Shackled City (Pathfinder) - GM_Chris
Game Master Chris Shannon 719

Finneas spends some time during the day shopping for clothes. Although he knows what to wear, he feels out of place shopping for the types of clothing that fits in at the Cusp.

Maybe I can just wear my armor anyway.
Female voice: That'll never do.
Male voice: He could wear some nice leather armor.
That might work. The tribes come in to town every so often, I'm sure they'll have something.

Having decided, Finneas changes his course and heads to the armorsmith.

Finneas will look to purchase a suit of masterwork studded leather armor and an armband with the symbol of the Cauldron 5 stamped in it, made of either gold or platinum, whichever gets it to the requisite gold cost to pass muster.

*******************************

Having taken a rare bath and cleaned himself as best he's able, Finneas slowly puts on his new armor, making sure it fits and bends in the right places.

Now, which weapon to take with? The sword would be my first choice. They probably wouldn't let me in with it though.
Female voice: Have them check it at the door.

Nodding to himself, Finneas is startled out of his reverie by Dyrant yelling up the stairs.

Dead again? I just got over being dead and he...I'll smash him is what I'll do.
Male voice: That's the spirit, pound him until gristle comes out.
Female voice: I don't think that would be wise.

Stomping down the stairs, greatsword strapped to his back and his hair tied back with a leather thong, Finneas growls at Dyrant.

"No you surly curmudgeon, I'm neither dead nor deaf. Let's get to this party, I'm hungry enough to eat the south end of a north bound ox and I don't want Atol to get all the best parts."

I will speak for me, and I don't need both of you to try it at once.

Dyrant apologies again.

"I'm just hungry. And you just know Atol is...well, going to be Atol. We should get moving if we want any food at all."

Dyrant shoos Finneas out and locks the door behind him. "Let's get moving."

* * *

"Dyrant Maynor and Finnean Glenn, guests of Lady Celeste," Dyrant announces to the doorman at the Cusp, awaiting entrance.

Dyrant pulls hands a handkerchief to Finn in case the large man needs it.

Dyrant takes a moment to make sure his new vestments are appropriately smoothed and unruffled from their hurried march to the Cusp, takes a deep breath and enters the establishment.

* * *
Once entering, Dyrant will make his way to Lady Celeste and introduce himself for the first time (he does *NOT* recollect their first meeting).

"Greetings, Lady Celeste. I am Dyrant Maynor, servant of St. Cuthbert and this is Finneas Glenn. We are both of the Cauldron 5. Pleased to meet you."

Dyrant's eyes immediately switch between Celeste's bosom and whatever plates of food happen to be going by in the arms of servants.

Dyrant will have to wait until later to admire that fine pendant Celeste wears. Right now, she is nowhere to be seen.

Dyrant will have to wait until later to admire that fine pendant Celeste wears. Right now, she is nowhere to be seen.

Dyrant will instead over a large slab of meat and a second one for Finneas and look to have a quiet meal while they wait for Lady Boob--ehrm, Lady Celeste to make an appearance.

After the 2nd or 3rd plate of gristle (Dyrant will try to foist most of the pure red meat onto Finneas), Dyrant will head to the library to explore until the lady arrives.

"Thank you, my dear Carts, for helpIng me look the part for this evening. I... You are so talented. I find myself..."

"Now, now dove. You've been good to me. We're a team, yeah? I don't come from money or finery like you, Abner, but..."

"Carts, you know so much more about this lot than I. My family... We were but petty nobles, descended of bastards. No sense whatever of how this game is played. You've learned more... In your work... Than my family or I ever did. If I... We make a place for ourselves here, it will be for your savvy, Carts, not my own. Please, help me. Be with me."

Toffitt leaves his plea hanging in the ether as he dons his rather stiff regalia (light mithril shirt underneath and walks to the Cusp. I need him. I need a shiny, fine cut gem. I am all blood and loss. I need some gain.

Arriving, Toffitt quietly announces himself. "I am Dr. Abner Svengalu Toffitt. Chirurgeon, member of the Cauldron 5, savior several times over of this city. I would like a table for myself and my four companions."

The party settles in the main room as they await the arrival of Celeste. Dyrant finds it difficult to get enough gristle. However, the servant he flags down possesses almost infinite patience and tolerance for the 'guest'. The first meal he brings to Dyrant has not gristle and he shows no frustration at all when Dyrant sends it back to the kitchen. A couple more trips back and forth to the kitchen before Dyrant is happy with what arrives. Even then, the gristle is not authentic and pales in comparison to that of the Slippery Eel.

While Dyrant, Toffitt, and Atol fit in among the finery, Finneas stands out in more ways then one. Whispered and 'loudly whispered' talking can be heard nearby.

"What is that he's wearing? Studded leather? Really?"

"I heard the city watch was hiring some of them, but I thought they'd stay on the streets. We might have to talk to the mayor about this."

While there is no Celeste to admire, the servants, women and men, are all pleasing to the eye and well dressed. Any barmaid in town shows more clevage, but each of the servants here is quite beautiful without being gouche.

Not all the patrons of the Cusp are ignorant and racist though. Several people offer a word of thanks and even a handshake to the party members as word spreads of who they are and their most recent vanquishing of the umber hulk.

"Thank you Dyrant, this is really good. You sure you don't want any of the meat though?"

I'm not really fitting in here.
Female voice: Did you think you would?
Male voice: Eat one of them, give the gristle to the old man.

Sitting around, Finneas gazes in wonder at the opulence of his surroundings.

"This is really amazing. I'll have to let some of my cousins know about this place. I'm sure they would really enjoy it. All this meat and mead, and almost no good places to hide! Why, I bet they could tear through this place in no time. What do you think Atol, I bet you and a few dozen of my tribe could really clean out the kitchen. What do you think this table costs? At the orphanage we never had nice tables like this. I bet this table costs enough to feed 10 orphans for a month!"

Having spent the day in search of Cauldron's best artists to work colored enamels or embroidery, Glimmil shows up a little late, outfitted in his most shiny and resplendent plate armor, holding his visored helm just under his arm.

"Yes, yes! I'm here! And not too late, I hope!" Glimmil beams and bows with a flourish to anyone willing to make eye contact.

The people of this town are truly wonderful, throwing a party for us already to honor our deeds! Now, where are the chocolate monsters?

Glimmil would've purchased a fine orange and red cloak, and worked to get an embroidery of 5 bursts of lava from a volcano to evoke the Cauldron Five's latest symbol. If possible, a small lava burst on his breastplate as well. -100gp for the detail work, if Chris allows.

Feel free to fill in the time.

About an hour after the last of the party arrives, Celeste emerges from the east door. She walks up to Atol, "Good evening, priest. You look quite fine tonight. Beautiful on both the inside and the outside."

She ushers over a servant. "Please make sure they have anything they need. Thank you."

Celeste waits for the party to order and then shows them to an office through the east door. Inside is a dwarf so old and emaciated that he'd almost pass for a skeleton. Even his snow-white beard looks ragged and thin, as if it were about to fall out. He wears fine robes, and beneath their voluminous folds a hint of adamantine chain can be seen. The man moves to stand, but then thinks better of it and sits down.

"Good eve'. I'm Davked Splintershield. Thank you for meeting with us."

"You're the heroes of the city right now, and it's heroes I need," he wheezes. "I'll pay you well if you rescue my son from the Underdark."

Once the party is settled, he will explain further.

"My son, Zenith, was a righteous dwarven defender and lord of the Malachite Fortress--which I understand you have cleared of monsters; my thanks. About a decade ago, Zenith tired of just defending Cauldron and sought to vanquish the things that threaten us. I told him it was a fools quest. The world produces new wonders on a regular basis, but it also produces an infinite number of evils and monstrosities."

"We argued and argued and I made my disapproval of his plan well know, but he still managed to rally most of the warriors to his cause. They desceneded into the darkness never to be seen again. I assumed he was dead since the earth continued to spit up more monsters that eventually drove us from the fortress."

"Last year my wife passed away. Before she did though, she cursed me for driving our sons away. I was just as unyielding with our other two sons. Since her death I have wasted away. Nothing I've done as helped. I've seen powerful clerics and mages."

"I've made peace with two of my sons, but that has not appeased my wife's spirit or the curse. I need to find my third son. The clerics and mages might not have been able to cure me, but they have told me Zenith is still alive. Their divinations have revealed that he is being held prisoner in a kuo-toan shrine in the Underdark north of Cauldron. The shrine is called Bhal-Hamatugn."

Dr. Toffitt thinks carefully about Bhai-Hamatugn and kuo-toa.

Knowledge: Local? Bhal-Hamatugn 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Knowledge: Nature: Kuo-toa 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

"Miss, miss I would like to order a drink. Do you have any LockRock? Best beer I've ever had while working on the new Gate."

Swill in hand, Finneas will make his way with the others to the meeting room and listen quietly as Davked spins his past.

Broken old dwarf cries a lot. This beer is good.

Dr. Toffitt thinks carefully about Bhai-Hamatugn and kuo-toa.

Knowledge: Local? Bhal-Hamatugn d20 + 10
Knowledge: Nature: Kuo-toa d20 + 12

Celeste offers further, "There used to be a direct route to Bhal-Hamatugn until the Stormblades collapsed the entrance to the Underdark. However, there's reputed to be a fissure that leads to the Underdark in the mountains north of the city. Specifically, a hermit named Crazy Jared mentioned it to some of Davked's clansmen. I have a map that'll get you to Crazy Jared's place. It's about two days north by horse, or four days on foot. About 40 miles."

Geezo, GM Chris. This AP is riddled with 'trademark' protected TSR monsters. Link. You trying to bring down Paizo?

Dyrant keeps quiet as Davked speaks, listening and trying to recall what he knows of Bhal-Hamatugn, KuoToas, and the Splintershields.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 (Know)History on Bhal-Hamatugn
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 (Know)History on the Underdark
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 (Know)History on the Splintershields
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 (Know)Local on KuoToa

When the dwarf finishes speaking, Dyrant's eyes will alight on the 'pendant' worn by Celeste as he begins to formulate questions.

"This is something I believe we could help with, friend Davked. I have many questions." Dyrant clears his throat.

"Do you know exactly where they were headed? Did they leave any maps about? And how did they enter the Underdark? I presume it was that bridge we never crossed in the Malachite Fortress?"

Dyrant waits for the answer before posing his next.

"We have only dipped our toes into the Underdark...what can you tell us about the KuoToa and other monstrosities that we should prepare for? And how can you, or the Lady Cleav-, ehrm, Celeste, aid us in our preparations? Surely, we are both aligned on the success of this mission, whatever aid you can give us would be appreciated?"

Dyrant waits for the answer before posing his next.

"Tell us more about your son so that we may recognize him. And what can we tell him to let him know we are friends to be trusted?"

Dyrant keeps quiet for a few moments while thinking of his next questions.

"This seems a suitable enough task for us. Dyrant, Atol—I imagine your Saint would be happy for you to sack this dark shrine. Atol, your extra bright radiance may help us put the kuo-toa at a disadvantage. Have any of you others made study of Undercommon since we encountered the darklings? If not, I can help us interrogate the creatures."

Geezo, GM Chris. This AP is riddled with 'trademark' protected TSR monsters. You trying to bring down Paizo?

Your book and they're in the adventure. >-(

Dyrant keeps quiet as Davked speaks, listening and trying to recall what he knows of Bhal-Hamatugn, KuoToas, and the Splintershields.

Dyrant doesn't recall anything that hasn't been discussed before--Blame the book.

When the dwarf finishes speaking, Dyrant's eyes will alight on the 'pendant' worn by Celeste as he begins to formulate questions.

"This is something I believe we could help with, friend Davked. I have many questions." Dyrant clears his throat.

"Do you know exactly where they were headed? Did they leave any maps about? And how did they enter the Underdark? I presume it was that bridge we never crossed in the Malachite Fortress?"

"No. Zenith was not the brightest of my sons, but he was charismatic. I think he thought it would be as simple as marching into the Underdark and crushing whatever he came upon. Yes, he crossed the bridge, but the Stormblades have collapsed the entrance to the Underdark that leads to the KuoToa. There must be a route through the Underdark across the bridge, but I do not know it."

Dyrant waits for the answer before posing his next.

"We have only dipped our toes into the Underdark...what can you tell us about the KuoToa and other monstrosities that we should prepare for? And how can you, or the Lady Cleav-, ehrm, Celeste, aid us in our preparations? Surely, we are both aligned on the success of this mission, whatever aid you can give us would be appreciated?"

"I do not know much of the KuoToa. They were far enough away that our worlds did not collide. Under my leadership, the goal was to defend Cauldron, so the KuoToa's chose easier targets I presume."

"I can pay you each 4,000 gold for this service or 6,000 in arms and armor from the finest craftsmen in my clan."

Celeste pipes in, "And I will pay for your membership fee here at the Cusp of Sunrise. That is worth 1,000 gold alone."

Dyrant waits for the answer before posing his next.

"Tell us more about your son so that we may recognize him. And what can we tell him to let him know we are friends to be trusted?"

Dyrant keeps quiet for a few moments while thinking of his next questions.

"You'll know him by his great righteousness, his jet-black beard, and the battle standard of the Splintershield clan, which he is honor-bound to carry. Tell him his mother has passed and his father needs to bury the axe. Tell him the fortress fell in his absence and he is needed. But, since he is a prisoner of the KuoToa, I don't think you'll need to convince him to come with you."

"I too would agree to aid you willingly, even without the generous bounty you offer in payment. However there was a recent attack upon the city - just this morning in fact."

"I am concerned that we are rushing off to aid you sir Dwarf, and may be shirking our other duties to the city in the process. There is much we do not yet know about the attack this morning, including whether it was the introduction to another attack or not."

"Naturally we are not the only defenders of Cauldron, but we were there for the attack today and we should be there to determine what is happening. I would feel most guilty if we left to aid your son today and another of those creatures - or even more - came to the surface while we are gone on this mission."

Atol looks at the others.

"I guess what I'm saying is perhaps we begin this trek in a few days time. By then we'll know what there is to know about the attack today. We have very bright and thorough members who will be able to get to the bottom of this in that time, or not at all I guess."

He looks back to Celeste and Davked.

"I am sure you want to rush aid to your son as quickly as possible, but these are my concerns, humbly submitted."

Finneas burps into his gauntlet before speaking.

Uff, is this light beer? Figures.

"If the merchant who summoned the creature has run away I don't think we have to worry about that Atol. As easily as we killed it I would think the Stormwimps could handle it. Since they wrecked the bridge and made our quest harder they can stay and defend the town, making our lives easier. Plus Mr. Splinter...shield doesn't look like he has time for us to wait."

6000 coins and a membership here? That's probably worth it. I could do a lot with that much money. Hmmm.

"Celeste, I have a request. Instead of paying my entrance to this club, I would like you to donate that money to the orphanage. They could use it, and I don't think the regulars here can stand my smell. I'm...what was the word Dyrant? Troglodidian?"

"I guess what I'm saying is perhaps we begin this trek in a few days time. By then we'll know what there is to know about the attack today. We have very bright and thorough members who will be able to get to the bottom of this in that time, or not at all I guess."

"Those are words of widsom from you priest. I guess my own fate pales in comparison to that of the whole town. When you've satisfied yourself that the city is safe, I'd appreciate it if you'd make haste to find my son though."

"If the merchant who summoned the creature has run away I don't think we have to worry about that Atol. As easily as we killed it I would think the Stormwimps could handle it. Since they wrecked the bridge and made our quest harder they can stay and defend the town, making our lives easier. Plus Mr. Splinter...shield doesn't look like he has time for us to wait."

The dwarf coughs and wheezes. "Do what you think is best."

"Celeste, I have a request. Instead of paying my entrance to this club, I would like you to donate that money to the orphanage. They could use it, and I don't think the regulars here can stand my smell. I'm...what was the word Dyrant? Troglodidian?"

The woman smiles. "It would do this place good to have some different people here, but if that is your desire it can be arranged. You could always come here as my guest."

Dyrant pauses to reflect on the mission and the offers of aid.

Dyrant listens respectfully to the answers of his companions, agreeing with them.

"I think this is something that we could do, indeed. The offered coin could pay for years of my ministries to the people of Cauldron...or beyond. I would do this."

"Like Atol, I need some time to prepare. I also need to buy some provisions. Lady Celeste, can we call upon you or Davked for horses? I would not like to walk the 40 miles to this hermit."

Dyrant looks again to the library...and then to empty plate that once held a mound of gristle.

"In addition, I'll need a few days here in the library to pursue a bit of knowledge about Kuo-Toa and their fortress. Would you be able to make arrangements for me to return here for the next few days?"

"Specifically, a hermit named Crazy Jared mentioned it to some of Davked's clansmen. I have a map that'll get you to Crazy Jared's place. It's about two days north by horse, or four days on foot. About 40 miles.""

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 Know (Local) on Crazy Jared

Dyrant nods.

"Do you have the map with you? I could begin researching the area as early as tomorrow."

Celeste pipes in, "And I will pay for your membership fee here at the Cusp of Sunrise. That is worth 1,000 gold alone."

Dyrant's eyes open at the offer. Dyrant slowly lets the question form in his mouth. "Does that mean we could come in here anytime? And eat on our own? Explore the library?"

Dyrant seems pleased by this.

Glimmil readily nods his head in agreement to depart on new quests and heroic deeds, but is quickly sobered when Atol's wisdom brings to light a possible danger lurking above the town.

"Yes, Atol is right - we cannot simply ride off on this new mission despite how much my heart may long to... we must be certain no more bug-monsters leap out and chew up more buildings. Because if they do, and we're not here - well who then will stop them?"

As the others continue to discuss the mission to find the dwarf's missing son, Glimmmil recalls some stories of similar heroic deeds performed by Garl Glittergold in his day.

"Hey, I remember a story about where on a similar deed, there was a really smart wizard-person who was able to look into a pool of water and see things about where we needed to go - ahead of time. Maybe we can do that, so we're prepared for whatever might be there? You know, it would be great to know if there are giant dinosaur skeletons or more big googly-eyed bug men awaiting us ahead of time?"

"That's a good point, Glimmil. Perhaps we should seek out and recruit an arcanist with a talent for divination. No offense to you channelers of divinity, but arcana has its uses. Too bad we don't have one of those guys around."

Toffitt reflects on the various other points of information shared by the group's new potential patrons.

Crazy Jared – Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Zenith Splintershield – Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
The impact of wives' curses on their husbands – Knowledge (Nature) 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

"I agree with my friends here that we should before we go put our affairs in order. There is also the matter of Maavu Imports. Sir, perhaps your friends here at the Cusp might have information about Maavu. We are afraid for his safety, but also for his good status as a tax paying citizen. It came to our attention prior to the recent attack that he might be due a donation to the city's coffers."

"It seems odd that an abyssal creature would be summoned to wreck his warehouses, when he must certainly have been preparing to pay his due. If you could help us clarify this matter, it might hasten our departure."

I guess this is a gather information situation? 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"Do you have the map with you? I could begin researching the area as early as tomorrow."

GM_Chris wrote:

Celeste pipes in, "And I will pay for your membership fee here at the Cusp of Sunrise. That is worth 1,000 gold alone."

Dyrant's eyes open at the offer. Dyrant slowly lets the question form in his mouth. "Does that mean we could come in here anytime? And eat on our own? Explore the library?"

Celeste provides you with the map. There is an X on the hills/mountains directly north of Cauldron at the edge of the map as well as a dotted line from Cauldron to there.

"Don't worry the trail is quite clear."

---

Celeste pays Dyrant's fee for the Cusp of Sunrise (does not include food and drink, but the new Cauldron Gristle plate is only 1 gp). Dyrant reseraches Crazy Jared, but doesn't find anything in library. Talking to a few people, he learns that most people believe Jared to just be an insane hermit. However, he somehow survives in the wild.

"That's a good point, Glimmil. Perhaps we should seek out and recruit an arcanist with a talent for divination. No offense to you channelers of divinity, but arcana has its uses. Too bad we don't have one of those guys around."

So what do you have against the Church of St. Cuthbert and the divinations from the Star of Justice that she'll do for free once a week?

"I'm...what was the word Dyrant? Troglodidian?"

"Yes, Finneas, that's a good word for it." Dyrant says, nodding along with the description while he thinks other thoughts.

'Atolian' is probably the better word.

Curious, though. Finn used a polysyllabic word. Something must have changed when he died. Maybe he gained another voice...a pedantic, haughty, overeducated one?

...Silfr?! You in there?!

* * *

Dyrant thanks Lady Cleavage for the map and then again when she makes it possible for him to return to the library and gristle plates.

Dyrant will discuss when to leave with the Cauldron Five (making mention of his need to buy/make some scrolls) for a bit longer before wandering away to do more research.

Though I know it won't have any new effect, Dyrant spends the next 4 hours searching for Bhal-Hamatugn and any mention of KuoToa in the library. He will leave the Cusp sad and disappointed for both having wasted his time in the library but also for missing his nightly sermonizing on a fool's errand.

"I think if we leave not tomorrow, but the day after - and make some concentrated efforts not only to prepare but also to find the missing merchant, we will have done what we can. Agreed?"

To that end Atol will check with the town guard who are likely sifting through the rubble that is the warehouse. Have they found the merchants body there by chance? If he indeed was the summoner of that beast and it simply got away from him (Atol's current theory) his body should be there.

"Glimmil, you should talk to Skie about the merchant. She likely knows him as well as anyone - is he the sort of person who could summon a creature like this?"

Atol will spend the evening considering what he will need for the trip and collecting any mundane items that may be required (food especially). He'll start a pile at the house to be loaded on the horses that he's hoping someone else is getting...

On phone so I'll type more later, but this will be the first excursion more than a day trip away from Cauldron. I don't need an inventory of food, etc, but do need to know any specialty items you will bring and how you plan to lug 50 suits of KuoToa armor or whatever home. Just food for thought.

The party spends a day or two researching Maavu and the umber hulk attack. Maavu is not found dead or alive, but rumors abound about how he fled Cauldron. One has him on a magical horse. Another says he was pursued by half-orc assassins. A third has him riding on the back of an umber hulk.

Skie has nothing but good things to say about Maavu. She depended on him to get her surplus items to Sasserine for sale and to bring in items she did not have in stock.

Maavu's business carries on under the oversight of Geleth. Their tax bill is paid on time and the reasons for the umber hulk attack remain a mystery.

Dyrant slams the book shut, his mind aflutter at what he had learned of the Underdark. He picks up a piece of gristle and gnaws upon it while he ponders.

Tis a big bad place, it seems...an underworld, so to speak. It will be dangerous. What shall we do to prepare?

Dyrant pays his tab and leaves the Cusp, insistent upon conferring with Atol about their magical defenses and protections.

* * *

"Atol? ATOL!? You there?" Dyrant casts about for the oaf inside, before looking outside to the garden.

Atol munches some of the food he's collected for the trip and wonders if he'll have time to scribe a few scrolls before they leave.

As long as someone else gets the horses we should be fine.

Dyrant stops, listens, and looks to the ground.

I hear the sound of munching.

Dyrant scans the ground.

AH! A trail of crumbs...

Dyrant follows the noise and crumbs to the toolshed.

"Atol, you in there?" Dyrant opens the door, but not before knocking.

"Er, yes? I'm, er, busy! I'll be out in a moment."

munch, munch, munch

Dyrant waits in the garden, admiring the nicely rowed rutabagas.

He has a green thumb.

Dyrant waits for the munching to subside and Atol to emerge from the toolshed.

"Atol! I have done some research...and this underdark is no safe place. We shall need every ounce of St. Cuthbert's aid if we are likely to survive. I believe I have identified two main areas of concern: darkness and burning fire. Or burning acid. Or burning lightning...but not likely freezing cold. Have you spoken with St. Cuthbert lately? Can you help figure out ways that we can overcome such obstacles?"

Dyrant seems particularly focused on this as his eyes admire the splash pattern of crumbs on the young priests new fancy vestments.

"I have a scroll of Daylight ready, but nothing to deal with fire. I could memorize Resist Energy or Resist Energy, Communal to protect all of us. It would only last 10 minutes or so - is that enough?"

He's asking ME for advice! ME!

"I planned to make some scrolls tomorrow before we leave. Should take less than half a day, but I could add the Resist Energy, Communal if you liked. I'd still have time to do some shopping for food and other items we might need for the trip. We'll need horses though, who is getting horses? We should have an extra horse to carry supplies."

We'll be gone for days. I'll need to make sure we have enough food for the trip.

Atol picks a largish crumb off his vestment and eats it.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 Sense Motive

Dyrant is mostly oblivious to Atol's excitement.

"Yeah, good, good. You know, Atol, I've been studying more and more and learning more and more about the nature of divine and non-divine magics. It's clear already that St. Cuthbert and his angels favor both of us, as we are."

Dyrant sighs.

"I've not wanted to believe it, but it is as true as any scripture: you can do things I cannot in my wildest dreams, Atol. That floating cudgel trick is something that I admire. And your release of the divine spark seems to get stronger as you use it. I cannot deny how St. Cuthbert blesses you."

Dyrant pauses, wondering how much of this Atol can actually understand, but continues anyway.

"And, at the same time, Atol...I am different. St. Cuthbert as blessed me in ways that I cannot fathom. Angel is a gift to me, Atol, a gift meant to be used in St. Cuthbert's name. Like you, I have learned things through Angel that many priests cannot do."

Dyrant holds up his silver holy symbol.

"A passage of the high liturgy of Wealmass explains it..." Dyrant's voice changes to the High Chant.

Dyrant pauses again, giving time for Atol to understand.

"So we are, Atol. So we are. We are what we are. And in that, Atol, I reaize that you can continue to do things that I cannot. Which is why we must truly work together to overcome the trials we will face in the Underdark."

"So, yes, Atol...you might be needed to deal with the pervasive darkness and fell energies unknown. Please be ready. I have other preparations to make as well. Let me know if you need any aid."

Dyrant will wait to see if Atol has any questions before retiring to his room to think about what he needs to do on the morrow.

Most of the speech, though sensible, flows through Atol without sticking.

Of course we're different. We are from different churches.

"So, yes, Atol...you might be needed to deal with the pervasive darkness and fell energies unknown. Please be ready. I have other preparations to make as well. Let me know if you need any aid."

"OK. I have a scroll of Daylight and tomorrow I'll pen a scroll of Resist Energy, Communal. That should cover both situations nicely."

"Are you going to get the horses?"

Finneas wanders into the garden, absentmindedly picking his teeth with a bone shard and accidently trampling a few rutabaga plants.

"Dyrant, Atol. What are you guys talking about? Cudgels I assume? Atol have you figured out how to grow cows? I'm hungry for cow. Any thoughts on this trip we're taking? Crazy Jared, Underdark, Frog Men. Sounds interesting."

Dyrant nods wearily to the half-orc.

"We discuss this trip still..and our preparations. I am concerned with the pervasive darkness that might hamper our every step and with elemental energies that some enemies will have at their disposal. I feel the Underdark lies closer to this volcano and it's fiery origins. I want to be as prepared as possible."

Dyrant looks at the trampled rutabagas and sighs.

"I am thinking we each need a horse and a mule for the trip. We must be prepared for anything, including carrying back the remains of Splintershield and his companions. What do you think?"

"Mmm, well, there's a lot of words I don't understand there. You're saying you're worried about fire? I can help others resist fire. Or cold. Not much I can do for being hungry, that's Atol's area. Although the mules will come in handy for that. I can see in the dark too of course, Kord favors the prepared man."

Finneas shrugs at Dryant's concerns, either out of ignorance or confidence it's hard to tell. He absentmindedly scrapes rutabaga off his shoes while walking over to the fence.

"I think this could keep cows in, what do you think Atol? What do cows eat?"

"Hi Finneas!"

What doesn't kill them makes them stronger...

"I dunno about cows. They take a lot of grazing I think. I'm not an animal husband much. I think we need horses and mules for the trip."

Atol looks nervously at the squash.

"Atol, why would you want to marry an animal?"

Female voice: Why indeed?

Finneas stands confused, staring at Atol as he confuses cows with other creatures.

"Right, horses and mules for the trip. To carry things. And emergency rations of course."

Dyrant blinks a few times as his mind tries to make sense of the conversation between Atol and Finneas.

Like two blind bats trying to make tea: ain't nothing right about it.

"Uhm, well, good talk you two. I feel safer already."

Dyrant goes back inside and to his room with double the worry.

I'm going to need more than I thought.

* * *

On the morn and after morning prayers and study, Dyrant will visit Skie and see if anything new has come in. GM Chris, not sure when you last updated the Skie Inventory.

Dyrant will place and order with Skie for a headband of mental focus.

"You know the one, Skie...one that will help me better focus and remember what I know? One that will keep my mind in alignment with my actions." Headband of Intellect +2 (perception).

Atol spends the day before departure largely crafting scrolls. When he isn't crafting, he's tracking down random materials for the trip - food, water, a little gin, spare horseshoes, etc.

Not hearing anything positive from the others, he sighs and also tracks down some horses/mules for the party. Ideally 5 riding horses and 5 pack horses/mules. Yes there's an extra riding horse here for the Dwarf to return with us presuming Glimmil is riding Cog the whole way.

At some point he'll stop in at Skie's and inquire about an Oil of Daylight. If she has one, he buys it (750gp), if not, he orders one for later.

Total scroll cost: 413gp
calm emotions (75gp)
spiritual weapon (75gp)
sound burst (75gp)
resist energy, communal (188gp)

Dyrant arises the next morning to scribe a scroll of Sleet Storm after his communion with Angel.

Scroll #11: Sleet Storm, Fireball. -375 gp.

In penning the scroll of 'Prayer of Burning Ball of Fire', Dyrant will congratulate Angel on unlocking the power of the bead and turning it into a useful spell.

Dyrant packs is ready to leave by midmorning, having ensured that the pack animals (and Atol) were stocked with enough provisions for the trip.