"What is a scone Dyrant? And why are we guarding this door? Didn't we kill everything down there? Now that we're done looting we should consider sealing it permanently. Jzadirune is too dangerous for people to wander and the we've not seen any sign of the dwarves who once lived in the Malachite Hold."
"A scone? I dunno, one might call it 'a small, light, biscuitlike quick bread made of oatmeal, wheat flour, barley meal, or the like'. The ones yesterday were nice...and free." Dyrant drools again at his remembrance of the scone.
Wiping his chin on his sleeve, Dyrant will focus on the meat of Finn's questions.
"Why do we guard the door? I'm not exactly sure yet what to do with the door or the ways behind it. Some goons would want to turn it into a lair or base, but I'm not sure that we can adequately defend it against what else might be lurking below. I agree on the danger, Finneas. I am pretty sure that eventually something will move back into the wonderful vacated lair below and it is possible that they may make it all the way to this door again. Maybe it is best that we destroy the bridge that leads down further to the dark?"
Dyrant ponders further.
"It's weird to think, but I almost wish we had a nice dwarvish colony below to both maintain but also guard the way. Since we can't go purchase a dwarvish colony, what do you want to do with the below?"
"It's weird to think, but I almost wish we had a nice dwarvish colony below to both maintain but also guard the way. Since we can't go purchase a dwarvish colony, what do you want to do with the below?"
"Since we can't defend the Malachite hold and Jzadirune is far too dangerous for people to live in, I suggest destroying the elevator and then sealing this entrance. It isn't perfect but I'm sure some of the lava tubes lead to the Malachite hold so we could always get there again if we had to."
"This isn't just our decision though. The city should be involved as well. After all it is their issue ultimately. They may decide that they want us to simply seal up Jzadirune and find another path to the fortress for them to staff."
"Either way I'd like to see us seal up Jzadirune and maintain the keys."
*Pop* Glimmil appears wherever this discussion is taking place.
"Seal up. Jzadirune?"
Glimmil looks concerned.
"Why, Jzadirune is perfectly safe now that we've liberated it! It's a historic site for my people! Why, I'll convene Cauldron's most prominent gnomitarians, and we shall discuss this matter!"
Glimmil will later that day plan to visit Ghelve, Skie, Jasper, his parents, and any other prominent gnomes in town - asking them to meet up to discuss the rediscovery and subsequent "cleansing" of Jzadirune.
Doctor Toffitt is no doubt visiting Ghelve's at the time of the conversation about whether or not to seal Jhazidrune.
I tend to agree that access to the chambers below should be ti ghtly controlled. Glimmil, let'sremember that Jzadirune is full of cursed items and dangerous traps. We cannot risk releasing the Vanishing into Cauldron or the surrounding country. Especially when treatment is or a very limited and expensive scope."
"But seal it and the fortress altogether? I rather think instead that we should enlist the city guard in monitoring this entrance and locking down any others. First, however, I should like to relocate the alchemists lab that we found. I'mafraid my own facilities are rather meager at present."
Dyrant will try to corner Ghelve to get his ideas about stuff.
"Ghelve, what do you think about Jzadirune and the Fortress? You've heard about what we saw and faced. What do you think we should do with your door? And do you mind us hanging out here longer? Should we find a new homebase?"
Mother Taskykk will greet whoever arrives with open arms. "Welcome to our home. I expected you would return with questions for the children. I just ask you to be gentle and patient with them."When asked about Terrem's history she will advise that she is unaware of anything different about him. "It's the all too common sad story of parents dying when the child is young. His parents died when he was a newborn and the boy was brought to the orphanage. I didn't know his parents or how they died. In fact, I don't even know if they were local. Obviously, they had little wealth or someone would have seen to his upbringing."
"Terrem can be a dour and tempermental lad, but that's not unusual. I don't know why anyone would be interested in him."
"Mother Taskykk, your helpfulness has been expansive. We cannot be surprised or dismayed by the lack of information about this boy, as it is only now that we have discovered there exists a known unknown quality to his history, where before it was an unknown unknown to all of us."
"That said, before the abductions had anyone visited and expressed interest in his health or development?"
"With your permission and attendance, I would like to ask Terrem one question, in an environment that would put him at ease. In the Malachite Fortress or before, has he heard an adult indicate who his parents may be or anything of his past? I do not expect he has but should ask in any case."
"I would also like to ask the four abducted orphans if they can tell me anything about who abducted them from this orphanage and if they remember being taken anywhere in the city. Perhaps if talking about these memories is too disconcerting they would rather draw what they remember."
After doing some talking...
"Mother Taskykk, I would like to do more to help your worthy effort in the care and betterment of the cities orphans here. Besides returning to the life of a questing adventurer, I make my living as a tutor to children of the more fortunate families of Cauldron, in the terms of wealth or history. I would like to offer my services as a tutor on a volunteer basis for these children who were not so lucky to be born into the comforts that money provide. Would you accept a once a week visit? This offer is of course for all the children and not the four formerly abducted alone."
Doctor Toffitt is no doubt visiting Ghelve's at the time of the conversation about whether or not to seal Jhazidrune.
I tend to agree that access to the chambers below should be ti ghtly controlled. Glimmil, let'sremember that Jzadirune is full of cursed items and dangerous traps. We cannot risk releasing the Vanishing into Cauldron or the surrounding country. Especially when treatment is or a very limited and expensive scope."
"But seal it and the fortress altogether? I rather think instead that we should enlist the city guard in monitoring this entrance and locking down any others. First, however, I should like to relocate the alchemists lab that we found. I'mafraid my own facilities are rather meager at present."
When checking in with everyone at Ghelve's...
Silfr greats Atol with a warm hug. "It is good to see you alive and well again, my friend."
Concerning the realms below...
Silfr gestures to Atol, Glimmil, Toffitt, and Cog. "We share the same sentiment as to the disposition of the underground city and fortress below. Jzadirune must be treated as potentially a magical peril but ultimately the gnomes of Cauldron have the right to return and attempt to safely reclaim their works, if they desire."
"As for Malachite Fortress I believe we should barricade the entrance to the Underdark as best we can, but research whether we may claim it as our own or make use of it for own purposes if we should ever choose an expedition towards the center of the Oerth. We should also of course scour the rooms for any clues as to where the other kidnapped individuals were taken."
Speaking of what to do next...
"Is there shared interest in finding the gang that prompted our original contact with the orphanage and each other, almost a week ago? Perhaps we could learn more from them, or at least disrupt their operation. They deserve as much for beating up that priest that also was seeking to recover the children."
"Mother Taskykk, your helpfulness has been expansive. We cannot be surprised or dismayed by the lack of information about this boy, as it is only now that we have discovered there exists a known unknown quality to his history, where before it was an unknown unknown to all of us."
"That said, before the abductions had anyone visited and expressed interest in his health or development?"
"I'm afraid I have nothing that will help you. He was just another orphan until recent events unfolded. He's never received any special attention."
After doing some talking...
Terrem has never heard anyone talk of his parents or family. All the children remember being taken straight from the orphanage to Jzadirune.
[b]"Mother Taskykk, I would like to do more to help your worthy effort in the care and betterment of the cities orphans here. Besides returning to the life of a questing adventurer, I make my living as...
"That is most kind of you. We have many financial patrons in the city, but none of them actually sets a foot in the place. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated."
Finneas (and others?) are shown to Captain Skellerang's office. He rises to greet you and is very hospitable. However, he does inquire as to any news of the twelve victims that are still missing.
In regards to goblins, "As a matter of fact, we have had a few attacks. Packs of three to six of them robbing people. No deaths yet, but a few injuries. They've also vandalized a few buildings with graffitti. At least when our local gangs do it, you could almost call it art."
"My men have killed a few, but they keep showing up like rats. If you wanted to look into it, you wouldn't be stepping on my toes."
The party doesn't find any clues in the Malachite Fortress as to the exact fates of it's defenders or the kidnapping victims. There is evidence of a short, but bloody battle in the fortress earlier in the year.
From speaking to the rescued victims, you're convinced the remaining 12 victims were sold to a variety of unsavory people including devils. The earliest victim, Krylscar Endercott, recalls at least one dwarf being there when he arrived. He is unsure of the dwarf's fate, but presumes he was sold as a slave.
"We have no sign of the missing 12, they've been sold to devils and other beings that live under Cauldron."
Finneas flexes dramatically as he speaks about the goblins to Skellerang, unaware that the plates covering his body ruin the effect.
"I will talk to my friends about these goblins, and hopefully they will agree to help. With the return or our leader Atol I'm sure the others will agree, but some may want a reward."
Female voice: That Dyrant and that dreadful "Doctor".
Male voice: Priorities woman, clearly it's the paladins he should be worried about.
What you both like Atol?
Female voice: He is warm and sweet.
Male voice: That's a drink, he's more like a steady island of calm.
Female voice: That's an atoll.
Shut it both of you.
Finneas uncrosses his eyes after dealing with the bickering in his own head, and focuses again on Skellerang.
"I will talk to my friends about these goblins, and hopefully they will agree to help. With the return or our leader Atol I'm sure the others will agree, but some may want a reward."
"It might seem a bit morbid, but I can pay 5 gp per goblin ear. The lord mayor likes to have something to demonstrate the city's commitment to protecting its citizens."
That evening Atol blinks his way into the setting sun...
No wonder Dyrant is always so, well, Dyrantish and squinty. This scroll making is hard work! I can't imagine doing it much without getting just as ornery. I need a drink and some human contact!
Atol wanders over to our favorite pub and orders a heaping bowl of stew and some gin as he tries to improve his mood.
Later he rejoins the others presumably at Ghelves.
"Goblins? Can we handle goblins? I don't know how tough they are. Not sure I like the idea of molesting the dead just for a few coin though. That seems, well, odd. Even the good Dr. has a purpose to his, ah, work. Not just greed."
"Still, it does seem a menace worthy of elimination. We still need a name though, and a central place to work from. I'm uncomfortable always hassling poor Ghelve or meeting in public at the pub to talk about our plans."
After another helping of gristly breakfast stew, Dyrant plans his day.
He will spend the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon scribing and praying, trying to prepare for whatever travails await him.
I don't mind the scribing work...it's calming and nice.
Scroll#5: Scroll4: Web (DC 13), Glitterdust (DC 13), Mage Armor , & Mage Armor. (-175gp)
In the afternoon, Dyrant will try to engage Ghelve in 'magic' talk, pursuing the backstory behind how he got Starbrow and trying to learn a bit of arcane lore from the old gnome.
In the evening, he will poke about Ghelve's library for interesting stuff to read, while being available to answer questions or provide help to others.
Not sure what I am waiting for, but I do appreciate the quiet time to think, pray, and learn as I plot my next steps.
Dr. Toffitt things a bit on the discussion of headquarters and nocturnalia. His own ambitions and need for meaningful work cause his face to light up as he gets further into his proposal.
"I cannot say that I cherish the idea of doing my work underground, although I do favor the idea of sharing offices with you all. You have already contributed greatly to my understanding of my craft."
"Here is what I propose: we share a commitment to the good of common folk, and the ability to both heal and defend them. Might I suggest the founding of a small benevolent society, dedicated to protecting Cauldron's health and safety? I propose we call ourselves the 'Society of Healing Hands' or somesuch."
"Perhaps Ghelve would also be interested in participating in this venture, in which case his shop and the chambers below might be a likely base of operations. Otherwise, we might consider finding another location. I suggest somewhere with a public storefront, where Cauldron's citizens might readily contact us for help."
"If they are amenable, we might also arrange a retainer with the city's government, in case they should need us for outbreaks or less... gentle... pursuits."
"If and when we identify some shared facilities, would any of you be willing to join me in gathering components from the alchemist's bench that we found in Jzadirune? I doubt that any of it is cursed, though I suppose there is some chance."
"If and when we identify some shared facilities, would any of you be willing to join me in gathering components from the alchemist's bench that we found in Jzadirune?
Dyrant will readily agree to aid Dr. Toffitt.
"Of course, Doctor. I've finished my scribings and prayers for the day. Maybe while we walk, you could explain how your preparations differ from the despicable, heathen witchfolk with their cauldrons a-brewin'. I struggle to understand your intentions."
"Of course, Doctor. I've finished my scribings and prayers for the day. Maybe while we walk, you could explain how your preparations differ from the despicable, heathen witchfolk with their cauldrons a-brewin'. I struggle to understand your intentions."
"I cannot say that I have anything against the use of cauldrons for crafting curatives. Indeed, alchemy has borrowed a great deal from more primitive methods. How would we know the properties of sweet basil or marshmallow if it were not for those ancient herbalists?"
"My intentions are simple: The gods see fit to grant a select few their divine spark, and great miracles are done through them. But they have also granted us the ability to heal our own wounds in a fashion that is both more mundane, and more readily available. I wish to expand upon the accomplishments of men in the healing arts, and develop cost-effective curatives that are accessible to all."
"I agree to a common base, the Slippery Eel has too many ears and Ghelve's is too small. I'll help carry the stuff up for you Toffitt, but after that I think we should disable the elevator and lock this door. I'm sure Ghelve would like to carry on with his work of replacing all of the locks in the city."
Finneas thinks about a suitable location, sweat beginning to form. He finds himself reaching unconsciously for Dyrant's scrolls and maps to wipe his face until he remembers himself.
"Society of the Healing Hands. How about Healing Hands and Helfpul Half-orcs, or 4H for short? No, that will never catch on. You always need a...an...uh...Silfr what's the word for words that make other words shorter? Wherever we go will need a workout space for me, I'd hate to bother you all while I'm practicing."
Finneas will once again stop to pose while saying this, still not realizing that covering himself from head to toe in armored plates negates the necessity for full body oil and muscle definition.
Dyrant looks at the Doctor with both contempt and admiration.
On one hand, the good Doctor has just taken a splattered, stinky dump on everything that used to hold dear: it was every wish of Dyrant to share in the divine spark.
On the other hand, the Doctor was making a fair and common sense point.
"Ah, ehr--, uhm. So, how about Cog? I sure like that dog."
* * *
"I propose we call ourselves the 'Society of Healing Hands' or somesuch."
"Society of the Healing Hands. How about Healing Hands and Helfpul Half-orcs, or 4H for short? No, that will never catch on. You always need a...an...uh...Silfr what's the word for words that make other words shorter?
"Since we are not a society of healers it would be misleading to seize that as our designation. Typically names relate to features of a group, exciting or dramatic phrases, or connect with their overall goals. For instance we sought to save the four orphans, and now consider rescuing other kidnapped Cauldronites. However your proposal to perform general contracting in the cities defense recommends a working name not specific to our past deeds."
"I am agreeable to renting an office for our meeting and planning. With what time remains today I shall return to the Malachite Fortress and look for clues to the kidnapped sales and the original owners however."
Dyrant will ponder Doctor Toffitt's words in his mind as he walks.
"What you fail to understand, good Doctor, is that without God, without faith, we are nothing. Without a high being or presence we are as empty as Silfr's armor. I do not mind using our brains or history to provide different ways to do things, but such things need to be done toward a higher purpose and goal. Otherwise," Dyrant looks around, "...otherwise, our efforts are nothing but selfish onanism."
"What you fail to understand, good Doctor, is that without God, without faith, we are nothing. Without a high being or presence we are as empty as Silfr's armor. I do not mind using our brains or history to provide different ways to do things, but such things need to be done toward a higher purpose and goal. Otherwise," Dyrant looks around, "...otherwise, our efforts are nothing but selfish onanism."
"Far from it, good Dyrant. I absolutely understand the importance of faith and higher purpose. Are you insinuating that only those with the divine spark have access to such? For your sake and mine, I should hope not."
"It might be, uh, above ourselves, but what about 'Cauldron's Counsel'? We are going to help the city, and have done so already. So we could be counsellors giving help to those who need it."
Atol's head spins at the conversation between Dr. Toffitt and Dyrant. He tries hard not to think about it...
"You understand the need for faith and higher purpose? I often wonder about that. I have yet to hear you call upon a divine presence when times are dark. Which divine presence to you ascribe to?"
Dyrant look closely at Doctor's eyes...first the right, then the left, wondering about their lack of sameness.
"Tell me, Doctor, when you were dying in that pit...how were you saved? But not for the graces of Kord, Glittergold, and St. Cuthbert?"
Another of the many reasons he was kicked out of his church.. too pedantic and boarisheven for the St. Cuthbertines.
"It was not Kord who lowered the rope, Glittergold who fought the skulks, or St. Cuthbert who did anything useful, the last which should surprise no one. These were the acts of men, gnomes, half elves and half orcs."
"It was not Kord who lowered the rope, Glittergold who fought the skulks, or St. Cuthbert who did anything useful, the last which should surprise no one. These were the acts of men, gnomes, half elves and half orcs."
Dyrant looks at Silfr and just shakes his head.
"Of course they were the actions of men, gnomes, and others...however, they were accomplished because of divine inspiration and assistance. The only reason we succeeded was because of our connections with our deities...but I could not expect a faithless heathen like yourself to understand, Silfr. We divine types, Atol & I to St. Cuthbert, Finn to Kord, Glim to Garl, succeed because of our divine mandate. However, if you truly believe we succeeded without our Gods behind us and if you are so dismissive of St. Cuthbert's contributions, I encourage you to reject Atol's ministrations in the future. I challenge you to stand by your words."
My guess is that he scorn of St. Cuthbert will disappear the next time his armor disappears, in a puff of illusion, as his body cries for the healing arts.
Dyrant looks again for any religious affiliations on Siflr.
"My question to Dr. Toffitt stands: what is your alchemy without a divine purpose and force behind it?"
"You understand the need for faith and higher purpose? I often wonder about that. I have yet to hear you call upon a divine presence when times are dark. Which divine presence to you ascribe to?"
Dyrant look closely at Doctor's eyes...first the right, then the left, wondering about their lack of sameness.
"Tell me, Doctor, when you were dying in that pit...how were you saved? But not for the graces of Kord, Glittergold, and St. Cuthbert?"
Dr. Toffitt turns his head away from Dyrant's gaze. It is evident he does not appreciate sustained eye contact.
"I once put my faith in the gods and their servants. But it has been a long time..."
He pauses, looking wistful. I prayed to Olidammara then, and Hanali Celenil. Not that my prayers saved Lukhaj or stayed my hand when the world went black.
Truly I am grateful for the grace of your gods, but it is men..." One man... It is to him that I repent my sins, not your Saint. [b]"... who have given me a higher purpose. I care not why men act in the interest of others, but I do not think spoken prayers are necessary to convey mortal men's faith nor good will."
"My question to Dr. Toffitt stands: what is your alchemy without a divine purpose and force behind it?"
At this, Dr. Toffitt visibly reddens, and his eye flashes yellow. "You know nothing of my research, Dyrant. And even less about the purpose behind it. He catches himself, and breathes deeply. Pauses for a moment.
"It is not unlike the faith that you hold—it has saved many and yet not enough lives. Like our companions who possess the divine spark, I can only hope that my research will become more effective at forestalling tragedy, and apply myself to turning those hopes into reality."
"To what god or crede do I ascribe my own aspirations to help others? Who provided my moral education? We lay folk hear the words of and pay tribute to many gods. But I did not grow up learning the scriptures of St. Cuthbert, nor Kord, nor Garl Glimmergold, grateful though I am for their recent mercies."
If Draynt didn't want to have his conversation with Toffitt while Silfr was around, Silfr will have visited the orphanage, talk to a few people about renting a space for their joint operation, then will go down alone to the Malachite Fortress for those take-10 perception checks looking for documents & clues.
Edit: If he did then Silfr doesn't have anything to say to the rude and arrogant fellow. There is no point in engaging with close minded zealots.
A pity Atol enjoys his company. He contributes nothing to this group but discord, and I would be happy not to carry this boar across the difficulties we may encounter.
"He unfortunately has adopted the master/servant mental architecture that is common in regions such as this which permit the loathsome practice of slavery. To such a person it seems reasonable to treat extra-planar entities as all powerful overlords, and beg of them for scraps of power from the positive elemental plane."
"An alternate view as that these powerful entities are connected with philosophies and agendas, but largely incapable of acting on our plane except in partnership with like minded mortals. This is the view I am inclined towards, though my magic has found it possible to summon forth my celestial armor or celestial entities though my own will, and not that of a deity."
"As to why St. Cutherbert himself cannot show up every time his failed priest desires, it seems they focus more of their effort on the sublime concerns and conflicts of the Overworld than our own plane. Though I have also considered that the multitude of conflicting agendas on the planes prevents any from acting, as if a vast machine spanned the Overworld and other planes but all the gears turned in opposition as opposed to in concert, resulting in a grinding status quo."
"As to Dryant's strong certainty that healing only comes from the three main churches of this small city, this of course matches his strong ignorance, as any scholar of the arcane or alchemy knows that creating curative magic such as potions does not require prostrating oneself beneath the cudgel of Cuthbert."
Dyrant listens to the Doctor's story with interest.
This explains much more. He was burned before.
"To what god or crede do I ascribe my own aspirations to help others? Who provided my moral education? We lay folk hear the words of and pay tribute to many gods. But I did not grow up learning the scriptures of St. Cuthbert, nor Kord, nor Garl Glimmergold, grateful though I am for their recent mercies."
Dyrant smiles at the doctor.
"Indeed...that is *the* profound question. Why do the godless..." Dyrant looks at Siflr, "...find occasion to do good or bad works? That is the essence of life itself no doubt. But it is only with the push of divine inspiration, whether you admit it or not, will impart meaning to your work."
Dyrant looks to the heavens.
"No, I do not know where our work will take us, but I do know that it is with St. Cuthbert's, Garl's, & Kord's ample and active blessings that will take us there. Remember this should you think again about taking a god into your heart again, dear Doctor."
Dyrant takes Silfr's lack of comment as a sign of surrender by the old man. Feeling pity for the old man, Dyrant approaches him.
"It's not too late for you to find salvation in the divine, Silfr. St. Cuthbert accepts almost everyone...even at your age. Maybe you want to speak to Atol about such matters."
If he truly believed that St. Cuthbert wasn't here or helpful to him, he'd resist our attempts at aid to him. We'll let him show what he really believes.
At Weer's Dyrant will enter and look around. He is looking for unique and fun items, books of lore that might help him understand the dangers of the UnderCauldron, and general antiquities.
If he can manage not to annoy Weer too much, he might engage him in conversation.
Dyrant finds Weer’s Elixirs on Ash Avenue on the south side of the lake. The building appears to have been two stories at one time, but only the top story remains. The bottom half is a mixture of newer beams lashed to rotten beams. There is a set of stairs, apparently the former 1st floor stairs that lead to a brand new door in the ceiling.
There is a rope at the bottom of the staircase with a sign attached. "Pull!"
Assuming Dyrant pulls it, he'll hear footsteps overhead followed by the door being opened upward. Upstairs it is pitch black. A voice yells down, "What can I do for you sonny?!"
After Dyrant explains what he needs, Vortimax will allow him to come upstairs. Vortimax will cast a light cantrip as Dyrant climbs the stairs.
Reaching the top of the stairs, Dyrant will find a tall human with wisps of dishelveled gray hair. He is more wrinkled than his gray robes and looks in your general direction with milky eyes. Dyrant quickly surmises that Vortimax is blind.
@Vortimax:
"Uh...hello Vortimax. I came to browse your wares and mayhaps talk for a bit. I recently ventured to the UnderCauldron and met many monstrosities. It might be that I return and had hoped you might, uh..." Dyrant returns his now useless sketches back to his scrolltube, "...be able to discuss what I saw, uhm...what we met down there and suggest some elixirs should I need to go back."
That went well. Idiot.
"My name is Dyrant. Well met." Dyrant holds out his hand for a shake.
Dr. Toffitt has his own epiphany about Dyrant, even as the younger-than-he-seems preacher comes to his own conclusions about Toffitt. Ah. It is vanity. Dyrant, feeling spurned by his god, grips orthodoxy and fundamentalism as a means to balm his wounded heart. Well, no matter. For all of his arrogance, he is a helpful and knowledgeable companion. I must not let him arouse my own insecurities. My path to redemption is my own.
"Dyrant, I count you as friend and compatriot, and appreciate this opportunity to better know each other. St. Cuthbert is lucky to have such a loyal servant. I hope I shall be as faithful in my own deeds, no matter which god or mortal we might credit." He takes out his book of formulae and begins making a list of needed supplies, doing his best to signal an end to the conversation.
Glimmil will later that day plan to visit Ghelve, Skie, Jasper, his parents, and any other prominent gnomes in town - asking them to meet up to discuss the rediscovery and subsequent "cleansing" of Jzadirune.
"My name is Dyrant. Well met." Dyrant holds out his hand for a shake.
"So speak up. What'd you meet? What'd you want to know? Have a seat." Vortimax lets his hand glide along a counter and takes a seat in a rocking chair. As the chair rocks back and forth, the whole building seems to creak and sway.
There's an empty chair against the opposite wall that appears mostly sturdy.
"If you're looking for some potions, I have those. Some I'm sure about. Others are a bit more...interesting. My eyes not being what they once were, some things are a bit too similar. However, they're usually beneficial, but never harmful and the same price as any other potion. For example, the roots I use for my healing potions and my growing potions (enlarge person) are very similar so I just mix them together. Sometimes you get the benefit of one, sometimes both, and sometimes it just fizzles--but it's tasty and swirls around in your mouth spectacularly. If that happens, just bring the vial back and I'll refill it."
"Uhm well, let me look at my drawings and try to explain things."
Dyrant will pull out the sketches of note to refresh his memory:
The Big Daddy Construct
The Choker beast from the stage
Rags, chopped to ribbons, with details about magical auras marked
Cog room, Grell
The 2 pincher bots from the cell room of Malachite Fortress
Melted Mimic, Malachite Fortress
"See, we met this big animated digger..." Dyrant will describe the encounter as best he can, hoping the old man would be able to share some knowledge of such things.
"Now, this 'grue' was a mean beastie. How it survived locked under a stage is beyond..." Dyrant will describe the properties of the grue as best he can remember. "...it seemed to love the taste of gnomes..."
"Ever been attacked by animated wrappings before? Well, these seemed..." Dyrant describe the encounter with the attack bandages.
"Now, this beastie had more arms than a centipede had feet. Every touch seemed to stop movement in anyone it touched...it was death afloating..." Dyrant describes the grell.
"Similar to the digger, these two constructs kilt one of my friends..." Dyrant will recount the sad *first* death of Saint Atol the Expired.
"Now, one more question: what is it with mimics? Is there any way they can be spotted?"
Dyrant looks to the inventory to learn more about what is possible.
"I'm looking for a potion that would doubly protect me against the horrors of the UnderCauldron. My companions seek prowess in battle. What would you suggest?
"I'm looking for a potion that would doubly protect me against the horrors of the UnderCauldron. My companions seek prowess in battle. What would you suggest?
@ Glimmil
Glimmil convinces a few gnomes to explore the idea of occupying Jzadirune again. "Perhaps we could just offer some tours or hold shows on the stage."
Silfr speaks to Dryant. His surprise at the man's venom and wild, baseless insults rises to anger then cools to contempt.
"Do not think you can drive a wedge between me and my friend Atol. He is an example of the good deeds and kindness that may be performed by us imperfect mortals while working in hand with the celestial realm, while you are divisive and detestable while accomplishing nothing. I regret being tricked into thinking you wished to discuss religious philosophy when your root purpose was self aggrandizement through false piety."
"I join St. Cuthbert in rejecting you. From you I want nothing."
Silfr takes out Dryant's scroll of mage armor and throws it into the dirt, then leaves.
Finneas stands in confusion and not a little apprehension at his friends, but knowing this is not his fight he says nothing.
"I will begin patrolling for goblins tonight, any who wish to join me are welcome. We meet at the Slippery Eel one hour before sunset."
Finneas will then head back to his cell at the temple to rest for the day before the night begins.
Silfr takes out Dryant's scroll of mage armor and throws it into the dirt, then leaves.
Atol picks up the scroll and dusts it off. He walks off to find Silfr,
"Do not be too unhappy. Dyrant speaks wrongly sometimes, especially when the fire is on him as it was just then. He and the good Dr. were just sparring in their way and you were jabbed in the cross fire. He means no real ill will by his words."He hands the scroll to Silfr.
"Please take it. We're a team and should remain so or we won't be successful. We have to learn to work together and ignore our own weaknesses to use our strengths. I find more harm comes from thoughtful discussion than the point of a blade sometimes. That's why I avoid it when I can."
Atol stands uncomfortably wondering what to say next. Undecided, he says nothing and just stands there holding out the scroll in Silfr's direction.
"There's the spirit!" Glimmil volunteers to whichever gnome has shown bravery in their willingness to consider a return to Jzadirune.
"Our people have a rich heritage below. There are amazing wonders waiting to be rediscovered! And who better to stand as a line of defense for Cauldron against the vicious floating eye creature that lurks in the Underdark!"
Atol wanders the streets of Cauldron looking for a good space. He finds four that might work.
- A longtime unrented one-story shop space across from the Drunken Morkoth Inn on Obsidian Ave. It's about twice as large as Ghelve's and has a "retail" space in the front and a back room. Rent is 3 gp per day.
- A large unoccupied warehouse on the lake on Ash Avenue. Many of the boards are rotted and it has obviously seen the worst of more than one flood season. It is divided into 4 sections. Rent is 2 gp per day.
- A nicer two-story house, directly next to the smithy on Magma Avenue. Don't plan on sleeping past dawn or concentrating too hard unless you can tap your feet to the rhythm of the anvil. 4 gp per day.
- A modest, two-story, 3 bedroom house on Lava Avenue about a block from the orphanage. The owners recently moved away to a drier climate. 5 gp per day.