, just outside of an Eagle Knight encampment, the PCs summoned to make contact with one of their leaders, Lieutenant Evanno Pratt, heading the Steel Falcon's missions around that area...
Character Introductions
When introducing yourselves in your opening post, choose one or more questions below to answer.
Q) What is your most "non-standard" feature for your Ancestry, Background, or Class?
Q) How did you arrive near Andoran? Where are you coming from? Describe your journey here.
Q) In the Downtime that occurred before this adventure, what did you do? How does it tie into joining this mission?
Q) Do you have more of a Diurnal or Nocturnal activity cycle? Have you lived Underground? What special senses (if any) do you possess?
Q) Have your ever been captured, incarcerated, or held prisoner? How did you escape? Have you ever captured or imprisoned another? Why?
If you haven't already, also put your Check In (Phase One) info in Discussion.
Also, please paste your Character Token on the Slides (also linked in GM bar).
Without further ado, let's make our
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A tall, for a kobolod, blue-scaled kobold lounged indolently at the meeting area. His dark colored cloak billowed around him almost like a robe, and he held himself with a regal air. A coin danced across his fingertips, occasionally sparking with the magic he used to keep it moving, even when his nimble fingers were stilled. Merdle watched everyone around him carefully, not like a hawk, but more like a vulture looking for the weak and dying to prey on.
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Korvoth stands in the corner at attention, as if his warrior's training has left him uncomfortable just patiently waiting. He would almost be confused as part of the Eagle Knights whose camp we have met, except for the symbol of sarenrae hanging from a chain on his neck as well as emblazoned on the front of his large steel shield. Plentiful scars are seen on his lightly green skin show no lack of violence in his life. While the slightly less green skin and smaller tusks are evidence of his half human heritage, Korvoth looks more orc than man. After returning from a short trip to Qadira on Pathfinder business, he was restless to be sent out again, as staying in the city leaves him feeling claustrophobic and he prefers to stay out in the world on business for the pathfinder society.
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Approaching the encampment is a bespectacled tien man in his thirties wearing simple explorer's clothing. He looks over the encampment with a practiced eye. His quiet, soft-spoken demeanor belies his military training. He approaches the kobold and the half-orc.
"Ah I suspect I have found my associates. I do not know of many kobolds or half orcs among the ranks of the eagle knights. You are pathfinders are you not? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dr Yuen Wei Jiang. It is a pleasure to meet you both."
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Korvoth nods in acknowledgement towards Dr Yuen, recognizing the traits of military training in the approaching Doctor.
"Aye, this is our group so far. It is good to have a doctor among our ranks, as I foresee battle ahead of us. I am called Korvoth. It will be an honor to work with a fellow soldier"
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Disappointed at his selection of herbs for healing during his travels here, he greets the companions waiting for him grudgingly.
Standing at average height and someone lean in build, is a human with Raven Hair and Hazel eyes wearing a simple chain mail underneath his cloak. It doesn't look the militant type with his simple weapons.
"Well met! I am Jak... Jak Tlooly, a devout follower of Pharasma who happens to be good at healing. I'll try my best to keep everyone alive so I don't have to send your souls off to your afterlife."
"At Ease, soldier!"
A Steel Falcons ensign calls towards Korvoth's rigid posture. "And this way!" Conveying with short, direct sentences as well as a body language that suggests brisk walking, she leads you across a makeshift camp perhaps 100 yards in diameter to a central tent, octagonally shaped, with eight strong poles holding up a firm fabric that opens into a "room" inside that is deceptively spacious given it's humble materials and construction.
A stern-faced human man with his long ebony hair neatly pulled back into a warrior's topknot is standing before a folding wooden table beset with a map of Andoran, pointing between two places on it, and just finishing a briefing with another soldier who salutes him and turns around to speak a simple command with another small group of armed men. As they quickly depart, he fixes his steely gaze upon the party, instantly identifying the posture of those with military training, and addressing the half-orc and tien man directly, says:
“Ah! I see the Pathfinders have arrived." He pauses momentarily, as if to allow a subtle inference to settle over his carefully chosen words. "Pleased to meet you all! Lieutenant Evanno Pratt, at your service. But you can call me Evanno, or Ev.” He smiles as he waves your group over to a table bearing some complete and some incomplete maps, the latter of which you can now see are labeled as depicting nearby sections of the . “We’ve been dealing with a problem these past few weeks that a bit of collaboration should be able to solve. A group of duergars from the Candlestone Caverns have emerged, raiding the nearby lands for slaves and supplies. We’re not sure if they’re a scouting party, colonists, or something else; frankly, it doesn’t matter to us. They’re abducting Andoren citizens, and that’s not something we can allow to stand.” Here, Evanno’s expression darkens slightly.
“We’ve been setting up some barricades in Candlestone, blocking off several passageways. Our plan is to force the duergars into this cavern right here, forming a two-pronged assault to wipe those filthy slavers out before they can escape deeper into the Darklands. The second prong,” he gestures to your group, “is right here in front of me. When my platoon found that journal on a duergar body, I knew that good ol’ Brackett would send some of his finest in exchange for it—and you all certainly seem capable. The placement of barricades is nearly done, and we want you to meet us there through the fastest means necessary; once they realize our trap, we need to act quickly. This map’s incomplete, so feel free to depart from it if you find a faster route. Any questions?”
Though he pauses here, you can see he is already tracking (with a sidelong glance) the next person he intends to give a briefing, demonstrating capability of facilitating multiple groups with differentiated mission briefing nearly at once!
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Goes to Korvoth and Dr. Jiang for early "getting to know" banter!
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Dr Yuen stands very straight clearly uncomfortable being at ease in front of an officer.
"How many civilians have they captured, Lieutenant? Do we expect to encounter any prisoners and what are our priorities if we do? Additionally, are we driving the duergar towards you or are you driving them towards us, or are we both driving them towards the barricades? Finally do we have any knowledge of their combat capabilities and numbers?"
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A dour looking half-elf approaches dressed in loose flowing clothing the color of woodland green with some blue trim. A Horizon Hunter's brooch clasps his cloak at his neck. He walks with a staff intricately carved from a branch of an exotic tree. His bright green and gold-specked eyes scan those assembled before him.
Forgive my tardiness, fellow Pathfinders.
He holds up a hand in greeting.
I am Roahn Duskmire, Protector of Nature and Harnessor of wind and storm.
Tiny crackles of electricity, barely noticeable, spark from his fingertips.
It was a long journey to get here, however, with such fair weather during the day it was mostly pleasant. So, once again, I do apologize for being late.
He nods respectfully to all of his new companions that will be joining him on this new journey and takes a spot by their side. He waits quietly for the Lieutenant to speak.
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A dark-haired half-elf slips in just in time to hear the Evanno's introduction. He takes a seat and steeples his fingers as he listens intently, occasionally peering at the maps. As he finishes, Marcus speaks with a calm even tone, slowly looking from person to person acquainting himself with the mannerisms and reactions of his new allies and compatriots.
"I admire your planning and your..."
Marcus motions at the assembled Pathfinders.
"...recruitment methods. They appear to have been quite effective as we seem to have arrived right on time. Would you prefer to capture them for later interrogation or simply remove them by the easiest means available? While I always prefer to avoid dealing in death, I am well aware of the grim realities of our world... and the lengths we are often forced to go to protect kin and country."
After a pause he adds, "... oh and I appear to have you at a disadvantage. Marcus Vultulus Fantailler at your service. You may call me Marcus, or simply Marc. I forsook my titles years ago and enjoy giving others the freedom to address me as they will."
The Lieutenant's responses are rapid fire to the doctor's questions - he seems to notice his dis-ease, and perhaps even takes some sort of pleasure in unnerving the field medic: "Several victims a day for weeks on end - sometimes double or triple that amount. They’re a bunch of dwarves who went rogue—I don’t know the whole story about how they became the monsters they are now, but they enslave other creatures above and below the surface without a care. Those scum work people to death. As for "intel", they seem to move in small raiding bands. You are to drive them into our trap" He indicates a place on the incomplete map "Rescue any prisoners. What you do with the slavers is up to you, though I prefer they meet a swift end. Set an example—the sooner we’re rid of them, the better."
He spins on the latest recruit, slightly amused at the jest in return regarding the short then shorter names, but even as his sense of humor shows here, it doesn't distract him, he remains equally stern and direct notwithstanding in addressing the clever bard "Thank you and thank you. Like I said, as I see you have a bleeding heart, make the judgement call, but I doubt they'll simply "reform" their ways, and strongly suggest swift and final justice. They have shown no mercy to their victims, and have sacrificed as many as they needed if it meant they could escape."
A beat.
"Anything else?" He is already half-turning around to address his next briefing, but does leave a brief window for one or two more quick questions!
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Goes to Marcus for nearly forcing a smile on Evanno's otherwise stern face!
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"The Candlestone Caverns are a gateway between the Darklands and Andoran. Its tunnels can be treacherous, and many an adventurer has either gotten lost in the caves or fallen victim to an unexpected plunge."
"The Candlestone Caverns are a gateway between the Darklands and Andoran. Its tunnels can be treacherous, and many an adventurer has either gotten lost in the caves or fallen victim to an unexpected plunge. The highest layer of the Darklands is known as Nar-Voth. Duergars are one of its primary menaces, and they leave explosives strewn throughout caverns as well as cryptic inscriptions that can lead to secret passageways."
And
"From your bardic travels, you recall that Successful Methods for the Enslavement of Lesser Races is a book rumored to be in wide circulation among Duergars who worship Droskar."
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Dr Yuen begins to place his fist in his hand and bow but stops himself. Instead he shakes his head and departs.
Outside he speaks to his teammates.
"I have heard that the Candlestone Caverns are a gateway between the Darklands and Andoran. Its tunnels can be treacherous, and many an adventurer has either gotten lost in the caves or fallen victim to an unexpected plunge. I wonder if this is how Ghelib met his demise and Ghelib's Fissure got its name."
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Korvoths face shows that he is quite pleased at being put to work in such a manner. A chance at redemption for these duergar, be it through their atonement or death, is a welcome task.
Korvoth turns to Evanno:
"Is there anyone, either within the eagle knights or the civilians from this area, that would be more familiar with the cave system? Hell, if any slaves have returned from them that would be even better. To make this plan work, our group must enter the cave systems both undetected and in a good enough position that we can drive these slavers towards our little trap. Speaking with anyone who might know of such a place for us to enter the caves would be worth the time spent."
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Merdle let the others do the initial talking, as he listened for key information. He nearly spat on the floor at the mention of the duergar. His clan had had many dealings with the dark dwarves, and none of them ended well for the kobolds.
"Duergar aren't all bad, just like not all humans are tall. But my people have a long and hate-filled history with them. While some may be willing to reform, slavers are the worst kind of evil. We would do best to simply cut them down and save ourselves the trouble."
"As for the map, let Roahn take it. He can lead, and I can provide insight as needed from time to time. Caves are where my family was forced to relocate centuries ago, and I grew up in some. I am at home there as a horse is on the prairie."
"We should, however, make sure we are outfitted appropriately. Light sources for those that cannot see int eh dark, ropes and climbing gear, rations, and medicinals in case someone become sick. Cavern air is not always healthful to all creatures."
Evanno genuinely smiles watching Dr Yuen nearly place his hand on his bow, and hands the Map to Roahn, nodding his head to the druid "Their lives are in Your Hands!" half observation, half warning, before whirling to answer yet more questions, first to Korvath "I agree about your best mode of entry - that said, given the time constraints, No, there is not a realistic way to consult with anyone else - You are It!" now he is crossing the tent to his next briefing, ending his conversation effectively by answering both Merdle and Jak "I disagree soldier - never met a Duergar that wasn't a cold-blooded killer and slaver - but I am willing to be proven wrong! - Ah yes: Light! Make sure you have your Light sources in order - gets darker than night down there. Fare well - I am looking forward to your report!" He salutes you off with a firm hand motion, making final eye contact with the two he originally addressed (Korvoth and Dr Yuen), and proceeds to his next briefing, already barking commands, and pointing to a new group of soldiers with his left hand and a different place on the map with his right...
The ensign who lead you to the tent is waiting for you outside - she escorts you now to a modest supply station, which has various equipments like Climbing Kits, Torches, Sunrods, and other items for lending or purchase.
After gathering some things, as needed, Roahn looks down at the Map given to him, and begins leading the party into the tunnel that will soon wind into the caverns...
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"The Candlestone Caverns are a gateway between the Darklands and Andoran. Its tunnels can be treacherous, and many an adventurer has either gotten lost in the caves or fallen victim to an unexpected plunge."
"The Candlestone Caverns are a gateway between the Darklands and Andoran. Its tunnels can be treacherous, and many an adventurer has either gotten lost in the caves or fallen victim to an unexpected plunge."
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After Evanno and his companions statements regarding the deurgar, Korvoth's brow furrows...
"I have never met someone who means me harm and not offered them at least a chance to change their life's path. Evil people were not born evil, and must be given a chance to right themselves..."
Korvoths furrowed brow turns to a grim smile...
"That being said, it will only be one chance, and a quick one at that. From then, their lives are in their own hands and I will not be responsible for their choices, especially if it leads to my longsword cutting them down."
Turning to the attendant at the supply tent
"I imagine I'll be needing one of these climbing kits. May I borrow one from your stores?
Jak pauses at the supply station to repack his backpack while Korvoth stows a Climbing Kit amongst his things, and the party sets out for the tunnels...
While Roahn navigates and Merdle follows, Korvoth keeps his eyes peeled and his shield ready , while Dr Yuen hangs to the shadows , and Jak sustains a simple spell which would alert to any foul auras , and after about an hour's travel through dim light, the angle of horizontal travel begins to decline ever so subtly, just as Roahn looks up from his Map and realizes the way forward - a tunnel passage "entrance" of sorts - is blocked off by perhaps several tons of piled rocks!
It is also then that several team members - those whose eyes are accustomed to dim light - Korvoth, Merdle, and Roahn - notice a secondary tunnel that isn't marked on the Map at all! Roahn quickly notices that it (theoretically) points in a more efficient direction, and after a short talk, the PCs decide to press forth into the unknown passage rather than either waste hours digging the "marked" passage out of being blocked or turn back empty handed. If only they had more time!...
And so, the party presses forward as the smooth tunnel slowly gives way to a rocky cave, as the dim light becomes even dimmer, as the angle of declination sharpens even more, until it quickly becomes apparent that these three terrain indicators - loose rocks over uneven ground, dim light slowly fading to darkness, and the general angle of decline - prove to be a progressively more treacherous series of obstacles to overcome!
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Dr Yuen @ Avoid Notice; No light source, Normal vision
Jak @ Detect Magic; No light source, Normal vision
Korvoth @ Defend; No light source, Lowlight vision
Merdle @ (?); No light source, Darkvision
Roahn @ (Scout); No light source, Lowlight vision
No magical auras so far...
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Roahn bows his head in respect as he is offered the map.
Do not worry. I will keep this map safe. He says as he tucks the roll of parchment in an inner breast pocket of his cloak.
I just want to remind everyone... He says earnestly,
...what Doctor Yuen mentioned earlier; These caverns are quite dangerous. Previous explorers have gotten lost or fallen unexpectedly into a crevasse or pit. Possibly to their death. We must tread slowly and carefully. I am no expert at cavern exploration - the wilderness is more my forté - so let's be sure to keep an eye out for danger and watch each others' back.
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"I will watch to the rear, and occasionally point things out ahead as needed. But, you seem like capable fellows. I can hold your light if you need me to, Dr. Yuen. I don't need it myself, but I understand that most humans don't fare as well in the darkness as those of us that are descended from dragons."
Merdle will take the sunrod and chant a small spell. The sunrod lifted high into the air, bobbing just below the cave tunnel's ceiling.
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At the caved in tunnel Korvoth will study the fallen rocks for any signs that might indicate that the blockage was created intentionally, thus forcing the party into a trap...
"With the light from the sunrod above us I can see well enough in this dim light, though if it gets any darker I'll probably need to pull out a torch of my own. Dr. Yuen, do you really think you're scouting ahead with no vision will be beneficial to us?"
Korvoth takes a moment to examine the "caved in" entrance for "foul play"...
This definitely looks deliberate!...
...And furthermore, judging from the chemical residue, initiated by alchemical explosives of some kind!
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Cracking then passing off his sunrod, Dr Yuen begins his descent into the rocky, dark, slanting caverns that twist below to an unknown depth and to unknown dangers below. Using a repeating minor telekinesis, Merdle suspends the sunrod in the air just above those with "brightvision" - Dr. Yuen and Jak - and allows the others to pass ahead first, as doing so requires a bit of concentration of his part...
...Dr Yuen slips a little on the loose rocks and gashes his knee, but is otherwise alright as he successfully manages to regain his footing, and finish his decent, with Merdle lighting the way nearly to the bottom, where, once again, he finds himself surrounded in darkness, waiting for his allies to similarly make the decent!
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Dr Yuen @ Avoid Notice; No light source, Normal vision (-5 cuts)
Jak @ Detect Magic; No light source, Normal vision
Korvoth @ Defend; No light source, Lowlight vision
Merdle @ (Repeat a Spell); "Mage Handing" a Sunrod (20 bright, 40 dim), Darkvision
Roahn @ (Scout); No light source, Lowlight vision
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Dr Yuen to Balance Downward (Acrobatics) @ (7)+7 = 14 (-5 cuts)
Jak to ?? @ ??
Korvoth to ?? @ ??
Merdle to ?? @ ?? (Going last so as to light the way for team)
Roahn to ?? @ ??
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"With the light from the sunrod above us I can see well enough in this dim light, though if it gets any darker I'll probably need to pull out a torch of my own. Dr. Yuen, do you really think you're scouting ahead with no vision will be beneficial to us?"
"I shall not be scouting ahead. I will merely be towards the front of the party and not carrying a bright beacon announcing my specific presence."
Dr Yuen pulls out his minor healing potion and consumes it.
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"I shall not be scouting ahead. I will merely be towards the front of the party and not carrying a bright beacon announcing my specific presence."
"That would be a good idea. After all the explosion that closed off the tunnel on the map was made by alchemical explosion. It was no accident. We're walking into an ambush I suspect. Best everyone stay close behind me and be on your guard."
Korvoth will take the lead seeing as far as he can with his low light vision watching for anywhere in the tunnel that would be a good place for an ambush to be set as they continue down
As Dr Yuen is halfway down, Korvoth passes him and takes the lead heading down this rocky, dark, slanting cavernway... Followed by Jak, who, casting Light on his , proceeds down after them...
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Dr Yuen @ (Avoid Notice); No light source, Normal vision (-5 cuts, +5 potion) (0/1 potions)
Jak @ (Detect Magic); Light spell on (20 bright, 40 dim), Normal vision
Korvoth @ (Defend); No light source, Lowlight vision
Merdle @ (Repeat a Spell); "Mage Handing" a Sunrod (20 bright, 40 dim), Darkvision
Roahn @ (Scout); No light source, Lowlight vision
Dr Yuen to Balance Downward (Acrobatics) @ (7)+7 = 14 (-5 cuts, +5 potion) (0/1 potions) (Second)
Jak to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (18)+2 = 20 (Third)
Korvoth to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (19)+3 = 22 (First)
Merdle to ?? @ ?? (Last; so as to concentrate and light the way for team)
Roahn to ?? @ ??
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When Korvoth announces that the cave-in was caused by an alchemical explosion, Roahn keeps his eyes peeled for any danger. He glances about nervously as the group makes their way down the tunnels and caverns.
As they make their way to the slippery slope, Roahn waits for a couple of the others to go first. With the light of the sunrod further down the slope, he gets down on all fours, then with feet first, slowly crawls backwards down the slope. He tries to find protrusions of rock to hold onto as he makes his way down.
I really prefer adventuring in the woods rather than these dark, dusty caverns. I sure hope there is nothing below waiting to ambush us.
Under light of Merdle's suspended sunrod, Roahn carefully traverses down, but does slip and fall, cutting himself on some rocks, before re-gathering himself and reaching the others below...
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Dr Yuen to Balance Downward (Acrobatics) @ (7)+7 = 14 (Failure) (-5 cuts, +5 potion) (0/1 potions)
Jak to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (18)+2 = 20 (Success)
Korvoth to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (19)+3 = 22 (Success)
Merdle to ?? @ ??
Roahn to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (4)+5 = 9 (Fail) (-4 cuts)
At the bottom of this twisting and treacherous passageway, the caverns continue a few hundred feet or so before dead-ending. A metallic grate seems to be the only exit from this "room", it's holes draining brackish water through small openings about the width of a human finger. It is completely sealed, without knob, lock, or opening mechanism. Near the grate, a strange inscription glows faintly on the wall!
The inscriptions are non-magical - the "glow" seems to be a completely mundane effect.
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Dr Yuen @ (Avoid Notice); No light source, Normal vision (-5 cuts, +5 potion) (0/1 potions)
Jak @ (Detect Magic); Light spell on (20 bright, 40 dim), Normal vision
Korvoth @ (Defend); No light source, Lowlight vision
Merdle @ (Repeat a Spell); "Mage Handing" a Sunrod (20 bright, 40 dim), Darkvision
Roahn @ (Scout); No light source, Lowlight vision
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Dr Yuen to Balance Downward (Acrobatics) @ (7)+7 = 14 (Failure) (-5 cuts, +5 potion) (0/1 potions)
Jak to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (18)+2 = 20 (Success)
Korvoth to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (19)+3 = 22 (Success)
Merdle to ?? @ ??
Roahn to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (4)+5 = 9 (Fail) (-4 cuts)
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Coming to the closed grate, korvoth's face shows concern...
"Alright while you lot sort this out I'll keep watch to the rear... There's something in this tunnel that wanted us to come down this path and I'll be damned if it catches us from behind. Let me know once you've sorted out this door and I'll take the lead forward again"
Korvoth moves to the rear of the group, shield raised and longsword drawn to protect the group, peering into the darkness from where the group came.
In coming to the dead end, Jak immediately begins puzzling with the glowing inscriptions while Korvoth glances at the grating before closing off the only entrance with his body and shield, refusing to be ambushed!
You are unable to determine the cause of the glow beyond ruling out "magic"...
At a casual inspection of the grating, you are sure you could pry it from it's hinges with a crowbar and sufficient time, if and only if your companions are unable to come up with a more elegant or faster solution...
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Dr Yuen @ (Avoid Notice); No light source, Normal vision (-5 cuts, +5 potion) (0/1 potions)
Jak @ (Detect Magic); Light spell on Dagger (20 bright, 40 dim), Normal vision
Korvoth @ (Defend); No light source, Lowlight vision
Merdle @ (Repeat a Spell); "Mage Handing" a Sunrod (20 bright, 40 dim), Darkvision
Roahn @ (Scout); No light source, Lowlight vision
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Dr Yuen to Balance Downward (Acrobatics) @ (7)+7 = 14 (Failure) (-5 cuts, +5 potion) (0/1 potions)
Jak to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (18)+2 = 20 (Success)
Korvoth to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (19)+3 = 22 (Success)
Merdle to Balance Downward (Acrobatics) @ (16)+3 = 19 (Success)
Roahn to Climb Down (Athletics) @ (4)+5 = 9 (Fail) but uses Catfall @ Reflex @ (15)+7 = 22 (Success) to avoid cutting himself!
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I'll take a look, Jak. Although, I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before.
Roahn leans in close to study the inscription. He traces his finger over the lettering and thinks hard, trying to remember if he's learned about this form of magic in the past.
Sighing, he steps back and turns to Jak.
I cannot recall ever learning about this in the past.
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Korvoth addresses the group over his shoulder, barely taking his eye from the way they had come down the tunnel
"If you all cant figure out that door, I should be able to force it open but that will take some time to do. Keep at it, we'll use brute strength as a last resort."
Korvoth sheaths his longsword. With the group stuck like this, he knows they will need all the forewarning they can get if they are set upon and his vision, though good in the dark, would be better with his own source of light. He lights a torch, holding it aloft with his sword hand and keeps his shield raised. He keeps scanning the tunnel, and the room around him, searching for any danger that might be hidden in the, or any other possible route that might be visible with his extra lighted view.
Stumped, Jak calls Roahn and and Dr Yuen over to examine the strange glowing inscriptions, while Korvoth lights a Torch to give them additional reading light, but keeping his eye keenly on the corridor from which they entered...
You are unable to determine the exact cause of the glow, beyond it being a "natural" source of some kind...
The ink used in the inscription appears to have bioluminescent qualities, partially composed of some kind of special fungus, which when exposed to an oxygen ratio consistent with a precise elevation below ground, causes it to glow as it does.
And furthermore, beyond the mere constitution of the ink, your occult studies allow you to recognize this as some sort of pidgin communication between two proper languages - a cypher - that seem to give instructions about how to open the grating through a mechanical contraption, depicting two levers that, when pressed together in unison, should cause the grating to unlock and slide open; as well as two levers on the other side which would reverse this mechanical process, closing and locking it behind you!
Suddenly, you all hear a single sharp but faint sound barely coming from the other side of the grating. Like an explosion, but, telegraphed to your ears from an echo that spans what you imagine to be still yet a great distance away!
While the both of you are studying the inscriptions side by side, having to kneel down to read them near the grating on the floor, you not only hear the distant explosion, but also the sounds of humanoids yelling in the distance...
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Dr Yuen @ (Avoid Notice); No light source, Normal vision (-5 cuts, +5 potion) (0/1 potions)
Jak @ (Detect Magic); Light spell on Dagger (20 bright, 40 dim), Normal vision
Korvoth @ (Defend); Held Torch (20 bright, 40 dim), Lowlight vision
Merdle @ (Repeat a Spell); "Mage Handing" a Sunrod (20 bright, 40 dim), Darkvision
Roahn @ (Scout); No light source, Lowlight vision
...
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Startled by the sound, Roahn suddenly falls back from the grating onto his rear.
Did you hear that? After the explosion there was yelling. I couldn't make out the language. They must be starting the offensive to rout out the duergar.
Roahn quickly stands up and turns to Korvoth.
Korvoth,
He grips the half-orc's shoulder as a friendly gesture.
Could you try tearing this grate out of the wall?
He pauses, then looks back at the grate.
Wait! Before you do...
He turns to the rogue.
Jak, try checking this thing for a trap. I have a feeling that since we can't decipher the words, which is probably the means to open this, it will blow up in our faces if we meddle with it.
Quickly. We must make haste.
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"One moment my friends."
Dr Yuen begins feeling around the gate, clearly searching for something.
"Imperial Lung Wa dominated the continent of Tien Xia for many hundreds of years. The empire was plagued with corruption and the aristocracy was often cruel to the common people. Many rebels would fight against these injustices but they had to operate in secret often with little or even no weaponry. It is thus that the secret martial arts manuals came into being, their words and illustrations disguised so that imperial officials could not discover their true purpose. These words before us are reminiscent of many of those texts and seem to indicate a pair of levers that when jointly pressed thus..."
Dr Yuen finds the levers and presses them simultaneously.
"...should open the gate."
With a delicate touch...
...the good doctor simultaneously depresses two secret levers, and the grating rotates counterclockwise, slunks down an inch, then slowly cranks sideways into a small nook of equal volume, opening a man-sized portal to another chamber below, this with shallow running water - perhaps a diverted stream? - that flows in the same direction that Roahn (checking his map once more) confirms it makes the "most sense" to continue down.
And so, the party quickly files through, now picking up their steps towards the sounds ahead, and after a beat, come into an open chamber before a grisly sight: the green and rank guts of a Giant Spider are spread across a 15-foot radius - antennae here, half a hairy leg there, a single pedipalp - a few of these parts still writhing despite being severed, the stink of arachnid blood fresh in the air!
Off in the distance - but closer than before - the PCs can hear the sounds of a pitched battle: steel clanging against steel, people yelling or screaming, verbal components being uttered, the shattering of glass, another explosion or two...
...Confounding the moment, these sounds seem to be emanating from multiple passageways that lead out of this "room" in multiple directions "forward"!
...
Goes to Roahn for keeping the narrative flow moving!
Dr Yuen @ (Avoid Notice); No light source, Normal vision (-5 cuts, +5 potion) (
Jak @ (Detect Magic); Light spell on Dagger (20 bright, 40 dim), Normal vision (Lesser Antidote)
Korvoth @ (Defend); Held Torch (20 bright, 40 dim), Lowlight vision (Potency crystal; Minor Healing Potion)
Merdle @ (Repeat a Spell); "Mage Handing" a Sunrod (20 bright, 40 dim), Darkvision (minor healing potion, feather token ladder)
Roahn @ (Scout); No light source, Lowlight vision (Potion of Minor Healing)
Solving the puzzle over brute-forcing the mechanism saved critical time towards reaching the battle ahead, and the partial deciphering of the occult text lends insight into the psychology of the Duergar.
...
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With a cocked eyebrow, and puzzled by what Yuen said, Roahn peers past the open grate and turns to the doctor.
Good work, Mister Yuen. Or, should I say, "Doctor".
Crouching low, he nods at his companions.
I'll scout ahead.
Roahn grips his staff tightly with both hands as he enters the passage. Occasionally, he loosens his grip and lightly taps the staff against the wall or the ground to check ahead for danger.
A few minutes in, the orange wavering light from a torch carried by one of the members causes a glint from something partially buried in the dirt.
Hmm. What's this?
He reaches down and picks up a small coin. He licks his thumb and rubs the silt away. Holding it close enough to read, letters of hundreds of languages quickly shift and flow upon its surface until they coalesce... Into Druidic.
"Use This In Your Time of Need. Q.M."
A profile of the famed explorer Durvin Gest appears on the other side.
Believing someone or something above is watching him, Roahn looks up in gratitude, then nonchalantly pockets the coin.
Tapping his staff against the wall, Roahn continues down the passage as he scouts ahead.
Let's keep moving. Careful now.