The skulk leader nodded.
Standing up, he (she?) lifted a pouch off a shelf and handed it to you.
The pouch is made of an odd material, a lot like waxed paper, but much tougher and more flexible.
Inside you find it contains 49 silverdisks and five strange cards made of a flexible, smooth material.
These five cards each bear a brown stripe.
"I do not know what they are, but the purple-haired lady asked for any such cards in particualr when she first passed through. So they must have some value."
Lilly's brow crinkles in confusion, at first, then she remembers the purple-haired woman in town, nodding. "Curious. Not quite what we were expecting, but let us see if it holds any worth."
She proceeds to lead the others away after she helps gather up the items.
"So, friends, where to next? We still have a missing councilman to find."
"Well, let's see if we can rest up here and get further in."
Rhaym looked startled.
"Purple haired lady?" He looked at Lilly. "Ah, yes. We are also looking for my old master, Councillor Khonnir Baine.
"Wait; FIRST passed through? Just how many expeditions have passed through here?" He asked bewildered.
"Purple hair, burnt hair what does it matter? They haven't shown up in town, so they're probably dead down here somewhere. More loot for m - us. 'Mus.'"
The Skulk leader did not speak for several long seconds.
“There have been several." It said dispassionately.
“First the woman with purple hair, Meyanda, and her followers came.
“They looked at both the metal walls in these caves, then took the north one and closed the portal through it behind them.
“Later a group of Halflings came, but they are killed in the gallery caves by giant vermin.
“Some time after that, a band of human thugs came in as far as here, but they were killed.
“Later, the man you name Councillor and his group came. They went to the wall here and went through. They found a metal man and took it back out.
“After that, a different group of humans came and went through the wall here. They have not come back.
“Some time after that, the Councillor and his group also came and went through the portal in the wall. They too have not come back.
“So six. With you, there have been seven expeditions into these caves in the last month.” It said in a monotone.
"As in you killed them off when they looked weak enough to pick off? How else would they survive down here."
"It seems as though we should go through this same wall, then, if we are to discover what has happened to the others."
"Perhaps we should go and try to meet up with our other party members so we can talk about our next move. I think we will be safer. Greater numbers will help going forward."
Flynn spoke to Lily while trying to keep her eyes in contact with his. Flynn turned to the Skulk leader.
"Got any more jobs for me and the band here? We are always looking for side work."
"PAYING side work."
The skulk looks at you unblinkingly.
"No."
"Well alright then."
"Let's take a look at the other metal wall. We saw the northern one; there's no way through that way." He said.
The skulk leader stood up silently and led the way to the big cavern.
Passing by the shaft that led down into unknown depths, they walked to the far side. The skulk leader stopped there and pointed.
A smooth wall of dark gray metal completely bisects the cavern here, wall to wall and floor to ceiling. Its expanse is pitted and scorched but quite solid looking. A strange, circular opening pierces the wall five feet off the ground, allowing access to some sort of hallway on the other side.
"Well, okay, but I think we should gather the rest of our party before venturing forth."
Flynn looks at the Leader.
"Anything else you could add? Any other bits of information that might be helpful?"
Lilly looks at the door with its strange circular opening, wondering what had caused the perfect circle to form in the metal. She chuckles, waving Flynn forward with her shield arm. "You're up, box man."
"Fine, fine, you could let the man-er-I mean, Skulk answer at least. Okay let's look at this door here. Gonna try and understand its inner workings and such."
He taps is trying to determine how well someone on the other side might be able to hear it. Does the door sound hallow, or solid?
"Sorry, thought I heard somethin'."
Approaching the dark grey metal wall, you see that the circlular aperture is about eight feet in diameter and opens by sliding up from the bottom.
There is some rubble blocking the door from coming down all the way, and if you all work together you have the strength to lift it up. You see a passageway beyond.
You note that, seen from the side, the wall the doorway pierces is more than two feet thick. The door itself is two inches thick.
"Alright then, let the door down to the rubble block and let us withdraw back to the tavern. Any new recruits will be assembling there and I do not want to proceed any further without backup." Doctor Rhaym said.
.... and if you all work together ....
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Running low on funds after the long travel to Toch, Variel knew he needed a way to find some quick coin. Looking around he spotted a pamphlet laying on the ground. Picking it up he is pleased to see that it is an advertisement for work. Beggars can't be choosers and he was 2 gp away from begging so off to this Fondry Tacern to see what is needed.
As,ing a w locals around for the Foundry, Variel is shown the way. Arriving at the building he takes a hard long look at the place before entering in. For the most partif you have been in 1 tavern you have been in all of them. If you needed information you go straight to the barkeep. Excuse me sir, but do you know anything about this pamphlet I found? Variel holds up the paper for the barkeep to look at. The name is Variel and I am new to town and looking for some work. Any help would be appreciated.
The barkeep and those nearby would be able to see that Variel has a rapier on his left side and a shortbow strapped to his back. Well made leather armor fits comfortably on him as he carries himself with grace. The way the sword swings easy at his hips gives those who know about such things a feeling that he has used the weapon before and it comes easy to him.
Those observant or watching the front window might see they a pair of purple eyes peering through the window into the tavern. He takes a step away from the window but moves back to look in like he heard something.
A moment later the door opened slowly and a feral looking gnome stood in the doorway looking around. His clothing is a mix of old leather, bits of bone and earthy colors. His skin has a lavender tint to it. His hair is a dark tangle of hair that flashes purple in the sun with more bits of leather and feathers in his hair. He wears a chain shirt salvaged from various sources. He shuffles out of the way awkwardly as someone else wants to enter the tavern and pushes past him looking down at the gnome shaking his head at why the little guy would block the door. The gnome puts up a hand palm out to reassure they guy, "Its cool . . ." The man was gone before he could finish his sentence. What is with these two legs? Go out of my way to not be rude and they walk all over . . . moving on. He continues on occasionally halting and craning his head in the direction of a loud laugh or clinking plate.
The gnome hops up on a bar stool. "Hullo," he calls to the bar tender. He calls over the chatter. "I saw a poster about looking into the whole Torch going off thing." He looks down the bar and notes an elf holding one of the same hand bills. "Nevermind."
He hops lightly off the stool and makes his way over to the elf darting through taller folk. He taps the elf's elbow, calling over the noise again. "Heya, I see you are hear about the same reason I am." He flicks the pamphlet the elf is holding. "You told the keep your name was Variel." He thumps his chest with his thumb indicating himself, "Cheshire. As near as I can tell some guy went missing after the Torch went out. What have you learned?"
Lilly nods wearily at the Doc's suggestion. Though they had not been in the caverns that long, the fight with the little miscreants had drained her, and now they had a plausible lead. Time to get some extra beef and go figure out what exactly happened to the other still-missing groups.
The swinging half-doors creaked open and bootsteps echoed as a figure entered. A short figure.
The barkeep lit the lanterns in the dusk light, showing a cute girl in blacksmiths' clothing and smudged face. She glanced over the sparse crowd to light on Variel and Cheshire and hurried over to them.
"Hi! I'm Val, and I run this place until Master Khonnir comes back. Are you guys here about the ad?"
She nodded.
"Master Flynn will be by to look you over with his assistants. His rescue party needs more hands after the last attempt, the poor souls. Let me get you a free drink while you're waiting! What'll you have?" She said brightly.
Cheshire's head twists toward the approaching teen. He instinctively rushes a hand to rest on the shoulder of the white tiger next to him. The tiger has off white fur with a only a slightly darker pattern of stripes, fit for the dry grasses of the plains. The tiger has moved with the gnome since entering staying close to the gnome's side. They move quite independently of one another though both have the same habit of halting and tilting toward new or sudden sounds.
Cheshire smiles warmly at the teen, "I am Cheshire, Cheshire Silvanshee, the furry one is Fuzzles, and the elf said his name was Variel. The ad . . . yes the ad." He points to the paper in Variel's hand as he speaks. "Who is this Master Flynn?" His face grows puzzled, "His name is not on the ad . . ." He shakes his head as if to change the train of thought. "A rescue party has already been formed. Well I would like to help if I can."
He chuckles up at Variel. "We arrive late for the job and get free drinks . . . that's a first."
Returning his attention to Val Cheshire scratches his thick sideburns thinking, "Something local, surprise me, a pitcher of it if you think we will be waiting long."
"ASSISTANTS! ASSISTANTS?! You little-(something in Hallit best not used in polite company)-." Says a fit young woman with curly black hair wearing form-fitting studded leather that smells of the sewer. She throws her damp pack on the bar and with some familiarity reaches over to the other side, grabs a bottle, pulls the cork out with her teeth, spits it aside and takes a belt all without taking her eyes off the new arrivals. Upon noticing the tiger Celest takes a look at what it is she's been drinking and adds: "Besides we got your boyfriend Flynn on the team, we don't need another pussy."
She takes another swig realizing perhaps that the alignment of the party has been (in her opinion) forever ruined.
Initially Cheshire smirks at the irreverent gall of the woman's entrance even though it leaves him confused. He says absently, "I guess it won't be a long wait. So much for the pitcher."
His head tilts to the side trying to figure the woman out. How rude to that nice girl. She's staring us down. Is she looking for a fight? The gnome's head drops and he gets still for a second but he looks around and softens. Maybe she has never seen a tiger before . . . almost startled shaken from his thoughts, "Pussy?!?"
Cheshire speaks at the tiger sitting next to him. "Easy Fuzzles. This 2 leg I imagine doesn't know better . . . I mean she smells of rancid turd . . . no one taught her to bury it i guess. Remember Stinker poor cat didn't survive that first winter." A flashing moment of sadness tints his face.
Cheshire looks up at the smelly woman, "Uh . . . Hi. You must be one of "Master Flynn's" rescue party hunting the other master guy, ah Khonnir any luck on finding him or is free drinks the real reason to take this job?"
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While patiently waiting for the barkeep to arrive Variel is disturbed by a small creature talking to him. Looking down Variel has to hold back his initial reaction at the sight of the gnome. The wild unkempt hair and the patchwork armor was a stark contrast to the neat and tidy Variel. Forcing himself to keep his hand down away from plugging his nose. Why yes my name is Variel and yes I am inquiring as to the nature of the pamphlet here. As for any information thus far I am sorely lacking as I have just arrived this morning and this is my first stop.
When Val arrives Variel acknowledges her with a nod of the head in greeting. Morning ma'am. Yes we are here about the ad. Master Khonnir is absent well I am sorry to he that. Was he the one that issued the pamphlet or was it Master Flynn? Regardless of the matter I will be happy to speak wi Master Flynn about... Variel pauses looking at Val. Excuse me, what was that that you said. A rescue attempt not faring so well. you have my curiosity piqued indeed. While I wait for Master Flynn I will take you up on that offer of a drink. Do you have wine available? Red preferably.
As Celest barges in and helps herself to the bar and the drinks behind it Variel excuses himself from the stool he was on and slides down a few seats as to create some space between him and the others. Fingering his spell vouch that lokoks like his money pouch Variel strongly considers using magic to clean the woman and the gnome up a bit. He restrains himself though as he is not sure if magic is approved of and also it would be better to keep his abilities to himself until he knew more about the situation. Um, hello, ma'am. I take it you are with Master Flynn. The name is Variel and what might be the pleasure of you name?
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Initially Cheshire smirks at the irreverent gall of the woman's entrance even though it leaves him confused. He says absently, "I guess it won't be a long wait. So much for the pitcher."
His head tilts to the side trying to figure the woman out. How rude to that nice girl. She's staring us down. Is she looking for a fight? The gnome's head drops and he gets still for a second but he looks around and softens. Maybe she has never seen a tiger before . . . almost startled shaken from his thoughts, "Pussy?!?"
"Don't worry kid, when you're all grown up I'm sure someone will show you one--for the right coin. Oh, and by the way the 'two leg' has got 'two ears' too. Don't make me have to turn you over my knee. He's not yours I hope?" She asks the elf hoping that neither Lilly nor the Doc show up before she put these two off. Celest was already sharing enough gold.
Cheshire chuckles uncomfortably his eyes looking around desperate for social cues to deal with this situation. No one is grabbing weapons. Check. He absently lays a reassuring hand on the tiger's shoulder. I think everyone finds her rude . . . matches the smell well. "Of course you have two ears . . . I mean your not disfigured. Some people have 2 legs like you or I. Some have 4 like Fuzzles here." He looks sternly at Celest repeating her last words, "He's not yours . . . Why I outta. Look 'ere ain't nobody owns my brother . . ." Curiously he points to the tiger. . . ."or me." He pauses a moment trying to study people's face and offers by way of explanation looking between himself and the tiger. "I was adopted."
"'Fuzzles'?" *snort*
Those inside can hear a spirited conversation coming towards the inn from outside the batwing doors just before young and dashing, albeit soggy, rake enters the bar with two damp companions.
"No, what I am saying is I am quite sure the skulk leader dude left a few minor points out of the narrative. I mean what he, or It? Whatever--stated overtly is the truth as it sees it, but how do you think they survive down there?"
"So when I said, "We should go and try to meet up with our other party members so we can talk about our next move. I think we will be safer. Greater numbers will help going forward." I was tying to warn you guys, because if they thought we were easy pickings they would have you know <<<Skkkkkuuuuct>>>>."
Flynn makes a knife motion across his neck.
"That's why we need some like hand signs or secret codes or something so that . . . "
Flynn's train of thought is momentarily disrupted seeing the gnome and his tiger facing off with Celest, but he continues on.
"We also need to have a serious discussion about chucking bombs around when I am near by. We've been in there twice and I have almost been blown to smithereens three times!"
The rogue does a double take at the gnome and his pet.
"There is a tiger sitting at the bar."
" . . . Huh."
"Sure! Why not right!?"
Flynn looks over at the fancily dressed elf. Keen eyes taking in the cut of his clothing and kit.
He points a finger at the elf clearly addressing him.
" look like someone who knows and can appreciate a fine glass of wine. If you would like a glass I need someone to help me so I don't drink the entire bottle myself."
He begins to turn away, but then spins back around.
"And I could use some intellectually stimulating conversation."
He heads over to the bar.
"Val, I need a good bottle of wine, a couple of hot lemon scented towels and Lily here needs some serious bandages."
Tears streaming from her eyes and still not able to stop laughing Celest was nonetheless glad to see that it was Flynn who had been the next person in. This will surely get them to leave, she thought and then continued dying.
*THUD!*
Cheshire holds up a finger like he is about to speak but shakes his head thinking better of it . . .
He begins again after a moment. "Judging strictly by the smell of sewage you must be THE "master Flynn" spoken of. We three." He indicates Variel, himself and the tiger, "Are here to help in your search for the missing Master Khonnir. Though you may want to look after your women. That one might need more than bandages." He points to Lilly. "And this one I believe to be hysterical. Ah I get called crazy a lot. I should know." He points to Celest.
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Variel looks repugnant at the idea that the gnome would be his. No ma'am I assure you that the small one with overgrown hair is not mine. I just made his acquatence nigh on 30 seconds before you came in. I know neither his story nor his reason for being here other than he was inquiring about a torch going out.
Variel was about to elaborate further when he was distracted by the loud boisterous fellow who just came in through the entrance. The man had the look of a prima donna after getting caught in the rain. When he addresses Variel and offers him a glass of wine Variel nods politely. I would appreciate that offer but if I may be so forward as to inquire as to your name sir? Mine is Variel and I am sure under other circumstances a fine wine would be a desirable excuse to sit and converse.
Turning to Val
Do you have a candle that I could use, scented please, to light while we talk. It might help with the sewer smell.
Regardless of Val's response Variel will still share the drink. So what is going on around here besides 2 people coming in, and pardon me, smelling of sewage and gnome with a tiger at the bar?
It's working. Heh, heh.
The tall, dark-haired woman bristles at Cheshire's comment about being one of 'Flynn's Women'. "I'm fine looking after myself, sir." She says this in an affronted tone, clearly offended. She then turns toward Variel, extending a hand. "Lilly, a pleasure to meet you. What is going on here is us four about to delve deeper into the complex beneath the extinguished flame. We came to see if anybody was interested in helping out."
She gives the gnome a wary glance, clearly weary after the time in the dungeon.
Cheshire looks confused, shrugs and shakes his head, "Ah I uh . . . what I'd say. Val this young one here says that we should await for Master Flynn and his team . . . you are a woman right?" Frustrated he surrenders. I guess I broke another one of their rules. Here comes the pitchforks. He looks at Flynn, "She is a woman right?"
"Noooo!"
He looks at Flynn, "She is a woman right?"
Yes!
Val was boggled at the claim that Cheshire and the tiger were brothers, but was distracted at Celest's entrance.
Wrinkling her nose, she walked over to the rogue as she helped herself to a bottle of fine liquor.
"Miss Celest it is good to have you back. Might I suggest a dip in the horse trough out front before tracking that vile smelling goo all over the tavern, which I just cleaned?"
When Flynn arrived, Val shot across the floor to tackle/hug him.
"Master Flynn, you're back! Shall I draw a bath and launder your soiled clothes?" She asked eagerly.
"Val, I need a good bottle of wine, a couple of hot lemon scented towels and Lily here needs some serious bandages."
"Right away Master Flynn!" She said, and bustled off to find said items.
Even looking a little rumpled, and up to his waist in sulpurous smelling mud, Doctor Rhaym still had an upright bearing.
"Yes, yes, I heard you the first time. That is the whole reason we came back to the Foundry Tavern. There is likely a couple dozen adventurers to pick the best talent from..." He said, squelching his way through the doors and into the tavern.
"And as for the bombs, I was blinded that first time and so doesn't count!"
Looking eagerly around the tavern, his eager expression turned to astonishment.
"Three? Only THREE candidates?" He wondered aloud.
Flynn accepts one of the lemon scented hot towels and is cleaning his face and hands.
"The name is Flynn. Flynn Ryder. At least one of you know who I am. . . But uh, Master is a title for an underaged gent."
"Lily here is most certainly a woman friend. She's a tall, athletic, toned, one with beautiful dark hair that flows over her shoulders when she lets it down and she likes to drink, party and let loose every once in a while."
Flynn winks with a wolfish grin.
"But, she also swings a really big and really sharp sword, so watch yourself. And at times, she can miss when someone is just making a joke or is simply being concerned for her condition."
Flynn puts his elbow on the bar and crosses his legs. He points towards the Gnome.
"You, are obviously not from around here are you. I can't wait until I hear your story pal. Heh! and how you came to be brothers with a tiger. That's going to be a good one I'll bet. I'll have to tell you about the time I almost accidentally got married to this nomad gal outside of Ravenmoor."
Flynn motions to Celest.
"This beauty right here. She talks to bugs like they can understand her and she also plays with knives. Given her natural talents and proclivities crossreferenced with my Crazy Hot Matrix Scale, I would have thought her name was Tiffany, but instead it is Celest. Trust me buddy, you don't want to cross this one, but she has a great sense of humor . . . "
Flynn thinks about it for a while.
"Huh, or maybe it's just her perception of reality. Anyways, moving on."
"This is our scientist, pharmaceutical tech, alchemist and mad bomb thrower, whom we simply call "The Doc".
"You've already met Val, so."
Flynn accepts a goblet of red wine.
"That is who we are. As for the ad you responded to, we are the only expedition in the last seven to go both into and out of the dungeon under the flame. We've come out three times in fact. Got some good loot too I might add."
"I think that introduces us pretty well for now. So uh, what abilities, skills and talents do you think you could bring if you become a member of my, I mean our, because we are all devoted to this, team."
[b]
Might I suggest a dip in the horse trough out front before tracking that vile smelling goo all over the tavern, which I just cleaned?"
"And might I suggest [again something quite rude in Hallit]."
"So uh, what abilities, skills and talents do you think you could bring if you become a member of my, I mean our, because we are all devoted to this, team."
"I could toss 'em a couple daggers and they could fight to the death to join."
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Now was as good as a time as ever I suppose, thought Variel as he turns towards Flynn. I have a few talents that I possess. One of which is that I am handy with a sword and hold my own in a fight. That may be the obvious one Master Flynn but the real aid is what you don't see at first glance. Never judge a person by their appearance even if they may seem disheveled like the gnome or verbose like yourself.
Turning to the ladies he gives a slight bow, With your permission may I help you to freshen up? Assuming at least one of them says yes Variel casts prestidigitation on them to remove the stench of the sewage while also giving them a quick cleansing. The feel is akin to a small brush stroke on the skin as the magic removes the grime.
As you can see I have some small skill with magic. While not as impressive as wizards or sorcerers I find that my focus allows me to better protect and enhance my abilities rather than more gaudy displays of magic.
If you wish for more a demanding demonstration then perhaps we can step outside to and see about these daggers. I would hope that such a primitive demonstration is not needed though.