The group follows the creature that has been left guarding them away from the small house. Aravashnial, Anevia, and Horgus decide that they've had a bit too much adventuring for now and stay behind, looking after any equipment left by. Aravashnial in particular would have been interested in seeing more of the settlement, but he is tired from walking around blind the last few days and asks Caliban to take copious notes - mental or otherwise - so they can talk about it later.
Dwarf in tow, the guard leads the group to another area, silent the whole way. Most of the houses in the village are very small, and sit on the water for easy access. Shutters close as the party walks through, and children run back to their houses. Reflective eyes can be see in the windows of the buildings, which are mostly carved from the ancient-looking stone that makes this cave. Wood seems like a limited resource down here, only used for boats and important containers. Many of the houses are covered in a fungus that glows with a faint light, enough for a human to barely see by once they get accustomed to it.
On the way to wherever she is taking you, you walk past the center of town - a small well-worn well. A man with a large handcart that looks like it could double as a boat sits nearby the water source. He has one hand that looks like a crab claw, and were's a straw hat cocked off to one side. His cart filled with various junk, and there is a small sign that reads: "Tradr Noots"
"Ahoy there! Visitors! Don't get many of those here, I reckon." He sticks out his left non-clawed hand for the nearest person to shake. "Noot at your service. What fine luck you have: you bunch look like you could use a few provisions, and I am in the business of providing such wares." He gives a wide smile to the group.
"Thank you." Sioned holds up her leather armor. "I'd like to sell this off, along with two venomous snake heads and possibly a bat statue. What would you pay for them, and what items do you have in stock?"
Looking to the rest of the group, "I think we likely have a few things we could part with, including some reasonably useful weapons- if, of course, you are interested?"
The strange man replies, "Adventurers, I see. One can never have enough protection in this environment I say. I'll take that of your hands for a fair price."
If you so be inclined, I also have a small trove of magical equipment.
He looks at the snake heads and the small trinket, "I suppose I could make some poison from these heads - I'll give you 40gp for the lot. That brooch is might fine though, what do you want for it?" he says with a grin.
He looks at the snake heads and the small trinket, "I suppose I could make some poison from these heads - I'll give you 40gp for the lot. That brooch is might fine though, what do you want for it?" he says with a grin.
"No offense meant but I would like to hold on to the statue until I can get it expertly appraised. Beauty is subjective and I want to get as much value as I can out of it. I'm willing to sell the snake heads and my old armor though.
Suryani browses the cart a bit, and listens to the manager. "Do you get many strangers visiting your shop?" she asks. "You haven't by any chance seen a young man of late, have you? About yay high, same hair color as me, but a bit older?" Suryani asks, holding her hand about half a head above hers.
I think you are right about the brooch.
"I say we unload things now, in case we need to do more climbing in the future. If we do not see an immediate need for it let it go. "
I think that these glaives should be sold. They have been used for an evil purpose.
"Do you get many strangers visiting your shop?" she asks. "You haven't by any chance seen a young man of late, have you? About yay high, same hair color as me, but a bit older?"
He smiles at this question, "I'm not sure I've ever seen strangers in this town... These people aren't the most trusting folk I've ever done business with to say the least, but once I got them to let me in, they warmed up to me after a few visits. Mostly, I try not to stay in one place too long though."
He thinks for a second at Suryani's second questions, "Not much to go on, but I haven't seen humans in the under-realm for a while. Only those bastards squatting on the exit to the city. Ruining a big part of my business, not being able to go topside."
I think that these glaives should be sold. They have been used for an evil purpose.
Tradr Noot chuckles "Blades are usually only as evil as the user. Usually." He takes a look at your equipment and rattles out some prices: "40 for the snakes, 8 for the blades, and 5 for that leather armor."
"I say we unload things now, in case we need to do more climbing in the future. If we do not see an immediate need for it let it go. "
The trader goes into full salesman mode: "I've got some nice hemp rope for a gold piece. Silk for 10, if you like the nice stuff." He rummages through his cart a bit, "Couple scraps of Spider silk rope too, 20 for 10 ft - real good stuff, that is, hard to come across topside."
"Thank you friend, I would gladly take a hempen rope in case we need to do some climbing," Caliban says as he fishes out a gold piece, "What was that you were saying about the squatters? "
These blades are of wonderful quality, they are worth more thaan 8 gold each
Once people seem finished with the merchant, Suryani turns to their guard/guide. "Please, take us to the leader of this community."
We would like to tell him of our exploits.
Turning to the group, "Do we think that these people will assist us with our trouble? How else do we think we can return to the surface?"
"I'm hoping they can provide us with a guide, since they live down here, they're probably quite familiar with the surroundings," Suryani says.
" He takes a look at your equipment and rattles out some prices: "40 for the snakes, 8 for the blades, and 5 for that leather armor."
Sioned sells the snake heads and old armor for 45 gp.
"Couple scraps of Spider silk rope too, 20 for 10 ft - real good stuff, that is, hard to come across topside."
Sioned hefts it a bit. "Hmm... Light. I'll take it.
These blades are of wonderful quality, they are worth more thaan 8 gold each
The man laughs a little at this, "Ha, I'll give you 10 each, but not a copper more. I don't run a charity!"
"Hmm... Light. I'll take it.
Sioned finishes her transaction and the trader does a little bow, "A good judge of quality, m'lady. May it serve you well."
Once people seem finished with the merchant, Suryani turns to their guard/guide. "Please, take us to the leader of this community."
Once every has finished with the trader, he says his goodbye "Good to see some new blood in this town. Come again, any time! The mute guard gives him a curt little nod and motions for the group to follow her.
---
She leads on to a small stone building poking diagonally out of the earth - it looks to continue at a 45 degree angle into the ground. There is another guard at this post. She waves you over to him and points at the dwarf. He eyes the group suspiciously and says, Heard about you folks. What's wrong with your friend, there?
Ain't a friend. Attacked us in the caves, so we put Desna's blessing on him. Kloss says matter-of-factly, but with a slight grin. Thought the local authorities might be interested in detaining such dangerous folk. We would be interested in hearing why he attacked us, though.
Ain't a friend. Attacked us in the caves, so we put Desna's blessing on him. Kloss says matter-of-factly, but with a slight grin. Thought the local authorities might be interested in detaining such dangerous folk. We would be interested in hearing why he attacked us, though.
The new guard nods, "Ah, I see. Get a lot of crazed loners roaming in the underlands. We'll keep him here for the night, but we ain't gonna hold him too long. Better he was released back to wherever the hell you found him."
He grabs the Dwarf and starts dragging him underground. "He'll be in a cell for a least the next day if you want to talk to him" And if no one else has anything to say to him, they will both disappear into the depths of the small building.
"He'll be in a cell for a least the next day if you want to talk to him"
"Thank you, we hope he won't be any trouble," Sioned says as she fusses with her new broach. Unlike this. I just can't pin it straight with what I'm wearing.
"At least that is one who should not trouble us again. I am glad we've found some resolution for him." Caliban says with obvious relief.
The mute guard leads the group onward to the center of this small island of ramshackle huts. There some space opens up and a larger building with a central entrance and a wing on each side can be seen in the middle of this area. Lann is just exiting the building as you arrive.
He looks quite surprised to see you initially but soon after there is recognition in his smile, "Ah, you adventurers are anxious to get going, I see. The Chief will receive you for dinner, but the feast must be prepared. Feel free to rest for that time and then I shall take you inside. How do you like our small community?"
"That there's a community in the first place shows good things about your people's character. As a worshiper of Arshea I'm also interested in your people's diverse appearances, assuming such interest doesn't cause offense."
"Thank you for your hospitality. We appreciate the time to rest before meeting your chieftan." Caliban says with all seriousness.
"That there's a community in the first place shows good things about your people's character. As a worshiper of Arshea I'm also interested in your people's diverse appearances, assuming such interest doesn't cause offense."
Lann reacts kindly to this line of questioning, "Ah yes, no offense taken; it must be quite a shock for you up-landers to see a people as close-knit as ours but with such difference in appearance. We are the sons and daughters of the first crusaders, our very blood cursed by combat with the demons of the Worldwound."
As Lann walks the group back to their humble lodgings he continues, "When our ancestors returned from battle they bore wounds that could not be healed - people called them monsters and mongrelmen. There were little other options but to die a demons death, burnt at the stake, or escape the city. Some went to other lands some went underground, and that's where we find ourselves to this day, blood still tainted by the generations past war.
Lann will leave the group now, to make his own preparations, unless there are any more questions of him.
The irony. I find a whole community of people like me, and I still can't seem to fit in.
A sad story. The bigotry of the crusaders runs deep.
Some time passes, although being underground it's impossible to tell the day from the night. Every is able to get some rest, sharpen their weapons, study their spells or simple sleep if they want to - as Anevia and Arashnial will. The injured are tired from the journey so far, and hope a rest will prepare them for what happens next. Horgus is bored, but too afraid/disgusted by this town to bother anyone too much with his whining.
After what seems like a few hours, Lann returns. He greats the mute guard and the gets the attention of the group, in order to follow him back to the chief's hut. He advises everyone not to bring their weapons, for the chief will not dine with an armed guest, and then bids the group to follow him.
Hrm. Kloss doesn't feel comfortable at all leaving his arms behind, and he makes sure to hide his knife on his person. Seems we have no choice here.
"Certainly, we understand, and we thank you for your hospitality, your people have been a very welcome addition to these past few days we've been having."
"It is understandable for your chief. I will certainly comply with his request." Caliban says as he removes his sword belt containing his longsword and dagger.
After what seems like a few hours, Lann returns. He greats the mute guard and the gets the attention of the group, in order to follow him back to the chief's hut. He advises everyone not to bring their weapons, for the chief will not dine with an armed guest, and then bids the group to follow him.
"A reasonable request not to be armed, but may we be armored or would that also be threatening?"
It is reasonable not to bring arms to a place where violence should not be tolerated.
"A reasonable request not to be armed, but may we be armored or would that also be threatening?"
Lann replies, "You make keep your armor on. Even in our city, the Underrealm is a dangerous place; no one would begrudge you protecting yourselves in a non-threatening way."
Once ready he brings the group back to the large building, guarded at the front by a single creature. Lann waves to him and he lets the group pass through, but not without doing a quick check of people for concealed weapons. Lann tries to tell the guard is no need, but is unable to convince his brethren to let you through un-checked.
After pulling back a couple of cloaks and looking inside any bags that have been brought, he finds nothing resembling a weapon and lets the group pass through one by one.
Inside the building, which feels more like a barracks than a villagers hut, there are various strange animal hides and trophies on the wall. The smell of food is quite thick in the air as Lann leads you through a few hallways and into the great hall. Chief Sull sits on a stonework throne at the back of the room, on a raised dais. A large table set up for a feast is in the middle of the room, it's centerpiece a large fish-looking monster that has been cooked whole. It's a long, lean fish and it's mouth is filled with sharp teeth like an alligator.
Lann brings the group forward to a large rug that sits in front of the dais - where the chief normally receives his guests. Sull is a grotesque creature. Quite heavy-set, with many of the features of a rat, a strange mop of small braids, and a smokey eye, he sniffs the air as the party approaches. In his right hand he leans on a plain-looking scepter which has it's bottom tip resting inside a small depression in the floor.
After looking at everyone in the group, he seems unfriendly when he announces: "Who speaks for this group and why have you entered our domain?"
Sull is a grotesque creature. Quite heavy-set, with many of the features of a rat, a strange mop of small braids, and a smokey eye, he sniffs the air as the party approaches. In his right hand he leans on a plain-looking scepter which has it's bottom tip resting inside a small depression in the floor.
Not very attractive, but still better looking than most low crusaders.
After looking at everyone in the group, he seems unfriendly when he announces: "Who speaks for this group and why have you entered our domain?"
"I'm Sioned Houj, devotee of Arshea and aspiring succubus hunter. My associates and I fell into these caverns when the Storm King and his forces attacked Kenabres. We seek to return to the surface and see what has become of our city. If our presence has caused any trouble then please let us know how we can remedy the situation."
"My name is Suryani, chieftain. We don't wish to cause any trouble, we've been lost in these caverns for the past few days, until we came upon some of your people. As Sioned mentioned, there has been trouble brewing above and I have gotten separated from my brother. Most of us are mere visitors to Kenabres, although three locals travel with us as well. Any aid you could render towards showing us a way to the surface would be greatly appreciated."
"
"My associates and I fell into these caverns when the Storm King and his forces attacked Kenabres. We seek to return to the surface and see what has become of our city.
Chief Sull raises his eyebrows at Sioned's tale and says: "The Storm King, you say?" He scowls at the mere mention of this demon. "I had a suspicion that these earthquakes were unnatural, but the notion that the defenses of the overcity have fallen is troubling indeed."
"If our presence has caused any trouble then please let us know how we can remedy the situation."
He waves his hand at this, "In fact, quite the opposite, from what Lann has told me you group is quite different from other uplanders that have dared travel our realm. We ask only that you pay a small tribute for staying under our protection, as a token of your continued good will in our lands." The Chief nods sagely as he listens to Suryani and Caliban speak.
He pauses for a moment, deep in thought, and then speaks, "Finding the exit to the upworld is not a difficult thing, but it is dangerous. A despicable band of outcasts have planted themselves at Cave's Edge and are killing all trespassers. I refuse to lose anymore men to the bandits, but perhaps if we led you to their lair... maybe this could be a beneficial situation for all?" He laughs and then adds as an aside: "Except for the outlaws of course!"
We have to protect them for their protection, and we have to leave if we want to stay. If it weren't for the chance to fight demon-worshippers...
Kloss doesn't quite look forward to being a sellsword, but realises this community is all he has right now: Are these men related to the impostor crusaders you've been seeing? Demon worshippers?
"Oh great Chief, perhaps we can negotiate some? We remove these bandits from your lands as payment for your assistance here in the undercity. This seems it would be equitable to all parties involved. We have traded some goods with your merchants, and saved the life of one of your people from that cave-in."
Are these men related to the impostor crusaders you've been seeing? Demon worshippers?
Chief Sull replies, "I know not where there true allegiance lies, but yes, there are strange crusader-men who have allied themselves with the traitors. There are rumors that they killed the leader of that tribe and taken it for their own. A change in leadership is the only way to explain their boldness as of late."
"Oh great Chief, perhaps we can negotiate some? We remove these bandits from your lands as payment for your assistance here in the undercity. This seems it would be equitable to all parties involved. We have traded some goods with your merchants, and saved the life of one of your people from that cave-in."
The large humanoid thinks on this a bit, "Yes, it is a good trade. You remove the bandits and we shall provide you with lodging and food while you stay here and show you the way out of the underlands."
"There still is the matter of your tribute however. It is our custom, and cannot be bargained away."