"We can come back. Let us get back to town. Maybe we can sell some tech!!"
"We should probably hold on to whatever 'tech' until we have figured out what this place... Is. It feels... Different here..."
"It feels like a terrible place, that's for sure. The elders would call this place cursed, and forbid anyone from entering, I know it."
Suna spits on the ground, " Remember, Khonnir is somewhere down here.. Suna remembering to use his scent to sniff out any signs of the groups from before. Or of thier missing person.
It was decided that pressing into other rooms would be too dangerous. One wrong step in their current state could lead to a fatality,and none in the group wanted that.
Collecting the gear they had aquired, the group made their way out of the technical caves and back into the desert. The trip across it this time was more sedate, giving both Bitha and Suna a better chance to get a feel for the place. The cavern was large, but not as big as it first appeared. The outer cliff area had a distinct curve to it, and given the view they had gotten from the room where the Juju had fought them, both wildfolk figured this to be a circular cavern rather than a larger expanse of desert.
The central rocks were alive with the hungry calls of the tentacle beasts, and the occasionaly sound of rocks falling told of movement beyond the waving of their appendages. Assuming they could remain active for long enough without food, there was a solid chance that the creatures would spread out from the rocks and into the desert sands themselves. Soemthing to be wary of for the return journey.
On the far side of the desert, the caverns were much as they left them. The ruined robot lay in a heap, all signs of energy now depleted from its smashed husk. The doors were open and the chamber that ALyna had claimed could be used to sterilize infections remained in active.
The only difference was the natural caverns themselves. They were now alive with the calls of the Grey Folk that the party had helped earlier. The small band of deep dwellers had gathered their gear and were now planning a significant delve into the caverns in the darklands below. They greeted the group on their return, impressed that they had survived, abd wary as well. These folk were not quick to trust, as if that emotion were completely foreign to them.
Gathering the body of the previous party, the group quickly ascended through the tainted waters and again found themselves in clear air of the world above. The temperature immediately rose, warming them all from the chill of the underground that they hadn't realised was creeping into their bones.
A group of the town's children had taken up station on the small hill overlooking the weeping pond. When the group emerged from the waters, they began to chatter excitedly, and called out to be shown what had ben found. It was noted by more than one of the party that two or three of the children ran off towards town when they found the group had survived. It would be a matter of minutes before everyone knew what was happening now.
They heaved themselves onto the shore, colecting their gear and moving towards their base in the towns tavern.
Bob plans to visit Brigh temple and get a quote on the tech they found.
He planned on visiting two possible commercial buyers in town.
Bitha planned on getting a hit bath and a good night's sleep.
After that, she wanted to know how much gold the group has accumulated to see about finding a better suit of armor, or having one crafted for herself.
Zlota will simply spend time near the temple, waiting for the others to be ready. Also, if she finds out the party made some money, she might try to buy a healing potion or two.[/ooc]
Suna would bathe VIGOROUSLY, as much as he hated the feel of water to his fur there was little effect cleaning himself traditionally would help. It also could have ended with his constitution being at risk. Afterward he would count up his earnings and determine the best way to spend it. His fellow members each had their strength but weaknesses showed. Bitha would need armor, she was sturdy like an Auroch, but much the same easy to assail. He met up with a few of his tribe and sent word for them to fetch a ceremonial protection of his people, an appropriate armor for one such as her.. They all had earned such gifts in his eyes. He would pay them on their return the next day. When Bitha was out searching Suna would assist, acting more a second opinion and fellow Hunter hiding this plan until they met up with the rest of the group where he would give his gifts, If she felt the need to pay a portion he had no issue with it.
The town is abuzz with news of the a new group delving the caves beneath Torch. By the time the group had split up on their individual tasks, street urchins were running through town following them and yelling out to anyone that would listen about what was going on.
At the temple of Brigh, things were busy. The funeral for the half orc they had recovered yesterday was being organised and run today, so only master Joram Khyte was tending the temple. His three accolytes had gone to assist the Pharasman priestess int he rights of the dead.
Alyna had realised very quickly that the russet mould infecting the second body they had recovered was now becoming active again. The moment they brought his corpse to the temple, she and Master Joram went to the cellars and broached a large barrel of spirits, usually used in rituals of clensing for mechanincal gear. The body was submerged in the barrel, and the head priest allowed that it would take two or three days of soaking in the strong spirits before the dangerous mould was destroyed.
Boba spent time in the market area scouting for buyers for his salvaged tech. He eventually got the ear of a merchant specialising in the gear. The man drove a hard bargain, but the halfling got hard cash in the end.
Suna sent word to his tribe, but it would be a few days before the items he asked for could be sent to town. The tribe was moving and hunting while the season was good. It would return to the traditional camps nearer to Torch as the winter approached though.
Finally, they all returned to the Foundry, where Val fed them and organised a hot bath in the forge room where the air would help keep the water hot for longer.
About 5pm, Val entered the tavern carrying a gold leafed invitation for the group to attend a soire at the Silverdisk Hall. The place was renknowned for its gambling and entertainment, a real high class establishment catering to the more wealthy townsfolk looking for something on the risque side of things. The party was set to start in 2 hours.
Alyna examines the gold leafed invitation, turning it over and around in her hands as she admires the intricacy.
"It would appear as though our efforts have been noticed in town--albeit thus far mediocre at best as we have not found the Councilor. I am curious as to what this Silverdisk Hall entails."
Looking at the letter, Zlota looks at the others with a curious look. "We've been invited to a get-together? I... I don't think I have proper attire and should we even go? There is still much down there needing looked into and all."
Bob points out: "It would be rude to refuse. And we don't want to lose our good town neighbor discount!!"
"Let us try our luck my fellow hunters, Beastmaster Zlota, you have mastery over Ksila, it should work the same for this. What you wear seems appropriate to me.. We will not be exploring anymore this night is is est to relax after such a battle! " Suna grins wide.
"Well, if we go, I don't think Ksila would be allowed..." She looks at her dear friend and ally. "I am sorry, Ksila. Klaatu Barada Nikto."
The snake-like eidolon suddenly begins to shed a green light, strange repeating glyphs of zeroes and ones filling the place that they were in that quickly fade. Where the beast had once been, there is nothing now.
"Do you think I should get some new clothes for the event?"
Suna blinked thinking on it " What do you mean? I guess you can wear something.. different? Want to change your scent? " Suna seems full well going to go in his current attire.. which truthfully isnt much.
"Well, Hunter Suna, it is, to my knowledge, that when invited to an event as this, a certain dress style is assumed. And with the letter as ornate as it is, it will be a rather expensive dress style."
"I have little else besides what I wear. I suppose I could go without my leather armor and attend in just my coat."
Suna seems sort of.. worried. " Not much clothes go well with my.. Fur.. Do they mean with paint or a headdress perhaps? "
"They want me to dress up in a frilly dress? That's beneath a true warrior. I'm clean and I'll present myself to them this evening, but as the real me, like it or not!"
Suna shrugs " You would still have the scent of a warrior, Warrior Bitha. It would matter not what you were wearing, though functionality would make it important. I guess I shall get a new loincloth..."
Bob looks at his long leather riding slick and leather breeches and mentions: "Leather has always been fashionable. I think I need to clean up and buy a new shirt and a nice hat."
Bitha was surprised the others were so concerned about appearances. Her tribe never considered such things important. The leaders of the tribe wore the same clothing and hides as everyone else. City dwellers are strange.
She made sure to treat the new armor to kill that mold, and donned it. She wasn't completely used to metal, but it felt strong. It would grow on her.
Suna was the same as Bitha but he followed the culture of the land he was in. He got some leathers and a fine black cloak with metal-like greaves for his particular lower half. All in all he was fine with it, but it was foreign to him nonetheless.
Alyna decides to pay a visit to the Church of Brigh and get advice for an appropriate outfit for the evening as she is still learning and unsure of proper customs and courtesies for the locals.
Suna's Outfit () came together functionally but he was not sure on his elegance or anything of that manner relying on his allies to tell him if it was.. suitable.
Having bathed and gathered their new clothing, the group made their way through Torch to Silver Disk hall.
The place was a two story establishment, with a grandiose frontage but functional stone everywhere else. Light and sound burst from the doors as they opened to allow patrons in and out. The small glimpse they got as they walked up the large staricase showed people moving and lughing with ease, smoke haze and dancing. The sounds were upbeat and fast paced, a place to have fun and spend freely it seemed.
As they neared the main doors, a large man stepped forward and held out his hand to stop them. "No weapon bigger than a dagger allowed on the premises folks. No pistols and no magic to be used neither. You can leave yer gear with the girl in the cloak room and we'll make sure its returned as yer leave."
He didn't bother to ask for an invitation, nor did he act threatening. AS far as he was concerned it was a statement of fact and the group would simply follow the instructions. The sharp eyed among the group did note a number of other capable looking types lingering near the entrance though, and the overhang from the entrance had two people with loaded heavy crossbows standing nearby. Nothing was overtly threatening, but it would be a foolish person who pushed their luck here.
As they were let in through the door, the view before them opened into an extravaganza. Lights played across the floor in multi hued tones that pulsed with the rythm of the music. A troup of players and at least one magician were performing, the magician creating the light effects to follow the music.
Around the room the acrid aroma of hookah pipes and tobacco filled the air with a pleasant haze. The tang of strong liquor caressed their senses even as their eyes were assaulted by the various entertainments. Dancers moved sensuously in many areas, and the central floor was sprung timber, filled with those revellers entwined in various dancing postures who’d moved beyond alcohol and smoke and were in the stage of physical intimicay. This was a place of pleasures indeed.
A tall woman dressed in fine, yet revealing clothes, moved to them and bowed low. ”Welcome to Silverdisk Hall” she breathed in a husky voice. ”The boss said to expect your fine selves, and said to give you these tokens on the house.”. She pulled out a stack of gold tokens from somewhere in her outfit. From this she handed a stack of ten each to the group members, smiling to dazzling effect as she did so. ”The boss said to enjoy yourselves as you will, and he’ll be with you as soon as he finished some business upstairs. Enjoy your stay.” The last was followed by a wink at Bitha and smile at Boba that promised much.
The gaming rooms beckoned.
Bitha immediately was put on edge without her sword. Even more so, when the stranger started pushing gold at her. "Does this feel like a trap to anyone else? Why are these people feeding and entertaining us for no good reason? I don't trust this, but I think I'll try a hookah pipe. I want to remain on guard as much as possible."
Bob enjoyed the pipe smell, and nodded to Bitha.
"Any pipe is worth a try."
He added: "The trap, Bitha, is in the gaming hall. When someone set up a game and invites you to play for money, who has the advantage?? The one who has constructed the game. You must study it first before playing. Who is losing and why?"
Bob sampled a pipe with Bitha and moved to check out the games. He had played card games for money before. Curious, he wanted to look around, but he hadn't seen the attraction of betting on the random bounces of cubes with numbers on them like those up north did.
Alyna wandered the hall in awe. She had never seen a gambling house, or any establishment, as luxurious as this. Her attention drifted from the strange gold coins to the dancers. As she watched, she felt her cheeks warm to strange emotions. She shook her head briefly to clear her thoughts.
Why do I keep feeling in these strange ways? Are these what others call... emotions? They do not make any logical sense to me, but they feel...nice.
Shaking her head again, she decides to examine the various gambling games and search for her companions. Perhaps Zlota knows about these emotions. She dare not ask the others, as she is unsure it is safe to reveal her true nature to them just yet.
When Suna walked in he immediate had to drape a wet cloth over his nose as he was assaulted with a variety of overpowering and strange smells, perfumes, scents and aromas. It was slightly disorienting. Luckily he was not fully unarmed, his Kukri seemed to have passed the Inspection.. confused for curved knives.
With gold in his hand and the strange aura, Suna grinned his eyes going Feral " When in a strange land you know to be a trap is just prime hunting grounds. Treat this like you would any Hunt.. I know I am. " Suna does notice the fidgeting of Alyna and Bitha, " What is wrong? Feel vulnerable? We stay as a group and everything should be fine. "
Bob moves in with a tip of his hat to the ladies.
Roulette wheels spun on oiled hinges, cards hissed across tables and bone dice clattered as they rolled. The traditional games of luck and some of skill could be played easily here.
The common gaming room held low stakes games, something that the free chips they'd been given could last quite some time in playing.
However, it appeared as if the upstairs area drew a more affluent clientele, where high sakes games were probably occurring.
Money could also be spent on drinks, pipes or time with some of the more ....entertaining workers.
While busy and loud, the place was not dangerous. People were behaving here, despite alcohol consumption.
Bitha wasn't comfortable, but she accompanied Boba to the smoking section. "I haven't had tobacco since I was with the tribe weeks ago. Maybe this will ease my nerves just a touch," she says as she sits and tries to activate the hookah.
Suna felt perfectly safe but the smell of smoke was overpowering to his nose. He would go off to find a game that had either lot of movement. colors or some variation of skill.
Minus the curclet, pretty much what Zlota is wearing.
As they enter, Zlota spies around. The games were interesting, but nothing new. Most of them, especially the card and dice game, she had seen played at various times around the town. She understood them well enough, but had never played.
Stepping closer to one of the card games, she suts down and places a few tokens down.
"Cards, please."
After smoking for a good long while, Bitha samples a game of chance or two, her feelings a bit relieved.
Percentage rolls
Alyna examines the various games of chance and attempts to try her luck.
Realizing that her chances do not seem very profitable, she decides to explore the rest of the hall to find other entertainment.
Bob remembers and follows his own advice to Bitha. Realizing information was gold, he spread most of his tokens in generous tips to the attending women and, curiously, his time with them he mostly asked them for information. Although engaging in banter and whispers, Bob's discussion appeared to be of an intimate variety. However, Bob was very interested in town politics and gossip, and knew these women were probably in the know. He discreetly asked about the powerful in town, and when he received good information, he tipped generously with his tokens.
As an amateur tobacco enthusiast, he pressed the staff to let him spread his coins to gain tobacco, and he put the precious leaves in his stash to replenish that loss below.
Not having gambled much, Bob still wanted to make a show. Picking the most high stakes game in the upper room, he made a single bold bet.
Having failed spectacularly, he retired to another private booth with another female friend.
Although poor in coin, Bob found himself rich in information.
Suna tries games of chance and find them overall lacking and actually gets annoyed that there seem to be no games of actual skill.
Intrigued by the game, Zlota waits to hear the results which seem to indicate she neither lost nor won. "Hmm... I think I'll take another hand, please."
And once more, seems to go nowhere fast. Standing up, she bows a little. "I'll partake in the other games for a while, thank you."
She wanders over to Suna, impressed he had clothing such as he had on. "Hunter Suna, your tokens are a little lower than when you were handed them. No 'luck' then?"
Suna folds his arms and growls lowly looking down at the ground before returning to his neutral face when he faces Zlota. He looks her up and down and smiles. " You look what they would call 'Beautiful" in this culture. It seems to not have dulled your senses however, Beastmaster Zlota. I have lost quite alot. Maybe you would like to attempt a few games together? " The Hunter offers to the well dressed human-woman.