It is the next morning at the Guild Hall and Captain Kralg has the four cadets lined up outside, still in their pajamas. The sun is hot despite the dew still clinging to leaf and blade of grass, causing the earth to stick to their bare feet. The dwarf stands before them tapping an iron shod foot, and smoking his pipe. His rough face is visibly frustrated beneath his beard as he looks them over and then into the distance, towards the city of Garic's. He clears his throat and spits the contents onto the ground in a long stream that causes the dust to puff lightly.
"Well lads, We've been given orders from the high ups in the city, and you lot are lucky enough to get to receive them proper. It seems the Hightower, in all it's refurbished glory, has a bit of a problem on its hands. One of their wizards has lost something or spotted something, we aren't quite sure. Either way, the creature has already killed a couple people, and is sure to continue its violent activity unless we stop it. That's where you come in."
he stops, spits again and sighs
"Now I don't know why the guard can't handle this, and why they have to take away my recruits given that we are so short handed here, but, orders is orders. Go get you a meal and report back here in one hour fully ready to hit the road to the city. I suppose some of you have skills that are particularly useful in this case, though they aren't apparent to yer ole Captain."
He scratches his chin and shakes his head.
"Still how they knew the names is a puzzle, but there you have it, wizards are strange folks. Off you go." He says with a wave of his hand as he turns to look towards the city.
Heroes
Arvindur Leafchaser
Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Listen +5, Spot +3
Languages Common, Druidic, Elven, Halfling, Sylvan
Defensive Information
AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 16
(+1 size, +2 Dex, +4 armor, +1 shield)
DCon 1 (hide)
hp 10 (1d8 HD)
Resist +2 morale bonus on saves against fear effects
Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +6
Offensive Information
Speed 20 ft
Melee lance +2 (1d6+1/x3, double damage from back of charging mount, 10 ft reach, piercing)
Ranged club +3 (1d4+1, 10 ft range increment, bludgeoning)
Ranged sling +3 (1d3+1, 50 ft range increment, bludgeoning)
Druid Spells Prepared (CL 1st)
1st (2/day)—Goodberry, Produce Flame
0th (3/day)—Light, Guidance, Cure Minor Wounds
Wolfkin
Init +2; Senses lowlight vision, scent; Listen +5, Spot +5
Defensive Information
AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 16
(+2 Dex, +1 armor, +4 natural)
DCon 1
hp 13 (2 HD)
Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +1
Satyre
Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Listen +1, Spot +1
Languages Common, Draconic, Elven, Sylvan, Gnome
Defensive Information
AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13; Dodge
(+3 Dex, +3 studded leather)
DCon 1 (studded leather)
hp 7 (1d8 HD)
Fort -1, Ref +5, Will +2
Offensive Information
Speed 30 ft
Melee rapier +1 (1d6+1/18-20, piercing)
Melee dagger +1 (1d4+1/19-20, piercing or slashing)
Ranged dagger +3 (1d4+1/19-20, 10 ft range increment, piercing)
Ranged longbow +3 (1d8/x3, 100 ft range increment, piercing)
Lvl 0 (2/day) -- daze (DC 12), detect magic, lullaby (DC 12), mage hand
Zade Deftfingers
Init +4; Senses Listen +2, Spot +2
Languages Common, Halfling, Dwarven, Elven, Giant
Defensive Information
AC 19, touch 16, flat-footed 15
(+1 size, +4 Dex, +3 armor)
DCon 2 (chain shirt)
hp 10 (1d8 HD)
Resist +2 on saves against fear
Fort +3 Ref +7, Will +3
Offensive Information
Speed 20 ft
Melee dagger +2 (1d3+1/19-20, piercing or slashing)
Ranged dagger +5 (1d3+1/19-20, 10 ft increment, piercing) or +6 (1d3+2) within 30 ft
Melee composite shortbow +5 (1d4, 70 ft increment, piercing) or +6 (1d4+1) within 30 ft
Epherem
Init +6; Senses Listen +1, Spot +1
Languages Abyssal, Common, Dwarven, Gnome, Infernal
Defensive Information
AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10
(+2 Dex)
hp 10 (1 HD)
Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +3
Offensive Information
Speed 20 ft (medium load)
Melee longspear +0 (1d8/x3, piercing)
Melee dagger +0 (1d4/19-20, piercing or slashing)
Ranged dagger +2 (1d4, range increment 10 ft, piercing)
Ranged shortbow +2 (1d6/x3, range increment 60 ft, piercing)
Wizard Spells Prepared (CL 1st)
1st (2/day)— Grease, Charm Person
0th (3/day)— Prestidigitation, Acid Splash, Touch of Fatigue
Arvindur Leafchaser
Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Listen +5, Spot +3
Languages Common, Druidic, Elven, Halfling, Sylvan
Defensive Information
AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 16
(+1 size, +2 Dex, +4 armor, +1 shield)
DCon 1 (hide)
hp 10 (1d8 HD)
Resist +2 morale bonus on saves against fear effects
Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +6
Offensive Information
Speed 20 ft
Melee lance +2 (1d6+1/x3, double damage from back of charging mount, 10 ft reach, piercing)
Ranged club +3 (1d4+1, 10 ft range increment, bludgeoning)
Ranged sling +3 (1d3+1, 50 ft range increment, bludgeoning)
Druid Spells Prepared (CL 1st)
1st (2/day)—Goodberry, Produce Flame
0th (3/day)—Light, Guidance, Cure Minor Wounds
Wolfkin
Init +2; Senses lowlight vision, scent; Listen +5, Spot +5
Defensive Information
AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 16
(+2 Dex, +1 armor, +4 natural)
DCon 1
hp 13 (2 HD)
Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +1
Satyre
Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Listen +1, Spot +1
Languages Common, Draconic, Elven, Sylvan, Gnome
Defensive Information
AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13; Dodge
(+3 Dex, +3 studded leather)
DCon 1 (studded leather)
hp 7 (1d8 HD)
Fort -1, Ref +5, Will +2
Offensive Information
Speed 30 ft
Melee rapier +1 (1d6+1/18-20, piercing)
Melee dagger +1 (1d4+1/19-20, piercing or slashing)
Ranged dagger +3 (1d4+1/19-20, 10 ft range increment, piercing)
Ranged longbow +3 (1d8/x3, 100 ft range increment, piercing)
Lvl 0 (2/day) -- daze (DC 12), detect magic, lullaby (DC 12), mage hand
Zade Deftfingers
Init +4; Senses Listen +2, Spot +2
Languages Common, Halfling, Dwarven, Elven, Giant
Defensive Information
AC 19, touch 16, flat-footed 15
(+1 size, +4 Dex, +3 armor)
DCon 2 (chain shirt)
hp 10 (1d8 HD)
Resist +2 on saves against fear
Fort +3 Ref +7, Will +3
Offensive Information
Speed 20 ft
Melee dagger +2 (1d3+1/19-20, piercing or slashing)
Ranged dagger +5 (1d3+1/19-20, 10 ft increment, piercing) or +6 (1d3+2) within 30 ft
Melee composite shortbow +5 (1d4, 70 ft increment, piercing) or +6 (1d4+1) within 30 ft
Epherem
Init +6; Senses Listen +1, Spot +1
Languages Abyssal, Common, Dwarven, Gnome, Infernal
Defensive Information
AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10
(+2 Dex)
hp 10 (1 HD)
Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +3
Offensive Information
Speed 20 ft (medium load)
Melee longspear +0 (1d8/x3, piercing)
Melee dagger +0 (1d4/19-20, piercing or slashing)
Ranged dagger +2 (1d4, range increment 10 ft, piercing)
Ranged shortbow +2 (1d6/x3, range increment 60 ft, piercing)
Wizard Spells Prepared (CL 1st)
1st (2/day)— Grease, Charm Person
0th (3/day)— Prestidigitation, Acid Splash, Touch of Fatigue
"Well my friend it does indeed seem that you were correct, our Captain has a fine little adventure indeed. However I have a feeling that your hidden talents, and perhaps that of our two other friends might come in more use then mine. However I'm sure my scouting abilities will come in handy I hope. So shall we get dressed in more fitting clothes?"
*Zade smiles and then waves his hand off in the direction of their guild hall where all their clothes and items are.
.oO(Some fell creature loose at the Hightower? I had not a chance to visit upon my arrival to Garic's City. I know I wanted to see the prestigious building after the repairs they had made, but not like this.)
After being dismissed, the young bard breaks his concentrated look when his halfling comrade approaches.
"Yes indeed, Zade. I have a feeling that we will all have a chance to show what we are made of by the end of this assignment. Do not underestimate yourself, my friend, not all is finger waving and magicks. There is something to be said of versatility, and I am sure your skills will come into play many times."
Satyre pauses a moment, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Oh... yes, we should probably make ourselves decent."
With a hearty chuckle, the bard makes his way in the direction Zade waved.
Muttering aloud as he joined the others on their way to collect their equipment,"Sigh, those wizards meddled in what they weren't meant to again and I'll have to help clean up the murderous mess. Any of you have any idea where I might find some berry bushes around here? And I don't mean the garbage they claim to be fresh at the shops in this place, I need them for preparing some healing berries, given that the beast has already killed a few people."
"The woods, perhaps? I do not think we have met, I am Satyre."
Extending his hand out, he gives the halfling a sincere smile.
Epherem says removing crust from his face. His "pajamas" turned out to really just be the robes we worse the day before, stained with wine.
"Also, you can find berries on the church grounds, and I know there's some holly at the Hightower, but you're not going to want to eat that."
Half of Epherem's berry advice is reduced to rambling and incoherency by his morning haze.
"I know the church ones are eatable, we usto go and pick them ourself, me, and little Katal. . ."
*In halfling"Well greetings my brethren, I am Zade Deftfingers, a scout of sorts, as for my other abilities, you'll just have to wait to see them."
*He gives him a wink at the end of that and waits for his response.
"Epherem, meddling is meddling, whatever fancy names they think up for it. I'd need to hurry over to pick them before our hour is up then."
Replying to Zade in kind,"Arvindur Leafchaser, Druid." Indicating the others with a wink,"Lets be polite and speak in a language they understand too." He then repeats his introduction to Satyre, this time in Common.
He hands the half elf a scroll with his seal, a rod and a hammer, and nods to the four and steps aside allowing the gate to slowly crank inward and open.
In the distance giant white clouds reflect the sun light and contrast wonderfully against the bright blue sky. Birds are singing, the air is warm, and the smell of wild flowers teases their noses on the cool breeze. It is a day and a half on foot to the city. With weather like this, it should pass in no time. The groups thoughts also tend to allow comfort and confidence seep in as with every step they go further from the pass...
"Thank you, Sir. I will do my best."
Satyre nods in response to Kralg in earnest. As the gates open he takes a deep breath, exhaling as he takes the first step in his first real adventure. It does not take long before the Guild complex is completely out of sight. Taking the lead this whole time, he slows his pace a bit and walks next to his companions. A nervous smile creeps across his face, despite the serene sunny atmosphere.
"I wish we would have had more time to research. My knowledge of the Hightower is based mostly on hearsay. Perhaps you know more, Eph... Epherem, was it?"
The bard says this in a friendly manner, despite the failure of his earlier attempt to speak with the mage.
Bardic Knowledge
Bardic Knowledge check (+4) on what Satyre knows about the Hightower.
What he does know is that in just a short amount of time the wizards have rebuilt the Hightower, bigger and better than before. The building is larger than the old one, as it the parcel it rests on. Otherwise, that is all he's heard.
*Zade smiles at Arvindur then continues walking silently to the guild hall to get dressed and something to eat. When they meet back outside in front of the Captain Zade continues to remain silent, his head full of thoughts and concerns that he is trying to quiet. When they head into the city Zade immediately begins to scan every inch, thinking about possible uses for back alley ways and buildings, trying to find some point of advantage for every inch of the city.
Spellcasting
Zaps myself a Goodberry spell, 2d4=5 magic berries.
Epeherm says to Satyre as they walk.
"They kept the students out of most of the new areas, we get to roudy aprently. It'll be interesting to see what they've done with the place."
Satyre holds his hand to his brow, shading his eyes from the bright sunlight, he scans the horizon. Seeing nothing but friendly hills and trees his initial nerves wear off. Relaxing his shoulders a bit, he kicks a small stone as he walks by it. He chuckles a bit to himself as his eyes fall on the wild looking Halfling and his riding dog.
"So Arvindur, what is the name of your great steed?"
Wrinkling his face in some distaste over all the talk of a bigger Hightower, Arvindur listened mutely to the rest of the discussion.
"We can not stand out here like this. Let us try and find some sort of covering."
The Half-elf yells over the roar of the wind and rain. Trying desperately, he takes a few steps away from the camp, searching for sanctuary from the weather.
Search
Search +4, Taking 20. Not like I'm doing anything else. :D
Epherem yells to the halfling.
"You also wouldn't happen to have any spells to protect us from the elements handy?"
Epherem sticks close to the wolfrider and pulls his robe tight.
"A mite chilly, but no need for magic to provide shelter when plain work would do."
Grinning widely in spite of the terrible weather, Arvindur set about looking for a likely shelter spot and set about converting it to enough shelter for everyone.
Survival and OOC
Survival +9, 27, for setting up a shelter for the party
I really should have used Survival to predict the weather before starting.
Survival +9, 27, for setting up a shelter for the party
I really should have used Survival to predict the weather before starting.
.oO(Perfect cover for monsters to try and take us, we should keep our wits about us...)
"I don't like this rain one bit, I'll take first watch when we find some suitable place to sleep in."
*Zade keeps an eye and an ear out for anything that might try and take them.
OoC
Listen +6 and Search +6, Spot +4, taking 20 on all if possible.
One thing they can figure, roughly, is that the city is only about few hours' march away, and that, at least is promising. Whether he would admit it or not, Arvindur has does his search for shelter strangly in one direction, towards the very city he is so loath to reach...
OOC
DMs roll the dice, the survival check was a 15, not a 27. Please check PMs in case I have sent you a message.
"We might as well continue onward. The city is not too far from here. Besides, I rather walk in this weather and reach our destination sooner than stand here idly."
"Aye, the best strategy is to make towards the Hightower, we don't know how long it will take for this rain to stop, and we could be waisting days off our goal. Let's make towards the Hightower."
*Zade continues to follow Satyre, looking back to make sure the others are following them.
He says as he thrusts his spear towards the city, and waves it feebley.
"It should be somewhere that way"
Epherem, then takes a swig out of his flask, savoring the last of his liquor. It's warming strength slides down his throat and helps beat back the sharp fingers of rain.
Before they realise it, the city is there before them. Stone battlements and walls guard it, and soldiers are at their posts in this high hour of the morning. They weathered the storm just fine. The city seems to have as well. Tall roofs of buildings, and various spires reach up over the view of the walls commanding a great distance of sight. Epherem thinks he can even see the new Hightower... much more impressive than he thought it would be. The bright sun and now lifting haze make more than just vague outlines impossible though.
As they reach the gates, large wooden doors, studded and braced with metal cross bars, a gruff voice calls from above.
"Names and business please!"
"I am Satyre of the Royal Order of the Silver Sword, and these are my guild-mates. We are here at the request of the Hightower mages. I have papers should you require them."
The young bard flips his cloak back, reaching into his pack he carefully retrieves the scroll and holds it to where the guard may see.
OoC
Diplomacy +8
.oO(Hopefully we'll be able to get in the town without any troubles.)
"Well then mate, in that case, come right on in!" He says again, and metal on metal begins to screech as the large doors open.
"That went slightly smoother than I had anticipated. I would have imagined the watchmen to be more... watchful."
OoC
Sense Motive +0
"Guards, around here, watchfull? They'll do their best to not get killed and that's about it."
Upon entering the gates, Epherem raises his head and breathes deep.
"Ahh, it's good to be home."
mutters along, "What need would these guards have for watchfulness? Few beasts are likely to bother a city, and anything that can cause this filthy. place concern is beyond their ability anyway."
OoC
I'm guessing that would be a Spot check, in which case I believe I have a +4 to. Not sure if that would require a knowledge check along with it.
As they pass through, they notice something, there is a second gate! It is quite shut, and barring their way completely. Small windows on the inside of the gatehouse become manned. Most importantly, the outer gates begins to close on the heels of the last member and with a loud 'thud' seal them in.
The wall on the inside of the gatehouse opens, revealing a man-sized door. Guards begin to pour out, swords, axes, hammers, plenty of weapons, and all in metal armor. Zade does the math and figures he might could take one before being destroy by ten others. The man who spoke finally steps through as well, still smiling.
"Welcome to Garic's City" he adds stepping past the others and jerking the note from Satyre's hand, He turns and steps away reading the scroll.
Arvindur found himself nodding before he caught himself approving of something a city had, after which he appeared quite annoyed with himself.
Epherem's head slumps when the guards rush in.
"So much for warm welcomes and open markets."
Epherem mutters to Arvindur.
"Of course you know our caution is just a sign of the times. I had little doubt of the truth of your words, but protocol is what it is. You should report to the Hightower..." He says with a brief look to a couple of the other guards.
"...at once. Good day gentlemen."
With a wave of his hand he signals the gatekeeper into action, and mighty inner doors crank slowly open.
The image of the city is actually quite unimpressive. Now wet streets reflect sunlight, people go about their business, and the buildings are mundane. At least some of the flowers are blooming in shaded window boxes.
"Yes, of course. These are troublesome times indeed."
Carefully placing the papers back into his pack the bard starts off into the city. Though not the grandest city he'd been to, he was glad to hear the tapping of his boots on stonework. The sounds of men and women busying themselves with their daily work. The smell of fresh baked goods. If only he did not have other matters to attend to, he could easily spend his morning in the market place. Once they're a ways from the wall he turns to his new friends, the druid in particular.
"Is this not wonderful? Even you can appreciate what this place has to offer, Arvindur. The world is at your fingertips when you are in the city."
.oO(Let's just hope that there is something for me to prove my use there, or else I feel like the guild might not let me stay...)
Epherem now back inside him home moves with a speed and energy he was lack in past journey. His boots click on the stone streets as he picks up the lead.
"Come on now, the tower is just this way, I want to see how the chambers turned out."
For the first time in a long time Epherem was drunk not on liquor but on the glee of being home.
Far off on the left, many blocks away, a large blue black column of stone rises from the rest of the city. Epherem cannot place the building, since it is in the same area as the Hightower was being constructed. There is no way it was completed already, at least to that magnitude.
It will take some time for the group to reach the Hightower. Their stomach rumble and their noses are luckily not subject to the sewage smell Epherem had referenced. It was not because of the rain, but their own smell was rather foul and overwhelming. Arvindur's nose was unaware.
"Wha? That can't be it. When I left it was a normal tower, masonry, riggings, that sort of thing."
There is a sudden look of realization as to what happened as the Wizard connects things in his head.
"If that's it, the conjurations must have been huge, that material what could they use that summoning such an amount wouldn't be unstable."
Epherem is bouncing around ecstatic at the possibly that the tower was finished with the aid of magic.
"Do you guys see that?"
"Nay, I cannot see it, but let me try to give it another look, all this walking may have hurt my eyes."
*Zade rubs his eyes with the back of his hands, and then squints to try and see what exactly Epherem is pointing to.
OoC
Spot +4
Beyond the gate, a small stone path leads up to the tower, silently standing out against the lighter color buildings of the area. It is tall, ten stories maybe, and nearly half as wide, giving it a stout appearance. Four battlements protrude from the corners, and then entire building is pocked in a very orderly fashion with tall narrow windows. Surrounding it is a large garden full with mature trees, heavy brush, soft green grasses, flowering bushes, flower gardens, a stream, stone paths and meditation areas, and much more. A few folk, walk and talk, sit in the garden, study alone, as well as other activities. They are all dressed in nice clean clothes, but not all are obvious arcanists.
Across the grounds is another structure, what looks like a large house, or maybe even an inn. It is a wood and stone building with rich trim and a very nice and fine look.
This block is very peaceful and even relaxing.. if one can get back the dominating feeling the tower exudes.
"So how do we exactly get into the tower? Do you think the dwarfs will be as kind as the guards in the front of the city?"
"Arvindur is correct. I will show the guard this letter and we should be let through... We should not linger any more. If the situation is indeed dire, our assistance is needed immediately."
With that the Half-Elf shifts his pack slightly and sets towards the dwarves in earnest. Reaching once again into his satchel he pulls out the scroll he showed the guards at the gate.
"Good morning, sirs. We are of the Royal Order of the Silver Swords. Our presence was requested by the wizards of the Hightower in regards to some very urgent business. I have a letter of passage should you require it."
The Bard holds up the scroll, somewhat in the Hightower guards' direction.
OoC
Diplomacy +8
"It will be but a moment sirs." [i]he turns and says. They can see the scroll being taken to the small gate house, a single story stone structure with a couple of windows and a chimney. There they can hear a bit of conversation. Soon the dwarf steps back outside and then out of the way of a tall, slender woman. She is attractive, lean, and is dressed in fine leather armor with a black leather cape. Her left eye is covered with a patch, and her short black hair is not managed well. There is a longsword on her hip and her high leather boots clop softly but with authority as her long strides take her to the gate. The dwarves all stiffen as if a ghoul had given them a tickle as she passes and approaches the gate. She places a hand gently on the one of the bars of the gate and eyes them up and down.
"I am Delia E'griel, Head of Security, and I was expecting you all. I see you were caught in the storm." she adds with an amusing look that eventually fades into a sigh.
"You'll need to bathe first, East Gate Tavern. she says lazily floating a finger down towards their right.
"Come back at noon" She adds, pulling away from the gate, watching them
.oO(What exactly could be of dire importance if we must take a bath first? This has to be a very odd way to start off and adventure... and an odd city to match it too....)
"Very well, we shall return shortly."
The young Half-Elf bows respectfully and begins to lead his band eastward. A slight skip in his step as he muses hot tea, warm pastries and delightful eggs sprinkled with spices. He turns to his companions, grinning.
"What luck, friends! I was not sure I could stand to be in this soaked clothing a moment longer. I must look a mess, I am surprised they did not send us away; we look like common street rats."
However I am not opposed to making a run to tavern."
Epherem starts making his way east, hoping the name of the unfamiliar tavern is accurate.
ooc
You think it's possible for me to just clean us all with a single prestidigitation?
*Given Zade's concern he still goes off with Satyre and cleans up and gets something to eat to settle his stomach.
The inn is not far, a couple of small blocks. It is a stone and wood building that has seen plenty of years, but seems to be in fine order.
Once inside, they are at home, or at least in likewise company. It seems they weren't the only travelers caught in the storm. The floor is wet and muddy at the door, but there is a warm fire, and smells of breakfast hit all them in the belly.
The dog must wait outside, but, with an inquiry they find that the man running the bar has no objections to housing the animal in a stall. Baths are a couple of copper, clothes can be washed as well. With breakfast, should they all so choose it, the total comes to just under 3 silver pieces. That is of course without butter for the biscuits and only one small, but yummy piece of pork belly.
"Well lads, I've gotten myself all dirty playin' in the mud outside. So I'd be headin' off to the bathes to clean meself up and put a new coat o' wax on me peg-leg. Meet me outside the tavern a bit before noon, I'll be waiting if'n I'm not sleepin' face first in a tankard o' ale!"
With that the bard makes his way immediately to the baths. After cleansing himself and his clothing of the damp smell of rainwater and the grimy mud, he set his aim on the a hot breakfast. Though not the usual meal he is accustomed to, the Half-Elf enjoys the hearty food, especially in light of the nasty weather he had just been through. Finishing up his meal he pays the tavern double for its services and steps outside the tavern to watch the bustling city as he awaits the rest of his troop.
"So are ye ready for the adventure my friend?"
"I am sorry for the delay, but in fact you arrived much earlier than we expected. Now, the masters will approve. You are to meet with the lady Marisma, I have informed her of your arrival. This way" She steps to the gates, and they swing open effortlessly, and silently. The dwarves again stiffen as she passes with her head up, in arrogant officer fashion. They immediately relax giving you each a dark, non trusting look.
The grounds are beautiful, well kept and lush. The scene is similar to the one early in the morning, but the amount of people has doubled. As they come closer, the size of the tower is even more impressive, causing each of them to bend upwards to see it's full height. Delia points to the grass right off the path just beside the steps to the tower.
"Leave the animal at the steps, I trust it is mannered enough not to need a cage." She says with a sharp look at Arvindur.
"Once inside, do not wander about, we are going in, and to a small visitor room just inside the doors. If I catch any of you snooping about, it's off to the dungeons, and their master is no peach."
With that she leads them up the twenty or so steps, and opens the large fifteen foot doors, swinging them both out at once. She allows the four to enter and closes them after her. This room is a large entrance hall. There is a desk, with a clerk, that backs against a far wall with two passages that go deeper into the tower on either side. On the walls adjacent to this there are small doorways, all are shut with heavy oak doors, save one. The hall is cold, and poorly light. Only small lanterns and the two front windows shed light through the room. The stone is gray and unimpressive. With her hand she gestures to a doorway on her right, which she closes leaving them alone. There is are two windows, a large table, and chairs. A candelabra sits unlit in the middle of the table.
Once in the room, as soon as the door closes, he spoke up, "Not as impressive on the inside as the outside, it seems. City people sure pay a great deal of attention to facades."
"It's so cold."
Epherem was expecting so much more, he had seen prints of the old tower and its ornate design, this less then lived up to expectation. Dumbfounded, Epherem has nothing to say other then,
"Ms. E'griel, how is my friends companion different from a familar?"
Realizing he may be out of place he shrinks into his robe, and squeaks out.
"other then size. . ."
"How disappointing. Though it might be against my nature, if I were an apprentice here I would request for my classes to be held out of doors. I tell you, the academy in Ennorath has a much more brilliant appearance."
Epherem after saying that realizes what that must mean if they're not willing to do what his companions were sent to do, swallows heavily.
They all sit for a few minutes in silence. The visually unimpressive interior can claim one thing, it's quiet. There is no noise from the street, the floors above, or, even the 'commander woman' walking away. In fact it is so quiet that when the latch is turned and the door is opened it sounds like an awful disturbance.
Expecting to see some arcane looking old man with a pointy hat, and perhaps a bird on his shoulder, they are again taken off guard. A female halfling enters instead. She's middle ages, dressed in common, but nice clothes, and carrying a basket with what looks like vegetables in it. She smiles warmly and hefts the large basket onto the table with a grunt. Wiping her hands she waves to the all.
"Well now lads, sorry I'm late, I hope you've not been waiting too long. My name is Marisma, how, do you do?"
she smiles again, and hops up into a chair, and, standing, begins going through her veggies.
"Have a seat, how was your trip?"
"I am the minstrel, Satyre."
He bows slightly and takes his seat at Marisma's request, smiling at her question.
"Besides some inclement weather it went well enough. All it took was a morning at the East Gate Tavern and the beauty of the Hightower gardens to make whatever hardships we encountered wash away."
OoC
Diplomacy +8, I have it... might as well use it. The manner in which he would use it in this instance is obviously to come across as polite and charming.
"Yes, the storm was only a mild inconvience."
Without E'griels icy presence Epherem takes the time to look about the room again, this time he instead gets a feel of simply something missing.
" It's nice to see that younger wizards then I will have a proper place of learning, but I'm hoping by the time renovations are done the new lobby looks as grand as the gardens. Name's Epherem by the way."
She continues to sort her veggies, and eventually pulls out a scroll and after a brief moment of indecision looking from Epherem to Satyre she hands it to Satyre with a smile..
"That is a pass, for any spell casting you do in the city. It is only good for the week."
She sits, and sighs as if relaxing.
"Now, I'll tell you what I know. The Hightower has two agents already in the field, but the members of the council thought it would be a good idea to get 'official' help in case this thing gets out of hand. Personally I find that highly unlikely... Mainly it is so that if something really bad does come of all this, they can say that they tried everything short of leveling the city to find this creature. Sometimes I feel they are more politicians than true magicians, but that is neither here nor there!"
She shakes her head but laughs as well.
"That has no bearing, right? You are eager for details of your doom!" She widens her eyes and wiggles her fingers over her head.
"What we know is there is something that is terrorizing the poor in the slums. While the people it has killed are likely better off... no, I shouldn't say that. Their lot has been unlucky enough, no? I'll visit the temple tonight for that."
She drifts her eyes to the window shaking her head.
"Still, we could help a little more than we do I suppose, but don't want to give it to them!"
"Do we have a description of the creature? What method does it use to kill? We will need that sort of information if we are to dispose of it properly."
"Oh the creature, yes, I believe it is about the size of a halfling. Perhaps it is a lost child of its kind? I do not know, and our agents haven't turned anything up."
She begins putting her veggie back in the basket and continues talking.
"Seeing as the only witnesses we have had of the creature were drunks, you might want to start at Nobody's Inn. It's a rough place in a dodgey part of the city, so mind your purses, and watch your backs."
She stops and her light tone grows rather serious.
"And remember, this thing has killed people for what looks like no other reason other than to do it. It is dangerous. Also, we are trying to be discrete. We cannot start a panic, so do not let your tongues wag without care."
She nods, and then smiles, hopping down.
"Well if there is nothing else, I'm off! Good luck, you have a week, report back if you come up with something in the meantime."
*Zade bows his head as she leaves. Then he turns to his friends to speak.
"Well it seems like it is time for us to find out more about this monster. Perhaps we will gather enough information to find out where it is and kill it. Then we can get some more respect around here..."
*Zade waves his hand in the direction of Garics, wanting to get respect from others to, not just the mages.
Epherem decides he doesn't like that train of thinking, and what scouting ensues.
"That just wandered into the city, an alien landscape, not at all like the hells from which it came. Hopefully, by finding this one we can learn something about what is going on.
That was my first mission with this place, we failed at it, terribly, I'd like a chance to redeem myself."
"That does seem like the most probable explanation, Epherem. Given the times we live in I am sure that the Hightower is using much of its resources to study Jackal's Breach."
The Half-Elf smirks slightly as a thought passes his mind.
"It is probably best we not assume though. It would be to our benefit to explore every possibility. I've heard of this Nobody's Inn, and Marisma is correct. If there is information to be had, especially about the slums, it is at this particular establishment."
Satyre says this as he makes his way to the door.
OoC
Bardic Knowledge +4 to see what I know about the slums of Garic's City and/or Nobody's Inn.
"Good day" says one of the dwarf retainers with a tilt of his helmet. He falls back in line.
Satyre knows that the slums are, as common for human cities, a less than beautiful part of town where the poor live. Petty crimes are common, and go unreported. The city guard patrol here, but their vigilance is far from ideal.
Nobody's is the finest establishment in the slums... it would make the mess hall at the Guild a royal court in comparison, however. It's seedy, dangerous, and has been known to get out of hand. All these things ring a bell in Satyre's previously sheltered mind as being the very definition of hostile.
Epherem and Zade, would likely fit right in, as they are less kept and a bit more seedy looking themselves.
Arvindur, well, fish out of water might just be the term to coin, likely his anti-civilization ideals will be proven when he views the dregs of human city society.
*Zade begins to understand why a few of his fellow commrade's in arms never trusted mages and the people who used magic, except for the clerics.
.oO(However, so far I had any reason to not trust these people, yet I haven't exactly spent years with them. Perhaps after this mission is over with I'll get a better understanding of them...)
Epherem says with a sadistic sense of glee.
"A place you can really get away from it all, for a quick night away from the misses, or if you misspeak, eternity, if you catch my drift. The best thing is, no one ever expects to find a rich merchants son there, ever."
Epherem being from the city orignaly should know the way, but many of his familar landmarks have changed.
Satyre looks about him for a moment trying to guess which direction the slums are in. He turns to Epherem with quizzical eye.
"South?"
"Well my friend, lead the way, and I shall keep a sharp lookout for you."
*Before they leave Zade takes one last look around of the place trying to remember everything, for future references.
First, in its beginning, it was a stop for travelers and prospectors, then as that side of the city slid into the less favorable side of town, so did the inn, now however, the criminal aspect of the place is a bit removed. It is more of a place that new comers and travelers stop at yet again. It is cheap, moderately clean, at least compared to the road, and reasonably safe. It is as rough as it ever was, having a nearly all male clients, and them being so far from wife and family. Fights are frequent, but they are the good natured kind. Weapons are not allowed out, and at first sign, or use, the guard is called to clean up what the security leaves. Still it does lie at the absolute end of the road, with the slums between it and the rest of the city.
It's through town, right at the market, and down to the Middenwall, a section of wall separating Garic's proper from the sewage dump beyond known as the Middens. Facing this toilet is Nobody's Inn, the heroes destination. Foot padding should get them there in a hour or so.
Epherem chuckles to himself.
"Weapons are banned by order of the owner however, the trick is making it through the slums.
As for the dog, he's less harry then some of the patrons, but I don't know if those fangs count as weapons or not."
Epherem pauses looking down a street that's ever so slightly changed, then carries on once he is confident of his choice.
"Oh, Satyre, when we get there, try and keep hush hush on the bardic stuff, no one like minstrel blood on their hands, and I'd feel at least somewhat guilty if you wound up dead."
Epherem's "mater-of-fact" tone is betrayed by the smirk under is scragle disguised as a beard.
Satyre rolls his eyes as he follows the wizard's lead.
"Either way, I can assure you that any ruffian that might want my 'blood' will be in for a surprise. I am much more than fancy words and a pretty face, my friend. Much more."
The approach to the Inn is not only visually repulsive, but the smell from the Middens drifts into the city near here as well, giving it a bit more character that they would hope.
Nonetheless, they travel onward, and the Inn is there, and the end of this long avenue on the corner. There isn't much of a crowd out front, but folk can be seen going in and out, and smoke streams from the stoves of the kitchen.
He says looking down at his mounted companion,
"the slum dwellers just rebuild, how they get it to always look so old is just, beyond me. I guess this part of the city wants to look old, so it will.
Lets get inside where the scent of sweat and vomit overwhelm even the middens, alright?"
At the idea of a worse odor yet, Arvindur's face looked pained. "Perhaps I ought to help that fire along some, once this task is done"
Satyre says this in an uncharacteristically serious tone as they reach Nobody's Inn. He can't help but make a face as they reach the tavern doors. The smell that saturates this entire district almost makes him yearn for the rain-soaked state they were in earlier. Regardless he steps forward a bit ahead of Epherem and walks through the entrance. When he enters he immediately looks about for an open table, and takes a seat if one is available.
A one eyed dwarfett with a missing tooth right up front serves them. She is a bit rough around the edges, but her hair is put up, her dress is clean and she has a smile on her face.
"Weal lads, wuh'll it be den?"
She jerks out a gray rag and rubs the crumbs off the table onto the floor.
"A bit ova mess from the noon crowd."
The common room shows its age, and plenty of use. Spring brings in travelers with the rains. The place is quiet, but the employees are busy cleaning up where the lingering crowd will allow.
"I'll have a glass of whine if it please you miss, and I'm sure my friends will tell you what they will want."
.oO(I have absolutely no intention of consuming ANYTHING from this foul pit)
Satyre gives the barmaid a wink and sits back back in his chair, slouching a bit. After the lady dwarf walks away he scans the room more thoroughly with his eyes, being careful not to turn his head too much. The young half-elf also looks to see if their is some sort of board with notices or requests.
"There we are lads, avin' somfin to eat den?"
The group notices a particularly fat faced, and unkempt man giving them a rather evil eye. No worries though, he's likely to drunk to even say 'evil' much less do anything of the sort.
"Yes miss I'd like to have some bread and some cheese if you can find some."
.oO(Something that simple can't go horribly wrong. I'll just have to eat something better on later. Heh, i might have to same some of that for the sewers if we have to travel down there.)
*Zade smiles again and waits to see if his friends order anything.
Arvindur can only tell that the dog is loyal, and content, his nose is full of scents of filth and food, two things dogs, no matter how feral, love.
.oO (at least nothing unnatural in here anyway, Wolfkin would be berserk if that 'creature' was here)
Once the waitress is done with taking orders, Arvindur spoke up, clearly impatient to be off hunting again,"So, how do we plan on finding this 'thing'? Without a starting point, I doubt my tracking abilities can do anything. How about we ask somebody, or throttle it out of someone if they aren't forthcoming."
OOC
Taking a small liberty with the time here
"I honestly do not think we will find many leads here. It is the wrong time of day for this. I suppose we could ask this large fellow over here, but I am not optimistic about it. Blast!"
The bard looks around once more, specifically looking for some kind of community posting board. Any piece of paper tacked to the wall for that matter.
"Any thoughts, Epherem. Otherwise I will speak to that portly drunk."
The group of mercenaries pays and heads out with little conversation.
Satyre notices little in the way of written solicitation. A piece of parchment in a fine hand requesting strong armed warriors is stuck to the wall near the door, with a fork. It is several months old.
The drunk with the heavy jowls smacks his lips and shakes his head, trying to figure out just how much money he has.
The heroes are served with a few bits of cheese and bread as per their request.
.oO(Hmmm... if they came from the mines, perhaps they might have a bit of information useful for us....)
"Oi, ya seem to be havin' some trouble there, friend. Don't hav' enough to pay yer bill, eh?"
OoC
Diplomacy +8
"I dun need bloody charity from the likes of you. A bit'ow ov place aren't you?"
with that he grins and chuckles, which causes him to cough, and spit. He wipes this up with his sleeve and looks around as if he's hiding it.
"Anuvah round lass!" he says slapping his money on the table.
The dwarfett trots up with a mug of ale and scowl.
"That's it, no more after this one." she says to him before taking his money and turning to Satyre." A fine drunk ee is, asn't ad free drinks in'ere since bretfis and ee's actin a bloody fool."
Epherem says after his oddly long silence, he's speaking to his companions, but not making any form of contact with anyone. He's just hiding behind his mug.
"He's gotta watch how people behave first, how they act. Had he done that, he would have known that just walking up to the large man would get him nothing.
He's too drunk to help, too sober to talk."
Epherem is already looking at the bottom of an empty stine, and wanting some more.
"Also, throwing around the fact he's got money on him, is a good way to get mugged."
Epherem tries to signal the waitress to him.
"Well my friend, if you think you can do better, it seems perhaps our dwarven brethren would perhaps know a bit more about our creature of the dark. If indeed they are coming perhaps from the mines, maybe they might know something. Why don't you give your knowledge of how to find information a shot with them?"
*Zade speaks slowly, and methodically, no ounce of emotion is in his voice. He gives Epherem a glance and then goes back to his 'trance' and quietly looks about the room.
Satyre stands up, shaking his head at the fat drunk and walks back to his own table. He notices the new arrivals, he can't help but notice them. A rowdy group of dwarven miners are hard to miss. Taking his seat he lets out a sigh.
"This is not turning out to be very fruitful. We will have to attempt a more direct approach if something does not turn up soon."
"Ungry now are we?" she says with her hands on her hips.
The dwarves finally settle down once they get over their quarrel. Each one slowly pulls on his own flagon and pipe.
As the waitress speaks to Epherem again, something hits Satyre rather hard, a realization. Her accent disguised something, she said 'three' drinks, not 'free' ones. Even the halflings are stout enough to have three drinks over many hours and remain sober as a funeral. This chap rounded out at well over 200 pounds, he could handle twice as much and still walk and talk like a priest. Something was fishy. Of course, the man is not at the table when Satyre looks back, just a frothy mug of ale remains.
Satyre winks and grins at the dwarfette.
"Tell me, lass. That large fellow, just was ova' ther' a moment ago. He a friend o' yers? Didn't seem too ap-pre-ci-a-tive of yer fine service."
The bard leans forward, elbow on the table, he lays his chin on his fist as he waits the barmaid's answer.
OoC
Diplomacy and Gather Info both at +8
"Ee star'ed showin up ere a few days ago. Always in the mornin, and always drunk. Never drunk much'ere though, but stayed sloppy all day."
She shakes her head.
"Strange chap, good tipper though, usually in gold."
After the barmaid walks off to fetch more drinks for the party. Satyre turns to his commrads, speaking in a hush tone.
"We should probably return here in the morning... that is if nothing else turns up. The more I think of it, the more that drunk strikes me as odd."
*Zade looks at his friends to see if anyone is willing to talk to the newcomers.
Even if he knows nothing, he'll wind up being useful for something."
[i]Epherem grins at his refilled glass.[i]
"Dwarves, there's something about them and this place."
Epherem says after gulping down pint.
"They remind me, who appears to be the barman tonight?
Don't everyone look at once, just my backs to him, and I can't see."
Satyre thinks for a moment, allowing either of the Halflings to check on the barman. Epherem had brought up a good point about the gold. The Half-Elf makes a mental note not to bring attention to his own wealth while in this area of the city. There might be some things he can learn from this haggard wizard yet.
ooc
Spot +4, not sure if you need that though...
The crowd slowly grows a few folks at a time, mainly what look like locals coming in for drinks and sup.
*Zade asks casually to his friends as they continue to find out more information of there sneaky monster.
This strange activity causes a few people to eye the halfling darkly, and the bartender watches, placing both hands on the bar.
"I think now, would be good time for one of us to speak to the barman. To get his attention away from our druid friend, if nothing else."
The Half-Elf waits for a response from the mage. Seeing as his earlier attempts were not successful, he feels the ragged looking Human would fair better.
Epherem says to Zade, and then a smirk crosses his face.
"Fine then, keep your own damn *****s."
Epherem yells unnaturally loud, and then stands up.
"'won't be having them on my property."
He mutters aloud as he walks over to the bar, and takes a seat near the barman.
"Ironmug Warhammer, with extra wood, if you could keep."
Epherem says, in a softer voice then he had used the entire journy to the barman.
ooc
Sorry this is Epherem here, I'm just typing from Kenric's computer, and didn't notice I haven't switched users, sorry for any resulting chaos/irony.
Sorry this is Epherem here, I'm just typing from Kenric's computer, and didn't notice I haven't switched users, sorry for any resulting chaos/irony.
"Come again friend? What's he up to there?" he asks pointing to Arvindur with his half open hand.
"Not sure the old man would like animals sniffing about. Could frighten off the customers."
Meanwhile the the dog looks back to Arvindur for approval.
.oO(This shouldn't take more than a minute...I hope)
ooc
Sorry, I was vague, the dog picked it up.
Sorry, I was vague, the dog picked it up.
"I do not care for this at all. The druid is all to obvious... mark my words we will have trouble in this part of the city due to him."
The bard follows Arvindur with his eyes as the druid walks after his dog.
"Hopefully Epherem will be able to procure some information, before we have to rescue the little mud wallower."
Meanwhile, back inside the bartender frowns as the halfling and dog leave, and then looks to Epherem for an explanation.
Satyre and Zade watch and wait.
"Nor do I my friend. He has his uses I am sure out in the wild, but when it comes to closed walls like these, he's best left out. And yes, I'm am hoping that our friend can turn the bartender to our side and gather some information for us. Perhaps it's time for me to have a little chat with our dwarven brethren."
*With that Zade gives his friend a wink and stands up after draining the rest of his drink. He fixes his clothes a bit and walks over to where the dwarves are. When he gets there he talks a bit louder so that he can get most or at least one of their attention.
"Good day to you my friends. I am Zade Deftfingers, a local here in Garics. I've heard that Dwarves are the best stoneworkers in all the lands, and I've been wondering and of you were perhaps able to tell me if this is true. Say over a few pints of ale?"
*Zade smiles as he finishes talking and waits for their reaction.
.oO(So not always the silent type, eh?)
"Bah, yer jus' wastin' ya time, mate. Fam'larity no subst'toot for skill. Ya not get ah honest ansa from tha' groop."
Satyre takes a big glup from his drink and wipes his mouth with his sleeve quite unceremoniously.
Meanwhile the bartender and Epherem exchanges words quietly. The bartender does on look pleased.
Meanwhile Arvindur follows Wolfkin around a corner, and down an alley, and then after a short distance, down another. This one dead ends where some buildings meet, leaving only the entrance as a way out. There are a few windows, but they are above ground level, and closed with heavy shutters. Wolfkin noses through the debris of the alley, and eventually paws at a tattered cloak lying near a wall.
It starts to rain...
"Mine you say? Well my friends, I'm on a mission of sorts, with the Silver Sword guild. Has there been any troubles of late in your mines?"
.oO(Blast! I will have to remember to leave the Halflings at home on any future covert activities.)
"Aye, they'll probably claim it as war-funding or taxes!" says another.
They all begin bickering, and jabbering wildly at Zade, and one another. Words like 'Tyrants' and 'Tax Collectors' pop up now and then, and they begin giving the bartender a hard time as well about letting in certain parties.
"That's it lads, all of you, out!" The barkeep says to Epherem and Zade.
About that time, thunder rolls outside and a wet and soggy Arvindur and Wolkin come in the front door, making a rather wet mess. The bartender frowns.
"Him too, the lot of you!" He steps from behind the bar, unarmed, and escorts the 4.5 of you out of the inn, and into the now wet streets.
An upper middle aged man with a end is near style sign over his ragged tunic sees and begins cackling from across the street as the group is 'thrown' out.
"Nice work, men. Unfortunately, I am afraid that subterfuge does not seem to be our strong suit. Arv, did you find anything."
The bard says this in a very serious manner, as if he were some military leader awaiting a report. He pulls his cloak tighter around himself as he turns and begins to walk in the direction they had originally came from.
"Who knew they would get so made over the Silver Sword guild.... i guess they don't have a good reputation around here. We'll have to remember that for future purposes."
*As Satyre speaks he looks to Arvindur to see what he has to say.
.oO (I REALLY should have anticipated this sort of weather.)
The rain lightens a bit, just a spring shower, now warm sun peeks through clouds making the streets steam as it rains.
The Half-Elf holds his hand out catching a couple of rain drops before it comes to a complete halt. He nods slightly as Epherem gives his input.
"Yes, that is a fine plan, wizard. Except we do not have anything more precise than "the slums" to go by. I think it is best to look around the area Arvindur lost the trail. Perhaps we could question some people there."
Satyre slows his pace a bit to allow the halfling and his dog to take the lead.
The scene is basically what the halfling described. Nothing special.
Zade notes a few blacked bits on a couple of outer beams of some of the buildings. Since there has been no fire here in sometime, that seems strange. There is black smoke boiling from a forge nearby but that wouldn't cause suet marks on the ground level... would it?
"Satyre my friend, it seems like there's something strange going on here. See these burn marks on the wood around here? Where do you suppose they have come from. They are somewhat recent from what I can guess, however I do know that there hasn't been a fire around here recently. And the forge looks like it wouldn't cause these marks from over there. Any suggestions? To me it seems like there might be a secret entrance around here, or perhaps some people with torches come here frequently."
*Zade points out the burn marks to Satyre and the rest of the team, then shrugs his shoulders, a bit confused to the origins of the fire.
Satyre steps forward, taking a closer look at the burn marks. Stroking his beard in a contemplative manner, he turns his head towards the direction they came. Then he looks towards the dead end, and finally at the smoke billowing from the forge in the distance, Crossing his arms, the bard takes a few steps back.
"Most interesting... I will attempt to divine the nature of these marks. If they are indeed magical in nature, a nearby passageway would not surprise me."
Stretching his hands forward, Satyre begins to sway them up and then side to side, as if he were conducting some imaginary musicians. The Half-Elf also mutters some words repeatedly, in a sing-song manner.
"Wood and fire and Mother's grace, mystic presence reveal thy face.
By light and color so I might see, what spirit of magic here might be."
OoC
I'd like to attempt a search(+4) and int(+3) check if possible. Or whatever you feel would count as investigation. I'm also casting Detect Magic in the general area of the burn mark. I'll Concentrate(+1) for as long as it takes. [I'm using my first level stats. Improve accordingly if my second level adjustments are approved.]
Upon closer inspection the wood seems to have been charred. Something burned the wood, not enough for it to flame, however. The smoke from the forge didn't do this.
There are other marks, against a crate near the back wall of the alley, and even on a wooden eave twenty feet off the ground.
Satyre does a more thorough, and mundane, search of the alley. Looking for more clues or even a secret door.
"Are you sure this is where the trail ended, Arvindur?"
*Zade continues to search around, however this time he takes his time to search, not really worried about the time.
ooc
Search +6, Spot +4, or add +1 to each if my updates go through. I'd also like to take 20, or 10 if applicable for either chance.
ooc
Search +2, spot +3, taking 10 for Aid Another on Xade.
I'd make Wolfkin help too, except I doubt we can understand what he finds, or for the matter, if can convey such a complex concept to a dog at all. :D
I'd make Wolfkin help too, except I doubt we can understand what he finds, or for the matter, if can convey such a complex concept to a dog at all. :D
There are no more burn marks in the alley other than the ones already found.
However, once out of the alley, the trail may have just picked up again, Zade spots another burned spot a couple buildings down. Regardless whether it is coincidental or not, it is in the direction of the forge.
"Well it seems perhaps we may get some questions answered when we find the source of these burn marks. But we should also take some caution, this could be dangerous whatever is waiting for us at the end."
*Zade looks to his companions, nod's his head then continues his search.
ooc
Search +6, Spot +4, or add +1 to each if my updates go through. I'd also like to take 20, or 10 if applicable for either chance.
Satyre allows the shadow-clad Halfling to lead the way, as he seems to have been more apt at finding these burn marks. If the trail does lead to the forge, as it seems to, things could get tricky. The owners might not be too happy about the Silver Sword creeping around their property.
OoC
Knowledge (Local) +4 and/or Bardic Knowledge +5 on the forge. I'm fairly sure it is just a boring old forge, but doesn't hurt to check.
All Paths lead to the alley behind the forge. The Forge, according to what Satyre can come up with, was once a mighty establishment in the area for turning rough iron into high quality steel. It is family owned and run, by two human brothers. Svav and Flev. They do not seem to have a reputation he is aware of, but the forge has had a tough of go at things with the drama of recent years. They have been reduced to a overly large blacksmith shop due to poor supply of raw goods.
*Zade leads the way towards the forge, one dagger drawn, his other hand free, but ready to draw another hidden dagger. He keeps a look out as they make there way. Once they are to the door of the forge however he puts his dagger away and waits for the rest of the group to come up with the best way to approach this matter.
The doors to the forge are black iron and closed. Finding more burnt or black marks in these parts will be no problem, there is trash and slag from the forge all over the place. Separating this from the tracks they are following will prove a monumental chore.
Looking at the large doors, Satyre struggles to find a clean area on the filthy iron. Finally he gives up and strikes thrice with the bottom of his fist. Wiping his hand on his coat he listens for footsteps or anything that might betray someone answering.
"Hail!"
He shouts to no one in particular.
"What can we do for you lads?"
He squints at them and his brow furrows, but it lifts as he is answered.
.oO(Something tells me we aren't going to find out much information here unless we either force it out of him, or buy it from him....)
The bard respectfully bows has he introduces himself and extends his hands towards each of his friends in turn as he says their name. Though speaking in a non-hostile manner, Satyre makes sure that the blacksmith is aware of his... earnestness.
"Might we enter?"
OoC
Diplomacy +11
"Aye, I've a moment. Come in then and state yer business."
The inside of the forge is simple enough. Stone walls and floors are filled in with more stonework and wooden beams. The place is dirty, but in sound condition. The party stands in a large open room with a few piles of raw material around and some finished goods as well. At the back of the room two giant doors hang open and the glowing orange forge resonates heat. Two gnomes work bellows on either side, and a dwarf hammers away at something large, and glowing. Sparks fly with each loud clang.
The big man crosses his arms and awaits their questions. There are no chairs, nor benches, and a desk by the front window serves as the office.
Satyre clasps his hands behind himself, his feet apart, his body at attention. As he attempts to give the impression of authority.
.oO(I'm not to fond of killing my racial cousins, but if I must to save myself, I guess I'll have to...)
"Aye I've heard of it. They says the creature begs to be banished, and then burns the victim to deff. They says none escape its fiery breath. They says its half dragon, and half shadow!"
As he continues each sentence comes out more ominous than the last. He crosses his arms.
"I says, theys all spooked is all, and that if some monster was lurking about at night we'd see more than just a body here or there. These is the slums after all, folk dies here ever' day."
he frowns and eyes them each in turn.
"So, take what yee can from that. We've had no problems at the forge, and what's a few less beggars in the streets?"
He has a seat at his desk.
"Anyfing else?"
Satyre gives the blacksmith a more complete description and awaits an answer.
OoC
You never gave more in depth description other than he was fat and drunk. I tried my best, but let's just assume that Satyre gives him hair color, eye color, skin tone... if he remembers that is. I'd also like to do a sense motive (+1) to see if he's withholding information. Bluff (+7) just in case.
Arvindur to sees nothing out of the ordinary and senses no anxiousness from his four legged friend.
The big man mulls over Satyre's question and description shaking his head.
"No one comes to mind, but then again, I don't put in for taverns much."
He stands and opens the door.
"Good day all and good luck."
"Well now what? Demon hunting?" says Epherem.
"Well there must be something that we missed, or something that could lead us to the next step. Of course the burn marks lead us to this forge. Perhaps we need to wait till night to see if our demon originates from here?"
"My thoughts are along the same lines, Zade."
He begins to walk, away from the forge's entrance.
"If we do not spot anything unusual tonight, we will have to inspect the building more closely. In the meantime, we need more information. Any ideas, Arvindur? Epherem?"
"My plan to get some gossip at Nobody's so, I'm out of ideas."
Satyre looks up at the sky, attempting to gauge the time. Standing a block away from the forge, he continues.
"We will meet back here, right before the sun sets. I doubt we will get anything substantial, but there might be some truth in the rumors we gather. Good luck."
The Half-Elf waits for a moment in case there are any objections, and then walks towards some buildings to the east.
OoC
I hope this isn't too forward, but I'd like to ask for a time lapse. It seems like the group knows it wants to wait till dark to check out the forge, and we have some time to kill. Satyre will use this time to gather as much information as he can from the area. Gather Info +9, (taking 20, yes?)
Arvindur waits for a similar span of time before trying to get Wolfkin to find the strange man's scent again, crisscrossing the region in search of a trail.
*Zade waits to see where everyone else is heading to possibly find some more information. For Zade however, he goes back to the first spot of the burn marks and looks over everything again, hoping to find something new.
ooc
Taking 20 on Search and Spot, and why don't you even throw listen to that, it can't hurt.
As for signs of the fire breathing deadly menace that will stop at nothing to kill off the city's inhabitants... more of the same. burn marks here and there, concentrating in the alley behind the forge.
There Zade spots evidence of recent use of a large round sewer grate in the middle of the alley.
No sign of the drunk from earlier can be found.
"You guys found anything useful? I didn't, and the people around here don't seem to like being near Wolfkin here."
"Well if you guys didn't find anything useful, I did. It's a sewer gate off where I was looking that looks like it's been used recently. Perhaps this was where our drunk disappeared to, or where our creature comes out of. Either way I think it wouldn't be that bad of a place to check out. Or we could wait here...."
Or we can just conceal ourselves around the grate and keep a close eye on it, for when whatever it is enters or exits, it has the distinct advantage of not going into the tiger's lair when you can hunt him outside it." Arvindur looks to distinctly prefer the latter choice, his dislike of the thought of leaving Wolfkin while he poked around the sewers being quite evident.
"I, for one, am tired of waiting. There is a good chance we will find an entrance to the forge from the sewers. If not the creature itself."
He sighs deeply at the thought of having to travel through the sewers. Hopefully a good bath would be waiting for him at the end of all this.
"Let us wait for Epherem, and then we shall make a decision."
"Well, I didn't find out much more back at Nobody's. I did spot that drunk again though, but he left as soon as he saw me. What's the plan? Frankly I'm sick of wondering what the connection is, since the rumors are of some monster, not some fat jowled man."
OOC
OK, the ball is in your court as to what to do next. I am going to leave it to you as well.
OK, the ball is in your court as to what to do next. I am going to leave it to you as well.
Satyre thinks for a moment, glancing down at the druid's hound.
"I am sorry, Arvindur. I do believe we will have to leave Wolfkin at the grate. He is a smart one, I am sure he will be fine. Now, if there are no objections, we really should be on our way."
The Bard leads the way back to the alley, eager to make some headway.
.oO(Rashness will always get someone like are leader killed in combat. It's always good to take a moment to assess the situation, perhaps a better result will come. Not this time apparently...)
*Zade gives Wolfkin a pat on the head and scratches behind his ears for a few seconds before walking behind Satyre, clearly sorry that he has to leave him above the ground.
.oO(I never did mind having pets around. Perhaps when this is over I'll see if the guild will allow me to keep a dog around the place.)
"We're gonna need a light. I can't see worth a damn at night, much less in these sewers you are all so eager to leap into."
The grate can be pulled up with little trouble, as long as two or three of them drag it open.
"Oh right... It is dark in there. Blast, I had not thought of that."
"I have some candles, however, they aren't as good as torches. And if you have somehow forgotten that the sewers are a bit dark, perhaps we should take a moment to think about just exactly we are going to do. Maybe we should come up with a plan of action instead of just running blind into whatever it is down there. I'd rather not die like that"
"I do have a light spell, but it only lasts a few minutes and is best used as backup lighting."
Satyre looks down at the open end of the alleyway.
"I have no problem with borrowing a lantern... but if we get caught, it will tie up more of our time. Looks like we will have to sit here and wait it out."
He drops his hands to his sides, sighing in frustration.
OoC
Spot +2, please? I'd like to know how busy the streets are, and if I see any lanterns that we could use.
Epherem sighs and shakes his head.
"Just wait here a moment."
He exits the alley and is away for maybe five minutes. When he returns he has three torches.
"Light'em and let's be off."
He shrugs as they eye him.
"Nobody's is full of mercenaries and miners, all of which jump for gold. Easy to find a torch in there."
Ooc
Sorry to NPC thusly, but yall have more important fish to fry than a light. I feel bad about the delay since it was my fault for bringing it up. No worries, we can move on now. You had to have torches so that when they are put out and you are hours away from the surface the darkness will engulf you and your tasty bits.
Sorry to NPC thusly, but yall have more important fish to fry than a light. I feel bad about the delay since it was my fault for bringing it up. No worries, we can move on now. You had to have torches so that when they are put out and you are hours away from the surface the darkness will engulf you and your tasty bits.
The Half-Elf grins, amused at his friendly jab at Epherem. After lighting the torches, Satyre assists the others in removing the grate. He takes the initiative and ventures down first. Stating that his Elven heritage allows him to see better in dimly lighted areas.
Once on the floor of the sewer, the bard quickly unsheathes his rapier. He's not sure what dangers await in the underbelly of the city, but he will not be caught unprepared.
OoC
Taking point here. Torch in right hand, rapier in left (yes Satyre is left-handed). Spot +2, Listen +2 if at all possible.
Just before clambering down into yet another city locale new to him, Arvindur spent a few moments scrounging around the area for a few suitable pebbles for sling ammunition before climbing down, filling his pouch with as much as he could comfortably carry.
Once down, he looked up somewhat wistfully at the waiting Wolfkin before loading one of the pebbles in his sling and twirling it thoughtfully as he examined the floor silently for tracks in the torchlight.
OOC
Search +2 Survival +9(yeah I track a lot better than the dog does, but scent works better on paving) for tracks, Listen +5 Spot +3 for generally keeping an eye out.
"I do hope you have some idea of where your going, or at least what your doing Satyre. I prefer my head to be attached to my neck."
*Zade smirks a bit after he says his comment, the waits for the group to get moving.
OoC
Listen +7, Spot +5, dagger in right, torch in left hand.
The party stands in a large round room. It is 20 feet across, with brick and stone walls and a dome ceiling. The grate is at the center of the ceiling a dark hole that does not reflect the torch light like the rest of the tunnel.
The water is flowing from their right, from the back of the alley on the surface, to left, towards the street and the middens. There is a step down out of this chamber to a narrow passage on the left, and a step up to a similar passage on the right. In front and behind them are smaller, openings that converge on this room and filter in more good stuff. All is much quieter down here. A rat swims lazily by and the water trickles around them.
OOC
Confusing enough for you? The main passages on the right and left are large enough for a human sized person to navigate, the other two are smaller and could barely fit the halflings. Unless you go in all fours, this basically gives you two options, right or left.. No tracks are seen
Confusing enough for you? The main passages on the right and left are large enough for a human sized person to navigate, the other two are smaller and could barely fit the halflings. Unless you go in all fours, this basically gives you two options, right or left.. No tracks are seen
"I say we go right, of course at this point it really doesn't matter which way we go does it?"
*Zade frowns after he says this, noticing that he is standing waist deep in filth
.oO(I'll need a new pair of clothes and a bath for a month after this....)
"I believe this passage way here, to the left, should put us near the forge if not under it. It is a bit narrow though... I would like either Zade or myself leading, with the other one covering our backs. Arvindur, you should probably close to the front as well, your ability to track will be more helpful there...thoughts, my friends?"
OoC
Survival +0 to figure out which direction the forge is, right?
.oO(Yech, THIS is one place that could use a whole lot of cleansing fire. It's definitely unnatural to put this much waste in one place, some large wagonloads of that oil the city folk are so fond of will burn the filth out nicely...I wonder if the goop burns.)
"I can't tell, I just know that the sewage empties that direction, since it flow that way." he points with the torch to the left.
ooc
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R= Right
L= Left
P= Party.
Last map for a while kids, too hard to make with stupid text.
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R= Right
L= Left
P= Party.
Last map for a while kids, too hard to make with stupid text.
Satyre looks down at the sludge flowing past his knees. Suddenly he brings his hand up to his forehead with an audible smack.
"No, no we need to go upstream. That is where the source of this goop is, and where we'll find an entrance to the forge."
The Half-elf starts moving towards the right passageway. Holding the torch and his weapon in front of himself, he tries to maintain a walking pace without slushing too much of the muck around.
"These sewers, especially on this side of town, are old and know to be deadly. We may need to leave and return many times before our task is done, assuming we are on the right trail, and something else doesn't get us. Who knows what lurks beneath the city" he whispers as they move along.
This passage continues for some time before entering another junction like the one they entered in. A grate shows the starry sky above.
The passages leading the same way, upstream, is identical to the last. However, the next junction is not. The passage opens on the side of a larger, rectangular chamber. The room is nearly fifty feet long and twenty wide. Along the long walls there are many passages leading away from it, four on each side. On the short walls, there are only two passages each. The room is filled with water, and a couple of the passages are dry, or blocked over. No grates to the city,however can be seen. There are four large five foot square pillars along the middle of the room, supporting the low ceiling.
Satyre does not think very long before making a decision. He follows the wall of the room to the first passageway to his right with sewage flowing from it. The first one that he and his party can fit in, that is.
OoC
The wall we're exiting from is a long wall or a short wall? I'm essentially wanting to go South or West from here without going back down the passageway we just came out of.
*Zade likes where Arvindur is thinking and aids him in his search.
.oO(It's bad enough that I'm practically swimming in poop, now we have to figure our which is the right direction. And I'd prefer not to take that many trips down here, if at all possible...)
Zade at first thinks he hears something, but the splashing waters were likely just the culprit, or some bit of trash floating in them plopping into the large pool.
The halflings check the first passage way to the left, their torch light revealing nothing. Satyre and Epherem check the first on the right, again, with no results. Epherem looks back to check on the halflings, and all is relatively well.
Zade notices a couple of large black bits of trash flow by very quickly. Nothing special. But the little sneaker's hairs on the back of his neck stand up. The black trash was moveing against the flow os the sewage, towards Satyre and Epherem!
Before he could warn them, something slapped the water near him. Arvindur is instantly aware as well. Small black and regy creatures with tenticles surround the groups. Slashing and slapping at then with hard limbs.
Green eyes glow not that the prey as been spotted. A half dozen pair at least.
OoC
Zade
Monsters
Arvindur
Epherem
Satyre
Questions??? BWHAHAHAAHAAAAaaaa!!
:coolcthul
Zade
Monsters
Arvindur
Epherem
Satyre
Questions??? BWHAHAHAAHAAAAaaaa!!
:coolcthul
The bard turns away from his human companion, hoping a defensive stance might even the odds. Suddenly, as he stares into his enemy's eyes, his training returns to him. Clearing his throat he begins to hum. First quietly to himself, but soon he sings out so that the Halflings may hear him.
"Look up, young soldier the enemy is nigh!
Raise your sword to this battle cry!
Look up, young soldier the enemy is near!
Show them no quarter, show them no fear!"
OoC
Bardic Music use (Inspire Courage), not sure if a Perform check is required, +7 Perform (Sing). I know Dodge works differently in GsC, do I need to declare it? If so I'm declaring it now. AC 17 now?
Show
Treating my torch as an improvised melee weapon if Zade sets up a flank with one of the tentacle creeps between us.
5ft step to get out of melee reach of the things, before socking one(if Zade hits one of them, then I target the same one) of them with the sling(+3 attack, 1d2+1 damage).
How big are the 'tentacle monsters' anyway?
Treating my torch as an improvised melee weapon if Zade sets up a flank with one of the tentacle creeps between us.
5ft step to get out of melee reach of the things, before socking one(if Zade hits one of them, then I target the same one) of them with the sling(+3 attack, 1d2+1 damage).
How big are the 'tentacle monsters' anyway?
The monsters attack back in bursts of tenticles and sewage. Their blows, while numerous are blocked with torch and blade. Even the wizard is unharmed.
Arvindur sends a stone at one of the halfling sized creatures and hits it between its green eyes.
Epeherem too misses as the sudden attack has unnerved him as well.
As Satyre's song flows over the group, they all settle in. They focus their minds, and will and have a feeling they'll all be just fine...
Satyre yells out as he strikes at the tentacled monsters that assail him and his comrades. Stepping forward slightly, he thrusts the rapier forward in an attempt to skewer his enemy.
OoC
rapier +3 (1d6+2/18-20, piercing). Inspire Courage bonuses to Attack and Damage already included. I'm not sure how far away they are, I'm assuming within melee range. I'll take the minimum amount of movement necessary to reach the closest enemy if I need to. Yes, I'm ending my song, should last for 5 rounds after I end it. This round being the 1 of 5.
OoC
Melee dagger +3 (1d3+1/19-20, piercing or slashing) Sorry for my lateness i had to work a lot this week.
Carefully getting out of reach of the tentacles, Arvindur let fly yet another pebble at the one he had hit previously, heartened by both the music and his prior success.
OOC
5ft step, if threatened at the beginning of my action by a tentacly, otherwise, I move 15ft away from them, retaining at least the one I hit inside the torch's radius of bright lighting.
Attack the one I hit earlier(+4 attack, 1d2+2 damage) again.
5ft step, if threatened at the beginning of my action by a tentacly, otherwise, I move 15ft away from them, retaining at least the one I hit inside the torch's radius of bright lighting.
Attack the one I hit earlier(+4 attack, 1d2+2 damage) again.
The monsters lash out, two strike at Zade in a flurry of tentacles. One lands a solid blow to the halfling's chest, nearly knocking him over.
Arvindur avoids danger from the one that is battling him.
Satyre is also hurt, as one of the creatures wraps around his leg, squeezing it powerfully. It lets go though, as he fends off its other attempts. He nimbly avoids the advances by the other assailant as well.
Epherem is unable to dodge the attacks of his slithering foe. Its tentacles latch on to his leg, then his arm, and then his neck, one after the other, squeezing and crushing him as it climbs up his body.
Arvindur whizzes another sling stone at the monster attacking him. The echo of the crushing sound is drowned out by the flailing of the creature in the water just before it dies. Its green eyes cease to glow.
Epherem finally shakes the creature after many desperate attempts. The torch flutters back and forth as the man wildly flails about.
Satyre's song isn't needed. His strike is swift, and perfect, hitting directly between the creature's eyes, and killing it instantly.
OoC
Init:
Zade 14/16 -4 NL
Monsters 2 down, 4 remaining, 2 on Zade, 1 on Epherem, 1 on Satyre
Arvindur 10/10
Epherem 2/10
Satyre 9/10 -1 NL Succesful Crit btw.
Init:
Zade 14/16 -4 NL
Monsters 2 down, 4 remaining, 2 on Zade, 1 on Epherem, 1 on Satyre
Arvindur 10/10
Epherem 2/10
Satyre 9/10 -1 NL Succesful Crit btw.
"Have at you, vile creature!"
.oO(I guess I was still a bit shaky from the surprise attack. Well this will teach them!)
*Zade tries to move his way around the creature so that he can set up a flank with any of his fellow team mates.
OoC
5ft step around the creature to set up a flank with the nearest team mate. Then attack with dagger: Melee dagger +3 (1d3+1/19-20, piercing or slashing)
OOC
Sling(+4 attack, 1d2+2 damage) attack against the one Zade is attacking, if the one Epherem is fighting is within 2 range increments and has no concealment or cover, I aim for it instead.
Follow that up by moving to flank the one that Zade is fighting, if possible.
Sling(+4 attack, 1d2+2 damage) attack against the one Zade is attacking, if the one Epherem is fighting is within 2 range increments and has no concealment or cover, I aim for it instead.
Follow that up by moving to flank the one that Zade is fighting, if possible.
The creatures strike back, one hits Zade in the chest again, but the blow is weak compared to the last. The other attack aimed at him are either dodged or blocked.
Satyre is again struck, this time in his gut. The blow sends thin liquid to his mouth and he loses his breath.
The creatures attacking Epherem leaps out of the water again, sensing a weaken prey and it sends tentacles around his neck and arms. His eyes roll back and he falls to the side of the passage, half in the water. The creature slides off him and enters the water.
Arvindur whirls his stone at the creature that just left Epherem for dead and strikes it as it enters the water. The body soon floats limply near by.
The pain is too much for Satyre to deal a meaningful strike, and his attacker escapes harm.
OoC
init:
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Monsters 3 down, 3 remaining, 2 on Zade, 1 on Satyre
Arvindur 10/10
Epherem /10
Satyre 6/10 -2 NL
init:
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Monsters 3 down, 3 remaining, 2 on Zade, 1 on Satyre
Arvindur 10/10
Epherem /10
Satyre 6/10 -2 NL
Diverting his attention from the immediate threats, Arvindur took a step back from the monsters nearest to him and let fly at the one battling Epherem, hoping to draw it's attention long enough for Epherem to devote his attention towards saving their ally.
ooc
5ft step away from the threatened area of the monsters nearest, then chuck another rock across to the one bothering Satyre so he can at least haul our dear wizard out of the water, or heal him.
Sling(+4 attack, 1d2+2 damage)
5ft step away from the threatened area of the monsters nearest, then chuck another rock across to the one bothering Satyre so he can at least haul our dear wizard out of the water, or heal him.
Sling(+4 attack, 1d2+2 damage)
OoC
Not sure on distances. If he's within 5 feet I'd like to cure light wounds (1d8+2) on the defensive (concentration +1). If he's more than 5' away I'm going to declare Total Defense and move.
.oO(Hopefully this time I can actually hit one of these ghastly creatures....)
OoC
5ft step around the creature to set up a flank with the nearest team mate. However, if I am already in a good spot for a flank, just keep me there. Hopefully my friends will realize I get a sneak attack when I flank an enemy I belive... I could be wrong though....
Attack with dagger: Melee dagger +3 (1d3+1/19-20, piercing or slashing)
I really need weapon finesse....
Attack with dagger: Melee dagger +3 (1d3+1/19-20, piercing or slashing)
I really need weapon finesse....
The two monsters attack him back but he's now used to their advances and dodges them, or parries them with ease. Satyre cannot move away fast enough, and being distracted by the going on behind him, his defenses, despite his best effort, are not good enough. The creature, leaping from the water slaps him across the face, knocking him momentarily dizzy.
Arvindur's sling comes through again. He instantly slays the one Satyre was just pummeled by with one precise shot.
Satyre moves away from the now corpse and is able to cast his spell with no intteruption. Singing softly, with a rather dazed look, his spell instantly revives the wizard, who shakes his head, and looks around wildly.
"What... The creature!" he mumbles.
OoC
init:
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Monsters 4 down, 2 remaining, 2 on Zade
Arvindur 10/10
Epherem 7/10
Satyre 4/10 -3 NL One more point of damage and effectivly at zero.
init:
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Monsters 4 down, 2 remaining, 2 on Zade
Arvindur 10/10
Epherem 7/10
Satyre 4/10 -3 NL One more point of damage and effectivly at zero.
"Whenever you guys are done over there, I could use some help. These guy's don't seem to like my daggers at all... or my daggers don't like them. Either way I can't hit them..."
*After Zade shouts that out to his friends, he turns his attention back to the creatures, and once again he tries to thrust his dagger into one of them.
OoC
No movement, just attack, hopefully I'll hit this time. Melee dagger +3 (1d3+1/19-20, piercing or slashing)
Arvindur turned his attention back to Zade's situation now that Epherem is out of immediate danger, sending a sling stone at one of his attackers, as he moved to menace the other of the tentacled foes.
ooc
lob another rock at one of them, Sling(+4 attack, 1d2+2 damage), then move to flank the other one if I'm close enough.
lob another rock at one of them, Sling(+4 attack, 1d2+2 damage), then move to flank the other one if I'm close enough.
"Well that was unexpected. I had no idea such creatures existed at all, much less in our sewers."
OoC
Combat Over
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Arvindur 10/10
Epherem 7/10
Satyre 4/10 -3 NL One more point of damage and effectivly at zero.
Combat Over
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Arvindur 10/10
Epherem 7/10
Satyre 4/10 -3 NL One more point of damage and effectivly at zero.
Poking the corpse of one with his torch just to make sure it's properly dead, Arvindur peers more closely at it even as he gathered some muck stained pebbles to replenish his ammunition.
"And we shouldn't tarry much longer here than necessary, if it's anything similar to the wilds, the noises would draw scavengers before long. Once we are sure they aren't getting back up like certain freaks tend to, we should finish searching this chamber, pile them up, and maybe bring one out later to have a better look. One of those wizards might be interested in them." He pokes the corpse again with the torch.
ooc
Knowledge(nature)+8, if it matters, to recognise what the critters are, or what they used to be if they are some kind of warped thing.
Knowledge(nature)+8, if it matters, to recognise what the critters are, or what they used to be if they are some kind of warped thing.
"Our woodland friend is correct, I would like to avoid another encounter with those creatures."
Stepping away from the wall, Satyre puts his longbow away.
"Arvindur, might you have some sort of tonic or bandages? Mother's servants are fickle, and I dare not bother them again for their healing."
They are black and gray, what look like small octopuses, but with only four tentacles.
Skill Results
You got a 19 on the roll, so instead of you not knowing what they are, you know they are quite unnatural.
You got a 19 on the roll, so instead of you not knowing what they are, you know they are quite unnatural.
"Now, to continue what we were doing before they interrupted us, and to do it quickly."Arvindur continues their prior examination of the tunnels."Those things do not occur naturally anywhere on this world, and they may have bigger friends somewhere."
ooc
2 goodberries, I'll keep the last one in case someone needs to be stopped from dying. That should be 2 points of lethal damage and 2 points of subdual.
2 goodberries, I'll keep the last one in case someone needs to be stopped from dying. That should be 2 points of lethal damage and 2 points of subdual.
The injured minstrel immediately tosses the berries into his mouth, squinting at their tartness.
"Make haste, men."
Satyre returns to his work of searching the different tunnel openings. He eyes each one carefully, looking for any kind of odd mark or sign of the beast they suspect. He also attempts to stay alert to any warning that trouble is near.
OoC
Search +4, Spot +2, Listen +2. All or any that apply
ooc
Current HP Status.
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Arvindur 10/10
Epherem 7/10
Satyre 6/10 -1 NL
Current HP Status.
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Arvindur 10/10
Epherem 7/10
Satyre 6/10 -1 NL
ooc
Move Silently +1
Hide +3
Move Silently +1
Hide +3
"Hopefully we won't run into any more of these fowl beasts..."
.oO(And hopefully next time I'll be able to hit something, I know I am good at dodging, but what happens when my enemy is to quick for me?)
*Zade shakes the thought from his head and continues to follow his druid friend, and since he isn't in front, he decides ot keep a close lookout ahead of his friend, just incase he's paying a bit to much attention on the stealth and not what lies ahead.
OoC
Listen +7, Spot +5, Hide +11, Move Silently +9
A charred rat carcass and a bit of scorched hide, likely leather.
Aside from a few stagnant, shallow puddles the passage is otherwise empty and dry.
The next room is another square room. The edge of the passage ends, and the entire floor on this side of the room is underwater. The torches provide enough light to show the entire room. It is much smaller than the water logged room they were attacked in. There are only four openings in this room. The one they are in, and a similar one directly across from them. On either side there are small one foot pipes that trickle in water. Across the way, there is a ledge that is above the water, but just barely, a step if you will to the next passage. The depth of the sewage is such that the floor beneath is not visible.
ooc
This room is a 20 by 20 square room. You can go no further without either climbing the wall, entering the water, or flying.
This room is a 20 by 20 square room. You can go no further without either climbing the wall, entering the water, or flying.
*Zade looks around the room to see if there are any other options available, and notices that it'll either be through the water or climb the walls.
.oO(I wonder if any of us have experience with climbing, or for that matter if any of us have the tools...)
"Do we have some rope? Otherwise we will definitely need to turn back, as you said, Zade."
He looks at the walls of this chamber to see if they seem easy enough to climb or not.
Satyre says with a frown.
"Perhaps one of us should toss their torch across to the other side. If we can land it right at the entrance, it could light our way as we climb across."
He says this as he starts to secure all his equipment onto his pack.
*Zade speaks while he is securing his things in his bag, hoping that after this adventure he will be able to procure some climbing equipment.
.oO(That's two things I need to do now, and we aren't even done yet.... rotten adventure....)
The Half-Elf says absently as he finishes checking his pack.
"I have read a book on the subject, though. Stairs and Steeps, the World of Spelunking by Haroth Q. Beezlebottom."
Satyre waits on someone more experienced than himself to lead the way. On occasions such as this, ego is trumped by caution.
ooc
Thats one Guidance spell in my bag, and I foresee that a few Aid Another uses should get even a person with a negative climb modifier up.
Climb +3 without the armor
Swim +1, taking 10 on swim checks whenever possible.
Thats one Guidance spell in my bag, and I foresee that a few Aid Another uses should get even a person with a negative climb modifier up.
Climb +3 without the armor
Swim +1, taking 10 on swim checks whenever possible.
*Zade bows to his friends, gathers his things and heads to the wall. Once he is at the wall he looks a bit for some holes in the stone for his hands to grab on to. Once he finds some he begins to climb.
"What was the first rule my dad taught me about climbing.... oh yes, don't look down, whatever you do don't look down."
*Zade smiles to himself and some rather pleasant boyhood memories with his family come into his head as he climbs to the other side. Soon enough however the dark thoughts of the attacks by orcs enter in and his smile turns quickly into a scowl. He remembers why he is in Garic's and remembers his vow to save his family.
"One thing at a time however Zade, one thing at a time..."
His treads water with ease as the others watch on.
"And he's the best climber?" The wizard jests.
OoC
Poor dice there but perhaps I sugar coated the climbing bit. It's a standard dungeon wall. Look up the climb skill for that DC.
Poor dice there but perhaps I sugar coated the climbing bit. It's a standard dungeon wall. Look up the climb skill for that DC.
"Should I help you up? Or you could swim across since you are already wet."
.oO(What would Grandfather think of all this? Perhaps I am not cut out for the Silver Swords...)
"Well it's rather slick on the wall... should I give it another go, or would someone else like to try?"
ooc
An assisted attempt at taking 20 might work, after all, you'd just need to withstand repeated immersion in filthy water.
I'm not too clear on this, but would swimming across make it any easier to get up the passage?
An assisted attempt at taking 20 might work, after all, you'd just need to withstand repeated immersion in filthy water.
I'm not too clear on this, but would swimming across make it any easier to get up the passage?
"Here, I will assist you then."
OoC
From my understanding, the other passage is straight across from us, it would take swimming through the filthy water to get there. Which is why I suggested swimming to Zade since he's already wet.
I'm sure Number 2 is popping veins watching us trying to avoid getting dirty. (dirtier)
I'm sure Number 2 is popping veins watching us trying to avoid getting dirty. (dirtier)
"Strange layer for a fire monster." comments Epherem.
OoC
I'm just letting yall go at your own pace. I don't want to rush things, so take your time, or don't.. :P
ooc
Guess I was mistaken that the opposite tunnel was some height above the water then. Into the crap!!!
Guess I was mistaken that the opposite tunnel was some height above the water then. Into the crap!!!
Satyre hands his torch to the dark and damp Halfling, and begins to remove the pack he had just finished securing tightly to himself for the climb.
"If the Captain could see us now, he would be laughing till his sides ached, I am sure."
OoC
I will be out of town starting tomorrow afternoon until Monday morning. I trust Number 2 (my mistake) to NPC my character appropriately. Longbow at range, Rapier for close quarters. As soon as Zade gets the torches across, Satyre will swim to the other side and follow the party where they decide to go, guarding the rear.
Again, I'm not leaving till Thursday after 5pm EST, so I should be able to post some more depending on the pacing.
Again, I'm not leaving till Thursday after 5pm EST, so I should be able to post some more depending on the pacing.
This passage leads down further to another round junction like before. The difference is that there is no grate at the top and it is larger, much larger. The torchlight reveals little. There are more burned rats, many more, the floor is littered with them and the chamber is filled with their stench. The walls leave the light on either side of the passage the party entered from leaving the rest of the round chamber to unknown.
"This is not the most appealing sight, but at least we don't have to worry with these rats swarming us. That's supposedly a common problem in the sewers." Epherem notes holding his torch near the rats to get a better view.
Show
I moved us along, if you couldn't tell. No need in making you all post passage across the pool.
"Is it possible that we reached the monsters lair, judging from all the charred rats outside?"
ooc
I assume Arvindur got his armor back on after the icky water?
I assume Arvindur got his armor back on after the icky water?
Satyre steps forward, parallel to the Halfling, his torch in one hand and rapier in the other. He squints as his face sours from the stench of dead rats. Scanning the chamber wall he looks for another passage.
OoC
Is this room dry? I know the passageway that brought us here was, but doesn't necessarily mean the chamber is.
"You have come for me?" says a deep, throaty voice in common from within the chamber.
The chamber is now illuminated a little better. It is large, round and has pillars running through it along the same plane as the passage. The floor is dry, and no sounds of water can be heard. In the shadows beyond the torchlight, there is a small black mass in the middle of the room.
OoC
You have all your gear.
Questions?
Remember HP status, I will have it up next post, or an edit in this one.
Initiative:
Arvindur
Voice
Satyre
Epherem
Zade
You have all your gear.
Questions?
Remember HP status, I will have it up next post, or an edit in this one.
Initiative:
Arvindur
Voice
Satyre
Epherem
Zade
The Bard musters up what semblance of authority he has and attempts to portray a sense of strength and confidence. Doubtful as he is that they will be able to reason with this figure in the dark, he hopes that they keep wary of himself and his companions regardless.
OoC
Total Defense. AC 21 (AC 16, +1 dodge, +4 TD)
ooc
Moving to bring it into the brighter lighting and then readying an attack vs it's making a hostile move(doing anything besides revealing itself would be immediately met with pebble to the face).
Sling +4, 1d2+1
Moving to bring it into the brighter lighting and then readying an attack vs it's making a hostile move(doing anything besides revealing itself would be immediately met with pebble to the face).
Sling +4, 1d2+1
.oO(Finally the beast is here...)
OoC
Hide +11, Move Silently +9, Ready attack with dagger
The small black shape backs away from the light of the torches and behind a pillar into the shadows beyond the right side of the room away from the halflings.
"I killed only those that could not help me. You will be no different." the deep voice says.
OoC
Arvindur 10/10
Voice
Satyre 6/10 -1 NL
Epherem 7/10
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Arvindur 10/10
Voice
Satyre 6/10 -1 NL
Epherem 7/10
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
ooc
Aas before,moving to bring it into the brighter lighting and then readying an attack vs it's making a hostile move(doing anything besides revealing itself would be immediately met with pebble to the face).
Sling +4, 1d2+1
Aas before,moving to bring it into the brighter lighting and then readying an attack vs it's making a hostile move(doing anything besides revealing itself would be immediately met with pebble to the face).
Sling +4, 1d2+1
OoC
Move to shadows near enterance, at least 10 feat away from the door I suppose. Hide +11, Move Silently +9, Ready attack with dagger to throw
He says this to the wizard in a hushed tone. Then speaking much louder he addresses the dark figure again.
"You threaten agents of the Royal Order of Silver Swords, sir! You are under arrest by the powers invested in me, therein."
The Half-Elf steps forward with purpose, hoping to surround the creature he makes sure that Arvindur is on the opposite side. Satyre is not exactly sure where Zade has gone though. He holds his rapier in front of him, waiting till he gets a better idea of where his target is. His eyes squint as he peers into the darkness.
Satyre, Zade and Arvindur lose sight. While they do not 'feel' blind, their lights shed nothing in the area. The darkness encompasses everything. They see nothing but utter blackness.
"Now, let's see how you handle pain." the voice replies
"It made magical darkness I think, not sure how much!" Satyre hears Epherem whisper beside him.
OoC
The party cannot see via their current light sources.
Arvindur 10/10
Voice
Satyre 6/10 -1 NL
Epherem 7/10
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
The party cannot see via their current light sources.
Arvindur 10/10
Voice
Satyre 6/10 -1 NL
Epherem 7/10
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
ooc
Cast my Light spell, on my torch, in the hope that it deals with the darkness.
Then I move towards the voice as best as a +5 listen check can, while attempting to move silently at a +1 modifier.
Cast my Light spell, on my torch, in the hope that it deals with the darkness.
Then I move towards the voice as best as a +5 listen check can, while attempting to move silently at a +1 modifier.
OoC
Full Defense, Listen +7
To guide my steps through darkening night"
Satyre rhythmically recites words from the old temple song. A hymn known to many of Agathalos' flock, sung during travel on dark lonely nights. From the lips of many it has been known to warm the soul and comfort the fearful. When the Bard sings the words, the wooden torch he holds begins to glow with a soft light.
OoC
casting Light, that should leave me with just a single zero level spell left today. Spot (+2) and Listen (+2) as well, please.
They can all hear flapping sounds, Satyre hears them go over his head. Intense heat follows, causing him to cringe in pain. He lashes out with his sword but misses in the darkness.
He can hear a thud, and a sizzling sound, then Epherem scream damn near bloody murder. The smell of freshly scorched flesh bursts into the sense of those in the room.
Satyre's spell too goes off successfully as far as he can tell, but to no effect.
"It is here!" the mage yells in an wild voice. He sounds terrified.
Zade thinks he can pin-point the location of the creature and fires a dagger blindly into the dark. It strikes something, not stone, and then sounds like it falls to the floor.
OoC
Arvindur 10/10
Voice
Satyre 6/10 -1 NL
Epherem 1/10
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Arvindur 10/10
Voice
Satyre 6/10 -1 NL
Epherem 1/10
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
"To the floor, wizard!"
He shouts quickly before striking out blindly. Though from the sound, he is fairly sure that the human has already fallen. The swashbuckling bard holds his torch firmly in his off-hand in a defensive manner.
OoC
Move and Attack. Melee rapier +2 (1d6+1/18-20, piercing). That "defensive" stuff is just roleplaying fluff. I would also like a Know Arcane (+5) check if possible on the usual properties of a darkness spell if appropriate.
OoC
Listen +7, Draw another dagger, and move towards creature if applicable.
ooc
drop my sling as a free action
draw my club as a move action
ready action to attack anything that hits me as a standard action.
next round I'll head to the entrance to the room, as best as I can determine it.
drop my sling as a free action
draw my club as a move action
ready action to attack anything that hits me as a standard action.
next round I'll head to the entrance to the room, as best as I can determine it.
Another thuds is heard in the darkness, instantly followed by the sizzle of flesh, and a trailing scream from the wizard. His body can be heard falling onto the hard stone floor of the chamber.
Sartye thrusts his sword into the shadows, and it is met with a solid body. Whether or not his attack is effective is a mystery, but the intense heat burns his arm and face as he attacks.
Zade's sharp ears pinpoint the creature and he let's fly another dagger. He was sure that his mark was on, but the darkness must have tricked him. The clangs as it bounces off stone. He moves closer until he can feel the heat of the enemy.
The entrance becomes a beacon of light in the darkness. They can all see the passage light up, and the drunk from Nobody's appears, holding a staff with a bright flame on the end of it. The flame does not shed any special light on the area, but the magically enhanced torches of the party now work.
Before them they can see the creature, a coal black humanoid, the size of a large thick halfling. It's red eyes now fixed on Satyre. Beside him, Epherem lays still.
"Back away from it!" the man formally known as the drunk says.
OoC
Zade and Arvindur have 10' between them and the monster, Satyre is adjacent, and the new arrival is at the passage entrance, 10' from the monster on the other side.
Arvindur 10/10
Voice
Satyre 5/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Staffman.
Zade and Arvindur have 10' between them and the monster, Satyre is adjacent, and the new arrival is at the passage entrance, 10' from the monster on the other side.
Arvindur 10/10
Voice
Satyre 5/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Staffman.
ooc
move to epherem as fast as I can while remaining out of reach and cast my Cure Minor Wounds on him, it's better than nothing, and at least he won't bleed to death on us.
move to epherem as fast as I can while remaining out of reach and cast my Cure Minor Wounds on him, it's better than nothing, and at least he won't bleed to death on us.
"Fall back!"
OoC
Attempting to cast Daze, on the defensive (Concentration +1). That is gonna be my last spell for the day.
.oO(Now that's the last person I would have expected to be here....)
*Noticing that his second dagger missed his mark he sighs again. He quickly takes out another dagger and begins to back up like the man says. He isn't sure yet if he should help the man or just let him take care of the creature. Either way, he'll wait before he decides what the best coarse of action from himself will be.
OoC
Draw another dagger, back up 5ft away from the creature
"Leave me now, or you will suffer his fate and worse." The creature threatens as it points one of his large, thick fingers at Epherem. Arvindur feels the injuring heat on his face and hands as he remains near Epherem and the creature. The pain is so intense.
Satyre casts his spell, not allowing the monster any advances. The creatures eyes light up and it attempts to shake away from the spell but he staggers and sways, displaying a scowl of glowing red teeth. It stands upright and smiles back at the bard.
Zade sets up for his next attack, well away from the heat of the creature.
"Tell me now who is your master? You may return to your home, or die here with the rats, it matters not to me, but you must tell me who he is!" The drunk says pulling a scroll from his belt and preparing to read it.
OoC
Satyre, you said that is your last spell of the day. Are you sure? I don't remember you casting any level 1 spells. I haven't checked back though.
Funny, you passed your concentration, overcame its SR, and it failed the will save.. Pretty lucky. Of course then I found out that the spell only effects Humanoids.
Arvindur 9/10
Voice
Satyre 5/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Staffman.
Satyre, you said that is your last spell of the day. Are you sure? I don't remember you casting any level 1 spells. I haven't checked back though.
Funny, you passed your concentration, overcame its SR, and it failed the will save.. Pretty lucky. Of course then I found out that the spell only effects Humanoids.
Arvindur 9/10
Voice
Satyre 5/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Staffman.
"Assist me, quickly, Arvindur!"
OoC
Strength (+1). I had cast Cure Light Wounds the last time Eph'm was out like a light. I knew that the Daze probably wouldn't affect him, but figured it was worth a shot. I don't have knowledge of the planes, but perhaps a Know Arcane (+5) check will tell me why my spell did not work?
.oO(Well if the creatures see's he's casting a spell to destroy him, this will all be over before we say cheese.... Ah... what I'll do for fame hahaha)
*Zade smiles knowing how much in trouble he could get himself into with what he hopes will turn the battle in favor for the team.
"Hey snot face!!!! Ya, I'm talking to you creature. Why don't you listen to the nice man and tell him where you came from so we can be done with you already. I'm already getting tired of looking at you!"
*Zade takes a nother couple steps backwards then lets another of his daggers fly at the creature, to hopefully keep his attention away from the man and his friends.
OoC
Take a 5ft step back and attack with Dagger: Ranged dagger +6 (1d3+1/19-20, 10 ft increment, piercing) or +7 (1d3+2) within 30 ft
Arvindur grabs Epherem and begins to drag him backwards away from the creature.
The Halfling and the Halfelf feel the heat intensify, burning their senses and clouding their minds. To their relief the monster leaves them and moves towards the caster. It reaches back and crushes the man's chest with a sizzling blow. He wavers and cries out in agony, nearly falling over due to the blow. "Travel by death is not acceptable for me, but I give it freely to you."
Satyre aids Arvindur and they drag Epherem out of danger.
Zade flings a dagger at the creature striking it in the chest. The dagger turns bright red and melts as it makes contact with the beast, falling harmlessly to the floor in bright yellow globs.
The man pulls away from the creature, staggering backwards into the chamber.
OoC
Arvindur 8/10
Voice
Satyre 4/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10 stable
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Staffman.
Arvindur 8/10
Voice
Satyre 4/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10 stable
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Staffman.
"We need to flee... we... I was a little overconfident in our abilities. We need to get back to the Hightower and report our findings. Hopefully Zade has sense enough to run."
Now having use of both his arms, though one is badly burnt, he attempts to lift Epherem's body off the floor. Shifting him as best he can for travel. Satyre continues on through the tunnel.
.oO(If he stays and fights, perhaps we have a chance, if not... well i guess we will have to regroup...)
OoC
Draw out bow and knock with arrow. I have a feeling this won't help either... but I don't want to waist my daggers. Oh well...
Move back far enough to keep within a 30ft range of the creature
Move back far enough to keep within a 30ft range of the creature
@ the melting dagger"We can't flee fast enough, not while hauling Epherem through unknown tunnels, and neither can we leave him behind to die. I say we ALL attack it, our only chance lies it bringing the fiend down before it kills us one by one!"
Now that the wizard is safely out of immediate danger, Arvindur concentrates his attention upon a pray to summon aid, thinking of Wolfkin as he does so, hopefully buying a little time.
ooc
Convert my prepared Produce Flame into Summon Nature's Ally, to bring a Wolf onto the field 10ft away from the creature, then I command the wolf to charge it(with the free trip that wolves get). Wolfie will last a grand total of one round, before it puffs into smoke, but until then, it should keep the creature busy by tripping it and also threatening it's square.
Don't suppose theres some music for our last stand or are we to flee as it cuts us down one by one? Halflings don't run very fast, and neither do heavily burdened humans.
Convert my prepared Produce Flame into Summon Nature's Ally, to bring a Wolf onto the field 10ft away from the creature, then I command the wolf to charge it(with the free trip that wolves get). Wolfie will last a grand total of one round, before it puffs into smoke, but until then, it should keep the creature busy by tripping it and also threatening it's square.
Don't suppose theres some music for our last stand or are we to flee as it cuts us down one by one? Halflings don't run very fast, and neither do heavily burdened humans.
"I am not fond of dying, I hope you know."
OoC
I doubt I have enough time to actually fire an arrow, but I want to move to the farthest square possible where I still have a clear shot. Top Center?
Arvindur... Satyre is a Half-Elf. :P
Arvindur... Satyre is a Half-Elf. :P
The creature moves to the closest target, now Zade. Zade instantly feels the searing heat, but proves tough enough to withstand its effects. The fiery enemy rakes a three fingered fist at Zade's head, but the nimble rogue dodges it with ease.
Satyre, not having a good hold on Epherem yet lets him back down and pulls his bow. Firing an arrow with a flash, the halfelf hits his target. The arrow pierces the 'flesh' of the creature. The black hide turns bright yellow-orange around the wound as the arrow enters and then burns away to ash. The beast howls in rage. It does not die, but the attack was successful.
The close proximity of the creature, its heat, and the attack all cause Zade to spend more time on his avoidance of the attack and moving rather than on his shot. The arrow sails past the creature harmlessly.
The heavily injured caster pulls forth another scroll, and another ball of energy leaps out from his hands, and strikes the creature in the head, killing it instantly. The room goes from stifling hot, to cool within seconds.
A wolf poofs out of thin air.
"Is everyone well?" says the man as he covers his massive wounds with a gingerly handled arm.
OoC
Combat over. Condition:
Arvindur 8/10
Fiery Monster: Dead
Satyre 4/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10 stable
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Staffman.
Arvindur 8/10
Fiery Monster: Dead
Satyre 4/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10 stable
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Staffman.
"Well enough, but we need to get to the surface. My friend is in need of healing.... So, when did you realize that this was not another tavern?"
The bard realizes the severity of his injuries when he bends down to pick up his glowing torch. The wooden rod firmly in hand he walks over to the corpse of what he guesses is a devil or demon of some sort.
"I am Satyre, an officer in the Royal Order of the Silver Sword, I forget if we were properly introduced last we met."
"Well the monster was not my concern. It's who summoned him here. I was hoping to find out more by playing the drunk and collecting a little information. So far, success. My name is Grembly, I serve the Hightower."
*When Zade hears Satyre talking to the man, he decides that it's best to let him talk. So he continues his search, but he still however listens intently to what they are saying.
OoC
Search +7 Spot +5, trying to find my other 2 daggers and possibly that arrow.
And I'm also searching the body of the creature, to see if there is anything of use, although I highly doubt it.
And I'm also searching the body of the creature, to see if there is anything of use, although I highly doubt it.
"Well, at least our primary task is complete, the beast is dead. You have an idea who is behind it and what it is? We might be required to make sure it doesn't recur."
He pauses from tending Epherem, noticing the grievous injuries on Grembly, and offers the last of the healing berries.
"You don't look so good either, here, take this, Epherem here will be fine, once we get him out of here and more healing into him."
"Well met, Grembly, even if it was under odd circumstances. We should be going, It looks like you have taken some considerable damages yourself. There is a manhole... about 4 chambers away, unless you have a better way, it is the most sure path we have to take at the moment."
The Half-Elf frowns suddenly when he remembers the water they swam through to get to this chamber. Epherem would probably be too much trouble to carry across while trying to swim.
"By the Brothers! I forgot about the pool..."
Grembly accepts the berry and gobbles it down. His pain eases ever so slightly, but he still holds the wound with care.
"The beast may not have actually been summoned, but we have reason to believe that a member of the Hightower had deals with its arrival in the city. The gnome whom I am investigating is called 'Hooknose". What is proper name is, I do not know. Gnome names are funny like that. I'm not sure he is evil, but he is careless and the deaths of the people this monster killed are on his hands."
"That is, assuming you can connect me to the monster Grembly my boyo!" says an excited, rather squeaky voice from the entrance passage. Into the light steps a small figure, a gnome, with an overly large bent nose. His emotions display a mix of anger and hysteria as he begins to cast a spell...
OoC
Combat over. Condition:
Arvindur 8/10
Hooknose
Fiery Monster: Dead
Satyre 4/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10 stable
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Staffman.
Arvindur 8/10
Hooknose
Fiery Monster: Dead
Satyre 4/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10 stable
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Staffman.
"Disperse, men!"
Arvindur ran and leapt at the gnome, seeking to ruin his spell.
ooc
Charge the gnome and attempt to initiate a grapple.
Unless I'm mistaken hes unarmed, so no AoO.
+2 Touch attack to grab +2 more from charging
-3 grapple check, not a big deal, since hes going to have the same kind of penalties.
That ought to foil any of his spellcasting exploits for the rest of the fight, more if everyone piles onto him.
Charge the gnome and attempt to initiate a grapple.
Unless I'm mistaken hes unarmed, so no AoO.
+2 Touch attack to grab +2 more from charging
-3 grapple check, not a big deal, since hes going to have the same kind of penalties.
That ought to foil any of his spellcasting exploits for the rest of the fight, more if everyone piles onto him.
.oO(Just when I thought I would be able to get my pay cut.... oh well here we go again)
*Zade pulls out an arrow and knocks his bow he moves to get within 30 ft of the gnome and lets an arrow fly at the mage. As he sees his halfling friend rush to dogpile Hooknose he frowns and hopes that he doesn't hit the druid.
OoC
I didn't actually put the bow away for searching, however I'm not sure if I need two hands for that skill. If so then I'll just draw my bow and move i guess.
If I still have my bow in hand then I'll move and attack:
Ranged composite shortbow +6 (1d4, 70 ft increment, piercing) or +7 (1d4+1) within 30 ft
If I still have my bow in hand then I'll move and attack:
Ranged composite shortbow +6 (1d4, 70 ft increment, piercing) or +7 (1d4+1) within 30 ft
The gnome smiles as his spell finishes and he steps back. Behind him, in the darkness, a squeaking sound begins to resonate. Soon Arvindur can see what looks like an entire colony of large sewer rats coming at them. The rats engulf the center of the room, starting with the druid, who swats at them to avoid harm, and ending at Gremly, who falls as a result of the onslaught.
Satyre's arrow goes wide, but Zade's hits Hooknose in the belly. The Gnome screams in anger, but is helpless to prevent the pain.
OoC
Combat over. Condition:
Arvindur 8/10
Hooknose/Swarm
Fiery Monster: Dead
Satyre 4/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10 stable
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Gremly(down).
Arvindur 8/10
Hooknose/Swarm
Fiery Monster: Dead
Satyre 4/10 -1 NL
Epherem -7/10 stable
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Gremly(down).
"Quickly now, we must either kill the gnome or subdue him before he can cast another spell!!"
*Zade hurriedly knocks another arrow and fires it at the gnome hopeing to end this mess now before another falls.
OoC
Ranged composite shortbow +6 (1d4, 70 ft increment, piercing) or +7 (1d4+1) within 30 ft
ooc
Move to the opposite side of the gnome, so that hes between me and the swarm, then I bull rush him into the swarm.Torch in one hand and shield in the other.
Bull Rush Str check:-3(the size penalty of -4, that as before the gnome and me share, but I'd bet that he has less strength than me)
If he or then provokes an AoO, I'll use my shield to bash him at +2 1d2+1.
Move to the opposite side of the gnome, so that hes between me and the swarm, then I bull rush him into the swarm.Torch in one hand and shield in the other.
Bull Rush Str check:-3(the size penalty of -4, that as before the gnome and me share, but I'd bet that he has less strength than me)
If he or then provokes an AoO, I'll use my shield to bash him at +2 1d2+1.
OoC
Move Silently (+3), Hide (+3), Rapier +2 (1d6+1/18-20, piercing). If for whatever reason he looks like he's about to die, Satyre will just point his weapon and not deal a death blow. He'll also try and set up a flank with Arvindur if possible (as long as I don't end up standing in the swarm). I know this is more actions than I'm alloted, just move me along as far as I'm able to. :D
Satyre finds that drawing swords and moving about it a bit more difficult now.
Zade's arrow strikes the webbing, and hangs there rather ridiculously.
OoC
Condition:
Arvindur 8/10
Hooknose/Swarm
Fiery Monster: Dead
Satyre 4/10 -1 NL (webbed)
Epherem -7/10 stable
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Gremly(down).
Arvindur 8/10
Hooknose/Swarm
Fiery Monster: Dead
Satyre 4/10 -1 NL (webbed)
Epherem -7/10 stable
Zade 13/16 -5 NL
Gremly(down).
OoC
Escape Artist (+3). Am I correct in thinking that Satyre's bow is put away?
"Wizard, I think you need some revision with your spellwork. That was a foolish move."
Arvindur sidestepped, freeing himself from the rat swarm again, while keeping the gnome well within reach of his torch.
"You won't last long in those webs, not once your little pets set to feasting and when you find out how those burns your dead buddy over there favors feel, on yourself."
ooc
Bull Rush(-3 him again, if I'm not mistaken, the square behind him is webbed as well as rat infested. Then move just out of the swarm's space to the right.
Bull Rush(-3 him again, if I'm not mistaken, the square behind him is webbed as well as rat infested. Then move just out of the swarm's space to the right.
"Keep it up Arvindur, your keeping the gnome from casting any dangerous spells!!"
OoC
I think I'm still within 30 ft of the gnome, if not then move 5ft towards that distance.
Ranged composite shortbow +6 (1d4, 70 ft increment, piercing) or +7 (1d4+1) within 30 ft
Ranged composite shortbow +6 (1d4, 70 ft increment, piercing) or +7 (1d4+1) within 30 ft
Rats continue to chew on him, despite his efforts to escape them and the webbing. He hangs limply there after the attack.
The others stand by. Within seconds the rats disperse and strangely disappear back into the sewers. Once the darkness, the webs and the rats are gone, they are alone, and seemingly safe for the moment...
Show
Combat over.
Hooknose, Grembly, and Epherem lay still on the floor of the chamber.
Free posting can now resume.
Combat over.
Hooknose, Grembly, and Epherem lay still on the floor of the chamber.
Free posting can now resume.
"Awake, wizard. Come now, are you able to stand... walk?"
The bard looks around him, almost in fear that they will be ambushed once more.
"Arvindur, Zade, search the bodies. We need some proof to give the Hightower, so that they know that the gnome is dead. I wish we could bring good Grembly with us but I doubt we will be able to manage. Search too for some sort of healing... potions, scrolls, wands, bandages, anything. We are in bad shape and can use anything we find."
Gathering some courage, Satyre begins to search the wizards corpse for any sort of mark that would identify him as an agent of the Hightower guild.
OoC
Search (+4) for Identification or Healing item. Actually any item he has should be taken back to the Hightower, he might have loved ones that would want them.
ooc
Search +2
Search +2
Hooknose however has a couple of other interesting items. A stone dagger on his belt looks to be fashioned from the same material the stone club Zade found was and of similar make, quite nice. There is also a small purse with some coins, a scroll, and two potions.
"Did not the Hightower say they had several agents in the field? I wonder if Grembly had a companion."
Show
Decipher Script (+5), Spellcraft (+4). Not sure which one is needed, probably Spellcraft.
As Satyre examined them, Arvindur slid the dagger over to Zade, "I think you can make better use of this knife than I can, at least until we get back and identify it."
Satyre notes as he receives the items from the Druid. Not exactly sure of their use he stores them away in his pack.
Arvindur walks over and attempted to heave the fire monster onto his back, trying to gauge how much it weighs, then tries again with the gnome.
Satyre picks up the staff and uses it to help himself up to a standing position. He walks over to Epherem, setting the staff against the wall for a moment, attempts to get the wizard over his shoulder. Once he has him situated he grabs the staff and takes a step towards the opening they hadn't been through.
"Well, let us continue."
"Well I for one think we should at least take the gnome with us for the Hightower. And of course Epherem. So how shall we carry both? And perhaps we should look for other means out of this place, we might not need to go through the water again..."
"Well, Zade, Epherem can be carried by Satyre and I'll take the gnome, can you see about hacking the head of the beast off? It's unnaturally heavy, but some conclusive proof of our accomplishment would be best,as a dead gnome means nothing as evidence, while this fiendish thing is probably adequate. If even the head is too heavy or reluctant to part with the body, then some lesser part will have to do."
"Well now, what'ave we here?"says a rough and suspicious voice from the shadows of one of the passages. The ring of metal can be heard as well.
Satyre says as confidently as he can, his face grimacing from Epherem's weight he stands as straight as possible. Holding the lighted end of the staff out he peers into the darkness of the passage.
OoC
Spot +2, Intimidate +4. Total Defense +4 AC.
"I could wade through a dozen just like you and not break a sweat, Silver Sword or not. What're you doin down here so late at night? Don't you know where you are? The sewers of this city have a nasty habit of killin off folk, fer good er ill. Looks to me like you know what I mean."
"What about you? Would you be one of those things too?"
.oO(Why is it so hard for us to just leave the sewers without running into someone?)
Satyre stands there, still holding the staff out cautiously.
"The name is Burleg Kharn. I've not got any special guild or tower membership, but in light of recent events over the past thirty or so years, the Lords of the city decided to put me in charge of investigating these here sewers for evil activities, since I was the only one tough enough to be able to venture below and survive time after time." he says with a very dwarven boast. " I see you ran into some of said evil. I'll show you the way out but you've got to provide me with two things. Events in detail of yer encounters here, and tell me where these two" he says pointing to Epherem and Hooknose. " ... met this end."
"Well, chaps, what'll it be? You can go off to the Wizards first if yeh need be."
"The man that I carry is Epherem, a wizard and our comrade. He was assailed by what I believe to be a demon, summoned by our dead Gnome here."
Satyre nods over towards Arvindur's general direction.
"This demon, and by extension his Gnomish master, are responsible for several deaths in the South East end of town. We were assigned to track them down. You will find the body of the beast not to far in a chamber in the direction we just came from. As well as the body of a Hightower Wizard, who fell in battle coming to our aid."
The bard's voice softens slightly at this last bit, his eyes lowering towards the floor.
"Now, if that is sufficient. My friend is currently stable, but very much is in need of healing. The exit, please?"
OoC
Bardic Knowledge (+5) on Burleg Kharn. I know, shot in the dark.
"Well if we still want the body of the fiendish creature, and if you would like some more information my dwarvish friend we could go back and get the body. Just a suggestion."
*Zade smiles at the dwarf, waiting for someone to respond.
Satyre blurts out, the urgency of the wizards condition fraying his nerves a bit.
He leads you through a couple more turns to another grated junction. This one has a ladder and is easily scaled. The dwarf helps with the bodies and your ascent.
"If yeh plan to come back down here and traipse around the sewers, be sure to look fer me first. They are temperamental, and deadly and I'm simply showin you the safest way out so I don't have to drag your corpse out later!"
He begins climbing back down and stops, eying them with a scowl.
"And tell them idiots in the tower, and your shiny officers of the swords to do the same. I'm sick of draggin out the bodies of fools!"
OoC
Out of the sewers, free to post.
Bardic knowledge on Burleg: An extremely rude and mean dwarf from Garic's City that is known for his amazing toughness, horrid manners, and lack of friends. A hermit that pops up out of the sewers now and then. No one likes him.
Out of the sewers, free to post.
Bardic knowledge on Burleg: An extremely rude and mean dwarf from Garic's City that is known for his amazing toughness, horrid manners, and lack of friends. A hermit that pops up out of the sewers now and then. No one likes him.
Satyre nods his head slightly as the dwarf makes his descent. Shifting Epherem's weight a bit he looks around to get his bearings. He guesses that they should still be in the slums, but searches around for any landmarks, more importantly he looks for the Hightower above the rooftops.
"Do any of you see the Hightower?"
OoC
Spot +2. Is there a Silver Sword guildhouse in the actual city? I seem to recall there being some sort of offices here.
OoC
Let's just stick to going to the Hightower for now, we could go to the Guild, but I've made or revamped enough new and unusual places for the Admins to keep up with as is.
Let's just stick to going to the Hightower for now, we could go to the Guild, but I've made or revamped enough new and unusual places for the Admins to keep up with as is.
Satyre follows the druid out to the street and looks for the tower. Once he has found it, he makes for that direction. Stopping intermittently to shift the wizard from one shoulder to the other.
With time, from the reference of the inn, they make it back to the Market. There a night watch guardsman questions them and after there story, they soon find themselves escorted to the Hightower. After admittance, Epherem is taken away, as is the body of the gnome. The party is set in the same little conference room they started the mission on. Marisma soon comes in yawning.
"Well I must admit I did not expect such prompt results. Epherem is being healed. Tell me your story, and show me everything you found."
"When we first arrived at the southeastern end of the city, we decided that Nobody's Inn would be a good place to procure information on the menace. We had an odd encounter with a drunk there, and his suspicious actions lead us to follow what we thought were his tracks out of the tavern and eventually to a sewer grate behind a forge..."
The bard takes a deep breath, swallowing to clear his throat.
"These tracks we followed were a series of char marks, though the forge was near we deduced that the smoke billowing forth from the building could not possibly have made them. So, we delved into the sewers..."
"After battling a few inconsequential sewer dwellers we came across the fiery beast. I say fiery, though he was not truly on fire. It was that his touch did burn as fire. He openly admitted to having killed the citizens of Garic's City, but did not take responsibility for it. The vile creature said a Gnome would answer for his actions. A fight ensued...this is where Epherem fell valiantly."
The bard looks down slightly before proceeding with the next part of his story.
"Then the drunk from Nobody's Inn made an appearance. Surprisingly, he casted spells against the demon, quickly turning the tide in our favor. The beast fell soon after, and we learnt that this man was in fact a wizard of Hightower, named Grembly."
"We did not have much time to recover though. The demon's master, a Gnome known as Hooknose, arrived. Good Grembly had discovered that Hooknose was responsible and had been hot on his heels. Another battle commenced, in which both Hooknose and Grembly lost their lives."
Satyre's face is odd at this point, a mixture of sadness and bewilderment.
"I was badly injured and had my hands full with carrying Epherem. The Halflings could not manage carrying Grembly either. I wished I could have offered the wizard better. Here... I brought his belongings, for his kin."
The Half-elf lays the staff along the length of the table and reaches into this pack for the scrolls that belonged to the late Wizard.
OoC
Not sure how appropriate this is, but I would like a Charisma check (+2), or perhaps Marisma just needs to make a Sense Motive. I'd like to see how much she picks up on Satyre's feelings on what happened, his sincerity.
"Grembly was a good man." She manages, breathing deeply. She bites her lip and looks at the party.
"And all for what? Power or knowledge I suppose. Neither of which was beneficial. Unfortunately for Grembly a lesson he will not learn. Use this, be cautious in your pursuits." she begins to go on but stops shaking her head, holding her hands up.
"I'm not your captain nor your mum. We will get Grembly, and try to keep this quiet and clean. Please do not speak to anyone other than Hightower or Silver Sword officials on this matter. The last thing we need is a mob forming outside the gates of the tower accusing us of summoning demons within the city. Go, get some rest, and a hot meal, on me."
She produces a few gold, twenty or so, enough for a very fine meal, bath, room, and indulgences.
"The treasures you found are no doubt part of your investigation for the order. It will be up to them to determine their fate. We will send Epherem to the temples. Now, anything else that cannot wait until morning? If not, go ahead and go. Come back when you've had some rest."
"Go ahead to the inn we bathed at earlier, I need to stop at the temple for a moment."
He gives his friends a sleepy wave as he leaves.
ooc
Arvindur will settle for just decent food, drink, bath and lodgings. Better to save the money for another day from my point of view, though Arvindur won't hinder anyone else from splurging on the cash.
Arvindur will settle for just decent food, drink, bath and lodgings. Better to save the money for another day from my point of view, though Arvindur won't hinder anyone else from splurging on the cash.
OoC
I took 5 gold out of the 20, and am using 1gp for the healing. Which should put me at 9hp. I'm not sure now what the costs for the room, bath, and breakfast will be. I hate managing this stuff. Hehe.
With the items, Arvindur and Zade. Would you like to do those "finder's keepers". Or should we pool them together? Either way I'd like to have them identified at the Hightower.
With the items, Arvindur and Zade. Would you like to do those "finder's keepers". Or should we pool them together? Either way I'd like to have them identified at the Hightower.
An audience with Marisma is what they get.
"How are you after your rest?" she says gently with a caring smile.
"I hope you are feeling better, he was a good man. Oh, and I am afraid that will need to keep his staff and scrolls here. The staff, was his, but we will put it back in to circulation and reimburse his mother the difference. The scrolls were lent to him as well."
Satyre nods absently in agreement. He sets the staff on the table and reaches into his pack to retrieve the scrolls.
"Yes, I am also interested in this creature. I had never met anything of its kind, though I have read many times of similar beings."
The curious Half-Elf leans forward in his seat, one elbow on the table he sets his hand to his chin. Here sitting in the most prestigious Hightower, speaking to one of its learned officers; sits Saoneldi of the Grand House Tyrnea'lyth, son of an ancient Elven House, heir to knowledge, seeker of truth, a noble scholar. Also, a damned fool, most of the time.
The other treasures are yours to do with as you please my good halfling." she says turning to Arvindur.
Satyre looses his money purse from his belt and sets it on the table, the coins within chime slightly.
She has a look at each item, raising her eyebrows at their uniqueness.
Satyre stands up. When Marisma agrees, he stretches out his hand toward the items and recites the old rhyme that reveals the true nature of things.
"Scroll and stone and Mother's grace, mystic presence reveal thy face.
By light and color so I might see, what spirit of magic here might be."
.oO(I just hope that in the end I get my fair share... or some heads will have to be knocked up so that I get it...)
OoC
Concentration (+1), I'd like to know if any of the other items are magical as well. I'll continue to concentrate until I have them all sorted out.
"Well?" Says Marisma.
Satyre reaches into his purse and pulls out a platinum piece. He places the coin next to the amulet on the table.
"I just so happen to have a coin worth that much. I'm afraid I don't have many of the lesser coins. You lads can repay me later on if you like, or not at all, as you are able to."
Bluff
Bluff +7
.oO(Hmm... perhaps I can try earn my own living by taking other peoples coin purses. If Satyre is carrying that much with him, who knows how much other people carry... And if I gain enough money perhaps I can even open up my own guild.... Ahhh the possibilities....)
*Zade continues to dream of the money and other possibilities that could happen later on in his life while Satyre and the others deal with their loot.
"Just be patient and come back when you have the money. You should probably have gotten a bit more rest. When do you report back?"
"My apologies... I had a palladium piece, I swear. Blasted thieves, I bet. The slums are teeming with them."
Putting the platinum coin away, the bard nods at Arvindur's suggestion.
"Yes, perhaps we should report back. If we do not have sufficient funds to identify the amulet, it might be better donated to the Guild. Especially if it has some sort of malignant power."
Satyre's eyes narrow. He then stands and bows to the mage.
"We should check on Epherem. Thank you, my lady. It has been a pleasure working with you, and your generosity has been most appreciated. If at all possible, I would like to return to the Hightower when I am more at my leisure to peruse the library."
OoC
I don't have high hopes, but... Bardic Knowledge +5 for tales of concerning amulets. Perhaps Knowledge Arcane +5 on the rarity of evil amulets.
"If you cannot determine the properties at your guild, bring it back here."
She frowns at Satyre's request.
"I am sorry, but the libraries are quite private. If there is anything else we can do?" She says gathering up her things and any evidence there.
"I see. Very well then, Arvindur... Zade, gather our items. We make for Fort Malifaeyer."
He gestures with his hand in an authoritative way, regardless of whether he merits it, as he makes his way to the door. He bows once more to the wizard and steps through the exit. Once outside and a fair distance away he turns around once last time, stares at the Hightower and sighs.
"We should visit Epherem, I suppose."
.oO(There would be a lot of valuables here worth a pretty coin i think if I ever got a chance to come back in here.... perhaps one day it would be useful to sneak in here on my own... hmmm....)
*Zade smirks at his own trail of thought and then he follows Satyre out of the building.
"Yes perhaps we should check up on our friend and then we can head back to the fort."
"So, my Halfling companions, what are your thoughts on the city? It is a shame we did not have time to explore the better parts."
"You are correct, the sewers were quite foul. Nature on the other hand has no such revolting or evil places."
"Well I for one had enough of the city for now, perhaps we should just continue to make our way towards Epherem, or at least back to the guild so we can get these nice items appraised. I for one would like to see what the dagger is made out of and if any of us could actually use it in the future."
"I see you all are still living, that is good to know."
"Likewise, my friend. You sir, are the hardiest wizard I've ever known. Most would be in the temple for a week after the injuries you have incurred, or dead."
His brow furrows, suddenly, wishing he could take that last bit back. Satyre glances around briefly, hoping no one caught it he laughs.
"Ha, well, let us continue then, eh? Maybe you will have a chance to glance at the items we collected while you were sleeping? Zade is holding them, and he seems very eager."
The Bard, as his usual, leads the way towards the east gate, and ultimately back to Fort Malifaeyr.
"Perhaps you will be able to tell us what some of these items are, or at least if they are valuable. Well that is, if your up to it my friend."
*Zade smiles at the wizards and waits to see what he will want to do."
"No, I'll not be returning. I was arrogant in my own abilities." He smiles and sighs.
"At least for the time being that is. The darkness is still a bit near on my mind."
"Aye, that it did. I do not blame you for wanting to stay and rest, friend. As our halfling friend brought out, you shall be welcome if you should decide to return to the Silver Sword."
The young minstrel glances at the pouch Zade set on the ground.
"Never mind with that now, Zade. We can get those identified just as easily at the fort. We should get along, our delicate flower here needs to tend to his wounds."
Satyre grins and pats the wizard lightly, on the back.
.oO(Drats, i was really hoping to identify that dagger... perhaps I could just use it on a goblin or person along the way to the fort to figure out what it is....)
"Well i dunno about you guys, but perhaps its time to stop somewhere to get something to eat before we head back to the guild. Or we could always just go to the guild and eat along the way. Either way I just want something to eat...."
ooc
Survival +12 to predict the weather
Survival +12 to predict the weather
Satyre looks to the sky as well, at the mention of rain from Arvindur. After their trip to the city, and wading through the sewers; he would like to at least have a dry trip back to the fort.
OoC
Aiding Arvindur on the Survival check, +0
"So then, anyone have any good ideas where we should get some food? Perhaps you do Satyre, for I don't really know this city to well..."
The bard spins in place a bit, his eyes scanning the city skyline for landmarks. It occurs to him that they could just go to the east gate tavern again, but something different might be appreciated. Variety being the spice and all that. The thought of spice makes his stomach rumble as well.
OoC
Bardic Knowledge +5, I'd like to see if he knows anything about the Last Lich Inn if possible. Would be neat to find the other group. Not that we'd recognize them.
OOC
Ok sorry for the delay. Trying to keep you along, go to the inn if you like and meet the others, just make sure the timeline is right!!!
Ok sorry for the delay. Trying to keep you along, go to the inn if you like and meet the others, just make sure the timeline is right!!!
His hand stretched out in the direction of the Last Lich, Satyre begins to lead the others in that direction. As he does so he glances slightly into the sky, searching the position of the sun. They'll have to be quick if they hope to get a good amount of travel before dusk.
"Well then let us make haste, before my stomach decides to eat the rest of me."
*Zade waves a hand in front of him indicating for Satyre to lead the way.
"Well... in we go."
The bard pushes the doors open and steps inside.
OoC
I guess we should start posting in the other thread.