Knowledge dungeon
Heal
Finally breaking his silence Kragg asks, Has anyone ever seen the Skis'raal attack or has there just been left over evidence? I ask as it makes no sense for the Skis'raal to steal your food as they prefer fresh meat. Likewise it would be easy for someone else to steal a few Xan and plant weapons to frame the Skis'raal.
If the Alchemist had eyebrows, they would shot up in surprise, Fresher meat? Truly? No, I see you believe what you say, but our own studies of two captured Skis'raal have only begun so we did not yet know. We have no surviving witnesses from any kidnappings or the like. As for this planting of weapons? Who would do such a thing? What could they gain?
Kragg looks to Hannarr at the moment to see how he will respond as Kragg does not answer directly but instead reinforces what he knows of the Skis'raal. Truly, the Skis'raal with their anatomy the way it is structued, particularly the fangs and mandibles, are meant for biting and tearing or flesh. A decomposed corpse does not need as much force to rip apart and digest as a fresh kill. Also think on the look of the Skis'raaal as well. They are well suited to ambushes and the taking of live prey.
aid another in diplomacy when Hannarr makes his check
"Hannarr, the note please. I don't think this is a time to with hold information. " Ulfgar says respectfully to the scribe in common.
"Kragg is right -- stealth is unnecessary to feed on the already dead. Have you had contact with any other denizens of the fungal jungle? Perhaps they desire you and the Skis'raal to be at war."
Drow! Hannarr curses under his breath, forgetting for a moment that the Alchemist hears thoughts.
Hmm? Yes, of course, Hannarr replies to Ulfgar when propted for the drow note. We recovered this from the shore of the great central lake mere days away from here. Ahem... He recites the note loudly.
It seems from this missive, and similar tactics that we saw first hand the drow employ against the gnomes of Fastervault, that it is at least possible that both the Xan and the Skis'raal are being maneuver towards war by these deceivers. Great Alchemist, if this were proven true, is peace with the skis'raal something that you would consider?
You mentioned that you hold two of the spider-people prisoner. May we speak with them? Perhaps we may learn something that would lend credence to our theory.[/b]
The Alchemist holds out a long fingered hand to claim the letter, it's inhuman eyes glance over the print, and it is clear he understands what is written.
... Interesting. While I am unsure peace can be achieved, I can not in good conscience rule it out when the lives of my people would be the cost of war. And yes, yes you may talk to them. Do you wish to rest first? Your group seems weary in mind and body. Or I can have you escorted there now.
Rest would be a great boon, but how can we selfishly ask for such time when the time could better be spent keeping 2 races from war. I am tired and fatigued but there is enough energy in these old bones to see this through to the end first.
Kragg then hoists himself up but looks a little haggard from the long couple of days of forced marching.
Ulgar clasp Kragg on the shoulder companionably, before addressing the ruler of the Xan. "Sir, my friend speaks bravely but still I believe foolishly. This is to be a meeting between your two great towns. To go and show up on their step haggard and worn would not present the best face for a diplomatic entreaty. We pushed ourselves to reach your home, perhaps harder than was needed for the situation. Should we have arrived in our poor condition without Miku with us would you have been as welcoming to our committee claiming to be from the deep gnomes?
A nights rest would do all of us a lot of good, and those with a quick wit and honeyed words of the diplomat be better spoken. It is not selfish to speak with a clear mind and rested soul."
Ulfgar is speaking earnestly to both the Dwarves and the Xan, for what he feels is the best option.
Worn out to the bone, Hannarr whole-heartedly agrees with Ulfgar's reasoning.
"Ulfgar speaks wisely. I worry not for our bones so much as I worry for our minds, and mine is in need of sharpening."
Then you shall rest, at least for a few hours. That should not detract long. The Alchemist nods to two other Xan guards, and you are guided to rounded rooms.
The Xan guides explain "This place yours for night. Drink in bowls, food on plate, and resting areas... we reapply your protection when needed so spores not harm. Rest now, helpers of Miku."
You notice that the spherical room consists chiefly of stone, but as with the deep gnomes, furniture is often made of sections of giant dried mushroom stalks cut like oak or Cedar. Small tables set at varying levels of height are near the bedding. The tables have on them bowls of liquid, some water which looks quite fresh, and some with purple stuff that smells a little like tea from the far east human lands. Edible mushrooms are on the plates, but so too are fruits! A rarity in these lands.
The bedding areas are fungi so tightly packed as to be a surprisingly comfortable area to lay on. Each is bigger than a dwarf so you will be able to spread out with no trouble.
Hannarr shakes off his pack, flops gratefully onto the fungus bed and is almost instantly asleep.
Though clearly about to interject when Kragg argues for immediate action, Anka refrains when Ulfgar proves his own sense, presenting a more erudite argument than she would have.
Upon being presented with chambers to rest within, she selects the bedding nearest the door before swiftly following Hannar into slumber.
Kragg nods his head, Well said Ulfgar. I agree. Let us refresh ourslves so that we may be more presentable to both parties.
In the room given to them Kragg wants to take a look at the purple liquid but instaed sees the bed and follows Hannarr's lead. Soon KRagg can be heard snoring softly as the fatigue leaves him.
As Modnar enters his room, he gawks at the presence of fruit. "I must find out how they are growing such food in the deeps!"
He grabs a large, berry-like sample and sits down on his bed to eat. Shortly after his second bite, the fruit falls to the floor, thudding in time with the wizard's first snore.
Dolgrin bows low to the Xan and heads to his room for rest.
While I'd prefer a roast of mutton...this is better than the tack we've had for the past days.
Once he has been refreshed Kragg breaks his fast on the fruit and water. As he does so he channels some of his god's blessings into his companions healing them of the hardship suffered from the forced march unless the rest was enough to cure those ailing.
channel halved is 2.
Once that is done then he will look to see about an escort to visit the Skis'raal.
It comes down once, chiming like a bell.
Twice.
Three times.
A pair of tongs lifts the crafted object from it. A ring, composed of two braids interwoven, one of mithril, the other of purest gold.
"We seek her, my faithful servant. My brother and I know she is out there, yet we cannot find her. Or name her. But you may yet find her before we can. Keep your eyes open for the signs. Signs I am not sure myself of."
And the dream fades as you wake.
Kragg wakes quickly muttering Who is she, who is she? he then lasts into a silence as he goes about healing himself and his companions. However while ephe does so he is quiet as he ruminates on his dream.
Is this she a sister of Zuth that has been hidden from his sight? Do they want to find her t reunite or is the she a pn enemy that needs to be vanquished. The ring makes me think of a union but it could symbolize Zuth and his brother united in this venture. Too many questions and not any answers yet. I will keep my eyes open Zuth but please guide me as I do not know yet what to look for.
oh wait, you're a cleric. Perhaps you can.
Mysterious roll just horrible,lol. The dice bot hates me lately in all my games.
Ulfgar bows as well to the leader of the Xan, Thank you, before being led away to their room. Taking time to check over his equipment, touching up the edges and pulling tight the straps once more that had begun to loosen during the forced march. Chuckling to his self as the young wizard barely makes it to his second bite before softly snoring.
Watching that all are resting, he enjoys a bit of the food before lying back and getting some much needed rest. No need to worry, the situation out of his control for the moment.
The others have a well deserved rest, and rise to find Kragg already awake. Fresh food and drink have replaced what was not taken last night.
As the troop awakes and partakes in the offered food, Hannarr discusses the upcoming day with them. So today we meet with the captured spider people. I think we are all agreed that the best outcome here is to prevent further conflict between them and the Xan. The best way to do that seems to be to prove that the Drow are instigating the hostilities. Is there anything else that we should be questioning them on? And lets not lose sight of our goal of finding Damarhall. After this questioning, we should talk to the Alchemist again regarding our ancestral home.
After they have all breakfasted and prepared, Hannarr pops his head out their door to politely inform their hosts that they are ready to meet with the Skis'raal prisoners.
Your counsel is wise as always Diamondheart. Our first goal should always be the Dammerhall, we should not forget that.
Modnar picks up several more of the large berries and samples the tea-like beverage. Eating a mushroom while surrounded by the Xan seems . . . wrong, somehow.
Modnar nods at Hannarr's suggestion. "It would seem the drow have their webs scattered across the Azathyr. Might the revelation of the drow note glean information from the Skis'raal?"
Listening to Dolgrin and Hannaar talk, Ulfgar ponders a question outloud. "You are going to speak with the captured Skis'raal; do you wish me to sit in on this discussion? If not, I think I will seek out Miku to learn of the route to the Skis'raal village and and what we should expect upon that route."
That sounds good. Our forced march here only saved us a day or so, so we can't tarry here too long if we want to arrive back at Fastervault on time. Please see what you can do about resupplying our rations too.
After they have all breakfasted and prepared, Hannarr pops his head out their door to politely inform their hosts that they are ready to meet with the Skis'raal prisoners.
Guards nod, and soon are ready to guide you, "You are for to be taken to Sage at College of Dreams. Prisoners in Study-Care of his. Great honor for you, most curious is he no doubt. Follow those that follow."
Hannar learns to his delight that the college of dreams is indeed a college. Dozens of the academically inclined among the Xan wander here. Some are debating among themselves when you arrive
"Because of the enforced views of society. No Xan exists in a barren waste, after all."
"But then, artificial or not, is that not prove that subjectivity is rigid enough that the point is moot?"
"No no, you are playing at words with games."
The guards/guides direct you towards a larger building while students debate, "You will find the Sage within. Fortunate are you that he gives no class at this time."
........
Ulfgar, for his part, seeks out Miku, and soon finds him, "Hello Dwarf friend fellow wanderheart. It is good to be seeing again you."
In the interests of seeing that the scholar does not encounter surprises alone, Anka accompanies him to the College of Dreams.
Not one attuned to wandering and exploration Kragg will accompany those going to visit the Skis'raal and the Sage. Still pondering the dream he had he keeps his eyes open for anything that might hint at the omen sent by Zuth.
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This may not be related but was close enough to ring a bell.....
"Kragg have you a moment? I am confused.""Just as we exposed the shrine to Ardwall that was hidden, I had a vision. In it a dwarven woman was there, she was beautiful even though you could tell she has been through a very difficult time. She is chained and gagged. But most distressing was the snake headed whip, the old stories mention snake headed whips do they not?"
"Greetings Miku, if we are to travel to the Skis'rail village, will you be travelling with us? Looking to understand the route and dangers we'll face. There has also been a request for some additional supplies. If they can be had or traded for. I believe the young wizard among the others of us, has a liking for the fare we enjoyed last night."
Thanks a lot for that reminder. I forgot about that completely as real life some time has past but in game only a few short weeks. I favored that so hopefully I remember that again some time.
Modnar accompanies Hannarr. "Just in case the Sage's proclivities lie closer to mine than yours."
Overhearing the discourse on the group's way through the College, Modnar's gaze wanders into the distance. "It's interesting to think that I might have been debating the minutiae of theoretical magic had things taken a different turn . . ."
Kragg places a companionable hand on MOdnar's shoulder, Don't bother as most of these debates are best left alone. Only the gods can truly decide such things. Our place is not to always try and figure out the minds of the gods rather to try and listen to their instructions and be obedient to their commands.
If only I knew exactly what the command was referring to with this woman. It is the second time. At least if the woman was the same one as before.
"Greetings Miku, if we are to travel to the Skis'rail village, will you be travelling with us? Looking to understand the route and dangers we'll face. There has also been a request for some additional supplies. If they can be had or traded for. I believe the young wizard among the others of us, has a liking for the fare we enjoyed last night."
"I would be joyous honored to travel with you, Ulfgar friend. But if you seek peace with Spider folk too, will presence of Xan self not make quest harder still? As for the supplies in trade, yes, assuredly. We Xan do not trade with others normally, but we trade with self, so concept is not unheard of." there's almost a chuckle to his voice at that last.
"if you feel you still wish me, I would wish it too. Newness is wonder, wonder is life."
Dolgrin approaches the Sage Greeting Most Noble Xan
Hannarr still has lead, as Kragg, Dolgrin and Modnar are close behind. And Anka keeping an eye as sort of a rear guard.
You all go further into the college of dreams, and go to the center of a great coliseum that is oddly empty right now, well, empty except for one Xan who seems almost rooted to the center of it. Rather than undercommon, he too seems to communicate in your minds, but unlike the detached calm of the Alchemist, his thoughts come arching forth with tangible enthusiasm and eagerness. Indeed, he beings with a barrage of questions, and some of them aren't what you expected...
Dolgrin approaches the Sage "Greeting Most Noble Xan"
"Greetings! I have shared with some of my students and the guides who told me to expect you. They tell me you wish to speak with me! I have so many questions...."
"When did you start using the mouth to talk?"
"I understand you treat your fallen differently? Why don’t you consume your dead?"
"You wish to speak to my prisoners, are dwarves and Skis'raal distant cousins?? You both eat with your mouths after all."
"I see most of you have growths on your faces, do they help regulate temperature? Is a larger one a sign of social dominance to the others?"
While you do not see the Skis'Raal prisoners here, you do see doors to the side.
Modnar's eyes may notice that upon the Sage's lap is a spell book.
Modnar smirks as he replies to Kragg. "True words, perhaps, but I do wish the gods would simply come out and tell us their instructions, rather than, say, removing your hard-grown beard."
Upon meeting the Sage, Modnar's eyes widen at the plethora of questions. Those eyes then drift to the grimoire upon their host's legs. The wizard strokes his chin thoughtfully.
Hah! Growths on your faces! Dolgrin shows some mirth Well yes! A hearty beard makes the Dwarf as my father said. and then he notices Modnar's burned chin and says hastily Not that we don't value those who are beardless.
Dolgrin tries to change the subject The Skis'raal, are they nearby? May we speak with them?
The Sage seems of mixed reaction to something... "They are nearby."
sense motive
Kragg smiles at the unusual questions and thinks his responses back.
I was a slow learner my parents said so I only have been talking with my mouth for the past 155 years.
As for our dead, when you can live as long as we do the skin and meat get kind of tough. No I am joking with you. We don't eat our dead as we believe the spirit of the fallen spends eternity in the afterlife. There have been rumors that ancestors have spoken to people through dreams or visions. It seems that if the dead are able to communicate to us we should venerate them and not eat of their flesh.
We are not related to the skis'raal at all. While we both eat from our mouths the rest of us is completely different. Many creatures eat with their mouths but that does not mean any of them must be related to each other.
Kragg's smile deepens on the topic of facial hair. No good Sage. Facial hair does not mean you have social standing. If anything it means that you are prideful of the way you look and wish to be presentable. Some like myself braid it to keep it neater. It is a tradition pasts on from generation to generation however and many dwarves wish to honor their parents by keeping their beard long and substantial.
Is there anything you wish to know in a short time. We are looking to speak with the Skis'raal but I can answer at least another 2-3 questions for you.
The Sage's inhuman expression lightens as Kragg shows patience with his questions and says "I have one more question, in your opinion: What is the essence of being a dwarf?"
Whether one of you or more than one of you answer that, once you do, he leads you to the door the the left. Inside, you find three caged Skis'raal in what seems as much laboratory as prison. There is a large chunk of graphite used like a blackboard with notations. There's a vial with what might be blood nearby with a cap. In the cage area the Skis'raal look startled at your appearance. It's possible they've never seen a dwarf before.
The Sage speaks I did not want them here, but the Alchemist wanted me to study them, to see how intelligent they were among other things. Our telepathic communication doesn't work on them, but I have surmised they are thinking beings. Sometimes 'rude' thinking beings to be sure. They are all male... I thought it an odd demographic split, but to be fair you dwarves seem to have most of your females elsewhere as well. They are indeed carnivorous. we don't normally hunt, but I've had to arrange it to make sure they were fed.
But if you seek peace with Spider folk too, will presence of Xan self not make quest harder still?
"Perhaps, perhaps it would at that. I was thinking more as a guide between here and there moreso than the actual arrival in their town. Let us think on this more, perhaps if negotiations with the Skis'raal prisoners goes well, one of them could be persuaded to guide us there. As a show of good faith. As you know the way there and many of the dangers along the way, would you be willing to go as far as you're comfortable with and make sure our 'guide' is not leading us astray. Unfortunately much of my time above was spent trailing and dealing with those who cared not to follow societies rules and ways of conduct."
Pondering a moment on the issue of trade with the Xan....
"Being new to the Xan culture I am somewhat at a loss as to what you might need that we have. We have a nice bolt of silk that could be used as decoration or refashion into something of fashion. Drow gold that has been found along the way..."
Hannarr responds to the Sage's final question. Honour. . The essence of being a dwarf is the essence of the mountain itself - stability, unity, implacability, unyielding loyalty to one's family, clan and friends
As the sage indicates the Skis'raal, he asks some more questions before they approach the prisoners - slightly appalled at the signs of inadvertent torture evident. Learned sage, what else have you learned so far of their motivations? Where were they taken? What are their crimes against your people. What had you planned to do with them once your, erm, research, was completed.
"Perhaps, perhaps it would at that. I was thinking more as a guide between here and there moreso than the actual arrival in their town. Let us think on this more, perhaps if negotiations with the Skis'raal prisoners goes well, one of them could be persuaded to guide us there. As a show of good faith. As you know the way there and many of the dangers along the way, would you be willing to go as far as you're comfortable with and make sure our 'guide' is not leading us astray. Unfortunately much of my time above was spent trailing and dealing with those who cared not to follow societies rules and ways of conduct."
Gladly, friend dwarf Ulfgar, gladly. And as above, there are many unpleasants one may run into. An extra scout to see, an extra spear by your side, I can lend you these. But the journey is not a short one. It maybe you will wish to return to Fastervault and then head aout again. But I will gladly aid you in it however long the path you must take
"Being new to the Xan culture I am somewhat at a loss as to what you might need that we have. We have a nice bolt of silk that could be used as decoration or refashion into something of fashion. Drow gold that has been found along the way..."
We eat the dead and decomposed as the ritual of return, but even base animals are in such a state, so a corpse may serve us well. If you know what to look for, the Alchemist and his apprentices often like certain natural herbs and fungi for their potions. And, of course, we mix stone in our building and metal in our own weapon and arms.
The Diamondheart has the right of it. To be a Dwarf is to be the Mountain. Our Holy Father Ardwal bled upon the Stone and we were born from it. Dolgrin says, resting a hand upon his friend Hannarr's shoulder.
Hannarr responds to the Sage's final question. Honour. . The essence of being a dwarf is the essence of the mountain itself - stability, unity, implacability, unyielding loyalty to one's family, clan and friends
The Diamondheart has the right of it. To be a Dwarf is to be the Mountain. Our Holy Father Ardwal bled upon the Stone and we were born from it. Dolgrin says, resting a hand upon his friend Hannarr's shoulder.
The Sage seems delighted at the answers, not that it was those specific answers, but that an answer was thought of and given.
He rather reminds Hannarr of an aged human professor he knew in his past life who was fond of forcing those around him to think of even the most mundane of things in new ways.
As the sage indicates the Skis'raal, he asks some more questions before they approach the prisoners - slightly appalled at the signs of inadvertent torture evident. Learned sage, what else have you learned so far of their motivations? Where were they taken? What are their crimes against your people. What had you planned to do with them once your, erm, research, was completed.
"Their motivations go beyond simple animal drives: Mating, feeding, territory, though that is in them. They are capable of problem solving and have tried to escape more than once. As to their true motivations, it was hard to be sure and still is. Mostly they now wish to get home I suspect. They were caught spying, and it was believed by others they wanted to ambush and kill or kidnap Xan perhaps out of some instinct. Once I determined they were not simple beasts, I was forced to alter my methods of study to more respectful means...not that they were grateful. Now it is believed they were spying on us. We feared an assault on Xan for they were taken near the main route to our entry. They did have signs of well equipped spies on them. A device that serves as a looking glass. A crude map they were working on. These tools also indicated they were not simple beasts but a sentient race.. as for what to do once I was fully done? I was to report to the Alchemist and turn them back over to our regular authorities. I was going to do so soon, when you dwarves came with permission to speak to them. If you can get them to talk to you, I wish you luck.