Testing.
Testing as well.
There's a test?
It was a cool day, in the middle of summer, which made it a good day for travel. The sky had remained clear since setting out this morning and there had been little to note throughout the day. Being fairly new to this area, their route, so far, had been directed by each traveler they had run into. lately though, passing someone was becoming less and less frequent.
The three companions crested a small rise on the path they had been traveling and got their first view of Fort Inevitable. The trader they passed this morning was right about both its location and what time, this afternoon, they would reach it.
Dirty, hungry and road weary, the travelers quickly agree to head to the tavern first, to secure lodgings for the night as well as baths and dinner. It was only a short walk now and they would be there in less than an hour.
Reaching the edge of Fort Inevitable (location 42), they could get a better gage of the size of the settlement. It had more people than they originally thought as the town was well organized and kept neat and orderly. A secure looking stone wall surrounded the city and looked to be adequately manned. Further into the city, also made from the same stone as the walls, loomed the keep.
Who are ye, and what's yer business 'ere in town? Barked the nearest scowling gate guard as he eyed the scythe, strapped to a hulking half-orc. Ye don't look to be from round 'ere and we sure ain't tolerat'n none 'o that kind of business 'ere. He jerked his thumb to indicate Zoogore and his massive blade.
Tagagashi takes a step to the right, making sure Zoogore doesn't do anything rash. We're travelers and we mean no trouble, we're just here for a place to grab a bite and get some rest. The samurai hesitates for a moment, studying the guard. Resuming his response he asks Do you happen to know of such a place?
Listening to Tagagashi answer the guards questions, Suki slides back a half step, gazing downwards. Let them think me the timid little one in the back..
There's a test?
Zoogore starts to draw his scythe, griping it tightly. As it unsheathes from it's holster, he suddenly stops, losing interest in the whole situation as he looks at a bird in the sky instead. Ouuu a bird!
Fort Inevitable Map
Fort Inevitable Locations
The Red Shield
Raising his eyebrows as the Half-orc stalks off after a bird, the soldier turns back to Tagagashi, Aye, th' Red Sheild'll be yer best bet, Embra'll take good care o' ya. Plus, 'nuff Hellknights there at any hour t'make sure ye dont think 'bout misbehavin'. The guard extended one arm, pointing, Take Juliver 'ere all the way, past the fountain, to the far gate and yull 'ave just missed er on yer right hand side. The guard steps back and motions for the party to proceed, venturing into Fort Inevitable.
The companions follow the directions they were given and easily find the tavern. Eager for food and a rest from the road, the group heads inside.
Upon entering, they are greeted by a middle aged woman who introduces herself as Embra Morsk, both the owner of the establishment and the bartender. Welcome travelers, this is my place, please come in and let me know what you're looking for. Embra looks to the group expectantly, Food? Drink? Something else? The proprietor is a retired adventurer. She is a no-nonsense businesswoman, and fearless when it comes to defending her property.
Embra proudly explains that the tavern is named for the striking coat of arms hanging in the common room. The old shield with its red device once belonged to a noted local hero named Dinwood, who made a name for himself as a monster hunter.
The Red Shield is a busy tap house that is especially popular with the Hellknights. On any given evening, a dozen or more of the town’s off-duty garrison guards can be found here, enjoying drafts of bitter or stout.
Walking into the tavern Tagagashi looks around, breathing in the warm, pungent air. Remembering the smell of a home cooked dinner, Tagagashi relaxes his muscles. The swordsman steps up to the bar and settles the details on their lodgings. Say, is there any work for a few travelers around here?
Suki silently observes the room and the people inside, unable to hear her brothers conversation she carefully steps further into the tavern. The ninja turns her head back once she's settled behind the samurai,and looks at Zoogore, as if signaling him to follow.
The bartender finishes counting Tagagashi's coins. She looks up to her newest customers and is distracted by the hulking half-orc, completely oblivious of the signal from his female companion, turning to the undusted barrel beside him and starts to draw symbols in the dust. What is he doing?
... ah, as far as work goes, there's always someone needing something done in town. Just not around here right now as my nephew's been around, pitching in, the last few weeks. Embra pauses, seeming to consider a moment, before continuing. If you head up those stairs right there, she nods towards the stairsthere's a fella who booked the whole table for a group that only half showed up. Might be a good place to start looking for work. With a genuine smile she returns to cleaning behind the bar.
The swordsman takes a step back and bows, giving his silent thanks to Embra. Tagagashi looks back to his sister and his distracted friend, Come on, what are we waiting for? he exclaims, eager for a new opportunity.
Suki looks over to Tagagashi and nods, Lets go. she says with a light smile, scoffing at the undiscerning Zoogore.
After hearing Tagagashi, Zoogore snaps back into focus and follows his companions up stairs
As you reach the top of the short staircase you step into a private room of sorts that is far better decorated than the rest of the tavern. A large sturdy oak table, with large padded chairs surrounding it, sits in the middle of the room upon a plush carpet. A fireplace dominates the far end of the room, filled with a crackling fire, making the room very cozy.
Seated at the table are three figures. The first one on the right is a handsome halfling dressed in fine clothing. He smiles warmly as you appear, brushing a bit of his stylish dark hair out of his eyes. On the floor against the wall behind him sits a well worn backpack with a light crossbow strapped to it. More interestingly is what sits upon the table in front of him. An enormous collection of food and drink. A quail, a baked salmon, a rack of ribs, piles of various vegetables and potatoes and a whole roast pig on a spit. You get the impression this diminutive fellow intends to avail himself of most of it in due time.
The second figure on the right side of the table is a stocky muscular dwarf with long black hair pulled tightly into a single simple ponytail and an elegantly braided beard. He wears scale mail, colored grey, with a few golden colored highlights. His matching tunic, which resembles a blacksmith's apron, is emblazoned with an ornate iron warhammer, orientated head down, handle up.
His shield, backpack, battleax and warhammer sit similarly propped against the wall behind his chair.
As you enter, he looks up from his mug of ale and bowl of mushroom soup, and gives you a stoic nod.
The third person, seated nearest the door with his back to you, wears a long cloak. You immediately spot his elven ears, clearly visible poking out of his long brown hair. He wears studded leather armor under his cloak and an elegant elvish longsword is strapped to his left hip while a tome is strapped to his right. A longbow and backpack sit in the corner of the room to your right.
A simple plate of steamed vegetables and grilled meat upon a bed of rice sits before him, along with a glass of red wine.
Welcome fellow adventurers, the cloaked figure remarks in a smooth comforting voice, without turning around. Please, join Kip, Bamur and myself, he says as he gestures to the empty seats on the left side of the table. It is my understanding that the three of you are looking for work. Perhaps we can interest you in a proposal?
Realizing there are only two empty seats available, the man puts a couple
of fingers to his temple and remarks after a moment, I will have Embra bring up another chair for you. Something sturdy perhaps for the big fellow with the scythe.
Tagagashi makes his way to his seat, leaving the nearest for his sister, Hello gentlemen.
Talking to the wizard, That's correct, we are looking for work. He glances over to his own companions, then back to elf, I believe we would be interested in hearing your proposal.
Suki nods at the men before her, sliding her way to the chair beside Tagagashi. Thats correct.
Zoogore sees his companions going to take a seat and proceeds too find a crate to sit on. Zoogore eyes widen as he stares at all the food. Zoogore reaches his hand out and grabs a turkey scarfing it down. Don't worry about grabbing me a chair.
Excellent. I shall get straight to the point then. My companions and I have recently travelled here to Fort Inevitable to undertake an expedition to one of the deepest and strangest dungeons to be found anywhere in the lands of the Inner Sea, the Emerald Spire.
Six miles northeast of Fort Inevitable, standing in a wide clearing within the Echo Wood, the Emerald Spire is the ruin of a large Azlanti tower that appears to be made of green glass harder than stone. The upper portions of the tower were destroyed long ago, leaving broken, half-melted glass blocks lying jumbled around the tower’s perimeter and the ground nearby.
Many travelers passing through the Crusader Road area make the trek into the forest to look on the ruins, from a safe distance. The Spire’s ruins are known to be infested with dangerous monsters, and the surroundings attract an unhealthy number of bandits, raiders, and hungry predators.
We plan to do more than just look from a safe distance. So, if this interests you, we are offering to take you on for equal shares for equal risk.
What say you?
Bamur sits back as Mythandor speaks, folding his arms and watching the newcomers intently. Given a moment to interject, the dwarf asks, If I may ask, what special skills might each of you possess that would aid us in this dangerous endeavour?
Kip watches as the half-orc snatches up the turkey and makes short work of it. Smiling he exclaims, Aha! A man who takes after mine own interests! Challenge accepted good sir! before proceeding to down a copious amount of food himself followed by downing his entire tankard and slamming it on the table with a satisfied grin. Embra! Another round for me! And get these fine folks whatever they wish to drink!
Grinning for a moment as Kip and Zoogore scarf down their food, Suki quickly shifts her attention to Mythandor's proposal. Sounds interesting, I'm up for it. The ninja states, glancing at her companions.
Focusing on the dwarf now, I bring a unique set of skills to our would be group of adventurers. Pausing a moment, she continues. I have a soft touch with locks and traps, I can get in and out of areas restricted to most people and I move like a shadow among shadows. I'd not get far on my own but I'd be an excellent addition to your team.
Astonished by the fact that he had just watched Kip eat his own body weight, Tagagashi informs him, Thank you but, I'll leave my rounds for Zoogore. However, I would like some hot water with your finest herbs.
Catching his sisters glance, the samurai nods then turns to the wizard, That does peak my interests, count me in. As for my skill set, I bring honor, leadership and a well trained blade.
Outstanding! Mythandor exclaims.
As Embra comes into the room with beverages for everyone, Mythandor takes up his own glass as he stands, raising it in the air and makes a toast, To our future successes!
After taking a sip of his wine he beckons everyone to sit and partake in more food. Tonight we dine! Tomorrow we will finalize our gear and learn what we can about the Spire from the good people of Fort Inevitable. I would like to venture out the day after all our preparations are done.
Bamur rises and joins in the toast before retaking his seat. Turning to his new companions he remarks, It is only fair if we share what skills we bring to the table.
Torag blesses me with the gift to heal those that are injured and the power to defeat those that would see us harmed.
Turning to Suki he adds with a smile, I'll give you a wide berth when you are trying to be discreet, well, cause I am the opposite of that.
And addressing Tagagashi, I am glad to hear you speak of honor! When it comes to blades, you can count on me to stand with you!
Oh me! I'll go next. Let me see. Um. Right. I have an innate ability to do magic. Not much at the time but I'm always trying to figure out new things I can do with it. I'm naturally pretty nimble. I can eat a ton. Um. Oh yeah, my touch sometimes makes people laugh uncontrollably.
Looking at Suki he continues, I'm no good with locks and such but I am also quite good at sneaking around. Especially underground and in other dim places. And when that isn't quite enough I can do this! Hopping from his chair, Kip does a little jig and then snaps his fingers and disappears . A moment later Bamur's mug floats up into the air and the sound of Kip gulping can be heard.
The dwarf just shakes his head and orders another drink.
A moment later Kip reappears grinning ear to ear.
As Kip climbs back into his chair, Mythandor speaks up. My apologies, but it occurs to me that I have not actually introduced myself. I am Mythandor Arathorn. I am also a practitioner of the magical arts, but it doesn't come naturally to me as it does Kip. I have had to study on how to tap into the Weave, while patting his spell book at his side.
And while my skills with a sword aren't as honed as yours are Master Tagagashi, I do have some tricks up my sleeves, and am not afraid to get in the thick of things if need be. Drawing his slender curved elvish longsword, it suddenly flies from his hand and slices a hunk of meat from the pig on the spit before immediately returning to his out stretched hand.
Sliding the blade back into its scabbard he finishes, But enough about me. Perhaps Zoogore would like a chance to tell us about himself?
Embra after hearing Tagagashi comment switches her direction towards Zoogore and places down the tray on the table. Zoogores belly after seeing the second batch of food clears up his stomach. This looks mighty appetizing, I can't wait to scarf this all down. He says with a grin looking down at his plate. Zoogore feels a sense of quietness as he looks up to see his companions all staring at him. why are they all looking at me, is it something I said? he thinks to himself.
Realizing what Mythandor asked, he snaps back into focus and he explains himself. I would classify myself as a strong warrior type with a great endurance counting the fact that I am a large, almost 7 feat, half orc wielding a heavy scythe. he chuckles to himself. I'm always hear to deal heavy blows and turn the tables to our favor. I have been trained for long enough to even rival with gods, I don't see myself ever losing a battle or falling short of perfection, I don't get distracted very- Zoogore gets distracted sensing the presence of a female half orc coming from down stairs and Zoogore bolts down to meet the enticing female.
Shocked yet again, Tagagashi watches Zoogore fly down the stairs, I think I have some explaining to do... I apologize on behalf of my friend, he does this all of the time, you'll get used to it. Do not worry though, I know that he would never pass up an opportunity like this one. Eying those before him, then taking a long sip of tea, he nods. We're in.
Mythandor arches a single eyebrow at Zoogore's statement. Rival. The. Gods. He glances at Bamur expectantly.
If you say so Master Tagagashi.
Kip, mouth stuffed full of venison, stops mid chew and looks up. Mwhatmp didph he josst say? he asks earnestly with bits of food spraying out.
Bamur's face gets serious. That is blasphemy son. You would stand as little chance against a God as you would trying to blow out the sun. I like your confidence but please refrain from making such foolish statements in the future.
The newly met companions spent the rest of the evening talking, eating, swapping stories and legends, eating and eating. Each person had their own additions to the evenings conversations but the most noteworthy ones had come from Kip, Bamur and Mythandor. They had been part of the original plans for this adventure and had already done much of the research and information gathering. Though, as far as details of the inside go, there wasn't much to be had.
Kip had some background on the town, Fort Inevitable. He had noted that 400 years ago we would have been sitting in the small town of Southwood, smack in the middle of Zog, a goblin controlled territory. at that time came a Hellknight named Emos Varden and he aimed to take the area under his protection. Within a few months the area was made safe to travel and he built the keep you see here today. He also renamed the town to Fort Inevitable, named for the inevitability of orders triumph. The Hellknights have maintained control and protected the are ever since, though not all citizens are appreciative. Today Lady Audara Drovust runs the show and the Silver Foxes are the 'invisible' force powered by those opposed to her rule.
Bamur shared that the best known of the Spire’s current residents is the Numerian wizard Klarkosh. Several years ago, he embarked on an ambitious program of exploration and study in the Spire’s upper levels. At first, he seemed like just one more would-be looter of forgotten Azlanti lore, but unlike many other adventurers, Klarkosh stayed. He found a region of the upper dungeon that suited his purposes and established a well-protected lair. In the last year or so, Klarkosh has actively defended his new home against all intruders, including parties of adventurers pursuing their own investigations of the Spire. The Numerian wizard holds the allegiance of a number of the dungeon’s monstrous denizens (at least in the upper levels) and fashions deadly automatons to guard his home. Klarkosh isn’t, however, the master of the Emerald Spire. Even with his automatons and monstrous servants, he controls only a few of the uppermost levels. Despite many attempts, the Numerian has been unable to penetrate any deeper than Level 7 before a circle of serpent folk priests— who are likewise fascinated by the Emerald Spire and seek to understand its secrets—checks his advances. Darker and more dangerous creatures rule over the deeper levels of the Emerald Spire... and no one from the surface world has returned to reveal what lies at the bottom.
Steering the conversations focus to what they would have to be aware of when approaching the Spire, never mind what was in it, Mythandor explained that the Emerald Spire stands in a broad, raised clearing in the southwest reaches of the Echo Wood. This open area is known locally as the Spire Glen. The glen is almost perfectly circular and centered on the Emerald Spire, as if some unseen hand had long ago drawn a border around the old tower with a compass more than 500 yards wide. The trees of the Echo Wood crowd up against this unseen border and suddenly halt—nothing larger than a sapling grows in the Glen. Few indeed have ever seen it happen, but the Emerald Spire occasionally generates invisible gates or portals that drift through the Glen, briefly linking its deeper levels to the surrounding countryside. This means that once in a while, some fearsome denizen of the deep dungeon is gated out into the Glen to wander or rampage. Likewise, hapless travelers have just disappeared while in the Glen, inadvertently stepping into an unseen gate and finding themselves in some deep level of the Spire. These mysterious gate openings seem to be more common at night, and some claim they vary in frequency with obscure planar alignments.
During the others conversations Mythandor sat with Suki and drew hear a crude map of town with key supply goods and services marked for the party. He also figured Suki would benefit most from quickly learning the lay of the town.
As the evening wound down, Mythandor addressed the group and asked that they spend the next day acquiring what they needed and to meet early the following morning. At first light they would head out for the spire.
The day of preparations saw everyone finding what was needed. They met at dinner to go over all the lists one more time. Once everyone was satisfied, it was decided they would keep Mythandors suggested plan of leaving at first light. With that the party retired to their rooms for the evening.
Morning showed signs of a light rain overnight. Fortunately it was not enough to make the roads muddy but it did work well to keep the dust down. The group was well rested (and well fed!) and made good time. Their trek ended abruptly when the group emerged from the tree line and took their first look at the Emerald Spire before taking their first steps onto the grass of the Spire Glen. The Glen offered a great view of the ruins and the ability to watch their surroundings helped the party to feel confident, for the moment. They set to organizing themselves before venturing in...
Zoogore falls into the suggested position, behind Suki, and draws his orcish Hornbow. the group approaches the crumbling ruins, finding the stone staircase that led up to the tower’s door to be nothing more than a rubble-strewn cliff. On the tower’s south side, a dirt path winds up the steep embankment to end at a pitch-black doorway. Looking at the opening in the wall it seemed the darkness inside was actually pulling the surrounding light into itself.
The samurai straps his Longbow onto his upper back and pulls his Heavy Wooden Shield from it's holder underneath it. With his shield now in his left hand, he pulls his Katana out from it's sheath, ringing faintly.
Readied, Tagagashi makes his way up the dirt path, to take a look at the interior of the ruins.
Watching as Tagagashi starts to move forward, Suki quickly reaches for her brothers shoulder; stopping him. Let me lead, we both know you've never been the most light on your feet.
Suki takes the lead, silently sneaking down the path towards the ominous opening.