Zaehyra Sillaesa |
"I'd be curious to see both. Dungeons are good for the skin, but the wilderness parts favor toward me, somewhat literally as much as figuratively."
Ballar Fargrim |
Hmmm, decid'n vote than is it? Ballar picks up the two applications one at a time looking over each in turn as he strokes his beard in thought. Both look equally thorough as far as the actual paperwork is concerned. Shrugging the dwarf looks at his companions, Perhaps Zae's struck onta somethin. We'll submit both applications an sample'm both for a spell. A few days here, another couple there. Should be fun eh? Ballar chuckles then takes up a quill and some ink and begins to fill out the forms.
Having completed a few of these before, Ballar makes steady progress and is able to have both forms completed before the Witching Hour - toted as a late night dinner theater it's popularity has garnered it quite a lot of success. So much so that the bards responsible for the production have advanced the plot and instead of the same show playing over and over it has blossomed into a full fledged ludere novela complete with its own concise style of melodrama. Ballar has been following the production since day one and is anxious to see tonight's performance as it is rumored that tonight they will reveal if the pastor is indeed Cedric's father.
Just to get things moving again lets press FF a few times...
In the morning, Ballar returns to see the Dungeon Minion and turns in both forms along with the appropriate application fee. Assuming both are readily approved, he will pick one then inform the group of his choice upon his return.
[dice=Odd the "B" Dungeon, Even its the wilderness]1d100[/dice] - Hmmm, that's odd...
Niversal Two Blades |
Niversal will lead the way to the entrance of B dungeon and inspect it for traps prior to entering
perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
well no time like the present to enter
roll those dungeon dice El Nacho
Ballar Fargrim |
I don't think we're done with RPing the licensing stuff yet as my last post only assumed we'd be approved. Besides, I'm hoping Terq will give us a lead in description of some sort...
Terquem |
Day 15 approximate time of day, 9:00 am (turn 49) Location – The City of Du”orbna, the Licensing Kiosk
Ballar leads the team through the merchant district, almost stops as he passes by Fleehan’s (notoriously famous for their all you can eat griddle cake special, with smoked apple bacon sausage, for only 11.99) and marches up to the Its “A” Dungeon, High Street Kiosk.
The Dungeon Minion greats Ballar with a smile, and then look past him at the others, and then gives a little frown.
Its "A" Dungeon, Minion |
Oh, you’re with “them.” Well that makes a difference doesn’t it? I’ve prepared permits for Dungeon B, but A is still closed to visitors for at least another two days. Also, your Wilderness adventure permit is approved, pending proof of vaccinations, and those can be had at any “Its Community District Health Center,” but keep in mind they close at four, and are only open Monday through Thursday. Once you have your vaccinations, you can arrange fro transportation on one of Its Coastal Excursions, down at the docks. Several vendors will be available, and passage on a coastal cruiser can take you south to the Jungle Estuaries of Gadenay. Once you are dropped off on the beach there, you should not expect to be picked up for thirty days, and typically the boats will only wait for two days before they leave without picking you up and return in another thirty days, though there are refunds on the return tickets if you are delayed by more than four months.
The B Dungeon, is far more dangerous than the A dungeon, and includes the possibility of inter dimensional cross realm teleportation, so naturally I’ll need all of you to sign these waivers. You’ll need these bracelets, while in the B dungeon, and if you do get shifted to another realm of existence, simply keep a look out for one of the ATM’s, that’s Abigail’s Teleportation Machine, of course, and place your arm in the appropriate slot to be returned to the starting area of the B Dungeon.
And finally, the minion leans forward, nearly causing Ballar to choke on his own breath, and she looks left and right My sister isn’t feeling well, she was out late last night with a group of kobold fanatics, but she’ll be fine, anyway. I promised her I’d take up the slack and work her routes this morning, so, I’ve got permits for the A Dungeon, if you want them, they are fake, but most of the employees in the A dungeon won’t even notice, or even care, since they generally want to eat your face anyway.
Zaehyra Sillaesa |
"That does seem like an awfully familiar way to refer to us." Zae says placing a hand on the side Kamstra's head to calm him.
Ballar Fargrim |
For a moment, the dwarf forgets all about the others and swallows hard. Well, if itssa favor ya need help with... A bit redder Ballar winks, and without really thinking about it, slips out 20 gp from his pouch and slides the coins into Dungeon Minion's hand. Thar ya go lass. Tis a small price ta pay for being so *ahem* up front with me. Its odd, but judging by the direction of Ballar's gaze, it would seem he has a thing for name tags...
Passing out waivers to the others Ballar scribbles down his name and obtains his bracelet (the blue one depicting the figure of a mouse with an overly large head) .
Finally, collecting 'all' of the required permits, Ballar turns to face the group with a wide grin etched upon his face. Ah kanno wait! Let's hurry, Fleehan’s almost nev'r hassa griddle cake special, and with smok'd apple bacon sausage ta boot!
I believe the plan was to go to Dungeon "B". Unless there are any objections, that's where we shall proceed.
Keryth Tarathiel |
Keryth, his mind wandering as he does his best to ignore the proceedings unfolding before him, and the rude little attendant, has to be prompted twice to take his waiver before scratching something thoroughly illegible upon it and handing it back. He chooses a tasteful plain black and silver band for himself before adding, I've already eaten thank you.
Niversal Two Blades |
Niversal nods and takes his bracelet and then while Ballar
Is talking to the attendant considers stealing the dungeon a forms but at last doesnt and just shakes his head and follows along
Zaehyra Sillaesa |
It's unclear as to if Zae heard what was going on, she is still tending to Kamastra, but after a moment Kamastra retrieves the bracelet in exchange for a formal thank you letter.
Terquem |
Day 15 approximate time of day, 9:20 am (turn 51) Location – The City of Du”orbna, approaching the “B” Dungeon
Following their city maps, the party heads north from the kiosk, turns on Chapel street and then again on pepper street, which takes them to the Fiddler’s Bridge, a popular bridge on the east side of the city that crosses the river Alawain. The buskers are working the bridge today, as it is one of the busier crossings, and pantomimes, musicians, jugglers, and acrobats perform for the few coins tossed their way. The bustle of the bridge isn’t too bad, the sounds of laughter a, music and merriment take away some of the stress of the jostling back and forth and the need to keep clear of the wagons loaded with goods going from the harbor piers on the north side of the city to the markets on the south.
Navigating the north side of the city isn’t as pleasant as the south side, there are fewer restaurants, and pubs, though there are more theaters and performance halls. The streets here are older, narrower, but less crowded.
Soon you pass a street marker with an arrow pointing west that reads, “Entrance to the “B” Dungeon, ¼ mile.”
It is a pleasant morning, and it looks like there is not a line at the entrance today, but something strange is going on.
Five workers, all goblins, wearing green and orange jump suits, large round “bucket’s painted yellow on their heads, are jostling a huge cabinet like, well, thing, out of the entrance of the dungeon and loading it onto a flat carrier like wooden frame with heavy steel wheels. They are being directed by a human woman, with wild crazy eyes, a big smile, and a loud voice
Abigail, Girl Genius |
That’s right, get it tied down and then let’s get it to the shop before lunch alright boys and girls
She looks in your direction and sees immediately that you are adventurers and that you are headed toward the entrance, she runs toward you, and comes to a stop with her hands out wide, and a huge expression of excitement on her face.
Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. I was so hoping I’d run into a group of adventurers headed into the “B” dungeon before I left. Hi, I’m Abigail, perhaps you’ve heard of me. I help with the inventions that are critical to the success of the attractions all over the city. That there is one of my ATM machines, which is sort of redundant I know, since ATM stands for Abigail’s Teleportation machine, but you get used to it. So, anyway, I’ve been working on this new gadget. Maybe you guys can help me with a field test, huh, what do you think.
She takes a small bag out from somewhere hidden behind her. It is no bigger than a small ladies evening purse. She opens the top, and reaches her whole hand into the bag, obviously it is one of those “handbags of holding” and she draws out a wooden box, twelve inches long, eight inches wide and four inches deep.
This box contains the first Abigail’s Translocation Talking system, a special invention of mine that should allow a person on one side of one of It’Dupree’s portals to talk to someone on the other side. See some of the portals don’t allow two way travels, and if you can send someone through who can tell you if they can come back or not, it could be really helpful. I haven’t worked out all the bugs yet, like I mean, if you can’t come back through, you sort of have to send the second piece through to keep the devices within range of each other, but HEY I don’t know, it might come in handy. Will you take it in with you, and if you find it helps bring it back to my shop, if you make it back out, and I will reward you for the test.
Ballar Fargrim |
Ballar looks at the others and shrugs his shoulders, If ya say'n it'll help us, than Ah think tis worth a try. The dwarf accepts Abigail's box and examines it.
Umm, is thar only one o'these boxes? Wouldn't ya need two ta talk wit'one anoth'r? Or's it work some oth'r way? Not being very mechanically inclined, the dwarf looks at Abigail for some sort of instruction. Part of him is hoping from a small booklet of instructions and normally he'd ask for such, but he's afraid it would turn out to be one of those annoying multi-lingual booklets printed with a minuscule type set. Those types of booklets always force users to flip past useless pages of gibberish before finally getting to a more suitable section, such as the one written in dwarven. Regarded by many dwarves as the sensible language (especially when it comes to building instructions), its stick-figure drawings plainly show how pieces are supposed to fit together and in which order. However in this case, a simple hands on demonstration will do.
Abigail, Girl Genius |
Here take the bag, it will hold the box until you need what's inside, and maybe there is room for a little more. let me show you how it works.
Abigail hands Ballar the bag, then takes the box, turns it around and opens it up (it is hinged on the inside).
Once the lid is lifted, Ballar and the others see two shiny metallic “tin cans” gently resting on a padded cloth insert in the case.
here, can you hold this? she hands the box to Niversal, then she takes the tin cans out of the box, and demonstrates them, first by placing one, which is open on one end, against her ear
See you can listen then she moves the can to an inch or so from her mouth and talk into these devices. Like this, right here, they don’t do anything, she holds the two cans up some distance apart from each other but, here’s the secret, when one of these devices is on one side of a portal and the other is on the other side of the same portal, no matter what kind of portal it is, a connection, like a black string, appears between them. This string exists on the Astral Plane and carries your words through the portal. At least I hope that’s what they do, I haven’t tested them yet.
Ballar Fargrim |
Right. Use tha open end ta speak an listen ta wat's on tha oth'r side. Looking quizzically at the girl Ballar asks, What if we were ta toss one o'these through a port'l? Would it still work or s'it need someone ta'oth'r end?
Abigail, Girl Genius |
Hmmm, well, I suppose it should work, that is you should be able to hear what's on the other side, but you'd want to go get it back. I won't reward you for a successful test unless you return my prototype. See, I gave another one of my inventions to this Jacki, person, and she hasn't returned it yet. very frustrating.
Niversal Two Blades |
Looks at the device and turns it this way and that noy having much engineering experience but then uses disable device and sort of back tracks the thing finally taking one end and putting it to Ballars ear speaking dwarvish to him for the first time with the other end to my mouth saying way too loud
oy there Ballar caaaaan yoouuu hheerrree me!!!
Zaehyra Sillaesa |
"Jacki? As in Jacki Vilakku? She is so talented and of good character, I'm sure she has some reason as to why she hasn't returned it yet, but I'm certain she's good for it. When I see her again I'll inquire as to the delay."
Ballar Fargrim |
Oh aye, Jacki's a love-lay girl... Ballar's unable to finish his sentence however as one of the elves has started screaming at him.
Sticking his pinky finger into his ear as though to clear out some built up wax, Ballar turns to Niversal, No lad, Ah can'no hear ya. Abi 'ere as just explain'd tha it will'no work unless ta'oth'r end's inna portal.
Turning back to Abigail, Ya were say'n yar invention, wha's it call'd? send's out a kindda black string to connect ta tha oth'r end, wha 'bout send'n a regular rope through one o'ya portals but one end tied ta this side? Will it stay intact an can-nya pull someone back through?
I'm sure this is answered somewhere but as things don't necessarily work the same way here...
Zaehyra Sillaesa |
"Hmm, I see Keryth's point. I'm certain we can figure it out, let's get going."
Terquem |
Abigail struts up to the dark skinned stranger, she puts her fists on her hips, then points at Keyrth's face, saying
Hmm, decisive, determined, pragmatic. I like it. If you are looking for work, look me up.
She then, somehow magically by a flick of her wrist, produces a small calling card, which reads
Abigail's All-purpose Acquisition Services
1920 west Bowling Lane
Du'Orbna
I'll try to get a starting area posted, and a rough draft of the new document up this weekend.
Terquem |
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Day 15 approximate time of day, 9:20 am (turn 51) Location – The City of Du”orbna, approaching the “B” Dungeon
You descend a wide, easy pitch, set of stone stairs that leads down below the city.
At the bottom of the stairs there is a large Chamber. From this Chamber are three exits, each a ten foot wide Passageway. The Passageways go to the North, East, and West.
Though the Chamber is Dark, in the center of the chamber there is a tall bulletin board, with some small print, and a few diagrams, and this board is illuminated by a single, magical, green light in the ceiling.
The message at the top of the board, in slightly large print, and easy to read from a position in front of the board, reads,
Welcome to the Type “B” Dungeon, Portals of Mystery Edition
These exit passageways will take you to three separate portals. These portals are magical in nature, and quite indestructible. Portals allow groups and individuals to pass from one side to the other (most of the time). However, some portals are only One-Way in nature and created to bring new monsters into the city from other places, both near and far. Some portals will take you to places deep below this Dungeon level, while other portals may take you to other places that are not even on this planet! Be careful, few portals allow you to return to the place you came from. But don’t fret, there is a way back, all you have to do is find an ATM. Follow the directions below for using an ATM. There are additional instructions for proper bracelet uses, and other important Dungeon protocols.
Good Luck, and try to have a good time, I know I will –
It’Dupree MonStropidious
You can choose a direction, and then one of you can go to the discussion thread and roll on Table II, Portals – and I’ll set up the next post. I’ll try to get the new document linked at the top of the page tonight, there are still some blanks, but the rough draft is complete and we are ready to start trying it out
Ballar Fargrim |
Excited, Ballar turns and grins at the others, A'new adventure! Any pref'rances? The dwarf looks repeatedly at the one of the three passages then back to the group.
Time to go make some rolls - any one object if I give it a whirl first?
Niversal Two Blades |
I say when faced with three ways to go that one should always go left because left is right and right is always the way to go, so to the west! Niversal says as he rubs his hands together with a bit of excitement and glee ready to get his adventure on
Keryth Tarathiel |
Between three indistinguishable hallways? No. No preference.
We should check the fine print, and the diagrams on the board first though.
Terquem |
Deciding on West the party heads down the dark ten foot wide passageway.
They move cautiously, a Trick or a trap can be anywhere down here (as Keryth learned by reading the small print), prodding the floor and walls ahead of them and being keen to watch out for suspicious holes in the walls or ceiling.
The Passageway is long and straight and finally ends at a Black Portal.
The Portal is ten feet wide and ten feet high. The sides are defined by smooth columns of a dull metallic color, while the top of the Portal is capped with a solid black stone that seems to be fit with a series of panels. Each of the panels has, on its surface, a pattern drawn in gold runes. The language of the runes is indecipherable, but the message might be made understandable with a simple spell.
The Portal itself is a shroud of thick dark matter. No light penetrates the veil between this side of the portal and what might be on the other side. Touching to portal, or even extending a limb through it, produces no measurable results, it simply feels cold. Trying to stick one’s head through the portal however, does give a peculiar feeling, like sticking your head in a bucket of water, only it is not wet. You cannot see the other side of the portal with just your head inserted into the darkness, and it is impossible to breathe, making you feel as though you had better commit, and hurry through the Portal, or pull your head back before you get into trouble.
Niversal Two Blades |
alright, hand me that contraption for talking through portals I will take the thing with and you hold on to the other end, also anyone got a way to read this thing before I jump in? Niversal says hopefully
Ballar Fargrim |
As Ballar carefully takes out the ATT system from the wooden box he implies, Keryth seems adept at read'n stuff.
Keryth Tarathiel |
Keryth has been indeed studying the runes, but shakes his head slowly. If it were written in the common tongue, or in Abyssal, Aklo, Celestial, Daemonic, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Infernal, Orc, Sylvan, or Undercommon, I would indeed be your man. This appears to be none of those I'm afraid. Nor do I currently possess any magical means, spell or otherwise, to discern there meaning.
Nodding his head in her direction he adds, Perhaps Zaehyra does though.
Zaehyra Sillaesa |
"Ah, I have just the scroll. I should have thought to pick up more than one copy, but I was tight on currency at the time and the shopkeeper had the most interesting binding ritual." Zae says as she sifts through her scroll case until pulling out a scroll of comprehend languages. She shakes out some dirt and crumbs and prepares to cast it. Just before she casts the spell she will take note to examine the gold symbols in detail to note anything that may be of interest.
Zae then casts comprehend languages.
Terquem |
Day 15 approximate time of day, 9:40 am (turn 53) Location – The B Dungeon, West Portal
As Ballar preps the AT&T device, Zaehyra unrolls a scroll and mutters a simple incantation.
She studies the symbols on the top of the Portal, and deciphers their meaning
Zaehyra Sillaesa |
"A different time, a different place, and only one way" Zae summarizes as the symbols convey their meanings through the influence of her spell. Then she looks to the others to see their reactions and raises a brow as if to inquire Should we continue?
Ballar Fargrim |
Sounds great! With reckless enthusiasm, Ballar taps the mouse bracelet on his wrist, All we need ta do is hop in an go find tha ATM.
'Course, be-a shame ta not use ya spell on tha oth'rs. Zae do ya think ya have time ta check? If we can deciph'r enough o'them, we might not need ya ta cast'a spell ta read tha runes.
I'm game for any of the portals. How long does the spell last? Is there time to check for runes on the other portals? We should take notes to match/read runes on other portals.
Keryth Tarathiel |
A different time... is... interesting... and a little worrisome at the same time, Keryth mumbles to no one in particular.
It might be prudent to check the others if time permits, he adds, echoing Balar's remark.
Zaehyra Sillaesa |
"Not long, but should be enough to grab a look at the symbols of the other portals so we recognize their repeated use in the future."
Niversal Two Blades |
Niversal nods and will head back towards one of the other directions, back to the main roomand left again from the way,they face which would be north saying no place is confusing if you always go left
Ballar Fargrim |
Right. Strolling after Niversal and the others Ballar remains giddy. Zae! Ya tak'n notes, right?
Terquem |
Hurrying to check the Portal Plaques before her spell is exhausted, Zae lets Kamastra lead, keeping within range of Ballar’s trusted illuminated Lantern, and with the others in tow, she quickly ascertains the nature of the other portals, this time.
Zaehyra Sillaesa |
Zaehyra notes the symbols accordingly converys their message and then gives a firm nod indicating she is ready to continue.
Keryth Tarathiel |
The east portal seems the "safest" of the three it would seem... with the fewest deviations from "normal", Keryth states while shrugging slightly.
Ballar Fargrim |
So, all hav'a distor-shun, mean'n we'll go someplace excit'n! Non off'r a way back but tha's alright. Ballar shows off his mouse bracelet again - the dwarf seems quite keen to use it. Tha one'll change time, he points to the Western portal, ba no tha one, he sticks his thumb to the East. Where ever they'll take us, Ah rekkon tis tha same place each time. As far tha middle one, it'll change destinations each time we use it. So tha safest bet tis go'n East, which means Ah vote West! Ballar gives the wizard a quick wink to show the dwarf cares little of when or where they go.
Niversal Two Blades |
Niversal starts laughing at the devil may care attitude of the dwarf and continues to laugh harder when the wizard wants the cautious way and says
around this group we have two speeds, insane and suicidal, so get with the team, I say we go east just to humor the wizard
Niversal Two Blades |
Niversal smiles at the comment, takes the at&t and hands Ballar the other end of the talking device and then with a salute walks right through the east gate with the others there
Ballar Fargrim |
Surprised by the rogue's sudden decision to jump through the east portal, Ballar tutts his displeasure but then quickly forgets all about being upset, shrugs then takes up the other end of Abigail’s Translocation Talking device. Oi! The dwarf shouts into the metallic can then looks at it peculiarly and taps its shiny inside, Ah donna think its work'n. OI! NA-VEAR-SAAL! DO YA 'EAR MAE!
Wouldn't it be funny if we had to talk to an AT&T operator first?!