This thing is an abomination; we must find a way to destroy it!
Modnar frowns while keeping his eyes locked on the pool that tried to slay his comrades. He asks Miku, "This . . . creature seems like a menace. Is there any way to make certain it does not rise again?"
Hannarr hears Mondar and glances nervously down at the vegetative mess What... rise again? and shuffles quickly away from it with graceless haste.
To Miku he asks," We were asked to escort you back to the Xan city. Can you guide us there now?"
The Xan nods, "Yes. I know shortest quickest paths. Happy to show you."
Modnar frowns while keeping his eyes locked on the pool that tried to slay his comrades. He asks Miku, "This . . . creature seems like a menace. Is there any way to make certain it does not rise again?"
"Fallen demon made jungle, stories say. His evil much gone, but sometimes these arise, keeping evil going. Not sure how to banish last memory of demon's wounds."
Ardwal will give us the power to banish it once more if it becomes a threat again. Dolgrin says
and then to the Xan We would welcome your company, please Master Miku, show us the way.
Shaking the spores and sleepiness off, Ulfgar thanks Kragg and welcomes the Xan warrior. "heheh, friendly place you have here. Ulfgar, ranger from the upper lands. I tend to have a bit of that wanderlust myself."
Know religion
Kragg heals those that are injured channeling Zuth's blessing upon them. Excellent job on ending the threat. I am glad you were able to finally put an end to it Hannarr. As for it rising again we are now aware of its abilities so we can counter it and attack from range should we need to.
How long!iku to your people? We have to get back to lurs soon as well. Ae you able to take a forced march to reach them quicker?
Modnar checks his gear to make certain he is ready to depart. "I am curious about this fallen demon, Miku. How long ago was it thrown down?"
Miku nods at Dolgrin's request to show the way.
"heheh, friendly place you have here. Ulfgar, ranger from the upper lands. I tend to have a bit of that wanderlust myself."
"Ah! Yes, to go, see and learn, it is like a longing I do not wish to lose."
How long!Miku to your people? We have to get back to lurs soon as well. Ae you able to take a forced march to reach them quicker?
"I can. We of the Xan are resilient," He assures, "And I am used to hard travel."
And so you move, not to explore, which would take much time, but to travel along the tried and true as Miku knows it.
"Perhaps one day things will allow us to venture above together, and you can see the upper lands, there are many sights there to behold, though truth to tell it's a different kind of wonder. Just your forest here is a sight not to be seen above and a wonder it is."
Ulfgar will spend the time available while on the march to speak with Miku learning what he can about the area and exchanging stories as they go.
Kragg hoists his pack and settles in for a quick long march. With not much time he saves energy thy not talking and just keeps his eyes open on the trek. Even though he is silent for the time being he is still deep in thought as he tries to figure out how the Xan will react and if the dwarves can forge allies without being embroiled in a war.
Miku is delighted by Ulfgar's sharing of knowledge, and reciprocates as they walk, though he also stays alert as he leads the way. "I would dearly love to see these 'trees' you speak of. Let alone this 'sun'." He talks of other wonders down here, of waters that shine to dark vision, of tunnels that take one echo and turn it into a song. He speaks of great herds of Rothe that roam, and of the sweet smell of trill bugs when they seek a mate.
Updated timeline:
Left Fastervault with 42 days of supplies
days 1-7 travel the tunnels to point I
day 8-10 explore 1217 - fought scorpions
day 11-13 explore 1116
day 14-16 explore 1216 - fought veggie wolves
day 17-19 explore 1215 - found scroll; found Xan seekers ( gave us info on 1113, 1114)
day 20-22 explore 1115 - spore storm; found Miku and fought weird
day 23 (present) moving through 1015; counts as explored thanks to Miku
*days 24-28 moving to Xan city; hexes 1014, 1013,912,812,712,612 will count as explored due to Miku guiding.
*15 days to get back to Fastervault from Xan city, so if we spend only a half day with the Xan and are not slowed down by random events, we will get back to Fastervault one day later than when we projected.
Kragg listens to what Miku has to say but lets Ulfgar do the talking still. The 2 seemed to have formed a quick bond based on exploration and wanderlust. It looked strange having a swarf converse so with a mushroom but there was going to be a lot of strange events before they reached their goal of Dammerhall. This was just one of many.
During the march to the xan settlement, Modnar adjusts his pace to walk briefly beside Miku. "When we fought that monstrosity, you mentioned that a 'fallen demon' was responsible for corruption of that sort. What else do you and your people know about this demon?"
Is this a reference to Ulamahaz? I am unsure 'demon' is a strong enough term if so . . .
The Xan answers Modnar, "It is...hard to explain. Only know story. Long time ago, great demon slain, some say by a goodly god. Not the snake of the drow, but another...giant. Its body become the great jungle we are in. Most a land of wonder with evil moved on, but some spots... like the weird, very dangerous."
Hannarr hunkers in for the fast paced march. At first he grumbles about not being able to slow down to make journal entries on all the interesting flora and fauna they are passing, but soon he is too exhausted even for that and it is all he can do to keep pace with the others.
Fort save
Kragg was glad that he did not participate in the talking as soon his age was catching up with him. Huffing and puffing he struggles to keep up and eventually calls for a rest much sooner than he would have liked.
Ulfgar talks to Miku, easily keeping up the pace from long conditioning in the field, hearing others call for a break he holds his hand up for Miku to stop so the others can catch their breath a moment. Leaving Miku to watch the front, Ulfgar ranges along their back trail looking for anything that might be following them.
The wizard's face reddens with the effort of the accelerated march, and his feet begin to stumble. Soft gurgling noises can be heard between his labored breaths.
Dolgrin keeps pace well, his martial training keeping him going.
You press yourselves hard, too hard, and many of you begin to stagger, feeling the weight of your fatigue.
Miku is not blind to how a few of you are losing your wind, and says, "Can you go one more day?"
If that is what it takes then yes. I can heal us once we get there and we can rest there. The timing is important that we hurt there and back. But we will let the group decide.
Leaning on a waist-high stone, Modnar pants heavily and wipes his forehead with his sleeve. "If haste . . . is called for . . . we must . . . rise to the
. . . occasion . . ."
The wizard tries to adjust his belt as a display of readiness, but misses and untucks a sizable portion of his robes instead.
Ulfgar hides a smile at Modnar's well intention action even though poorly executed.
"I'm good to proceed and will assist each of you as I can."
Tired but resigned to what needs to be done Kragg mimics Modnar and readjusts his belt. Come, lets get this over with so we can rest.[sighs]whew[/sighs] I just hope this doesn't almost kill us if we run into another creature.
fort save
Dolgrin continues his march but even he grows weary
Some of you feel ready to keel over, but finally, Miku says "We are being here, friend dwarves."
And so you come to the gates of Xan. the gates, at least, do not seem impressive. A large passage leads from the Fungal Jungle to a plain thirty foot tall stonewall with two crude towers.
A dozen Xan soldiers appear to be on guard, and at first they eye your group with caution, but when they see Miku with you, they lower their guard, and come out with weapons lowered as he greets them. There's a mix of spores shared as well as reassurances gestured, perhaps there is even telepathy involved. Regardless, it is clear Miku is explaining how you saved him.
One of the guards turns to you, "Normally, Xan for Xan only. You save Miku. Much worthiness. Need you protection from spores within for a day or two? Many find dangerous if not Xan."
Miku advises, "I suggest you take ...spores that protect our city may be bad for you. But earned welcome here you have."
Dolgrin nods at the Guards We will take your gift and welcome your hospitality
Modnar stubbornly continues with the march. His lip seems to have stiffened after the incident with his robes, and less gasping and panting emerge from his mouth.
When the xan guard mentions spores, the wizard snaps to attention. "I believe protection from the spores is a sound idea." I cannot go back to that place again . . .
Too tired to talk Kragg nods yes at the spores to be administered so he can find a bed to lie down in and rest. If that is not available then he will take a chair nearby while those that are not as tired as him discuss why they are here and hopefully to see the leaders of the Xan.
One by one, each of you have an odd pronged fungi pressed to your skin where it breaks it, barely. For five minutes, you each feel slightly warm, and then...fine.
"You enter safely now may," Miku says "For day at least."
The dwarves, and the Xan hunter they rescued, go on in and behold the glory that is Xan. Boasting almost two thousand inhabitants, this city of towers and fungus is as alien as it is unique. The city is dominated by stone mushroom-shaped towers connected by woven mushroom fiber catwalks. Everywhere the myceloids come and go, performing their strange rituals. Fungus grows everywhere and the cavern is thick with dense clouds of spores.
Spores, that if you had not been prepared against, would no doubt sicken you. It would appear the best defense Xan has, is the very air of it
Six of the warriors from the gate continue to escort you and Miku, and Miku explains, "They take us to see the Alchemist." He says 'the' as if there were no others, at least, no others that matter, "Very rare is any stranger to come to Xan."
alchemy check
Even through his fatigued induced haze Kragg is able to discern some of the spores that they gave him. While he is receiving the treatment he studies the architecture and nods approvingly. Quite impressive...of a city. You Xan are ingenious and...industrious. The task of talking though is still an effort and Kragg laspses into silence again till he can catch his breath and recover fromthe taxing ordeal.
After the forced march, Ulfgar is looking forward to a rest. If it includes being patted down by a mushroom so be it. "Thank you for your hospitality."
Walking through the city, Ulgar is both impressed by it and very thankful for the mushroom application before entrance. The spore clouds giving him a slight shudder. Hmmm, as much as they bother me wonder if the spores would survive long in a flask?? Need to ask Miku and Kragg later. Turn the enemy against itself possibly
He keeps his mouth shut though when they are brought before the Alchemist, words are for Dolgrin and Hannarr....
Hannar is too winded to do much other than wheeze ingraciously and wave is assent to the spore treatment as they arrive in Xan.
Afterwards as they walk through the streets, he marvels at the city's wonders, making sure Miku and their escorts know he is impressed with the grandness of the place, and waves congenially at the onlookers.
The Xan seem as subject to flattery as any normal species, at least when it is sincere, and go on a bit more about the great city answering some questions, but not all as they do have matters of security to worry about.
The tired dwarves find themselves under a great deal of scrutiny. It would seem many a Xan is quite surprised to see one not of their people actually admitted, and while your good deed in rescuing Miku is becoming known, not all of them are entirely pleased. Still, mostly it is curiosity at the newness of you that drives them to peek.
while it is a hard slog in your weary state, you eventually come to a vast multi-level castle full of winding hallways, countless chambers and subterranean halls. "This is the Throne of Xan," Miku says, and judging by the way he peeks about, he doesn't come here often himself. Then again, he is a hunter seeking to explore the outside world, not his city.
Your innate dwarven stone sense serves some of you well, as you get a feel for where you should go in this pattern even before your escorts show you.
The focal point of the Throne is a great audience chamber. At the center upon a podium sits the Alchemist itself. The chamber is full of guards and great hanging boxes full of other fungal dignitaries and mouldering officers of the myceloid government.
The Alchemist, as he is called, does not bother with undercommon at all. There is a gentle hum in your minds, and you understand it perfectly.
"Greetings. I am the Alchemist of Xan. Regent to rulership and humble guide to my people. You have returned one of our own. This is no small thing. I am not ingrateful, but I am curious: Why would you assist a stranger from a city of strangers not even remotely of your kind?"
The Dwarves of Dammerhall are friends to all Goodly peoples. Dolgrin begins
I am Dolgrin Tarnhamer, Scion of the Tarnhammer line. This is Hanarr Diamondheart, stout defender of Dwarven Lore. Here is Ulfgar the Dragonbone, as brave as his Clan ancestors. Modnar Goldrune is our arcanist and as learned as his forebears. We represent the Great Clans of Old Dammerhall. and then Dolgrin introduces Kragg And this is the retainer Kragg Stoneheart, faithful Cleric of Zuth, he of the Great Barrel.
Dolgrin gives a deep bow We seek only friendship and mutual Aid.
The Alchemist tilts his capped head, "such names are of places very old indeed. Places still lost I understand? Are you merely wandering through the depths, or have you found a home of sorts? The friendship you seek... you are on a good path to this, but you also mention aid? What are you hoping for?" The Alchemst's tone (if telepathy can have a tone) seems cool, but but calm not hostile, analytically and curious.
Modnar's brow furrows at the Alchemist's introduction. He bows courteously, then inclines his head to look back at his host.
Would conducting our dialogue like so be preferable to you?
As your friends would then not be able to hear you, perhaps it is best if you speak even as i project the Alchemist advises Modnar.
Kragg listens as introductions are made and shakes his head at the comment about being of the Great Barrel and just a retainer. If that was what Dolgrin thought then so be it. Kragg would not speak out at this time.
Your kindness is surprising. we had thought interaction with non-Xan dangerous but perhaps there are exceptions.
The Alchemist tilts his capped head, "such names are of places very old indeed. Places still lost I understand? Are you merely wandering through the depths, or have you found a home of sorts? The friendship you seek... you are on a good path to this, but you also mention aid? What are you hoping for?" The Alchemst's tone (if telepathy can have a tone) seems cool, but but calm not hostile, analytically and curious.
It is true, we are seeking out that which our forebears have lost - a homeland. At this time all we are hoping for is safe passage and safe harbour, and perhaps share any knowledge the Xan have of the old places before our people were driven away. In the future... Hannarr shrugs amicably. Who knows what great things might be forged by a friendship between the people of Damerhall and the people of Xan. Neighbors who live together in peace and harmony always prosper more than those who seek strife and discord. The gnomes of Fastervault already know the truth of this. We have helped them shake off the shackles of the drow and stand up to their ancient oppressors. Now, for the first time in generations, they build what they choose to build and know that their children will live free and fearless.
Mildly disquieted by the fungal wonders of this new community, Anka maintains her stoic poise as the others converse with their hosts.
The Alchemist sends more thoughts your way, and while it is a detached sort of being, you believe you have impressed your sincere desire for friendship upon it, To provide for the young, this is something any people can understand I think. We will reward you for your troubles and kindness regardless, but if you truly wish to cement a friendship with us, perhaps you may yet provide one more service? The Skis'raal have become dangerous foes. Would you be willing to work against them?
"Thank you for your hospitality, your city is truly a wonder, as is the subterranean forest you call home.
Can you tell us more of the Skis'raal trouble you wish help with?
I ask this because the deep gnomes we have already helped had trouble with them as well. Yet this was a solitary pair, judging from the lair we found them in. There was also a bag of coin their with the likeness of the spider queen on them. We felt the pair were mercenaries. Perhaps we were mistaken in this being a single episode of evil within the species."
Ulfgar replies to the Xan request, intentionally leaving out the letter Hannarr carries from the Drow messenger. He wishes to see what trouble the Skis'rail are causing here, the intent not to hide it from the Xan but to receive an explanation not swayed by the information contained in the missive. Nodding to Dolgrin and Hannarr, he has said his piece and steps back returning the conversation to those better spoken.
Ah, so your telepathic abilities do not allow those around you to utilize telepathy amongst each other.
When Ulfgar asks about the Skis'raal, Modnar also pipes up. "I, too, am curious about the struggles between the Xan and Skis'raal. Have your peoples always been at odds?"
As the others voiced their concerns of knowledge and that is exactly what Kragg wanted to know as well before answering he waits to here the Alchemists answer before speaking further. However if the Alchemist can read thoughts not directed at communicating with it then the Alchemist would get the following...
Work against the Skis'raal? that is an interesting way of putting it and very blunt. At this time I would say no to such a question as we do not have enough information to set ourselves at odds against anyone. Yet if the Alchemist changed the question instead to help the Xan then I could answer honestly and say yes as broking a peace accord to remain friendly to both races would be in essence helping end the war with the Xan and fulfilling the answer to the question.
There have been tensions since we first discovered each other a few years ago, but of late, some Xan have gone missing, and Skis'raal weapons were found behind. Who else but them could be behind such things? They intrude on our territories, and sometimes it seems as if they are determined to starve us, for they clear out the corpses that we as myconieds feed upon.