A feeling of cold dread is palpable in this oval-shaped hall, which is finished in gleaming dark stone. Doorways exit the chamber to the north, from which you came, and the west. Searching the room turns up nothing of interest.
The door to the west leads to a corridor which bends south after a few feet and leads into the upper level of the large hall is a ten-foot-wide balcony ringing the room. An open archway leads to the southwest, and sealed stone doors lead to the northeast and the northwest a little bit bellow where ye stand is where the goblin archers were.
"Say northwest after a look around?"
Amadeen speaks before taking a look around.
Johund glances around and, if nothing dangerous appears, steps out onto the balcony, heading for the northwest door.
A twenty-foot-tall statue of a man carrying a tome stands in a round niche at one end of this impressive chamber. The chest and head of the large statue have been badly damaged, and look like they melted and ran before congealing again, giving the statue a crude, blob-shaped face with eyes of red stone. A doorway leads to the southwest, and another to the southeast, from which you came.
Two giant fanged cricket is caked in pungent fungal growths and topped with a mushroom-like cap. Their appendages tense as they prepare to assault your group.
These creatures are aberrations called Fungal Crawlers, their unusual anatomy includes features normally found in plants. Their bite is poisonous!
Fungal crawlers are immune to poisons and are capable of impressive leaps.
They're also immune paralysis and sleep magic.
Amadeen
Tik'klik
Jorin
Insect Monsters
Johund
Barek
"Tik'Klik!"
Tik blasts a splash of acid at the nearest monster.
But it hits the wall overhead somehow. "Tik'klik?"
"INSECTS!"
Amadeen shouts, while weaving and preparing to cackle.
Jorin runs past Johund, taking up a flanking position on the left and pulls free and throws his net over the closest creature to the group.
"INSECTS!" Amadeen shouts, while weaving and preparing to cackle.
"Tik'Klik!" Tik blasts a splash of acid at the nearest monster. But it hits the wall overhead somehow. "Tik'klik?"
Jorin runs past Johund, taking up a flanking position on the left and pulls free and throws his net over the closest creature to the group.
The insect flails about in the net... things just aren't going it's way for some reason.
The other insect jumps over to Jorin and viciously starts lashing out at him with it's talons.
Johund
Barek
Amadeen
Tik'klik
Jorin
Insect Monsters Misfortune 1/2, Entangled
"Oh no you don't!
Amadeen turns her attention to the next insect.
"Tik'Klik!"
Tik blasts a splash of acid at the monster that's not entangled.
Johund pounces ahead and slashes a large X in the air with his daggers, shredding the carapace of the insect before him.
Barek will sigh in gloom and jog up to attack one of these things?
Mong sniffs at the thing in disgust and goes low.
Johund pounces ahead and slashes a large X in the air with his daggers, shredding the carapace of the insect before him.
Barek will sigh in gloom and jog up to attack one of these things?
Mong sniffs at the thing in disgust and goes low.
"Oh no you don't!" Amadeen turns her attention to the next insect.
"Tik'Klik!" Tik blasts a splash of acid at the monster that's not entangled.
Jorin steps back and tosses another net at the other insect.
Looking about the area afterwards you can see the fire that has burnt the statue has revealed the presence of a hidden compartment, with a little force you are able to get it open again.
Small +1 cold iron short sword-Sells for 2,155gp
There is also a silk pouch containing three fiery red rubies worth 100 gp each and a lapis lazuli worth 50gp.
The red stones in the statue’s eyes are also rubies worth 100 gp each.
"Look for traps!"
"Tik'Klik!"
Tik begins to observe the area carefully, looking for traps. "Tik Tak Trap Rap Trap."
Amadeen proceeds to get stuck into looting.
"Let's push on!" , she exclaims.
She will do so, quietly and watchfully.
This large, L-shaped chamber is flled with knee-deep, pale purple mist. Beneath the mist is a floor of small, glossy black blocks, noticeably different from the flagstone elsewhere in the dungeon. Stone archways exit to the north and the west.
As your group enters the room you are assailed by monstrous creatures assaulting your group...
Everyone but Barek and Johund sees through the phantasms for what they are. Even so both men are affected far less than lesser men.
An instant later the enemies are gone but the mist remains, a pale purple garnet worth 50gp lies on the floor, a brazier nearby is reflected in it giving off the pinkish hue to the mist.
"Tik'KliK!"
Tik holds up a hand, and his eyes begin to glow purple. He begins to check for more traps.
The room is registering under an illusion aura though Tik'klik can't figure out the exact trigger it doesn't seem to be going off again as ye move about the room.
"Tik'Klik..."
Tik sounds annoyed. "Tik Tak Trap Rap Trap... No Tik Tik No Tik Tak Tik No Tik Trig Trig Rig Trig Gar Tak Gar, No Trig Rig Gar Trig Gar No Trig Gar."
Shaking her head, Amadeen replies.
"We may just need to get through."
She reaches to snatch the garnet.
Jorin looks a bit worse for wear again. "Seems I need another dose of healing magic, that creature hits hard and fast."
"
"Let's see here," Johund grabs Jorin by the shoulder and, kneeling, gives him a look over. Then he laughs loudly. "Ain't but a scratch, m'friend, it ain't. " Then he spits in his palm gives Jorin a quick blessing.
Barek has a CLW loaded, he steps up and touches Jorin.
"Might be a good time to rest up." He suggests, "We're getting deeper into the place, but getting low on healing, at least I am."
If you do decide to rest for the day do you want to hand in Garhal Silvercrown's signet ring with the Blue Bassilisk to trade it for the suggested reward previously seen on their noticeboard, or you can keep it to sell.
"Tik'Klik!"
Tik pushes everyone out of the mist room, then wags a finger at them. "Tik tak Bak, Bak!"
Then the golem proceeds to trundle about the mist room for several minutes, until finally the mist begins to clear, whatever was causing it now turned off.
"Thanks for that Barek, the universe keeps trying to seperate body and soul it seems. Resting sounds like a good idea"
Back in town is there any equipment ye would like to try and get or do anything for the rest of the day?
"Tik'Klik!"
Tik pokes Amadeen, and fires an empty unholy water out of one arm into a patch of soft dirt as they walk back to town, making it obvious he needs another flask.
"Tik Tak Ick Ack Emp Tik Emp Tik Tee, Emp Tee, Tik Emp Tee."
In town, as they walk around, he begins pointing to bits and pieces of scrap and junk, various crystals at a magical supply store, springs and bits of metal at a clock shop, and various bits and pieces of other junk laying around in various shops. None of it is very expensive, but it is highly varied.
However, in one shop, he stops and points to a set of wood carving tools, as well as a set of tattoo tools, and begins to make excited Tik and Tak noises before taking them off the shelf and pushing Amadeen toward the shop counter.
Spending some of the rest of the day relaxing and selling off unwanted items around town, some of the more valuable items you find are harder to find buyers for.
Mong starts barking as a goblin approaches you... you've been getting dirty looks from the goblins in Thornkeep since coming out but this one is smiling. "Hello, I hear you have sword for someone of a normal size like me. Perhaps I can buy it from you if I like it? Can I see?"
"Certainly, it's a very nice weapon, enchanted with magic to cut accurately and cleanly and forged from cold iron for that extra bit of assurance" Jorin will hold the weapon up in both hands, turning it as he shows the edge, grip and guard to the possible buyer. Some of his earlier lessons in merchant life seem to have stuck even if he had no interest in them.
The goblin peers at it, examining it's hilt and blades form more than magical enchantments. He is willing to offer you a fair price for it. "Would you like gold and gems or other things?"
"Gold would be preferable"
"You come to edge of goblin market, I will get the gold and meet you there." He points vaguely at the other people in the street and whispers. "They would steal it!"
Amadeen watches, judging the goblin's manner.
She has kept an eye out for a light crossbow.
"Seems fine, is everyone ok with that?" Jorin asks the group.
Amadeen can tell the goblin seems interested in acquiring the sword.
Jorin is also fairly sure the goblin is willing to pay the agree amount... but have gotten unhappy if you wouldn't sell it to him.
Light crossbows are quite popular among the 'scavengers of the road' that come to trade in Thornkeep so there is no problem finding one.
"We trade in the ring. 500 gold? No contest!"
"Tik'Klik!"
When Amadeen purchases her light crossbow, Tik makes gimme motions at a smaller one, sized for a halfling or dwarf.
"Tik Klik! Klik Ick Iam Aim Tik Aim Boom!"
Amadeen takes the hint and buys Tik an appropriate light crossbow and 20 bolts.
Going to the edge of the goblin market your group can spot various goblins watching you including the two injured ones from the dungeon. The trader one who approached you earlier comes forward with a clinking bag. Once you check it you find its the agreed price. The goblin motions for the sword.
Once it has it, the goblin thrusts it upwards into the air cackling to an array of awed sounds from the other assembled goblins. He then grips it close and scurries off into the thick warren of brambles many of the goblins take refuge in.
Watching the goblin reaction, Amadeen turns to the others afterwards.
"I think we got underpaid. And that sword will cause us trouble later on."
She resumes her usual cheer.
"So, back to the halls in the meantime?"
"Tik'Klik."
Tik trundles over to the injured goblins from before, and bows jerkily.
"Tik Tik Klik Tik Sar Tik Sar Tik Ree Ree Tik Ree Ree Sar Sar Ree, Tik Tak Sar Ree."
Once that is done, the golem trundles back over to Amadeen and waits patiently to go.
Later when your group returns the signet ring as advertised on the notice board outside you and it is verified you are given the reward money. The man wearing blue studded leather armour giving you the money hands it over, you recognise it as the man Darya had been speaking with at the Tavern. "Would you mind sticking around for a minute, the boss might have an offer for you?"
"Thank you kindly and certainly."
You are brought into the office of Captain Ariane Redderfin leader of the Blue Basilisk mercenary group. She gives ye an appraising look, raising an eyebrow at the oddity that is Tik'klik. "Your group has been doing well the last few days. Yours is hardly the first to try their hand at tackling either the Halls Under the Hill or the Emerald Spire. But you've cut your teeth a little on both without suffering a casualty. One person bowed out but you secured a new competent ally, that proves you're not without some proper skill."
"I'm not going to draw this out. Thornkeep has potential and the Blue Basilisk have a place carved out here. I'd like to offer your group membership. You'd get free quarters in the barracks here, not luxury accommodations but a damn sight safer than most other places in this neck of the woods. We're always lining up jobs but we keep the best for ourselves."
"I'd keep your group together and you'd be able to continue as you have, if you keep up your current level of success then the reputation it would add would more than compensate for you not being about the entire time. We have gone on missions all over the River Kingdoms and joining us will add to your status in certain circles."
"I don't of course expect a response right this moment, send me word when you've decided."
---------------------------
Welcome to Level 3
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Amadeen quickly racks her brain for word on the Blue Basilisk.
The Blue Basilisks are a small company of mercenaries under the command of Ariane Redderfin, a renowned swordswoman, aided by her favored lieutenant Mirashi Verlon, a skilled mounted warrior. A prominent handbill board by the door features a collection of job offers, bounties, and notices—Ariane is more than happy to collect a few gold pieces by helping potential employers find the muscle they need, even if the Blue Basilisks aren’t interested themselves. They do caravan guard and bodyguard work for explorers and have a solid reputation in the region as mercenaries.
The Blue Basilisks are not overly heroic in that they are mercenaries at heart, rarely fighting for free. Altruism is not a virtue they possess. They do operate within a few hundred miles of Thornkeep but it is their base of operations.
Thornkeep is ruled by Baron Therin Blackshield but since succession operates via dead man's boots the locals identify likely contenders that might be able to pull it off as 'Blades'. Arianne is regarded as one of the blades. Arianne isn't too keen on Baron Blackshield but overthrowing a current ruler and having to immediately fend off other contenders even if victorious is a challenging position. Ye must have made quite the impression for her to offer you a position so quickly, although they do recruit new members from local mercenaries they usually vet them longer.
Johund scratches his salted stubble (lately turning beard) thoughtfully. "Aye, generous offer, 'tis. Once we return out yon dungeon we'll have words."