Jenya |
Looks like all the elementals are gone.
There is a figure approaching us. Jenya says to the other before raising her voice to address the mysterious figure
Who are you? Are you the master these elemantals speak of?
Lareg |
Emerging from the smoke is a distinctly female figure. Her skin is the color of polished brass, her hair is short and unkempt - red as a wildfire. From her pointy ears hang ornate earrings that feature small bits of obsidian - polished smooth. Though not overly tall, she seems thin and slight of form beneath her orange hued robe. One of her hands glows aflame with fire. She seems uninterested in Jenya's words and instead eyes Aak and begins to speak.
The words sound of a simmering flame, hot and ready to consume whatever comes too near. As she finishes speaking she eyes the rest of those gathered near.
Lareg |
With a wave of her hand, an fire elemental appears near the woman, though it does not attack.
Aak |
Aak's face doesn't even flinch when the woman conjures forth an element of fire, ash, and smoke. He continues to look the woman in the face when responding to her threats or questions,
Aak waits a moment or two to let his words sink in, then he looks to the woman for any signs if she is from the "cult" he was fighting before falling below ground.
After assessing her affiliations, if any, he looks to her again,
Lareg |
With the wave of a hand the woman summons a second elemental. As some of the smaller magma elementals from moments ago begin to emerge from the smoke, she holds up a hand - halting their progress.
Aak |
With the final words, he steps backward, slowly. He never turns his back, as to show her respect, but he nonetheless steps backwards and signals his companions to do the same.
Lareg |
The woman watches intently as Aak begins to back away. She does not speak, but keeps her hands out - commanding the elementals to remain still.
At this point the group can easily retreat and use the magic items to quickly return to the dome. Further exploration of the vent is open also, though beyond the mostly blocked whole that Aak fell through the tunnel really only goes in two directions.
Jenya |
Jenya follows Aak's lead and retreats. We should return to the dome and report our findings. Once safe you should let us know what that woman said and how you knew her tongue.
Vote to return. I think we know the source of the attacks now
Lareg |
Retrieving the rod with its five rings, each of you takes a ring and places it upon a finger. Breaking the rod, the magic is activated - instantly transporting you to the dome. Where you appear is unfamiliar, but the individuals in the place instantly reassure you. Several studious looking older men look up from the objects they are examining, one speaks
"Welcome back. The elders will be notified of your return. Now if you may, what is it that you encountered. suddenly as if noticing Aak for the first time, and tell me, who is this that has come with you? You are not of the dome?"
Jenya |
Before that. I must be the bearer of terrible news. Ergas has fallen to a cowardly enemy striking from the shadows in the tunnels beyond the dome. He fought bravely and was a credit to House Skaven. For whatever it is worth we have meted out justice and slain the assassin that killed him even as it tried to flee. And Rheynold buried him with as much ceremony and honour as we could.
After allowing for a few moments of silence Jenya continues
Rheynold can say more but the hostile elementals seem to be controlled by a fire conjuring leader. This newcomer is Aak, we encountered him in the tunnels, he has proven himself a worthy and stalwart ally. He was able to communicate with the elemental leader
Oso Garra |
As everyone shares what they've discovered within the vent one of the elders, one familiar to all but Aak, enters. He listens to hear what each of you has to say before offering what he can.
"This is upsetting news. From the sounds of it even with the collapse in the vent sealed, we can expect further excursions. Do you all think you would have been able overcome their leader?"
Jenya |
She must have an incredible amount of magic power to be able to control elementals Jenya says But there was only one of her and it seems like the tribes of elementals she controls do not get along with each other
Oso Garra |
Nodding
"Indeed. Perhaps by the time you encounter her again you all will have become more powerful. Once I have a full briefing from everyone I have another situation that you all may be able to help with. You keep the remaining artifacts, but do let me know if you think of other supplies that you could use do let me know."
Oso Garra |
Smiling
"I am glad for your haste. It is needed."
Without another word Oso turns and leads you from the area. After a series of halls and turns, which you can see as you steal a glance behind you are hidden by illusory walls, you emerge into a recognizable passage. You are clearly near the main road that leads through the city, toward the corridor. After a few moments what must be your escorts arrive. Tapping their weapons in unison, the guards halt. Motioning forward, Oso points toward the corridor. You can see that although repairs have finished, a few supply carts are still being moved. Here and there you recognize familiar faces from the repair squad you worked with.
"The guards will accompany you as far as the mines. They are relieving the guards stationed at the corridor's entry into the mines. Before the change of guard be sure to speak with those being relieved. They are likely to have insights on where elementals have been emerging from."
With a nod from Oso, the guards appear ready to depart. The elder seems to patiently await any further inquires you might have, but seems understanding that you might wish to depart quickly.
Feel free to role play any further exchange, make requests, or otherwise prepare. Once you all are set just let me know and we'll do the arrival scene.
Lareg |
Jenya |
Small talk, while we're heading to the staging point. Please feel free to interrupt when we get there Lareg
It seems you were armed and ready for battle when you fell into the tunnel Aak Jenya says Who were you prepared to fight?
Lareg |
The lights of the corridor make your way clear. Though there is some foot traffic, most those you see are upon carts moving obsidian from the mines. Beyond the distant rumble of the underground volcano, the corridor is relatively quiet. As they walk, the lead guard only speaks briefly.
"It is an easy journey now to the mines. A few hours and we should be to the post. If you wish we can break fast before then. A large meal awaits us all before the guard changes."
Lareg |
The corridor journey looks much the same throughout. Spots show recent repairs, but other areas look as if they have been untouched since first constructed generations ago. Just as feet begin to get sore and stomachs begin to grumble the guards slow their pace. In the distance you can see the corridor give way to the active edge of the obsidian mines. A wave of heat can be felt now and then as your approach continues. A single guard approaches from the post, saluting as he approaches.
"Well time for the guard to change. You are a most welcomed sight. Shifting his gaze from the head guard who stands nearby, he looks over each of you - pausing curiously at Aak - but quickly remembers himself. These must be the ones the elder sent."
It is a question and a statement, to which the head guard that has served as your escort gives a curt nod.
"Well then. the guard replies. Freshly made food awaits all of you."
Your escort needs no help finding their way to the dining hall. As the lead you on you can see that where the corridor opens to the edge of the mines two watch towers have been built from solid stone bricks. In areas they have been reinforced with metal braces and rivets. The upper openings reveal both slots for arrow fire and a wider window that looks to hold a mounted rifle, it's craftsmanship is clear even from this distance. Turning toward the left tower, you see a low entryway built into the rock itself. Through this entry you continue into what appears to be the barracks for the corridor guard. As the guard that greeted you on your approach returns to his post, the leader of your escort informs you of your accommodations.
"These foremost quarters are reserved for the guard. A spare store room not far from the dining hall has been prepared for all of you. The cots are crude, but will provide a good nights rest. Any supplies you request will be brought there. You may store anything you wish in the makeshift quarters. Only myself and one of you will hold the key."
With that he holds out a key that has been stowed in a pouch on his belt. After the key is taken he continues on through the long hall. Soon you can smell the fresh food. Baked bread, a variety of cheeses, and dried meats sit upon large plates. The table looks to be constructed of a large strips of wood, as old as the dome itself, you can see were it has been mended and polished with care. Motioning for each of you to sit, the head guard salutes the other guards as they disperse back toward the quarters.
Signally one of the young men who is setting food upon the table, "My man, please show our guests to the new quarters after they have eaten their fill. Word of any needs they may have should be sent to me immediately." As the young man nods seriously, the guard turns and heads back in the direction you all had just come from.
Jenya |
Even though the area seems well guarded Jenya will still take a turn on night watch. She does have questions though.
What can you tell us about the layout of the mine area. What kind of elementals are attacking and in what area of the mines?
Lareg |
As dinner continues an older human joins the group. He sits, eats, and begins to chat with all of you. You can tell from his dress that he is a cleric of some kind.
'I am called father by the guards that are posted here. My given name is unimportant. It is only my devotion to the well being of the guard that matters. They tell me you all have been tasked with going into the mines. Do you plan to seek out the elementals that have been attacking?"
We'll speed up the conversation. If there are specific areas that you are curious about let me know. I've tossed up spoilers based on topics that others have already mentioned. Feel free to read them.
Jenya |
Those are the only questions I can think of
As many of these elementals seem to be able to phase through rock it makes sense that they would be able to avoid patrols and appear in many places. We should try to get to the source. I propose we accompany one of the patrols that goes deep into the tunnels and then continue deeper while they start heading back on their appointed route.
Lareg |
The man nods at Jenya's words.
"You'll need to talk with the guard about that. From what I know patrols have been all but halted with the increased attacks. Guards have been focusing on escorting the few mining expeditions still operating."
Groups of guards to take turns coming in for food. They seem hesitant to speak without orders. Generally the best you get from them is a nod or grunt as they hungrily eat their food and then return to their post.
Jenya |
Then perhaps we should head in the tunnel where the elemental presence is lightest while still connecting to the deepest tunnels so we can hopefully avoid as many of them as possible until we get close to the source of them. Do you have a map of the tunnels that we can use to aid our search?
Does that sound ok to the rest of you guys?
Rheynold Iron Sprocket |
If anyone is paying attention, they may notice that Iron Sprocket eats very little and only from time to time sips on his drink. Also, his helmet remains on even whilst in the dining hall and the guard quarters.
"Father, how many have been lost in these attacks so far? Have they been properly tended to?"
Jenya, from our previous experience, I think it best to attempt to contact their leader and see if they are as unreasonable as the last we encountered. If so, we may need more force that just us to deal with the elementals. We need to act quickly to avoid losing any more needlessly."
Jenya |
Then maybe it would be good to go where a current attack is ongoing and attempt to parlay with them. You and Aak speak their tongues. Jenya nods. And if they turn hostile then we can thin their ranks and relieve some pressure on Father and his guards
Aak |
Ask takes and opens the pouch. Even there there is no scroll he can't help but smirk a little as he reads the note. He takes out the necklace and puts it around his neck. He continues in to the guard post.
Once arrived, he follows the others. He unpacks a few things, but keeps his spiked gauntlet on...force of habit.
He eats, makes small talk with Father, and wonders what connection there may be between Fire elemantals and the cult.
Lareg |
As dinner seems to be coming to an end father excuses himself just as the commander of the guard enters. He quickly gathers food and drink and joins all of you. In between eating quickly he speaks quickly.
"I've just received word from a patrol. There has been a cave in which appears to have trapped some miners. I know all of you must be tired, but at least you've had a chance to eat. The patrol is concerned the accident may have come at the hands of the elementals, though there has been on confirmation of any being in the area. As with the other guards that have been posted here, the patrol is set to be relieved. I'm afraid I must ask you all to serve as escort for a repair crew in the area. They've volunteered to help in stabilizing the shaft and attempting a rescue. I can spare but one guard to go with you. As he quickly finishes his food and drink he lets the news sit. After rising he turns before walking on. If you will go meet me outside within the hour. You'll have time to store what you wish in your quarters. There may even be a few supplies there already if there are items you think you'll need." With that he walks off quickly.
Let me know if there are items you wish to stow and any supplies that you'll have requested. As far as ammo is concerned you can assume that there is more ammo than you can carry available so update your ammo with whatever load capacity you have in mind. Just waiting now on Tamayra to post and we'll get the next scene moving.