GM Zed |
There is a barely suppressed laugh from above you...
"Welcome back to Fort Inevitable brave adventurers...careful you don't slip on any ice now..."
...the gate cracks open and, trudging past two Hellknights standing guard just inside, you are almost certain you overhear one talking to the other about an easy bet...and maybe he'd like to raise the stakes...
Will you head back to the Julliver Arms? Where this all started...
Conner Kordson |
Conner, woozy as he is, gathers up the head and whatever remaining machine parts (no fleshy stuff) of the lamented 'Clanky' to take back as proof of their story...
"Grab that little falchion, it looks well made."
He will grab the 95 gp if no one else does, split into 23 gp each, with the 3 odd ones going either into the party fund or to Luther for the heals.
-------------------------
" Man what a day..."
Actually , I would head towards a healer, I don't know as a player where to go , but Conner should have an idea.
GM Zed |
Conner - There are a number of arcane purveyors in Fort Inevitable who could provide healing but, at this late hour unless the injuries were life-threatening, you would not be welcome…it would be better to wait until the morning.
Arriving at the Juliver Arms, you enter to a hearty greeting from Pa Juliver, the Innkeeper polishing tankards behind the bar, ”Late arrivals…but you are Very Welcome as always, please make yourself comfortable by the fire and I’ll get some food brought to you…I think all we have left is soup, would that be okay? And, a room for the night?”
The inn is relatively quiet at this hour, a few stragglers lost in conversation and one or two strangers watching the flames in the well stoked fire.
Luther Lightblade |
Luther displays the well made small falchion to the guards.
"This finely made weapon was wielded by a goblin magic-user with a metal construct of metal that exploded like a stormy night when destroyed."
He speaks to the others:
"We take rooms for two days, as I required almost a full day of healing resources to restore us to prime condition and days at an inn are well more reasonable than healing."
Speaking to the innkeeper:
"Two nights at your inn. We are in no hurry to return after the carnage we faced!"
Given all the healing we need, no need to return short of healing.
channel until full: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 5) = 12
GM Zed |
"Goblins was it?", one of the guards addresses Conner, "Hey!!!! Kordson...seems like you aren't having much luck with Goblins...don't worry son, we won't tell the Basilisks"
The first guard whispers to his companion, "Much!!!"
"A fine weapon you have there...you do know that you will need to pay taxes on anything plundered from the Spire don't you?"
Symon |
Symon motions to the innkeeper that he would like a room and food for 2 days, then gingerly sits down to eat his bowl of hot soup. Once finished he bids the party a good night and heads to his bed. It takes some time for him to finally fall asleep.
Drusellia Malacore |
Drusellia stays up for a while, nursing the bowl of soup and a mug of ale. She stays in the common room until well-past midnight before retiring.
Dezco |
As the group returns they may take of a newcomer sitting down at the table, or rather, his rather Eldritch looking mask he has slid to the back of his head so that he can enjoy his evening meal and wine. Covered in fur lined leathers and strapped with weapons of Dwarven make it would be hard to assume this stocky humanoid as any other creature than a dwarf, with the sole exception of his lack of the male dwarves telltale facial hair.
Overhearing the others enter and commence with the guards finally seems to draw his attention.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
"I was unaware there was an excavator's fee for the area." Although his gravelly voice easily carries to the others it barely seemed to go above a whisper. Although perhaps this is what a dwarf whispering sounded like.
GM Zed |
Dezco - the conversation with the guards was back at the gate...however, when they hear the percentage take, I expect the group will be talking about it all the way to the Juliver Arms!!!
You guys can get acquainted now...or take it over the two days that you are in town - I think Symon and Drusellia have both headed to their beds without too much conversation / engaging with others...
Conner Kordson |
At the Gate
"I dunno if it's worth anything, but I brought this back as proof."
Conner says to the guards as he holds up clanky's head.
" It's part of that goblin death machine."
At the Juliver Arms
Glancing at the dwarf...
" I dunno about an exca-whatsis fee, but they sure do tax you on loot from the ruins..."
Wearily he sits down ands orders an ale, nursing it and wincing as his movements aggravate his many small wounds. His hair remains stiff and standing at all angles. Not even laying down when he pours water over it and tries to smooth it back.
" Stupid goblins. If I were a hunter type, I would specialize in their demise!"
Luther Lightblade |
Luther explains over breakfast.
"These goblins used terrain and lighting to their advantage. We need to be careful about that. I will have to keep a torch handy, as my main ability is healing."
GM Zed |
Reconvening in the morning, whilst you are at breakfast, the young Halfling who is serving you brings a note over, "This arrived first thing...sorry, I didn't want to wake you"
Opening the letter, the script is short and to the point, 'Reports that you had returned to Fort Inevitable, Please attend the Citadel at earliest opportunity. Report on Progress and Findings', it is signed by the Lady Commander Druvost.
Also, you can't help but notice that Marian has not joined you for breakfast...
Luther Lightblade |
Luther gathers the group.
"Let me do the talking, I am used to dealing with authority figures. We encountered stiff resistance and are returning at the first opportunity."
After going over their position, Luther readies himself to talk to the Commander.
He spies the masked dwarf.
"Our warrior has left. We would like to see if you want to join our band. We need someone to hold the front line in combat."
Dezco |
"Hold the front line against authority figures? Sorry I'm not that good with politics." Getting up he'll slide his mask back over his face. "But against things that go bump in the night at the darkest corners of the world? That I would be glad to." He finishes with a bow over his arm crossed against his chest. "Darkdiver Dezco, at your service."
Symon |
Symon is surprised at the rapid change in the party. Just yesterday they were all strangers, and now they were welcoming a new member into the group, and....what happened to Marian?
Symon approaches the innkeeper and asks, "Excuse me. I am looking for the gentleman who came in with us last night. Have you seen him?"
Symon describes Marion to the innkeeper in hopes maybe he knows what happened to their ally.
GM Zed |
The young Halfling, looking up from polishing tankards, answers Symon’s question, ”The, how shall we say, effeminate guy with the big sword?…yeah, he left before dawn…paid up and walked. He didn’t say where he was going but, if I was to guess, I’d say he went with that Taldane cloth merchant over to Thornkeep…those fellows were deep in discussion well past midnight last night. I’m afraid he didn’t leave a message…”
Are you guys heading to the Citadel, going to find healing, off to sell loot or doing something else? Consensus?
Luther Lightblade |
Luther gathers the group to give a progress report to the Commander. He changes his orisons to include light to augment his massive burst of daylight.
Luther will hope a merchant will allow him to trade the small master work weapon for a medium sized one if he tosses in some of their gold.
Then they will head off the following day at first light.
Conner Kordson |
Soo. Luther is spending his channels to heal the party right? Thought that was what you rolled earlier...
Conner follows Luther's lead, when done with the commander he will go shopping.
Annoyed with the light issues in the Spire, Conner purchases 10 sunrods.
Expounding on the adventure they had, he tries to find a buyer for the goblin death machine parts....
GM Zed |
I have returned everyone to full health – and taken Marian out of the Party Health tab and put Dezco in
Dezco – Could you modify your character profile so that your key info (AC, Init, Perception, etc) is shown beneath your avatar...in a format similar to the other folks
Trudging through the snow back to the Citadel, your breath is visible on this crisp morning…the town seems a little more quiet than normal, almost certainly due to the looming storm clouds and the threat of more snow. Arriving at the imposing building housing the Hellknight administration, you are directed immediately to Lady Commander Druvost’s offices. She barely looks up from the various documents that she is reading when you enter….
…and after an awkward silence (clearly designed by the Lady Commander to assert her authority), she sets her quill down, ”My troops at the North Gate tell me you returned late last night. I must confess my surprise, I did not expect you to deal with Tarrin Dars quite so quickly…you have proof of her death?”
Luther Lightblade |
Luther explains "We fought goblin commandos, then a goblin magic user with a metal abomination which exploded. We barely returned alive. The opposition is strong, but so far uncoordinated. We are going back on the morrow."
GM Zed |
”So…the rumours are true, there are goblins in the Spire ruins…very well, I trust that you will clear this menace…as an incentive or recognition of this increased complexity, I will waive the taxation that would normally be levied on the sale of the weapon that you brought back”, seeing the look in your eyes at the mention of taxation, ”Luther and Conner, you should both know the rules….I will reiterate them for your benefit, and for the benefit of those who were not raised here…it is simple, the Order levies a charge of 30% on all salvaged treasure from the Echo Woods…this charge is payable upon sale of such items within Fort Inevitable…there would normally be an Explorer’s Fee to pay as well, but, as you are [b]Currently on official business, I will not charge you for that”[/b]
”I thank you for your report, I expect you have business to attend to….oh!!! before you go, that old fool Royst was around here yesterday…he must have got word that you had gone to the Spire…I promised him that, if you ever returned, I’d send you to meet him”
Conner and Luther both know where Abenard Royst, a long term resident of Fort Inevitable and, in his time, a powerful wizard, lives within Fort Inevitable
If Dezco expected any response from his nod of approval towards the Lady Commander, he would be disappointed…she hardly acknowledges him…and with her piece said, she returns to her papers…the meeting is clearly over.
Luther – Tsador’s Arms, a weapon shop owned by the half-orc Tsador Ironmaker, is probably your best chance for trading the Masterwork Falchion
Conner – if you wish to buy Sunrods and / or find a buyer for parts of the Emerald Automaton, you should probably head to Braddon’s General Store
Luther Lightblade |
Luther stops in and tries to speak to Tsador.
"I have this small but wellmade falchion. Can I trade it up to a well made weapon of medium size?"
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
If they can't trade the falchion, they prepare to journey back.
Conner Kordson |
Nodding a brief farewell, Conner heads toward Braddon's to purchaser the sunrods.
" Catch you back at Juliver's. I'm gonna get some more sunrods, and then head over to Abenard's place. He might be able to give me more info on these goblin death machine pieces. You all can come with if you like, or go with Luther, or handle your own business for a few hours. Either way, we should meet back at the Arm's later."
Not haggling with Braddon over Clanky yet, just getting the sunrods and heading to the wizard's.
-------------
" Hoi! Abenard! Heard you were lookin to speak with us?"
Drusellia Malacore |
Drusellia spends her day in the tavern, engaging in her favored activity; people-watching.
Symon |
Symon will wander through town, keeping out of peoples' sight, and see if he can find an 'alternative' way to fence goods coming from the ruins.
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
GM Zed |
I have updated the map of Fort Inevitable to highlight the three new locations
Luther - Tsador grunts at you when you enter his shop, he's never been the most personable of folk...but he's a damned fine smith...and around here, people appreciate that skill. "Thought you had left town Abadarian...what've you got there?". The Half-Orc turns the weapon over in his hands...feels the weight of it, runs a finger along the sharp edges of the blade, gives it a trial swing or two..."You're right...that is a nice weapon...where did you get it? Is someone setting up in competition with me?"
Counting on his fingers, and clearly struggling with the numbers, he makes an offer, "I can give you hundred and eighty....course you'll have to pay the tax...let's see, thirty percent makes...eighty gold in tax...so hundred for you?"
And then, indicating a rack of weapons, "Or you could have something from here...best weapons in Echo Wood..."
Luther - are you looking for a specific weapon?
GM Zed |
Drusellia - the Juliver Arms is generally quite quiet during the day...some passing trade...but mostly locals moaning about the weather and wondering when the next caravan will come to town. At one point a few folk start chatting about the Splinters of Echo Wood complaining that the Hellknights don't seem to be doing enough...and that they had heard of a nearby farm being torched...
Symon - Slipping in and out of the unseen places of Fort Inevitable, you don't have much luck finding a 'black market'...it seems that the Hellknights have got trade under strict control within Fort Inevitable. You do however overhear a few strange whispered messages referring to 'the Seven Foxes'...but the conversations are short and in hushed tones...so you don't hear much more than that...
GM Zed |
Conner / Dezco - Abernard Royst , a white haired but still surprisingly lithe septuagenarian is a wizard who, it is well known, has spent years collecting scraps of information about the Emerald Spire. Answering his door, he initially reacts with indignation at being disturbed..."Don't you know how busy I am? You do know who I am don't you?", until he remember what he had asked to see Conner, "Oh....oh, yes....Conner...and a new friend? Very well...I won't keep you long....it's just here are rumours you're exploring the Emerald Spire?". He doesn't wait for a response before continuing, "Now you probably won't think this is very interesting but all of my research suggests that the Spire is old....really old....indeed, I have suspicions that it predates the Azlanti...we could learn so much with a careful exploration...but my days of Dungeoneering are past me....would you...would you mind, if you are really delving the Spire, map it for me...nothing detailed...just a record of what you find....or, dare I say it, who you find"
"I'm sure we could come to an...arrangement?
Luther Lightblade |
Luther explains:
"I was looking for a weapon for one of our fighters--hoping I could upgrade for a small fee. It appears we will need to recover more loot."
Luther puts the small weapon away.
Ready to go
Luther gets the others:
"I could not trade the small falchion for an equivalent well made weapon one of us could use."
Conner Kordson |
Luther, I think he was offering you something of equivalent value, there at the end. Not sure tho.
" Abernard, this is our newest companion, Dezco. He is going to help us explore the spire."
" Sure, Abernard. I think we can come to an arrangement. Though I dare say I don't do maps very well. What did you have in mind?"
Before leaving
" Speaking of things at the spire.... These head and arm pieces were, I thought, part of a goblin 'death' machine. After what you said, I wonder if they aren't from some older society or dweller of the spire....?" Conner says suggestively, digging the pieces out of his pack...
Conner Kordson |
Flex time to before Conner show the pieces of Clanky. XD
" And compensation for our time. Let's not forget that, friend Dezco." Conner adds to the dwarves statement." Ater all time is money and the better our gear the deeper and more complete maps we make." He finishes with a grin.
GM Zed |
Conner / Dezco - At the mention of 'compensation', Abenard smiles "Oh yes, time is indeed money...so little time left though, and so much work to do...", his voice trails off...and then snapping out of it, "Of course you will be paid, for each subterranean level you map and catalogue, I will pay you at least 200 Gold...the deeper you go, and the closer you get to whatever secrets lie in the spire, the more I will pay...you'll need the right tools of course....wait here a moment".
The old man is gone for a few moments, long enough for Conner to get the remnants of Clanky out of his bag, "Here....", Abenard passes Dezco a folder of parchment and a small bag of charcoal sticks, "That should suffice...you have skills in this area?"
...and then seeing the parts of the automaton, "You got those from the spire? That's Azlanti I'd say...in poor repair sadly but, to a collector, of some interest...I'd give you 10 Gold for it, but you'd get more in a bigger city...but, for a working automaton", his voice drifts off, "Oh to see a working Azlanti automaton"
What next...reconvening at the Juliver, spending the night in Fort Inevitable and then back to the Spire? or have you more business to take care of?
Dezco |
"Structural engineering is the one part of Dwarven culture I took with me." Taking the simple supplies and placing them in his pack he glances about the room to try to get an idea for what else the septuagenarian might be interested in paying for if it's retrieved.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Symon |
Disappointed that he was not able to find an alternative outlet for their sale of treasure, Symon heads back to the inn. He is intrigued by the references to "the seven foxes"..whatever they are. He will have to spend a little more time and root out this minor mystery.
Conner Kordson |
" I'll take the 10 gold, Abernard. No time to go to the city right now. " He says laying the chunks of Clanky on the table.
Conner continues as he makes ready to leave...
" We'll surely map the place for you, but I think a live auto-thingy might be tough. This one exploded and rained lightning all over us. Hopefully that was just a flaw and not the norm."
On the way back to the Arm's, he hands Dezco 2gp.
" Here. It's not much , but your part of the group now and that's your share of the death machine money."
Going to bed early, he rises after 8 hours rest and starts to study his magic.
When he meets the others he hands out their share as well. 2gp all. ;)