GM Foxy's 2nd Legacy of Fire

Game Master Foxy Quickpaw

(1) The howling winds outside do little to cool the oppressive heat within this sweltering cavern. Reeking trails of steam and acrid smoke eddy in the eerie light shed by flickering bluish flame that pops and whistles erratically from a crack in the cavern floor. In the middle of the room, a table made of ancient oak supports a few woven baskets and a decrepit clay bowl.

The howling winds are from the west where a short passage leads outside.

Roryx follows up after the others, bur he declines the ring - "Magic always finds a way" - he winks at Omari, then floats down slowly.

Roryx has Feather Fall at will, due to the Flight Hex ;)

"It seems we are entering the bowels of the land" - he grunts at the oppressive heat, taking a peek at the tunnel.

Number 2.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

You come from (2)

Sorry Foxy :P

Peeking towards 6.

As Roryx moves over to take a look what is deeper inside, a creature jumps out of a pile of rocks that looks a lot like rocks itself.

"What do you think you are doing? Entering here without bringing an offering."

"Huh... Well met to you" - Roryx replies hesitantly - "You inhabit these caves, or are perhaps their... Guardian? Why is the offering required?" - he inquired.

Observing the winds coming from the western tunnel, Ohrmizd remarks "That way probably brings us outside"

K. planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
"An earth mephit..." mumbles the Keleshite as the creature makes its appearance.

Approaching Roryx and the creature with his scimitar in his hand and the light spell on it, he asks "What kind of offering is needed to visit the King?"

"I'm the seneschal of the masters. Precious metal or gems would do, if you want to visit the masters." the mephit tells.

Ohrmizd blinks startled "We might wish. We have some precious gems. But first tell us more about those masters."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

The Keleshite looks back at Manuun trying to make a sign for some gems.

Manuun looks interested at the creature trying to discern how much help he is likely to provide, while rummaging in his Bag for the Jewels they found in the gargoyles hoard.

I really have no idea, how much would be customary, so feel free to tell Manuun how much he should take.

Ohrmizd being particularly charming, Omari holds his tongue, instead using his eyes, looking carefully to see if there are any other such creatures of stone hiding about...

Perception: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 21
5 ranks +2 wis +2 racial

Not sure how much would be customary Manuun. In fact, the appropriate offering might be steel...

Heshan is more content with Ohrmizd doing the talking for now. At least this mephit doesn't seem to be the one to attack immediately.

"Dear Seneshall take this as an token of our appreciation and show us the way towards your masters."

Manuun grabs a beautiful but slightly dented turquoise from his purse and offers it to the Mephit. Its a gem worth 11 gp.

The mephit is delighted. "You may pass."

Taking a peek: (6) This chamber smells of sulfur and is covered in serpentine trails burnt into to the very rock. Deep holes pock the stone walls, several bearing the wavering glow of natural flame. Also it is getting hotter in that direction.

"Can you Seneschal tell us in where of the two tunnels is the King?" Ohrmizd peeks through the northern tunnel (3) while Roryx checks the eastern one.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Teh mephit points in the direction Ohrmizd looks. "Masters are there."

(3) This curving, gravel-strewn passage widens as it slopes upward. Several jets of orange flame light the rocky hall with hellish color and dancing shadows, revealing a flat landing near the slope’s middle. The contents of several scorched cauldrons bubble and hiss upon the platform, each balanced on ironwork stands. Beyond the cauldrons, the passage continues.

There are two creatures in the room. One of the 6-foot-long creatures wraps around the base of a small iron cauldron—its blackened humanoid upper body dips into the steaming contents as it drinks deeply. Another swings an iron spear with precision, attacking and defending against an imaginary opponent near the landing’s western edge.

(Picture added on map)

Manuun tries to remember if he read about these creature in his Book.

Know Planes Take 10: 10 + 11 = 21

K. planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
"Are those your masters?" Ohrmizd asks to the mephit "They look more as one of those things in Manuun's book"

"Hi there! How is that soup going?" the Keleshite points to the iron pot with an smile "Sure it is delicious" then greets the one training with the hand "Erm... well... the Senescal told us the King was here. Is it one of you or shall we continue straight to the east?"
Diplomacy (if needed): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

"None shall pass." the one with the spear replies, holding the pointy end of the spear under Ohrmizd's nose.

Heshan moves behind Ohrmizd, not putting away the spear as to continue the conversation. "Could you at least tell us if the king is at that destination?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

"And why we are forbidden from passing?" - Roryx adds.

The salamander looks with the 'what is that guy talking about' look at Heshan. "Thratnias doesn't want to see any visitors."

"Thratnias? Is that the name of the Carrion King? I do not think you are Rokova, are you?" Ohrmizd gives back the confused look "Oh, well, we are not none, and we are definitely not visitors. We come here to finish with the gnolls rule and avoid that way a war"

"You want some gems like the Seneschal? I think we should have a few more" Ohrmizd looks back for some more precious stones to pay for their entrance.

"Here are no gnolls. Thratnias didn't want to see gnolls either." the guard replies. "We do not eat gems like Andgronakraks."

"If Thratnias didn't want to see the gnolls, maybe we can discuss how we can help him to get rid of them. We are trying to male sure they don't attack us so we might have a common aim."

One of the salamanders calls something in Ignan into the next room. Another salamander joins the group. Then they wait.

After a few minutes a fourth salamander joins. "Thratnias is not interested in meeting humans. But Lesaar is. Come along." The salamander turns to lead the group further into the stone stove they call home.

"Good" Ohrmizd follows the salamanders commenting to the group "Let's see what this hot people know about the Carrion King and the temple before we decide our next step"

With that, the Keleshite presents himself to Lesaar "Good and hot Lesaar, I am Ohrmizd a follower of the Dawnflower, goddess of fire"

"We are here trying to reach the Carrion King to avoid the gnolls attacking on us, and we have heard you might be as much despised by this so called King, might there be any chance we can win your help on this pursuit?"

"One question though," Heshan asked Ohrmizd before they met Lessar. "Since they're not with the gnolls, maybe we can leave them be for the time being. I don't think they are associated with them whatsoever."

"Welcome lukewarm Ohrmizd." returns the greeting. "I'm Lesaar, second only to Thratnias. We don't care about the gnolls and this Carrion King you speak of."

After a short silence he continues "But we are interested to leave this place and return to the plane of fire. If you can aid us with that we might be willing to help with your issue."

Roryx smiles as there seems to be the possibility of an agreement.

"How can we help you return to your plane?" Heshan asked.

"By casting powerful magic?" Lesaar replies, but Heshan's question implies, that this group of humans is not as knowledgeable probably also not more powerful than he is when it comes to the relevant magic.

"We cannot do that at the time being, but we would happily help you once we are powerful enough. If you are patient enough to wait" Ohrmizd replies "If you are not willing to offer direct help until that day..., you might at least give us some information"

"What are you doing here in these caves? We know the Carrion King second in command, Rokova, made a tunnel to reach here"

"We are not interested in gnolls. We don't know that Rokova." he replies annoyed.

But then a malicious grin comes to his face. "But if that gnoll is digging, I have an idea what for. How far are you willing to go for some information?"

"Well, we are Garavel special operations team, so anything that lends good itself to that kind of things is a good fit for us. We also have some money, if that is what you are thinking of" Ohrmizd offers to the warm salamander.

"I haven't got the feeling he is asking for money Ohrmizd."

"So what do you have in mind?"

"I'd be willing to share with you the information what that gnoll is searching for, and maybe I'd even be able to help you with your goal, if I weren't only second in command." the salamander hints.

"I do not enjoy doing someone else's dirty work" - Roryx grunts - "Not sure about the others, but I am not interested in that deal" - he adds, preparing to leave.

"Lets hear first how dirty it is Roryx."

"Well not much of an offer, but lets hear what you want us to do for you. Then we wull decide"

I understand there is a majority who would rather turn back now, which is fine with me, I just want to have all available information. And I would like to have a look in the other two rooms on this floor while we are here.

"Ask your companion, I believe he understood the proposal. As you are not interested, we are done here." Lesaar tells.

"Well, we are actually doing all of Garavel's dirty work, so this will not be a substantial change" Ohrmizd rubs his temples "It seems you are proposing for us to deal with this Thratnias, then you will tell us all you know about the Carrion King, am I right?"

Moving a bit to the side to discuss it with the party, Ohrmizd whisppers "Ok, let's see, as Roryx I share no taste to help this Lesaar. That said, all these creatures, they are evil, the opportunity to kill the leader here and make this lot weaker earning the new leader liking can only create a safer environment for Kelmerane"

"As I see it, things will be better if we accept this business and we might earn some information that might become vital to the Carrion King defeat"

"Ohrmizd, I will not murder anyone at the behest of this Lesaar" - Roryx replies in whispered tones - "You are trying to bend the reasoning so it sounds acceptable, and perhaps for you it is. But not for me" - he adds.

"Well I think I agree with Roryx. There is nothing to gain here but more conflict. Lets do a quick check of the other corridor and then get back up and see if the Door from The halfogres room is pasable by now."

"I do not think we should take up this offer while we still have other options. Maybe as a last resort. Especially as he hasn't made any promises about what happens afterwards, and can he keep the other salamanders out of the fight..."

"I think slaying evil outsiders is a deed for the purpose of good. But I will not press the matter against your morals" Ohrmizd looks at Heshan and Omari "I am curious to know what others say, but I guess we are leaving back to our base..."

Once Omari also says his part, Ohrmizd looks back at Lesaar "I am sorry, but we are not going to kill anyone here. If there is any information we can buy from you in another way. Then, let's do that. Otherwise, we are leaving"

We check the outside (west exit), then back to the slaves then?

Only when they were out of earshot did he talk to the others on the matter. "Look on the bright side. At least that's one faction that doesn't want to kill us right away."

"True enough, at least not immediately Heshan, although that might have changed if we took Lesaar up on his offer. Who knows if it was genuine?"

A long walk back through the tunnel and up the ladder the group is in the gnoll's lair again. Omari fetches Khedron from the room of the last fight.

At the barricade it can be concluded from the noises and what little can be seen, that the are gnolls to be faced once the barricade comes down.

What time of day is it? We got down here about 1300 ish after spending 4 hrs clearing the stairway. Do we need to consider what to do with our freed slaves?