DM Oladon's Second Darkness

Game Master Oladon

Current Map - Named Drow


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Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

Did Naktor get a vibe for which group he might be able to secure for the performance? As in, how short a notice is still sufficient? Which of the choices seemed to him to be the new and exotic category preferred by the night's main sponsor, as it were?


Corvakis pokes his head out the door for signs of trouble and then, satisfied, shuts it again. He rushes to a dark cabinet and opens a drawer where he retrieves a tiny feline figure with sleek dark fur and tiny whipping nubs on its back. The creature mewls again and the boy feeds it a scrap of leftover lunch he'd smuggled in a pocket.

"Her name's Keno."

Arcana 20:
This is a displacer beast cub.


At face value the third option would be the easiest to procure. The second options seems to the closest to what the Amphitheater’s manager suggested.


M Ifrit Sorcerer 14 | HP 92/92 | AC 15 | T 14 | FF 12 (with mage armor 19 / 14 / 16) | CMD 19 | Fort +11 | Ref +10 | Will +12 | Init +9 | Perc +13

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

"She's beautiful," says Belkah, reaching out a hand tentatively to pet the beast. "Remember I told you I didn't study much?" he continues, "I'm not sure what she is, with those little nubs on her back. Can you tell me about her? Where did you get her?" How old is she? How big will she get?"


1d20 ⇒ 14

”She’s a displacer beast. Those are her tentacles though they’re not grown in yet. When she’s fully grown she’ll be as big as a riding lizard”, he says proudly. ”And then she’ll take me away from here.”


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

Ugh - that's kind of what I expected you to say.

Randall/Naktor is not familiar with which nobles might have something exotic in their collection, so he decides that it's time to pay a visit to the Fleshwarper's Halls and try to negotiate for some talent.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23


Folks readily give Naktor the directions he asks for though there’s a visible expression that says, Why would you want to go there?!

The Fleshwarper’s Halls are a den of horrors even amid the twisted streets of the dark elf metropolis. Between the inhuman screams and the cloying stench, the worst mix of death and noxious chemicals, the approach is like a scene straight out of hell and enough to set even the bravest heart on edge. Getting past the Hall’s guards Naktor is greeted by a surprisingly comely dark elf woman dressed in a dark floor-length gown.

”Welcome. What can this esteemed institution of learning and creativity do for you?”

Perception 21:
There are movements and shapes beneath her grown that shouldn’t be there.


Female Halfling Rog 3 / Sorc 4 / AT 7 [ HP 94/94 (0 NL) | AC 21 Tch 17 FF 16 | Fort +9* Ref +16* Will +14* | CMD 21 | Init +5 | Perc +16 | Effects: none ]

Fíriel lets out a long breath. Goblins. At least they're not elves, or dwarves, or something else like that. Still... the Fleshwarper? Do even drow deserve that?! I don't see a way out of it, though... I wish I could talk to Xiddik, or that it was Randall with me on this assignment. He'd figure out a way to pretend like we dropped them off at the Fleshwarper when we actually let them go outside town, or something like that. But I don't see how it's possible.

With a nod at the stableman, she indicates some rope on the wall. "Kindly bind them for us," she asks, trying to sound imperious and cold.


The guards nod in deference and bind the goblins together in a chain with a length of sturdy silken rope and then remove their metal shackles. Once freed, the goblins immediately begin scrambling about but mostly just succeed in tripping each other. One of the guards offers Firiel a slip of paper. ”The work order with Undamesta’s orders.”


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18 Does Canny Observer apply here?

Ugh - nice roll. Waiting for response before I look at the spoiler. Since it might affect my reply, I will wait for that, too.


Sure. It applies.


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

OK, I peeked. *shudder*

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

He smiles and bows to the woman. "Greetings. I represent House Vonnarc. I have been tasked with locating talent for a performance at the Ampitheater of Anguish this evening. Whom would I need to visit with regarding the details?"


Female Halfling Rog 3 / Sorc 4 / AT 7 [ HP 94/94 (0 NL) | AC 21 Tch 17 FF 16 | Fort +9* Ref +16* Will +14* | CMD 21 | Init +5 | Perc +16 | Effects: none ]

Azniriss nods once and takes the note, seemingly ignoring the goblins. Her eyes dart about as she reads, though, belying her apparent indifference.


Female Kobold Skirmisher Ranger 5/Bard 8 — HP 87/87 (74/74) | AC 21 (FF 16/T 15) | CMD 24 | Fort +7, Ref +13, Will +7 | Perc +4| Init +7 (+9 underground) | Sense Motive +20

Xiddik eyes the goblins with revulsion. "Hurry up and read the orders. The less time we have to spend around those things, the better."


M Ifrit Sorcerer 14 | HP 92/92 | AC 15 | T 14 | FF 12 (with mage armor 19 / 14 / 16) | CMD 19 | Fort +11 | Ref +10 | Will +12 | Init +9 | Perc +13

"That's amazing," Belkah replies. "I would have loved to have such an incredible creature as a boy. Hells, I'd love to have one now - but she's yours, and I don't mean I'd take her from you."

He pauses a while, admiring the cat-thing, then speaks up once again, "You know, I'd like to hear more about what it is you want to do, and why you want to be far away from here. But I would like to tell you something first, since you've told me a few things already that I didn't know."

"When I was a boy, I had things I kept hidden from my family as well, things I kept hidden from just about everyone. And I learned that the best way to be able to hide things was to not stand out, to not be noticed. So even though I hated it, I did my chores - I did not have so many servants as you - and I attended to my studies, at least enough to avoid trouble. If you really wish to live a different life, to get far away from here, you have to give yourself enough space to make that possible. Keeping your tuturs, your parents, everyone, off your back by getting your lessons done is part of that."

"If they think you're just doing what they want, checking off the things on their list of expectations, they won't pay you as much mind. And you can use that. To dream of what you want to do, where you want to be, who you want to be. To make plans to make those things real. But if you ignore your studies, draw their attention, make them check on you all the time, you'll likely never get out of here, and they'll find your beautiful beast and snatch it away because they'll say it's distracting you."

Belkah winds down and says, "There, now I've talked some too. So tell me, where do you want to ride Keno when you leave this place?"


The ‘woman’ smiles at Naktor. ”Of course. We frequently supply specimens for the Amphitheater’s performances. Please tell me about the performance? What’s the subject? When is it?”


The work order is a simple invoice from the Fleshwarper’s Hall for ‘work’ to be performed on a dozen goblins. There’s a disclaimer written in bold - Results rate not guaranteed.

The goblins shriek and warble as they scrap among themselves in boredom.


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]
DM Feral wrote:
The ‘woman’ smiles at Naktor. ”Of course. We frequently supply specimens for the Amphitheater’s performances. Please tell me about the performance? What’s the subject? When is it?”

With an apologetic smiles, Randall spreads his hands and admits, "Well, the servant that was to do this met with an ... accident and inquiring about talent was delayed. The performance is a deflowering to be held this evening."


The ‘woman’ looks surprised and retrieves a ledger. ”This evening? A deflowering? That’s unfortunate. Specimens designed for such an event usually take weeks or even months to perfect.”

After several minutes she jots down a note and offers it to Naktor. ”I’m afraid this is all we have available on such short notice.”

Note:
Subject #15676: Newborn Ghonhatine
*Likelihood to kill and devour the sacrifice – very high

Subject #41132: Drider
* Likelihood to kill the sacrifice – high
* Insane

Subject #29302: Elder Oronci
* Likelihood to kill the sacrifice – very high
* May require additional preparation. Known to possess poisonous and explosive ‘secretions’.


Asht roll me a diplomacy check.

”We’ll go somewhere far”, the boy says with a dreamy look in his eyes. ”Somewhere with lots of colors. And warm. Keno doesn’t like the cold.”


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

"Hmm, I was afraid of that, to be honest. I suspect they each lack the control to draw out the performance. The audience would not be satisfied." He sighs, "These won't do. Do you have any other suggestions, by chance? I might have to start over otherwise."


The dark elf woman smiles again but the - You’re screwed – is spelled plainly across her features.

”I am afraid not under such short notice. Fleshwarping is an art that cannot be rushed.”


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

"No, no, I understand the limitations of the art. I am no practitioner, but I have respect for the time necessary to produce a work of art. I thought perhaps you know of another artist is all. My apologies for bothering you, perhaps we will have a chance to exhibit one of your products in the future."

With a bow, he backs away and makes his exit.


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

Randall/Naktor will make his way toward his second choice, a pleasure hall, to find a practitioner.

Gathering information to find a likely place: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
1d4 ⇒ 2 hours


At this point it’s ~6pm. The performance is scheduled to start at 9pm.

Naktor’s sources point him in different directions but one name comes up more often than others. It seems the Venom Kiss is known for its exquisite talent.

The Kiss’s purpose is spelled out for all to see with statues of nude figures involved in all manners of intimate positions decorating its exterior. Many of the statues are frighteningly lifelike. Before he even gets inside the smell of heavy perfume and sex assaults his senses. Within the Kiss’s common room, dozens of men and women lounge is various states of drug and/or sex induced bliss (though it's difficult to tell which is which).

A thin young drow woman dressed in a spiderweb slip greets him. "Welcome to the Kiss. Did you have something in mind or would you like to browse?" she asks in a sweet voice.


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

"I have something in mind. House Vonnarc has need of a talented individual to perform a deflowering at the Ampitheater of Anguish. Sadly, the original choice was unable to fulfill the request and I am trying to fill the role at the last minute."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Bluff: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21


Female Halfling Rog 3 / Sorc 4 / AT 7 [ HP 94/94 (0 NL) | AC 21 Tch 17 FF 16 | Fort +9* Ref +16* Will +14* | CMD 21 | Init +5 | Perc +16 | Effects: none ]

"I guess we should be going," says Azniriss, taking up one end of the rope as she hands the note to Zideiri. Once they're out of earshot of anyone else, she whispers, "I don't suppose you have any ideas for how we could... turn them loose while making it look like we complied? No one deserves the fate they're being sent to..."


"Oh! That's excellent news. You've come to the right place. Let me tell my master."

She hurries away, visibly excited.

In drow terms this is like visiting the local community theater to hire talent to perform Les Mis on Broadway.


M Ifrit Sorcerer 14 | HP 92/92 | AC 15 | T 14 | FF 12 (with mage armor 19 / 14 / 16) | CMD 19 | Fort +11 | Ref +10 | Will +12 | Init +9 | Perc +13

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25 Hoping for some bonus after all my clever convincing - and the 31 I rolled before.

"Lots of colors, huh?" responds Asht'el, an almost conspiratorial tone in his voice, "sounds like the surface world to me. I've been there, you now, more than once. Though it's very different from the Darklands in many ways, it's also got its own special beauty."


”Yea. The surface! That’s where we’ll go. I’ll study real hard and we’ll go to the surface someday.”

He immediately begins drawing again, while the cat-thing in his lap purrs happily.

You’re more or less done Asht.


M Ifrit Sorcerer 14 | HP 92/92 | AC 15 | T 14 | FF 12 (with mage armor 19 / 14 / 16) | CMD 19 | Fort +11 | Ref +10 | Will +12 | Init +9 | Perc +13

Except for when I come back and rescue him when we leave this place! And somehow keep the surface dwellers from killing him on sight...

Belkah says gently, "Why don't you finish up one of your magic problems and then draw your pictures, just to get in the habit?" He stands and says, "I'll see you around, okay? Maybe on the surface."

He makes his way back through the layers of security and returns to the servants' quarters.

See, everyone? This place isn't so bad. My chore for the day was to talk to a day-dreaming kid about escaping his oppressive parents. What pleasant tasks did everyone else get to undertake? ;)


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

I am running all over town making arrangements for the public humiliation and probable death of a young girl for the entertainment value. Just like back home!


A few minutes later, the hostess returns for Naktor. ”Master Orvignato will see you. Please follow me.”

Naktor is lead through the Kiss’s interior through more communal areas where lewd, perverse, and sometimes dangerous acts can be witnessed. Eventually he arrives at a less decorated space that looks unused for the Venom Kiss’s usual business. Within, four rough-looking dark elves armed and armored quite heavily compared to the Vonnarc guards he’s used to seeing, lounge. Seated on an enormous chair (more like a throne really) is another and easily the second largest dark elf Randall has ever seen, rivaling Neordyr in sheer bulk (though this man lacks his friend’s impressive muscle mass). Orvignato chuckles at the sight of Randall and leans forward to study him.

”So Vonnarc’s dropped the ball and is looking for one of mine to fill in within the Amphitheater. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t flattered”, the large dark elf says with a smirk.


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

"Well, I don't want to give you the wrong impression. I was not told to come here by the House, I was told to find talent to fill an obligation. Since the fellow that usually does this can't, I followed a more, um, democratic method. Your establishment was mentioned often when I asked for suggestions and here I am. To be perfectly honest, if my misfortune leads to a boon for you, I think that's great. I am a fan of having friends in all sorts of places, so I hope this works out well for both of us."

"The performance is at 9pm. They want new and interesting sensations. Some of my contacts were afraid that the talent found here would be too mundane for that, but it appears that you have considerable variety. And I am sure a man in your business is very imaginative and can arrange a show that will have your establishment's name on everyone's lips for days."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24


Orvignato smirks again.

"The Amphitheater is a tough crowd but my people rarely disappoint. That reputation your heard about was hard-earned."

The large dark elf seems to seriously consider the offer.

”Alright. I’ll have some of my best people at the Ampitheater in time for the show but you owe me. If the crowd hates it, it’ll be my reputation that suffers.”


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

"I am sure your reputation will only be enhanced."

With a bow, he adds, "I look forward to your people's performance. I will let them know to expect you."

With that, he takes his leave, heading to the Ampitheater to tell the nice drow that his talent had been arranged. He heads back to the Vonnarc estate hoping desperately that the performance goes well but the poor girl does not suffer much. There is no way I can tell her about this.


You answered my question before I could ask it.

You're done for now Randall.


Jamleus meets up with his troop of guards. They’re armed with silvered blades and heavily armored.

”You’re our support?” one muffled voice asks through his heavy helm. ”I thought they’d give us a f~&@ing warmage.”

”Have you tangled with demons before?” the guard asks.


Rogue 14 [ HP 36/87 (0 NL) | AC 26 Tch 19 FF 20 | Fort +9* Ref +18* Will +10* | CMD 27, 29 vs steal | Init +9 | Perc +21, vs traps +32, trap spotter | Effects: Haste]

I did? I mean, I knew you were going to say that. I'm done 'til tomorrow. Have a lovely evening.


While Firiel attempts to conspire with her pair, the goblins do everything in their power to deserve their fate, screaming, hurling stones picked up off the street, and clawing/biting each other - all except one. One goblin, a female, follows along in quiet wide-eyed wonder oblivious of the horrors she and her kin are being taken toward.


Female Kobold Skirmisher Ranger 5/Bard 8 — HP 87/87 (74/74) | AC 21 (FF 16/T 15) | CMD 24 | Fort +7, Ref +13, Will +7 | Perc +4| Init +7 (+9 underground) | Sense Motive +20

Xiddik/Zideiri looks at Firiel like she's insane. "If you want to go to the Halls in their place, be my guest. These are vermin. I've only seen goblins twice, and both times I've sorely regretted the experience. They'd be tracked down instantly, anyways—goblins don't know the meaning of 'subtle' or 'quiet'. They're stupid, murderous, and completely insane. If you ask me, fleshwarping can only make improvements."


Female Halfling Rog 3 / Sorc 4 / AT 7 [ HP 94/94 (0 NL) | AC 21 Tch 17 FF 16 | Fort +9* Ref +16* Will +14* | CMD 21 | Init +5 | Perc +16 | Effects: none ]

Fíriel shudders and turns away. So cold... can she really believe that? Is there any hint of goodness or empathy or pity inside her? Or is she just the same as the drow? Perhaps even jealous. Maybe she's always wanted to be a drow...

Finding herself near the rear of the line, she looks over and notices the female goblin. "Do you understand me?" she asks quietly, glancing around to be sure she's not overheard.


The little goblin's gaze shifts to Firiel and she nods solemnly. "Ruxi knows lotsa words."


Female Halfling Rog 3 / Sorc 4 / AT 7 [ HP 94/94 (0 NL) | AC 21 Tch 17 FF 16 | Fort +9* Ref +16* Will +14* | CMD 21 | Init +5 | Perc +16 | Effects: none ]

"How did you come here, Ruxi?" asks the drow-clothed halfling, wincing ever so slightly as it's pointed out to her that the goblin she's about to hand over for slaughter has a name.


Ruxi nods again while she pokes at Firiel’s fine clothing with a knobby grease little fingers.

”Big Chief Stinkear said many shinies were down in the ground so he sent Ruxi and Ruxi’s friends to go find them. He was right! Fancy purple elf city is made of treasure, enough for everyone”, she says with a wide gesture at the grand opulence surrounding the group as they move down the city streets. ”You taking Ruxi to treasure now?”


Female Halfling Rog 3 / Sorc 4 / AT 7 [ HP 94/94 (0 NL) | AC 21 Tch 17 FF 16 | Fort +9* Ref +16* Will +14* | CMD 21 | Init +5 | Perc +16 | Effects: none ]

She doesn't even realize she's been captured?! She doesn't have any idea of where they're going, or what's going to happen to them when we get there?

Fíriel frowns, bites her lip hesitantly, then shakes her head and whispers her response. "They're going to... change you, Ruxi. They're going to take away your... pretty... green skin and add arms or legs or tentacles or whatever they feel like doing. And then they're going to give you to some child as a pet, or torture you in one of their big arenas."


The little goblin answers Firiel’s warning with an ugly, but harmless, grin. ”Don’t be silly. You wouldn’t be dressed so pretty if you were taking us someplace bad.”


Female Kobold Skirmisher Ranger 5/Bard 8 — HP 87/87 (74/74) | AC 21 (FF 16/T 15) | CMD 24 | Fort +7, Ref +13, Will +7 | Perc +4| Init +7 (+9 underground) | Sense Motive +20

"Firiel. Don't...stop talking to it." Xiddik grimaces. "It won't end well."


"Firiel? That's a good name!"


Female Kobold Skirmisher Ranger 5/Bard 8 — HP 87/87 (74/74) | AC 21 (FF 16/T 15) | CMD 24 | Fort +7, Ref +13, Will +7 | Perc +4| Init +7 (+9 underground) | Sense Motive +20

"Oh." Xiddik/Zideiri sucks in a deep breath. "Ahvakaar."

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