[AP] The Shackled City Adventure Path by GM Rutseg (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

"It's both curious and sad knowing almost nothing about your past, beyond being unusual."

He was willing to let live a black in order to learn something of his lineage, engage it in conversation and ply it for knowledge. Strange as it is, maybe there's something to understand about him...

"Well, you might get your chance, you know. To learn more? I don't think we're done with Dhorlot. I might change that to say that Dhorlot's not done with us." Kikinnin almost says more, but lets his tiredness still his tongue and jaw for now.

"Knowing where you come from is a benefit some enjoy more than others but the knowing is only a benefit if you use it to better yourself and those around you. If you wear it as a shield to deflect blame for the actions you take to hurt others. then perhaps you are no better than a brigand yourself."

The black beard picks up the priest's words in his mind, trying to assemble them like a puzzle, but fails to understand them as a whole. He can't quite suss out if Ryan's trying to place blame, and on whose shoulders, so he turns to Maxim.

"Before we bury Zenith, I would see these marks for myself. Would you use that wand on me?"

JJ sits slumped on the ground. Weak, human, eyes stare out into the darkness, but his ears are keen and he relaxes listening to the banter of the others.

"One thing I think I've learned." he offers eventually.

"Is that you cannot choose your family. Like it or not, they just are. Your friends, and those you travel with - that surely says more about you than who your mother happened to be."

He offers a sad smile. "Though those of you with mothers may find they have shaped who your friends are, one way or another."

Kikinnin proceeds to bury Zenith's remains. The lack of sand and rock nature of the land makes it impractical to make a hole, but he does remember about the mounds of rock that pilled outside the Pit of Seven Jaws.

After a good rest, the climb up the Pit of Seven Jaws is scary but soon is left behind. There, you look for a natural sink and using the piles of stone pieces you proceed to bury Zenith below the stones. The deed is tiring and the tomb humble, but the group can proceed afterwards with peace in mind.

Twenty miles ahead, among the stony passages of the Darklands you once more reach Jared's place. The man is there, tending to some rocks he is piling with the shape of a deprived tree. Somehow, his wooden hut is fixed. The old man receives you cheerful "My knights have returned! Welcome back to Anduria!" the elder performs some magic and his clothes change to those of a king, while the cavern becomes a greenland prosperous landscape "Have you fulfilled your purpose? Did the evil demon-queen of Kheltos attack you?"

The place seems secure to have another long rest.

When Kikinnin is hit with the wand, he takes a long look at both Zenith's and Marigold's heads.

Knowledge(??): 1d20 ⇒ 20 +6 Religion, +2 Dungeoneering, +11 Lore(Malachite)

He goes further, stripping Zenith naked, and giving the entire body a look over, while he has the gift of the strange sight. When he's sure there's nothing else marking the dead dwarf's headless body, he clothes Zenith again.

"Remind me, miss Marigold. You know of nothing that could have left that mark upon you? You didn't take up divine rituals, somehow, that might have called something from the beyond? Zenith was spouting prophecy, enough that he convinced the frog folk. Not sure he spoke of the Gods giving him his power. You don't speak of receiving your power from Gods, neither."

Kikinnin turns to include JJ in his conversation with Marigold. "Did you know Terrem enough to see signs he might be skilled in divine power?"

If Kikinnin can lend anything to the discussion from what he knows, he does.

...

"They're gonna want to remain that Pit..." Kikinnin looks back over his shoulder, as they set their sights on Jared's, a ways ahead. "Not sure who named it in the first place..."

When they arrive at Jared's, Kikinnin speaks briefly, before securing a place to rest, both himself and his Far.

"Have you fulfilled your purpose?"

"Aye. We found who we sought, and ended him. We found the black dragon who fought the red, but we didn't end him. So you might want to keep an eye out, Jared. Living in these parts seems a bit unsafe, more so with an injured dragon skulking about."

The Pit of Seven Jaws

Maxim helps to bury Zenith, then scowls in concern as the talk continues regarding the shared markings of Zenith and Marigold;

"Worry here is they wanted Zenith back an' alive... What if they wanted his prophetic abilities? Might be that Lil' Miss here is their back-up plan? Might be that in endin' that zealot we've put our girl in potential peril..."

The gun-mage lights up a stogie and ponders the implications of his words...

"Y'all need to understand I ain't scaremongering or such... Just a mite concerned..."

Returning to the Kingdom

Maxim seems relieved to finally have a chance to rest weary bones and take stock of his equipment.

Notably he makes no effort, nor courts interaction with Dolgrin.

JJ nods to the others, but at Maxim's words he looks highly concerned, stepping closer to Marigold. "Don't worry Marigold, we'll look after you. Nobody will do anything to you while I am around."

He thinks hard though about Terram.

"He was just another orphan, like Marigold and me. His parents were guards... killed by... anyway...He has odd dreams. Marigold does too. But so do we all from time to time.."

Earlier cnversation

"Y'all need to understand I ain't scaremongering or such... Just a mite concerned..."

He was just another orphan, like Marigold and me.

Ryan nods as Maxim clarifies his comments, and full out snorts at JJ's...

"Just another orphan like you and Lil Miss? hmm lets see one of you is related to the savior of Cauldron's past and doing a fine job of trying to save the present, and Lil Miss Marigold Montajay, touched by the divine has pulled all of our bacon out of Pharisma's fire with the healing magic's she employs as well as bolstering each of us with those same magics to both protect and assist while we are engaged with our enemies. If Terrem is half the 'orphan' you and Marigold are, then he is more than just an orphan."

Later at Crazy Jared's

Ryan smiles as the 'king' of his little Darklands kingdom hails them.

"Well met, repairs have moved along quickly."

Ryan studies the surrounding to determine how much safety they are being afforded here.
Detect Magic

JJ blushes a little. "We all have hidden talents. Some of us have been lucky enough to be able to develop them. I somehow doubt my esteemed ancestor would have been too happy about my not taking the path of the professor or Maxim though. I always wanted to be a wizard, but never thought I'd have the chance. Now I'm wondering if, having had the chance, it perhaps isn't really my way."

He too admires the fake trees. "The druids have done wonders your magesty" he says to the crazy old man.

Pit of Seven Jaws

"N-no...never," Marigold responds truthfully to Kikinnin's question. "B-Besides the m-moment all of this b-business started and we b-banded together, only t-two other th-things have happened to m-me that c-could be considered out of the or-ordinary. The f-first was wh-when I lost my f-family to the p-plague and the s-second was the d-day Abella and C-Crista turned my b-bathwater b-blue and I d-discovered that I c-couldn't t-talk properly when I'm really upset...or in d-danger," she continues with a helpless shrug. "The d-dreams didn't r-really start until after all of this other b-business did...how long ago w-was it that Z-Zenith left M-Malachite?"

She then tries to wave off JJ's concern, though she was touched by his protectiveness. "I'm o-okay and I'll b-be okay...after all, I'm w-with all of you. J-just...p-promise you w-won't rattle my marbles too h-hard if I start sp-spouting off prophecy too," she jokes half-heartedly. "B-but! W-We sh-should ch-check on T-Terrem as s-soon as we get b-back topside; I'm more w-worried about him than anything after all w-we've learned."
_______

The Kingdom

"I'm j-just glad to b-be out of that p-pit..." Marigold huffs, eagerly taking advantage of the opportunity to sit and take a load off. "D-do you have any uh...anything else that needs d-doing? If not, we'll b-be off for the s-surface after we've had a good r-rest..."

Earlier on

"Well, you might get your chance, you know. To learn more? I don't think we're done with Dhorlot. I might change that to say that Dhorlot's not done with us."

knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"That's unfortunate. Getting more information of interest is obviously out of the question."
"He probably feigned dying and went into the water to nurse his wounds."
"Black dragons are known to be just as good at swimming as flying."

⋮ and then a bit later

"One thing I think I've learned." he offers eventually.

"Is that you cannot choose your family. Like it or not, they just are. Your friends, and those you travel with - that surely says more about you than who your mother happened to be."

He offers a sad smile. "Though those of you with mothers may find they have shaped who your friends are, one way or another."

"It goes without saying nobody can choose their ancestry or lineage."

"The d-dreams didn't r-really start until after all of this other b-business did...how long ago w-was it that Z-Zenith left M-Malachite?"

"Roughly tens years ago, if I remember the impersonator's words."

Kikinnin grows quiet, as he observes the standoff between Dolgrin and Maxim, and listens to the others discussing heritage. He enjoys the inactivity, taking the time to look over equipment for damage, and gives himself some time to think of the inevitable discussion with Celeste.

"No worries by me my knights. I know you and my other servants will come to my help whenever needed!" comments Jared politely.

Jared turns to JJ and smiles with delight "You see. This prosperous tree. We will have a great fruit season this year"

The elder open eyes wide on Marigolds request for task "The Surface! What do you mean my cunning halfling? Only think if you could find Agnathos, great commander of the demon-queen of Kelthos. The kingdom will prise your strength and witness"

After a full night rest you wake up and give your farewell to Jared. It takes you some time to find your way back through the tunnels. The group has to enter into a couple of skirmishes against morlocks and giant mushrooms.

Eventually you reach the fairy's lake, where you are received by the new friends you made after releasing them from the duergars. The winged creatures receive you with songs and mushrooms to feed you. That night they prepare a great party with the little they have in the caves. The most successful, their delightful mushroom bread.

As the group tuck into the mushroom bread, Maxim broaches the subject of their mission;

"So how we goin' to play it with Celeste? Know that old fart Davked won't take the news o' Zenith's demise well... most likely sour our standin' with the Malachite... but seems to me that most o' ye value Celeste's opinion as much as I do her coin."

The gun-mage chews down another piece as he mulls the situation.

Kikinnin snorts. "Zenith was lost to any Malachite justice a long time ago. Don't be so easy to dismiss the clans and reason, Bror. If I find Davked sitting in Malachite, and he still radiates his black Shimmer, there will be more reckoning at hand. As for Celeste, we simply speak the truth. Then we hunt where she points us."

"Uh...r-right...we'll g-get back to y-you on that..." is all the response Marigold can muster to Crazy Jared's ramblings about the surface. When the time comes for rest she welcomes sleep's embrace, too weary to fear the possibility of dreams as she normally would.
_______

Later that next 'day', Marigold nibbles at the mushroom bread while her companions muse aloud and their faerie friends entertain them. "Th-think Kikinnin's r-right...honesty's the b-best policy and we'd have to at least t-tell them that Z-Zenith won't b-be b-back, anyway. M-may as well sp-spill the wh-whole story at once and b-be done w-with it."

Ryan listens quietly as the other discuss what will be said when Davked and Celeste are met once more. Likely as not neither will be completely happy although for likely different reasons.

after the evening festivities have concluded Ryan sits burnishing his breastplate and shield contemplating his motivations. The mithril plate beautifully wrought and much more protective than the breastplate on his mind.

Abadar, you have granted me powers and strengths that I have been able to use in defense of Cauldron, Malechite and even Jadrizune. Yet I feel incomplete, but is it because I reach beyond my abilities instead of being content with what you have granted me. Grant me peace and fulfillment as I use the graces you've gifted me with to protect those I've come to see as more than companions, they are my family."

Finding the fires burning low and his armor truly clean, Ryan seeks out Kikinnin. While the dwarf was temperamental and gruff, Ryan respected his prowess and his opinion even when Ryan and he didn't see eye to eye.

Sitting down beside him, Ryan begins sharpening his dagger with slow steady strokes.

"Kikinnin, how did you determine where you fit in best with battle?"

Ryan pauses a second, afraid he should clarify himself. "It's not that I fear battle and don't wish to be in the forefront of battle. At the same time, I understand that your prowess with that axe,... even JJ and his short swords,.... w-will outstrip my mace most days." an admission the younger man chokes out before focusing on the imaginary notch in the dagger he was working on.

Kikinnin slows his mushroom bread chewing, letting his proximal ear hear the priest's full inquiry. He doesn't seem to notice the crumbs gathering below his chin. There will be time for grooming later.

"Well, the armor helps. I'm better off between the hostiles and those less protected most times. Abadar sees to it that I can fend off injury with his healing power. If I've chosen my enemy correctly, my Axe is all the more powerful."

The black beard senses that this isn't entirely an answer to the priest's question, so he takes another mouthful, which gives him time to think.

"I don't question your bravery, Ryan. Your shield has prevented needless suffering time and again. It's a welcome service in battle. Just because you bludgeon, as opposed to JJ's poking and my slashing, doesn't mean it's worth less. We're not running a race against each other, we're mining the same vein of ore."

"You're graced, you know that. Giving flight, strengthening your allies with your words... I know I value that, and I think I speak for the others that they do, too. You're more... faceted, than me. If you want to practice your martial skills, that's polishing one facet. You want to learn more ways to bring your prayers to bear in battle, that's polishing another. When we get back to Cauldron, I suggest you chat with Jenya. That woman's got some power, and some perspective. Might do you some good. Either her, or the boy's uncle, Alex, if you're feeling more martial."

Kikinnin bites off a larger piece of bread, before tearing off a piece, and giving Ryan something to chew on.

Nearby Maxim listens as he also chews, following the conversation betwixt priest and paladin with wry interest.

At an opportune moment the gun-mage chimes in with his jocular take;

"No point gettin' advice from that anvil-head Taskerhill. He's a scrapper, takes a shot to deal a shot... an' he's forgettin' the sage advice that being as stubborn as stone helps! Guile is best weapon ye can have I reckons."

He then steers the conversation back toward the impending return to Caudron;

"As ye say bror. If ye think Davked still has a foul stink to him then I'll back any play ye make."

The steady rhythm of the stone against the blade slows as Ryan pays proper attention to the wisdom being imparted by the older fighter.

facets of the same gem and mining the same vein, guess I hadn't thought of it that way "Thank you, Kikinnin for listening, I will seek them out when we return."

Ryan returns the the blade he was working on, obviously in thought, with time he nods as if coming to terms with the internal struggle that sent him seeking the paladin's words. Returning the dagger to it's sheath.

"Some use the pick, some the shovel and some wheel the cart, but all of it is required to mine the ore. We all have our part to do. Thanks Kikinnin."

Kikinnin snorts as the blond beard pipes up. "'Anvil-head'. Pssh. I've been called worse." The black beard snorts, and his shoulders shrugging let on that there's amusement behind the snort.

"You do me the honor of asking, Ryan, so the least I can do is speak honestly. My path was made clearer from the footsteps of my Far. If you're looking for yours, there's no better hand than Abadar's to guide you. You ever, uh, spoken with Him? I don't know how it works with you priests, but He's never responded directly to any of my questions."

With a short laugh Ryan turns back to Kikinnin,

"Aye, I talk to Abadar, but we're taught from early on in our training that the gods only respond directly in kind when the need is great."

pausing as if to search for the correct words

"I had forgotten the answers Abadar sends more often than not is in the graces, mercies, or spells that he grants me after my daily prayers."

"Not too long ago I 'knew' what my future was, however since the night Ruphus was attacked and our adventures took us to Jadrizune; I've spent too often trying to hold onto that future instead of accepting the present. By praying for the present, I am trusting Abadar will grant me the strength for the day to come, for both myself and all of you."

"The future will arrive at it's own pace, my plan is we all shall be here to meet it."

"Sometimes I just need an Anvil-head to remind me" Ryan finishes with a wink to Maxim, "I'll second Maxim in backing you with Davked, if things reach that point..... as if remembering something said earlier"Will there be a problem with your dispatching Zenith, wasn't he your, er, Malacite's titular ruler?"

The next day you do leave the faeries cavern who give you good farewell.

The trip through the claustrophobic caverns is a little bit easier than it was before. The familiarity with the terrain allows you to advance much faster. Perhaps also emboldened by the promise of breathing the surface air once more. Nevertheless you have to move back often when you find you took the wrong tunnel every now and then.
JJ+favored terrain: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 2 = 28
Ryan: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Juraan: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Lead by JJ, who seems to have developed a kind of knack for this realm, the group is able to avoid most of the dangers and reach Hacbus lake within a couple of days.

The old gnome gunsmither is happy to see you back "Well to see you back" he looks at Dolgrin intrigued "Aye, this is not Zenith, is it him?" the tough gnome looks at the body being carried by Kekinnin "So you made your mission in the end or need to stock up?"

Mushroom Philosophy

Maxim shakes his head at the concern that Kikkinin committed regicide and the potential consequences that would suggest...

"Malachite got no hold o'er me Taskerhill. I walked when they tried to press me into that madman's holy crusade. Dolgrin might make some trouble fer my bror, but if he know's what's good fer him he'll keep that trap shut."

Reunion With Hackbus

At the sight of his mentor, Maxim grins and claps the leathery gnomes shoulder;

"Nah it ain't that cracked nut Hack... That there is Kikinnin's Fa. Taking him back to the Malachite for a proper burial - like a good dwur deserves. We left Zenith buried in the deep fer the worms an' such."

He nods again;

"We did what was right... folks topside in Cauldron might not like it, but they weren't there to see what Zenith's madness had wrote. Puttin' him down was the only option... Resting' fer a while an stockin' up on powder an' any of your homemade moonshine would be most welcome old timer..."

"Will there be a problem with your dispatching Zenith? Wasn't he your, er, Malachite's titular ruler?"

"He gave up any claim in Malachite, when he assumed that throne in Ball-Hamtuggin. We're done with corruption. Done with leaders who lose sight on what matters."

Kikinnin lets Maxim deal with the gnome, turning his attention on the others. He reassures himself that they're enduring the march, then reassures himself that he's able to continue. He takes a stretch, picturing an evening in Malachite, removed of his armor, and sitting in hot water, steaming.

"Y-yeah...wh-whatever the c-consequences m-might be, we'll f-face them t-together," Marigold chimes in as they catch Hackbus up on everything that's happened. "M-made s-some faerie friends d-down here at least...k-killed a great r-red wyrm...s-so even if we didn't quite d-do what we'd hoped to d-do, at least we st-still did s-some g-good with our time down h-here."

Time was Ryan would have been excited at the thrill of exploring the Darklands; after more than a week here and being nearly killed by everything from a great Purple worm to a water-logged mummy and not 1 but 2 dragons. He was just tired.

Grateful just to see the relative peace of Hackbus's camp, he just waved in greeting and settled down to listen to the exchanges.

Sorry, been internet less for a few days
JJ remained silent during the trip. Partially he was wondering about whether what they did with Zenith really was the right thing. Partially he was paying attention to the route, trying to make the trip back easier than the trip out. Partially he was reveling in his newly appreciated beauty of the caverns and caves.

When they get back to the gun smith he offers the gnome a wry smile.

"Will you be coming back to the surface with us? " he asks, wondering at the gnomes willingness to live under the rock and away from his own people for such lengths of time.

And then his thoughts turn back to Celeste. And how she might react when she finds out they don't have a living, or even a dead, Zenith.

Sorry for delay, I was out of town at my Mum's place for a few days

In the Faeries' Cave

Juraan listens to the heady exchanges, but does enjoy the faeries' hospitality.

"At least we're on the way home. As much fun as this has been."
"I wonder if our ... chums ... the Stormblades have been doing anything annoying lately?"
"After all we've been through lately, I'd even look forward to a good tongue-wag with that lot."

In Hackbus' Digs

"Any word on our cellmates from the Duergar prison?"
"Hope they made it back safely."

Dolgrin rests silent while the dwarves talk. Hackbus smiles appreciating the good story brought by the group. The gnome smiles back at JJ "Truth is the undergrounds are growing noisy. It seems after the duergars defeat their space is being reclaimed by a group of beasts. They have pushed closer than ever the morlock tribes to my area" Habckbus gives a look to the purple lake and the cascade where his place is concealed "The golden light is too bright for my eyes lass... but I may try to find my place back at Jzadirune or the Malachite." the gnome breaths deeps "Yes. I will come back to the surface. The Maxim will need some help with his gun. Just pass the night here while you let me pack my belongings"

The next day, the group departs with the addition of Hackbus. The gnome is overloaded with smithing and tinkering tools. His belt is stuffed with all kind of beasts horns filled with powder.

After a couple more days of travel where the group has to fight a hobgoblin patrol, you make it to the Malachite Fortress doors. The wards make the alarm sound at your arrival, and Spike, the earth elemental stands guard in the huge entrance of the fortress, Zenith's Hall.

The ceiling in this square chamber rises to an apex thirty feet overhead. Great pairs of iron doors are set into opposite-facing walls, although only the north­west doors are sealed with a heavy iron bar. Each cor­ner of the room holds a two-foot-tall stone brazier carved in the likeness of an ovoid creature with three stubby legs, three eyes, and three spindly arms spaced equidistantly around its pebbly body. Smoke issues from a gaping mouth atop the creature's "head. " A dark, pungent haze fills the room. A nine-foot-tall gray stone statue of a dwarven warrior stands before the southeast set of iron doors, facing nprtheast. The dwarf stares blankly forward, two glistening black gems embedded in his eyes, a spiked helmet resting atop his formidable brow. His armor bears graven glyphs, and a shield is slung over Ius back. His stony gauntlets rest on the handle of a stone greataxe etched with fiery patterns. The head ofthe weapon is planted firmly on the floor.

You now all recognize the statue of Zenith Splintershield in all his magnificence.

The dwarfs flock around you looking at you full of surprise and at Dolgrin as if they were seeing a ghost. Gralthar Nightshield is the first one to speak "Wh-where are the other dwarves?"

Hackbus

Maxim greets the veteran gnome's plan with a hard smile;

"Be an honour to work alongside you again old tymer... Jzadirune lies empty... for the most part. Makes sense we work there, an I'll split my time betwixt there an' Garthûn."

The Malachite

Maxim enters with the others, and affixes the grand statue with a long look.

As Gralthar hails them, the gun-mage grimaces;

"Others? This is it Gral. Jus' us, an' Kikinnin's Fa to be planted back with his kin..."

Ryan holds his peace as Maxim and Kikinnin greet the dwarves in Malechite.

Studying the hall trying to remember how it was when they last saw it.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

JJ listens silently.
These dwarfs are a dour lot. I doubt they would like an outsider speaking ill of a hero like Zenith. This is surely a case for Maxim, and even more so, Kikinnin to be taking the lead. I just hope his da doesn't spoil things.

The worried lad looks on, knowing that the surface world, unseen for weeks, is so close, but the way still barred by challenges not yet overcome.

Kikinnin bears his Far's body as far as the Rouradont quarters, leaving the debriefing to Maxim and Dolgrin. He finds an open bed, and lays Pocca down, before he seeks out his Mor, and gives her a guarded explanation for the events of Ball-Hamtuggin, as described by Dolgrin. He doesn't emphasize the torture, but he doesn't ignore the condition of the body either, should she ask.

When it seems appropriate, Kikinnin returns to join the dwarven gathering, and answer to any questions that haven't been answered yet.

Kikinnin's mother embraces his son and despite saying no word Mirna breathes deep relieved "W-what do you mean? Pocca traveled to find Zenith? But then, who was the dwarf that Kazhun killed?"

The dwarf's gathered in Malachite entrance starts to murmur as Maxim answers Gralthar. The dwarf woman looks astonished "You... you mean you find them all dead?" she looks at Dolgrin "My... my parents too?"

Dolgrin clenches his teeth and tighten his fists "The kuo-toa killed all the dwarven that survived the Darklands horrors" he then points to Kikinnin with tears in his eyes "The Rouradont killed Zenith!"

All the dwarves turn to look at Kikinnin and his mother and start murmuring loudly.

This is a good situation to make your social skills shine!"

"W-what do you mean? Pocca traveled to find Zenith? But then, who was the dwarf that Kazhun killed?"

The son of Rouradont shakes his head. "It's as confusing to me as it is to you. We may want to examine Kazhun's kill before this is done."

...

Kikinnin doesn't flinch as Dolgrin speaks truth to Malachite. He expects it, and respects Dolgrin's unadorned pronouncement of his time in the Darklands.

"We only have Fulgrentforge's word for the events that took so many Malachite lives, my Far's included, but I support the words he speaks regarding the death of Zenith Splintershield. Splintershieldslag."

"When we arrived, we found Pocca Rouradont dead from torture, and a mural painted in honor of Zenith on the walls of the frogs. The dwarf who would be our leader was found in the Darklands, sitting on a Kuo-Toan throne made of skin, within Kuo-Toan walls, adorned with Splintershield banners... hung upside down. From the ceilings hung numerous corpses, all speaking as if they were alive. Zenith sat alone in this room, with his chorus of the dead, waiting for his fate, and himself rotting in his own skull."

Kikinnin pauses to reflect a moment, breathing deeply to calm the blood flowing through his veins.

"We tried to reason with Zenith. I spoke to him, asked him to explain himself, to help us understand the sacrilege of his surrounds. He muttered incoherent words, doomsayed us, before attacking us. For his great martial ability, it took the best of our strength to overcome him, and even then, he had the support of the Kuo-Toa in healing him, preventing him from a rightful death."

"Dolgrin Fulgrentforge supported me in overcoming his jailor, so saw some of my actions as just. By Dolgrin's own words, Zenith had been goaded into greater atrocities during his reign below. By Dolgrin's own words, the loss of our Malachite brethren was the will of Morgrim."

"By my word, and the word of Abadar, Zenith, son of Splintershield, was deep evil, and would have brought greater evil into Malachite, had he returned. I could not let that happen. I executed Zenith in the bowels of Ball-Hamtuggin, so his life would not bring greater shame and suffering into Malachite. His soul is now traveling on to meet Morgrim, so they may discuss his guilt, without further loss of life here in these honorable halls."

"You are welcome to speak further with my friends, and Dolgrin, if my words alone are not enough. I understand the weight of my decision. I will accept the Judgment of Malachite without question."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"That was well spoken."
"Saves me having to embellish things."

Ryan has no idea what is being said in Dwarven however he is sure Kikinnen's actions toward the corrupted Zenith are the cause of it. He stands tall beside Kikinnin, in support of his friend's actions.

JJ looks on, unsure of whether his words would help or not. He follows the conversations though, and keeps a keen eye out in the crowd, looking to see if there are currents and eddies of supporters and detractors.

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
diplomacy(aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Finally the impatient lad cannot hold his tongue any longer. Speaking slowly and clearly in Dwarven he opens his mouth.

"I cannot speak of his heart. That is not my gift. However of Kikinnin's word I too will attest their truth. Zenith ruled the frog-men as an overlord. I don't know the meaning of your banners being so hung, but hung that way they were."

"N-Not just K-Kikinnin...we all had a h-hand in wh-what happened," Marigold adds quietly, unable to keep entirely silent. "It w-wasn't an easy d-decision f-for any of us...and Z-Zenith wouldn't have c-come b-back with us q-quietly or w-willingly in his state. He w-was mad. And you kn-know from our p-past deeds that we always t-try to d-do what's b-best for C-Cauldron above and the J-Jzadirune and M-Malachite b-below. K-Kikinnin did what h-he had to d-do and we st-stand with him."

Diplomacy (Aid): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Juraan also speaks up:

« Desværre var Zenith du vidste ikke Zenith, vi mødte. »
« "Mellem kuo-toaens og Dhorlots indsats overlader deres sorte drage, Zeniths sind blev ødelagt." »
« Hans krop levede videre uden hans ædle sjæl. »
« Fyrste Zenith døde længe før vi mødte den anden Zenith. »

diplomacy (aid): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Maxim listens to Kikinnin's hard words and nods slowly in agreement.

As the others add to the tale, he remains impassive until Juraan speaks then slowly shakes his head;

"The Zenith we found is exactly who marched out of the Malachite. A zealot an' a fool. One who got all them who followed killed at the hand's o' the fish folk... Yet did he die avengin' em? Did he hell... the coward joined em an' as Kikinnin tells true sat whilst the corpses o' his folk... your folk were used to dress the place."

The gun-mage spits as he remembers the gruesome scene.

The dwarves murmur as Kikinnin speaks of Pocca's torture. They then open wide their eyes in shock when he explains at the reversed banners.

When the story reaches the point about Zenith's evilness a resounding breath is heard among the group of dwarves "No, no, that is not possible" they look at each other. As Kikinnin's speech completes, it is clear he has chosen good words, as the dwarves are not raging. Besides, they are looking around like waiting for something, there are murmurs about 'law' and 'exile'.

The dwarves look again at each other as JJ, Marigold and Juraan intervene, the murmurs again loud. But when Maxim states his interpretation of the things they go totally silent and stay quiet and silent.

No dwarf further intervenes.

JJ nudges Kikinnin. Quietly he whispers in the dwarfs ear.

Ryan continues to judge the attitudes of the crowd by the tones of their voices and the body language of the crowds.

sense motive: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Traveling this week away from home computer

"Um...I'm r-really s-sorry, though..." Marigold mumbles quietly, suddenly unsure of how to proceed. These weren't her people and this wasn't her home, but she couldn't help but feel sorry for the dwarves of Malachite - clearly they'd been hoping for a much different outcome than the one they'd just received.

She looks around at her companions, at a loss. "Wh-what now? Is there a-anything else we c-can do?" she whispers.

"I don't think there's much else we can do except wait to see what happens." Juraan whispers quietly to Marigold.

"Time for catching rats is over."

Kikinnin hears JJ speak, then takes a moment to process the boy's words. He looks at JJ, then turns to speak again to the Dwarves of Malachite.

"According to Dolgrin, my Far left Malachite in search of Zenith, hoping to bring him back to defend our home. Him, and whoever managed to survive the perils of the Darklands with him. He found him, or at least what remained of him, and he found his death waiting for him on the rack." Kikinnin's eyes begin to glisten, as he sees in his mind's eye what must have played out in the torture room of Ball Hamtuggin. He squeezes his lids together, letting the tears trickle quickly into the upper reaches of his beard, where they disappear conveniently enough.

"My heart grows heavy with the suffering and loss our Malachite's endured with these recent events. I wonder myself what might have been, if I hadn't left to explore the city above." The black beard bows his head for a moment, as if the ground held written words to remind him what to say next.

"There are fell deeds afoot, as my friends and I have seen, and suspect will see more of as they unfold in the future. I don't disagree that Malachite could use all the axes it could muster, mine included, but there is an evil closer to Malachite than the Darklands. Organizations moving through the streets of Cauldron, organizations that desecrated Malachite, with Kazhun's invasion, organizations that corrupted Xoden Nightshieldslag to forge for their cause..."

"Malachite can not remain quiet in offering what support it can to prevent these conspirators from reaching their black goals. Maxim and I will continue to represent the Dwarves in this effort, so no one can say that Malachite stood by while Cauldron fell into the wrong hands."

"If the elders of Malachite can find wisdom in our intentions, then we will continue on. We can not rest while those in the shadows still act, unfettered."

Maxim stands and listens, stoic and hard eyed as Kikinnin speaks with words as solid as stone.

The gun-mage nods slowly as he first recounts, then reinforces the course of action they must now follow.

He merely clasps the bigger dwur's broad shoulder;

"Well said Son o' Pocca. Well said."

Some of the dwarves nod in agreement as Kikinnin finishes his speech. Mirna approaches Kikinnin "Well, whatever deeds you have to accomplish out there, you are surely tired. Let's look for a place for you to pass the night and have some eating" the mother sniffs the son "For Morgrin's beards, when was the last time you had a bath?" the dwarves smile trying to find some sense of normality and then Gralthar speaks up "Well, let's accommodate them in Zenith's rooms. We all sure have matters to attend"

The crowd starts to talk normally then slowly disperses as the dwarves come back to work.

The group has a good rest for the night and wake up with a breakfast with fresh milk, cheese and bread. Soon enough the Watchers are ready to move in.

Dolgrin approaches Maxim before the group leaves "I do not forget what you did to Zenith. I am sure whatever his condition it was he could have been saved. But I do recognize you have done good to the Malachite" the dwarf breaths deep "I am sure you will one day understand and come back seeking the truth of Morgrim" he then retires. Hackbus approaches then "Do not take him seriously, he is just an old grouchy dwarf" the gnome smiles wide "I think I will stay here for a time. I need to make some arrangements but let me know if you need something Max"

Once the group says good bye to the dwarves, you take up the elevator to Jzadirune and move along the quite corridors and up into Ghelve's locks. Your little gnome friend is not home.

Outside is night and chilly, but the breath of the fresh air of the surface fills up your lungs with renewed energy.

Welcome back to Cauldron