"We were interested in you and this shop. Not being from these parts I do not know whether you can help us? Please tell me a little of yourself and this city. Maybe a glass of something warming would not go amiss?" welcomes the gentle girl.
Melani begins to realise just why the mercenaries needed her. They have the social skills of baboons.
"Thank you, Gadka, this rum is welcome and pleasant. It's warmth lasts longer than a fireball burst and has a pretty aftertaste."
Melani leaves the watching for trouble to the others and concentrates on the dwarf now.
"Gadka we seek information and my guess is that your items of magic, your potions, scrolls and amulets would be of interest to one or two of my friends."
Melani leans in and whispers fondly, "Trust, loyalty and duty I am told run through the veins of every dwarf. So my friends and I would be very disappointed if we find that this discussion becomes public knowledge. And I have some very restless and rash friends as you have seen. You can assure me that this conversation is private, yes?"
Having made her point, Melani continues, "I seek Tirana. Do you know where they might be found?"
"Now as what I can do for you..." Gadka lights his pipe "As you can see, I'm a merchant in potions, amulets, scrolls and other arcana. I also deal in information, as there are few people in the Core I don't know, and few things I can't find out for a fee."
"I'm not one to mince words, so here it is, out in the open: we're looking for Tirana. Heard of her?"
Adaro will just sit atop his pony about 10' from the door off to the side watching and the crowds and passer byes for any sign of trouble.
Inside
"Tirana? Yeah, I've heard of her. She happens to be the patron of your new friends, the Splitstreet gang. She is some sort of enchantress or witch, always got a clutch of love-drunk fools jumping to do her every command, no matter what the command is."
"Tirana is more than just some wizard though... she has her fingers in a little bit of everything." Gadka leans close "I wouldn't use the word crime boss - you never know who might be listening, even in my own store - but I'm sure you get the idea. She has been working multiple gangs and has quite the protection racket going on here. None of the other factions want to confront her, at least not yet."
"Now you want to know where she is? That could be arranged, but it would cost you. Lets say... 300 gold, and I'll find an informant that knows and obtain the information. Or I have an alternative arrangement, somewhat of a trade, if you prefer."
Outside The crowds bustle around, and seperated as you are, no one seems to be paying you much mind.
"Trade? speak on Gadka."
"I'd like to use your likeness and name in the occasional illusion. You seem to have made quite an impression on the Splitstreet Gang, and if I can use that to keep the thieving bastards out of my store, all the better."
"Let me tell people that my store is under your protection, and use the odd illusion of you here in the shop, and I should have a respite from paying protection money to any gang, at least as long as you are here in Kaer Maga."
DM Spoiler
"I'd like to use your likeness and name in the occasional illusion. You seem to have made quite an impression on the Splitstreet Gang, and if I can use that to keep the thieving bastards out of my store, all the better."
"Let me tell people that my store is under your protection, and use the odd illusion of you here in the shop, and I should have a respite from paying protection money to any gang, at least as long as you are here in Kaer Maga."
"I've got no problems with everyone in Kaer Maga seeing this face. Good advertising for my ...unique skills. I'm all for it. Any objections, Miss Melani?"
Melani raises one hand for quiet and then looks back at the dwarf and his offer.
DM Spoiler
** spoiler omitted **
Sorry, I missed this earlier.
"Fine, I think the trade would be best for you and us. Now Tirana tell us of the dark witch and her games."
Melani smiles at Shariv and nods acceptance.
"Agreed then." Gadka says, then he pauses for a moment.
"I happend to have delivered reagents and conjuring supplies to Tirana on occasion. None better than Gadka's for talismongery, thats for certain. But back to the point."
"Her stronghold is some old tunnels and laboratories that used to belong to the old Council of Truth outfit. Over between the Bottoms and Cavalcade, near the outer wall, look for a large double door cast in bronze and engraved with the image on an owl. Its shoddy craftsmanship, certainly wasn't made by dwarves, but thats the entrance to the old Council of Truth complex."
"Now thats Tirana's front door, and its certainly not a secret, although I'm sure most people would be loathe to tell you because they fear her bully gangs." Gadka taps his pipe on the table. "But your paying me for good information, not common street knowledge."
"The old Council of Truth, they may have not used dwarven craftsmen for their front door, but they did hire good dwarven engineers for their other improvements to the complex. It so happens that one of my clan worked with... well, it doesn't matter how I know, only that I do."
"There is a second entrance to the complex, but its not one that is easily accessible. There is a ventilation shaft that opens out onto the cliff face. You'd have to find some way to climb down to it, must be at least 30' below the nearest window in the Ring. And it would be a good half mile down the cliff if you fell. But the shaft is large enough to fit a dwarf, and would get you inside."
"What about traps? I'm guessing that the shaft is protected? What do you know?"
Melani listens to his answers then continues.
"Also tell me a little about the magic you currently have on offer, please?" She sips at the rum again as she waits.
"What about traps? I'm guessing that the shaft is protected? What do you know?"
Melani listens to his answers then continues.
"Also tell me a little about the magic you currently have on offer, please?" She sips at the rum again as she waits.
"There is a series of fans, powered by a waterwheel that used to run the old mill nearby. They force the air to move through the shaft and throughout the complex. It shouldn't be a problem for people of your talents to bypass or destroy the fans."
"I can provide magical items great and small. Scrolls, potions, wands, amulets. If you can name, I can either provide it or find someone who can."
"The old Council of Truth, they may have not used dwarven craftsmen for their front door, but they did hire good dwarven engineers for their other improvements to the complex. It so happens that one of my clan worked with... well, it doesn't matter how I know, only that I do."
"So... If you know how to get in, would you happen to have a map? Blueprints perhaps? Or are we just going to have to take your word for it. Or am I going to just have to rely on this," Shariv says, pointing to his head, "and these," he finishes, twirling his spikes like a pair of drumsticks. His last question sounds more like a statement than a question.
Melani asks the very useful dwarf for the following magical items, using the 1000gp she has just been given by the Temple of Abadar.
Potion of Spider Climb (300gp)
Potion of Lesser Restoration (300gp)
Scroll of Water Breathing (375gp)
Scroll of Sanctuary (25gp)
Before leaving fully, Melani makes her way outside to explain what has happened to the rest. She also enlightens them on the offer to buy magical items and the trade in illusions with Gadka. She then returns inside to wait for her new bits of magic.
Melani asks the very useful dwarf for the following magical items, using the 1000gp she has just been given by the Temple of Abadar.
Potion of Spider Climb (300gp)
Potion of Lesser Restoration (300gp)
Scroll of Water Breathing (375gp)
Scroll of Sanctuary (25gp)
Yes, he has all those in stock.
"The old Council of Truth, they may have not used dwarven craftsmen for their front door, but they did hire good dwarven engineers for their other improvements to the complex. It so happens that one of my clan worked with... well, it doesn't matter how I know, only that I do."
"So... If you know how to get in, would you happen to have a map? Blueprints perhaps? Or are we just going to have to take your word for it. Or am I going to just have to rely on this," Shariv says, pointing to his head, "and these," he finishes, twirling his spikes like a pair of drumsticks. His last question sounds more like a statement than a question.
"Maps? No, sadly not, or I would have charged you more for the information. I can say that Tirana must have several experiments and traps in her lair, because she doesn't keep her gangs near her headquarters."
Rauno listens carefully to the description of their target, then states, "I should be able to get in that side entrance no problem. Of course, I'm betting it's more dangerous than our informant knows... With little else to add, he follows Melani inside, plunking his own coin purse down on the counter. Looking to Gadka, he states, "300 gold. Give me whatever you can to protect against enchantments and such."
Rauno listens carefully to the description of their target, then states, "I should be able to get in that side entrance no problem. Of course, I'm betting it's more dangerous than our informant knows... With little else to add, he follows Melani inside, plunking his own coin purse down on the counter. Looking to Gadka, he states, "300 gold. Give me whatever you can to protect against enchantments and such."
Gadka takes the money and comes back with a pair of potion flasks. "Here, these will help fortify your willpower against enchantments... but they only last a few minutes each, so be careful when using them,"
When outside, Melani defers to the warriors for the planning of egress.
She listens carefully to see what the plan is.
"Between the six of us, we could probably just waltz in and liberate the goods, but a bit of finesse coudn't hurt, savvy?"
"We could hire some of those idiot gangmembers. Someone's got to have an axe to grind with the enchantress' gang. If we could get them to attack her fortress, we could sneak in while they were distracting her guards. I don't suppose we could get a map? Also, I've got some gold so I need to go in and see what this guy's got for sale."
"We could hire some of those idiot gangmembers. Someone's got to have an axe to grind with the enchantress' gang. If we could get them to attack her fortress, we could sneak in while they were distracting her guards. I don't suppose we could get a map? Also, I've got some gold so I need to go in and see what this guy's got for sale."
"Walkin' in with an army of local scabs isn't the best idea I've heard in a while. If we did that, half of our 'employees' would be heading for the hills within ten minutes, and the other half would be dead within twenty. We'd be back where we started, and with less gold. And we'd have attracted Mistress Tirana's attention. No, I think we'll go in all sneaky-like, catch the evil b@#*& off guard."
"So what if a few of em die? As long as they provide enough distraction to get us in what does it matter?"
"So what if a few of em die? As long as they provide enough distraction to get us in what does it matter?"
"You misunderstand. We don't want to get noticed at all. Fifty or so armed bandits tend to get in the way of that."
Rauno's watches as Shariv and Xer go back and forth, then interjects, "I guarantee I can get in that shaft unnoticed. Once I'm in, I can get the rest of you in no problem. We'll need to secure the area, likely at night to avoid watchful eyes."
"Yes I believe the shaft if a good idea, but I don't think it matters on time as we will all be going in and I'm sure that its not lit in the shafts, I don't see in the dark too well so we will need to illuminate our way either way, so day or night, doesn't seem to matter none." He just pipes in his 2 cents.
"Rauno, you may be able to get in unnoticed, but I can just about guarantee I can't. Stealth has never been my strong suit, but if you say you can get the rest of us in, then who am I to doubt you..... How exactly where you planning on doing that by the way?"
Yes, that should be fine, Gadka can provide that.
"Yes I believe the shaft if a good idea, but I don't think it matters on time as we will all be going in and I'm sure that its not lit in the shafts, I don't see in the dark too well so we will need to illuminate our way either way, so day or night, doesn't seem to matter none." He just pipes in his 2 cents.
"Alright, then. I think I may have a plan. We go in, myself on point, flanked by Rauno and Xer, with Berekiah and Melani in the center, and Adaro bringing up the rear."
"Yes I believe the shaft if a good idea, but I don't think it matters on time as we will all be going in and I'm sure that its not lit in the shafts, I don't see in the dark too well so we will need to illuminate our way either way, so day or night, doesn't seem to matter none." He just pipes in his 2 cents."Alright, then. I think I may have a plan. We go in, myself on point, flanked by Rauno and Xer, with Berekiah and Melani in the center, and Adaro bringing up the rear."
"Fine by me."
"Sounds fine to me."
Melani nods.
After a few hours of searching and bribing (or intimidating) locals, you manage to find a window in the outer wall of the Core that is roughly above where Tirana’s complex is supposed to be located.
The window was barred, but it is only the work of a few minutes to chip away the mortar holding the iron bars in place.
Leaning out of the edge, you can see what you think is the ventilation shaft opening ~30' below. Warmer air from inside steams slightly in the cool night air, helping to mark the location where the shaft opens. A faint toehold of a ledge is also visible.
Below the opening in the cliff-face for the shaft, the cliff descends vertically for roughly a quarter mile before it begins to slope outwards towards the plans. A waterfall can be heard off to your right, as one of the streams flowing from Kaer Maga's spring-fed lake gushes over the side of the cliff.
It would be easy enough to secure a rope here in the room.
"So someone is going over the edge first but it's not me," states Melani to the athletic bunch.
"I think Shariv volunteered to go first."
For Shariv, and anyone else that follows him down
As you near the opening in the cliff face, you can fell the onrushing air being sucked inside. The opening is more than large enough for a man to fit through, and once inside, it widens considerably into a worked tunnel.
Ten feet in, the tunnel divides into three shafts, each filled with multiple man-sized turbine blades that spin lazily, driven by rumbling gears. You think you could time it and dodge past the blades (Tumble), or perhaps temporarily jam the gears to slip past (Disable Device). Of course, smashing the blades and/or gears is an option as well, albeit not a stealthy one.
Peering past the twirling blades, you can see a hallway of smooth white stone, brightly lit by continual flames every twenty feet. The ventilation shaft is very dimly lit by moonlight from outside, and the light from the hall.
"I think Shariv volunteered to go first."
"That I did."
Shariv pulls a coil of thin steel cable from his belt pouch, quickly fastens it around a broken pillar, then zips down the line, stopping abruptly about five feet from the bottom. He lets go, landing catlike on the floor.
For Shariv, and anyone else that follows him down
As you near the opening in the cliff face, you can fell the onrushing air being sucked inside. The opening is more than large enough for a man to fit through, and once inside, it widens considerably into a worked tunnel.
Ten feet in, the tunnel divides into three shafts, each filled with multiple man-sized turbine blades that spin lazily, driven by rumbling gears. You think you could time it and dodge past the blades (Tumble), or perhaps temporarily jam the gears to slip past (Disable Device). Of course, smashing the blades and/or gears is an option as well, albeit not a stealthy one.
Shariv's near-inhuman reflexes serve him well, as he quickly ducks and rolls through the series of blades, popping out the other side like a cork from a bottle.
Shariv avoids all the spinning blades and is now crouched in the shadows at the far end of the ventilation shaft. You can see that the ventilation shaft intersects a hallway in a "T" junction.
The hallways is crafted of finely cut white marble, with 8' high ceilings. There is a closed door, darkwood reinforced with steel bands, at either end of the hallway.
Following along behind Shariv, Rauno considers the fan blades. "We can get through those, but I'm bettin' the others can't. You watch the corridor while I motion the others down. I'll jam the blades long enough for them to get through, then follow behind and unjam them so our presence will be less likely detected." Heading back to the opening, he motions the others down. Once all are gathered, he looks over the mechanism driving the fans, extracts a rolled up leather tool belt, then with a few twists and pokes using strange devices Rauno set to work temporarily shutting down the drive mechanism.
I follow Ruano down the shaft and then wait while he works on the spinning blades. I have my bow strung and an arrow nocked, ready to be pulled back and let fly at a moment's notice.
Following along behind Shariv, Rauno considers the fan blades. "We can get through those, but I'm bettin' the others can't. You watch the corridor while I motion the others down. I'll jam the blades long enough for them to get through, then follow behind and unjam them so our presence will be less likely detected." Heading back to the opening, he motions the others down. Once all are gathered, he looks over the mechanism driving the fans, extracts a rolled up leather tool belt, then with a few twists and pokes using strange devices Rauno set to work temporarily shutting down the drive mechanism.
Rauno examines the arrangement of gears and spinning blades carefully, then deftly inserts a tab of soft lead into the machinery.
The blades noticeably slow down then halt completely as the gears try to chew through this obstruction. Rauno figures it will take at least a few minutes before the blades start spinning again, but the lead shouldn't cause any permanent damage to the machinery.
He will climb down and quickly duck through the disabled fans. "Now which way?"
Rauno nods to the right-hand door. "Right. Always go right. Shariv, you still taking point, or you want me looking for nasties?" The Varisian is holding his bow and considering an arrow, obviously wanting to know if he should prepare for combat or serve as point-man.
Melani follows when Berekiah is ready. She stays close to the warrior.
Rauno nods to the right-hand door. "Right. Always go right. Shariv, you still taking point, or you want me looking for nasties?" The Varisian is holding his bow and considering an arrow, obviously wanting to know if he should prepare for combat or serve as point-man.
"Keep an eye out for danger, I'll go first."