"I'm no financier, but the price will have to do with what we can make off the seized product, and so you'll be paid based on the value of medical grade opiates, as well as the gear, and animals, of course. We will have these items valued properly as soon as possible to ensure your take is not under-valued." Kae tells Khromm
1d20+9
1d20+9
for the dagger
The dagger needed Knowledge: History or Religion to determine what it could do... Arcana will not help you in additional properties here. If you have either Religion or History - you are free to toss them up.
The dagger needed Knowledge: History or Religion to determine what it could do... Arcana will not help you in additional properties here. If you have either Religion or History - you are free to toss them up.[b]"I'm no financier,
1d20+9
for the dagger
nope, neither. so i'm no help there...
Gazing back and forth between Khromm and the General with an astonished look, she beseeches "You would think to distribute these narcotics among your general populace? I did advise you they were highly addictive and you would still sell this to your people, knowing what harm it could do and what it could lead to long term?" She expected the Mul to be all about the coin but not a General who was tasked with the protection of an entire city, a good city.
"While it is addictive, it can also be a powerful painkiller making surgeries and medical treatment much easier. We're not allowing drugs to be distributed to the general population, but medical supplies to be gien to those providing treatment for men like our soldiers, and the sick and pained." Kae tells the priestess simply. "I'm just trying to take advantage of this windfall for the betterment of our people."
Arasmes looks between those gathered and draws Kae aside privately before saying Actually now that I think of it, that was an oversight on my part within the laws I had written. I neglected to put in a mention of the manufacture, sale, and distribution of illegal substances. An issue I will rectify upon returning to Saravale. For now it does not need to be known to the group and the laws are not yet ratified anyway but I thought you should be aware for when we return.
Gazing back and forth between Khromm and the General with an astonished look, she beseeches "You would think to distribute these narcotics among your general populace? I did advise you they were highly addictive and you would still sell this to your people, knowing what harm it could do and what it could lead to long term?" She expected the Mul to be all about the coin but not a General who was tasked with the protection of an entire city, a good city.
"Bah - dream potions are no more problematic then palm wine! So a man cannot stop himself from the lust and need of something in his body; be it wine, women, sorcery - or even this drug. They shouldn't dabble with such things if they cannot handle the hunger it awakens in them. And if the weak cannot abstain and give themselves over to the drug - then they are the greater fools for it. Why should we not profit from their foolishness, then? Tavern keepers ply men with ale - pimps use whores - and casino owners use the lust for gaming to earn their coin. So what's wrong with that? This town has bartenders, gamblers and men with needs. If men have vices - why not use them to further our own profit?"
Khromm is - again - not trying to be rude - but he is genuinely shocked at this stance. He sees no issue with making money - and finding a person's vice - and using to profit - seems, to him - nothing but good business.
He does seem very surprised that the town does not attempt to manipulate coin from its citizens, and even more - that a citizen would not only know this, but except this - and, of course - fight it with their entire being.
Khromm seems to have an inherent belief that everyone is out for something else - that everyone is trying "play an angle" - to get ahead of someone - to use someone for their own agenda. That is just what makes sense to him - and, armed with this suspicion - he feels that anyone who doesn't choose to act on this obvious knowledge on how the world works deserves the fate that is handed to them.
To him - it is the citizen's duty to protect themselves from the wiles of the government - and every person's personal duty to protect themselves from the abuses that everyone that they live with.
That does not seem too unusual for person like Khromm - a being that was specifically bred for the purpose of slavery - was raised as a slave - until he managed to kill his way to freedom.
In any case - he seems to be a strong supporter of the idea of "everyone is predator or prey", and does not intend to allow himself to become "prey" - but, now you have a better idea on why he may have the attitude that he does.
In any case - he is not trying to be rude or manipulative - he is sincerely confused why you shouldn't use a potent and addictive narcotic to make extra money - it seems fairly logical - and very profitable.
At least - that is his opinion...
A little exasperated with Khromm's ability only to see things in terms of coin to be made or had, she takes a deep breath before speaking once more.
Firstly she addresses General Ka'etil,
"So these narcotics you will sell only to healers? I believe the healers should be in charge of administering such remedies. Yet General Ka'etil, healers are generally poor folk for they undertake their vocation for altruistic reasons. I do not believe they would have the coin you are seeking to add to your coffers. A windfall, you say, yes, for medicinal purposes, but if you expand this to include black market traders, like the half orc you have in town, then you are only asking for trouble," knowing little of the ruffian through Lady Ariarh's words back in Saravale and the rumours she has heard in relation to Ka'etil and the half orc.
Then she gives her full attention to her Southerner companion, Khromm,
"You would profit over another's misfortune? If one person kills, should all follow suit and kill without thought, reason? To release such a dangerous drug into the populace would condemn it, enslave it most insidiously. Who are you to instigate such condemnation and enslavement? For coin? This world and all beyond cannot be bought and sold as easily as you say. You want the narcotics and coin because of personal greed -- this is no simple business venture -- no, this is people making money over the misfortunes of addicts and uneducated folk. The gods will look poorly on such actions, heed me." Her voice has risen and the accent is ever more pronounced. Her mismatched eyes have grown large and the conviction that Mister Khromm is ignorant except in money making schemes is written all over her face.
Then facing all, she uses her hands to encompass everything about them,
"Our quest was to stop such a shipment from reaching Saravale and being sold and distributed by the enemy. But now you say, it is good for us, for the good folk to continue where the evil and fallen have left off? This would bring shame. I will not be part of this ruination of a town and its people. I say yes to selling stock to the healers. But for general distribution, it is no. I believe your Lady druid will see this matter similarly to me. I will seek audience with her once I am returned to Saravale." This is not a threat but pure, personal conviction. The priestess is familiar with right and wrong and has seen firsthand (as a healer) what opiates can do to people, how devastating their reach. She had not agreed to this quest for selfish reasons -- no -- she truly wanted to stop the pesh shipment once and for all.
A little exasperated with Khromm's ability only to see things in terms of coin to be made or had, she takes a deep breath before speaking once more.
Firstly she addresses General Ka'etil,
"So these narcotics you will sell only to healers? I believe the healers should be in charge of administering such remedies. Yet General Ka'etil, healers are generally poor folk for they undertake their vocation for altruistic reasons. I do not believe they would have the coin you are seeking to add to your coffers. A windfall, you say, yes, for medicinal purposes, but if you expand this to include black market traders, like the half orc you have in town, then you are only asking for trouble," knowing little of the ruffian through Lady Ariarh's words back in Saravale and the rumours she has heard in relation to Ka'etil and the half orc.
Then she gives her full attention to her Southerner companion, Khromm,
"You would profit over another's misfortune? If one person kills, should all follow suit and kill without thought, reason? To release such a dangerous drug into the populace would condemn it, enslave it most insidiously. Who are you to instigate such condemnation and enslavement? For coin? This world and all beyond cannot be bought and sold as easily as you say. You want the narcotics and coin because of personal greed -- this is no simple business venture -- no, this is people making money over the misfortunes of addicts and uneducated folk. The gods will look poorly on such actions, heed me." Her voice has risen and the accent is ever more pronounced. Her mismatched eyes have grown large and the conviction that Mister Khromm is ignorant except in money making schemes is written all over her face.
Then facing all, she uses her hands to encompass everything about them,
"Our quest was to stop such a shipment from reaching Saravale and being sold and distributed by the enemy. But now you say, it is good for us, for the good folk to continue where the evil and fallen have left off? This...
Khromm’s somewhat genial attitude has now evaporated. First colored by outright bafflement – then, when it slowly dawns on him that this statement is somehow a critique of his actions, rather then an assessment of truth – his bafflement gives way to his usual flat expression.
”First – I was contracted to hunt down southern smugglers and fight them – killing them if necessary – with the understanding that my services were based on a percentage of what we found – specifically; ten percent. I fulfilled my part of the deal – so yes, I expect to get paid.”
”And you’re damn right I profit over another’s misfortune. How else can you expect to survive? Trust to people’s generosity and good will? That’s a lot of kank dung. Everybody that walks this earth is only able to because they grind the ground under their feet. And as for enslavement? Faugh! A slave is someone who doesn’t have what it takes to get free. I was a slave – and I killed my way to freedom. If drugs make a man a slave – then too bad; it just means they don’t have the spirit to fight.”
Khromm reaches his hand to his sword and draws it out, turning it so the light flashes on the blade. He taps the edge –
”This is what got me free – this! Steel – and the muscle and wits to use it. There was no gods that swooped in to deliver me – I did it – me! If a god doesn’t like what I do – and sees fit to come in and damn me proper I’ll take notice, perhaps – because they sure as hell didn’t magic themselves into my slave pen to break my chains.”
”And I’ll tell you this – if the only way you can get a god’s attention is to piss one off – then you can just chalk this whole line of speech to my version of prayer – because not even the nicest words out of my mouth got me any kind of return from a god – ever.”
He stabs the sword deep back into his sheath.
”Now – as for who gets what, or how these things are formally distributed? I have no idea – that’s up to the lords of the land – and, so far, the only one who’s got any kind of say in the matter is this “general” – but it sounds like this whole thing will have to go back to some sort of committee when we get back. Fine – then the sooner we get back, the better it will be. I did my job – I expect to be well paid,” he adds.
She simply looks at the Mul and decides to say no more. Her words only fell on deaf ears. They came from different worlds and saw life through different eyes and hearts.
Holding her ankh, she gives a silent prayer to The Everlight for the deliverance of wisdom upon all. And patience when it came to her dealings with Khromm.
Shaezon watches wordlessly thinking to himself,
"Fantastic (sarcasm). Every time we accomplish something there seems to be a weeks worth of debate on the subject. It makes me grateful for the wise queen of Kyronin. A single wise mind to look at the big picture and do what is best for her people. I would think humans, with their short lifespans, wouldn't want to spend so much time bickering. *mental sigh* Well, as long as I can get this tree cut out of me with some of the medicine I will feel a lot better. "
Well – you are now formally on the road home!
All things considered – you are currently on the road home. Why? Because I am actually just fast-forwarding for now.
To facilitate that - I shall be giving out the amount of loot you found in raw coin soon. This means that in a few hours or so I will have a full summary of items prepped and written out – this will include base items, and probable costs for the items.
To simplify – I will not worry about “bargaining” – the price I quote you will be the flat price. If you sell bulk armor or horses, you will earn a flat rate x the amount of items sold.
As for the magical items – both the crystal and the dagger cannot be sold until you know more about them. No NPC will dispute their cost ratio at this time – until they learn more.
As for the drugs? I will give you the price for both the legal/pharmaceutical cost – and the general black market cost. Normally these would be massively altered via sales and flooding the market, and so on – but not today.
Today, I am going to say “1 ounce equals X” – I will show the price for “good usage” – and I will show the price for “Black Market Usage” – Diplomacy will not effect these prices.
Once you see the list – be prepared to do what you want with the gear when you get back to town.
As I recall – Khromm asked for a cut of the money, and some payment up front. I am not positive about the rest of the group – but I know that no NPC is getting any money – except if you decide to give them some (i.e. the town guards are paid a flat rate, Garith is paid a flat rate – Galen may get more, if Shaezon is generous – but that’s up to Shae).
Finally – once the items are posted – please hop on the main thread – we are going to fast forward that thread a few days “In game” – so we are all back together and ready to go on the next leg of the journey.
Apologies
If this post seems a bit “Short” – I don’t mean it to be – but I had to leave work from my tutoring – again – because the student became violent, again. Today he threatened me on multiple times – and I was forced to leave early because I was concerned for my safety.
I post this here to not explain my actions – but so that there is some semblance of a public record – he even threatened to come to my house and do me harm – though I’m not too worried about. Even so – I am not too happy right now, even though I am home fairly early.
Oh well – look for inventory of the gear soon, probably later tonight – I am intending to merge both parties back to the main thread in no more then 2 days time. If you have anything you want to do on the main thread – please let me know. Once I have that information – I’ll do what I can to answer quickly.
As usual – let me know if you have any questions.
Treasure from the enemy
14 light war trained horses
110 GP each
Total Cost of Horses: 1,540 GP
6 horses
75 GP each
Total Cost of Horses: 450 GP
12 Masterwork Breastplates
350 GP each
Total Cost of Breastplates 4,200 GP
12 Masterwork Scimitars
315 GP each
Total Cost of Scimitars 3,780
12 Composite Longbows - +3 Strength Modifier for use
700 GP each
Total Cost of Bows 8,400 GP
200 bottles of Laudanum
Type drug (ingested); Addiction moderate, Fortitude DC 16. 1 hour; fatigue, plus the user takes a –4 penalty on all saving throws made to resist sleep effects. If the user falls asleep while under the effects of Laudanum, he dreams vividly; these dreams last for 1 hour per dose of Laudanum taken in the past month (including this one). Upon awakening, the user is revitalized as if he had enjoyed a full 8 hours of sleep.
Damage: 1d2 Wis damage.
Value
1 dose – 50 GP Open Market
1 dose – 100 GP Black Market
Total Open Market Price 10,000 GP
Total Black Market Price 20,000 GP
320 ounces of raw opium
1 ounce – 25 GP open market
1 ounce – 200 GP Black Market
Effects
Total Open Market Price 8,000 GP
Total Black Market Price 64,000 GP
Raw Coin –
100 copper
100 Silver
100 Bronze (valued at 5 Silver)
100 Gold
100 Platinum
Total Gold 1,161 gold pieces
Total value of goods minus Opium and Laudanum 11,971 GP
Laudanum Included:
Total Open Market Price 10,000 GP
Total Black Market Price 20,000 GP
Raw Opium Included:
Total Open Market Price 8,000 GP
Total Black Market Price 64,000 GP
Now you know the total of the coin – minus the cost of the magical stuff you found. Tell me what you are thinking of doing with the total wealth, and we can go from there. Of course – it should be noted – only the council can formally decide what to do with the cost of the narcotics – and, of course – if you are able to take a “cut” of the goods – you will need to deduct that cut from the total cost.
In other words, if someone wants a masterwork breastplate – they can take the breastplate – but it will count for their cut. This assumes that the person has a formal “cut” of the loot.
Just let me know what you want to do.
Share of the gold plus enough drug for a cutter to fix me up.
Isani would like a share of the gold/coin and possibly a bottle or two of the laudanum for as a healer it would come in handy medicinal wise (if the Council decide to sell it to the healers).
Share of the gold/coin for Arasmes and Laz
Council takes all of the opium, save for the 10% that Khromm wants, but we are not going to be condoning the use of heavy narcotics like opium for general use, so the poppy's go to medical practitioners or alchemists using them for science or something like that.
We should have a conversation with the party about drugs, as this is another thing the council will have to be dealing with. and descide our stance on the matter.
Dain, what would we have to do to get some input form you about how they affect our city?
Arasmes would be opposed to anyone besides the council getting any of the opium itself. It needs to be regulated and Khromm's...ahem...more liberal outlook on such things may set a bad precedent if it starts being given out.
Shae has no intention of using illicit drugs and thinks anyonoe who chooses to is foolish. As such he has no issues with "for medicinal purposes only."
Arasmes would be opposed to anyone besides the council getting any of the opium itself. It needs to be regulated and Khromm's...ahem...more liberal outlook on such things may set a bad precedent if it starts being given out.
Seconded. Khromm could be reimbursed with coin for his portion of the opiates to cover his "fee" for joining the quest but should not be given any of the opiates directly. This is her opinion/advice as she has no legitimate voice within the ruling Council.
Quick note –
For the record – only those who specifically asked for a “cut” of the loot can get a cut. The rest of you were paid a flat rate. Of those of you who asked for a “Cut” get a cut.
The cuts are divided into two sections – the amount of wealth with the drugs, and without them.
If the Council allows the sale of drugs – that is up to the Council. If they don’t – there is no profit for them. In any case – we’re moving the party back to the town – there, the other members of the Council can formally vote and decide what they want to do with the drugs – and what they want to do next.
After that – we can advance ahead.
kae gets his cut too...
what's the "flat rate" btw?
kae gets his cut too...
what's the "flat rate" btw?
The “Flat Rate” is generally up to each player. In other words – Shaezon might have said “I’ll do the mission for 2,000 gold pieces” – and if they found nothing, he would have made 2,000 gold pieces. If you guys found 10 Million gold pieces, he would have only made 2,000.
You guys determined what "Flat Rate" you were working on when you left for up north. Some did it for duty, others for free - others for percentages, others for flat rate. If you said "I will do it for X coin, period." Cool - you were already paid, so... yay!
Everyone who took a percentage - remember; that percentage is based on what you do with this stuff. I mean, if you slaughter the horses for food, you can't make money off of them. If you through out the opium - same deal; no loot for them. If you sell everything - you can get a tasty rate.
If you agreed to work for a flat rate, rather the commission - I don't really remember at this point - so it's pretty much up to you how you want to divide it.
Now – here’s where things get tricky – I’m going to post this next bit on this thread, and the main thread – because after this post, we’re fast forwarding everyone over to the Main Thread – so we can get everyone together, and get everything sorted out. Right now you have players with information that could help each other – and you need to get everyone “in the same room” to talk, so everyone can share details – and then get everything taken care.
Important details regarding Treasure
Generally it is a good idea to invest money into the town/city that you reside. If you don’t have the shops to purchase specific goods – you can’t buy them. So, for example – no Alchemist means no purchasing of Sunrods, Tanglefoot bags, and other Misc. mundane items. You need an Caster Tower for basic magical items – , for example.
Your town already has quite a bit of this stuff already – but you don’t get any of the bonuses for it formally – unless the “State” formally makes it. Who cares if Grishnak has a Black Market – when the time comes to calculate monthly bonuses and penalties to your Town Roll – you won’t gain an advantage or disadvantage either way. You can still buy black market goods from Grishnak – and make a tidy profit if you can finagle it – but you won’t get the flat modifiers to your rolls every month, unless you have the actual buildings, via the rules.
So, Kae is free to take what actions he likes. He can do one of three things, as I see it – give all the money to the town, so you can pimp your town out royally and make it awesome so that, not now – but in two years (in game) from now – you’ll have an amazing spread.
The second option is he could say “Well, I’m taking X amount of money – as is my right” – and then he could use it to buy things from private citizens, assuming they have it.
The final option is Kae could do a little of both – take some stuff, and dump the rest into the town Treasury as collected loot for the good of the community. If you do this – then next time you get your allocation of BP – you’ll have more money to invest in putting up buildings. And all the buildings that you create yourself will give your town bonuses, never mind the rest of the town.
So it’s pretty much up to you – also – there is currently certain party members who (I believe, but am not sure) are up for “Cuts” – if we assume all PC’s are up for cuts, and include Khromm – then the following players can agitate for a cut of the loot:
1. Arasmes
2. Isani
3. Kae
4. Laz
5. Shaezon
Khromm asked for 10% off the top, that part is his. However – all the rest of the loot can arguably be divided 5 ways – which means, that – although Khromm is able to take a higher number to get his “10 Percent” – the rest of you will (theoretically) have 20 Percent of the remaining figure – which means you’ll probably have more then Khromm.
Khromm gets it – and he won’t argue – he made the deal, and he’ll stick by it, because of the “Mul” trait that forces them to stick by their “Focus” (more on that can be found later).
As for what the cut is specifically – that will be up to the party with regards to how the loot is going to be divided (do you take the drugs, some of the drugs, none of the drugs – sell them illegally, or through an open market – or what? That sort of thing).
While I’m it – in addition to expanding your kingdom by moving south – something that is kind of important – you may have picked up on the fact that to the south – by virtue of coincidence – there is quite a bit of unusual new races that are not “core” – these races will have full stats put up and detailed after you encounter them.
This is because – theoretically – after you explore the south – you’ll have a full “year” in game to pick-up a cohort. During that time – your cohort could be one of the new playable races – which you haven’t seen yet – and won’t see, until you finish the exploration to the South – and (depending on what you do) – meet these new creatures, and then in the year long “Down Time” – tell me how this new creature met with you and decided to be your Cohort.
So, plot points aside – that’s kind of the plan – get everyone together – go south – get the job done – level up – finish the chapter of this section – and then pick up a whole new style of play as soon as you level – in which many of you will be lords/ladies with land, title, wealth and power – and some flexibility within your own “baronies” – if you have one, to pretty much run it however you want to run it as the boss/leader of your barony. Your rules - your law - and your barony can live or die buy those rules.
Okay – I hope that was helpful.
To all – okay – pretty much finished here for a while – please hop back over to the main thread. Thanks!
On board for spider cave.
"Well it's about time you all got ready. Lets get riding, cover some ground today, yeah?" she says tersely as the others approach.
There are three others with her, Garith's men, getting their packs set and ready.
Yillim nods to the others, and gives Blackfang a pat on the head as he hefts himself onto the beast, then glancing about at the mix of folk before him, he grasps his lance firmly and speaks
I am ready when you are.
Lia stands quietly beside her horse Isil and her brother wolf Revion.
She nods toward the others, eyeing the elven female she has yet to formally meet.
"We are ready."
Isani gently strokes Sadiki's cheek, patiently awaiting the order to take to the saddle and ride to the Spider's Nest.
Addressing the Foreign Ambassador, "What is our riding order, Arasmes?"
Yillim, you seem to sit Blackfang very well. Would you care to take point with Lia? Isani and I will ride next. Following us will be Clari and Garith and then Garith's fine soldiers. If that is amenable to everyone then that is how we will proceed.
As soon as he has everyone's assent Arasmes will have everyone begin.
The party shall advance - it will take them roughly 2 days to get to the cave - perhaps they shall arrive there sooner - but you are not certain as to when it will happen.
When you eventually reach the cave you come into a wide expanse of thick trees.
Those of you who had been here before recall it - those of you who had never been - it is strange - and very disturbing; yet you cannot put your finger on why.
The place is surrounded by heavy pines - and even in the high sun of summer - they let little light into them. It is dark inside - and somehow still - very still, you think.
The place has an unusual feel to it - unwholesome - and the forest - breathing is difficult; the stillness nearly stifling.
Eventually you come to the opening of the cave. It looks like a wide rock tunnel that drops straight into the earth - nothing spectacular - the drop into the tunnel below is roughly 15 feet and about ten feet wide - and at the bottom you can see that it levels out and stretches back from your view.
You see no sign of your friends here - but then again - if they came here - it would have been days ago, likely...
What is your next move - be advised - this journey took roughly 2 days. Your town had things cooking during the same time - however; you'll see what happens later. Meanwhile - what do you do now?
Lia nods in assent, taking one last, long look at Yillim and Blackfang. They had not known each other long but there was already a tentative alliance, a fellowship. She would look out for the new pack members, even though Blackfang looked strong and large enough to defeat an army on his own.
In wolfspeak she says to Revion,
Lia walks to the opening of the cave and carefully looks over the lip and down into the semi-darkness.
She cannot discern much and Revion comes up on his hind legs and looks in/down:
"We can use the ropes, tied to the trees or the pommel of the horses and we can be lowered down. That means one person must remain above ground, to ensure the horses do not bolt and run. We need light down there." She casts light on her scimitar.
Yillim dismounts and looks around with a slight shiver.
This place. It is unnatural...i feel. I'll at ease here. We should proceed with caution. Whatever evils where here before may be here yet.
Approaching the opening cautiously, he stands next to Lia and Revion, also looking in, and simultaniously pulling a rope from his pack, and nodding to Blackfang to have a look as well.
What was said before about Blackfang not fitting may be moot. I'm not sure that he would like to be lowered down by rope...unless the decline is not as steep as it looks.
Yillim uses a hand to sheild his eyes as he stands too close to the light spell and is unable to see much.
As for the large wolf...
Yillim's Perception
Blackfang's Perception
Arasmes had already summoned Cali earlier in the day and now leans over and touches her on the shoulder, a brief aura of blue energy flows over her.
Well...who wishes to go down the dark tunnel spider pit first?
At the bottom of the tunnel is a foul smell - it stinks of rotted meat; of that your wolf is clear.
The bottom of the tunnel is filled with damp mud - and slimy ooze. The stench is nearly overpowering - it sickens you both - but your wolf especially... as he is able to scent the stench clearly.
The bottom of the cave is easily reachable. You feel you could simply drop to the bottom of the tunnel and advance down a tunnel - nothing too difficulty you'd think - but perhaps a rope would be better?
Or you could try to climb... The sides of the cave wall is fairly smooth - and you think rope would be helpful.
That said - what do you do now?
Lia walks to the opening of the cave and carefully looks over the lip and down into the semi-darkness.
She cannot discern much and Revion comes up on his hind legs and looks in/down:
"We can use the ropes, tied to the trees or the pommel of the horses and we can be lowered down. That means one person must remain above ground, to ensure the horses do not bolt and run. We need light down there." She casts light on her scimitar.
The stench of muck and slime is potent.
You feel that you can climb down - your idea about the ropes is wise - but worse - the feeling that if you tied the ropes to your horse - then you'd need to leave the horses above the ground.
While you can do that - who will stay with the horses? It is roughly a two day ride south...
Meanwhile - the light lets you see somewhat into the tunnel at the bottom of the cave. But you will till need to advance down the tunnel to see anything...
Lia turns to the others, "The smell is strong, too strong for the wolves. I will use a rope to climb down the tunnel. Who is to stay aboveground? The horses need a minder and we need someone to get them to pull when we are ready to climb back up this tunnel. I will take lead or Yillim. What say you, more than man?"
Arasmes had already summoned Cali earlier in the day and now leans over and touches her on the shoulder, a brief aura of blue energy flows over her.
Well...who wishes to go down the dark tunnel spider pit first?
Lia turns to the others, "The smell is strong, too strong for the wolves. I will use a rope to climb down the tunnel. Who is to stay aboveground? I will take lead or Yillim. What say you, more than man?"
You are indeed free to get down - it's not hard - you don't even need to make a roll, just have your friends lower you down...
One of Sir Garith's soldiers can tend the horses while we descend into the hole. Set your rope and we will each be lowered by the soldiers. We leave two soldiers up here and the rest may come down with us.
Cali turns around and goes lowers herself by her front down as far as she can and then drops the last 10 feet, turning and landing like a cat.
One of Sir Garith's soldiers can tend the horses while we descend into the hole. Set your rope and we will each be lowered by the soldiers. We leave two soldiers up here and the rest may come down with us.
She ties the rope securing about her, ensuring the knots work well and she can undo them and remove the rope easily once she has reached the floor of the cave. She holds the magic-lit scimitar as she is lowered down the tunnel, using her feet at times to aid in her journey down and to ensure she is not making too much noise.
Once she has reached the bottom, she undoes the rope from her body and lifts the scimitar before her to take a better look around her. She remains quiet lest she disturb anything down in the cave with her or gives it knowledge of her presence.
I think it will be too difficult for Blackfang to go down, so he can stay and watch the horses. I think with a little encouragement, they should stay.
Then, finding a nearby tree, be begins fastening his rope about it, testing it several times against his strength to make sure it is secure.
He then reaches into his pack and uncovers a bound everburning torch.
I will go Lia, friend of wolves. But don't be too far behind, or you may miss out on the excitement. he says somewhat jovially, apparently trying to ease the tension in this eerie place.
To Blackfang,
Stay here and watch over these horses, friend. There will other times we can hunt together. For now, keep your nose clean and I'll be back soon.
Then, again making sure the rope is secure, he begins to rappel down the entrance, one hand holding the torch and the other three aiding his climb.
Climb