Kragg Stoneheart |
Since the physical challenge is only a single person then I believe Gralk was doing that. My elven boots are available if you want Gralk: +5 acrobatics even though you have the boots of striding and springing. The rest will head to the painting then and hopefully both will be completed at the same time by the time we get back.
Nominating Gralk for the physical challenge, Kragg prepares to head to the murals and enter the painting. Hopefully the Duegar haven't caused havoc if they entered the same picture. Before they enter the picture, Kragg will cast longstrider on himself to give him a bit more movement to react to whatever is on the other side of the painting.
Chainmail |
The dwarves request an opportunity to enter the picture.
As those in the group concentrate, they find themselves on a lane similar to the one in the painting with five cottages ahead of them on a shady lane.
Let me know who is going into the painting.
The wind is still whipping along. It will be a challenging crossing.
Kragg Stoneheart |
Wind modifier is at a 6 correct, which you said is almost the best we can get. That with only having 1 that can cross leaves it to Gralk to attempt by himself. The rest are for the painting. Does the picture have the duegar in it that we selected?
Gralk "The Eye Biter" |
I am ready. I am at a +12 Acrobatics with the boots to jump, and my speed is increased by 10' to 50', without the Breastplate of course. Is there a fight at the other end? How many checks do I need?
Gralk takes off his Breastplate and leaves gear behind, except his Axe.
Ok, Gralk is ready.
Kragg Stoneheart |
Kragg starts walking down the lane with the rest of the party minus Gralk to find the correct wizard that they need. Along the way, Kragg keeps his eyes open for any of the duegar or any tracks left by them or any other recent travelers.
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Joan the Hunter |
"What's with the magic trickery? Why not tell us if our answer is correct or not?"
Joan nocks an arrow in her bow as she keeps her eyes open for anything that might be trouble.
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Survival for tracks: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Chainmail |
The wind tomorrow is supposed to be 14 - 1d12 ⇒ 14 - (7) = 7 slightly reduced.
The jumps begin quite easy, but get more difficult.
2 at DC10+wind, 1 at DC 15+wind, 1 at DC 20+wind
The dwarves go to house #4 and prepare to knock at the door.
After knocking at the door, the dwarves are greeted by a friendly elf.
The elf explains: "I have prepared some tea. My last visitor was a polite young elf paladin a few weeks ago. I did not expect this many, I will have to put on another kettle."
As he leaves, he adds: "Some dark dwarves visited my neighbor. He does not take visitors well. You probably will not see them again."
Gallak Fangbreaker |
Gallak wishes Gralk good luck, and casts resistance on him for good measure.
I feel out of place headed through this painting, Kragg. Don't you think I'd be better use keeping Gralk focused on his ordeal, especially if he needs support?
I can message Gralk and use inspire competence, further increasing his chance of success.
Gralk I know not if ye'll face any foes on the other side, but it'd be best to do it with at least some steel on yer back. Take this, and we'll switch again when ye get back safe.
Though Gralk may be a little wary of gifts from the white dwarf at this point, Gallak offers him his +1 Mithral Shirt. He'll hold onto the breastplate as collateral, though.
Gralk "The Eye Biter" |
Gralk stands at the precipice of the first jump with the new Mithral Shirt on, and he smiles a toothy grin at Gallak before beginning the test.
Please add the Inspire Competence bonus, whatever that is. I hope it is enough for a +4 on first roll. Also, can I take 10? If so, then I would pass the first two with that until wind kicks up.
Acrobatics 1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Acrobatics 2: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Acrobatics 3: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Acrobatics 4: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Joan the Hunter |
"Th-thank you." Joan stammers out as the realization that they could have died by guessing wrong hits her.
"Pardon me for asking, but what is this place?"
Kragg Stoneheart |
Gralk stands at the precipice of the first jump with the new Mithral Shirt on, and he smiles a toothy grin at Gallak before beginning the test.
Please add the Inspire Competence bonus, whatever that is. I hope it is enough for a +4 on first roll. Also, can I take 10? If so, then I would pass the first two with that until wind kicks up.
Acrobatics 1: 1d20+12
Acrobatics 2: 1d20+12Acrobatics 3: 1d20+12
Acrobatics 4: 1d20+12
Hopefully there is something else that can be done for you otherwise I am afraid for your gnoll hide and the mithral shirt as well. If There is something that you are seeing from Kragg that I am not let me know. Does a fail by less than 5 mean no progress though? If so then you are ok this time.
Chainmail |
The old elf smiles at Joan.
"You are in the place that is not. But you have seen enough riddles, this is my extradimensional world I have crafted for myself and four wizard colleagues that have been given license to take what the ignorant bring them. I have agreed to meet those that should be worthy and possibly see what the future will bring. You seem to be a well equipped group."
The older elf removes a necklace and hands it over as a gift.
"But maybe this will be of use. This is the necklace of languages and intelligence. A fitting reward to those that visit. You have passed this challenge!"
+2 Intelligence, grants +1 linguistics skill per level that can augment the allowed +1 per level and an additional language per level. (Unlike typical knowledge, imparts a +1 linguistics that can stack with assigned skill points)
Meanwhile, on the cliff.........
Gralk begins the series of jumps on the swaying disks. He stumbles making his first jumps and misjudges the wind. As he goes careening off he tries to aim for the water and survive the fall.
Best save between Reflex or Fort
Chainmail |
At the cliff.......
the gnolls gasp in horror as Gralk plunges the 300 feet to the rocky waters below. He hits the water with a huge splash and disappears below. The impact is quite forceful.
The duergar who came to observe cheer getting dirty looks from the gnolls. Two resourceful fellows with the society of secrets insignia begin fashioning a grappling hook and begin tying fifty foot rope sections together to try and drag the waters from the cliff area.
The gnolls are quite agitated and Gallak may overhear them talking
In the house in an extradimensional space whose location has neither meaning or bearing relative to where the painting his held by two monks.............
"Tuellin Filindro, abjurer and artificer." the elf answers warmly.
He pours tea from a small teapot that never runs out. He hands everyone a steaming mug of strong and sweet smelling tea. "It is too early for my mulled wine." he says with a smile.
He adds conspiratorially: "I also try to recruit those visiting to join the Coalition of Light. We are dedicated to spread enlightenment and good to this chaotic and troubled world. If those duergar had knocked on my door, I don't think they would have been too interested in hearing my pitch. They may have contacted the Dark Brotherhood in the monastery or joined up with them before coming. If that was the case, they may have tried to kill me. Let us just say I am happy to see dwarves with no sign of duergar heritage. My biased position here puts me in some danger."
Gallak Fangbreaker |
Gallak watches the Duergar with menace in his heart.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Is it so strange to Gnolls that one might wish to test his own mettle? Are you so incompetent and honor-less that is alien to you? He snaps at the gnolls.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
He may not have won any friends, but he at least defended his own.
Gallak only has 150' of rope unless someone left a pack behind, or something. He can easily make it down using the piton and fold technique, but wouldn't be able to ascend again, much less with a gnoll in tow.
I've got to recover those boots before the Duergar, even if it means climbing back up, he decides, and for once keenly misses Kragg's leadership.
The realization makes him chuckle as he sorts his equipment, getting ready for the descent.
Magnum tE |
Magnum looks at the elf, and it appears that he seems to slowly understand something while studying him carefully. It is a if a lightbulb goes off in his head.
Magnum points out: "Some elves have silver hair and blue eyes. You have gold hair and red eyes, your might say eyes of fire. And you have a gold cloak and a cross of gold around your neck. A magic-using friend of mine mentioned sharing mulled wine and learning the art of golem creation from a wizard resembling your description. He actually wrote a song about it. You are an artificer and love mulled wine."
Magnum removes his mandolin and plays: Magnum's song about a wizard resembling this elf
Magnum adds: "Influencing kings and governments is kind of thing you Coalition guys like to do. So if Chris wrote this song, he probably buys what you are selling. It would explain why he quickly switched to work with dwarves that really like you guys."
The elf wizard looks somewhat startled under Magnum's cross examination. He stammers: "I can see how you would make those conclusions........"
Had to stick a song reference in, we hadn't had one in a while.
Durgen Grimhelm |
Durgen suddenly looks up from his notes after the song is done, "That was a very beautiful song. Did I hear something about tea? And something about a necklace with languages? I would very much like to see that. Imagine all of the extra things I could know. I could learn those other languages that I didn't know on the scrolls. Amazing!"
After a sip of tea he seems to calm down some and gets a little more focused, "Now I am very interested in hearing about the Coalition of Light...."
Durgen sits and listens intently to the elf
Kragg Stoneheart |
Always in the wrong place at the wrong time. I should have stayed back and just jumped down to retrieve the body myself. Alas, by the time I get back the body will probably be long gone. Good luck Gallak.
Kragg just sits and waits for those more outspoken to gather the information while he ponders what is being told. This is a couple times now the coalition of Light have been involved but Kragg still feels woefully inadequate as to keeping track of the factions and what they represent. In the meantime he keeps quiet.
Joan the Hunter |
"Forgive me if I'm a little more skeptical. I've heard a little about what went on before I joined these guys, and I meet one of the paladins. The right thing should be done, rules be damned."
Chainmail |
Two humans are working with the ropes, and fashioning a long drag line with a grapple. They will probably be done before Gallak can start his difficult descent. It will take a long time to retrieve and check the long rope up top, but the descent will also take some time too. The chasms source is mostly from the sea, and it has not much water flow beyond the tides. The high salt content and constant motion is probably what keeps it from freezing.
The elf smiles at Joan's comments: "The right rules guarantee the right thing is done. Unfortunately most rules are created out of self interest and convenience. The monks that inhabit this place believe strongly in rules and believe good and evil are of lesser concern. Their rules tend to be created to maintain a dynamic balance between good and evil through strict law."
He produces a basket of fresh bread from his kitchen spread with honeycomb and sprinkled with brown sugar. As he hands them out he holds up his hands:
"I understand you have made your position clear: The Way of the White Wizard is not for you. The elves have said the same thing. Maybe we need a catchy flag or banner like you have there."
He looks at Joan closely: "Have you been to a dwarven clan? They tend to have more rules than most. Try telling dwarves they should let outsiders own property or not to kill goblins on sight. But enough politics. Have some tea and fresh bread."
Joan the Hunter |
"No, but they hate giants, and that is good enough for me. And from what I've heard of Goblins, the hatred there is well deserved."
Her eyes take on a steely glint as she answers the elf's question. She sips at the tea, letting the warmth melt away the cold from the trip there, but leaves the bread untouched.
Chainmail |
The elf continues: "Well, my lady, I would advise you to be careful generalizing about an entire race or nation. Though I have met so many impolite goblins, I think I despair of ever finding one with manners. Giants, though, they can be quite charming. I hope you don't go after any giants that belong to our coalition. We would not like that."
He look around. "Today the puzzle was finished. Just get one of those ships, and you can pretty much go where you want to. You can even visit the Beastmasters on their island. Though I do not know if you need any exotic mounts. I can probably pack up soon and go back and see the White Wizard. Not much point after some of those fancy ships are claimed."
He looks at Magnum, 'So, this young hoodlum with the golems. If you care about him, you probably don't want to share too many of your smarta$$ conclusions with others. As you know, his former employers are not the forgive and forget kind."
He then thinks a moment and asks Magnum: "Where is the dwarven Society of Secrets guy? I did want to meet him."
Magnum replies:"Unfortunately yetis got him. I don't think he was too loyal to them in the first place. One of their captains financed an operation to take over a dwarf mine with duergar."
All critical plot details have been disclosed here. Feel free to return when you like.
Hon Semparatus |
The curtains move by some unseen wind; a memory of a grumbling frustrated dwarf talking to himself would be heard if only someone listened.
Hon would've enjoyed the talk with the Do-Gooder Society, just as much as he would've the verbal sparring by his peers in the SoS questioning his allegiance. When clearly he has held to the original intent of the SoS vs the thuggery of which it has become. Speaking of which, once again Hon's affiliation is known to all. This would continue to irk and amuse him at same time.
Kragg Stoneheart |
Kragg pipes up finally as the wizard seems to have dismissed them. Thank you for your time. Although we have not joined you and your faction this time, do not think we are against you either. In some instances people are forced into a decision or joining sides without knowing the answers. In this though I think it is more prudence on our part until we have experienced more fully what the ramifications of such a decision would be. Words can be handed out easily but actions and history are more telling and last longer. It may be taht we will still join you and yours. We are just leaving options open. Again thank you for your time.
If no one else had anything to say to the wizard, Kragg is content to head back and see how Gralk has faired.
Joan the Hunter |
Joan's eyes narrowed dangerously, and if Luilfr was there, it'd be easy money to bet on his expression mirroring her mood.
"In my experience, 'charming' consists of lewd jokes and trying to skewer me with a spear. Or perhaps you were referring to when a few decide to burn a village and devour it's people? Oh, I know, it must be murdering a mother and father then eating them in front of their daughter!"
By the time she finishes, she's trying her best to tower over the elf in his chair, and her voice is rattling the windows. Tears threaten to spill over and down her cheeks and her fist quiver in barely restrained fury.
Kragg Stoneheart |
Not wanting to get into a fight with the mage, Kragg puts an arm around Joan and tries to quiet her as he heads out the door. Once clear from the house, then he will let Joan rant and rave and pound against him all she wants to release the frustration. Clearly she was reliving some of her shadowed past and Kragg was willing to let the catharsis begin for her even if it was at the expense of her blows.
Kiptera Stiresong |
Eyes shifting from Joan, Kragg and Tuellin, Kiptera listens impassively. When Joan is finished with her tirade, "How does one recognize giants allied with the White Wizards? [directed towards Kragg]Are we dwarves allied with the White Wizards? I've been out of touch for a bit."
She hungrily palms a fresh bit of bread, the first fresh food in a while apparently. "If the food is always this good, I wouldn't mind joining..."
Kragg Stoneheart |
To be honest that is part of the problem. It isn't until you sit and talk to individuals that you find their allegiance and faction. Everyone says much of the same thing about how they are the ones to better the world and theirs is the right way. What is the right path for us dwarves or do we forge our own is the question that we have now. Up to this point we have tried to stay somewhat neutral in our allegiances but our Griffey ways have not helped us much diplomatically.
Chainmail |
The elf wizard explains to Kiptera:
"The giants allied with us tend to be cloud giants. They have built cities in the sky by perfecting magic to build on clouds. You will see them occasionally, they don't terrorize villages or attack innocents. You can recognize dwarves allies with us as they where the device of Clan Alpsbane. Typically a red mountain and silver hammer device. As for the Society of Secrets, we have a complex arrangement as they are the necessary glue that keeps the fragmented human pieces together. Until a better way is found, they are what the White Wizard refers to as a temporary solution."
Chainmail |
The dwarves return from the painting amid a flurry of chaos.
Gralk was unable to make it even a quarter of the way cross the chasm before plummeting. Some men in studded leather are dragging the water, and Gallak is descending down the cliff with his equipment using the aid of ropes.
A group of gnolls seem quite irate. The monks are telling everyone to calm down. It is a dangerous trail to hop across on swinging platforms suspended over a gorge, they say.
Kragg Stoneheart |
Hearing the results of Gralk, Kragg heads to the edge of the cliff. Yelling for Gallak to start climbing back up, Kragg gets ready to dive into the water from 300ft up and search for Gralk's body. Before he leaps Kragg pulls out a wand and casts endure elements on himself to help protect from the frigid waters. Yelling to the others, [b]Be ready with two ropes. One for Gralk and one for myself to come to the top.
If no one objects, Kragg will jump off the cliff and sail down into the water. Kragg will have his armor off at this point as well. I have a ring of Featherfall so shouldn't worry about damage unless Chainmail rules the last 10 feet or so is damaging.
Swim check to avoid last ten feet of damage if necessary 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Perception check, 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Kiptera Stiresong |
Walking to the edge of the ice-encrusted cliff, Kiptera looks down into the turbulence below. "One less for the stew pot." Then she turns and departs to face the hanging platforms over the hungry gorge. She sits and watches the efforts of the other teams, observes the weather effects to discern a pattern in the gusty winds. She once again starts to doodle in the snow and dirt, esoteric numbers and symbols unique to her profession.
Edit: Wahooo! Nat 20. Must be the PC. Hon would never have gotten that.
Chainmail |
Kragg plunges into the icy cold water after a magically aided descent. The water here is quite deep as the 'moat' seems to have been dug to make the monastery more defensible. Gallak has made it about one third of the way down. The water is crystal clear and the depth is at least fifty feet.
The Duergar and Society folks are alarmed at the return of the dwarves from the painting. They know the people they sent left earlier and have not returned.
Two gnolls approach Kiptera and look upset. "Why we not working together? What you mean one less gnoll for the stewpot?"