Gimble's Emerald Spire (Table 2)

Game Master Eric Sklavos

The journey from Absolom was a long one and you breath a sigh of relief at the sight of the stone walls and battlements on the shore of the Sellen River, your destination. As you approach the large timber door clad in iron plates, your feeling of relief wanes a bit at the sight of the Hellknights guarding the entrance. Your are stopped at the entrance, but a quick flash of the letter you received 2 weeks ago provides you hassle free access to the fort; as well as a curt, “Welcome to Fort Inevitable.”

More introduction to come, but go ahead and introduce yourselves.

Ignoring the stares and hand gestures to ward of evil, Lucifer heads toward the meeting place agreed to in the letter.

Lucifer stands only 3'3" tall and has charcoal colored skin and white hair. His eyes give off an otherworldly yellow glow as he looks forward on his trip. He is wearing a black tanned leather armor and has a short sword strapped to his waist along with a sling. The rest of his equipment are stored in his backpack.

Horatio himself would earn quite a bit of stares as well, though for his own eccentricities. A tall, almost handsome green-skinned gentleman, the only thing ruining his charming smile were a pair of tusks. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a long trenchcoat to match, he swept up to the door to the fort with a wide grin at the Hellknights standing guard. Watching their faces with a massive grin, he blew through the doors looking around the room "WELL. Now its a party!" Though undoubtedly those inside were in less of a mood to be partying.

Voldarus looks less like your typical Half-Orc than Horatio standing at a mere six feet tall he is short for one of his kind, but he likes it that way. Easier to go unseen. It's not that Voldarus doesn't like people he'd just rather be in a cave somewhere hunting some monster. He joined the Pathfinders because a shaman told him that working with others would be good for him. The green skinned orc is covered in hides that smell as though they have been unwashed for a tad too long. His boots are of dark brown leather and look to be the only new thing on the orc. his bow looks like it has had much use and the great club at his side still sports some old chunks of grey fur. He keeps his eyes down as he enters the fort, but gives the other half-orc a slight bow of his head and tries to stare to long at... whatever that thing is. "looks like something out of a child's nightmare"

Entering the fort is a stout Dwarf in a dull suit of scale mail with a massive hammer resting on his shoulder. Along with this is a warhammer at his belt with a heavy shield strapped to his back.

Hovok barely looks at the Hellknights after they wave him through hoping that the mission will provide a chance to live up to his father's legend both in deed and craft.

Neilmin being just over two feet barley seeing above the hellknights knee cap not even bothering to look up at the knight as he passes in his tattered robes. Feeling the stares from the knights but not really caring how they seen him.

Still waiting for the oracle to post here, but let's continue on. . .

“Just inside the gate of Fort Inevitable is a bustling market filled with merchants, farmers, and townsfolk, as well as Hellknights patrolling the streets. As you walk a few paces in you glance at the letter you received in Absolom. It simply states,

Just as you go to ask someone where to find The Red Shield Tavern, you notice a wooden sign with a simple red shield painted on it. Inside, the Red Shield is actually quite busy. There are at least a dozen off-duty Hellknights, enjoying drafts of bitter and stout. You get a few sideways glances as you are clearly out of place in this establishment, but as you scan the room a massive half-orc, seemingly just as out of place, stands up and waves you over.

The half-orc at 6’7” tall has quite an intimidating presence, but his demeanor is jovial and inviting. In his presence you actually feel less self-conscious and not as out of place as you initially felt. He wears a wide brimmed hat, mithril breastplate, a greatsword strapped to his back, and as you get closer you notice burn marks on the left side of his face. ”Welcome fellow Pathfinders! I am Gorak Behn. I trust you had a pleasant journey. It is a nice walk from Absolom, isn’t it? You must be hungry.” With that he motions to the barmaid who seemed to be waiting for his queue and she walks over with a large plate of food and a draft of ale for everyone. Gorak winks at her, hands her a gold piece, and continues, ”You're probably wondering what you all are doing here. Well, the last time I was in the River Kingdoms . . .” His voice trails off a bit with a twinge of anger and he absent-mindedly clinches his fists for a moment before returning to his normal jovial self. ”The last time I was here, I made some friends with the Black Marquis. You can say he returned a favor and gave me some information that could prove valuable to the society. There are some Azlanti ruins nearby that the locals rarely talk about. We don’t know much of anything about it. Normally exploring these ruins, or adventuring of any kind, is not permitted in and around the fort, but I’ve used my influence and charming personality to obtain a letter of warrant permitting us to explore the ruins. While I do some more research around the area, I want you to explore the ruins and periodically report your findings to me.” Gorak pulls out a piece of parchment and lays it on the table. ”Here’s a map to the ruins. You set out tomorrow. Any questions?”

After finding the tavern and the half orc waving, and making my way through the place and now I really had to look straight up to look at the orcs face. Waiting till after the orcs story.

So what exactly you wanting us to be looking for and what should we be expecting in this ruin?

An what what will we be getting in return for our findings?

Jafit moves through the line at the gate, his smaller, black hands offering the letter to the Hellknights to gain him entry. As he steps into the fort, he moves aside, out of the way of other arrivals. Stretching in the sunlight, he lets the warm rays dance across his face as his hair seems to flicker in the breeze. His bright eyes and light complexion stand in stark contrast to the increasingly dark appearance of his forearms, and the blackened, basically burnt appearance of his delicate hands.

After he seems to have recharged himself, he looks around, grinning, trying to spot not what the people around him are doing, but the why. After a few moments, he notices the sign with the red shield on it. Ah, the start of a new chapter. I hope this group enjoys the fire within. Teaching is hard.

He enters the tavern, finding himself less alone amongst the hellknights than he might have expected.

Listening to the explanation provided by Gorak, he grins and nods several times. When Gorak asks for questions, though, Jafit doesn't hesitate. "How long are you keeping the bar open? We should celebrate life tonight if we risk it tomorrow, shouldn't we?"

Havok states under his breathe after seeing everyone around the venture captain.Well this will be interesting going on just the party around the table.

Addressing the Venture Captain.

Curious does this letter of warrant have a timetable and how far around the ruins can we explore without any interference. Lastly how far out of the town are the ruins and anything dangerous roaming the area both in and out of the ruins.

Lucifer chuckles, "Exploring ruins. My type of job." But he listens to what the Venture Captain has to say about the questions asked him.

Voldarus nods his head curtly and looks up at the imposing half-orc. "aye the gnome and dwarf have it right, what are ya expecting us to find in these ruins and what might lay in wait for us there" he speaks slowly and deliberately in a gruff, deep voice.

hmmm, the Black Marquis?
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

A nice roll to start things off :)

Gorak smiles at the gnome, "The truth is, we have no idea what lies in the ruins or where they came from. The most popular rumor is that they were created by Azlanti wizards. All the society wants is knowledge and any important artifacts you may find. Whatever else you salvage is yours to keep, after the Hellknights get their percentage of course." He scours a bit when mentioning the Hellknights and takes a drink of the stout in front of him.

The bit of disdain doesn't last but a moment before looking the dwarf's way, "The spire is about six miles north-east of here." Gorak points to it on the map. "As far as danger, there have been reported incidences of portals openning up around the spire and creatures, presumably from inside, terrorizing the area on occasion. So, yes I suspect there is some danger involved, but that's why we've called you Pathfinders and not just hired some archeologists to dig up bones."

The half-orc raises his mug at the oracle, "A man after my own heart. Yes, eat. Drink. Enjoy yourselves, for tomorrow adventure awaits!"

Bolvurn approaches Fort Inevitable and nods to the Hellknights on duty. He duly shows them his letter, and after they inspect it he heads into the Fort.

He quickly locates the mentioned inn, and slips into the tap room as the Venture-Captain runs through the briefing. As the barmaid makes her rounds, he takes a mug of mead, sipping on it as he listens to the other members of the expedition sounding off about various issues.

"Bolvurn Crowsteel," he states by way of introduction during a lull in the conversation. He is an average human with dark hair and dark eyes. He is dressed in travelling clothes, although a chain shirt can be seen, glittering under the fabric. An ornately decorated light crossbow hangs at his side, clearly well loved.

"So, the hellknights are cooperating for a cut! How much of what we retrieve will they get?" After the first swig of the provided ale, he stops and looks at it suspiciously before shrugging and continuing to drink.

"Regardless of the percentage, someone will need to keep track of what we find. Anyone wish to volunteer? Also, Venture-Captain, with regards to magical items I assume we can give them a monetary equivalent. I don't know much about magical item creation but I assume slicing bits off reduces their effectiveness," Bolvurn replies, and although his demeanour remains restrained, a slight twinkle in his eyes indicates he is being mirthful.

"The Hellknight's cut is 20 percent of the value of everything acquired from the ruins. I don't like it much either, but it's their rules we have to play by."

This is not something that needs to be kept track of as everyone receives a Chronicle at the end of each floor of the spire. This is nothing more than flavor for an idea of how things work at and around Fort Inevitable.

So the portals are they elemental, demon, or devil in nature of some mix of all. Also, was just curious so we can equip appropriately for the dangers overall most will be met with my Kneecapper.

Looks at his longhammer that he left resting next to him.

I get that Gimble, just that it is something that a follower of Avatar would suggest.

"Twenty percent doesn't seem too onerous," Bolvurn responds, "After all, they are doing a grand job of protecting the area."

Bolvurn listens to the dwarf ask his question and cuts in before the Venture-Captain answers.

"Have any of the survivors of these incidents indicated what kind of creatures emerge from the portals?"

Lucifer raises his hand then remembers where he is and smiles while blushing. "It should be noted that I am fluent in Azlanti and I have no problem keeping records of our discoveries. As for 20%, who says the Hellknights know of everything we find."

Neilmin looks over when Lucifer makes his comment.

I agree now if it is found out side of the ruin we would get the full cut correct or would they not care and take the cut regardless?

"20 percent is not so bad," Voldarus shrugs. "I would be betting that Urdall be a good friend to have. I've packed and ready to go. When we be leaving? Me bow is ready to draw some blood"

Bolvurn nods at Lucifer's acceptance of the task but furrows his eyebrows at the suggestion of hiding some of their discoveries.

"I am sure the Hellknights have ways of making people admit the truth," Bolvurn states flatly, "Better we keep the heavily-armed and heavily-armoured people who are handy in combat on our side."

Bolvurn finishes the mug of mead and places the empty mug on the bar top.

"If that is all, Venture-Captain, I would like to get as much sleep in a comfortable bed as I can, before roughing it in a dusty old Azlanti ruin," Bolvurn awaits for the Venture-Captain's acknowledgement before turning in for the night.

@Hovok and Bolvon: "I don't have any information on the nature of the portals. The reports are few and far between. I'd suggest you be ready for anything, as your Kneecapper seems to be."

@Lucifer and Neilman: "What you choose to report is up to you, but remember your mission comes first and losing favor with the Hellknights means losing access to the ruins."

"If you don't have anymore questions, the evening is yours for tomorrow you visit the spire. Good luck."

If there are no more questions, the Venture Captain stands up, finishes his stout, and walks out.

Bolvurn turns in for the night, knowing that a decent night of sleep will aid in the coming expedition.

well he's gone now how about we get some more ale over here

Rasing his ale into the air excited to get some good food and drink in his belly.

So guys we all prepared for our adventure or we still need to get things for tomorrow.

Lucifer joins in with a tankard of ale, "I am always prepared. Never know when one might need to leave town quickly." He chuckles at himself.

Lucifer will drink enough to get a buzz, but not enough to suffer a hangover in the morning.

"Prepared? I doubt it. I don't know what I'm missing, yet, though, so I guess I'll have to find out as we go." He looks at his companions, noting that one is serious enough to have already called it a night. He points at Neilmin with a thin, black finger. "So, why did you join the Pathfinders? Why do you do . . . THIS?"

I'm prepared as well. Always on the move I am and carrying what I need is a way o'life," he takes a sip of ale and leans back in his seat " might fall asleep right here tonight if I dont go heading to bed soon," he gives a slight bow to the other pathfinders. " may sleep find you quickly, we've a big day tomorrow. Till then." he says and heads off to bed.

Polishing off the ale Hovok looks dejectedly at the empty tankard and then his pouch.

Prepared not likely but my pouch is too light to get what I really need.

Going to try to post once more tomorrow but will not have internet access afterwards till Sunday.

Neilmin looks away from jafit and downs his ale.

I joined the Pathfinders hoping to come across some sort of information. Someone had set my village on fire. All I know I may be the only survivor. I spent weeks looking for anyone who survived, and any information on who or why it was burned it down but so far no luck.

So what about you?

Nothing so dramatic for me just trying to follow in my da's footsteps while living some tales that will over-shadow my siblings at the family gatherings. Also, need the money obtain materials to continue perfecting my craft. I'm damn good at it now but need to be better cause it is always a competition between us and need to be downright perfect at it to maintain my superior edge.

"Trying to find the passions of the people who were here before us, while getting a chance to help those around me learn to celebrate their own passions and their simple existence? I don't know, it just seemed like what I should be doing."

You have until the first initiative roll to finish up any last minute changes to your characters. Here we go!

You get some well deserved rest at the inn and meet up in the common room for a nice hot meal before heading out. With the Venture Captain's map in hand, you make your way to the Northeast into the Echo Wood. The six mile trek is uneventful, save for some brush that needed hacking out of your way, but after a couple hours of walking you find yourself in a clearing.

As you emerge from the Echo Wood underbrush, you find yourselves staring up at a ruined keep guarding a broken central tower, all made of smooth, green glass. It’s obvious that a grand battle took place here many years ago, and the clearing around the ruin lies barren, with sickly weeds struggling to rise from the magic-blasted earth. Melted chunks of twisted glass pepper the ground, lending a green hue to the clearing’s light. Despite the damage, however, the glass of the keep itself seems to have avoided the ravages of time, with those pieces that survived the initial cataclysm unmarred by pitting or cracking, clean of moss and other clinging debris. At the top of a steep dirt path winding up through the rubble, a doorway opens onto darkness, its entrance seeming to steal light into its inky depths.

The stone staircase that led up to the tower’s door is now nothing more than a rubble-strewn cliff. On the tower’s south side, a dirt path winds up the steep embankment to a pitch-black doorway.

The map is HERE.

I placed you on the map in a marching order. Feel free to change it as you wish. I also placed the link to the map in the header.

"Such destruction. So many deaths. Life is struggling to reclaim the area, still. This represents the wrong sort of passion. We may be cleaning things up, here, instead of finding out what the people before us lived for."

Bolvurn whistles as they emerge into the clearing, and while he appreciates the building he looks for any obvious weaknesses. He already has his light crossbow in his hands, scanning for any obvious threats. He moves with the group as they advance up the path.

Kn (Engineering): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Neilmin stares up at this green ruin in amazement.

I wonder what this place was like before what ever happened

We gotta be careful who knows what we will find in here

"It does look impressive. But I imagine the magic battle that happened here tainted more than just the earth."

He draws his sword, ready for any trouble that might jump out to prevent their entrance into the tower.

@Bolvurn: The Spire itself looks sturdy as do what's left of the stairs at what was once the front entrance. Though you see no obvious threats, you make notice that the path you're on, leading to the hole in the wall, is fairly recent and somewhat maintained.

"Quite the sight don't you think" Voldarus says taking in the tower. "wonder if were the only ones to search the place recently"

The ranger bends down to search for tracks.
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 +2 monstrous humanoids

Bolvurn nods as he appreciates the construction of the spire, but his face changes to one of concern as he studies the construction of the path. He motions for the others to stop.

"Although the spire itself appears to be old," he says quietly, snatching a glance at the spire, "This path? Not so much. Much more recently constructed, in fact. Keep your eyes and ears open."

@Voldarus: You see several tracks going in both directions. Most are of small humanoids.

Apparantly I didn't give edit permissions on the map.

Here's the Link with Edit Permissions.

Now you can move yourselves around.

Lucifer heads up the bath and turns the corner and continues onward. Keeping an eye out for any trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Ambushes or traps.

The ifrit moves up with the others, slowly, spear at the ready.

Voldarus moves up behind Jafit and readies hos bow, aimed at the entrance.

I'm on my phone but I'll move myself to the square 1 North of Jafit when I get in front of a computer

As you make your way up the footpath to the jagged hole in the side of the green glass tower, the light outside the tower does not penetrate into the building more than a few feet. Beyond that, it’s pitch black.

Peering into the blackness, you here a bit of unintelligable shouting, and an arrow flies out of the dark toward Jafit sailing over his head.

No, darkvision doesn't help you see into the spire.

Initiative:
Round 1
Bolverun
Hovok
Jafit
Voldarus
Neilman
GM Pet(s)
Lucifer
End of Round

Bold can go: post in any order, I'll resolve actions in Initiative order.

Back

Impressive though would still take dwarven construction over this unnatural spire.

Also since I am expecting to be front line going to have shield and warhammer ready when approaching the spire.

Bah cant see in there for some reason we charging or falling back hoping they come out to us.

Will go either way though probably voting charge since I doubt they will come out of the darkness.

yeah you guys go first I'll follow I'll watch the rear

following in close behind his comrades.

Can you tell if the darkness is magic Neilman?