The Companions of the Broken Band finds itself once again bereft of many brave members and seeking refuge from the terrors of the Flaenaess' wilderness. They have come to a mostly-forgotten city in the Duchy of Urnst known as V'run.
V'run was founded by Sueloise refugees from the Rain of Colorless Fire, as was the Duchy itself. As the crossed the forbidding heights of the Abbor Alz mountains, they made a camp on the foggy shores of the Mist Lake, deep within the dolorous confines of the Mistmarsh. Here, the early refugee camp of several noble houses grew into a city, spreading out to the shores of the Mist Lake from the old citadel where the Sueloise noble families first established a beachhead in the forbidding wilderness. V'run has seen better days. It still lies along an important trade artery which connects the Urnstian cities of Saltaren and Leukish with the Free City of Greyhawk and the city-states of the Pomarj, but much of its intellectual and mercantile activity have been siphoned off to less dangerous routes than that which crosses the Mist Lake.
The Companions find themselves sitting in a waterside tavern in the River District.
This tavern, known as the Broken Arms Tavern, displays the battered equipment of the retired knight Amarost Sendrial who founded the establishment.
As they are feeding themselves, and attempting to forget the recent terrors of the Unassailable Redoubt of the Scarlet Monks, the front door of the Broken Arms is thrown open by an out-of-breath dockworker.
The man issues several long, painful exhalations before declaring loudly to the whole room,
"There's a kobold that just popped up, having apparently stowed away from somewhere upstream on a barge, and says he needs to find some adventurers to help his family."
"He's a stubborn little vermin and he won't leave. Does anyone hear know of any adventurers so we can get him off the barge?"
"He's been positively adamant that he won't get out of the way for us to offload the goods until we get him in front of some adventurers."
Maps:
Map of V'run (you're on the river that flows through the city)
Map of River District (you're sitting in the building on the north side of the river, with a bearskin rug at the entrance.
Vhinservun looks up as the dockworker bursts into the common room and listens to his request. The bard turns to her companions at the table, viewing their weary faces and smiles. "What do you think? A simple mission rescuing a kobold's family, that could be worth looking into. It'll probably be a nice low key change of pace from the Scarlet Monks. I mean how bad could a kobold's troubles possible be, right?"
Without waiting for an answer she rises from her seat and walks over to the man to get directions to the distressed reptilian.
Krauz drinks slowly from the bowl of soup that he had, followed by dipping his bread within it. The dockworker's commotion doesn't draw his attention until Vhin speaks up about it. The battle against the Scarlet Monks was glorious. They did lose another member or two but they died in the most righteous of battle. He finished chewing his bread before speaking, his voice like the rumbling of thunder.
"I did not join this venture for easy tasks. I desire carnage, glory, a chance to prove my mettle and die in the most exquisite fashion possible." The half-orc growled, his dark eyes lifting to look at his companion. Their small smile earned a soft sigh before he shrugged, picking up the bowl. "Maybe an easy task would be good for morale. Not everyone is as strong of mind as I am."
Vhinservun looks up as the dockworker bursts into the common room and listens to his request. The bard turns to her companions at the table, viewing their weary faces and smiles. "What do you think? A simple mission rescuing a kobold's family, that could be worth looking into. It'll probably be a nice low key change of pace from the Scarlet Monks. I mean how bad could a kobold's troubles possible be, right?"
Without waiting for an answer she rises from her seat and walks over to the man to get directions to the distressed reptilian.
The dockworker is evidently relieved by Vhinservun's quick response to his entreaty,
"Ah, thank you mistress, this troublesome little fiend of a kobold is currently holding up deliveries from the villages of the Janquil Valley, and I'd really like to get him out of there as quickly as possible."
He gestures invitingly to the door of the Broken Arms, which opens on to the busy riverside thoroughfare known as Avalitac Street. This bustling street runs along the Vanzan River on the northern side. A dock and crane to offload supplies from the Janquil Valley to the north sits on the southern side of the river. A bridge crosses the river to the right of the tavern's exit. The Vanzan River is clear, deep, and quick running. A set of imposing gates set into the high city walls guard its entrance and exit from the city, but clearly the kobold was clever enough to evade detection... which seems (unusually clever?) for a kobold?
Kolvar watches as Vhinservun gets up and walks over, his mind springs to life with images from his first encounter with kobolds, it did not go well. "Well Krauz, it isn't uncommon to find the little egg-layers around dragons so you may get your chance for that gruesome death you've always want," he says to the half-orc.
Kolvar watches as Vhinservun gets up and walks over, his mind springs to life with images from his first encounter with kobolds, it did not go well. "Well Krauz, it isn't uncommon to find the little egg-layers around dragons so you may get your chance for that gruesome death you've always want," he says to the half-orc.
The dock foreman smiles as Kolvar joins the his fellow.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance as well, I'm sure, master elf. I don't mean to be rude, and I am undeniably grateful for your expeditious offer of assistance, but I really need the little mongrel out of there as quickly as you can possibly deal with him. He's holding up a delivery of skins and foodstuffs from the Janquil Valley that were already delayed - a previous overland shipment was accosted by woodland raiders near at Arpyn's Ford, and the Janquil Valley villages just sent us a rush order to make up for the lost cargo."
The foreman points to the street outside the Broken Arms.
"If you head out that way and take a right, the bridge will take you over the Vanzan River. If you take a left there and walk up a ways, past the Temple of Boccob, you'll come to the docks. I'm sure he's still there now, where I left him, holding things up."
Vhinservun smiles and nods to the worker. "I'll see what I can do to get your deliveries back on schedule as quickly as possible." Looking out into the street she takes a look out at the situation to get a feel for the difficulty of the task. Not seeing anything overly daunting at first glance she flashes a smile back to her companions at the table, gesturing for them to finish their meal while she finds out what's going on.
Moving quickly and light on her feet she makes her way over the bridge to the south side of the river and heads over to the docks. When she thinks she's found the source of the work stoppage she calls out, "I hear that someone seeks the help of adventurers. I represent the Companions of the Broken Band and am here to hear your request. What can we do for you?"
Vhinservun smiles and nods to the worker. "I'll see what I can do to get your deliveries back on schedule as quickly as possible." Looking out into the street she takes a look out at the situation to get a feel for the difficulty of the task. Not seeing anything overly daunting at first glance she flashes a smile back to her companions at the table, gesturing for them to finish their meal while she finds out what's going on.
Moving quickly and light on her feet she makes her way over the bridge to the south side of the river and heads over to the docks. When she thinks she's found the source of the work stoppage she calls out, "I hear that someone seeks the help of adventurers. I represent the Companions of the Broken Band and am here to hear your request. What can we do for you?"
As Vhinservun approaches the docks, she sees a barge tied up to the landing posts. It is heaped with piles of skins and blue fruit and pangolins from the from the farms of the Janquil Valley. A diminutive reptilian creatures with red scales, probably the troublesome kobold in question, is keeping the dockworkers at bay with a... what appears to be a dwarven axe? In fact, the kobold is fitted out with a splendid set of dwarven plate as well. If not for his reptilian appearance, he is equipped like a doughty hill dwarf warrior.
Upon noting Vhinservun's approach, the kobold quickly ceases his hostilities with the dock workers, letting his splendid axe hang limp in his right armored fist. With the other gauntlet clad appendage he waves at the elf,
"Praise Moridin and the gods of hearth and home, are you an adventurer Mistress?"
"My name is Akara, and I am a clutchmate of the hill dwarf clan that runs the copper mines of the Abbor Alz Mountains to the south."
"Oh, Mistress, my clan brothers and sisters have come to a terrible pass. Our halls were recently invaded by an aggressive tribe of xulgath from the Underoerth. They poured into our halls from the depths, completely overwhelming our defenses. They have since enslaved my clan brothers and sisters, and set them to toil in their own mines!"
"I managed to hide myself during the invasion and sneak out of the copper mines by way of a hidden way behind an abandoned fortress that crosses and underground river. While I was sneaking around, trying to decide what to do, I saw the xulgath's leader, and I think he was a drow! His face was mostly hidden by a dark cloak and cape, but I'm pretty sure I saw some pointy elven ears!"
"All the xulgath bowed and scraped to him like he was their king or god, and he ordered them around, putting my clan brothers and sisters in chains and setting up some kind of horrible shrine."
"I saw him torture my clan brother Egvaldt Ironbeard in front of the holy symbols of Xon Kuthon and Loviatar, and I think he might be a priest of those evil deities. He really did a number on poor Egvaldt, but I'm proud to say that my clan brother faced the ordeal down bravely and didn't give up any information, so I was able to sneak out undetected and, so far as I know, the dark elf is still unaware of either my presence or the hidden entrance to the copper mines."
The kobold breathes heavily for a second after breathlessly relating all the details of his predicament.
Then he rushes on as quickly as before,
"Anyway, that's super bad right? I mean, besides the disruption this will cause to our regular ore shipments to V'run, what if this attack is only an advance force for a full fledged invasion? It looks like the Xulgath and dark elves might be working together too, and have some alliance!"
"Jeeepers creepers lady! There isn't even supposed to be a dark elf civilization in this part of Oerth! I thought the majority lived under the Crystalmists and Suelhauts far to the west, and duegar were the main threat in the Underoerth of the Abhor Alz, but maybe our intelligence was faulty and there's a whole previously unknown empire of dark elves beneath the central Flanaess just waiting to pour into the lands of light!"
"As for the xulgath, the histories of my clan mention an ancient civilization of demon worshipping xulgath who sacrificed elementals on the tops of subterranean ziggurats and ruled the Underoerth before the duegar and dark elves."
"What if this means they're coming back too, and maybe allied with the dark elves as well!"
"And I already told you I think the dark elf leader is a cleric of the Lord and Lady of Pain. Maybe he has allies from the Plane of Shadow too! It was hard to tell, but I definitely think I saw him talking to some unseen persons. Shadows?"
"Anyway, this is no good and totally bad and you need to come with me back to the Copper Mines so we can free my clan brothers and sisters and figure out what this dark elf and his xulgath allies are up to, and whether we need to send up an alarm about a potential invasion of the surface world by both of these malign powers."
Akara looks up hopefully at Vhinservun.
Vhinservun listens, nodding solemnly at each detail that Akara adds to his story and the speculation at the end of it.
When Akara is done with his appeal Vhiservun gives him a reassuring smile. "You're in luck friend. Among my companions back at the Broken Arms tavern is one who has recently spent some time in Underoerth who might possibly be able to shed some light on some of what happened, though I suppose that the Uderoerth is vast, and I'm not sure exactly where he's been so I probably shouldn't make any promises along those lines..."
She trails off and frowns slightly before shaking her head as a smile returns to her face. "Regardless of that, your tale will likely appeal to my companions should you be willing to come and repeat it. I suspect that you've found allies who will help to rescue your dwarven clansmates. My name is Vhinservun Tekra and if you'll come with me I'll introduce you to my companions. Together we can figure out the best course of action for dealing with the horrors you describe."
Vhinservun listens, nodding solemnly at each detail that Akara adds to his story and the speculation at the end of it.
[dice=Sense Motive because you should always sense motive on a quest giver]1d20 + 15
When Akara is done with his appeal Vhiservun gives him a reassuring smile. "You're in luck friend. Among my companions back at the Broken Arms tavern is one who has recently spent some time in Underoerth who might possibly be able to shed some light on some of what happened, though I suppose that the Uderoerth is vast, and I'm not sure exactly where he's been so I probably shouldn't make any promises along those lines..."
She trails off and frowns slightly before shaking her head as a smile returns to her face. "Regardless of that, your tale will likely appeal to my companions should you be willing to come and repeat it. I suspect that you've found allies who will help to rescue your dwarven clansmates. My name is Vhinservun Tekra and if you'll come with me I'll introduce you to my companions. Together we can figure out the best course of action for dealing with the horrors you describe."
Akara's features relax in a show of obvious relief as he exclaims, raising his hands
"Praise be to Moradin, Great Father of the Morndinsamman! I and my clan brothers and sisters are to be delivered from this fearsome evil that has beset us."
Akara makes the holy sign of the dwarven gods over his breast as he observes what appears to be a moment of devotion to his curiously chosen (for a kobold) deities.
He then quickly makes his way over to Vhinservun,
"Lead on, gentle mistress elf, for I am but thy humble servant and bondsmen. I shall be only to pleased to deliver fresh report of my home's recent travails should it carry the hope of quick aid."
Vhinservun, an undine who should be human does her very best to conceal her surprise at being called an elf given that she was raised among them, but chalks it up to Akara probably being used to kobolds and dwarves rather than anything more intentional on his part.
"This way, friend Akara. Let us join my companions and make a plan to rescue your clan brothers and sisters."
Vhinservun leads the kobold back to the rest of the gathered companions and lets him tell his tale once more. Once he is finished she adds, "I believe that our friend Akara here speaks truly and that there are dwarves in need of rescue from evil forces. What say you to his pleas?"
Vhinservun, an undine who should be human does her very best to conceal her surprise at being called an elf given that she was raised among them, but chalks it up to Akara probably being used to kobolds and dwarves rather than anything more intentional on his part.
"This way, friend Akara. Let us join my companions and make a plan to rescue your clan brothers and sisters."
Vhinservun leads the kobold back to the rest of the gathered companions and lets him tell his tale once more. Once he is finished she adds, "I believe that our friend Akara here speaks truly and that there are dwarves in need of rescue from evil forces. What say you to his pleas?"
The earnest kobold takes a deep breath, and then launches into an even faster, more breathless recitation of the dire straights of his home.
Brando arrives as Akara retells his tale, a hand to his hat to keep it on straight. His eyes narrow at the kobold relating his tale but as the plot thickens he decides to drop the issue of who and what is talking to him. "A dark elf and...xulgath? I'm not familiar with those. What on - or under - Oerth are they? Here and now I mean, not back in the histories." He nods, "Aid to a dwarven clan is a worthy deed and likely pays well enough, but we can't prepare without knowing what for!"
A small grin spreads across Krauz's face at Kolvar's words, placing down his now empty bowl and standing up. The half-orc towered over most as he stretched and rolled his shoulders, a loud crack being heard as he popped his neck. Soon after though, Vhin returns with the small kobold in tow. A bemused grin grows on Krauz's face at the well-armored creature until he notes how they move in the armor. It was not some hastily-donned and improvised set of armor. The kobold wore it well and with ease. The half-orc listened carefully to the tale of woe and the enemies that they would be facing.
"Dark elves make for worthy and cunning foes. My blood is strong and I am ready to fight in the dark once more. This damnable sun burns my eyes." Krauz grumbles, nodding as Brando arrived at the tavern. The little gnome and his canine mount were fierce combatants, worthy members of the Companions for certain. Vhinservun's tricks with the arcane provided battlefield control. Kolvar's skill with a blade was incredible, a flowing artist of death. They were more than a challenge for slavers and a warfront.
"Gorum blesses us with an opportunity, it seems." Grabbing his backpack, he hoists it up onto his shoulders. "I am ready to begin when you all are."
Brando arrives as Akara retells his tale, a hand to his hat to keep it on straight. His eyes narrow at the kobold relating his tale but as the plot thickens he decides to drop the issue of who and what is talking to him. "A dark elf and...xulgath? I'm not familiar with those. What on - or under - Oerth are they? Here and now I mean, not back in the histories." He nods, "Aid to a dwarven clan is a worthy deed and likely pays well enough, but we can't prepare without knowing what for!"
Somehow, the kobold Akara's ramblings increase to an even speedier verbal gallop as he responds to Brando's questions,
"Well, dark elves, those are rumored to be Valley Elves who were once allied, or at least on good terms, with the ancient Suel of the desolate region now known as the Sea of Dust, which lies far to the west. It is said that they journeyed to the Underoerth during the Rain of Colorless Fire, and that they were then corrupted by the dark forces of the subterranean world. It is said that dread Tharizdun, the Elder Elemental Eye, and other fell powers spoke dark tidings to these fey, and turned their hearts to evil. It is also said that they encountered trapped demon lords in the Underoerth, such as were long hidden within the confines of Castle Zagyg on the outskirts of Greyhawk, and that these demonic patrons also moved their hearts to dark desires. Others are said to have made contact with the Plane of Shadow somewhere in the depths, and there encountered the kytons and their great lord, the Master of Pain, Zon-Kuthon. Now, they dwell in darkness and worship fell powers."
"However, all the traditions I have ever heard of the drow place them in the Underoerth beneath the Crystalmist and Suelhaut Mountains, which lie beyond the Sheldomar Valley to the west of the city-states of the Nyr Dyv and the Duchy and Country of Urnst. However... it seems as if they may also have a presence beneath the Abbor Alz if my clan's recent experiences are evidence of a previously unknown dark elf power beneath our very feet."
"The xulgath are also known as troglodytes by the surface-dwellers. They are said to have ruled a great empire in ancient days, before even the kingdoms of the Flan and Ur-Flan, or even Blackmoor. They are lizard like creatures that dwell in the deep earth, especially in vast caverns which are believed to preserve the tropical climate of the antediluvian world in which they reigned supreme."
A small grin spreads across Krauz's face at Kolvar's words, placing down his now empty bowl and standing up. The half-orc towered over most as he stretched and rolled his shoulders, a loud crack being heard as he popped his neck. Soon after though, Vhin returns with the small kobold in tow. A bemused grin grows on Krauz's face at the well-armored creature until he notes how they move in the armor. It was not some hastily-donned and improvised set of armor. The kobold wore it well and with ease. The half-orc listened carefully to the tale of woe and the enemies that they would be facing.
[dice=Kn: Dungeoneering (Untrained)]1d20+1
"Dark elves make for worthy and cunning foes. My blood is strong and I am ready to fight in the dark once more. This damnable sun burns my eyes." Krauz grumbles, nodding as Brando arrived at the tavern. The little gnome and his canine mount were fierce combatants, worthy members of the Companions for certain. Vhinservun's tricks with the arcane provided battlefield control. Kolvar's skill with a blade was incredible, a flowing artist of death. They were more than a challenge for slavers and a warfront.
"Gorum blesses us with an opportunity, it seems." Grabbing his backpack, he hoists it up onto his shoulders. "I am ready to begin when you all are."
Kolvar's listens to the kobold as her rabbles at dizzying speed. His expression sours at the mention of dark elves, duegar, and the Underoerth. "Having escaped the Underoerth I do not relish the thought of going back down there, however you cause does seem worthy... if a bit long-winded, so I am for it."
Finally speaking up from the corner where he's been sitting, watching the others eat, Kazu grunts his agreement. "Berronar Truesilver certainly wouldn't want me to leave her people enslaved, so I agree. Let's set out to free Akara's clan and put down this threat from the Underoerth before it can gain a firmer foothold to invade the surface lands."
[dice=Kn: Nature]1d20+8
Xulgaths, commonly known as troglodytes among surface dwellers, are a barbaric and vicious Underoerth-dwelling humanoid race. They are most common in the Underoerth beneath the Hellfurnaces, and are the favored slaves for many of the other races of that realm.
Xulgaths are reptilian humanoids with dull gray scaly hides and skinny bodies. Their mottled skin gives them an uncanny ability to blend in with the rocks and stones of their subterranean environment. Their head resembles that of a cave lizard, and they generally have short, bony ridges running down their spines. They height is generally capped at around five feet (although their hunched stance makes them appear shorter), and they weigh approximately 150 pounds. Those living beneath the drier regions of the Bright Desert, the Bakluni Steppes, and Khemit tend of be of lighter complexion than those who live in the Domain of Greyhawk and around the Nyr Dyv.
Their long exposure to the radiation of the Black Desert, a staggeringly large cavern filled with black sand deserts and toxic radiation hostile to all non-native life, has permanently warped xulgath physiology. Their mutations can result in countless characteristics, but in order to more easily distinguish an individual's role, xulgaths group individuals with similar mutations into groups. The few xulgaths who retain their ancestors' latent occult power are called thoughtmaws; they are also the only xulgaths who still remember the name of their species.
Xulgaths cook meat by charring it on a spit over such a long duration that other species would consider it inedible. Due to their unique physiology, xulgaths can digest this scorched meat, and can eat any meat as long as it resembles charcoal.
The xulgaths are one of the oldest civilizations of Oerth, and though primitive by modern standards, were far more advanced than that of any contemporaries. They originated from the vault of Vask, a primeval jungle protected from the Underoerth's ambient radiation by six glowing orbs known as 'cavern hearts'. They constructed vast cities of ziggurats, twisting aqueducts, fungus farms, and animal ranches, and spread their orderly and bloody society across Vask. Eventually, the xulgaths outgrew their birthplace and began building an empire across the Underoerth during the Age of Legend. They came into conflict with the neothelids, xiomorns, alghollthus, serpentfolk, and elder things, and made up for their relatively primitive technology with sheer numbers and the occult magic wielded by their paragons. At the time, they were far ahead of the other humanoid races, whom they kept in thrall.
Ages ago, when humans lived in caves and stared in wonder up at the glistening night sky, the ancient xulgath empire of Ssar'targontha thrived and prospered in the deep places of the world. For thousands of years, from atop their gloom-shrouded ziggurats set at the very centre of the canal-ringed cities, the empire's high priests used the life-essences of enslaved and sacrificed elementals to build monuments to their demonic overlord and crush their enemies. But nothing is forever. Rebellion and civil wars wracked the empire and precipitated its long, but inevitable, fall into ruin and decay. Now, nothing remains of Ssar'targontha but ruined cities squatting in immense caverns, discarded treasures and near-forgotten knowledge of an elder time.
Kolvar's listens to the kobold as her rabbles at dizzying speed. His expression sours at the mention of dark elves, duegar, and the Underoerth. "Having escaped the Underoerth I do not relish the thought of going back down there, however you cause does seem worthy... if a bit long-winded, so I am for it."
Akara's face positively beams with apparent relief as he realizes that the Companions will help him free his home from the clutches of the xulgath and their terrible dark elf ally.
As he is speaking in his, apparently habitually, hurried manner, another patron of the tavern is overheard to exclaim,
"Wands of Boccob, is the a kobold! What's he doing here, someone tell Sir Sendrial there's a kobold loose in his establishment!"
Hearing the comment from in the tavern Vhinservun rolls her eyes and then motions her companions to leave saying softly, "We'd best continue our discussion outside of town. I'll distract the locals and meet you outside the gate we came in twenty minutes from now."
Then, leaping to the center of the floor the dancer projects her voice with practiced skill and announces to everyone in the room, "Hark my fellow travelers, I have been treated most kindly and supped upon delights here at the Broken Arms. Now it my honor to repay the hospitality with a dance to celebrate the grade fare!" Vhinservun then begins a dance around the room, using her skills to keep all eyes on her and giving the rest of the Companions a chance to leave discretely out the front door and regroup elsewhere.
Each creature within range receives a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the bard’s level + the bard’s Cha modifier) to negate the effect. If a creature’s saving throw succeeds, the bard cannot attempt to fascinate that creature again for 24 hours. If its saving throw fails, the creature sits quietly and observes the performance for as long as the bard continues to maintain it. While fascinated, a target takes a –4 penalty on skill checks made as reactions, such as Perception checks. Any potential threat to the target allows the target to make a new saving throw against the effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a weapon at the target, automatically breaks the effect.
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Soto had been born eight days from nowhere in a small farm village and spent most of his "adventuring" life killing various monsters who threatened rural areas until be finally was asked to move to a bigger settlement and started his work to Heironeous there. Then his friend had been killed on a mission for these companions and in his will Garret had given membership to Soto prepaid and a debt to some companion that Garret owed for saving his life so Soto was here with a copy of the will looking for this person and looking to join this band. He kept quiet at the singing.
Hearing the comment from in the tavern Vhinservun rolls her eyes and then motions her companions to leave saying softly, "We'd best continue our discussion outside of town. I'll distract the locals and meet you outside the gate we came in twenty minutes from now."
Then, leaping to the center of the floor the dancer projects her voice with practiced skill and announces to everyone in the room, "Hark my fellow travelers, I have been treated most kindly and supped upon delights here at the Broken Arms. Now it my honor to repay the hospitality with a dance to celebrate the grade fare!" Vhinservun then begins a dance around the room, using her skills to keep all eyes on her and giving the rest of the Companions a chance to leave discretely out the front door and regroup elsewhere.
[dice=Perform (Dance) to put on a show worth watching]1d20 + 27
[dice=Perception to tell who is worried about a kobold if it matters]1d20 + 24
** spoiler omitted **...
There are two means of exiting V'run -- one by means of the Vanzan River that empties into the Mist Lake from the Janquil Valley, and the other through the main gates that exit onto the Queen's Highway, a name coined to reflect its foundation by a Sueloise grandee whose name time has forgotten. The city is surrounded by a powerful magical barrier, a remnant of the ancient Sueloise archmages who numbered among the refugees from the Rain of Colorless Fire who established the city in the early days of the migration eastwards. The Companions will have to deal with the border crossing either on the road or on the river, but they won't be able to leave the near premises of V'run until they have exited 'the Shield'.
"Come on Akara, let us be on our way," Kolvar escorts the kobold out into the the streets while Vhinservun creates a distraction. He gives the kobold a good look over and considers his arms and armor, "how are you at swimming...?"
"Come on Akara, let us be on our way," Kolvar escorts the kobold out into the the streets while Vhinservun creates a distraction. He gives the kobold a good look over and considers his arms and armor, "how are you at swimming...?"
Akara gratefully accepts Kolvar's escort as he replies,
"Well, like most of my clan brothers and sisters, water is far from my favorite element, but I am able to swim should the need arise. In fact, as I mentioned, I recently escaped from our besieged halls by means of a hidden watery exit, though also, of course, and always, by the divine grace of my patron god Moradin."
"Swimming?" Brando puts in, "Whatever the dwarf's brother likes, I do better with ground under my feet and room to move. Daisy much prefers it too." He pats his great half-wolf dog as she strides beside him. "At short notice we'd likely have to board a fishing vessel, and don't those offend elven noses as much as my fine example? Though that might be a point where Daisy differs, to be sure."
On the way out of the Broken Arms Kazu taps Sotor on the shoulder and motions for him to come with the rest. "You're here to join the Companions, yes? Well here's your chance, but we're headed out the door. You should come with."
Once outside the monk eyes the river dubiously. "We could probably find a boat, sure, but we can also walk and not need to bother with it. I reckon Krauz here can look big and scary enough as we go that people wouldn't even notice a kobold among us, especially if he stays in the middle of our group. We're not looking for trouble, and I'd rather not find it here in town, so shall we try to just take a casual stroll out the gates?"
On the way out of the Broken Arms Kazu taps Sotor on the shoulder and motions for him to come with the rest. "You're here to join the Companions, yes? Well here's your chance, but we're headed out the door. You should come with."
Once outside the monk eyes the river dubiously. "We could probably find a boat, sure, but we can also walk and not need to bother with it. I reckon Krauz here can look big and scary enough as we go that people wouldn't even notice a kobold among us, especially if he stays in the middle of our group. We're not looking for trouble, and I'd rather not find it here in town, so shall we try to just take a casual stroll out the gates?"
The city of V'run is known as the 'Shielded City' because of the powerful magical barrier which surrounds the settlement, forming a circular defensive line between its outskirts and the dangerous wilderness of the Central Flanaess. It is the primary reason that this city of declining population has not been overrun by enemies from the Mistmarsh -- alghollthu and their allies from the depths of the Mist Lake, as well as the numerous iruxi tribes of the fens, and other hostile powers. The Shield takes the form of a raging wall of blue flame that surrounds V'run. It can only be crossed at specific points along the River Vanzan and the Queen's Highway, where specially-appointed deputies of the city guard known as 'shieldwardens' control passage through the Shield via their enchanted amulets. Headed through the Gate of Purity to the east of the city, the Companions quickly come upon the guard post where one of the shieldwardens directs traffic in and out of the Shield along the Queen's Highway.
The shieldwarden at the guard post of the Queen's Highway easily catches sight of the approaching Companions. As they close the distance to the warden's position, Akara in tow, the steely-eyed lady warden speaks,
"Well, there, a kobold on the Queen's Highway, don't see that every day, do you?"
She eyes the Companions with a wary demeanor
"And where exactly might you all be headed, and for what reason?"
Two other guards, each clad in the distinctive sueloise style of spiky plate mail also worn by the shieldwarden, step closer to reinforce their leader's interrogation.
Krauz quietly rose up from his seat once the others were finally ready to leave the establishment. Securing the falchion on his back, his eyes lingered over the others before shrugging.
"These Xulgaths, Troglodytes are they tend to be known as, will provide an amble challenge it seems. Aligned with the dark elves, it would seem to be spectacular combats await us. Let us go, the Lord in Iron demands battle." Krauz ignored the patrons of the tavern, more than willing to let Vhin deal with it using their capable magic. His ferocious might had better targets to be used against.
Out in the streets, he winced at the bright lights and squinted. His superior orcish senses gave him incredible vision and resilience but the sun was still his enemy. In time, he would conquer it as well through sheer force of will. The companions began to speak about which path they wanted to take; either through the streets and out along the Queen's Road or hitch a ride upon one of the vessels in hope to limit any awkward confrontations. Krauz lived for those awkward moments. A wide and toothy grin spread across his face as Kazu mentioned him and he would give a shrug.
"I will dissuade interruptions. We will save your clan Akara and you will give me glorious battles...coin and treasure will be good as well." His eyes flickered over to the new human, his head quirking for a moment before a menacing smile spread there. "Ah, you were Garret's friend, are you not? A shame about your comrade. He died well, I assure you. Now, you will be tested." Krauz stayed in the back of the party, his keen senses keeping an eye out for any dangers that may be trying to lurk up behind them. Yet as they reached the shield's wall and were being questioned by the shieldwarden standing there, irritation flared through his being. The primal beast sought to rip the woman's through out, his orcish nature wished to break her and command the respect of the others. With a breath, he remained calm and kept control over his fiery nature.
"We are off to this little one's aid. He represents a clan that needs our help." Krauz says firmly, his eyes focused on the watchful woman. He does not shake and he does not look away but he does not reach for a weapon either. Hopefully the woman would be happy to see them go.
Krauz quietly rose up from his seat once the others were finally ready to leave the establishment. Securing the falchion on his back, his eyes lingered over the others before shrugging.
"These Xulgaths, Troglodytes are they tend to be known as, will provide an amble challenge it seems. Aligned with the dark elves, it would seem to be spectacular combats await us. Let us go, the Lord in Iron demands battle." Krauz ignored the patrons of the tavern, more than willing to let Vhin deal with it using their capable magic. His ferocious might had better targets to be used against.
Out in the streets, he winced at the bright lights and squinted. His superior orcish senses gave him incredible vision and resilience but the sun was still his enemy. In time, he would conquer it as well through sheer force of will. The companions began to speak about which path they wanted to take; either through the streets and out along the Queen's Road or hitch a ride upon one of the vessels in hope to limit any awkward confrontations. Krauz lived for those awkward moments. A wide and toothy grin spread across his face as Kazu mentioned him and he would give a shrug.
"I will dissuade interruptions. We will save your clan Akara and you will give me glorious battles...coin and treasure will be good as well." His eyes flickered over to the new human, his head quirking for a moment before a menacing smile spread there. "Ah, you were Garret's friend, are you not? A shame about your comrade. He died well, I assure you. Now, you will be tested." Krauz stayed in the back of the party, his keen senses keeping an eye out for any dangers that may be trying to lurk up behind them. Yet as they reached the shield's wall and were being questioned by the shieldwarden standing there, irritation flared through his being. The primal beast sought to rip the woman's through out, his orcish nature wished to break her and command the respect of the others. With a breath, he remained calm and kept control over his fiery...
The shieldwarden's brow arches noticeably in response to Krauz's explanation,
"The little reptile's clan you say?"
Akara interjects excitedly,
"Yes, my clan, mistress shield maiden! I am Akara, Warpriest of Moradin, Father of the Forge, clutchmate of the Copperbeard Clan of the Abbor Alz. My clan's halls have recently been invaded by a force of xulgath, reptilian creatures you might know as troglodytes, as well as what I believe to be a dark elf cleric of the Lord and Lady of Pain. They have enslaved my clan brothers and sisters and halted all ore shipments to the human settlements of the western Duchy of Urnst."
The shieldwarden betrays a look of recognition at the kobold's mention of the arrested shipments,
"Ah, if what you say is true, Akara of the Copperbeard Clan, then that would indeed explain why we haven't received any copper shipments for the past several weeks. I must admit, I have never before encountered one of your species adopted into a dwarven clan, but the rest of your intelligence appears to confirm your story, and so I shall, for the moment, accept it at face value. Indubitably, this is a serious issue for the economy of V'run and its satellite towns, and so I shall be more than happy to release your company to attempt to free this little one's home from its subterranean invaders."
The shieldwarden pushes her blonde hair out of her face as she turns to point down the Queen's Highway,
"If you're headed to the mines of the Copperbeard Clan, you're going to be headed south, along the branch of the Queen's Highway known as the Farsouth Road. Like most of the Flaeness, this area is under populated by civilized folk, and you will need to keep your wits about you, and your guard at the ready -- there are reports of ogres, ankheg, and other dangers in the nearby wilderness, which also contains many haunted ruins from the days of the Ur-Flan."
"First, you will need to pass through a region known as the Wailing Woods on the road. Beware, there have been multiple reports of bandit attacks in these forests recently. A group of them even attacked one of our recent patrols."
"Additionally, the foreword outpost known as Fort Zeltan hasn't returned any carrier pigeons recently. I don't know what might have happened, but be aware of that if you were intending on potentially sheltering there. If you'd like to investigate the fort on your way to the copper mines, the Lord Marshall of V'run would be most grateful, and I'm certain would be able to arrange a suitable reward for your troubles."
"After the Wailing Woods, you will come to the fast-flowing waters of the Seltan River. If you need to rest before fording the river, there is a riverside tavern known as Ruoyna's Den that can offer you shelter. The closest crossing of the Seltan is Arpyn's Ford, and from there just continue south until you get to the foothills of the Abbor Alz. The beginnings of the Abulkiar River run under the main entrance of the Copper Mines."
"Thank you shieldwarden, hopefully this won't take us away from the city for too long," Kolvar says with a slight bow. With companions and kobold in tow he heads south along the road.
"Thank you shieldwarden, hopefully this won't take us away from the city for too long," Kolvar says with a slight bow. With companions and kobold in tow he heads south along the road.
The shield warden raises the magical amulet hung from a platinum chain around her neck, and raises it to the roaring blue flames of the arcane barrier known as the Shield. A glistening stone set into the elaborately ornamented amulet shines as the blue flames part, revealing the broad highway known as Queen's Highway.
"Godsspeed adventurers. Turn left at the standing stones to begin your journey along the Farsouth Road."
The Companions of the Broken Compact make quick progress with Akara, turning at the standing stones which are said to mark the ancient grave of a Sueloise archmage. The group turn there onto the Farsouth Road. The narrower artery of the broad Queens Highway is quickly devoured by forbidding expanse of the Wailing Woods. The forest is made up of twisted, thorn laden trees with black, gnarled bark that almost looks charred. The chill wind howls through the trees, creating a banished like keening.
The narrow way through the Wailing Woods suddenly opens onto a clearing. The remains of a previous caravan that had attempted the journey through the Wailing Woods.
Once her performance at the inn is finished Vhinservun hurries down the road and catches up with the rest of the Companions soon after they have passed through the shield.
[dice=Perception]1d20 + 16
Vhinservun speaks quietly at first, "We have company with bows about," and then loudly, projecting to make sure she's easy to understand should any listeners speak common. "I certainly hope that anyone watching us isn't thinking of attacking. The Companions of the Broken Band are known for many things, but being easy targets isn't one of them. Send a representative if you would talk, else leave us to be on our way."
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Did one of you fine folk used to work with a Garret of the companions? He recently perished on adventure and I have come to repay a debt he had with this band for saving his life. He was a childhood friend of mine Soto says as he jumps up and follows them out not used to racing like this.
Then when passing he salutes the shield warden and says nothing on the fact that Garret died well but that I am glad he found death well
When the word about weapons being drawn is spoken Soto holds his hands to his side waiting and being quiet but not seeing nor hearing anything.
"S+&*e!"
Vhinservun speaks quietly at first, "We have company with bows about," and then loudly, projecting to make sure she's easy to understand should any listeners speak common. "I certainly hope that anyone watching us isn't thinking of attacking. The Companions of the Broken Band are known for many things, but being easy targets isn't one of them. Send a representative if you would talk, else leave us to be on our way."
[dice=Diplomacy if applicable]1d20 + 21
A vicious female voice rises from somewhere in the brush
"Well, well, well, it appears that you have some good ears among you. Since that's the case, I want you to listen closely to what I'm about to say. This is a hold up, and you're going to give me all of your worldly possessions, and run on back to town. Don't even try anything -- we've taken out much stronger groups than your own, and we'll wipe you off the map if you don't give in. I have dozens of master archers with bows trained on your position as we speak, and at the first sign of trouble they're all going to fire in unison. So why don't you start stripping, and save us all a boring an unnecessary conversation."
"If you were as sure of the result as all that the arrows would already be flying. Come down here and we can have a brew and a more lively conversation, maybe a gamble and a wager? Simple robbery will do you no good, mark my words." Brando speaks with a smile, but he's judging distances and as ready to act as any of his companions.
Letting the others talk, Kazu uses the voice that just spoke, the sounds of the arrows being nocked he heard before and his 120 foot darkvision to try to determine the precise location of an enemy, or even better, a group of them clumped close together.
Letting the others talk, Kazu uses the voice that just spoke, the sounds of the arrows being nocked he heard before and his 120 foot darkvision to try to determine the precise location of an enemy, or even better, a group of them clumped close together.
[dice=Perception]1d20 + 16
[dice=perception, though I think this is redundant now]1d20+14
"If you were as sure of the result as all that the arrows would already be flying. Come down here and we can have a brew and a more lively conversation, maybe a gamble and a wager? Simple robbery will do you no good, mark my words." Brando speaks with a smile, but he's judging distances and as ready to act as any of his companions.
"Ha! You must think I was born yesterday runt! Like I would give up my upper hand here so easily. Anyway, as it appears you're all determined to be uncooperative, I suppose we should go ahead and have it out, shall we. Archers, fire!"