Gameplay to start soon.
Dotting
Your trip northeast from Mulmaster to the village of Point Iron was uneventful. For reasons of your own, you seek to join an expedition into the mines under the Fort being organized by Leleanor, the granddaughter of Aurora of the famous Whole Realms Catalogue. As these things often do, this chance for glory begins in a simple tavern. The Tower Shield sits across from Fort Iron and seems heavily
trafficked by the Mulman soldiers stationed there. Moving through the morning crowd, you manage to find the table you are looking for.
Leleanor is a tall, thin human woman with long brown hair and a constant smile. She is excitable and generally in a good mood.
Once you are all gathered, Leleanor orders a round of drinks and a tray of bread and cheese for them to share. She is excited to make her fortune and revitalize her grandmother's business, so she gets right down to it.
"I'm so glad that you answered my call, because have I got a deal for you! I was going through my Grandmother Aurora's things and I think I found something that is going to make us all rich. She had a map of the old dwarven iron mines below Fort Iron, made just before the duergar invaded and on it there is a mark on it denoting a secret treasure in some sort of oubliette! It has to be the lost vein of gold. I've managed to negotiate for access to the mines, so I need you to check the map's accuracy by going into the mines and finding the gold. If you find it, I'll give you ten percent each of any profits I make from mining! It's the score of a lifetime!"
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An imposing woman standing nearly 8' in height strides into the in. has light blue hair and light-grey skin that has tattoos on most places that incorporate circular patterns broken up occasionally by small shapes. She walks with confidence, and makes a slight tinkling sound as she does due to the necklace of rings that she wears.
She will look at the stool at the table and opt to stand instead. "My name is she-who-rends-the-skys, or Skyreaver in your tongue. The spirits have guided me to assist you in your endeavors."
Sitting with a nonchalant air of superiority at the table, Sir Adrian stands as the Goliath approaches.
A pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady.
He bows at the waist and stands.
I am Sir Adrian Fullbright, bringer of the Justice of Torm. It appears as if we are going to be heading to the mines together, as I am inclined to take up Leleanor's call to arms.
His retainers sit at an adjoining table, sipping their ale and listening intently to the conversation.
A young human boy with medium length, brown hair and green eyes awkwardly shifts from his chair to stand as the giantess introduces herself. "Hello. My name is Clyde. It's nice to meet you." He holds out his hand for her to shake, before realizing he's too far on the opposite side of the table for her to reach. He awkwardly shuffles around the table, his tightly fitting scale mail clinking as he moves. His eyes widen as he realizes just how tall the woman is.
The guy in regular, colourless clothes looks cheerful, though when he speaks it's clear that he is not used to social customs. His lips don't seem to move under his full, wild beard, but his full cheeks and small eyes tell clearly that he is smiling.
- The name's Shoo. You can count on me to keep you alive. Haha!
With that, he lifts his jar and drinks plentifully.
A short, slight woman sits at the table as well, listening to Leleanor with an intense look of focus. Her features are human but her skin is the colour of charcoal, her eyes burn like hot coals, and her long hair is red with orange and yellow highlights. She wears a black cloak, with golden pattern stitched around the edges. A knarled wooden staff leans against the table next to her.
Gold, mundane... but necessary to buy spell components... and I suppose I have to start somewhere...
" I am Ember, " She says looking about as folk start introducing themselves " A pleasure to make your acquaintances, I too accept the terms of your quest Leleanor. My arcane knowledge is at your disposal. " one corner of her mouth turns up in a slight sign of a smile.
Ragnar looks down at the chair, much smaller than he who stands at eight feet tall, and figures him sitting here would be like an adult sitting in a chair made for a child. He stands rigid and follows suit with the strangers introducing themselves.
"I am called Ragnar." he says simply.
He is bald save for a long white braid, slightly lighter than his pale skin, running from the top of his head to the back of his neck. He wears a simple rough-spun tunic and trousers, leather boots, and a greatsword and javelins sheathed on his back under his backpack. He wears the pelt of a polar bear as a cloak, the hood which is pulled back is made of the great beast's head. He has many scars running across his arms, numerous slashes from blade and claw, a bite mark on his left forearm, and a scar that was possibly from an arrow through his right. He also has a set of claw scars, running from the left side of his forehead to his right cheek. The number of these scars suggests he has a great deal more under his tunic.
He stands silently, scanning the room and his company with his dark eyes. He wears manacles on his wrists with a single link of chain on each that clink softly on the manacles as he crosses his arms across his chest.
Looking to her right at something that is not visible, she will nod her head and say "I will ask." then turn to Leleanor and say "the spirits wish to know what your plan will be for the mine if we discover that there is gold there."
Clyde stands by the table with his arm outstretched for a few more seconds before slowly lowering it and looking back over to Leleanor.
"Is this mine expected to be dangerous? There seems to be a great deal of powerful warriors here.", Clyde asks nervously while fidgeting with one of the many daggers strapped around his waist.
Answering the Goliath, she says, What I plan to do with it is my own will. But if you must know, I'm uncertain. Perhaps I'll finance an expedition, or start up a new business. It depends on how much is found.
To the young lad, she says with a smile, I do not know. There may be remnants of duergar, or other creatures of caves or underdark - which is why I'm hiring such strong adventurers as yourself.
When do we begin?
Leleanor stands up, grabbing her beer, Before we get started, let me formally thank each of your for accepting my offer of employment. I don't know what you'll find, but I promise you won't go unprepared. I'm not the granddaughter of Aurora for nothing - and I have a special gift for each of you.
In response to Leleanor's answer, Skyreaver will pronounce "That is good. The spirits are appeased. They were concerned that you would somehow unbalance the state of the region, but if you are uncertain, there is still time to change paths if you need to."
As the moment continued and conversation began to start winding down, Skyreaver will say "Perhaps we should get to know one another then." "Yes, okay, I'll find out." "This annoying spirit here" Skyreaver points to the air "Wants to know if any of you had a pet rabbit named Clocksie when you were a child. It is looking for it's childhood friend, and it won't let me be about it."
Glancing around at the group's reactions, Skyreaver will add "I speak for the spirits. Spirits of nature and spirits of the deceased on occasion. I also call forth the rage of treants and the destructive power of giants. While we travel together, I will endeavor to make sure that we are not offending any spirits, and to make sure that we keep the balance."
Clyde stands by the table with his arm outstretched for a few more seconds before slowly lowering it and looking back over to Leleanor.
"Is this mine expected to be dangerous? There seems to be a great deal of powerful warriors here.", Clyde asks nervously while fidgeting with one of the many daggers strapped around his waist.
To the young lad, she says with a smile, "I do not know. There may be remnants of duergar, or other creatures of caves or underdark - which is why I'm hiring such strong adventurers as yourself."
" Ah, don't fear Clyde, I am very well read. I've spent many hours examining books of lore on such creatures and I am confident that I could identify almost anything we come across. I can fill you in on potential decrepitudes for you to exploit or warn you of any extraordinary abilities a creature may possess. " Ember cuts in, looking decidedly smug.
Rosco smiled at Leleanor. It wasn't so much that her enthusiasm was infectious, or that he was especially charmed by her. It was that he knew that people like Leleanor were usually in for a big disappointment, Optimists.. Rosco thought to himself. They never cease to amaze.
Still Rosco was happy with the turn of events since he had gotten some work out of it on the side. He scratched his chin and felt the rough stubble. He was in need of a shave and a hot bath. That meant he was in need of coin.
He had his black leather overcoat on, obscuring most of his form and weapons. Rosco was also a bit ragged looking but could pass for a coach-driver who just had a grueling weeks long ride across dangerous terrain. His knuckles were bruised and bloody and he had a cut above his eye and a bruise on the side of his jawline.
"Hold up, not so fast." He said with a raspy voice that betrayed heavy drinking the past few weeks. "Wouldn't mind some form of reimbursement when it turns out you've been had. No offense but who's to say someone didn't already empty out this oubliette of yours?" He picked a piece of cheese from the tray and took a bite. "And anything else we find down there, that'd be ours I presume?"
" Ah, don't fear Clyde, I am very well read. I've spent many hours examining books of lore on such creatures and I am confident that I could identify almost anything we come across. I can fill you in on potential decrepitudes for you to exploit or warn you of any extraordinary abilities a creature may possess. " Ember cuts in, looking decidedly smug.
Clyde seems to relax a bit after hearing Ember's words and stops fidgeting.
"Thank you Miss... Ember, was it? It's just that this is my first job without my mentor present." Clyde looks toward the ground. "I'm a bit nervous, I suppose."
" Well, uh, I know exactly how you feel. " Ember says under her breath.
As the moment continued and conversation began to start winding down, Skyreaver will say "Perhaps we should get to know one another then." "Yes, okay, I'll find out." "This annoying spirit here" Skyreaver points to the air "Wants to know if any of you had a pet rabbit named Clocksie when you were a child. It is looking for it's childhood friend, and it won't let me be about it."
Glancing around at the group's reactions, Skyreaver will add "I speak for the spirits. Spirits of nature and spirits of the deceased on occasion. I also call forth the rage of treants and the destructive power of giants. While we travel together, I will endeavor to make sure that we are not offending any spirits, and to make sure that we keep the balance."
" How interesting, I didn't have any pet rabbit, sorry. May I ask, do the spirits speak with you often? Do you see them there? Wait let me get some parchment out! " Ember asks excited, seeming to forget the negotiations with Leleanor and perhaps the quest altogether for the moment as she digs in her bag for parchment.
"The spirits are always around us, constantly speaking, if you but take the time to stop and listen." Skyreaver chuckles at a some long forgotten memory then adds "Learning to listen was probably the hardest part of my training. It might take someone 10 years before they hear the spirits, and another 5 years before the spirits start to trust them enough to make themselves seen. Most objects have spirits, but these are the small spirits, with limited power, goals, and ambitions. truly powerful spirits represent things are things like Mountain-Like-Fire, Water-Runs-Like-Serpent, and Bringer-of-Life. These spirits have grand designs, and are as patient as Each-In-It's-Place."
To Clive she says "I am sorry for your loss." and then claps him on the shoulder with one of her large but surprisingly gentle hands. "If she was a true mentor, than she will live on in what she has taught you."
" Fascinating! " Ember, says furiously scribbling her quill over the back of what appears to be a letter. " I can't believe I'm out of parchment... What do you mean by Each-In-It's-Place? "
Answering Rosco, she says, Well, if it doesn't have the gold, then we'll just have to split the profits on anything valuable you find. And, you'll get to keep the gift I'm giving you now, which does have some value.
When do we begin?
To the knight, She says, In about one hour. I have some final paperwork to fill out and arrangements to make to ensure you all have the proper permits to be down there. Until then, please make yourselves ready. There's a general goods store down the way, and a few other shops around the fort. Meet at the gates to the fort in one hour and we'll head down to the mines.
She holds her mug up and says, To new endeavours! And then she downs her beer.
Oh! And your gift! Right this way.
She heads outside the tavern, weaving her way through the soldiers and citizens to a wagon outside. Once there, she starts digging through the back and produces a single large from backpack full of equipment.
No expedition is complete without a pack from the Whole Realms Catalogue! This big guy is a sturdy large frame backpack containing a Dungeoneer's kit - consisting of a crowbar, a hammer, 10 pitons, 10 torches, a tinderbox, 10 days of rations, a waterskin (filled with a fine wine) and 50 feet of hempen rope strapped to the side of it. In addition, there's a healer's kit, a vial of holy water, and a potion of healing.
Oh, and some block and tackle, a climber's kit, a lamp, a vial of oil, 2 sacks, another 50' of hempen rope stuff inside, a shovel and a miner's pick.
This is my gift to you for agreeing to work with me.
Skyreaver smiles gently at Ember and says "Each-In-It's-Place is the name of a spirit. You would call it Time."
Rosco shrugged and nodded. It wasn't like they were lining up to hire him these days, and he knew it was time for him to get off of his ass anyways. Any pay she'd throw his way he would have to be grateful for. He hadn't been doing right with little Nancy and he knew he had to change things around.
When she toasted her own undertaking he lifted his glass halfheartedly and took a sip himself.
When all was said and done, Rosco went up to the bar and ordered himself a hearty meal with a stiff drink. He had always figured it was bad luck to go working on an empty stomache.
He took his food and drink back to the table, foregoing the option to go to the general store. He didn't talk to anyone, but he wasn't being extremely anti-social either. There was place at the table for anyone to join should they feel for it, and if they didn't Rosco was perfectly fine with that too.
He ate fast, and made sure to be at the rendezvous spot on time.
Sir Adrian stands.
Well, this is certainly a motley crew, but one that appears up to the task.
He turns to his table of retainers.
Gentlemen, if you would be so kind, head over to this goods store and see if you can purchase a couple of potions of healing. I may need it down there. Also, make arrangements for your stay here in town until I return.
Sir Adrian pulls coins from his sack totaling 100GP for the purchase of two potions of healing, if they are available.
He sits back down before taking out his great sword and laying it across his lap and begins to polish it with an oiled rag.
I will do my best to protect us from the evil that may dwell in the mines while we search out our prize, but those denizens should be wary of the might of Torm as he speaks through my sword.
Shoo is quite impressed by all the wares delivered to them.
-Well, it will certainly be useful enough. If it prevents me from dying at the bottom of a pit, then I consider it a proper gift.
He looks at Sir Adrian when he speaks, and decides his is a good idea.
-I will kindly go and purchase the healing potions. It will be a nice opportunity to meet a fellow healer!
After finishing his jar, he departs to the shop with whoever wishes to join him.
Turning to Adrian, Skyreaver chuckles and says "Your sword says it's not talking to Torm right now, since he gets all the credit for it's hard work. Also, it wants you to try a new polish apparently, since the polish you currently use is too....scratchy? is that right?"
Part 1 - Fort Iron
For history, roll an Intelligence (History) check. You receive all the information of the DC and below.
For Gathering Information on the mine, spend 1d6 gold (in bribes and drinks) and make a charisma check. If you spend an additional 10 GP, add 5 to your check. You have advantage on your check if you have any of the following Features: By Popular Demand, Rustic Hospitality, Guild Membership, or Military Rank. You receive all information of the DC and below.
During dinner Rosco ponders about what he can remember about the fort.
History:
He'll tip the barman after eating and casually make some inquiries.
Gather info:
Sir Adrian stands and sheathes his Greatsword on his back. He smiles at Skyreaver.
So, your are quite the comedian there, my lady. My discourse with Torm does not really lend itself to your spiritual meanderings.
He looks to Shoo.
Come friend let's head to the local temples to garner our potions and see if I can grease some palms throughout town for some information about the mines.
Sir Adrian is free with his 10gp to gather as much information as he can.
" Ah, time. " Ember scratches one last note onto her parchment before putting it away. " Thank you Skyreaver. Hopefully well have time to talk more later. "
As the group walks out to receive Leleanor's gift. Ember speaks up.
" Ahem, So I actually know quite a bit about the Point Iron Mine... for example, you may not know... Point Iron was a dwarven iron mine roughly 225 years ago but it was overrun by duergar. Rumours of a rich vein of gold being found just before the fall of the dwarves have been rampant ever since. "
" Five years ago, with the help of the temple of Tymora, Mulmaster marched on the mine and easily took it from the duergar. The High Blade ordered a fort (named Fort Iron) built on the sight of the mine to defend the rich deposits of iron. Much of the iron is smelted and forged by House Gos. Despite searching for the vein of gold, the High Blade's men never found it... "
" Stories of some nameless fear in the deep mines are common among the miners and in fact the High Blade eventually ordered the deepest areas sealed off and avoided. I guess that's where we are going... I hope we can solve the mystery of this Nameless Fear... "
After receiving the gift Ember mumbles about needing to complete a ritual and hurries off to do some spell component shopping.
After the party receives the gifts from Leleanor, Ragnar leaves the party to do with it as they want, and wordlessly makes his way to the gates of the fort. Once there, he looks for a nice shady spot, sits there, and just takes in the scenery.
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To Clive she says "I am sorry for your loss." and then claps him on the shoulder with one of her large but surprisingly gentle hands. "If she was a true mentor, than she will live on in what she has taught you."
In response to Skyreaver's previous comment, Clyde looks confused for a moment. "Oh, no, he's still alive, he just believes that I need to-" Clyde puffs up his chest and does his best imitation of a burly, stoic voice, "test your skills in the field away from my guidance for a change."
Turning to Adrian, Skyreaver chuckles and says "Your sword says it's not talking to Torm right now, since he gets all the credit for it's hard work. Also, it wants you to try a new polish apparently, since the polish you currently use is too....scratchy? is that right?"
Clyde sips at his beer a bit just before Skyreaver's comment, and immediately snorts the beverage out of his nose. He doubles over off the edge of the table, coughing for a few moments.
After receiving Leleanor's gift, Clyde humbly thanks her. "These should be of great use in the mines, thank you."
Clyde stretches his arms upward as people begin to leave the tavern. He stands and grabs his Greatsword from the wall it was leaning against, lifting it onto his back.
I suppose I should get a look around town.
Clyde flips a gold coin onto the table as a tip, but it rolls off the other side of the table. He walks around the table, face noticeably red with embarrassment, to pick the coin up and place it back on the table. He shakes his head as he leaves the tavern.
"Greetings Outside! Wut ist you doing? Do you hear the grounds? It screams when eyes poke at it!" The girl smiles and stabs into the dirt with her knife. "I think its lives. You shud stay ought of it. It hungers too."
She walks over to the goat, and it doesn't even moved until she touches it. Once she pets it, the thing brays. She walks away and it follows her; you can tell it is blind.
"The grounds, its head hurts from the scrappin'. Youse shudna go ins the grounds. Its belly is angry. But if youse are goin' in da grounds, you should take some good water. I things you wilse needs it. Icksey things down theres."
She stops and turns an ear to the goat.
"Goat says he want shiny rock. You find shiny rock, he want you bring it to me. Not sure why I want rock, but goat always right."
After that, she skips away, the goat blindly following along.
Ember rushes off to buy the components necessary for the Find Familiar spell and finds somewhere quiet to complete the ritual.
She arrives at the gates about 15 minutes late with a Redtailed Hawk perched on her shoulder.
" Sorry... I'm ... late " she says trying to catch her breath.
"Young one, why do you have so much blood on you, and what shiny stone do you mean?"
After she skips off, he folds his arms again and looks down, speaking to no one "Take some good water. There is wisdom in those words."
Ragnar then starts walking back into the town, but pauses at the mud puddle the girl was poking. He takes one of the javelins off his back, crouches, then starts poking around in the mud, listening intently.
Ragnar shakes his head at his foolishness, puts the javelin away, and heads back into town.
Ragnar makes for the nearest shop, and purchases five water skins, then spotting a crowbar, takes that as well. After paying for his purchases, he goes to find a nearest well, and fills up his water skins. Then he goes back to his spot in the shade near the gate.
You meet up with Leleanor, chipper as ever, and she guides you through the mines. You pass by miners, workmen, couriers, porters, soldiers - even the occasional nobleman inspecting the operations.
For the most part, though, the travel through the mines is uneventful. Whatever deal Leleanor has struck with the local military has gotten you past the guards, and the miners direct you through tunnels that are no longer part of the active mine. With a wave Leleanor parts company with you and your group moves into the abandoned portions of the mine. Before long you begin to notice the construction looks different from the rest of the mine, still solid, but greyer, with carvings of openmouthed dwarves upon the supporting arches. Whatever this place is, it is clear that no one has come this way in a long time.
The tunnels that you travel are dusty and quiet but the smell of moist earth is oddly ever-present despite no obvious source. A faint breeze seems to come from deeper in the caverns.
The mine looks old, but stable.
Each cavern varies from ten to fifteen feet wide and is well-braced.
Clyde chews on his lower lip, eyes darting to every dark spot they pass by. His breathing becomes more deliberate, slow and focused. It's clear he's nervous.
These caves were sealed off for good reason. Why did Jack have me take this job? ...I trust him, I trust him. He must have looked into this place first. He wouldn't knowingly send me to my death... Would he?
"So uh... If there is danger," Clyde pipes up after walking past a particularly spooky carving of a dwarf, asking no one in particular, "what would you have me do? Just so there's no uh... mishaps."
Sir Adrian takes in his surroundings while pondering the location and lack of traffic.
Not many have passed this way. In fact, I would say none in quite some time.
Ragnar grunts and nods at Adrian's statement.
"No plants either."
He walks on, keeping a wary eye out for age old traps.