emrys' song abruptly ends and he quickly silences the strings of his lute with the palm of his hand. The damage to the bridge (Knowledge [Engineer]: 23, to determine possible causes) and the sudden presence of the foul-smelling fish-men adds to the awkwardness of the encounter.
He doesn't recall Durovar ever mentioning creatures like this inhabiting the city. They could be traders but they don't appear to possess any trade goods (ooc: are they armed?). He hopes he can recall any information about them.
DM Tanner Thursday September 12th, 2013 7:19:54 AM
ooc: Knowledge (dungeoneering) check. ;)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 44/44 d20+16=19 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+2=13 ; Thursday September 12th, 2013 9:52:41 AM
Alleah stops in her tracks, unsure if she has been seen or not. She makes no sudden moves and keeps her hands away from her weapons - for now.
Perception: 19 Stealth: 36 Knowl Dungeoneering: 10 (Untrained so the 13 gets pulled back to a max possible 10)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+6=12 ; Thursday September 12th, 2013 6:32:02 PM
Ariach positions himself between the frog-men and the other group members. He is absolutely unsure what to do next. (Knowledge Dungeoneering=12)
Vaniime AC 18/14/15, HP:50/52, d20+4=7 ; Thursday September 12th, 2013 10:08:39 PM
Up at the front Van can't help but be a bit shocked and appalled at the sight of these creature, as she has no idea about what they might be. She feels a bit more at ease as Ariach moves up beside her. Trying to keep the calm in her voice she speaks out to them in common.
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