The Rusty Flagon Inn (Inactive)

Game Master Nightfiend

Bryndís nods at Talienda's reply. She keeps walking, looking forward rather than at the smaller woman as she speaks.

"Good. I think you are a nice girl. But, the kind of job we do does not reward nice. It is a job about doing harm. Do you have a way to harm others?"

Bryndís's harsh, perhaps slightly caustic accent makes it difficult to use her tone of voice to interpret the spirit in which she speaks. It could be concern, pity, curiosity, or contempt. Walking while carrying a load doesn't allow for body language that might help either.

"I do," Talienda answers.

Here it comes. She'll ask me why I didn't use it, and then they'll kick me out.

Bryndís nods again.

"Good. But you have not harmed anyone, even if they are harming you. If this is because you are nice, or if it is because you are afraid, this must be fixed."

"I will tell you two things you must believe. One, in a fight nice people are not less stabbed to death. They are easy targets for jackals, the ones afraid of a real match. If you seem nice, you are killed by those who are strong, and by those who are weak. You must show them you are not nice, that you hurt others too. If they think you strong, the weak will think twice if you show your teeth."

"If you are afraid, you must understand you will probably die if you do this work. Let me show you something."

Bryndís stops and drops her gear including her armor, which she is carrying rather than wearing. She turns her back to Talienda and lifts her shirt all the way up to her neck, exposing her back. A long tattoo stretches across the top of her back, from shoulder tip to shoulder tip. It depicts a stylized reptilian creature much like a dragon, but without wings.

"Do you know what this is?"

Per GM's subsystem, this gives everyone a +1 bonus HP

I'm going to say yes to this. I do believe I would like to add something to the extra effort you have made in preparing and using this profession. This will result in food for everyone for the day. In addition, unless Wayilant instructs me different, or he is out of commission, I'm going to assume he is refilling everyone on water, seeing he took that as one of his spells. For the day, everyone will recieve a +1 temporary HP. Ceru, please remove 1 lbs. cake mix and the cheese.

Somewhere in the middle of the conversation, Bryndis hears a twig snap from within a nearby large bush. Echo, who has been watching the shrub closely, sits comfortably next to Talienda's leg.

And for clarity's sake. All expended resources have been replenished as in a full night's rest. So, the used channels, spells, etc.

Oh, is that a Linnorm tattoo?

"I do not."

Talienda thinks she hears something, but more notices that Echo is acting kind of odd. The cat begins purring and begins moving back and forth while rubbing up against your leg. It's almost like the cat is a bit over comfortable.

Sorry, I didn't refresh the page when I posted.
Perception(Can Talienda see what caused the twig snap?): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

It is a linnorm, yes. But I guess that will have to wait.

Bryndís yanks her shirt down and quickly draws her sword, scanning the direction of the bush with all senses.

"Be on guard. There is something with us."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Can Talienda see what caused the twig snap?

Bryndis (Perception 26) Bryndis clearly sees an outline of someone in the shrub.

Talienda (Perception 16) Talienda begins visually inspecting the large shrub. In the flick of a second, she catches a momentary glimpse of someone peering out between the leaves. Just as fast as the glimpse was, the individual pulls back, allowing the leaves to once again conceal who, or what, might be in the shrub.

Talienda's eyes narrow as she wonders what is going on. Echo seems at ease and hasn't reacted in a way that indicates she saw any threat before. She mutters an arcane word while tracing a rune in the air with an imagine paintbrush. Four motes of light appear within the bush where she saw the figure.

Casting Dancing Lights in the bush.

Bryndis takes a guard position with her weapon lined up on the figure.

"I see you. Come out now, or I will come in swinging. I say this only one time."

Back at the camp, the group gathers up what gear is still lying around, packs the mule, and prepares for the day ahead..

___________________________________________________________________________ _______________________

The Shrubbery!

Bryndis announces a warning while Talienda begins tracing a ruin in the air. Soon four small globs of light appear, outlining a figure in the brush.

“Don’t attack. It's me.” A voice cries out. The voice is clearly recognizable as Alina. Moments later, branches part and out steps the maid with a worried look on her face. “I’m sorry. I know I was supposed to stay at the Inn, but I was so worried that I just couldn’t. Please don’t be mad at me for following you Talienda.” She explains in what is obviously a fearful tone.

I had a change of heart in regard to Alina. I decided I could handle the extra weight of having her along if you wish. So, I’m leaving it up to you if you want to bring her along or not. You can either send her back to the inn, handwaved and she simply heads safely back. Or you can take her along, making you responsible for her provisions, and what not. Keep in mind, that if she follows you, she is a viable target and is subject to death. She will advance at 1/3 your level, so she will turn 2 when you turn 4, she will turn 3 when you turn 7, etc.

Apologies for interrupting the conversation, but I felt this was the best time to reintroduce the maid before entering the dungeon. Please continue at your leisure.

Wayilant wakes up and immediately begins his morning prayers with hsi customary tankard of applejack. After acquiring his cle2rical spells, the caydentite enjoyed a lovely breakfast made by Ceru.

With rapier drawn, ready for another twigjack attack, Wayilant sighs relief at the unexpected arrival of the handmaiden.

Bryndís puts away her weapon and scowls at Talienda and Alina.

"Fix this" is her only comment to the pair about their antics before picking up her gear and continuing on toward the fissure.

After a nourishing meal, the group heads back to the ravine’s ledge. Its darkened depts appear more ominous than ever. The knotted rope, still tethered to the pillar, drapes fifty feet into the darkness. Those with Darkvision or low-lite vision can see that the rope ends at a sandy ledge, which leads to a set of roughly carved stone stairs that descend further into the darkness. Freshly carved handholds riddle the ravine's wall between the top of the ledge and the sandy ledge. The occasional sound of sand, being blown off the ledge and down the ravine’s wall, echo’s slightly and then fades into a somber silence.

If you decide to climb down, please let me know the process you with to use, how many at a time are making the attempt, and which order you wish to descend.

"Okay, Flagon Slayers. Good luck everyone."
The cleric slips on the climbing harness from the climbing kit and slowly begins to descend. The aasimar will take his time climbing down.
Climb (Taking a 10), using climber's kit: 10 + 1 + 2 = 13

As they reach the ravine, Ceru examines the environment, looking down and assessing the situation. "We'll have to find a safe place to leave Gary, as there's no way to bring him with us." She pauses to quickly reorganize her gear, so she can take her alchemy kit with her in case she needs it, along with making sure she has some food. She pulls the rope and grappling hook off the pack saddle and asks, "Would someone be able to carry these? We may need them and they're a little unwieldy for me."

Hopefully someone is obliging to take the rope and hook. Ceru then looks for a safe place to tie off Gary, where he will not be easily spotted. Donkeys are not easily spooked so as long as they are in a reasonably safe space, and she reasons the twigs should have little reason to assail a pack animal. She made sure he was able to drink at a stream while they had breakfast so he should be well watered, and one of the things she will be sure to do is leave him in a place where he can leave one day's worth of feed on the ground and that he has plenty to graze upon besides.

Survival, Untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Spending 1 point of Inspiration to improve that: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Ye RNG gods are cruel. I can spend another point of inspiration but before I do might anyone be willing to Aid Another? I'm aiming for at least a 10. I probably should have taken 10 but I can't remember if I can do that with an untrained skill.

Ceru then looks for a safe place to tie off Gary, where he will not be easily spotted. Donkeys are not easily spooked so as long as they are in a reasonably safe space.

You could tie him off on the pilers, but there isn't much grass for him to graze on if the one day's worth of feed runs out. You could move off a bit and tie him to a branch of a tree. It shouldn't be too hard to find one. As fare as it being safe, any place could be dangerous depending on who or what stumbles across the mule.

(1)I'd like to wait to see if players can offer Aid Another for a better result before determining/deciding anything.
(2) To clarify what Ceru is doing, Ceru is looking for a shaded/somewhat concealed area that bandits or the like wouldn't immediately spot him if they were passing by. It's fine if it's not right next to the ravine; better to have to walk a bit to a place where he can (more) safely graze. I recognize abandoning him is a huge risk no matter what; just trying to mitigate that risk as much as we can.
(3) The only other option is to give him to Alina to take him back to town, if Talienda wants to send Alina back to town, but that is up to Tali. Ceru in that case can take her extra food and just be encumbered or whatever.

”Let me see if I can help you with that beast,” the bard offered Ceru.

Survival, untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Satisfied with his work with the mule Dario gathered his gear and followed Wayilant down into the crevice. He tied himself off and slowly shimmied his way down the rope hand over hand.

climb w/kit: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 = 17

Once on the bottom he drew his starknife, taking comfort in it’s worn grip, and cast light on the weapon.

"Wouldn't it make more sense to tie him up over there? Further from the road, closer to water . . .."

Survival Aid?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Further from the road is also closer to other wildlife, and EVERYTHING eventually comes for water, including the predators.

As an extra measure of safety, Bryndís prepares a second rope. Pulling up the rope already in place, she measures off the new rope against it, setting a length about 5 feet shorter than the original. She drives in a new spike some feet back and ties the rope off on it to keep the portion of it laying forward for the fissure at her measured length.

"When each of us goes down, the rest of us still up here will keep hold of this new one. As they go lower let this one go too, hand-over-hand. If they fall, we will stop the fall with this rope. Wear gloves and keep a tight grip on this one as you let it play out down the fissure."

"When the person going down gets to the bottom, they will untie this one, and we will haul it back up to use for the next person. I will go last. I will send my pack and armor down tied to the rope. When it's down I will drop this one in, and use the other to climb down."

"Except me, the bigger, heavier people go first, when there are more people up here to hold them. Then the lighter ones I can handle okay by myself."

Unable to resist the ribbing, Ionatan looks Bryndis in the eyes. "You could just ask us to give you some time alone with Ceru. I'm sure we would all be happy to oblige without needing all this rigamarole."

"But, honestly, if we're going to lower one set of gear down, why not lower them all down. Send, say, the first two of us down, then the gear, then the rest?"

He follows along with the plan.

Bryndís looks at Ionatan quizzically, as if she hasn't understood what he said as a joke and instead there has been some sort of misunderstanding.

"If I was thinking that, I would keep Dario to the last with me up here. But now is not good. We would take a very long time, and if there was something very dangerous down there, you might all be killed before we came."

"But lowering all the gear is a good idea. We will do it that way."

Wayilant (Climb DC 13) While the group is discussing who should go first, Wayilant straps up the climbing harness and begins climbing down the rope and into the darkness below. As he richest the edge of the cavern’s shadow, he reverts to Darkvision. The black and white outline of the sandy ridge, clearly comes into view as he continues to descend. After reaching the bottom, he looks around and can sees the sandy ledge overlooks a subterranean gulf of darkness. The ledge is wide but rough. Sand, rocky debris, and the bones of small animals cover it. A roughly hewn stairwell zigs and zags down the side of the ledge, descending into darkness.

Dario (Climb DC 17) After Wayilant reaches the ledge, Dario takes hold of the rope and begins heading down. After descending a short way, he looks down and realizes that he is descending into complete darkness. (Does he continue to climb down or head back up?)

Moments after reaching the bottom, Wayilant sees something move out of the corner of his eye. A large rat quickly climbs out of a nearby outcropping and then scurry’s over to him. Soon a second rat, and then a third scampers over. Up above, the rest of the group is unaware that something menacing is taking place down below. Dario, deciding if he should descend further, or climb back up, manages to make it about halfway down the rope before realizing how dark the lower parts of the cavern are. (He made it 25 foot down the rope.)

Surprise Round

Rat 2 (29) (Moved)

Bryndis (21) (Surprised)
Talienda (18) (Surprised)

Rat 3 (17) (Moved)

Dario (16) (Surprised)

Rat 1 (15) (Moved)

Wayilant (15) (Has a half round action.)
Ionatan (11) (Surprised)
Ceru (9) (Surprised)

Wayilant is up for a 1/2 round action. Note: I'm going to be tied up till late tonight. That might delay things a bit tomorrow, so apologies if I'm a little slow to reply.

”Could use some light down here,” the bard yelled up to those up at the top. He shook his head and continued into the depths.

climb: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11

”Could use some light down here,” the bard yelled up to those up at the top. He shook his head and continued into the depths.

I will apply this as Dario's first round action.

Surprise Round

”Could use some light down here,” the bard yelled up to those up at the top. He shook his head and continued into the depths.

"I agree", the bartender commends. Wayilant reaches down and touches a fist-sized stone and speaks a strange heavenly word.

From out of the darkness, a single word erupts a brilliant sixty-foot burst of light across the ravine. The bright flash startles the rats momentarily, causing them jump. Dario, who had been concerned about the darkness, is now reassured with a clear path ahead of him. Up above, the rest of the group becomes alerted of the danger now facing Wayilant and Dario.

Reacting to the extrem burst of light, one of the rats (Rat 2) squeals and then retreats back to its rocky hovel.

Round 1
Rat 2 (29) (Retreated)

Bryndis (21)
Talienda (18)

Rat 3 (17)

Dario (16)

Rat 1 (15)

Wayilant (15)
Ionatan (11)
Ceru (9)

Bryndis and Talienda are up. Things didn't quite go as late as I thought it would. I should be good to go from here.

When the noise and light coming up from below make a fight down there apparent to Bryndís, she tries to hurry Ionatan along.

"Looks like there is a problem down there. Quick, get going down too so I can stop lowering people and go myself."

I'll give Ionatan the option of going down next as planed since Bryndís is not in armor.

While working the second safety rope, Bryndis speaks encouraging words to Ionatan. Talienda, after picking up Echo, looks over the edge of the ravine to see what’s going on down below.

A second rat (Rat 3) also becomes panicked by the sudden appearance of the bright light. It disengages and withdraws to a nearby bush.

Dario, who has been making his way down the knotted rope, hurries his pace and manages to descend all the way to the ledge. (I took into account that with only a DC 5 to hurry, Dario would have tried to make it to the bottom as soon as possible.)

Unlike the other two rats, the one remaining rat is locked on its intended prey. Hunger flairs in its eyes as it slowly crouches, reveling its malnourished ribs. Out of shear desperation, it fights off the urge to flee and then lunges at Wayilant with a maw full of filth covered teeth. Being light on his feet, the cleric manages to sidestep the attack just in time.

From much further away, movement can been seen just beyond the spells sixty foot reach. In the shadows, covering the stony stairs, three bearded faces emerge with trepidation in their eyes.

Round 1
Rat 2 (29) (Retreated)

Bryndis (21)
Talienda (18)

Rat 3 (17) (Retreated)

Dario (16)

Rat 1 (15) (Attacked)

Wayilant (15)
Ionatan (11)
Ceru (9)

Muziel (7)
Digg (6)
Dugg (6)

Wayilant and Ionatan are up, followed by Muziel, Digg and Dugg.

K. Nature: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

As the trio of dwarves appear, one seems older than the others. The balding dwarf carries a thick wooden staff and wears robes rather than armor. He shades his eyes at the bright light that seems to fill the once dark cavern, and makes out a human on the bottom, with another descending by rope.

"Eh, uh, who sent ya 'ere?" calls the Dwarf, wanting to issue a challenge but finding that his voice quavers in uncertainty. He steps forward slowly, then pauses with his staff aloft in one hand, as if waiting for something.

Move 20', ready action to Acid Splash if a rat (or technically a PC) moves forward with apparent intent to attack either him or his dwarf friends. A PC moving to attack a rat doesn't count.

"By the barrel's dregs!" The young swashbuckler almost leaps onto the rope, skipping both the climbing gear and the belay rope, as he hurries down in something close to a controlled fall (but hopefully JUST safer).

Climb: 1d20 ⇒ 16 Hurry
Climb: 1d20 ⇒ 1 Burn a Panache to add a Derring-Do die
Derring-Do: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Stalled, half-way down!

4 of5 panache, then

Round 1
"Huh! What?! is all the cleric can muster for an explanation to the unknown voice in the dark, as Wayilant's full attention is on the giant rat attacking him. The former bartender draws his rapier and counterattacks.
Rapier: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Dmg.: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Round 1

A bit confused with the added voices in the background, Wayilant spits out a mixed response while drawing his blade and then attempting to run one of the rats (rat 1) though. Dividing his attention between the rat and the voice in the darkness, his attack thrusts right past the rat, catching only air. Ionatan attempts to quickly make his way down the knotted rope but finds the process a bit more involved than he originally thought. Dangling twenty-five feet above the fight, he now has the best viewpoint in the area. Still unaware of the skirmish, Ceru continues to wonder around looking for a place to tie off the mule.

From out of the darkness, a relatively short dwarf steps into the light. He takes up a defensive position and then announces his presence in the form of an inquire. The dwarf’s reddish beard shines brightly, reflecting the magically bright lamination in the area. Beside the red bearded dwarf, two other dwarves also step into the light. The two look almost identical, both in appearance as well as adornment. One of them shouts back to the other two, “Quick! If we don’t help these two, they’re going to get chewed up,” and then moves forward with a pick in hand. The other dark bearded dwarf also moves forward with a pick in hand but takes a defensible position in front of the red bearded dwarf. “Digg, we don’t know if they be friend or foe!” He shouts to in response of the first dark bearded dwarf.

Round 2

One of the startled rats (rat 2) regains its confidence, steps out of its hiding place, and then strikes at Dario with renewed confidence. Dario, begin quick on his feet, easily side steps the rodent and then regains his posture.

Round 2
Rat 2 (29) (Attacked)

Bryndis (21)
Talienda (18)

Rat 3 (17)

Dario (16)

Rat 1 (15)

Wayilant (15)
Ionatan (11) Ceru (9)

Muziel (7)
Digg (6)
Dugg (6)

Bryndis is up next.

Bryndís calls down to Ionatan, telling him "keep going down and get off the damn rope so I can come down too."

While she waits, Bryndís ties her pack and armor to the belay rope Ionatan didn't want to use and lowers it down.

Round 2

Bryndis shouts encouraging words down to Ionatan and then begins lowering her pack with a second rope. Talienda begins conjuring words of magic. After a moment, she points a finger at one of the rats (rat 1) which sends a bolt of energy directly at the creature. The bolt strikes the rat causing it to jump in surprise and pain. Talienda MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5.

The last rat (rat 3) that ran from the light spell, sees the other rats engage the group and regains its composure. Out of desperate hunger the rat races from its hiding spot and engages Wayilant using pack tactics. (Moves into a flank position.) Even with the added distraction of the other rat, its bite misses the cleric horribly.

I won’t be able to access the map until later tonight, but rat three will flank Wayilant and attack. It is now located directly on the opposite side of Wayilant than the other rat.

Round 2
Rat 2 (29) (Attacked)

Bryndis (21)
Talienda (18)

Rat 3 (17) (Attacked)

Dario (16)

Rat 1 (15) (-5 hp, Staggard)

Wayilant (15)
Ionatan (11)
Ceru (9)

Muziel (7)
Digg (6)
Dugg (6)

Dario is up next.

Dario pulled his scarf from around his shoulders and lashed out at one of the rats gathered around him and the cleric.

attack, rat 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Dario pulled his scarf from around his shoulders and lashed out at one of the rats gathered around him and the cleric.

Did you intend for your attack to hit rat 2, which is currently attacking Wayilant, or rat 1, which looks to be in bad shape but is attacking you?

Rat 1, as it will attack next.

Round 2
Before giving the giant rodent a chance to strike, Dario wheels his bladed scarf into action. While working the garment back and forth, shifting its weight into a routine of overhead spirals, he eventually thrusts the garment’s end directly at the rat (rat 1) in front of him. One of the multiple blades, concealed in the garment’s folds, finds its mark and dives deep into the rat’s skull. In a heap, the rat collapses to the ground.

I won’t be able to access the map until later tonight, but rat three will flank Wayilant and attack. It is now located directly on the opposite side of Wayilant than the other rat.

Round 2
Rat 2 (29) (Attacked)

Bryndis (21)
Talienda (18)

Rat 3 (17) (Attacked)

Dario (16)

Rat 1 (15) (-13 hp Dead)

Wayilant (15)
Ionatan (11)
Ceru (9)

Muziel (7)
Digg (6)
Dugg (6)

Wayilant, Ionatan, and Muziel, are up next.

The swashbuckler looks to continue his attempt at a rapid descent, hoping to have a chance to skewer one of these annoyances in exchange for the trouble of reaching them . ..

Climb: 1d20 ⇒ 10

I have no idea where he comes down at? If far enough away, then his turn will be to move into position. If close enough, then

Once on the deck, Ionatan goes to skewer an annoynace.

Rapier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Piercing: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Muziel watches as the these humans--or were they huamns?--make mincemeat out of one rat, with blade and magic. He decides that if he can't Color Spray the whole lot of them, they had no chance. Best thing might be to be friendly. Whether it was genuinely friendly or fake friendly so they could get outta there. "Ach--alright Digg and Dugg, go get'em rats!"

He plods forward and fires acid at one of the rats!
Acid Splash: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 1 - 4 = 1; Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
It comes nowhere close. I don't believe this triggers any friendly fire rules since my attack didn't go through an ally.

I don't believe this triggers any friendly fire rules since my attack didn't go through an ally.

No it doesn't. Nothing saying the bolt even went in the intended direction.

Round 2
Wayilant smiles with appreciation of Dario's effort. The cleric pivots and attack the rat behind him (3).
Rapier: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Dmg.: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Round 2
Having some relief from being pressed from two directions, Wayilant is able to divert his attention to the rat that came up behind him (rat 3). Between spinning around and being a bit distracted by the dwarves, he thrusts his rapier high, which misses the rat all together. Ionatan, now clear of the rope, thrusts his rapier deep into the rat that is closest to the rope (rat 3). The blade skitters as it strikes multiple bones while passing through the rodent. (Staggard) Ceru, who is a bit indecisive about where to tie off the mule, continues to search for a good spot.

Muziel, the red bearded dwarf, conjures up a globe of acid and sends it flying towards one of the rats (rat 2). The blob comes nowhere close to the rat, but instead strikes a large stone protruding far overhead. The two dark bearded dwarves move up and engage one of the rats (rat 2). Both of the brothers connect, bringing their pickaxes down in tandem. The first strike jolts the rat left, then the second strike knocks the rat right, leaving it dizzy. (Staggard)

Round 3
The rat now engaged with the dwarves, continues to relentlessly attack Dario (rat 2). The attack is feeble at best as the rat stumbles forward missing its attempt to latch onto its victim before passing out. (Unconscious)

Talienda, once again, conjures up a force of magic and then sends it directly at the last rat. (rat 3) Talienda MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 The bolt strikes its target, sending it limply to the ground. (Unconscious)

Out of Combat Rounds.

With all the rats now dispersed, the two dark-bearded dwarves back up into a defensible position. One looks over to the red-bearded dwarf and says, “Muziel, what should we do here? These guys might be the second group we heard about.” The other dark-bearded dwarf simply states, “Yep, might be.” Both dwarves stand next to each other with pickaxes drawn and a worried look on their face.

In order to allow most the roleplay to be focused on the introduction rather than the exit, I’m simply going to summarize what Ceru and Talienda do before heading back to Sandpoint.

Up above, both Ceru and Talienda approach Bryndis and explain that neither of them expected the amount of violence that has unraveled the couple days. They both express a desire to rethink the idea of being an adventurer vs. continuing to pursue their previous professions. After apologizing profusely for not continuing, they begin heading back to Sandpoint. Before leaving, Ceru offers to allow the group to take anything from the mule.

Mule contents.
Cooking kit (16 lbs)
Chalkboard (2 lbs)
Animal Feed (7 days’ worth) (50 lbs)
Tent (Small tent for small humanoid), 15 lbs
50 ft hemp rope 10 lbs
Grappling hook, 4 lbs
Sack (1/2 lb) containing 2 lbs potatoes, 1 lbs apples, and 1 lbs flour.

I will slow it down a bit at this point to allow for introductions and roleplay. Please feel free to post as you see fit.

With all the rats now dispersed, the two dark-bearded dwarves back up into a defensible position. One looks over to the red-bearded dwarf and says, “Muziel, what should we do here? These guys might be the second group we heard about.” The other dark-bearded dwarf simply states, “Yep, might be.” Both dwarves stand next to each other with pickaxes drawn and a worried look on their face.

Wayilant steps toward the dwarves, smiling. The cleric holds up his holy symbol at eye-level. "Thank you, Deep Brothers of the Stein! I am Wayilant Arden, cleric of The Drunken Hero, Cayden Cailean! I, my friends, Dario, Ionatan, and our friends still above, are part of an adventuring group sent here on a rescue mission. We mean you no harm, and are honored to make your acquaintances!"

As none of the party's attacks continue on to the dwarves, Muziel feels somewhat heartened, and responds to his fellow dwarves. "Okay, lads. Ye may be roigh'."

He looks a little confused at both the ascending and descending folks, but keeps his attention to those below, particularly the cleric, who seems quite charming. "Bro'ers o' the stein? Well, guess ye can say that. So ye be the advent'rers tha' Kendra Deverin sent? Good!" He looks to his fellow dwarves. "Tha' one's Digg, the o'er one's Dugg, and me name's Muziel. We'n 'old our own against rats, but down 'round 'ere, there be more 'n rats. In fact, there be walkin' trees. Walkin' trees!" He emphasizes the horror. "Ya cannae trust them trees."

He looks down the stairs behind him. "Three o' us were campin' down near tha ci'adel, but turns out Digg n' Dugg 'ere need ta go back ta home base and were just 'bout ta do so when we saw you folk. Where were ye lookin' ta go?"

”Well met, we are looking for two lads that have gone missing in these ruins,” the bard replied. We, ourselves, we’re also attacked by some shrubbery but I’ve never heard of trees under ground. He stroked his mustache as he wondered aloud, ”Are ther any dwarven tales of such creatures?”

DiggOne of the dark-bearded dwarves lowers his pickaxe and then takes a more relaxed stance. “A cleric of Cayden Cailean you say. I once new a guy who was also a cleric to the patron. He was……”

Dugg The other dark-bearded dwarf interrupts the first one, “Not now Digg. Now’s not the time.” After lowering his pickaxe, he also takes a relaxed posture.

Digg “So you guys are the second adventuring group we heard rummers about. I’m glad someone is going to get a chance to explore this place. We were intending to have a looksee ourselves, but we just got word our main camp was attacked by goblins. Although they survived the attack, the camp is a mess. As Muziel pointed out, we were just about to head back when we heard you guys. As fare as two lads, no we haven’t seen them. The only other souls we know of that has been down here was the first adverting group that went in and never came out.”

Digg The dwarf hangs his pickaxe over his shoulder and then continues. "A bit dangerous, just the three of us I suppose but Muziel was in a hurry to get a glimpse of the old place. You see, me and Dugg are members of the archeological team that originally uncovered this place. They have a camp about two hours up the ravine. They are now looking at a newly uncovered dig sight. Something about a smaller culture that resided close by. Anyway, Muziel here is one of our more knowledgeable consultants. It's a shame he didn't get a chance to peek inside."