GM Ahayzo |
Congratulations to everyone accepted! I'll post the intro tomorrow, and you can all start to post your own intros then.
Miranda Andegar |
Yaaaaaay!
A lovely young woman walks into the room, wearing flowing robes. At least, she is lovely other than the two strange antennae sticking out of her forehead. On her shoulder, or rather seeming to hover over her shoulder, is a small humanoid-ish creature seemingly made of rocks. At the very center is a grey stone that has just a barest of light shining from it.
"Hello, my friends. I am called Miranda. This is my very good friend, Tula."
I'll wait and see how we're being introduced before I go further into the intro.
GM Ahayzo |
The town of Torch has long enjoyed a singular claim to prosperity - a violet flame that burns atop Black Hill in the heart of the town. This flame burns incredibly hot, and while it's usually the size of a bonfire, several times a year the fires spew up into the heaves in a brilliant beam of purple violence. These eruptions are presaged by about an hour of soft rumbling, giving nearby smiths a chance to retreat before the fires can consume them. At all other times, the violet energies allow for the smelting of all manner of skymetal. Torch is one of the only locations where skymetal can be worked with relative ease outside of Starfall, and its entire economy has risen around these purple flames, with traveling smiths coming from across Avistan to pay for the opportunity to work with them. Of course, Torch needs all the visiting trade and coin it can gather, for while the town's distance from Starfall makes it inconvenient for the Technic League to maintain a permanent presence here, the taxes and tariffs it charges the Numerian town on a monthly basis are significant. The town prospers, but the bulk of its income does not belong to it.
Which is why, when the fires atop the hill suddenly go out, the town is in trouble.
Notes if you haven't read through the Player's Guide, reminders if you have!
You've heard from direct conversation, and various chatter, that anyone looking for adventure, glory, or financial gain should head to the town hall.
As each of you arrive, you hear bits and pieces of conversations taking place in Torch's streets
When you arrive, a small group begins to form, awaiting the council to arrive. You know not to expect Counilor Baine due to his well known, yet unfortunate, absence, however you are surprised to find only one councilor in the hall - Dolga Freddert, a old dwarven woman who carries herself with an amazing energy and sense of adventure for a dwarf of her age.
I'll have you introduce yourselves to each other, and you may ask any questions of Dolga before she gives a full introduction
Miranda Andegar |
Miranda looks around at the small group coalescing around her. She had put out a call through certain channels for others willing to form a group to try to find Councilor Baine, and she is happy to see several strong-looking (in different ways) people joining up.
"Thank you for responding to my request, my friends. We seem to be a diverse group. You likely already know my name, but for those who may not, I am Miranda. I have lived here in Torch since I was a small child, and my adoptive parents have been studying the flames of the Black Hill and the skymetals for many years. Since the fire went out, their business is foundering, and so I have decided to go try to find the Councilor and hopefully a way to restart the flames. Each of you seem to have responded to my call, so I assume you look to do the same, whether it be to help the town of Torch or simply because of the offered reward. I offer no judgment on your motives, as far as that... as long as you are willing to work together as a group, we will get along famously. Now, I look forward to hearing each of your affiliations and skill sets. I myself am a spellcaster, though I've learned many things about skymetals and the creatures from the sky that are made of them as well."
At this point in her speech, Miranda switches to her telepathic ability to continue, mostly to make the group aware that she has this ability and it could come in handy. In fact, I see several of our group are those we call "Androids"... my best friend, growing up, was a young android boy who called himself "Trance". He and I shared many things as we grew up together, including a ritual which permanently gave my body some aspects of androids as well.
I hope no one gets offended that I took the initiative as the person who called for the group to come together. :)
Hroren Ironbarrow |
Hroren quickly shuffles up to the young woman who had addressed him, extending his right hand firmly. His stout statute leaves him reaching upward for the expected handshake.
"Aye lass, and well met. My name is Hroren Ironbarrow, a stone lord of Highhelm and devout follower of the Master of Masters. I've served many a year at Lockdeep - in the mountains of my ancestors - guarding against attacks from the deep. I didn't know that I was answering a call from someone as ..." - the aged dwarf adjusts his iron spectacles and peers intently at Miranda's antennae - "... young as yourself, but it is my duty to fight against any threat that comes from below. I am an expert with a hammer, and will happily put myself in harms way for an ally or an innocent. I'm certainly happy to take the lead once we get under the dirt."
Iantha Narili |
For the newcomers to torch perhaps a steange sight, Iantha is a small, bipedal rat.
Wearing well worn travel clothes and leather armor, she is covered in fur like a regular rat, altough her coat is not a uniform brown like wild rats, but mostly a dark grey, with white fur on her hands and under her chin.
There are no physical signs of gender, from the inflection when she speaks you gather she is female.
For the people or Torch, she is a much more common sigh, she and her family visit Torch about bi-monthly.
Their services as tinkers, fixers and craftspeople are a lot less needed here, but there is always someone or something needing to go to the town.
Greeting Miranda with a nod, it is clear that they know eachother.
Iantha patiently waits for Miranda finishes her adress, twitching her ears once Miranda starts using her telepathy.
"Its good to see you again Miranda, altough the circumstances are not fortunate. Both your parents and the councilor have been kind to me and my family. I hope we can make Torch right again."
Turning towards the others gathered, Iantha gives them a small bow. "Well met everyone. My name is Iantha Narili. I am a devotee of Brigh, and she has seen it fit to reward my devotion with a small bit of her power. Some would call me a cleric, but I feel I still need to grow more before I am worthy of that title."
Smith_ |
Smith, a plain faced android other than unnatural green eyes approaches with a large satchel of supplies over his shoulder.
He holds a staff in one hand, a strange skymetal sphere forged into the top of it.
Almost nervously, he asks "Is there any news as to what put out the flame? I came to make use of it, to craft... I cannot do this until the flame is restored."
Dromer Greyskin |
A tall youth with shoulder-length black hair slips through the main door and steps off to the side. He is broad-shouldered, but otherwise slender: the ungainly physique of adolescence. He's probably no older than sixteen. A grey tinge to his skin suggests some orcish heritage.
Most of his clothes are slim-fitting and fashionable. Even his mismatched piecemeal armor fits him like a glove. He carries a backpack overstuffed with various kits and gear, and a greatsword remains sheathed behind him.
He scans the crowd slowly, not obviously looking for anyone in particular. Every once in a while, when he flips his hair away from his face, you catch a glimpse of what appear to be boils, or maybe even growths, tracing down the side of his face and neck. No wonder he's grown his hair out...
A twinkle in his soft brown eyes hints that he's here with purpose.
Thinking to himself...
Sure enough! Heard there'd be a metal head here...
Huh. That alien girl is here, too. What was her name again?
I think... I think that's a ratfolk... Oh, yeah. Dad used to talk about some caravan... Maybe it's from there. Weird.
And a dwarf. Quite the menagerie.
Man... I hope this works. Alright, Dromer, you got this! Just act natural... while wearing armor... in a crowd.
He walks forward and nervously tries to break the ice.
"Hey... uh... name's Dr- *voice crack* -omer."
I could just die right now...
Miranda Andegar |
"Well met, Dr-*voice-crack*-omer, Hroren, and... your name was, sir? And good to see you again Iantha. I am heartened to see such as yourselves joining me in this quest. "
Just waiting on Woran, then?
Iantha Narili |
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chez moi, Woran
Iantha nudges Miranda slightly in the side of the leg. Softly she speaks, "Miranda... I think the voice crack is part of puberty. Not, eh, a real part of his name."
Miranda Andegar |
Oh yeah, we're all here. Excellent!
Miranda looks a little embarassed. She whispers back to Iantha "Oh my... I suppose I'm not terribly familiar with human male puberty... the young man I spent most of my time with was an android, and his voice never did... that..."
LOL. :-P
Iantha Narili |
Iantha surpresses a smile.
"While we dont go trough puberty like that, I've been around humans enough to know this embarres them immensely. Mostly because older females find it endearing. Lets cut the poor boy some slack."
Dromer Greyskin |
Dromer blushes a dark grey in embarrassment.
At least this isn't like school... They didn't laugh. Alright... Act like you belong here...
He flips his hair away from his face.
"So... uh... what brings you all here?"
OMGosh, I found a pretty close picture of how I envision him HERE. Imagine some other weapon in place of the skull hammer, and he won't be that muscular until he's adventured for a while, but it's mostly spot on. Plus longer hair.
Hroren Ironbarrow |
Hroren quickly sweeps his eyes over the others. Ratfolk: haven't seen one of those in a while. Android: must watch my bag.
Hroren's brows knit together as he regards Dromer. There's definitely some ork in that youngling. And I know the Enlightened One can shape anyone, but the lad looks so nervous a stiff breeze would be enough to knock him over, armour and all. Still, he looks like he's keen to help...
"Well met, young Dromer. Why am I here? I got a missive from a close friend, said he was calling in a favour. A message from Miranda here, asking for help in this town, and I was in the region anyway. Something to do with a local government official that has gone missing, and some torch going out? My friend is infamously bad at spreading Tian Xia whispers. The main thing he emphasised was we'd be heading into some caves under the city, and that one of those blasphemous infernal robbit contraptions had been already been dragged out of there."
At this point, Hroren subconsciously reaches for the handle of his large hammer, his hand going white with the pressure of his grip. He steps past Miranda - hopefully her manners will improve after some time together, no respect for her elders, ignoring an offered hand - and approaches the elderly dwarven councillor.
"Well met to you as well my dear lady. I'm hoping you'll be able to clarify a couple of things for me? Firstly, where is that damnable hunk of heretic steel located now? The robbit your last adventurers dug up? And secondly, how do we go about getting to these caves we have to explore?"
GM Ahayzo |
The dwarf is slightly taken aback by manners given towards her
Lady? Ha! I've certainly never been called that before, though I suppose now that my adventuring days are done, my desk duty days may have more need for me to be... ladylike.
This is certainly a interesting group, to say the least. I can honestly say I never expected to see a dwarf ally with orcs, mice, bucketheads, and a damned lashunta.
She gives a stern glare towards Miranda, as if she holds a general disapproval of her being here.
I'm glad to see we have some interest in our troubles, the League has either murdered or scared almost anyone willing to help. I suppose if you're going to help, I can at least try and give you some information before launching you to your probable death.
Khonnir took that useless rustbucket back to his home, he kept saying something about wanting to study it. As if it was worth anything more than scraps to be sold. If it's not in his home, you'll probably find it in the foundry.
If you're looking for the caves, there's an underwater passage that connects them to the Weeping Pond. In fact, we happen to know that numerous people have gone through and not returned. Khonnir recently claimed to have seen a number of human footprints on the banks, but all of them were going in, none out. I remember because it was eight days ago, when the fire went out. He was there checking how toxic the pond was.
Dromer Greyskin |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Sensing the tension, and internally reeling from the "orc" comment, Dromer turns to the lashunta. He cups a hand to his mouth, as though he was attempting to muffle his words, but his voice is audible enough for all nearby to hear.
"Don't let her get to you. It's not her fault she's like that. Her great, great grandfather was probably a real jerk."
He flips his hair away from his face.
Iantha Narili |
Iantha is taken aback by both dwarfs harsh words. Sensing a building hostility between everyone gathered, she tries to defuse the situation.
"Everyone, please. While some of us are young, we all should now better then to judge on appearance. We have gathered here on a mission, and while some are motivated by friendship, and some by money, we all would not be here if we did not want the best for Torch. So, lets all take a deep breath. Concern and worry are making us say things we dont really mean."
She gives everyone a stern look.
Dromer Greyskin |
Dromer waits for the Ratfolk's words to have their impact before speaking again, this time to the group.
"Yeah. Okay. Alright, here's what I know. I've done a lot of caving around here. As much as I'd like to start our search there, it sounds like we need to go underwater to do so. I can tell you now, that's dangerous. We'll probably need help, maybe even magic. So, until we can get that sorted out, and maybe some coin, I think we should look for this lost robot."
GM Ahayzo |
Dolga's stern posture relaxes a little after Iantha speaks.
I apologize. All the trouble our home is going through has us a little on edge, and I'm not keen on sitting back letting others do the work while I'm stuck here playing politics.
Looking back at Drømmer, she begins speaking in a kinder tone
You desire magical assistance before going underwater? That we can help with. If you seek aid in surviving beneath the surface, you should fine Councilor Joram Kyte. Seeing as we have a dire need for this to be taken care of, he will grant you the ability to breath underwater, free of charge. You will likely find him at the temple of Brigh, or Crowfeather Palace.
I can give you a writ for our city's shops, it will guarantee a 20% discount on anything you buy for the duration of your mission. I can't guarantee you'll find many people willing to sell to you at the moment, if any at all. If the League even thinks that someone is providing supplies to someone that may help stand up to them, it's not likely to end well for a lowly shopkeeper.
While Khonnir's tavern, the Foundry, has been closed for the time being by his daughter Val, she has informed me that anyone willing to look for her father may use it free of charge as a place of rest and headquarters. If you're looking for the hunk of metal Khonnir found, you'll probably be wanting to talk to her anyways.
Iantha Narili |
Iantha nods to the Dwarf woman.
"Its very understandable. Worry can make our words harsher then they were intended. And we appreciate any extra aid that Torch can give us."
Keeping half an eye on Hroren, she continiues. "Examining the robot would certainly help. Intact, it could provide valuable clues. Before heading off to whatever it may be under the hill, its best to gather as much information as we can.
Hroren Ironbarrow |
Know(Religion): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 To remember that Brigh favours constructs: taking this as a no.
"I'm certainly more than happy to go and give this contraption a look over. If it's as broken as miss Freddert..." - a wink - "...has made it out to be, then I'm more than happy to leave it 'intact'. Although why you'd want any of the damnable things around I just don't know."
"And I agree about getting as much information as possible. I'd say we should inspect the top of Black Hill as well before heading down below, in case there is anything to be found where the flames usually are."
Smith_ |
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Sorry for the delay.
Smith puzzles for a moment, almost confused as the rapid fire conversation moves around him before catch up.
"It is good that the town will support our efforts. I think we all know how vital the flame is. My suggestion would be to speak to Val, see if there are any clues in the rock. It would do us well to have a safe place to retreat to and store our stuff. Then I beleiving seeking the robot would be wise."
Smith looks over his shoulder at the rather large and heavy bag full of blacksmithing supplies.
I've never been swimming before... I don't see why I couldn't though. How hard could it be?
Miranda Andegar |
"Well then, it sounds like we have a plan! Let's go talk to Councilor Kyte to get some magical water-breathing abilities, and we will check out this robot as well before heading down. Does that sound reasonable, everyone?"
Iantha Narili |
"Most certainly. Altough Hroren makes a good point of inspecting the top of the hill where the flame used to be. I am sure others have done this before us, but if we are to succeed where they have failed, we need all the information we can get."
GM Ahayzo |
If you intend to see Kyte first, I recommend the temple before the palace. He seems to spend more of his time there these days. Cross the courtyard here and follow the road, you'll know the temple when you see it.
Since there were two possible locations for Kyte to be, I'll assume you went to the church instead of the palace, since Iantha had interest in going there
You're on the road for hardly a couple of minutes, only passing a few small homes when you come to a large, finely decorated structure. Bronze wind chimes and clockwork statues line the path to the front entrance. The large double doors obviously do not match, with one being a simple wooden door, and the other a shining metal door, with intricate designs in bronze marked on it. Vertically centered on the door, on the edge looking like the matching door would likely hold the other half, is part of a female's face, lined with bronze. On the forehead, there looks to be a half completed symbol carved into it.
The building seems to unoccupied at the moment, with the exception of one person. A small storefront extends from the side of the building, and an old man in smith's clothing and old chainmail stands at the back carelessly rummaging through stacks of paper spread across the countertop. As he uses both hands on separate stacks of paper, you see some sort of glowing trinket on his neck glow and point towards a third stack, which starts sifting through itself by some invisible force.
He looks up at your group for a moment, and then quickly goes back to his papers, rambling on incoherently as he does.
Smith_ |
Take 10 Religion, max 10: 10 + 4 = 14
Smith speaks up, oblivious to the man's concentration "Gretings, we are seeking Kyte. Are you Kyte?"
Dromer Greyskin |
Knowledge (religion), untrained: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Dromer flips his hair away from his face.
Green-eyes sure doesn't have much in the way of personality... Huh, I wonder if Androids can lie?
Sense Motive to get a hunch: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Darn, wish those were in reverse order.
GM Ahayzo |
Iantha recognizes the man, having seen him for the first time during her last visit to the temple. However, the temple is usually much busier than this, and he was just one face among many.
When Smith speaks, he breaks any focus the man may have had moments prior as he responds with fear in his voice.
Wha... huh? OH! Oh dear, please don't hur... wait.
He sees Iantha and begins to lose his panicked tone
Wait, I saw you here before. You're not with the League, you are a follower of Brigh! I'm sorry, I've recently been swamped with so much work after everything that's happened, I can hardly even take a moment to figure out friend from foe. I'm a cleric of Brigh, I should be doing more than sitting on a council and worrying about waste disposal.
I ramble, allow me to answer your question and introduce myself. Yes, I am the new Councilor Joram Kyte, and even more recently, the shopkeeper for the temple's goods. What can I do for you? I don't have long, one of my fellow councilors is missing and I must find him.
Miranda Andegar |
"It is nice to meet you, Councilor. My young friend here has forgotten that we have come to speak to you about just that subject... we are going to go looking for Councilor Baine, and we need to be able to travel underwater. We were told by Councilor Freddert that you may be able to assist us with that."
Iantha Narili |
Having kept it hidden in her clothes untill now, Iantha pulls out a necklace. It prominently features a bronze mask. The same kind you saw on the door of the temple.
Stepping up to the man, she places a small paw on the mans hand to comfort him.
"May the Whisperer smile on your creations, counceler Joram. Its good to see you again. I remember you from my last visit to the temple. With counceler Baine gone, and the leauge doing everything but helping, I imagine a heavy burden has become yours to carry."
Iantha nods toward her new companions. "As Miranda said, we have taken it upon ourselves to try and find counceler Baine. We were hoping you could help us. Not only with the little swim ahead of us. But also with information. Everything will help, how trivial you think it might be."
Hroren Ironbarrow |
Know(Rel): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Hroren hangs back near the doorway, watching as there others start up conversation with the councilman.
He clearly seems skittish, too many new face might send him running. Better to leave the priest-rat to calm him down.
GM Ahayzo |
Kyte turns his head for a moment to think
A swim? Hmm, ah yes, I can certainly help with that. As soon as we concluded any other business or conversation we have, I will take care of it.
You say you are looking for Baine as well, I suppose you mean to enter the Weeping Pond then. I don't have much information to assist you, but I can tell you to be careful. I've not tested it myself, but I am told the pond is poisonous if ingested, and minorly so even on contact.
Indeed I've taken on a larger-than-expected burden, but Torch needs the help, "greater good" and all that.
He turns over to Drømmer and places his hand on your shoulder
I sympathize with your suffering. While not nearly as destructive as your experience, I'm sure you saw the damage to the doors of our holy temple. The League have no honor to attack such a holy place... a holy place I now call my home.
Iantha Narili |
A tremor of anger goes trough Iantha's tail. "The leage did this?! I had heard there would be spies in town, but this is outrageous! Damaging the temple like that. The bastards."
Taking a deep breath, Iantha holds tight her necklace and whispers a small prayer to Brigh to calm herself.
"If the Weeping Pond is poisonous, we might need more then just water breathing or something similar. It wont do that we're half dead before we even start looking for Counciler Baine. I dont suppose you know how the other search parties have handled this?"
GM Ahayzo |
The League doesn't like people selling goods to those who oppose them. This was their way of reminding me.
Unfortunately none of the previous search parties have ever returned. Whether this was the work of the pond, or something worse on the other side, I don't know. I have not heard of it being lethal, or even almost so. From Baine's research, he didn't seem to think it would be too harmful to anyone who was only in for a very short time. Again, of course, this is assuming you don't get yourself a flask and start drinking the stuff.
I have heard the pond was once a beautiful sight to behold, thousands of years ago. I don't know what changed, or if this is even true, but I would certainly love to see that.
Iantha Narili |
Iantha nods sadly. "I know. We try to help people, but the League thinks technology is their sole right. My family has had some falling outs with them in the past. Luckily not as destructive as this. Yet."
Smith_ |
Smith thinks to himself My master always told me to avoid the Technic League... I knew they were dangerous, but I never suspected this dangerous.
"I am pleased to hear the the pond is not as dangerous as we feared. We must all do our part to restore the flame that was lost."
Iantha Narili |
For a species without eye-whites, Iantha manages to pull off an eye roll remarkably well.
"Yes Dromer. These people totally don't rely on this flame to make their lifelihood and only work here because they love paying tithes to the League. Pride in craftsmanship has nothing to do with it."
Iantha Narili |
Iantha's tone softens. "I understand. But the best thing we can do is selflishly help eachother. The League wants us paranoid and afraid of our neighbours. By showing love and kindness, we reject everything they stand for. And there isnt a damned thing they can do to stop us caring about eachother."
Miranda Andegar |
Now it's Miranda's turn to roll her eyes at Iantha's talk of love and kindness. "Regardless of our motives, let's get on task. If the pond's waters won't hurt us terribly unless we ingest it, perhaps a spell involving air bubbles around our heads would be appropriate? Do you have access to such magic, Councilor? If so, that will get us out of your hair and on our way."
Smith_ |
Smith remains silent for the moment, a bit overwhelmed by the rapid conversation. I am not sure why all this bickering. Is it not obvious that the flame must be restored? Is another option even a possibility.
Eventually Smith does speak, once things calm a bit. "You spoke of 'Baine's research.' Is it in a form that we might easily peruse?"