Zadira hands the Delusionary potion of Cure Light Wounds to Kayla.
Grelthe has seemed uncharacteristically dour and introspective that last few days as you prepare the ritual. Once the ritual is completed, however, it is as if a heavy weight was lifted from her, and her characteristic grin is replaced. "Glad that's settled. Who's for an ale? Last one to the Bristleback inn pays for it!" And she takes off running, much faster than you've ever seen her move, since she isn't in her armor for once.
If Cain's interest in seeing the wizard is publicly noted, Grelthe would be interested in that as well, we didn't know there was a wizard around.
Cain spoke of the issue just prior to Skeets speaking to the group
Cain and any who wish to join him take a treck out into the northern swamps to go find the caster they've heard about. It takes a few days, but they eventually find him not far from the Troll mound that was just neutralized. His home is a cave sealed with an iron door.
Later, as you prepare to leave again, Vance shows up with a full wagon's worth of building and other shop-keeper supplies. He is still grinning and the twins look... less savage? Even in magical disguise you're not sure what a happy troll looks like, so you can't be sure.
Cain knocks on the iron door
I'll do my best on that order. she says, a little reluctant to take more missions but she does so anyway.
Grelthe makes sure all her weapons are stowed and tries to look as affable and un-intimidating as possible, while Cain knocks.
Vuzi sticks with Vance since she has to keep him um happy with the group. She's amazed. "Vu are veally going to open de shop eh? Vat a gud idea, but ve have not foud a vay for you to be avay from me for more dan a day."
The cave wizard: A slat in the door opens suddenly and a monstrous eye glares at you. Whaddya want? a large voice bellows.
Vance smiles. I've been testing my link with the Twins. I'm petty sure my will is bound to theirs over a nearly limitless distance. So I'll be with you while they are working on getting things set up!
Glad that they actually found the man, Simon steps back, to let Cain address the man.
Grelthe smiles as she speaks: "Hello sir! Are you the wise and talented wizard we have heard so much about? My friend here was wondering if he could acquire the use of your services?" She gestures at Cain.
She responds to Vance, "Dat's gud. Vere are vu going to haf de twins set up?"
Cave: The eye narrows. Then the shutter slams shut and you hear lumbering footsteps moving away. A couple minute go by and the slat opens again. This time a much Moe civil voice calls, Hello. Pardon my caution, but if you would deposit your weapons on the ground, madam, and submit to wearing iron coverings for your forearms, sir, in sure we could come to an arrangement over a spot of tea.
It appears you now have a reputation...
Vance: I'm thinking either where we left the Not-a-Sheep or in Saracek's old place. I'll have to look into it more, but I'm leaving toward the old crypt. It much be spooky, but that altar room is downright invigorating! Maybe both! [/b]
Turning to the ferryman, might need some supplies, you got anything? she asks hinting at some possible poisons to incapacitate a wererat
Hmm, that's how you make a good introduction, mhhh
"Emily dear, could you wait outside and watch our weapons-miii?"
Leaving his bow and blades outside, Simon steps in, taking in a full nose of the scent of this new place.
Grelthe frowns, but acquiesces "You have nothing to fear from us, but as a show of good faith we shall do as you ask. Tea would be lovely, thank you" and smiles again. If there is a bush nearby she will hide her weapons beneath it.
After you lay aside your weapons (or render them secured in Cain's case) the door opens slowly. A man can be heard huffing to get the thing to move. With only a few inches of progress made the door stops and you hear the more intelligent voice say, Alpha! Get over here and open this thing! I wouldn't even need it if that stupid toad wasn't out there! His voice recedes and the thudding foot falls return. The door squeaks open to reveal a troll with a silver circlet on his head. Behind him is a well lit and dry cave that's been crudely carved and expanded to accommodate the troll's bulk.
Ok! Phew! Come, please! Let's talk business!
The man leads you on into the cave. He is wearing clean, well cared for robes and no shoes.
The cave has five 'rooms'. The first four are an absolute mess, which your host apologizes profusely for, and the last is clearly his own space. rugs hang from the ceiling and effectively dampen the cold, wet atmosphere while several candelabras warm it up considerably. There are numerous alchemical tools and instruments in the room and several other arcane items you couldn't begin to guess the use for.
My name is Truane, please, sit! He motions to a couple of stained stools as eh walks over to retrieve a pot. He utters a quick spell and the kettle immediately boils. The tea is hot and delicious.
So, tell me, what brought you here? I must confess I rarely get visitors.
Vuzi helps Vance with sorting the goods he's going to sell in the dungeon. She also heads to the tavern, and offers to do tattoos for the patrons. She does terribly at her first attempt.
Zadira researches how much it would cost to get all of those people changed from stone to flesh, and realizes that although she felt very rich at the moment, that the cost was currently beyond her ability. Instead she buys some other things to help with her adventuring, hoping that she will be able to save up enough to save those people someday.
Grelthe politely sips her tea while waiting for Cain to reply. As the silence begins to lengthen she decides someone should talk or it might get awkward. "Lovely to meet you, Truane. I am Grelthe, this is Cain-Marco-Cain. Speaking for myself, it is simply curiosity that brings me here. I wasn't aware there was a wizard in the area and wanted to be informed about what type of services you can provide. So far we've been able to acquire what we need through trade with Mr. Pye or Mr. Dark, but that might not always be the case." She gestured toward Cain "My companion was interested in possibly getting an enchantment on his tiny rock friend... or was it his equipment you wanted enchanted?" She turns to Cain and sips her tea while waiting for his reply.
I'm sorry, rock friend? Truane asks.
Simon takes the offered tea as well, looking around the cave in wonder - after jumping in surprise and momentary fear from the troll.
As the talk approaches Skeet, he will eagerly say:
"Oh yes, he is called Skeet and is a tiny, funny, talking rock my friend carries around-meowio!"
Skeets flies out of Cain’s pockets ”I am not funny!
”Skeets would like to be able to contribute to our fights, and I would like to buy some Iuon Stones, ”
Kayla tucks the vial away. As the ferry docks, Kayla hops off. thanks for the ride. I'll see what I can do about those rats. she says with a smile.
she then looks for a pastry shop or a chocolate shop.
Kayla has been away during the rest of the party's activities, so she really isn't sure where everyone is.
Zadira has been eating lunch near the pastry shop, waiting to see if Kayla would show up. When she spots her, she motions her over and treats her to lunch.
Truane gasps at seeing the sentient rock. A Psicrystal! Oh I have always wanted to meet one! Greetings, Skeets! It is a true honor to meet you! I have read of your kind, naturally, but I despaired of meeting one of you. You're so rare!
Truane turns out to be a shrewd negotiator and his excitement from meeting Skeeys doesn't cloud his judgment. You are able to buy any enchantments you need off of him though. His library is well stocked and he has the skills to make the Ioun Stones you seek.
After the party has gathered themselves they meet again at the edge of town to dive back into that merciless pit.
So, where would you guys like to begin? Do you want us to take you to the Giant Head that gives experience, or do you want to go back to where we killed Saracek?
Kayla picks up some chocolates and pastries, and some extra that Zadira picks out.
she enjoys her lunch making small talk, telling her about her little river cruise and seeing some nice sights.
gettin back to the dungeon...
I think going back to where the undead guy was is my vote. I heard something about rats or something like that.
"Let's head back to de undead room. Ves dere vere rats. Lots und lots ov rats." Vuzi shudders a little bit at the mention of rats. "Vance is ready to set up his shop in the depths. I belief the twins vill be doing de stocking vile Vance joins us."
Simon is happily playing tag with Emily, both obviously having way too much energy to spare and ready to head out again.
Okay, we're off. Apparently to fight rats.
Zadira loads up and heads out.
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"Don't be afraid, dear Zadira-purrr.
There will be plenty other threats down there for your bow and magick-meow.
Saracek will not be the last evil overlord down these pits, and if Gozreth is with us, he will not be the last one we will lay to eternal rest together-meowour!"
Simon is definitely in a good mood today!
The big half-orc genteelly thanks Truane for his tea and services before they leave.
Once they head back to town she will head to the sweets shop to look for Kayla, maybe stop by the inn for one last ale before they leave.
Simon once again leads the group through the wild towards the graveyard and the entry of Rappan Attuk.
Surprised by the sudden interest in rats (they are just rats!) he retells the story of caves full of rats and their dire variants, as well as the strange woman they encountered.
"I first though she was attacked by those rats and rushed to help her!
She even screamed for our help and all-meow!
But then, she suddenly jumped on Dalkk-purrurr and shoved a sack over his head, nearly suffocating him with ... something strange inside-grch!
And then, she simply vanished in a tiny tunnel, just like a rat would after biting you in the foot and steeling your bacon-frch!"
So, let's go talk to this strange woman you saw with the rats. That sounds interesting.
Kayla seems very interested in this strange woman. yes, she does sound interesting, perhaps we can invite her to dinner, or something, maybe even a pastry..
The party easily finds their way back and discovers one of the twins digging in the graveyard at the sight where the rat tunnels came to the surface. You also notice that all the Gargoyles are back on their perches, even the ones your destroyed.
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”ok this time we break the perches too. Who’s with me?
Does that ensure they stay dead? The Gargoyle we met down below was amazingly grumpy, but we didn't mess with him and he didn't mess with us, so I am not sure how to fight them. Are these ones going to attack us?
"They always did attack us on sight-grch.
Well, not the first time, they waited while we searched the area for an entrance into the dungeon.
Marco-pur, can you remember what we did just before they attacked us-mii?
Maybe that triggered them in some mysterious way."
Grelthe pales a little when she notices the gargoyles. And then nods vehemently to Cain's suggestion. Her weapons are out and ready, just in case. "Have they reset like that before? Or is this the first time?"
”didn’t really have time to count them the first time but I think they reset yeah
So... they're immortal?
Kayla meanders over to the rat hole that the the "twins" were digging. peering inside to see if she can fit in there.
You can get in several by crawling, but none are big enough to stand or crouch.
"I'd rater go in by a way we can stand," says Catarya.
Everyone check for de key to de door. If it's not vith us, It's back in the drawer of the dwarven statue. Den ve run. Or ve could try de vell dis time. Ve sent the lime green chicken down last time and it didn't die." She looks tired of getting eaten by gargoyles.