Ama swings her nodachi at the southern creature, but is this time distracted by the acrobatic maneuvers of her companions.
"Wow, that's neat! How do you do that?!" Ama exclaims, gawking at Fish and Almalik.
Almalik attacks and hits both creatures for 6 damage. The others are less fortunate.
The giant attacks next and crushes the little rag man, which explodes in a bright flash of light. His second punch he directs to the humanoid and also hits.
Humanoid:
Giant:
Southern creature:
Explosion saves:
Grease:
Combat order:
- Fish
- Almalik
- Ama [5/10hp +1thp 7/10 rounds]
- Nagbur
- Giant [-22hp]
- Southern creature
- Tall humanoid [-16hp Blinded 3/3]
In bold may act. Map updated.
Frustrated by his earlier failure, Nagbur glares at the rag man as a stronger wave of stench fills the air.
"Fish, go stand on this man's other side!" Ama says, and waits for her comrade to get in position.
Once Fish provides her with flanking, Ama swings her weapon at the tall humanoid.
Ama manipulates time to change her nodachi's course at the last moment, hoping she can still hit her target.
Almalik whips out another arc of fire at the tall humanoid.
Following Ama's command Fish circles into a flank with the strange elf woman. He swings his blade though his vision is a bit spotting from the flash of light.
The giant attacks the humanoid again and after the first hit the humanoid explodes in a giant fireball scorching everyone in range. Ama gets knocked unconscious and Almalik and Fish survive the blast. The giant on the other hand is also unconscious but more wounded than Ama.
Conditions after combat:
- Fish [5/12hp]
- Almalik [1/8hp +1thp 10/10 rounds]
- Ama [-2/10hp +1thp 6/10 rounds]
- Nagbur
- Giant [-8/29hp]
Map updated.
Ama's able to prevent half the damage by jumping aside, but she's knocked out anyway.
Nagbur staggers back at the explosion, throwing an arm in front of his eyes. Then he peeks over it to survey the situation. Ama and the giant are both down, with Almalik looking unsteady. Seeing no further threats, the blue gets busy.
He focuses first on reviving Ama. Knowing that she somehow heals more quickly than the others, he turns his attention to the group's new "friend" as soon as she stirs. Since he has no mental link to the giant, he moves over to it and places a hand on its arm as he concentrates. Finally, he spends the last of his power on Almalik.
"Sorry Fish," he says apologetically, "me gots no power left. But you be okay, right? You need feel-better juice?"
Ama's eyes open again, and she gets back up after retrieving her weapon.
"I don't like this sudden sleep thing, which just seems to happen irregularly while fighting," Ama says. She's unaware of what unconscious is, and what's been causing it.
"I feel like I may soon fall asleep again, but I think I'll be able to stay awake a bit longer. Let's continue?"
After a minute you see the darkness around you lift and you are able to see again. Further in up you see a standing stone in the middle of the room.
The giant stands up after his healing and moves toward the stone. He turns around and bows to you and stutters.
"T'ank hou"
Almalik whips out another arc of fire and then as the group descends and takes out the last humanoid he is sent flying against a wall by the explosion. He collapses down, groaning in pain.
"ow."
After a moment the mage collects himself and waves his torch back over to him with a mage hand. Blackened, burned, beaten, and bloodied, Almalik looks nothing like the resplendent, arrogant mage who first showed up. He turns to Bodur.
"Bodur, we are glad to help. What do you know about this stone?"
Fish does his best to shield himself from the blast but takes a bit of damage. He checks to make sure he has all his limbs and his tail. "Fish is hurt, but had worse." he says in reply to Nagbur.
Ama walks over to the stone and studies it.
"It's very hard," Ama concludes when she touches the stone.
Ama is able to look on top of the stone and sees weird human made forms on it. Other than that the stone has a hole in the middle of it, which could serve any kind of purpose.
"This bring me here. This take me from home."
He seems to think a bit.
"Dark man and rag men roped me and dragged me through. No ever seen before. Me seen many weird stuff but not this."
He looks like he wants to go back to his home badly.
"Me think me see you in future again. We friend."
He turns around again and faces the stone to leave.
Nagbur nudges Almalik in the leg. "You learn how big rock works, we go zippy-zap around instead of walking," he says quietly.
"We found a key stone, didn't we?" Ama asks, looking at whoever has it.
"Maybe put it in the big hole?"
Almalik inspects the stone closely, chanting detect magic.
remembering the locked chest Fish rummages through what is left of the Ragmen in hopes of finding a key.
Nagbur pulls out the figurine with the odd base. "This?" he asks, offering it to whoever cares to examine it.
The giant isn't stopped and he puts his arm forward. Since his hands are too big he puts one of his fingers through the hole and he suddenly zaps out of existence.
The group moves in to inspect the stone and finds these facts:
- It gives off a strong conjuration aura
- The spells is a teleportation spell
- The hole in the stone clearly teleports the target to another location
- On top of the stone are man made markings. Upon closer inspection you see that they match the ones on the statue Nagbur is holding.
Fish stays a bit behind and inspects the corpses for loot. He finds only general gear and some poison used by the ragman/ragmen.
As Bodur winks out of existence, Almalik turns to the group. "I believe using my substantial intellectual acumen that this stone uses a teleport spell. And yes, the statuette is related to it."
He leans against the wall, wincing with the effort of moving. "Perhaps that's how they got the giant in here in the first place. I believe it would be in our best interests to search the remainder of the cave, and figure out how to open that chest."
"So key stone lock it? No can come and go no more?"
Ama walks over to the mysterious stone, and copies the cave giant by putting her hand in the hole. "To adventure!"
The moment Ama puts her hand in the hole a red ominous light emits from it. Whoever made the stone took care that he couldn't be followed back. Since the giant came here through the stone the adventures come to the conclusion that the stone only permits teleports if you came here through the stone first.
Nagbur tries the key on the stone, with a little help from Ama to get to the height, and it fits perfectly. The hole in the stone seems to solidify and Ama quickly pulls her hand back as to prevent her hand from getting stuck. The base of the statue also seems to grow into the stone. After a long minute the stone looks like any other and Almalik concludes that the magic contained in the stone has vanished. You have solved the problem of the mines.
As you return to the guild you feel peace settle over you and also more powerful than before. Halfway through on the way back you hear marching coming from the far distant. You soon discover that a large group of dwarves is marching towards the mines. At the head of the procession is this guy. He waves at you with his golden sword.
"Ooooooooi!!! Ooooooi!!! How'd 't go?! Ye be lookin' a mighty bit battered at that! Tell me yer tales!"
He looks fascinated and horrified at the same time as you tell him the story of what happened and what you found.
"Gorri! Norund! Come over 'ere. Seems we found what happened to yer loved ones. They found a ring and locket from yours."
The two dwarves come forward with curious looks which soon change in utter sorrow. They join the golden dwarf's side but are very silent.
As you tell him about the treasure room his look turns worried.
"Ye opened the room?!?!"
You tell him what you found in the room and such.
"Do not care about the gold! Ah'm glad the chest be safe!"
He stands up and yells to the group.
"FRIENDS THE CHEST IS SAFE!!!"
A ear deafening cheer follows the yell and happy songs soon follow the news. The golden dwarfs returns to you immediately for more news, ignoring the ruckus behind him.
"That be what happened! Evil sorcery that is! The creeps you met were really bad. They be dark creepers and a dark stalker. We don't meet em often. Nasty folk. Destroy everyhin' they can. Ah'm glad you solved the problem. Keep the gold as reward. You lot deserve it! We will be marchin' to the mines 's fast we can. Go home and rest, we will take over from 'ere!"
You arrive at the guild in the early evening.
"I experienced death and sudden sleepiness," Ama cheerfully, and randomly, informs the dwarf in golden armor.
Ama's a bit curious, and can't help but ask about the chest. "What is it you've stored in your big chest, friendly mister dwarf with the golden shininess?"
------
Once back at the guild, Ama waves at Vaara. "We found a lot of candles!"
Ama places the bag with over 3000 golden coins on top of a table. "They shine!"
"You no take candle!" Fish blurts out. "Those gold pieces. Use them to buy things."
Bewildered and somewhat irritated by the whole expedition, Almalik is nonetheless proud that he's managed to successfully work with a goblin, a kobold, and an idiot savante.
Almalik decides that as a noble, enlightened man his only task now is to take lesser beings under his proverbial wing, and teach them how to behave in society. Strangely enough, the elf needs the most help.
"Ama," he says in a friendly manner. "This is money. We collect it, and then can trade it for goods and services. So if there are things you see you want, often you have to give people money for them. For example, I think it would be a great idea to get Nagbur a wand to heal people. We have to give away some of this money to get the wand."
"Healing is what prevents me from suddenly sleeping, isn't it?" Ama asks Almalik thoughtfully.
Her eyes brighten, and Ama claps her hands. "Good idea, Almalik! You're very smart!"
Ama turns the bag of coins upside-down, causing all the coins to fall on the table or on the floor. "I now buy a healing wand!"
She looks rather disappointed when nothing happens.
"You got something other person want, sometimes can make trade, then no need gold," Nagbur adds distractedly as he stands before the job board, studying it.
"The chest be holdin' the biggest diamond Ah've ever seen! Glad it be still there!"
-------------
The elf woman stand behind the bar as you come back and she welcomes you with food and drinks she also offers to take the loot to sell it on the market later. From behind the bar she also gets the reward money for the mission.
"So what will you do next? Will you rest a bit or continue on with the next mission."
Asks the woman with a warm smile.
Ama throws nearly all of her money on the counter, spending almost all of it on various items.
"Check this out! We can sleep in it!" Ama shows the others the large tent she's bought.
"I'd like to rest until I'm feeling good again," Ama replies to Vaara. "Then I'd like to go to the next adventure!"
Ama spends the days off sleeping in a nice and comfy bed. Whilst Fish is honing his skills in the back yard. Nagbur decides to wash himself and his clothes thoroughly to get the stink out, not that it helps for long. Lastly Almalik spends his days practicing magic and thinking about uses for his new learned spells.
The request for this mission indicates the place where you need to go. After traveling for over a week you find yourself in a small village on the border of a large desert. As far as the eye can see you see sand. In the village are supplies waiting for you:
- Water for about 3 days
- Food for about 3 days
- A tent
- A map
- A compass
These items you get from a trader located in one of the small homes in the village. He looks clad in many layers of white clothes to block out the sun. You are able to see his face which has been tanned to a dark golden brown from the many hours in the sun.
”Oooh you are in for one hell of a trip through this desert. Hot during the days and cold during the nights. That’s what awaits you out there. Be sure you are well protected during the hot hours. Many people have died out there. The cold isn't too bad if you keep inside the tent and sleeping bags.”
He says as he looks out over the expanse of sand.
”The map I gave you. On there you will find several places of interest. An oasis is around here. An old village is located there. And this is you end destination.”
He points at the locations of interest.
”I advise you to decide up front how you will travel through this wasteland. No plan means almost certain death.”
He rolls the map up and places it into a wooden tube, which he gives to Ama.
”This map was given me as a rare item. As to the reason I don’t know. Supposedly this map should indicate some old ruins. Never found em though, although I spent days in the desert looking for them. It's just sand, sand and more sand.”
He turns around and starts walking back to his home, on the way back he continues to talk to you.
”I believe the request stated the Cubis. Dangerous animals they are. This close to the edge of the desert they are very rare but further towards the city… Large groups of them. Without the old artifacts the fight against them will soon end. The city will perish under their large numbers.”
He seems saddened by the prospect.
”Some advice, try to avoid them if possible. They are not the smartest creatures I’ve ever met, tricking them is fairly easy. Charging them head-on is a big mistake. The only real safe time is during the day. They only come out at night.”
He faces the group as you arrive at his house.
”Good luck to you all. And if you have any questions before you leave please go ahead.”
Ama accepts the wooden tube, and attaches it to her belt. "Sand sand sand, got it."
While walking to the man's house, Ama whispers to the others. "The tent I bought is prettier."
Almalik seems positively relaxed and happy in the desert heat and makes a point to purchase a long white robe which he affixes with ease.
"Much like home, excellent." He looks over the trader's wares. "I'm curious good sir, do you happen to have a wand with the clerical spell create water? As you would imagine it would be extremely useful in this climate."
Fish squints in the bright sun light and tries to stand in a shadow when ever possible. This sometimes places him under foot of Ama and Almalik. "It to bright and dry. Fish thinking his scales may fall off." Noticing the others buying protective clothing Fish also pays for a set. After putting them on he comments. "Better, but still to bright."
Surprised by how uncomfortable the desert heat is, Nagbur buys lighter, airier clothing to change into. Spotting Ama turning away from the merchant empty-handed and overhearing her lamenting insufficient funds to do the same, he quietly purchases another set for her.
Later, he walks over to the woman and shoves the bundle at her. "Here. You wear this so heat not distract you, okay? You see big bad thing coming, you kill it before it reach Nagbur."
"Much like home, excellent."
The vitalist squints up at Almalik. "You come from some place like this? Me understand why you leave! Me not get why this place make you happy. Nagbur agree with Fish. Too bright. Too hot. Too dry. Too much sand."
The merchant is glad to sell all the merchandise to you.
"Very wise choice. Anything else you might need? Any questions left unanswered? If not you best travel early today."
"Oooh! Thank you, Nagbur!" Ama takes off her clothes in front of everyone else, still unfamiliar with how society works, and changes into the desert outfit.
Ama nods at Nagbur. "I'll take care of the big bad things."
She then turns to Almalik, and enthusiastically gives him her two cents on the matter: "Sand, sand, sand!"
Almalik stares at Ama for a moment.
"Ama, shut up."
He then turns and examines the map.
"The wand will ensure that we have adequate water for the journey, and as such we should not need to visit the oasis. If that is the case, we can strike directly north for the Old Village as a first stop. Is this agreeable?"
Ama gives Almalik a weird look when he stares at her during her exchange of clothes. Before she can say anything about it, he tells her to shut up.
Huh, what?
"If you're mean to me, you have to sleep in the ugly tent," Ama tells Almalik, then tosses him the wooden tube with the map.
"Be careful to not destroy it. It's a very rare map."
When Almalik's done examining the map, Ama will again attach the wooden tube to her belt.
Almalik beams delightedly at Ama. "Practical, to the point, and slightly annoyed. You're growing into a marvelous elf." He looks over the map carefully.
"It is generally advised to travel at twilight but we don't have that luxury. I should have learned endure elements but that time has passed. Do we agree on straight north? Or is there cause to visit the oasis?"
"What is oasis?" Fish asks, slightly confused.
The merchant still present at the group explains to Fish what it is.
"An oasis is an isolated area of vegetation in a desert, typically surrounding a spring or similar water source. Oases also provide habitat for animals and even humans if the area is big enough. This one isn't big enough to support you lot for more than a day or two, maybe three if you are lucky. If you are in need of food I suggest you head there. The crosses on the map indicate the supposed places of the ruins. Could take some searching or even digging to find them to be honest."
He takes a moment to look over your equipment and adds.
"You will take about three days to reach the first site. The provisions I gave you are enough to get you there. With the wand and some extra rations you are able to reach the village north of the first site. Don't be expecting to much from it though. It has been abandoned for years now. It might still have some livestock of sorts if I can believe the rumors I've heard."
"Six days round trip," Nagbur grunts. "At least."