[AP] Iron Gods by GM Rutseg

Game Master Balacertar

Zzvkgrogk thinks he can make use of the neraplast armor, assuming it can be made to fit him.

” …though apparently I have a lot of dishes to attend to later today.”

”Just make sure it is not the kind of dish soap that makes your, uh, hands super soft.”

Zzvkgrogk beams as his team informs the Council about their escapades under Torch Hill and draws himself up to his full 4 foot even height when Rūha mentions his name.

My gang is the best!

”It really took all of us to restore the flame! It would not have happened if it were not for all our efforts!”

He continues, ”But that Menanda model should not be trusted until it is repaired by Baine. It has gone haywire, and should be deactivated or restrained so that he can safely work on it. She had hired Garment Ulreth to guard a device of some kind in his warehouse, and we will soon be on our way to confiscate it — by his request — for further study. He should cooperate with any inquiry you choose to pursue with him.”

”And yes, we must get to the bottom of what is happening in Scrapwall.”

He turns to Baine. ”Are you feeling better Sir?”

With Time and materials available he will make some cartridges (flare) and bottled lightning.

Bazlundi Otterbie nods at Yambul approvingly "Do not be as hard to yourself lad, any Kellid can see there is more on you that it might seem"

Dolga frowns about the possibility of an uncontrolled burst "We certainly need to study this technology more deeply... perhaps if we get access to the secrets the Technic League has unearthed from Silver Mount we could find a way to stabilize this source of fire."

There is some discussion about the proposal to put a guard, Bazlundi Otterbie sees this as an unneeded expense and Joram Kyte does not want to put any man into danger, but eventually Soceal Murgrave and Dolga Freddert make their votes worth and a two permanent men guard is decided "This is the main source of income of the town, we need to protect it"

CL check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Joram, who has been inspecting Baine's health, proceeds to say some words while he touches the man's chest "Brigh, expel the strange micro corpses on this good man's brain so he can keep honoring you with creative creations"

Baine seems to cringe a bit in pain, but Joram seems satisfied by the result "This is done, resting should start to serve him well now" he pads the man's shoulder a couple of times "You soon will be again discussing matters with us again my friend"

Baine nods softly to Zzvkgrogk's interest on his health.

When Chaance brings Garmen Ulreth's involvement, the council members look at each other worried "Do you have any solid proof about that? Garmen is a dangerous man and many in this town are indebted for bad or for good to him."

Finally, when Rūha explains she wants a first hand impression of Scrapwall, Dolga smiles to her "I knew you would do good for our town Rūha. You have demonstrated again foreigners can more often than not make our community stronger."

Bazlundi Otterbie comments after some thought "In fact, if what the android has told Joram and you is right, I am a bit worried this Hellion thing can keep coming over at us."

When the formalities are complete, Yambul heads back to the kitchen. They've kept up in his absence, but only just. It's clear there's work to be done.

He hangs up his armor and his falchions, draws his filigree'd chef's knife, and gets to work on the veggies.

Rhoreen watches Yambul begin to leave.

”Hey, Yambul. Did you forget that we need to go get the deviceamadoodad from Garmen? Where are you going?” Rhoreen’s left eyebrow raises in question. She’s feeling slightly smug as she remembers what needs to be done even if others do not.

"Oh, right." Yambul remembers, dimly, "Any idea how big it is? Where are we going to keep it? I, er, don't have a lot of room myself..." he thinks of his sleeping arrangements, and considers he should improve them now he's got some cash.

He'll walk with the others to Garmen's, still disappointed he won't be using his new falchion there. He so was looking forward to using it on those smarmy guards of his.

Rhoreen shrugs. ”Not sure at all, but how big could it be if they managed to move it there and hide it for so long?” She shrugs, not really knowing, but knowing that Yambul’s work isn’t done yet. ”The dishes will still be there after we get this done.”

Rhoreen waits to hear what else the council has to say.

”… Brigh, expel the strange micro corpses on this good man's brain…

Zzvkgrogk bows his head and prays as well.

”Meyanda Android is the main character, but Garmen played his part, and allowed the town to suffer physically and financially for his own gain. If there is any justice to come from this, it would include a judgment against not only Meyanda, but also Ulreth."

Council wrote:

”Do you have any solid proof about that? Garmen is a dangerous man and many in this town are indebted for bad or for good to him."

Zzvkgrogk glances at Chaance slightly reproachfully and addresses the Council.

"Do you have any solid proof about that? Garmen is a dangerous man and many in this town are indebted for bad or for good to him."

"Garmen doesn't strike me as a man who makes ignorant business decisions." Chaance turns to address the Council, once Zzvkgrogk states his take. "If the word of the android is enough, you should be able to coax an admission from her, so you may judge her words yourselves. She called Garmen 'traitorous fleshling scum', but she might just as easily call us all the same, having defeated her zealous efforts."

Chaance shrugs her shoulders in anticipatory defeat. "Like Zzvkgrogk said, we're headed to Garmen's warehouse, to collect a device, a solid device." The elf hefts her share of the reward. "I understand your concern about Garmen's black influence in Torch. I also understand that justice is not always achievable, given such dangerous men."

"Garmen has been for a long time... how to put it..." Soceal Murgrave says "...a necessary annoyance to this town. We do not have the power to remove the rot, so any chance to do so is a blessing"

"Anyway, our concerns are now on your recent discoveries and Baine's recovery" Dolga comments in a grief tone "Thanks again. Now, you can retreat, you have done real good to Torch. But we would be grateful if you bring us in the future any relevant information you discover from that device or elsewhere"

With that, the Council dismisses you to have a private talk about the information you have already brought and to organize the changes the torch renewal has brought to the town.

---

Walking out of the Town Hall, you head to Garmen's warehouse. There you seek passage into the structure, and after insisting on some knocking the door is opened by a couple of Ropefist. With clear disgust and distrust, they let you in and bring you to a crate in the center of the warehouse.

There, you find a portable device with a few buttons and a screen. The screen displays a message saying energy transfer has been aborted due to an input error in Andorffan. It also marks some coordinates that points to a precise location in Scarwall, into the domains of the Lords of Rust.

You also notice no headache as when you entered the warehouse the first time.

"It's good that you guys know how to open a door, even better that you can obey orders," Rhoreen smugs at the Ropefists. "Now leave the smart people to do what we need to do here. On your way." Rhoreen dismisses the Ropers with a bit of condescension.

She will look over the device.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 Know (Engineering)

"I think that's why my head probably doesn't hurt," Rhoreen notes as she explains (the spoiler above) about the device. "It's not working as it used to. But yeah, we can get this out of here."

As she stands one place, she glances about the area in the warehouse to see what else might be important to note.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 Perception

Earlier: Rūha raises an eyebrow at the description of nanites as "micro corpses", but says nothing out of consideration.

She also follows Chaance's address to the Council, saying "Meyanda claimed that she paid Garmen a generous ransom of silverdisks. If you suddenly see a large number of differently marked disks circulating from his businesses, you might take that as evidence of the truth of her words. Then again, he may be handling them carefully." She nods with the assessment that removing such people from power is not always a simple matter.
----
Now:
Rūha helps to pick up the power relay, noting the coordinates displayed on the screen. With her newly gained understanding of Androffan, she's also led to nod approvingly after she reads the error message. "As suspected, it is no longer relaying power from the reactor below." As she hefts the device, she speculates "Another thought crosses my mind... If the Lords of Rust have other technically savvy members, they might recognize that their beamed power isn't coming. Undoubtedly, they'll come investigating." Her brow furrows slightly.

She looks back at the device "As for this, maybe Baine and Val would like a memento once Baine is feeling better. Without a reactor and destination, this tech is mostly useless."

Yambul knows he's there for his heavy lifting on this occasion, though he of course wears his blades and armor into the enemies den...

"Let's get this shifted and get out of here. I bet these walls have ears."

He'll heave the tech out grimacing all the while. Figures the bastard is giving us useless tech. We're being his cleaning crew - and helping to clear his name to boot. Makes it look like he's turning a new leaf. Damn that man.

The warehouse is stoked with crates, but Rhoreen does not see anything remarkable, although most of the crates seem empty.

Among Yambul and someone else, you are able to pick up the power relay and take it with you.

The Ropefists are happy to see you leave and close firmly the door after you.

For once in a few days, it seems you are free and on your own to decide what you want to do next.

Rūha helps Yambul drop the power relay off, then stretches, rather not used to carrying such a heavy burden. She turns to the others. "I plan to stay for a few days, recover from all our traipsing about and risking our lives. Perhaps take a few notes and ask a few questions. But then, I'll be off." She inclines her head "What are your plans?"

"I think I'll go back to work with the Forge," Rhoreen responds slowly. "I've learnt so much over the past few days, that I'll have much more to build off of. I can, no doubt, expand what I can craft, let alone see if Baine wants to work on some new integrations with the relay or the android. It's interesting. So much to learn, and relearn."

She pauses, thinking to say more, but would hear from others.

Yambul waives at his companions, ”I’ve got to get some work done. Let’s have breakfast or lunch tomorrow, shall we?” He departs the group and heads to Baine’s to get some work done.

Yambul approaches Val and Baine at some point that afternoon. He looks decidedly uncomfortable and is fidgeting with his hands. ”I, er, I’m glad you’re doing better. I think it’s all smooth sailing now.” he adds looking to Val to reassure her.

”Look, I’m doing well now, and, uh, well, I think it’s time I found my own place to sleep.” he rushes on, embarrassed, ”Don’t get me wrong! I TOTALY appreciate the space under the sink. It was very generous…” he slows, ”More generous than a thieving waif like me deserved really.”

”It’s just I have some money now, and it seems, I dunno, unfair somehow, to take that space now that I can stand on my own feet. Er, I hope that’s OK.” he asks for permission to find an apartment.

The Foundry
Baine has just started to recover and it is clear the talk is still painful for him, but attends Yambul nevertheless "Oh, Yambul, y-you are not a captive here... you are free to go whenever you wish" the man smiles and gives him a small pad on the back of the neck "I knew you would be famous one day, bu... but did not expect this coming so fast..."

Val looks amused and throws a cloth to wash "Hey Yambul, if you were looking for a place to bring your new fans for the night, you could have just asked for the roof room"

"What are your plans?"

”Oh aye…” Zzvkgrogk announces somewhat woefully. ”Shopping still, then I am going to spend a few hours here to make a few flare cartridges, and some bottled lightning. Then I am thinking of assembling a Team to head out to Scrapwall and sort out what is going on with these Rust Jerks and Hellion.” he raises his eyebrows to and fro at members of the current group, as if innocently fishing for volunteers to be on the Team.

”Shopping still, then I am going to spend a few hours here to make a few flare cartridges, and some bottled lightning. Then I am thinking of assembling a Team to head out to Scrapwall and sort out what is going on with these Rust Jerks and Hellion.”

”Oh, you’re going to do that, are you, <*sound*>” Rhor makes a sound like a kelpie farting in a bog. ”That sounds…interesting. Is that something important for you to do? I’m sorry, did you say you had family there as well?” Rhor asks, chewing on her lip as she thinks.

The Foundry

Baine has just started to recover and it is clear the talk is still painful for him, but attends Yambul nevertheless "Oh, Yambul, y-you are not a captive here... you are free to go whenever you wish" the man smiles and gives him a small pad on the back of the neck "I knew you would be famous one day, bu... but did not expect this coming so fast..."

Val looks amused and throws a cloth to wash "Hey Yambul, if you were looking for a place to bring your new fans for the night, you could have just asked for the roof room"

Yambul looks embarrassed and uneasy, even though he did in fact get what he wanted, and on the first request too! Boy these are swell folk.

"I, uh, thanks." he bows to his betters and scoots to the kitchen to get his gear, and find a place to live!

Happy to hand-wave an apartment somewhere that he'll never be in. Just wanted to get Yambul anchored a bit.

At another time...

"...then I am thinking of assembling a Team to head out to Scrapwall and sort out what is going on with these Rust Jerks and Hellion.” he raises his eyebrows to and fro at members of the current group, as if innocently fishing for volunteers to be on the Team.

"Oh? You think they're going to be a problem huh?"

Yambul knows what Baine would do. After all he was one of the first into the water when the torch went out. But Baine was in no condition to head out to Scrapwall. The answer seems clear to him. He'll join Zzvkgrogk on this expedition.

"Yeah, I'll go." he adds without waiting long for the obvious answer to his question.

Chaance waits until the members of the expedition have been dismissed, before she entertains the many loose threads that continue to dangle from the frayed circumstances.

"Did it sound like Soceal asked us to remove Garmen? I couldn't read the room very well."

"I'm unclear. We know that the starship's reactor was providing its energies to the Power Relay. Did we figure out what was connecting to the Power Relay on the other end? Will the recipient of the Power Relay's energy know that something has interrupted its feeding here in Torch and come looking to renew the Relay?" Chaance looks at Zzvkgrogk.

"Unless you mean to meet them in Scrapwall?"

The elf removes her goggles, and cleans them, while squinting at the ysoki, waiting for him to answer Rhoreen's question about connections in Scrapwall.

...

"Did it sound like Soceal asked us to remove Garmen? I couldn't read the room very well."

"I dunno. I mean, I don't like him either, but we don't have enough evidence to deal with him appropriately. So I think we wait."

Yambul thinks a moment, "If he's as bad as I figure he is, he'll do something we can pin on him eventually." He grins.

He turns to Zzvkgrogk, "So when are we leaving?"

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Easiest way to get there.

"Did it sound like Soceal asked us to remove Garmen? I couldn't read the room very well."

Rhoreen thinks back to the discussion and realizes that if that was implied, she completely missed it.

"I'm not sure. I don't think so? But I really don't know. We could ask I suppose. But when they say 'remove', I hope they mean 'arrest' and not 'murder', but like Yambul says, we don't have a lot of evidence though I am pretty sure he's guilty of all of it."

"So when are we leaving?"

"What? You're going to? I thought...I thought you'd had other things to do?" Rhor thinks about the mounds of unwashed dishes. It's clear that this makes Rhor more likely to ask Zzvkgrogk if she can come too.

"Garmen seems quite adept at staying just within the lines, or at least maintaining plausible deniability in the event one of his money making schemes is uncovered." Rūha steeples two of her hands together while two others are folded behind her back. "Very resilient. Like a cockroach. We've got plenty like him back home. If the Council has the will for it, they'll get him on something once he burns enough bridges."

At Zzvkgrogk's suggestion, Rūha nods "Well then we'll be going to together still. Though I might have a slightly different goal in Scrapwall, I don't think I'm opposed to yours either. And it will be quite a lot safer in a larger group. Scrapwall sounds quite dangerous, if it produced Meyanda's people."

”Oh? You think Lords of Rust are going to be a problem huh?"

”They already are a problem, they have clearly thrown off the balance of power in Scrapwall to the detriment of most.”

””Oh, you’re going to do that, are you, <*sound*>” Rhor makes a sound like a kelpie farting in a bog.”That sounds…interesting. Is that something important for you to do? I’m sorry, did you say you had family there as well?”?”

”Oh, yes!” Zzvkgrogk exclaims emphatically . ” And you should come and at least meet ClockMother Dinvaya – er, – if for nothing else than the novelty of meeting a twin. She also has the best peanut brittle in all of Numeria!”

”As for me, I would like to seek out Redtooth, but I don’t want the Rust Jerks allies following me and hence – blowing anyone’s cover. So, I want to track down the Rust Jerks first and weaken them further while Redtooth pounds on them from the other side. I suspect Izzkvitgrk is with them, and they know where this Hellion is. Maybe we can even convince them that they are being used – and subvert them. We can start with the android foundry that 'gave birth' to this Meyanda.”

”Did it sound like Soceal asked us to remove Garmen? I couldn't read the room very well."

”What?!” Zzvkgrogk considers a moment before agreeing with Rūha. ”What??! NO! Er, of course not! Don’t be silly! The Council can manage the likes of him. Besides, I think he’s a bit frightened by us.”

”To answer your other question Chaance, I believe a physical Hellion is trapped somewhere near or in the ruins of Scrapwall. I believe this power relay was transferring power to Scrapwall in order to free this Hellion and make it stronger -- like some big giant unstoppable god-like monster. Now that we stopped the power transfer, I am not sure what they will do – all the more reason to get there and strike first!”

”I don't think I'm opposed to yours either. And it will be quite a lot safer in a larger group. Scrapwall sounds quite dangerous, if it produced Meyanda's people."

”All of you are more than welcome to join my Expedition to Scrapwall! But, I do not believe it produced Meyanda’s people. I think Meyanda was, and the explosion caused by my kin at the Foundry in Scrapwall altered her in some way. She really thinks she was 'born' out of that explosion, but in my experience explosions usually throw parts around rather than assemble them! I am understanding 'born' in this context as being nothing more than a metaphor."

He looks further to Rūha. ”What may I ask is your reason to want to go to Scrapwall?”

Rhoreen continues to chew on her lip, thinking about what she wants to do. She’s never been to Scrapwall, and exploring more couldn’t hurt whatever future plans she had: as if she had any. Living day to day had gotten her this far, and might well still serve her.

”When were you thinking about leaving, <*sound*>” Rhoreen makes a sound like a bugbear wringing out some earwax with a pinkie finger.

"I should spend some time upgrading my weapon, and crafting some other things. I am guestimating this will take 2 days, and we can leave in 3 days."

Rūha inclines her head to Zzvkgrogk "I do wonder about Meyanda's story, if her origin is with the Androffan technology, or another source. But when I say Meyanda's people, I am thinking of her Lords of Rust and her band of willing thugs and cultists. I expect we will see more of them rather than less." She adds "As for my reason, I touched on it with the Council. I am curious what person or being understands technology well enough to need the power of the Torch. It's incongruous with all the other things I've seen so far around Golarion. Odd, don't you think? Add the mystery of Meyanda's origin and the implication that more technological ruins lie there in Scrapwall, and I would be remiss not to learn more."

I'll also probably pick up an item or two. Does Torch have general availability on magic headbands/belts with a +2 bonus? And does the 20% merchant discount we got earlier apply?

Rhoreen listens to Ruha explain her thinking and then Rhor smiles broadly. ”Okay then. Yes! I want to go to! <*sound*>?” Rhoreen makes a sound like two tendriculouses rutting in a pecan tree. ”Do you mind if I come as well? With you all going, I think it might be fun. And I might learn a bit. Both about more technology, but also Hellion.” She asks Zzvkgrogk with a hopeful smile on her face.

”All of the sudden it seems like I have a lot to do! We leave in three days, you say?” she confirms, trying to plan all what she needs to accomplish. ”Yes, I can be ready. Are we walking? Or taking horses?”

"Do you mind if I come as well?"

Zzvkgrogk hands Rhoreen a ginger beer with a straw. "Oh, I was hoping you would come, Calliope! Was counting on it, even! We need your advanced Jinxies and your auto-hit wand with the very special so easy to say trigger word... What was it again? Also, your crafting skills and know-hows. And, I suspect you have more skills waiting to be tapped! It will be fun!"

"And hopefully we'll be able to all sample ClockMother's tea and peanut brittle!"

There is some knowledge commonly known by Torch locals about the way to Scrapwall that Val is happy to share with those of you not from the region on the day before your departure "It is a 105 miles journey to Scrapwall, through the Numerian plains and along the First Blade's Path, then North to the Sellen river" she explains "You could also take the Seven Tears river to the south and then the Sellen river to the north. It is twice as long of a travel, but a safer one"

"Whatever path you do choose, I suggest you make a stop at Aldronard's Grave. It is a small fort located on the west bank of the Sellen River directly across from Scrapwall, this fortress is often unoccupied, but if any crusaders are there, they could well have some information about the current situation in Scrapwall to share." she hands a bag with food for at least a week to each of you, well stoked with fruits, cheese, and even some pickled meat "This, I have taken from the pantry what I could. Aldronard's Grave is also the only stable place in miles around, so it could be a good place to rest or a base of operations"

"I like the flexibility of traveling by foot. You really see the country that way. That and I don't know how to ride a horse. I've only ever seen them from a distance really..." he trails off sheepishly.

Quite frankly, until very recently the thought of even having the money to buy a pony was beyond his thoughts. But something that big under him with no control? That doesn't sound good at all.

Still, he turns to Zzvkgrogk, "But if you want to ride, I guess I'll figure out how." He grins.

Knowledge Local - Scrapwall: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

"Scrapwall's gangs seem pretty ruthless. Hopefully we won't run afoul of them."

He'll spend the next few days, while waiting to depart, working in the kitchen. He apologizes to his employers that he'll be gone a while, and tries to do as much as he can to leave them prepared.

Rhoreen tries to call up any maps she's recently seen of Numeria, and what might be around them.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 Know (Geography) - Aldronard's Grave
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 Know (Geography) - Scrapwall

Realizing little about the area, but with Yambul's warnings, Rhoreen thinks about how best to prepare for the trip. She hands each player a little note with very detailed instructions on how each party member can contribute to a safe and sane trip:

Rhoreen begins to shop and prepare.

Yambul chuckles at the note, but does put in 260gp. He knows he'll be in front of many of the fights, and he'll be getting hurt.

Ruha eyes Yambul incredulously as he casually agrees to a 105 mile hike through dangerous wilderness. Even if it was a beautiful park, 105 miles was a truly outrageous distance to attack on foot. "I've never ridden a horse either, but sounds many times quicker and safer than walking. Actually, maybe a nice cart would be an even better idea. A proper seat."

She goes looking for a horse and cart for sale.

KN Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
KN Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Anyone have handle animal?

”OH, thank you Val!” he says looking down at the prepared provisions. ”These are among my favorite!!”

"I made some other provisions:". He lays down all that he made (link) for all to partake of what they might want. He keeps a bottled lightning for himself.

Detailed Note of Preparation:

Zzvkgrogk raises an eyebrow and espies Rhoreen.

He shrugs silently looking at her warily, and adds to the party ‘kitty’.

”Are we walking? Or taking horses?”

”Hor-ho-uuh, what?!” Definitely cat. They’re in league with horses. ”Uh, no – I - no ride horses. I mean" no horses "I don’t ride… uh… I walked. Even took the safe way…”

He looks at Rūha. ”It was longer and safer, but we’re stronger now… but they’re in the same boat. We either meet them halfway, or nearer to Scrapwall. I am not fussy. Maybe ClockFather Joram has a more direct route. Let us go inquire.”

He pitches in for a cart. How much?

He looks again at the provisions. Could use some more ginger beer. He slaps down a gold on the counter and packs a few more ginger beers and straws.

Knowing Scrapwall

Zzvkgrogk clears his throat. ”I will tell you all I know.” Please read spoilers up to =20.

Rūha asks around and gets to know a local farmer is selling his cart. A visit to the place finds her a horse and a small cart at a fair and standard cost. The farmer looks at the four armed woman but just picks up the money and says no comment when the coin is offered. Zzvkgrogk pays a part of the standard cost.

Yambul clients look at Val when he communicates his absence, they swallow scared and look back at the Kellid "Please be back soon"

Yambul clients look at Val when he communicates his absence, they swallow scared and look back at the Kellid "Please be back soon"

”Oh I’ll be fine, thanks. You two take care.” It can’t be as bad as Zzvkgrogk suggests, can it?

He’ll pile his gear on the wagon and climb aboard on the appointed day. He’s excited to get going - Off on an ADVENTURE!

He’s not sure what the group will find in Scrapwall, but he feels confident Zzvkgrogk and the other smart folk will navigate the puzzles and complexity. He takes out and admires his new blade. That’ll help with the rest. He looks to the east and the rising sun and grins!

Light Horse + Light cart is 125 gp total, so 25 gp for each of us.

Ruha looks over the animal with skepticism, then hopefully at the other three - skipping over Yambul - that they might know more about driving animals than she does.

Rhor will kick in for the cart, happily, as then she won’t have to lug her own gear around.

”I can’t drive the cart. I’m not really good with animals. Mechanics, I can do, but animals don’t obey the laws of physics or magic,” Rhoreen explains about the cart idea.

And Rhoreen will copy Zzvkgrogk in telling everyone about Aldronard’s Grave, see spoiler above.

”…and so maybe we go to Aldronard’s Grave on the way. It’s the only civilized spot on the way.” Map. But the Grave isn’t on there, but will trust it’s just too small for it.

Yambul happily pays Rüha for the horse and cart. "Good idea and cheaper than what I was thinking."

He piles a blanket (or two!) on his part of the cart and has a sit down. Gotta protect the tush. He looks at Rhoreen's map and nods, "Sure why not. Aldronard's Grave sounds like a place that could use our gold, so we can resupply there in case we need it."

He'll try working with the horses. "Easy there, just go forward and stuff."
Handle Animal (take 10): 10 + 0 = 10

It's trained only, but it's a DC 10 to get them to do their basic commands. Can we do this, or do we need to hire a driver?

"Oh, it looks as though you have a knack for it Yambul." When the horse suddenly snorts, she backs off a step and says "Or maybe not. Well, perhaps we have to learn to come to an accord with the beast."

At Rhor's suggestion, she nods "Seems a good plan. At the very least they'll know more about the area and have up to date news. I wonder if Meyanda's group was large or important enough that it's existence is general knowledge even outside Scrapwall?" She crosses a pair of arms and she uses the others to help vault up into the bed of the wagon.

Are we handwaving food and supplies or should we deduct a flat amount for them?

Chapter 2: Lords of Rust by Nicolas Logue

You invest a few days preparing for your trip. The horse seems a bit reticent at first, but he follows the basic commands given by Yambul to advance and stop. These days also offer Baine the chance to show really how much he is recovering. The man asks you multiple times about what you found below, checks with enthusiasm the materials you brought and starts planning how he can use some of the objects and concepts for new devices "As soon as I am fully recovered, I am decided to go down there and find out how that stuff is working by my own"

The day of your departure, both him and Val are there, along with Dolga and Joram Kyte to give you farewell. The High Clockfather takes his holy symbol and puts it on Rhoreen's hands "There is a personal request I would like to give you. I hope you do not get much offended by this child, but there is a last wish of an elder man that would make his last days a bit more shiner"

"I do believe that an old associate of me, a woman named Dinvaya, took up residence in Scrapwall after she was forced to flee from the Technic League’s persecution many years ago. Recently I have received indication she might be there still alive" Joram looks down at Zzvkgrogk at this point "I have not been able to contact her after what happened in Lackthroat. If you come across with her, please give her my personal symbol of Brigh as a token to show Dinvaya in order to help earn her trust."

The man hesitates for a second, then adds "Please, just let her know that the Technic League’s interest in her has passed and there's a place for her in Torch if she wishes to rejoin... society." Joram smiles and vows slightly at you "At the very least, I would like confirmation of her state or if she is no longer living in Scrapwall."

He then takes his golden geared rod, the one he has been using to lesser extend your water breathing and puts it into Rhoreen's hand as well "Take this with you child. You have learnt more than I can teach. You need it more than me now"

Val gives you some food for the trip as well, she kisses Zzvkgrogk in one cheek and Yambul at the other "Please, take care of each other. And give those Hellionites a bump on my behalf."

With that, and once all of you are ready, they give you farewell ensemble and start to walk the gates out of the town with the help of your cart while people stop to see how their heroes depart on a new adventure.

Yambul blushes at Val's kiss - though he notes Zzvkgrogk was kissed first. He's not jealous. Well, not much anyway.

He grins though at the thought of the road ahead as he climbs up in the driver's chair and sits on his blanket.

"There is a personal request I would like to give you. I hope you do not get much offended by this child, but there is a last wish of an elder man that would make his last days a bit more shiner"

"Yes, of course," Rhoreen says, uncertain why he thinks this might offend her. She is not offended. In fact, she is honored and takes the holy symbol to store in a place of safety. "I'll make sure this gets to her. We'll see that she's safe and doing well, and let her know that she could come back here."

And she takes the offered rod with utmost solemnity as it is a gift that she is not sure she is worthy of.

"Wow, this is a good rod. It has many uses," Rhoreen tucks it away, thinking of how best be used to protect herself and others. Ruha, if you want to buy a Pearl of Power 1, Rhor can get you 8 hours of mage armor, and more as we level.

Rhoreen will make somber goodbyes and offer promises that she will return. After all, this is her home, and she has much work to do with the Torch and things to create. She will return.

Oooh, 8 hours! Yep, pearl of power seems smart. I'll get that instead of the extra scrolls.

Ruha doesn't have any roots in Torch or anywhere close by, so seeing the heartfelt farewells leaves her wistful as it tugs at her heart. She stands back to let the others receive both their new duties and the hopes and wishes of their friends and family. With some luck, the whole group would be back here soon enough, all safe and sound. Hopefully.

In the bed of the cart, she takes out the new journal she'd started upon returning from underneath Torch, and jots her thoughts on the town and its precarious position above a decaying reactor. A town of equal parts danger and prosperity.

Would Scrapwall be the same?

The day is torrid and the cicada buzz accompanies you all the way through the fields that surround Torch. Numeria is a wasteland polluted centuries ago by the alien debris, but in here, its south eastern region known as the Numerian Plains, lays its most fertile land, meaning only that crops actually are able to grow here.

After an hour of clattering, the Scrapwall Expedition abandons the last farm field. The only road heads here to the northwest, to Starfall. After a pause for lunch, you instead, go into the wilderness, guiding your cart northeast.

The sun slowly starts to descend, the temperature quickly dropping as the night arrives. You look for a good place to pass the night, there are no caves on these plains and only a few rock formations, but camping below the stars is not that bad.

The next day, you wake up early and resume your trip. The flora is composed by scattered bushes, with only the rare short pine here and there. It is near noon when you spot a crimson tumbleweed rolling in your general direction.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Perception
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 Know (Nature)

Questions: DRs? Weaknesses? Special attacks? Best tea to mix thorns with.

"Look out! Those balls are dangerous!" Rhoreen says, climbing on top of the wagon and hopefully out of reach of the monsters. She draws her wand of force missiles. "They will bleed you dry."

Ha! I bet Zzvkgrogk is happy that I came along for sure now.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Yah, hey dere.

"You guys see that tumbleweed? Do they usually travel in a line of four? I’ve never seen that before, but then I’ve not spent much time out in the wilderness. That's cool.”

He watches the tumbling tumbleweeds in fascination as he continues to guide the horse.

"Look out! Those balls are dangerous!" Rhoreen says, climbing on top of the wagon and hopefully out of reach of the monsters. She draws her wand of force missiles. "They will bleed you dry."

Yambul quickly reigns in the horse and leaps off the cart drawing his falchion. He's defending the horse foremost - he doesn't want to be the one pulling the cart!

Yambul readies his sword while Rhoreen prepares her wand.
I understand you do not try to run away, thus, the rest of you also have a surprise round available to prepare yourselves.

The tumbleweeds tumble slowly towards you, which gives you a chance to react first, except for Yambul who entangles himself with the horse reins and takes a bit more to steady his feet on the ground.

Round 1: Rhoreen, Chaance, Rūha, Zzvkgrogk, Tumbleweeds, Yambul

New Numerian Plains map is now available!