From Splendor to Shadow (FR 3.5)

[Monodominant]

It is early Autumn, the start of Marpenoth blessed month of Leaffall during the Year of Wild Magic, DR 1372. But the rains have not come...


For those not familiar with FR Marpenoth is basically October


Waterdeep is suffering one of the worst droughts in not just recent history but extended as well. Any old timer on the street will rant on about how they had worse droughts when he was a child but he is obviously not telling the truth and you can tell from the thirsty glint in his eyes.

Some say that its recent events that caused the drought... rumour has it that Sumer of Calimport, a very rich and famous merchant, was recently arrested and executed for his crimes against the City. A group of Harper agents infiltrated the mans organisation only to find out that he was the high priest of Talos in the region using his ships, wealth and influence to further the goals of the Storm Lord which included ritual sacrifice and worse... Hence Talos with holds the usual stormy rains that would be a welcome gift at this time of year.

Those that know even better, or maybe some may call them paranoid, whisper about the Shades of Anauroch and how it is them and their dark powers that have caused drought not just in Waterdeep but over most of North and Central Toril. To you off course, people with a bit more wit and contacts, this is no rumor... until recently armies marched from Waterdeep, Tethyr and Cormyr to unite with Evereska and fight against the Shades and the Phaerim and even though the details are sketchy, the veterans of that war that have now returned home are more than happy to talk about it when offered a mug of ale.

The drought does not only cause prices of any liquid drink to go up though. It makes people edgy and angry and it makes trade harder. Caravans end up in the city with half the planned cargo as lack of water caused the death of pack animals and Waterdeep is starting to feel the effects of shortages.

@ Miranda


Finally a note had come. Signed with the harp it mentioned a meeting in a small tavern at the city docks early in the morning. You arrived at the place earlier and careful as always you first identified possible exits and also ways to get out of the area soon should this be a trap. All things that someone wanting to survive in Shadowlord turf knows before learning how to read.

Everything seemed... ok and thus you went in. You were surprised by the fact that there was only two more people in the tavern... maybe it was the time of day, maybe it was the knowing wink the tavern keeper gave you before retiring to the kitchen.

What was even more surprising was the person sitting at a corner table. Kethri Willowbark gave you a warm smile and indicated the chair in front of him/her (?not sure if Kethri is male or female... you never can tell with elves anyway!).



@ Orgen



Your stay at the temple of Oghma has been wonderful. At first you were worried... your natural instincts spoke against trusting a group of monks and clerics that were so excited to learn of you and your culture that they gave you room and board for free within temple grounds!

Slowly though they won you over and you won them! Your eagerness for knowledge and the easy going attitude you had towards it meant they felt at ease next to you and you spent many hours in discussion with the elders of the group. When not enjoying their company and they your stories you were given free access to most of the library... not the more apocrypha sections but still all the books and information even at the first sections were enough to last you a decade worth of reading and learning.

It is late evening when there is a polite knock on your door and you see Savant Davin, one of the senior members of the temple, standing outside.

"May I come in for a while my friend?" he asks calmly



@ Estef



Waterdeep has been treating you well. Your chosen profession means that you have already been hired a handful times either directly by the Church of Mistress of Magic or by mercenary groups looking for someone specialised at thwarting spell casters that have strayed from the True Path.

Unfortunately though that has also generated a large number of enemies and you walk the streets with care and caution. It is indeed a similar night tonight. Warm and humid as you find yourself aimlessly walking the streets of the Trades Ward having just passed from the White Bull Court.

You suddenly hear a noise from your left, the mouth of a dark alley, and as you turn, alert and ready you instead hear a voice from your right.

"Calm yourself... I mean you no harm and am actually a friend... step in the alley so we can talk privately Estef..."



@ Tra'vin and Calden



Tra'vin

Gambling again! You think just after the boy you had following your brother reports in. It is a few minutes past midnight and you have finished your prayers to the Eternal Judge when the message came. You know its a long long trek from where you are in the City of the Dead till the Grinning Lion in the Northern Ward and you also know that the owner of that place, Unger Farshal has a nasty reputation.

Almost 30 minutes later you arrive...

Calden

It has been a wonderful evening. Its the first time you come to the Grinning Lion, having heard that it is an amazing place to visit while in Waterdeep, and have not been dissapointed. Male and female dancers in exquisite outfits that mimic armour but much... much more revealing. The food is great, fresh eel served with onions and mushrooms and the drink is even greater... a Tethyrian delicacy called zzar which is spicy and sweet at the same time.

It is before long that you attention is caught by the game of cards at the corner that has spectators cheering at the players... including a couple of hot women in skimpy clothing that seem to move towards the winning patron, like fireflies move to the light.

And it had indeed been great after you joined in. So far you are ahead by 400 gold... everyone on this table is a fool that cant even bluff and especially that thin, bald fool with the broken nose... who just went all in and challenged you to match him when he placed his gaudy diamond jewellery on the pot. Your three aces beckoned you to clean him out and so you agreed without hesitation.

Tra'vin

You enter the busy tavern and get the weird ominous deza-vu you always get when you put your brother, a tavern and a crowd gathered at a corner table together. Laughter can be heard and you see a thin bald grinning man stand up from his chair and point at his opponent who is none other than Calden.

"Oh... Unger fleeced another one..." says a passing waitress

Calden

Four queens... he had four queens... and he is now saying something about how the diamond jewellery he threw in is worth 2000 gold and any artisan can confirm it...

"But maybe we can find another solution eh? Finish your drink and then, step into my office!" says the man who just robbed you of your winnings as he smiles and beckons to you.

Tra'vin

As you approach you see the bald man move away from the table and into a sideroom, not even bothering to collect his winnings and your brother staring at him... somewhat lost.

[LordDice]

Calden

Sitting there, staring at the table...wondering where it went wrong. I had that bald bastard, everything was lining up..I could almost feel he hadn't drawn decently.

Picking up a gold coin from the table he flips it for a minute just in a daze, trying to understand his massive swing in luck.

Well, nothing to do about it I suppose. Fate is a fickle mistress after all

Finishing off his zzar and wishing he had a whole barrel full of the stuff he looks around for a moment for a decent opportunity to run and get the hell out of this place.

Only to see Tra'vin headed right for him. Well, there goes my clean getaway...Well, maybe brother can talk some sense into this hooked nose bastard, no way that bit of jewelry is worth so much

"Brother ! found me quick this time, I swear you're getting better at that. You've got to try the zzar here, incredible stuff"

Quickly turning and hollaring at the waitress "Top me off darling, and one for my most excellent brother here !"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen sets aside the book he was reading and smiles at the elder. "Of course. I hope you are doing well? Please be seated". Orgen points at a chair and starts looking around to see if he has something to offer the man, a drink perhaps.

[Barthac]

Tra'vin

Tra'vin glares at his brother, his anger simmering below the surface. He tries his best to remain calm. He stands next to the table, his feet apart in a wide stance and his arms crossed on his chest, looking as intimidating as he can manage. How does Calden always find the worst kind of trouble he thinks to himself.

He sends the waitress a harsh glare, effectively canceling Calden's request. Calden, what in the hells have you done this time, he hisses between clenched teeth, Gather you stuff, if you have any left, and let's go.

[Aeryr]

Estef

Estef wasn't wearing much, just her soft cotton tunic, and her light armor. Her hands were free while she walked across the streets. Even if her bow was stringed and at her back she kept her hands far from it. She was just walking enjoying the unusual warm weather of Marpenoth and thinking about what move should she take next.

It was then, while she walked through Chelor's Alley that she heard a strange voice. It was strange, normally Shiny keep adamant vigilance on strangers that got to close, but this time the jewel had been silent. With a slight mental reprimand the Shooting Star took a mental note: Beware. As she moved towards the alley, her hand caressed the familiar wood of the bow just as her eyes examined the surroundings, not only searching for a escaping route but also for a possible ambush.

-What business do you have with me brother?

[LordDice]

Calden

Oh geez, he's really pissed this time...it's not like I was gone that long anyway

Grimacing slightly and shuffling his feet. "Well...see, if you'd just came and gotten me 10 minutes ago there'd be no problem with that....but"
Picking up his hand from the table "Damnit, I had the cards, I could feel what he was gonna draw...it was a sure thing ! Then he somehow ends up with four damned queens out of nowhere !" Sighing and throwing the cards back at the table.

So just the minor problem that he thinks I owe him a -cough-few thousand gold-cough- and he uh...wants to speak with me in the back room there. Nodding over at the door the bald man went into.

Gesturing at the "diamond" jewelry "But you gotta believe me brother, there's no way that's worth 2 thousand f**king coins !"

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen

The Savant enters after inclining his head as you reach for the large jug of water that you have in the room.

"I am fine my friend. A bit under the weather maybe but I come bearing exciting news!" he says eagerly as he sits down.

"But let me be a bit cryptic before telling you everything! Have you heard of the city of Multum?" he asks you.

(knowledge History/local)



@ Estef



The alley is not a dead end, simply a bit out of the way and hence there is a way to escape should this become necessary.

The man behind you is dressed with a grey cloak of fine silk and overall his appearance is fairly imposing as you turn and look at him.

"My name is Kevan Berenthor and I am under the employ of master Mythyl..." he says and pauses.

You instantly recognise the name of his master, Ilbrost Mythyl is the de facto leader of the clerics worshiping Mystra in Waterdeep. Although he is a powerful man he is not as powerful as the actual leader of the Church of Mystra, Meleghost Starseer, and rumor has it that the two are bitter rivals. Their arguements have gone on for long and most of those that consider themselves 'Mystrans' sooner or later are forced to pick a side...

"My master has needs of your service m'lady if you would be interested... I realise I am not telling you anything but I can only reveal the details if you agree to work for me and in extention Master Mythyl..."



@ Calden and Tra'vin



The confused waitress departs letting the two of you work it out. She does give a smile to Calden before she leaves though.

As the two of you argue and Tra'vin suggests you leave a muscular man almost seems to materialise between you.

"If I may intrude gentlemen, leaving right now is not an option unless the two of you can leave 2437 gold on the table as you do so... if not I suggest you slowly move to the back room as Mister Farshall indicated..." he says with a quiet, calm tone.

[Barthac]

TWO THOUSAND... Tra'vin practically screams through clenched teeth. Remembering his composure, he pulls Calden roughly to his feet and push him towards the door. Yes, Let's go see what Mister Farshall wants in exchange. Maybe he will let you off easy and just flay your skin from your bones. I hear they do that in Calimport. Tra'vin motions grandly to their muscular escort, If you do not mind, kind sir, I will accompany my dear brother to see your Mister Farshall.

[Aeryr]

Estef

Estef moves her head in a negative. She might know Mythyl by name and reputation but the name of Berenthor was alien to her. And she had learned a couple of things from Shiny, always be careful.

-Sorry brother, I ain't accepting those terms. Negotiation is a dance of two, you know? I'll tell you two things. First, I ain't doing wet works, no chance. Second, I ain't doing anything against the will of Mystra. If the lady of mysteries blesses you and your master I'll hear you and then accept, but don't worry I can keep a secret.

She moves, moving her weight from one feet to the other, as being slightly nervous.

-So what is it brother? Might you make your offer anew?

[LordDice]

Calden
As he gets dragged into the back room he starts to panic "You wouldn't let them flay me, right brother ?! " he quietly exclaims as he tries to wriggle free of Tra'vin's grip.

Hollaring as he gets dragged through the door "I'M TOO PRETTY TO FLAY"

[Monodominant]

@ Calden and Tra'vin



The muscled man nods at your request to join in and gives Calden a very cold and annoyed look when he screams.

"Keep it down or lose it." he hisses as he pushes you inside. He seems less aggresive towards Tra'vin given that he has not made fuzz or anything trouble.

Inside the small back room you find what appears to be a rather spacious office. Its decorated with shields, swords, maces and many other types of weaponry. They admittedly seem more for show than real but the effort has been made.

There is also a large oak table, behind which you see the bald man, which one chair behind it and three chairs in front of it. There are stacks of documents and a decanter with a clear yellow liquid on the table and five glasses only one of which is full right now.

Lastly, there are 3 more men, two humans and a half-orc hanging about.

"Ah there you are!" he says as you enter and motions towards the two chairs.

"And who is this? A friend? A patron? A boyfriend perhaps?" he says and gives a short laugh.

{knowledge local if interested in learning more about him}



@ Estef



{forgot to ask for a knowledge religion/knowledge local so I can tell you more about them... if you want roll in the OOC and I will edit this afterwards to add the follow-up}

Its either the time of night but though the names indeed are familiar you cant seem to recall any of the details of intra-mystran politics. Shiny though, who has been where you have been and heard what you have heard whispers in your mind.

This guy is just some mid level arcanist... a lackey of Ilbrost Mythyl who indeed is the head of the clerical division of Mystra in the city. The other one, Meleghost Starseer, is the Head Magister though so effectively he leads the temple, the priests, the wizards and everyone practicing magic. The reason that there is rift is... who else the Red Wizards. They have opened an enclave here and Meleghost has extended a hand of friendship to them and calls it 'allowing all Weavers to serve under the Goddess'. Mythyl and his supporters though disagree with this based on the reputation of the Thayans... in any case it hasnt come to blows yet or anything like that but these two would do almost everything to strike against each other and get a foot up the ladder...

In the end its up to you who we join! Mythyl has the moral highground in this case... he is the good guy...

Meleghost is at the top already so he actually has the power...



Meanwhile Kevan repeats something you have missed while your crystal was talking to you.

"I said, sister, that I understand your concern. What I can tell you is that Master Mythyl, who is a cleric of the Lady. has the best intentions at heart and despite the clandestine nature of my contact it is for the greater good that he has sent me to you..." he says and pauses.

"Information has come to light that reveals an opportunity to reveal plotting within the Church and we want you to help us with that..."

[Barthac]

Tra'vi raises an eyebrow at the bald man. Brother he replies a little brusquely, I don't know the whole story here, but I am sure we will figure some way to pay you back. We'll just be on our way and I will make sure my brother never darkens the doorstep of your fine establishment again. Glancing at his brother he says, Let's go Calden. He moves toward the door.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen ponders. "The city of Multum..."


Knowledge local [roll0], bardic knowedge (perhaps?) [roll1]

[LordDice]

Calden

Okay...lets just be cool, they couldn't possibly flay me after raising that much of a ruckus, it'd be bad for business after all.

Getting shoved through the door managed to break his brothers grip on him a bit, slipping free and taking in the room. He immediately notices the decanter and drops into one of the free chairs and starts pouring himself a drink, taking a gulp real quick before propping his feet up on the guys desk.

Coughing a bit and somewhat ignoring his brother"Woah...that's some good stuff ! You don't mind right ? Anyhow, Captain Killjoy there is, like he said Tra'vin, my big brother...well foster brother if you want to get technical I guess."

Taking a sip before continuing "Much better, I gotta ask though...how'd you get those last 2 queens, I could feel it...your luck wasn't running that way"

[Aeryr]

Estef

Smiles slightly, mentally thanking Shiny. She focuses once more on the lackey in front of her looking at him like she is looking him for the first time.

-I see. Then it might be of extreme importance to take action I assume. Shall we do business in some other place brother? Or is the greater good better in alleys for now?

Estef starts walking towards Kevan, without any harming intention, she keeps her hands in front of her, to make sure she is not intimidating.

-We might walk. Tell me of this greater good of yours, I cannot swear to work for Myrlyl but I can promise not to work against him, and if it pleases Mystra I'll do her will.

Estef seems to have accepted to work with Kevan, at least for now, she still has some doubts, and keeps her final word till she knows for sure what Kevan is implying.

With a silent mental command she remembers Shiny to keep its crystalline ears open and ready, just in case any unexpected trouble reaches them.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



What you do know is that there is currently no city called Multum anywhere in the nearby area and most likely in the North. Still the name does ring a bell... maybe from an old legend or song but nothing concrete enough... which leads you to believe its either destroyed or ruined otherwise you would most likely have at least some passing knowledge of it.



@ Calden and Tra'vi



Calden recalls the name now that he has heard it as well. The man before him was the owner of this place and was famous or rather infamous for his violent streak. Nothing over off course but it was said those that crossed him found themselves missing bodyparts that could be considered cosmetic... fingers, ears, noses, eyes and... well manhoods.

As he places his foot on the desk one of the muscled men draws a small hand-axe from behind his back and grins at you.

"Just keep it steady boy... no harm done... we were just practicing throwing axes until someone put his foot on the way!" he says and the others give appreciative nods.

The bald man shakes his head as Tra'vin suggests leaving and Calden stops talking.

"Enough enough! We are all civilised men! I am afraid Mr Tra'vin that your brother here is in a bit of trouble... he currently owes me a bit less than two and half thousand gold and unfortunately as both he and you are not people I, or my friends here, recognise as citisens in good standing I cant possibly just take your word for it..." he pauses and smiles.

"Concerning your question Mr Calden... well luck favors the careful... you over-reached admittedly and got what you deserved... you dont become owner of any succesful tavern in Waterdeep without learning to trust more than... how did you call it? A feeling!" he stops at this point and pours himself also a drink.

"So... we have a predicament. You owe me money... lots of money... I doubt you have such an amount on you or whereever it is that you are staying and I cant really let you out of my sight for more than that... so I may have a way out for you... a way to waive the debt! Are you interested?"



@ Estef



"I do not like dark alleys any more than you do... but the High Magister has people everywhere... I am a recognisable figure so I would be blowing your most important benefit where I to be seen with you... the fact that you are not yet famous enough to be known to him or his own servants..." he pauses at this.

"But indeed we can walk..." he says and begins walking.

"The 'mission' is simple enough. A ruin has been discovered in the Underdark... already some of the Houses and Guilds have requested to investigate it and claim its treasures and the Lords have given permission to a mercenary company that works for a guild that works for a house that has close ties to Meleghost... We want to ensure one of our agents, is part of one such expedition... that agent will implant a particular 'item' along whatever treasures are found and this item is of significant importance and value that we believe Meleghost will claim it himself eventually... when it is in his possession it will make tracking him and basically... spying on him much easier and whats even better he would never suspect it since it came from his own people from a city never before explored!" he says very quietly.

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda hesitates for a moment in the doorway, caught by the sheer oddity of the situation; why should Kethri be here in Waterdeep? However, joy at seeing her friend and mentor won out and she moved across the room and sat down near the blonde elven man.

"Tui'lari miin lemna ha rie'es," she says to him in Elven, a traditional greeting for close friends long parted. Moving her elven blade to the side as she sits down, she drums her fingers against the hilt as she looks across the table with a smile.

"What are you doing here, Kethri? Think I'm not up to the task on my own?" she adds playfully in Common, her hazel eyes twinkling.

[Barthac]

Tra'vin listens with his back still toward the man behind the desk.

Tra'vin sighs heavily. He had done it again. He had gotten sucked into another one of Calden's problems. He thought about just leaving him there to fend for himself. Surely Farshall would let him leave, he didn't owe any money.

He quickly put the thought out of his head. Turning he resumes his stance from the tavern, feet apart, arms crossed, his face set for the bad news. He stands and waits. Ready to accept whatever deal was struck between Calden and this Unger Farshall.

[Monodominant]

Barthac I will also wait for Lord's answer before responding to you guys ok?



@ Miranda



Your old mentor smiles and responds in greeting using the appropriate response to the phrase.

"Do not be so glum Miranda! Long time no see! I though I should brace for a hug even! One never can know with you humans!" he says and smiles.

"So. It is not that we do not think you have everything under control but you must have heard the rumours... some of our more loud and flamboyant comrades went ahead and made a big... well... bust! Which made other smaller fish swim away..." he says more seriously.

"Your target, Lance Hendrik, is no longer in the city. Its not even a matter of a cold trail... its a matter of having moved on to darker ventures and by darker I mean literally the Underdark. Lance's name appeared in a register for a mission taken by the 'The Bowels of the Earth' a few days ago..." he says and pauses.

{knowledge local to recognise the name feel free to RP and roll in IC or if you have nothing to add just roll in the OOC}

[Daftendirekt]

"Well, that figures. I haven't gotten a sniff of that bastard in days. How did you find out so easily, though? I've been here for weeks looking for him and haven't heard that tidbit."

knowledge (local) [roll0]

[Monodominant]

@ Miranda



You have indeed heard of that group.

It is an officially sanctioned mercenary company that undertakes missions often involving bodyguard work, exploration and raiding against Underdark locations. They boast even a couple of members of the Underdark Guides Society which is as prestigious as it gets in their line of business.

Recently you have heard that they have gone on a quite significant recruitment drive hiring new members just to carry out smaller missions while the main mercenary body has been mostly hired for something major.

"Well... that particular mercenary company was sanctioned, and working, for someone in the high interest list. This, combined with the fact that they recently got a new charter allowing them solo access to Multum means we were already spending time keeping tabs on them.

As such we were quite suprised when the name of your target, our old friend Lance, showed up in their lists. Its was actually luck I would say that he got worried of our activities in the city and tried to literally hide undeground and chose the one group we were already interested in!" he says and leans back with a smile.

"Are you thirsty by the way? I know its still early but maybe some milk or juice along with something to eat?" he asks you.

[Aeryr]

Estef

As the both of them keep walking Estef seems less and less concerned and a bit more interested. It seems pretty clearly that they are indeed offering her a job. But a job that would get her to accept another job, and even if it might be dangerous it should be worth it. And it didn't seem to go against the will of Mystra, surely the lady of Mysteries would appreciate that one.

Estef focuses for a second on her companion words, echoing them in her mind will she tried really hard to make sure that she won't be forgetting any bit of the information exchanged.

-I see... that certainly seems like a simple enough mission. But of course, the expedition to the Underdark might prove difficult, and with an unkown magical artifact.

She stops for a second as smiles at Kevlar.

-Let's assume for a minute that I agree to do the will of your master Myrlyl. I can see how it will benefit him, and benefiting him isn't benefiting Mystra? But brother, understand that If I agree I will be taking some risks. Venturing the underdark is not a simple thing and if I need to keep secrets from my companions I might not be able to trust them at all. So I see risk in your mision.

She keeps walking once again and looks into the sky over her head, if she agrees to go to the Underdark would she be able to see it again? Hopefully, but for how long would she only have earth for a ceiling.

-Don't get me wrong, I symphatize with your cause, and it is not a wet job, so I will take it. For a fee I will escort your agent to the Underdark.

Estef stops and looks at Kevan seriously for a second without any hint of a smile.

-Or if its your master will I might go there myself carrying an unknown magic item, and droping it among the treasures and riches of an unkown city, so an enemy of the church picks it, while surrounded by untrustworthy companions. But I will do so prepared, and with a written contract. Understood?

[Daftendirekt]

Filing the information presented for later use, the brunette nods thoughtfully.

"Lunch would be fantastic, actually. It's been a while since breakfast. I have my rations of course, but those just aren't the same a s a real meal. What's good at this place?" she asks as she leans back in her chair, crossing her legs and drumming her fingers on her knee.

[Monodominant]

@ Miranda



Your old friend calls out and a minute later the tavern keeper returns, keeping his eyes on the floor.

"Please bring us some roast and some mead if you have it ready, friend." the elf speaks and the man withdraws only to return a short while later with two bowls filled with pieces of roasted pork and two cups of mead. He then bows his head and withdraws without a word.

"So, where was I?" he says after he tastes the drink.

"Ah yes, our old friend Lance and his heading in the dark below!" he says and smiles.

"So, Miranda, to cut a long story short, the Harp needs to ensure that one of the following expeditions sent at the ruins of Multum has an agent of ours with it. From what we know they are still recruiting and basically what they do is send groups of 4 to 6 people along with guides down in the Underdark to explore the area around and in Multum, clear a few rooms and return with any precious items they find. Along with maybe finding Lance it would in general be good to have an account of whats going on down there...

I understand this changes from the initial premise of your mission so if you want to pull out and be re-assigned thats understandable... the Underdark is a dangerous place and quite frankly I already said I am not going... if something goes wrong and I fall in Drow hands well... lets just say while they might make slaves off other races my fate would be much worse..."



@ Estef



The man frowns.

"I was told you would be much more agreeable..." he mutters.

"In any case miss. Yes, you are absolutely right. The Underdark is not just dangerous, its deadly. Thats why we are asking a competent agent to undertake this mission.

The item in question is not an artifact by any means... and it does not pause any threat or danger to you or even to the final recipient. Its an exquisite.... listening device lets say that makes possible to spy own even cloaked with many layers of protections from divination!" he explains somewhat frustrated.

"As for the details... what we want you to do is join an expedition to the city of Multum. The group will be most likely comprised of adventurers, thugs and other soldiers of fortune and you will be paid from them to retrieve items from the ruins... they will actually pay you to bring back what you have! Further more off course the Church will reward you for your help and dedication... with coin, favors or magical items..."

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda remains silent for a few minutes as she eats and mulls over the new direction her mission seems to be taking. Taking a long drink of mead, she wipes her mouth off and leans back in her chair, looking unblinkingly across the table at Kethri.

"Well," she finally says. "I haven't turned down a mission yet, and if this is what the Harp requires of me, then I won't say no now. And, I must say, the Underdark does have that certain dangerous allure to it."

[LordDice]

Calden

Grimacing and gingerly taking his feet off the desk he sits back a moment. Damnit..this is rotten, if only Tra'vin hadn't walked in...maybe I could have escaped.

Maybe it was just fate, maybe what I was feeling had something more to do with the aftermath than the cards, wouldn't be the first time. Perhaps a test is in order.

Finishing off his glass Calden reaches into his pocket rummaging for a second before coming up with a well worn silver coin, glancing at his brother a second to make sure he sees the coin. "Good, He'll be ready if the flip comes up tails...wouldn't be the first time"

Spinning the coin for a second on a finger before artfully flipping it into the air, catching it as it drops.

Heads

Quickly showing his brother so they can both relax a bit before continuing.

"Well, the fates have spoken...What can we do for you ?"

[Aeryr]

Estef

-Sorry brother, I might not be as agreeable as you would like. Please understand that if it weren't for the church I wouldn't be venturing in the Underdark in the first place.

Estef raises her shoulders, trying to not think really hard on getting her ass handled to her in the Underdark, and perhaps even killed. She was pretty good at running away, but sometimes in the Underdark you just don't know where to run, or there is no way to run at all.

-Could we reach a compromise? I cannot make an estimation of the costs of the services that I am going to provide, but I am on need of some coin if I am going to go to the Underdark. I should be prepared. Also I fear to go to the church and openly buy the scrolls I might need, for I might be questioned and I won't lie to a priest of Mystra. So maybe you could manage to get me some items. Don't think of it as a payment, think of it as an investment, after all you were the one to point out that the Underdark is deadly.

The Shooting Star takes a piece of parchment and a small chalk and with swift traces writes a small shopping list.

- 2 Scrolls of Locate City (usable by rangers, not complicated wizard stuff)
- 2 Scrolls of Lay of the Land
- A map of the Underdark known area (with a scroll case)
- A working compass
- 50 feet of silk rope
- An extendable pole
- A grapple firing crossbow
- A Safewing emblem

A wand of camouflage would also be useful but Estef feared that was asking to much of the poor fellow. Extorting 750 more gold pieces just so she could keep herself well hidden. Well she might just add a couple of scrolls just in case.

-2 Scrolls of Camouflage (again usable by members of the shooting stars)

-With this equipment I feel that I have a good chance of being able to reach the city and come back to tell the story. I am sure your master would be able to afford it, almost everything can be actually found at the temple of the Goddess. Once I return we can discuss some sort of payment. Which group is the one venturing the Underdark and where should I find them? I'll like to meet them while you get my little trifles.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"Multum...does ring a bell. Can't say I recall any stories about it. I guess it is far away, either in time or geographically?"

[Monodominant]

@ Miranda



The elf smiles.

"Splendid. The mercenary guild has their headquarters in the market ward and we believe another four groups are being sought after to head down there. If you present yourself there tomorrow I am sure they will hired you and you can take on the mission they offer..." he says and pauses.

"Apart from whatever reward they offer the Harp wants to show its appreciation for undertaking such danger. As such I can either offer you any special provisions you may require or a monetary compensation up to 1000 gold. Half will be given now in case you need to prepare yourself and half after you report back..."



@ Estef



He laughs for a moment.

"You are a tough one! I believe I can have almost everything you have asked for... maybe one less of the first two scrolls you needed and most likely I wont be able to get the map. Not only are those things rare but very few individuals have them in their possession. I am lead to believe though that apart from the various 'adventurers' there will be a guide with you in this venture... Also I would like to ask that you return any items you do not use to the temple in the end... if you want to keep them they can form part of your reward." he says and pauses.

"To give you the exact details a mercenary company by the name 'The Bowels of the Earth' is recruiting individuals for exploration and retrieval of items from Multum. You are to present yourself to their offices in the Trades Ward tomorrow and apply to join one of the groups that will be sent there... once in Multum when you group manages to find sufficient relics depending on what the company asks you off course you can plant the item and return the 'loot' to them..."



@ Orgen



The man smiles

"Almost. It is relatively close one can say... it was a very famous trading city in the Upperdark, the top most layer of the Underdark, and not that far from here..." he says and pauses.

"Multum, or Drowned Multum as its more often called, was plunged into the waters of the Elemental Plane of Water around 1289 DR after a group of evil outsiders failed to conquer the city. Almost all inhabitants drowned with the city and creatures of the the Water plane called it home for almost 100 years.

It seems those whatever incantations or portals had been created have now malfunctioned or close and along with this damnable drought the city has resurfaced... or parts of it have anyway!" he explains eagerly.



@ Calden and Tra'vin



"Wonderful!" The man responds.

"It is always so much better to not have to cut people's fingers off!" he says calmly and finishes his own drink.

"So... thing is... one of my men got drunk a couple of days ago and ended up gutting some very important people. Now most of that has been cleared up with the employers of said important people... who happen to be the 'The Bowels of the Earth' mercenary company who in turn serve an important enough guild that works mostly for a fairly important Noble house..." he says and pauses again to see if you are following.

"I was as such planning to send over two of my men to take the position of the dead guys for a short mission the mercenaries are planning down in the Underdark... so imagine how great it is that I have found 2 people willing to handle this for me in exchange for their debt! Pretty great no?"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen listens intently and gasps while scribbling down some small notes. "Now that is an amazing story! So, the city has resurfaced." Orgen ponders a small moment after his dramatic assessment of the situation. "The waters, though, must have been devastating. So many scripts will have been lost, destroyed. Such a shame. Water washing away the sin, but also some fruits." Orgen stands up to grab an ink vial from his bag. He seats himself, dips his pen in the ink and adresses the elder: "Do you think it worth while sending an expedition there...do you know where this city can be found?" He taps some with his foot and bites the end of his pen and comes to his senses. "I hope you do not mind me asking and making notes, but this sounds like a tale to be told and investigated."

[LordDice]

Flipping the coin around a few more times as he considers the offer before vanishing the coin in a bit of sleight of hand.

Hmm, I wonder if with a little luck I can't come out of this ahead..

Well now, that is indeed a fine offer, a fine offer indeed but I have a counter proposal. Surely I indeed owe you a debt, even though I still doubt your assessment of that gaudy jewelry. Surely my debt doesn't buy my most excellent brothers skills as well.

Pulling out a deck of cards from his pocket he starts shuffling, even getting quite fancy with it while he talks.


So how about this I'll hand my brother a card, you guess even the color of the suit and we'll take care of this matter for you, no more questions or feet dragging.

However, you miss the guess and we keep my earnings from tonight, barring that absurd necklace ...some 400 gold and change, as pay. To be collected afterwards of course.

Handing Travin a card as he finishes his pitch with a challenging smirk on his face.

Handing Tra'vin a Joker, no suit...no color :P (I'm just going to imply afterwards that his 4 queens were suspect)
A diplomacy roll to attempt to talk him into this.
[roll0]

[Daftendirekt]

The brown-haired woman sits there for a few minutes, index finger tapping against her pursed lips as she thinks. Finally, she seems to come to a decision.

"Lots of drow in the Underdark, yes? They seem like our most likely adversary. As such, I wonder if my blade might get an upgrade to take them down more easily? Other than that, I'm pretty well-provisioned already, unless you want to somehow give me darkvision," she finishes with a laugh.

[Aeryr]

Estef

She raises her shoulders, it will have to do without a map, but losing one of the scrolls was not a good thing, she planned on using those to be able to locate Waterdeep or Multum just in case.

-I will certainly not have a problem on returning the unused items to the brothers in the temple.

She takes mental note of the name 'The Bowels of Earth' she is going to find them sooner than later and arrange their expedition.

-Then, I am going to get some new clothes, not associated with Mystra, and check on those mercenaries. Then you will meet me give me the items I requested, the item I am to carry and a letter of your master writing down what he expects of me, so when I came back I get paid for the job, okay?

Before parting ways Estef makes a final comment.

-Brother Kevan one last thing, please, make the listening device small enough to carry and hide properly.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



The older man seems very pleased by your eagerness and excitement and nods positively when you ask to take notes.

"I am very happy to see that you are interested in this my friend!" he says as he takes a sip of his water.

"And in fact, though the city of Multum did not drown due to sin but rather for being too open to different cultures and belief systems, we do want to explore what is left of the city now..." he says and pauses.

"The city has 'surfaced' in the sense that the waters are gone but it still remains in the Underdark and indeed an expedition is being planned... or rather many expeditions! Unfortunately though we do not have the 'right' to search it... the Lords have given a charter to the 'The Bowels of the Earth'... they are a mercenary company that specialises in exploring the Underdark and have a standing agreement with the city to return a percentage of Relics to the Guilds and Houses for further study... the Church of Oghma has petitioned the House that stands behind the company to include members of our church, either clerics or devout followers to their groups so that they can help preserve and return not only artifacts and gold they find there but also books, scrolls and anything else that might be of value to the furthering of knowledge..." he stops at this point and finishes his water.

"I believe you may already imagine why I am here after all this... we would like to ask you to be one of those 'emissaries'... Now I realise we may be asking too much as the Underdark is full of danger but we need capable, young men with a passion for knowledge and the ability to defend themselves!"



@ Miranda



"We do hope you wont run on any drow but as you say it is a possibility... actually this is another part of your mission... we have heard disturbing rumours about upheaval in the Underdark... the duergar have actually attacked and destroyed Ched Nassad. An attack of such magnitude is unprecedented and this has the Harp worried and wondering what is going on... so anything you see or hear regarding this, should you meet other travels in the Underdark may prove just as valuable!" he explains.

"But I am speaking too much again! If you wish your blade to be more effective against the Drow, though be aware this also means my own people, then so be it! I cannot give you the ability to see in the dark, not for long enough to make it worthwhile anyway, but your blade we can improve!"



@ Estef



"Very well. We expect another expedition will be organised tomorrow and leave the day after... find them, join them and then we can meet here tomorrow night so I can give you all that you have asked!" he says and pauses.

"Thank you sister and do not worry about the devise... our best artificers have been on the job!" he says and grins before putting back his hood and moving away.

"May the Mother shine your path for you" he says before turning a corner.



@ Calden and Tra'vin



The man laughs and his thugs join in.

"Oh my oh my!" he says and looks to Tra'vin.

"You can bet I aint forbidding your brother from returning here... A man down 2500 gold and he wants to bet more! Well thats the kind of person we want in this place!" he says and smiles turning back to Calden.

"You have a deal my friend. And I will even be graceful and have one of my men sneak a peak at your card!" he says and looks at you intently.

"Go on then..."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen blinks a moment and then starts smiling. "Well, that would be amazing! And I get to practice my skills with the underground language!" He realizes he runs the risk of getting a bit too excited, so he pauses a small moment to compose his thoughts.

"Uhm, so no, I would not mind representing this order on that expedition. It sounds like an exciting and educational exercise." Orgen starts to reflect on some of the implications. "This bowels of the earth group can, I assume, be trusted? I mean, they know and respect my, or better our aims and angle? My mandate, duties and rights have been discussed on the leadership level, I hope?"

"What I am trying to say is, I guess: I would like to know a bit more about the specifics, but I am for sure interested and honoured."

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



"The mercenary company are indeed an official charted group. I cant tell you every single one of their members is trustworthy but they have a long tradition of sucess and backing. Some say that their patronage extends as far as some factions within the Church of Mystra due to the artifacts they have recovered for them over time..." he explains.

"Now concerning the details and your role. Generally the "Bowels" have their own roster of mercenaries and adventurers but the recent wars along with a major contract has depleted them. They have opened recruitment though since they received the charter from the Lords to explore Multum and this is were you come in. We have already negotiated with them a fee we will pay so that they include an agent of our Church with each expedition... so in effect we are paying for the priviledge. You off course will be compensated by them just like everyone else and also receive a reward from us!

Lastly the idea of your presence is that although you are a normal part of the group, your primary task is the collection of surviving manuscripts or other artifacts from the city that may not be valuable to the rest of the group but may be valuable to us for the improvement and advancement of knowledge. Does this sound reasonable to you my friend?"

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda chuckles and shakes her head at Kethri's comment.

"You hardly need to worry about that, Kethri," she laughs. "I'm not about to attack you any time soon! Anyway, it would be much appreciated, and just let me know when you want me to head out; my schedule is clear."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"Very reasonable, yes." Orgen smiles. He just wanted to know whether this thing was 'safe' to do. As for rewards...och, the adventure itself would be a reward, any material reward would be a bonus.

"Thank you for giving me the opportunity and having faith in my abilities. I will not let you down. I will make preparations to travel, then...is it far?"

[Barthac]

Tra'vin glances at the card, his face impassive. I'll show him the card Tra'vin gestures to the nearest guard But he can't tell you. That wouldn't exactly be fair.


Sense Motive to make sure they aren't secretly communicating.

See OOC

[Aeryr]

Estef

-May the Mother light your back, brother.

After getting changed into darker colors Estef searches for the mercenary company. She doesn't take long to get them, they are recruiting people so they are well known in the taverns of Waterdeep.

Estef approaches the gathered mercenaries slightly smiling to them, with a confident and calm expression. She talks to the nearest one asking for directions.

-Hello brother, is this where the Bowels of Earth are recruiting? I'm searching for a job.

[LordDice]

Nodding in agreement with Tra'vin he continues to shuffle the remaining cards while speaking. "Why don't we just remove the temptation for him to perhaps give away the card. When your man sees the card, you guess... no waiting, no pause."

[Monodominant]

@ Miranda



Your companion gives an honest grin.

"I should hope so! I bruise easy!" he says and laughs.

"So, if you dont feel too naked without it I will ask for your blade so I can head out and make arrangements. You can make your way to the Trader Ward where the mercenary company has their offices. I believe today they will sign up new groups and subsequently tomorrow you will set off. We can meet tonight so that I give you back your sword!" he explains.



@ Orgen



The elder shakes his head.

"I cant say I know all the details. The mercenary company is just in the Trader Ward. From what I know they will be creating a series of new teams today and setting of tomorrow. My information says that the old city should be reachable within 2 weeks of hard travel. One above ground and one below... give or take a few days depending on which passages are safest..."



@ Estef



The man at the entrance looks to you and responds.

"Well girl. We do indeed recruit but now its the middle of the night... all those that can give you information are out sleeping, drinking or eating... I am not sure if they will want a green girl like you to join them but either way I suggest you return at first light!" he says without particular malice.



@ Calden and Tra'vin



There is an amount of nervousness and even a hand touching a sword as you generally seem to mock and take all without seriousness.

A sharp look from the bald man calms everyone down.

"I would ask that you dont give orders to my men boys... they dont like it." he says with a hint of anger.

"But enough of this. Manfred check the card. I say its the Queen of Spades!" he says and the man that was also with you outside moves to check it.

[Aeryr]

Estef

Girl? That's true mister obvious I have boobs, even if small, but I am no green grass. I am Estef, the Shooting Star, and I could kill you with my mind if I did care.

-Well brother. I see a light here.

With a movement of her hand she makes a flaming torch appear at her grasp illuminating the area, and inspects closer the man. Maybe she should burn him, just to be sure, but that would probably make her recruitment much harder.

-Look at me closely, I am not green, brother. Are you sure that everyone is busy inside? Or should I check?

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda unbuckles her sword, scabbard and all, and proffers it to Kethri with a bow and with no qualms; he was the one who originally gifted to her in the first place.

"It does feel a bit odd without it, but I don't think I'll need it tonight. If any trouble happens, I can just talk my way out of it. Bowels of Earth company, huh? Some people just have no skill at naming things," she says with a shake of her head. Bowing again, she murmurs an Elven farewell and heads out of the inn with but a single backward glance and a smile at her mentor. She makes her way to the Trader Ward and to the offices of the Bowels of Earth.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen nods and stands up. "I see. So, there's even some degree of haste involved. Do you think I can stay here tonight, finish my studies and pray before I leave in the morrow? Or do I need to leave right away?"

[Monodominant]

@ Calden and Tra'vin



"Oh!" Unger says when he sees the joker.

"Smart... very smart. You played me both of you boys didnt you. Very well... you can keep your 400, you dont need to wait till you return you can pick it up now... just go on out and it shall be arranged." he pauses at this point.

"Just be aware that I have a good memory and I shall remember this. Also be aware that if you are not at the Bowels of the Earth outpost by midday tomorrow I shall send someone to collect things more valuable than the 2400 gold boys... and now you may go." he says and waves you off.

One of the 'bouncers' opens the door for you which allows the loud sounds of the tavern outside to flood the room.



@ Estef



The man goes to take a step back but he actually meets the door and stays in place. Still his hand falls to the pommel of his sword, more instict than threat.

"I... I meant no disrespect miss. But... er.. yes... the offices are closed at night. Most of those important enough... to... er... to see you arent here. You may find one or two of them at the Grinning Lion but the majority of the company is out on a mission for almost a week now along with the Company Captain and the Sergeant at Arms and those left back are just some old timers, some guides and the administrators!" he says starting slow but gaining confidence further on.

"Should... should you return tomorrow morning at first -sun- light I am sure they... er... they will see your worth and admit you...!" he adds urgently.



@ Orgen



The old man smiles again.

"No, do not rush yourself. Most likely the mercenaries wont be bothering themselves to leave at night. Visit them today while its still day, then come to us for any provisions you may need including food and any items you consider useful. You can spend the night with us and I shall arrange a dinner so that we can wish you godspeed!" he says kindly as he gets up.



@ Miranda



The elf accepts your blade with reverence and stops you before leaving.

He draws a thin shortsword of masterwork make with runes on the blade. "Take this... just in case. I would feel safer if I know I havent robbed you of your favored blade!" he says seriously.

Regardless of if you take it or not you go on your way after exchanging farewells.

It takes you almost an hour and a half until you find the place, the size of Waterdeep but also the busy roads making it hard to navigate. On the plus side though most locals offer directions correctly and quickly.

The Bowels of the Earth offices may indeed be a boring, un-imaginative day but their offices are not. It is a spacious three story high building made from a material you dont often see in Waterdeep or elsewhere. Made almost entirely from Basalt it commands attention and respect compared to the nearby wooden or stone buildings.

There is indeed also a wooden tablet hanging on a post next to the door indicating that the Company is recruiting and also a parchment that bears a copy of the recent charter they have received.

Two men, dressed in simple white tunics with a dark gaping hole as insignia, and wearing chain mail guard the door. They are leaning on their spears and seem to be chatting as its still early and the beginning of their shift and both turn towards you as you approach.

[Monodominant]

Bump cause its not appearing...

[Barthac]

Tra'vin roughly pulls Calden to his feet by his shirt and propels him out of the of the now open door.

Suddenly thinking it through he asks, Where are we supposed to meet these poorly named mercenaries?

[Daftendirekt]

Hand resting idly on the unfamiliar hilt of her borrowed sword, Miranda approaches the pair of guards outside the basalt building, nodding in greeting.

"I hear tell that you're recruiting for an expedition into the Underdark," she says. "I'd like to join up, if that's quite all right. I assume there's somebody inside I should talk to?"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"That sounds like a plan." Orgen reaches for his boots while he asks for more precise directions to the 'Bowels' in the Trade Warden. "I will head there and present myself as representative of this temple. See what they want and when they want to leave. Then I'll come back to spend one more night here." Orgen gives Savant Davin a hand and smiles, excitement beaming from his eyes. "Thank you again for this opportunity, for trusting me."

[Monodominant]

@ Tra'vin and Calden



"Be there tomorrow before late afternoon. They are organising the next few groups... I believe their plans are to leave the day after tomorrow but I cant say I know for sure!" he says as you depart with your brother.



@ Miranda



The two men look at each and whisper something you barely manage to hear. Something like 'is she the one from last night?' followed by 'no, I dont think so... different style'.

They then turn to you.

"Yes m'lady you are at the right place. The company is recruiting for some skirmishes towards some recently discovered ruins! Please head inside and you can make arrangements about joining!" says the one to the left.



@ Orgen



The old man explains how to find the location and that it should quickly become apparent which the correct building is.

"Thank you, Orgen..." sayw the old man " I expected you might be interested but I really could not hope for a better fit for this mission! You seem eager and capable and I am sure it will work to all our benefits!" he says before he departs from your rooms.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Right before he rushes out, Orgen decides it is perhaps smart to pack and bring all his stuff. You never know how things work out: He might not get the opportunity to return here. With his usual fast pace he strides through the city, to the building Savant Davin sent him to.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



You set off after you pack and you get nods from the other seekers of knowledge as you leave the temple.

The streets are crowded and merchant desperately try to sell their wares to the restless population but you navigate your way without problem and going with the given directions you find the location easily within the Trader Ward.

It is a spacious three story high building made from a material you dont often see in Waterdeep or elsewhere for that matter. Made almost entirely from Basalt it commands attention and respect compared to the nearby wooden or stone buildings.

There is indeed a wooden tablet hanging on a post next to the door indicating that the Company is recruiting and also a parchment that bears a copy of the recent charter they have received.

Two men, dressed in simple white tunics with a dark gaping hole as insignia, and wearing chain mail guard the door. They are leaning on their spears and looking generally alert.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen approaches the guards and addresses them. "Greetings. I am here to apply for an expedition related to the latest charter." Orgen points at the parchment and smiles. "Could you perhaps tell me how to proceed?"

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



"Good day sir." responds the first guard.

"Certainly! It seems we have been getting alot of interest after we were chosen for this charter. Please go on ahead... you need to talk with master Krel who is in charge of forming the groups for those expeditions!" continues the secondn man.

"Just go past the first room and turn to your left, thats where his chambers are."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"Thank you kindly, sir. Have a nice day." Orgen goes inside, past the first room and looks to his left, looking for master Krel.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



The first room is obviously a receiving room and is heavily decorated as such with items from the company's previous expeditions.

Armor made out of an Umber hulks carapace, blades from a sword spiders legs, duergar shields and drow weapons are all in glass cases. The most threatening and most creepy as well of all the things you see is the embalmed head of an illithid.

There are another three men here, two wearing the insignia of the group discussing with an older man about some payment or other.

You find Krel in the room indicated. This one seems like an administrators or historians room instead of a trophy room. Books, tomes and papers are everywhere and more so on the table behind which a rather large goliath is sitting.

He looks up to you as you enter and nods with his head towards a chair in front of him. He seems, angry, annoyed and overall very unhappy.

"Are you also here for the expedition to Multum?" he asks instead of greeting you.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Fascinated by all the items on display Orgen gets a bit distracted on the way to master Krel's room. Since the man seems busy, he decides to answer concisely as he walks towards the chair. "Yes. Orgen is my name, I was sent to represent the Temple of Oghma."

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen


He nods knowingly.

"Ah yes. I was expecting you!" he says looks at you up and down.

"So... things are simple. I will have most likely 2 teams formed up until tomorrow. As per usual procedure I will give each time a guide and they will follow different routes to known entrances to the Dark below. The agreement we have with the Church of Oghma states that you are supposed to pull your weight otherwise one team is left without a valuable member but from what I see you are not just a bookworm priest..." he says very quickly.

"In any case, you still need to fill the form. I wont offend you by asking if you know how to write and read since they sent you to me!" he says softening up a bit as he hands you a page that requires you give your information including name, last name, specialties and allegiance and ends up with you agreeing to being a provisional member of the company and prepared to follow its rules and regulations.

[Daftendirekt]

With a bemused look on her face, Miranda heads into the building past the two guards and up to the most official-looking person in the place, inquiring about how to join.

[Daftendirekt]

With a bemused look on her face, Miranda heads into the building past the two guards and up to the most official-looking person in the place, inquiring about how to join.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Not at all offended by anything master Krel said Orgen smiles and accepts the form. "Of course, I will fill it out immediately."

He reads the paper carefully first and starts pondering on the 'last name' bit. He knew about this custom in most areas, but in his tribe last names were not really given. His father and grandfather as well as his future son would have a name with 'gen' in it, though, which was unique for his family, so he decides to go with that. He starts penning:

Name: Or
Last name: Gen
Specialties: Archery, survival and divination
Allegiance: The Temple of Oghma, The Great Worm tribe

Then (assuming the rules and regulations are reasonable), he signs the form

-X- I agree

and hands it to master Krel.

[Aeryr]

Estef

Estef smiles dryly at the man and raises her shoulders.

-Don't worry brother, I'll see them at the morning, are you going to be here all night? Hope that the light of the goddess shines upon you.

Estef leaves the recruitment post of the Bowels of the Earth and starts walking on the streets. Maybe she should go to the Grinning Lion and see for herself those men but if she was going to join the mercenary company on her expedition she would certainly appreciate sleeping at a soft bed.

Finally she goes to the Tilting Star a tavern close enough to the temple of Mystra were she had been staying since she arrived to Waterdeep. Kevan will certainly be able to met her there, and she would go back to the Bowels of Earth first light on the morrow.

[LordDice]

Calden

After his brother dragged him out of the Tavern to keep him from rejoining the card game Tra'vin looked slightly lost, not sure about the directions to the Mercenary company.

"Bah, I just wanted a few more minutes, not like I was short gold anymore ! Anyhow, I think I know where we're headed...I swear that goon can't give directions for the life of em.

Slapping Tra'vin on the back he starts walking, headed to the Bowels of the Earth HQ.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



The rules and regulation state that basically even if temporary you are now a member of the Bowels of the Earth Company and as such owe allegiance and respect towards the organisations hierarchy. They also indicate that members of a mercenary company can be drafted from the City of Waterdeep to serve as reserves to the standing army.

It then follows a series of more typical army like rules and regulations regarding honour, ethics, hierarchy and chain of command and the laws of the company.

"Very well. Thank you Mr Gen. Welcome aboard. Now the details of this particular mission are as follows.

A squad of company members recently used some well known and relatively safe Underdark routes on their way back from the front where we are being paid to join the force of Waterdeep in skirmishes against the Shades in the Upperdark.

During their journey back they found what they correctly believed to be re-surfaced ruins of Multum. Using the laws of the land they returned and claimed the ruins for the company at least for the first year and the Lords have granted us charter to explore, map the ruins as well as to... well... retrieve artifacts, relics and richs of the city. After the year passes the city is fair game to everyone.

Off course our experience in the Underdark leads us to believe that all factions that do NOT respect the authority of Waterdeep, namely the drow, the duergar, the illithids and other such groups will rush to claim Multum when they find out about it. As such we must hurry and act as fast as we can in reclaiming the lost riches of the city..." he stops at this point and you see that his bad mood persists and colours his voice. Its almost a saddeness that makes him heavier and less friendly.



@ Miranda



The first room after you enter is obviously a receiving room and is heavily decorated as such with items from the company's previous expeditions.

Armor made out of an Umber hulks carapace, blades from a sword spiders legs, duergar shields and drow weapons are all in glass cases. The most threatening and most creepy as well of all the things you see is the embalmed head of an illithid.

There are another three men here, two wearing the insignia of the group discussing with an older man about some payment or other. When you inquire about someone official or an officer they tell you that on the next room to the right you can find him and his name is Krel.

You find Krel in the room indicated. This one seems like an administrators or historians room instead of a trophy room. Books, tomes and papers are everywhere and more so on the table behind which a rather large goliath is sitting.

He looks up to you as you enter and nods with his head towards a chair in front of him. He seems, angry, annoyed and overall very unhappy.

"Good day madam. How may I help you? he asks.



@ Estef



The guard nods as you depart slightly worried at your overall attitude and flamboyant use of your abilities.

The night at the tavern passes pleasantly and uneventfully and you wake up early in the morning and head out after a very decent breakfast meal for which the Star is famous for.

You arrive to see two guards instead of one outside the door but whats more important you take in the details of the building itself. Imposing as it is made from basalt, a rare rock in the North... at least above ground.

The guards exchange looks as you approach and move aside instictively to let you through.

"Ask for master Krel m'lady" the one to the left says.



@ Calden and Tra'vin



(I shall assume you head there while its still open to simplify things as we are about to have the whole team together in a couple of posts)

You arrive just before closing time of the mercenary company's headquarters.

It is a spacious three story high building made from a material you dont often see in Waterdeep or elsewhere for that matter. Made almost entirely from Basalt it commands attention and respect compared to the nearby wooden or stone buildings.

There is a wooden tablet hanging on a post next to the door indicating that the Company is recruiting.

Two men, dressed in simple white tunics with a dark gaping hole as insignia, and wearing chain mail guard the door. They are leaning on their spears and looking tired and spent.

"Hail there friends... if it is something urgent please state your business... we are almost closing for the night... Master Krel is the only one still inside..."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Some of what master Krel just said silenced Orgen for a moment. He had studied about the underdark and learned a thing or two about the creatures that live there. Some of those he had rather not encounter. "I see. Well, I am looking forward to this expedition." Orgen stands up. "So, I was planning on having dinner at the temple, wrap up my studies and say goodbye to my friends there. When do you need me to be present here? Is there anything else you need me to do right now?"

[Aeryr]

Estef

Having a good breakfast is nice, its probably going to be a while before Estef can enjoy a good one so she wakes early in order to take some time eating. Once she is done she leaves to the local of the Bowels of the Earth and is relieved to see a different set of guards guarding the door. It seems that they are not into making people wait there for the whole night. That's good.

She walks inside and searches for the so called master Krel.

-Excuse me, I am searching for master Krel.

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda takes the offered seat with a smile and a gracious nod of the head. Smoothing her gloved hands over her tightly clad thighs, she looks up at the goliath through her eyelashes for a moment before speaking.

"Yes, I'm rather interested in joining the next expedition into the Underdark. I find that dark places and lucrative ventures are my calling," she says with a laugh and another smile, a flash of her straight white teeth.

[LordDice]

Calden

Seeing the tired guards, he tries to be brief.
A mutual friend of ours, one Mr.Farshall sent my brother and I to take the place of some guys that met an unfortunate end, I presume you were expecting us. This is regarding a regarding a brief foray into the Underdark.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



The goliath shakes his head.

"No, everything else is done. I already have a couple of other individuals signed up and another two members of the Company that are joining and I am interviewing an Underdark Guide tonight. Go wrap up your business and try to be here tomorrow by mid-day!" he says and pauses.

"Ah and we will be providing provisions for the trip but its always good to be prepared so feel free to get anything additional for yourself..." he adds softening up a bit.



@ Estef



You enter the building and pass by the first room which is heavily decorated with items from the company's previous expeditions.

Armour made out of an Umber hulks carapace, blades from a sword spiders legs, duergar shields and drow weapons are all in glass cases. The most threatening and most creepy as well of all the things you see is the embalmed head of an illithid.

It doesnt take long to find the man you are looking for as he is in the room just after the first which seems like an administrators or historians room instead of a trophy room. Books, tomes and papers are everywhere and more so on the table.

Currently returning a book at its place is rather large goliath dressed in chain armour and with a pair of twin handaxes hanging from his belt. As you enter he turns to face you and nods.

"Are you the one that scared my guard last night? It seems you have some mettle lady..." he says firmly as he indicates a chair for you as he returns to his own behind the table.



@ Miranda



The goliath doesnt seem to share your humour as he looks at you and nods once.

"Do you have any experience in the Dark?" he asks but then continues before you answer.

"This is not a game mind you madam. It is true that we are arranging to send one or two teams as early as tomorrow but we want the best men or women we can get... its dangerous down there and though we have the charter there are others that do not care or accept the authority of Waterdeep and the Lords. I cant say we expect too many tomb-robbers or scavenging parties as the discovery is so young and the Underdark has its own trouble to solve but I just want to let you know that those we sent are expected to behave and act as professionals..." he concludes as he gives you a form that asks your name, last name, specialties/talents and extraordinary skills along with any previous allegiances you might hold.

"That said... if you feel comfortable with fighting alongside others and sticking your neck out for them just as they will do for you then we sure can use the help..."



@ Calden and Tra'vin



"Oh yea, you are the replacement guys!" says the first guard.

"We almost thought you skipped town or something when you didnt show up earlier. Well best go right in... I cant imagine master Krel will be happy to be kept waiting plus he has to see that guide soon!" he explains and shows you in.

The first room after you enter is obviously a receiving room and is heavily decorated as such with items from the company's previous expeditions.

Armor made out of an Umber hulks carapace, blades from a sword spiders legs, duergar shields and drow weapons are all in glass cases. The most threatening and most creepy as well of all the things you see is the embalmed head of an illithid.

A large goliath has just finished sharpening a particularly curved scimitar and places it back in its case as you enter.

"Well well... who do we have here then?" he asks and you can tell that he sounds tired, annoyed and almost angry.

[Monodominant]

Bumping.

For Great Justice!

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"Allright, thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I will be here tomorrow by mid-day then!" Orgen smiles a friendly smile and heads back for the temple with a satisfied expression on his face. He had met some of the city's scholars and even befriended them. Now he got sent off on an exciting expedition representing them. This is turning out to be just what he expected, maybe even more.

[Aeryr]

Estef

She takes her time checking everything in the room, it seems quite interesting and its proof that they have fought powerful enemies and survived. She would rather fight weak enemies, or not fight at all, but having powerful companions is always a nice thing.

That Krel is certainly big, and bald, and big. Well of course he is big and bald he is a Goliath. His marking and protrusions are quite interesting, I always was intriged by the stories of those giant brutes reading their future on their skin. But this particular Goliath might not be a brute, if the pile of papers on the table serve as an indicative he is quite savy. Estef sits on the chair that she is offered and looks at the man.

-I wasn't intending to scare him. I hope I didn't get him into trouble.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



The goliath gives you a brief salute as you depart.

You arrive at the temple without any problems and faster now that you know the exact way. Sitting at the temple steps you find Brothers Illuf and Brother Chima, two young members of the church.

They get up as you approach and wave at you.

"Is it true? We here you have accepted an important mission for the Church and a dinner is prepared in your honour!" Illuf, who is one of the youngest boys in the service of the church.



@ Estef



The goliath is indeed big, even by his race's standards and you can see indeed see the traditional tatoos of the mountain tribes both on his face and hands.

"On the contrary. I relieved him of guard duty at night and at the entrance so that we can have someone with a bit more courage on that position! I only wish someone would let ME do something a bit more interesting than push papers around but needs must be covered..." he says and stops to look at you.

"So given what he told me and the sign by our door I take it you are here to express interest in joining the expedition to Multum?"

[Aeryr]

Estef

She smiles slightly and looks again at Kerl. He seemed to not be enjoying his administrative possition. Maybe a fighter turned into an ink pisser? Well who knows and who cares about that? If he were to really go out there and fight some monsters of the Underdark he should go and kill those monsters.

-It was just a torch.

That probably wasn't the wisest comment maybe the poor guard was going to be demoted or something. Trying to not think about the future of the guard Estef gladly switches the conversation towards business.

-I am interested, I am actually job hunting at the moment, coin to pay the expenses and if possible feed till the winter pass. Most of the jobs aren't paying really well so adventuring is becoming a more important option, so I've been thinking about which group to join... And you have here quite proof that you are succesful, so I came to the Bowels of Earth first.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen waves back at the young Brothers. He considers for a moment that he should perhaps be discrete about this thing, but they obviously already know and this would be the last place withholding knowledge is appropriate. "Hi, good afternoon. Yes, that appears to be the case. Quite exciting. How did you hear about that so quickly?"

[Monodominant]

@ Estef



The goliath studies you for a few moments and sighs.

"Very well. You have indeed come to the right place then. We are currently recruiting for 2 groups that will join the Company and then undertake a mission to the Underdark. An old lost city has resurfaced and as the majority of its inhabitants and their off spring are considered dead the Lords of Waterdeep have given us the charter to it as the first to have located it...

We are relatively pressed for time, too much interest for these things you see, and as such we plan to send at least one of the groups out tomorrow." he pauses at this point.

"I can promise you a good reward plus some benefits for joining and I believe I will have 4-5 of you along with an Underdark Guide which should make things relatively safe... off course we ARE talking about the Underdark so there are scores of dangers but I bet you might know that already..."



@ Orgen



The boys look at each other and smirk and then they lower their voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

"Well... we dont know the details and it was only a rumour but you just confirmed it for us!" replies Chima.

"Exactly... we heard the Elders discussing earlier about putting together a small festivity for the brave man that under-took a dangerous yet very important mission and well we kinda guessed it would be you! So what is it about? can you tell us?"

[Aeryr]

Estef

Estef nods in understanding. She has heard of the prime guides of the Underdark and certainly having one with the expedition would certainly raise their chances.

-I can leave tomorrow if needed, I don't have many people that would miss me here in Waterdeep.

She moves her hand towards the bow and shows it to Kerl.

-I am pretty good with it, in case an archer would prove useful, I am also a good tracker and a capable scout. And if need be I have certain resources, that I hope don't scare anymore guards.

She looks at the Goliath at the eye.

-So assuming you are interested what is this city? Multum you said? Resurfaced? Was something keeping it down?

[Monodominant]

@ Estef



Krel listens without interrupting.

He smiles at the part you speak about scaring guards and nods but then his demeanour returns to the annoyed, sullen one from before.

"Tracker, archer and certain resources sound good..." he says and takes out a form from one of the desks drawers and hands it to you.

The form asks for your first and last name, particular talents and abilities as well as any current or past allegiances. It then goes on to outline the rules and regulations of the Company which are pretty standard for a more militaristic organisation including hierarchy and chain of command structures etc.

"Now to answer your question... Multum was a wealthy, cosmopolitan metropolis in the Upper Dark almost two weeks march from Araumycos. A bit more than a hundred years ago a group of particularly nasty outsiders attempted to conquer the city and when they failed they sank the city using portals to the Water plane. For whatever reason the city has now resurfaced and though alot has changed in the morphology of the area there are pockets of the city that have either remained intact or survived the flood and there are score of ... well... resources to be claimed..."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen bites his tongue a short moment. That's what you get when you are so trusting, naive. He then smiles at the boys. "Right, so that means that it is right now still sort of a secret, hm?" Orgen ponders a bit.

"Tell you what, if you manage to keep it a bit of a secret and allow the Elders to announce it tonight, I promise I will try and bring you an antique object when I get back. Not something of great monetary value, but a very old souvenir from a place far from here and a good story to go with it. Is that a deal?"

[Barthac]

Unger Farshall sent us. He told us to report here as a favor to him. He said something about the underdark.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



"Well, we dont know what they will announce at dinner but I guess so... yes" the boys reply.

When you make your offer they seem eager and pleased that their gamble paid off.

"You have a deal brother Orgen!" they say happily and let you continue your way in the temple.



@ Calden and Tra'vin



The goliath raises an eyebrow and motions to you to follow him further inside at an office that looks very administrative, filled with books, tomes and paperwork. You also see three freshly sealed enveloped on the table stamped with the companys insignia.

"You dont seem of his ilk nor have I seen either of you before... I hope he explained that the Bowels of the Earth is a mercenary company and that we do get our hands dirty..." he says and looks at you.

[Barthac]

Tra'vin snorts in derision. I have no fear of dirt and no option but to go on this mission. You could say, he clears his throat and glances at Calden, that my brother and I have been dealt a short hand. Not waiting for Calden's response, You will find us quite talented and resourceful.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

With a smile on his face Orgen proceeds. As soon as he finds a table, he gets his notebook out of his bag and scribbles a 'C' and an 'I' on the front. This way, he won't forget about his promise. Then his thoughts start wandering..."what if in the far future someone finds this book and sees that inscription? He could spend hours pondering on the meaning of it, and he would never find out..."

[Daftendirekt]

name, last name, specialties/talents and extraordinary skills along with any previous allegiances you might hold.

Rolling her eyes when the goliath turns to grab the form for her to fill out, she puts a smile on her face as she takes it from him and dips the offered quill in an inkpot, thinking a moment before writing.

Name: http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/judeferguson42/miranda.jpg

Talents: Lightblade fighting style. Quick reflexes. Forgery. Keen Social Skills. Extensive esoteric knowledge.

Previous Allegiances: None.

Finishing, she blows on the ink to dry it and then hands the form back to the goliath.

[Aeryr]

Estef

She takes the paper and signs Estef Bluestar and then lists some of her abilities: Precise Archery, Tracking, and some tricks. Good scouting skills.

She looks at the previous allegiance space, well, she is not going to write down Mystra's Shooting Stars is she? No, she is not. None

She hands the form back to Krel before looking at him back again inquisitively.

-Anything special that we are expecting at the city? Anything I should prepare myself to deal with?

[Monodominant]

@ Estef



"As of now we dont have any indication of what we will find. We do expect that there might be... how should I put it... restless spirits there which is common when a whole city dies in the space of a few instants..." he says and pauses to look at you.

"Additionally the reason we are sending an armed and armored, experienced group and not just some diggers is that we fear, as I said already, that forces not loyal or obedient to Waterdeep may also try to claim our prize..."

He takes your form, looks it over and puts it aside with a nod.



@ Miranda



The goliath looks over your form and nods.

"Very well. May I ask what you mean by esoteric knowledge? Also if you have any questions now is the time to ask them..." he indicates as he places the form on the desk and seals it.



@ Orgen



The thought entertains you indeed as you make your notes. You make your note and are generally left alone.

At some point a librarian does stop to inform you that in a couple of hours the dinner will be saved in the temples grand hall...



@ Calden and Tra'vin



"What does it mean you have no option? I have been told that the men he would send are doing this with their hearts in it gentlemen. If there are reasons you feel obliged or forced to do this I am unsure if I can sign you up... I dont want people to threaten the missions because they have been blackmailed and then will flake out on first chance!" he says rather seriously.

[Daftendirekt]

"Hmm? Oh, I guess I just meant I have a wide array of varied knowledge. I pick up so many different things. No questions."

[Aeryr]

Estef

Well it seems that everything is ready, just meeting Kevan again and getting whatever she needs before the final quest starts. She smiles at Krel and makes a slight reverence.

-Then I better make peace with the goddess before leaving to the Underdark. Do you need me now? Or should we meet tomorrow in the morning?

[Barthac]

Our motivations for joining this mission are our own. Tra'vin leans a bit forward on the desk. His face takes on a very serious manner However, I can assure that we are men of honor. We will not abandon this mission or those that come with us. I pledge by the great judge Kelemvor himself that I will succeed on this mission or die in the attempt. I will not be guided to the afterlife with a broken promise on my soul.

[Monodominant]

@ Miranda



The goliath nods once more and stands up.

"Then thats that. I believe the expedition will indeed be departing tomorrow. Please be here before mid-day. The trip to the sight is more or less 3 weeks give or take a little. We shall provide you with provisions off course but if you wish you can also bring along your own supplies... be aware that foraging in the Upperdark is possible but not as easy as on the surface..." he explains.



@ Estef



The goliath stands up and offers you his massive hand.

"Well then welcome aboard. Please be here before mid-day tomorrow and you shall be introduced to the rest of the group and set out." he says calmly.



@ Calden and Tra'vin



"Very well..." the goliath says and you notice his annoyed demeanour change a bit.

"I am glad then to offer you the job. Please complete these forms and feel free to ask any questions..." he says as he hands each one of you a document that requires name, last name, specialties/skills or special abilities and also asks for any current or former allegiances.

[LordDice]

Not minding the conversation much as Tra'vin takes care of the boring stuff, he perks up a little bit as he starts to fill out the form.

Pausing while in the middle of the form he quickly asks. "Just to make sure, there's no rules against gambling while we're on this expedition right ?"

Handing in his form, he browses the room for a bit while his brother finishes up.

Name: Calden Kasper
Special Skills: Can talk a pickpocket into giving over his own coin purse.
A modest amount of personal spell casting.
Can hide while being observed in the most unlikely of locations.

Allegiances: Brother
No former Allegiances

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen leaves to his quarters to dress up a bit. Being a barbarian, this means splashing some water on his face. He then sits down to make some notes and think about which story to tell at the dinner, that is the least he could do and quite frankly one of the only ways he knows how to show gratitude. After a while, he decides which story is appropriate.

When the time is there, Orgen leaves for the Grand Hall to attend the dinner. He waits for the Elder to make the announcement and then starts looking for a good moment to take the word, to adress his new friends and share his story.

I actually wrote a short story, so please don't skip that part :smallwink:.

[Monodominant]

@ Calden and Tra'vin



The goliath looks at you curiously.

"No, gambling is allowed. Remember to uphold the honour of the company though and not run from your debts and obligations!" he explains as he takes your form and looks it over.

"Everything seems in order..." he says and waits for your brother to give his.



@ Orgen



The grand hall is a part of the temple that operates both as a dining room but also as a discussion hall for the senior clergy. In rare occasions meetings or dinners are held here and juniors are allowed to join in.

Apart from Elder Davin that gave you the mission at hand you even see at the top of the table Grand Savant Sandrew the Wise who is the leader of the Church in Waterdeep.

As you walk inside you see that two positions of honour have been left for you and one more person to the left and right of Sandrew and Elder Davin motions to you to go there and sit to the left and next to him and Sandrew.

"Please my friend, the floor is yours. Speak your mind and then we shall toast you and your bravery in the pursuit of knowledge!" he whispers softly.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen nods and smiles an allows himself to be directed to and fro. When he arrives at his seat, he stands in front of it and waits for all to be seated. Still standing, he adresses the priests and monks present: "In most cultures, it is appropriate I hold some kind of speech. However, the lands I hail from are the lands of story tellers. Therefore, I would like to share a short story with you. I was told this story by one of our tribe shamans, Garth. A wise man who taught me much about mother nature and social behaviour." Orgen pauses a moment and then carries on.

"In the forests, far to the north, once lived a small family of brown bears. A mother with two cubs. The cubs would spend their days climbing the trees. For fun, but also to get at the nuts and berries before the birds and squirrels got to them. Ferocious as it's reputation may be, the appetite a brown bear has for the fruits of the forest is only matched by the elves. One day, the cubs found a small feline creature hidden amongst the branches. Anxious it ogled the cubs, who in return giggled and started chasing the creature out of the tree. On the ground, they would keep chasing and pestering the cat and have great fun at it. Mother bear spotted the scenery and told them to stop as she approached the young stray slowly."

" 'Tell me, kitten, where is your mother?'. Filled with fear, the youngster wept: 'I...I...don't know. Haven't seen her in days. Are you going to eat me?' Shaking and lost, the cat sat against a tree, ears drooping. 'Fear not, little one' the mother said 'I think you are a pretty creature, and I will protect and feed you untill we find your mother.' Her cubs never understood her motives. Under authority of mother, they accepted the presence of the cat and played with her. They would still make fun of her, though. The silly tail, her lack of appetite for nuts and berries and her physical weakness. Luckily the cat was swift and nimble, and she would beat them at the chase every time."

"Months past and, sadly, the kitten's mother was never found. The bear cubs grew bigger and bulkier, untill the moment came where they could no longer climb the trees. The cat grew to become a nimble and majestic snow leopard. Not even half the size of the bears, but with dexterity the bears could not dream of. The season started again, where the mighty trees of the forest would start producing their fruits and the bear cubs, now large and fat, sat on the ground, staring at the fruits and nuts and watching them being harvested by the small tree dwelling forest creatures. 'Brother, sister, I can go and grab some of those for you,' the leopard said and sped up the trees, collecting as many fruits as she could."

"Ever since that day, the bears and the leopard have been best friends, helping each other using their own specific qualities. Mother bear had foreseen this day and smiled as a silent witness, knowing she had learned both her cubs and a stranger an important lesson."

Orgen smiles and is sunken in thoughts a small moment before he takes a sip of his drink. "Did this story really happen? Well, I like to think so. It learned me an important lesson when I was young. I would just like to say, that I see you and your order as mother bear, adopting a man from northern wilds in your educated and civilized temple. I also hope that I can remain your snow leopard, your friend." Orgen raises his glass and nods: "Cheers, to knowledge and the lords that watch over us!" Orgen smiles while he sits down again and swiftly redirects his attention to arranging his cutlery. This is not the moment to get emotional if you want to maintain your barbarian reputation. Being taken in by this order and being trusted clearly means a lot to him.

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda bows and leaves, returning to the inn she had talked with Kethri at and buying a room for the night. She gets dinner in her room, eats it, and turns in early, figuring she'll want to be well-rested for what will most likely be a tough journey.

[Barthac]

Our host was a little vague on the details of this journey. Perhaps you could cover the basics of the expedition?

If you want I can metgame the response by reading what the others have already gleaned from him.

Name: Tra'vin Malki
Special Skills: Spellcaster, Close Combatant
Allegiances: Calden, Church of Kelemvor

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



OOC: Nicely done. Take another 100 xp as bonus.

The assembly seems very pleased and happy about the story and sentiments you have shared. Even the Grant Savant inclines his head towards your direction and asks that the festivity begin.

Yet the sit across you stays empty.

Overall through the dinner individuals, either learned scholars or bards of some repute come to you to wish you luck and also to praise you for your story and your bravery.

The food is ample and so is the drink and before long the usually quiet and reserved scholars find themselves singing or murmuring the words that the bards of the group are intoning.



@ Miranda



The food at the tavern is good and your sleep is undisturbed until the first rooster beckons the coming of the new day. It is around this time that there is a polite but firm knocking on your door.



@ Tra'vin and Calden



"A Judge eh?" he says as he takes your own completed form and shrugging he puts it next to the other and seals both of them with the company's official seal.

"Very well. The details are as follows. A particular ruined city, one that had been destroyed by flooding has resurfaced. Still big parts of it are under water but ever since we discovered it a few weeks ago more will be accessible. We do not expect you to explore the whole city though. The company has been given the right to explore, map and well... for lack of a better word loot, the city of relics, artifacts, information and other riches. Part of the valuables goes to the Company, a part belongs to Waterdeep, anything of historic or informative nature goes to the Church of Oghma and lastly each of you get a small share as well along with the usual monetary compensation of the company..." he explains.

"The dangerous are the usual ones in the Under-dark so I wont go into details but rejoice... I will shortly have an Underdark Guide arranged for you so you can expect to have some knowledgable eyes with you..." he concludes.

"Be here tomorrow before noon"

[Daftendirekt]

Rousing from her sleep, Miranda mutters an "I'll be right there" and crawls out of bed, dressed only in her billowy white tunic, which reaches perhaps halfway down her thighs. Running a hand through her tousled brown hair, she opens the door a crack and squints out at whoever knocked.

"Can I help you?" she mutters sleepily.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen likes a good party. Or perhaps these men here would say 'brawl', so he makes sure he behaves himself, but that does not stop him from joining in the drinking, chanting and murmuring. Moreover, tomorrow is quite an important day. First impressions are important to a lot of people, so he had better be fit.

The empty sit has made him curious, though. As the festivities have somewhat advanced and the mood is light, Orgen approaches Savant Davin. "Savant Davin, I hope you don't mind I ask, but I am curious: The place across mine is empty. Is that a coincidence or is it a custom I am not aware of?"

[Aeryr]

Estef

With care Estef takes the hand of the Goliath and presses it firmly and strongly, she is not really strong, but she has the firm hands of an archer.

-I'll be here. See you tomorrow brother.

She departs leaving the Bowels of Earth and heading to the temple of Mystra, adventuring into the Underdark is probably going to be a hard thing, first thing first pray to the Goddess for guidance and safety in her journey. Then she needs to find Kevan and perhaps do a little shoping of her own.

[Monodominant]

@ Estef



The Goliath watches you go.

You arrive at the temple in good time. At this time of day worshippers and acolytes are busying themselves in and around the temple. The place itself, the House of Wonder, as it is known, is also impressive and imposing... with its eternal flames and now powered down walls of force that block entry in cases of threat to the temple.

You are more suprised to see 3 young humans in crimson robes with shaved heads and tattoos walking down the steps of the temple under the watchful eye of a novice.



@ Orgen



"It is both my friend..." the older man explains.

"The symbolism is given because on the temple of knowledge all are welcome and there is always room for one more guest that can share his knowledge with us... some say that the God may also wish to join us and as such preparations should be made to meet the needs!" he smiles at this last part.

"At current times though it is also the vacant seat of Savant Wargas... the man who was part of the expedition that actually discovered Multum and did not return... it is in his honour that the Bowels of the Earth included us in their request for the charter..."



@ Miranda



You see your bright eyed, elven friend as you open the door.

"I cant stay long... I am just here to drop off your blade and my best wishes!" he says with some urgency and places a wrapped bundle in your hands.

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda thanks Kethri, takes the wrapped sword and places it on her bed. She asks the elf to wait a moment and retrieves the shortsword he'd given her the night before, handing it back to him before he leaves. After he is gone, she starts washing up at the basin in the corner, gets dressed and ready for the day ahead, and heads down to the common room to settle her tab.

All her affairs settled, Miranda heads back to the Bowels of Earth company, mind abuzz with all the strange things she may soon be doing, wondering who else she'll be traveling with.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

That last bit of news shocked Orgen. Not so much because it told him how dangerous the job would be, but mostly to learn that these men had recently lost a good friend. "I am very sorry to hear that, Savant Davin. I can only hope to bring him honour in the coming months."

[Aeryr]

Estef

Red wizards? Here? At the temple of the Goddess? What are they doing here? Estef tilts her head letting her hair fall free masking her features. She kneels in front of the Altar resting her head on her closed hands while she and Shiny listen with interest to whatever the Red wizards say.

[Monodominant]

@ Miranda



Kethri thanks you for returning his shortsword and wishes you luck.

Your tab runs you 4 silver for the night and another 1 if you care for some breakfast.

You arrive at the company HQs first and are admitted without delay. Krel meets you at the room opposite where you saw him last time. This one is a small operations rooms with charts on the large oval table and a set of 9 chairs around it.

The goliath is conversing with a kobold dressed in loose clothes of earthen hues and looks very alert, having even turned his head towards you before you have entered the room.

"Greetings Miranda..." starts the goliath.

"Allow me to introduce you, your guide... PunPun of the Underdark Guides..." he says and adds "...provisional..."



@ Orgen



"Indeed. Its actually a thing I wanted to mention... I do trust the Bowels of the Earth but keep your eyes open in case you find any clues that confirm his fate as outlines by Master Krel of the Bowels..." he explains.

"You see... as I had told you the Bowels of the Earth is supporting Waterdeep in various fronts, including one underground. One of their teams, lead by Master Krel, discovered the city having resurfaced. But they were not the first to do so... a group of drow had found it as well and as you can imagine a struggle followed. Finally Krel and his team overcome them and they assured us no survivors from the drow party evaded them but in that battle 2 of his men and Savant Wargas perished and given the morphology of the Underdark their bodies could not be retrieved... When Krel and his one remaining man returned The Bowels petitioned and were given charter but Krel was relieved of pursuing the ruins he himself had discovered which if I what I know about the Goliaths is true must be a huge insult and slight towards him..." he stops at this point to drain his cup of wine.



@ Estef



The Thayans are actually leaving rather than coming to the temple but as you pass by them you hear a small part of the conversation.

Red Wizard 1 "... wonderful. It means we can increase production 3 fold"
Red Wizard 2 " Yes the master will be pleased. Praise be to the Lady of Magic" he says with just a hint of sarcasm.

The acolyte who is walking next to them stays impassionate at these statements and just gives you a wary look as you pass next to them on your way up.

You do know that the Red Wizard have opened small enclaves in many of Torils biggest cities and sell their wares which include low powered magical items.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen nods. "I would imagine so, yes. I will keep an eye out for possible clues. Are there any distinctive features I could recognize Savant Wargas by?"

[LordDice]

Calden

Eyes lighting up at the description of where they'd be headed, clapping Tra'vin on the back.
"Ha, a flooded ruin ! This sounds awesome, see you'd have never thought of doing something like this normally..You've gotta get out of your rut occasionally"

Yawning a moment as the day catches up with him he takes an obvious glance around before turning back to Krel for a quick question.

"Um, not to impose upon you, but I've been up playing cards for the last few days...I don't suppose you could point me towards a nice quiet corner and sleep for a few hours."

[Daftendirekt]

Enjoying her breakfast at the inn, knowing it may be the last of its kind for a while, Miranda then heads out towards the Trade Ward, really soaking in the scenery this time around, again because it may be the last of it for an unknown period of time. Arriving at the Bowels of Earth, she heads into the back room and bows when Krel introduces the kobold.

PunPun is our guide? Damn DMPCs taking all the glory. :smallmad:

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



The older man thinks for a moment before responding.

"Well... he was in his late forties and usually wearing more practical explorers outfits when on the field as he called it, thinning grey hair and a short grey beard that overall matched his grey eyes... He did carry with him a precious holy symbol of Oghma made from white gold that describes the tennets of the Church and was crafted in the House of Knowledge in Neverwinter."



@ Miranda





Its just tongue in cheek... he is not THAT PunPun..... :D just a case of mistaken identity



The kobold steps forward and offers you his reptilian hand.

"Pleased to meet you miss!" he says in a soft squeaky voice that immidiatetly manages to irritate you.

Krel smiles as he points to the first map on the table.

"This is the route you will follow above ground. I would rather wait until everyone is assembled before we go on so I dont have to repeat everything many times. Apart from you and Punpun here there will be another 4 in the expedition... all capable people and members of the company..."



@ Calden and Tra'vin



Krel shrugs as you have the exchange between yourselves.

"Well actually there are 2-3 watering holes within 5 minutes or so here. Most of them only have common rooms where you can spend the night but since many traders frequent the market there are a few more upscale ones. It all depends on your price range..." he explains.

He then looks at Tra'vin before speaking again.

"But actually given your brothers religious belief if he will say a prayer and perform a small memorial service for our fallen brothers so that the Judge can ... well... process them along safely you can spend the night here. We do have a couple of rooms for visiting members and noone is occupying them right now..."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"I see, thank you." Orgen takes a sip from his drink while making a mental note about Savant Wargas and looks around the room. "I hope I will be able to live up to the expectations."

[Barthac]

I would be honored to bless them and perform the Passing. Kelemvor will surely embrace these new travelers on the road of the afterlife.

Tra'vin thinks for a moments, The end of the day approaches and I must soon pray. Just after the sun leaves the sky we can perform the ceremony. Tell me something of these dead men. When and where did they die?

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



The rest of the festivity goes on calmly until after midnight. Some of the clerics depart at that time to offer their prayers while others stay along with some of the bards and those that are not divinely entwined with Oghma.

Tiredeness is starting to take its toll on you as you have been up since very early...



@ Calden and Tra'vin



The goliath thanks you.

"I will be off for now. I need to make arrangements for the guide your team will have... I shall return though so we can arrange the service." he explains and he takes you to show a simple room with 4 beds and 4 chests. It is overall very spartan but clean and tidy.

He also has a servant of the company bring you some bread, cheese and mead.

"My fallen comrades were with me when we discovered Multum... the city you are going. We were ambushed by a group of rogue drow that had also discovered the ruins. Two of my companions died there in that fight... two of my companions and a cleric of Oghma that had been my friend for over 15 years. Thankfully their sacrifice helped us destroy the drow and also survive the attack... their efforts have not gone unrecognised off course but a Passing from a cleric of the Judge is the right way to honour them..."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

It is getting late, so before the ale and lack of sleep turns into the first serious obstacle on this quest Danid heads to his bed. He makes sure to shake hands with and express his gratitude and determination to all monks and priests still present before he leaves.

Satisfied, Orgen goes to sleep anticipating the new day and the adventure. In the morning, he performs his prayers and packs his stuff. Before leaving he makes sure to visit at least Savant Davin to say goodbye, aiming to arrive at the 'Bowels' headquarter well in time.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



You wake up in time for first breakfast and you have time for your packing and prayers.

Elder Davin wishes you best of luck and opens a small iron box he has on his desk.

"This is a parting gift from me. I once used to walk about the wilderness seeking knowledge and I can only pass it along and wish you best of luck into the darkness!" he says.

In the small box you see 2 rolls of bandages that the man explains will instantly stop bleeding when applied. Further more there is a pouch with 4 shining white pellets. He tells you that those are daylight pellets which can be crashed underfoot to create a bright light, as strong as daylight as he says, for a whole minute.

The last thing in the box is a foul smelling leathery rope...



Basically you now have 2 blessed bandages, 4 daylight pellets and a trollgut rope.



The old man does not allow for any objections to taking those indicating he doesnt have need for them any more and are best if someone young and adventurous uses them!

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Heh, that's a pretty gross item, and cool at the same time :smallsmile:

Orgen

"Thank you very much. I am sure these items will be of great use!" Orgen ponders a moment. "So...is there anything I should know about this rope?"

[Aeryr]

Estef

For a second she considers following the Thayans but that should wait. Their presence only works to exarcebate Kevan's point, something needs to be done about them. Thayans in the city was one thing, but Thayans in the temple was a completely different one, and those comments they are unto something and probably nothing good, no, no good can come from them.

Estef finishes her praying and leaves to find the priest that had embarked her in that quest, after he had reunited the items she should be able to get a night of sleep and join the Bowels of Earth at the appointed time.

[Barthac]

Calden thanks the goliath and settles into the small room for the night.

Before starting his prayers he comments to Calden, We should be safe enough here. Don't make me use the manacles He eyes calden threateningly.

[LordDice]

Calden

Pulling off his slightly dusty shirt, taking a second to knock the dust off it before hanging it off the bed before finally removing his chain shirt he had on under it.

"Damn that feels better, you don't have to worry about me tonight brother...I'll sleep like a overfed goat"

Flopping onto the bed he quickly falls asleep.

[Monodominant]

@ Estef



You meet Kevan waiting at the time you agreed at the place you agreed. (Cant actually recall if you set a location, I assume you did).

He is looking left and right impatiently as you approach and he brightens up when you get to him. He hands you a small sack that feels quite heavy and nods once.

"Good luck..." he whispers as he departs.



@ Orgen



"You're welcome my friend. The rope is... well... a souvenir from an encounter with a troll. Its made from part of his regenerating body and it makes for an excellent replenishing rope..." he explains a bit embarassed.



@ Tra'vin and Calden



Calden rests his weary head and the tiredeness along with the alcohol he has consumed quickly put him to a deep sleep.

Meanwhile Tra'vin rests for a couple of hours before he is asked to join the Goliath and another young human man to a side room to perform the ceremony. They tell you the names of their dead are Isten Littlefoot and Aeric Bergof and that they were brave beyond words.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"A troll...and you survived!" Orgen is truely impressed. "That must have been a tough day." He fingers the leathery guts, takes it out and inspects it. "But, ehh, what does it do? Is there a vocal component involved?"

[Barthac]

Tra’vin stands apart in the small room. A few candles provide a faint flickering light. The priest is wearing a simple grey robe. The symbol of Kelemvor, a set of scales held aloft by a skeletal arm, hangs on a simple chain around his neck. The symbol silver wrought pendant catches the light in a dull gleam.

Tra'vins strong voice reverberates in the cramped room, We are assembled here to remember the lives of these two men, Isten Littlefoot and Aeric Bergof. I am told they were brave beyond measure and they have earned the loyalty of their companions that are assembled here.

The lives of mortal men are a journey. We start weak and unable to provide for ourselves. We are reared by other mortals and taught the ways of life. We grow strong in our youth and refuse to think about our own death. As we grow old and lose the luster of youthful ignorance we might begin to fear death. In the days before the Godswar, death was rarely the end of life in this world. Evil and darkness plotted our suffering and bound our souls to this world in twisted darkness.

Mortals learned to fear death.

I am here now to bring you the message of Kelemvor, Lord of the Dead. His wisdom is great and his rulings are just. Death is merely a transition. The next road on our life’s journey. This road is sacred, however. Kelemvor works to undo the evil of the old Gods and works to make death a final resting peace. Kelemvor’s blessing is one of lasting death, an uninterrupted journey on the road of the afterlife and eternal peace.

For these two men, we pray that in the wisdom of Kelemvor, they know this everlasting rest and find peace on their journey. May they pass swiftly into the eternal and slumber without disturbance.

Tra’vin turns and kneels. Holding the holy symbol in his hands he begins to pray, Kelemvor we commend into your charge the souls of these two men, Isten and Aeric. O Great Master of the Crystal Spire, we ask that you guard them and allow them a peaceful journey.

He begins to chant in a clear, deep, bass voice,

Lowly and solemn be,
The mortal’s cry to thee.
A hymn of pleading breath,
Declaring the dead belong to thee.

From his harvest home
Must each tired peasant come.
Leader and king must yield
their naked soul to thee.

Lord in that hour,
when life has no power,
When spear, and shield, and crown
In end are all cast down,
Bring us into ease,
passing into peace.

We bow beside the grave,
and call on thee to save.
Hear or suppliant breath,
Bring us peace even with death.

[Aeryr]

Estef

-The blessing of the lady shines upon you brother.

After parting ways with Kevan Estef gets back to her room and opens the packet emptying its containment in the bed and checking everything that is in there. It's going to be a long trip, let's make sure everything is fine before leaving.

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



The man chuckles.

"Heh... I was young once and foolish too mind you! Noone escapes the youthful ignorance that makes you plunge deep into dangers grasp for glory. Thankfully not only I survived but also managed to learn valuable lessons that day!"

He then proceeds to explain how to effectively use the rope that daily extends up to 350 feet and how you must never untie the final knot or it will be ruined.

*Enter Plot Transposition to scene*

You arrive once more and in good time at the HQ of the Bowels of the Earth. You are without delay seen inside and taken to the room across the one you sat last time. This time apart from the Goliath though there are others... a total of 4 more people, including a nervous looking kobold, are present and sitting around a large table filled with charts and maps.

"Welcome Orgen" speaks the Goliath and proceed to introduce you to the others *insert post at the end of the spoilers...*



@ Estef



Everything agreed upon is there. You feel confident that with your abilities and with your talents this should make your days in the dark easier...

Having finished checking, preparing and provisioning *enter Plot Transition* you arrive at the Bowels of the Earth HQ and shown in.

You arrive last forming a group of 6, one being a young kobold that seems nervous but confident as he looks upon sets of maps and charts on the large table in the middle of the room.

The Goliath goes around the room introducing each other.



@ Miranda



More individuals comes pouring in the room slowly but steadily. A total of 4 more have come inside in quick succession. The Goliath has everyone introduce themselves.



@ Calden and Tra'vin



Your heartfelt prayer goes a long way with the Goliath. He almost tears up when you conclude but in the end manages to maintain his composure and gives you a firm shake of the hand.

"Thank you for your words father. They mean a lot to me and to my companions... " he says with a heavy voice. With this, he takes you to a small side room filled with chests and boxes and opens one made from dark wood.

"Take these... they could have saved my companions had we managed to have them with us... now it is your turn to go there and I believe its important that you have them..."

You are handled an ivory scroll case containing a scroll of dimension door and a scroll of teleport along with a belt of healing.

"Use them in case of emergency... the belt can be used to either cure grave wounds once a day or smaller ones three times a day and such variation. Worst case scenario you can use it to stem bleeding and such problems..." he explains.

((You also gain 200 XP for the very nice prayer))

You then both return and sleep restfully.

You wake up some hours later and shown to the main room of the head quarters where a group has started assembling. Apart from the actual Goliath and a kobold the others are slowly arriving and seem to be very different people.



@ ALL

(1) You all gain 250 xp for your efforts so far.
(2) Please describe your characters and also introduce yourselves to the group. The goliath prompts you to also tell what your capabilities are as knowing each other gives you a benefit in tough situations.
(3) Feel free to RP!

[Daftendirekt]

The shapely brunette waits for all others to arrive before properly introducing herself. Once they are all gathered, she stands up, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, and bows, hand on the finely crafted hilt of her thinblade, the tight leather of her boots squeaking somewhat as she does so.

"My name is Miranda Filligar," she begins. "I'm damn good with this blade here, I'm quick, I'm smart, and I can talk my way out of near any situation. You might call me a jack-of-trades, as I dabble in a bit of everything."

Her piece spoken, Miranda sits back down in her chair, propping her feet casually up onto the table and leaning her arms on her armrests.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

When Miranda is done introducing herself, Orgen stands up. He is a tall human man, perhaps 25 years old, and has a somewhat rugged appearance. He puts his bow in front of him and leans a bit on it. His face features a week-old beard and a friendly smile, partly buried in his long dark hair.

"Well met, lady Filligar, my name is Orgen." As he carries on, you notice his eloquence does not match his barbaric appearance. "On this mission I proudly represent the church of Oghma, and as such it is my task to retrieve knowledge and preserve it for our society." He grasps his bow and lifts it. "But I imagine that is not very interesting to all of you. This bow, which I learned to master many a year ago will be my contribution to combat. Survival, scouting, determination and the way of the hunt are the northern virtues I have to offer." He leans on his bow once more. "Also, the Great Worm has blessed me with the power of divination and healing."

Orgen makes a small bow and seats himself again.

[Barthac]

A large man in heavy armor speaks up, The followers of Oghma have always been an honorable lot. My name is Tra'vin and this he motions to the smaller man behind hom Is my brother Calden. I am a disciple of Kelemvor, the grantor of undistrubed rest.

He has a large sword strapped to his back with a shield and a heavily laden pack. As a follower of the Lord of the Dead, I am well versed in the ways of combat and will not fade from conflict. I stand ready to present those to Kelemvor who would disturb the restful death of others.

He casts a sideways glance at Calden, anxious to hear his brothers introduction.

[LordDice]

Grinning and throwing his arm around Tra'vin as he speaks "Ahh Brother, so serious all the time. I'm Calden, Professional Gambler and Caster of many spells !"

With a somewhat washed out coloration, he almost looks a little too pale, with a chain shirt tucked in under his clothes and daggers stuck all around his belt he's not quite as unprepared as he sounds.

"Oh, well I guess I'm also quite good at sneaking around...although in my case it's usually sneaking away" He says, chuckling lightly.

[Aeryr]

Estef

As expected Estef is the last one to arrive and introduce herself. She wears simple clothes, made of soft fabrics and dyed with dark colors, mostly black and dark violet. She doesn't seem to be carrying any weapon, only a quiver at her back and a long rope around her waist. Her hair is kept behind her face in a long braid. She vows slightly to everyone and smiles.

-I am Estef Bluestar, archer, explorer, scout and above all survivalist. I am pretty good at that, whatever it takes. It will be a pleasure to join you, and I have to admit that I am relieved that there are other female members in our trip.

[Daftendirekt]

Now that the last member of the party had arrived and introduced themselves, Miranda stood back up and looked around importantly, fingers drumming against the hilt of her sword.

"So, when do we set out then? I'm eager to start right away."

[Aeryr]

Estef

That was a first a person eager to to the underdark. Well, Estef supposed that the sooner they started the sooner they would end. That made some sense. But making sure that everything is alright before departing is an important step.

-Do we have rations for the trip? Who is going to be leading anyway? We should take some time before rushing into the Underdark. Hope everyone is at peace with their Gods.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen smiles. "I believe we will be joined by a guide, an underdark specialist, so I assume he will be leading us. And rations...I was led to believe that the organization sending us would take care of the basics and that we ought to bring some extra ourselves." He shrugs. "I don't care much for preserved food, so I am going to trust on my ability to find my extras in the wilds." Orgen ponders a moment. "I believe enjoying the local cuisine makes traveling much nicer."

[LordDice]

Calden

Looking up from practicing a card trick Calden looks up and chimes in "Eh I'm sure we'll be fine on rations, Besides...like 'Books' over here said...we can always find something to eat"

"I'm more interested in the local ales myself, nothing tells ya more about a place than the quality of their drink"

Reffering to Orgen as Books....just can't be respectful :/

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda looks around the room expectantly, and then sighs.

"Is this guide supposed to get here any time soon? We're all here, so far as I can tell."

[Barthac]

Tra'ven motions to the kobold. I think our guide is already here.

[Monodominant]

Having let you introduce each other the Goliath commands your attention.

"You are indeed right. Provisions as far as rations, lamp oil, lanterns and torches has been organised by the Company along with a set of tools that you might find useful in your venture underground. Before we continue let me introduce you to your guide..." he says and motions towards the kobold.

"This young fellow here is Punpun a provisional member of the Underdark Guides that will act as your guide for this journey. He is familiar with the mission and the territory below ground and a host of information you will find useful while down below. He will provide martial assistance should this be necessary but this is by far not his area of expertise... he is not the leader per se of your group unless you want him to be but I advise that you take his advise when he gives it..." the goliath explains.

The kobold indeed makes a short bow and looks at each of you for a moment.

"It makes me safe just looking at all of you!" he says with a soft voice before continuing.

"So, gentlemen and ladies... the route we have chosen..." he says and now points to the map " takes us from Waterdeep towards the North East following river Dessarif until the hills past Goldenfields. We will be over ground for a bit more than a week by which time we reach the hills which 'house' many caves, some of which provide us with our passage to the Underdark..." he pauses at this point to ensure everything sinks in.

"Now this is where things get a bit harder to calculate. By my estimation, and given that all information I have from Master Krel here are correct and accurate, we will spend another 2 weeks or so until we reach Drown Multum. The area we will be covering does have some natural hazards but as we are still in the Upper Dark we wont face the unsurvivable conditions of the lower depths. We will still be able to make good use of the groups hunters and scouts and even water should not be hard to come by..." the kobold concludes.

"Any questions so far before we move unto the exact details of your missions?" asks Krel at this point.

[Daftendirekt]

"Sounds straightforward enough so far. Please continue."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen shakes his head. Nope.

[LordDice]

Calden seems to barely be listening, but gestures slightly with his hand to continue.

[Monodominant]

Satisfied with the amount of answers he has got Krel continues.

"We do not expect that you will be conquerring Multum. This mission is more of a scouting, ground laying one. What we need is to locate one or more safe entrances deeper in the city so that other expeditions can be launched.

I wont give you an exact number but what we need from you is progress enough so that along with divinations and historians we are able to locate which part of the city we have breached and how to orient ourselves when we go back in. Basically go as deep as you want but just as long as some key area is discovered you can return. At the same time we require that you... to put it in plain words... loot anything of value in those areas. As there might be dangers down there after you clear said areas it would be too easy for others to build on your success and take what you have left behind.." he pauses at this point to look to Orgen.

"Anything from books, maps and tomes that Orgen here identifies as valuable must be taken with you along with works of art that have survived, treasures and coin...

For those of you that have actually had the time to go through the Company's bylaws you will know that any coinage or precious stone found in an expeditions belong to you along with any items you take from defeating potential foes you meet while on a mission. From other works of art and treasures you are entitled to 15% of their value in gold payable upon their return here. Lastly as this is a dangerous mission the Bowels of the Earth offer a reward of 2000 gold for your group on top of everything else..."

[Aeryr]

That sounds like a nifty sum of gold. Estef smiles to herself, she certainly will need to approach that Orgen in hope that they would both found something interesting and worth keeping.

[LordDice]

Calden

Rubbing his hands together in a comical gesture of greed he quickly pipes up. "Ahh looting, now there's something I can get behind almost as much as a good game of cards ! See brother, wouldn't you rather be doing this than praying all day at a temple...or whatever boring crap you do all day when I'm out having fun"

"Now, we've got enough horses or whatever to pack out all the sweet loot we'll be finding right ? or maybe some of those fancy bags that can hold a wagonfull. Cause looting is a blast, carrying loot for days to get back ain't."

[Monodominant]

The Goliath laughs.

"You get a donkey that will carry your provisions as your load will be quite significant up to the point you reach the underdark... from then on as you can imagine beasts of burden like pack horses/mules and the like dont go in the dark passages... as for bags of holding and the like... I am afraid no, we dont give such valuable items to a newly hired group..." he says.

"If you get so many artifacts and relics that you cant carry them with you, hide them so the next expedition will get them. That is why I said that we dont expect you to explore the whole city... maybe a few rooms, streets or houses... we dont even know if it will possible for you to go very deep... the city has resurfaced but I doubt its no longer flooded at all..." he goes on.

"In any case. Thats all from me. If you need nothing additional then I suggest we head over so I can give you your provisions and you set off immidiatetly... no reason to delay and you have a long journey there and back!"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen nods in agreement and has nothing to ask or add. He was not the type to be concerned about the amount of looting that could be done and ways to get the goodies home.

[Monodominant]

"Well then! Speak up the rest of you or come on follow me!" says the Goliath impatiently looking at the others.

If noone else responds with any concerns or doubts he moves ahead and out of the room and deeper into the Bowels of the Earth headquarters to a large storage room one level down.

[Barthac]

I have no questions. I trust in your experience planning such expeditions, Tra'vin nods to the goliath gracefully and follows him out of the room.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen also stands up and follows the Goliath.

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda leaps nimbly up out of her chair, smooths her clothing, and swaggers out of the room after the goliath, hand on her sword hilt.

[LordDice]

Calden quickly follows along, the gleam of greed slightly in his eyes as he pictures the looting.

[Monodominant]

The goliath sets five sacks unto the floor with the help of the kobold and another man that joins your group when you are down below.

This man, the quartermaster, consults Krel on the length of your mission and then begins to move back and forth in this area bringing forward provisions and the like.

"I will peg you down for provisions for 5 people for one and a half month. That is enough for you to get there and come back and I am putting in the real premium stuff that will survive even the dump underground" he says as he fills the first 2 sacks.

"Should you end up needing more try to go on half-ration and we will discuss repayment later on if you need to purchase your own along the way!" he says as he closes them

"Now, I will put on 1 bottle of wine for each of your from our stocks for something to keep whoever is guarding at night company... dont go over board though... you are supposed to be alert and protecting your friends!" he says and winks at you.

"That said, I am also putting in some torches, flasks of oil, whetstones and a set of digging tools, climbing tools and 2 large coils of rope and a rope ladder... thats pretty much the standard gear... if you want something else specific you can buy it from me for a bit less than what you could find in the markets of Waterdeep so now is your chance..."

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda nods as she listens to the list of gear being provided for them. The rations would be unnecessary, as she had a nifty little box that kept her permanently stocked. The rest, however, would be most useful when spelunking in the lightless depths of the earth. The brunette began loading up her share of the supplies into her haversack.

So, exact numbers for what we're each getting?

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen sees how the giant man stacks food and equipment and sees Miranda packing some and then starts wondering. "I, errr, am assuming all this stuff will be carried by an animal of burden?" He smiles. "I am pretty packed with my own equipment as it is."

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda just smiles and nods as she slips items into her bag. Anybody paying any bit of attention notices quite quickly that her bag doesn't get the slightest bit bigger as she stuffs her share of the items in, hefts its shoulder strap over her head, and settles it into place. She sights contentedly, smiles around at everyone again, and waits for further instruction.

[Monodominant]

In total you get :

5 sacks
225 Iron rations
5 bottles of fine wine
25 torches
12 flasks of oil
5 whetstones
10 waterskins (empty)
1 set of digging tools (pickaxe, shovel and the like)
1 climbers kit
100 feet of rope x 2 (hempen)
1 rope ladder (30 feet high)
2 sets of flint and steel.



"We will provide you with a donkey or mule, depends on whats available for the heavy lifting of your time above ground. By the time you reach the entrance to the Underdark the most significant weight, the food, should have been somewhat depleted and hence you wont need the animal... it will be hard to keep it underground but if you want to try it be my guests... if you dont actually want or need any of the equipment then feel free to leave it behind!" says the Quartermaster.

"In any case, decide what you want to take now and then come downstairs... This mission is too important to set you off walking through the streets and out the gates after being here for so long and so ladden with gear... we will be using one of the tunnels we have that exits half a mile outside the city! We dont get called the Bowels for nothing!" Krel tells you and then heads through a steep ladder another level down.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen grabs a sack and puts in 45 rations, a bottle of wine, a waterskin and a whetstone. "I have no need for the torches and stuff. I will put the rope ladder in my sack as well, if that is allright. Could some of you grab the, flints, ropes and the climbing and digging gear?" As he is filling the bag, he looks up: "Or do you prefer dividing the gear up thematically? Food with food, wine with wine et cetera?" He shrugs. "I don't mind either way, but I guess the pack animal would."

[LordDice]

Calden

"Eh, I'm not big on carrying stuff...the Donkey can carry my share till we get there...then I might actually bother with hauling something"



Quickly following Krel before someone can load him down like a pack mule his mutterings get quieter as he decends.

"I'm just far too delicate to be bothered carrying a bunch of food and tools around...I mean really, what do I look like...some kind of Mule ?"

[Barthac]

Tra'vin raises and eyebrow at Calden. He grabs a sack and stuffs it full of rations. Taking the full sack and a shovel he pushes them into Calden's hands.

Once Tra'vin is sure Calden gets the hint, he stuffs a few more rations in his already full pack, grabs a pickaxe and follows.

[Monodominant]

Eventually between you, you manage most of the provisions employing either your own means of transport or using the sacks provided. The Quartermaster takes up the remaining items with little effort and comes along as you descend.

You find yourselves in a very large heavily fortified room and 2 guards, a dwarf and a human dressed in the Mercenary Company's livery, standing at attention and conversing with Krel.

As the whole party gathers he turns to you and motions to the two guards to open a heavy set iron door that is kept closed with 2 massive locks and 3 iron bars.

"This is it. I go no further. Follow this tunnel and always keep left, the right paths lead to traps and pitfalls but if you stay on the left you will eventually see sunlight and there is another sentry there that will give you the donkey.

Good luck to all of you. Honour the company and make me proud! Ah and on your return to the city feel free to come from the main door by the way!" says the Goliath and proceeds to look each one of you in the eyes and give a firm nod of approval.

[Aeryr]

Sorry for my personal delay :smallredface:

Estef

Estef grabs a piece of rope and a backpack with rations, she plans on foraging for herself as long as possible but rations are always welcome. Maybe she can combine both to spar the rations as long as possible.

When they start the exploration she caresses the left wall, well if that was going to be like a labyrinth she would remember the first rule, always keep a wall, in this case the left one, upon hand reach.

She takes some small stones on the floor and builds a small pile by the left wall, it is fairly easy to spot and it is clearly man made, so she won't miss the mark if she ever comes back in this direction.

[Daftendirekt]

Glancing down at the archer as she's stacking stones, Miranda smiles slightly and shakes her head before crouching next to her.

"Not sure that's necessary," she says. "Pretty sure this passage is just to get us out of the city. We're not in the Underdark yet."

[Monodominant]

And that proves right as indeed part of the tunnel you are walking through has walls made of worked stone rather than earth and rock

The smell also alerts you to the possibility that although it does not go through them the passage certainly passes next to some of the more coloufull and odorous areas of Waterdeep... the sewers.

[Aeryr]

Estef

Estef smiles to the other woman in the expedition and nods.

-I know, I like to do that for the whole route though, it helps me keep my mind in order and my path clear.

[Daftendirekt]

"Have you considered finding a wizard to make you a Endless Spool of Twine that you can unravel while you walk? Might be easier than stacking stones."

Miranda grins at the other woman as she says this, idly running her hand along the left wall as they walk, her blade bouncing against her leg without her hand there to steady it.

[LordDice]

Calden

Calden walks along, quietly for a change....possibly trying to hold his breath.
Eventually he just starts flipping a coin constantly, trying to occupy his time as they walk.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen produces a torch that burns with magical fire and calmly follows the group.

[Monodominant]

As you continue moving ahead following the left path in a few intersections you all notice that slowly there is a certain absence of actual walls and actual sewer stench.

The scenery around you is mostly rock and dirt and the occasional wooden structure to keep the ceiling from collapsing but you notice no signs of life save for a few worms and a rat or two skulking around. It is a sobering though considering that this merely a 'short' tunnel that is nor deep nor endless like the area where you are actually going...

The flicker of Orgens torch casts shadows but provides enough light for all of you to feel safe walking down here and before long it is matched by natural light at the end of the tunnel. There are two niches in the wall left and right, almost 120 feet from the entrance and thats where you see the guard Krel mentioned earlier.

"Who goes there?" he asks as he steps towards you.

[Daftendirekt]

"We were told by Krel to come this way and... receive a donkey," Miranda says with a smirk as she emerges into the sunlight, squinting against the brightness after the darkness of the tunnel.

[Aeryr]

Estef

Estef smiles innocently and looks at Miranda with innocent curiosity. She snaps her fingers and a big spool of twine appears at her hand, it shines slightly with a ghostly blue aura.

-I already have twine, but I favor the rocks.

She uncoils the twine and walks around for a while leaving a trail.

-Of course it is easy for anyone to spot the trail, and follow it. We might not want strangers finding us.

She then leaves the coil and after a few seconds it disappears leaving no record of its existence as it never was there.

-No trail. - She adds with a smirk to Miranda

When they reach the guard she steps behind Miranda and whispers with care to not be heard by the woman.

-Another donkey.

[Monodominant]

As all of you come closer to the light and you mention Krel he brightens up.

"Ah yes! The expeditionary force! Heh... its great to meet you guys and gals! I wish I was going with you instead of being stuck in this guardpost!" he says and manages to grumble at the same time he is being jovial.

"In any case, I dont want to delay you! Everything seems fine outside... noone snooping around and I have Mary, thats the mule, right outside! She is a good gal and pretty obedient too... for a mule..."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen smiles at the guard. "Greetings." He leaves the social stuff up to the others as he approaches the mule and pets it. "Hello Mary, I am Orgen. You are here to help us, but we will take good care of you", he says while he prepares the bag he is carrying so it can be mounted on the mule. He turns around to guard and says "What a beautiful animal, thank you."

[LordDice]

Calden

Stepping outside and taking a nice big breath of fresh air, he seems to relax a little after.

"Ahh, excellent....a fine mule indeed" quickly tying the bag of rations that Tra'vin had tossed at him onto the mule.

"Yep, Good job Mary....you just carry that for me"

[Monodominant]

The mule accepts the load you put on the saddle packs situated left and right and turns to look at you with a rather bored look when it becomes obvious that you are addressing her.

The guard smiles and waves you off as you all make your way out with the string leading Mary in hand.

Meanwhile your kobold guide moves ahead of all of you and turns to make a final headcount.

"Well glad to see noone got lost here!" he says and laughs at his own joke.

"We will be moving in 9 hour marches to make sure if something occurs we make up time... if you feel particularly untired we can force march every third day to make good time! I would like to ask that we travel as a group with me at the spearhead but if those of you more scouty oriented as you mentioned would like to one person can scout 500 feet ahead and another 500 feet behind us... I do have to point out though that this will make it obvious that we are not simple travellers to anyone that cares to observe or follow us..."

[Barthac]

I have neither the skills nor the desire to scout, Tra'vin rubs his chin thoughtfully for a moment before asking,Are there dangers we should be scouting for?

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen nods at Tra'vin. "I guess these lands are fairly safe to travel for the likes of us, aye".

[Monodominant]

The kobold nods at Orgen's assessment.

"Generally these lands are patrolled. The city of Waterdeep and the Lords make sure trade is un-interrupted and that merchants feel safe to travel between cities... still brigands and the occasional monster are not something unheard of.

What I meant though is more about people that may try to follow us or spy on us rather than those we meet randomly..."

If noone else asks something or comments on something the goblin sets off with a brisk pace using the road.

[Barthac]

Probably better to appear innocent and have a watchful eye, than look like we think we're being followed. I say we stay together and try to look as much like a merchant caravan as we can.

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda nods her head in agreement with the suggestion to appear innocent.

"Indeed. Keep a sharp eye, however. There are far too many nefarious folk out here -- not that there aren't in the cities."

With her left hand resting idly on the hilt of her elven blade, the gorgeous brunette whistles a jaunty tune as she walks, inwardly excited at the prospect of some adventure, finally getting out after weeks of fruitless searching in Waterdeep.

[LordDice]

Nodding in agreement with the others, Calden is quite intently focused on the coin he keeps flipping. Not really paying attention to the conversation.

He just keeps walking and flipping the coin...

[Monodominant]

The wish for excitement does not come true this first day of your trip.

Still the fresh air and change of scenery reinvigorates those of you not at ease with being stuck in a city.

On your way you meet merchant groups heading for Waterdeep four times and despite what you have been told they each have at least two guards or mercenaries charged with their protection judging by their arms and armor but also by the careful looks and when you bypass them.

You also see signs of the presence of Waterdeep in an inn you pass at early afternoon as it has the flag of the city and is aptly named "The First Gate". Apart from that you twice meet patrols comprised of 9 footmen and a sergeant on horse.

Noone seems to pay that much attention to you other than that and 9 hours later the kobold indicates its time to make camp.

"We either go on for another hour or so as I believe there is a tavern down the road or we stay on the cheap and camp out here. Half a mile off road there is a nice spot I have stayed before which gives a nice view of the area..." he says and points at a small hill to the west.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen looks at the others. "Camping is fine with me, I actually prefer it. What about you?"

[Daftendirekt]

"Camping would suit me fine. I've been cooped up for too long; a night under the stars will do me good."

[LordDice]

Calden

Eyes shining at the prospect of a tavern "But there might be a game of cards ...or maybe dice ahead ! and nice soft beds..so very soft.

Yes, Yes we must definitely push ahead to the card table ! err Tavern I mean."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Mildly annoyed at the narrow focus and attention of his companion, Orgen turns towards Calden. "Hrm, so....does this mean you are treating us on a night at an inn, then?" He shoots Calden a meaningfull look: I guess not, huh? "What about this. I am sure you carry a deck of cards...we could play some out here tonight, if you'd explain us the game. I'd be up for that." He smiles.

[LordDice]

Calden

Shocked and obviously trying to think fast. "Err Well....no I hadn't planned to pay for everyone. Ah well, don't get the nice soft bed everytime eh !"

But sadly, no cards on me, had to leave my last deck somewhat...swiftly. You know how things go sometimes. On to the campsite ! At least I can get off my feet.

[Monodominant]

Your chatting does not phase the kobold who nods and starts off towards the hill indicated.

Once there you can easily find traces of past camps having been set-up here. Remains of bonfires along with a few bones from birds and small animals are scattered around as are holes on the ground from where people might have pitched their tents.

The kobold indicates how the camp should be set up and then smiles.

"So any of you can see in the night? I suggest two people keeping watch at a time since there is 6 of us... that means 3 groups of 2 and while the first group still has some light to go by, the 2nd and 3rd will be in pitch black. As such it would be nice to have someone sharp... I can be with either the 2nd or the 3rd watch since I can indeed see at complete darkness..." he explains.



Basically consider that this will be your 'standard' watch format so we dont go through this again... unless if you want to change it for particular reasons. Feel free to discuss it on OOC.

Format would be (just giving as an example)

Watch 1
Tra'vin and Calden,
Watch 2
Miranda and Kobold
Watch 3
Estef and Orgen

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"Well, my senses are pretty sharp, but I do need light to see." Orgen looks around. "What about you guys?"

[Daftendirekt]

"My eyes are as human as any. Likewise."

[Barthac]

Calden and I can take first watch.

He digs around in his pack and pulls out two seemingly lit torches from his bag. These should help. I never leave home without them

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"I can take the middle watch. I am trained to handle broken nights."

[Monodominant]

So we have:

Calden + Tra'vin
Orgen + PunPun
Estef + Miranda



You finalise the watches and the kobold wastes little time. He prepares the fire and warms his own small portion of food. He then sets his sleeping bag along with an extra thick blanket as close to the fire as he feels comfortable, eats and turns in.

"Get a good rest. We have another long day ahead of us!" he says with a sleepy smile.

[Monodominant]

You all eventually settle down as the light grows dimmer and dimmer. The watches set and with a full belly you turn in for the night.

As the night progresses it grows colder and colder but staying close to the fire and wrapped in your blankets you do not feel the bite of Autumn in the North as much.

And before you know it the sun is rising on the horizon and you are all back on your feet for a quick morning bite. The kobold guide takes his time scattering the ashes of your fire and then leads you back towards the roads.

Today you continue your march next to the road and it steadily approaches and then follows the river. As such you have the opportunity to see that on the waters of Dessarin there is actually more traffic than on the road you are on.

Still even the road is not without its travellers. You take an 'unscheduled stop' when you come accross a small company of gnomes and halflings proclaiming themselves "The Great Minstrels of the Surbin Hills" and insist on you watching the play they plan to put on in Waterdeep. A few more travellers and even a couple of merchant caravans have taken the opportunity to stop and watch and it is suprisingly good.

All fun must end though and PunPun pushes you to continue. As the day grows darker and the sun sets behind you, he indicates yet another location for you to rest and prompts you to set camp.

Once more the night comes and goes with no event to break the stillness. It is becoming more evident though that day by day you are moving away from the busy life of Waterdeep and the sounds of life around you is louder and less restrained. Those that keep watch are even suprised a few times due to the sudden cooing of night birds far too close for comfort and even the passing of a fox chasing her dinner.

This goes on for a couple days more, one especially tiring given that Pun Pun pushes you to go on a forced march for a few more hours. The amount of caravans and solitary travellers have diminished and whats worse the ground on which you tread has become more difficult to follow.

"We are passing next to the Stump Bog" he explains "...and though once it only covered a small area far from the roads it has extended despite the lack of water fall..."

You have not cleared out of the outskirts of them bog when the time comes to camp and having forced marched the day before it is becoming difficult to go on without proper rest...

"What will it be folks? We stop here or press on for three more hours to clear the bog first? I personally do not like this place... I am no kid to be scared by old wives tales but the place has a sinister reputation... many a traveller got lost with no sign of him to be heard since and though my bet of his fate would include sharp steel and brigands the locals say it is the spirits that done did it... "

[Daftendirekt]

"We can handle ourselves, and we need a rest," Miranda voices wearily, massaging a stitch in her side as they pause to confer. Scraping a bit of mud off of her boot and wiping a forearm across her sweaty brow, she pauses to think if she's heard anything particularly dangerous lurking in the bog.

[roll0] nature!
[roll1] local!
[roll2] dungeoneering!

[LordDice]

Calden

Wearily looking over at Punpun and clearly exhausted from the marching "I'd just as soon get past this muck before resting...as much as I'd like to. I have to agree with Miranda...we'll be able to handle ourselves just in case"

[Monodominant]

@ Miranda



You cant recall anything particular about this location but you are experienced with 'nature' in general and as such you know that swamps and bogs are the habitats of many reptiles, insects and other such nasties. Your adventuring experience though has been enough to know that apart from such 'harmless' things you also get darker creatures in such environments. Aberrations and the like make desolate places like these their home often enough.

On the other hand given how close to the road this place is and how well travelled you doubt that anything significant would dwell here if it was that deadly...



The kobold shrugs and after a short while indicates a spot that is more dry and you can actually camp on it.

Indeed you set up camp and light your fires and it is then that you face the biggest terror this area has to offer. Swarms of mosqueetos and flies descend upon you in droves making sleeping and resting a nightmare...

It is a little before sun-rise that the weary guards, Estef and Miranda, realise something strange... for the past 5 or so minutes no insect has crawled under, over or next to you and even the droning mosqueetos have gone quiet...

[Daftendirekt]

Stifling a yawn, Miranda creeps quietly over to Estef and taps the archer on the shoulder, putting a finger to her lips in a motion to keep quiet. Keeping her blade steady with a hand on the hilt, she crouches and whispers into her comrade's ear.

"Keep your eyes open. I think something's coming. I'll rouse the others."

Having warned Estef, Miranda moves around to the rest, putting a hand over their mouth before waking each of them to prevent any of them from crying out. As quick as she can, she delivers the same warning of possible impending peril before going back and leaning casually up against a tree, in actuality tensed for instant combat.

[Barthac]

Being suddenly woken from a sound sleep wasn't something new to Tra'vin. Tra'vi n nods to Miranda in understanding. Rolling over he feigns sleep but keeps his ears peeled for the sounds of approaching footsteos.

[LordDice]

Being awakened in such a manner he quickly gets the idea. Trying to successfully to lie there waiting, nearly falling back asleep.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen wakes up and gives Miranda a short nod, after which he swiftly and silently gets up, drawing his bow.

[Monodominant]

You have all been roused and ready just as you start seeing something moving in the darkness.

From deeper in the bogs two large shapes burst forth and only stop for a moment to look at you, as suprised as you are to have met someone here.

Both creatures are large and lanky moss-colored humanoids with an elongated, toothy snout and appears to be covered in bits of mushrooms and other such growths. They have long spindly arms but they seem quite powerful none the less.

From the distance behind them you can barely hear a light buzzing sound just over their loud footsteps.



Your group (as a whole) gets to go first.

Knowledge nature to tell what they are/what the sound of buzzing is (2 different checks).
Sense motive to understand more of their motives.

And actions off course. This round they count as flat-footed.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen looks at the creatures and digs in his memory.

Knowledge nature for:
creatures [roll0]
buzzing [roll1]

I will have my action depend on the outcome of these rolls

[Monodominant]

@ Orgen



Unfortunately at this dangerous moment and still slow from sleep all you can recall or tell from the signs is that the two large giant like creatures ahead of you are some kind of trolls... little else though comes to mind, nor about the buzzing nor about their nature.

[Daftendirekt]

Gripping her sword's hilt but not drawing, Miranda thinks if she's ever seen anything like this before.

nature [roll0]

a 2nd roll for knowledge devotion [roll1] :smallannoyed: just +1 atk/damage then.

[Barthac]

Tra'vin realizes the ploy is over. He quickly rolls to his feet and readys his sword and shield. He focuses on the two creatures attempting to guess their reaction.


Sense Motive: [roll0]

I will assume the stance Iron Guards Glare.

[LordDice]

Calden

Hearing the commotion he quickly gets up and steps behind Tra'vin attempting to make himself unnoticed before moving around to the left of him some. Tapping his brother on the shoulder as he goes past to signal hiding nearby to the left.

Hide in plain sight.
Hide: [roll0]

[Daftendirekt]

"Swamp trolls!" Miranda calls out. "Use fire on them! Don't bother with acid though."

Knowing there was little point to trying to be diplomatic with such creatures -- if they even spoke the same tongue -- she mentally prepares herself for battle.

[Barthac]

Roll for Granted Manuevers

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Barthac]

Trolls Tra'vin says with disgust, Whdid it have to be trolls. Studying them for a moment he calls out I don't think they are in the mood to fight us. I think they are running from somehting else. Tra'vin blanches, suddenly realizing the implications of what he just said.

Granted Manuevers
Crusader's Strike, Shield Block, Foehammer

[Monodominant]

The two trolls look behind them for a second and then back to you.

They seem lost and uncertain. It is then that the bigger one takes action after another moments thought.

It rushes forward jumping over your camp fire and passing through your ranks but making no attempt to attack any of you. The smaller one also follows emboldened by its companion.



More or less everyone with a melee weapon in their hands can take AoO on them.

They are doing a full run move.

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda merely stares open-mouthed as the trolls run through the camp, caught quite off-guard. Then she gathers her wits and looks around intently at her companions, hand still on the hilt of her sword but not drawing it.

"Stand our ground or follow suit? What do you think?"

[LordDice]

Calden

Circling around the camp a bit to where the trolls come from and peering from the edge of the light Calden looks into the darkness trying to see exactly what they were running from.

[Barthac]

Tra'vin glares at the trolls at they pass, daring them to attack. Leave them pass he calls out, finally deciding they don't intend to attack We have to worry about whatever was behind them.

Tra'vin turns and stares off looking for the troll's pursuers.

[Monodominant]

Its more the noise that leads your eyes rather than sight.

It becomes quickly apparent that something is coming your way and it is then that you realise the small dark spots approaching is not a trick of light but thousands of small beetle-sized insects armed with long, spiked suckers skittering across the swampy waters of the bog but also crawling over the land and the limited vegetation.

You can tell that the group of insects is split into 2 distinct groups all approaching your current location and you are amazed by their speed and numbers.



Nature knowledge check to get more info on them.

You have 2 full rounds until they reach you.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen looks intently at the swarming insects and says: "I see no reason to fight them, they are animals..."

Knowledge religion to see if I know something about these guys: [roll0]

[LordDice]

Calden

Backing quickly back into camp with his eyes wide "Oh man that's a hell of alot of bugs coming towards us"

Digging a torch out of the mules pack quickly he gets it lit in the fire before taking up a position behind Tra'vin.

"I hope someone has a brilliant idea, cause I sure don't"

[Daftendirekt]

"Well, it's not going to be any good against that," Miranda mutters to herself, finally drawing her elven blade and holding up her buckler-clad arm as well.

"Sorry, boys, but I've no idea what these are! And there are far too many. I vote we flee!"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen nods. "Yes, run. All, fast! Tra'vin, especially you, start running! Run in a different direction than the trolls. I'll follow. Orgen starts casting Summon Monster I.

After summoning a celestial dog, I give it the command to stay put and bark, then I follow the others. Perhaps my celestial friends can give us a few extra seconds.

I can use Animal devotion to give myself some extra mobility if doing this makes things a bit tight for me.

[Monodominant]

Knowledge Religion reveals nothing pertinent.



You scatter away from your camp and away from the bugs that are approaching with great speed. You do realise that they seem to very fast, especially when going over the swampy, murky waters of the bog.



Not sure if there is a check to notice this so I will give it right away. Their speed is 50 on water, 40 on land.



The swarms pursuing you do not seem to be in a hurry but as you break and run you do notice that the first of the two large groups breaks off to follow the direction the trolls went. The other large swarm seems to momentarily hesitate due to the open flames near your camp and the new torch lit by Calden.

The appearance of the summoned dog though proves too much of a lure. They surge forward and engulf the summoned creature whose barks and growls turn into a pitiful cry.

You have increased the distance between yourselves and the bugs...



You basically have 2 extra rounds (a total of 4) head start, given it takes them more or less that time to 'devour' the dog.

Also, did anyone pick up the gear and the mule?

[Barthac]

Tra'vin notice the swarms hesitation at the fire. Fire! he cries, struggling to control his voice We need lots of fire.

He stops and sprints back towards the camp headed for the mule.

I want to get a torch and lamp oil from the mule. Not sure what the mule has on it.

[LordDice]

Calden

Chasing after Tra'vin back to the mule while hollering "You better have a damned good idea !"

[Monodominant]

@ The Brothers

You end up next to the mule and have enough time to take and light torches while the swarm finishes the celestial dog.

[Barthac]

Holding his lit torch in one hand, Tra'vin continues to rummage around in the packs on the heavily laden mule. He glances quickly at Calden, Don't just stand there gawkin'. Hold them off while I find something more flammable. He turns back to the mule and continues his frantic search.

A couple of quarts of lamp oil would be good. Alchemist fire would be SUPERB! However, I really don't recall whats on the mule, though. :smallfrown:

[LordDice]

Calden

Gripping the torch awkwardly and rolling his eyes at the comment about him merely standing around.

"Well hurry the hell up then, they're finishing EATING the damned dog...and I don't intend to be next"

Swiping at the swarm if they get too close, trying to use it to scare them away from him.

Attackin the swarm with the torch if it closes past the dog, guarding Tra'vin and the mule

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen does what he can to help out the brothers, helping Tra'vin finding stuff and waving burning sticks with Calden. "Guys, you need to run, please. Tra'vin, you can not outrun them. Run, over land and find a good hiding spot. I can see if I can distract and outrun them bees. We will reassemble later somewhere here."

Orgen plans to attract as much of the swarm as he can and lure them into following him (and keeping following him). With the power of the cheetah (animal devotion) he should be able to outrun them and go into hiding quite a distance (2 minutes of sprinting through the swamp) away from here.

[Monodominant]

Apologies for the delayed response.



You do indeed find lamp oil on your trusty beast of burden. You manage to get them out as it starts becoming restless and scared from the bugs that are making short work of the dog.

You do indeed notice that the bugs shy away from the flames, a few venture forth and are crushed by Calden blow with the torch. The majority still is attacking the dog that bound by its command is staying in place.

As Orgen approaches closer to them and tries to attract the swarms attention his wish comes true. Part of the swarm breaks off and quickly covers the distance. You feel numerous bites and scratches as their powerful jaws close on any unprotected area of your body...



Given that you came back Orgen and that you attract their attention AND have no fire with you, they get to attack... you can offcourse try and outrun them now but you suffer [roll0] points of damage and also need to make a Fort save and a Will save.

The rest tell me what you are doing for the next few actions as the swarm pursues Orgen.

[Barthac]

By The Judge! I was right, they are afraid of fire. He tosses a jar or two of oil at the swarm hoping to douse them. Get em' Calden he says pointing at the [hopefully] oil covered bugs

[LordDice]

Calden

Swinging the torch around yet again, this time trying to light up the oil Tra'vin had thrown.

"I'm working on it ! Now get over here and help me."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Fortitude: [roll0]
Will: [roll1]

Orgen

Orgen let's out a short cry as the bugs bite and sting. If the side-effects of the stings allow him to ((i.e. the saves)), he will activate his Animal blessing to enhance his speed and outrun part of the swarm that is focused on him so his friends can deal with the rest. He will then return in a bit to allow them to take care of 'his' part of the swarm.

[Daftendirekt]

Hearing Orgen's cries of pain, Miranda stops running and turns back, looking intently at him. She mutters a few words of a tongue she doesn't really understand, and feels the strange shifting that tells her the spell worked as she suddenly finds herself standing precisely where Orgen was a moment before. She spares a glance over her shoulder at her previous location, from which Orgen now runs further out of harm's way, before ducking and rolling out of the path of the swarming insects.

Standard action to use my one 1st level spell that I get from Factotum: Benign Transposition. I trade spots with Orgen, and then use my move action to Tumble out from among the swarm.

Tumble [roll0]

[Monodominant]

The ploy is very well done by both of you. Thankfully Orgens resolve means that nor the confusing buzzing nor the poison manage to stop you.

Furthermore not only does Orgen manage to gain distance with his part of the swarm as it pursues him doggedly but you also manage to drive it further with Miranda's trick.

Artfully she appears in his spot and the confused bugs have no time to react as she moves past them.

The situation currently stands with half the swarm surrounding, but not attacking the two brothers, and the other half trying to close the distance with Miranda while Orgen is now safer where she was.

[Monodominant]

Bump in case you have missed the update. Waiting for Barthacs action...

[Monodominant]

With a loud WHOOSH sound the oil catches on fire.

The sound of crisping bugs fills the night and though they make no sound you can see the panic in the swarms movements as it withdraws heading for deeper into the swamp where there is more water.

The part of the swarm that was following Miranda also acts confused and the bugs seem to lose their will for pursuit. Slowly they start spreading away and heading for the deeper edges of the swamp as well...

The eerie silence following the above events is broken by your kobold guide.

"So... is everything is okay now?" he asks appearing out of nowhere in the middle of your camp.

[Daftendirekt]

Waving a final insect away with her hand, Miranda makes her way back to the burnt remnants of their camp with a smirk.

"Well, that's one way to get rid of them," she says wryly as she arrives and waits for the rest to come back.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

"Whew, that was a close one", Orgen says as he returns to the base camp. "I don't know about you, but I think perhaps it is smart to relocate a little bit? There's an insect swarm and a couple of trolls that know where we are...who knows we might be in for more trouble tonight?"

[LordDice]

Calden

Stomping at the last few bugs around, squishing the hell of of the little bastards that didn't die to the fire.

"Yeah, it might be best to put a little distance between us...still tired as hell from the day before so I'm not inclined to go too damned far"

[Monodominant]

With the last of the bugs chased off you manage to regroup.

The kobold guide agrees with the assessment concerning the trolls and other large part of the swarm.

"We can just go an hour or so to clear the worst of the marsh and put us out of the way of those big ol' nasties." he suggests and indeed if noone objects thats what you do.

The rest of night, the few hours left anyway, pass uneventfully though your sleep is nor deep nor relaxed.

You set off in the morning and put the bad experience behind you. The weather is a bit more pleasant and you make good way far from the swampy area.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen takes some time to scribble down notes about the events of this night. Not only might this bizarre encounter make for a nice story some time, but chances are he might at some point learn more about the trolls and wasps. The fact that these creatures live here is information worth to share, anyway.

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda struts along as they depart from their camping spot, whistling a simple tune with a hand resting idly on her sword hilt as she goes along.

"Fine day, she says during a pause in her tune. I wonder what other surprises lie in store for this able band of canny adventurers?"

[Monodominant]

The Gods are good and actually nothing more interrupts your journey. The next few days are calmer and you fall into the usual routine the kobold had explained from the beginning.

He indicates, two days later, that you are passing the outskirts of the town of Golden-Fields, a primarily farming and fishing community.

Indeed traffic has once again picked up. Not so much caravans but quite a few lone villagers with carts and carriages are seen in the distance carrying the late Autumn crops and the land is spotted with small farms and cottages.

You even pass by a young constable, the closest thing Golden Fields has to a guardsman that seems quite awed by your obviously militant nature and informs you that the Hills you are heading for can be reached in two days tops.

The kobold suggests you keep moving unless you are in need for something in particular.

[LordDice]

Calden

Thanks the constable for the information he continues walking, to amuse himself he's taken to breaking off a small pieces of rations and waving them in front of the Mule before trying to slip it into Tra'vin's pockets without him noticing.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Orgen

Orgen indicates he has no specific things he wants to do in this village and is ready to move on.

[Daftendirekt]

Miranda pats her haversack and grins at the kobold with a knowing look in her eyes as she speaks. "I've everything I need right here, my scaly little friend."

[Monodominant]

"Splendid miss!" replies the kobold and you all set off once again.

The last 3 days of your trip prove not as easy. You have by now reached the foot of the hills and whats worse a thunderstorm has been threatening you for the past day. Though the rain itself is little and sporadic, the constant thunderstrikes cause you suprise a fair amount of times and your guide on occasion has you spend some time in small caves.

You find bear tracks but a distinct lack of bears and the kobold explains that probably they have moved down towards the river given the drought.

And then, finally as the sky clears and the biting cold of the North assails you once more the kobold points.

"The Broken Heart!" he says with a grin.

"One of the famous entrances down below... be on your guard... just as we know it exists so do the denizens of the Dark." he warns as he leads you closer to it.

The rock outcrop before you indeed has the vague shape of a heart split in two by a small gorge that descends into the bowels of the Earth. The area here is relatively easy to navigate and the more 'tracker' minded of you can see that it is relatively well troden path. A few hundred yards down though and everything grows darker and more ominous.

[Barthac]

Tra'vin peers into the gathering shadows. He pulls out one of his everburning torches and holds it over his head trying to see further. Be on your guard he mumbles under his breath No need to tell us that. Seems pretty obvious.

He feels the mule nuzzle against him. He gently nudges the mule's face from the pocket of his trousers. Lately the mule had developed an affection for his pockets for some reason Tra'vin couldn't grasp. Perhaps, he was better with animals than he imagined.

Is there a safe place to leave the mule or are we taking it in there he motions to the deepening gloom where the path descends into darkness.

[Monodominant]

Apologies for the absence, I was on the Warhammer 40k ETC (European Team Championship) representing Greece so I had little access on the internet for 3 days.

It was a pretty big event (the biggest since ETC started 5 years ago, and its going global! We had Team USA, Team Canada, Team Australia and a handful of other non-european countries joining!

28 teams x 10 people = 280 people playing 40k!



"We leave him here. If we take him inside we will eventually find a path where he wont feet and he will be stuck there and in the Underdark he will soon die. Should we leave him here he will remain in the area unless if pursued by predators... his chances are better up here and there is more food too!" explains the kobold as he leads you inside, after taking the last remaining gear that had been placed on the animal.

Big, perhaps sad, eyes look at you descend deeper into the darkness and before you know it all traces of light from the world above is lost.

Your torches illuminate the path that is set before you but also causes shadows to jump from the rocky crevices all around. The illumination reflects off polished stone from time to time giving you glimpses of what lays further ahead.

What suprises you is the oppressive silence that only you interrupt. Even now, at the start of your journey and a few hours deeper you have the sense that you are some form of invaders breaking the calm of this place with your noisy footfalls and bright light.

The path is also a suprise. By whoever Gods will these under-lands have been created it seems strange to your eyes than between rock and stone and dirt such large underground passages exist. The thought is daunting if you consider that according to legend the Underdark is present throughout the land in one form or the other.

You have been journeying... well... until your feet have started aching given that you no longer have the sun to help you tell time when the kobold guide stops you.

"I know this passage very well... its as quiet as I expected and it has not been travelled in weeks... which is good for us as there might be more food should we need it..." he says and points at a particularly unhealthy looking fungus growth that is fed dripping water from somewhere above.

"From time to time we might meet predators down here but so close to the surface it should be safe. And now that we are here I can tell you a few things... its your choice but my advise is that we sleep with no fire and no light. The light is like a beacon for all short of nasties down here and they can see us a mile away with it... the same goes for heat... you dont see them but up there ..." he says and points towards the ceiling "... all short of wevils spend their time in the rock till some warm juicy person passes by... if for some reason they sense you they slowly crawl down and drink you up... they are small mind you... no huge leeches or anything but still..." he rants.

"Oh and Umber Hulks! Dont look them in the eyes mind you!" he adds sagely.

[Barthac]

Tra'vin scratches his head thoughtfully. I know how to douse a torch and cover a light but I am still alive and will continue to generate heat. How do I hide from something that can see the natural process of a living body?

[LordDice]

Calden

"Ah who needs light anyhow...overrated !" He comments...absently flipping his favorite coin as they walk down into the darkness.

"Maybe it's more a matter of only the bigger heat sources bringing them out brother ? Just be glad it's not huge leeches"


Taking quicker steps for a few he moves up near Punpun "So why wouldn't we look an Umber Hulk in the eyes ?....what is an Umber Hulk anyhow ?

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Kowledge dungeoneering to see if Orgen knows a thing or two about Umber Hulks: [roll0]

Orgen

Orgen nods at the kobold: "Sounds like wisdom, thanks for the advice."

[Daftendirekt]

Inwardly cursing herself for not ever purchasing an everburning torch, Miranda pulls out one of her bundle of mundane torches and strikes it alight with her flint and steel as they set out into the Underdark. She hums to herself occasionally, but quickly falls silent as the echoes bounce eerily back from the cave walls. Her usual strut changes to a cautious tread as they descend deeper.

Once they finally stop to rest, it is with relief that she extinguishes her torch and lays down her haversack, pulling out her bedroll and unrolling it in a corner. She unbuckles her sword belt and sets it down next to her bedroll but otherwise remains fully clothed, including her boots -- something she is well accustomed to, having done it many times -- albeit not often in the last few months. As she sits down on her bedroll, she listens to Punpun as he speaks before lying down, one hand under her head as she stares up at the ceiling of the tunnel.

"And this was just the first day..." she says quietly to nobody in particular.

[Monodominant]

"Your brother is right off course. The more heat the more will come... body heat will attract maybe those on the surface you are sleeping but a few creepy crawlers is all part of the program... its many creepy crawlers that we dont want and that who comes when torches are lit... so during the marching sure knock yourselves out... I know the upper races generally cant see past their nose in full dark but I guess we have to live with that..." the kobold says with a slight laugh.

"As for Umber Hulks... well they are big big bugs with big big claws. They have bug like eyes that make you go all wobbly and confused in the head if you look at them. And while you are standing there with an open mouth gaping they come and decapitate you and eat you... they can hide well in this environment and their pincers can almost dig through solid stone so they can burrow with the best of them... oh and they have a shell that is as good as steel... so yea, overall nasty buggers!" it continues with a very relaxed tone as if talking about the weather and not a killer monster of the Underdark.

Orgen too has heard all this but also that these creatures do not just have the ability to see in the dark with their bug eyes but can even sense tremors from a significant distance and thus making it all but impossible to hide from.

After you have all set up camp the kobold sits next to Miranda and smiles.

"Yep. But mark my words in a couple of days you wont really be able to tell night and day and you wont remember what it is. Our sleeping will happen either if we find a nice protected spot or when you all are exhausted!" he says before turning in as well.

Mercifully the first night passes without anything interrupting your sleep. The atmosphere though changes. As your group quiets down the sounds of the 'nature' around you become more pronounced.

As time passes those of you guarding can begin to differentiate the susurus of a passing rat or the movement of some kind of bug flying around. You can easily understand the wisdom in the kobolds words that sound travels far and that lack of light sharpens your senses down here...

[Monodominant]

And the night passes... or at least time enough passes that your aching bodies have rested.

The kobold wakes up those still asleep and offers calming smiles.

"Well... thats your first night in the Dark. You can all consider yourselves lucky and proud... but dont celebrate too long... pack your things, have something to eat and we are off!

I know of a large quarter-mile ledge that has a good view of all the surrounding area and its only 11 hours away assuming none of the passages are closed. That should be our aim for today, if we can reach it we will have a secure location to sleep tonight as well!" he explains.

Indeed he marches you hard and you start seeing his skill and reason he is your guide. Your surroundings start to become oppresive but he is always there with a soothing word to calm your fears and show you something interesting so that you dont have time to duel on a bottomless pit or a particularly narrow ledge.

He even lets you stop by an underground stream that has fresh cold water. You notice even the occasional fish in the dark waters and the kobold explains that such underground rivers are not uncommon at this depth but become rare the deeper one goes.

The more alert in the group, Orgen and Calden even manage to spot a large creature skulking down the river and Punpun tells you that it is edible should you wish to bring it down.