Aubrey's Other Eberron Campaign - The Unbinding (Inactive)

Game Master Aubrey the Malformed

The adventurers relax for a few hours. Eventually one of the shulassakar they met initially, Naginti, arrives at their lodgings.

"The Council have met. High Warden Eyalteph was touched by the words of one of you." He bows formally in acknowledgement of Ashshar. "On this basis, the Council have agreed that you will be granted access to the depths to visit the galleries where the Prophecy can be accessed."

"I see he has reconsidered his rash, prideful response," says Tal. Naginti responds with a cool look.

"However," the shulassakar continues, "There are two provisos, neither of which is negotiable. First, you will be accompanied in the depths by a warden. This is for your safety. The second is that you will formally swear an oath that you will not harm any citizen of Krezent or any guest of the city." The shulassakar looks back expectantly.

"I'll start no trouble," Rehil says blankly.

"Sounds good to me." Nalverren says, a little louder than is normal, so as to cover any grumblings of the party. He knows such an effort is in vain.

Wultram looks at the messenger and lets them finish before speaking his single word response. "No" His gaze then turns to his companions. "If you wish to go, you will do so without me. Neither of those demands is acceptable, and the one thing I agree with the message is that it is nonnegotiable. I will not suffer spies nor will I make myself defenseless."

"I will take the oath." says the lizarsfolk after the messenger has finished "And another warrior never harmsss a tribe."

When Wultram vouces his opinions, Ashshar turns confused "But Wultram, it'ss a warden not a sspy. Cole and Rehil have sseen them with me, they are warriorss and defenderss... they mean uss no harm." he says, not fully understanding the whole situation "I won't complain, but you'll be misssed down there.. "

"So you refuse an oath not to harm the citizens of Krezent and their guests?" asks Naginti pointedly to Wultram.

"The defination of a spy is someone who spies, and the wardens have certainly been doing that. Presumably by high wardens command." He replies to Ashshar.

"Yes, I happen to value my word. And I do not happen to be an idiot. I have very little reason to believe there are not people here who would wish me harm even if they are too cowardly to attempt it. Yet if I took the suggested oath I would be honor bound not to defend myself. And that is not even going to the matter that there are other situations that calls for violence."

"I will agree," Cole responds, "but I will also not put my friends in danger."

"As you wish," says Naginti. "Then I am afraid that those of you unwilling to swear the oath must leave Krezent, as you represent a danger to the population. Your belongings are meager, so we will give you a few minutes to gather your possessions before setting off. You will then be escorted to the surface. After that, you will have to rely on your own resources."

Wultram stands up. "Blackmail? Please you should know by now that I won't play your game. At least finally I am proven correct, this was nothing else than kidnapping. Do please pass on a message that next time we see I will be collecting the debts owed to me." He then turns to the skeleton. "Ready for march. Standing orders on hostility escalation; immediate deadly force."

Wultram then simply picks up his backpack off from the floor and casts a spell filling his body with necromantic energies. He then looks at the others. "I will place no blame on those that wish to stay but how you proceed after that, well just mind the fact that I now consider these people enemies and my truce ends at my departure."

False life: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

"Keep yourself safe, Wultram," says Cole without moving from his spot. "And how do we contact you once our task in Krezent is done?"

"There are spells that can send messages. Where am I headed I will not mention in current company."

Rehil moves closer to Wultram. "The surface might be as dangerous for a lone man as you believe Krezent is. If you plan to go to Regalport with us. I will go to the surface with you."

"There is no need, he will not be alone," says Tal. "I shall travel with him. I cannot stand stench of hypocrisy in this city."

Vaard, as is his habit, says nothing.

"We will find you in time. I only wish you had chosen the path of bamboo, bending in the storm. As you have chosen the path of the oak, inflexible, I can only hope that you are not broken."

"As I said I will not talk in the current company about details. However I can say that with the number of variables that I can't say for sure." He responds to the elf.

The Karn then smirks. "Aah but bamboo reaches it's peak in a single season an oak keeps exceeding it's limits even up to millenia. Regardless better to break than bend on matters of principle. Good luck and let's hope that my predictions on prices to be paid were miscalculated."

Wultram then turns to Tal. "Priest of Dol Arrah and necromancer agreeing on matter of ethics. If bard were to tell such a story they would be laughed out as a fool."

Cole looks to Naginti, "Some of us have agreed to your terms. Will you give us a few minutes privacy to say our goodbyes?"

"Priest of Dol Arrah and necromancer agreeing on matter of ethics. If bard were to tell such a story they would be laughed out as a fool."

Or someone might be losing his paladin powers.

Naginti nods. "Of course." He walks out of the chamber.

After the door closes, Cole pauses a moment, then moves to it, opens it, and checks to see how close the guards/wardens are.

Just seeing if they are being overly nosey, or are following the spirit of giving us space
Perception, for hidden watchers: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

When the warforged returns, he mimes the motion of using a pen. It's obviously a question.

They aren't listening in. As far as you can tell.

There are writing materials on a table. Next to the tray of canapés and the coffee table book on great places to holiday in Khorvaire. Wultram will certainly enjoy roughing it again.

Cole picks up pen and paper, holding it close as he writes on it. "I know you can take care of yourselves, but I don't like it."

He holds ou the hastily-scribbled note.

TELL US A FAKE WAY TO REACH YOU. WRITE THE REAL WAY.

Rehil shifts position to read over Cole's shoulder. The elf immediately pivots and begins looking around the room.

While he looks, he asks, "How long will we be here? Can't the surface exiles just wait at the edge of the crevice until the airship lifts us out?"

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

"Unknown and not something I will be willing to wait. It is wilderness outside and we are not equipped for that camping for any length of time needed as stationary."

"Send a message to Cathrine Denka, She is widow of my cousin. Tower of Twelve in Korth." He then takes the pen and starts writing.

I will make my way to Regalport if possible. Find a scroll or a mage you can trust and use sending to contact me. And while what I said is also true, only reason I would step on that airship is to enact Rehils initial suggested plan regarding the captain. Make sure to burn this when we are done.

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

That is for the statement regarding Cathrine who does not exist.

Bluff, Aid Another to Wultram; DC10: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7; dang.

Cole opens up his chest-compartment door—which houses his oil can and instruction manual—and places Wultram's note safely inside.

"Cathrine Denka," Cole repeats. As he does so, he makes sure Nalverren—likely the smartest in the group—has a chance to read Wultram's note. Then he eats it. (This is me assuming a warforged's physiology has some warforged version of a digestive track which usually breaks down solids and liquids for internal processing ... for magical potions and oils and stuff. If that's not the case, Cole would know that — even if his player does not).

"We'll see what there is to learn down below. Hopefully it's not wasted effort." His tone lightens as he looks at Wultram, "If it is, and you are proven correct, I'll make good on that drink and 'i told you so' opportunity."

He steps back, his rumbling voice dipping back to a somber tone. "I hate that I won't be able to help protect you all. Please survive."

Chest compartment? Oil can? What are you, Robbie the Robot?

Warforged can consume potions and things like Heroes Feat, so it's reasonable, although digestive tract might be over-egging it.

Anyone else going with Wultram and Tal?

not i. i have a lot of work to do and not enough time to do it to get these magical items done

Cole's a modernized Tin Man from Wizard of Oz. The compartment is like the ubiquitous cup holder in modern cars.

Rehil addresses Wultram again. "We're not well equipped for camping while we travel either. It's a long way to Regalport. Dragon below! It's a long way to anywhere. So if you don't have magics to get us from place to place, what could we do except take the airship"

"If you've got a plan for getting to Regalport, and feel insecure, I'll go with you and Tal. Even if you don't want me along for the long trip, I'll escort you to the surface to make sure you get out of Krezent safe."

BC, if you want another PC to liven things up, I'll go too if rejoining the others in Regalport is a goal. If it's not a goal, then I'd rather stay with the others, unless Aubrey wants to run them, you, and Rehil slogging through Mror all alone.

Vaard closes his eyes and places his clawed hand over them. He shakes it slightly, as his eyes open a brief flicker of light emanates from them, or did you just imagine that?

He sighs, "It is time. Time for me to remove myself from the reigns of my tribe if I am to save my tribe. My purpose and calling must answer to that which is greater than my chief. I too will to below, I hope there is much to learn. Also, I have much to tell all of you... it seems that our encounter with the Silver Flame has done more to me than I initially suspected..."

Wultram gives the elf a look before snatching another piece of paper. 'I said THAT airship. And there are other means of transportation.' He ripped the note up before stuffing it into one of his pouches.

"Perhaps but living off the land is a lot more easy when moving, also you can get out of the wilderness that way, I have rations but those wont last forever. And I served with undead legion I am no stranger to marching. I would not turn down your company."

Rehil looks at Vaard. This is odd.. Unfortunately, there's no time to explore what the lizardfolk means. Motioning for Cole to join him, he moves to gather his possessions.

"I am not sure what Wultram plans. I will try to convince him to wait due west of here until you leave and can pick us up. If he doesn't have a plan to get to Regalport, I might have to come back here for help. See if Nalverren can fix that with his dragon friends.

"One way or another, I intend to meet you in Regalport."

The elf sets his curve blade on his belt. He rotates his pack overhead and down on his back. Then he picks up his bow and slides the straps of his two quivers over his right shoulder.

I think my gear list is out of date. Didn't we score some nice arrows at Poomba's? I'll have to check.

Sorry I'm going to miss the debut of the new Vaard.

Ready to part?

On my part yeah. And I think everyone has had their chance to pitch in? (Well Vaard not so much but that is a bit special case)

Got a backup plan in case Wultram and I break up. I'm ready.

Ready!

Nalverren, seeing Vaard actually speaking for once, says, "Don't mind if I work while you speak. I'm still listening."

Chest compartment? Oil can? What are you, Robbie the Robot?

:D

After watching Vaard for a few curious moments, Cole follows Rehil. He listens intently, and nods as Rehil finishes his preparation. Before the elf can step away, Cole puts a big hand on his shoulder. He simply stands for a few moments, looking into Rehil’s eyes, then gives his friend one final, intent nod.

Then, without a word, he rejoins the group, picking up his own gear on the way.

So while we’re exploring down below, anything that we’re having worked on is not accessible, correct? I’m assuming that includes Cole’s warmaul and stuff, but also his own armor-frame. Do I just assume the armor is un-upgraded until you give the word, Aubrey?

Other than that, Cole is ready to go.

Naginti returns a few minutes later. "It is time." He watches as Tal, Wultram and Rehil file out, together with Wultram skeletal companion.

We won't go to spoilers, as that could last for months (or longer, depending). While it's maybe not ideal for the PCs in the different groups to be aware of one another's activities, we can deal with it as part of the game.

Outside, a contingent of wardens waits grim-faced. "They will be escort you to the surface," explains Naginti. He nods to the wardens.

"I am Warden Ileppharn," says the warden leader, "Come this way." Leaving Naginti and their companions behind, the group are marched through the city. The silver light above the city is darkening and there are few people on the streets. They take a staircase heading up between two buildings. As it hugs the cavern wall they find themselves climbing above the city and the chasm below. The stairs eventually enter a tunnel and city vanishes behind them as they continue to ascend higher still through the rock, emerging into a larger space of worked stone. Here is another gatehouse, not dissimilar to the one they found in the depths beneath the city. The wardens guarding it open the heavy metal and stone doors using a windlass mechanism. Beyond is a secondary set of gates and portcullises which must be laboriously cranked before the adventurers are finally able to make it through the surface-level fortifications. On the far side is a narrow vertical with metallic rungs hammered into its side.

"Up," says Warden Ileppharn.

They climb for about forty feet, the tunnel ending in a ruined cellar. The air is cool and Ileppharn indicates ancient, moss-spotted steps which finally reach the grassy plain. It is nighttime, and the clear sky is alive with twinkling stars

Ileppharn hands over three packs. "This is food and water for the next two days, but after that you will have to rely on your own resources. You will be given until the next sunset to get away from the vicinity of the city. If you are found by one of the patrols after that, you will be treated as an enemy of the city and eliminated."

He points. "That way is Mror." He changes direction. "That way is Karrnath. And that way is Gatherhold. Be wary of the halfling tribes as they are hostile. Good luck. I hope we do not meet again."

The wardens turn and retreat back down the ladder.

As you may have noted, it's nighttime. You've all had a very busy day and may wish to rest - well, except the guys who have been exiled, since if they are caught they'll be strung up.

After his cryptic comment, Vaard returns to his brooding silence watching Nalverren work. At least until he drifts off to sleep.

Unless someone prods him to speak further which is doubtful.

Naginti returns a few minutes later. "It is time." He watches as Tal, Wultram and Rehil file out, together with Wultram skeletal companion.

"Just to be clear. I am willing to take the oath. I am only leaving to help my companions survive in the wild. Can I return?"

Outside, a contingent of wardens waits grim-faced. ....

Ileppharn hands over three packs. "This is food and water for the next two days, but after that you will have to rely on your own resources. You will be given until the next sunset to get away from the vicinity of the city. If you are found by one of the patrols after that, you will be treated as an enemy of the city and eliminated."

He points. "That way is Mror." He changes direction. "That way is Karrnath. And that way is Gatherhold. Be wary of the halfling tribes as they are hostile. Good luck. I hope we do not meet again."

The wardens turn and retreat back down the ladder.

"Farewell, Warden."

Rehil kneels and compares his pack with the new one before he begins repacking the supplies into his own. He stares at the empty pack, then leaves it at the edge of the stairs. He straps his sword and the two quivers to the pack. He stands and slings the pack left and right to get into the armstraps. The he kneels for his bow.

The elf looks at his companions, necromancer, skeleton, and kasatha.

"I am ready. I guess you will want to get away from here before telling your plan. Point the way. I will lead. The skeleton is keen-eyed. Let him watch our trail."

@Cole: you're only without your stuff if I break it down. I can only work on one item at a time, and i have been breaking things down for magical residue (craft XP), so i likely haven't gotten to yours

F you crappy server, and of coarse it is the one time I do not copy my message before sending.

Wultram lowers a hand on the elf's shoulder and whispers. "Head towards Karnath for a while before stopping." After the group has made some distance to the entrance he speaks again.

"Gatherhold is the first real destination. Reasons are that it is sizable enough locale to get some supplies from but lot more importantly it has lighting rail going through it. From there I intend to take said lightning rail to Vedykar, a karnathian city that is large enough to make proper travel arrangements from. I don't particularly care about the opinion of the wardens, encounter with the halflings is inevitable, this is their land, better make it on our terms. I am sure we can barter some mounts for ourselves, their own couldn't carry us likely, but nomadic people are bound to have beasts of burden. If needed I can create undead out of them, so skill of rider is a lot lesser concern and they do not need rest. If things get really out of hand, well there is the option of retreating to boneyard but that is absolute last resource to take."

I thought the locals were helping us out, as well. Cole would definitely prefer to have Nalverren work on his armor and weapon, but I assumed you wouldn't be able to do all the work that we as a group wanted to accomplish while here.

Rehil nods while Wultram speaks. He intones under the wizard's speech. "Gatherhold,... lightning rail,... Vedykar."

When Wultram stops, the elf asks, "What is this Boneyard?"

Aubrey, do we have to circumnavigate Krezent to go to Gatherhold? And can Rehil go back to Krezent if needed? And can you copy or link Tal's stats on the campaign page please?

When the room empties, Cole steps over to Nalverren and Ashshar. "Rehil asked that we talk to the High Warden for him. He agreed to the oath. If he needs to come back this way, we ask that they let him in unscathed."

As he waits for Naginti to return, he turns to Vaard. "So, what has the Silver Flame done to you?"

"Well I am not certain these are words of mouth. But supposedly it is some sort of dragon graveyard, or at least bones of them there, I am more inclined to believe that there was some ancient battle there. I am sure you can understand why someone of my profession would have heard stories of such a place. I would wager you can also understand why I do not want to tap into that resource even if it is true, if I can avoid it." The mage explains.

Vaard seems surprised by Cole's question, "Done to me? You mean done for me no?

As I let it's light inside of me so shall I reflect that light as a beacon in the darkness..."

"I'll talk to the wardens, if the time arises. Make sure to remind me, I have a lot on my plate."

as for the magic items and whatnot, a chart/spreadsheet would be helpful. I know one was made some time ago, but now several people have forfeited their equipment and/or left so things have changed considerably. Also it would be good if i knew exactly how much work time i have had and will get before departure...

To answer Rehil's question above, he and Wultram are in the surface ruins above Krezent, so effectively any direction you take is away from Krezent. Gatherhold is more-or-less west of Krezent.

Rehil, Wultram and the others begin the very long march to Gatherhold, on the far side of the Talenta Plains. (I haven't worked out just how far it is yet, but it's quite the stroll. Also, remember that you haven't had much opportunity to rest today so will start showing signs of fatigue soon.)

The ruins loom blackly in the dark. They are not especially tall - little more than low stone walls and grass-covered mounds - but nevertheless navigating them in the dark is tricky for those without night vision. But after about an hour they are walking in the open plain. The savannah is quite active with chirping insects, small lizards, rodents and knee-high dinosaurs all hunting and being hunted. In the distance something much larger bellows, but it doesn't come near.

OK, Survival checks for everyone (don't forget Tal).