Dr. Toffitt does not involve himself with dispatching the hobgoblins, though he lets his discomfort with it remain silent.
I suppose mercy is more than they deserve, slavers that they are. But are they less worthy of rehabilitation than I?
Having occupied himself with comforting and distracting the slavers' captives, his ears perk up as Atol suggests delivering them into the Farlanghnites' care. "Despite my earlier dissembling, I find myself committed to delivering personally our wards into the safe hands of their legitimate caretakers. It is our duty, not that of these brave wanderers. If you care to use the wand on me a bit more, I would happily stay with them while you finish searching this awful place. Please give a whistle if you need help."
"That works for me. My concern is that they reach safety and that we find the others quickly. It matters not who gets to do the deed - or take the credit."
Atol uses the wand one more time on the good Doctor.
He sees Finneas' bloody sword. "Thank you Finneas."
Silfr will concentrate and detect evil on the two half elves, his party, and the remaining orphans, under the principle of "Trust, But Verify".
"We saved you? Excellent! That will look good for us. Can I quote you on that? We could take them upstairs, but I'm not sure what we would do with them. I guess we could wait here with them. Hopefully nothing will eat you while you're finding the others."
"My companion exaggerates in a friendly manner, as we had no difficulty with the goblins of the hob- variety. We can hardly encourage glory seekers that would find convenient delay as the dangerous quill beast and slave taker were fought, then discover expedience when simple goblins remained. But you make say what you like."
They seem flighty and convivial despite the necessary slaughter of our foes and involvement of a beholder in these kidnappings.
"Is your interest here generally in the kidnappings or specifically concerning the one orphan abducted by that beholder? Are you working as free agents or representing some other party?"
"We must see these three orphans returned safely. Toffit and I will convey them and return if the rest of you wish to stay. But I heed the advice of wise Atol, and we will not delay or fritter away the hours. On our return I am ready to continue exploration of this level, as he recommends."
Silfr suggests that once the children + old man we left in chains are dropped off, the group proceed directly to the prison cell area then resume clearing the place.
There is much to ponder. A beholder interested specifically in the orphan Terrem Kharatys.
The good Doctor Toffitt and his strange gambit, his punishment by eye-beam, then return from near death only to caper and leap in front of well frightened children.
Finneas's comment that his mother likes the Doctor and so we should trust him, suggesting a past connection. He mentioned his mother once before, in a perplexing manner.
Before taking the kids back up he will contribute a detect magic casting to scour the room for useful items, in the manner of adventurers without a steady source of income.
As Cog comes to, Glimmil showers him with praise.
"Thank you Atol and Dyrant! I'm sure Cog appreciates it, too!"
Glimmil allow the dog to wander the room freely while he approaches the elves.
"The name's Glimmil. And you guys came just in time!"
"Children, did you see any other prisoners while you were here? You can trust me, I was once an orphan like you."
Finneas turns to the half-elves and salutes them with his sword.
"My name is Finneas Glenn, I am a member of the Temple of Lordly Might in Cauldron. If you have need you can call on me there."
After the orphans have been led away, either by Fellian and Ferro or Toffitt and Silfr, Finneas begins piling the non-magical loot in a pile for easy extraction later. He spends extra time on the full plate and cleans out the inside while waiting.
"Children, did you see any other prisoners while you were here? You can trust me, I was once an orphan like you."
Finneas turns to the half-elves and salutes them with his sword.
"My name is Finneas Glenn, I am a member of the Temple of Lordly Might in Cauldron. If you have need you can call on me there."
"An orphan like us?" The young dwarf snaps. "You were kidnapped, held for a week, and almost sold into slavery to who knows what?"
The girls are a bit nicer, "There were lots of people, but a few never came back to the cells each day. I can only guess they were sold. There are a few left. A few humans and a gnome named Jasper."
Silfr will concentrate and detect evil on the two half elves, his party, and the remaining orphans, under the principle of "Trust, But Verify".
"Is your interest here generally in the kidnappings or specifically concerning the one orphan abducted by that beholder? Are you working as free agents or representing some other party?"
Fario starts, "We're st...", before Fellian cuts him off.
"We're free agents tasked with investigating the kidnappings. Our employer wishes to remain anonymous. Now that this mystery has been solved. I'm sure there will be other things for us to do."
"We're free agents tasked with investigating the kidnappings. Our employer wishes to remain anonymous. Now that this mystery has been solved. I'm sure there will be other things for us to do."
Dyrant rolls his eyes at the questions of Silfr?
Must he always be so rude? I guess at his age, he doesn't feel he has much time for kindness or trust. They are agents of St. Cuthbert, without doubt.
"Well, tell your employer 'thank you' from us. We are indebted to that higher power that is definitely not an angel of St. Cuthbert."
You can fool me. This is all a test.
* * *
With the children taken care of and the angel-sents gone, Dyrant will see to sorting whatever valuables are left from the hobgoblins, Kazmo, & his spiny puppy, detecting magic as well.
Cast Detect Magic.
"Is your interest here generally in the kidnappings or specifically concerning the one orphan abducted by that beholder? Are you working as free agents or representing some other party?"
Fario starts, "We're st...", before Fellian cuts him off.
"We're free agents tasked with investigating the kidnappings. Our employer wishes to remain anonymous. Now that this mystery has been solved. I'm sure there will be other things for us to do."
Interesting, Fario's partial utterance confirms what I suspected. If we have more time on the surface later I will try to find their employer, for whom he kindly provided directions.
"Fellian, Fario, you have my gratitude for your assistance. If you wish to travel with us or shadow our movements, consider yourselves welcome to either. You seem capable of tracking us down should you desire an update on our progress."
What is Dryant going on about? His brigandish contempt for everything but loot is suddenly replaced by simpering and incoherent babbling. He used to think an angel lived in his backpack, now he would worship a celestial scorpion?
At least Toffitt has stopped tryig to amuse these orphans by tumbling about through the blood of hobgoblins that Finneas is methodically killing in their sleep.
As the party (or a portion thereof) makes their way to the surface, Gryffon begins to talk hopefully about returning to his fiancee, Imelie. He dashes off as soon as you reach the surface, shouting thanks over his shoulder. The half-elves are not so quick, but also take their leave of you.
The late morning sun is blinding after the hour or two underground, but it feels warm and comforting as you make your way to the orphanage. The girls, and even the dwarf, dash for the front door once it is in sight.
Before the children can even reach the door, it opens and Mother Tashykk comes out to embrace them. In the doorway behind her can be seen the fourth orphan that was taken by the beholder.
When asked, Mother Tashykk relates that a woman wearing a dark veil escorted Terrem to the doorstep, then quickly departed.
The orphan, Terrem Kharatys, provides little more information. When he was teleported away, they arrived in a nearby alley. The creature flew off in an unknown direction and then there was a woman standing there. He couldn't see her face, but she was pretty and had fair skin. She was dressed in fine black robes embroidered with purple. She simply told him to follow her in common.
Dr. Toffitt responds to seeing Terrem Kharatys with a mix of shock, readily evident guilt and a smidge of suspicion.
"I... I hope you will forgive me for any bruising on your head, my little friend. My ruse to free you was most risky, and I am overjoyed to see you safe."
Dr. Toffitt's sense of guilt at harming the boy makes his gesture of friendship awkward.
He would have good reason to hate me at this point. But I must earn his trust. Who knows what nefarious plans do the hideous eye creature and this veiled woman have for the boy? He will require ongoing observation.
"Mother Tashykk, I would ask for your consent to check in on the children from time to time, to ensure their safety and recuperation. It would be a great boon."
Dr. Toffitt responds to seeing Terrem Kharatys with a mix of shock, readily evident guilt and a smidge of suspicion.
"I... I hope you will forgive me for any bruising on your head, my little friend. My ruse to free you was most risky, and I am overjoyed to see you safe."
"Forgive you? That's all you've got for me. I am not your 'friend' mister." Terrem dashes back inside.
"Mother Tashykk, I would ask for your consent to check in on the children from time to time, to ensure their safety and recuperation. It would be a great boon."
"Perhaps, but it seems best if you not have any direct contact with the poor child. His head should heal quickly, but I'm afraid his soul might be scarred."
"I understand. I am afraid that the process of rescuing the children was... Unpleasant. Not to mention their kidnapping and imprisonment. If there is anything I can do to support your good efforts, Mother, please do let me know."
This boy needs looking after, to be certain.
Dyrant will cast Detect Magic and look upon the child, frowning (and concentrating for 3 rounds).
I worry for that one.
"I can only assume that the same angels of St. Cuthbert that lead the others to us also ensured the safety of the child. If we have no further business here, I believe there is still much to be done elsewhere."
Atol is pleased that the children are safe back home, but he's eager to get back into the pit to continue the search.
"OK then. Are we ready to continue our search?"
"Indeed, Dyrant. Although a bit of healing might help to bolster us before we return...?
"Of course, doctor. Did you need my healer's touch?"
Healing, if needed
"Of course, doctor. Did you need my healer's touch?"
1d8+2 Healing, if needed
"I thank you. You have been most kind to me. I have felt the comfort of your prayers today. I know that I am not worthy, which only deepens my gratitude."
Dyrant looks at the doctor with a penetrating stare for a moment before speaking.
"I realize that I never thanked you for your quick actions in save that child. True, your action initially struck me as a rash, almost beastial act, but upon further reflection, I have come to appreciate the deep strategic value of your gambit. It paid off and while the child may never thank you, I would like to offer my gratitude."
Dyrant extends his hand.
Dr. Toffitt looks embarrassed by Dyrant's expression of gratitude, but takes his hand. "Perhaps what matters most is that we define our faiths through our deeds, and not by one divine spark or the other. I am sure St. Cuthbert takes pride in you." No matter what Great-Grandfather Silfr may say about you being a brigand. Strange old coot...
"Mother Tashykk, the return of these kidnapped orphan is worthy of jubilant celebration, especially given then many barriers we overcame in securing their freedom. Please pardon our leave however, as we must return underground and effect the search and rescue of more kidnapped Caouldronites."
The party quickly returns to Malachite Fortress to search for more victims. As they enter Ghelve's they see the half-elves watching from a distant. Apparently monitoring the entrance. They nod you on your way.
The party may proceed through:
(M6)
The ceiling in this square chamber rises to an apex 30 feet overhead. Great pairs of iron doors are set into opposite facing walls, although only the northwest doors are sealed with a heavy iron bar. Each corner of the room holds a 2-foot-tall stone brazier carved in the likeness of an ovoid creature with three stubby legs, three eyes, and three spindly arms spaced equidistantly around its pebbly body. Smoke issues from a gaping mouth atop the creature’s “head.” A dark, pungent haze fills the room.
A 9-foot-tall gray stone statue of a dwarven warrior stands before the southeast set of iron doors, facing northeast. The dwarf stares blankly forward, two glistening black gems embedded in his eyes, a spiked helmet resting atop his formidable brow. His armor bears graven glyphs, and a shield is slung over his back. His stony gauntlets rest on the handle of a stone greataxe etched with fiery patterns. The head of the weapon is planted firmly on the floor. Draped over the statue is a mass of iron chains ending in nasty barbs, spikes, hooks, and blades. Some of them are coiled around the statue’s arms and legs to keep them from sliding off.
OR (M13)
The western door from the slave bazaar opens to an arched stone bridge that connects to a 10-foot-wide causeway that spans one wall of a great cavern. Fused with the roughhewn cavern walls are smooth walls of dull black stone, some with doors and windows set into them. A pair of 9-foot tall statues carved from white marble stand in alcoves on each side of a reinforced wooden door set deep into the west wall. The statues depict a male and female dwarf clad in armor, each of which brandishes an urgrosh. The cavern plunges 30 feet below the level of the causeway, ending in a pool of still, black water.
Atol likes M13. He'd like to kick a rock into the murky water... and statues make him nervous.
Finneas looks at both rooms.
"Well the hobs may be as dead as Kazmojen but there could still be other defenses. This used to be a dwarf stronghold, does anyone know what kind of defenses they build?"
"No doubt stony and deadly. Let us proceed with all due caution."
The party passes on the chain covered statue for now and proceeds across the bridge. A few deep breaths later everyone is safely across and nothing has jumped out at the party.
Perception
Atol
Dyrant
Finneas
Glimmil
Silfir
Toffitt
Finneas grips his greatsword uneasily, the power of Kord still with him for one last spell if needed.
Perception
Atol
Dyrant
Finneas
Glimmil
Silfir
Toffitt
The party passes by the statue of the male dwarf. Though made of marble, the urgrosh still looks sharp enough to cut a man in half.
A few members tiptoe past while others quicken their step. In the end, nothing happens though.
In the room beyond moss pallets cover five malachite slabs that protrude from the walls of this rank chamber. A somewhat mistreated
wooden table and four chairs stand in the middle of the room. A rack of javelins occupies the northeast corner.
The door to the next room (M21) is open. Ghastly furnishings decorate this hellishly lit chamber. Glowing-hot coals fill the black belly of a 6-foot-diameter iron oven that dominates the room. Three branding irons lie half-immersed in the coals. Two iron cages hang from the ceiling on either side of the oven: One holds an enormous beetle with red-glowing glands, and the other holds a pile of bones and skulls. The latter cage hangs by a narrow window that looks out into a dark cavern. Against the south wall, a haggard woman sits in a tall, iron-wrought chair, metal clamps around her wrists, ankles, and neck.
"Thank goodness! The creatures rushed out of here and then there was just silence. I almost hoped they would come back rather than die locked in this chair."
"Er, hello!" Atol rushes to free her from the chair.
"Sorry to keep you locked up for so long. The hobgoblins rushed us and we returned some children to the surface before continuing. I hope you're OK?"
Atol then uses the wand on Finneas.
Cure Light Wounds for
...and again
"That should hold you over for now, yes?"
"Er, hello!" Atol rushes to free her from the chair.
"Sorry to keep you locked up for so long. The hobgoblins rushed us and we returned some children to the surface before continuing. I hope you're OK?"
Atol fiddles with the clamp. They're not locked, just impossible to be opened by someone secured within them. He eventually frees the woman who embraces him and begins to kiss him deeply.
"Thank you Atol."
Finneas looks around the room while Atol frees the woman.
"How did you end up in here?"
Way to go Atol!
"Uh, excuse me."
Atol turns a deep shade of crimson and steps back in surprise... after a moments embrace.
It's been a while.
"Would you be willing to follow us a short time while we look for others to free? If you stay in the back you should be safe enough."
"Uh, excuse me."
Atol turns a deep shade of crimson and steps back in surprise... after a moments embrace.
It's been a while."Would you be willing to follow us a short time while we look for others to free? If you stay in the back you should be safe enough."
After a quite a few seconds, the woman releases Atol and takes a breath. "I would be happy to. There are a few more prisoners in the cells just through there. I'm Coryston Pike. And who are you?"
"He is Atol Lem, hero of Cauldron (though he is too humble to admit it) and priest of St. Cuthbert. I know not what their vows are pertaining to wives or bed mates, but I think you'll find him most agreeable." Dr. Toffitt looks quite amused. "Perhaps you should both stay here while we explore further."
The party enters the cellblock (M18) and finds most of the cells empty, but there are a few prisoners left.
A human in his 20's is quite beaten, but stand up quickly upon seeing the party. He states his name is Krylscar Endercott. He'd been a prisoner for months, but knew he'd esape someday.
A teenage human male has not endured his time in the cells well. When approached he rambles, "Don't eat me. Someone will buy me next time. Please don't eat me." Krylscar advises that the boys name is Deven Myrzal.
A middle-aged woman in another cell identifies herself as Irruth Mercadi. She is hungry and scared, but otherwise well.
Finally, there is a gnome in his 70's in a cell. He appears to have passed his time by marking the walls with various equations.
Silfr will silently detect evil on the prisoners after they are met and informed of their rescue. But in general we can inform them that we are here to rescue them, and that they need to follow our instructions as the dungeon and Jzadirune above are filled with traps and potentially stray monsters.
If everyone in the party and amongst the kidnapees is agreeable, we could group these prisoners at M20, closing the door to the grim tools of M21.
Silfr consults the liston kidnapped people he copied from the captain of the Cauldron guard.
"Coryston, you used to be an adventurer, yes? And Krylscar, you served in the militia. Would you to be willing to equip yourself with weapons for self protection whilst we check the other cells? We can use the hobgoblin's armory for this purpose. Alternatively you could all attend us as we check the last cells before escorting everyone to the surface."
As all the prisoners are freed, Glimmil rides up to the fellow name and eyes him.
"Hail, cousin! You are free at last! Have no fear, Glimmil is here!"
As all the prisoners are freed, Glimmil rides up to the fellow name and eyes him.
"Hail, cousin! You are free at last! Have no fear, Glimmil is here!"
"Is it time to return to the Academy? This time has been most productive. The screams of the prisoners were nothing compared to the wailing my students do every day. Here in my confinement I believe I have found the proof that 10 is a solitary number."
"So few have been saved. Have the others been sold?"
Curse our weakness we were too slow.
Silfr consults the liston kidnapped people he copied from the captain of the Cauldron guard.
"Coryston, you used to be an adventurer, yes? And Krylscar, you served in the militia. Would you to be willing to equip yourself with weapons for self protection whilst we check the other cells? We can use the hobgoblin's armory for this purpose. Alternatively you could all attend us as we check the last cells before escorting everyone to the surface."
Coryston and Krylscar agree to hang back 50'-100' with the others, but do not want to be left behind.
"So few have been saved. Have the others been sold?"
Curse our weakness we were too slow.
Krylscar responds, "Many citizens have been sold during my time here. They tried to sell me several times, but I made such trouble that no one would bid on me."
Dr. Toffitt performs mundane medical care on the prisoners, examining them for signs of disease, etc. "Presumably there are logs of the others' sale somewhere in this complex. Perhaps we can still gain some clue as to their destination. If not..."
"Krylscar, were you present during the sale of any of the other prisoners? Would you be willing to recount for a scribe any recollections you have about their purchasers, as well as the captiv themselves? Do you recall any who may have died while in custody? I am sorry to ask you to recall painful memories."
"Success!" Glimmil cheers upon recognizing Jasper.
"Yes, yes, cousin. It is time at last to return to your students! You are free at last!"
Glimmil says all this with unusual, even for him, enthusiasm.
Dyrant is happy to find and release the prisoners. He will join others in tending to wounds (both physical and mental - "If you find yourself with impure thoughts as result of this experience, a stern cudgeling may help.").
Dyrant says little, it's as if he has other things on his mind and a day of sleep would be welcome.
Silfr will consider the still, dark waters from the causeway. Does he notice anything with his darkvision? Does access to these waters seem to serve a decorative architectural purpose or something more functional, like a waterway for transport, or a well?
As the freed captives are formed up, Silfr will ask "Have any of you seen people from Cauldron above who worked with your captors? Perhaps members of criminal gangs, or people sent to provide healing powers?"
I wonder if the acceptance of slavery by the local church leaders of St. Cuthbert, Kord and Pholotus extends to this secret market.
Silfr will suggest the group form up at the doors to M14, and request that Glimmil check for traps and locks.
Atol lingers a bit, but forms up dutifully behind Silfr and readies himself for what may lie beyond.