End of the Northerners - Dungeon World (Inactive)

Game Master kdtompos

Most of this honor stuff should just play out in the fiction. As part of the flavor I try to bring, I try to bring that stuff to the front. Luckily, you can still benefit from more honorable characters, like if Tofa uses it to boost one of your roles. And the downside would only come up with really dishonorable actions.

The thought process is to dangle a carrot for actions that mechanically hurt, or some more teeth to something that seems immediately and drastically beneficial. I like the feel of a game where you look at a powerful relic and instead of just seeing all the cool stuff you could do with it, you also consider the moral implications of it (whatever might define "morality" for you). I want to convey a sense of things greater than you, even though you're clearly the heroes that kick butt. Personally I think your character has a ton of potential for honor, it just might not be the more traditional type that Tofa ascribes to. I'll try to bring that in to, and you're already carrying others along with you according to it I'd say.

The thought process is to dangle a carrot for actions that mechanically hurt, or some more teeth to something that seems immediately and drastically beneficial. I like the feel of a game where you look at a powerful relic and instead of just seeing all the cool stuff you could do with it, you also consider the moral implications of it (whatever might define "morality" for you). I want to convey a sense of things greater than you, even though you're clearly the heroes that kick butt. Personally I think your character has a ton of potential for honor, it just might not be the more traditional type that Tofa ascribes to. I'll try to bring that in to, and you're already carrying others along with you according to it I'd say.

Cool. ^ I like all of this. I think at this time Bryn is not so honorable as seeing his interests aligning nicely with the others. I do hope that in time he very much becomes an honorable man. I agree with you that the potential is there.

Realizing that the dog in question did not belong to the hunter... never occurred to Tofa. Or me, at the time. XD

Tofa watches as the others opt to follow the trail, closing the door to drop line of sight, before slumping against the wall and sliding to the floor, exhaling with a heavy sigh. "Damnable honor. It can't be helped that the girl ran off and the hunter and his dog are having to track her down. If she hadn't decided to choose now of all times to go wild, there wouldn't be a question of what is right and what is good." She crossed her arms across her chest, and closed her eyes, and started to count, under her breath.

Ulfgrim tries, half-heartedly, to sway you from joining the men; but he clearly does so more because of the looks Shareeva is giving him than out of actual concern.

"What do you and your clansmen most desire?"

The man is so absorbed in your conversation, that you can hear the guise dropping--every statement he makes seems more transparent, before you finally ask what you're getting at.

"We wissh to clear these caverns. These hallss were oncse ours, you know?" there's a lisp to his voice suddenly, as the s sounds trail for a moment. And he gestures only to those seated at the table when he speaks in the first person plural. His eyes grow wide suddenly, realizing that he's let the ruse slip. But the words are hardly as outwardly condemning as you understand them to be. "Are ours, I mean. The deeper caverns should belong to us." he suddenly motions to the hall filled with denizens. You get that it's a weak cover up, but maybe he thinks it worked.

Or maybe he fears exposure. "And what iss it you dessire? He asks, leaning forward on his elbows. He's so close you can smell his breath. "You're a sstranger here? From the Berrywine. What would you desire to help us take these caverns back?"

Though he asked "What do you desire?" The real question being asked is "How can I get you to help us instead of the dwellers of Bjornsfall?"

"And they will speak with the tongue of snakes, and snakes will be their bedfellows," so say the legends, Baelgrin thought to himself, paying attention to the man's sibilant voice and the omnipresence of huge reptiles that go unnoticed. I must dissuade the man from suspecting us or it will go badly for the others.

"In these tumultuous times, one must choose their allies carefully," the bard begins, choosing his words equally carefully.

"The Berrywine clan is on its last legs. We lose more to death and disaster than we gain from happy new babies. I will do whatever I must do to ensure that we survive; whatever it takes."

Baelgrin knows that a lie is easily spotted leaving his mouth, despite his way with words. Still, his long life and experience have taught him that it is not always necessary to lie to hide the truth. Speaking in generalities allowed the skald to avoid outright lying while still (hopefully) answering the man's question to his satisfaction.

Baelgrin finishes his sentence and takes another long pull from his mug, disguising his glances at Shareeva with the action. She mistrusts me greatly, the old skald thinks to himself. There's something huge being hidden here. I can sense it.

The skald's plan is to stay a few more minutes, then make an excuse to go back to rejoin the others. He will probably rely on his advanced age - it's a good excuse for many situations. Perhaps he will tell her that he is feeling incontinent. The clever old man smiles into his ale, the smile disappearing as soon as he lowers the mug to the table once more.

^^ Haha that's great. I'm going to use incontinence as an excuse. Perhaps even before I hit old age.

Well stated, Baelgrin. So you would aid these imposters only if it meant the survival of your clan?

"Yess..." The scout nods, dwelling on your answer and its implications. He composes himself further, and the normal accent resumes. "I too understand what it's like to see the end of your people, and fear for the future. If you would aid us then, in 'claiming these caverns from the monsters that occupy them' I believe that you could count us as allies, and we might be able to assist you should this giant eventually come to rest."

Ulfgrim, overhearing, acts excited that the clan is growing more accepting of you... though he clearly doesn't understand what's really going on. You can tell that this scout isn't referring to the clan at Bjornsfall, but rather speaks of their removal and alliance with whomever these scouts represent that wishes to reclaim the caverns.

"When we decide to claim them, you will have the opportunity to give us your decision... yes?"

Baelgrin, it shouldn't take much of an excuse to leave. In fact, Shareeva and Ulfgrim are likely ready to go as well, having had the opportunity to greet the returning scouts. Is there anything else you'd like to do here? What's your next plan of action?

Brynjolvar, I'll give Iorval just a bit longer to see if he can jump in, then we'll move to your pursuit of your daughter and the huntsman this afternoon. If Iorval isn't able to speak up in time, I'll let him decide when he does whether he accompanies you, stays with Tofa, or pursues a third course of his choosing.

We can wait until next week to see if Iorval posts, GM Morthrasir. I'm pretty slammed at work today and have plans tonight, so I probably wouldn't be able to post something meaningful until the weekend anyways!

On the way out, Baelgrin will nod to the scouts he's been conversing with, showing them deference and respect in the manner of all wise old men. Once outside the feasting hall, Baelgrin turns to Ulfgrim and Shareeva. "It's truly good news that your scouts have returned unharmed," he tells his hosts. "They seemed like strong-hearted fellows, when I spoke to them, and possessing the cunning of vipers." He smiles warmly. "They do your clan credit. Now if you'll excuse me, I must return to the others; they do worry about me when I'm off by myself for too long."

Assuming they let him enter their home by himself, Baelgrin will immediately take in the details of the room, checking who is present and who is not.

Are you trying to get a read on Ulfgrim or Shareeva by that comment, or simply to throw in a witty tag? Which was well placed, for what it's worth.

If you want to use that as a trigger to gauge their reactions, let me know what you're hoping to find out (fit it into one of the Discern Realities questions if you can, or just designate your own... I'm not sold on the established questions) and then roll+WIS.

If it suits you better that the scene ends with your witty remark, then we can cut to being back at the house.

When you do return, Shareeva holds back her husband for a moment as you go in alone. This proves helpful, at least momentarily for you as well as those that remained (whether that's Tofa and Iorval, or just the Death Channeler) plus Jorael the midwife. Some of your number have left, against what has been asked of them, and the more that leave the harder it is to cover that up.

What do you discuss before they come back? What do you want to do about the now 3 (or possibly 4) missing members, as surely they'll notice unless you actively hide it?

"The girl ran off. The hunter ran off with his dog... the Father chased the girl." Tofa informed Baelgrin as he came through the door, unprompted, from her position on the floor. "Think you can salvage that..?" she lofted a brow.

Ha! Fiesty... I get the impression that she's been sitting there, waiting and fuming. Brilliant.

"Lead on friend, our companions should not be alone in these tunnels. Thænge's hospitality will bless you for your help."

I tag along with Bryn and our new friend, trying to make conversation along the way. "Forgive me for forgetting my duties, guests should introduce themselves. I am Iorval, and this is Brynjolvar. Quite pleased to meet you."

"Sulki," the man replies, regarding his own name. He is shocked for a moment that you asked. "Well your friend's flight came at an opportune time. The others won't listen to me, but I don't believe the return of those scouts is a good omen at all..." He pauses as he helps you down a small rockface toward the edge of the caverns, where a narrow ravine skirts the outer edge of the buildings. Above you hang the edges of homes and boardwalks that extend beyond the edge, and a trickling spring winds and crawls over the stones beneath your feet, barely perceptible save for slight glare it returns from glowing orbs strung in the city.

"Watch your step." Sulki advices as he leads you both (Brynjolvar and Iorval) down a trickling slope toward a passage barely large enough for a full grown man to fit through. "I would be thankful they returned as well, if I believed they actually did. And trust me, I want this to be real as anyone else here. But I've heard whispers in these tunnels, beyond the sigils that hold back the sons of muspel. And I saw the scouts returning before they knew they were being watched... and there's something different about them."

The faint but colorful light of Bjornsfall gradually fades as he leads you further into this tight tunnel. The footing is steady, but slick thanks to the light waterflow, but you receive warning occasionally to watch your head. You don't suspect that Sulki can see any more than you, but that he is intimately familiar with this route.

That's when you begin to hear the whispers as well. Whichever of the two of you is second in line feels a hand in his chest as Sulki silently stops your movement... I'm not sure how the third will choose to stop.

The whispers seem ethereal at first, supernatural as if they are all around you. Eventually, you come to realize that they are coming from further up the tunnel, which is likely why Sulki has stopped you. They don't speak any language you understand, but one that is breathy with few hard consonants but numerous 's' and 'sh' sounds the travel well through the darkness.

What do you do?

Feel free to retcon any conversation or actions you would have liked to take place before hand, if you feel it is reasonable.

Baelgrin was trying to trigger a reaction, but it's not really to have a question answered - it's more to see if they react to the Viper analogy. If they do, it'll be confirmation in Baelgrin's mind that these people have an unnatural affiliation with reptiles.

Baelgrin sits down with a heavy sigh as Tofa greets him sarcastically. "Hello to you too, spirit-talker," he murmurs. "We have a more important problem here." he sits close to her, leaning in and lowering his voice. "These people are not who they say they are. They speak with the tongue of snakes, and snakes go among them. It is a sign of the Gods. The Jotun itself is being turned to suit their needs. We need to find Iorval and and Brynjolvar and escape these caves as quickly as possible before they discover that I know."

Baelgrin was trying to trigger a reaction, but it's not really to have a question answered - it's more to see if they react to the Viper analogy. If they do, it'll be confirmation in Baelgrin's mind that these people have an unnatural affiliation with reptiles.

You notice a minor reaction from Shareeva, but don't know enough to interpret it. But maybe that's all the confirmation you need. Ulfgrim, however, is either remarkable at masking his emotions, oblivious to what's going on, or completely missed your remark.

It takes very little to make Baelgrin assume the worst. That slight facial twitch is more than enough to send him into full-on "we are f&+*ed" mode.

"And yet, She said, voice still laced with venom, "They still uphold the honor of hospitality more adamantly than our allies, or even the priest." she was still on the ground, slumped, but looked up to him, eyes full of an appeal.

"Bid our hosts to free me from my side of hospitality, or cause them to encroach upon there's, and I will gladly leave with you." She acknowledges, rising, and showing that it wasn't just annoyance, but also a plea for help to the bard that made her speak as she did before. "I cannot leave without sacrificing my honor until it is done."

"The hospitality is a deceit..." the bard hisses, trying to keep his voice down. He sighs. "But your honor is a fine example to all, Tofa. We will wait, and hope your honor does not bind us to damnation. After all, I only have suspicions and worries, not true proof."

He takes up a seated position facing the door, nervously drumming his fingertips on the table. "How long have they been gone? If they were in danger, would your honor permit you to go after them?"

"Honor would be moot were there definitive danger. I'd be required along with my host to defend this place... once they'd ran off, however..." she frowns. "I think that constitutes a rock and a hard place. My honor says I cannot abandon them in time of need... but likewise, I cannot leave this place. So I suppose I would be deciding between honor and dishonor either way.." she sighs. "but it would be an easy choice to help my allies over my host. If we are lucky, your friends will come with us, when we tell them the truth... but it is complicated, no?"

Bryn is quiet as he follows Sulki down the passage, ruing his human eyes and ears. Hungry Wolf could track her, but there's not guarantee there's a drop-off or cliff-face ahead. Silent Owl could navigate these passages, but won't be able to see. Curses! She wouldn't have gone this way anyways, would she? Even if the dog was riding her, it wouldn't run into darkness. Would it? Not sure, he presses on, thoughts turned inward, senses outward, almost not catching what Sulki says about the scouts. Slipping a bit on a slick rock, Bryn curses.

"Burlufotr! Different? How?"

-----

Soon after, Sulki's hand hits Bryn's chest - hard - stopping the man with a grunt. After some seconds, the hissing language comes to Brynjolvar's ears, and a shiver crawls its way across his skin. Peering into the darkness, Bryn tries his best to make sense of the whispers.

discern realities: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 = 9

What is about to happen?

Sounds complicated ;). The brief conversation outside seems to be wrapping up. How do you want to handle this? Are you going to try to get them to come with you? Are you going to try to convince them to let you leave on your own? Are you going to simply cover up that the others are missing? Or perhaps you have another idea...

Ninja'd by Bryn. Well done.

The whispers don't sound like they're moving, and even with human ears you've learned enough from Hungry Wolf to pick up some tricks. You get the sense that there must be a larger cavern up ahead, since at times it sounds like you're hearing greater echoes then this small passage would create. And since the sounds aren't moving, you question whether their possessors are going anywhere anytime soon. Perhaps they're in lying in wait themselves, which creates quite the dilemma for yourselves.

So what is about to happen rests on you three currently, barring outside circumstances changing.

Be sure to take +1 forward should you act on this info. This seems to be the hardest bonus to track and might get forgotten.

Bryn slumps against the wall and sinks to a crouch, holding his wrists around his ankles. Resting his forehead against his knees, he closes his eyes and whispers, "There's a large cavern ahead. They aren't going anywhere, just milling about. I need to think for a minute."

The bats. They flap around in the darkness above Bjornsfall. They don't run into each other. They don't run into the rock formations. How do they do it?

Thinking back to the bats that lived in the university tower near his home in Landstardt, Bryn remembers how they would come out at night, their peculiar communications, part click and part cry, and their swarming motion, that would blanket the sky at nightfall...

Bryn is using the move Studied Essence: When you spend time in contemplation of an animal spirit, you may add its species to those you can assume using shapeshifting.

Not sure how long you want to adjudicate this will take.

Usually I would think that this involves spending time around those creatures and likely would take more time than you currently have. But there's also a fun opportunity here I want to explore... since we already pointed out that bats fill the larger cavern where Bjornsfall has been constructed.

In your contemplation, you're surprised to encounter a natural spirit rather quickly... though it shouldn't be surprising as these creatures already fill these tunnels. He/she offers you their form, though termporarily and with a condition. You must spend time at some point in the next seven days, give one of your evenings in entirety to better understanding this form that you wish to borrow.

How does this conversation go? (I know I'm crossing the line there, but each of your forms has a specific persona, and I want you to have the opportunity to personify the bat.)

Should you agree to these terms, following the conversation you should roll to shift.

"Hail, Sulki. I must say, though, I am curious what trades are practiced in such an unusual hold. Forgive me if I have crossed a line, I rarely visit such peculiar towns"

After entering the tunnel, I find I must focus more on my steps, silently cursing my lost staff. Once Bryn stops, I bump into him in the dark. I almost complain, then stop when I hear the voices. "What is it?" I whisper.

Bryn grabs hold of Iorval to steady himself. "Whispers. Syllabent in nature. Barely human, if that."

------------

The natural spirit is curious, a clicking, scattered thing, whose thoughts come and go in circuitous loops, rarely staying on point for more than a few seconds.

You there, it says, clicking close in Bryn's ear. One that walks below us....

and it draws back, unintelligle for a bit, before coming back to Bryn's side again, this time, forceful clicks in the man's head, the tickle of a tongue running along the top of Brynjolvar's ear.

We see you! Circling with us in the time before now! Come back, in the next seven circles of the Bloodmanj and circle with us while the groundlings sleep and the bugs are fat...

Minutes pass, and then the bat spirit comes back around again, above Bryn's head, the rustle of wind rustling the man's hair. ...cave crickets and spiders! Groundling may visit with me today.

And like that the bat is within Brynjolvar, a restless thing, and Bryn feels himself shrinking there in the dark, against the wall, his arms at once elongating and shrinking, his nose and mouth curving out and under, and his body sprouting a thick, wirey coat.

Falling onto his stomach, Bryn skitters a bit on the ground, flapping his wings before he's able to life his little body into the air, and in great, swooping and irregular turns, makes his way down the tunnel towards the whispers. It is a curious thing, clicking away as he flies, hearing the cavern all around him, a way of being unlike any of the creatures of the north the shifter has experienced.

shift: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 2 = 8

Great personality! Take a 3rd Hold, should you need it.

Curious Bat Moves:

• Perceive Great Detail in Darkness
  
• Distract
  
• Latch On
  
• Fly to Safety

If there's an aspect you were hoping for but isn't represented, we can replace one.

I realized that with post order, this may have been interpreted. This was intended for Tofa and Baelgrin:

The brief conversation outside seems to be wrapping up. How do you want to handle this? Are you going to try to get them to come with you? Are you going to try to convince them to let you leave on your own? Are you going to simply cover up that the others are missing? Or perhaps you have another idea...

Baelgrin stands up and listens at the door, then turns to Tofa. "Listen, we'll go along with our hosts for now. Just don't trust them. The legends tell many tales of the Serpent and her thralls. I don't like the omens I've been seeing."

Tofa bows to Baelgrin's wisdom in this. He is, after all, the Skald, and old friends with these people that are their hosts. "If that is what you wish." she nods acknowledgement, even as she sighs. "But what of those that have already left?" she says, as she waits for the door to swing open, still leaning against the wall. "Perhaps they desired fresh air..? Or do you think the truth is better?"

The old man narrows his eyes as he glances at the door. "He was searching for his daughter that had run off, yes? That's all we will tell them for now."

She nods. "The priest went along with him, and many of the townsfolk who went to the moot will likely have told the same stories... Wait. If the people cannot be trusted, does this not mean that they are likely endangered by the story reaching the moot?" as Baelgrin's eyes narrow, Tofa's widen.

Your conversation is cut short as Ulfgrim and Shareeva enter. Ulfgrim's face is reddened with anger, but Shareeva's striking features remain composed save for an unmasked weariness with the conflict that just occurred. She looks at you both with a nod, as you are all aware that the two don't see eye-to-eye currently and the argument would be best served in the open.

"Clearly this is an unusual situation, as our home has come to life and you find yourselves stranded here. We wish to remain hospitable, but my husband believes this hospitality extends beyond what I fear this reclusive society will long bear." She sighs. "I apologize if I've come across as unwelcoming, but at times I feel I must counterbalance my husbands disregard for rules but being a stickler myself. Baelgrin, old friend, you know this was not always my way." There's a faint smile, and for a moment you see that spark of a woman you knew so long ago. Then an eyebrow raises as she takes in the empty room, save for the three of you.

Her countenance instantly grows more wearied. "Four of you are missing?" The question is obviously rhetorical. There's another sigh. "What is your plan here, then, old friend? What should we be expecting from your absent companions?"

Baelgrin tries to smile at Shareeva, but the expression is wan. "Greetings, Shareeva. Brynjolvar went off in search of his daughter, and Iorval the priest followed him. So Tofa tells me, at least...I just got back here myself."

Tofa's most recent relevation, and the fact that it couldn't be resolved leaves her appearing somewhat... caged. "And the hunter, apparently, sought her out in the night, though we didn't notice them vanishing until this morning." Tofa says, arm in a guarded position rubbing her forearm, where the strange miasma seems to be acting as an armor of sorts. "I fear they may be in danger of some sort, yet you have all been great hosts..." she states, trailing off as she allows bits of her anxiety to creep out.

"Where do they hope to find her?" she asks. "Surely someone in the town has seen her if she's wandering. Though I fear you believe she's left the caves? Or perhaps gone deeper?"

"I do not know. A member of the crowd told them that he'd spotted the hunter during his morning rounds... I don't know whether he said deeper or outside. I believe he stated only tunnels." she says with a frown, brow furrowed. "I didn't leave your home for obvious reasons. Perhaps I could point out which direction he lead them..." she trailed off, looking between Baelgrin and the woman, uncertain of how exactly to proceed. She had only ever played host, not been hosted... so she wasn't entirely aware of the games one could play on the other side... only what was expected of the host and by the host.

Shareeva nods at your offer to lead her. "Yes, I believe it's for all of your good that we find them." You all clearly are dancing around half-truths, and she finally seems to be revealing more of her hand. "Ulgrim, dear..." she calls across the room, the 'dear' clearly a mocking moniker, "get your axes, as I fear they're becoming necessary."

"Gah, I know we've been fightin' but I didn't think it had gotten so bad!" her husband jests, referring to their disagreement as he scrounges beside his cot for a shirt of chain.

As if reading your own confused reactions, she assures you with some further information. "Things are... let's say 'tense', here in Bjornsfall recently. And I've been happy to offer hospitality as those under my roof--"

"Our roof." Ulfgrim interrupts, before spitting on a handaxe.

"--our roof, also enjoy our protection. Which is why I've tried to keep you from moving outside of its covering. But now you no doubt suspect us of foul play. I also fear you've noticed more than I wish you to see, old friend, which your 'viper' comment confirms. And now your companions have stepped into a rather dangerous situation. I might explain more if you will trust me. But we must find your friends before they 'rile the hive', so to speak. Will you please lead me to where you believe they've gone?"

She's still looking to Baelgrin. The situation is far too tenuous, and while she believes it is truly in the best interest of her friends to lead their hosts to them... Baelgrin has had a great deal more opportunity to play these games during his lifetime. All it will take is a nod from him, and he can tell it, for her to streak off, leading the way, as best she can, hopeful that the others can pick up the trail once they reach the caverns.

Heh, who's annoyed I said we should wander around unarmed?

Baelgrin studies Shareeva's face carefully, thinking back to the last time they'd met. He came to trust her a great deal in that short time, enough to allow her to put needle to flesh on him. He chews his beard a moment, turning to Tofa briefly before returning his gaze to Ulfgrim.

"There's secrets here, Shareeva, secrets far beyond what you're willing to admit to me, even now. Keep them, I care not. All I care about is my clan, and seeing them safe. I can't fully trust ye...but..." the skald spits on his palm, offering it to Shareeva. "I'll lead ye to where I think they might've gone."

Heh, who's annoyed I said we should wander around unarmed?

Heh, not me. Bryn's always armed. :)

"And I will do what is in my power to keep you and your clan safe. Though you may not always like what that requires. I will honor your trust." She too spits in her palm and accepts the offer, then retreats to some of her own cabinets--pulling free a long cloak to drape herself in and a dagger to slide into her belt. Beneath the cloak she looks almost her youthful self again, as her figure shows little sign of age. It's nothing magical, beyond the natural magic that causes some to age with much more dignity than others.

"Now, if you please, we should head back toward the entrance from which you came. We will be leaving Bjornsfall now. But please guide my eyes as we do so to where your friends have gone, that we may circle back and pursue them."

As you all head out, where do you direct her? Did you see where the others went, or are you going by the information Sulki conveyed before leaving? Or do you direct them somewhere else altogether?

I leave the guidance to Tofa, who would know better than I.

Baelgrin, showing his trust in these two, as far as Tofa can understand, in their wily games... leads Tofa towards leading them in the proper direction.

She takes the discarded weapons of her allies as she goes, knowing that they may well need them, now that they've been bidden as free reign as they can expect. Tofa had watched the others leave for as long as the lighting and line of sight had allowed, which may or may not have been enough... if it were, she would direct the small group towards it, even as she passed. She recognized that they were being 'shown out' as it were, and thus allowed herself to be lead, even as she gestured.

The three of you (Baelgrin, Tofa, and Jorael) are led calmly toward the large tunnel where you entered the previous day. Shareeva nods to a pair of sentries as you pass, who seem content to ignore you all as you climb the stone steps that lead out of the cavern toward the main passage. Just as your approaching that main tunnel, however, Shareeva quickly directs you to a side path...

The trail from this point could hardly be considered constructed, but those of you with perception in such things note that it's still seen a fair amount of use. At one point you find yourselves climbing down a rather jagged clump of mossy stone before gathering in a shallow chasm, with perhaps only an inch or so of water that trickles over the slick stones at your feet.

Shareeva raises a finger to her lips to indicate silence, as you follow this small spring past a fairly small passage where it emerges. From here you must traverse clumps of stone again, with careful watch on the city you're trying to skirt.

"Dammit!" Shareeva hisses, pulling herself back against the stones and reaching out to draw you close to the sloping walls as well. You're near a large, engineered passage that must lead to the lower delves of these caverns. There is no in the passage, but you hear the rhythmic footfall of a couple large creatures steadily up the passage toward the city (as well as you all).

"Sons..." she whispers to Ulfgrim, whose brow furrows at the word. She must mean the Sons of Muspel, and apparently they don't need light for their patrols. If they follow this path, they should pass by, but you all are not so well hidden as to be certain you'll avoid detection. What do you do?

---------------------

As for Brynjolvar and Iorval: Bryn, you're now a bat and enjoying the wonderful sensation of what it feels like to fly like a bird but as a mammal.

The foreign whispering continues further down the cavern as it had previously, though the voices sound much larger in your current form. Should you enter that room, you do so unnoticed. There are three figures, gathered closely together that seem humanoid--height of a man or woman, same girth or mass. What would you like to do?

Curious Bat alights to the top of the cavern, and turning his little body upside down, perches from a stalactite. Swiveling his large (relatively) ears, Bryn listens, waiting for a signal of what the creatures are up to, or signs of his daughter's whereabouts.

Is the cavern lit? If not, Curious Bat will use his sonar to try and gain more information on the creatures. I assume the creatures are still speaking in their unknown language.

Sorry, haven't been myself lately. Still not. Working on motivation.

Tofa thinks for a moment, then pushes off of the wall, "I will try to get them to deliver me to your home." she says low as she moves out into the open, she heads for the giants.

"Oh, thank goodness. I thought I was going to be lost forever. My host Shareeva was leading us back to the surface for some fresh air, and I stopped to look at some of your spirit lights. The next moment, they were gone. I thought I was going in the proper direction, but it appears I took a very wrong turn. I don't suppose you could show me back.. Or out..?"

Parley or DR:Cha: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5) + 1 = 8

I'm going to wait for Bryn to return with news. Skulking about in the dark isn't my forte.