Deus Est Machina: Dragoncat's Iron Gods (Inactive)

Game Master Dragoncat

Cade looks down at Dejah as the other two make their way into the city. "Do you care if I tag along with you?"

Cade would like to purchase antitoxin (20g), a waterproof bag (4sp), and an ioun torch (60gp).

Dejah was a little surprised by Cade's question as she simply expected him to accompany her. "Join me, yes. Let us go", she said in that husky voice of her, and with that she set out determinedly for the Tempting Tonics store. The General Store would be next.

Entering the shop, Dejah moved toward the counter and spoke with the attendant, "Good day. We require two vials of your best antitoxin, please. Oh, and do you have any vermin repellent? We have a writ from Councillor Freddert."

Dejah removed hers from her pocket and gestured for Cade to do the same, showing the document to the shopkeep.

Diplomacy at Tempting Tonics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

20% off each tonic means we get them for 40gp each. Vermin Repellent is generally 5gp so at 20% discount it is 4gp. This will leave Dejah with 56gp for her other purchases.

Once their purchases were complete at the Tempting Tonics, they moved onto to the General Store and enquired into their respective items.

"Good day. We require two waterproof bags, a boarding pike if you carry one or something similar and an ioun torch. We have a writ from Councillor Freddert", once again producing the signed document from her pocket and showing it to the shopkeep.

Diplomacy at General Store: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Purchase a waterproof bag (4sp with 20% discount) & a pike (if the general store has one -- 6gp & 4sp with 20% discount.

Her total purchases at both stores equal 50gp and 8sp out of the 100gp advance.

As the shopkeep was busily locating their items, Dejah moved closer to Cade and very discreetly enquired, her mismatched eyes pointed up at the tall warrior, "My nails are good for climbing and I have rope. Do you have any equipment with which to climb, Cade?"

Stealth not to be overheard: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Tempting Tonics

Dejah & Caedmon leave the Foundry Tavern behind as Tabitha & Viorec take off, walking past the Market Square and traversing Torch's streets. One street down is where they find Tempting Tonics. The shop is a two-story wooden building that appears to have been carved in a different style from the buildings surrounding it--the awning above the door is carved from maple wood, and it's supported by two beams carved to look like mammoth tusks. A sign carved in the shape of a mountain hangs above the shop door; it reads "Tempting Tonics".

A small bell rings as the two step into the apothecary. Before them are several shelves along the walls, each of them filled with alchemical remedies & potions of all sorts. Sitting next to the door is a wooden counter, with its underside hollowed out and covered with a glass pane. Several gun-like devices are on display under the counter--one loaded with a canister of green fluid, two loaded with yellow fluid, and four with red fluid. Six white-grey tubes with buttons on one end are on display as well, lined up in a neat row.

Standing behind the counter is a half-elven lady with tanned skin and white hair. Her icy blue eyes light up when the two enter. "Ooh! Customers for me? Be welcome at Tempting Tonics--if you can't find it here, you don't really need it! How may Jhestine help you?"

Entering the shop, Dejah moved toward the counter and spoke with the attendant, "Good day. We require four vials of your best antitoxin, please. Oh, and do you have any vermin repellent? We have a writ from Councillor Freddert."

Jhestine takes the writ and looks it over. "Hmm. Another expedition going under the town, eh? Well, best of luck to you--I imagine that after the last few didn't come back, you'll need it."

She steps out from behind the counter and leads Dejah to a shelf, where she pulls down four vials of pale green liquid. "Four antitoxins, as requested. And vermin repellent... let me see..." She wanders to another shelf and looks it over. "How many are you looking for?"

Cade follows Dejah in and listens as she does the shopping for the group.

My apologies for my slow posting -- life is very hectic for me right now.

Dejah watched as Jhestine examined the writ and wished them better luck than the previous expeditions.

"Thank you, Jhestine. I am Dejah and this is Cade."

As the half-elf brought down the vials Dejah had requested, the Changeling replied, "Just two vials of the vermin repellent, please."

Then after a moment's thought, she asked the shopkeep, "Jhestine, is there anything else we should purchase if we are to go beneath the town?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 (If required to gain info...)

And I'm back!

Jhestine takes two vials of black liquid and returns behind the counter. "A pleasure, both of ya."

"Jhestine, is there anything else we should purchase if we are to go beneath the town?"

"Well, a source of light wouldn't hurt none. Torches if you can keep them from getting soggy, and a sunrod if you can't."

She gives the duo another look. "Also, a bit of advice for ya--don't push yourselves too hard down there. I got the feeling that all those expeditions that came before didn't know when to call a break, and ended up failin' for it. Khonnir's first trip was the only exception so far--and really, that's because he found some kind of robot he wanted to investigate further."

If that is alright with you Viorec. ^_^

fine with me. Once Tabitha was done with Mr Trett Viorec offered some suggestions for other useful equipment to purchase. We should probably pick up a good number of mundane things like torches. Having disposable light sources will probably come in handy. Maybe some rope, chalk for marking passages, a signal horn or whistle in case we get separated. What do you think?

Once Jhestine had handed over the vials, Dejah handed over the coin.

"Thank you, Jhestine. We will take your advice. Good day."

Dejah gave two vials over to Cade (his purchases) and carefully placed the remaining vials into the pouch at her belt.

Then together with Cade moved onto the General Store.

GM Ironcat, I have already played out the start of the General Store rp above (post #153).

"That sounds good Viorec. Though I already have a few torches already. Everything else sounds great." Tabitha looks at her three coins left, two gold coins, and a silver. She pockets it into her pocket, and follows Viorec, since it seems he knows how to get around better than she did. "So where to first?"

Cade takes his new gear from Dejah. "Thank you." As they leave the store, he gives Dejah a crooked smile and opens the door for her. "You did a good job in there. You are pretty good at persuading folks to do your bidding..." He follows her down the street and speaks under his breath, but loud enough to allow Dejah to hear. "I guess I better keep two eyes on her." Cade is obviously teasing the budding Archaeologist.

General Store

With the vermin repellant & antitoxins safely stowed away and their purses several gold pieces lighter, Dejah & Caedmon set off down the streets of Torch once more. Passing the stables by, they soon reach their destination--a building that looks just like an ordinary, two-story wooden house. The thatched roof is gleaming in the sun, with a sign hanging from the edge of the roof simply reading 'General Store'.

The front room of the shop is considerably more like an ordinary home than expected; aside from the counter rigged against one wall, and the two shelves behind it and three more next to it, one could be forgiven for thinking they walked into someone's living room. A brown sofa with cushions on the verge of fraying is against one wall, underneath a portrait of a snowy mountaintop.

The shelves behind the counter are filled with items both exotic and mundane. A faded green cloak and a warhammer sit next to each other on one side, the warhammer's head glowing a faint red. Sitting on the opposite end of the shelves are five small black boxes with a red cross on their lids, all of them sitting beneath some sort of glass helmet with a black cylinder where a person's mouth would be. Standing behind the counter is a brawny older woman in blue clothes, her tanned skin and dark hair marking her as being of Kellid descent. Her brown eyes wander over to the duo as they step through the door.

"More customers, eh? Well, welcome. What can Inkrit get you?"

"Good day. We require two waterproof bags, a boarding pike if you carry one or something similar and an ioun torch. We have a writ from Councillor Freddert."

The shopkeep's face darkens as she takes the writ from Dejah. She snorts. "Yea, I've got what you need here." She tersely says as she ducks under the counter and begins rummaging around.

"Honey? Who's come in now?" Calls out a masculine voice from somewhere upstairs.

"More folks going under the Black Hill, is all."

"How long do you think before they get lost under there?"

"Longer than you think, I hope." She comes back above the counter, bearing the requested items--two shining brown bags with drawstrings, an 8-foot long pole tipped with metal, and a dull grey stone.

"Here ya go."

Cade takes his new gear from Dejah. "Thank you." As they leave the store, he gives Dejah a crooked smile and opens the door for her. "You did a good job in there. You are pretty good at persuading folks to do your bidding..." He follows her down the street and speaks under his breath, but loud enough to allow Dejah to hear. "I guess I better keep two eyes on her." Cade is obviously teasing the budding Archaeologist.

She inclined her head at his praise and his courtesy of opening/holding the door for her.

Dejah turned around and allowed her mismatched gaze to linger on the tall Cade. Then she laughed. "Let's hope you don't bump into anything or fall into some pit beneath the Black Hill as you have both eyes on me."

As they enter the General Store and the dusky-skinned female named Inkrit served them, she seemed none too pleased with the contents of the writ. It did not mater to Dejah for it was all above board and the shopkeep could take up any grievance with the Councilwoman.

Listening as Inkrit and the man (perhaps her husband?) talked between themselves, it wasn't long before she produced the items they sought and placed them on the counter.

Dejah pulled out the required coin and handed it to Inkrit. She handed a waterproof bag and the ioun torch to Cade and placed her waterproof bag inside her pack and secured the pike to her back.

"Thank you for your prompt service, Inkrit. Good day", before leaving the General Store.

Out on the street, she looked to Cade,

"Did Viorec or Tabitha give instruction as to where we should meet after the purchases were done?"

Dejah cast her eyes around to see if they were somewhere nearby.

When Viorec sees Tabitha eyeing her last few coins he waves off the sum that's left. You should keep those. Its always wise to keep at least a few coins just in case. I should have enough to pick up what we need. Viorec offers his arm to Tabitha. They must have a general store about, we could ask and see if someone would be good enough to direct us.
I am going to take ten on my diplomacy role to get a total of 19. I imagine that should be enough to get pointed in the right direction.

Viorec, earlier on Dejah told everyone where the respective stores were (before we heard Val scream out and made a stop at the Foundry)... Tempting Tonic and the General Store. So, you would know the general direction. :)

She answered Cade's question, "We need to make a visit to the General Store and then to Tempting Tonics."

Dejah then gave directions and set to walking in front.

There's a General Store down the street to the west of the Foundry Tavern.

For antitoxins & potions, Tempting Tonics is the place to visit. It's two streets down from the market square.

"Ah. Okay." Seeing Viorec offer his arm, Tabitha gently rests her arm with his. When he wonders where a General Store is, Tabitha points out to where it might be. "Dejah did mention where it is. Just down the street from the Foundry Tavern."

"Let's hope you don't bump into anything or fall into some pit beneath the Black Hill as you have both eyes on me."

It is hard to see through his scarred skin, but Dejah catches the hint of a blush.

"Did Viorec or Tabitha give instruction as to where we should meet after the purchases were done?"

"I don't recall. I guess we go back to the shop."

You are right it must have slipped my mind after the excitement with Val and that machine. with Tabitha's direction they set out for the store.

Once Caedmon & Dejah are finished with their purchases, they run into Tabitha & Viorec after a few minutes.

The Changeling noted the barest of flushes upon the tall warrior's face and she gave him a vague smile, simply adding, "I tease you because you do not stop me."

Upon word from Cade that he could not recall an agreed meeting place, Dejah nodded and took a few steps down the street before she caught sight of Tabitha and Viorec walking toward them. Now that is fine timing, she mused to herself.

Lifting her hand, Dejah greeted them, "We were just on our way to find you. These are for you", and with that Dejah reached into her pouch and handed them each a vial of the antitoxin.

"How do your other purchases go? I already have rope, so I did not buy more and I can climb quite well. We may need food and fresh water, enough for the days we will under the town."

Seeing Dejah raise her hand and greeting them, Tabitha smiles. She waves to them as she walks together with Viorec to them. "Oh, thank you Dejah. These will come in handy." Tabitha slips her arm out of Viorec's to accept the vial from Dejah and puts it away on her belt. When Dejah suggests other purchases, she mentally goes over what she has already. "I already have some torches, and five days worth of rations since I arrived. Those things seem to never perish at all, just not great to eat." She makes a slight face after finishing her last word. "Anyway, I believe we're here to pick up some items Viorec suggested." Tabitha looks towards Viorec and then back to the group and smiles.

Cade nods at the two as they approach, "Greetings."

He smiles approvingly at Tabitha's words, "It sounds like after we obtain a few more items that we will be ready to make final plans for our trip?" He looks around at the passersby to make sure the group catches his care not to announce their plans to others.

Viorec takes the vial and nods politely to Caedmon's greeting Thank you.
At the mention of food and water Viorec offers his thoughts. A water skin each should be workable. Beyond that I am capable of summoning clean water to drink and refill the skins. I have a number of loafs of wander meal as well as some rations. I have used the cakes to stretch out more normal rations on long journeys before. I have about 22 of the cakes left and 4 normal rations if we pool our food stuffs I am sure we will have enough for about a week maybe more.

With the mention of other supplies Viorec turns back to the reason for visiting the general store. I had thought of picking up rope but if you believe that we have enough I won't worry on it. I did wish to pick up some disposable light sources. I figure we would want to have 2 torches and a sunrod for each of us. As well as longer lasting light source for those of us who can't see in the dark. Also some chalk for marking passages at least one for each of us and a signal horn or whistle each in case we get separated or to warn of danger. At the mention of a signal horn Viorec presents his own horn.

She eyed the three around her, her mismatched eyes taking in something other than the words her ears could hear.

As she spoke, Dejah kept her voice low/discreet.

"I have three days worth of trail rations in my pack. I can add my food to the rest." Her eyes fixed on Viorec as she said this for he was the one who mentioned combining their respective resources.

"I have a rope -- silk, fifty feet in length. I would suggest we purchase at least one more. Cade procured an ioun torch just now from the General Store and I can see well enough in the dark. Your idea of marking out our passage under the hill is clever, Viorec -- let us buy the chalk. I believe one horn is enough as we do not want to draw the attention (via the noise) of any creature that may lurk beneath the hill."

She looked once more at Viorec and then at Tabitha. "The store, here, will have what you need. Just ask Mistress Inkrit. We will wait for you out here."

Dejah knew she had to stop speaking for Cade (her father once said it was not always a polite thing to do - to speak for others without their consent) -- But nevertheless, if Cade wanted to go back inside the store, she would not stop him and would wait outside, alone.

Cade nods at Dejah and waits for the others to finish their shopping.

The shopkeeper looks up when Tabitha & Viorec step into the store. "More customers, eh? You're also thinking of heading under the Hill?"

"Yes." Tabitha nods towards the shopkeep. "My friend here is looking for some supplies for the trip. We're with the others that came in earlier."

"Mmhmm." The shopkeeper stands up straight and folds her arms. "So, what can I get ya then?"

Taking up Tabitha's introduction Viorec explains his needs. Miss Inkrit A pleasure to meet you. I am looking for a 50' length of rope, silk if it is available, ten pieces of marking chalk, 10 torches and 5 sunrods. Fishing through one of his pockets Viorec pulls out the writ from the council. before I forgot I have a writ from the council for a discount on the goods.

Inkrit takes the writ and nods. "Right--of course. Gotta say, I wish the other expeditions packed as much as you guys do."

She starts gathering up the requested items. "More money for the town, eh? Gotta have something to fall back on if our only source of income dies. Like now." There's more than a trace of bitterness in her voice.

Viorec nods his understanding. I hope we are able to help the town with there current troubles but having something to fall back on is certainly a good plan. Not having all your eggs in one basket and all that.

"Indeed." Inkrit grumbles as she lays all of the supplies Viorec requested on the counter. "Frankly, I'm just hoping your lot actually get something DONE instead of get yourselves killed. Another week of this and I'm seriously considering packing my things and leaving before the League walks in."

Anyone have anything else they want to do or may I get this expedition started?

Im ready to get started.

I am ready too.

Tabitha looks over what Viorec purchased. "I believe we got the supplies we came here for. Lets meet up with the others." She smiles towards Viorec, then to the shopkeep. "We will endeavor to repair what has happened. Though, it doesn't hurt to be prepared." Tabitha stands by the door for Viorec to head out to meet with the others. When he leaves the shop, Tabitha will follow.

(If we have all our supplies etc, then I am happy to move forward and start the expedition.)

Dejah waited outside with Cade as the other two entered the General Store so the priest could make his final purchases. The tall warrior had remained mute beside her, so she had followed suit, allowing her thoughts to occupy her attention.

She noted when Viorec and Tabitha were leaving the store and responded, "We all done, now? Time to get Val and start this expedition."

GM Ironcat, what time is it in game currently, please?

It's about noon.

Ready though I assume we where going to rest before going below

With the supplies gathered Viorec nods to Tabitha to indicate his readiness to leave, before walking out he comments to the the store owner. Yes I think that is everything for now. I look forward to doing business again.

We will also need to get the Water Breathing spell put on us by Father Kyte before we set out.

With preparations made, the party reconvenes at the Foundry to pick up Val. The young Kellid greets them at the door, wearing a set of leather armour and carrying a backpack.

"We going now? I've got my stuff together--some leathers Dad had made for me, my lucky knife..." She draws a knife with an engraved image of a gear in its pommel. "...and food for myself."

"From what it looks like, we are ready. Just need to memorize some spells for our departure." She turns to the rest of the party. "If you all don't mind."
If she can, she will go ahead and make a couple changes to her spells prepared. Changing the two 1st level spells.

With all that done, she will put the new scroll of Magic Weapon, along with the other scrolls, into the Scroll Box for the trip. She will also make sure to put rations, Spell Book, and other water ruin-able items into the Waterproof bag she has as well.

Thanks re the time in game, GM Ironcat.

When they had returned to the Foundry and met Val at the door, Dejah went inside and took her things (rope, water etc) and placed them inside the newly purchased waterproof bag - including her food and potions/repellents.

As Tabitha started to move away to learn her spells, Dejah added to all, "We mustn't forget to see Father Kyte so he can perform his water breathing spell on us."

Val waits impatiently on the steps of the Foundry for Tabitha to finish preparing her spells for the expedition.
------------------
Once everyone has finished their preparations, it's finally time to mount the expedition. The party sets out for the Temple of Brigh, with their newest expedition member in tow. Val practically bounces with eagerness by Tabitha's side as they move.

Passing through the doors to the chapel of Brigh once more, the party notices that there are a lot of people gathered here, seated in the rows of pews. Many of them have quills & inkwells before them and are taking careful notes as Father Kyte stands before the great chalkboard at the back of the room, giving a passionate sermon. The chalkboard behind him has been mostly wiped clean, save for a picture of a mask identical to the holy symbol around his neck and a large triangle, with its corners marked by three words--'Question', 'Propose' and 'Test'.

"...for indeed, every inventor, be they a novice or veteran, must carefully observe Brighs most basic of tenets. Adherence to them all is vital to proper experimentation--after all, can one truly call himself an inventor otherwise? Look upon them carefully and listen well..." Father Kyte waves his hand in front of the triangle. "...for I have seen too many brilliant minds, young and old, who strayed from these truths and into research worthy only of mockery. These teachings, independent though they may seem, depend on each other far more than you know."

"The first tenet: Question!" He smacks the chalkboard, startling a few of the inattentive parishioners. "Questioning aspects of existence is but one of Brigh's tenets. But it alone is not enough--a question without a proposed answer or test is naught but mere philosophy. Leave such mutterings to the philosophers--the Whisper is a goddess of action and thought."

"The next: Propose! For each question, there must be an answer. Without a question, there is no answer. And if said answer is not tested, it is mere speculation. No inventor worthy of the title should speculate without being willing to put his beliefs to the test."

"And finally: Test! 'Tis the tenet with the most weight, and rightfully so--testing without a question or answer is recklessness in its purest form. A lucky inventor will be merely disgraced and humiliated--the unlucky ones can pay for their foolishness with their lives."

"Go forth then, young minds, with these truths held deeply. The world changes, grows, and expands--in this day and age, a clever mind with a strong will behind it can shape the lives of nations." Father Kyte waves his hand and bows. "May the Whisper turn her eyes to you, and may your labours bear fruit. Thank you for attending today."

The congregation begins to pack their things and leave. Father Kyte finally notices the party standing at the doors and beckons them forward.

Viorec prepares himself for the work below the town. Making certain that the water susceptible gear is in the water proof bag that will receive his prayers before passing out and packing away the newly purchased gear. When ready he follows the rest of the party to the Temple of Brigh.

Father Kyte wordlessly nods at the party as they meet up once more. "Finally time, is it? Follow me, then. No time to lose."

He carefully moves past the throng of people milling about in the aisles of the chapel as he leads the party from the temple and up the street. He takes out his extending rod from his apron and starts toying with it as you move, not making conversation with anyone until you reach your destination.

Before too long, the reek of sulfur and what smells like bleach assaults your noses as you finally reach the Weeping Pond on the northwest side of town. The ground beneath your feet turns a lifeless brown colour, and cracked, parched earth can be seen running from the water's edge to at least ten feet inland. The surrounding area is devoid of any sort of plant life--not even a stubborn blade of grass is nearby.

Father Kyte stops and points at a dark hole just a few feet below the surface of the water. "There's the entrance. Now, time for the magic."

"Yeah--come on, Father! Get casting!" Val starts pacing impatiently before the good priest holds up a hand.

"I know, Val, I know. Still, I hope you're all completely prepared."

With that, he takes his metal rod in his hands and bows his head, mumbling an unintelligible prayer. He raises his head and spreads his arms wide, a soft blue energy engulfing the party and settling about their necks.

Extended water breathing has been cast!

Tabitha moves towards the edge of the water, looking down at the entryway after Father Kyle casts his spell. "You know, Tabi-I am ready for this. But this seems rather daunting looking at it now." She turns back to the rest of the group. "Who will go first?"

Cade steps forward. "I will go first. Dejah, am I helping you in the water?" He begins wading into the water.

What do we need to roll.

"Thank you, Father Kyte", Dejah responded to the priest upon completion of the water breathing spell.

As Dejah began to move toward the water's edge, Cade stepped forward and said he would enter the water first. She thought that was a wise idea and then answered his question, "If it looks like I'm floundering in the water, then please help me. I will try to swim as best as I can but as I said earlier, swimming isn't a skill I have mastered, yet."

Dejah waded into the water behind Cade, staying as close to him as possible, in case she got into any trouble in the polluted water. When the water was deep enough, she began to swim, not elegant strokes but suitably enough to manage the propelling action, trying not to take any of the polluted water into her mouth.

Swim: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Tabitha watches as Caedmon an Dejah start to wade into the water. She pulls out the vial of antitoxin that was received earlier and drinks it. She looks at Cade as he starts moving into deeper water and then looks at Viorec. Tabitha then spins back to Cade, hoping to say something before he goes under the water. "Wait! Don't forget the rope." She points towards Viorec. "Viorec bought some, so lets use it. We do not want to be separated under there."

Dejah would have imbibed her antitoxin, too, before entering the water. Wasn't sure earlier if I should have Dejah drink it before entering the water.

Just before she got into too deep of water, Dejah heard Tabitha's instruction not to forget the rope.

"I have rope, too, Tabitha." As I have mentioned numerous times now, she added silently. "So you want us tied to one another or simply holding onto Viorec's rope?" Her mismatched eyes fixed on Tabitha.