"The 'Tick-Tock' is a drone of some kind capable of repair, but likely not of itself or -- I mean --" he points to the flailing thing. "-- look at it! It has lost its tiny little mind! I'm going to try and grab it and shut it off."
Eyeing the device, Zzvkgrogk pulls out a small wooden replica of an archery target and casts a spell.
You think the metal creature is malfunctioning and will dismantle the whole building unless stopped. As it comes to the half-elf's understanding, the most logically procedure to achieve this result is to dismantle the metallic creature before this happens.
You think the robot damage, mainly due to pass of time and lack of care, has finally produced the corruption of the controlling program, and now it is confusing the house as something that needs repairing, but it is dismantling it instead.
The only fastest way to prevent this, and probably the only way given your current resources, is to dismantle the thing before it destroys the house.
Yambul finally loses control of the butter-knife, and leaves it in the ground for impossible.
Bits and pieces of the drone's chassis are missing, exposing the delicate circuitry within, and it makes loud and tortured grinding noises as it keeps removing stone by stone.
"Awwg! It's out of control! It thinks it is repairing the house, not destroying it! We'll have to take it apart to stop it!"
Zzvkgrogk attempts to subdue the thing.
He looks for an off switch anyway.
"Yes," Rhoreen half-hacks & half-coughs & half-burps with an open mouth, not to be rude, but in an attempt to agree with Zzvkgrogk by saying her rat-friend's name. "<*sound*> is right. We have to dismantle it for now."
Rhoreen has moved twice and will pass the turn.
Rūha quickly looks over the small robot, trying to spot an obvious way to disable it. The technology is surprisingly unfamiliar, despite what should be logical similarities between robots of a common purpose. Still, its simple enough that she's able to make some sense of it.
"The quickest would be to pull out the power source Zvvkgrogk, rather than wrestling it. Whether it intends to or not, it's currently a danger to others." She reaches over as she comments, extending a single hand with two fingers extended. she delivers a sharp jab, aiming for a pair of wires that may very well connect to a power source.
Chaance shrugs her shoulders, drawing her rapier. She can't see a way other than to jam something into its cogs/joints/parts, to stop it from swinging its bits and smashing things to bits.
"Nothing personal, metal friend. You don't know what you're doing, but you can't be faulted for that, not in your current working state."
The elf thrusts at the most volatile moving part on the TickTock, hoping to grind it to a halt.
Yambul keeps dragging her body inside. He starts to wonder if he's dragging her in to be killed... or to be saved?
Which end of that discussion is he going to be on? He wonders.
Zzvkgrogk uses some magical archery replica for insight on his fight.
Rhoreen moves and keeps moving until she reaches the TickTock.
Well decided to stop the metal creature, Rūha puts her hand through the hole in the broken shell, and pulls out a few cables. The drone pips and beeps and sparks jump around as it turns towards the four-armed one.
Chaance draws a rapier and readies herself, trying to find an empty space to reach the TickTock.
Yambul goes after the fallen woman out of the window.
The metal creature turns around, its blazing “eye” in the center of its head turning to face Rūha while changing to an intense red "*beep* ବିପଦ ଚିହ୍ନଟ *piip* ଧ୍ୱଂସ *buup* ବିନାଶରେ *tatata* ଆତ୍ମ-ସଂରକ୍ଷଣ ମୋଡ୍ *puy*"
"*beep* hazard detected *piip* self-preservation mode on *buup* destroy *tatata* destroy *puy*"
It bashes her with its vaguely humanoid arms, but Rūha performs an skilled evasive maneuver.
At the same time, Zzvkgrogk jumps over the drone, the metal creature bashes him with a painful slam in the face, but nevertheless the rat-man manages to grab himself to the top of the metal shell.
You clearly see the location of the battery that Arturo introduced, but you know it will be depleted by now and picking it up will not stop the robot. The energy is already loaded in its core components.
The space is profited by Chaance to go in and stab her rapier through the red "eye". The metal crashes the crystal glass and disrupts a lot of components inside. With sparkles and a sudden electrical flash, the creature goes off, turned to pieces.
Meanwhile Yambul picks up Bella's body and carries her inside, although by now the full tavern is outside. Farmer Old Man Cogsburn negates with the head "Technic Leaguers... this is no good... no good business... I still remember the summer of the 75th... they fell upon the tribe and took for slaves anyone who would not yield to their control"
Emelia Otterbie asks with worried eyes "Is Val ok?"
Registering the two humans, you will find the following.
2x shortsword
2x sling
2x studded leather
2x spellbook (all magus cantrips, shocking grasp, grease, enlarge person, shield, obscuring mist)
1x scroll of obscuring mist
1x scroll of ray of enfeeblement
1x battery
1x silverdisk
1x A strange metallic tube with a needle at the tip and a trigger at the other side.
This is a timeworn brown nanite hypogun. You can inject yourself the nanites inside for a quick healing.
The device has 10 charges left.
Yambul strips the saleable gear from their bodies and hands over the technological stuff to others to examine/identify.
"Gosh, do you think the Technic League will send someone after this lot? Can any of you fix this thing?" He gestures to the robot thing the group attacked while Yambul was out body-snatching.
Full of questions but no answers he'll check that Val is OK and then head back to the kitchen while the others decide what to do. There he clears the grill of anything that'll burn, and grabs his gear, suiting up as he rejoins the others.
He feels they might be fleeing soon, and wants his falchion when they do. Naturally, he'll fight with his chef's knife to get it sheathed (until the grease expires anyway).
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'Strange' and 'metallic' are two very interesting things to Chaance, and to Chaance, that's the way they'll continue to be, until someone more familiar with the tube yields more intelligence.
The elf slowly pulls her rapier back, convinced that something just jolted her forearm as the blade passed through the eye. "Well, that was exciting. And sad. We didn't kill them, did we?" Chaance looks at the ratman atop the metalman. "Can you... I hope I didn't..." She sheathes her rapier like a child stowing a second rock.
The elf remains inside Val's house, hearing voices of the Foundry already outside and observing.
"Gosh, do you think the Technic League will send someone after this lot?"
Chaance sets her teeth, and inhales slowly. "Does anyone know if they're officers? I'm ill-informed about this Technic League, but it sounds authoritative, so we should expect some accounting for their injuries. Certainly, they'll take our intervention personally."
Zzvkgrogk falls off of the android onto the floor on his tail, watching the stars spin around his head for awhile.
"Oof." He espies the metallic needle tube.
"Luck!" He grabs the needled tube and sticks it into his arm and injects the contents into his body.
"It's a brown nanite hypogun. The nanites inside can repair your wounds and alleviate sickness. There are 9 charges left, if anyone needs it."
He collapses back onto his back to enjoy the healing until it is time to run.
The drone is beyond repair now, although some of its parts and components could be used for crafting or sold for scrap money, but no more than a few silvers probably.
The Technic League equipment is another thing though, and Zzvkgrogk is quick to administer himself a dose. Microscopic nanites quickly work to reconstruct part of the ratfolk's skin, closing the wound.
You find the man is alive but quickly degrading. Pinky is somehow better but still bleeding out towards death.
Yambul finds Val is ok other than a few scratches in the face and arms, and some pain on her hair "Do not worry about the kitchen good Yambul, it seems everyone is here and not very thinking on the food right now..." the Kellid points with her face as the farmers and other clients make it inside the house to look with curiosity at what happened.
Farmer Old Man Cogsburn points to the stripped metallic remains in the ground "You can see, Old Man Cogsburn told you, all that technic-thing is going to bring us doom. Our Kellid ancestors learned good to stay away time ago. The best you could do, shattering that thing. I do congratulate you for your deeds young ones" the man knocks the ground with his walking staff.
Meanwhile the brunnete that was having lunch by the window approaches and checks the pulse of the fallen ones "If I was you, I would throw these ones were their bosses never get to know about them again. Defection and death among the ranks of the Technic League is not something unknown." the man stands up and observes Zzvkgrogk's skill using the needled device "I fear we have not been presented, my name is Sanvil Trett, and I am a traveling merchant and tinkerer who moves from one town to another throughout southern Numeria. If you ever want to know something about that type of stuff or sell pieces like that one, look for me at the Market Square. Torch is my favorite stop. Besides, good hands *<Zzroghsh>*" he smiles wide at you.
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Yambul is uncomfortable.
He agrees with this Sanvil Trett's advice. But would he be willing to kill so casually?
"What if we let Desna decide?" he wonders aloud, looking at the bodies. What if one dies and the other lives? What then smart guy?
"No, that won't work." he mutters.
"I think we have to kill them and dump the bodies where they won't easily be found and identified as Technic League. If we don't, we'll be hunted. And Val will lose everything she has for being involved."
"Damn 'League."
He takes his falchion off his shoulder-sheath and hovers over the two dying enemies. He changes the grip on his weapon a few times out of nervousness.
He waits, looking to the others for agreement in this deed which shall bind them together in crime.
"Val, are you alright? I'm sorry this happened," Rhoreen moves to check on Val, still very angry with the aggravated entry and assault. "Those League bastards."
Rhoreen will sit, stand, and vent with Val until she's sure the lady is okay.
"Does anyone know if they're officers? I'm ill-informed about this Technic League, but it sounds authoritative, so we should expect some accounting for their injuries."
Rhoreen shakes her head. She's been mostly ignorant of the League though she has knowingly lived in their shadow for years. She's heard of them, but as a younger person with her own interests, she never took overt interest in them.
She cares not what happens to the League members. She suggest calling in the guards and letting them deal with the intruders.
Rūha glances at the group, then back to the two fallen members of the "Technic League". The lack of interest in trying to save the two thugs strikes her rather abruptly. "Shouldn't you at least decide their fates at whatever legal body you have? Or is murdering people you don't like or are afraid of acceptable in Torch? I expect your written rules wouldn't stand for that." She furrows her brow, then steps over to each of thugs and attempts to stabilize them.
She looks down at Yambul. "Just to be clear, if you insist on this... slaying and dumping of bodies, I'm not going to get in your way. But that will be on you."
Chaance heartens to see Rūha heal the two hooligans. Let's not have our first visit to Torch involve the murder of two Numerians. No, that won't do.
Chaance brightens with another idea. "Why don't we liquidate the drone? If the evidence for their visit is scattered to the winds, would that discourage this Technic League from investigating further? Perhaps I'm naive about such things, but bureaucracy tends to lose interest quickly when it stands to lose resources, or gain little profit."
When Rhoreen mentions the guard, Chaance agrees, and quickly, though not too quickly, if they mean to rid Val's house of the beyondbroken TickTock.
"Val, this is your house, and we stuck our noses in. I would respect your wishes, if you have any."
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"Val, are you alright? I'm sorry this happened," Rhoreen moves to check on Val, still very angry with the aggravated entry and assault. "Those League bastards."
Val's hands are trembling "I cannot believe this. They are causing trouble to us again... if it was not for Khonnir, they would have killed me for their experiments when I was just a child..."
"Please keep them away, if they discover... they should not come around to investigate"
"Shouldn't you at least decide their fates at whatever legal body you have? Or is murdering people you don't like or are afraid of acceptable in Torch? I expect your written rules wouldn't stand for that." She furrows her brow, then steps over to each of thugs and attempts to stabilize them.
"You are not from anywhere close by, are you?" the younger farmer looks a bit shocked to Rūha's words "We can get the local militia involved, but you will not see them going against the Technic League"
"The law of the sword" Old Man Cogsburn speaks up "The strong survives and the weak perishes. That is the law of Numeria. Passed from mouth to mouth from Kellid generation to Kellid generation. We do not need your books full of scrawls, you southerners"
Rūha succeeds at stabilizing the Leaguers.
Meanwhile Sanvil Trett tries to offer you a solution "Look, if you do not want to involve yourselves more with this, I know who could clean this up for you. Visit the Silverdisk Hall, contact Garmen Ulreth. You can give him my name, he owes me a favor or two." the brunette smiles "Of course, if it is true you are going in an expedition into the Black Hill caves, and you find more stuff like that" he points to the dismantled robot "I am expecting you come to sell it to me first than other merchants"
Garmen Ulreth is known to be the owner of the Silverdisk Hall, and the boss of the Ropefists, a known band of local thugs.
Seeing that Val is being tended too, Zzvkgrogk relaxes more and sits up to inspect the rubble.
”Aaaawwwg! We broke it for good!” he laments.
Zzvkgrogk, rolls to his feet, grabs his pack and sifts through the android rubble searching for the batteries and other useful bits.
”We’re taking these, at least. It’s of no use here anymore.” He stuffs things into his pack. ”You – Cook Boy – carry this if you’re to be tagging along,” he says, proffering the stuffed pack to Yambul.
”The best you could do, shattering that thing. I do congratulate you for your deeds young ones"
”Well, gee – thanks,” Zzvkgrogk says, a bit deflated. ”But please understand, it was broken and wouldn’t normally behave this way. Why, if we could have fixed it it could have repaired all the damage it did, and probably more! So, please don’t use this as a reason to condemn technology in general!” The young Ratfolk pleads of the old man.
"If I was you, I would throw these ones were their bosses never get to know about them again. Defection and death among the ranks of the Technic League is not something unknown."
He looks thoughtful as Sanvil speaks, and nods. ”This seems like the safest solution for all concern. We could take them to where Val’s father went when we go search for him. The ‘League won’t look for them there. If they did, they’d probably have their hands on more androids. ” he concludes after thinking hard on it.
”The name’s Zzvkgrogk,” he says to Sanvil. ”I am a fellow tinkerer and hope to make lucrative business with you in Market Square, thanks!”
"What if we let Desna decide?"
”I think Desna has already decided. Do you know what happens to ‘Leaguers when they return to homebase empty handed? Maybe it is better this way. Besides, all that bullying. They seem to have a real unbalanced power grip on this region. If it weren’t for the ‘League, Torch would be fairing much better even without the – er, purple torch that I would like to witness someday. These two knew what they signed up for, though maybe they expected it to be a cushy cheese-walk job.”
He waits to hear Val’s input, as requested by Chaance.
"They are causing trouble to us again... if it was not for Khonnir, they would have killed me for their experiments when I was just a child..."
Zzvkgrogk points through the air at Val's words, clearly trying not to to blow his top. "A very good reason alone to dispatch with them."
As Sanvil speaks, the Ratfolk nods. "Another option -- what do you all think?"
"Very well, let us dispatch them and rid ourselves of the body. The suggestions of how and where to dispose are fine with me. I will help. This isn't how I wanted to spend my night, but apparently, it is where I've ended up. It wasn't my choice," Rhoreen says, picking up the scrolls and a spellbook. "It was clearly their choice."
* * *
Know (Local, untrained)
Rhoreen smiles proudly at John Travolta Sanvil, recognizing him from past markets and taking notes of his offer, and his calm and sensible suggestions.
"Thank you for the offer, Sanvil," Rhoreen notes. "We'll keep that in mind, and hope to find many interesting things when we leave for the caves...tomorrow morning?" Rhoreen looks around, checking to see if others still intended to follow through with the expedition. Rhoreen was still adamant, even if just to keep her promise to Val. But also, if there was more wonders like the automaton, she really wanted to know what lie beneath.
Turning to the party, and with a spellbook to explore back in her tiny apartment, she wonders what else need be said tonight.
"Let us meet at 2nd bell past the breaking of the fast to leave? We'll want to eat and be provisioned before we go. Are you still in, <*sound*>?" Rhoreen doesn't dry heave overtly, but does make a sound somewhat like Zzvkgrogk's name as she look at her rat friend.
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Law of the sword, is it?
Rūha steps back, letting the bloodthirsty locals take over. She's quiet for a few moments, another wave of culture shock washing over her, before she turns her attention to the fallen robot to distract herself from rural 'justice' in action.
She looks over Zvvkgrogk's shoulder, pointing out some promising parts, and tsking how badly its been ruined. "I can't help but wonder if there are more like this one somewhere nearby. I understand this one was found in... ah, it was where all the investigations were headed. The ones with missing people." She nods to Rhoreen "If you plan to go inspect these caves, I would like to join you. If you would have me. I can't promise much prowess if there proves to be anything dangerous, but at least I can be an extra pair of eyes."
She also addresses Val "Val, was it? What can you tell us about your father, so we can keep an eye out for him while we are down there?"
Law of the sword indeed...
She looks down at Yambul. "Just to be clear, if you insist on this... slaying and dumping of bodies, I'm not going to get in your way. But that will be on you."
He licks his lips and nods. He looks decidedly uncomfortable with his decision.
He wrinkles up his nose. The enemy of my enemy…
”Sure, Garmen Ulreth will be fine.”
”We’re taking these, at least. It’s of no use here anymore.” He stuffs things into his pack. ”You – Cook Boy – carry this if you’re to be tagging along,” he says, proffering the stuffed pack to Yambul.
”Er…” Yambul begins. But sure, why not. The little guy can’t carry much, and that’s gotta be hard.
Yambul uses his falchion to make a quick end of each Technic Leaguer. He sighs as the bloody deed is done, "Everything to do with the League dirties the person. They're evil, and they're in charge. So best keep our heads down."
"Let us meet at 2nd bell past the breaking of the fast to leave? We'll want to eat and be provisioned before we go. Are you still in, <*sound*>?" Rhoreen doesn't dry heave overtly, but does make a sound somewhat like Zzvkgrogk's name as she look at her rat friend.
Yambul wipes his falchion off on the dead people. ”I plan to head out as soon as I dispose of these bodies. I don’t intend to wait around for Technic Leaguers to come looking for me.”
”I figure I’ll camp just inside the tunnels, and delve first thing tomorrow.” He looks to the rat, ”That’s where you’re pack will be.”
She also addresses Val "Val, was it? What can you tell us about your father, so we can keep an eye out for him while we are down there?"
”I know him well. We’ll find him.” the young man says with the certainty that only the clueless really have.
Yambul finishes the suffering of the two Leaguers.
Val gives Rūha a good physical description of Khonnir Baine "He is a good man, he..." she looks at the dead bodies of the Leaguers then back to the four-armed woman "Thanks to him, we have drinkable water at Torch. He helped many people" she looks at Yambul and Rhoreen and Zzvkgrogk "Khonnir is part of the Town Council"
"Val, are you there? Is Khonnir back?" you hear a venerable dwarven voice coming from the Foundry tavern. Val stands up hastily "Dolga!" and runs towards the tavern.
Sanvil Trett looks at you "Go do what you need to do. I will make sure someone cleans this mess. "
The farmers seem to get tired and slowly make it back to the tavern.
Emelia is too much in sorrow to process what is going on around.
Back at the tavern, an old dwarven female is sticking an announcement in the news wall "Do not worry child, we will find them" Those of you who have been a time around Torch, know her as Dolga Freddert, the oldest of the Town Council members. An alert and energetic personality, she carries a fine adamantine warhammer hanging from her belt.
The announcement reads:
The Town's Council offers a 4000 gp reward to anyone able to restore the purple flame of Torch.
Also, anyone able to bring back Khonir Bane from his expedition to the Black Hill caves would receive also a 4000 gp reward. If the honorable Councilor of this community is brought back alive, Torch will include in the payment a scroll of resurrection.
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She nods to Rhoreen "If you plan to go inspect these caves, I would like to join you. If you would have me. I can't promise much prowess if there proves to be anything dangerous, but at least I can be an extra pair of eyes."
And four extra hands.
"Of course, you should come. I don't see why not," Rhoreen answers, not looking Rūha in the eyes as she has not processed the feelings, nor the fear, that the tall woman(?) evokes in her.
* * *
Rhoreen pauses to thank Sanvil, taking the spellbook for study and to pack for tomorrow's expedition. It's her first one, her first opportunity, and it might open up new avenues for her.
Rhoreen pauses to read the announcement, quirking an eye. That will get me started on the Prideforge. Especially if we can get the flame going again. Fascinating.
* * *
Come the morning, Rhoreen will be fed and ready to go.
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"Let us meet at 2nd bell past the breaking of the fast to leave? We'll want to eat and be provisioned before we go. Are you still in, <*sound*>?"
Zzvkgrogk III pauses for a moment when realizing Rhoreen is addressing him. He looks at her. How do she make that noise? I can't even make that noise... He shrugs. Close enough.
"I was born ready. I was thinking we would just take the fallen 'Leaguers' into the Black Cave and leave them there... let conclusions be drawn. But our new found ally Sanvil seems to be on top of that," he says taking his pack from Yambul, since departure is set for the morning.
"I need it tonight. Maybe tomorrow you can just carry the 8lbs that is my bedroll and blanket -- if you are coming," he sizes Yambul up a second time. And you better not snuffle on them.
He agrees with Rūha on the useable parts they find.
"If you plan to go inspect these caves, I would like to join you ... but at least I can be an extra pair of eyes."
"The more the merrier!" And something tells me we're gonna need the extra hands, too.
~~~
Back at the Foundry, he reads the announcement. "WWooT! I was going to go just to find my mentor and maybe some cool shiny stuff, but gold is very nice too!"
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"Please keep them away, if they discover... they should not come around to investigate."
"The law of the sword."
"Garmen Ulreth..."
Chaance purses her lips, her silence denoting abstention from the decision to end the lives of the Leaguers. If it promotes the safety of Val... Chaance decides she's better off elsewhere, seeing something in Yambul. Something more than a cook...
The elf watches as the others strip the soon-to-be-departed of their possessions, and can't help but compare the act to stripping the TickTock of its useful parts. The earth won't need the metal and leather, I suppose.
The dwarven woman provides a much needed distraction for Chaance. "Mistress Dwarf, may I have a word?" For some reason within her subconscious, the elf repositions her quiver more central to her back, out of direct view to the dwarf.
"That's a nice hammer. Would you perchaance know if the Town Council is providing rescue teams financial help prior to venturing off on risky expeditions? The 4000 is a wonderful carrot, but we all know the expression, 'she who fails to prepare prepares to fail'? I favor the prepared mind."
Rūha raises a hand to greet the dwarven woman "Dolga! I had started to think you sent me to the wrong town. But then what do I find than a proper robot! Broken, malfunctioning, yes, but a robot nonetheless!" She folds her lower hands together, growing more solemn "Of course, you have my condolences regarding your missing Council member, and all the others that have gone missing. I've decided to join a few others here in their expedition into the caves as well." She waves to the others with a free hand, ending up with pointing to Chaance, who has come up close already.
"Maybe not what you had in mind when you invited me, but those starmetals will have to wait."
Sanvil Trett looks at you "Go do what you need to do. I will make sure someone cleans this mess. "
”You’re a good man. Thank you.”
In the back of his mind he wonders if he just put himself in the man's pocket. Will he destroy the evidence... or use it against me later?
Yambul follows the others back into the bar. He adjusts his gear, getting it situated with the rat’s pack and his own. He peers at the poster. Wow that’s a lot of gold!
He’s surprised by such a large sum. Clearly the town was taking this seriously. And a like amount for the master! Cream on the cake.
”I suppose I can stay and work the dinner rush at least.” he mumbles as it’s clear no one else is going with him this night. He shrugs, and piles his things back in the corner and gets back to the grill.
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"That's a nice hammer. Would you perchaance know if the Town Council is providing rescue teams financial help prior to venturing off on risky expeditions? The 4000 is a wonderful carrot, but we all know the expression, 'she who fails to prepare prepares to fail'? I favor the prepared mind."
Dolga gives a serious look to the elf "I will give each of you a writ that you can show to any of the merchants in town for a flat 20% discount on any gear you need to purchase—I wish I could offer a greater discount than that, but that’s the best I can do."
The dwarf raises his eyes suddenly noticing the four-armed one "Rūha. You are here. I am sorry there is no trace of the flames I promised you to find in Torch. I see you are up to date with the news... Many thanks once more, your knowledge on identifying all those skymetals was invaluable. I am happy to know you are willing to join this new expedition"
Meanwhile Val speaks to Chaance following the conversation on help "If you are to look for father, you can use the tavern, free of charge, as a headquarters and a place to rest between forays." she turns to Rūha "I... I do not know what are the needs for food and bed for those like you, but you are also invited to stay... Ru-Rooa"
The blonde Kellid, still shaking from the previous encounter, also follows on Yambul's conversation "Oh, good Yambul, if you are to depart with the expedition, and with father missing, I think it is better to close down the Foundry, at least for the time being..."
Dolga nods, then turns again towards the elven female "There is perhaps some extra help you can receive from the Council. The entrance to the caves is flooded. You'll need to swim a bit to get to the caves. You might want to ask Joram Kyte for help, at the very least he will be able to use water breathing on those valiant members of your expedition. You can find him at the temple of Brigh or up at Crowfeather Palace when you’re ready to go."
"Now, if you excuse me, my presence is required elsewhere. Without the easy waste disposal mechanism the torch was, the streets are crowding with decaying waste... Ah, if only there were less responsibilities to attend I will join with you and put this little one to use once more..." the dwarf pats her adamantine warhammer with love, then vows and departs the tavern.
Some minutes after Dolga departs, you spot a couple of men entering Val's home. It calls your attention they have ropes coiled around their arms and hands. When you go there, the corpses of the Leaguers and any trace of their existence, have been removed.
---
The next day you wake up with the tavern already closed, but a nice breakfast ready at the table "With father missing I have the responsibility to buy supplies and keep the workshop running. I hope you excuse me if I do not join your expedition. I am worried I would be more hindrance than help anyway" says Val while you ready to depart.
The entrance to the Black Hill caves was recently discovered by Khonnir Baine while he was inspecting a large number of human footprints on the banks of the Weeping Pond. From what you have been told, there is an underwater passage connecting the pond to the caves below. Khonnir was there the day the fires went out testing the water to ensure it hadn’t suddenly grown more toxic—and he realized that a sizable group of people had entered the pond but had not emerged.
(previous night, at the foundry)
Zzvkgrogk picks up a silver spoon and holds it up to his forehead and peers at his reflection on the shiny back. ”I can’t believe it… “ … a brown nanite hypogun!!! The marvel of the their find finally begins to sink in, and he admires the nanites’ handiworks. He listens while sitting at the bar sipping ginger beer out of a straw as the others greet Dolga.
”Would you perchaance know if the Town Council is providing rescue teams financial help prior to venturing off on risky expeditions?”
Risky… yea… that android nearly cleaned MY ticktock… what was I thinking?
When he hears Rūha mention “expedition”, he slides off his bar-stool and makes his way over to greet Dolga.
”Is it true? Can Torch afford all that?” he asks, pointing to the announcement about the gold rewards and the scroll of resurrection.
”Because – we will find them!”
~~~~
(Present)
Zzvkgrogk thinks on the pond and shudders slightly. ”So, we have to go in there and swim through an underground cave to get to the cave entrance? Zzvkgrogk has no wheelhouse in swimming. I for one would like to be endowed with the power to breathe water, as Dolga suggested.”
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = None
Falchion: Attack: 1 BAB +4 Str +1 Focus Damage: +6 Str Crit: 18-20x2
Dagger: Attack: 1 BAB +4 Str / +2 Dex Damage: +4 Crit: 19-20x2 Range: 10’
Studied: () (move/immediate; +1 att, dam, bluff, knowledge, perception, sense motive, survival)
Prestidigitation (1/1)
The next day you wake up with the tavern already closed, but a nice breakfast ready at the table ”With father missing I have the responsibility to buy supplies and keep the workshop running. I hope you excuse me if I do not join your expedition. I am worried I would be more hindrance than help anyway” says Val while you ready to depart.
”Gee, this is neat!” Yambul digs in though there’s an uneasiness about him. As if he has failed at something, but doesn’t know what it is.
He’ll gather his gear together, and a portion of Zzvkgrogk’s pack, and ready himself for the trials ahead. ”I’m not much of a swimmer, though I’ve been meaning to learn. I suppose with water breathing it won’t matter huh.”
He hesitates and thinks a moment, ”Can you imagine that, breathing water! Wow, cool.”
When everyone is ready he’ll head out to find the priest.
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Rhoreen takes the night with the spellbook, trying to learn what she can both of it and from the scrolls.
She pre-packs the night before, making a careful packing, mindful of the water that the guards the entrance and taking nothing that might be destroyed by water.
She will buy a waterproof sack in the morning to put her rations and torches and soap within.
Her pack slows her down a bit, but as she doesn't know what she'll need, nor how long this will take she feels being prepared is the better part of exploring.
* * *
"Yeah, the priest. Let's see about water breathing. I didn't even know that was needed," Rhoreen agrees with Yambul and where to go after finishing breaking fast.
Rūha offers a small bow to Dolga "No, I should be thanking you for extending help to a true stranger."
She inclines her head to Val "The name is Rūha, and I will gladly take you up on that offer. Its either that or experience just how garbage-filled the streets are getting, up close. Rest assured, I will be quiet and don't need anything special at all. Just a little privacy."
True to her words, Rūha disappears into her assigned room once she picks up some food and drink from whatever is available. The next morning she brings down her plates and mugs, all of which have already been cleaned. She gives them another rinse and returns them to the kitchen.
-----
Rūha joins the rest of the impromptu new team as they start talking about the approach to the caves. "Nor am I particularly adept in the water. Hopefully this won't involve more than a quick dip, but being able to breath underwater couldn't hurt." She leaves most of her belongings in the Foundry, taking only a small oiled satchel with some supplies.
"I will give each of you a writ that you can show to any of the merchants in town for a flat 20% discount on any gear you need to purchase—I wish I could offer a greater discount than that, but that’s the best I can do."
Chaance pats her belt pouch, hearing very little coin to rub together, given the kind offer, so smiles and bows her head to the esteemed dwarven woman. "We can only try to do our best." The elven woman isn't sure if it's a consolation or not to the writ writer.
"If you are to look for father, you can use the tavern, free of charge, as a headquarters and a place to rest between forays."
Chaance's shoulders relax a little, as the tavern keeper demonstrates her own kindness. "That is very much appreciated, thank you. I hadn't secured lodging yet, and that task is now complete, at your courtesy." The elf starts to remove her gear at their straps, at least, figuring she'll be able to tuck them away shortly.
"There is perhaps some extra help you can receive from the Council. The entrance to the caves is flooded. You'll need to swim a bit to get to the caves. You might want to ask Joram Kyte for help, at the very least he will be able to use water breathing on those valiant members of your expedition. You can find him at the temple of Brigh or up at Crowfeather Palace when you’re ready to go."
Valiant members, are we? Chaance looks to each of the others, gauging their reactions to the obstacle of high waters. She has no fear, for her time on the rivers, but cave spelunking is less appealing. We're due for some pond mud, it seems. Just remember not to keep your eyes open too long, and clear your nostrils expeditiously.
The elf finds some small comfort in knowing she's not the only one residing in the Foundry for the night. "Rūha, if you're a light sleeper, I can keep you company in the early hours. I hardly need rest, but I do require some quiet, some privacy, like you." Chaance smiles all the way to the corners of her eyes at the strange humanoid.
...
When the morning comes, Chaance is up and at it. Some gear secured for the expedition, some secured in her room(the more delicate items), the promise of a visit to the priest for some special gift to breathe underwater without the fear of drowning, it's making out to be quite a day ahead.
She looks for Rūha first, then the others, hoping their resolution shines as brightly as the day before to strike out and find Khonnir Baine and others.
"Yeah, the priest. Let's see about water breathing. I didn't even know that was needed,"
"Yeah, it is flooded. Baine said that and the water murkiness is what preserved the caves in secret all this time in the first place" offers Val.
---
Remember the rumors about the headaches? Well, Yambul wakes up with one of those. His head aches with a terrible migraine.
You can confirm that Yambul's headache is not caused by illness or poisoning, but by some other intangible effect—since the headaches didn’t start until after the torch went out, logic indicates that they are connected, somehow, to whatever’s going on under Black Hill.
You also think a lesser restoration or more powerful similar spell, might remove the headache.
After breakfast and some preparations, you make it into the streets. As Dolga explained yesterday, the streets are starting to smell badly, packed with the filth accumulated of more than a week without the flame's easy waste removal. People look bothered, but keep piling waste on the streets.
They stare at you, noticing the big bags and ready weaponry. Rūha in particular takes most of the attention.
Before heading to the Weeping Pond, you make a stop at the Temple of Brigh .
Bronze wind chimes and clockwork statues decorate the domed portico of this compound dedicated to the goddess of invention. Inside, the temple looks more like a meticulously organized workshop than a shrine of worship. A small shopfront sells magic items and gear.
The temple sells most items under 2400 gp value, and then some up to 5000 gp.
In addition, exposed in a safe area, there are a strange wide-barreled metal tool with rocket-propelled magnesium charges , a scroll of find traps (CL 10th), three scrolls of restoration, a scroll of raise dead, and a wand of rebuke technology (11 charges).
The temple also offers crafting on demand and also enchanting services with divine magic.
Joram Kyte is tinkering forging some kind of metallic big box with small wheels and a movable cover. The man turns, removing the mask he is using to protect himself from the tinkering, and addresses you with friendly demeanor when he notices you in his workshop "Ah, good morning young ones. How are you doing my dear Rhoreen. Do not tell me, you are going in an expedition to find about Baine's fate, I see you are well equipped for adventure at the least..." the man smiles his eyes filled with tender love "I knew this day would come"
Once the priest is properly updated about your intentions, he will freely offer an extended water breathing blessing, giving each of you the ability to breath underwater for the next 5 hours.
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Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = -1 penalty on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma skills (1/24h), water breathing (1/5h)
Falchion: Attack: 1 BAB +4 Str +1 Focus Damage: +6 Str Crit: 18-20x2
Dagger: Attack: 1 BAB +4 Str / +2 Dex Damage: +4 Crit: 19-20x2 Range: 10’
Studied: () (move/immediate; +1 att, dam, bluff, knowledge, perception, sense motive, survival)
Prestidigitation (1/1)
Yambul has a headache. And it’s a splitter.
(headache) vs DC 20
He tries a little beer with his breakfast, to take the edge off, and it seems to do the trick - for a few moments here and there anyway. If he holds his head ‘just so’ it seems better, but only for a moment as well. He sighs, and just plows through it, doing the best he can to put it to the back of his mind.
While he concentrates on his head though, he misses what Joram is saying, ”What, oh? Five hours? That’s very gracious. We’ll make sure we’re back by then so we don’t get trapped under the water. That would be bad.”
He thinks a moment, and it takes a moment. But he imagines someone smarter than he is and asks them, ”What would you do?”
He thinks on their response before saying, ”Is there any way we could get a potion, or a few, of that water breathing? If we find Khonnir and his team, they won’t be able to get out. I expect any watery protections they may have had are long gone.”
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Groggily, Zzvkgrogk joins the others at the breakfast table. Hood off, he looks like he has a very serious case of bedroll head. He thanks Val for the cheese muffin as he climbs into a chair.
”Mmffanfthgs,” he says after taking a big bite. He washes it down with a ginger beer, oblivious to Yambul’s pain.
”So, this Garmen Ulreth as you might know, is the owner of the local gambling house, so,” he pauses searching for words. ”Well, I’m not much of a gambler, have kind of a mild distaste for that kind of business. So just be aware, there could be some shadiness.” He throws his hood up over his head. ”Garmen is considering moving out of town due to the lack of trade due to the lack of flame, though.”
When he arrives at the temple, he approaches the alter with the proper humbleness, slides into a pew and says a quick prayer.
Oh Goddess of Time, I am not worthy of the hammer, but please bless us with a little bit of luck. Please let us find Khonnir alive!
He gets up performing more customary rituals before approaching ClockFather Kyte. ”Good day, ClockFather. I hope this day finds you well. This is my team,” he says, introducing everyone as they walk up. ”We’re going into Black Cave to find Khonnir, and see what can be done about that purple flame-y thing I’ve heard so much about.”
He lauds the Lad Cook for his thinking. ”Oh, yes. I doubt we’ll find anything useful like that in the Black Cave.”
On the way to Joram Kyte's, Rūha comments "Yambul, I have not been here very long, but assuming you didn't drink heavily last night, I expect your headache might be linked to something in the environment. Maybe your body acclimated to the radiation given off by a large energy source, like the Torch, and now you're going through a sort of withdrawal. Hmmm..." She rests two of her hands together "Or it might not be. That is only a guess. In any case, I expect it'll linger quite a while unless you find a magical remedy."
Ruha is happy to let Zzvkgrogk do the talking - the ysoki seems to know the priest well - and follows only with "Pleasure to meet you, and thank you for the aid." She looks over the clockwork statues and imagery of divine machinery all throughout the Temple of Brigh, a thoughtful glint in her eyes. Something about them clearly intrigues her.
'But there will be plenty of time for that later.'
She submits to the spell, bowing, and says "Five hours may seem like a long time, but we would like it to last long enough for us to both get in and out again. If there is enough inside to explore for several days, I suspect five hours will seem quite short."
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"How are you doing my dear Rhoreen?"
Rhoreen smiles proudly, and goes to offer Joram a hug. Joram has been a foster father to her for years, and holds affection for the man. He has always been kind.
"Hello, Joram, yes, you have heard correctly. I am going to try my hand at trying to find out what happened to the flame. I would not be here with out your support," Rhoreen cheers. It has been a LOT of hard work, but *I* have done it. Here I AM!
Rhoreen smugs to herself.
"Yes, if you wouldn't mind sharing a bit of magic to let us get into the underwater area, that would be nice, though I'm not quite sure how we are to get out," Rhoreen says, thinking things through, but then forgetting it in the heat of the moment, youthfully. "I'm sure we'll find a way out once the Flame is lit."
"I expect any watery protections they may have had are long gone.”
"That's correct, but what's most important is that we find them again, THEN we'll worry about getting them out. I'm sure we can work it out once we find them," she offers, hopefully.
Rhoreen will accept the blessing, and hug Joram once again on the way out.
”Maybe [Yambul’s] body acclimated to the radiation given off by a large energy source… Or it might not be. That is only a guess. In any case, I expect it'll linger quite a while unless you find a magical remedy."
The Ratfolk shifts uncomfortably on his feet, and sheepishly pulls out the brown nanite hypogun. ”Uh… well. This might help, but it’s… flaky,” he shrugs, offering it to Yambul.
"Alternatively, I snuck a ginger beer, if you'd rather...," he lowers his eyes, apparently more reluctant to part with the latter.
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He thinks on their response before saying, ”Is there any way we could get a potion, or a few, of that water breathing? If we find Khonnir and his team, they won’t be able to get out. I expect any watery protections they may have had are long gone.”
"I fear the other expeditions took all what we had for selling. I can craft some for you..." he pats the large metallic box he is tinkering with at the moment "...but I do need to finish these containers for the waste disposal or the streets will soon be full of rats and flies. How shall I call it? I was thinking on something like 'Stench Prevention Big Iron Can for Sorted Waste Disposal'" the man looks satisfied at the advance of his work.
When he arrives at the temple, he approaches the alter with the proper humbleness, slides into a pew and says a quick prayer.
”.. This is my team, ..”
Joram smiles at the ratfolk display and boldness "Oh, I see, if I was twenty years younger I would follow your lead into the caves Zezefcagrogc, like in my early days at Chesed." the man looks up nostalgic of old times, then turns to you "The Whisperer in Bronze will hear your tinkering. May he bless you with the fortune of the inventor."
The old Clockfather hugs Rhoreen affectionately as you make it out of the temple "Take care of one another. And do not take risks. If things are getting hard or you need healing, come back. Baine would not like you getting hurt for trying to find him. You can always take a second look tomorrow"
You make it back to the streets and walk the less than half mile that separates the temple from the Weeping Pond . At half way, you have the chance to pass in front of the Crowfeather Palace , full of pipes, it reminds you Baine's water cleaning work for the town. A few minutes more walking up and you make it into the pond.
This placid-looking pond is set off from the surrounding area by a crescent-shaped escarpment. No vegetation grows on the banks of this pond, and the waters carry a bitter stink of sulfur and other chemicals, enough to make the eyes water after spending too much time on the shore. The pond is fed by an underwater spring from under Black Hill, but no fish live in these waters, for the pond is tainted by minerals emerging from under Black Hill. A shallow stream runs southeast of the pond and finally empties into Crowfeather Lake.
Many tracks are at simple view around the pond, you suspect some of them are from recent expeditions.
Among the many recent tracks, you also find remains of older ones. A group of a dozen individuals, one among them something big with clawed feet. In the group were also at least four dogs.
The waters seem placid and well tempered, but are quite murky. Anyone making an exploratory dive will discover a tunnel twenty feet below water. After a few feet, it gets very dark though and you will need a safe source of light.
Those murky waters are nauseating, but nothing too bad unless it is a prolonged exposure.
A character who is fully immersed in the waters must make a successful DC 11 Fortitude save to avoid being sickened for 1 minute after emerging from the water.
Drinking water from the Weeping Pond has the same effect but the drinker takes a –4 penalty on the saving throw.
This is a poison effect.
On the way to Joram Kyte's, Rūha comments "Yambul, I have not been here very long, but assuming you didn't drink heavily last night, I expect your headache might be linked to something in the environment. Maybe your body acclimated to the radiation given off by a large energy source, like the Torch, and now you're going through a sort of withdrawal. Hmmm..." She rests two of her hands together "Or it might not be. That is only a guess. In any case, I expect it'll linger quite a while unless you find a magical remedy."
”A magical remedy? Well shoot. Where am I going to find that?” He says in front of the priest.
"That's correct, but what's most important is that we find them again, THEN we'll worry about getting them out. I'm sure we can work it out once we find them," she offers, hopefully.
”Well, OK.” It still doesn’t sound right to Yambul. After all, smarter folk than he plan ahead. But she seems smart, so he lets his concern go.
The Ratfolk shifts uncomfortably on his feet, and sheepishly pulls out the brown nanite hypogun. ”Uh… well. This might help, but it’s… flaky,” he shrugs, offering it to Yambul.
"Alternatively, I snuck a ginger beer, if you'd rather...," he lowers his eyes, apparently more reluctant to part with the latter.
”I dunno.” the young man stares at the technological thing. ”Rūha said it would take magic. Look, it’s really not that bad, I can live with it.”
He considers taking the ginger beer, but lets that go too. The fizzy bits tickle his nose.
He looks around the shoreline when they arrive, out of curiosity.
(headache) vs DC 23
He’ll slip into the water and look around. ”It’s dark down here. I, uh, brought torches, but, er, not underwater you know?”
(headache) vs DC 15
He spits to clear his mouth when he surfaces. "Nasty water that."
vs DC 11
"Water might make you a little sick when you get out, but it won't last too long. I don't think it's radioactive or anything. Just all minerally."
"Don't drink it."
When everyone is ready, light source or no, he'll re-enter the water and head for the tunnel - feeling his way if he must. He's going in.
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"...'Stench Prevention Big Iron Can for Sorted Waste Disposal'"
Zzvkgrogk admires the priest's shiny new trash can. "I have never seen its equal!"
~~~
Zzvkgrogk looks into the pond, then down at his feet.
I bet even the Elf has a little webbing there… He frowns, staring at the water, ungrateful for the way the morning sun doesn’t sparkle and dance on its surface to make it look tempting, inviting, or beautiful.
Someone should make flippers for Ratfolk…
”It’s dark down here. I, uh, brought torches, but, er, not underwater you know?”
”Let me see what I can see. Does anyone have rope? I'll trail it so you can all follow.”
He overcomes his hesitation and despite being able to breath water he takes a deep breath, holds it, and dives in (with one end of a rope should anyone have one) careful not to let any water seep into his mouth.
Rhoreen smiles at Joram, prideful for the support that he offers her so freely...because she's earned it. And when she reaches the cave, she will double check to be sure that some of her items are protected against water, then be ready to dive and swim to the other side.
She will cast light on herself so she might see as she swims, mindful of the dark. She is not a strong swimmer, and cannot imagine having too many chances to learn to swim around Torch.
Fort
And when she emerges from the water, she begins to retch violently, making several angry strangling and spitting noises. But it's not to say Zzvkgrogk name, she is merely feeling nauseated.
When Yambul talks about his problem aloud, Joram asks him to let him examine him "Can I?" he softly nods "Yes, a lot of headaches like this have been happening... there is magical solution but I cannot treat everyone affected. Now, given you are going to the caves, I think it is useful I use this on you" the Clockfather says a few words to honor Brigh while holding his hand on Yambul's forehead. After this, he feels refreshed and the headache has disappeared "You are not the first one to come here young one for help. I fear more and more are coming for the same"
---
Zzvkgrogk takes the water after Yambul, his darkvision easily helping him to locate the entrance tunnel. Then Rhoreen makes it afterwards, magic light produced by her wand, which helps all of you to see in the dark.
Rhoreen starts to feel sickened by the water chemicals.
The waters in the tunnel are placid, making it an easy swim . You can also walk through the bottom, provided you have enough weight to push you down .
Swimming is done at a quarter of your speed, walking through the bottom at half.
The breathing water is an interesting experience for you all, as you feel the oxygen coming in from small gills that have appeared in your necks.
Zzvkgrogk tries to swim at first, but because his lungs are full of air he bobs back to the surface like a bouy. Instead, he slowly deflates thanks to his gills. He sinks to the bottom where he starts walking.
I can't swim because I have no flippers... walking is probably faster anyway.
Still, he trails behind.
Wish I could move through this like a fish. I bet that would be fun!
When Yambul talks about his problem aloud, Joram asks him to let him examine him "Can I?" he softly nods "Yes, a lot of headaches like this have been happening... there is magical solution but I cannot treat everyone affected. Now, given you are going to the caves, I think it is useful I use this on you" the Clockfather says a few words to honor Brigh while holding his hand on Yambul's forehead. After this, he feels refreshed and the headache has disappeared "You are not the first one to come here young one for help. I fear more and more are coming for the same"
”Oh, bless you father - that feels great!” He tips his head this way and that, and in no direction does the headache return. ”Wow, magic is keen.”
- - -
Yambul takes out his chef’s knife. His falchion is just too big a weapon to swing down here. The knife will have to do. Again. He’s starting to think he should’ve kept one of the short swords from the ‘Leaguers. He needs a backup for his backup.
He’ll move forward ahead of Zzvkgrogk now that there’s light (more magic). He has more than enough weight to let him walk along the bottom, so walk he does as it’s faster than swimming. Every so often he touches the gills - carefully for fear they’ll fall off or something. But he can’t not fiddle with them. (Magic!)
Rhoreen, though her stomach is clenching from the foul water, keeps herself at a point where she can provide light for the party. She will move up when Yambul needs to see, happy to have swimming wardrobe in the lead.
Rūha dives in after the rest. The water is filthy, but there's no avoiding it if the group plans to go inside.
She reflexively holds her breath as she dives down. Though she doesn't have much practice swimming it comes easily enough to her that she's able to manage getting down to the tunnel and through it, paddling or pulling herself along the walls of the tunnel the whole way. The presence of handholds and the resistance of the water made it not all that different, really.
When she sees Yambul ahead taking out his knife, she hesitates for a moment - was there really going to be something dangerous in this filth?
You make it through the sunken tunnel without further trouble. Slowly, the slope makes you emerge into a bag of air, and finally into a cave. Rhoreen's light reflects against the stone walls, and penetrates only until certain place, the rest bathed by dim light.
Dampness hangs in the air of this cave, condensing into heavy moisture on the slick, stone walls. The calm, dark waters wind around to the east up north, along a stony, soot-scarred beach. A five-foot-high ledge sporting several stalagmites rises to the east, beyond which a low-ceilinged cave beckons.
The tunnel height here expands, rising in the cave up to 10 feet. Meanwhile, the water averages only 2 feet deep, and maintains the same unhealthy taint found outside in the Weeping Lake.
The foul-smelling air makes the eyes water in this cave, but despite this worrying effect, has no further impact on you. A small, submerged spring winds north from this cave, never emerging into air and soon cinching down to narrow fissures in the rock.
Scorch marks on the shore are all that remain of patches of mold that previous adventurers burned away.
You notice the tracks of several people who climbed up onto the ledge leading to the southeast. This is sign of the previous explorers of the caves.
It does not look too difficult to clamber up the 5-foot-high ledge , although the three stalagmites at the edge are all strong enough to support ropes to aid such an assent.
Hidden within cracks and crevices along the walls you spot four Small sized beetles, looking at you with a mixture of fear and hunger.