DM Default |
"There you all are! Do you realize how long I've been searching for you?"
A rather frumpy looking man emerges from the crowd in Central district. The robe he wears is a faded red, but it seems kept well. He looks at you all expectantly.
"Well come on then!" he snaps. Clearly, not having a happy day.
He leaves to enter the crowd and makes his way back to the center, the direction of the Abyssal Gate.
"I assume you're all prepared? Are there any questions?"
Korunar Bloodaxe |
Korunar notices the man in the red robe. "Here we go!" he cheers.
"We'll bring something for your pot." he promises Harold before he turns around and follows the man into the crowd.
As Korunar catches up with the man he says "No questions, Sir!"
Trini Xibalba |
Trini is excited to be on her way. She hurriedly throws her temporary chef's hat and apron on the counter, bids goodbye to Harold, and hustles to catch up with the man in the red robes. She wonders if the Alleyway Guild hopefuls will be going in as a team or competing against each other. Hopefully the former; now that everyone has engaged in conversation at Harold's, it wouldn't feel right being pitted against each other. Also, she is eager to see the others in combat after hearing their daring tales.
"When can we expect to be back, sir?" she asks, catching the Guild member's last question. She means to extract as much information as she can regarding the test. "Is there anything specific you wanted us to bring? My parents' shop is on the way should we be lacking in equipment."
Bently Understair |
"Bye Harold... Do I have Questions!... Tons of Questions... Lots of Questions... Who are you?... What's your role in the Alleyway Guild... How often do prospective members get hurt... Do you know Willoughby... Willoughby is the guy who told me I should be here... What's Willoughbies Job... Is it ok that I'm really excited... Oh this should be fun... How many times have you gone through the portal... What is considered success for us?... How long have you been looking for us... Didn't you know we were at The HotPot?... Is that a squirrel?...
Bently obviously has lots of questions but also seems to have little interest in actually getting them answered...
Daniel Chelas |
Daniel looks at the newcomer, about the same moment as Korunar does.
"Ah, our cue it seems.
And yes, i'm, we i guess rather, are set."
With that, Daniel gets off his stool and tightens the straps of his pack and weapons.
Will tweak some stuff tonight.
Website's been gone for the entire day.
DM Default |
Yeah, I had trouble as well.
The man instantly stops, and turns to face you all.
"Look, forget I asked. If you aren't prepared you're free to leave now but we're not taking a detour for a shopping trip."
Assuming no one leaves...
"I am your proctor for this initiation test. You may refer to me as Gregor Daxton. To pass this test, you must successfully leave some kind of noticeable result in the Abyss. This can be in the form of testimony of other delvers, helping to make progress with the dungeons...puzzle...or, gods be praised, you solve the Abyss yourself. Returning to Terrace without completing this task is equivalent to your acknowledgement of resignation."
By the time he finishes explaining, you all find yourself in front of the Abyssal Gate. An archway that looms above you reaches the ceiling three stories high. In its center, a murky-like substance hangs in midair.
"So...are there any..." he shoots a look at Bently "serious questions?"
Trini Xibalba |
"Oh no, I'm ready, I'm ready!" Trini chirps nervously. "All right, serious question... how will we know - or you know - if we have changed anything?"
She stares up at the Abyssal Gate in awe. Many a time has she passed the mysterious portal and wondered what might be on the other side this month. She had often dreamed as a child that she might one day make it to the other side. Here is her chance.
You can do it, Trini. One step at a time.
Korunar Bloodaxe |
Korunar grabs the greataxe hanging on the right side of his belt and fastens the battleaxe on the left side. He shakes his shoulders to ensure that the shield on his is strapped properly.
"I am ready, no matter what awaits us in the abyss!" he says, trying to sound powerful.
Bently Understair |
So get in... Make thing better... Get out...Got it...Nope No questions for me... I think I'm all set to go... I got this... rather we got this... lets go guys...No running away this time...this should be fun... yep fun...going to see new and exciting things...
Bently doesn't stop speaking just grows much quieter in tone continually trying to speak into existence the bravery that he doesn't quite feel yet.
DM Default |
Gregor nods to Trini and nods.
"Miss..." he flips through a thin notebook he brought with him, "Xibalba, was it?" the Alleyway guild is an amalgamation of equal agents, most of whom act independently when tasked with an assignment. We are interested in results and trust our operatives to know when their task is complete. Even if it as vague as "helping." As for how I'll know of your status, there are several agents already within the Abyss doing their own work. While I'm sure they won't openly refuse you should you request help, they will point out to me that you needed help to complete whatever "difference" you made."
Gregor tucked his notebook away.
"To put it simply, do your best and I'll find out if you try to lie about it."
Seeing no further questions, or perhaps not bothering to take anymore, Gregor moves aside and gestures to the Abyssal Gate.
"Off you go, and try not to die. Terrible amount of paperwork that brings."
Ready or not, each of you steps into the gate the murky matter almost viscous against your skin though it does not cling to you. Oddly, you find no need to breathe as you trek onward, step after step, until at last you reach the end.
You find yourselves alone at the top of a small grassy hill. Its a cloudy, mid afternoon day and you can hear nature as birds chirp and bugs rustle around you. In the distance you see a small village, smoke coming from the thatched roofs of its chimneys, and a small amount of people going about their daily business. In the ground directly in front of you there is a roughly made sign that reads in Common "FOOD, SUPPLIES, LODGING."
There are few rules in the Abyss as each person and group use it to their own ends, but there have been three universal agreements.
1. No mistreatment of any sentient life in the Abyss that may prove helpful.
2. When possible, point out basic survival needs to the benefit of all parties.
3. Under no circumstance is the Abyss exit to be blocked in any circumstance.
It should also be mentioned that the exit when inside the Abyss is not always obvious. Sometimes its hidden. But given that this version of the Abyss has been here for a while, you can assume some people have found it.
Bently Understair |
Bently looks around him takes a deep breath and Laughs...
"Hahaa!... This isn't any where as scary as I thought it would be... Smell that... I don't even know what that smell is but it's Nice... It just sunshine and trees... and somewhere where people live.... and the sign is prolly from another group making things better... I bet lots of people have been through here and it's not very dangerous at all... I was expecting caves... and fungus monsters... and snakes and lizards... and... Huh... What were you guys expecting in here?... Maybe we should head down to the town...
Korunar Bloodaxe |
"It looks peaceful." Korunar grunts suspiciously. "I've expected some sort of bonded castle, vault or dungeon."
He looks for any sources of danger nearby.
Assuming there are no dangers nearby:
Then he lowers his greataxe turns around to the group. "Bently is right, this does not look dangerous [i]yet[i]."
He looks at the sign on the ground, wondering if that sign means the village. "Let's ask the villagers. Maybe they can tell us how we... How did Gregor call it? ...help to make progress with the abyss."
@DM: How do you feel about the characters exploring the world beside the "quest"? Shall we ask, what we see around us (besides the town)? Or shall we imagine that for ourself, concentrating on the elements presented by you?
DM Default |
To check for dangers, usually you make a perception check unless there's something right in your face. As for direction of your mission, that's really up to you guys. Whatever you decide, I'll keep laying out your path. But do discuss in character.
DM Default |
Korunar Bloodaxe |
"I can't sense any danger nearby, only the scent of freshly baked bread coming from the village. I think we're safe for now. Like Bently suggested: Maybe we should visit that town. Anyone got another proposal? If not, we shouldn't lose too much time standing here."
Korunar starts to follow the scent on the path to the village, warily observing the surrounding.
If anyone wants to do something else:
Korunar stops and turns around to listen to whoever is talking.
Trini Xibalba |
Trini lets out an ear-piercing squeal of excitement, grabbing the arm of the person next to her (whoever posts next). "We're here! We're actually in another world!"
She stares in awe, taking in the sights. She is surprised that the villagers have adapted to the Abyss enough to put up a sign for it.
"Daniel, is Common spoken in your world? I wonder if it's known throughout the universe. We should head towards the village and find out their situation."
Bently Understair |
Great sounds like we are all in agreement... Lets head to the little town and see what there to be seen...
Bently starts walking down the hill not noticing if anyone is following him... or listening.
... you know Iv'e never seen a town other than terrace... I wonder who lives there... or what lives there.... or if anything is alive there at all... Maybe it's abunch of those automotononmnymynomns.... you know the mechanical men... wouldn't that be neat?... or what if everyone there was a big GIANT... or a tiny little person... Or maybe they're all animal people...or...
Bently continues to list ever more unlikely scenarios about the inhabitants of the little town.
Bently Understair |
Bently stops suddenly.... ... I thought Giants liked to eat gnomes and dwarves... although I have to admit that I prolly am tasty... hmmm.... Maybe I'll just stay hidden till we see who lives there...
stealth: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 = 17 Bently ducks behind Daniel using him as a hiding place.
DM Default |
As you converse, you reach what appears to be the perimeter of the village marked only by a loosely-made wooden fence. As you cross inside, several young men and women stop what they're doing and look at you with curiosity. The old women scraping clothing against a washboard gives a you brief glance before returning to her work, and you can hear in the distance the delightful screaming laughter of children playing outside.
It all seems so real.
"Excuse me! Excuse me!"
A woman with vivid red hair approaches your group from one of the buildings, obviously trying to get your attention. She places a hand to her chest as she catches her breath, her near sprint leaving her more winded than expected.
"Might you be more travelers? I was paid a decent sum to give directions should any travelers come into town."
She smiles curiously at your varied group, though she misses the halfling hiding in the shadow.
Korunar Bloodaxe |
Korunar looks at her suspiciously. "Why would someone pay to help strangers?"
Sounds more like someone paid her to give false directions.
"Better watch out! This looks too peaceful." he whispers to the group.
"Who paid you? How do we know that this is not some kind of trap?" he asks the woman. Korunar tries to find out wether they can trust her by looking at her body language.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
Bently Understair |
Bently cast ghost sound right before he jumps out of the shadows so that there is an audible pop... making it look like he just stepped out of thin air...
Bently really thinks that that is a really cool trick. Never mind the fact most people can do it with just their finger and their mouth.
Well what a lovely town... and it is so Kind of you ma'am to welcome us to your town... your home if you will... and such pleasing manners... saying excuse me to get our attention... of course we'll excuse you... after all we are the visitors... the guests if you will...
Bently puts on his most friendly smile and extends his hand to the lady. If she puts it out he will take her hand and kiss the back of it.
...but how rude of us... I am Bently Understair... Lead Dignitary of Dignity of this enterprising group... This Gentle Orc here is Korunar... please forgive him he's Our Executive office holder of Enforcement... Keeping us safe is always his first priority... and he does such a good job of it... This lovely lady is Trini our Head public servant of Healing and general Helpfulness... The fellow with the knives is Emerich... our bureaucratic director of directives... he always gets directly to the point... and The Dwarf... a point you might find very interesting... He is a Dwarf not a large gnome... but this kind and forgiving dwarf is Daniel the Magistrate of Machinations and Mechanics... And you lovely lady please tell me about yourself your town and the person or people who paid you...
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
lol nothing like appearing "out of nowhere" to throw someone off their balance and then keeping them there by charming their pants off with a torrent of pointless pleasantries... :-)
DM Default |
The young woman gives Bently a confused stare as she listens to him prattle on about titles and names.
"I'm sorry, I don't think I caught all that. You're quite the small one aren't you?"
She turns to Korunar.
"Sir, I was paid a month's wage to do a simple task. All that is required of me is to answer your questions. It is your decision to seek other counsel or ignore me. I get paid all the same."
DM Default |
Bently Understair |
Bently slows down how fast he talks and tries to use smaller words.
I'm sorry dear I tend to talk to fast. My... Name is Bently... What is your name?
assuming she answers... follow up question.
Can you please tell us about the man who paid you.
Korunar Bloodaxe |
Korunar places a hand on Bently's shoulder and applies a slight pressure to signalize that this is neither the time nor the place for a cheerful chat.
As the woman is busy with Bently's talk, he whispers a warning to the rest of the group. "Something is wrong. She doesn't do this voluntarily"
"I don't know anyone who would pay that much for such a simple favor." he says to the woman with a faked friendly voice. He doesn't want to intimidate her. "What kind of questions shall you answer?"
He looks around for someone who observes them or otherwise looks suspicious.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
DM Default |
"I'm Vivian, but my friends call me Vivi."
She brushes a stray strand of hair from the front of her face so it loops behind her ear. Her olive color complexion is lovely, and her hands are clasped in front of her in an earnest manner.
"As for who paid me, it was some official looking man. He wore some large, well-kept armor with a dragon on his shield and told me to greet any newcomers. Didn't get a name since he didn't offer one."
Korunar Bloodaxe |
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
"Maybe he was from the Alleyway and wants help the newcomers." Korunar says. With a meaningful glance he sows Daniel that he isn't serious about it.
He points to the large tree at the center of town. "Is that a special tree? It is really big and looks like the city was build around it." Korunar closely observes Vivi's reaction as he bluntly speaks about the tree.
Perception (observing Vivi): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Bently Understair |
"As for who paid me, it was some official looking man. He wore some large, well-kept armor with a dragon on his shield and told me to greet any newcomers. Didn't get a name since he didn't offer one."
Bently looks up at the sky as he tries to think of meeting seeing or hearing about anyone in Terrace that might fit this kind of Terrace...
Knowledge local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Nope this one falls outside of Bently's personal experience it would seem.Look Vivian I Mean Vivi... It's okay if I call you that right? My friends and I want nothing more than to help you. You seem loke a nice girl... and my pals here seem convinced something not right here. You can tell us what's going on here.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 Looks like Bently isn't on top of his game here... little spooked by the sudden intrigues I guess
DM Default |
Vivi begins to stammer, her pleasant demeanor failing her.
"W-Well, I mean its fine if y-you don't need any help."
Her speech grows more rapid as she starts to back away back towards the building she came from, a small inn-like building with a thatch roof.
"If you change yourmindthen I-I'll be right over here, heh heh. Um, Haveaniceday!"
She promptly turns to leave stumbling slightly in the muddy earth.
Daniel Chelas |
Daniel has his hands in his sides.
"Huh...well she's spooked about something, and it's got something to do with that tree.
Good thing my brother was here, he'd likely have tossed a chain around her ankles and then 'question' her, the traditional dwarven way."
He shakes his head.
"Dwarves can be a little...direct, in conversations, right to the point without subtlety. A poor policy, if you ask me."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
"Miss Vivian, would you hold on a moment, please?
My little friend here might be a little forward in his chaotic mind, sometimes his words preceed any thought, pardon him please.
What he's trying to say is, of course we'd like your directions. If something is amiss and we can 'discreetly' help you solve this delicate problem, we would offer our help, so you and any involved can tuck in for the night with their mind at ease."
An awesome roll for a dwarf, huzzah.
DM Default |
Vivi stops, already a few paces away, but there's something in Daniel's voice that just seems to touch a sensitive area. She turns to the party, her composure restored.
"If...you'd like to."
She pauses, before making her decision.
"You could come for a drink at the inn. I could give you a map to give you...better directions."
She then turns and walks back into the inn, the door ajar behind her.