Hoping this reactivates the game! I will be posting soon
Search Posts
Are there any race restriction and requirements, and if we're allowing sphears I would like to be a Tech/Conjuration Using Gnome who makes steampunk Turrets and Golems. That sound good?
Rock and roll, pinged
With chance taking the wheel it's anyone's game, It's close. Durvig places down a Pair of Kings, While Mirror reveals a Pair of 9's. Marking Durvig the winner of this hand. "Lucky hand, one more round then?" Asked Mirror, who up to this point had been mostly silent. For the Slab, Four Pillars calls up a Barwoman who is quick to announce a drinking contest. This is a whole ordeal, as one of the Dwarfs manning a bar starts to ring a loud Triangle, and the first rounds of Drinks come out. The terms are quickly hashed out with the Barwoman who makes it clear the tab is on whoever loses. First to Vomit, Passout, or refuse to drink. You both are given three full mugs to start with. You both have little issue downing them.
Total: 3 drinks
Total: 7 drinks
Total: 9 drinks
Total: 11 drinks
Total: 12 drinks
Durvig your cautious style saves you unnecessary losses through the night, And as you pull your move, attempting to bluff the table. Both The Belcher and the Common Dwarf put their cards down and fold, Having fallen for your bluff. But the Gladiator Mirror looks over your face with a curious expression, stroking his black beard; braided with reflective jewelry. And then he calls your bluff, Raising you. Slab, drinking challenges at The Bottomless Barrel draws sizeable crowds. it's famous for them. And in fact, they have a place of honor for true drunkards, hanging above the barrel on golden plaques are the names of Dwarves who were able to down 50 of the In-house Ale in one night. No more than a Dozen Dwarves have accomplished this feat. A Few Notables include the current head of the Noble Aleblood Clan, The Current High Cleric of Urig the Dwarven god of Breweries, And a Famous Retired Gladiator named Ludbrok the Loon. Luckily for your sake, Four Pillars is not one of these legends, so you might have a chance. Four Pillars rise to your challenge. "I'll take your challenge boy, Loser pays the whole tab fer us both!" Do you accept it? The Upstart Vs the veteran? Slab vs Four Pillars? Will the Four Pillars stand strong atop their foundation? Or will they buckle as the Slab they rest on rises above them?
The Slab finds several people happy to brawl him, Other gladiators, but also common folk looking to get out some stress. As for Cards it's not long into the night before a trio from your group gets together to start a game, A game which you are happily invited too. You Joined by a Common Malita Dwarf from your Group, a plain-looking Gladiator named Mirror, and a shockingly Obese Gladiator you know well; The Belcher. As you play Four Pillars takes the pickaxe and sits down beside Durvig as he looks it up. Wincing when his concentration is broken by Slab's mockery. "Ya better watch your tone you!"
Says the old dwarf back at Slab, looking over the pick, giving it just a glance over, Seeming to discern the nature of the runes with just that glance before handing it right back. "Yep, As I suspected. It's a good tool in the right hands it values is substantial too." He then turns back to Slab, clearly not over the disrespect he received. "Ya think ya can mouth off to me about Partying huh! I've drank more upstart mid-tiers out of their britches than you've been alive Son!"
When held in the hand the runes that run along the Pickaxes head glow a faint blue light, You also feel your hairs on your arm stand on end. As you examine it You notice a marking on the head, it says "Rehza Keptvow." The first name means nothing to you, But you recognize the Keptvow name as it's one of the prominent Noble Clans. As you look over the pick one of the gladiators takes an interest in it and looms over your shoulder. He is decked in a simple robe with a long white beard that nearly touches the floor. He is also very old even for a dwarf. "Hmmm, Primordial Runes, Hmmm Some sort of Electrical aspect I would bet. It's a fine Pick on its own... I can't tell for sure without giving it a good look over, but typically, Elemental Effects are added to boost a Pick's penetrative power. As the pick strikes the heart of the beast, only then does it jolt the creature full of elemental POWER!" he says in a nasally voice. This Dwarf is known as Four Pillars. A Powerful Elementalist and High Tier gladiator.
You join up with Bronzebelly who insists you stay around for a spell as he gathers up more people to join your group. Many of them are Gladiators like you, but the invitation apparently is open, and soon Bronzebelly is inviting Militiadwarves And even tossing invites to some of the Royal officials notating the relief effort, though they all politely refuse. This leads to a domino effect of people who were invited inviting people they know or people they are with, And before a half, an hour has passed you are leaving the site amongst a scattered crowd of over 40 dwarves. With much more promising to show up at the Bottomless Barrel later in the evening. The crowd, in general, is rather loud, Thanks mostly due to a large number of boastful gladiators among the group. You head into the Stone Circle, it is a layered cavern with workshops and small businesses, and poor homes for workers. The Bottomless Barrel was a literal temple to the gods of Taverns and Drinking. A Three Story open-aired Megaplex that spilled over two blocks worth of buildings. In front of the megaplex is a Chair and Table strewn plaza, in the center of which is an obelisk depicting on all four faces, The names and likenesses of the Multiple Dozens of Dwarven gods dedicated to individual aspects, Taverns, Brewing, Carousing, And the various types of Brew, each of which has their own special lesser god. There are also Etchings giving homage to honorable gods of other races, The most prominent of which is Cayden Cailean, As the only place in the city where Cayden is depicted outside of the human's quarter. His images near the base receive special reverence from the humans of the city, Who have felt the need to leave luminescent mushrooms which were the dwarven equivalent to flowers. As well as prayer scrolls. Which all lay in a puddle of mixed liquors, As pouring out a drink for Cayden is a common tradition practiced at his shrines. The Bottomless Barrel had no walls on its ground floor, instead, it stood on pillars, Allowing the chaos of Singing, Drinking, Dancing, and eating to be visible to all. In the center of the Megaplex was a Giant stone pillar that held up the whole Temple. In the pillar was a grove that held the famous “Bottomless Barrel” Allegedly it was a mighty artifact blessed by a Cleric or Laypriest from every Dwarven god of Booze. It is truly Bottomless they claim, The Barrel has 15 Spouts jutting out of it, each one dispensing a different type of alcohol, from Cheap Beer to High Valued Wine, at Four corners surrounding the barrel are magical runes that block attempts to view the Barrel with magical sight. They claim this is to protect people who may try to gleam it’s nature through magical sight, As such a powerful holy artifact would blind those who looked at it so. The Pillar is surrounded by a circular bar counter Operated by at minimum 4 overworked dwarves, but at the busiest times they can be operated by over 15, this was one of those times. The Second floor is a circular inward balcony that can be reached by Stairways from the outside, Like the floor it is covered in tables chairs, as well as hammocks lining the walls, Cheap resting places for many of the workers of the stone circle. The Third floor has over a dozen closed rooms for people who want to pay extra for the room, they are often full with Dwarves who pay for days or even weeks in advance, and Reservations for a room can be very rare. As for games and entertainment, there is a jumble of illegible music and singing coming from all directions from various dwarves in different states of drunkenness, It’s not hard to find a game of Cards going on, In the plaza, there is a cleared area marked with chalk where fights break out. One of the rules of the Tavern is, when there is a fight. Take it to the Square. When you and your gang of Dwarves arrive, the place is already packed, it’s right at the end of the workday and Dwarves are floating in from all parts to pay their respects to the Gods of Drink. When you arrive, a Crowd of Dwarves wave your group over, The Slab will be able to pick out several notable faces amongst the Dwarves already present at the Bar. The most prominent of which is the current second dwarf of the top Three, A Gladiator is known as Blacklung. Though he personally does not know The Slab, he does welcome the crowd of mostly Unknowns with a bellow.
This results in a cheer from the Crowd as well as a number of unaffiliated dwarves who just decided to join the group as soon as free Beer was offered. Tables across the plaza are picked up and dragged into a large Clutter together, And finally, most people are able to take a seat and start drinking. Bronzebelly Decides to Join you two as well as another Gladiator, A Mid-Tier fighter known as Moldbeard. Despite his name, his beard looks perfectly clean. His name derives from his use of Alchemical agents while fighting, A Mug of Beer is dropped in front of each of you by a rushed dwarf, before he dashes off to get more beer. You have the opportunity to seek out some games, Shmooze with the other Gladiators. Drink, Do what you want. Describe what you do in general. As the night passes.
When you belly bump Bronzebelly you feel as if you slammed against a large block of metal. Bronzebelly lives up to his namesake as his primary form of attack are belly bumps. You naturally stumble back some from the clash, but you're no stranger to bumping bellies with Bronzebelly and have no issue standing tall after the clash. He laughs and puts a chummy arm around your shoulder. "Not too often we have so many gladiators together at once, They even called a bunch of the High Tier fighters down for this. So we're gonna be a big group. We're all meeting up at that huge place in the Stone Circle, The Bottomless Barrel." Bronzebelly then turns to greet Durvig, pushy in his approach, he takes Durvig's hand in a firm shake before the Craftdwarf can have a chance to reach in or pull back. "Names Crom Shatteredshield, But most just call me Bronzebelly! good to meet ya!"
The Dwarf notes down what you state, but gives you an incredulous look when you mention red barrels. But clearly rushed he pencils down what you said, and then quickly waves you along. Sense Motive DC 13:
You get the impression, by the look at they gave you, that he was making sure he heard you correctly and was somewhat skeptical at what you said. Appraise 15:
In Dwarven society the colors and markings of barrels and crates are uniform. As industrial as they are they understand the importance of uniformity when it comes to efficiency, And with your knowledge of goods and Industry, You know that Red Barrels denote Gunpowder.
When you move away from the line, You hear a voice shout out.
It appears to be a Gladiator, Specifically a Mid-Tier Gladiator known as Bronzebelly. The Slab would be familiar with this fellow, As he both Occupies the same Tier as him and is one of the Several Unarmed Gladiators whom The Slab would find himself fighting and Training with on occasion. Bronzebelly in particular fancies himself a Social butterfly and tries to be chummy with everyone. "A whole Bunch of the Folks from the ring are all going out Drinking together, You should come along. You and your friend there."
The Dwarf taking note, having clearly been at this all day, Quickly Jots down what you said. Looking at the line forming behind you. "Looters... at... Warehouse 61... You said they were concerned with something? Did you see any specific Items stolen? Did any of them get away with loot?"
During the act of moving the dwarves, the one who had nearly drowned croaks, So you end up leaving their leader alone. When you search the Dwarves you find A Masterwork Heavy Crossbow
You also find on the leader a small note scratched on a folded piece of paper. The Note is brief, simply says. "Warehouse 61, Red Barrels on the second floor." When you continue your Patrol, you cross path's with another group of Patroldwarves, one of whom is happy to inform you they chased off some vagabonds who were breaking into a warehouse on their route. before their patrol route requires them to go their separate ways with you. A couple of hours pass, Your route loops back around where you had fought the dwarves A Couple times, the first and second time the leader remains where you dumped him, but on your third passing, he is gone. As are the bodies of his companions, Though the raft they had been using as well as the barrels they had been loading onto it remains. reaching the 6th hour, and your appointed rotation time. You are able to end your Patrol. Returning to the initial staging grounds. Before you are allowed to leave you are asked for the status of your patrol if you had engaged in combat and any other details you might find important to share.
You more than clip the running dwarf, Intended or not, Durvig's Warhammer clangs against the side of the Fleeing Dwarves leg and is accompanied by the sickening squelching crunch of bone and blood, He yells as his leg bursts into viscera, stumbles onto the floor, and breaths his last. With that, your fight ends, One Dwarf is gasping and is on the verge of crossing over if he does not receive medical attention, the leader is bleeding out, But looks to be in better shape.
The Leader, clearly tougher than his companion clenches, fighting off the pain, His breathing becomes steady and he appears to have stabilized, though he is still in shock. The other dwarf spits up water and blood, Still dying.
The Leader's cheap-looking breastplate is dented so hard it cracks, You hear his voice sputter, looking Durvig he spits up a curse but it only comes out as blood spat into Durvig's face before is collapses limp, Still breathing. The Half-Drowned dwarf still lives, But as The Slab puts the boot to his hind end he collapses too, nearly dead. the Final Remaining Dwarf; The one who wielded the crossbow. Spits out a curse and turns to run. Provoking an AOO from Durvig as he dashes further into the warehouse.
The fungal wood handle of the mace shatters leaving the crossbow dwarf without a weapon to swing, jumping back Five feet he picks his crossbow back up and loads a crossbow bolt. [b]"Damn ya to hel!"[b] Shouts the leader, raising his magical warpick and bringing it down with all His tregnth.
As they prepare to assault Durivig yet again, The Slab Appears in the doorway
Sadly the attempt to thrash the dwarfs fail, The Boss Dwarf ripping the shield away from Durvig, Turning and throwing it away with all his strength.
it clambers a good 40 feet away deeper into the Warehouse, The Boss then picks up his runed warpick. "Yer gonna regret killin me mate there, No mercy for'em! Kill'em like he killed Kovig! He shouts as the other dwarf picks up his mace, unhindered by the need to throw a shield he raises it up with two hands and drops it down on the shieldless Durvig.
"Take that f+%#ing shield from him!" Shouts the pick wielding Dwarf, who is clearly the leader of sorts, Reaching out to littery try and grab Durvig's shield, Assisted by the other Dwarf. Recognizing that with that shield in the way, there is hardly a chance they can overcome Durvig.
The Dwarves each grab the Shield, Dropping their weapons as four hands grab the Towering hunk of metal and wood, a struggle ensuing as they try and tear it away from Durvig.
The bolt flies into the dwarf looming over Durvig, The combining attacks down him in one go, The Dwarf dead before he hits the ground. "Cowards hiding behind that damn shield, destroy it!"
As the Magical pick strikes your shield it crackles with electrical energy, but your grip holds and the well-made shield remains unharmed.
Durvig pulls himself out from under the crates, Just in time to be confronted by the dwarf who had pushed them, Masked like the others, he climbed over a crate and charged at Durvig with a warpick, While two more dwarves round a corner and start to hustle over at Durvig, One of them the Dwarf from the second floor, stopping and drawing his crossbow and firing, The third Dwarf likewise masked and armed with an Ornate Warpick that glows with runes.
When Durvig enters the warehouse, he enters into a hallway of crates, He takes a few steps in but does not hear the creaking of wood before it's too late, one of the stacks of crates tipping over to fall ontop of Durvig. The Armored dwarf unable to leap out of the way in time. The heavy crates full of metal tools come crashing ontop of Durvic, pinning him under them. Accompanied by a victorious scream in dwarven, most likely the person who pushed the crates over.
Even without Durvig saying anything, the crash of metal tools and crates is loud enough for The Slab to hear even from outside.
Trudging through the water it takes Durvig two rounds to reach the building, Luckily the warehouse is free of water.
Slab's victim continues to struggle and resist, splashing up a storm.
Durvig Slashes through the back of the Looters leather shirt, slicing right through it and causing it to fall to bits, His cut also gouges into the Dwarve's back causing a gout of blood to stain the water surrounding him red. The Looter staggers and stumbles trying to limp away, His wound clearly grievous and life-threatening. "I yield dangit I yield mercy!" Shouts the looter, still stumbling away through the water.
The Dwarf being held underwater starts to panic and thrash around. His undisciplined squirming though is not doing much to break Slab's hold on him.
The Crossbowdwarf who ran inside is nowhere to be seen since he vanished into the building.
The first looter is pinned down, and incapable of getting Slab off him, His head getting partially submerged in the water in the process. The second looter's hammer is a small flimsy thing and it shatters to pieces at the first strike. You also strike him for significant damage, being unarmed the looter curses and turns to try and run away. The Crossbowdwarf in the building vanishes as he runs into the building.
The first looter steps up with his hammer held high, ready to strike The Slab, Before being thrown off balance by Slab Grabbing his shirt and pulling him in for the grapple. The Looter struggling and trying to pull away.
But he fails to break away, Meanwhile, his friend trudges up closer. "Bleedin water, You let go of him you milkdrinker!" Shouts the second looter, closing the distance, but due to the water he can't close the distance in a full move. Meanwhile the Crossbow Dwarf takes aim, Lowering his bow pointing it at Durvig, Cranking the cord of his crossbow extra tight and releasing it.
The attack misses, you feel the heavy thud of the extra wound bolt reverberate through your shield, requiring you to hold your ground to not stumble back. When it goes flying back it smashes into the side of the stone building, sending stone dust flying everywhere from the powerful shot. You survived with only a sore shield hand.
The Slab does a fair job freaking these guys out, The Dwarf who was leading the looks back at his companions and then raises his hammer up "There are more of us than you, Get'em Lads!!"
All three dwarves look at the loud unarmed dwarf shouting at them, after a beat you hear the dwarf on the second story shout. "Hey That's The Slab, He's a Gladiator up there in the Area!" The Dwarves on the ground both Draw hammers from their belts. "Get out of here Militia Lackies! This is our Booty!" You see the dwarf on the second story let go of the rope, sending the barrel splashing into the water below, and pulling a heavy crossbow from his back.
Though you start off pretty dry, the area you ultimately find yourself slogging through is waist-deep in water for a dwarf, You head down alleyways and through clearings, The place seems mostly abandoned, As you round a corner hear a dwarf bellow something out "I think I got something good!" The voice echos on the water and is a good distance away, if you follow the voice you come to a two-story stone building, Two dwarves with bandanas covering their beards stand in the water arms up as a third dwarf on the second story strains as he lowers a red-painted barrel by some rope into his companion's arms. Occupied with their work they do not notice you from the alleyway you come out of.
You and the crowd are marched through the long tunnel leading to the bronze circle, The tunnel is not just some cavern, It is a carved from solid stone and wide enough that two wagons could travel down it side by side with enough room to squeeze a few people through. The Tunnel floor is paved with stone brick and the 8-foot tall walls of the tunnel have been smoothed and chiseled from top to bottom with dwarven runes, angular art depicting historical moments, Praises to the gods, and Dwarven Legends. Right now though every surface of the tunnel is slick to the touch, with puddles forming in the divets in the tunnel road. You arrive at the Circle behind another group who came along, they appear to be setting up triage beds, Another group of them are setting up a cooking pot so large it needs 3 dwarves to lift it. you don't have long to observe this feat of community Because your group is quickly ordered to move, And the first patrols head out.
Rynjin could you add your character stats like Danny did so they appear over Mr. The Slab please
The paper you end up picking indicates your path through the bronze circle, It's a continuous route, where you begin is where it ends, like a circuit, The route is short, you reckon you could walk it in less than 20 minutes in good circumstances, That being said you are expected to continue walking this route till relieved of the burden. All of the routes luckily have a point where they all cross and this is where you should expect to meet your relief. People aren't keeping their routes to themselves, Gladiators, in particular, tend to be a loud bunch. Many are grumbling about their routes, mostly about how they have been stuck with very long routes that would take them over an hour to trog through, Many of these Dwarfs are also unhappy that these routes seem to be marching them through the more rundown and unused section of the Bronze Circle, You hear one vocal gladiator proclaim loudly "Aye, this section they got me trudging through ain't got narry a thing worth takin, Ain't gonna be any looters to fight'ere" DC 13 K.Local:
You know the bronze circle well enough, The Area you are walking through is full of large warehouses, While that's not too special as that circle is full of warehouses, the ones on your route are larger and owned by more wealthy Clans. You will not be blessed with the same problem the Gladiator is complaining about, there is a great deal to loot in your area. After some time has passed, Aleblood Signals for you all to march out, and head to your routes. "Get to it then Dwarves, Do your Families and Militias proud, Torag with Ye!"
As you two gab and get to know each other an Armor clad dwarf approaches the group, followed by a half dozen unarmed dwarves, the followers all carry crates in their arms. "Listen, Listen here you all!" shouted the dwarf at the top of his lungs. "I am Lieutenant Foundshield, And I have been put in charge of the peacekeepers for this operation, I'll make this as brief as possible, We have had reports of looting in the Bronze Circle, You all have been chosen to help maintain peace while the larger squads drag the pumps down to the Pauper circle, Some warehouse workers were already chased out of their shop by armed men wearing Masks, As many of you already understand, managing and distributing the limited resources of our home and vital for the survival as Haustenhold, Thus such looting and pilfering during a state of emergency is considered Treasonous by the Laws of our King and Ancestors. You are authorized to use lethal force against Any looters or others who do violence against you, Though our primary concern is dispersing any malcontents. Each team has been given a Number and a patrol route you are to follow, Any Dwarves you find, direct them to either return home or to go to the Refugee camp being set up in the main tunnelway between the Pauper circle and the bronze Circle, Any questions you may have please direct them to My assistant Aleblood, I need to organize the other squads, He will be handing out papers describing your routes." Foundshield motions to another dwarf clad in a much more modest garb of cloth, This must be Aleblood, in his hand is a box full of rolls of paper. Before anyone can barrage him with questions, Foundshield Quickly hustles off, his job here done. "Grab a paper, it will tell you your route and number, I've been assured that everyone here is battle-hardened, But should you be overwhelmed for any reason, Fall back and try and get help, We don't want to lose good lives out there." He then places the crate on the floor, Letting the dwarves each come and grab one, they each have a map of the Bronze Circle stamped onto them, corresponding with a path drawn into the map. Indicating where you will patrol.
Very brief design description of the City, As an Underground Dwarven City it is not one Mass, but rather several Circles divided into separate caverns connected by intercepting tunnels. The Circles are The Mithril Circle - The Highest Circle, It Houses the Wealthiest Homes, as well as the Royal Halls, and the High Churches. Guarded by a Garrison under the Kings Direct Control The Gold Circle - The Central Most Circle and also the largest, Houses a lot of homes, as well as the largest Market, Many Taverns and Beerhouses, and the Arena Complex. The Stone Circle - Primarily a manufacturing area, Most workshops are found here. The Silver Circle - Initially it was going to be a district for Temples and Parks, It was purposed to be the spiritual center of the city, But it remains half-constructed, populated mostly by Dwarves who converted the park areas into Mushroom and mold farms. The Silver Circle has the main tunnel which leads to the Brass Seal, the door to the outside world. The Steel Circle - Also located in a central location with large tunnels connecting it to all the other Circes, thus it is a primary Highway for those traveling between the other circles, It's also where most of the Militia barracks are located. The Bronze Circle - A Trade district like the Stone circle, this one is dominated by large warehouses though. It has also had a large influx of residents, mostly poorer workmen who can't afford a home in the Gold circle. The Pauper Circle - Once the Copper Circle, It was mostly for miners and smelteries before being abandoned during the initial famines after the sealing, It was left to ruin, It has since been repopulated by outcasts and the poorest dwarfs. I'll try and sketch a rough map sometime.
It is the fourth quarter of the year, Uptop the winter winds would have long settled in the Silver spires, encasing the mountain passes and grinding trade to a halt. Under the earth, the season changes up top are hardly felt. It feels the same as any other day when the Alert horns blow, Large metal horns that are placed in strategic locations throughout the cavernous city are blown by stationed militia, Signaling to all dwarves that the city is in a state of Emergency. In the Gold Circle, a Gladiator named The Slab hears the horns blow, as a member of a militia squad called the Bloodkettels they are quickly mustered by their commander, A Stout Hammerdwarf who shares the name of his Squad; Gurid Bloodkettel. Slab occupies an unusual position in his squad as a Sponsored Gladiator and does not stay in the Barracks with his brothers in arms, Rather a general order goes out to all Sponsored Gladitatoirs in their quarters within the arena complex, to report to a location in the tunnel leading to the Bronze Circle. Slab is also informed by the messager who was sent that the emergency seems to be that the Water Reservoir has ruptured somehow, and is flooding the lower caverns, specifically the Pauper and Bronze circles, but because of the emergency situation he is not informed on why they want you to go there. In the Pauper Circle, Durvig is not alerted by the horns, but rather a wall of water rushing down the Tunnels and Alleys of his home, Durvig being a skilled workman who has found a way to forge a trade even in the lowest circle is able to afford decent housing, And has a fairly cozy chamber carved into a cavern wall to call home, complete with a forge and anvil where he can ply his trade. Because of this, he is spared from the worst of the flooding, with only a few inches of water flooding his home. Those who made their home in shanty houses in the Alleys or in the crowded bunkhouses are less lucky, Families are forced out of homes and crowd the few dry streets, some people have gotten together and have started to bucket water out of homes and pile sand around doors, The people coming up from the lowest part of the circle speak of walls of water 10 feet high ripping through their homes, you even hear talk of drownings. It's not long before armed Malitia enter area, They go from gathering to gathering picking out Able-Bodied men, Evoking the King's law. They command these men to report to One of the Tunnels connecting to the Bronze circle for Emergency Aid. There are some gripes and grumbles, but in a state of emergency refusing conscription is a severe crime, and none refused. Of course, Durvig being a strong Dwarf and unharmed by the disaster is picked out quickly. There are assurances from the Malitia men that they are doing all they can to help. Though there is some skepticism from many people mumbled in hushed tones. The Inhabitants of the Pauper circle are particularly cynical and many have valid reasons to dislike the Malitia and the Kingsmen. When You both arrive at the designated location, you see a lot of dwarves, already they are being divided into teams, Some into large teams of over 20, Some into small teams of 6, some into even smaller teams of 2 and 3, An exacerbated dwarf with a Scroll and quill Motions to Durvig that he'll be in a team of 2 with another dwarf, he then motions to Slab who he says will be your partner, he then tells you both to gather with the other 2 Dwarf squads and wait for one of the commanders to issue orders. You notice that most of the Dwarfs in the 2 person squads are Armed and look battle-ready, A lot of the gladiators and veteran Militia Dwarfs have been put into these groups.
For Slab, being a member of the Malitia and a Galditrorial fighter mesh really well, The sealed-off nature of Haustenhold has lead to the near nonexistence of military activity, No campaigns to the surface to establish colonies, No Wars with the Giants and Humans of the surface, Campaigns against the races of the depths are fairly rare since the deep caverns under the Silver Spires are relatively unexplored. Because of this the Militiamen routinely engage in mock battles in the Arena, both as a form of training and to entertain the people. Gladiatorial fighters of note enjoy a deal of fame and name recognition, and Militia squads will wheel and deal to sponsor gladiators of note to increase their own squad's prestige. There is a good chance that after some victories of note in the arena, Slab was approached by several squad commanders to be allowed to sponsor him, This is a two-way arrangement, Where the Gladiator is expected to serve in the militia in times of strife, While also working as a proven recruitment method, while the gladiator has his basic needs as well as equipment and Injuries managed on their dime. As for Durvig, His subsistence is a lot less glamourous, Oathbreaking in dwarven culture is one of the worst crimes that can be committed, Falling short of only Outright Murder, Treason, and Moonshining. The punishments can be very extreme depending on the party whose oath was broken. In Durvig's case Ontop of having his family name stricken and his business seized, He would have been sentenced to three strikes to the primary hand. He would be made to place his hand on an anvil and have it struck three times by a hammerer, before being left to heal non-magically. A Sentencing that by design leaves a horrendous scar and potentially ends a craftdwarfs ability to work. The slab would most likely live in the gladiatory barracks in the Bronze Circle, A Central cavern that houses both the general market, the many taverns and dance halls, and the gladiatorial ring. While Durvig lives in the Pauper Circle formally the copper circle, a small Artisan district that has fallen to ruin over the last few Centries and home to the growing population of Clanless and Ex-Convics and their decendents. Does this all jive with you, This is important mainly because the setting is a persistent one, You have homes and unlike other games, it's not possible to skip town.
Ha ha, Drop a small summary of your backstory and vocation and such, This is somewhat important because it will decide where you are likely to live and what others think of you.
I'm digging the enthusiasm, I'm going to poke people in the discord some more to see if we can get a third, if not I'll run with a pair
Ask questions here
This adventure takes place in the Dwarven City of Haustenhold, A Hold two kilometers beneath the Frozen peaks of The Silver Spires, A mountain range notable for its extreme heights that loom higher than any mountain range known to Dwarvenkind. At one point Haustenhold was the region's primary source of Silver, The Clans of the hold enjoyed great wealth from the trade of valuable goods produced by their craftsmen using the precious metals extracted from the earth by their miners. But that was before the hold was sealed five centuries ago. In the year 1182 Orcs flooded the range in extreme numbers, a horde of unimaginable size, The Warriors of Haustenhold stood ready to defend their home but instead the King at the time ordered the hold sealed. The clerics of Angradd had gazed into fires of their holy forges and bore witness to omens of defeat and destruction, Should the hold remain open and unsealed, all clans under the Silver Spires would drown in an ocean of green. The Pious King taking the omens to heart sealed the hold ignoring the protests of many of the clans, Closing the great stone gates of Haustenhold and encasing them with holy molten brass, creating The Brass Seal And closed they have remained for these past five centuries, The Brass Seal having seen two Kings pass, The only Dwarves remaining who remember a time before The Brass Seal are the Elder Clerics whose devotion to the Dwarven deities has seen their lives extended long beyond the lifespan of a normal Dwarf. Besides them, no Dwarf remembers a time before the Seal, even the Current King, King Hanak Silversword has never seen the outside being the First king born after the day the hold was sealed. It is 1656 and Haustenhold has fallen far from the glory it once held. Reliant on trade Haustenhold was not self-sustainable when it was sealed and was struck hard by famine in the early days, The city suffering from significant depopulation following the sealing, Even now the city is susceptible to famine should the Moldfields be struck by pestilence due to the unreliable nature of the soil and the shortage of skilled farmers. The city also lacks the Livestock typical of an agrarian hold, thus Hunter is a common and respected trade, venturing deep into the caverns in large hunting parties to risk life and limb hunting the vicious beasts of the Underdark. With the Trade that once sustained Haustenhold gone the wealthy and influential clans and the council headed by them fell into kleptocracy, Hoarding wealth and resources in their personal estates and clanholds, Filling their own vaults with silver waiting for the day the seal is broken. Centuries of kleptocracy has seen a number of clanless dwarves and smaller clans fall into destitution, and then into criminal activity. The depopulated and abandoned Labor Halls becoming known as The Pauper Halls as homeless and outcast dwarves sought a place to reside. Ever since the sealing, Dwarves have argued that the seal should be broken, but still to this day the same cleric of Angradd who once warned the first king of the inevitability of defeat, now a Great Elder of Angradd, warns the current king that should the gates be opened they will all suffer extermination, and the head clans dare not argue against the gods. So for the foreseeable future, The Brass Seal remained unbroken, and the hearty dwarves of Haustenhold must struggle and survive, By the will of the Gods, for the glory of the Ancestors, by Rock and Stone.
I'll have my character made by the end of the day
Law heads out with the Orcs, Looks like he was just directing you to handle it while he distracts the orcs. Two sleeping people? Shouldn't be a problem right... The Inn is empty save the Drunk Gnome who seems to be immune to rule 2 for whatever reason. There are no stairs, rather there is a ladder that heads up to the second floor balcony.
Law frowns and seems unhappy with that response, but after a pause he nods with a sigh. "Hate to admit, But that's the best action. Not fond of the idea of breaking our host's hospitality. But that's war for ya. To be clear, we don't harm any one else unless we're forced to, ok?" Law then reaches into his pocket and hands the gnome a small handful of Golden Coins. "Not a word, there is more later if you're quiet" The gnome seems happy to take the Gold, "I'm Going to tell the others and get us a room, then we'll wing it from there. " Law goes off and informs everyone else, he secures you four small room, and also informs you that he found out there are two large rooms that are occupied, he's pretty sure that's where the men are at. He orders a round for the Orcs and starts swapping war stories with them, he talks about his time adventuring and the time he spent in a mercenary company who he conveniently does not name, this turns to boasting which turns to arm wrestling, and finally someone proposes a axe throwing contest, at which point the orcs and the men go outside. You can take part in the merriment if you wish, but when the Axe contest is proposed Law silently motions up to the second floor, leaving you alone in the Inn with a passed out gnome.
The Orc nods. "You'll save me and my wife a lot of grief if we can weed them out before they start being a real problem." The Orc who you now realize is the husband of the female orc shows his appreciation and orders your party a round The Orc showing thanks by ordering your party a round on the house, Specifically he ordered your crew a round of a Gin made in house, He calls it Blackfang Gin and boasts of the high ratings it's received from the Guild of Gnomish Mixology and points to a plaque that says as much. When you head over to law and join him and the rest of your group, as well as the gnome. you see them discussing the current situation. "Garret, sit down. Meet Wizzlebon." Wizzlebon Tips a non-existent hat off his bald head. "Wizzlebon, Musician in the employ of the blackfangs, at your service." Said the tipsy Gnome. "I was just telling Mr. Law here about how strange these folks are, We don't get many strangers around here, most of the humans we get are regular locals, mostly hunters , So getting strangers is odd and this many is even odder, You said that you where looking for one who might be wearing blue with lace of gold? One of them had a cape like that, The holy man, They got a holy man with them and a big guy leading them. The Holy man is upstairs with the boss, and the rest are outside." The Gnome finishes telling you all he told law.. "I wanted to make sure before we did anything, but I think that makes it obvious these are the guys who attacked our boy. Probably sent to pester our messages. What do you think Garret? I'm inching for payback but how would we go about doing it?"
The Old orc nods. "Yeah, The ones outside at those tents, and a pair of'em up in the rooms, The leaders weren't paying the rooms for the underlings and none of them wanted to pay either. Some started picking fights with the youngins so we sent them out with a barrel." [b]"You know where they might be held up? If your info seems good I'm sure We can find some way to reward you."
You hear a whistle, Law is sitting with the gnome and waving you over. Seems like he wants you to come over once you've concluded your business with the orcs.
You enter the clubhouse, The room is a circular one cluttered with chairs and tables around a central fire pit, rather than a second floor, there an upper balcony with many small rooms with curtains for doors. The Walls are adorned with ornamental falchions and the stuffed heads of monsters and animals, Plaques. One of the walls seems to be dedicated top to bottom with fishing trophies and accommodations. Anything that could bring honor seems like a valued use of time and wall space for the Black Fangs. There are 3 Male Orcs sitting at a table near the pit Rolling bones, one of them is a big hulking Gray hair with the long tusks of an old Orc, the other two are adults. You see a lone female Orc at a table in the process of butchering a buck, She too is gray haired and wrinkled. And on a small stool you see a plainly dressed Gnome teetering as he drunkenly plays a fiddle. When you inquire about the Innkeeper, the Female orc responds, Collecting a silver piece from Law "No food cooking, But roast this if you want." She said, tossing a good slice of venison onto the end of the table, and chopping it into four chunks, motioning towards the firepit where there where metal spits lined specifically for roasting things. She then goes to fetch four mugs and fill them up. When you ask your question the Female orc unhappily pipes up. "Humans, Lots of humans these days, with the war going on we've been getting them coming and going more then normal, we got a big bunch of them today, More then I like." -------------------------------------- "You boys aren't deserters are you?" Said the old Orc at the table, jumping into the conversation. "You got the look of fighting men about you, and I reckon these men we got in are soldiers, the way that armored one barks orders." --------------------------------------
Pipes the drunk gnome, Putting his fiddle down to drink from his oversized mug. -------------------------------------- "Other then that we got a goblin problem, Think there might be a nest of the buggers somewhere, they broke into our Root cellar and stole half a years worth of dried meat. Caught some in the Lauder but I got them good with the axe. The heads keep them away for a bit but sooner or later some will try again." The old Woman grumbles. "Anyway, What brings you here at this hour?"
Your group approaches the palisades, when you get to the gate there is an orc Sitting on a stump just outside the gate, He stands up to greet your groups. "Otalgg, Who are you and what is your purpose here?" Law steps up to answer. "We are Travelers heading to Luma, We're staying off the main road to avoid the armies. This is a Clubhouse? Can we get some rest here?"
The orc seems satisfied with that answer. "Smart, Got money?" And when Law answered yes the Orc waves you in. "Welcome then, Make sure ya read the rules before going in." When you enter the gate, you can see a two story circular wooden building built in the orcish style, in the center of the grounds, a good distance away from the walls on all sides, you can also see tends near the wall as well as a campfire, there are several people sitting around the campfire though they are too far away to make out. When you come up to the clubhouse you can smell the slight scent of decay, as two severed goblin heads have been hung by their hair next to the door, Also beside the door you see a wooden plaque with a list of rules written in common. 1.No Tabs, Pay for what you get when you get it. 2.Take all fighting Outside 3.Lushes without rooms sleep outside 4.Dwarves are not served here
You start following the trail, and within a few hours come up to a small river, following it upstream you see what looks like wooden palisades, Some kind of walled structure with an open gate, beside the river. Over the gate is a wooden sign with some words written in Orcish, and then in common the words are repeated. "Blackfang Clubhouse." Ostfried looks at the wooden fort and nods. "An Orcish Clubhouse, That's where they lead, You said they where men who ambushed you right? not orcs?" The courier confirms. It was beyond any doubt of his that the men who attacked where human. Either way the ambushers where here at some point. "Ok then, Lets see what's up, be prepared to run if we need to. But we have no conflict with the Blackfangs. Best to not get on the wrong side of an Orc gang" Said Law, raising his cloak up over his head.
You find a few pieces of jewelry on the goblins, a ring and a necklace, you would describe it as peasant jewelry, Simple and cheap but quite a valuable heirloom to the poor peasant who's jewelry box these goblins must of raided for these. You also find a very simple map drawn on the back of a dog leather hide. It's hard to understand at a glance, perhaps purposely so. Ostfried nods and directs you towards a goat trail. "Heads further east, our friend was not lying, I count at least 10 sets of hoofs, so many people on horseback won't be traveling far at night, not in the woods. so they may have a camp set up somewhere." Law and the Courier return and inform you that they found no other goblins, And are ready to move along down the trail. K.Geo 12 or Linguistics 18:
The map is hard to understand, but you quickly realize it's codded, a very simple form of codding using crude images of objects to indicate landmarks, It leads to a hidden trail that cuts through the hills, and marks a point along the trail as a spot of interest though you're not sure what that spot it, A goblin hideout perhaps. either way it goes of your current path quite a bit. If Garret is unable to decipher the map, Law asks him for it, And is able to work out what it is, And advises they hold onto it.
Garett steps up, the goblins turning their heads and collectively yelping right as you cut down one of their companions, the other two green skins screaming and scattering apart. Both of them screaming things like. "No Kill"
Before being set upon by Law and the courier, Following your example quickly finish off the starved goblins. "Disccusting people eaters." Said the Courier after removing his sword from one of the goblins. What's left behind is a fairly grisly scene, The corpse of the late Mick partially chopped up with bloody half roasted body parts impaled around the fire. "Where there he is, a bad way to end up, we better gather what's left of him to give a proper burial when we return to camp, Though first, we ought to find out who's been attacking our men, You did say it was men, not goblins that attacked you." Said Law, getting a nod from the courier. "I'm gonna poke nearabouts, make sure we have no goblins hiding around, Garret, Ostfri, Poke around, See if you can find where the ambushers came from, and where they went. Or anything else if you can." Ostfried is a skilled tracker and he sets himself to work figuring out where the men came from. Meanwhile, you are left to look around while your companions do their thing. Perception 13: Ostfried notes the direction he believes the abusers came and left from When he leads you over to show you the heavy hoof tracks he used to indicate this, You notice something caught up in a tree branch. It's a scrap of torn cloth of a dark blue with a torn weave of a thread-of-gold.
|