A visit with Berem- DM BrianZ Wednesday August 17th, 2022 8:04:15 AM
The team enjoys a quick meal and then reports to the Black Cathedral. It is stunning and awe-inspiring as always. There seems to be about the normal amount of traffic, with numerous people busy going about their business at the largest Church of Gargul in the Wold.
The team is able to get to Berem's office without too much hassle. As usual, there is not much activity. Anthony is busy filing some paperwork, and Berem greets you warmly when you arrive. Clarisse is also present, and she seems troubled, perhaps more so than usual.
Greetings friends. I'm glad you were able to come so quickly. Something has happened, and we are very concerned. You see, Clarisse has had a dream. Now, I'm not sure that I can explain this properly, but when someone is closer to their God than the average citizen, such as those who can pray for and receive spells, there is a connection. And sometimes a deity may choose to send a more direct message to one of their followers, when they decide there is an urgent need. Of course, being a deity, they do not always see to explain themselves completely. Mere mortals such as ourselves, cannot always fathom the 'bigger picture'. But in this case, it seems at least some of the message is clear enough. Here, now I will let Clarisse tell you about her dream herself.
[b]I saw a hillside, with a cave. The cave entrance was illuminated by a shining blue light. Inside the cave, there is a chamber, guarded by traps and a guardian creature. It is all guarding a scroll. And I can feel that scroll has something to do with the Scar. Something important. This was made very clear to me. Clarisse shudders a bit while recalling the dream. The scroll must be retrieved, it is very important. She sits down, appearing exhausted and in need of some rest.
Berem continues. I hope you will agree that this is important, even if we don't know all the reasoning behind it. I'm asking you, if you will go and retrieve the scroll.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 22 Wednesday August 17th, 2022 9:25:23 AM ”Traps and a guardian creature?” Paige repeats, looking at her companions with a wide grin and missing Clarisse’s reaction as she recalls her dream. ”I suppose you can tell us where we can find this cave?”
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/5 d20+5=11 ; Wednesday August 17th, 2022 3:05:07 PM
Myre doesn't actively worship Gargul, but her parents (and Uncle Bosk) made sure that she knew he was to be respected.
Though, she does wonder why Clarisse would send her and her new friends after something so important it warranted direct contact from Gargul. She shakes the thought away, deciding no good would come of it. Paige seems to have a handle on the talking, so she ponders. "Shining with a blue light," she thinks to herself. "What shines with a blue light? Most light isn't blue, so it's probably important!"
Knowledge, arcana or nature (both have the same modifier): 11
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 24/24, CMD 15/19 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Wednesday August 17th, 2022 6:02:42 PM
Kwarsk entered the church with an enthusiastic look on his face.
He listens attentively, first to Berem, then to Clarisse.
Clarisse is a cleric?, Kwarsk thinks. Did she tell us that when we first met her?
Kwarsk, upon hearing Clarisse's full vision, appears to be deep in thought and does not speak at this moment.
Rhys (Bob W) Wednesday August 17th, 2022 6:34:55 PM ”I for one would help retrieve this scroll, but the Wold is a big place and I am sure there are many many caves. We would need more than what has been revealed so far to even begin our search! Will Clarisse be joining us? Perhaps she would be able to feel the presence of such a powerful scroll.”. Rhys looks towards Berem and Clarisse for answers.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 22/22 | CMB:3 CMD:16 | Fort:2 Ref:5 Will:0 Wednesday August 17th, 2022 10:25:32 PM
Muuru is tempted to ask what type of traps would be in a setting like a magic cave, but it's a dream so who knows?
Rhys (Bob W) Thursday August 18th, 2022 7:26:07 AM ”I for one would help retrieve this scroll, but the Wold is a big place and I am sure there are many many caves. We would need more than what has been revealed so far to even begin our search! Will Clarisse be joining us? Perhaps she would be able to feel the presence of such a powerful scroll.”. Rhys looks towards Berem and Clarisse for answers.
A visit with Berem- DM BrianZ Thursday August 18th, 2022 4:45:22 PM
Clarisse adds some information on the location of the cave. I could tell it was close to the City, maybe only a few days travel? She describes the surrounding area as best she can recall.
Berem does have an another idea to find it. Based on what she saw, we are certain it is not too far away. We don't have an exact location, but it should be enough. I think you should check in with the Mapmaking guild in the Guild Quarter. If they have completed any surveys in the area, they will likely have more information that will be useful in finding it.
As for Clarisse, I'm sorry but she will not be available to assist. She has other assigned duties presently for the Church, and our superiors are not willing to acquiesce in this matter.
Clarisse seems a bit despondent but nods her head in agreement with Berem. I wish I could go along
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 16/16 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+8=10 ; Thursday August 18th, 2022 5:23:28 PM
As Berem explains the opportunity and the dream, Nintos thinks to himself; Hillside, cave with blue illumination. Could it be some sort of magical illumination? I have also heard of fungi growing that can illuminate in colors. At the mention of the traps, guardians, and a scroll A scroll? Did he just mention a scroll?
“I have some basic understandings of the divine, but only from what I have studied in the libraries and temples. My magical aptitude is not divinely gifted.”
As Clarisse describes the cave the best she can, Nintos takes out his journal and makes notes. No need to forget what she said between here and the Mapmaking guild [ooc]K-Geography 10 Blah![ooc]
Smiling at Clarisse; “By the end of it you might wish you were safe here. Traps, guardians and travels reads differently than in application. You can take my word on it.”
Looking to the party; “The blue illumination is a curiosity in itself, but a scroll that has ties to do with the Scar… That is worth the adventure! To the Mapmaking guild?”
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 22 Thursday August 18th, 2022 5:31:30 PM
Paige scratches her head, puzzled at the lack of information regarding the area of the cave. She volunteers that the group were provided with some maps when they asked for them at the WLA headquarters. Pulling a rolled up sheaf of papers from a pocket of her pouch she taps them against her free hand: ”I’ve got Plateau City right here, and Kwarsk had asked for maps of the environs about the city.” looking from Barem to Clarisse, the red-headed half-elf asks ”can you be a little more specific about the general area where we might find this cave? Road names? Nearby towns? That way we can be more specific with our request when we seek details from the Map Makers.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 24/24, CMD 15/19 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Thursday August 18th, 2022 5:33:56 PM
Kwarsk's ears perk up at the news, and says, "The Mapmaking Guild, you say? I think we should become their best friends! Berem, easy enough for us to ask for directions to the Guild along the way, or do you recommend specific streets, or would a taxi barge be better?"
(OOC: The Plateau City map's text is a bit hard to read; I tried zooming on a high-res monitor, but the text gets pixellated fast - I couldn't find the Guild Quarter.
Since our heroes got that map when visiting the WLA, is there any chance a higher-res copy of that map could be made available on Woldipedia?)
Rhys (Bob W) Thursday August 18th, 2022 6:34:22 PM
Rhys’ thoughts go to what dangers may lie beneath the earth and how best to prepare for them. ”Clarisse, can you describe the interior of the cave? Was it deep or shallow, were the passages steeply descending or only slightly so? We’re the walls smooth or very rough, did it look like a natural crevice or something formed by whatever beings might inhabit it?”
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 22/22 | CMB:3 CMD:16 | Fort:2 Ref:5 Will:0 Thursday August 18th, 2022 10:54:01 PM Did we ever set aside a party fund?. (Someone probably gives Muuru an odd look). I'm not digressing. If this cave is more than a day away, we have to take our overnight gear, so I need to rent two mules for the wagon.
Even if it's closer, we may want to use the wagon; to carry home -- uh, any extra items we find, as well as any wounded party member who ran ahead before I could search for traps.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/5 Friday August 19th, 2022 12:35:56 AM
*Did Myre's knowledge checks fail, or were they missed?
Myre closes her eyes and visualizes the journey. Out of the City, through the hills with the goblinoids, past the halflings (Myre shudders for some unknown reason), until you reach the mountains with all the demons. That last bit makes her nervous. "The Scar's supposed to be home to some capital-P Powers. Best hope the Guild doesn't steer us to the wrong cave."
She continues trying to think what could cause bright blue light to shine (knowledge arcana or nature was 11).
A visit with Berem- DM BrianZ Friday August 19th, 2022 8:11:11 AM
Berem shows Paige an area on her map. It is outside the City, towards the border with Izen.
Kwarsk asks about which way might be better to get to the Guild Quarter. Well, there is always the taxi service or you could follow your feet. Whichever suits you best.
Clarisse shakes her head at Rhys. I couldn't see much about the cave. The but there were traps and a powerful guardian creature. But I'm not sure where they all were, it kind of blurred together.
Fingers asks about a party fund. Berem agrees to provide two on loan from the Church.
Myre was unsure of the information she tried to recall. She is also concerned about the potential danger.
So....your mission is to retrieve the scroll for the Church, and of course, come back alive. You are welcome to keep whatever else you find. Are there any other questions?
Paige lets Muuru know she is in agreement about using the wagon, and grateful the church is providing loaner mules.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 22/22 | CMB:3 CMD:16 | Fort:2 Ref:5 Will:0 Friday August 19th, 2022 11:33:50 PM Thanks for the loan, Berem. As soon as we're done here, just give me a note for your stablemaster and I'll take the critters back to the Patch.
While I'm doing that, somebody will have to go to the market to buy provisions for the trip. Once I've hooked up the wagon I'll drive there to pick you up. Just remember: I eat twice as much as one of you -- except maybe Kwarsk -- and I don't eat meat.
Someone else could go to the Mapmakers at the same time, right? Or should we all go?
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/5 Saturday August 20th, 2022 9:04:46 PM Myre waits until the group has left the Cathedral to start talking. "So...we're supposed to find a cave somewhere between here and Izen? I sure hope that glow is bright, or that the Mapping Guild is all like 'Oh yes, old Blue Glow Cave is quite the tourist destination this season!' or something similar." She shrugs. "But hey, first adventure outside of the City! Sleeping under stars! Getting side-tracked exploring ancient ruins! Fighting off road-side bandits! It'll be a hoot, I'm sure."
She's quiet for just a moment before she continues. "Culverwood's out that way, right? I wonder if those orcs are still scared of me." She chuckles a little. "That was not my best idea."
Rhys (Bob W) Sunday August 21st, 2022 2:50:28 PM
Rhys nods his head in agreement with Fingers and with a quick farewell to Berem and Clarisse heads to the market to secure provisions for the group including double the normal amount for the Taur. Two large burlap sacs of mixed vegetables including carrots, cabbage, parsnips, various greens and potatoes make up the bulk of the supplies. Three large slabs of cheese, two dry cured salamis and a slab of cured ham all wrapped in a cloth mesh complete the order. He leaves the bundles in the care of the meat vendor while also procuring a small satchel of mixed spices and a canvas tarp large enough to cover the back of the wagon. Quite pleased with himself, the elf awaits the arrival of Fingers and his wagon.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 24/24, CMD 15/19 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Sunday August 21st, 2022 4:40:17 PM
Kwarsk says to the group, once outside, "Berem said the Mapmaking Guild has surveys... so as long as they, or maybe even we, can interpret the lay of the land they've drawn... then we can make a list of likely caves and investigate them one by one.
We probably also want to stop by a general store to pick up rope, grappling hook, that sort of thing - caves are sometimes up and down as well as forward and backward.
I think we should all go to the Mapmakers first, and then all go to the shopping district, splitting up once there so each of us can go to a specific merchant. If someone has good cooking skills, perhaps they could do the food shopping? I'm going to a general store that has plenty of rope, pitons, grappling hooks, and so on - if this cave has any length to it, or especially depth, we need to be prepared.
(OOC:
Kwarsk, an experienced climber who grew up in the Scab, is already making a mental list of how much rope, how many grappling hooks, light sources for the non-Dwarves, etc. the group will need. He trusts that any of the team can do the food shopping (iron rations) well, but with Dwarven Pride, he trusts only himself to ensure the team is prepared for rappelling, improvised rope bridges, etc.)
A visit with Berem- DM BrianZ Monday August 22nd, 2022 1:07:08 PM
Berem prepares the note for the stablemaster, as requested. Ah, one more thing before you go.
Berem retrieves a small bundle from his desk. I hope these will help. I also hope they will not be needed. But...best to be prepared. The bundle contains 4 vials of holy water, 4 potions of cure light wounds(CL5), scroll of bless(CL1), scroll of remove fear(CL1), scroll of delay poison(CL3), scroll of restoration, lesser(CL3)
Once outside, there is discussion on picking up supplies. Rhys wastes no time and places a large food order. Kwarsk considers the more physical side of exploring a cave, the items which may be needed.
The team can pick up those supplies right away with their wagon, or wait until after visiting the Mapmakers Guild in the Guild Quarter.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 24/24, CMD 15/19 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Monday August 22nd, 2022 8:32:37 PM
Kwarsk says, "I repeat myself, but we should visit the Mapmakers first - they may have information that would help us make a more complete list of gear to purchase and bring. I'm not talking spending a lot - a large quantity of hemp rope should be fine, versus the stronger but more expensive silk rope, and so on."
Kwarsk awaits the group's decision, willing to go to either place first, but preferring the Mapmakers.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 22 Monday August 22nd, 2022 11:32:22 PM ”We’ll take the rest of today to get organized, and plan for an early morning departure?” Paige asks the group.
While Rhys does the provisioning, and Fingers sorts out the wagon, Paige will accompany Kwarsk to the Guild Quarter. ”You coming with us, Myre? the cleric asks the small magiker. ”You too, Nintos?”
Noting Barem’s parting gift, Paige will collect the parcel (after thanking the administrator) and drop it off at the Patch before heading off to see the Map Makers with whoever else is interested.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/5 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 12:07:14 AM Myre watches Paige take the scrolls and nods. "That's good. She won't have to use all her god points to cover our healing needs." She's still staring when she realizes Paige is speaking to her. "Huh? What? Yes! Yes I'm coming!"
Myre follows after, wondering where she's going.
***
OOC: Yes, I realize we're going to the mappers' guild.
A visit with Berem- DM BrianZ Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 7:02:18 AM
The team continues discussion on what supplies may be useful for the coming trip. It would seem to be time to head towards the Guild Quarter for additional information. Which path will they take to get there? A stroll through the City, or another trip on the Ferry?
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 22 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 10:35:24 AM
Paige consults her map of the City. ”Looks like on foot is most expedient. The cleric points a finger down the wide thoroughfare known as Skull Street towards the Rogue Quarter. ”Mind your purses!” she advises as she sets out at a brisk pace. ”We can ask for directions for the Map Makers once we reach the Trade Quarter, since the Guild Quarter is next door.”
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 16/16 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:2 Ref:2 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 4/4 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 1:26:11 PM
Nintos allows himself a slight chuckle at Myre’s sarcasm; old Blue Glow Cave is quite the tourist destination this season.“Your statement isn’t wrong. Izen is what, 75? 100 miles from Plateau City? I do hope the gods shine favor on us like they did with Clarisse in her vision.”
“Any preparation that I will be needing would be in the morning. After we visit the mapper’s guild, I will know what I will need to ready.” He says as he taps his journal.
With Paige’s Mind your purses Nintos makes sure to shift his a bit higher on his person.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 21/T 12/FF 19, HP 24/24, CMD 15/19 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 7:47:21 PM
Kwarsk says, "Agreed, let's mind our pouches and follow Paige's lead. I'll walk alongside her to watch for cutpurses."
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 22/22 | CMB:3 CMD:16 | Fort:2 Ref:5 Will:0 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 11:50:01 PM
Driving the wagon, it doesn't take long for Muuru to find Rhys. Done shopping? Excellent! Here, I'll introduce you to our new party members.
He points to the mule on the left. The stablemaster says this fellow is never surly or cranky, always pleasant to work with. So they call him Merry. The other one's not always as agreeable, but you can always coax him to work with an apple or two. That's why they call him Pippin.
Here, let's load up and wait for the gang back at the Patch.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/5 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 12:21:54 AM Myre ties her purse a bit tighter to her person. "I don't get thieves. If you want high-risk, high-reward then be an adventurer. Everyone loves adventurers. No on loves thieves...except maybe their mothers, but I bet they're mostly disappointed." Myre shudders a bit at this talk of "mothers" and "disappointment".
She follows Paige's lead, glad she's not the only one who thinks that's generally good advice. What should we do? I dunno, what's Paige doing?
What is Paige doing, anyway? Myre's pretty sure that they were all on their way to see the map folks. She tells herself she should pay better attention. She's still telling herself this when the party hangs a left and she keeps going straight. She hurries to catch up...
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