Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday February 2nd, 2024 12:38:04 AM
Armalad says "I can buy 2 scrolls of Greater Teleport which would be enough to transport the person using the scroll plus 5 additional medium or smaller creatures. Large creatures count as 2 medium creatures. The thing is there would be a small chance with these scrolls that Joker or I fail to activate either and would have to wait 24 hours as their caster level is greater than my own but we both know how to use magic devices so Joker and I could transport up to 5 people with us each time. I'd ask the other member of the parties for funds to spring into 2 additional scrolls of greater teleport for the trip back."
She makes sure the other members of the party know this is an option and that she has 4,550 gold for 2 scrolls of greater teleport but that to get home she needs an additional 4,550 gold for the return trip; unless they want to return in a more mundane fashion.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Friday February 2nd, 2024 9:18:22 AM "Armalad - that sounds like the best plan. Greater Teleport is the one where you don't show up in the wrong place, right? I'd prefer that and I'm sure we can gather enough funds among the crew to buy the requisite 4 scrolls. Stohp's good at tricking a magical item as well...though she keeps that to herself most of the time except when she pulls out that staff of hers.
Pip - does the League have any scribes that could copy these notes out of the books for us? I'm not great with writing, except with Dwarven runes."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Friday February 2nd, 2024 1:10:21 PM
Delia scratches her head at Armalad's suggestion. Sometimes she forgets that she is among some of the most powerful people in the Wold and that magically appearing hundreds of miles away in an instant is an option for them. "Huh. Yeah that would be great. I have money to help." She vocalizes, still distracted by the prospect of magical teleportation. "And you can get us right to the entrance of the Tunnel?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Friday February 2nd, 2024 3:31:24 PM
Zanderallen makes mental note of Besh's rushed lecture, giving up entirely and sneezing repeatedly. Thanking her profusely he quickly but gently gathers up the lent maps and supplies and beats a hasty retreat from the library. He hurries back home to HQ to share his info. Finding they've learned much the same he adds on his additional info and backs the teleport plan. "I would amend I think it would be best to aim for the Mountainheart stronghold. If they are self appointed guardians of the area it would behoove us to introduce ourselves and they will have the best information on what we're getting into."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Saturday February 3rd, 2024 2:57:58 AM
Stohp decides she'll consult with the party before investigating further. She's pretty sure Armalad cannot cast teleport but she could be wrong.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Saturday February 3rd, 2024 5:30:02 PM
Bartomus wandered back from the catacombs. He got about half way back to the HQ and realized he hadn't placed his order. He blamed the discussion he was having with a muralist who he had looked up to commission the map painting. He suggested that the artist head on over to the HQ later that day so that they could agree on which wall and figure out where to get info for the source material. Surely, he thought to himself, one of the Guilds had an expert and sources that could be utilized?
Back down he went to the catacombs. Then eccentric back to the HQ.
"So what did I miss?" He asked sheepishly.
Szabo
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday February 4th, 2024 12:41:12 PM
Armalad says, "Just to confirm; I should go down to the catacombs and place the order for the scrolls of greater teleport?"
For whom does the knock toll? It tolls for thee! (DM Wayne) Sunday February 4th, 2024 4:56:43 PM
Armalad suggests buying enough scrolls that she and Joker (who shares her skill) could Greater Teleport” the Shields to the Scab and back with just 4 scrolls, minimum 2 to get there quickly and then figure out return transportation.
Stock thinks, of all of Pip’s suggestions, that using magic to get to the Scab would be best – it would certainly minimize how long the Float was without the Shields – no offense to the Lads! Stock asks Pip for scribes to copy any info the Shields want from the books. Pip obliges himself, quickly copying down anything Stock, Armalad, and Delia requested be copied to aid in their planned journey to the Scab from the books and maps Pip brought out. The actual maps, with Pip’s mark-ups, are lent, and Pip also hands over the fresh journal he wrote in, so any scribe among the Shields can take additional notes, maps, etc. during their mission.
Delia had forgotten that Armalad had risen so high in magical power! Delia absent-mindedly fingers her longbow, reflecting on how she considers herself just an outdoorswoman with a bow… but then she, too, can cast spells. So hard to think of herself and the Shields having such a power differential from the average Floatizen, or even member of Drezz’s Palace Guard… Then, before she forgets, she volunteers to help with the cost of the scrolls.
Zanderallen focuses his efforts on memorizing what Besh explained, giving in to a few consecutive sneezing fits in doing so! He thanks Archivist Besh profusely, and then gathers the lent maps and supplies and rushes back to Shields HQ.
Stohp doesn’t recall Armalad ever speaking of knowing any of the teleport spells, but of course, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have them, or couldn’t use a scroll from the Catacombs or somewhere…
Bartomus sent a muralist to Shields HQ to determine the best location for a mural/map painting. Then he went on to the Catacombs, and afterwards, quickly back to Shields HQ.
All of the Shields present at Shields HQ, they confer, leaning on the Greater Teleport plan and Zanderallen concurs, but suggests picking the Clan Mountainheart stronghold as the destination.
Armalad asks for confirmation from the Shields that she should go buy the scrolls of Greater Teleport, subtly reminding all of the need for each of them to share in the cost of the scrolls.
All Shields have shared all that they have learned and thought about prior to returning to Shields HQ.
What does each Shield do?
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Monday February 5th, 2024 12:43:26 AM "Alright, sounds like Pip might be the one to work along with Happy to work with the artisit when they get here. But, with your note book, you got hints for when we are out there?"
Bartomus wanted to just make sure of what he had heard from the recap.
"We could take a turtle down to the river delta way down south. Then try to get some sense of teleporting from there?"
He was still processing everything. But, then looked over at Stock.
"Couldn't what he knows about the Clan Mountainheart serve as a talisman or something to help in the casting of a teleport spell?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Monday February 5th, 2024 7:52:57 AM
Stohp currently has 75k of cash she hasn't gotten around to spending so will foot the bill for all the scrolls for easier bookkeeping.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Monday February 5th, 2024 9:42:59 AM "I'm not sure we need to do that Bart. Armalad should be able to teleport us from here to Clan Mountainheart and from there it is not far to the Tunnel.
I know I don't talk a lot about home but you all know that I am Clan Mountainheart, right? We should be welcome there; after they get over the shock of us all just dropping in via teleportation. Now let's talk rations - Delia, Armalad: You'll need one of these or a bunch of food."
He grabs the clear spindle ioun stone hovering about his head and holds it up.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 d20+16=26 ; Monday February 5th, 2024 11:50:04 AM
Delia spreads out one of the more detailed maps of the area around the Clan Mountainheart stronghold. She'll spend a few moments muttering to herself about terrain, distances, the size of Taur stomachs, and the like before looking up to answer Stock's question.
Know (Geo) 26 for precise prediction of travel times, including likelihood of delays, if needed
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Monday February 5th, 2024 3:05:53 PM
Zander is about to pull some coin when Stohp drops her gold on the table, he nods in thanks and moves to the next item. Recalling about food he reaches into a pouch on his belt and pulls out his own Ioun stone, holding it momentarily before releasing it to orbit his head. He kept it in a pouch most of the time as Pepper didn't like it floating around his head, but better get used to it being there for the trip.
He looks at Stock, desperately searching his memories, "I had forgotten that. You've been a Shield for so long, atleast by my human reckoning. Well that makes things much simpler. I was a little worried about just dropping in to a group of grumpy dwarves. So I think it's settled? Get the scrolls, teleport to Clan Mountainheart, get the lay of the land, and then travel to the East Wind Tunnel?"
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday February 5th, 2024 9:39:27 PM
Armalad says, "I don't have enough for an ioun stone or a spoon of sustanance so I guess I should plan to also get a bunch of rations in addition to the scrolls of teleportation. (OOC: I have enough for 2 of the 4 scrolls so if Bart wants to pay for the other 2 we are good)
Iconic Planning, Seated Around a Large Table (DM Wayne) Monday February 5th, 2024 10:54:26 PM
Bartomus notes Pip, with his map knowledge, would be the best one to work with the artist so the Shields have a wall-size map mural useful to them. Teleport is not in Bartomus’s wheelhouse, but he offers some suggestions, not realizing Greater Teleport takes all the guesswork out of Teleport.
Stohp informs everyone that she’ll pay for all the scrolls. Armalad is lost deep in thought and doesn’t hear Stohp’s generous offer.
Stock expresses confidence in Armalad’s ability to use the right spell to get the Shields to Clan Mountainheart, no muss, no fuss. Then he reminds the Shields that he is of Clan Mountainheart himself and expects to be able to easily introduce them to his clan. Finally he suggests the Shields either buy a lot of rations, or a handy-dandy “no-eat” ioun stone.
Delia selects and spreads out the close-in maps of the Eastern Scab. After she sets aside the other maps and Pip’s accompanying missives to make room on the table, she compares the two maps. Delia sees that while Pip’s map is more recent and has more detail, Pip’s map doesn’t have the markings Besh supplied, but a few judicious marks later and Pip’s map contains Besh’s marks too. After muttering through several mental calculations, she replies to Stock, “Maybe one or two weeks round-trip on the surface between the stronghold and the entrance, but then exploration of a large cave system could take weeks or months, depending. (looks around at Shields) That’s a bag of holding, or two, worth of salted meats, iron rations, and other stuff that doesn’t spoil too fast. Can anyone cast any spells to create food, water, anything,” she finishes with a hopeful look.
Zanderallen was reaching for his coinpurse when he heard Stohp, and graciously allows her offer. Like Stock, he too has a “no-eat” ioun stone. Zanderallen summarizes the Shields’ apparent plan and asks for confirmation of it.
Armalad comes out of deep thought and notes she’ll need to buy a lot of iron rations, agreeing with Delia. Armalad remains unaware that Stohp stated that she, Stohp, would buy all the scrolls.
What does each Shield do?
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday February 6th, 2024 8:51:44 AM
Stohp pokes Armalad and repeats herself. She also offers to cover the cost of any other party wide needs for the trip like food, as again she's rich and doesn't really need a fancy new sword or whatever so can afford to pay for such things.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Tuesday February 6th, 2024 9:21:36 AM "So that will be 4 scrolls and then maybe rations for 2 weeks for 2 people - Armalad and Delia?" Stock is ready to move when everybody else is.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Tuesday February 6th, 2024 2:31:53 PM
Delia nods to Stock, "Two weeks for everyone who doesn't have magic food is a good starting point. I can also hunt or scavenge for food if there's food to be found. If we had a way of contacting your clan, we could get food sent to us and meet them at the mouth of the tunnel if we're running low? Or, if we're incredibly desperate for food, some could teleport back home and bring food back. We'd need more teleport scrolls then."
Whenever they scatter to gather rations, Delia will also purchase rudimentary map making supplies to chart their path through the caves.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Tuesday February 6th, 2024 4:49:50 PM
Zanderallen offers space in his Bag of Holding Type IV for the carrying of rations and supplies, but is otherwise satisfied with the plan and ready to go.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday February 6th, 2024 8:53:08 PM
Armalad says, "If you want to be that generous Stohp, go ahead and make those purchases. Then after we have the scrolls I guess you guys can tell where Joker and I need to send us specifically."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday February 6th, 2024 8:53:11 PM
Armalad says, "If you want to be that generous Stohp, go ahead and make those purchases. Then after we have the scrolls I guess you guys can tell where Joker and I need to send us specifically."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday February 6th, 2024 8:53:13 PM
Armalad says, "If you want to be that generous Stohp, go ahead and make those purchases. Then after we have the scrolls I guess you guys can tell where Joker and I need to send us specifically."
Iconic Planning, Seated Around a Large Table (DM Wayne) Tuesday February 6th, 2024 10:38:49 PM
Stohp ensures that Armalad knows Stohp is paying for all of the scrolls, and adds that she’ll cover anything else like a pallet of iron rations for those who need to eat.
Stock tallies up supplies as the scrolls and rations for 2 weeks…
Delia clarifies to Stock that she said just the above-ground round-trip between the stronghold and the cave entrance could be up to two weeks. In addition to that, delving into a cave system of unknown size could consume weeks to months in addition to the overland food needs. Two weeks would be enough for a one-way walk to the entrance and then up to one week underground, teleporting out once they had the crown… but that would be extremely optimistic. Delia suggests food deliveries from Stock’s clan to the entrance, so that they wouldn’t need to get to the surface and then also travel a week to the stronghold. She also suggests more scrolls could help – Armalad alone could teleport to a food store/vault, load a bag of holding, and teleport back. Delia makes a mental note to buy mapmaking supplies, and to practice the rarely-used symbols for when a cave goes vertical instead of horizontal…
Zanderallen volunteers his maximum-size bag of holding for rations and supplies.
Armalad accepts Stohp’s generous offer and awaits purchasers to return so she and Joker can Greater Teleport the Shields forthwith.
Bartomus thinks about what magic spells he may have to aid in supplying food and water…
What does each Shield do?
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 122/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 3d8+15=25 ; Tuesday February 6th, 2024 11:46:50 PM "Hey folks," Bartomus pulled himself out of his day dreaming. "I got some rations coming and another big bag of holding. Plus, I can do the create water spell thing and cast the goodberries spell too."
"The rations are for when our Ioun stones or spells don't work, or we really, really just want to chew on something." Bartomus added with a shrug. He winced
"Before we go, though I gotta do some healing to be at my prime. So, there's that. A good night's sleep and solid rest then we teleport to visit Stock's kin?"
Bartomus can cast a CSW spell on himself today assuming there is a full rest before they teleport. CSW = 25
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday February 7th, 2024 8:35:37 AM "It's a bag of holding, we can store enough food to last us for months if needed, and it's not like we can't afford it." Stohp points out. She heads to the catacombs and gets the teleport scrolls and on her way back casually buys a months worth of trail rations just in case (15g I believe)
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Wednesday February 7th, 2024 9:16:33 AM
With the planning nearing completion and Stohp taking it on herself to get supplies, Stock takes our his rocks and lapidary set and works on polishing them.
[b]"Huh...it seems like I forgot to pick up a stone at a couple of our recent expeditions; I can't forget this time especially if we're in the Scab."[/b[
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Wednesday February 7th, 2024 11:08:27 AM "The two taur will eat more, won't they? If that's a concern, could Zander and Stock lend out the stones for the trip? Or we take a quick catacombs trip and buy more things that make us not have to eat like normal folks. A couple times I've considered getting a ring that does that. Caves can get real dangerous, so it might be smart to just remove that variable. With our rations count, are we including feeding Hawky and Joker? He doesn't love being underground, but he's used to it by now and I'm not leaving him behind for that long."
While she's thinking about rings and before they rest, she will ask Bart to load her ring of spell storing with 2 castings of cure light wounds, and 1 of cure moderate wounds, since they are lower level spells for him, and put delay poison as the last slot.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Wednesday February 7th, 2024 12:26:13 PM
Zanderallen gently reminds to two taurs they should figure out where they stored their ioun stone gift from Lady Yasume. He then helps Stohp load 300 days worth of rations into his bag of holding, never ceasing to be amazed at how much stuff it could fit. He double and triple checks all his gear one last time and excuses himself to say a teary good-bye to Pepper, explaining they will be gone for an extended period searching for an artifact.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday February 7th, 2024 8:31:27 PM
Armalad says, "Good point. As a being tied to the element of water, Joker can swim and breathe water while also healing quickly so if there are any rivers or lakes on our route Joker might be able to supplement his rations with fish."
Iconic Planning, Seated Around a Large Table (DM Wayne) Thursday February 8th, 2024 12:09:46 AM
Bartomus comes out of communing with nature to offer his primal abilities to create water and, if fresh berries are available, meals. He suggests a good night’s rest and then teleport in the morning.
Stohp notes that Zanderallen’s bag of holding can carry enough food that a long caving trip won’t be an issue. Then she makes her way to the Catacombs, placing an order for four scrolls of Greater Teleport.
Stock begins polishing rocks, musing that he should get more samples in the Scab.
Delia considers helpful ways to cover the Taurs’ appetites, not realizing that they too have the same type of Ioun Stone! She also notes Hawky will need to eat, and his food needs to be more… bird-centric… than iron rations. Delia wonders aloud whether Joker needs to eat. Then she asks Bart to fill her ring of spell storing with a particular set of spells before they leave the Float. Having done that, she too makes her way to the Catacombs to place an order.
Zanderallen lightly suggests that Stohp and Bartomus locate their Ioun Stones. Next he helps Stohp load nearly a year’s worth of rations (for one size-M person) into his bag of holding. Then he heads off to see Pepper one last time before the Shields leave on this somewhat-secret mission.
Armalad considers, and explains that while Joker does need to eat, Joker has certain advantages that may lessen the need for food and fresh water.
What do the Shields do before attempting to Greater Teleport early the next morning?
(OOC – I pinged Catacombs staff on the DM Board, but don’t expect any issues with the purchases requested.
Everyone please make one more post describing their “mission prep montage” the rest of the day, having one final breakfast in Shields HQ the next morning, etc.
I’ve asked Hugh to knock out all of Armalad and Joker’s dice rolls for using the scrolls in Armalad’s next post, and to include a brief OOC summary of how many days it takes Joker to activate a scroll.)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+26=39 ; d20+24=29 ; Thursday February 8th, 2024 2:34:32 AM
Armalad makes sure she gets what she needs as a Wizard to be able prepare new spells the next morning. She also makes sure she has her shrunken barrel and wall of stone ready to go in case she needs to douse Joker in water in a hurry for fast healing quick, which has become a standard prep for her ever since she got the 2 spells.
The next morning Armalad prepares Read Magic as a Cantrip and 2 Eagle's Splendor as 2nd level spells as well as 2 heroism at 3rd level spells
Armalad eats a hearty breakfast.
She also reminds the others about the decanter of endless water she bought for Joker's quick healing so they technically have an endless water source.
When they go to activate the spells Armalad uses Joker's Shared Spells familiar ability to make read magic work on Joker.
She then casts Eagle's Splendor on Joker giving him +4 Charisma for 12 minutes
She then casts Heroism on Joker giving him + 2 to skills.
Joker knows the scroll is a spell of greater teleportation and has an effective Charisma of 18 so he can just roll to activate the scroll.
1d20 + 28 vs DC 33; fail on nat 1 through 4 = 41 = succeed on first attempt; So Joker can take 5 medium creatures; large creatures count as 2 with him.
Armalad has a high int and greater teleport on her spell list. She uses Eagle's Splendor and heroism to boost her Charisma/UMD. Her UMD is now effectively 26. She needs to meet or beat a 7 and she has 3 scrolls. If she rolls a nat 1 she has to wait 24 hours for that scroll. if she rolls a 2 through 6 she can retry immediately.
1d20 + 26 vs DC 33 fail on 1 through 6 can retry on 2 through 6 = 31 = fail on first attempt can retry.
Second attempt (see OOC) 1d20 + 26 vs 33 = success and can take 5 medium creatures with large counting for 2)
(OOC Total time elapsed for Joker read magic + eagle's splendor(Joker) + heroism (Joker) + standard action UMD = 4 rounds or 24 seconds)
(OOC Total time elapsed for Armalad = Joker's 4 rds + eagle's splendor(Armalad) + heroism (Armalad) + 2 standard action UMD = 8 rounds or 48 seconds)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday February 8th, 2024 7:18:31 AM
Stohp also has a pretty high UMD so can potentially be a backup scroll user. For now she gets things organized and makes sure everyone has a pack with at least a few days food and some water in case the party gets separated. She'll also buy a variety of climbing gear and extra ropes.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Thursday February 8th, 2024 10:13:54 AM
Stock works with Stohp to confirm everything is packed correctly. Then he goes back to his rocks, wistfully polishing as he thinks about home.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Thursday February 8th, 2024 10:35:13 AM
Delia restocks on arrows while out and about from the catacombs trip, then carefully packs up any useful maps they're borrowing as well as her map supplies. She unpacks and repacks all her gear and supplies, as well as supplies for the whole group, while waiting for the catacomb's delivery to bring the scrolls. She spends additional down time on the roof top, running drills with Hawky.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+26=34 ; Thursday February 8th, 2024 10:57:29 AM
(OOC: Armalad's second UMD attempt)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Thursday February 8th, 2024 3:08:51 PM
Zanderallen devotes himself fully to enjoying a quick date with Pepper before noting the agreed upon departure time is nearing. He bids her farewell promising to be safe and heads for home.
On his way back he catches runners and sends one off to the palace with a message for the Overlord, 'Travelling magically, off to the Scab. Will return as soon as able. Use the Ring Gate for emergency communication.', one runner to the Lads, 'We're off, thanks for the tip. Take care of the Float while we're gone.', and finally one to Happy, 'The Shields are going to be gone for at least a couple weeks, could you make sure HQ gets looked after? Thanks.
Once home he goes to his room and gathers up the last of his gear. Taking time to double and even triple check everything is stowed properly. Wouldn't want to lose anything during the teleport. As his magically inclined companions start their prep work he checks a couple straps one last time before stepping up to join hands with the first caster.
High and Low (DM Wayne) Friday February 9th, 2024 12:07:38 AM
Armalad got the necessary rest overnight to prepare different spells, and in the morning after a hearty breakfast the Shields are all gathered together, packed and ready to go.
Stock reminds Armalad and Joker again of key details of the location and appearance and relative altitude of the Mountainheart Stronghold, along with his favorite places to work on his carpentry skills there.
Armalad and Joker’s recollections refreshed, Armalad begins casting many spells and Joker readies for his part… As the seconds pass interminably, the Shields (but for Armalad and Joker) reflect on the events of the past day that drove them to plan their next expedition like with never-before-displayed precision, the result of working together as a team for so long, even including the newer members Armalad and Delia…
Scene fades to just 18 hours earlier…
Stohp and Stock spend a fair amount of the rest of the day packing and taking inventory, preparing for even the remote possibility that the Shields might get split up in the Wind Tunnels… ioun stones lost while squeezing through tight caves… but at least they’ll all have some food and water! Afterwards Stohp goes shopping for climbing gear and ropes, since Zanderallen’s bag of holding still has plenty of room. Stock stays at HQ, polishing rocks, reflecting on just how long it’s been since he’s been home… Soon enough night comes and they retire to their respective rooms, rest well-earned.
Delia buys more arrows while waiting for the Catacombs to fulfill her order. On her return to Shields HQ she carefully folds and packs the maps, map-making supplies, and then sets about optimizing how Stohp and Stock packed things. Eventually she is content with how things are packed, and an unnoticed nervous tic finally subsides once things are in order. After an evening of drills with Hawky she too heads for her room and gets a heroic sleep.
Zanderallen enjoys an afternoon date with Pepper until they both knew he had to shift his focus to the expedition. On his way back he dispatches runners with messages to the Overlord, to the Lads, and to Happy. Zanderallen spends his evening at Shields HQ going over his gear, making a list and checking it twice… finally he too gets a good night’s rest and is one of the first to awake in the morning and be ready.
Bartomus likewise ensures he has everything. Create Water is prepared, as it normally is. Guidance too. (Armalad and Joker might need help on those scrolls next time.)Goodberry as well, but will there be berry bushes in the mountains or caves?
Armalad’s decision to have breakfast means even the most impatient Shield has time to realize that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! The Shields eat in silence, focusing on strengthening themselves for the unusual trip. The travel is to be instantaneous, but the climate in the Scab will likely be very different – higher elevation, possibly colder or hotter, the possibilities seem endless to all.
As the Shields finish cleaning up breakfast, a Large Purple Ape in Catacombs Livery appears in a puff of white smoke which quickly dissipates. The Ape looks around, seemingly startled, and then he speaks! “Oh no! Where’s Beagly Beagly? He has the next set of orders for the Lads! I knew we should have taken the same teleport chamber!”
The Ape pulls a medium-size bag off of his back and begins talking to it, “Bartomus’s order.” and with that the top bag flap opens by itself and an impossibly large package comes out of it. “Don’t worry Bartomus. Astral Explosion Inhibitor kept your order safe.” The Ape slides a large box across the floor to Bartomus. He then speaks again to the bag, retrieving Stohp’s order and throwing it to a nonchalant Stohp who easily catches it with one hand. The Ape speaks a final time to the bag and a tiny bag comes out. He gracefully walks over to Delia and places it in your hand. He says, “Delia, I hope you like these. The cost was probably higher than you liked**, but at least we had them in Stock!” His job done, he pulls out a small black ball, hurls it to the ground and a large cloud of white smoke appears around him, is gone in a few seconds, and so too is the Ape!
Scene skips ahead, Armalad finishing up her first set of spells
Armalad was chanting quite a while as one spell seemed to give Joker a 50gp hair-do, and another caused him to strike an Epic Pose. Armalad directs Bartomus and Stohp to come in close to Joker. Joker then does the best impression of an archmage the Shields have ever seen and suddenly Joker and the two taurs are GONE!
Armalad resuming her magical opera, and likewise her hair becomes not out of place at a local play, in the rich people’s box! Next, she too strikes an Epic Pose. She begins reading the scroll, “Klaatu… Barada… Nikt-ee? Oo? Uh?” Armalad is not often at a loss for magical words, but the seconds drag on as she and the remaining Shields go nowhere fast!
She redoubles her efforts and this time enunciates the magical phrases properly, and the remaining Shields are GONE!
As the sun continues to rise upon the Float, who knows what vicious plans Karkasan has for the Float without the Shields there to protect it?
Joker, Bartomus, and Stohp are the first to arrive, and though it is well-lit, it is underground, and it must be a dwarven stronghold because Bartomus and Stohp immediately hit their heads on the ceiling! Pushing past the pain, the two taurs see from the startled expressions of the dwarves with hammers and axes and wood planks and wood shards around them that they must be in something akin to a Carpenters’ Guild Hall, or Trade School, or something.
The dwarves quickly speak amongst themselves in Dwarven (which Stohp knows). Highlight to display spoiler: {Brothers, who are these ‘Taurs’? Are they evil sorcerers, to just appear like that? She has shiny weapons and armor. He looks like he’s been sleeping in the forest for a week – ewwww! Do you think they can understand us? Should we call for help or hear them out? What if neither they or we speak each other’s language?} The dwarves raise their hammers and axes, but seem hesitant, unsure if this is the right thing to do.
Joker, Bartomus, and Stohp, what do you do?
Meanwhile…
As Armalad, Delia, Hawky, Stock, and Zanderallen reappear, they are startled to find themselves atop a mountain outcropping, some 300’ above a wide cavern entrance below, with what look like a pair of huge stone doors, closed, with perhaps four man or dwarf-sized humanoids with helmets and armor standing guard in front of them.
The wind is a bit nippy up here, the cold working its way slowly into the Shields’ clothing, but the view – the view of the sunrise from here is so amazing, so profound… Stock… has a moment, seeing this view again for the first time in over a decade. The rest of the Shields, unable to help admiring the view as well, also notice Stock’s moment. Clearly he had focused so hard on ensuring the Shields would make it to the Scab accurately that he may have unintentionally given very specific details of places in the Scab with great meaning to him.
Together, the Shields share Stock’s moment.
Then, the moment over, it seems that climbing gear will be needed – there’s no easy way up or down, except perhaps with pitons… or magic.
Armalad, Delia, Hawky, Stock, and Zanderallen, you’re 300’ feet above the ground with the mountain below you at about a 25-degree angle, but pockmarked with plenty of rough hand- and foot-holds – what do you do?
(OOC – 1) Jon, I hope I didn’t take too many liberties with Stock’s background. Feel free to post about the Moment, or not, as you see fit.
2) Catacombs update – Bartomus, Stohp, and Delia go see what Jon the Janitor said. Importantly, no issue on getting the scrolls, but um… read Jon the Janitor’s response to Stohp carefully… and **Delia, looks like Hawky will need an Ioun Stone, not a ring… otherwise, feeding Hawky could get interesting…)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 122/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday February 9th, 2024 1:18:40 AM
Before going to sleep, after the packing, Bartomus loaded the ring with the spells that had been requested. Then headed off to sleep.
He woke early and undertook his meditations. He ensured that spells like guidance, goodberries, create water were part of his morning meditations along with spells that he was used to throwing about when in the field.
Then he looked over at Stohp and Delia as they gathered together for the send off. He had with him his gear, the new bag of holding with the rations he had ordered, various rods, rope and things tucked inside. Then when Joker struck a pose, they flashed and suddenly he was in a low ceiling place with the smell of wood and woodchips filling his nostrils. A few dwarfs were staring at the threesome that had suddenly appeared in their wood shop.
"Friends" Bartomus said in Common while holding his left hand open and trying to balance his glave against his opened right hand. "Stock is our Friend."
Bartomus added the latter bit with a bit more strength to his voice. He glanced over at the others with a pleading look hoping someone could introduce them.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday February 9th, 2024 7:34:08 AM
You know, for some reason Stohp assumed they'd just appear a little ways outside of a town, or in a random spot in the mountains. Holding her head and hearing the dwarves talk Stohp responds in dwarvish. "Apologies, we seem to have poorly aimed our spell. We're adventurers from the Float and have business in the Scab. Could you tell us where we are at so we can figure out how badly off target we are?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 d20+31=38 ; d20+16=19 ; Friday February 9th, 2024 10:45:59 AM (OOC - Catacombs order: whether it's with the ioun stone or a slotless ring, both Hawky and Delia are able to not eat)
In HQ, Delia thanks the delivery ape, opening the box and equipping herself and Hawky with their new shinies. As they gather for teleporting, she'll place a firm and comforting hand on Hawky and another on a shoulder of a teleporting companion and braces for movement.
Once at their destination, she will take a moment to assess their surroundings for hazards and try to identify where they are based on her studies of maps and available landmarks.
With slippers of spider climb, Delia is not concerned about the descent and could help stabilize the others as they climbed down. She sizes Armalad up, staring a little too intensely and wondering if she could just carry the other woman down safely.
================ Perception: 38 Know (Geo): 19
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Friday February 9th, 2024 12:29:53 PM "Well look at that. When I was a kid I'd call that Mount Stonegiant...now that's not the real name mind you and I've never bothered to learn it but the view here has always been great. I do think we just need to make our way down to those doors...
HO THERE! WE ARE COMING DOWN." This last bit he calls out to the four armored forms below.
He sees Delia begin walking down the slope with little difficulty and holds back the rest of the party. "Remember - she has those slippers. Unless you can do that too, you'll have to climb. There's handholds and I have my rope."
He takes his Rope of Climbing off his pack and tells it to loop around a nearby outcropping and then tells it to knot itself.
"It will take a few attempts but we should be able to make it down fairly easily without free-climbing."
========== Rope of Climbing: A 60-foot-long rope of climbing is no thicker than a wand, but it is strong enough to support 3,000 pounds. Upon command, the rope snakes forward, upward, downward, or in any other direction at 10 feet per round, attaching itself securely wherever its owner desires. It can unfasten itself and return in the same manner.
A rope of climbing can be commanded to knot or unknot itself. This causes large knots to appear at 1-foot intervals along the rope. Knotting shortens the rope to a 50-foot length until the knots are untied, but lowers the DC of Climb checks while using it by 10. A creature must hold one end of the rope when its magic is invoked.
Stock also has a +15 to climb but I'm thinking everybody can Take 10 on their climb down.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Friday February 9th, 2024 3:53:35 PM
Zander joins Stock in admiring the view, taking several minutes to get used to the open space. Having lived his whole life in the Float not having anything over his head was still a little unnerving, even with all the adventuring. He peers down the mountain, not overly sure in his ability to navigate it. Once he sees he'll have the assistance of Stock's climbing gear and expertise he starts his descent, relying on Stock for guidance and his natural athleticism to get down safely. ======== Even armored Zander has a +2 Climb with his shield stowed. Slowly and steadily taking 10 with the assistance of the Rope of Climbing I think should get him down.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+17=26 ; Saturday February 10th, 2024 12:18:40 PM
Joker arrives with the Taurs in tow and with the Dwarves speaking some language. Although Joker only speaks Common, and Aquan he is familiar with Linguistics and tries to study what the Taurs are saying.
Linguistics: 26
If he thinks he figures out enough from what they are saying to attempt the word peace in Dwarven he will otherwise he just says in Common "We come in peace. I am the familiar of the Master Mage and Arcane Archer Armalad of the Silver Shields."
Meanwhile Armalad looks down at the drop and sees her friends prepare to climb down. Armalad turns her ring finger towards her friends and says, "I've got a ring of feather falling so I don't think I'll be climbing down. I'll just let the ring do its work."
(OOC: From what I understand a Ring of Feather Falling should just negate any fall damage so she should just be able to float down the mountain at 60 feet per round and take no damage at the bottom)
High and Low (DM Wayne) Saturday February 10th, 2024 11:33:39 PM Last night… Bartomus charged Delia’s ring as requested, and then too got his rest. Waking before many of the others he entered into his meditations, preparing the spells that might be unusually helpful for this unusual expedition… Once he was at peace and his mind restored he double-checked his new bag of holding and all the supplies he’d filled it with. Now… As Bartomus appeared in the… woodshop (?) the smell was overpowering, yet comforting – all the inner scents of wood fully released into the air of this underground chamber! The stare of the dwarves was uncertain… but then the Shields had just appeared out of nowhere! Out of his comfort (and linguistic) zone, Bartomus did his best to convince the dwarves that the two taurs and the water mephit were friends.
Stohp was slightly taken aback by appearing within a dwarven dwelling, presumably within the Clan Stronghold, instead of outside. Then she remembered Stock had also given details of his favorite places to practice carpentry… Still, best to be certain – in fluent dwarven she introduced the three and asked where they’d arrived.
Shields HQ Delia thanked the delivery ape and she and Hawky donned their new shinies. Then she made sure to hold both Hawky and Armalad, bracing for the spell. Now… It was a beautiful moment, but only a moment! At once, Delia assesses the situation, the encroaching cold, the height up the mountain… Definitely the Scab – certain groups of mountain peaks, columns of steam in the distance (the Scab is known for its hot springs, some powered by fire elementals!). Her skill and slippers would get her down safely, but… Armalad?
Stock is gleeful in his Moment… for him. He recommends the Shields make their way down the mountain to the double doors, then mountain-shouts (a dwarven cultural thing) to get the attention of the guards who, as one, move slightly (so hard to read facial expressions at this distance) in response. He notices Delia take a step or two down the mountain before turning and considering Armalad. Stock wastes no time in alerting the Shields to the need for climbing safety! Stock pulls out his rope of climbing, activates it and then leads the way down the rope, using both it and the hand-size pockmarks he’s climbed so many times as a youth to safely get 60’ down the mountain, gesturing for the Shields to follow.
Zanderallen also enjoys the Moment. The dichotomy of the Float’s many roofs and the endless blue sky here in what must be the Scab touches him at his core. The obvious pockmarks in the mountain raise his confidence of the Shields making it safely down, but Stock’s magical rope sets his mind at ease – just have to be patient, and maybe not look down too much. Zanderallen stows his shield and then begins his descent, forcing himself to hear Stock well past the wind – it’s strong, but not dangerous, and it seems everyone has to shout a bit more than usual to be heard.
Joker, and the Taurs, appear suddenly, and surrounded by dwarves saying something, but what? If only his wizard was here – she knew all the words! Relying on Armalad’s many nights studying languages and their commonalities he tries to piece together even a part of what the dwarves and Stohp had said. He couldn’t parse what the dwarves said, but Stohp seemed to be calm and peaceful, so once she finishes speaking, he repeats what he thinks is the right word.
Armalad sees the Shields working with Stock to climb down safely. Good idea, for them. She points to her ring and shouts that she’ll get down with magic. The mountain is at about a 25 degree angle so from the outcropping she’s able to get a good headstart of empty space and then begins falling safely. The wind, it turns out, is varying between 10 and 20mph. It’s also subject to seemingly random sudden changes of direction. Armalad is not harmed, but the wind shoves her around a fair amount as she continues to fall! Still, she makes it to the ground safely ahead of the climbing Shields, though with a newfound appreciation for the behavior of the wind in a mountain range.
Two of the dwarven guards advance on Armalad. Hands on axe hilts, but axes not drawn. One is the epitome of a gruff dwarven male, a slight bit of grey tinging his otherwise all-brown hair and braided beard. The other has no grey, but is similar in gruffness and a bit more thickly muscled than the other. The older dwarven guard says, in perfect Elvish, “Miss, aren’t you a bit too far from home? These are our mountains.”
Behind Armalad, Zanderallen and Stock are still about 120’ up and Stock is sending the rope down below another 60’.
Delia has just reached the base of the mountain with Hawky gliding overhead, but is some 60’ behind Armalad and to one side. The dwarves don’t seem to be paying nearly as much attention to Delia as to Armalad.
Back in the woodshop…
The dwarves briefly look back and forth at each other after Stohp speaks in fluent dwarven. Then Joker says, or tries to say something in dwarven. The dwarves quickly look at each other again. Then their leader (?) replies in dwarven, Highlight to display spoiler: {Adventurers? From the… Float? Was the city gifted to the taurs? It has been… a long time… since any of ours have been to the Float. You are in the Carpentry Guild Training Hall of course! Also, in the Clan Mountainheart Stronghold… or at least an arm of it. The Chief’s tunnels, at least, are protected against such transportation magic as you seem to have used… Are you a sorcerer???} The dwarves are still holding hammers and axes, but not in battle stance and not in a threatening way. With more time to observe, their axes are sharp, but seem more built for chopping wood than flesh…
What does each Shield do?
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 d20+13=32 ; Sunday February 11th, 2024 8:58:36 AM
Delia adds her rope of climbing to Stock's rope of climbing and keeps underneath them in case of slippage. She has no experience with elf/dwarf rivalries and assumes safety for Armalad from the guards.
Hawky does a loop, keeping watch as we climb.
Hawky perception: 32
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 122/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+16=34 ; Sunday February 11th, 2024 8:20:55 PM
Bartomus looked over at Stohp who started speaking what he presumed to be Dwarvish. He looked back at the woodworking dwarves and the beards filled with wood chips, sawdust and beard beads of various metals. He took a deep breath and savored the scent of mountain ash, oak, and clear pine. He would love a tour of the shop and their work. He started to say something about that when Joker spoke.
As Joker talked, Bartomus kept a large smile on his face. He continued to watch the reactions and then one of the dwarves spoke in return. Bartomus glanced back over at Stohp hoping that things with their first contact were working their way out.
Perception 34
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Monday February 12th, 2024 9:01:32 AM
Stock does his best to catch up with Armalad. He starts to call down...then thinks better of it and trusts Armalad not to tick off the dwarves in the couple of minutes before he gets down.
When he does make it, he eyes the dwarves to see if he recognizes them. Either way he says, "I'm Stock, this is Armalad, Zanderallen and Delia. We seem to have lost the rest of our party - I'm sure they're here somewher...
Right, Armalad? Joker's here somewhere right?
Anyway we're the Silver Shields. What news of the Mountainhome and the Simpleshards?"
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday February 12th, 2024 9:53:39 AM
Armalad replies in Dwarven, Highlight to display spoiler: {"I am indeed far from home, but I am where I intend to be. I am Armalad of the Silver Shields of The Float and those behind me still climbing down are Zanderallen, Stock, Delia and Hawkey also of the Silver Shields. We come in peace and are on a mission to locate a specific artifact that legend says is in the Scab"}
She focuses on her empathic link to Joker...theoretically if they are within 1 mile of Joker she should sense him and feel his emotions. She sends calmness over the bond.
If she can figure out where she feels Joker from she will reference the location in her next dialogue.
She then continues in Dwarven, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Two Taurs and a Mephit came before us. Perhaps they are insert location reference from where she feels Joker's empathic link here}
==============================
Meanwhile Joker asks Stohp for a translation of what the Dwarves are saying in Common. If he gets one and gets the question about being a sorcerer he says, "Tell them I'm the familiar of a Wizard who is also an Arcane Trickster and an Arcane Archer and that the Wizard I'm bonded to is in the vicinity. (OOC: Assuming the empathic link is working)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Monday February 12th, 2024 9:59:30 AM
Stohp snorts and shakes her head. "If we were sorcerers we probably wouldn't have screwed it up and ended up here instead of outside the front gate like proper visitors. We had to buy a scroll and it's out first time trying something like this. Tell me, do you know the name Stock Simpleshard? He's a member of our group and we were relying on his recollections of the area to guide us, so my best guess is he used to spend a lot of time here and hopefully he arrived with the rest of our group outside the gate."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Monday February 12th, 2024 9:59:47 PM
Zanderallen is fully focused on not falling down the mountain and continues his slow but steady descent, glad of the rope that seems to move to meet his hand as he shuffles down. When he reaches the bottom he salutes the dwarven guard and gives a proper greeting in dwarven, heavily accented dwarven, but still dwarven.
Mountainhome (DM Wayne) Monday February 12th, 2024 11:01:02 PM
Delia added her rope of climbing to Stock’s, making for an easier trip down the mountain for the rest of the Shields. Hawky does a loop, easily noticing the dwarven guards advancing on Armalad.
Bartomus hoped for the best in Stohp and Joker’s conversation with the dwarves, in the meantime enjoying the unexpected delight of freshly-cut wood smells and metal beads.
Stock, helped along by Delia alternating ropes of climbing with him, makes it to the ground a bit quicker than expected (still has to wait for his own rope to recoil to him). He allows Armalad a couple of minutes to keep herself alive, and then rushes over at mighty speed to introduce himself and the Shields. At the right moment he also asks of news of Mountainhome and the Simpleshards (his clan).
Armalad replies in perfect Dwarven, to the astonishment of the guards, who clearly were not expecting to ever hear any elf master the guttural harshness of a language akin to that of grinding rocks! Armalad reaches out to Joker across the empathic link, projecting calmness. Then she continues speaking to the dwarves. She feels Joker’s bond, perhaps a tenth of a mile away, somewhere in the direction of the closed stone doors, but definitely beyond them.
Joker asks Stohp to translate the conversation. Then he feels calm across the empathic link. Armalad is… a good distance away, aboveground, a small fraction of a mile. Thataway. (OOC - INT 7) Stohp fails to offer a translation.
(OOC – though Stohp didn’t use the spoiler tag, I am presuming the conversation continues in Dwarven.)
Stohp gets straight to the point, just like Stock. Wait, is that the reason those Floatizens confused us for each other? She groans inwardly. Stohp explains their use of magic items to teleport to the Scab, and that they are allied with Stock Simpleshard who came with them and gave them the best information he had about his home for the spells.
Zanderallen is wire-focused on not falling down the mountain, though the ropes of climbing made the descent far easier than he expected. Then he makes his way towards the guards, Delia soon behind him after she recovers her rope of climbing.
The two guards stare at Armalad, then at each other, then at Armalad again. The older guard calmly replies in Dwarven, Highlight to display spoiler: { “Well, I never thought I’d hear an elf master the (guttural rolling r that sounds like a rockslide)… isn’t that something! Silver Shields? Never heard of them – Floaters generally don’t come out this far, they take a ship on the ocean (turns head and spits to one side like just saying it was uttering a curse!)! Stock… that’s a dwarven name. Is that him coming up behind you? Well, let’s just stand right here and see what he has to say. Taurs and a Mephit? Ha! That’ll be the day.”}
Stock arrives and begins his introduction in Dwarven, having caught the tail end of Armalad’s words. As he finishes, he stares at each of them a few seconds and says Highlight to display spoiler: { “Don’t stone-face me Morgrym and Rogar! I remember 10 years ago Rogar, you had guard duty at the Carpentry Guild Training Hall, just in case one of us had a bit too much to drink the night before, and you could barely stay awake watching us practice our trade. I’m impressed you turned it around while I was away and made it to the Outer Guard, but lay off my friend here! Now tell me what news of Mountainhome and the Simpleshards?”
Rogar looks a bit sheepish, and turns to Morgrym who waves him off. Morgrym says, “Stock Simpleshard. You’ve been gone… well, not that long as we reckon it,” he finishes with a half-smile. With one eye on Armalad he continues, “As for news of here, life goes on. No new invasions from the dark elves, though of course there’s always the occasional UnderWoldian aberrant creature that finds its way near the surface at the Entrance and we have to put it down. The Simpleshards family continues, though you’ll have to check in with them, I think one of the oldest of the family elders passed on recently. Your… friend… here says your group is here to find a particular artifact,”} and then Zanderallen arrives, giving a greeting in accented dwarven, with Delia right behind him. The older guard continues at one point staring deeply and uncomfortably at each of the Shields and even Hawky, in turn.
Zanderallen only Highlight to display spoiler: { – You know that stare – this being a dwarven clanhome, you presume he is a Paladin, and not… the opposite… but clearly he is not relying on his eyes to evaluate all of you!}
The older guard says Highlight to display spoiler: { “Come, Stock, you’ve been gone too long. Inside, the guards will be for your ‘friends’, not you, as much to keep some of them (looks at Armalad) safe as much as to assuage the usual fears of non-dwarves inside the Clanhome instead of in the Trading Cave. Tell us about these… Silver Shields… as we walk.”}
The older guard begins speaking in Common, Plateau City-dialect, “I am Morgrym, Chief of the Outer Guards. Yes, we know Stock Simpleshard. He says you Silver Shields are his friends. We’ve never heard of the Silver Shields, so don’t mind our security measures. Come on – Rogar here will lead you to the stone doors ahead and I’ll bring up the rear. Your elf… Armalad (with perfect Elven enunciation)… says your group includes two Taurs and a Mephit, who teleported inside Mountainhome – well, hopefully they haven’t caused too much of a ruckus… or been killed!” Morgrym finishes with a loud, repeating, belly-laugh that seems to echo amongst the mountains despite the winds that are beginning to howl, having increased from perhaps 15 miles per hour to 25!
Rogar nods at the Shields and then turns on one heel and begins walking towards the stone doors, his arms indicating that he’s making some hidden hand signal, and then the two other guards at the doors move in a curious way and then the doors slowly begin to slide apart from each other. “Well, coming?” Rogar calls back.
Meanwhile, in the Carpentry Guild Training Hall…
The dwarves listen carefully to Stohp’s staccato speech, and then the leader replies in dwarven, Highlight to display spoiler: { “Stock Simpleshard! There’s a name I haven’t heard in 10 years! Yes, indeed, he used to spend a lot of time here! Hmmm… Morgrym and Rogar are on Outer Guard duty today, so they may give him a bit of a rough time, but I expect they’ll let him and his friends in. Say, your friends there don’t seem to be understanding us, but none of us speak Taur, or whatever his (points at Joker) language is. I don’t suppose they speak the trade tongue (Common), do they? (turns to another dwarf) Kazmuk, go call a runner to let the Outer Guards know friends of Stock Simpleshard are here! (turns back to Stohp) I know our ceilings aren’t meant for you Taurs, but our benches are dwarven-sturdy! Please, take a seat, and if your friends don’t speak the trade tongue, just let them know we’re waiting for communication back from the Outer Guard confirming Stock’s arrival. (turns to crowd) Hey everyone, it looks like Stock is back! (half cheer, half go “who?”)”}
What does each Shield do?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday February 12th, 2024 11:32:37 PM
Armalad says in Dwarven Highlight to display spoiler: { I think I would know if my familiar had been harmed. I think I'm getting more confusion than anything as sadly he doesn't speak Dwarven only Common and Aquan." }
She follows the others in the least threatening manner she can accomplish.
Meanwhile back at the craft hall. Joker tells Stohp he can sense Armalad nearby which would mean Stock is nearby. If anyone told him there was an ask if they speak Common. Joker will reply in Common, "I know Common."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) d20+23=29 ; Tuesday February 13th, 2024 8:01:46 AM
Now that she's sure violence isn't going to erupt of she starts saying something in an unknown language she'll switch to common and explain the situation to the other two. "I don't see any problem with sitting and waiting. Your shop here is very nice. I do some carpentry myself you know.": If anyone is willing she'll talk shop while they wait (29 carpentry to hold an interesting conversation about it)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Tuesday February 13th, 2024 8:59:10 AM
Delia whistles for Hawky and follows their guides. Despite having zero knowledge of dwarven, she is calm and confident that her dwarven speaking friends have it under control. Hawky lands on her shoulder, then stares back at the older, dwarven guard, head tilted.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Tuesday February 13th, 2024 9:16:47 AM "Morgrym - I'll be happy if you don't call Armalad MY ELF. You and I both know your dad spent a few years living among the elves. There's no help in trying to elevate us above the fair folk.
Anyway Rogar, lead the way."
Stock gives each of the guards a measuring look before heading into the doors.
========== Take 10 on Knowledge Local for 13 - Stock can't help measure himself up against these guys as a warrior; the last time he was here he was just a carpenter.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Tuesday February 13th, 2024 4:56:30 PM
Zanderallen smiles as he recognizes the stare of the older dwarf, holding his arms slightly out with his palms forward to sign open acceptance of the scrutiny. He follows as instructed, guessing the hand signal to share that the dwarf's divine sense revealed no ill intent. He replies in common, "We apologize for the chaos of our arrival. I am Zanderallen of the Silver Shields. We have business in the area and figured it best manners to check in first. We relied on Stock's memories to guide us and it seems he led us to his favorite places rather than a convenient place. I guess we should consider ourselves fortunate we did not find ourselves in some lady's chamber."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 122/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+9=27 ; Wednesday February 14th, 2024 1:50:25 AM
Bartomus watched the exchange and then began looking at the work that was being done trying to find anything of interest to occupy his attention. Although, as he listened to Stohp speak something, it had to be dwarvish, he thought he might have heard something about Stock. He smiled and took a moment to raise his hands above his head and stretch. His arms had started to cramp.
"A good stretch is so underrated, wouldn't you agree Joker?" Bartomus asked aloud and peered over at one of the projects underway. "Carving that, I see. How exactly does that wood compare when carving to the oak over there? Wood isn't my specialty, tend to like the work of bone and shell. Like this here."
He brought one hand down to his side, leaned slightly forward, and tilted his head to where the carved acorn was hanging outward towards the woodworkers. He tapped it and sent it swaying a bit.
"But, if you were to visit us at the Float, well, some fine things indeed I might be able to show you that are sitting on my bench."
He shrugged and smiled back at the dwarves and then gave Stohp a smile that clearly did not indicate his contentment in waiting to have some idea of what was going on. But, to others he was quite certain his bluff would be perceived as since.
Bluff the dwarves as he implies the need for some status update on their situation with Stohp. Bluff = 27
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday February 14th, 2024 7:35:50 AM
Stohp explains the situation to the other two again. Namely that they seem to have teleported inside the town they were aiming for and the others should be coming in to fetch them shortly.
Mountainhome (DM Wayne) Wednesday February 14th, 2024 8:27:23 AM
Armalad allows a little bit of perturbed to show when she says replies in Dwarven.
Stohp switches to Common and seeks rapport via carpentry. Wait, Stock is a carpenter also… no wonder people confuse us!
Joker can finally understand something and says he speaks Common, too!
Delia calls Hawky to her as she follows Rogar, with Morgrym bringing up the rear. Hawky eyes Morgrym curiously. Morgrym chuckles.
Stock undercuts Morgrym’s dwarf-centric hypocrisy, eying both Rogar and Morgrym as the group delves into Mountainhome.
Zanderallen smiles warmly with arms and palms open in response to Morgrym’s Stare. He asks for forbearance for the Shields’ abrupt arrival, introducing himself, the Shields, and that they have business in the Scab. Zanderallen’s sly humor causes the seasoned Morgrym to reveal a half-smile for a half-second and the younger Rogar to blush visibly!
Bartomus made small talk with Joker while waiting for someone to start speaking in Common. The dwarves hear Bartomus speak in Common about the time Stohp and the dwarves switch from Dwarvish to Common – coincidence?
Bartomus watches as first Stohp and then the dwarven carpenters begin talking animatedly about carpentry, the dwarves falling into a kind of “dwarv-mon,” speaking in Common, but falling back on dwarven for technical carpentry terms. Stohp clearly has no problem following along and adapting, demonstrating linguistic skill and adaptability equal to Armalad’s!
Bartomus strikes up a conversation with other dwarves nearby since it appears a number of them know Common, discussing the merits of bone and shell vs. wood carvings. He then slyly tries to get Stohp’s attention to gain a translation of what was said before they switched to Common.
Morgrym replies in Common to Armalad, “Now Miss Armalad, you didn’t say the mephit was your familiar, just part of your group along with two Taurs.” Morgrym finishes with a snide smile.
Inside the Carpentry Hall, Stohp gives the other two the ‘Stohp’s Notes’ version of the situation and conversation.
Then the dwarves ask Stohp, “So, while we’re waiting, if you’re a fellow carpenter with Stock, what’s your opinion of his carpentry skill these days?”
Other dwarves speaking with Bartomus, “We don’t see too many shells here, except when digging sometimes, as though this area were under water millenia ago, or even earlier! Bone we have some experience with – take a look over here. Alternating struts of the back of this oaken chair are made of rothe (OOC cave cattle) bones, with an ash strut between each pair of bone struts – quite the artistic look, eh?”
Meanwhile, the stone ‘sea’ having parted for the Shields, they follow Rogar into the entrance tunnel where the group picks up four more escorts. Armalad senses she is getting closer to Joker, step by step. Though Mountainhome was natural and rugged mountain stone on the outside, on the inside it is clear that though the original caves may remain, they have been greatly expanded, worked stone added to walls and ceilings apparently as décor, if not for function. As Rogar and his team lead the Shields around this corner and that, the Shields see countless dwarves going about their lives, doing normal jobs and cave-specific jobs (one side tunnel not taken had the smell of cattle and several dwarves were taking animal husbandry tools with them down that tunnel), some dawning realization tickles the back of everyone’s mind except Stock, who is both at ease, but maybe a bit anxious – clear to the Shields who have known and worked with him for so long.
Stock (automatic), and any of Armalad, Delia, or Zanderallen who make a DC 10 Knowledge: Local check (ok to roll untrained). Highlight to display spoiler: { There are no co-ed work teams. Guards and Animal Workers, Masons, Carpenters, etc. are only dwarven men. Food Preparation and Pottery and Textile-Making workers are only dwarven women, and so on. There is not even one exception to ‘prove the rule.’ This is different than both Float culture and each of your own home cultures. (to the DM’s knowledge)}
Rogar leads the Shields to a large rectangular chamber with a massive oaken table, covered with a variety of tablecloths in various patterns that are common only among dwarves, that can seat perhaps 20 regular humanoids on each side via several long and sturdy-looking stone benches.
Rogar calls out for hospitality for the guests of Mountainhome, and while everyone is being seated, from other archways flow half a dozen dwarven women bringing out a variety of appetizers – apparently various types of (cave?) mushrooms, green growths with the sparkle of sprinkled sugar (?) crystals, and other traditional dwarven fare. One of the women plays hostess, explaining (only to the non-dwarves) what each plate is, what it pairs best with and so on, and then another woman begins explaining the dwarven ale options, along with water for those whose constitutions aren’t up to dwarven ale! (At this, all the dwarves, not including Stock, erupt in laughter. (OOC - Stock decides whether Stock erupts in laughter too.)
Rogar turns to face a male dwarf in workshop outfit who has just arrived at the archway the Shields came through, “Yes, Kazmuk?”
Kazmuk replies, “Rogar, we have some… visitors in the Carpentry Hall. Two Taurs and a Mephit! They say they know… (looks around room) STOCK SIMPLESHARD! YOU ARE HERE!” And with that, Kazmuk rushes over to Stock and gives him a big dwarven-bro hug!
Stock: Highlight to display spoiler: { Kazmuk, of course, is your second cousin on your mother’s side, and fellow carpenter. Once when you were but a fresh apprentice carpenter, certain technical aspects of the work didn’t want to cooperate with how you wanted your hands and arms to execute them and Kazmuk alone noticed your distress and demonstrated efficient mechanical muscle techniques that you adopted and quickly improved your skill with, enough so that you didn’t get dismissed from the Carpentry guild! Kazmuk is about 10 years your senior, and when you left Mountainhome he had been grieving the death of his father, also a carpenter, who died shoring up wooden supports in a cave-in that no one could stop. His father saved four other dwarves, but that only slightly lessened the pain of loss for Kazmuk. }
Morgrym takes this opportunity, within earshot of the other Shields, to speak to two guards, “ Bring the Taurs and Mephit here. They’re part of Stock’s team.”
The two guards step outside and around the corner, and then a distinct, loud, tapping… code? echoes through nearby tunnels.
Back at the Carpentry Hall, a dwarf pauses at the exit arch and then comes over to interrupt the carpentry master class Stohp and the dwarves were having, “Let’s go – we’re called to the smaller feast hall. You’ll… need to duck in pretty much all of our corridors, but you can make it.” He stands at the exit arch, waiting for Stohp, Bartomus, and Joker to follow.
What does each Shield do?
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 122/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Wednesday February 14th, 2024 8:52:02 AM
Bartomus looked at the well crafted chair with the rothe bone insert and ran a hand carefully over the work. He turned to give a very genuine nod of approval.
"It really plays well in the design and accents the wood as well. incredible." Bartomus said. He continued to look around and listen to explanations of projects and tools. He was already hunched over and realizing that he would have to keep that position for a while. Hopefully, he could stretch out at some point.
When the call came to join the others in a smaller feast hall, he felt a bit of relief knowing that the others had to have arrived safely. He smiled and followed along with the dwarves leading the way. He tried to make sure he didn't scrape his horns, or head, across the top of the chiseled stone ceiling.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 d20+2=10 ; Wednesday February 14th, 2024 11:36:09 AM
Delia notes the distinct gender division with relative neutrality. It's weird and foreign, but many social structures are weird and foreign to her so she shrugs it off as long as no one looks at her giant longbow with judgement.
She accepts the water instead of the ale and tries the other food curiously as she listens to the dwarven woman describing the food.
============== Know Local: 10
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Wednesday February 14th, 2024 11:54:58 AM
Stock embrace Kazmuk with a single tear showing on his face. "Cousin...it's good to see you healthy. How is your mom? Did you ever finish the design on that hand plane you were working on? And what of my family? Are they here?
Rogar - you beautiful man. I love this service. I'm not particularly hungry but it has been so long I will definitely eat!"
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+13=31 ; Wednesday February 14th, 2024 12:54:50 PM
Armalad says in common back, "Have you ever heard of a normal mephit activating a scroll of greater teleport? Joker has had special training as well as a magical item that allows him to activate wands and scrolls."
Know - Local = 31
(OOC: Do the dwarfish women have beards or no beards?)
Armalad observes neutrally "Your mountain hold seems to have rigidly defined gender roles."
When seated at the table she orders the Dwarven Ale in Dwarven figuring whatever the Woldian equivalent of when in Rome... is as she does so
==========
Meanwhile Joker follows along to dining hall, flying of course
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 d20+10=17 ; Wednesday February 14th, 2024 4:37:51 PM
Zanderallen follows the dwarves into the hold, glad once again to have a roof over his head. Even if it was a closer roof than the more spacious levels of the Float. His manners prevent him from openly gawking as he takes in the surroundings and aspects of dwarf culture. He listens attentively to the women explaining the food, thanking them in dwarven. He follows their suggestions for pairing, savoring the down to earth food. He does pace himself on the ale, for even being a hearty fellow he had no desire to get into a drinking match with a dwarf hold. He bristles a little upon hearing the Shields referred to as Stock's team but quickly thinks better of it. The dwarves were going to assume the dwarf was in charge no matter what he said, they didn't mean any harm by it and their was no reason to ruffle feathers over a non-issue. ======== Know (local) 17
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday February 15th, 2024 7:17:20 AM
It is well established since basicly when he showed up that Stohp and Stock have similar names and identical side professions. Stohp will talk about the various projects they have worked on together such as the decorative carvings they've added over time to their HQ.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday February 16th, 2024 6:29:21 AM
Stohp will hold above mentioned conversation while they walk to meet the rest of the group.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Friday February 16th, 2024 8:59:32 AM
Stock gets up to welcome Stohp and gang when they arrive in the hall. "Friends - my kinsfolk have welcomed us with a traditional dwarven snack. Come, eat."
He then turns toward Kazmuk and gives him the 60 second version of his last 10 years. He finishes by saying, "It is good to be here and I wish we could stay longer but we're on a bit of an expedition. We will be traveling to the East Wind Tunnel..."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 122/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday February 16th, 2024 1:45:08 PM "You all did make it!" Bartomus responded to Stock's greeting. He forgot he needed to duck and tried raising up his hand and head. Both tapped the top of the doorway as he stepped through. He exaggerated the level of the jostling he undertook and then worked on finding a place at the table.
He took time to savor the mead and foods offered. He took notice of the fact that the dwarven women, and those of the Shields, were sitting off to one side. He smiled and gave a nod to Delia. Then he listened to what was being said, if it was in dwarven he gave a simple shrug until someone used common.
Mountainhome (DM Wayne) Friday February 16th, 2024 2:22:38 PM
Bartomus appreciates the wood/bone craftsdwarfship and artistic taste of the chair. He continues to talk (wood)shop with the dwarves until this half of the Shields were summoned to the smaller feast hall, mindful of the (low) ceiling.
Delia inwardly arches an eyebrow or two at this particular dwarven society, but it’s no skin off her nose. She accepts the water and experiments with the food while being attentive to the foodservants’ explanations of each item.
Stock returns the dwarven-bro hug! Is that… light… reflecting off one of Stock’s eyes? No, couldn’t be! Trick of the caves! Stock peppers Kazmuk with questions, excited and enthused to see him, in particular. Then Stock thanks Rogar for leading them to the exquisite meal!
Stock welcomes Stohp, Bartomus, and Joker when they arrive in the feast hall. Then he explains to Kazmuk the Stock’s Notes version of the last ten years on the Float, and that the Shields will soon be traveling to the East Wind Tunnel.
Armalad brags on Joker to Morgrym, and then casually remarks on the division of work amongst the genders, to which Morgrym chuckles lightly. Armalad then joins the guests at the table, ordering the Dwarven Ale in dwarven. There is perhaps the briefest pause of dwarven conversations (amongst the natives) at the table as Armalad nails the particular gravelly phonemes in doing so, and then the dwarves nonchalantly continue their conversations as if nothing had happened. A dwarven server brings a mug of dwarven ale over to Armalad from the tray of already-filled mugs.
(OOC – A subject of much contention, but for so long as I am DMing Mountainhome, the dwarven women in *this location* do not have obvious beards, but that’s because of effort – it seems they all have a perpetual ‘five-o’clock-shadow’ as modern shaving cream does not exist to pair with sharpened blades for cutting hair.)
Zanderallen feels oddly at ease, Descending into the Depths of the Wold, the constant ceiling unusually reminding him of the Float, of all places! No stranger to gallivanting around the Wold, and fluent in Dwarven, he soon makes himself at ease at the table, repressing any stomach gurgles at the sight of unusual foods, and successfully aligning with the unspoken cultural undercurrents in the room. The food is different, but enjoyable in its own way, and following the dwarven foodservants’ advice on pairings reaps many blessings, a mushroom ‘bread’ negating the hot spices of ‘cave jalapenos’ while preserving and enhancing the flavors! Stock’s team? Well, if it makes them happy to be so provincial… Zanderallen then chuckled inwardly at it – it was possible the Shields needed to ‘ride Stock’s coattails’ to the maximum here!
Stohp successfully ingratiates herself with the dwarves sitting and standing around her by discussing the many carpentry projects she and Stock have worked on together. Stohp only: Highlight to display spoiler: {Why am I getting stares from some of them when I talk carpentry? Oh, right, every carpenter here is a male… and come to think of it I thought those in the Carpentry Hall were staring at me because I’m eight feet tall, but in hindsight that clearly wasn’t why! At least they respect my work because it’s clear I know what I’m talking about!}
Morgrym stares intently at least of Bartomus, Stohp, and Joker as they enter and join the festivities and then, seemingly untroubled, continues participating in the feast and conversations thereof.
The conversations were going as one might expect until Stock casually mentions the Shields want to go to the East Wind Tunnel.
A hushed silence falls over the room, at least for the Mountainhome dwarves.
Morgrym soon breaks the silence, “Stock… you’ve never been in the guards, but we have, and every guard does tours of duty guarding that East Wind Tunnel Entrance against the aberrant horrors of the UnderWold, and the local clans of dark elves therein who have given themselves over wholly to evil Powers.
None are permitted to go the Entrance, nor even enter, without permission from the Clan Chief as you well know.
Do you and your team now ask for an audience with Chief Sternbough?”
In the wake of Morgrym’s statements and hanging question, it is suddenly so quiet, but for the distant clanking of dish-cleaning, that one might hear a pin drop.
What does each Shield do?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday February 16th, 2024 5:04:04 PM
Armalad says, in Dwarvish Highlight to display spoiler: {"As I stated we are seeking an artifact of great import and it just so happens to be located in the East Wind Tunnel. If we need an audience with your chieftan to get permission to go there then may we respectfully have an audience? }
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Friday February 16th, 2024 10:12:39 PM
Delia pauses mid-chew at the awkward silence, looking between the rest of the Shields and Morgrym. She looks at Armalad as she speaks, registering a little late she can't understand what her friend is saying, then shrugs. She carries on eating while they have the chance, figuring the dwarven-speaking Shields can and shall handle the debating and convincing into letting them travel into horrible, dangerous tunnels. She picks through her food, taking morsels out that are good for hawk tummies and offering them to Hawky.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Monday February 19th, 2024 6:26:21 AM
Stohp isn't going to get involved in the gender politics here, or politics in general here as much as she can help it. She'll be herself, openly and without compromise, and if it bothers some people or gives some of them ideas then that's their problem not hers. She'll chat amiably with whomever wants to chat and at the question and sudden silence simply waits for Stock to give his answer.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Monday February 19th, 2024 9:30:31 AM "Yes of course I knew this. We will need an audience with the Chief. We can certainly finish our snack here first but I'd appreciate it if you could send a runner to inquire with the Chief on their availability to meet with us. As a resident, I don't expect special treatment although due to deteriorating security around The Float, we are pressed for time."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 122/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Monday February 19th, 2024 1:13:05 PM
For Bartomus, it was an incredible experience just sitting in a dwarven hall far away from the Float and the Plains that he had called home. His eyes examined the details of the carvings, the tankards used for the drinks, the dress of their hosts, and of course the food. While doing so, he would nod politely at someone who might have caught his inquisitive look and then send his eyes onward to the next detail that caught his attention. He could hear the exchange between their host, a relative of Stock's he presumed based upon the friendly manner in which the two seemed to be talking.
However, something changed in that discussion with Morgrym and Stock. A seriousness settled over the hall that was accompanied by silence from their hosts. Bartomus turned his attention to where nearly every dwarf was looking. Stock seemed determined, but polite about what he was saying to Morgrym. Bartomus waited for a translation.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Monday February 19th, 2024 5:46:28 PM
Doubly glad that they made the decision to stop at Mountainhold Zanderallen wonders what horrors the East Wind Tunnel has seen to make the whole room go silent. He leaves the chief requesting to Stock, either he would follow the appropriate procedures or his gruffness would be well known at home. He debates talking to Morgrym privately but decides against it, it could wait till the chief.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday February 19th, 2024 10:19:52 PM
Armalad sips her ale and waits to hear what the Dwarves have to say about this audience request.
Mountainhome (DM Wayne) Monday February 19th, 2024 11:56:26 PM
Armalad says something in Dwarvish, but perhaps adopting a tiny bit of Elvish haughtiness in doing so. Then she sips her ale and waits to see what happens.
Delia ducks the brief awkward silence by focusing on her meal and giving choice bits to Hawky.
Stohp deftly navigates the tips of massive conversation icebergs, keeping her conversations down-to-Wold. She leaves ample room for Stock to answer Morgrym.
Stock is not flapped. He confidently asks for an audience with the Chief at the Chief’s next convenience, also noting that his team’s mission is of some urgency.
Bartomus felt like a tourist on a fantastic and exciting trip. He noted the quite-familiar conversations Stock was having with certain dwarves and then returned to admiring bits and pieces of craftsdwarfship and dwarfculture. Then a hush fell over the room and Bartomus turned to see and hear what he’d missed.
(OOC – Morgrym’s speech was not spoilered – no translation necessary – Bartomus simply was focused elsewhere.)
Zanderallen breathed an inner sigh of relief that the Shields had gone to Mountainhome first instead of the Entrance. It is a tough decision, but Zanderallen remains silent to allow Stock to handle Morgrym’s query.
Morgrym gives a brief nod to Armalad to acknowledge he heard her. Stock then confirms that he and his team request an audience with the Chief regarding the Entrance.
Morgrym’s brow furrows, in just the thinking sense. He glances over the assembled Shields, eyes alighting on every shiny rust-free weapon, armor, shield, and bit of equipment. Morgrym says, “Very well, I will send the inquiry.
(Turns head) Rogar, make it so.
(Rogar barely nods and is at once up from his seat and out of the feast hall)
Now, then, Stock and Stock-friends, let us make merry, for tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone who delves the Underwold!” With that, Morgrym lets out a hearty belly-laugh and the Mountainheart dwarves laugh with him. The room is full of the noise of toasts, clinking mugs, and well-wishes for Stock and his team.
Stock Highlight to display spoiler: { you join in the laughter, but you know solemnly in your heart of hearts that from all you have ever learned growing up in Mountainhome Morgrym is right – even being a guard at the Entrance is risky. Still, you find it easy to summon your dwarven stoicness power so that no Shield thinks you brought down to Wold by the mere mention of delving the Underwold.}
All other Shields Highlight to display spoiler: { Stock is among the dwarves laughing with Morgrym, seemingly unperturbed. Still, though all know that some like Delia have faced certain horrors of the Underwold, what un-Woldy horrors await the Shields beyond the Entrance? Morgrym’s phrasing would be enough to send shivers up the spine of lesser heroes but not the Silver Shields – no, they dare not feel even the faintest shiver of fear lest the Float, and perhaps more, be lost!}
After several minutes the room is back to regular conversations.
It is in the midst of this that Rogar returns. He is immediately at Morgrym’s side and whispers guardedly into Morgrym’s ear.
Morgrym nods and then leans over the table towards Stock and says in a low voice, (Stock only) Highlight to display spoiler: { “Chief Sternbough has granted your request. The meeting will be tomorrow morning. We will wake all of you at dawn, you’ll eat here in the feast hall, and then the Chief will see you and your team in the throne room. Finish your feast tonight and get a good sleep – you will all need it for the audience.”}
Eventually the feasting and drinking die down and the foodservants are clearing the dirty dishes and the table.
A group of dwarven women appear at the entrance to the feasthall and the eldest steps forward and says, “Master Stock, and your… Shields… please come this way (gestures) so we can show you to your rooms for the night.”
What does each Shield do?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday February 20th, 2024 2:18:04 AM
Before leaving Armalad asks the others of her party, "What are the odds that we'll need to teleport away from where we are headed tomorrow? I am trying to figure out if I should prepare my same spell load out in case we need to teleport back to the Float or as near as we can get to the Float from there or if you expect us to come back to the Dwarven gate" Armalad and Joker head to the room prepared for them. If the party doesn't expect them to need the teleportation she may alter her spell loadout in the morning.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday February 20th, 2024 9:09:30 AM
Stohp enjoys the festivities and gets a good nights sleep for the dangerous trip ahead.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday February 20th, 2024 9:33:24 AM "Good food and good wishes," Bartomus said with a smile. "Let us make memories that will be the source of laughter for years to come."
The taur joins in with the celebrants in the room and enjoys the conversation about things in the stronghold, the Float, and various topics in between. When the evening began to slow, he was grateful for the offer of places to sleep. On the way following their hosts, he cast upon himself a few minor cure spells putting an end to the remaining aches he had been nursing the past few days.
He stretched out best he could on the double beds that had been put end to end to accommodate his length. It may have been the healing spells, or the consumption of mead, but regardless he slept solidly.
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 Tuesday February 20th, 2024 10:48:11 AM
Stock announces to the other Shields, "We will meet with Chief Sternbough first thing tomorrow. Get some rest..."
He genuinely enjoys the fellowship with the other dwarves and savors the sights, sounds and smells of home. Still though, he keeps an eye out for the rest of his family.
That night he sleeps little, not so much out of anxiety but out of a desire to experience Home for just a few more moments.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Tuesday February 20th, 2024 11:43:25 AM
Delia thanks the nearby dwarves for the meal and then curls her tall self onto a dwarven bed. Despite some of the creatures she's seen in the Underwold, she sleeps soundly, knowing the Shields will face whatever comes with the same tenacity they face everything else.
Hawky perches on his human, tucking his head into his wing.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday February 21st, 2024 8:35:06 AM
Given her size there might be some shenanigans getting her a decent place to rest. Stohp will just sleep on a palet on the floor if needed.
Mountainhome (DM Wayne) Wednesday February 21st, 2024 10:17:26 AM
Armalad asks the Shields whether the group will need to teleport on the ‘morrow. She runs through various spell packages in her mind in anticipation of their answers.
Stohp thoroughly enjoys the rest of the feast and the conversations, and then turns her focus to a good night’s sleep for the unknowable expedition ahead. Their dwarven hosts, thankfully, pushed together multiple dwarven beds in larger ‘dorm’ rooms sufficient to accommodate Stohp and Bartomus each in their own rooms. This is likely to be far better than however many weeks she and the Shields spend sleeping in caves on bedrolls…
Bartomus likewise is enthusiastic about the festivities, participating wholeheartedly. After healing up a bit he enjoyed the sleep of the righteous!
Stock informs the Shields that they’ll meet with the Chief first thing in the morning, advising good rest to all! Home again, he falls fully into dwarven camaraderie, something of a subdued spectacle to non-dwarves, yet wide-ranging in visual flair and jokes that often fall out of Common and straight into Dwarven jargon for which there is no Common equivalent, the gravelly syllables at times making conversations sound like rockslides! Stock keeps an eye out for his family, but noting names and faces and professions, realizes that though Kazmuk is here, the commonality among all the dwarves present must be just those who have risen to great trust by the Chief – understandable given the unusual nature of the Shields’ arrival and the allowance of so many non-dwarves into Mountainhome proper, away from the trading caves. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to meet his extended family once the Chief has seen the nature of the Shields personally? Stock rests, but sleeps in snatches, holding onto these new memories of Home tightly.
Delia thanks their hosts for the hospitality and then adjusts to sleeping on a dwarven bed plus two footrests linked with the bed in a column. She rests peacefully, confident that the Shields are more than capable of facing anything she’s seen in the Underwold.
Hawky, too, gets a good night’s rest.
Zanderallen likewise enjoys the rest of the festivities and is agreeable to a night’s rest before meeting with the Chief first thing in the morning.
The night passes uneventfully, though some Shields work harder than others to get to sleep.
Does morning arrive, without even an opening in any bedroom to show it?
Each Shield is individually woken by the gravelly voice of a dwarven guard who then switches to Common, “wake, friend, for the Dawnhole is alight!”
All Shields, that is, but for Stock: Highlight to display spoiler: { You are woken by your close family members. Your post is your opportunity to select their names and describe how they awake you, tearful reunion stuff, and all that. If you like, up to ten of them will crowd into your room to greet you before breakfast in the feast hall. I’ll handle their roleplaying after your initial introduction of the Simpleshards, other than below, I’m noting ‘many dwarves of similar appearance to Stock accompany him to the feasthall and eat breakfast with the Shields’ and clearly identifying them as ‘Stock’s close family.’}
After waking the Shields, each guard then exits their respective rooms and closes the door softly. The Shields have a gut instinct that their guard remains on duty outside their bedroom, to later guide them to the feasthall for breakfast.
Once each Shield has performed their morning routine and readied themselves, they are all led to the feasthall where once more the foodservants have arranged everything, with subtle changes to the provisions – what must constitute ‘dwarven breakfast.’ Less rothe-steaks and more unfamiliar cooked meats, all of which smell delicious even to non-dwarven noses.
Stock is uncharacteristically last to arrive, but arrives in a loud cacophony of (to those who understand Dwarven) familial jokes and stories (even those who don’t understand Dwarven recognize the emotions) as several, perhaps more than several, dwarves arrive with him – each of these dwarves remarkably similar in appearance to Stock! Of course – Stock’s close family! But… why weren’t they here last night? A question for Stock at a convenient time, perhaps…
The Shields and Stock’s family are all soon tearing in to their delicious dwarven breakfast, ‘breakfast mushrooms’ with very different seasonings and spices from last night, lighter-weight meats that taste and satisfy similarly to the eggs and bacon of the Float and other humanocentric cities, and small helpings of sweet fruits none but Stock have seen before, perhaps reflecting the lack of arable land and fruit trees in the mountains compared to the plains.
Morgrym, Rogar, and other guards stand at attention. As the Shields appear to be finishing their meal, the guards alter their positioning in a way to the Shields’ knowledgeable eyes indicate that it is nearly time to meet with the Chief. Yet, Morgrym is clearly not at ‘Now!’. (The Shields may linger a few moments to speak with Stock and his family, if they wish.)
What does each Shield do?
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Wednesday February 21st, 2024 3:34:15 PM
Zanderallen thanks the guard for the wake-up call and quickly makes himself ready. He refrains from strapping on his full plate, instead merely wearing his back-up chain for a less war-like appearance. He follows his guard to the breakfast hall and greets everyone warmly. When Stock and family make an appearance he beams at the scene of familial bliss. He listens joyfully to all the story-telling, struggling somewhat with the familiar short hands in a language not his own, but making sure to throw out little embellishments or details, "You should make sure and ask Stock about the time he was almost eaten by a giant plant."
As he notices the body language of the guards shift he pushes back from the table and thanks the hosts for breakfast, ready to leave.
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 Wednesday February 21st, 2024 5:00:52 PM
Stock is dreaming. It is his Mother's voice and she is none to happy. "And here you are, asleep in your bed and the Dawnhole is nearly lit. Too much time aboveground I say."
If anything it was the other voices in the room that woke Stock from his slumber.
"There he goes. Give the boy one night of celebration and he thinks he can sleep in. Get yourself out of that stone cot, Stock Simpleshard."
He moves quickly then, jumping to his feet in his small clothes, becoming aware of a small crowd in his small room. He sees his mother, Fiona, the matriarch of all Simpleshards...and his sister Enola...and there is his dad, also known as Stock, standing silently in the back as usual...Cousins, Aunts, Uncles...they were all there. Tears are shed, hugs are shared, and the stories begin.
He is led to the hall and hears Zanderallen's reminder of one of the dicier moments in his adventuring past. He holds up his hands in his mother's direction before she can say anything, looking guilty all of a sudden. "Ah Ma - don't listen to big Z, he exaggerates. It wasn't hardly a thing. Not once...NOT ONE TIME have I died since I started adventuring."
He then gives Zanderallen an imploring look, willing the man to not share the more dangerous of his exploits.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Wednesday February 21st, 2024 5:41:24 PM
Delia, after her regular morning routine, enjoys watching Stock and his family reunite and rib each other.
At Zander's comment and Stock's reaction, she looks serious for a moment and addresses his mother politely, "Don't worry, ma'am. It was only one of the giant plants that almost ate him. Or maybe two... Anyway, nothing else has come close to eating any of us. Except maybe those animated sea-plants... Huh. Lots of carnivorous plants around. Fortunately, there won't be enough light in the Tunnels for carnivorous plants!"
She finishes brightly and returns to her breakfast, thinking her words to be comforting.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday February 21st, 2024 8:33:12 PM
Armalad does whatever elven casters do at night (I thought we covered this before that they might trance) and gets up early to prepare her spells for the next day such that she is studying her spellbook when the Dwarf Guard appears. She chooses to prepare the spells needed to support the greater teleport in case they need to escape from the tunnel directly.
To the Dwarf guard she replies in Dwarven, Highlight to display spoiler: {"No need to use the trade tongue on my behalf. I am known as quite a cunning linguist after all."}
Armalad says to Stock, "Wow you have quite the amount of kin. I never knew."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Wednesday February 21st, 2024 11:16:29 PM
Bartomus had awaken and in the quietness of the room he was provided, spent time in contemplation of the day ahead. He wove in his mind the various things that had been learned and that experience told him should be of concern. When he was finished, he gathered his belongings. He was in the process of tightening the knots on his kit when the door opened.
A somewhat thinner dwarf stood at the door, Bartomus turned.
"I have been asked to bring you to the feast hall, Bartomus." There was a hesitancy in the way the words were delivered in common. Bartomus smiled.
"Well, I would appreciate that. As you know my name, you have the advantage of the situation." Bartomus replied. He extended his hand outward to the dwarf who seemed to be a bit uncertain as to Bartomus' meaning. Within seconds, though, the bushy black brows that provided some refuge for the greenish-brown eyes to hide underwent wide.
"My apologies," the guard responded. "I am Barrick Strongspear, a cousin twice removed to Stock. Same in relation to Our Chief."
Bartomus grinned and shook the hesitant hand that was put forward.
"Well, cousin to the Chief no less, I am honored to have your assistance Barrick Strongspear. You lead and I will follow, and try not to bump my head and horns into as we walk."
Worry crossed over Barrick's face. Bartomus noticed that the number beard beads that Barric was wearing was fewer than he had seen others the night before wearing. He surmised that Barrick might be a bit younger as a result.
"I am joking, young master Barrick. I will try to be a few of my steps behind you so if I do have to duck down, I don't catch your tunic or your beard." Bartomus winked and then started laughing.
Barrick processed the information, rolled his eyes slightly, and then joined in the joke. A twinkle sparked in the young dwarf's eyes.
"Well, don't be too far behind, I would hate to have one of the others mistake you for a wild beast and think you should be shuffled off to the stockade." He waited just a moment and winked back at Bartomus. Then turned on his heel and started off down the hallway.
Bartomus burst out laughing. He was snickering about that remark for a few hallways.
"Here we are," Barrick turned at the door. He gave Bartomus a once over. "I see we were both successful in our objective. You didn't tangle yourself in my tunic, and I see none of my kin tried trapping you along the way."
Bartomus laughed again and took a bit of satisfaction in the young dwarf's amusement. He then worked himself into a position in the hall that would be more comfortable and not require him to stand repeatedly.
He ate and looked over when the fanfare outside the hall grew closer. He glanced about and then realized that Stock had not joined them and was not surprised that Stock was the reason for the growing noise. When Stock and the family came into the hall, Bartomus noticed that young Barrick was at the back of the gathering.
He continued to eat and watch Stock interact with what appeared to be members of his family. Bartomus felt a bit jealous of the dwarf. He smiled at the scene and watched the others in the room.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday February 22nd, 2024 8:07:55 AM
Stohp doesn't take long to be ready and she tries a little bit of everything, enjoying the chance to try new foods.
Mountainhome (DM Wayne) Thursday February 22nd, 2024 11:49:37 AM
Zanderallen politely and matter-of-factly readies himself as he always does, this time pausing and setting his full plate back down in order to present a more conciliatory look to the Chief. Not long after he tucks into his breakfast, Stock and his family (!) arrive in a cloud of camaraderie, are seated, and are soon laughing, talking, and joking in Dwarven. Zanderallen follows along fairly well, but the vast distance between any two settlements often leads to linguistic drift, and so he continues to learn and adapt to ‘Mountainhome-dialect’ Dwarvish.
Stock woke to his night’s dream come true – surrounded by his family, the Simpleshards, who were happy to see him, and mock-scolded him for being gone ‘so long’ even by dwarven standards! The hugging and joking continued to the feasthall, briefly interrupted by Zanderallen referencing a recent adventure’s peril to Stock who shrugged it off playfully, with a secretly pleading look towards Zanderallen to stop while he was behind…
Armalad has a restful trance-night and finishes her spell preparation as the guard arrives to take her to the feasthall, offering an… unusual… comment in Dwarvish. Once Stock and his family arrive, she expresses her surprise at the size of his family.
Bartomus woke early and meditated on the primal nature of the Wold, refreshing his spell selection for the day, and was ready to go when the guard arrived. He and the young Barrick hit it off well, apparently sharing a sense of humor! Once eating in the feasthall, he was pleasantly surprised that Stock arrived with his family, causing simultaneous feelings of happiness for Stock and wishing that he himself were surrounded by his own Taur family.
Stohp, once woken, is all about the mission and is soon chowing down in the feasthall, relishing every new food's taste, like a soldier waiting for the call to war!
Delia swiftly and deftly resolved her morning routine and was soon in the feasthall, smiling at Stock’s family dynamics. Delia tries to ‘help’ Stock, but is rewarded with a slowly growing look of concern on his mother’s face as she turns to face Stock with a stereotypically-Dwarvish-mother Highlight to display spoiler: {“Well?!? Start the avalanche, let’s hear it!”}.
Morgrym clears his throat loudly, like a hammer forging an axe, in Common, “All right everyone, finish those last few bites and let’s not keep the Chief waiting any longer.
(addressing Mrs. Simpleshard, in Dwarvish) Highlight to display spoiler: {Matriarch Simpleshard, any war stories will have to wait until after the Chief has spoken with Stock’s team.},” he finishes with a wide smile. Mrs. Simpleshard briefly looks downcast, but then turns to Stock with resolve in her eyes.
The last few bites of mushroom are soon swallowed, if not also chewed, and washed down with choice beverages. Much Simpleshard hugging ensues, and those who know Dwarvish hear Mrs. Simpleshard exact promises from Stock to tell her everything later! For those who don’t know Dwarvish, all they needed to see was Stock’s Ma wagging her pointer finger at him while talking nonstop for about 30 seconds…
Morgrym, smiling and winking at Stock with a ‘you owe me’ look, Rogar, and their fellow top guards then lead the Shields through a different set of hallways until finally a set of double-doors open up into what must be the throne room.
Stock: Highlight to display spoiler: {My thoughts are that Stock was unlikely, when he lived here, to ever come to the throne room but your next post is your opportunity to insert any familiarity, or awe, or other emotions Stock would feel upon being granted an audience with the Mountainheart Clan Chief…}.
All but Stock: the throne room is extremely spacious, clearly hollowed out by expert dwarven masons, decorated by unparalleled dwarven artisans in silver (most) and gold (accents) with long story-murals wrapping around the room, each wall perhaps 100’ long or more and magical lights throughout so that even dwarves may appreciate the colors of the murals and not just their outlines! Thick carpets woven from rothe-hair and dyed the shades of the most delectable mushrooms you’ve eaten cover the vast floor. From the rafters hang Battle Pennants alternating with Pennants honoring Domi, though this is not itself a temple to Domi.
Many dwarves, guards, servants, and priests (or academics?) stand along the other three walls from where the Shields entered. There are several rows of long benches akin to pews.
Morgrym leads the Shields to their seats in the front left pew as the Shields walk forward, the pew that will be at the right hand of the Chief, who is not yet present. Morgrym reminds the Shields to mentally prepare for the Chief’s arrival, and in Common, “It need not be said, to dwarves at least, that you wait for Chief Sternbough to speak first. Do not be surprised if he speaks to Stock alone first.”
Morgrym then takes his post along the left-side wall as you came in, but is still a good forty feet from the throne – it seems though he is a head of the Outer Guards, he is not in the Chief’s Personal Guard proper.
Three minutes pass with the Shields patiently waiting.
How does each Shield pass the time until the Chief arrives?
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Thursday February 22nd, 2024 5:18:33 PM
Zanderallen meets Stock's imploring look with an evil grin, but makes a sign of locking his lips and throwing away the key. It takes all his will to hold back hearty chuckling at seeing so mighty a warrior as he has come to see Stock brought to such terror by the threat of motherly worry. But he soon brings his mischief under control, especially at the pointed remember of which one of them has actually passed out of the land of the living. He shudders slightly as the wound in his chest twinges.
As they enter the throne room Zanderallen visibly seems to relax as he spots Domi's pennant displayed so prominently. With his knowledge of history and nobility he has a passing knowledge of dwarven customs, if not the specifics of how this clan hall works. As they are left in their spot he passes on a piece of advice to the rest of the Shields, "Take no offense if the chief takes primary interest in Stock, we are in their home. Stay quiet until he addresses us all, and offer salute when he enters. A little grace goes a long way." He waits patiently for the chief to arrive gazing at the beautiful murals around the room.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Thursday February 22nd, 2024 9:40:42 PM
Delia lapses into silence, finishing her breakfast and feeling vaguely like she didn't help matters. She shrugs to herself.
When they move settles onto the low bench, doing her best to stretch out without looking disrespectfully casual. She nods to Hawky and he does a few fast loops around the large room to stretch his wings before settling on one of her legs to wait. She rarely speaks in the presence of high ranking fancy people, so she is perfectly content to let Stock and any others speak to the Chief.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday February 23rd, 2024 2:16:37 AM
Armalad and Joker try to keep a low profile as it seems like some of the Dwarves didn't like her being an elf when they first arrived.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday February 23rd, 2024 7:33:06 AM
The party has dealt with officials a lot recently so Stohp expects there to be no problem with the meeting. She spends the time waiting admiring the excellent craftsmanship of the room and murals.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday February 23rd, 2024 9:53:29 AM
Morgrym's call to order had Bartomus swallowing the last bit of the breakfast mushroom he had tried. It was a tasty, filling affair that paired well with the sweetness of tea. He had been talking with some of the folk near his seat about the Float as they shared things about their mountain home.
As they left, he smiled at the exchange between Stock and Mrs. Simpleshard. In no short time the realization that someone was getting the "you stay safe and be sure to visit me when you are done" lecture from his mother. Then they began walking through various halls coming to a large set of double doors that opened to a different world.
The throne room was incredible in Bartomus' opinion. It was of the same caliber, if not grandier, than the great Diamond Cathedral atop the Float. Bartomus slowed and took in the room where he did not have to duck or hunch down. The carvings with the interwoven lighting, the exquisite use of silver and gold, and even the banners, all told a story of struggle, victory, and community.
Bartomus took his seat and nodded when the advice of not speaking was spoken to as the rule of the day. He then let his eyes wander about the carvings and whispered to himself.
"Is that a dragon there? What is the story behind that panel? And that one over there, what creature is that they are holding at bay?"
He started wondering about the history and stories that were being shared. He continued his study whispering in marvel at what he was seeing.
Audience with Chief Sternbough (DM Wayne) Saturday February 24th, 2024 12:02:16 AM
Zanderallen exercises mighty self-discipline, against which there is no law. He is helped along by a brief twinge of ‘phantom pain’. Taking in the expansive throne room, Zanderallen is suddenly at ease, especially after panning his view across the pennant-filled rafters! He then whispers directions to the Shields, after which he returns to admiring the dwarven art surrounding the Shields.
Delia realizes she might have overspoke, but shrugs – nothing to do about it now. She appreciates the wide pews enabling her to feel relaxed – the room, so open! How high are the rafters, anyway? No matter – what a view as Hawky loops the room, flying high and then gliding and then repeating more than a few times before alighting on Delia’s right leg, exercised and happy.
Armalad and Joker play wallflower – the dwarves have been generally polite and welcoming, but some seem to have a chip on their shoulder against elves, only dwarven traditions of hospitality to guests holding them back from yet more snide remarks. Thus Armalad is content to let Stock take the lead even though she knows in her mind and heart that she could make a far more effective argument than he, arrowpoint by arrowpoint taking her through her imagined speech of reasoning – the dwarves could do naught but agree with her cold emotionless logic!
Stohp is relaxed, anticipating another formulaic meeting with a leader, convincing them of the important of the Shields’ cause, so she nonchalantly admires all the work, especially the woodwork of the rafters, that has gone into this marriage of wood entwined amidst rock that is Mountainhome’s throne room and its murals and pennants.
Bartomus was caught slightly off guard by Morgrym’s announced transition from feasthall to throne room, but savored the last remnants of breakfast mushroom and the ever-so-slightly sweet tea of dwarven make…was the sweetness from a cooked lichen of unusual source, or did they find some berries? The conversations he had with the dwarves, many of them Stock’s family or friends, in one way or another, swirled within his mind as his body got up and walked him in line behind Morgrym and the Shields, still smiling over the mighty Stock, slayer of countless evils, hanging on every command of his mother! Like his fellow Taur, Bartomus too was drawn in by the uncountable hours of artisanry that went into this dance of wood around stone and murals drawing from a wide variety of shades yet perhaps less than half the palette to be found in nature – fewer greens and blues available in the mountains of the Scab though… where did the dwarves find enough trees to cut down, or claim, for the amount of wood he’d seen in the Carpentry Hall and the Throne Room combined, not to mention the wooden doors… those trading caves must be busy indeed! And then there was the decoration and plating of silver and gold to accentuate, to surround, and sometimes even to draw the eye to an important scene among many in the oh-so-limited palette of faded reds, a large and lush variety of browns, pure whites (certain mushrooms???), dark blacks, and dull yellows and greens… so little in purple, blue, and any bright color other than white! He dutifully listened to Zanderallen’s directions and then mused aloud at the meanings behind those murals and scenes which caught his eyes.
Stock enjoyed some final moments with his family and friends, made a thousand promises to his mother that he was not sure he could keep, and bid them farewell as he and the Shields marched to their destiny. Once in the pews, Stock’s face was granite. He barely nodded as Zanderallen instructed the others. Stock seemed to be staring straight through the throne, his face angled up to meet the throne which stood on three layers of concentric granite hexagons.
Those Shields glancing at Stock may wonder… is Stock up to this challenge, of making the case for the Shields’ mission with his words and not his flail? Only time would tell.
As the Shields, perhaps drawn in by Stock’s unceasing gaze, took in the throne itself, first its artistry impressed those with a craftsperson’s eye and then… beyond all the decoration it was black as night… pure obsidian… so large… how is it still intact… why didn’t it chip when it was shaped and cut… oooohhhhh…. magic! The obsidian throne looked big enough to hold a Taur, so when a dwarf sits upon it the message of pre-eminent power, wealth, and authority must be unmistakable to all within the Clan!
At once (at once!), there is the loud grinding sound of stone upon stone as twenty-foot tall double-doors of rock (How, how did we miss seeing those! So large! The throne was obscuring the bottom of where they met, that’s it!) slide open behind the throne over the course of one full minute. As the noise dies down, and the gap is an astounding forty feet wide, four dwarves in (stone!!!) full plate armor walk around each side of the throne, eight in all, taking flanking positions in a straight line with the throne in the middle. Then from the Shields’ right side two dwarves in robes enter from a side archway and likewise two dwarves in robes enter from another archway on the left side, each joining the line of guards and extending the straight line.
The eight dwarves in (stone!) full plate armor scan quickly and thoroughly around the room, some of them alighting their gaze on each Shield for a full minute at a time, as if making certain the Shields were not a threat. The one closest to the left side of the throne barks something in Dwarven Highlight to display spoiler: {All clear Chief! Your highness may enter at your convenience!}
As the Shields scan from left to right, wondering where the Chief will enter the throne room, they are caught off guard when a dwarf emerges from the very throne itself, walking through it as if it weren’t there! This must be Chief Sternbough – an aged dwarf with equal numbers of streaks of white hair as well as red, and an ornately knotted beard with the same, though the red is wound over the white so as to be most of the color in his beard. He wears a chain shirt of an unusual greyish color that fits him well yet does not flex even as much as one might expect of steel. His clothing is not only of high quality, but of colors and dyes that no other native dwarf in your sight has had! Stock’s garb may have colors and dyes available on the float but here it’s clear that the natives dress like their surroundings, perhaps better to blend in if invaded, but the Chief… the Chief stands out on purpose, like a general on a battlefield, attracting the attention of all as though he were a peacock of the brightest plumage!
The armored dwarf to the left side of the throne (the Chief’s right hand side!!!) commands in Common, “all rise, Chief Sternbough has the dominion!”
Prepared by Morgrym and Zanderallen, the Shields rise as one, even the granite-faced Stock, whose face has lost none of its immutable neutral expression.
Time seems to slow and freeze as Chief Sternbough surveys his throne room, filled nearly to capacity (when did all those other dwarves arrive, and so silently!). His gaze stops on Stock for perhaps one second longer than any of the others, and then looking at the crowd overall, nods.
The armored dwarf barks, in Common, “You may all be seated now, except for Stock and his Silver Shields. Please remain standing.”
The rest of the crowd seats themselves, and there is murmuring among some behind the Shields in Dwarven, Highlight to display spoiler: { “The Silver Shields? Who are they? Why is Stock the only dwarf among their number? Couldn’t Stock have found other dwarves to befriend instead?”.}
(Stock only) Highlight to display spoiler: {The insular and provincial nature of some of the comments of those with the least stature in the Royal Court perhaps grate on the Shields, but no one feels their barbs more than you, Stock. You’ve given years of service to protecting the Float and slaying Evil so that Evil would not move on to the Scab after defeating the Float, and these political ministers and servants eye only their own upward mobility, not even knowing the dangers the Shields have saved them from? You hope that no one, especially not the Shields, see the slightest softening of your serious-granite dwarven face summoned for this make-or-break attempt to prevent Karkasan from ruling or destroying the Float, and then the Scab, and then… could even the Wold itself be in danger? No matter, Chief Sternbough is here and soon it will be your turn to speak. Best to be axe-focused on your words!}
Chief Sternbough speaks, first in Dwarven, turning his head to address each pair of robed dwarves in turn, Highlight to display spoiler: { “Scribes, I will address these ‘Silver Shields’ in Common, as at least one or two of them do not know our tongue. When I do so, scribe my words and theirs in Common as well for the Royal Record and the Archives.” }
Chief Sternbough then faces the Shields fully and finally alights upon his throne. He stares long and hard at Stock. A dozen seconds pass, and then he says, firmly, “Apprentice Carpenter Stock Simpleshard… ten years… what have you accomplished,” he finishes with a slight grin.
Stock, how do you answer your Chief???
Shields, how do you comport yourselves while Stock has the floor, and what thoughts race through your minds???
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Saturday February 24th, 2024 1:55:50 AM
Stohp stands calmly at ease, confident in Stock's ability to convince his kin of their mission.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Saturday February 24th, 2024 9:43:57 AM
Armalad and Joker stand. Well Armalad is standing, Joker is kind of hovering, considering he has wings and prefers to fly around. Armalad hunches considering she is an elf amongst the Dwarves but if Chief Sternbough ever deems to address her, she will reply to him in Dwarven as she had been doing with the Dwarves here since she arrived.
She gets how there can be animosity between these rough folk who dwell amongst the stone and her people who prefer the forests but just because there is that stereotypical rivalry doesn't mean that she herself couldn't be an ambassador between her kind and the Dwarves.
Afterall the Shields have had a Dwarf and an Elf on the team for a while now and they've managed to work together and coexist why then not their people?
She does pick up how the crowd seems sad that Stock is the only Dwarf amongst the Shields and wonders if maybe the Dwarves are just xenophobic in general.
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 Saturday February 24th, 2024 6:45:53 PM
Stock cocks his head, "Let's see...what have I done. Well, your Chief-ness, I've been busy...so busy. As some remember, I left here in search of myself. I teleported to the Float of my own free will to aid in the construction and decoration of a villa on the Open Air Level, up top. For three years I poured every ounce of my creativity and sweat into that place. During this time the wealth of the owners rose and fell and at some point in the second year, my payments from the owners stopped completely. Despite this, I finished what I call my masterpiece...It is a display of architectural woodworking that won't make me famous but of which I will forever be proud.
I knew however that my time as a carpenter was over. I had reached the highest level my skill would take me and so I fell into these Silver Shields. Of this current group, only Zanderallen, Stohp and Bartomus remain from those Shields.
We have spent the last several years defending the Float on all sides. We have traveled planes and we have traveled to the bottom of a lake. One of us died...Not me, Mom...and so we were able to plead for his life among the immortals. We have visited with beastfolk and with surface drow as ambassadors of a sort. We have saved lives. So many lives. And so I...we...stand as the defenders of a town, floating upon the waves of a lake, far from much of civilization. We are here chasing a threat that has made our home its target.
We were given a tip to check the East Wind Tunnel for an artifact that is one of several keys to our success and so we need your help in accessing the tunnel."
He stops suddenly and out of breath...as if he were sprinting and stopped before falling into a chasm. He clamps his mouth shut though and stares down the Chief.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Saturday February 24th, 2024 9:50:39 PM
Bartomus' head snapped to the entrance and the parade of the guards that stepped into the room from the wall that suddenly opened. Bartomus gasped when the Chief came stepping out of the obsidian throne. It was surprising and awe-inspiring as well. He stood and when he realized it, he slowly closed his mouth as he was certain he looked a bit foolish.
When the Chief and stock had started their exchange he focused his attention on the Chief. He wanted to replicate this event in a carving someday and he worked to commit the details to memory.
When Stock started talking, in Common, Bartomus looked over at him. During his explanation of his past endeavors, Bartomus smiled on in pride remembering their adventures together. He found himself nodding slowly in agrement with what Stock was saying, what he was asking, and why he was asking it.
Audience with Chief Sternbough (DM Wayne) Saturday February 24th, 2024 10:10:08 PM
Stohp stands relaxed, presuming Stock’s tongue is as valiant as his flail!
Armalad stands, Joker hover/stands if there is such a thing! Armalad readies herself to speak if called upon by the Chief of these “rough folk.” She notes the mumblings among the crowd and wonders whether these Mountainhome Dwarves are particularly xenophobic… or elf-phobic… or have dwarfocentric cultural views…
Bartomus had not ceased to be amazed at the ways of the dwarves since arrival in Mountainhome and the throne room was no exception! How did the Chief walk through the Obsidian Throne and then sit upon it?!? His attention soon turned to memorizing Stock’s mannerisms as Stock answered the Chief’s question in perhaps the longest amount of time Bartomus had ever heard Stock speak at once! He was proud of Stock, never a diplomat, for rising to the occasion!
Delia and Zanderallen each hold their breath as Stock begins, releasing later as Stock’s speech proves concise and to the point. Hopefully the Chief isn’t a leader who expects formal flowery speech out of everyone!
Stock… is Stock. The Shields expected nothing less of their long-time friend and teammate.
As Stock began his speech Chief Sternbough stroked his lengthy, well-knotted, and well-kept beard… thusly… with the facial expression of one deep in thought. The Chief’s right hand moves to tend loose hairs at the end of his beard as Stock describes his masterpiece. There is no flicker of great recognition of the phrase ‘Silver Shields’ in his eyes, just the slight nod of one whose servants have mentioned the words to him in passing, once.
The Chief’s interest seemed mildly piqued when Stock’s story moved on to immortals, and his eyes grew wide at the mention of surface drow, and then perhaps the slight smile the Chief began with grew more noticeable as Stock concluded with the saving of lives and defense of a town ‘floating on a lake’. The Chief’s face flickered with what some Shields saw as the dual emotions of fascination with the architecture of such an unusual place and (was that revulsion?) a slight flinch at the thought of anyone living on… water!
Chief Sternbough narrowed his eyes at the mention of the East Wind Tunnel, and an artifact. He had no immediate reaction to the request for help, as though his servants had already passed that part along.
Stock finally, if it were possible, runs out of steam, ceasing his speech and facing the Chief unflinchingly.
Chief Sternbough matches Stock’s stare for a full minute, as if taking his measure in more ways than one.
Chief Sternbough stands, still facing Stock, and then turns his gaze to all in attendance, in Dwarven, Highlight to display spoiler: {“Stock and his Shields seek help in a way that affects Clan security, even the security of all clans within the Scab. Only those with a need to know shall remain for this Royal Discussion.”}.
Without a further spoken word the dwarves in all of the pews, but for the one the Shields are seated in, at once get up and begin departing. Other dwarven servants along the walls also leave, even Morgrym and his retinue.
Soon only the Chief, his eight stone-plated guards, the Shields, and the four dwarves in robes remain. Doors in the walls are closed and the thunk of boots outside indicate guards (perhaps Morgrym’s team) are keeping the throne room secure against other listeners though the doors themselves were so thick it is doubtful even one adjacent to a door would be able to hear anyone deep inside such as the Chief, his attendants, and the Shields.
Chief Sternbough speaks again, this time in Common, “Silver Shields… you may presume I have many questions for you. I will start with one question and this time, I want all six of you to take turns explaining, each in your own way.
One caveat: do not give the presence of Stock as part of your answer – your mission justification must stand on its own.
Now then:
What are the best reasons that Clan Mountainheart should allow the Silver Shields to enter the Eastern Wind Tunnel, though Underwold Horrors and the Accursed Drow Invaders lurk within, our death on their lips?”
(OOC – Each Shield is given an uninterrupted chance to answer the above question, and it is clear Chief Sternbough desires no wallflowers who choke up at the thought of answering this question. Each Shield is to dig deep into their own unique understanding of their mission so that, though all may choose to mention facts in common, it is clear to all, especially Chief Sternbough, that (for example), Delia’s answer could only have come from Delia, and Armalad’s answer only from Armalad, etc.)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Saturday February 24th, 2024 11:43:58 PM
Delia shuffles Hawky from knee to shoulder to stand at relaxed attention as the dwarf chief enters and he and Stock exchange formalities.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday February 25th, 2024 9:50:02 AM
Armalad says in Dwarven Highlight to display spoiler: {"As a guest who is honored by your gracious hospitality I would show Chief Sternbough and His people respect by answering your question in your own tongue, however not all of my group speak the Dwarven language so I will do them the courtesy of continuing my answer in the common tongue and though you obviously have problems with the dark elf invaders who dwell beyond your Eastern Wind Tunnel this particular elf wouldst be a stalwart friend an ally to The Dwarven People and ambassador of her kind if they'd allow it."}
She then says in Common, "Now that my preamble is done let me get to the point. There is a dark entity named Karkasan bound to the Crying Wood. It is the Dark Presence one always feels while visiting there. We recently dealt with a threat to the Float involving a kind of plant golem and rare sea plant that could do terrible things. We fought and defeated or captured those responsible and learned through a Druidess who was overwhelmed by some magical power and press ganged into the cause that this group were followers of Karkasan recently freed from their own entrapment. We also learned that they need to find artifacts in order to free Karkasan as well via a ritual. One of the artifacts in question is Largon's Dragon Crown which we received a tip on where it was located by a lesser adventuring company based out of the Float we mentored / petitioned Gargul to restore some of their number as they were amongst the victims of the attack involving the plant golem and that rare sea plant. They found on one of their recent adventures a bit of text in a strange tongue that when deciphered described the description of Largon's Dragon Crown to a tee. It said 'an artifact in the shape of a crown with twin metalwrought dragons around the bottom edges, reputed to be in the Scab, deep within the East Wind Tunnel Entrance…' We then set off to your Mountain Hold in hopes of getting permission to go into the East Wind Tunnel and retrieve this Largon Dragon Crown before Karkasan 's followers do and keep it safe from them. We hope to eventually devise our own way to separate Karkasan from the Crying Wood while preventing him from going free, ideally transferring his soul to some inert vessel we could store someplace safe or get rid of without releasing him so that his evil is never free again nor would it bother those who venture into the Crying Wood. Thank you for your consideration." Armalad gives a courtesy
Joker adds, "What she said."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Monday February 26th, 2024 7:01:02 AM
Stohp considers the question. From the phrasing he wants context, but more then that he wants each persons reasoning for pursuing this goal and why the Dwarves should trust these strangers over dealing with the problem themselves. So Stohp addresses that more then the details of what their after. "The best reason? It will save lives. These people are madmen Chief. They sank ships and murdered dozens simply to get a letter delivered when someone investigated the disappearances. Upon confronting them, they seemed amused by it like it was a prank being played. We killed the one there to stop their insanity, but have learned there are more. We know what they seek is in the area, and I fear what they might do to those living nearby while hunting the item. We've proven able to beat one of their number, and are the best option to defeat whomever they sent here as quickly as possible, before they can kill again."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Monday February 26th, 2024 10:49:02 AM (Oops, Saturday's post I forgot to refresh the page and thought I was between DM posts)
Delia stares at the dwarf chief as he requires speech from all of them. She takes a breath, then Armalad speaks, takes another and Stohp steps in next. She takes a third breath, looks side to side at the other Shields, touches Hawky nervously, then answers. Her voice is quiet, but serious.
"We are taking this path because it is right. Because I couldn't live with myself if I didn't do my best to protect my city. My home. I, and we, have hunted many horrors before and will do it as long as we need to. Whatever dark places they hide." She shifts back to her normal pragmatism, adding, "And, if we go in, we'll thin out the numbers of things in there that y'all have to worry about without any of your resources being used up."
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 Monday February 26th, 2024 2:29:29 PM To be clear, Chief, we do not know the scale and scope of evil represented by the entity know as Karkasan. My sense is that this may evolve into something akin to the Sargrsss incident of a few years ago…and that it puts us all in jeopardy. I fight today to limit what it can become tomorrow. Today the danger affects my adopted home. This latest rumor we chase down has potential to impact my Home, too due to simple proximity. As a warrior of some regard, I will do everything possible within my power to protect these two places.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Monday February 26th, 2024 3:32:11 PM
Zanderallen waits his turn to speak before beginning. He refrains from some of the flowery speech or honeyed words he might use on Float officials, Chief Sternbough was looking for plain truth. "Your hall is decorated with the symbols of Domi, so I assume we share similar values. Karkasan stands against Domi's teachings and seeks to dominate and oppress. And he is an evil that will not go away with time, having extended his life indefinitely with foul necromancy. We have stood against him and his minions before we even knew who he was. If he is not stopped he will spread over this whole land like a plague, it may take years but he will come to the very doors of Clan Mountainheart. By aiding us you help us stop Karkasan before he can even leave his prison, preventing thousands of lives from ever being put in danger."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Monday February 26th, 2024 4:01:06 PM "Chief Sternbough," Bartomus said after a brief bow of his head. "First, it is an honor to be here in this hall and keep. I am in awe at the wonderous carvings and the artistry that we have seen in the past day or so. In addition, the hospitality has been just as incredible. I truly wish it was to celebrate all that Stock has done or to watch him get lectured by his mother more."
The Taur paused and gave the Chief a broad, genuine smile. Then he took a deep breath and as he let it slowly out, his face took on a very serious look.
"My colleagues have given you their reasons that this should be a concern to the Mountain Hold here." Bartomus looked over at his fellow Shields and then back up at the Chief.
"I came to the Float a few years back now. I was originally taken in by members of the clan of taurs that lived on the wild grasslands north of the Float. My mother died when I was born and I was raised as a servant who was called to join Eberyon's dance." Bartomus smiled at the memories flashing in his mind. "I visited a set of hills that, like the Float itself, were unmoving in the waves the wind caused on the high grasses. There I got guidance to seek out a future in the Float and did so. I am an artisan of some measure, nothing like what I have seen displayed here, and was making a living the best I could. Then I got into helping Stock, Zander there, my fellow Taur Stohp, and others."
"Sir, why should you and yours care about this matter we bring to you? The Float is far away and the interactions bet Bartomus paused and took another breath. Then he set his eyes on the Chief. "But, if you are already seeing challenges in the Scar, and if the evil that we are dealing with is coming after that crown, then then the Scar is going to be the new front lines. Front lines to what could become a massive war where those aligned with the evil that Karkasan represents, and Karkasan himself, may cause great damage to you and yours. The Float is my home, and I am committed to doing what is necessary to protect it, but I think all of us want to protect anyone in the Wold from the nightmares that Karkasan's followers want to unleash."
Bartomus ran out of words. He simply held his eyes with the Chief's for a bit, then he nodded and looked down at the carpet. He had said what he could the best that he could.
Audience with Chief Sternbough (DM Wayne) Monday February 26th, 2024 10:19:05 PM
Delia had shuffled Hawky back and forth as Chief Sternbough entered the room through the throne and then spoke with Stock.
Armalad offers a preamble in Dwarven, and then gets to the point in Common, as much as is possible with the complex situation the Shields find themselves in. Joker agrees. Chief Sternbough maintains a face like granite during Armalad’s answer, but…
Sense Motive DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {There seemed to have been a flicker of recognition in his eyes at each mention of Largon’s Dragon Crown.}
Stohp focuses on ‘best reasons’ and, Armalad having given the “big picture,” focuses on two things: the nature of their implacable foes and the Silver Shields as the One Hope to stop them.
Delia takes a breath while Armalad expends hers, and then ready to speak, waits a bit longer as Stohp had begun, but Stohp does not belabor the point, as is her way. Delia unconsciously displays a few nervous tics and tells, and then describes the peril her home faces, the duty she feels to protect her home, and finishes with the benefit to Clan Mountainheart’s safety.
Stock relates the scope of Karkasan’s plots to the Sargrass incident. He also expresses the need to protect all, not just in his Home but in his adopted home as well.
Zanderallen takes the pulse of the room, and considers all the exercise in his Dwarven language skills he’s gotten since arriving and realizes that while humans tend to use whichever verbal strategy seems best to them, the Mountainheart dwarves in particular seem to value clarity in speech, like counting all the rocks after a landslide, though individual dwarves may be verbose or laconic (like Stock) at times. He begins by speaking about Domi, and all can see a slight and brief smile on the Chief’s face at each mention of Domi. Zanderallen paints Karkasan as a kind of anti-Domi. Zanderallen stresses the unending nature of Karkasan’s threat, even to Mountainhome, if not stopped!
Bartomus does not share Zanderallen’s aversion to flowery speech, but focuses it on honest compliments that are also targeted to curry favor with the Chief and his retinue, adding a bit of humor though perhaps only one guard (the youngest?) chuckles almost inaudibly. An adjacent foot taps his boot and the chuckle stops! Bartomus moves on to how he came to the Float, and to care about it greatly. He moves on to the danger to the Scab and Mountainhome as the new front lines if the Float falls.
Chief Sternbough says, a moment after Bartomus concludes, “I see.” He then glances at one robed dwarf in particular and when he does so all can see the faintest shaking of the robed dwarf’s head between left and right.
The Chief faces the Silver Shields and speaks once more, “The Wind Tunnels are a dangerous place. There are many caverns within them, often limestone, containing Aberrant Horrors, but those surface infrequently. Always on our minds as a people… on the minds of all in the Scab… is the threat from the Drow, who previously invaded the Scab from the Wind Tunnels, making magical use of lava-filled tubes for moving their army around quickly to attack unpredictably. Heroes of an older time collapsed the West Wind Tunnel Entrance in a daring and risky battle no one wants repeated ever again, as failure means a Drow army bursting forth and threatening all of us again. We, Clan Mountainheart, have guarded the East Wind Tunnel Entrance ever since, ready to do what it takes to ensure the Accursed Drow are never seen in the Scab again! The Chief pauses briefly, and how animated and angry he has become sinks into the Shields – he is clearly not in a mood to favorably consider any mention of Surface Drow of It’lal, though they are not like the Drow living in the Underwold beneath the Scab, nor should all Drow be painted with such a broad brush as the Chief has just done.
Each Shield mentally asks themselves, What horrors did the Dwarves of the Scab, especially Clan Mountainheart, face in that Drow invasion that still scars their minds, and mayhap even the minds of their children and grandchildren years and years and years after the war was ended? How was Stock’s mind not likewise polluted by this rage, this pain that afflicts even the Chief of Clan Mountainheart while pennants of Domi fly overhead throughout the Throne Room? Those answers, if they come, will have to wait for another day… presuming the Wold does not fall under Karkasan’s heel this day…
The Chief continues, “I have another question, and again I want each of you to give your own answer, as best as you understand the combat and other capabilities of your… special group:
What abilities does your group possess that gives your group a good chance of not only surviving, but of slaying all the Underwold Horrors you encounter, obtaining the Crown, and returning here to tell the tale?”
(OOC – Each Shield is given an uninterrupted chance to answer the above question, and it is clear Chief Sternbough desires no wallflowers who choke up at the thought of answering this question. Each Shield is to dig deep into their own unique understanding of the “Combat And Other Capabilities” of the Silver Shields **As A Team** so that, though all may choose to mention facts in common, it is clear to all, especially Chief Sternbough, that (for example), Delia’s answer could only have come from Delia, and Armalad’s answer only from Armalad, etc.)
[OOC – IMPORTANT
**Everyone** roll a Diplomacy Skill Check. Include your own Diplomacy Bonus in an ‘OOC’ in your post. The best bonus-holder is the Lead, and everyone else is rolling for DC 10 to Assist. This is tough – Chief Sternbough has a solid granite ‘poker face’ – roll high!]
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20=3 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+19=24 ; Tuesday February 27th, 2024 1:10:50 AM
(OOC: Sense Motive - 3, Diplomacy - 38 from Armalad; Diplomacy - 24 from Joker)
Armalad says, "Well Delia and myself are both ranged specialists though our specialties complement each other rather than compete. I have trained a little as a Wizard, a little as a Rogue, a little bit more as an Arcane Trickster but the bulk of my training has been as an Arcane Archer. Therefore I tend to prefer to either imbue my arrows with spells that will effect multiple enemies and/or get within 30 feet and have the ability to sneak attack whether through an assist from my familiar creating an illusion with a wand or using some of the trircks I've learned as an Arcane Trickster. Being a Rogue and Arcane Trickster gives me the ability to attempt to disarm traps from afar as well. Going back to Delia well she is a Ranger trained in the classical art of ranged combat. Her bond is her animal companion hawky and she has some spells and favored enemies that give her certain advantages. She has both Undead and Aberrations as favored enemies. Speaking of Rogues, Stohp is a straight-up Rogue and probably the most dextrous member of our party, so her sneak attack does a lot more damage than mine does however she also has other options in combat including Grappling, Tripping and Disarming giving our group an upper hand in certain combat situations. Stock is our Barbarian and I do not mean it as an insult. He is brave and he throws himself into the thick of battle. He is probably the hardest to kill amongst our group having the ability to just shrug off a certain amount of every attack against him. His attacks also pack a punch. Zanderallen is a noble Paladin. He too is a frontline fighter and armored to boot with his paladin abilities giving him the ability to shrug off damage from any attack save from an evil aligned weapon. He's probably also up there in the hard to kill category as well. He can smite evil, heal with his lay upon hands ability has some spells in his repetoire and is a competent fighter. Bartomus is our druid. He is wise and has the ability to cast a variety of spells and assume a variety of forms using wild shape as well as using spells to summon things like elementals to aid us in combat. We may seem like an eclectic bunch but we get the job done. We've dealt with every challenge we've come across so far whether it was invisible assassins sneaking into our home base or retrieving a tome from a garbage pocket realm containing carrion crawlers to stopping those who'd attack the float from the waters of turtle lake and beyond. While it sounds like horrors await us beyond the East Wind Tunnel we have faced our own horrors on our adventures and have won thus far. This is not to make us sound cocky but experienced. We do not take your Wind Tunnels lightly but if that is where Largon's Dragon Crown is then that is where we must venture to retrieve it."
Joker adds, "The boss is being modest. She's really smart. She has a lot of spells, some of which she fires from her bow and some of which are more situational but still she has antimagic field and she intended to fire it from an arrow and have it stick with her enemy but when we were fighting Karkasan's followers she took a chance and cast it on herself as it was intended to be cast and because of which we were able to get the Druidess to surrender and learn that she was mind-controlled into going along with the attack. Also when we were fighting those Karkasan guys they were trying to use the cave we were fighting in to their advantage by flooding it and the boss used some of her spells in an unconventional way to form ice to try to plug up some of the gaps and buy us more time before we were waterlogged which I don't mind being water logged as a water mephit as I have fast healing when underwater in fact the boss is aware of this and has a shrunken barrel or the ability to create a sort of mini well and I have my decanter of endless water and we can set up a dunk tank for me in case of emergencies as I'm not as hardy as the rest of the members of the team but I help out where I can. The boss even figured out using multiple spells ways for her and me to cast scrolls of greater teleport so that we could get here quicker than the normal way of navigating from the Float to the Scab. WIth her brains, Bart's Wisdom, Stock's indomitable spirit, Zander's bravery and will, Delia's bushcraft and Ranger skills, Stohp's mixed bag of capabilities, and hawky and my ability to help out where needed and as we can the Silver Shields will see this through Chief, or my name isn't Joker."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) d20+24=25 ; Tuesday February 27th, 2024 4:58:47 AM "Honestly I'm not the greatest warrior, but once I do get my hands on something I can usually pin it and tie it up. I've rendered many a spellcaster helpless that way, even the last of these foes we expect to confront here. So more of a support role." (Diplomacy 25, nat 1 with +24 bonus)
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 d20+16=17 ; d20+4=8 ; Tuesday February 27th, 2024 8:55:54 AM
Stock knows the horrors that haunt the dwarves minds yet he is still annoyed by his Chief’s challenge. He is just not used to this. Still he gives it a shot.
”Stohp is the glue that keeps us together. While not powerful in the traditional sense, she is an implacable foe. Big Z is the shield of the Silver Shields. He protects us and leads us. Bart is our wise councilor. Nature bends to his very whim. Delia’s bow is the silent murderer among us. Armalad lis equal parts genius and nimble footed. She has forgotten more facts than I will ever learn. And I am the hammer…well make that a flail…of the Silver Shields. Point me in a direction and get out of the way.”
——- sense motive 17, Stock is distracted Diplomacy 8
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+2=19 ; Tuesday February 27th, 2024 9:36:53 AM "Chief Sternbough," Bartomus started. "I will stand with what was said by Armalad and Stock. I, like the rest of the Shields, try to find a solution first that doesn't require a blade or hammer first. But, when that is not the option, we fight. We have fought together in other planes where the very nature of where we were was in question. We fought when the sky broke open and the very grass turned into an attacking beast. We may not be the most ideal of all those responding to the constant threats to the Wold to take this threat on, scholars may have their favorite heros of days long past. But, sir, we are the ones that are here and now responding to a threat that is growing in the shadows."
OCC - Diplomacy - gulp - oh hey, 19!
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 d20+30=40 ; Tuesday February 27th, 2024 4:15:21 PM
Zanderallen reads the grim hatred of the drow in the chief's demeanor and shudders at the rage contained within. He stands up straight as iron, WLA badge clearly visible clasping his cloak. While his words would seem like bravado in most, Zanderallen delivers his speech in assured confidence, [b]"You ask, why us? Who are the Silver Shields to entrust the safety of your clan holds to? Others have spoken to our specific strengths, I share what horrors we have already faced down with the tales we already have to tell. We started taking on street thugs and gangs on the lower levels of the Float, winning the trust and support of the Fence level. Our deeds went ahead of us and the city council started commissioning us for operations into the Crying Woods. When the Blood Grass rained down upon the Float we protected the people, holding our part of the line. When the Crying Wood retreated we were among the first to venture into the unknown, making first contact with new friends and ancient enemies. We travelled into the depths of the float to protect the merfolk kingdom, where I fell slain protecting the princess from dark rituals of the Deep Ones. But Domi backed our pleading with Gargul that he still had tasks for me, and I was returned. We continued to protect the Float, navigating coup attempts, political plotting and assassination attempts, securing the complete trust of the past and current Overlord in revealing and driving out a cabal of nobles set on ruling the Float for their own gain. We travelled to pocket planes and the Lands of Rest, fighting their denizens and securing the safety of the city and those we love. We have delved into the depths of the Crying Wood center and back to the lake floor putting a stop to agents of Karkasan and his will. To prove our accolades I present the backing of the Woldian League of Adventures, recognizing several of us as Champions and Heroes, of the Star Mage Guild, and the Float Druid Grove. When we originally decided upon our name it was because our motivation was to be a shield to those weaker than us, and silver because we preferred to use our words when possible to solve problems, but we can and have been the hammer when it is needed. I am a holy warrior of Domi, vessel of his divine power. Stohp is a taur of many talents, bringing tactical options to any situation. Stock is a mighty warrior, capable of taking down foes and obstacles many times his size. Bartomus is a druid of the circle, the very elements answer his will. Delia is an archer of no equal and a survivalist, able to track a fly across the plains and shoot it's wings off at 100 paces. Armalad brings her own brand of archery, adding in arcane trickery to confound and obliterate our foes. To complement our strength we have amassed vast quantities of magical gear to augment our personal prowess. Holding all that together is an unconquerable will to protect our friends from those who would harm them, letting nothing stand in our way. So maybe the question that should be asked is, do you dare try and stop us? Zanderallen delivers his closing line without the slightest hint of threat or malice. Just the deadly seriousness of a man driven by the conviction he is doing what's right. ====== Diplomacy Roll: 40 Diplomacy Bonus: 30 (including WLA Prestige bonus)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 d20-1=17 ; Tuesday February 27th, 2024 4:50:14 PM
Delia lets out a tiny sigh of relief after she finishes answering the first question, taking a few of the other Shields responses to realize that she has to answer another one. She starts thinking through her answer, smiling shyly at the praise of the other Shields as she does so.
Inspired by Zanderallen's candor, she steps up, shoulder to shoulder with him, "Sir. I am a latecomer to the Silver Shields. I can only claim a fraction of the heroism that they shoulder. But I spent years before joining them hunting creatures that had escaped from the UnderWold to wreak havoc on the surface and sometimes had to chase them all the way to their lairs. Each other Shield has, either as part of the group, or as an individual, proven themselves - ourselves - in countless and wildly varied dangerous situations. Even when unprepared, we've come out ahead. And we are not unprepared for the UnderWold." She ducks her head, stepping back and slightly behind Zanderallen as she finishes speaking. She hopes their answers are enough because if the Chief asks a third question she's shrinking into the floor.
Audience with Chief Sternbough (DM Wayne) Tuesday February 27th, 2024 10:54:32 PM
Armalad provides a meticulous, detailed, and thorough strategic and tactical overview of the capabilities of the Silver Shields as a team and individually. Joker may not be the brain trust of the Shields, but he tells what he knows in an effective way, supplementing Armalad with specific examples.
Stohp focuses on what she considers her own strengths in helping the Shields win battles and wars.
Stock just wants to get to the slaying of Underwold Horrors and recover the Crown, but it feels to him as though convincing the Chief to let the Shields get on with it is a tougher challenge than the Wind Tunnels themselves! He gives a concise and to the point rundown of each Shield’s team role, and perhaps wonders if he was too light on details, even given Armalad’s long-winded blathering.
Stohp emphasizes that the Shields are not battle-crazed killers, but are no slouch when war comes to their doorstep, agreeing with other Shields’ rendering of the Shields’ capabilities.
Zanderallen had not seen such barely-contained rage in a leader before who was also being polite, if kingly-polite, at the same time! Still, Zanderallen of Domi remained unfazed and launched into not just an analysis of the Shields, but an oration. His reward is the faintest, most barely-visible cracking of the Chief’s granite face.
Delia too puts her own courage on display, for who dares follow a masterpiece of the oratorical arts like that?!? She goes straight in to her personal adventures fighting Underwold Horrors, giving chapter, verse, spleen, and blood of each one! Her answer complete, she wallflowers upon Zanderallen’s “dress” Chain Mail.
Each pair of robed dwarves murmurs amongst themselves. The Chief raises his right hand to scratch his chin, and scratches it for one full minute. He turns his face towards the pair on the far right, in particular the closer one, and says, “Chief Scribe, I have heard their capabilities, their achievements, their foes defeated… but what say you and the scribes as to the specifics of their smallest details?”
The robed dwarf steps forward, and a dwarven woman’s voice answers from within her cowl, “Chief Sternbough, their magical auras lend truth to their words. They do not appear to have spoken falsehoods that magic may detect. We do not know the rest of these Silver Shields, but how they comport themselves lends credibility to their professed abilities. As for Stock, his physique has definitely changed from carpenter to warrior in the decade since he found another path. His attitude most certainly has not changed, though he has the wisdom of that additional decade,” she concludes.
Chief Sternbough nods and faces the Shields once more, commanding, “Stock… no, Silver Shields… Your mission is necessary. It will be very dangerous, but I think at least some of you, and I hope all of you, will return, with or without the Crown. The Crown is not unknown to us, but has been thought lost for a very long time. ” Was that… sadness… in the King’s impregnable granite face?!?
The Chief pauses a moment and then continues, “These are the conditions: one, do not leave an easy path for Horrors or Drow to reach the surface. Yes you can use magic to widen small tunnels to Taur size, but no more than that, and no more than necessary; two, you will take one of my scribes with you to map and document the journey, and I hope that scribe will be of some help in navigating the maze of twisty tunnels, seemingly all alike, and in locating the Crown given its prominence in our written archives.
Each of you – do you accept these terms individually, not just because your leader may agree to them?”
What does each Shield say?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday February 27th, 2024 11:21:43 PM
Armalad says, "Respectfully I have a few questions concerning your conditions. As to the first condition, let's say we go spelunking and we find the crown and we are on our way back to the East Wind Tunnel Gate. If we have the time and are not actively engaged in combat or in some condition that prevents us from doing so are we expected to take measures like collapsing the way behind us or booby trapping the way behind us to make it more difficult for any potential Dark Elves to follow? With respect to the second condition do your scribes belong to some warrior sect in addition to being scribes? I ask because you yourself indicate how perilous this journey may be as you raise the possibility some or all of us might not make it back here and we are seasoned adventurers while I have no intention of belittling the noble profession of scribe nor impugning the honor of any individual scribe of yours seeing as how I'm technically a fellow academic as being a Master Mage in good standing with the Star Mages Guild is one of my credentials and I can look after myself if it is hard enough just venturing into the tunnels, locating Largon's Dragon Crown, retrieving it and coming back alive as a group how much harder will that task be if we are to insure the safety of a third party? Make no mistake we will do everything in our power to keep your scribe alive but if it is this undertaking is as perilous as you say it is are any of your scribes up to the task? and even if they are as you indicate it is possible members of our own party might not make it back alive, if your scribe doesn't make it back alive will their death be held against us? I do not seek to complicate things Chief. I merely wish to clarify the terms of our agreement so everyone can know just what we are agreeing to and what our responsibilities are under the terms of your agreement."
Joker adds, "See. I told you she was a smart one. She asks for clarification with respect to points of a contract before she sees herself bound to it."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Wednesday February 28th, 2024 7:32:55 AM
Zander lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He had spoken openly and said what he felt needed to be said but always worried how his words would be taken. Thankfully the chief seemed to have taken them at face value as given.
He ponders upon the crown, was it a dwarven artifact in origin?
He then answers the Chief, "Your terms seem reasonable but I have a few questions on the second, similar to my companion. For the first the only path we will cut, outside of pure size necessity, will be through the horrors of the UnderWold.
But for the second I ask the same question you asked us. What are the capabilities of your scribe to journey with us into the UnderWold? Whether they are looking for it or not they will be under our protection and we need to know if we have to be preserving a librarian or being accompanied by someone capable of defending themselves."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday February 28th, 2024 8:05:10 AM
Stohp has no questions or concerns about the conditions. Indeed a local that knows better the dangers they will face would be a great help.
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 d20+16=17 ; d20+4=8 ; Wednesday February 28th, 2024 8:38:58 AM
Stock knows the horrors that haunt the dwarves minds yet he is still annoyed by his Chief’s challenge. He is just not used to this. Still he gives it a shot.
”Stohp is the glue that keeps us together. While not powerful in the traditional sense, she is an implacable foe. Big Z is the shield of the Silver Shields. He protects us and leads us. Bart is our wise councilor. Nature bends to his very whim. Delia’s bow is the silent murderer among us. Armalad lis equal parts genius and nimble footed. She has forgotten more facts than I will ever learn. And I am the hammer…well make that a flail…of the Silver Shields. Point me in a direction and get out of the way.”
——- sense motive 17, Stock is distracted Diplomacy 8
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Wednesday February 28th, 2024 9:36:41 AM
Delia nods at the Chief's conditions and then her allies' followup questions. Now that she is not being forced to speak, she subsides into comfortable silence and listens, absently stroking Hawky's feathers.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Wednesday February 28th, 2024 4:08:42 PM "We can do this, Chief," Bartomus added. "We will try our very best. Making any promise beyond that is not realistic or worthy of sharing with you."
Bartomus paused for a moment.
"But," Bartomus started with a bit of hesitancy. [b]"I gotta think that anyone you are sending with us would be able to swing a hammer or break rock just as well as Stock here. Otherwise, that person realizes just what this might be like in joining us?"[/i]
Bartomus looked over at the Shields and the various members of the retinue that remained in the hall.
Audience with Chief Sternbough (DM Wayne) Wednesday February 28th, 2024 10:53:48 PM
Armalad does her best to clarify the deal in order to protect the Shields. Joker pre-empts any conclusion that Armalad is other than analytical in her approach.
Zanderallen enjoyed an inward sigh of relief. The dwarves know of the Crown? Curiouser and curiouser. He joins Armalad in querying the survival capabilities of the scribe.
Stohp agrees to the conditions, as regards herself.
Stock indicates he wants to hear the Chief’s response to the Shields’ questions before giving his answer.
Delia agrees to the conditions, as regards herself.
Bartomus also expresses concerns as to whether a scribe could survive the dangers of the Underwold alongside the Shields.
Chief Sternbough listens to each Shield in turn, and once all have spoken, begins his replies, “The scribe will be equipped with defensive and concealing magics, including the ability to temporarily shelter within rock, in some ways similar to how you saw me enter the throne room,” he finishes with a smug smile. Continuing, the Chief says, “While the scribe won’t be able to contribute to the deaths of the Horrors, I think you need not worry about needing to protect the scribe. Plan your tactics and prepared spells as though the scribe were not with you, but take advantage of the knowledge of one steeped in Clan Mountainheart Archives. So long as your noisy armor and other ‘tells’ distract the Horrors then the scribe will be able to react and stay safe, and likely undetected, until the battle is over.
Armalad, unless you need to collapse tunnels to win a battle, or to survive, don’t – the rockfall can echo for miles. I am requiring the Silver Shields to avoid, for example, using Rock to Mud on a cavern ceiling and perhaps connecting a deep chamber to the surface – natural woldquakes cause enough of those openings as it is, and force all the clans to assign sentinels to each new opening. Likewise, if you don’t need to Stone Shape a narrow tunnel to more than a Taur’s width, then don’t – some Horrors are of colossal size and presently don’t have a path to reach the surface, or the tunnels of any clan, but any wider than a Taur and that could be a new path for some Horror to reach our tunnels. Clear as quartz?
As for your responsibility towards my scribe, I ask only that you communicate with my scribe throughout your journey so that my scribe can direct you towards tunnels and landmarks useful in drawing closer to the Crown. As you must know, any large cavern system can go for miles and miles, even tens of miles, in many directions. You’ve already indicated that time is of the essence. If you went alone you could be down there for months or years, however long your rations and magic hold out. If my scribe dies and some of you make it back, bring my scribe’s body back with you. You probably have a bag of holding or portable hole by now. If some Gigantic Horror swallowed my scribe whole, then come back and report that fact to me.
If it were as simple as telling you, ‘enter the East Wind Tunnel entrance, take the main tunnel five miles ahead, then five hundred feet straight down, and make a left at the stalagmite carpet’ we would have the Crown already in our possession! I understand it is reputed to be a powerful artifact, powerful enough that we do not want the Drow or some Horror with OtherWoldly Intelligence to have it instead… as you describe your current foe, Karkasan. No, we can easily provide you with summaries of the writings we do have on the Crown, but our scribes are not just scribes, but explorers and mappers of caverns and tunnels, experienced cavers who know how to travel in all six directions through the seemingly unending switchbacks in the Wind Tunnels, and to keep you away from tunnels that would take you into the Lava Tubes where a sudden magma eruption might spell the end of you all. There are a few deep, deep, caves where the Crown is reputed to lie within, but mayhap none of those reports are accurate and you’ll need one experienced in those very tunnels to make a good guess while a mile below the surface lest your war for the Crown come to an end with no further clues.
Finally, if Karkasan attacks your Float while you’re in the Wind Tunnels alone for weeks, months, or years, of what use was your mission? No, you must take my scribe, and in turn your prowess at slaying Horrors will enable my scribe to see new tunnels and expand the maps in our archives… and better protect my people from Horrors and… the Accursed Drow.
Do you have more questions whose asking delays the completion of your mission?”
What does each Shield do?
(OOC – scorecard: Delia, Stohp: yes. All others: no answer yet.)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday February 28th, 2024 11:56:51 PM
Armalad says, "Thank you for clarifying Chief. Joker and I do accept the terms of your deal. However I do have a few further questions."
"You ask us not to use Rock to Mud on a ceiling or Stoneshape a passageway wider than a Taur and those are easy enough things to agree to. However, I possess the ability to cast the spell Wall of Stone. Would it make sense to potentially block off certain passageways on our way back if it meant it would be more difficult for horrors or dark elves to follow without risking making a lot of noise? Additionally I know Shadow Evocation and it can mimic explosive runes and if you have a passage way to the catacombs and I have enough time I may just be able to scribe Explosive Runes into my spellbook. Would it make sense to leave some explosive runes behind? With respect to the Shadow Invocation version objects take no damage and with respect to the actual version should I learn it as long as we didn't put the explosive runes on a wall, ceiling, load bearing column or the like it shouldn't damage the tunnels any just any would be pursuer that happened to read them."
(OOC: Do we have the spellbook from the Red Fountain encounter with us?)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday February 29th, 2024 3:21:13 AM
Stohp is glad to hear the scribe will be capable of protecting himself and has no questions.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday February 29th, 2024 9:51:08 AM
Bartomus nods in understanding to the Chief's clarifications. He looked over at Armalad and listened to the questions being asked as he started to form approaches to the challenges ahead.
"We can do this," Bartomus said softly to himself. He nodded, "we can do this."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Thursday February 29th, 2024 3:33:33 PM
Zanderallen dips his head in thanks for the clear answer, "Thank you Chief Sternbough for that clarification. I had figured as much but better to know for certain than risk uncertainty in a crucial moment when some horror jumps us. I thank you for lending us this aid and promise to do everything in my power to bring your scribe back, even should the un-thinkable happen. I am satisfied with everything discussed and ready to go. We have a lot of ground to cover."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Thursday February 29th, 2024 6:37:27 PM
Delia is also ready to get started and has no questions.
Audience with Chief Sternbough (DM Wayne) Thursday February 29th, 2024 11:05:49 PM
Armalad thanks the Chief and accepts the terms, but, being Armalad, she has just a “few” more questions…
Stohp continues listening, at ease knowing the scribe will be well-defended.
Bartomus nods and accepts the terms, mentally girding himself for the perils ahead.
Zanderallen also accepts the terms and thanks the Chief for his explanations.
Delia continues listening.
Stock nods, with a slight grunt. His mind races, wow (!) this talky-talk thing is going on much longer than I expected!
The Chief considers the Shields’ responses and questions, and then, “Then it is agreed!
First… Armalad, if you’re forced to greatly reshape a cavern to win a battle, use Wall of Stone to restore it as best you can so that no new colossal horrors have a new path. Otherwise, you never know which tunnel you might need as an escape route, so don’t block off a tunnel except to win a battle or unless my scribe asks you to do so, which probably won’t happen. Explosive Runes may harm the Drow, but most of the Horrors are lucky to be able to speak, let alone read. As for the Catacombs, the closest teleporter is in Thistleport, at the Woldian League of Adventurers branch office there. That’s many days away by foot, faster if you can teleport back and forth but…
Shields, you were fortunate to arrive here safely. Occasionally teleport magics within the Scab are… unpredictable. We do not know precisely why, only that my scribes’ studies recommend keeping the teleporting start and end locations above-ground – then, if the Scab “acts up” you may, rarely, find yourselves diverted to one of the edges of the Scab, or even a further-off city. If you need to teleport while underground, your endpoint should always be aboveground. Dimension Door is a bit more reliable, but sometimes your endpoint scatters, so its safest to target the center of a large cavern and riskiest to target a narrow tunnel. Perhaps it’s the constant lava flows, or magical remnants of some long-forgotten war in the Underwold, or the creation of one or more Powers, but one of the reasons we focus more on magics that enable the recipient to pass through rock and stone is the off chance that, underground, even the simplest teleport spell could scatter within a cavern… or into solid rock and instant death. Some of your group was very fortunate indeed to appear safely in the Carpentry Hall, well within our mountain! Presuming you are successful in your mission, and teleport home from outside our mountain’s doors, you should be fine. It’s, again, much more of a rare nuisance from surface start to surface end, yet sometimes risks death in the Tunnels. You could take a barge down the Serpent’s Breath River for a day or two in order to be outside the Scab proper when you teleport, to be certain, but I expect you’ll find time is of the essence then.
(turns slightly) Chief Scribe, read them in.”
She steps forward, doffing her cowl. The other three scribes do likewise.
A robed dwarven woman with hair the color of amethyst says, “I am Chief Scribe Bodill, with a flourish of her immaculately knotted beehive hair, “and standing next to me is Dolgrin (male), and over there are Agna (female) and Grunyar (male).” With each introduction, the named scribe doffs their cowl.
Dolgrin speaks first, his stance flowing in the manner of limestone, “Our expeditions rarely progress beyond a certain point, since we don’t want to lose even one of us. We call this point The Fork. The primary Windtunnel has many branches, but if you take the main path… 5? 10? 7 miles? Hard to measure distance without footprints, but when the main Windtunnel splits into The Fork, both the left and right paths continue several miles more each. Some key stalactite formations to help you identify where you are along the path are… [provides scrolls to the Shields] Stock should have no trouble identifying these formations.” Dolgrin smirks in the direction of Armalad.
Agna speaks second, her face as clear and beautiful as quartz, “The left passage at The Fork is largely barren rock – it’s a wonder even the cave insects find things to eat – we suspect the monsters here feed on each other, but perhaps they have hidden food sources. Strange and terrible monsters lurk here – not cave scorpions, not dwarfoid, but some kind of hybrid, maybe? Definitely not Driders though – those are hybrids of Dark Elves and spiders. Our scouts have only caught glimpses of these creatures occasionally fighting or feeding on other creatures… and what’s strange is that their appearance always seems to coincide with minor groundquakes – the quakes seem more of a concern than the creatures – harder to fight one million pounds of rock than some strange crossing of dwarfoid and scorpion! Some of our older scrolls merely mention a wondrous crown of unknown power, but importantly about half of those scribe-authors were all lost on an expedition to this area.”
Grunyar speaks third, his face set like granite, “The right passage at The Fork is largely filled with glowing moss and… sometimes zombies or skeletons are spotted not half a mile down this passage. Our teams haven’t explored this route deeper because whenever we get within a few hundred feet of the undead, some of us start acting strangely, almost like zombies themselves, and begin walking towards the real zombies. Those not affected have managed to pull the others out of range of the effect each time, but the effect seems stronger the closer you get to the… wandering… patrolling… undead. I suggest you be very cautious here Shields – and if you have significant magical defenses, use them all before engaging these undead! I agree with Agna, some of our older scrolls merely mention a wondrous crown of unknown power, but importantly the other half of those scribe-authors were all lost on an expedition to this area.”
Chief Scribe Bodill concludes, “Shields, first, all of us want you to survive because you are Stock-friends, but if I may be selfish for a moment, we scribes also want you to survive, and return with a full report, because we would know what happened to our kin and most especially we want any surviving writings they made of their explorations. Finally, it is conjecture, but we believe that the mentions of ‘a crown of wondrous power’ must be your Largon’s Dragon Crown. Great artifacts tend to attract those both greedy and powerful, and we have lost too many dwarves in past efforts merely to fully map certain tunnel networks, so expect great opposition, both at the Crown’s actual location and whatever Horrors killed the scribes of the past and kept their irreplaceable scrolls which I’m certain must have much more precise information on the Crown! … The only good to come from those losses is that we scribes stopped being so possessive of our scrolls and worked with prior Chiefs to establish the Royal Archives and make many copies of each scroll so that such a catastrophic loss of knowledge would not happen again…”
Chief Sternbough nods and looks at the Shields. “The scribe Dolgrin is the one who will accompany you on your mission. Dolgrin, give them a small demonstration and then see if they can follow your footsteps to the provisioners,” Chief Sternbough finishes with a big grin.
Dolgrin nods, and his right hand slightly rotates a ring on his left middle finger and he is gone!
From the nothingness before you, Dolgrin speaks, “This is the least of the defenses the Chief has graced me with. Stock already knows the way to the provisioners, but as for the rest of you, let’s see how well you can follow me as I zig-zag towards one of the exits.”
[Perception DC 20 to follow Dolgrin’s footsteps by hearing. Those who fail should probably just follow those who succeeded. Stock alone may choose to ignore the footsteps and just head for the correct exit! If you can naturally see invisible or scent, note that in your OOC.]
Which Shields can easily follow Dolgrin? Practice for the Tunnels!
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+22=35 ; d20+20=35 ; Friday March 1st, 2024 12:33:20 AM
Armalad and Joker close their eyes and take a deep breath listening for Dolgrim's footsteps. After a moment they both hear the footfalls of the Dwarf and much more.
As a highly intelligent elf with both classes under her belt that find noticing things important, racial bonuses towards noticing things and maximum effort spent mastering how to notice things which she passed unto her familiar the pair have no trouble following the footfalls and if this is the difficulty following Dolgrim will always be neither of the them can fail. (OOC: both Armalad and Joker have >= 20 in their Perception skills so they auto succeed a DC 20 perception check)
Armalad - Perception :35 Joker - Perception : 35
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday March 1st, 2024 6:47:31 AM
With her perception of 23 Stohp is also easily able to track the invisible dwarf. It's an odd experience, she knows she's been getting really good at stuff over the years but following someone invisible just as easily as if they were visible is a new experience and really shows how keen her senses have gotten over time;
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 d20+14=32 ; d20+33=44 ; Friday March 1st, 2024 10:46:48 AM
Both Delia and Hawky instantly track onto Dolgrim and she strides after him. Taking him literally, she follows his exact zigzagging path, likely right on his heels as they are in an urban environment (and/or underground?). And he is a dwarf.
OOC (Delia also cannot fail a DC 20 perception. Underground and urban are both +2 favored terrain, so she has +5 movement bringing her to 35 due to Wold house rules on FT)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 d20+10=28 ; Friday March 1st, 2024 4:14:54 PM
Zanderallen listens to the Chief and the Scribes diligently as they explain the situation. Sounded like they'd have to make a choice of which branch of the Fork they'd have to go down, but that was a choice for later. Zanderallen returns the Chief Sternbough's grin at his challenge, he did warn him that Delia could track a fly across a meadow, but he salutes the Chief thanking him, "Thank you Chief Sternbough, Domi's courage strengthen your heart."
He then turns to Scribe Dolgrin, and while he's able to follow the dwarf it is a strain on his sense and before they leave the hall he just shifts to following Delia, chuckling silently at her antics. ================ Perception 28
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+16=20 ; Friday March 1st, 2024 7:37:40 PM
Bartomus took a moment and then realized that others were moving. He could hear various footsteps, but really wanted one last look at the hall, the carvings, and the people. Reluctantly, he turned and followed the others ducking as needed. He made a note to try to learn more about the carvings from Stock in hopes that maybe Stock's recollection of folk tales and legends might be of help in their new adventures.
Perception 20
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 d20+16=17 ; d20+4=8 ; Saturday March 2nd, 2024 6:14:35 PM
Stock knows the horrors that haunt the dwarves minds yet he is still annoyed by his Chief’s challenge. He is just not used to this. Still he gives it a shot.
”Stohp is the glue that keeps us together. While not powerful in the traditional sense, she is an implacable foe. Big Z is the shield of the Silver Shields. He protects us and leads us. Bart is our wise councilor. Nature bends to his very whim. Delia’s bow is the silent murderer among us. Armalad lis equal parts genius and nimble footed. She has forgotten more facts than I will ever learn. And I am the hammer…well make that a flail…of the Silver Shields. Point me in a direction and get out of the way.”
——- sense motive 17, Stock is distracted Diplomacy 8
Audience with Chief Sternbough (DM Wayne) Sunday March 3rd, 2024 12:26:57 AM
Armalad and Joker summon their concentration and listen. They are soon able to pick out Dolgrin’s footsteps on the cobblestone floor of the throne room, easy enough. Will it be harder on the featureless rock floors of Mountainhome? They will soon find out, but for now they head for the exit the phantom steps zig-zag towards…
Stohp likewise hears the robed dwarf’s footsteps in the throne room, and is amazed at how easy it is.
Delia and Hawky likewise are able to follow the footsteps.
Zanderallen considered the deep details their hosts provided on their mission. Thanking the Chief properly, Zanderallen too is soon following Dolgrin though with some effort… easier to follow Delia.
Bartomus took one last visual tour of the astonishing artistry on display in the throne room even as his mind and ears worked to locate Dolgrin, which they did… barely! As he followed the others he resolved to ask Stock more questions about the carvings.
Stock listens for Dolgrin and is able to follow him with his ears though as the Chief noted, there was only one exit to get to the provisioners quickly!
Four or five tunnels later Dolgrin becomes visible again and he and Stock lead the Shields to double-doors that Dolgrin opens and then into a larger cavern with the feel of a light breeze from the archway opposite the entrance. A fresh breeze – this connects outside! The cavern ceiling rises high, farther than darkvision can see, and even with the heatless everburning torches on the cavern walls low-light vision cannot even see that sixty feet.
Ahead of the Shields lie a couple-dozen open-air stalls with some vendors offering fresh foods and drinks and some offering packaged provisions like the so-called ‘iron rations’ but also many dry goods are here – clothing for a variety of climes, climbing gear, artisan’s tools, and so forth.
Dolgrin turns to the Shields, “Shields, you seem very well-provisioned, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you had magical bags capable of carrying more than you appear to have, but it’s possible that the information we just provided might cause you to realize you’d forgotten something, whether it’s another one hundred, or one thousand, feet of rope, more rations, and so on. You won’t find any enchanted items here, but as the old dwarven poet once wrote, ‘for want of a nail the pony was lost; for want of a pony the paladin was lost; for want of a paladin the battle was lost; for want of a victory the kingdom was lost.’ If there’s any ‘nail’ you forgot to buy at the Float, this is your… our last opportunity to do so before taking rothe-drawn wagons to the Entrance. No, we don’t have horses here – flat land without the rocky debris of past avalanches is few and far between – even with horseshoes the terrain would be too difficult. Other areas of the scab have enough of that terrain, but here instead of war ponies we have some war goats but (looks at Bartomus, Stohp, and Zanderallen and his full plate) they just can’t take some of you so wagons it is – we’ll be walking miles or tens of miles underground so don’t get proud about walking now because that’s all we’ll be doing for possibly a very long time.
Now, on with any shopping you want to do, and then we’ll head out the far entrance to the Trading Caves and the wagons.”
(OOC – at the Provisioners, the Shields can buy anything in the Equipment Chapter (non-magical weapons, armor, dry goods, food, etc.) in the Corebook, food adjusted for the local ‘cattle’ (rothe) and different vegetables, etc. Yes, alchemical items are all available.)
The dwarven merchants are generally matter-of-fact and easy to deal with.
Shields, indicate what, if anything, you purchase here and then finish your post by following Dolgrin out the far exit.
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 Sunday March 3rd, 2024 3:11:25 PM
Stock shakes the cobwebs out of his head. "...this whole thing has been a weird experience..." He checks his ioun stone and assured it is still floating up there somewhere, he passes on more provisions.
"I'm ready, Dolgrin...and I wouldn't be surprised if the rest of the Shields were too. We tried to prepare before leaving the Float."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Sunday March 3rd, 2024 9:12:20 PM
Stohp already has 250 feet of rope, but you know what it's cheap she she'll buy another 750 cause why not.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday March 4th, 2024 5:12:28 AM
Armalad has 10 days of trail rations but wonders if that is enough. "Do you think I should get a month's worth of trail rations just in case?"
If the party seems to be in agreement she will buy the extra rations.
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 d20+16=17 ; d20+4=8 ; Monday March 4th, 2024 7:39:43 AM
Stock knows the horrors that haunt the dwarves minds yet he is still annoyed by his Chief’s challenge. He is just not used to this. Still he gives it a shot.
”Stohp is the glue that keeps us together. While not powerful in the traditional sense, she is an implacable foe. Big Z is the shield of the Silver Shields. He protects us and leads us. Bart is our wise councilor. Nature bends to his very whim. Delia’s bow is the silent murderer among us. Armalad lis equal parts genius and nimble footed. She has forgotten more facts than I will ever learn. And I am the hammer…well make that a flail…of the Silver Shields. Point me in a direction and get out of the way.”
——- sense motive 17, Stock is distracted Diplomacy 8
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Monday March 4th, 2024 1:56:03 PM
Bartomus pulled out the rolled-up bag of holding and offered to have the extra provisions stored in it if needed. He gave Armalad a nod in agreement to the question about rations.
"Yea, I am going to grab more as well. He walked about the stalls and picked up ten of the dwarven rations, ten trail rations, some cheeses (three 2# wheels), potatoes, turnips, and a bag of nuts. He paid fifteen gold for the lot of things and arranged them in the bag of holding based upon what the others might want to store.
Sheet updated to reflect purchases in the Catacombs and these here.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Monday March 4th, 2024 2:36:30 PM
Delia will buy a ton more arrows and supplies to repair arrows, just to ensure that she (and Armalad if needed) never run out of ammo.
(OOC: I know there are crafting rules somewhere. I'll look them up after work for crafting material costs)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Monday March 4th, 2024 6:04:42 PM
Zanderallen stops in to grab a few small supplies. Being surrounding by dwarven speakers has been an excellent crash course on solidifying his handle on the language. As he haggles with the merchants he wonders if he'll have a scab accent to his dwarven, or if it's still so egregiously human that no other accent will come through.
Having finished his shopping he joins back up at the wagons, "I'm ready to get trekking." ======================= Purchases - 7 pints of oil - Bullseye Lantern - 450 ft of rope - Climber's Kit - Miner's Pick x3 - Shovel x3
Total cost: 116 gp 7 sp All goes in the bag of holding type 4 with all the iron rations
The Entrance (DM Wayne) Monday March 4th, 2024 11:23:17 PM
Stock clears his mind and informs Dolgrin that he needs no more than what the Shields already prepared for.
Stohp increases her rope supply to a full one thousand feet.
Armalad wonders aloud whether she should buy extra rations, given the Chief and scribes mentioning the Shields’ mission could take weeks or even months, and then she recalls that Stohp and others bought several months worth. Still, one more month couldn’t hurt with all the magical bags amongst the Shields…
Bartomus offered magical bag storage for the extra goods some Shields were purchasing. Next he selected some dwarf-style food and rations similar to those he’d had in the banquet hall. Variety is the spice of life!
Delia loads up on arrows and crafting/repair supplies, offloading much amongst the Shields’ magic bags.
Zanderallen too considers and then selects a variety of equipment, focusing more on light sources, rope, and digging and climbing gear, exercising his Dwarven much more than he’d expected but it was exhilarating and helped him see the world with more empathy, considering two cultures instead of one before acting… He reflected on his purchases – two ropes of climbing are nice, but the Shields might need more than two ropes at the same time to hear the dwarves describe caves that twist and loop in all three dimensions! As with the rest, he informs Dolgrin that the Shields are ready to embark upon the wagon train!
Dolgrin leads the abundantly-supplied Shields into the opposite tunnel, some fifteen feet wide and just seven feet tall – no easy journey for giants or ogres… or Taurs, but Stohp and Bartomus only have to stoop a little. This tunnel’s stone has been polished and treated but is otherwise natural. Every several feet there’s some inscribed writing in Dwarven and apparently translations in Common – advertisements for particular vendors in the Provisioners’ room. After a five-minute brisk walk (at average dwarf-speed) the tunnel exits into a cave some twenty feet in height and perhaps two hundred feet in width, with daylight coming in the entrance which is about twenty feet wide and eight feet high – just enough for a Taur without bumping their head.
The cave floor is subdivided into large square lots, marked by boundary stones with thick chalk marks of a variety of colors – the dwarves, or someone, must have a master alchemist to get chalk to be some of those colors! But for its location in a cavern, these Trading Caves appear to be akin to an open-air market where the owner rents stall space to vendors by the day. Today looks to be a light day, with maybe twenty percent of the marked squares being occupied by traders, and in some locations several squares have been bundled together for a trade caravan or three of rothe-drawn wagons. All but one of the trade caravans’ workers wear clan vests with different colors and symbols than those you’ve seen constantly here in Clan Mountainheart.
Dolgrin leads the Shields to the Mountainheart caravan of wagons. “Alright Shields, the Chief had three more wagons added to this caravan to carry the six… seven… eight… however many of you there are,” he pauses, having eyed Joker and Hawky, and continues, “These passenger wagons could take two Taurs each but best not to make just one pair of rothe work too hard. Perhaps if Stohp and a smaller Shield took the first passenger wagon, Bartomus and a smaller Shield the second wagon, and I and two other Shields take the third wagon… that would spread the work amongst the rothe. Naturally, if you have some tactical wagon-riding order then split up as you like – I only ask that Stohp and Bartomus are not together on the same wagon.”
Perhaps slight smiles spread among the Shields at the thought of “wagon-riding order” but none would know as Dolgrin was already aboard the third passenger wagon, having signaled the caravan leaders that departure was as soon as everyone embarked. The Shields were at once aboard the wagons, Dolgrin gave a sharp whistle, and the steady pace of the rothe began, the big wagon wheels giving them needed traction to pull their loads.
As the hours go by, the Shields reflect on what Dolgrin has told them about the trip – only twelve miles as the crow flies, but the constant hills and valleys, steep ascents and descents, wear on the rothe. Perhaps once every four hours one of the rothe suffers a minor leg or foot injury which a dwarven priest of Domi is quick to heal. A minor inconvenience with magic at hand but Dolgrin was not kidding about the rough terrain – it takes essentially the whole day, about ten hours, to cross eight miles of this unforgiving terrain. In the distance to the left or right, clearer areas can be seen just a few miles away but the Shields are clearly on the shortest path to the East Wind Tunnel Entrance, so says Delia, looking at certain key maps in the Shields’ collection from time to time.
The caravan arrives at a cave, but Dolgrin informs the Shields that it’s merely a large cavern with the entrance expanded to accommodate a wagon’s width so that a caravan can safely rest for the night, not because the Dwarves care, but because the rothe can only work so many hours a day. As Dolgrin finishes explaining, the dwarven priest is seen again, this time creating water into a dozen buckets or so which the rothe happily lap from. Rothe workers then tend to any remaining injuries, provide food, clean some of the dirt that coated their hairy bodies along the route. Dolgrin informs the Shields that they’ll be at the Entrance the next day by early afternoon and if they want to get started caving then spellcasters should be ready to kill on sight any Aberrant Horror that shows itself.
The cave has plenty of room for the Shields’ bedrolls and so the night passes uneventfully, though the Shields’ minds race with anticipation.
Morning brings a light trail meal to break the fast of night, and the caravan is once more outside and assembled within about an hour of the dawn’s early light. The bumpy ride resumes and at times the Shields might think this wagon trip more dangerous than the Wind Tunnels themselves but if they do, they do not show it on their faces, stalwart and experienced warriors that they have become.
Indeed, by perhaps an hour after high noon the caravan approaches closely to an impressive mountain. Keen eyes amongst the Shields are the first to spot the rock outcropping apparently hiding a cave entrance underneath it. Soon the caravan comes to a stop and the caravan leaders alone disembark and head under the outcropping. Dolgrin asks the Shields to wait several minutes.
Patience is rewarded as the leaders return along with a few other dwarves armed and armored for war. The leaders direct their workers to begin taking supplies in to the Entrance and then call Dolgrin to bring his group inside. This is it!
Soon the Shields are inside a large cave some one hundred feet wide by eighty feet deep and sixty feet high or more (magical light sconces radiate up only thirty feet and those with elven or dwarven vision hit their limit before they see any ceiling. At the back wall, a large arrangement of boulders formed into a standalone wall blocks the Shields’ view of something, though those with enhanced vision think Highlight to display spoiler: {that’s a metal gate, I can just barely notice the reflection of the stray light that makes it through the thin gaps between the boulders! The slight glow… magical runes?!?}.
Dolgrin and one of the armored dwarves step away for a private conversation, which remains private because the other armored dwarves appear to make a point of having loud ‘small talk’ with the caravan leaders about the shipment, counting the food crates, and so forth. The keener Shield eyes note Dolgrin’s flash of a shiny ring signet ring??? to the armored dwarf during an apparent heated point in their conversation. After a few minutes the armored dwarf appears to concede the point and their conversation concludes. Dolgrin and the armored dwarf walk back over to the Shields.
The armored dwarf, older, salt and pepper hair, beard, braids, etc., skips any introduction entirely and, looking over the motley crew comprising the Shields, says, “I didn’t know so many outsiders had a death wish! (pauses on looking at Stock, then shakes his head) Well, no matter. Dolgrin proved you have clearance from the Chief to my satisfaction and that’s good enough for our brigade. We’ll need about twenty minutes to unlock the gate. Dolgrin, have them wait over there. You too.” The armored dwarf then walked straight into no, through! a cave wall without mussing his beard at all.
Dolgrin says, “Shields, ‘rocks are about to get real’ as some of us say, he glances at the wall the dwarf walked through so if you have any last-minute strategizing, or just want to ask me questions now that we’re here, you’ve got a bit of time.”
Back against the far wall, a few armored dwarves (did ‘Pepper’ say they had a brigade? Just how many dwarves are stationed here?!?) point some sort of wands or rods or sticks or something at the top left boulder in the arrangement and it begins slowly floating through the air and coming down to the floor safely over the course of about two minutes. Right, three-by-three arrangement, 2 minutes each, 2 minutes to set up, 20 minutes… Part of what must be a massive gate, some fifty feet tall, is now visible to all.
[OOC - Shields, your posts, at a minimum, should have your comments with Dolgrin while you wait for the gate to be reached, but please feel free to cover anything you did during the day-and-a-half wagon journey as well through rough, rocky, steep terrain with the wagons often bouncing off of ‘small’ rocks…]
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday March 5th, 2024 2:46:04 AM
Armalad and Joker make small talk as the Rothe Wagons slowly cover the distance to the gate. Armalad asks if the journey is so difficult on the Rothe why there was no effort to create a sort of mechanized land barge the Rothe's could like stay in a single place either near the gate or the opposite terminus and essentially walk in a circle turning a large wheel or crank that had a chain attached to the mechanized land barge that would pull the barges one way or another based on the direction the Rothe walked.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday March 5th, 2024 8:09:18 AM
Stohp will ride with Stock on the trip if possible. She's curious about the local carpentry and his experiences growing up. The dwarves are clearly extremely skilled.
Once at their destination she waits in the designated area calmly. For all of the dangers and uncertainties of their journey it lacks the sheer malovolence and dread the woods near their home project at any and all who dare approach so she finds it surprisingly easy to keep calm and wait to see what comes.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Tuesday March 5th, 2024 9:29:03 AM
Delia will climb into the wagon with Bart. She lets Hawky range about in the air as much as he wishes while they're still on the surface. As for herself, she'd triple check and repack her equipment, not that much mundane packing is needed for a Handy Haversack, but old habits die hard. She also checks each arrow she currently has and purchased, making any adjustments or repairs.
When they stop for the night, she would assist in rubbing down the Rothe. As they rest, she'll cast Speak With Animals and have a nice chat with them too. As they prepare to enter the caves, she'll cast Darkvision and Longstrider on herself, waiting patiently for the way to be clear.
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 Tuesday March 5th, 2024 9:31:14 AM
Stock spends the ride talking with Stohp about dwarves carpentry and in particular usage of some of the tougher giant mushroom stalks found underground as a wood replacement as well as discussing alternate wagon suspension designs that would make the ride through the mountains a bit easier on his backside.
At the cave he lets out a low grunt at the presumption that he’s an “outsider” but lets it go for now. His kin are a bit more xenophobic than he remembered. He then says to Dolgrin, ”Have you been through this gate before?”
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Tuesday March 5th, 2024 4:20:10 PM
Zanderallen gets in the rear wagon. He spends time chatting with Dolgrin and trying to strike up a conversation with the dwarven priests of Domi, curious about how they practice their devotion. When the first animal is injured he expresses concern and offers to share the burden of healing the animals with the power Domi grants him.
Up early the next morning he asks for aid in getting his plate armor on. He takes extra care in arming himself, he planned on being inside this armor for quite some time. He had a plan for sleeping. Fully armed and equipped he completes his morning ritual and loads back into the wagon.
Arriving at the entry gate he whistles at the sheer scale of the gateway. As Grumpy stares them down he stares right back, completely unbowed by the dwarf's hostility. He thinks about confronting the rude fellow but writes him off as a soldier just trying to do his job. When rocks starts flying around he makes sure he's got room to back up if needed. "This is quite the gate Dolgrin. Has anything ever made it through?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday March 5th, 2024 8:18:58 PM
Bartomus bounced about with Delia and her hawk. He shared with her things about the Shields and his past, hoping to learn a bit more about her now that they were sharing a wagon together. It was a rough ride. No other way to describe it. Bouncing off of small rocks, which were anything but small, only added to the experience.
When they camped for the night, Bartomus curled up and didn't worry about rations as he had his Ioun stone on for the campaign. Morning meditations focused on spells dealing with stone, damage, and healing. Then they got back into the wagons and rode the last bit to the keep with its massive gate. He shared Zander's impressions adding a whistle of his own.
"Dolgrin, what are the type of creatures that have you the most concerned beyond that gate?" Bartomus asked. He figured a bit of additional information might be advantageous.
The Entrance (DM Wayne) Wednesday March 6th, 2024 12:14:16 AM
Armalad and Joker pass the wagon ride with idle chatter. She suggests a large rothe-powered machine could move people and cargo faster.
Stohp and Stock ride together, as Stohp sneak attacks him with a barrage of questions on dwarven carpentry and his pre-Shields life in Mountainhome. At the Entrance, she finds it easy to calmly wait for the uncovering of the Gate. There may be uncountable Aberrant Horrors beyond the Gate, but unlike the Crying Wood, the Tunnels themselves aren’t out to get the Shields… she hopes…
Delia rides with Bartomus. She busies herself with tending to her gear and Hawky, and also spends time helping the animal workers with the rothe. Delia casts Speak with Animals and checks on how they’re feeling. The rothe are no smarter than cattle, but as the priest of Domi heals various bruises, cuts, and scrapes from the journey, and they eat their dinner and drink their water, they have no complaints, though it’s also clear that this is the only life they know, pulling wagons, being fed and watered, and healed of the wounds of the road.
Stock falls into answering all of Stohp’s questions, at ease in the ‘shop talk.’ Like Armalad, he too muses about his own ideas to improve the wagon transport. At the Entrance he thinks at first ‘Pepper’ has lumped him in with the ‘outsider’ tag, and then wonders whether ‘Pepper’ merely thinks Stock, too, has a death wish. Do I? Nahhh… The xenophobia barely concealed beneath the surface felt new… but then, he’d never been to the Entrance, and maybe even back in Mountainheart he hadn’t noticed it because he was rarely around non-dwarves… which had led him to find his own path on the Float and… were they always this way? Did I ever think that way? No, I always wanted more than Mountainhome was giving me… and they… so much to look back on with eyes ten years older… Stock turns to Dolgrin, asking if Dolgrin has been through this Gate before. Dolgrin nods, knowingly, closing his eyes as he does so as if to relive the memories better… after a moment he opens his eyes, a distant look in them.
Zanderallen gets in the rear wagon with Dolgrin, talking with Dolgrin and also the priest of Domi stationed at the reins ahead of him. Dolgrin is not laconic, but neither is he verbose. For one so learned, he seems balanced in conversation. The priest is happy to share with Zanderallen, who learns that living in a natural desert (as all caves are) and making it into not just a home, but a place a clan can thrive, seems to have given these dwarves, including the priest, a sharper readiness to dispatch threats to their survival yet also equally ready to be hospitable to… most guests. Clan Mountainheart appears rule-bound and tradition-bound, from the tying of certain professions to certain sexes to never forgetting, or forgiving, the atrocities of the Drow beneath the Scab lest the edge that enables Clan Mountainheart to survive in these rugged caves be lost! Domi doesn’t want you to be so consumed with fear and hatred… it’s a wonder you still receive spells… perhaps forgiveness from Domi as you take good care of your clan and build a more balanced society. Will there one day be the right opportunity to broach the subject that worship of Domi can include empathy? Zanderallen decides to demonstrate empathy by doing, offering to help the priest with healing the rothe, an offer accepted with a wide smile by the priest! The rest in the travel cave was welcome, and the next day, with some assistance from the priest, he was armored up and in the wagon again. At the Entrance, the size of the Gate impresses him, and its craftsdwarfship too! He stares back at the uncaring ‘Pepper’s’ words, restraining himself from eye-rolling. Once other dwarves begin moving the boulders he makes sure to be out of the way! Zanderallen inquires of Dolgrin whether anything has ever made it through. Dolgrin replies, with a wince, “We… learned ways to improve this Gate after the Drow invasion of the West Gate. More and better magical protections, the stack of boulders just in case the Drow invested in Anti-Magic Shell or brought disenchanter beasts or rust monsters or the like.”
Bartomus inwardly chuckled at the wagon bounces keeping he and Delia in sync as though choreographed! She was her usual quiet self so he kept up the conversation for both of them. Whatever she may have said in reply must have been kept from the rest of the Shields by the routine ‘music’ of wagon wheels and rocks. At the travel cave, Bartomus went straight to sleep, relying on his Ioun Stone for sustenance. In the morning he considered their destination and adjusted his spells. On arriving at the Entrance, he echoed Zanderallen in response to the sight of the 50’ tall Gate, going above the 30’ of bright light, but even in the dimness above the shadowy height of it still gave pause. Bartomus turned to Dolgrin and asked for more specifics on these ‘Aberrant Horrors’ Dolgrin, the Chief, and others frequently spoke of.
As the boulders continue to be moved out of the way, Dolgrin replies to Bartomus, opening with a loud exhale and then inhale of breath, “There are so many we know of, yet it seems any time we send an expedition we find yet more unknown-to-us. You Shields seem to have strong enough weapons and magical accoutrements to be ready for the stupid or the non-intelligent Horrors. What we fear most is when the intelligent horrors show up. Any dwarven explorer trained in Clan Mountainheart knows the seismic signature of a purple worm or is ready with a magic or adamantine axe against a xorn phasing through the cave wall to eat all of your metallic gear… it’s when something with that level of power has the cunning of a sociopath and the infinite patience of being ageless that worries even the toughest dwarf warrior… and more than one such has been lost on “honor” expeditions taken alone, thinking that might and enchanted gear alone could conquer all threats… If you want to prepare then think about how to fight purple worms and carrion crawlers and thoqqua and the rest, but then imagine a pod of any of them, eight or sixteen of them, lying in ambush in a specially-modified tunnel…”
As Dolgrin finishes his monologue, the last few boulders are rolled away from the Gate. Indeed, it is even more impressive now, with all its glowing runes showing, than when just the hint of glowing runes was obscured by countless tons of boulders in front of it.
‘Pepper,’ standing alongside the Shields, perhaps even has a tiny look of admiration in his eyes for the Gate, though he has seen it far more than they. A thick and opaque curtain falls into place from beyond the 60’ sight limit above. Dwarves stand guard while occasional flashes of light come out of the space between the curtain and the Gate. Security precautions for the magical protections are serious, it seems, especially if command words or other easy tools can be used to temporarily disable them. An ominous and lengthy rumbling, with concurrent screeches of stone on metal, is heard!
Dolgrin says, “Start casting your Darkvision and other hours-long spells you use for exploration now. Once the Gate opens, we’ll have to move fast!”
After a few minutes the curtain rises once more, and darkness lies beyond, the East Wind Tunnel Entrance now open to all, Shields, dwarves… and any nearby Aberrant Horrors!
‘Pepper’ says, “All right you lot, get on with it! We aren’t to keep it open any longer than absolutely necessary! Dolgrin will tell you how to signal us from the other side once the Gate is back in place, but our brigade could die for nothing if you don’t go through NOW so we can close the Gate!”
Dolgrin turns to the Shields and says, “Come on! Start running in your two-abreast marching order with me in the center! We’ll adjust once we’re inside!”
[OOC – Shields, in your post, describe any hours-long buff spells you’d throw up, such as Darkvision, and then move on to your portion of the Heroic Montage that is the Shields fearlessly running and leaping into the Unknown of the Tunnels so the dwarves can close the Gate behind you!]
Armalad (Hugh) HP 134/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday March 6th, 2024 1:48:25 AM
Armalad casts Mage Armor on her and Joker and light on an arrow she carries. Since Shrunken item lasts for days and she hasn't had a need to unshrink her barrel presumably a previous casting of Shrunken item is still in effect.
Once the spells are out of the way Armalad and Joker sprint with the others taking positions between the middle and the rear so that they are towards the back but not in the vanguard.
Joker flies as nimbly as his mephit wings will take him while Armalad gracefully runs elf she is, her blonde hair flowing behind her as she does so
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday March 6th, 2024 8:45:50 AM
Stohp had expected to have to rush in after all the talk of underground horrors so she's ready when the time comes. The problem is not outrunning her shorter legged comrades really, she's pretty fast on her feet.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Wednesday March 6th, 2024 9:40:47 AM
Bartomus follows behind Dolgrin and makes it clear that his vision is limited to that of an elf in the dark. The light from the arrow Armalad should be adequate for the 60' of vision needed. If not, then Bartomus would ask Dolgrin if a sunstone would be wise to use once on the other side of the gate.
He moves behind the dwarf guide in the order and proceeds through the gate into the cavern beyond.
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 Wednesday March 6th, 2024 10:54:30 AM
Stock shares a traditional Dwarven goodbye with the guards, silently holding up a single fist as he jogs to the front of the Shields’ procession.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 d20+45=50 ; d20+33=48 ; Wednesday March 6th, 2024 11:34:30 AM
Delia chatted openly with Bart about her time spent as a town guard, then bouncing around as a scout/hunter/mercenary outside of the Float before Happy connected her with the Shields. As she spent most of the time the Shields were active outside of the Float, she's very interested to hear about their adventures straight from the source, instead of 7 steps down the gossip grapevine.
She casts Darkvision and Longstrider on herself and is waiting calmly for the call to head into the deep. When it comes, she takes the lead before fading into the shadows beyond the gate. She holds position inside, listening for any signs of danger. Hawky takes off to fly above the rest of the Shields as they head inside.
Stealth: 50 (hide in plain sight underground) Perception: 48 (50 v aberrations)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Wednesday March 6th, 2024 3:42:47 PM
Zander may be naive but he has gained enough wisdom over the years to know better than to think he could "fix" the hatred. Maybe someday when the Wold was a quieter place he could return and share a better way to live. After coming to that conclusion he pushes such worries to the back of his mind, the tunnels were enough to focus on right now. At Dolgrin's words he intones a few words and blesses Stohp with Delay poison, "Since you're liable to try and wrangle something down here this will keep their venom from harming you, well for as long as the magic lasts."
As the final preparations are being made Zander takes a last minute check of his gear, adjusting straps, making sure his bull's eye lantern is readily accessible, and generally adjusting the weight to be comfortable. He hangs back to take the rear, motioning everyone forward, "Eyes up, feet forward, let's show these dwarves how the Float handles business." =================== Delay Poison on Stohp - 14 hours Stohp is immune to all effects of poison, which will all be suffered when the spell ends
The Entrance (DM Wayne) Thursday March 7th, 2024 12:00:02 AM
Armalad pauses only to cast Mage Armor on herself and Joker, and Light on an arrow, and then she and Joker take positions towards the rear guard in formation.
Stohp impatiently taps a hoof for a dozen seconds as the casters prepare and then all are sprinting as Stohp takes her position near the front.
Bartomus notes that, in Taur form, he still needs light to see, as he too dashes into position near Dolgrin who says “a sunrod is too inflexible – you’re a Druid, can’t you shift into a form that has Darkvision? If not then you should cast a Light orison, or use a torch or lantern you can extinguish – those are the most we should risk outside of a pitched battle.”
Stock respectfully bids the guards adieu in the most dwarven way and then is at the head of the Shields’ formation, like lightning, though Delia was with him all the way before vanishing into the shadows! Wait… is that new? She can turn invisible now???
As the Gate opened, Delia reflected on how Bartomus’ openness and easy conversational style got her to open up about her past careers from town guard to mercenary before Happy introduced her to the Shields. In a pure Delia move, she reversed the conversation ‘grip’ and had gotten Bartomus to take the lion’s share of the discussion, relating the Shields’ adventures before she joined. Already she was both being educated, and also able to rest – this talky talky stuff is harder than slaying Aberrant Horrors in the Underwold! She immediately began casting Darkvision and Longstrider on herself before Dolgrin was halfway done explaining… this was it! And then she was alongside the deceptively fast Stock… and then she was One With The Shadows despite Stock looking straight at her when she did it! This is going to be fun! At once her adrenaline filled her and her senses were on high alert for Aberrant Horrors! Hawky repeated a relatively small circle above the Shields, his sharp eyes doing what they could when the “horizon” was the pure black of the Night Below…
Zanderallen daydreamed of a more peaceful future where he could help Clan Mountainheart disentangle their past from the greater present he knew Domi desired to share with them. Then the Gate, in all its awe-inspiring craftsdwarfship, opened, Dolgrin gave his sage advice, and cast Delay Poison on Stohp, explaining what he’d done. Several seconds later Armalad’s spells were done and the Shields raced forward as one! He took the rear guard, as usual, the better to defend the spellcasters and Dolgrin from ambushes, and gave a brief Heroic Speech spurring the Shields onward!
The rumbling and screeching of the closing Gate is impossible to ignore just tens of feet away, but soon enough it ceases. The only light, at the moment, is Armalad’s arrow. Though the Gate has fully closed, and is no doubt being magically re-sealed, still… the faintest of breezes comes from ahead. Those of elven or dwarven eyes can see that soon after the fifty-foot height of the Gate the ceiling begins sloping downward. As the group gets underway, within one hundred feet or so the ceiling is soon down to about twenty feet high and the tunnel width, staying at thirty feet wide for another hundred feet beyond that, slims quickly down to fifteen feet wide at which time the ceiling angles down again to just ten feet wide. Limestone surrounds, nothing treated, painted, or worked. The Tunnel frequently varies in height and width over the next several hours but never too small for a ‘Taur.
Several hours… and we still haven’t seen a full-size branching tunnel? How many miles have we walked already, slowed by the tunnel twisting down at an angle, and then up, to one side and then to the other? So lifeless, or is it? Was that a tiny white scorpion that crawled into a slight crack in the cave? Are we stomping its food so now it’ll starve to death? Such an alien place… and Dolgrin just tells us to make the best of it, even though the twists and turns mean we’re walking at a child’s pace! How long to The Fork anyways, Dolgrin? And what if we get ambushed by something crawling out of the occasional two-foot wide holes we see in the ceiling? And how did lava form all these unusual wind tunnel shapes and patterns anyways?
In the trackless night below, Dolgrin maintains his answer, “as long as it takes…” and then Dolgrin suddenly whispers to Stohp and Bartomus, both adjacent to him, “we’re about to be attacked. Whisper to the others and ready your weapons!” Dolgrin’s words spread quickly among the Shields, though Delia is in the shadows as scout and does not hear, but then, she does not need to.
The Silver Shields’ noses become instantly aware of a familiar smell, a recent smell, varied though it is with the slight smell of rock and dirt. Carrion Crawlers!
A pitched battle ensues, but the eight near-mindless Carrion Crawlers face the Silver Shields! Dolgrin twists another magic ring and falls into the rock below, but not too far, his eyes and a portion of his face peering up at the battle. Still, instinctively the Shields shift formation to protect Dolgrin and set about vanquishing these Aberrant Horrors who are neither strong enough nor smart enough to present any real challenge to stalwart warriors like the Silver Shields!
After the battle, Dolgrin “walks” up out of the rock as though stairs were available to him. “Well done, Shields. You’ll have many more combats like this before we’re even close to completing our mission so clean up, step over the corpses, and leave them for the occasional wandering Gelatinous Cube… I don’t know if Armalad prepared Prestidigitation, but I did.”
Dolgrin casts the cantrip and sets about thoroughly getting Crawler Slime off the Shields, even Hawky and Joker, splattered a little as the Shields went about their work.
Then the group resumes formation and presses onward, yawns starting among a Shield or two… Oh, right, a half-day’s wagon ride, maybe more than a half-day walking, a battle… time flies so fast when you can’t even notice it passing!
The group then arrives at a spacious cavern with several exits around the walls, many cave formations of the stalagmite/stalactite variety, the constant drip of water from somewhere above vision’s limit then hitting stalactites on the way down and then the stalactites “reaching down” to stalagmites “reaching up,” drips of water carrying bits of limestone from above to below, creating fragile but beautiful limestone ‘pillars’ where they meet. The number of visible exits, and presumably the number of exits beyond sight, threaten to give the Shields pause. This is what the Chief meant about spending weeks, months, or years trying to find the path without help – who knows how many miles each tunnel goes, or if it slims to just one foot wide for a mile and then opens up again to the chamber of the Crown!
Dolgrin says, “This isn’t the Fork, but we’re not far from it. It’s time to rest, though, and our Clan set up one, just one, travel cave as a protected base for our expeditions. Look down at our entrance. See this rock? (pushes hand-size rock to the side) That’s dwarven carved in the floor for ‘exit.’ (replaces rock) See the tunnel straight ahead of our entrance? Count three more tunnels to the right. We’re taking that one about five minutes at my walking speed and then you stronger Shields help me move some big rubble to expose the entrance to where we’ll sleep. Whoever your map-maker is, our ‘safe house’ is a great place to finish up today’s map without getting ambushed!”
The group heads down the selected tunnel, and five minutes later big Shield muscles move a number of sizable rocks and the group enters the ‘travel cave,’ replacing almost all the heavy rocks but leaving a crack or two for air, fresh or not.
Dolgrin finishes with, “As you nod off, be thinking about whether you want to take the barren path or the mossy path at the Fork. That’s where our knowledge ends because of the lost expeditions. Whatever killed our kin must like that kind of environment, whether barren or mossy. Either path could take us to their corpses within half a day, several days, or weeks. We don’t know how far each path goes, so prepare for some wild caving and maybe having to use magic or druid shapes or something to fit Taurs through the tight spots! Safe sleep, Shields.” And with that, Dolgrin nods off to sleep.
[OOC – for each Shield, at a minimum include in your post your most Heroic Moment during the carrion crawler battle as the Shields trivially slay all eight of them, and otherwise post as normal your reactions to the lengthy caving thus far, Dolgrin, and the wild caving coming soon!]
Armalad (Hugh) HP 134/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+13=32 ; Thursday March 7th, 2024 3:44:40 AM
Armalad has no trouble contributing to the one sided carrion crawler battle sneak attacking the second creature in a line of 4 of them with an arrow imbued with a lightning bolt that caused the line of electricity to arc between all 4 creatures.
Armalad wonders how long it will take them to find Larrion's Crown and what might await them in the future.
Hearing that whatever killed the Dwarven expedition likes Barren or Mossy cave regions she wonders if she knows of anything like that. (knowledge - dungeoneering 32) and shares with the others what might be out there.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday March 7th, 2024 7:33:56 AM
Once underground Stohp is fairly careful of where she's stepping. You don't want to fall through the floor because it can't carry your 800 lbs. In the attack she does what she usually does - trip up enemies and grapple key targets to support the rest of the party. Travel through the caves quickly becomes tiring for her, not used to traveling with so few ways to track the time and distance.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday March 7th, 2024 9:49:11 AM
He started to process the day when they settled in for the night, which was ever present and always right there beyond the light of the arrow or the cantrip he would touch off casting it to the tip of his glave.
The sudden attack of the carrion crawlers had been a battle royal with the Shields. Dolgrin's warning mere seconds before the vile creatures attached was the thing that gave them the upper hand. For Bartomus, he traded his glave for the large stone hands of a stone elemental and smashing one of the creatures that had been peppered with arrows. The team had worked together as well as they always had. He smiled as he realized that.
He drifted off to sleep having munched on part of a cheese wheel, nuts, and a part of one of the mushroom rounds he picked up in the dwarven market. Sleep found him quickly.
"Dolgrin, what are the type of creatures that have you the most concerned beyond that gate?" Bartomus asked. He figured a bit of additional information might be advantageous.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday March 7th, 2024 9:58:55 AM ignore last paragraph apparently it didn't get written over in the text screen I was using.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Thursday March 7th, 2024 12:31:08 PM
Zanderallen trudges along, sometimes having to strain to see in the gloom on the edge of the light provided from Armalad's arrow but never enough to risk expanding their visibility. He thinks back to his early years on the Float. These tunnels reminded him of the alleyways he grew up in. Except here there was no edge, no opening you could get to where you could look out and see the lake. Just darkness and stone.
As the warning passes down the ranks he snaps the fingers of his right hand, suddenly gripping his sword as it pops out of his new glove. He turns to face the two crawlers that emerge behind the party, willing the flames of his blade to ignite as he cuts them down.
When they arrive at the resting spot he moves to the front to help move stones. Once everyone is in he helps pull them back into place.
"I'm glad Dolgrin and Stock are here to tell time. Do dwarves just have a strong internal clock? How do you keep track of the passing of days? Also, we need to figure out watches. This cave may be safe but soon we'll be camping exposed. My vote would be the mossy path. I believe that was path where scribes had seen undead. That reeks of ancient places and artifacts to me"
As Zanderallen beds down he taps at the ioun stone floating around his head. It seemed to be working, he hadn't eaten anything since that morning and felt none of the weakness of hunger. But his stomach still felt empty. He sighs and resigns himself to the feeling before adjusting his plate armor as much as able for a night's sleep.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Thursday March 7th, 2024 2:20:50 PM
Delia stalks through the tunnels ahead of the Shields, flitting from shadow to shadow by pure habit at this point. In larger tunnels, Hawky will fly for a short distance, otherwise, he will perch on various other Shields, letting his human range ahead.
As the Crawlers emerge from the tunnels, she slams arrow after arrow into them, slicing off tentacles, eye stalks, and going down the gullet with arrows expertly placed in weak spots. She recovers as many as she is able, broken or otherwise.
When they were setting watches, she holds up her hand, "With this new ring (of sustenance), I only need a couple hours of sleep. So as long as I get that little bit of rest, I can stand watch the rest of the night."
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 Thursday March 7th, 2024 9:24:29 PM
Stock feels at ease in the cave despite the sense of impending conflict. He relishes the short, sweet fight with the carrion crawlers, at one point bodily picking up a beast and throwing it toward Zanderallen, timed just right so that the paladin followed through the beast with his sword splitting the crawler in 2.
At the stopping point, he exercises his strength at moving heavy objects and has the cave cleared in no time.
The Entrance (DM Wayne) Thursday March 7th, 2024 10:44:54 PM
Armalad’s Lightning Arrow made the Crawlers flicker between looking normal-colored and reverse-colored, back and forth until serious amounts of Crawler flesh are charred! Afterwards she muses about just how long it may take to find Largon’s Dragon Crown and what Horrors they will have to face. As the group is settling down for the night, her mind latches onto the extra details Dolgrin suggests about the two paths… but there are so many Horrors out there that the barren path might host demons, earth elementals, or something else that simply doesn’t care about lack of a regular ecosystem… and the mossy path… well, there are far worse plant monsters out there than a Woldian Flytrap! The Shields’ recent plant battles were underwater so, barring an underwater lake (and Armalad knew such a lake could be gigantic… or tiny…) perhaps… Fey, hostile land plants, yellow musk creeper, olive slime… endless options there too. She muses aloud on some possibilities for each path but has to admit that an environment alone doesn’t narrow it down enough… though maybe if the Shields go Mossy then Bartomus should load up on plant control spells and she should load up on fire spells… and if the Shields go Barren… probably a wide variety of damaging spells to be ready for anything since Aberrant Horrors are so wildly different from each other… although earth elementals tend to hate Air Spells like Lightning Bolt… and how would the Shields defend against Rock to Mud or similar spells… similarly to fighting the druidess, she supposes… Armalad goes through the list of demon and devil immunities and resistances again as she blathers on about what spells she might prepare after trancing…
Stohp is cautious about selecting places for her hooves to fall, well aware that a solid-looking layer of rock, especially obsidian, could be thin and shatter under her hoof mid-battle! Thankful for Zanderallen’s Delay Poison, Stohp wades in without fear, holding back Crawlers that might otherwise reach for Armalad or Bartomus, or any Shield unaware. Arrival at the ‘travel cave’ is welcome news for her – no sun, no moon, no stars, how do the dwarves live like this?
Bartomus, laying down to rest, reflected on the first day… half-day… in the Tunnels. The significance of the increasing stench of the Crawlers had escaped his notice so he was thankful for Dolgrin whispering the alarm! A spinning glaive, even with a Light orison, didn’t seem the best choice when Crawlers descended from above, likely from Crawler-wide holes in the ceiling beyond their sight, so he immediately shifted into earth elemental form, shifting his hands to stone and simply crushed a Crawler to death that had been half-fried by Armalad’s arrow-bolt! Soon the crawlers were down, and then he waited for the prestidigitation from Dolgrin so none of the Crawler slime would affect his flesh when he shifted back. Hmm… side benefit of being an earth elemental – no blood, no flesh, don’t care about Crawler paralysis slime! He was proud of his friends… his team – they all had done what was necessary with no more than a shout from Dolgrin, and truth be told, he thought he might have heard Delia’s bowstring loose before Dolgrin warned them, wherever Delia had been hiding! Drifting back to the present, Bartomus munched on some snacks. His Ioun Stone technically made it unnecessary, but after such a slimy battle he felt the need for some comfort food. After he finished and began drifting off to sleep he realized, suddenly, that when he’d shifted to elemental form his glaive had merged with his new form as usual… and his Light was no longer visible! The battle had been fought solely from Armalad’s arrow-light and the dimness beyond… and Zanderallen’s flaming sword of course!
Zanderallen trudged along, reflecting on how similar, and yet so different, the Tunnels were from the Float – no risk of sunburn… but no Turtle Lake… the air was not as fresh… what if they went so deep there was no air, and they all died, gasping for breath? (Shakes head to rid himself of the sudden doom-thought!). The travel was so monotonous… except when it wasn’t! As the whispered warning spread through the Shields at once Zanderallen was in command, moving to occupy space and deny Crawlers, as many as he could, access to the Shields’ spellcasters! Out of the corner of his eye he caught Dolgrin ‘falling’ into the stone – good, one less to worry about for the battle! His sword was chopping and burning this way and that, having instinctively summoned it from his new glove! Soon Crawlers lay scorched and split at his feet! Later, at the ‘travel cave,’ he is first to move up to help Dolgrin with uncovering their refuge. As everyone settles in for the Night Below, he asks Dolgrin and Stock how one tracks time down here – an internal clock, something else? He also asks about setting watches. When the discussion turns to which path to take, Zanderallen votes for the mossy path. As the Shields begin to rest, Zanderallen falls asleep to thoughts of how weird it was to have an empty stomach and yet not be hungry…
Delia was One With The Night Below, flitting from darkness to darkness for there were few shadows beyond the reach of Armalad’s light-arrow. Hawky occasionally flew, but, his vision restricted, he spent the bulk of the time perched on a Shield’s shoulder. The increasingly familiar stench put her on alert, and as she was armed with Darkvision she’d seen the threat when Dolgrin did and was moving to deliver a warning (not wanting her shout to echo down the Tunnels and announce their presence to even more Horrors!) when Dolgrin moved slightly and suddenly the Shields had adopted combat readiness! Good! The Crawlers may have had excellent ‘noses’ but they missed her and would pay for it! Volleys of arrows struck home again and again and by the time there was quiet… Crawler parts lay strewn across the tunnel, one arrow having gone in the back of a Crawler’s head and come out its slimy tentacled mouth and others looked like they’d asked for acupuncture! Later, in the ‘travel cave,’ regarding watches she informed the rest that her new purchase enabled her to sleep for only two hours per night.
Stock felt as relaxed in the Tunnels as Zanderallen did in the Float. During the battle, his raging muscles pounding, he grapples, lifts, and hurls a Crawler at Zanderallen, saying “catch” in a low voice designed not to echo, honed from decades of growing up in Mountainhome. Zanderallen caught the hint, formed blazing sword, and cut the final Crawler in half mid-air, posing as it fell to the ground in pieces. Too bad it didn’t explode after all that… Later, at the ‘travel cave,’ he is right there with Zanderallen and Dolgrin, a big reason the Shields were quickly ensconced in their refuge.
Before the Shields fall asleep, Dolgrin addresses Zanderallen’s questions, “The Tunnels… are timeless. Well, not really, but the only thing we can track is how often we sleep… and how long a lantern burns. Conveniently, one pint of oil lasts six hours. Also, if one knows precisely how long one’s Light cantrip or orison lasts, that’s another good measure. Now, I can’t say for certain, but I think Armalad’s Light cantrip lasts about two hours, plus or minus 10 or 20 minutes, and that’s a convenient amount of time to measure watches in without burning lantern fuel. Bartomus’s Light orison wasn’t synchronized with Armalad’s, but it seemed to last around three hours, plus or minus, again. That’s also a useful amount of time to set watches. Armalad is an elf, and probably doesn’t need as much sleep as the rest of us, so… Bartomus could cast Light before falling asleep and when his spell runs out then Armalad could cast hers three times more and when her third spell ends, everyone should be awake, have eaten, and be ready to go. In past dwarven expeditions we’d rely on lamps and six hours per pint of oil to count the watches. If your spellcasters would all prefer to wake up in the ‘morning’ then others can do the pint of oil trick, though I don’t know if you brought enough oil in your magic bags. Pick a strategy and stick to it. So long as no one tries to catnap in the middle of the ‘day’ then we count ‘days’ by number of sleeps since the expedition started. Today is day zero. Tomorrow ‘morning’ we’ve been traveling for ‘one sleep.’ The next ‘morning’ it’ll be ‘two sleeps’ and so on. I suggest adding a hash mark to a journal page marked ‘time log’ every time we ‘get ready in the morning’ for the ‘day’s travel.’
Finally – always have a plan ready before you reach the decision tree. I heard Zanderallen’s vote, but I suggest you all sleep on it and then while we’re getting ready here tomorrow, eating or not, choose the path unanimously and then when we’re at the Fork we’ll simply take the path you selected without stopping.”
With that, everyone gets as much rest as they need – perhaps the ‘travel cave’ is just off the beaten path, perhaps the group is merely fortunate, but though Delia and other light sleepers stand watch much of the night, nothing makes its presence known. Bartomus is able to make his morning meditations, adjusting his spells as he sees fit, as are the other spellcasters.
As the ‘morning’ finishes up, the Shields deeply consider the choice of which path to take.
Dolgrin waits patiently for the Shields to come to a decision.
[OOC – feel free to negotiate the choice in posts, or if the Shields are antsy for action, come to an agreement in email and then have a Shield announce the choice to Dolgrin in the next post. Next DM post is Saturday night, so you have a bit of time.
TIME - 1 Sleep.]
Armalad (Hugh) HP 134/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday March 8th, 2024 4:48:18 AM
Joker says, "I don't need to sleep and have darkvision also I can cast acid arrow once an hour so my suggestion is to not bother the casters unless we are under attack. I'll cast acid arrow and then when it comes back I know an hour has passed. Once I cast 8 acid arrows we will know it has been 8 hours. Is there somewhere I can use this acid without damaging something important?"
Armalad says, "After those encounters with the plant creatures I'm rather plant creatured out. Let's say we take the dry path as there is more variability as to what could be lurking there plus if we go the mossy path wouldn't the moss provide easier cover for ambushes? Just in case I'm keeping the spells ready to cast Greater Teleport. Worst case scenario perhaps we can figure a way to hole up somewhere and buy time for Joker and I to be ready and we aim for the surface outside of your mountain hold but not on the mountain itself like last time now that we've been here. I honestly hope we don't need it but it probably isn't a bad idea to have this in mind as a contingency in case everything goes sideways"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday March 8th, 2024 6:48:36 AM
As far as Stohp can tell there's no guarantee either path will lead where they need to go, so she has no real opinion on which they should take. Now that they're down here she's a bit worried they have no real way to narrow down the location of their goal at all and they might just end up wandering here accomplishing nothing. Hopefully they can find the previous expedition and they'll have more details.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday March 8th, 2024 10:01:47 AM
Bartomus woke and looked over at the moonrod that he had left near his kit. It gave him a bit of light that worked with regular vision. Yep, he thought to himself, still in the cave and will be for a long while.
He took a moment and then found a portion of the carved-out cave that served as a resting stop where he could undertake his morning meditations. He made note of the advice that Dolgrin had given about starting the light the party would need in coordination with Armalad. When he was done thoughts and guidance of healing, light, water, and spells that would be needed in the next marching session they were about to get underway.
When the others were packing up, he found himself staring at the two options they had.
"Moss means water and probably slick walls and such." Bartomus said and then thought a bit more. "Willing to go with Armalad's choice. Either way we are moving forward at least for now. As to using the acid, any chance you could use it to make a mark on the wall as to which way we are traveling?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Friday March 8th, 2024 10:54:08 AM
Delia recasts Longstrider on herself just before they set out and Darkvision on herself whenever it ran out in the night. She spends her extra 6 hours of wakefulness filling out her rough map and repairing the arrows she used against the crawlers, relying on her ears more than her eyes to alert her to the things that go bump in the night here.
She thinks on their options as she feeds Hawky scraps of jerky, he has an ioun stone and doesn't need to eat, but once he started snapping at it she took the hint that he would not tolerate the empty belly feeling as well as the rest of them. "So, our options were barren with dwarf-driders and earthquakes, or glowing moss and undead and weird mind magic. Wandering undead and a call to join make me think ancient relic more than miscellaneous monsters. So I vote mossy path."
She pulls out a piece of writing charcoal and looks at Bartomus, "I could mark the walls, but I don't know if that could lead something else to us or the surface."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 13/14 SE 6/6 Friday March 8th, 2024 5:25:02 PM
Zanderallen rests and rises feeling a little sore in the joints from sleeping in his plate armor. He summons his healing power and feels the aches drop away with a gentle warmth. Doing some quick exercises to shake the rest of the feeling he awaits the vote of the group, "Maybe we should be asking which way the expedition likely took. Would they risk their own twisted kin, or the mind magic of the undead? I feel scribes would feel better equipped to deal with undead and keep my vote on the mossy path." ================= Penalty for Sleeping in Heavy armor: Fatigued Lay on Hands used with Mercy (Fatigued) 13 out of 14 Lay on Hands remaining (marked on header)
The Fork (DM Wayne) Saturday March 9th, 2024 11:54:22 PM
Armalad offers her own solution to watches and timekeeping. She votes in favor of the barren path, and then details a ‘plan B.’ Armalad then sets about her watches.
Stohp observes neither path has a guarantee, only a hint that they, of thousands and thousands of tunnels, may hold the Crown… or just the next clue… She hopes that the previous expedition, or at least their remains and notes, can be found so the expedition is not a wild turtle hunt!
Bartomus woke to the reality of still being in a cave, who knows how far beneath the surface? Was a mountain above them, or just ground-level? He made his way to a suitable spot to meditate. Even these caves are part of Nature… Listening to the debate on which path to take, he too settled on the barren path.
Delia fills out her rough map before the thief known as Sleep steals away any memories – thankfully she’d done this kind of mapping before, though long ago, and had written the map legend first thing as to what symbols indicated vertical climbs and descents. Then she moves on to repairing arrows, those that weren’t too damaged by the Crawlers’ slime or saliva! Finally she gets in her 2 hours of rest and upon waking and meditating recasts her usual spells. She thought about the path choice while ‘feeding’ Hawky and then made her thoughts known – she voted for mossy path.
Zanderallen rose with the knowledge that he’d made a bad choice, and would be making it night after night for a long time. He sat up and laid hands on himself, dispelling the fatigue from poor sleep. Zanderallen reiterates that he thinks better clues from the expedition will be found on the mossy path.
Stock got up silently and readied himself for the day. He hadn’t spoken a word.
Dolgrin said, “Stock, your team so far has 2 votes for the mossy path, and 2 votes for the barren path. What say you?”
Stock seems deep in thought, then looks back and forth between the two camps of Shields. “Let’s get to the Fork so we can see some of each path for ourselves. I’ll know rightaway then, no delay. Let’s get moving.” And with that Stock quickly works to pull away the rocks from the entrance.
Dolgrin shrugs, and then helps Stock. Zanderallen shakes his head and then helps with the rocks too.
Soon the group is on their way. The tunnels definitely get wilder – in just the next two hours or so, the Shields break out the ropes of climbing for some vertical traverses multiple times, sometimes one right after the other! The group knows it was two hours because Armalad renewed her Light arrow just a few minutes ago.
Something new – small patches of bioluminescent mushrooms appear from time to time. A patch is no more illumination than a candle’s brightness, but it’s a welcome reminder that though it be strange, life still finds a way to go on, even deep in the Night Below…
Perhaps fifteen or twenty-five minutes later, Dolgrin notes in a low voice “We’ve made it to The Fork. It looks like our tunnel just widened to cavern-size, now some one hundred feet across with us in the center and a dividing wall ahead, but this is the split. Each smaller tunnel will, soon enough, start going its own direction. If the divider is ‘North’ then each tunnel turns to the ‘Northwest’ and ‘Northeast’ but shimmies like a snake. You can see from here that there’s some of those ‘Crawler ‘ambush tunnels’ up in the ceiling, just one foot by two feet – maybe there’s no Crawlers there but keep your nose sniffing!
We’ve been able to skip searching side tunnels thus far because we had to reach this point, but now comes the ‘weeks or months’ part of the expedition – every time there’s a side tunnel that dwarves or larger can fit through, then we have to check it out, map it in full, and then retrace our path back to the original path we chose, whether barren or mossy.
My knowledge is about to end. On either path I know enough from the Archives to cover perhaps the next two or three hours along the that path, but in my experience tunnels like these probably will take several days just to reach the end of that path, not counting exploring the side tunnels. We won’t know until we get going. Speaking of which…
Stock – do you vote mossy path and send us that way, or do you vote barren path and tie the vote? If you can’t decide then I have a gold piece here, ready to flip to decide the path so we don’t dilly-dally.”
(OOC – In anticipation of path exploration beginning, let’s get some Survival die rolls out of the way for how well the group maps and explores the seemingly uncountable number of side tunnels a dwarf could fit through!
I checked – Delia, in her Favored Terrain, is clearly the main roller.
Delia – please roll five (5) Survival checks and note all sums in an OOC line in your post. Everyone else – Aid Another action. IF you can Take 10 and get a 10 or higher, note ‘Aid Another – Take 10 = 15 (or whatever)’ in an OOC line. ELSE IF you’ve got a -1 or worse Survival bonus, then roll 1d20+Survival 5 times and report your totals in an OOC line.
This represents up to five (5) days of exploring and mapping, should the DM need to use that many – each path is of unknown length after all!
After you’ve all posted and we know where we’re going then Monday night’s DM post will send you on your way!
Elapsed Time - 1 sleep)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 134/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+22=35 ; d20+20=38 ; Monday March 11th, 2024 2:17:54 AM
(OOC: Aid Another + Take 10 - Armalad: 10, 10, 10, 10, 10) (OOC: Aid Another + Take 10 - Joker: 10,10,10,10,10)
Although Joker and Armalad only know the basics of Survival it is still enough to help Delia out where they can.
They also continue to keep an eye out for any threats.
Perception - Armalad - 35 Perception - Joker - 38
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) d20=15 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+23=42 ; d20+23=33 ; d20+23=31 ; Monday March 11th, 2024 9:35:51 AM
Stohp has a +0 so can take ten. From her position near the front of the party she can keep an eye out, or more likely an ear since she has no darkvision and can't see past the range of our lights. Perception for each day is 38, 38, 42, 33, 31.
Stock (JonM) HP: 265/265; AC: 31/28/17; Per: +27; Surv: +16; SM: +16 Monday March 11th, 2024 9:53:32 AM
Stock gestures to follow the mossy path. The dwarf in him is comfortable here…but he knows the dangers as well.
Take 10 on survival for 24
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 226/226 AC: 34 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 35 LoH 13/14 SE 6/6 Monday March 11th, 2024 2:07:24 PM
Zanderallen nods as Stock breaks the tie and sends them on their route. He follows along in the back, just on the edge of the light. He may be out of his element but he always had a knack for mapping back alleys in the Fence and uses that skill to aid in charting the tunnels. He offers his bullseye lantern if they ever need to look ahead as it dimly lights much further than dark vision (120ft) if the information is worth the risk. ====================== Survival with Take 10: 11 successful aid another
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 144/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+16=28 ; d20+16=21 ; Monday March 11th, 2024 5:24:28 PM Survival, which Bart has an +11 and will take a 10+11 for a total of 21,21, 21, 21 and 21
Bartomus would utilize his light orison when the light went out from Armalad's arrow. He continued down the moss covered path with the others once Stock registered his choice and breaking the tie that had existed up to that point.
He tried to highlight things he caught sight of while also keeping a lookout for changes in the tunnel they were traversing.
Perception 28 and 21
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 d20+27=46 ; d20+27=36 ; d20+27=35 ; d20+27=43 ; d20+27=29 ; Monday March 11th, 2024 6:36:54 PM
While normally relatively quiet, the rest of the Shields see Delia shift into a state of intensity they haven't seen before as they look to her skills to keep them as safe as she can. She relaxes momentarily each evening while all of them are awake, but lapses but into heightened focused during the times she is the only one awake.
Hawky returns to his perch on her shoulder, falling into their normal scouting rhythms and practices.
=========== Anything aberration or undead bonuses apply to: +4
Hawky Take 10 succeeds on Aid Another for 14. Delia Survival Day 1: 46 Day 2: 36 Day 3: 35 Day 4: 43 Day 5: 29
The Fork (DM Wayne) Monday March 11th, 2024 10:31:42 PM
Stock raises his right hand, thumb upraised. Everyone holds their breath for a moment… and then Stock thumbs towards the mossy path! All nod in assent, and at once Delia is ahead, in the shadows, and the rest move into the two-abreast formation automatically. Stock’s mind ponders over how he feels so at ease in the Tunnels, with their rocky ‘home-ness,’ yet is also on high alert as if a monster lurked in every dark room, in his closet, and under his bed itself!
The group as a whole contributes to Delia’s efforts and watches out for ‘the forest’ while Delia investigates individual ‘trees’ to ensure both that her ‘relational map’ of the tunnels’ directions and distances is accurate, and that no one sets off a cave-in, falls into a two-hundred-foot-deep pit, or worse!
Armalad and Joker also watch out for more mobile dangers.
Stohp does likewise.
Zanderallen nodded when Stock thumbed towards the mossy path, taking his rear-guard position at the edge of Armalad’s light arrow, whether it glowed from Armalad’s spell or Bartomus’s! He began to mentally treat the side tunnels akin to the Float’s alleys, though what alley ever went straight up or straight down!?! Zanderallen reminded the group of his bullseye lantern’s range in case gaining intelligence was worth the trade-off in risk…
Bartomus traded off with Armalad on keeping the arrow lit. He too assumed his formation position once the path was declared. While not a caving professional like Delia or Stock, he was no slouch, and when he saw distinctive landmarks he pointed them out, to aid in Delia’s mapping.
Delia was already in the Night Ahead as the group behind her resumed their formation. She was silently thankful for her connection with nature enabling her to see in the dark like a dwarf and to swiftly traverse rocky floors and walls as though she were Stock running the city streets! In the dark, Delia felt more comfortable openly assuming an aspect of herself that she did not often display: the animal. She moved through the Tunnels like a tiger in the jungle, or a lion in the veldt, starlight shining down from clear skies illuminating their prey… And if she could do this… could the Drow be rangers? Could there be one Drow ranger who could equal or best her, spotting her in the dark from outside her vision range? She mentally throttled down the what ifs that tried to break her focus, and continued on – she had to be the best – everyone was depending on her!
Dolgrin spoke little, but deftly guided the Shields to map the first three side tunnels, and then shook his head, speaking in a whisper, “That’s it. It’s everyone’s job to map and guide now, following Delia and Stock’s leads. I’ll speak only as necessary, for ambushes, or anything I think is a key landmark to map.” Dolgrin continued to make notes in his own journal, and when Delia would stop in from time to time they’d compare notes, silently writing in each other’s journal necessary annotations, and quickly and silently checking with the rest for anything they’d spotted. The two journals, detailing tunnels’ twists and turns in any of six or more directions, started to become incomprehensible to the untrained eye – Delia and Dolgrin were trained, Stock was taught for decades as a child and an adult, the linguistics training of Armalad and Stohp enabled them to keep up, and Bartomus and Zanderallen each think they follow the increasingly complex map legend from knowledge of nature or of the Float’s back alleys, but it is clear to the Taur and human that the journals will make a great contribution to the Clan’s Royal Archives… but will need some translation aids for those without the necessary background!
The first day of mapping was a breeze – relatively few side tunnels, occasional small patches of bioluminescent mushrooms, and lots of the strange moss that didn’t seem to need sunlight to grow… was it using the mushrooms’ light for sustenance? No, there’s not enough mushroom light! Hmm…. The path got rougher, however, and the group guessed they’d advanced perhaps one mile of zig-zag tunnel. At least the side tunnels this first day tended not to shrink to below-dwarf-size until their endpoint. Had they maybe walked another two miles just following side tunnels and coming back out? How long had it taken to make all the journal notes and ensure they weren’t checking the same side tunnel twice? A grudging respect for cave-mapping expeditions began to grow upon the those Shields unfamiliar with the process…
The second day was mind-numbing – the group had advanced only one half of a mile because of the high number of Tunnels! Delia and Dolgrin talked about lava flows and leaks at the bottom of mountain lakes fed by snowmelt and… blah blah blah it’s taking so long! Can’t we just map the next one? Karkasan might own the Float by now! Delia and Dolgrin’s journals began to have pages that referenced other pages for ahead-back and left-right tunnels, and yet more pages for up-down tunnels… Dear Domi, can anyone read what they’re writing??? It was then that everyone pitching in paid off – Delia and Dolgrin were puzzling over how best to note a complex five-directional nexus when Joker said, “Hey… I thought I counted six tunnels there – do you have the ceiling one?” Candles went on behind Delia and Dolgrin’s eyes and they quickly came to an agreement on marking a six-directional nexus with both up and down tunnels. Delia was lost in focus, but Dolgrin muttered, “Thanks!” in a low voice.
The third day was like the second, but the group made three-quarters of a mile of progress. This time it was Zanderallen who gave Delia and Dolgrin a mapping idea based on his experience with switchback alleys on the Float – one of the side tunnels had an unusual configuration of switchbacks and three- or four- tunnel intersections and thus the tunnel map legend got a new symbol. For doing ‘nothing’ but walking and observing, this cave-mapping was mentally and physically exhausting in a way that most of the Shields had never experienced – when the yawns started, everyone was relieved! As she had done the other nights, Delia found two or three ‘rest cave’ candidates, ones that dead-ended quickly, preferably around a curve, with no exit caves! The bedrolls made sleeping on rocky floors just bearable, but Zanderallen, for one, was very happy he was dispelling his fatigue each morning!
As the group made preparations for their watches, Dolgrin quipped, “Well, you’re all doing better than I hoped for on this mapping thing. After you make sure the Float’s safe, you’re all welcome to come back and hire on for future mapping expeditions!”
(OOC – a brief respite for the Shields – a chance to muse aloud, talk to Dolgrin if you want, change spells, etc. but otherwise next DM post will move through more mapping days.
Delia two (2) more Survival rolls please. (Everyone else is fine – I know all of you can auto-assist.)
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