The AP assumes you lot are already a group. So, lets role play this a bit.
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Dax sat in the corner of the tavern, a nearly-untouched flagon of ale sitting in front of her on the table. She would have preferred to stand, but Val had told her that the way she stood around the tavern made people uncomfortable. Dax adjusted her hood and tried to keep her eyes down to avoid calling attention to their metallic sheen.
She was reasonably well-liked in Torch, considering what she'd heard people say about Androids. She never broached the topic of what she was with people, but she assumed that at least some of the people in town knew. Nobody else said anything about it either, because nobody wanted to give the Technic League any more reason to snoop around than they'd already had. That damn torch on the hill; it kept the town alive, but it also made it someplace worth killing for.
93 seconds. It was time for her to take another sip of the drink. She lifted the flagon to her lips and let the bitter ale trickle into her mouth. Setting the flagon back down, she waited for her companions.
Benton wanders into the backdoor of the tavern. As he walks into the bar he washes his greasy hands on his tunic and jumps up on the tavern bar.
"The still is fixed! Order up everyone!" He yells with a high-pitched voice.
"Great work again Bent, here's two coppers and a cup." The bartender hands his young looking gnome tenant a couple coins and coffee cup of ale. "Now get the blazes off my counter!"
The bar erupts in cheers and laughter. This was the second time this month Benton had to run to the scrapyard to find some metal salvage to fix the still's valve. It was easy to find parts, but there was never anything valuable turning up in the runs. Still though, Benton lived well for a gnome. He had a small attic closet to sleep in and friendly acquaintances around town who knew him from the tavern he ran odd jobs out of.
Benton chugged his ale and hopped to the floor. Weaving through legs of both humans and tables he made his way towards Dax.
"Good to see you Ms. Dax! How many seconds since our last bit of drink?" The gnome spoke cheerfully as he hopped into the chair across from the cowled woman.
Benton had met Dax in the tavern, along with the other metalkin and the grippli, two weeks ago. From his perch in the rafters he heard several conversations about the doused forge and acting as a intermediary was able to get the group to start talking with each other. Soon there would treasure to find and a new moving chair for Charlotte.
Rana, doing her usual climbing exercises, comes in from a small window then drops down from the ceiling near her allies, tipping her hat in welcome and saying:
Hello (ribbit). So, what's the haps with your master eh Dax? I'm itching to get my hands on some tech.
She then sits on the table, takes out her gun and starts cleaning it, then reloading it.
(In gnomish, to Benton) So Benty, any luck yet? Yous been searching around here for tech longer than I have. (Ribbit)
Kinna comes in through the front door, having come straight from tidying up her school. Tall and slim, with shining golden eyes, skin like literal alabaster, and hair no color that had ever occurred in nature outside of a gnome's dream, she was obviously inhuman.
But in the 7 years since she'd arrived in Torch she had managed to become a well-known figure to the children and parents of young children in town, first reading to them on the steps of Brigh's temple and eventually building a small school.
She spent most of her days at the school, whether it was teaching or cleaning or working with her assistants to raise money. Most of her nights were dedicated to working in Baine's laboratory, since she had no need for sleep. What little time was left over she spent studying the local populace in an effort to improve her interactions with non-synthetic lifeforms.
Having Dax nearby during these observation sessions was a useful aid in her efforts, as between the two of them they could typically hold up one end of a conversation. Kinna walks up and cocks her head to the side to listen to Rana as she had seen one woman do 3 years ago and adopted as a personal mannerism.
"Baine has not been missing long enough that logic presumes he is dead. If not dead, he is imprisoned and unable to escape or call for help, which I rate a low percentage given his previous experiences and general resources." Kinna sits. "Hello, Rana, Benton, Dax." She turns her head to look directly at each person as she names them, a very literal take on making eye contact with the person she was speaking to.
Rana responds to Kinna:
If yous correct, we then we gotta do something. I aint terribly tempted to go deep, but my eyes can handle it. (ribbit)
She finishes loading her pistol, then puts it away in her holster.
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Dax returned the gnome's smile. She had been practicing, and appreciated that Benton never seemed to recoil from her. "I just had a drink two seconds before you entered. Following our last conversation, I have begun randomizing the intervals to look more natural. Congratulations on your most recent salvaging. Morale would have decreased significantly without a functioning still."
As Rana and Kinna entered, Dax ventured to lower her hood, now less worried about drawing attention to herself. They were an exotic group, even in a town as relatively cosmopolitan as Torch.
"I have already packed my things. I believe we should hurry. The longer that Baine is gone, the more likely it becomes that Val may do something unwise, such as go searching for him herself. I will not, through inaction or otherwise, allow their lives to cease. We are all well-suited for an underground expedition. We have a much greater chance of success than the other groups preparing to enter the caves at this time."
Kinna nods. "Unfortuntely, I estimate that both our sudden disappearance from town and our informing Val that we are descending into the cave system to retrieve her father are likely to incite reckless action from her. Given the two options, I am of a mind to inform her that we are going and ask her to wait a specified period before following us. I estimate that has the best chance of keeping her from acting on her own."
One of the patron speaks up. If you lot are planning to go into the caves, I hear that the mayor has some sort of reward.
Rana rubs her hands greedily and says:
Yeah, might as well make sure to "secure" the promise of a reward first. Wouldn't want him gippin' us later... (ribit)
Kinna cocked her head curiously at Rana. "You do not think the mayor would provide the reward without an agreement beforehand?"
Who knows? I'd rather be sure myself. (ribbit)
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"Your expertise should be rewarded; we will go to the mayor as you say. Perhaps we can also learn more about the circumstances of Bain's disappearance." Dax said, raising her hood and rising to her feet. She stepped away from the table and then suddenly turned back, realizing that she had left her ale. Leveling her gaze at the tankard, she lifted it once more and drained the remainder of its contents.
Well put friends! I'll be ready in a jif!
Benton dives beneath the table and disappears into the crowd. A minute passes by and he suddenly appears again from the rafters, hopping down onto the table with a loud thud and causing the mugs to shake. He's dawned a short bow, a hard leather tunic, and a small backpack.
I know a shortcut. I've run letters for the mayor a few times!
Kinna stands along with the others and nods. "We can gather our things and tell Val once we've talked to the mayor."
Well, I'm all packed up, so lets follow Benty
Rana gets up, slings her backpack on and gets off the table.
Seeing Benton seems to be distracted, Rana starts out of the tavern.
Benton head through the tavern door and catches up to Rana. He whistles a lively tune as he hustles towards the mayor's office.
Unless you really feel like playing out the process, we will just skip to your audience. Concealer Dolga Freddert is the one who will talk to you. She is an old Dwarf, but remains energetic.
"So, I hear you are interested in trying to find Khonnir? Well there is 4k in gold if you bring back his body. If can bring him back alive I am willing to give you the resurrection scroll we were planning to use on him. Are there any questions?"
Hey! MOney aint o' no consequence to me. But yes, info would be appreciated
Kinna listens attentively, her shining, unblinking eyes locked on the Concealer.
Benton's eye brows shift into a confused look as he looks around at his team as they speak altruistically about the gold.
I guess that leaves me as the one doing this for the gold! Where can we get started Concealer Freddert?
Benton grins from ear to ear and his eyes are wide with excitement.
Kinna looks over at Benton. "I will not refuse an offer of reward," she says simply, then looks back at the Concealer.
Look, look, we all want da money. So, what info ya got Dolga?
Benton chuckles knowingly.
Dola watches the chat, "There's an underwater passage connecting the caves to Weeping Pond. Khonnir noticed a large number of human footprints on the pond's banks-he was there the day the fires went out testing the water to ensure it hadn't suddenly grown more toxic-and he realized that a sizable group of people had entered the pond but had not emerged. We don't know who made the track, word about town puts blame on the Technic League, but I think that's too convenient and obvious an answer. Khonnir was hoping to find out more by delving deeper into the caves, but who knows what he found in there ... or indeed, if he's even still alive? Anyway, The caves are inhabited by several enormous vermin and other scavengers, along with some strange humanoids who had the ability to blend into the shadows of the cave walls, and a nest of gremlins. Khonnir believed this indicated a deeper connection in the caves to the Darklands, but of more immediate interest was his discovery of a wall of solid metal deep in the caves. A wall made of a skymetal alloy called glaucite. He said it was like the kind we mine from the hills and surrounding plains, but formed into a structure with doors. It was near one of these doors that Khonnir found the broken automaton that he brought back after his first expedition. Once you're on the job, I'll give each of you a writ that you can show to any of the merchants in town for a flat 20% discount on any gear you need to purchase-I wish I could offer a greater discount than that, but that's the best I can do. Further, Val, Khonnir's adopted daughter, has closed down her father's tavern, the Foundry, for the time being. She's told me that any group that's going into the caves to look for her father can use the tavern, free of charge, as a headquarters and a place to rest between forays. Finally, the entrance to the caves is flooded. You'll need to swim a bit to get to the caves. Joram Kyte has agreed to cast water breathing on any group to aid in entering the caves-free of charge, of course. You can find him at the temple of Brigh or up at Crowfeather Palace when you're ready to go."
She sits back, "Any other questions?"
Kinna nods appreciatively. "Thank you for the information, Concealer. I believe we are ready to proceed."
Well den, let's get going!
Before the group can follow Rana's advice, however, the door bangs open, and the frame is filled by two very tall figures. Well, tall for humans, anyway. Behind each of their heads is the handle of a greatsword, which makes them look just that much taller, and both stand broad of shoulder and straight of back - which means the poor doorway looks positively crowded, even with just the two of them in it.
The shorter (by an inch or so) of the two nods to those in the room, a broad - somewhat apologetic - smile on his face.
"Our apologies for being late. We were told that the town is offering a reward for anyone who's willing to go after Khonnir Baine, and prove that the Technic League is responsible for shutting down the Torch. Ah, apparently, this is the place we're supposed to be to get briefed on the situation?"
He ducks his head just enough to get into the room, his scale-mail (a match for the woman behind him's, except for some extra armor skirting) rattles a bit as he moves, but not as much as one would expect from such a big man. Without seeming deferential, he makes way for his companion.
His companion, a woman of proud bearing and suspicious blue eyes, surveyed the group, and the tavern, and everyone else in it, with a measuring gaze. Then she nodded to the man, dragging a bench away from another table for the two to sit on. Settling onto it, she leaned onto their table, no trace of apology on her sharply-defined Kellid face. Rather, she had a determined air, and when she spoke, she spoke bluntly.
"We heard about the robot. He found it below, right? We're coming with you."
The somewhat more polite man made a slight sound, and she glanced at him; when she did, her hard gaze softened considerably.
"I am Valki Valka. This is my husband, Takek Iron-Back. We will be useful to you."
Valki was horribly misinformed, and is, in fact, not at the tavern. They are still at the city hall. Dolga simply stares at them for a while.
"Well, you all can go and help them out, then. Go on, I have stuff to do." she says, getting up, and walking away.
Robuts ya say? Ugh, hope there aint more. Seem to remember them being quite dangerous critters
The other woman in the room- humanoid but clearly inhuman, from the pallor of her skin and the unnatural color of her hair and eyes- looks up suddenly at the newcomers intrusion. She nods, though, at Valki's statement. "It is quite likely that you will be useful to us. We are likely to face dangers other than technological traps."
She looks over at Rana. "I am willing to have them accompany us. Are you?" At Rana's (presumably affirmative) answer, Kinna nods and stands. "Then we should go."
Kinna walks over to Valki and extends her hand. "Valki Valka, I am Kinna. I spent a winter and a spring with the Lightning Sands Wolves tribe. Talks to the Spirits of Our Fathers gave me my name."
Yo! I'm Rana. I'm from south... somewhere or other... I like finding stuff. I already call dibs on any firearms we find!
The man, Takek, Valki had introduced him as, quirked an eyebrow at the little frog-person.
"'Dibs?' I am not sure what you mean by 'calling dibs,' but if you are attempting to lay claim on firearms that are wrested from enemies that we may defeat, well, that... may prove interesting." He shrugged, the greatsword on his back moving with the gesture.
"I have little use for such cow- ah, for such weapons myself, but they fetch good coin in trade. I am sure that there will be plenty to go around, if our enemies are foolish and frightened enough to use them against us."
He smiled, a friendly smile, that made it clear he meant no malice, then looked around at the others.
"If we are prepared to go, where shall we be going?"
Rolling her eyes, Rana has a thought.
Must be one o' them... watchamacalit... Magic-users! Like dat shaman back home... never want normal tadpoles to have anything as cool as dem.
She then say:
Uh... I believe we were supposed to go somewhere to get some water breathing cast on us? Go see Joram Kyte I think.
Rana then quickly says:
AND NO LAUGHING! Grippli are tree-frogs, not water frogs.
The other woman in the room- humanoid but clearly inhuman, from the pallor of her skin and the unnatural color of her hair and eyes- looks up suddenly at the newcomers intrusion. She nods, though, at Valki's statement. "It is quite likely that you will be useful to us. We are likely to face dangers other than technological traps."
She looks over at Rana. "I am willing to have them accompany us. Are you?" At Rana's (presumably affirmative) answer, Kinna nods and stands. "Then we should go."
Kinna walks over to Valki and extends her hand. "Valki Valka, I am Kinna. I spent a winter and a spring with the Lightning Sands Wolves tribe. Talks to the Spirits of Our Fathers gave me my name."
Valki Valka clasped Kinna's hand in a strong, but not crushing, grip. "You show wisdom, Kinna," she said with a nod of acknowledgement. "And you have the look of one blessed by the gods. Perhaps it is a good omen, that we join a group with one named by a shaman."
She eyed Takek, breaking into a smile. "Well, husband? What does Gorum think of this venture?" By her tone, the question was more teasing than serious.
"Let us go, then, and breathe water like the water-frogs."
Haha! Let's get swimming! We've coin to earn!
With a joyful jump from the wall he was leaning on Benton jogs out the door, not waiting for anything.
She eyed Takek, breaking into a smile. "Well, husband? What does Gorum think of this venture?" By her tone, the question was more teasing than serious.
"Let us go, then, and breathe water like the water-frogs."
Takek smiled back at his wife, and then raised a finger.
"'Thou shalt not await direction from Our Lord in Iron for all things, lest thy mind become weak, and thy limbs laggard.'" He quoted scripture at Valki, then chuckled, and followed her - and the bouncing gnome - out the door.
Hahaha! Coin!
Ranna runs after the rest of the group on her short, but surprisingly rapid legs.
Kinna was last out the door, following along behind the others to Joram Kyte. She had to move quickly to keep up with Benton and Ranna.
You all go and reach the lake, it's muddy fluids flowing down. The passage is down here, and you have had waterbreathing cast upon yourselves. If you go in, swim (DC 10) and fortitude (DC 12).
I try to pass through, taking 10 to swim (14).
Benton jumps in after the frog.
Swim:
Fort:
Takek took one look at the water, then shook his head.
"Unless someone ties a rope for us to pull along, there is no swimming with armor on. We will have to remove it, and drag it - and our gear - behind. Does anyone know how far we must go?"
Kinna cocks her head curiously at Takek. "With the enchantment you could simply walk along the bottom. I am sorry to say that I have no rope. I can, however, light the way for you to insure you do not get lost."
"A fine idea, Kinna," Valki Valka agreed. "Come, husband - we will walk the bottom, breathing the water like a fish, even if we do not swim like one. Unnatural monsters await us; surely you will not let a little water get in the way of slaying them?" she teased.