Emerald Sky

Game Master Asmodeus

Brand looked to Sir Norin than back to Oleanne. " Mercenaries double crossed Sir Norin here. Wagon-load of foodstuffs for the town at stake."
He crossed his arms and stared at Sir Norin thoughtfully.

"But ill let Sir Norin explain it fully."
Brand took a deep breath.

Lets see if he can be redeemed

Sir Norin nodded."I heard of your villages plight in Westfork and hired these men to guard a caravan of supplies. Instead, they stole the food and tried to extort me for more money or face letting the supplies rot."

The knight looked at Velgar."This one admitted they have the caravan stashed in caverns, somewhere in Chillspring Vale."

Oleanne considered."Chillspring Vale? I know if it. Stepping into that stream feels like stabbing yourself in the leg. The whole western edge is pocked with a thousand caves. We'll soon have which one out of him though."

Velgar smiled through bloody teeth."Not likely, witch."

The Warden gestured."We shall see, won't we? Take him away!"

Oleanne turned to the Knight and the companions. "Thank you. Thank you all. I don't need to stress just how important those supplies are to us. Is there anything you can do to speed things up?"

"Possibly. Though it may kill him."

"Possibly. Though it may kill him."

Oleanne frowned and shook her head."His crimes do not warrant a death sentance. We will put him to the question instead and get back to you as soon as we can."

It is almost a full day before Olranne seeks you out, her tiredness evident in the way she walks and the way she leans against the door frame.

"The cave is on the vale's northeastern side just past an old prospecting claim marked with an overturned mine cart and a broken storm lantern with blue glass. Hurry. There isn't time to waste."

Evelyn Nyx wrote:

"Possibly. Though it may kill him."

Oleanne frowned and shook her head."His crimes do not warrant a death sentance. We will put him to the question instead and get back to you as soon as we can."

It is almost a full day before Olranne seeks you out, her tiredness evident in the way she walks and the way she leans against the door frame.

"The cave is on the vale's northeastern side just past an old prospecting claim marked with an overturned mine cart and a broken storm lantern with blue glass. Hurry. There isn't time to waste."

I thought we were chasing cultists down a hole, not waiting around here for an hour, let alone a day...

GM_Arrule wrote:

Evelyn Nyx wrote:

"Possibly. Though it may kill him."

Oleanne frowned and shook her head."His crimes do not warrant a death sentance. We will put him to the question instead and get back to you as soon as we can."

It is almost a full day before Olranne seeks you out, her tiredness evident in the way she walks and the way she leans against the door frame.

"The cave is on the vale's northeastern side just past an old prospecting claim marked with an overturned mine cart and a broken storm lantern with blue glass. Hurry. There isn't time to waste."

I thought we were chasing cultists down a hole, not waiting around here for an hour, let alone a day...

Given that there have been no posts from anyone, I took the initiative and went ahead and had Oleanne get the information. Brian mentioned detect thoughts but he didn't follow up on Oleanne's question about speeding things up so I went ahead on my own. You now have the location of the missing food caravan (the villages hunger is the entire reason to be looking into the KIng in Yellow camp in the first place), after all. You can now do either of two things. Go get the caravans food or go back to the King in Yellow Camp again to stir things up and find these tunnels. What do people want to do?

Is this cart the same cart I saw with prying eyes, or different?

Is this cart the same cart I saw with prying eyes, or different?

Different. The Old Crystols are full of failed mines, played out mines, and the diggings of a thousand hopeful prospectors both past and present. Mine carts and the remains of mine carts are a common sight in the lower slopes and foothills of the mountains.

OK. Took almost a full day. Are we rested and refreshed with full spells?

OK. Took almost a full day. Are we rested and refreshed with full spells?

Yes.

how far away is this cave?

Oleanne calculates mentally. "Most of a day south and west sees you free of the Mudwater swamp. Another half day and you'll reach the entrance to Chillwater Vale. Figure for a two day journey."

Amelia Frowned.
Two days in and two days out would be too long, if indeed a strike team is on their way to the elevator

" I may be able to travel magically, but I do not know the place. Do any of you or your men know it and can picture it clearly"?

Amelia Frowned.

Two days in and two days out would be too long, if indeed a strike team is on their way to the elevator

" I may be able to travel magically, but I do not know the place. Do any of you or your men know it and can picture it clearly"?

"I thought the whole point of travelling BACK here magically, was to head off those cultists, and stop them from checking those tunnels... you know... the mission to find out why their plans to over-run the entire region, including this village, with Red Plague, wasn't going fast enough?"

Brand looked to sir Norin and the mercenaries sword held in his grasp.
"Why not have sir Norin and a contingent of your guard go to retrieve the goods? With their leader routed and a portion of their troops out of commission, I'm sure they have naught but a few men left. Even so you could negotiate to let their leader go in return for the food."

Brand smiled, "They keep the original money they were promised, and the town gets their food. Everyones happy. If some are slightly bruised.Maybe they learned a thing or two about extortion."

He looked at Norin then to Oleanne. "Hopefully we all have learned something."

The Warden nodded at both Brand and Evelyn's words. "We can send a squad of our militia to recover the caravan even though that weakens our defenses should the Greengullet frogfolk send a raiding party. I deem the risk acceptable and well-fed warriors fight better than the distracted and starving ones I have manning the barricades and watchtowers now."

Oleanne looked at Amelia. "Velgar wouldn't break under questioning, his years in the Red Eye Arena of Westfork have toughened him against pain but one of his men described the place pretty well. I've never been to the Vale's rim myself....I've heard stories. Tales of ice maidens, fey able to freeze a mans heart with a single kiss. Skin white as Sheora, lips blue as the sky....well, as the sky was before Almalira rose. The streams are certainly cold enough to have frost magic in them."

Brand looked at Velgars sword. "Sir Norin, do you know how to activate that swords magic?"

"Oleanne, that sword bursts into flames on command, would that be useful against such creatures?"

Brand started to tighten the straps on his wrists and ankles. He took out a small roll or wraps from his pocket and spun it expertly, covering over each hand and foot.

"Well sir Norin, heres a great chance to really prove your family worth. Im sure taking back your stolen food to give to the town from the mercenaries. While wielding a fiery sword, would be something to sing about right?"

The knight allowed himself a smile. "Something to sing about indeed, Master Brand. It's been too long since my famly got it's due."

He raised the sword and spoke a word, "Fyornii", watching the flames engulf the blade to curl and writhe in the air.

"A fine weapon and no doubt effective against ice creatures. I will avoid icy women..." He glanced at Amelia."At least, I will avoid them in the future. May the Four keep and protect you on your journey...all of you."

The knight extinguished the blade and sheathed it, striding away with Oleanne in tow to make the arrangements for the militia raid, leaving you alone.

Brand smirked. "I really didn't expect that to work!"

He looked over everyone. "Well than, off to the elevator? or back to the evil yellow cloaked camp? or to the caves we originally were going to?"

"The cultists going down the elevator appear to be on a mission which may doom the whole area. Undead plague zombies don't need to eat. I say we go to this elevator."

"Yes. Now that the food situation is in hand we should go, though I am sure I shall have to take care of Norin sooner rather than later."

With 3 out of 4 responding, I'm running with this.

Mudwater Swamp - The Dwarven Lift

The crumbled walls of an old stone building cradle the elevator on three sides. The upper stories and front wall have long since collapsed, forming moss-covered mounds surrounding the buildings remains.

The blackened circle of a campfire sits just beside one of these mounds, the ashes still warm to the touch.

Your enemies are only hours ahead of you.

The elevator stands at the center of the open courtyard within, a semi-circular rail of black metal curving around half of it, creating both front and rear entrances to a massive ciscular disc of black metal and pale, milky crystal. Beside it, a cylinder of stone stands, its surface marked with draven and draconic runes and topped with a crystalline plate with yet more markings and a sturdy lever. Hoses hang from open appertures in the cylinder like slain serpents, the floor near the cylinder slick with a black fluid that still drips from the slashed ends of the hoses.

The symbol of the King on Yellow adorns the far wall, carved there in the moss and lichen.

All seems quiet....

Brand looked carefully at the hoses. Well that's a mess. But if that goes there and this goes here...By the gods how do I know this?
Knowledge engineering: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 Trying to fix the mechanics.

Brand quickly and efficiently reattached the hoses to their proper housings. The openings in the cylinder clicked shut and a rising whine began, building as power crackled through the mechanics. Things clicked and whirred behind the cylinders surface, the crystals embedded in the metal disc of the lift thrumming, aglow with an amber radiance.

With a clack, the lever pivoted in its housing, unlocking as the rail swiveled to present its opening toward the companions.

"After you."

Brand carefully tested his weight on the elevator. "Uh, seems okay to me? Not sure how i fixed it but, it sure works now."
He tightened his belt and then scratched his head.
"weirdest thing..."

The metal disc didn't shift in the lightest as Brand tested his weight upon it, though he could feel a sensation through his boots, a subtle vibration of power.

Up close, the half-dryad could see that the inner edge of the rail bore a line of golden dwarven runes as well, each aglow with the same amber radience that pulsed from the crystalline insets in the disc.

Brand rubbed his finger along the script. "Anyone speak dwarven?"

"Why of course I do, and most others as well"

Amelia moved to read the runes.

This is obviously an ambush. You can't travel i n a broken elevator. They wanted us to fix it. I am casting false life as I move forward 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

The inscription reads...

От земята - безопасност, от вода - живот, от въздух-мощност

OK, what about the draconic?

तूफान छिपकली इसलिए कोई प्रयोगशाला तीन

Since Amelia has started casting defensive spells, so will Evelyn, activating Cloak of Darkness.

Shadows swirled around Evelyn, shielding her true location and blotting out much of the ambient light of the surrounding crystals.

"That--Gullup--Will not be necessary." A voice bubbled."They've all gone below--Gullup. No danger here now--Gullup."

A patch of marsh grass lifted aside as a frog-like humanoid stood up nearby, its webbed hands raised to show they were empty. It's skin glistened beneath a layer of slime, it's body covering as green and mottled as the ground cover all around, blending nearly perfectly. "Do not kill this one--Gullup. A friend is--Gullup--Yorbamuhg. A spy--I am--Gullup--. Eyes for the White Willow."

The frogling swallowed and averted its bulbous red eyes, its throat distending outwards,--Gullup.

Brand cautiously stepped forward. "Were they, cloaked in yellow? Did you destroy the panel in hopes they would not come back?"

Yorbamuhg shook his head,"All in black they--Gullup--was. Except the one. She wore yellow on her--Gullup--face. Painted--Gullup--lightning on her cheeks. Down they went and--Gullup--I made sure down they stay--Gullup--."

The frogfolk pointed towards the elevator."Trapped they are--Gullup. No escape. Only--Gullup--Death down there."

"what kind of death?"

Yorbamuhg shrugged, his huge eyes blinking. "Bitey rippy death--Gullup--Slimy eating death--Gullup--Zappy burning death."

Brand walked over to the elevator, his wrapped feet leaving little or no trace on the ground. DM- Is there enough room to squeeze around to hang underneath the elevator? I also have slow fall a good amount too, i need for my plan to work.

"Well why don't i try and go down first, I can hang under it until i can safely jump down."

He pulled a bottle of smokey liquid from his pocket.

"We can be near invisible with this too, I have enough to give one to Maitreya as well."

He gestured to Amelia and Evelyn "Though you both could come down too, though invisible if your magics can allow it."

The disc has nearly no clearance in its housing. Unless you are able to assume gaseous form or otherwise bypass an inch wide crack, getting underneath the elevator disc is not an option.

" Allow me a moment, and keep an eye on this one" Amelia said, stepping forward.

Speaking phrases of power her eyes rolled over white and her consciousness sped from her body and down the hole.

Casting darkvision and Arcane eye. That way I can scout ahead for the enemy in the darkness

Amelia sends her arcane scouting eye down the elevator shaft and out of sight. For long minutes she merely stood with her head bowed, concentrating.

finally, she straightened and gave a cold smile.

Amelia spoke another word of power and continued to concentrate. Her now milky eyes scanned the area as her mind quested outwards seeking that which was hidden.

cast detect thoughts, and scan for minds. If that turns up nothing I will delve into the frog's mind. Will DC 19

Amelia reached out with her magical senses.

There were four thinking beings in the space below, all of average intelligence.

Their surface thoughts rose in her mind...

"First shot ruins the veil. Make it count."

"Come on.....come on.....why is this taking so long? Shouldn't they be coming down already? Come on...."

"I wonder if Brannagh knows about me and his sister?"

"Damn the gods and my small bladder. Why did I have to drink the entire bottle? They'd better come soon or I'll need new breeches."

A cold smile bloomed on Amelia's mouth.

"Ah, I see. But none of you could do that" she said quietly to herself.

Turning, she focused her mind on what appeared to be a frog creature.

The surface thoughts of the White Willow scout whispered in her mind.

"They are too few. Two don't even wear skin of steel like the ones who went down did. Empty hands against metal rippers. They are the sacrifical ones, meant to buy time for......what? The women? Magic! The shadow and mask and the storm that freezes. Witches! Servants of the Swamp Queen! By the White Willow, what have I done?"

Amelia cocked an eyebrow at the frog man.

"Calm your mind willow servant. We serve no swamp queen"

Turning to Evelyn and ignoring the warty creature she continued

"Evelyn I hate to impose, but there are four invisible enemies at the bottom of the elevator shaft. Would you be an absolute dear and take care of them? I'm sure the wizardess that veiled them is still around here somewhere and I have to concentrate to keep searching"

Evelyn regarded the inch-wide crack.

Is it even possible to cast a spell blindly down to the bottom there?

It is as long as it targets only the squares at the bottom of the pit and doesn't require line of sight as your darkvision doesn't reach to the floor of the shaft. Amelia did not get the location of the enemies, only that there were some.

The frogfolk gulped and looked from Amelia to Evelyn. "No--Gullup--insult was intended. The only women we see with the Gift are the daughters of the Swamp--Gullup--Witch or the witch Herself--Gullup."

He studied each spellcaster carefully."Maskshadow must be powerful if you ask her to hit foes not seeable under the ground. You are of the storm, yes. Gullup--The storm that freezes. Icewind, I name you. Icewind and Maskshadow."