"Ahemm....Yes, lets leave...by the mists."
Moonpate, et all:
Dreav:
Moonpate:
Other than that, the two of them are dressed fairly well, but do you really want to be caught wearing the same stuff that these horrid beings did? (more RP than anything there). You do find 6 black gemstones in Dolan's hand, and Kindra does have what appears to be a spellbook.
The catacombs that loom within are filled with pieces of bone, as if the two horrid ones had worked the zombies and other undead they may have summoned into submission. At the end of the tunnels, you find a 10-foot deep pit that fills a whole room, essentially. There are people in various states of exhaustion in the pit, and there are two skeletons at the far side, lying on the ground (as in, not animated) next to a crude ladder.
Looking into the pit, you see the two you were supposed to be meeting, as well as a handful of ragged looking men and women. There are 8 people overall, and they don't notice you initially, murmoring among themselves, averting their eyes from the surface.
Tham calls down to the folk, to see how responsive they are.
"If anyone needs any water, I've got some for you," Tham says, and tries to toss his waterskins down to any of the people in the pit that might be paying attention.
"Of course, this is one time I didn't bring a rope. Did anyone else think to bring one? Mask's shadowparts, but this has been a long night."
"By the Mists."
Moonpate shares his findings with the group, asking Dreav if he knows of any significance with the black gemstones. Will also examine the wands further to see if we can ascertain their function. If not he will use his scroll of identify on the wands when we are clear of danger.
He will use read magic (Insightful feat) to examine the spellbook when clear of danger as well.
In the pit room: "Ho there and fear not! Speak if ye be alive and wanting out!"
Moonpate shares his findings with the group, asking Dreav if he knows of any significance with the black gemstones. Will also examine the wands further to see if we can ascertain their function. If not he will use his scroll of identify on the wands when we are clear of danger.
He will use read magic (Insightful feat) to examine the spellbook when clear of danger as well.In the pit room: "Ho there and fear not! Speak if ye be alive and wanting out!"
To that, one of the people looks up at you, and says "That ladder over there's how they get us out. There's some sorta invisible ledge that evil priest uses over there." She indicates the "east" wall, where it appears that there is no ledge at all.
A few of the others begin fighting over the waterskins, spilling a great deal of water, but eventually calming down once each of them has a drink of water. On the whole, the group looks malnourished, dehydrated, and ragged, as if they have all been starved and haven't had a drop to drink in days.
Kysstaa quickly traverses the invisible walkway... strangely, it doesn't feel like stone... perhaps somethinge else altogether.
You quickly bring the humbled masses up to ground level, finding both of your contacts. The two of them suggest that you all beat a hasty retreat from this unholy place. There is much rejoicing as you all make it out of the dungeons, and quickly reach the Haeler, just before sunup.
Borden, exhausted after this seemingly fruitless mission, actually keeps quiet for once as Moonpate takes up the bulk of the talking. Helping when he can, we will offer his own waterskin as well to help alleviate the thirst that all the prisoners must have been feeling. Lowering the ladder down, he helps them out of the pit and follows behind as they all make a hasty retreat.
Upon arriving at the Haeler, he does his best to help out in wrapping up any loose ends and will make a trip to the church of Savras to make sure it is clear of any foul relics. Before heading back to the caravan with their contacts, Borden will spend more time getting their side of the story. Having met the people of this small Haeler, the investigator in him wants to make sure that nothing like this might happen again.
Moonpate:
One thing I was hoping to examine further was Dolan's tower back near town where he acted as the false priest of Savras to see if there was further treasure and information.
Borden:
Dreav would seem to be displeased with the fact that they received nothing. Lies.....illusions......What a grand crusade I have been on. May the Mists be praised. "I am enraged that this went so pourly!"
Dreav, Borden, Kysstaa, and Moonpate:
Your efforts at the Haeler provide little to the people, and they feel more invaded than anything. The worst of it is that the Tashalar tends to be a little on the paranoid side to begin with, and having a cult in the Haeler itself is rather jarring to everyone. And on top of it all, it was stopped by a scaled one and his companions! They all give you their thanks, and offer free shelter in the future if you come through the haeler's area again. They ask that you pass on the message to the next haeler, or along your travels, to the church of Savras and Chauntea that they are in need of new priests.
The letters and diary contain the following:
"Hooded Murder,
It is as we expected. The runes recovered here, and my research that you have (hopefully) received will help seal the souls to their necessary locations. The Ritual Consecrator knows the way for the completion. All is well here, and I hope to find more of these artifacts soon. Further, with the haeler fooled, our agents will be able to traverse to L's Folly to reach our allies.
Respected,
Daring Brother"
"Daring Brother,
I have sent our fastest runner, and the news is great indeed. We shall cage the energies we need and[ garner favor with the Withering Hand as we work towards the goal. Sen for any assistance you need, I can provide more of the 'bashers if you need them.
H.M."
The diary contains notations on the spirit of divinity, specifically Myrkul, Bhaal, and Bane, the three Dark gods who perished during the Time of Troubles. The writings suppose that, given the ability of the priests to receive spells from their patrons, that there is still enough divine essence in Faerun to support a deity being reborn. Sadly, the three deities will need to merge to be reborn, but this option is much more preferable to Cyric, Kelemvor, or the imposter Bane's presence.
Getting back to the caravan, Balthasar greets you, and awards you your bonus as promised. Your presence is also handy to show the new employees hired in your stead the way to guard the caravan, and prepare for the most deadly trek in the wilderness. The caravan stops at an inn at the edge of the jungles, guarded by a haeler, and Kysstaa is rather uncomfortable within it, almost ill as he walks through the gates, only to have the feeling wash away once he is inside. The inn, guarded by the haeler like walls, is the Lucky Monkey. The only inn for the next 5 days on the Jungle Paths. Once inside, Balthasar procures a large common room for the members of the caravan. You begin showing the new recruits the ropes, noticing that there are several other new members on the caravan as well.
In the main room, there is a burly half-orc, wearing a necklace of what appears to be some creatures jaws, a scarlet-haired woman, and a halfling. They seem to be talking quietly amongst themselves.
In another corner of the inn, there is a man wearing full plate armor, along with the red and white colors of a priest of Helm.
Each finding a table, there ends up being only one long table left, and you all sit down with some of the new help on the caravan, and have a chat.
XP for Borden, Kysstaa, Dreav, Moonpate, and Tham:
A young man with a tanned skin and dark, well groomed, hair is looking around excitedly. As he sits down he immediately starts introducing himself to the people around him. "Hello dear colleagues, I hope you're all somewhat allright as I've heard you've had a rough day already. My name is Feli B'urnan of the South. While I myself have plenty of stories to tell I would most definately like to hear stories from you too! Let me know what kind of strange folks you've met, what kind of miraculous creatures you've laid your eyes on and which fair maiden you've declared your love to. But first: let's drink!"
With that Feli looks around for a drink or someone to get a drink from.
A young man with a tanned skin and dark, well groomed, hair is looking around excitedly. As he sits down he immediately starts introducing himself to the people around him. "Hello dear colleagues, I hope you're all somewhat allright as I've heard you've had a rough day already. My name is Feli B'urnan of the South. While I myself have plenty of stories to tell I would most definately like to hear stories from you too! Let me know what kind of strange folks you've met, what kind of miraculous creatures you've laid your eyes on and which fair maiden you've declared your love to. But first: let's drink!"
With that Feli looks around for a drink or someone to get a drink from.
"Aye, let's drink, and toast to Shar to help us forget the past few days." He says nonchalantly.
Note about Tham for all:
"Well lad, ya be quite the eager audience, and after this last week of travails I have developed such a powerful thirst it would be a travesty to pass up your offer. Moonpate's the name, on account of the fine shiny crown I wear. Order some ale and food and I'll tell ya a true tale of adventure that will set your soul to shiverin'. And if'n ya don't turn too pale to scare off the flagon maids I'll buy the next round an' test ya yarn spinnin'. But mind ya, I've heard most of the tellings 'round here so only ya best will do. An pardon my friend here if'n his sour looks unnerve ya an he starts spoutin' about mists an such."
For the DM:
"Aye, we've all had quite the adventure. Nothing like the grand monsters and fair maidens that you might have heard in tales of adventure, but plenty of scaly kobolds, decomposing corpses and corrupt clericry. But I will defer to my friend here to tell you of that tale, at least until I get an ale of my own to get this foul taste that has build up over the last couple of days off my palate." waiting a bit to get his ale, the leather clad half-elf will return to the table and take a seat between the rotund mage and the lizardfolk. Taking a drink, he continues, "I am Borden from the sandy paradise of Calimshan. My real work is as an investigator, but since there is no investigating to be done at the moment, here I am protecting the products of this here caravan and the backs of these here good folks." Finishing up with a few slaps on Kysstaa's and Moonpate's back, Borden also motions to the enigmatic Dreav before picking up his drink once more.
For the DM: ** spoiler omitted **
Moonpate:
Dreav:
Feli quickly tries to order more drinks for the folks around him that want a drink, although he's quite forgetting about Moonpate's mention of food:
"Sir Moonpate, while I of all people find the word -crown- to be a slight bit too much of an understatement, shiny it is indeed! Your words sound promising though. Turning me pale literally would require more than a few scary stories but I invite you to do try so, for what Sir Borden here tells us is quite interesting indeed. Kobolds, corpses en corrupt clericry... that sounds like the stories I could use!"
Moonpate:
After silently watching the new caravan recruits for a while, the armored lizardman stirs and lumbers towards Feli. He bares his jagged saurian teeth and contorts his lips, attempting to approximate a humanoid smile.
"I am Kysstaa, priest-warrior of god Lendys. Yes, let us drink. Talking and drinking, this is a good custom."
Dreav:
** spoiler omitted **
Papa:
For a second Feli is slightly shocked by the priest-warrior's approach and he stiffens a bit but with Kysstaa's words he recognises his effort to smile. Relaxing he smiles back: "Yes indeed it is! Although I have to tell you about this half-elf I met in an inn a few weeks ago. You wouldn't believe the amount of spirits he drank without falling down. While that was an accomplishment of sorts, we've all seen it before. What I bet you haven't was what happened next..."
The lizardman watches Feli with unblinking eyes. His (her?) tongue darts in and out of his mouth with increasing rapidity.
Looking at the exchange occurring between Ky'sstaa and the bard, Borden smiles a little as he adds in with, "Yes I am sure it was something of a spectacle to behold. Forgive my friend's silence, he's just waiting for you to finish the tale, as hard as it might be to see, you have Kysstaa's undivided attention.
It is rather strange when the half-elf pronounces the lizardfolk's name, but by Ky'sstaa's account, the young investigator is doing it much more justice this time around compared to when they first met no so long ago. Possibly due to the time they have traveled together.
"You should be wary. Ky'sstaa is getting hungry when his tongue moves in and out like that. I once saw him eat a small village when that started."
New people:
The paladin of Lendys cocks his head at Dreav curiously. He then throws his head back and makes a rythmic, croaking sound.
Expecting an easy crowd Feli is slightly stunned by the reaction of his crowd. Feli quickly smiles to Ky'sstaa and Borden:
"Ah I see, many different customs make the world so much more interesting"
But before finishing his story Feli is once again interupted, this time by the priest of Leirra telling an obvious yet outrageous lie.
"... a whole village..." Feli mutters while blinking a few times too many.
Luckily Ky'sstaa's laughter reminds him of that strange custom of the clergy of Leirra:
"Ah yes I believe the Lady of the Mists likes to keep me clear on matters like that." Feli joins Ky'sstaa's laughter before returning to his story.
Khaeden is sitting nearby eavesdropping on the conversation. His eyes widden at the mention of the lizzardfolks murder of a whole village, and he sighs loudly as they all start laughing.
When Felis story is finished Khaeden turns his attention to Borden. ”Has there been any sightings of goblinoids in the area?” he asks with a mix of concern and hatred in his voice.
At Khaeden's question, Borden tilts his head back a little, rubbing his chin as he thinks. "Hmm, truth be told, I don't think so. Granted that I don't come from these parts, but I heard the caravan owner say that this place is more prone to yuan-ti and from our own experiences, kobolds, thus the uneasiness around our scaly friend here. But I say not to worry in those things. While within these walls I say relax and enjoy yourselves, cause once we get back on the road, we are all gonna be acting a bit more uptight.
with that, Borden gives a short salute to everyone within earshot with his mug before downing the contents.
"What's your story then? Besides not liking goblins and their ilk, what drives this unnamed man who sits before us? And what got ya mixed up in this caravan?"
"I feel another story coming on. Dreav, do the mists call for another round of drinks? If so, then order up. If not, then blast ya stinkin' mists an I'll order! This company of live folk is doin' me good after what'n we saw. An bring on the roast. Those succulent odors are just the medicine for the ills of our last road."
"we better have another round or else they'll kick us into the streets. I'm usually quite verbal; however, I have been talking up a storm as of late. The problem is that we haven't had any excitement since we took this job. Just one boring day after the other. It makes me long for the time when I was picking beans in Guatemala or in that barber shop quartet in Illinois. Alas, I believe that things will get exciting as soon as the night falls. This part of the jungle tends to attrack goblins and gibberlings like you wouldn't believe."
Dreav:
A beautiful half-drow walks in and finds a table in the back and sits down all the while muttering to herself, she orders a drink and relaxes while keeping an eye on the door.
Just getting in my post sorry it wasn't till now
Thinking he had heard everything from their Leiira worshiping comrade, Borden noticeably turns to look at Dreav with a rather confused and questioning look on his face, before slowly turning back and saying, "Aaaannnnyway, it indeed has been quite an exciting couple of days. What with visiting an out of the way Haeler, battling undead creatures, rooting out corrupt priests pretending to worship different gods and laying the beating to a halfling who didn't seem to understand that by siding with the fake priests, he was dooming his home, not helping it. As exciting as it all was though, it is nice to be away from there and sharing a table at an in with such a nice selection.
With that, Borden finishes his ale before digging into a rather large plate of food that the barmaid had placed in front of him. Then speaking between mouthfuls of food, Borden continues, "Praises go to Tyr for making sure that those corrupt priests got their comeuppance."
A very ragged-looking (as in not slept in a few days) Balthasar walks by the table, seeing everyone sitting together, relating the tale of the haeler. He smiles warmly and stops to say hello, and give his thanks for saving his friends, the haeler, and all of the others. He has a worried look upon his face, as he relates that this is the most dangerous leg of the journey. "This is where the Yuan-ti are, and I've heard that there are gatherings of gnolls in the jungles. Something about a scarred region of the jungle, something demonic is drawing them. Probably some myth in the area, but there have been more gnolls about. Be on your guards, my friends. Oh, Moonpate, I believe that I also owe you a pint of ale? What is your choice? They have a great stout, a porter, and a wheat beer that got imported all the way from Waterdeep." (I assume Moonpate takes the exotic wheat beer, which is quite tasty, and is served with a lemon and a lime floating in the top of the glass). He orders one for the whole table.
"Hey, I'll drink to that, Moonpate!" Tham says. He finishes his meal, and then excuses himself to his part of the common room. "Now, I believe it is time for me to rest from all of our excitement."
***skipping everyone going to bed here***
As it turns out, the strangest part of the journey is the morning. On the way outside of the inn, there is a family of baboons sitting outside... or at least you think it's a family. They are all staring at the inn, and at you as you pass by. Then you realize, as you get a few miles away, that there are still baboons on the trail, and they are all acting the same way. Nothing terribly hostile, but as they seem to be eating, they are watching the caravan pass by.
The short trek through the jungle leads through a path that the locals use due to some aversion the Yuan-ti have to it. It's not really known why they avoid this particular path, but nothing of note really happens whilst on the trail. You each make it to the Red Gorge, a small mining community at the base of the Delphim Mountains. You note that many of the dwellings seem to be empty, although the downtown area seems to bealight with activity. Fitting for a mining community. It does have shorter (8-feet tall) walls, but no towers. It seems that this community feels safe against the nominal threats of the area. The only inn in town, the "Redheaded Miner's Inn" seems nice enough. The inn is nice, and is run by a man named Mikimax, who places snacks onto the main bar after the dinner proper is served. About this time, there is a musician playing, wearing a blue robe and knee-high boots. "Ahh, gotta love minstrels" Mikimax says to the assembled caravanners. It is a nice change of pace, as the Drunken Monkey was 2 days' walk through the jungle, and now there is a nice, soft bed for every caravanner. Balthasar seems to have reserved the whole inn for the caravan.
The last two days of the journey are into the mountains proper. Up into the "Cauldron of an extinct volcano," Or so Balthasar says. He tells the caravanners who've not done this journey before that the city itself was founded during the rage of wizards, when Procalith was destroyed. The survivors, mostly Helmites and Tempeans (followers of Tempus) helped found the initial city. Neither part of the Lapal League nor the Tashalan, Cauldron is a hub of commerce and divergent ideals. Coming up the mountain, you see the cities black basalt and granite walls, towering 35 feet high over the top of the mountain. The sight itself is breathtaking, and you all cannot be help but awestruck at the marvelous engineering involved with making that structure.
Not long after the caravan is allowed entry into the south gate, about five or six blocks, you stop at a store, Zanathar's provisions. Balthasar walks into the door, and, from outside, he appears to be haggling with the merchant inside. He comes back out, and three of the carts' contents are hauled into the store. An hour later, after walking the concentric ring to the center of the city, it seems, you come to another small business, "Weer's Elixers" it says on the sign, and the last of the goods are delivered with little fuss. At this point, Balthasar looks rather pleased, and takes the entire caravan to a little inn in the northern part of town, a dive bar by the look of it, but the Tipped Tankard is a lively place. He pays everyone once arriving. "I've arranged rooms at Minuta's Boarding house, a set of apartments really, for each of the groups guarding the caravan. It's paid for one week, and that goes for everyone." He buys a round of drinks, and offers a toast. "To a successful venture." His bookie from the caravan begins to pay out groups, with your group coming last. "I've been told that you all are something special, and each of you is to be given a 'bonus' of some sort. So, I've arranged the finances to give you this .
When you see the arrangements, it appears that Balthasar intended your caravan group to spend its time together even more. A small map indicates that Minuta's board is along Ash Avenue (the same road that the Tipped Tankard is on), but is located right on the crater's lake itself. The end of the evening, after everyone is quite warmed by friendship and the bonuses given, you all set out to Minuta's Board. You realize that Ash Avenue is the "poor" part of town, with a lot of run-down buildings, but a lot of warm windows, and some happy scenes all about. That all is shattered by the a horrible sound. You hear a man screaming "Help, someone Help! SOme-oof!" From around the a corner, into an alley.
Borden, Kyssta, Dreav, and Tham's bag:
Feli, Khaeden, Xalandra's Bag:
All:
Xalandra hangs back a bit from the group as she shifts through the bag she has just recieved from Balthasar. All the while thinking of the supplies she will need and wondering what kind of trouble she can get herself into in this wonderous city called Cauldron. She is terribly surprised by the amount Balthasar has given her and being so in awe of it and because she seems to be having a conversion with herself (as usual) she doesn't immediately react to the sound of the person screaming in the alley. It suddenly occurs to her what going on around her and she draws her beautifully crafted elven blade.
"Hey guys did you hear that I think someone is in need of help! We should investigate."
She says eagerly and then Xalandra moves up to the corner of the alley way and peaks around the corner to get a glimpse of what going on.
Perception check (1d20+3=16)
And then tries to sneak into the alley with as little sound as possible
Stealth check (1d20+9=19)
Heedless of his own safety, the saurian paladin dashes into the alley, his tail swishing behind him.
Feli has mentally already spent his wage, there's so many things a man like him needs, only the largest hoards of gold could start to satisfy his spending sprees. But before actually going on such a spree, Feli finds himself running after his colleagues in the amazing city of Cauldron, with so many wonderful things to see, people to meet and treasures to buy, Feli hasn't had the time to empty his gold pouch.
"Well well, we're hardly here and already we're running off to a stranger in distress" he mutters as he checks if his longsword and shortbow are ready to be drawn.
Kysstaa swerves into the alleyway with Xaladra close in tow. Kysstaa nearly knocks into a thug with a shortsword drawn. There are three thugs, apparently the first one on lookout. They are dressed in dark clothes, with faces painted in a wierd half-gold/half-red with blackened eyes, and a creepy black grin across their faces.
"Stand down hero, we got this one covered." Says the thug, menacingly waving his shortsword at Ky'sstaa's snout.
The other two, still solidly beating the man on the ground, yell "and stay away from the orphanage, fool!"
Easily noticeable is a breastplate lying near the scuffe, with its leather straps sliced off, bearing the symbol of Helm.
Ky'sstaa:
First person to roll initiative determines the party initiative, and I'll be adjucating the whole round once the party has decided what they do.
First person to roll initiative determines the party initiative, and I'll be adjucating the whole round once the party has decided what they do.
Xalandra conjures her Armor of Bone; and then waits till the 2nd round to cast Obscuring Mist.
Moonpate will move to the intersection and use his Hand of Apprentice to fling his Rod of Hardknocks at one of the thugs beating up on the poor chap.
Damage = 1d6=3
"We'll wipe those ugly grins off permanently if'n ya don't bugger off now!"
EDIT: