"You can't clear a dungeon with daggers. We need substantial weapons."
"Speak for yourself.
Lilly looks rather disgusted with all the gamesmanship going on, and nods to Doctor Rhaym. "It seems it would be wise to invest in a weapon of cold iron. I shall buy a sword, then I will be ready to delve back beneath the hill for another run."
As for the fire grenade is there anything in particular as to how or when you want them used? I have not familiarized myself with these grenades.
"The use of an Alchemists Fire grenade is a function of the situation." Doctor Rhaym lectured, grasping his lapels and walking back and forth.
"On the offense, it can be used against things that would be unaffected by any other weapons, such as a swarm; and things that fast regenerate, such as trolls."If you are in the line of battle, and there is a spellcaster behind the lines, you can lob it over the defenders to ruin his concentration at the very least.
"On the defense, you can throw it on the ground in front of you and run away while it flared up, blocked line of sight and briefly acted as a wall of fire.
"In the general utility field, you can start a fire anytime you might find that useful, in a high wind or the wet, a thatch roof, a field of dry grass, sliding paper doors or windows... The list is truly endless!" He concluded with enthusiasm.
He looked around.
"Ah. Yes. Probably more than you actually wanted to know.
Shall we depart?"
Taking a short detour through the town square, you go to a local weaponsmith's showroom to pick up a cold iron weapon.
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Variel takes in the minor lecture in stride before asking a last question. Thank you good Doctor but I should have been more specific. How do you activate the grenade in order to use it? Do we need a flame readily available or is it similar to a Thunderstone where all you need to do is throw it?
As for departing I am as ready as possible. Please lead on.
Giving Celest a long look as she quips back at Flynn Variel nods in agreement. I would be wary of making that assumption Flynn. IT seems like she is quite capable of handling herself with only a pair of daggers. A dagger is a substantial weapon in the right hands. Better a dagger that is designed for the right situation rather than a greatsword that is too unwieldly to use, correct?
As the group is heading out Variel takes a moment to talk with Lilly after he noticed her facial expressions earlier. Pardon me, Lilly, but I must ask. Was there something I said that offended you earlier while at the breakfast table? If so would you please let me know so I can correct the misunderstanding or rectify the situation.
"Oh.
"Well, the bottles are sealed with a catalyst... I mean, just throw them hard enough to break the glass container. That is all you need to do."
Cheshire stays near the door a moment when they get to the weapon shop, after a minute he looks up at the attendant, "I am looking for something forged from cold iron. I don't suppose you have a sickle made from cold iron."
Chuckling as she turns to Variel, she shakes her head. "It was nothing. Being around Flynn too long can melt even the most stalwart resolve. You're fine, sir." She smiles at the elf, warm brown eyes crinkled slightly in amusement.
After procuring the cold iron longsword, Lilly seems to feel much better about things, putting it through a few experimental swings before sheathing it.
"Hummmmm we'll never seen an army or even a city guard armed with just daggers---soooooo, um yeah . . . Just gonna have to disagree with you guys on that one. Daggers and knives are handy, but not front line weapons."
Flynn heads out to the market district.
"Hey Doc, how much we got left in the party funds? Let's get the elf and I some cold iron rib stickers."
"All right team, if we are all outfitted, let's get this show on the road. Anyone else looking forward to being clean and dry after we get back in?"
Speaking to Variel.
"Hey man, can you create magic light too?"
"Oh yeah, she says stabbing a sausage none too subtly from his plate, "Well I think I'm still in the lead for number of confirmed kills, while you couldn't even kill a damn door on our last trip. I almost want my investment back." She says biting the impaled link off of her knife.
"Well I think if you weren't unconscious and dying on the ground, you would have been able to see I killed a lot of those little gremlin thingys with my spear. Which is why we are getting Lily a longsword---not a dagger. Once again, from the top, daggers are neat, knives are cool, but they are not frontline weapons, they are secondary weapons, unless you are eating lunch or are lurking in the shadows."
"Uh, why don't you get her a spear then?" As the group wanders about the market.
Cheshire shakes his head at all the arguing, "Daggers are cheap . . . that is why I suggested it. Shesh." He shakes his head, "If you too are just going to have a pecker contest I am sure the weapon smith has a ruler."
"'Still be taller than you."
"She just likes to cause trouble little dude, it's what she does."
Lilly turns her dark eyes upon the two bickering. "Enough, you two. Lilly is going to get a longsword, because ultimately it is Lilly's decision! Enough of this! The last thing we need is you two running forward to try to claim more kills when we should be working together as a team."
The warpriestess adds a glare to Cheshire on top of it, just for giggles.
Feeling much better with her equipment situation, Lilly calms some, still giving both Celest and Flynn glances that one would give a petulant child.
Browsing the wares, Doctor Rhaym ultimately selects two daggers; one cold iron and one alchemical silver.
"Just in case." He said, slipping them into his black bag.
He gives his lapels a tug and took a deep breath.
"Well then, shall we get to it? I believe Flynn and Celest have some energy to burn off, and I'd rather it be directed at some enemy instead of us."
"I kinda like it when you talked in third person there."
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VAriel stays out of the verbal sparring and lets well enough alone for the time being. At the smith Variel dows not have th funds to procure a weapon at this time so will forgor that option. I agree Doctor. Let us proceed in a hurry. Once there I do have the ability to provide a modicum of light and can clean us as well.
"I don't suppose you have a sickle made from cold iron."
A massive black bearded dwarf frowned and gestured at a case.
"Some druid ordered a sickle like that. Never came to pick it up. Your's if you want it." He grunted.Will purchase a Cold Iron Longsword for 30 gp if available.
There is one longsword made of cold iron available.
Hey Doc, how much we got left in the party funds?
"I think we have about 150 crowns left after all expenditures. What did you have in mind?" Doctor Rhaym asked curiously.
After all purchasing is done, Doctor Rhaym led you all down the slopes of the town to the muddy shores of the Weeping pond at its base.
The smell of sulphur is strong as he doled out a tablespoon of a blue potion to each of you.
"It is part of a potion of Water Breathing." He said.
He led you into the pond towards the rocky cliff on the far side. Gradually the muddy water rose until it was ten feet over your head.
Leading you into a crack in the cliff face, you wend through the twisty flooded passageways until you emerge abruptly into half flooded caverns. Phosphorescent lichens mottle the walls and ceiling, and small amphibious creatures with glowing red balls in their foreheads scatter at your approach.
You travel a hundred yards through flooded tunnels, your veteran companions pointing out the battles they had, the fossilized corpses of the halfling expedition there, the tunnels they were attacked from here, and you came to dry tunnels which were smaller.
Travelling further, they point out the cave with the ancient machines with all the bundled wires and knobby features perfect for fiddling with your fingers.
Finally, you come to the cavern of the Skulks. The agreement seems to be holding, since you aren't ambushed as you enter.
Gingerly, you pass by the hole that leads down to unknowable depths and finally come to the far side of the cavern.
As you were told, the cavern here is bisected by a metal wall, with a circular hatchway blocked from completely closing by some rubble.
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Even knowing that the trek required going through the water and fumes Variel was still frustrated at the fact that they would have to get filthy. Still there ws no other option so instead of grumbling about it Variel kept his heald head high, took his sample of the potion, and marched in. He was glad for the others to show him the path as he was not wilderness savvy enough to know where to go. He made sure he was within reach of Lilly or Celest at all times to keep from being lost. On the other side with his head above water Variel immediately started casting spells not caring if there was someone there that could hear him. The first spell he cast was prestidigitation to clean the muck off of himself and to dry his Spellbook. After that necessary step was completed he then cast light on the ground at his feet. Looking around he then casts prestidigitation on those that want it and light on his rapier. He continues to keep the light spell active refreshing it as needed.
Traveling through the different areas Variel keeps his eyes open for anything threat but it seems that the previous forays have done well in clearing this area out. Arriving at the skulk lair Variel grips his rapier tighter expecting anything but nothing alarming happens as they reach the partially open door. He stops momentarily to cast light on a stone and casts the stone into the pit of unknowable depths unless stopped. At the doorway, Is this what you were talking about? This door that it seems is the only avenue left to explore. If so then we must continue on and quickly to reach our goal. Is there anything else that you can tell us before we pass the point of no return?
Cheshire seems happy with the sickle and scratches the air with it a few times. "This will work." He stashes the sickle or easy reach and stashes a hand ax in his gear.
Cheshire looks at the murky water and then at Fuzzles. "Oh Boy." He leads Fuzzles away from the group and casts speak with animals.
"We have to do some swimming. Not fun swimming either. But we will be able to get through the water and be able to breath just like we were on land." Cheshire drinks the potion that Doc gave them and acts like it tastes good. "Your turn this is what will make you able to breathe the water. Our new friends have made this swim several times. If the hysterical woman with the poop worms can handle it we can."
Cheshire makes his way to the water and gets ready to go. Fuzzles beside him. "Thatta boyo." He looks at the others and follows. He keep close to Fuzzles reassuring him.
Once on the other side. Cheshire notes the spell that Variel is casting. "Do you have uses of that to spell?"
Cheshire looks about, he points at the lichens glowing, "Hey look they light up."
When he sees the old machinery Cheshire brightens up. "Whoa, lookers here. Is it safe to touch." He licks his fingers and examines the machines.
Cheshire looks at the hatchway that is held open by the rubble.
Lilly goes through with the disgusting underwater trek stoically, accepting the grime as part of her 'job'. As they continue along, she remarks to Variel and Cheshire. "We seem to have cleared out most of the rest of the complex. Oh yeah, we have a tentative truce with the skulks living here, so don't be alarmed when we come upon them. As for the portal, we know little about it...other than it is almost surely the way that Councilman Khonnir used on his expedition."
The warpriestess advances with her cold iron weapon drawn, looking about warily.
"Yeeeah buddy, it's great to be clean and dry."
"How's that new rapier riding on your hip there Variel? Now remember that is an advance coming out of your later funds."
The rake cracks his knuckles.
"Okay now, time to get down to business."
Flynn gets out his tools and lays them out before the door.
Celest keeps her masterwork dagger at the ready while underground.
"Whoa, lookers here. Is it safe to touch." He licks his fingers and examines the machines.
This pile of mysterious machines is nothing but millenial old garbage now; too old and composited to even melt down for the metal.
The hatchway and wall are made of Galucite; an alloy of Adamantine. There is more here than anywhere else in the world combined.
The hatchway rises and lowers vertically. Without power, it's hard to move; but once in motion should move easily. There should be a control panel nearby; a rectangular glass plate about a hand in size.
You effortlessly lift a purse with about 190 crowns worth of coinage in it from one of the high rollers you saw at the gambling hall last night; looked like one of the Technocracy Autarchs.
Doctor Rhaym looked at Flynn.
"You know Flynn, that this door poses no problems for us to pass." He said with acerbity.
He reached under the door and, with some effort, tugged until it lifted up smoothly without effort.
"We simply need to make sure rubble is here under the rim, so we can lift it again."
Beyond the portal is a short hallway, made of the same material...
"You are ruining my show Doc."
He whispers
"Trying to make sure the door can't be sealed behind us."
*eye roll*
Cheshire lets out a quiet whistle of awe. "That is a lot of Galucite. Its an ally of Admantine. There is more here than ever thought to exist."Cheshire turns his attention to the rectangular plate. "This is about the size of one of you biguns hands. Don't you think."
"Huh, funny because here is a whole hallway more of it."
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Variel gives Cheshire a mischievous grin as he casts the prestidigitation spell to clean him up. Instead of just removing the water and smell Variel continues the spell giving the gnome a complete cleansing and even straightening his hair. As a special touch at the end Variel gives it a nice blonde luster appearance at least for an hour. In the dark and without a mirror hopefully Cheshire doesn't notice. At the repeated castings Variel nods, That is a simple trick I learned long ago. I have the ability to cast it as often as I would like to. The same goes for the light source but I can only have 1 light source available at a time. he then repeats the process on Fuzzles giving his coat a sleek and clean appearance.
When Flynn presents the rapier to him Variel hefts it and tests the balance. A well made blade but not prefect. The length and weight are off just a bit. It is more noticeable on a thrust as the increased weight at the tip requires more force and strength to recover from should you miss. Still, it is a good quality weapon and I thank you for loaning it to me. I will make good use of this I hope.
[b]Thanks for the tip Lilly. I would not want to start an argument or altercation needlessly should we be startled by them. How long is the arrangement good for and how do we know if our part of the bargain is completed?
At the door Variel lets Flynn and Cheshire examine it. Onec it is made known that it is relatively safe and that even the good doctor could lift it Variel goes about looking for the most sturdy piece of junk to wedge the door up all the way.
Perception
Variel then prepares to go down the strange tunnel. What do you think, Flynn and Cheshire up front? That way Flynn can look for traps while Cheshire can examine the strange things found? We have Doctor Rhame in the middle to protect him with Celest while Lilly and I bring up the rear?
What I meant was there SHOULD be a glass plate nearby, but you look around and don't see one.
"Trying to make sure the door can't be sealed behind us."
"Oh.
"Well, why not use the rock under the jamb, like we found it? It seems to have worked well enough before." Asked Doctor Rhaym curiously.
"Trying to make sure the door can't be sealed behind us.""Oh.
"Well, why not use the rock under the jamb, like we found it? It seems to have worked well enough before." Asked Doctor Rhaym curiously.
*Heavy sigh*
"Yeah, well remember when I was trying to tell you about the Skulks. The people passed through this door, but I am not sure if they get out. Someone opened this thing. If what shorty here is saying is correct, you'd need a Rod of Cancellation to get out if you got locked in. I am just checking this thing for a mechanism of some kind. Maybe find a slot for one of the coin thingys or something."
"I'll go first, but I'd like Lily to back me up. I trust her to have my six, besides if we see something cool we can let Chesire come up."
After analyzing the mechanism, you think that if you lift the door all the way up so it disappears into the ceiling, it will stick there.
Disable Device DC20 to use the internal mechanism to lock it there. You are -4 since you don't have electronic lock picks.
"Ha! I've got it!"
"Errrr, I can lock it open so no one can shut it, you think that's a good idea?"
While Flynn works on the locking mechanism, you all can see down the short passageway beyond to the next chamber.
The walls, floor and ceiling of this slightly curved hallway are made of smooth dark gray metal.
Panels of lighter material run along the ceiling eight feet above.
To the north and south the tunnel is blocked by walls of metal junk (much like the ruined machines you saw earlier in the caves) and rubble, while open doorways yawn to the east and west.
It is dark. The light sources you bear throw moving shadows everywhere.
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Variel stays silent letting the skilled do their thing. When Flynn asks his opinion though he does answer, I am hesitant to leave it perpetually open. We do not know what we may come across and may want to try and seal this off at some time.however if you feel that there is a risk in it closing on us then by all means keep it open.
Lilly, as usual, ignores most of the banter going on about her, though she does show Variel a gracious smile when he makes mention of her comment. She shrugs about the marching order, not really having much of a preference. She is still trying to power through some of Flynn's slang, but realizes his comment is about him trusting her with his back. She flushes, suddenly ashamed of her constant irritation with the man.
As the party makes its way into the short corridor, the warpriestess looks both north and south, wanting to make sure no more surprises lay in wait in piles of junk.