Harn just smirks at the business of deciding whether it was ok to take the goods or not. From his perspective, Aaremeth had it right, you keep what you find, especially if the owner had long since vanished, leaving behind an accursed cauldron which forces you to ding up your favorite axe.
Reaching the river, Harn turns to Nikolae and responds, "Well, I can tell ya that we have no idea what we'll find in there, but if you feel it's safer to be in a big building, in the middle o' the Vale, which is most likely inhabited by all sorts of critters, then by all means, lets go say hello."
IS
Trevor laughs at Harn's comment: "Now come ON Harn, just admit that you don't want to get your skin wet if it rains! As for me, I could do with a roof over my head for the night."
aaremeth luaghs heartily at the pair. I suppose the critters out here are so much more amiable to our prescence? the Owlbear and the tatzylworm have been awfully nice to us.
Then we should proceed. If luck is with us and we find the ingredients quickly, we can hurry back to town when conditions allow. If it takes longer to find the ingredients, then we can at least have a roof overhead this night.
With about an hour of daylight left you approach.
Sitting squat at the foot of an imposing mountain, a ruined monastery comes into view between ancient gnarled trees. Made of simple stone blocks, worn smooth with the passage of time, the stout building is falling apart. Sections of the slanted shale roof have collapsed and portions of the outer wall have crumbled. Weeds and wild thorn plants run rampant across the field leading up to the place, leaving only the slightest indication of a path that ends at the ruined front doors. Beyond an overgrown yard sits in shadow.
As the group approaches, Trevor tries to figure the purpose of the building.
Why would it be located in this forsaken place? Was it a monastery? To what worship?
Knowledge (geography):
Knowledge (religion):
The building in sight, he focusses his mind on incoming dangers, tightening his grip ever slightly on his axe and javelin.
Perception:
Taking in the building, Harn says, "Well, lets go see what there is then." Moving forward, Harn seems to be calm and relaxed as he approaches, though the others in the group see the man unstrap his axe from his back and grip it tightly in his large fist.
AAremeth readies a bomb with a smile, which he reels in quickly, no need to let them see how much he enjoys the exsplosions, but he can't help but feel excited about the improvment he has made. His eyes start trailing the area for Mushrooms.
perception
As you all approach the ruins you notice a moss and vine covered statue on each side of the trail. The one on the left is so weathered you can no longer make out any detail. Several pieces broken off and lie crumbling at it's base. The one on the right appears to be its twin in theory however, and is a dwarf holding aloft a great stone hammer. On its base in old Dwarven runes is a partial inscription part of it has been chiseled away.
It is apparent that these statues are very old probably from the time of the last great Dwarven Kings in this region.
"This monastery was probably devoted to the worship of the ancient dwarven god Droskar. You see, this mighty peak here is Droskar's Crag. All I remember is that Droskar was a dark ancient god of toil and suffering... Lueck, does it ring a bell?"
Trevor walks around, uneasy, constantly shifting his grip and looking behind his back. "Toil and suffering... Are we sure we want to sleep inside?"
"This monastery was probably devoted to the worship of the ancient dwarven god Droskar. You see, this mighty peak here is Droskar's Crag. All I remember is that Droskar was a dark ancient god of toil and suffering... Lueck, does it ring a bell?"
Does that ring a bell?
Knowledge Religion
I can't say I mind either way, an abandon temple there the vale oout here. We'll be sleeping with one eye open either way. the elf shrugs.
Droskar, eh? Well, as I recall, Droskar was a minor god of Dwarven kind for quite some time. Then when the Great Dwarven Kingdoms were beginning to fall. Droskar rose in popularity when many thought the Kings had grown lax, and that is why the Kingdoms were beginning to lose power. Torag was too soft and true task master was needed, so Droskar rose in power. Ironically, many believe it to have only accelerated the demise as the simple joys of Dwarven life were frowned upon by his zealous followers. While still worshiped in some places he is not well known amongst most surface dwelling peoples. He is mentioned almost akin a bogyman to scare apprentices and children. Or so I seem to recall...
Clapping Lueck on the back Well now, it looks your not all Drink are you."
Listening intently to Lueck, Trevor bursts: "AH! Dwarven life had SIMPLE JOYS??? Like what exactly? I just can't picture how a god of toil and suffering would remove anything from dwarven life's simple joys. Just shows how much I've never spent time with a dwarf!"
A little later, down the path, Trevor asks: "So for tonight, we camp outside, but near enough to take advantage of the walls if need arises, yes?"
Perception:
An interesting parallel to the current ascension of a similarly humorless god associated with slavery in my homeland, perhaps. Nikolae muses.
I believe all societies go through the rise and fall of less savory elements. It is our duty as men of conscience to make sure the rises are resisted and the falls expedited.
Clapping Lueck on the back Well now, it looks your not all Drink are you."
Not all, but I won't share that if you won't.
"AH! Dwarven life had SIMPLE JOYS??? Like what exactly? I just can't picture how a god of toil and suffering would remove anything from dwarven life's simple joys. Just shows how much I've never spent time with a dwarf!"
A little later, down the path, Trevor asks: "So for tonight, we camp outside, but near enough to take advantage of the walls if need arises, yes?"
Nearby would be good. Harn, any suggestions on where?
Sometime I'll have to sit down with you and really good dwarven brewed ale. But seriously, if you've ever seen a dwarven craftsman admiring his completed handiwork, or admire his son's ascension into adulthood, you'd see that they are still certainly capable of appreciating the simple joys.
After a pause he'll add
Or so I've been told by a dwarf or two right before they passed out. Or was it I who passed out? Lueck sees to drift into his own thoughts after that.
"I'd like to try that dwarven ale with you once we get back to Falcon's Hollow. That great dinner back at the Jak'a'Nape sure feel like a long time ago!"
"Let me tell you, only Cayden's Arm would wonder if it was the dwarf that passed out drinking! Say, I wouldn't mind something warm to salute the end of this long day's walk. But let me get some firewood first."
Later tonight, during his watch, Trevor will try and fathom what life would've been like in this place, when the cult was strong.
Lueck will share a half skin of ale with the others at the fire, moderation being within Cayden's teachings when the occasion calls for it. He'll lead toasts to the fallen men whose remains they bring home, to the witch who knowingly or unknowingly helped them in their quest, and to the success of their venture at this place.
Shortly after dark when you are all sitting around the fire and Lueck is passing his skin of ale I need a perception check from everyone. (don't forget Vermiis)
Perception
Sorry Trevor. I seem to have spilled some ale on your boot there.
Perception:
"See how the beer made a shape like a heart? Those boots truly are something, no?"
perception
"it looks to me more like an arrow pointing that way, pointing right at..."
Having partaken of the offered ale, Harn was to at least have a good drink and company if not the comforts of a cot and roof over his head.
Enjoying the conversation and laughing at the focus everyone seems to have on Trevor's boot, he take a moment to look around.
Perception:
a pair of wolves. AAremeth stands up drawing one of his exsplosives off of his bandelierin one hand and his rapier in the other. to arms gentlemen.
At Aaremeth's warning, Lueck will stand and slowly make his way next to Harn, keeping his back to the fire.
Having Aaremeth confirm his feeling that they were being watched, Harn stands up, turns to face the direction that Aaremeth was looking , puffs out his chest with his axe in hand and tries to appear as big and towering as possible in an attempt to scare off the most likely hungry wolves. "C'mon ya mutts! If ya want a piece o' our flesh, we are gonna hafta take some o' yours in turn!"
Intimidate:
Lifting his eyes from his footwear, Trevor comes and stands beside Harn, Axe in hand trying to look menacing.
Aid another (intimidate):
If we are not yet in turns, Lueck will cast Enlarge Person on Harn. I believe there is a size bonus for Intimidate checks, but I don't have access right now to check.
The pair of wolves let out a howl as they dash off into the courtyard, and into darkness.
"Woah! I don't like it one bit. It's like they live in the monastery or something. Is it just me or is that completely strange? Anyway, I don't see how I can get a good night's sleep with those two around... Maybe we should proceed right away, try and find the mushrooms and put a few miles between here and us before we camp."
to be perfectly honest, I'm with Trevor on this, what if the mushrooms are just on the other side of this wall and we waste a while night just sitting here, losing a bit of rest, might be well worth the results. Aaremeth says as he slids his rapier into its sheath and attaches the exsplosive back to his chest.
I'm inclined to agree. It is rather selfish of us to bed down when the answer could be quite close at hand. I would be willing to push in further and see what we can find quickly.
Lifting and readying his axe, Trevor adds: "Great! I'll take point, keep an eye for the mushrooms, Harn and I will keep an eye for the rest. Someone provide light?"
He moves forward, axe at the ready, with a steady stride, following the wolves.
Perception:
Aaremeth gets his bomb back in his grip and breaks open a second sun rod.
I've got that covered. he holds the Rod in the air to give optimum visibility.
Taking a place close to the front, Harn will unwrap what appears to be a torch that is held at his waist by his belt. Removing the wrapping, light issues from the torch head, providing enough light for those near the front to see by. Then hefting his axe, Harn heads towards the monastery's main gate.
You approach the gate; shadows dancing from the light of your flame. You feel watched from the darkness by unknown eyes. Is it merely wolves, or is there more hidden in the darkness?
Map
We have two light sources: Harn's torch and Aaremeth's sunrod.