Long have you lingered in this frontier outpost, forsaken
and forgotten. When at last you were summoned
before the Baroness, Lady Satha of Vothys, immediately
you knew it was a trap. But would you dare disobey her
summons? And so you put your head into the noose. At
least she was brief.
“I have an errand for you. The deep gnome quarrytown
of Fasturvalt has two things I desire – stone and
slaves. You will seize them for me. I have assembled an
army of a hundred fine warriors. I put them under your
command. That should be more than enough soldiers to
brush aside their pitiful defenses. Even better their ruler,
Lord Geirni, is a simpleton who believes he can placate
us with treaties and supplications.
“My generosity does not cease there. I have gifts. The
jewels summon forth minor fire elementals for about a
minute I’m told. You can either shatter them and command
the elementals directly or set them as traps. Amusing
little toys to be sure. Use them to burn the gnomish
armory. The potions will keep you in good health. See
how much I care for you, my honored subjects,” she says
with a smirk. A pampered courtier presents you with
a small chest containing three jewels and three potions.
[NOTE: this chest contains three of Satha’s fire jewels
and three potions of cure light wounds]
“This errand should be simple enough even for you.
Do this and return to me. You are dismissed.”
Generosity. Hah! The Baroness plots against you even
if you do not yet understand her schemes. Still, it will be
good to escape from the cesspool that is Vothys. There
is even opportunity here if one is cunning. Enslave the
deep gnomes, yes, but they will be your slaves not servants
of the Baroness. Once Fasturvalt is yours, you can
return to this outpost and thank the Lady Satha properly
for her generosity. The time has come to be forsaken
no longer. Seize Fasturvalt! Through the labor of svirfneblin
slaves, you will build for yourself a Throne of Night.
Satha’s Fire Jewels
Aura moderate conjuration; CL 5th
Slot none; Price 1,500 gp; Weight --
DESCRIPTION
These small brilliant reddish orange fire jewels pulsate with their
own inner flame. If smashed, broken or crushed a small fire elemental
appears under the control of whoever broke the jewel.
The small fire elemental operates exactly as if summoned by
an extended summon monster II and persists for ten rounds.
If given no orders, it attacks the nearest living thing. If there is
nothing living nearby, it spends its time setting all flammables it
can reach ablaze. The jewel can also be set as a trap. With a command
word, it activates an alarm. If any come into its proximity,
the elemental breaks free and attacks as if uncommanded.
CONSTRUCTION
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, Extend Spell, alarm, summon
monster II or summon nature’s ally II; Cost 750 gp
The Drow known as Shelquet stood by, silently listening to her 'esteemed ruler' and staring at her with an unblinking gaze. Lady Satha, generous? She's as poor of a liar as she is a ruler. This is why our race does not rule over creation, because we prize imbeciles like her, packets of viscera fit only to be studied, mutated, and destroyed, unless one were to use her for base entertainment rather than the pursuit of knowledge. I must admit, the thought is mildly appealing, but I'd still rather see her shuddering and gasping in agony under the effects of a neurotoxin. Hmmm... euphoric dreamspider toxin or terror-inducing white widow toxin? Now that would be informative as well as... exquisite. Life is full of so many simple pleasures.
Turning from her inner thoughts, she smiles coldly from underneath the translucent black silk veil and grabs the items from her chest. She holds one of the gems close to her face and studies it intently. How very delightful, gemstones with powers of combustion. I wonder what would happen if I forcefed a Svirfneblin one of these gems? Perhaps I will try this. Will they transubstantiate into fire, reduce to ashes, or will simply nothing happen?The first would be slightly amusing, but potentially dangerous. The second would be a little less amusing. The third would just be a waste. Hmmm... perhaps not.
Shelquet turns to her brother, Quindavotos as they walk away from the room, Tell me, dear brother, what is your view on this? I think it may be rather... informative. I've been meaning to test out a few side projects, but haven't had the inclination to, until now.
Standing by Shelquet Quindavatos lurks in the shadows and as they walk away he speaks, the gems are small trinkets alas. They can call forth minor fire elementals for a time and while useful they are only mildly exciting. I see no trace of fiendish power on the gems, this only deepens my disrespect of the baroness. Gems that can summon forth say a dretch would be far more useful in this assault then minor fire elementals. Then again almost any fiend is better then an elemental, only a lesser conjuror even bothers with summoning elementals... As for the "side projects" which ones?
See
how much I care for you, my honored subjects,” she says
with a smirk.
Oh ho, what game does she play now I wonder? Tired of the outskirts are we, lady? Generous indeed to have us brave the risks for your own glory. Vrek bows very low at the orders, in a flattering tone he replies "Such generousity and care indeed. Worry not, Baroness. All you feel for us is felt by us seven fold for yourself, and we shall repay your kindnesses in due time."
When they are dismissed, he moves along a safe distance to join his siblings. When he is sure it is them alone, Vrek murmurs, "Our long period of boredom maybe over at last at least."
Argent, as always, stands to the side and let's his siblings do the talking, his blank white mask concealing his heavily-scarred face. When the baroness is finished, he signs to Vrek.
*at least we have an excuse to leave the palace. You know of course she has plans to get rid of us after. Probably to replace us with a lesser servant she can manipulate.*
*But of course* He signs back *If there's an advantage to be had by this 'slaves and stone' idea of hers, and I have no doubt there is. She's not a complete idiot after all. But if so, then she's not about to share any glory or prestige with us. I'd almost admire her using 'generosity' as a noose, if she weren't so clumsy about it*
Leiaf dances around the edges of his siblings trying to get at the contents of the chest, and much to his surprise manages to spirit away one of the healing potions while the others discuss strategy. Quite pleased with himself, he hurries to catch up with the others, not wanting to be alone for a second with the Baroness. He couldn't understand how the others managed to act so confidently in her presence when she terrified him so.
He steered as far away as he could from Shelquet and Quindavatos out of habit - having been the subject of their childhood "experiments" too often for his liking and watches the signed conversation between Argent and Vrek with only mild interest. He didn't really care where they were going as long as it wasn't here.
Ever since she had returned without the ability to hear she had been learning to use her other senses to make up for it and now while the Lady Satha spoke she focused on her lips and body language to tell her what her ears no longer could. And they told her that this was all a scheme to remove her and her brothers and sisters from her stronghold. Though she could not see what they were saying she could tell from their posture their dislike of this proposed venture to enrich Satha of all people. They all despised her, as any drow forced to serve where they didn't feel they belonged. But there was nothing they could do about it for now unfortunately.
After her siblings had greedily snatched up the minor jewels she bows to Lady Satha and motions them to leave and prepare together. Once they are away from Satha her hands move quickly.
*What do we know of the Svirfneblin? Other than that they are as related to the gnomes as we are to those accursed surface folk. If they have a weakness, let us see if we can find it and exploit it*
Perhaps I should give these items to my less... gifted siblings. As Shelquet walks with the rest of the group, she holds the items from the chest out, "Any of you interested in these things? I have little use for these things and it is only logical that these trinkets be given to someone else."
Shelquet smiles at her dear brother's question, "Oh yes, I forgot to mention them, didn't I? You remember that Ritual of Soulbinding, how we thought it had failed? Well, turns out there are some VERY interesting things that can be done when my demon-tainted blood is distilled and mixed with certain alchemical reagents. First and foremost, I can make a solution that, when imbibed or injected, causes a temporary growth of demonic scaling and makes one incredibly fast, but somewhat clouds certain mental functions. I've also been wanting to try out some new surgical techniques and other, more experimental things. You know me, dear brother."
Vrek can't help but notice Runt hovering nearby, but not too near. Somedays I just want to whirl on him and go 'boo'... still, he has more sense than he lets on and mother never wanted us to squabble.
*What do we know of the Svirfneblin? Other than that they are as related to the gnomes as we are to those accursed surface folk. If they have a weakness, let us see if we can find it and exploit it*
It's a good question, and Vrek muses over the tales he's heard of the folks, the gossip among slavers, the few songs that mention them as jokes or serious threats...
Smiling like a pit fiend Quindavotos speaks to his sister...
Intriguing and perhaps one or two of the Svirfneblin can serve as test fodder, after that we can move onto more "proper" subjects... Hmm, oh that would be interesting...what if we performed a little "experiment" with our least favorite "superior" in the hierarchy?
Once they are out of the throne room and in relative private, Argent will get Quindavotos' attention. He prefers not to address his sisters directly if he can avoid it, being a male drow and knowing well what that does to his position.
Quindavaotos looks at his brother and makes a few signs...
*Perhaps we appear to the Svirfneblin as traders and trade them to someone important. Or as a gift to their leader. Once it has changed hands we activate the trap and watch them all burn*
Liante smiles at the thought of three fire elementals taking out the enemy rulers for them, without having to put herself in danger.
Aundrak hangs back and watches.
Shelquet studies the 'conversation' intently. She then grunts to get everyone's attention and makes a long series of gestures herself.
Vrek answers,
Leiaf bristled inside as he followed Quidavotos' musing, but kept his expression neutral, finding safety in playing the dullard that they all expected.
He watched the rest of the conversation then interjected excitedly, breaking the silence awkwardly with spoken word. Oooh the troops! Let go inspect our troops brothers and sisters! He pauses, distracted by an image in his mind's eye of himself astride a great lizard-steed leading a charge of a hundred drow warriors to glory, the praise that would be his as he rode to the rescue of his grateful siblings. Oh, could I lead the troops, brother's and sisters? Please? He pauses again, worry creasing his face as he imagines fire and smoke and sharp gnomish spears. Er, maybe from the back. I could lead from the back... with some help? Argent? Aundrak?
Argent was not the bully his siblings were, as he felt that punishing Leiafosaith for every little insertion into the greater sibling's conversations was unproductive, but he had a similar distaste for the least of the siblings. He claps his armbands together and his mask shifts to a red one with a fierce scowl, his substitute for facial expressions.
[dice=Knowledge Dungeoneering?]1d20+8
Argent
Leiaf moped.
He was frustrated. He needed his siblings to listen to his ideas even if they dismissed his words, which he admitted to himself, rarely came out the way he wanted them to. He tried to remember what he could about the poisons the empire had crafted to overcome gnomish magic. He wasn't skilled at crafting poisons - that was Shelquet's realm - but he was skilled at finding the natural ingredients for them. If they did impersonate diplomats or traders, they could sneak that poison into their gifts of food, or maybe spike the gnome's water supply.
They also [I]really did[I] need to visit their troops right away. It was a long way to this gnomish village, and they had no idea what provisions or armaments the Baroness had provided for, nor the quality of said troops. And, Leiaf thought, Quindavatos was most likely correct about the spies in their midst. The sooner they could sniff them out the better.
Vrek suddenly remembers something, and signs
he tells them, "Unfortunately, the tales are less helpful on just what the contengency was. It could be anything from gnome repellent to a dragon in a box, depending on how drunk one is. Still, I think it's worth pursuing."
Shelquet watches and waits for a coherent plan to be formed before acting further.
The first couple weeks of the march go off without a hitch. While the underdark can be a dangerous place, a small army at march keeps away all but the most powerful or desperate predators. Trying to keep your movements secret, you take a smaller passage which requires your soldiers to walk almost in single file. At last you reach a small cavern with a ready supply of water and some edible fungus that should be able to sustain your troops as you scout ahead.
Your field sergeant, a female warrior named Y'dress comes forward to address you all, "The troops should be able to stay here for a few weeks before we exhaust our rations. The fungus and some hunting should be able to hold a few weeks past that. If we are not ready to march in a month, then there maybe some supply problems." She adjusts her kit and spits on the stone, "Whatever you have in mind needs to be done by then."
Quindavotos runs through his mind what he knows so far about the command structure of the army...
Leif watches the warriors set up camp. He walks amongst the troops looking officious and giving nods of approval or stern frowns to random soldiers. Once he's done. He seeks out his siblings. So, it'll take almost three weeks to get to and from this secret cache. That won't leave much time to reconnoiter the gnomes and set up an attack. With all these troops at our disposal, what about splitting into two teams? One group heads to the cache, one scouts out the village. Each group could take two or three soldiers with them to bolster them numbers and do the heavy lifting.
It also gives us a chance to feel out key warriors and maybe start building some loyalties of our own amongst them, he thought to himself.
Holding up his twin blades Aundrak speaks."Divide and Conquer? For the food issue it might be best to save Rations for emergencies and rely on hunting as much as possible."
Quindavotos runs through his mind what he knows so far about the command structure of the army...
Y'dress stiffens at Leiafosaith's words, "Commander, our intelligence does not show another supply point prior to Fasturvalt. If we move the troops, our supplies will allow us to get to Fasturvalt with only a few days rations. If we are pursuing an upfront attack," and she gives a dark smile to show her preference, "then moving the troops now would be prudent; however, if you wish to engage in subterfuge, then it would be better to have your forces remain here for the time being."
Attacking the deeps gnomes through a head on assault for the moment would likely be problematic at best... However another option may be available, the halls of the underdark are filled with many creatures. These creatures could be potentially used as fodder to absorb the majority of the gnomes defenses. We however we must find said creatures first.
Leiaf rubs his palm over his bald scalp in exasperation. There is another thing to hate my siblings for -flowing locks of lustrous hair every one of them, while I’ve been bald as a mole rat since my forties.
He realizes he maybe shouldn’t have mentioned the secret cache around the field sergeant – where had she come from anyway? – and hopes she puts it off to his feeble-minded reputation. Turning to her he tries to articulate his thoughts in another way. I understand that the best spot for the troops to forage until we are ready to march is right here, sergeant. But we also need to gather some …intelligence on our enemies.
Here he turns to address his siblings. I propose we send a stealthy party ahead, with the main army following say five days behind. The advance party scouts for weaknesses in the gnomish defences, figures out the best way to use the Baroness’ gifts, and investigates Vrek’s lead . Then they move to rendezvous with the army at the tunnel intersections a day outside Fasturvalt .
He turns back to Y’dress. Don’t get me wrong sergeant, I’m all for the direct approach as well, but we don’t want to go blundering in there like a pack of ham fisted dwarves, do we?
Argent nods along with the Runt's suggestion.
Ugh. He has a point, surprise surprise.
Verk smiles at Y'dress, his teeth impossibly white, "I, for one, intend on respecting the sergeant's expertise. Thank you, sergeant, we will try to keep any scouting party , if we do use one, small, tight, and focused. Should we consider my brother Leiaf's plan come to be, we maybe relying on you for one or two soldiers that you think best suited to the needs. Light eaters sound like they might be in order." I wonder how loyal the sgt is to our dear baroness? the blade turned against its wielder can often be the most effective weapon on the battlefield.
No war has ever been lost by being too prepared.
Leiafosaith:
Y'dress nods at the commanders comments. "I am at your service. Command me and I shall obey." With that, she bows slightly and moves back to organize the troops.
Vrek:
Liante watches and says nothing, letting her siblings handle things.
"How married are you to this idea of yours, Leiaf? Some would say strength in numbers is best, particularly when it comes to siblings such as we." Vrek makes a mental note of what he reads off the sgt.
I believe we would do well to find some creatures of the dark and used them as fodder, nothing like a few waves of kobolds, orcs or goblins to soften the resistance of the gnomes...
Leiaf blinks in surprise at Vrek's question. He wasn't used to being asked his opinion. Well, uh, from the way sergeant Y'dress described the rations, we can camp at this spot for up to 30 days, and still have enough supply for the 13-14 day march to the gnomes. Is it splitting up from the army or dividing the seven of us that you object to?
He pauses to scratch a rough map of the area in the dirt with the but of his spear, then turns to Vrek once more. How about this: A march by just the seven of us from here to where you think the anti-gnome cache is and back is about 35 days round trip. So its basically the only preparation we'd have time for, unless we started moving the troops in advance of our return and met up with them along the way. Or we could march the whole army to the cache, but I'm not too eager to have over a hundred warriors moving that close to our target a week prior to our attack - If they have any advance sentries we'd likely give ourselves away. If we gave ourselves a nine day head start, the seven of us could reach the cache then rendezvous with Y'dress and the army a day or so outside the gnome village, and still have more than enough time to implement anything else we may come up with.
Which brings us to Quindavotos' suggestion. Leiaf turns nervously to address the conjuror.
Kobolds dying in the name of the Baroness instead of us? I love it! Count me in! Do we know where to find Kobolds? If they are more than about a week off of the army's route we may not have time to do both.
So, am I married to the idea? No, I'm always willing to defer to my siblings' superior reasoning, I just haven't heard a better plan yet.He was growing distinctly uncomfortable having all of his siblings listening to him for this long at once, and stammered into silence.
"Dividing the seven was what I was talking about," he smirks, "We're such a good set after all."
Argent speaks verbally this time, his voice quiet, growly and unsettling, even by Drow standards.
I doubt we'll have time to search the woods for Kobolds or whathaveyou. The Baroness is undoubtedly keeping spies in our midst to keep her informed on our doings. We don't want her to think we are stalling. I think we ought to move into the city by force or by lies. Either way, we shouldn't dally or else she may take action against us.