Shards of Knowledge: Unearthing the Signs [3.5][Eberron]

[FlamingKobold]

Shards of Knowledge
Chapter 1: Unearthing the Signs
20 Dravago 998 YK

Don, Leianna, Tycho, Lyssa and Nivane have all fit themselves into room 312 of Morgrave University’s Lister Tower. It is an odd looking group of characters in an odd looking sort of room. Obviously designed for someone half their height, the fit is tight. Amongst the books, papers, scrolls and seemingly random looking items strewn throughout the space there are a few horizontal surfaces on which to sit. Sitting down are the first two to arrive: a tall human with a slightly exotic look about her and a bow slung across her back, and a slender man with a eyepatch and an assortment of bottles and pouch attached to the belt that he wears over a dark tunic. He looks relaxed in the office and has been picking up and reading several of the scrolls that layer the benches and floor. The woman has tanned skin and auburn hair cut to shoulder length so as to not interfere with movement or vision. She has the look of an outdoorsman, with layers of leather covering her torso and a dirty green cloak about her shoulders. Everything about her is practical.

Standing between them and the empty, luxuriously wooden desk are another three, all crouching or leaning to some extent so as to fit under the five and half foot high ceiling. A human male of average height with an eyepatch and build stands closest to the desk. He is clad in simple brown leather trousers and a white cotton shirt, brown leather boots and gloves, and a brown wool hood and cowl. Next to him is a slightly shorter half-elf wearing a white shirt with poofy sleeves beneath a blue jacket, and tops it all off with a red sash with many pockets. He keeps his black hair in a short ponytail. His sword is a long basket-hilted piece, with a blade much wider than a rapier of the equivalent size. Closest to the door is a dark haired human woman with piercing blue eyes. Her pale skin is red from either the wind or sun beneath a cream-colored cloak, trousers and a pair of high walking boots.

As the long hand of the desk’s small clock ticks vertical, Selemer Glimmik opens the back door of his office where the members of this odd cast of characters are waiting. As he surveys the seen his face wears a brief look of confusion before bursting into a wide and quintessentially gnomish grin. “Hello everyone, my name is Professor Glimmik,” he says as he walks around the room, reaching up to shake everyone’s hand. “But of course, you must already know that, otherwise why would you be here? I must apologize for the space, I normally don’t have so many visitors! For your comfort I shall try to make this quick.” He sits down behind the desk and looks at them, studying each in turn for a moment before continuing.

“As you no doubt know, I am looking for several willing souls to help a poor old man too tired to travel. Now of course I know you two,” he says, pointing at the sitting man and the standing woman, “but as for the rest I would certainly appreciate an introduction. As, I am sure, would your future colleagues. However, before we get into all of those pleasantries – I do apologize for my lack of manners, but I did promise to be brief, did I not? – I want to make sure that you all understand what I ask of you.”

He pulls out a thin notebook from the shelf adjacent to his desk and flips through it before opening to a page covered in handwritten notes. “Now, let me see here… yes…” he shuts the notebook and looks back up at the party, “I believe there to be an artifact of great interest to me beneath a place called ‘Krigam’s Pass,’ about a day’s travel from Krona Peak. The pass is named for the long-dead dwarven explorer Krigam Marris, but of course that isn’t relevant now, is it? Just before the war between the daelkyr and the dwarves of the Holds, the wizard Gratis Noldrun hid his collection of artifacts in various sites of historical importance, protected by spells and traps and everything else in fairytales and rumors. Only a handful have been uncovered so far, but I have been working with several of my colleagues from the University of Korranberg and we believe that one of these sites is Krigam Pass.”

He cleans his glasses on his shirt and once more surveys the party, “I would simply like you five to go to Krigam Pass, find the entrance to wherever it is that Gratis hid his treasures, bypass his tricks and traps and find whatever is hidden there. The University is certainly not hurting for funding and after my last article was published the grants almost wrote themselves, so you will be rewarded well for your assistance. I would be willing to pay you each 2500 gold pieces, plus an additional thousand as a travel stipend. The stipend and an initial 500 up front, and the other 2000 upon completion. I have already arranged with some of my old contacts in House Kundarak to have a guide waiting for you upon your arrival to bring you to the pass, as well as the House’s services in transporting any goods of interest from the expedition site back to Sharn. Of course, anything you find there that is not of historical significance is yours to keep. Now I’m sure that you all have many questions so feel free to ask away,” he adds as he gestures towards the group with an expectant expression.

OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?422180-Shards-of-Knowledge-OOC-3-5-Eberron&p=19411514#post19411514)

[Amanil]

Leianna fights the urge to stand as the professor enters, having to remind herself that it will only lead to a bruised head and pride.

She'd been quiet so far, though one of the first to arrive, giving the others polite nods of acknowledgements as she sized them up, but otherwise not engaging in conversation.

There didn't seem to be a soldier amongst them - unless the swashbuckling type was some fancy nautical officer - which had her brow furrowing slightly as her eyes flicked from one individual to another. Perhaps her interest had been somewhat misplaced?

As the professor introduces himself, Leianna plays close attention to the task at hand. She reaches into the backpack at her feet to retrieve a scroll tube near the top, attempting to clear a small area on whatever surface she can find to allow her to write some notes in small, scratchy handwriting.

Seeing no one leap to offering up introductions, she figured she may as well get the ball rolling if she was to be trying to get this ragtag band to the other side of the continent and back.

"Talldorn, Leianna," she begins, with a snap to her voice. "Former military, now a bow for hire. Sir, if you are already in contact with House Kundark and the University of Korranberg, why are you not recruiting a team more local to the target? We're looking at near enough 3,000 miles to cover - the journey there alone could take months."

[hoverfrog]

Lyssa likes the gnome, she has from the moment she first met him but he did have a tendency to forget to pass on important information, "Professor, did you have a route planned out or time scales for retrieval of the artefacts? I mean, if speed is of the essence then the Lightning Rail is probably best. Do you have a map in your papers?" She looks at the mess and decides not to look through it herself.

"Oh, so sorry everyone. I'm Lyssa Farstrider, an Orien courier and the cat asleep under the chair is Olive." The room is too cramped to go around and shake hands so she settles for a wave instead. Her smile is sincere and friendly though it wavers slightly when she meets the half elf's eyes, "I know most of the local roads and I've been almost everywhere in Breland and a few places beyond. I hope that you're all fluent in the language of the Mror Holds.""

[Amanil]

The arcane train was not something Leianna relished the thought of travelling on, but Lyssa had a point in that it would cut the journey time down.

"The rail would be faster, and the travel stipend the professor mentioned would perhaps get us fare there, with the walk across Karrnath doing us some good. I gather that there is no need for us to return, and ending up in the dwarven lands at the end of the job would not be of inconvenience to myself, but it again raises the question of why a local team is not being used."

Made the assumption that Vedykar to Vulyar is not connected by rail, if that's not the case I'll edit the above.

[hoverfrog]

"A Lightning Rail to Thaliost is almost 3000 miles, then we'd need to take a boat to Rekkenmark before catching the Lightning Rail again to Vedykar. That should take about five days, maybe a few more while we rest over. The longest part of the journey is the road. If we walk it will take at least ten days, less if we secure horses in Karrnath. The Lightning Rail from Vulyar to Krona Peak is an over nighter, slightly more than one day. Say three weeks for the entire trip barring complications. That will cost us..." Lyssa ran through some calculations on her fingers, "Good grief, more than 2,300 galifars each. Cheaper than having one of those dreadful airships take us the direct route. We could probably negotiate a lower fee for a group but it's still an awful lot of money. I assume that we're to return the artefacts here too so we're talking about double the cost. I hope I'm not being presumptuous in assuming that we'll be walking or riding for most of the way?"

"There are more direct routes. An Orien coach, though slower would cost no more than 400 galifars each. If we went through what is left of Cyre rather than go around it we would cut the journey almost in half. Still that's a journey of three months rather than three weeks. Half that if we have fast mounts. Less for magebred steeds. We could get there in five weeks if we push it. Only a little slower than Lightning Rail." She leans against a table but stands quickly when a pile of books threatens to topple over, "It would be easier to explain with a map."

"Leianna, I think that the Professor wants a group that he can trust rather than rough mercenaries hired through agents in a distant and foreign land. I've collected several things for him before. I assume that you have too? He trusts us. The others are no doubt known by their fine reputations and are similarly trustworthy fellows. Isn't that right, Professor?" She offered a placatory smile to the assembled eclectic group.

A large, detailed map of Khorvaire (http://mephitjames.wdfiles.com/local--files/cities-of-khorvaire/Khorvaire.jpg)

For those less versed in Eberron we're in Sharn in the bottom left hand side of the map at the hilt of the river that looks like a dagger, the Dagger River. Krona Peak is in the top right, next to Karrnath, not far from Lake Dark. Cyre is dead and is now a mist covered wasteland known as the Mournland. It is generally avoided as it is very dangerous but it is not impossible to cross it. The direct route means not crossing Aundair and Thrane. These nations aren't a problem though they each have their own quirks. We can't avoid Karrnath though. I hope everyone is okay with undead.

[esorscher]

The human in brown leather and the white shirt kneels beside the desk, his head resting on his knee until the professor enters, at which time he raises his eyes to meet their employer. He has a greatsword sheathed and longbow slung across his back, the two weapons parallel to one another. If one looks carefully at him, they might spot the gleam of mithral chain under his clothing. He listens to Leianna Talldorn and Lyssa Farstrider, and when there is a lull in their discussion, introduces himself. "I am Don. I do not speak Dwarven. We do not need to limit ourselves to one form of transport. We can purchase standard--I personally am comfortable with commoner--seats on the lightning rail to a point, say, Thaliost, cross the river, and pick up the rail again in Rekkenmark and continue to Vedykar, then purchase horses and ride the remaining way, or ride to Vulyar and continue on rail to Krona Peak. Done in this fashion, travel time will be minimized, and our travel stipends should cover our individual costs."


http://eberronunlimited.wikidot.com/lightning-rail-distance-and-times
https://sites.google.com/site/eberronpathfinder/conversion-info/equipment-and-services/vehicles-transportation


Let C = cost in gold
Let M = total miles traveled by rail
A light horse and saddle costs 85g
A rowboat costs 50g, split 5 ways (10g)

Commoner class
C=.03M+85+10
C=.03(2874+650+776)+85+10
C=.03(4300)+85+10
C=224

Standard class
C=.2M+85+10
C=.2(2874+650+776)+85+10
C=.2(4300)+85+10
C=955

[Amanil]

"Not all of us have had the privilege of working in academia," Leianna responds to Lyssa's point, not entirely unsarcastically. "I have not worked with the professor before, but as you clearly have it lends me to believe my role to be more a case of 'get you there and back in one piece'."

Leianna speaks in somewhat uncertain but otherwise correct Dwarven. "I have not had to deal with dwarves this year, but I can speak their words."

Don's comment is taken with some appreciation. "I believe that Don here has perhaps the most sensible route if time and our patience are of the essence. It would seem to be a sensible use of expenses. Horses may not be necessary, but could expedite things."

She reappraises her initial opinion of Don somewhat - clearly he was a practical man. During her reassessment she catches the glint of chain, and nods knowingly to herself. Evidently there was more to the man than first met the eye.

[Kymme]

Tycho, who had been watching the proceedings with an amused glint in his eye, speaks up after Don. "I find myself agreeing with Don's plan. Simple, thrifty, and wholly effect--" His eyes widen when he realizes that he has not yet taken the good Professor's offer to introduce himself. "--but where are my manners?"

He steps back, attempting to address everyone despite the confines of the room. "My name is Tycho, scion and Storm Sentry of House Lyrandar. Pleased to make your acquaintances."

"I've but one question, Professor. To the best of your knowledge, are there any other groups seeking the treasures of Krigam’s Pass?"

[hoverfrog]

Being reminded of manners, Lyssa blushed. She'd been quite rude suggesting that they all travel first class by Lightning Rail or march across dangerous magical wastelands. She's only met these people a few minutes ago. For all she knew one of them might own a share in a galleon or something, "I'm tremendously pleased to meet you. Leianna, Don, um Tycho." She looked down when greeting the khorovar from House Lyrandar and then away at the remaining member of their group who had so far not spoken up.

[adso]

Nivane had been sitting quietly in the corner watching the somewhat awkward introductions of his new acquaintances with a look of amusement. "Hello everyone, my name is Nivane Dekker and I look forward to working with all of you. The suggested lightning rail route is almost certainly the most efficient, although I'm not sure how much I'll enjoy living in such a confined space for days on end. I have friends and former colleagues in Fairhaven and Rekkenmark if we find ourselves wishing to stay for a night." He looks around the group, then adds, "The libraries there would also give us ample opportunity to do a bit more research into both Krigam's Pass as well as, more importantly, Gratis Noldrun. Although I am familiar with the name I'd like to know a bit more about what sorts of traps and obstacles we are likely to run into. Perhaps learning more about his history would better prepare us." He has the look of a bookish man and it is apparent that this is not the first time that he has suggested a night of careful study before heading into the unknown.

[Amanil]

"Two bookworms, one slight unknown, and one veteran of some sort... and one cat." Leianna muses to herself. Her initial apprehension had definitely been alleviated somewhat by the two more martial sorts - even if the half-elf looked a little flouncy - and she'd had to escort worse groups before. One of the historians seemed road-ready, too, and the other seemed to have a handle on logistics.

Maybe they could make it to Krona Peak without dying horribly? She'd worry about Krigam Pass more once it was closer, but it would do well to be prepared. The group seemed well-connected - more-so than she - which would likely ease their passage somewhat.

"Nivane, might I ask a little as to your background? Are you also one of the professor's scholars?"

She looks to Don.

"If you don't mind me asking, Don, did you serve? If so, I wish to quickly clear any latent hostility that may be between us by virtue of our past."

[esorscher]

Don nods at the others as they are introduced, listening carefully to their plans and questions, which all seem sensible, from certain perspectives. Caution is rarely a mistake, in his opinion, and time is hardly a factor on the scale he generally frames his judgments in. At Leianna's blunt question, he pauses. I serve still, he thinks, but says instead, "I served in the Last War, yes. Did you?" It is the truth, he recalls experiences in Karrnath and Aundair, but does not volunteer that information. Even if it is not the whole truth, it is good to begin working relationships with truth.

[Amanil]

"Indeed," Leianna observes, somewhat perplexed by his relatively blunt answer; but she had asked a rather blunt question, hadn't she? Indeed, it wasn't one she herself would feel comfortable answering to complete strangers on a whim, but it seemed as if they were to work together for a time it would be best to air out any skeletons early on, so to speak, so she offered her side first.

She speaks somewhat slowly, and deliberately, eyes never leaving Don's face as she attempts to gauge a reaction one way or the other. "I fought for Aundair, but my childhood was here in Breland. It was circumstance that had me there, not allegiance, though I served loyally, as I had sworn to do so."

There's obviously something Don's hiding, that knowledge is clearly OOC so I have no intention of using it. Feel free to roll some dice or something if you want a somewhat organic result of whether Leianna gets a hunch of something, or simply reveal whatever you feel to be appropriate (if anything). Leianna is not a skilled diplomat, so if Don has invested in Bluff that would likely be worth considering. I don't want to force your character in to a "big reveal" if he has a past you'd rather stayed hidden for the time being, but conversely Leianna wouldn't be keen on travelling with someone who she suspected held a grudge against Aundairian veterans.

Any characters who would have fairly significant knowledge of military history at the end of the war, it might be worth you having a roll of some sort. FlamingKobold, feel free to reveal a hint of Leianna's backstory to any who do well. Up to you, of course.

[adso]

"Well it looks like we have no shortage of combat prowess. I don't mean to offend, but I just hope that neither of you prove to be too useful on this journey," Nivane says with a chuckle. "As for me, I have not worked with Professor Glimmik before, although I have read several of his papers. I more or less do this for a living - although I would call myself more of an adventuring scholar than a treasure hunter. My last two expeditions took me to Xen'drik and I have agreed to take on this job as a bit of a break. I should hope that the Mror Holds prove to be more manageable than the abandoned ruins on the lost continent." Then he redirects his attention to the gnome and asks, "Professor, do you have any documents or books that you think would be helpful on our journey? I believe that no matter which method we take, there will be plenty of time to learn about the site's history. I must admit that the Mror Holds are not the focus of my academic pursuits, to say the least."

[esorscher]

Don nods. "Many died on both sides, and for what? The petty matter of rule. Brothers would not bow to sister, blinded by pride and prejudice. And so, a thousand thousand souls thrown into chaos. Such is the fate of the common man, to die on the whims of the noble. Yet both bleed red, so who is to say why?" He muses aloud, allowing himself a moment of public philosophical exploration before returning to the practical. "It takes courage to serve in war, regardless of who you serve." He nods at Leianna and offers her a slight smile, then looks to Glimmek for the answers to the questions his colleague has asked.

[Amanil]

"You speak in riddles uncommon of one so outwardly straightforward," Leianna notes to Don. The "answer" of sorts seems to satisfy her curiosity for now, though she would be sleeping with one eye open until a more complete story was told.

"Few want for trouble, mister Dekker, but trouble wants for all. The roads to the north have been relatively quiet as of late - I cannot speak of those east of Aundair, but most issues have been with former soldiers hungry for wealth. That's not to say all issues are man-made, and I suspect that will be doubly the case should we travel through the Mournland."

[hoverfrog]

Lyssa leapt on Leianna revelation with gusto, "Oh, you're from Aundair? I grew up in Passage. Of course I didn't participate in the Last War. House neutrality and all that. I came to Sharn about seven years ago for...um...personal reasons."

Don's response is a little unsettling, Lyssa doesn't see the need for secrecy, "It's a fortunate thing that the war is over. I'm sure that any lingering feelings about whom fought for whom can be put aside for the sake of a smooth running operation. After all most nations were allies as well as enemies at some point during the conflict."

[esorscher]

Don nods at Lyssa's sentiment. The war was over. "I would prefer to avoid the Mournland. Whatever time or expense it may save us is not worth the risk." He looks at Nivane, eager to change the subject. "You have been to Xen'drik? I am curious about what exists there. Please, share your experience."

[Amanil]

"Of a sort," Leianna responds to Lyssa. "The Aundairians don't appreciate my heritage, and the Brelish don't appreciate who I fought for, so where I'm "from" can be a touchy subject around some. You'll excuse me if I'm a little edgy around those who half-wish the war was ongoing. If we're to work together, I feel it best to get any ties that might have impact out in the open - it helps that two of our number are of the great houses, of course."

She smiles fondly at the mention of Passage. "Passage was the first city I laid eyes on - though I've never liked being in one for long, they do still have a sense of wonder about them, don't they?"

[adso]

"I too am an Aundairian hailing from a village just southwest of Passage. What an odd coincidence this is." Nivane then turns to Don and adds, "Oh, I did a bit of this, a bit of that. I'm sure we'll have plenty of time while traveling to share stories of our past, but I will say that I love the mystery of the continent and intend to return there once this job is complete. I will say that as much as a enjoy the thrill of unknown jungles, I do not see the point in attempting to cross the Mournland. While that route may be more direct the lack of rail will still lengthen our trip while putting us in needless danger."

[Kymme]

Tycho's grin never leaves his face, but one of his eyebrows does raise when Lyssa avoids his gaze. Is she not of House Orien? What reason would she have to be sheepish? He chuckles inwardly. Perhaps my charms are too much for her, eh? Having amused himself, the khoravar turns his attention back to the group's discussion... which seems to be focused on the Mournland, of all places.

"Avoiding the Mournland is a wise move. I've ventured through those curtains of fog before, and nothing lies beyond them but ruin. Taking the long route is safer, for one, but also allows one to witness all the great wonders of Khorvaire. The great cities of the five nations, the Scion's Sound, it's quite a beautiful trip." He smiles, closing his eyes in fond wistfulness. "It's a shame we won't be seeing it from the air, though."

[FlamingKobold]

Professor Glimmik sits silently, seeming to enjoy listening to the banter between his guests. "Well it certainly seems that the five of you will get along famously, that is good to see. Lyssa I understand your concern about the route but I do believe that you should be able to get to the Holds relatively quickly and comfortably with the stipend, although I will leave it to you to discuss those details. While I do not know the three of you," he says, pointing to Don, Tycho and Leianna, "I do feel much better about meeting potential colleagues in person. Additionally," he adds, wrinkling his brow, "my Korranberg colleagues were adamant about minimizing the Dwarven involvement in the expedition. I am unsure as to why, although it is possible that one of their sponsors harbors some sort of grudge. In the interest of openness, Lyssa has been assisting me with these sorts of requests as well as well as working downstairs as a librarian and translator for almost a year now. She has been exceptionally helpful and I certainly trust any group of which she is a member," he says with a smile and nod towards his assistant before turning to Nivane. "As for Nivane, he does himself a disservice by calling himself a simple artifact hunter, which conjures the image of some common thief. I happen to have read dozens of his scholarly works regarding his own adventures as well as other historical pieces and certainly believe that this task is well within his abilities. As for your request, please feel free to take with you any of the documents on that shelf as they form the core of my research on Krigam's Pass. I have already arranged for at least one duplication of each of them, and you certainly have more need of the knowledge than I."

He pauses for a moment before turning to Tycho, "I cannot imagine that anyone else would be searching in the Pass. It has been a well known historical site for centuries and I do not believe that anyone besides my colleagues and I have taken any recent interest in a possibly connection to our late friend Gratis. Not to be rude of course, but I do have to give a lecture at half past the hour so please ask me anything else you would like to know about the task and then we can work out the payment. I'm sure you would like to begin your journey in a timely fashion as well."

[hoverfrog]

"Passage is a beautiful city, one of the jewels of Khorvaire. It's so busy there though, everyone seems to be just passing through. Sharn on the other hand is a city of magnificent engineering and magical wonder. The towers, Skyway itself, even the Cogs below are amazing. It has such a history."

When Professor Glimmik manages to get a word in Lyssa snaps her fingers, "Nivane Dekker. Yes, I've read some of your papers. Didn't you uncover the Ziggurat of Teldane south of Stormreach. Your work on the meaning of the giant runes there was instrumental in opening the vault. What gave you the idea that reference to the "freeborn" actually referred to a rebel faction of elves rather than to a different group of giants?" Her enthusiasm is genuine but she stops and looks around, "Sorry, we'll have plenty of time to discuss history and academia on the journey."

She gathers up the papers and slips them into the bag at her hip. Though the scrolls and books are far too large to fit they slide in easily, not even causing a bulge. "We'll have a good read on the way. Professor, would you mind summarising your findings? What can you tell us about Gratis Noldrun?"

[Amanil]

"Professor, do you have a token or seal we can use to identify ourselves to your guide? Additionally, who are we to meet in Krona Peak?" Leianna asks, still taking some short notes. She looks around at those gathered. "Are we to form a company for this task, where we are all liable, or would you rather we operate as freemen? You'll excuse my caution, professor, I have been stung by a verbal contract before, and while I do not doubt your word as an upstanding member of society, having something more formal smoothes over any issues and, let's not forget, stops us running off with your advance."

[esorscher]

Don eyes the documents Lyssa has gathered together covetously but says nothing, letting the others ask questions. His questions can not be answered by Glimmek, only by investigation, and he is ready to go.

[FlamingKobold]

"I of course understand your concern, Leianna. Do not fret, it seems that you and the University are of one mind in your desire for extensive documentation," the gnome says as he smiles and pulls out a thick stack of papers from beneath his desk. "I believe when I counted it last time that each of your seals or signatures is required no less than 7 times throughout these contracts. I have already signed in the locations required of me, but these are the documents that you will take down across the courtyard and give to Jerron behind the counter there to get your payments. Of course, if you do not wish to return to Sharn after your task is complete the remainder of your payment can be sent to you or an account in your name in any way that you specify. It's all in the forms," he finishes, once more gesturing at the stack in front of him.

"Your guide will be Verik d'Kundarak. I've worked with him twice before and he is a good fellow. A bit young and naive with a sense of grandeur and wanderlust, but he has a good heart. The current plan is for him to meet you at the lightning rail station, although if you intend to arrive on foot or horseback I will instruct him to meet you at your preferred gate of entrance. As for how he will recognize you," at this Professor Glimmik lets loose a light chuckle, "I would have no fear. I don't believe the five of you will really blend in with the crowd in Krona Peak, to say the least. Plus he will certainly recognize Lyssa and will likely be able to recognize Nivane on sight as well."

Lyssa's question seems to be the one he had been waiting for, and upon being asked his eyes light up as he begins recounting the tales. "Gratis was the youngest son of Brekken Noldrun, who was in his own right an interesting man. Brekken was the chief of the Noldrun clan and ended up casting out Gratis when he came of age, banishing him from Noldrunhold. He ended up being taken in by Clan Toldorath. Of course, the feud between the Noldrun and Toldorath clans arose well before the Gratis's birth (which was just a half decade after Karrn ir'Wynarn conquered the Mror Holds and claimed them for Karrnath and the Kingdom of Galifar) and lasted until Noldrun's disappearance four centuries ago. There he continued in his journey of arcane discovery and his wanderlust took him across and beyond the Mror Holds. Ever since being cast out by his father it sees that he felt little connection with his heritage, befriending those of other races and lands and learning their secrets. Anyway, after he left Toldorathhold he traveled east for a time into what is now the Lhazaar Principalities, which was at that time a land of bandits and pirates ruled loosely by the sea princes. Of course this was long before the Lhazaar-Galifar war which is just one of my favorite subjects - the dynamics of the the war - not just militarily but particularly economically and socially - are just so interesting. You see, what Galifar did -" Glimmik seems to be in his element now, pursing historical tangents of interest with no regard to their relevance to Gratis or the tasks at hand. Lyssa has experienced this before and knows how difficult it is to make Glimmik stay on topic - a gnome with such a great breadth of knowledge and an even greater desire to share it to anyone willing to listen.

[esorscher]

"Thank you, Professor," Don says, interrupting the tangent. "While that is very interesting, I do have one last question to ask--do you have any idea as to what artifacts the wizard Gratis Noldrun acquired and secreted away in his lair in the Krigam Pass, or the purpose he acquired them for?" He gestures to Nivane Dekker. "I trust we will be able to tell what is historically significant and what is not, or is there something particular you are looking for, Professor?"

[FlamingKobold]

Glimmik stops mid sentence at Don's interrupted, although he does not seem irritated. "Hmm, well, that is a very good question. To be perfectly honest, I do not know. Records indicate that Gratis had the greatest collection of artifacts and tomes outside of Argonessen in his personal library before he scattered them. We have an idea of only some small portion of his belongings and no idea what specifically has been buried at Krigam's Pass, if anything. Gratis was a man who loved a good story and had a tendency to hide pieces of history in locations of significance, so if I had to take a guess I would say that this artifact would have something to do with the Mror Holds. Beyond that, I cannot say for sure, although perhaps Nivane would know more?" With this last sentence he looks questioningly at the man in the corner, obviously hoping for affirmation.

[adso]

Nivane nods to Don and the professor. "I do believe that I will be able to determine if anything we find there is of historical significance. I have been brushing up on my dwarven history in the past month or so since you sent word about this expedition. If we have any questions, the libraries of Korunda Gate should suffice for further research. Obviously the wealth of knowledge there pales in comparison that that on the Library of Korranberg or even that of Morgrave or Wynarn, but maybe that will be offset by a stronger focus on dwarven history." He shrugs before continuing, looking fairly uninterested in the conversation. "I think that when dealing with a place like Krigam's Pass it will be fairly obvious if we find anything besides rocks and dirt that it is an object of significance."

[esorscher]

Don nods, then takes the contract and begins looking it over. Though he is not well versed in law, he reads it to make sure there is no obvious mischief afoot. Assuming it looks standard, he will sign it, indicating his readiness to depart.

[hoverfrog]

Lyssa's cat stretches and scratches the leg of the chair she's been sitting under before sidling up to the gnome and meowing loudly. Lyssa chuckles, "Sorry about her, Professor, she's not an historian. I must confess that I didn't know that the daelkyr had attacked the Mror Holds at all. Not in significant numbers anyway. History places them in the Shadow Marshes around 9,000 years ago. I thought they'd all been driven off or killed since then. I've heard stories about their creations, of course, many of which survive to this day, dolgrim, dolgaunts, etc. Do you think that it's possible that Gratis would have captured or trapped anything like that? It would be good to know what we might encounter. Dusty tombs are usually the home to constructs or undead. Did Gratis build golems to defend his treasures?"

She picks the cats up and begins tickling her behind the ears. As she starts to purr loudly Lyssa asks Nivane, "Out of curiosity is there any record as to why Gratis was banished? Was it anything to do with the Mark of Warding? It would have appeared among the dwarves only a generation or two before Gratis' birth. If he was marked then we can expect stronger and more dangerous protections on his cache. Is there anything else you can tell us about Clan Noldrun or Clan Toldorath? Are Gratis' ancestors going to be annoyed with us disturbing his home?"

[FlamingKobold]

"Well you see that's the most interesting part about it isn't it!" Glimmik exclaims, obviously pleased that Lyssa brought it up. "How could Gratis have known the war was coming when the kingdom below had been sealed off from the surface world for centuries? And more importantly, why did he believe that the daelkyr were a threat from the other side of the ancient seals? This," he adds with a glimmer in his eyes, "is the true mystery of Gratis Noldrun. There are dozens if not hundreds of theories of his motives and sources of knowledge, but his writings about the coming of the daelkyr are undoubtedly genuine. It is exceptionally interesting that you bring up the Mark of Warding, for the original purpose of House Kundarak was based on these strongest of seals to keep the squabbling clans from once more entering the kingdom below. It might be that the reason for his banishment, and indeed his entire life, is in some intricate way related to the Mark of Warding. And is it coincidence that this most fascinating and mysterious of dwarves belonged to the one dwarven clan that mysteriously disappeared four centuries ago? In history there are no coincidences, but this stories seems to have an odd connection or a repeated name at every turn. That is part of the thrill of this expedition isn't it? You have a chance to be a part of uncovering knowledge about the most powerful magic of the world as well as valuable historical information. I have a hunch that Krigam's Pass holds important secrets of the past that will tell us more than we could possibly imagine about the present and, indeed, the future. And you know what they say about an old gnome's hunches," he finishes with a wink.

After a moment his brow furrows and he seems to become more serious, "But of course this is all mere speculation. I unfortunately know not what protections Gratis has erected. It is commonly thought that he was an immensely powerful arcanist based on tales of his exploits and the lack of another compelling explanation for the events of his life. In that case, daelkyr, constructs and undead are all certainly within the realm of possibility."

[adso]

Nivane suddenly looks much more interested in the conversation at hand with the Professor's additional detail on Gratis's life. He nods as he says, "You're correct professor, that is far too many coincidences to not warrant further investigation. I don't know what conclusions we can draw at this point, but I do believe that that's the whole purpose of this journey," he adds with a smile. "If everything you know about Gratis Noldrun is contained in these books then we have a very interesting couple of days ahead of us."

He stands up as much as the room permits, clasping his hands together. "That said, all this talk instills a desire to get out into the world and out of this office. Not that your office isn't nice, Professor," he adds hastily with a sheepish smile, "but the outside world is where my heart resides. I have been off the road for far too long and I know you are already short on time. So unless anyone else has any further questions that can't be answered by those books," he looks around at his future companions, pausing briefly before turning back to Professor Glimmik, "I am personally in favor of beginning our journey."

[hoverfrog]

"I look forward to finding out more, Professor. Thank you for the summary." Lyssa pats her bag, "I'll make copies of these as quickly as I can. Perhaps we can work on them together, Nivane?"

"How long does everyone need to gather their equipment and prepare? I'd like to set off tomorrow if possible. Perhaps even tonight. If we catch the sleeper to Wroat we can stop over in the morning and provision in the capital before catching the next lightning rail to Hatheril. That will give us the day to prepare. If that's agreeable?"

To be clear I'm proposing that we split the journey and make regular stops. When we travel during the day we get standard class and when we travel at night we bunk down in the commoner class.

I don't have the Favoured in House feat but I could try to get a travel discount anyway.

[Amanil]

Leianna looks over the contract while the discussions continue - the historians would no doubt have plenty to talk about over their journey, and Leianna was anxious to get going.

As she signs the paperwork, she looks up a little confusedly at Lyssa. "I am ready to depart," she states, simply. "Anything we realise we need we can acquire in the capital."

[Kymme]

Tycho claps his hands together. "Thank you for all the information, Professor. We'll be back before you know it, I can promise you that!" Turning, he addresses Lyssa's question. "I've got everything I need on me, so consider me ready to depart at a moment's notice."

[esorscher]

"I am ready to depart," Don says. "I would like a copy of those texts as well," he says, looking at Lyssa.

[hoverfrog]

Lyssa is a little surprised that the others seem ready to leave straight away. She'd assumed that they'd need time to cancel the paper and milk, arrange for neighbours to feed pets or water plants and other small domestic tasks like that. "We'll have the 500 galifar advance each. I'd like to do some shopping at the nearest Cannith forgehold for scrolls and such. To be honest I'd also like to stop at the Orien courier station to see if I can earn a little extra by carrying a parcel to Wroat or beyond. Shall we meet up at the Lightning Rail station eight bells, dog's watch? The overnight leaves about two hours later and arrives just before dawn. That will give us most of the day to review and copy these notes."

She doesn't want to push the matter though and is quite happy to go along with the majority decision, "Of course, if you're all eager to get going I can pack quite quickly and meet everyone in an hour."

Once a consensus is reached Lyssa gathers up the cat and heads off to drop off the signed contract, collect her fee and buy some blank journals, ink and paper, "Thank you, Professor. We won't let you down. We'll be sure to send regular updates by Sivis message."
Eight bells is a standard nautical term (http://www.navy.mil/navydata/questions/bells.html). Six watches of eight bells, one every half hour. Dog's watch is the fifth watch and eight bells is the last call. It is 8pm in the evening. Sharn is a port as well as a wondrous magical city so I thought the terminology was appropriate.

[esorscher]

"I have no preference either way," Don says. "Please, allow me to pay for the cost of my copy."

[adso]

"I don't believe there is a train from Wroat to Hatheril until the mid-morning so taking the overnight will not lose us any time. I believe we should travel as quickly as possibly until we reach Aundair, then consider staying for a night or two in each Passage, Faihaven, and Rekkenmark or Thaliost. So Professor Glimmik," Nivane says with a smile toward the old gnome, "I believe you have yourself a deal." With that he signs his papers and, assuming no one else has any urgent matters, retrieves his stipend and advance. For the rest of the afternoon he wanders around the shops of Sharn, grabbing a few additional items of interest that may be of use on the journey.

Looks like we're good to go and I don't believe it matters too much about when exactly we leave. I have updated everything that I purchased on my character sheet.

[FlamingKobold]

As the party leaves, Professor Glimmik gives an encouraging smile and a small wave, "Good luck all of you, I cannot wait to hear back from you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions not answered in those books and safe travels!" With that he hands the documents to their respective signees as they leave his office. Don, Lyssa, Tycho, Leianna, and Nivane then head across the courtyard, receive their stipends and travel advance as either a hefty bag of gold or a letter of credit and head out into the city, agreeing to meet at platform one of the lightning rail station at eight o'clock that evening.

Please feel free to post what your character does for the afternoon if it is something out of the ordinary.

[hoverfrog]

Lyssa rushes off after dropping her paperwork in and collecting her advance. She had a few things to buy before meeting the others, not just blank books and Everbright lanterns but a scroll of Animate Rope that she knows is for sale. After she has collected the scroll she heads to the Orien courier office to enquire as to any additional work available, "Greetings cousin, do you have any packages that need to go to Wroat, Passage or other cities on the Lightning Rail route heading north? I've received a private directive to head in that direction and can carry anything needed without interference to either contract."

Take 10 to copy the spell into my spellbook. 25gp cost for the scroll.

[FlamingKobold]

Jerron d'Orien, the lesser-dragonmarked Orien parcel master at the courier office, gives Lyssa a bag with 2 small packages and 4 letters for delivery in Passage and Fairhaven. He laments that he has just dispatched a courier to take several packages to Wroat and they could have saved a few gold by giving those to Lyssa as well. After making small talk for a few minutes about Orien matters and the news of the day in Sharn, Jerron hands her 50 gold pieces and bids her farewell.

Despite limiting the meeting location to platform one, it is difficult to find one another in a place as busy as Sharn's lightning rail station, even in non-peak hours. About five minutes past the top of the hour, the party find one another and buy tickets on the train to Wroat which departs fifteen minutes later.

Luckily the overnight train is not as packed as they are in the daytime, so even the benches of the commoner class carts provide the opportunity to lay down rather than trying to sleep sitting up. There are about four dozen people in the cart designed to fit two hundred. As the party loads onto the train they head to the rear of the left side of the cart and claim a few benches. Around the cart several other groups, families and lone travelers have similarly staked out their areas. The train horn sounds twice, signalling an imminent departure. As the elemental energy of the train begins pushing the carts over the conductor stones, the crackling sounds emitted drown out the conversations of these other groups.

The lights are off in the cart, but the sun has not quiet disappeared beyond the horizon and the red-orange glows of sunset provide just enough light to see.

[esorscher]

Before arriving at the station, Don had the foresight to purchase an everburning torch, and accompanying leather hood to hide the light when necessary. As the sun sets, he draws the torch out, wedging it between the bench and the wall to provide light for them to peruse the texts by. He begins looking over the texts, scanning for any key words that are in line with his personal search.

[Kymme]

Wandering the sky-streets of Sharn, Tycho had taken a brief detour from his bar-hopping to purchase a Three-Dragon Ante deck from a goblin in Lower Northedge. Now on the lightning rail, he pulls the deck from his haversack and begins shuffling by the light of Dan's torch. "Anyone care to play a gambit?" He asks, quietly, taking care to address other nightowls in the train in addition to his traveling companions.

[Amanil]

Leianna, somewhat confused as to how people could not be nigh-on ready to travel already, spends the time before the journey finding items to pass the journey time rather than for the journey itself - she wasn't used to travelling not under her own steam, and the downtime was something she looked forward to spending productively.

As the group board, her eyes scan those assembled looking for anyone who seemed out of place or potential trouble. She skims the general armed state of those nearest to them - better safe than sorry.

Not one for the laborious task of copying text - especially as one in their group had expressed interest in acquiring an item to do the task for them - she smiles at Tycho's offer but politely declines.

"I have some work of my own to do, perhaps later."

Purchasing materials to make another masterwork composite longbow (darkwood, if possible), +0 Strength modifier. By my reckoning, taking 10 (effective roll of 20), she can manage (20 x 15 = 300) silver pieces of progress per week on the bow (or in copper pieces per day), so 3 weeks, 4 days for the bow, and (20 x 20 = 400) silver pieces of progress per week (or in copper pieces per day), so 8 weeks (near enough) on the masterwork component. Will take a good while, but something to do. Components cost either 133.33gp for regular, or 143.33gp for darkwood.

[adso]

Nivane spends the afternoon in some of Morgrave University's older libraries and bookstores, perusing tomes for checkout and purchase. An experienced traveler, he immediately gets comfortable after boarding the train, unrolling a thin green bedroll on one of the benches. At Tycho's question he looks interested and smiles, saying, "Sure, as long as you're willing to teach me. I apologize, I tend to travel alone so I'm not familiar with most card games." Then he looks over at Lyssa and adds, "I believe we have more than enough time to get everything copied, but I'll certainly be available to help translate and copy for most of the night. I tend not to sleep much anyway."

[hoverfrog]

Lyssa arrives at the station in a rush, a few minutes late, "I'm so sorry if I kept everyone waiting. I was working on this scroll and I lost track of time, then the skycoach got caught going round a tower and we had to take a detour. Sorry. I picked up some journals though, a dozen for 15 gold each. Should be plenty. I couldn't find an everbright lantern though. Someone had just been in and snapped up the last one apparently."

In the carriage she unrolls a bedroll and curls up under a blanket to sleep, "I'm sure we have plenty of time, Nivane. I'm envious. I usually try to get ten hours of sleep in a night except when I'm on the road. "

[Kymme]

"Sure, as long as you're willing to teach me. I apologize, I tend to travel alone so I'm not familiar with most card games."

Tycho cracks a smile and flourishes his cards (http://24.media.tumblr.com/392e6aab9641c38f33a9180174e4ac47/tumblr_mt6vgfefGo1qb457xo1_400.gif). "It's a simple game, really." He gets up and takes a seat beside the slender scholar. "You see, each player starts the game with fifty coins: gold, copper, wooden, it's all about the stakes you're playing with. Next comes your starting hand." Tycho flicks six cards from the top of the deck into his hand and gives them to Nivane. Then he does so again, taking out six cards and placing them beside him. "There are seventy cards in a deck; three special cards, seven mortals, and ten suits of six dragons. Each card has a strength from one to thirteen. The majority of them also have a special function, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Now, take a card from your hand and place it down. I'll do the same, and whichever is stronger will determine how much we ante-up."

You don't have to state exactly what card your character plays or anything. Really any sort of "here's my card, let's start" post will do. We don't have to pay out the minutiae of the game or anything like that. I think somewhere in the little boxed set I have there are rules for settling card games through skill checks.

[adso]

Nivane listens to the instructions but still isn't entirely sure what how to play. He studies the hand that Tycho dealt carefully, then selects a card and puts it in front of him. "Alright, here's my card." As a natural competitor, he is eager to learn how to play, although it is immediately obvious that he is new to card games and does not seem to be a gifted gambler. As the sun disappears beyond the horizon and Nivane had just lost his fourth consecutive round in under an hour he hands the cards back to Tycho and says to the group, "I think it would be best if everyone got some rest, we have a long day of travel tomorrow to get much of this work done. I'll stay up for awhile to keep an eye on things and continue with Lyssa's translations."

As everyone else beds down for the night, Nivane moves his bedroll and an everbright lantern a bit farther from the party so as to limit the light's ability to keep them awake. He then takes some blank books and pens from his bag and begins writing. He looks around at his companions as he thinks back on the Three Dragon Ante and smiles. "I could really get used to this companionship thing," the explorer thinks as he gets back to work. "I think it suits me."

[adso]

As everyone else sleeps Nivane continues his work, prioritizing the translation of the Giant texts that the others are unable to read. He enjoys the work – this text has the style of the giant texts of old, rather than the more recent, primitive style of writing since the fall of their ancient empire. Throughout the night he checks his timepiece, unable to take queues from the sun and unused to the looks of the night sky from the northern continent. Once there is just over an hour left of the trip, he wakes Lyssa and hands her two copies each of translations of the Giant and Elven books in addition to the originals. “I figured you might want to be up early to study your spells before we arrive, and I really must sleep,” he says quietly so as to not wake the others. With that he crawls into his bedroll and falls asleep immediately.

[hoverfrog]

"Thanks, Nivane. I forgot to ask last night but am I the only arcanist in the group? If I were to guess I'd say that you have a few magical abilities up your own sleeve and our khorovar companion has no doubt inherited something too. What of the others, do you think?"

"I'm not being nosey. I just want to make sure that we understand one another's skills so we can operate effectively as a team." Her cat stirs as Lyssa reaches into her haversack to draw out her spell book. Reaching down she scratches her under the chin, "Morning, Olive. Sleep well?" Olive responds with a meow that makes Lyssa chuckle. She retrieves a small jar from her pack and spoons the contents onto a dish, "Yes, pickled pilchards, I know. Your favourite."

[Amanil]

After working with shaping the length of wood for an hour or two, idly observing the card game as she does, Leianna puts her tools away and munches on some dried fruit and nuts - filling up on some sort of oat biscuit - washing it down with plenty of water and retrieving her bedroll.

"Wake me in a few hours, I'll take the midnight watch," she volunteers, aware that there are probably some amongst them that require a solid rest to prepare spells and the like.

During her allotted time, assuming someone wakes her, she returns to quietly working on the wood - attempting to line it up with thin lengths of horn. After a few more hours she gently wakes Tycho and returns to her bedroll.

[esorscher]

"I'll take the first watch," Don says. He spends the time reading the texts that have already been copied, looking up occasionally to ensure that the scene in the car has not significantly changed. It is easy to keep a mental picture of the environs when they are populated by the slumbering poor. When his shift is up, he wakes up Leianna, and, almost immediately after his eyes are closed, is unconscious.

[FlamingKobold]

The train begins to slow down just as the morning sun appears on the horizon. As you glance out the windows you see yourself quickly approaching the massive walls of Wroat illuminated by the dawn rays. The train comes to a stop in the station and the other passengers start wearily disembarking - it's hard to get a good night's sleep of one of those things. You step onto the platform and see the posting on the wall that the next trains to Rekkenmark and Flamekeep would not be departing until the afternoon, as the cart upon which you arrived is set to return to Sharn. Attached to the station are the Kundarak warehouse and the House Orien-run Wayfinder travel lodge, while just outside the station you can see the busy streets of the industrial and commercial districts of Wroat, already bustling with people so early in the day.

Leianna immediately walks to the side of the platform with her work-in-progress bow and continues shaping the wood. "I have everything I need right here. I'd like to get this done before we get to Krona Peak if I can but I've certainly got a long way to go." With that she gets back to work but makes conversation with anyone who is staying on the platform.

Don nods to the others and announces, "I didn't have the time last night to get everything I needed, so I'll be heading out into the city for a few hours at least." As he walks off of the platform he turns back and adds, "I will return before midday which should give us plenty of time to make our next train."

[adso]

Nivane laughs at Lyssa's question. "Well I certainly can't deny that I have a few tricks but I wouldn't call myself an arcanist. I wouldn't have survived for long in my line of work if I relied solely on mundane means. That said, if we find ourselves in a dangerous situation I'm not the one who will be flying around throwing balls of fire so I hope you have that covered," he adds with a wink.

At the station, Nivane joins Leianna on the platform and continues working on the translations. "I am of a similar mind. The sooner we have all these texts translated, the more time we'll have to plan for the expedition. I'm already getting excited about just these first two manuscripts and there are so many to go!" He seems delighted by the prospect of spending the next three days doing nothing but reading and transcribing. "I should be done with the documents written in Giant by this evening and at this rate I think we should be able to get through all of the texts by the time we arrive in Krona Peak. Perhaps when we arrive we should set aside a day to discuss our findings?"

[Kymme]

Tycho's eyes flutter as he wakes. The khorovar leans forward and stretches his arms, working out the kinks from a night spent on a wooden bench. He rotates his shoulders does a few discreet stretches as he moves out onto the platform with his companions. "Well, I'm absolutely famished. I'd imagine that lodge is serving breakfast, so I'm going to partake. Anyone care to join me?"

He chats up his fellow travelers for awhile and then makes his way back to the Lightning Rail station, stopping at a street-cart for some mid-morning snacks.

[adso]

Nivane initially looks tempted by the thought of street food, but then shakes his head at Tycho's question. "I'd love to, but I'm afraid that we won't get through all of these books if I take too many breaks. I'd appreciate it if you could bring something back for me though, I'm sure I'll be hungry by the afternoon." He tosses a few coins to Tycho to pay for his meal, then gets back to work.

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"Breakfast does sound delightful," Lyssa replies as she gathers up her things.

[Kymme]

"Wonderful!" Tycho catches Nivane's tossed coins and pockets them. He does his best to shelve his chivalrous instinct - Lyssa's a coworker, not some noblewoman he's trying to woo. Over the course of their meal he makes small talk, asking questions about the places she's been around Khorvaire and the rest of the world.

After the hearty meal he makes his way back to the station leisurely, taking in some of the sights and sounds of the capital. When he's had his fill of Wroat he returns, making absolutely sure to buy the best damn street-food he possibly can with Nivane's coin.

This bartering thing isn't particularly important, but I'll roll Diplomacy just for the hell of it. [roll0]

[adso]

As Tycho, Lyssa and Don return to the station Nivane looks up from his reading for the first time since their departure. His eyes light up as he sees the food they brought back - he had been so distracted by the texts that he didn't realize how hungry he had become. After accepting the food and thanking Tycho profusely he checks the time. "Looks like we'd better get on the train; we're going to be on this one for awhile and want to make sure we get good seats." With that he packs up his books and boards the train.

I'm assuming we're skipping right to the Mror Holds, if you want me to delete the below let me know

On the rest of the ride, Nivane spends the vast majority of the days engrossed with the reading. Having finished translating the giant text, he moves on to join Lyssa and Don in reading through the other texts. Not wanting to be completely anti-social, he strikes up conversation with the others as well, asking questions about their background and telling stories about his time in Stormreach and Xen'drik to those who are curious. While staying overnight in Thaliost he excuses himself for a few hours to go meet up with some old Aundairian friends but besides that stays with the group.

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa spends much of the remaining journey reading as well. It was actually nice to have someone to share that with. She let Olive wander, she wasn't the only familiar aboard the lightning rail. She made sure to feed her plenty so her instincts to hunt rats and birds would be dulled and the cat spent much of the time sleeping.

At each stop Lyssa went off on her own to make enquiries about a child of Kkyber with an aberrant dragonmark.

[FlamingKobold]

The remainder of the trip passes without significant incident. Of course, a five-day cross-continent trip on the lightning rail necessarily bring out an odd crowd. You hear it all, from the drunks who stumble into your car in the middle of the night to the puritan Silver Flame missionary evangelizing to all who will (or won’t) listen to the conspiracy theorists whispering to you that House Cannith is hiding the Lord of Blades and that the elites of Karrnath, Valenar and Aerenal are working together to annex all of Khorvaire for their vampire overlords. But none of that is too out of the ordinary and doesn’t arouse significant suspicion.

Upon arrival in Thaliost, you all have a few hours to yourselves to explore the city before the morning river crossing to Rekkenmark to start the next leg of your journey. Even an unobservant traveler walking through the streets would overhear a dozen stories about the goings-on of Khorvaire, particularly every possible real of perceived failure of the Church of the Silver Flame and the Thranish government – old wounds take time to heal, it seems.

I’ll send those of you who have let me know that you are actively looking for information a PM about what you learn in the city.

The trip begins anew the next morning with the rail from Rekkenmark to Vedykar after a brief stop in Korth. You notice a significant difference in the clientele on this side of Thronehold. In the west, humans, half-elves and gnomes made up at least three quarters of your fellow passengers. In the east, these races are mixed with elves, halflings and dwarves in roughly equal numbers. The dwarf and halfling population increases even further once you pick up the rail again after two and half days of riding to Vulyar. On the ride you meet a band of three dwarven musicians – Maris Durranon and the siblings Gerth and Urdarth ir’Soldorak – heading home to Krona Peak after some business in Throneport. The three are dressed in colorful flowing clothing – Gerth in a Brelish dress and the men in more traditional dwarven tunics. All are thoroughly adorned with jewelry. Gerth sports a ruby-studded silver necklace with matching cuffs, Maris with three golden rings and Urdarth with a golden amulet and a copper ring on each of his fingers. They are more than happy to meet traveling companions and are very social on the train to the Mror Holds, happy to engage in Tycho’s card games and listen to any tales of adventure that you are willing to share. Through all of this, Lyssa and Nivane still manage to finish up the last of the texts on the final leg of the journey.

I will PM each of you the details of what you read once I get off of work

As you pull into the Krona Peak station in the mid-afternoon, your new friends depart with an offer to spend the evening with them at a festival at the Hall of the Iron Council for Aureon’s Crown that evening. “You simply must come! All the big families from the city will be there and I’ve heard rumors that Guldan Soldorak will be there from Stormreach to give a lecture on ancient Sahuagin culture! You just tell them that we invited you and the guards should know my father,” Gerth says, gesturing at Urdarth. Maris chuckles and adds, “Saying the guards should know him is an understatement – their father is Antus ir’Soldorak, chancellor of the Aurum. He’s a bit of an eccentric and is obsessed with the history of the Holds. But,” he says with a grin, “his connections do come in handy. After all, there’s a reason we never have trouble finding work and it’s sure not because we’re the best at what we do!” Urdarth punches Maris on the arm but doesn’t disagree then adds, “It really will be a fun time and you lot seem like you’ll fit right in. We must be going though – need to clean up before the festivities begin.” Once the cart reaches the platform, the three depart together and are gone.

When you step off the train into the Krona Peak station, you are greeted by a young dwarf standing next to a warforged. He waves you over and introduces himself. “Greetings! I am Verik d’Kundarak – Professor Glimmik told me you would be arriving here. Lyssa it is so nice to finally meet you,” he says, turning towards her. He continues, speaking progressively quicker as he gets more excited. “I have heard so much about you from the professor, he really does seem to like you. And you must be Nivane Dekker! I have read several of your works, I hope we can find some time to talk as I have so many questions for you!” The dwarf suddenly seems to catch himself and slows down. “This here is Hammer, he was sent by the professor’s colleagues at Korranberg to accompany you on the expedition, here’s all the paperwork.” He hands Tycho a set of documents with both the Morgrave and Korranberg University seals. “How long do you anticipate spending in the city before we embark?”

[Gunhaven]

Hammer could almost be confused for any other warforged on Eberron, falling well within the average height of one of the living constructs, which has seen better days. The two things that help set him apart from the masses are his combined adamantine body and silver lining; things that would help mark him as one of the first warforged unit from the Last War. His namesake is a combination of his profession as an armorsmith and the maul that's his main form of defense, the latter obviously magical. Strapped next to the latter is his Haversack and Quiver, both of which hold the majority of his other gear. Finally over his back and attached to a pair of rivets is a cloak that's just about the best looking equipment the warforged owns, immaculate in it's appearance.
Stapled it on the sheet as well.
For a majority of his journey Hammer was silent, speaking only when spoken to. During the nights he would take watch outside of whatever inn that Verik stayed in that night, fiddling with the odd screw or helping ease his creaky joints while seated downstairs. During the days he would stay back, like he was currently, and maintain a respectful distance from his current employer. He was, if anything, suited to the role that he was created for and knew it to some extent.
So when his name was spoken he gave a curt nod at the group. He waited for a few seconds before he seemed to realize it would be rude for him to not add something and in a deep and almost tired voice he added ”Welcome. We are currently stationed at the Darkwood Bock which Verik assures me is worth the expense.” He then swiveled, metal scraping on metal as he makes a note to repair it tonight, his gaze to the dwarf and added ”Is this all of them? When will you be ready to continue now that they’re here?”

[adso]

Nivane is sad to see the dwarves go - he had enjoyed their company on the route up but was pleased that he no longer had to be guarded about the purpose of their trip and the nature of the tomes as he had perused in their presence. There was a lot of important information in those texts that he would have to wait to relay to the rest of his companions until they had more privacy.

Nivane smiles gently at Verik's comments. "I'm certain that there will be no shortage of time on the way to Krigam's Pass for us to discuss, it sounds like that will be quite the trek. I don't know how long we intend to stay here," he says, looking around at his companions. "I don't think we have discussed that. It might be nice to stay in the city for a couple of nights to rest up and prepare for the trip. Plus, I wouldn't mind going to that festival tonight - maybe some of the folks there will have useful information for us."

When Hammer introduces himself Nivane laughs and looks him up and down with his one good eye. "Still all business, I see. Seems like you haven't changed at all since we last met in Zilargo; how long ago was that now?" He pauses and shakes his head before continuing. "Anyway, it'll be good to catch up and I'm glad we were fortunate enough to meet again. What got you into the artifact retrieval business anyway? Not to be rude, but you didn't strike me as the type."

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa is used to disappointment in her enquires and Thaliost is no different. As usual she sympathises with those who are touched by prejudice against aberrant marks and leaves her correspondence address with a message for anyone who hears more to contact her. Perhaps something will come of it or perhaps she'll be able to help someone else.

--

At Krona Peak she greets the young dwarf warmly, it's not like a simple messenger and academic like her gets treated like someone famous very often. She slipped into easy dwarven, as much for the practice as for the formality, "<Verk d'Kundarak, it honours us that you would greet us in such a way.>" She gave a little, formal bow before addressing the newcomer, "Hammer?"

"Oh, you know Nivane? That'll make things so much easier."

[Kymme]

"It was a pleasure to travel alongside you all. I'm sure that our paths will cross again, sooner than later." Tycho bows gallantly to the dwarves before following his companions outside.

-----------------

"Ah, yes!" Tycho grins awkwardly at Verik, tucking the papers in to one of the side-pouches of his havresack. He turns to Hammer and looks the warforged up and down. Powerfully built, with quite the hefty weapon. A warrior? Or perhaps a craftsman? His grin widens, confident and welcoming. It doesn't matter, all the better to help us in our exploration.

"If I may," Tycho bows with a flourish, "my name is Tycho d'Lyrandar. I look forward to working alongside you, Hammer."

[adso]

Nivane nods at Lyssa, "Indeed, a few years back we were both in Korranberg. I had just published a paper on the link between the warforged and some ruins that I had been exploring in Xen'drik which seemed to catch Hammer's attention. As I recall it, we had many a good discussion on the subjects of sentience and warforged cultural identity. But if my memory serves I had to leave for another trip a few days later, so I expect that we still have much to discuss." He smiles at Hammer, looking forward to the hours of academic discourse in the days to come between Hammer, Verik and the results of his research on Gratis Noldrun and Krigam's Pass. It may not be home, but if I can't be on Xen'drik then this is a more than suitable alternative, he thinks as he glances around at his companions.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer gave another slight nod and waited a few more seconds before he said "Oils for infusions aren't cheap and there was a call for some protection. It seemed I would be a good fit and the professor agreed but didn't see the need for me to hold up the expedition by travelling round trip." He paused as he recalled the discussion and came the closest to showing real emotion as he added "If the Treaty prevents new Forged from being born then there's no harm in finding out how the ancients potentially did it, right? But come, let's set up our base of operation as we finalize plans." Another pause and a look around to confirm no one had any extra baggage and he stepped to the side so that Verik could lead the troops to the inn.

[adso]

Nivane grins at Hammer, clearly pleased that he remembers the details of their conversation. "No, I don't think there is. That said," he adds with a laugh, "This was an area of interest for me before the Treaty so I may not be the best judge for those ethical questions. Either way I'm pleased that we'll be adventuring together - I will feel much safer knowing I have you at my back."

[FlamingKobold]

http://i.imgur.com/F0i7uOb.jpg

Don and Leianna say their introductions as well and then Verik leads the group through the customs office and out into the streets of Krona Peak. Carved out of Ironroot Mountain, the structures literally rise out of the ground beneath as one solid sheet of stone. However, the city is anything but dull - tapestries and banners hang from the buildings and much of the stone has been painted in bold colors. The population is overwhelmingly dwarven, many of them dressed in fine silks and with no dearth of jewelry. Verik fits in well in this crowd while you all stick out in the most obvious ways possible - at least a foot taller than the crowds and dressed in very central fashion. Verik knows the streets well and deftly guides the group through the masses of dwarves for almost a quarter of an hour before stopping next to a rather nondescript grey building with a simple sign by the door that reads Darkwood Bock. "Here we are!" Verik says, opening the door and ushering you inside.

The interior of the building bears no relation to its humble exterior. Dimly lit by candles on the walls, the cozy main hall has several long tables with benches that run from the entrance to the bar at the other end of the room. The namesake is obvious - everything from the benches to the tables to the bar are constructed from fine darkwood. There are a handful of dwarves sitting at the tables already, drinking from matching darkwood mugs. The barkeep looks over at the door and greets you as you walk in. Verik strides across the room to the bar and gives him an enthusiastic handshake, saying, "Well good afternoon Rorik - these are the folks I told you about. The one's that'll be staying in rooms 22 to 26. They've been on the road for quite some time now, so I expect they'll be wanting to head up there about now." He looks back at you for agreement, then starts handing out the keys. "Feel free to take your time, I'll be waiting down here for you." Rorik then turns to you and adds, "Welcome to the Darkwood Bock - please make yourself and home and let me know if there's anything that you need. And of course, I must recommend that you try our signature Darkwood Ale. Finest ale in the Holds!"

[adso]

Nivane looks longingly at Rorik and the ale, then turns his eye to Verik. "This looks wonderful, thank you. I think a quick rest would do us all good, but you had best be sure that I will be back for a mug or two." He takes his key and heads upstairs with the rest of his companions. Once out of earshot he says, "I don't think it will do us any harm to stay an extra night in Krona Peak, and this festival sounds like the type of place that we can make some important friends. I'd also hazard a chance that if there's anyone in this city that might have helpful information about Krigam's Pass or Gratis Noldrun that they would be at an Aureon's Crown celebration hosted by the Aurum. Plus, it would be nice to get some rest and review my notes once more before we discuss the texts in more detail. I would suggest that we take some time for ourselves, talk to Verik a bit to see what he knows about the site and then head to the Hall of the Iron Council in the evening. Does that work for everyone else?" If there are no objections, Nivane retreats to his room for about an hour before joining Verik and Rorik downstairs.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer stays near the back of the group as he swivels his head around for any danger, doubtful as it was, and maintains his presence by the slow scraping of joints and resounding thuds that come with an adamantine creation walking. He waits patiently for the others to take their keys before he grabs the spare for Room 22 and tells Verik "I will wait for them to settle in before coming back down, sir. Oil these joints while I'm at it." He then resumed his place at the back, thankful for the darkwood and not having to worry nearly as much about his weight, listening to the plan and nodding along every few words. At the end he nodded once more and said "I will leave when you are prepared. It would be good to gain any intel we can before our mission, although I may not be well suited for such. It wasn't my designation after all."
Hammer will return to Room 22 and do daily maintenance on himself to help ease up the wear and tear, stopping when he hears one of the other doors open up and joining them downstairs.

[FlamingKobold]

By the time the party returns to the main level, Verik is still talking to Rorik while drinking what looks to be at least his third mug of Darkwood Ale. Upon hearing their intention to stay in Krona Peak for at least two nights he brightens, "That is excellent news! This is a wonderful city - you could easily spend a week or more here without getting bored. I think most people from the West think that we just have banks and gold but they couldn't be more wrong. I've often said that Krona Peak could be considered the cultural capital of Khorvaire! There are wonderful galleries, some of the finest theaters in Khorvaire and museums that would be perfect for students of history such as yourselves!" He again seems to catch himself and furrows his brow, suddenly concerned. "Speaking of history, what is it that brings you to Krigam's Pass? That place has been locked up for centuries - and that's for the best. I'll get you in because I owe the Professor a favor, but I'd at least like to know why. He hasn't told me anything about this whole thing except your names and where you want to go."

[adso]

Nivane smiles at the young dwarf's enthusiasm but tempers his expectations a bit. "I don't think we'll be here a week, but we do appreciate the hospitality." Verik's question then catches him off guard. Professor Glimmik not wanting to talk about his work? Something seems wrong here - normally it's impossible to get a word in when he's in his element. He thinks for a moment, trying to remember back to their conversation at Morgrave. Wasn't there something about keeping dwarven involvement to a minimum? There's definitely something more to that than I first thought. Either way, there's no sense in giving away information.

He gives Verik a noncommittal shrug before continuing, internally praying that his new companions would go along with it. "Oh, nothing much. As far as I can tell, the professor just read about magical auras in the mountain there in one of his books and has enough spare grant money lying around that he can afford to send a group of us out to collect some samples from the caves. What makes you say that it's good that the caves have been sealed?"

Well I guess that's not technically a lie. Just that the magical auras are coming from something specific inside the mountain and the sample that we're after is an ancient artifact. Close enough. Nivane then turns to Rorik and says with grin, "So what's a guy have to do to get one of those ales around here?"

Bluff check [roll0]

[FlamingKobold]

Rorik hands Nivane a mug. "Verik here mentioned that you frequent Stormreach, so I figured you might be interested in the fact that we still have some Kuryeva from Molou's Distillery, if you're interested," he says, gesturing to a small barrel behind the bar.

Verik nods at Nivane's response, seeming to be satisfied. "Before my ancestors sealed the entrance dozens of curious folks went in there, and none of them ever came out. Probably all in there still as zombies or something, too. I've heard that Gratis himself spread rumors of an artifact there before faking his own death to draw prospective servants straight to him." He looks around at everyone and hesitates for a second before adding, "So you're only here to collect some rock samples, is that right? So I can unlock the entrance, you'll go in and be right back out in a few minutes or so? That could be possible..." He trails off, deep in thought.

Verik seems a bit nervous about the situation.

[adso]

Nivane's eyes light up at the mention of kuryeva and he tosses three gold dragons on the bar, using this as as opportunity to think of how to talk himself out of his lie. "Haven't seen that this far north before, but I'm not one to turn it down!" After feigning surprise at Verik's description he responds, "Well I think it might be a bit longer than that, we want to get deep into the mountain and who knows how long that will take us? As for necromancy and magic, I think we're well equipped for that." He gestures around at the group. "All of us have been in dangerous situations before, I'm sure we'll be able to handle whatever's inside there. After all, the professor picked us for a reason!"

[FlamingKobold]

Don laughs at Nivane's response. "Yes, there is a reason: we happened to be the ones who responded to his ad," he says before turning to Verik and asking, "So you're saying that no one has ever gone in there and survived?"

Verik responds to Don's question but continues directing his speech to Nivane. "Never. And plenty of them have tried. The way I see it, this is a suicide mission - I've only known you lot a short time but I'd hate to see that happen to you. I've been working with Glimmik for a while now and to me this sounds like he's gone too far chasing a myth. Tell you what, how about we head out to the pass and you can collect your samples from outside the caverns. Glimmik will never know the difference and no one needs needs to die for an old gnome's magic rocks." He seems to sway a bit as he's talking; it looks like the ale is getting to him.

The tone with which he says "collect your samples" seems to suggest that he doesn't entirely believe you. He also narrows his eyes ever so slightly, as though trying to size you up.

You notice that Verik narrows his eyes slightly as though he is slightly skeptical of Nivane's story. You also see that the two 'empty' mugs by him are bone dry.

You notice that Verik narrows his eyes slightly as though he is slightly skeptical of Nivane's story.

The meatbag seems drunk

[adso]

Nivane shoots a quick glare at Don, then seems briefly offended by Verik's suggestion but tries to pass it off as surprise. "You mean lie to him? I think he's paying us far too much to deserve that. Verik, we appreciate your concern but trust me, we'll be fine. I've made a career of risking my life chasing myths and legends, why should this time be any different?" he asks with a confident smile. Why doesn't he want us to get into that cave? There must be something more to this and I intend to find out what it is.

[FlamingKobold]

"If it's the money you're after, I'd be happy to pay you twice whatever Morgrave is offering. After all, I'm sure House Kundarak would rather part ways with a few coins than set the precedent of opening ancient seals," Verik responds nervously. "I just don't want something to happen to all of you and feel like I could have done something to stop it."

[Gunhaven]

Hammer remained standing, his hips starting to creak even if his neck was lubed up this time. If he could then he'd seem somewhat disappointed with the shifting concern but he was silent on the matter. He shook his head slightly and added to the conversation "We will go slowly, don't worry. Steady is better than rushing in and my companions will likely need to rest. It's better you use the money to bring a cask of that ale and some food while you wait for us." He gave a nod on the topic of them risking their lives and said "I've survived the War, I'll survive this."

[adso]

Nivane takes a long sip of his kuryeva to mentally collect all of the information that he has. So he doesn't want to open the seal for political reasons. Does no one else from Kundarak know about this? What would happen if they did? Why did Verik agree to this in the first place? Did Glimmik ask for this level of secrecy? Why does it have to be so covert? Overall, a lot more questions from answers. We'll need to get to the bottom of this, but not right now. He laughs kindheartedly, "Ah Verik, it's not just about the money. And even if something happened to us, it wouldn't be your fault - each of us will be making the choice. Hammer's right: we're survivors by nature, no need for you to worry. That said, we were invited to a festival this evening to celebrate Aureon's Crown and I do fear that if we don't leave soon we'll be late. My friends and I have much to discuss and we'll need to get some rest tonight now that we're off the road. How about we continue this conversation in the morning?"

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"Verik, you seem very concerned for our safety," Lyssa says reassuringly, "You can help by telling us what the real dangers here are. What threatens us?"

[FlamingKobold]

Verik nods at Nivane, "Right, of course. Maybe you're right," he says, though he seems unconvinced. "I'm glad that you all will get to experience the festivities in Krona Peak! What a wonderful opportunity and very fortuitous timing! There will be dozens of celebrations throughout the city though, do you know which one you will be attending?" He seems pleased by the change of subject, then furrows his brow again at Lyssa's question. "I don't know what you're going to find in that cave, but I know it's nothing good. There are stories of the undead and fiends and daelkyr but no one knows for sure. There is evil magic in there, which is why House Kundarak has maintained a ward on the entrance for centuries. Those seals have been bypassed by many adventurers over the years but there are no tales about its depths for a reason."

Is there a reason for the speech text color change?

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"Have divinations given you any clue as to what we may find?" In a world where magic was used to assist a general in choosing where to fight his battles it was a valid question. Lyssa was no great diviner herself but that doesn't mean that she won't take what others have discovered and make use of it.

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----"Yes, we're going to one at the Hall of the Iron Council - we were invited by some friends that we met on the train here," Nivane responds as he takes another sip of kuryeva. Man, I'd forgotten how good this stuff was; I'll need to get back to Stormreach at some point.




Hope you don't mind if I steal your template! I'm a fan.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer for his part simply shrugged his shoulders at mention on where the living were planning on going. Since it seemed that Verik enjoyed the idea, he did add "Perhaps you can show them around these festivities after their Hall. You're our guide, after all."

[FlamingKobold]

"I know little of divination, to be honest with you. I imagine it has been tried in the past but I know not if any attempts have been successful - there certainly must be some reason that we don't have any more information, mustn't there? I don't know much about how this works, but is it possible that there's some magic that could stop it? You probably know more about that type of thing than I do," Verik replies to Lyssa noncommittally.

He raises his eyebrows a bit at Nivanes response. "The Hall of the Iron Council eh? Sounds like you lot have learned to climb the social hierarchy here quickly," he says with a chuckle. "You may not know what you're getting into here but in the highest class of Krona Peak everyone will want something from you and everyone at that party will be very good at getting what they want. Be careful out there," he says, adopting a more serious tone. "I don't think I'll be able to join you later tonight as I will be attending the House Kundarak celebration - in fact I should probably be on my way as well." He gets up to leave, saying "I apologize for letting you down as a guide, but I trust you will be able to find the Hall on your own - it is just underneath the Clan Mroranon estate that we passed on the walk here. I'll be down here again tomorrow morning and we can discuss further, but for now I must be going. It has been wonderful to finally meet all of you and I look forward to showing you the beauty of Krona Peak." With that he tosses Rorik a few pieces of silver and departs.

Verik seems to genuinely believe what he's saying

You notice a flash in his eyes of something - surprise? fear? - when you mention the Hall of the Iron Council before he responds. His chuckle also seems a little nervous to you, but you may be imagining it

[Gunhaven]

Hammer gave a slight nod as Verik leaves, waits a moment, and finally speaks again. If he was truly possible at conveying emotion then it would almost sound like he was tired that they weren't leaving yet, but understanding of the break before they go and potentially risk their lives. "When do we leave for the gathering? Are you otherwise prepared for it and know who you'll be looking for? I would offer to help but that wasn't what I was designed to do."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----"I don't know if there's something in particular that we're looking for here - I guess we should try to make some friends. Maybe Lyssa and I can ask around and see if anyone knows something about Gratis or Krigam's Pass that wasn't in those books - it is an organization of historians, after all," Nivane replies to Hammer. Then after moving well out of earshot of Rorik and the other patrons he adds, "Verik also seemed a bit suspicious of the festival and I'd like to find out why. I also want to talk to Guldan Soldorak - I had heard of him in Stormreach in the past so we have some common ground there. If no one has any objections, I think I'm ready to go at any time." He finishes his drink and tosses a few coins over to Rorik.




Hope you don't mind if I steal your template! I'm a fan.

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"I think we can expect giant magic and...um...undead guardians and so we should prepare accordingly," Lyssa announces, "The history of this place is certainly rich but there are clues to be found in there. We may well face elementals and the usual array of dwarven traps too."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----"I definitely agree on the giant magic and the traps - that comports well with what I have read. Interestingly, I read two books on the rail which were fairly detailed biographies of Gratis, and neither of them ever mentioned necromancy. But from what Verik has said, undead are certainly still a possibility," Nivane responds thoughtfully. "I didn't come across anything about elementals though - do you know what type we should expect?"

[Gunhaven]

Hammer gave a nod as he milled over the challenges with the latest mission. Infusions against the undead and potential elementals. Tools to disable the traps...he checked his pack and confirmed they were there, nodding that he was set in that department. He mumbled more to himself "Do we need a climbing kit? Holy water? Potions to heal?" He snapped out of his listing and said louder "Should we go see this Guldan first before the party?"

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----"Right," Nivane says to Hammer, "I don't think we filled you in about who we met on the train. Turns out some of the dwarves we rode with were from the Soldorak family. The party that we're going to will be hosted by their father Antus. Guldan Soldorak - probably an uncle or cousin - should be there. As for our preparations," he continues, "I assume that we'll be able to do much of our shopping tomorrow afternoon."

[Kymme]

"The party might also be useful for gathering other sorts of information." Tycho leans forward. "These horrible stories of 'undead and fiends and daelkyr' had to have come from some source, or else they're simply unfounded rumors. I've no doubt there are those who have attempted to explore the tunnels below Krigam's Pass, for various reasons beside its magical significance. Some people simply have an adventuring instinct, or feel the need to upturn every stone in their path. I have a feeling that, if anyone has made it out of those tunnels alive, we can find them at Hall of the Iron Council, tonight."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----Nivane nods at Tycho, "Yes, I think this is a congregation of the exact type of people who we might be able to learn from. If anyone has made it in there, someone at this party will know about it. But," he adds, choosing his words carefully,"I think we need to be subtle about this. After all, the Professor wanted to minimize Dwarven involvement and we have already heard some things that don't quite add up. And it sounds like House Kundarak wouldn't be too pleased with this expedition either. I don't think it would be a good idea to broadcast our plans to these people, especially after Verik's warning."

Nivane straightens his cloak and stands up. "Well it sounds like we have a lot to do tonight - it is perhaps best that we get going," he says as he starts heading towards the door.




Knowledge checks to see what I know about Sahuagin culture (nature) and Guldan Soldorak (Lore)

[roll0]
[roll1] - This should have been +13, so real total is 31

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"I'm speculating based on what I've read," Lyssa answers, "I'd like to gather more concrete knowledge, perhaps pick up some divination spells or the name of an oracle who could help us."

"I'm afraid I'm not much use when it comes to subterfuge. I'll take your lead on that sort of thing. Someone stop me if I give too much away, won't you?"

[Kymme]

"No need to worry, Lyssa. If there is anything that my family have taught me, it's the importance of smooth subtlety and decisive action. I'll see to it that House Kundarak is none the wiser of our mission." He follows Nivane outside, giving Hammer a friendly pat on the shoulder. "No need to worry about your rugged exterior, my friend. You'll be indispensable in keeping our operations under wraps. At social gatherings it's always in your best interest to keep a sober companion nearby."

[Gunhaven]

Hammer nodded and followed after the others. He didn't react when Tycho patted him as he thought over what to say before he finally spoke again, once they were out of the inn and in the street toward their first destination. "We don't have to worry about that. I'll stop any of you if you begin to mention too much about the mission. Perhaps they'll be able to better determine what we'll be needing after a few drinks."

[FlamingKobold]

As you walk through Krona Peak you see that the festivities of Aureon’s Crown are already in place, from lecturers in the streets to recent graduates of Mror University celebrating their commencement at the taverns. Almost everyone you see looks to be wearing their finest clothes, which is significant for the already immaculately fashionable population of Krona Peak. Every direction is a sea of flowing silks and golden jewelry studded with gems. As you retrace your path from earlier, you round a corner and see what must be the Mroranon estate. It is a massive structure – twelve stories of solid stone – but you know that that is only a fraction of the size of the underground portion of the estate. Elevated twenty feet up the side of the building is the sigil of the Mroranon clan emblazoned into the wall in the form of hundreds of blue gemstones.

Outside the gate are two guards. They are each wielding a ceremonial axe and are wearing matching sets of impressive studded leather armor still in pristine condition. As you approach the one on the left nods and says, “We wish you an enlightened Aureon’s Crown. How may we help you this evening?”

“We were invited a celebration of the Crown at the Hall of the Iron Council on behalf of Antus ir’Soldorak,” Don responds.

“Ah,” the guard on the right responds, grinning. He turns to his companion, saying, “So this is what Gerth meant when she said we’d know it when we saw them.”

The other chuckles. “You’re more than welcome to enter. I believe Urdarth is waiting for you just inside,” he says as he opens the door. “Welcome to the Mroranon estate.”


You enter the estate and it is every bit as impressive internally as it is on the outside, with paintings and tapestries lining the large entrance chamber depicting regal dwarves – presumably the previous leaders of the Mroranon clan. Urdarth is indeed waiting for you inside and greets you with a smile. “I’m so glad you could make it!" he exclaims, walking towards you. “There won’t be a better celebration anywhere in the Holds, I assure you. I think my uncle Guldan is just about to start his speech, we should hurry!” He gestures towards a staircase and leads the way.

After hurriedly descending dozens of flights of stairs and winding through what seems to be a maze of finely decorated tunnels, Urdarth opens the massive doors to the Hall of the Iron Council and ushers you inside. The Hall – normally a deliberative chamber where representatives from the clans discuss important political matters – has been transformed completely. It has been replaced by an elevated podium at the front of the room with banquet tables lining the hall. The room is packed – primarily dwarves, but there is certainly some representation of the other major races as well. As you take your seats near the door in the back of the room, an exotically dressed dwarf walks up to the podium and addressed the crowd in a booming voice.

“Welcome to all, and may the blessings of Aureon and all the Sovereign host be with you on this fine evening. Thank you to my brother Antus and the rest of the Platinum Concordian for inviting me to give this address. I almost thought I wouldn’t be able to make it, but luckily the storms in the Dragonreach by Aerenal and the Principalities did not extend so far west as to interfere with my travels across the Thunder Sea. I would never want to miss out an opportunity to share my studies with all of you – I do confess to sometimes feeling detached from our organization out in Stormreach, but it is a necessity for me to conduct my research. You see, I am simply fascinated with Sahuagin culture and history and there is no better place from which to learn more. I find that our friends beneath the sea are often misunderstood, even occasionally by scholars such as ourselves. My goal is to dismiss many of these rumors and share with you the richness of Sahuagin civilization.

“Many on Khorvaire believe in the stereotypes that Sahuagin are barbaric raiders who feast on the flesh of sailors. This simply could not be further from the truth. During the Age of Giants, the Sahuagin had an empire that stretched throughout Eberron – their cities and towns could be found dotting the sea floor in all the ten seas. When the Giant civilization collapsed, the Sahuagin began to expand into the ruins of Giant civilization. In fact, they once established a permanent settlement in the flooded sewers beneath Stormreach. I do not have the time this evening to give a detailed look at Sahuagin history, but the transitional politics of their governance structure is truly fascinating. If any of you are interested, I have brought several copies of my favorite dozen or so books on the topic to lend out.

“Since the establishment of Stormreach, the relationship between Sahuagin culture and our own has radically transformed and has allowed us to rapidly discover more about their civilization that ever before. I have spent the better part of the last century working with Sahuagin scholars to better understand not only their history but their culture and their perspective of, as they call us, the landwalkers. To be perfectly honest, they have been more open to me than I have any right – looking at it from their eyes, all of the major races of Khorvaire are on average weaker, clumsier and substantially less resilient and intelligent than the Sahuagin. They can enter our world for hours with no ill effects whereas we can survive in theirs for mere minutes. They have built and rebuilt more impressive and longer-lasting empires than any on land, save the giants. I say this only to impress upon you the objective facts of interaction – it is necessary to take such factors into accounts in our dealings with the Sahuagin and to appreciate their willingness to work alongside those who they could rightly consider to be lesser races.

“However, they are not so different from us on a personal level. I have made dozens of amphibious friends with whom I joke and eat and learn with on a daily basis. They by and large worship Shargon – their name of the god who we commonly know as the Devourer – and hold joint religious ceremonies with some of the landwalking populace of Stormreach. Indeed, we have found common ground in matters of commerce as well. The Sahuagin know the seas better than we ever could, and House Lyrander’s Stormreach representative, Calynden, has been working with them closely to ensure safe transport of passengers and trade goods across the Thunder Sea.

“Perhaps closer to home for most of the assembled here than the mundane and oft unscrupulous dealings of the dragonmarked houses is their assistance in the field of history. In addition to sharing the secrets of their own past, the Sahuagin have kept meticulous records of their perspective on the many empires that have risen and fallen on land as they have abided beneath the waves. In the last fifty years our knowledge of the ancient giant civilization has expanded greatly in scope and depth. Part of this is of course due to expeditions to ruins on Xen’drik, many of which I have commissioned or overseen, but the acquisition of knowledge from the Sahuagin historians have added more than most are aware.

“Well it looks like Antus is giving me that look again so I believe my time is up. Thank you for listening and if any of you have further questions about Sahuagin culture please do not hesitate to reach out to me – there is very little that I would enjoy more. Once again, the blessings of Aureon to all and may your thirst for knowledge never be quenched!”

With that he raises his goblet to the applause of all assembled and steps down from the podium. Immediately the audience begins to talk amongst themselves – some to discuss the content of Guldan’s speech and others to resume their conversations from before it began. Uldarth turns to you and says, “That was classic Guldan – the man is obsessed with the Sahuagin; it’s the whole reason he moved to Stormreach all those years ago. I know it’s probably a bit overwhelming with all the people here, but you should certainly feel free to talk to any of them – you all have interesting stories to tell and that’s really all that they’re after. If there’s something specific you want to talk to someone about, let me know and I’ll see if I know anyone that might be able to help you.”

[adso]

Nivane attentively listens to Guldan's speech, enjoying the celebration of both history and Stormreach. These are my kind of people, he thinks to himself. When Guldan finishes, Nivane applauds with the rest of the crowd, then responds to Uldarth. "I think I'll go get in line to talk to your uncle - Sahuagin culture is an interest of mine as well and I'd love to hear the latest new from my city." He grabs a drink and walks to the front of the room, making smalltalk with several other attendees on the way there.

When Guldan is finally available, Nivane strides towards him and shakes his hand, saying "It is wonderful to meet a fellow Stormreacher so far from home. The name is Nivane Dekker and Stormreach has been my home for most of my life. I'm curious about Sahuagin relations with other races - I know about Sahuagin-surface relationships among the citizens of Stormreach and the elves of Aerenal, but what about the others? Other civilizations on Xen'drik or even Argonnessen and Sarlona, if the Sahuagin ever venture that far?"

[FlamingKobold]

"Ah, Nivane Dekker what a surprise to see you in the Holds. I am a fan of your work - in fact I do believe I was an anonymous backer for one of your expeditions to Kapaerian Island," Guldan muses as he fiddles with one of the platinum rings on his finger. "As to your question - from what I can tell, the Sahuagin do not have positive relations with many other land dwelling races. There are several coastal communities of native Xen'drik inhabitants - especially to the East - who have established trading relations with the Sahuagin. However, as a general rule they have historically not gotten along well with the giants nor the drow. As for other continents, there has been limited contact, particularly in the last several thousand years. There are stories that in the distant past during the glory days of their empire they had relations with the inhabitants of Sarlona, but for the last several millennia the vast majority of the population has been confined to the Thunder Sea, the Dark Sea and the Dragonreach. Now, what brings you to Krona Peak? This seems quite a bit out of the way for you," he asks, looking curious.

This appears to be genuine curiosity on Guldan's part

Two dwarves walk over to you, talking boisterously and each with goblet in hand. One of them you recognize as the dwarf to who Guldan gestured during his speech - this must by Antus ir'Soldorak. He is dressed in the finest clothing with what seems to be an endless array of golden and platinum jewelry adorning his body. The other is taller and thinly built - a young woman who is dressed in a more understated fashion. She wears robes but no jewelry save for a single gold ring on each of her fingers. Antus claps Uldarth on the shoulder, saying, "Good to see you son, it has been too long. Where were you this time... Thronehold was it?" After Uldarth nods, he continues, "Ah very good. This is a good friend of mine, Annakka Tordannon. She lives down in Newthrone nowadays, if you would believe that. I see you've brought your own friends as well." He studies the group, pausing on Hammer. "But I don't recall Gerth mentioning a warforged companion - not that there is anything wrong with that," he hastily adds. "The more the merrier, that's what I always say! I appreciate that you could attend tonight, but I suspect that you are in Krona Peak for reasons other than my party. What brings you to our wonderful city?"

Before you can get a word in, Annakka raises a hand and speaks in a light melodic voice. "I don't mean to be rude my dears, but I had heard that you are of House Orien, is that correct?" she asks Lyssa. "If so I would love to ask you some questions about the management of the lightning rail system - it is so fascinating and I just have so little experience, what with its non-presence in my neck of the woods." She gestures towards the corner of the Hall, "Perhaps we can discuss over there so as to not be disruptive to the others, so long as you don't mind me stealing you away for a moment."

You get the sense that Antus is a more traditional dwarf and harbors some suspicions of warforged in polite society, but from a point of ignorance rather than malice.

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"I'd be delighted, if it's not too dry a subject?" Lyssa moves to the indicated corner with Annakka Tordannon.

"Newthrone, that's the Q'barran capital isn't it? Or do you prefer, New Galifar? I've heard tales of the jungles there and of...dragons. Are they true?"

[FlamingKobold]

"To be frank with you, I don't give a damn what you call it. And I do think the name 'New Galifar' is a tad snobbish, honestly," Annakka responds with a laugh. "It seems you have heard correctly my dear; the entire country is a thick jungle and is one of the most utterly inhospitable places in Khorvaire for the common races. But perhaps that is for the best, the better to hide ancient secrets and, as you have heard, dragons." She pauses for a moment and studies Lyssa for a moment before adding, "Now do you just have a curious mind or do you harbor some interest in the denizens of Argonnessen? In fact, I have seen dragons with my own eyes and could introduce you to one, if you like."

[Gunhaven]

Hammer gave a slight nod at mention of his presence and said "I am a new addition to the unit." He didn't seem capable of frowning but he certainly looked like he was trying it as the group spread out and made his job of keeping an eye on them a tad harder. After a few seconds he catches himself and adds "I am here to help maintain cohesion within the group as they move about is all." It was at that moment that he realized he didn't go over proper signals with the meatbags and that they probably didn't know what to do to signal that they were in need of assistance and seemed on the verge of a sigh, his mind not being as sharp as it should be.

[Kymme]

"We're here for work." Tycho steps towards Antus, meeting the dwarf's gaze jovially. "But that's a dour and boring affair - let's talk ale! The word across every back alley dive in Khorvaire is that you haven't tasted real drink 'til you've been to the Holds. Think your country's brew lives up to the hype, sir?"

Bearing a grin as wide as the sky, Tycho allows Antus to show him around the party. He makes sure to keep his companions in his sights as the night goes on, taking care to check in with Hammer whenever possible. After a while he asks. "If I might ask, is your daughter Gerth here? My companions and I met her and your son on the Lightning Rail from Vulyar. She was the one who first mentioned the festival to us, and it would only be proper of me to give her my thanks."

Tycho adds... nothing to Spot checks, but all the same I'll mention he's trying to keep an eye out for trouble.

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"You've met a dragon, Annakka?" Lyssa is completely shocked to hear that. She's aware that they exist but never dreamed of actually seeing one in the flesh, "I wouldn't know what to say to one. Would a dragon be interested in a simple courier like me? Dragonmark or not I can't compare to such a being."

[FlamingKobold]

Antus nods at Hammer, saying "Naturally, naturally. Well, welcome! I do hope you enjoy the festivities." He then grins at Tycho's mention of ale. "Why of course I do! Thought I'd be run out of the city if I disagreed, so perhaps you should take that with a grain of salt," he adds with a wink. "I spend much of my time traveling around Khorvaire to oversee mining operations, so I have developed a taste for local brews from across the continent," he explains with the careful placation reminiscent of a practiced politician. He spend the new few minutes walking around the Hall with Tycho, inquiring about his background and drinks of choice.

"Ah of course," Antus responds when Tycho inquires about Gerth. "She must be around here somewhere, she lives for parties like this," he says as he glances around the Hall. After a moment he gestures towards the other side of the Hall and adds, "Yes, she's right over there talking to Berand Altener, I believe. Please, do go on over there; as much as I enjoy discussing ale, I really should go greet some other guests as well. I wish you the best of luck with your work in the area and hope that you can come back to Krona Peak when you have finished. You and your companions will be more than welcome at the Soldorak estate upon your return, although I may be gone to Korth by then. May the blessings of Aureon be with you!" With that he shakes Tycho's hand once more and turns back into the crowd.

If Tycho approaches Gerth, he finds her to be in conversation with an old human man who is short enough to not significantly stand out from the predominantly dwarven crowd. This must be Berand Altener, who seems to be talking about something to do with blood and magic in an excited tone.

Annakka's eyes glint as she laughs lightheartedly at Lyssa's incredulity. "I swear that I have. More than one, in fact. And my dear I believe you to be selling yourself short!" She places an encouraging hand on Lyssa's shoulder, saying, "I find that most people in Khorvaire are poor judges of draconic interests. Courier or not, your dragonmark sets you apart. However, so far as I can tell being marked in neither necessary nor sufficient to garner a dragon's attention. They are a complicated bunch, to be sure," she adds with a smile. "What do you know about dragons besides their rumored presence in Q'barra?"

Given Lyssa's knowledge in History and Arcana, she knows at least everything contained on these webpages: http://eberron.wikia.com/wiki/Dragon http://eberron.wikia.com/wiki/Argonnessen

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"Very little, Annakka," Lyssa recalls her lessons as a child about the distant continent of Argonnessen and the draconic prophecy that somehow included the marks in the very flesh of her own kin, "Really no more than the basics. How did you get involved with dragons anyway?"

[adso]

-----
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----Nivane is somewhat taken aback by Guldan's recognition of his past works. "Why thank you sir, that is truly an honor coming from a scholar such as yourself," he manages to bluster out. He then listens intently to Guldan's sahuagin history lesson before responding, "Oh, I'm just here for work. I decided to take a break from Xen'drik for a little while after my last expedition - being abducted by savage drow certainly instills in one a desire for a less dangerous line of work, you know," Nivane adds with a wry smile. "Not many folks in Sharn are fluent in dwarven and giant and willing to travel across the continent, so I figured I'd take advantage and get a nice break in. Plus, if what you said about the weather is true, perhaps it's for the best that I stay on the continent until the end of the season. Are you still planning to travel back home through the storms?" he asks, hoping to turn the conversation away from his own work. "I'm sure you have much to get back to after being gone so long."

[FlamingKobold]

After considering Lyssa's question for a moment, Annakka responds, "I suppose it started with my parents; my father was obsessed with the draconic prophecy. He still is, in fact. And I inherited some part of his fascination; the reason I originally moved to Q'barra was because of its draconic connections, truth be told. Now I suspect that 'the basics' for you means far more than the average citizen of Khorvaire, though there is always room for further learning, don't you think?" She smiles eagerly as she continues, "You seem well suited for it - the magic of dragons is emblazoned on your skin and it seems to me that you have your own magic as well, if I'm not mistaken."

"Abducted by drow you say?" Guldan asks, raising an eyebrow. "I have not yet read you most recent journal, it seems. But you are correct that I must return soon, storms or not. Now, this is just between us, but Jolan Wylkes is certainly not his father. And a harbor master of questionable competence is obviously not a good sign for a city that revolves around commerce. Then there's his spat with Yorick and the Amantus as well..." he trails off for a moment, then quickly regains his composure. "Well, let's just say that there is much work to be done. When you make it back to Stormreach please do let me know. And if you are looking for work I would be thrilled to hire a man of your talents - you just say the word and I'm sure we can find something for you to do," he says with a grin. "Best of luck to you and your companions, until next time." With that he shakes Nivane's hand and turns back into the crowd.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer almost sighed as he leaned down to whisper to Tycho "Signal me if you need my help, anything will do. I am going to check on the others." With that he squeaked slightly as he marched toward Lyssa and Annakka. He gave a sharp salute to the pair, waited until there was a break in the current conversation, and said "Misses, I hope your evening is going well. We unfortunately didn't set up proper protocols before splitting up tonight."

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa blushes at the compliment, "The basics, Annakka, by which I mean as much as anyone educated by the great mercantile Houses of Khorvaire would know. Of course, that is more than an Aundairain sheep herder or a Brelish blacksmith but then I doubts I'd be very knowledgeable about animal husbandry or the proper way to fold steel compared to them."

"I heard some advice many years ago that I have tried to keep in mind. Whenever you feel like criticising anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had. I try to stay humble and help others where I can."

"My magic is an example of that. It's true that I've grown powerful in some ways but I am always aware that there is so much that I don't know and so much that still eludes me. I'm always trying to improve. I assume that you have some magical skills too?"

[FlamingKobold]

Annakka nods at Lyssa's response. "That is a very wise position ; it is always important to contextualize one's skills and opportunities. As for me I will concede that I have some experience with the arcane, but what I can do pales in comparison to your ability to shape the world. I think you'll find that the wisest dragons adopt a similar outlook: many are powerful beyond the imaginations of mortal men, but they understand that all have a part to play in the Prophecy, from the strongest demon to the most humble courier." She than glances over Lyssa's shoulder and adds, "Ah, I believe your metallic friend is coming to join us, how delightful," as she spots Hammer heading over.

Annakka smiles at Hammer, saying, "Why thank you, you are quite the gentleman. I am certainly having a pleasant time this evening and do hope you are as well!"

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"What? Oh, sorry Hammer, I was deep in conversation and I didn't even see you there." Lyssa pats him on the shoulder, "Annakka was telling me about dragons and her own arcane magics. Is everything all right?"

She weaves a simple cantrip and a soft, blue light floats up above her head, not quite as bright as a candle, "I can change the colour of the light if you need a signal. It'll last an hour and people won't even notice in in five minutes."


Cast Prestidigitation

[Gunhaven]

Hammer gave a polite nod and turned to face Annakka. He spoke in his deep monotone matter-of-factly "Everything is well, miss." He then shifted his gaze to the light and gave another nod before he added "Thank you for that. Sorry to disrupt your conversation as I have, you may continue." Without waiting Hammer turned with another squeak and walked toward the last location he had seen Nivane. Once again he gave a sharp salute and waited for a break before he said "Greetings, sirs. We unfortunately didn't set up proper protocols before we split up tonight."

[Kymme]

Tycho nods to Antus and then Hammer as he slips away. He dives into the crowd like a fish into water, moving past small groups quickly enough to not interrupt and yet slowly enough to get a general impression of the party-goers' moods. Gatherings like this often have a sort of... undercurrent that differs from person to person.

As soon as he feels that he's gotten a good taste of the mood and gossip he approaches Gerth and her tall (for this place) conversation partner.

"Miss Soldorak! It's a pleasure to see you again! I must say you look radiant this evening." He bows gallantly to her before turning to Berand and shaking his hand. "And you must be Berand Altener! I'm thrilled to make your acquaintance." Stepping back, Tycho gives both of them a friendly smile. "I must apologize for barging in on your conversation. You both seemed so animated, and I was curious to see what had captured your interest."

[adso]

-----
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane grins at Guldan's offer, saying, "You will be the first person I contact when I return to the city, whenever that may be. Best of luck, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate at the moment. Blessings of Aureon with you as well." As Guldan slips back to the crowd Nivane considers the news from Stormreach. An incompetent Storm Lord and escalating tensions certainly aren't good for the city, especially with these tales of bad weather in the Thunder Sea. I wonder what I'll arrive to when I return - no, if I return... He's lost in thought for a moment until Hammer speaks to him. Snapping back to the present he nods at Hammer, respecting the warforged's commitment to safety and preparation. "Right you are. What were you thinking? I don't intend to drink too much tonight, if that's what you're concerned about," he adds with a smile.

[FlamingKobold]

"Well he seems delightful," Annakka comments as Hammer walks away. "The type that you want by your side in your adventures to come, certainly. I also believe that the warforged will have an important role in the prophecy - something that many draconic scholars have been, in my opinion, very slow to realize. And I don't think your friend there is an exception."

Annakka seems genuine about her stated opinion of Hammer, you do not detect any sarcasm

Gerth whirls around as Tycho steps in, her silks spinning around her as she does. "Tycho!" she exclaims, giving him a quick hug. "It is so wonderful that you could make it tonight, isn't it marvelous?" she asks, gesturing around to the party before adding with mock exasperation, "I thought Guldan was a bit longwinded for my tastes, but I know that that is the kind of thing that this company enjoys I suppose. Berand was just telling me about some of his most recent research on the Karrnathi use of undead for military purposes. Ah but do you two know one another?" she asks, looking between the two.

Berand looks Tycho up and down and shakes his head. "I don't think so, I would remember one like this. I know the history of the undead is sometimes seen as unsavory, but as a proud Karrnathi it is important to study. And of course someone like you is probably very used to that sort of thing. Maybe even interested yourself?" he asks, gesturing towards Tycho as Gerth smiles uncomfortably.

This statement from Berand seems very tone-deaf to Tycho. Not only assuming no difference between Khorovar and Aereni culture, but also not noting the distinction between the undead of Karrnath and the deathless of Aerenal. Gerth seems to notice this as well.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer paused in thought before me nodded towards Lyssa and said somewhat more quietly so that only the two of them can hear him over the general den of the party "She has a simple spell to change color if she's under distress." He then nodded towards Tycho and added "He'll simply signal if anything goes wrong, although I'll gather his report in a few minutes."

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"So tell me about your magic and how it relates to dragons?" Lyssa continues on after the warforged leaves, "How does the Draconic Prophecy encompass the new races, those who haven't been marked like I have. I mean shifters and changelings don't have dragonmarks either."

[Kymme]

Tycho smiles broadly, eyes flicking to Gerth and then back to Berand. "My friend, you are mistaken. I'm no Aereni, though I have met many elves in my lifetime. I'm Khorovar, sir. My parents and grandparents are Khorovar. I'm in no position to claim familiarity with the practices of my distant ancestors."

[FlamingKobold]

"Well I certainly don't purport to have all the answers. But the Prophecy itself is all encompassing - it was studied and acted upon for thousands of years before the advent of the first dragonmarks and many of its facets seem wholly disconnected from the goings-on of Khorvaire's population. Indeed, if fiends and giants and dragons can be critical agents of the Prophecy, why not changelings or shifters?" Annakka seems pleased by Lyssa's questions. "But the warforged may have a role above and beyond the rest. They are very much of the world, with much deeper ties to the magic of Eberron and its history than most realize," she adds cryptically. "As for my magic, it is a natural gift that I have received from draconic ancestors - that heritage is an important part of my interest in the Prophecy, I believe."

Berand frowns slightly at Tycho's response, then gives a half-hearted shrug. "Right, right, of course. Well I guess not everyone can appreciate the nuances of the most potent of magic, can they?" he says dismissively as he turns away and shambles off. As he moves away, Tycho hears him mutter something about how 'they all look the same.'

Once Berand is out of earshot, Gerth gives Tycho an apologetic smile and says, "I'm sorry about Berand, he's - well, I think you know the type of person he is. I do hope you're enjoying the night and can put aside his discourteous manners."

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"There are rumours that the designs for warforged came out of Xen'drik originally but nothing substantial. Unless there is evidence to the contrary I'll accept the established history that it is Merrix d'Cannith and his son, Aaren, who did the bulk of the work. I've no talent for constructs myself but to go from golems to titans to warforged in under a century is an amazing feat. I see no reason to diminish that by listening to rumour." Lyssa hasn't always been one to accept the traditional, established view, but she dislikes the way that rumour and lies can undermine the truth if allowed to flourish.

"I do know of some sorcerers who claim draconic blood as the basis of their powers. I had no idea it was accepted by so many or something to be spoken of so openly. My own magics come from study and application, or at least those not directly involving the dragonmark I have anyway."

[adso]

-----
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane refocuses given Hammer's more serious tone. "I see. I'll take off my coat if I'm in trouble - that should be easy enough to spot from the other side of the room. I appreciate your diligence here, Hammer." He takes another sip then adds, "I need to go talk to Uldarth and see if he can help me find a Mror historian so we can get some useful information before I have too much more of this," gesturing at his flagon.

Nivane makes his way back across the hall, looking for Uldarth while doing what he can to eavesdrop on other conversations for anything of note.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer gave a nod and said "Very well. Good luck in finding him." He waited a moment before he began to follow Nivane's lead and idly moved through the crowds, avoiding walking through them as he weaved through the party-goers, listening to tidbits of conversations while keeping an eye on his comrades as often as physically possible. He would pause for a couple seconds with any mention of the group's mission and make a mental note of who said what so that he could later report his findings, if any.

[Kymme]

Tycho stifles his urge to call to Berand - this is neither the time nor the place.

Turning back to Gerth, he nods emphatically. "Enjoy? My lady, I'm having the time of my life! All around me are some of the most brilliant minds in Khorvaire, and their knowledge, and their alcohol, are mine to sample! I do have a question for you, though." Tycho steps closer to Gerth and gestures towards the crowd. "Are there any 'wandering troubleshooters' hereabouts? You know the kind - ruffians with a devils-may-care attitude who get themselves into all sorts of misadventures as they travel the globe? The stories of men and women of culture are wonderful, but I find that they often have the most... fascinating stories. If we're lucky they might share some of them with us!"

[FlamingKobold]

"Wonderful, I'm so happy you and your friends are enjoying yourselves and it seemed like Guldan and Nivane got on well too!" Gerth responds excitedly. Then she laughs and responds, "Well I can certainly think of one," while giving Tycho a wry smile. "But I assume you're looking for someone besides yourself." She scans the crows and thinks for a moment before continuing. "To be honest this crowd tends to be more academic and less adventurous but a few faces stick out. Tarek Tordannon over there often serves as a diplomat and negotiator among the princes of the Lhazaar Principalities, so he normally has a few stories to tell. And I've heard that Elena Helmworth has been to Argonnessen, but that's just a rumor." As she says says this she gestures towards a nearby dwarven man and a human women, respectively. "Would you like me to introduce you?"

Gerth appears to be genuine in her excitement

"Of course, of course. Aarren was a wonderful artificer, I certainly don't mean to detract from that," Annakka responds hastily. "But even so, the existence of the warforged in druidic orders to me demonstrates that they are far more than constructs and have some mystical tie to Eberron itself. Either way, it is an interesting theoretical debate," she adds gently. "Yes, many of us claim draconic heritage, perhaps too many to be probable. But I was raised as the blood of the dragons and my arcane powers at the very least do nothing to dissuade that belief. My apologies, is this not a topic which is discussed freely in the more, er, civilized nations? Where I come from one's heritage is normally presented openly."

Hammer hears a number of interesting conversations, though no explicit mentions of his group's mission. Among the topics discussed are the following: increasingly poor weather in the Thunder Sea and the Dragonreach, shipping negotiations in the Lhazaar Principalities, the impact of necromancy on Karrnathi military history, increasing Ashbound attacks on lightning rail carts in western Khorvaire, and hostile relations between the three wings of House Cannith.

On the way back across the hall, Nivane hears a number of interesting conversations, including the increasingly poor weather in the Thunder Sea and the Dragonreach, shipping negotiations in the Lhazaar Principalities, and the impact of necromancy on Karrnathi military history. He finds Uldarth with a flagon in hand and, seemingly, several already consumed. He is still in conversation with Don and Leianna.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer completed one round before he settled on the conversation that was closest to himself, circling back around to the group discussing the house responsible for his creation. Once there he paused and stood at attention, waiting for an appropriate break, and gave a polite nod to those talking. Finally he said in his monotonous way "Good evening. What was this about Cannith?"

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa suspends their conversation when Hammer returns with a question, "We were talking about the place of warforged in the Draconic Prophecies. What do you think your role is in the world?"

[FlamingKobold]

Hammer approaches the two men - a middle aged dwarf and a younger human - who happened to be situated near Lyssa and Annakka's conversation. Due to a lack of mastery over social norms, he asks his question from just far enough away that it isn't immediately obvious which group he is addressing. When Lyssa responds to his question the young man - who had briefly turned toward Hammer - returns to his conversation with the dwarf.

I suppose this is the harm of using the spoilers!

[Gunhaven]

Hammer squeaked as he turned toward the group again and gave a polite nod. It seemed to process the question before it said, almost as if it was rehearsed, "We were forged for war, hence our name. Now that the war is over our part is done and we work to find in the world." Another moment of awkward silence as he seemed to realize that that wasn't his actual answer. So he added "I have returned to battle in my own way. I do what I can, just as I did during the War."

[Kymme]

Tycho nods. "I would be forever your debt, young lady." In his mind he weighs the possibilities. A diplomat might have information about other partygoers, but a woman with rumors that grand? She's sure to have something useful. "I'd love to meet with Miss Helmworth."

[adso]

-----
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"Friends!" Nivane says, putting a hand around Uldarths shoulders. "I do hope that you're enjoying the evening as much as I!" Not drunk yet, but he's certainly a few drinks in and a bit looser because of it. "It would be remiss of me to not take this opportunity to learn more of the history of your marvelous land, would it not? Uldarth, do you know of anyone hear who is an expert in the history of the Holds? I would love the opportunity to learn with the blessing of Aureon on this holy day."

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa takes a sip of her wine, "Well, back to dragons, I suppose. When do you think I'll be able to meet one?"

[FlamingKobold]

Annakka nods at Hammer in agreement, "Of course, we all have out personal battles. Some more literal than others, I suppose," she adds with a small laugh. She then turns back to Lyssa. "Well, whenever you would like to do so, my dear. I suppose that I can't make promises since dragons do tend to be a rather unreliable bunch, but I know of one who would be interested in meeting you as well. However, I believe it would be quite difficult to arrange such a meeting in Krona Peak. It can be difficult to find a dragon in his true form on Khorvaire, especially outside of Q'Barra. But somewhere less populated, to be sure."

She thinks for a moment before adding, "I know your travels will be taking you away from here soon and mine will as well, but I beleive I have a way around that." Annakka then pulls out what appears to be a small oblong silvered mirror and hands it to Lyssa. "This is an aspect mirror," she explains, "and I have its matching pair. With a simple touch you can activate your mirror to see and hear out my own. Perhaps you can contact me when the time is right for such a meeting."

Gerth laughs at Tycho's response. "Somehow I knew you would say that. I think you'll like her," she adds with a wink. She then leads Tycho across the room towards the human woman and says, "By the way, this is weird but I know know Maris told you about the whole Aurum thing, but I really would appreciate it if you and your friends would be subtle about that. My dad and his friends are really serious about this whole secret society thing, you know how old men are. It's really just a nerdy history club for rich people but I think they like pretending that it's more than that."

As they get closer, Tycho gets a better look at the human woman. Elena is young, pale and very attractive. She wears dwarven-style turquoise silks of the highest quality, which were obviously custom tailored to a woman of her height. Continuing the dwarven aesthetic, she has a thin silver chain necklace and matching bands around her wrists, accompanied by a silver ring on each of her fingers. As Gerth and Tycho near her, Elena whirls around and exclaims, "Gerth! How wonderful to see you again. It has been too long!" and the two embrace one another. Then she gestures to Tycho and asks, "And who is your debonair companion here?"

Gerth chuckles at her question, replying, "This is my friend Tycho d'Lyrandar. I was just telling him about the tales of your travels to Argonnessen and he expressed an interest in learning more about you."

"A nobleman interested in little old me? Is that so?" Elena asks, raising her eyebrows with interest as she turns to the khorovar. "Well for you, Tycho, I am an open book. Ask away," she says with an alluring smile.

"Nivane, nice to see you're enjoying the evening," Uldarth replies with a wide grin. "Of course - in fact there are several who meet that description. Let's try to narrow this down: are you interested in pre-Galifar or Galifar era history?" he asks.

[Gunhaven]

Satisfied that his part was done, Hammer shifted in position with another squeak and took stock of the party once more. He marched a few feet away, circled around to the other side of the human and dwarf, and then saluted the pair that had previously mentioned Cannith. He then said "Sirs, you had mentioned House Cannith before."

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa slips the mirror into her bag, "I'd like that, thank you."

[adso]

-----
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane considers for a moment, then responds, "Hmmm, pre-Galifar please."

[FlamingKobold]

"Wonderful," Annakka replies with a smile. "If you ever find yourself in Newthrone, you and your companions are always welcome in my home. But distance is a small barrier to a dragon - even if you are miles from Q'Barra you should not hesitate to reach out when the time is right," she adds. "Now, unless there are any other pressing issues, I must be going. It is getting a tad late and I still have much to discuss with Guldan. It has been wonderful getting to know you, Lyssa, and I greatly look forward to our future correspondence."

The dwarf turns towards Hammer and sizes him up before responding in a think Mror accent. "Aye, we did. In fact it's all this one will talk about," he says, noticeably slurring his words as he gestures at his companion. The human gives a sheepish grin and shrugs, saying, "Well when your whole family has devolved into infighting and constantly play dangerous political games, it tends to be a common topic of conversation." He then extends his hand out to Hammer. "Arend d'Cannith at your service. What does a 'forged such as yourself think about the situation?"

"Of course, of course," Uldarth says, thinking. Then he leads Nivane to a nearby dwarf who is dressed noticeably less decadently than most in the room. "Professor Danarrak, there's someone here I'd like you to meet. Nivane, this is Professor Danarrak - you won't find a soul in Eberron who knows more about the pre-Galifar Holds."

The middle-aged professor raises his eyebrows. "I'm not arguing, but I do hope one day to be introduced by way of my humor or dashing good looks, rather than just my publication list," Danarrak says sarcastically.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer looked at the hand and seemed to size up what was required before delicately taking it into his own slightly clumsy hand and giving it a shake. Satisfied that he didn't snap off the man's arm or anything he returned his hands to his side as he thought over an appropriate response, finally saying "It's unfortunate. A unified group is stronger than one that can't work together. You'd think my creators would be the ones to understand that since they imprinted it onto me." He then gave an almost forced laugh to try and show that he meant well, since he's seen some of the meatbags do the same before they explained themselves.

[adso]

-----
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane chuckles at the joke, saying, "Thanks for the introduction Uldarth. And Professor, it's an honor to meet you. I just figured it would not be in the spirit of the holiday if I just drank all night in lieu of engaging in more academic pursuits. I've worked with Morgrave for several years, but am ashamed to admit that I know little about the history of the Mror Holds." He pauses before continuing, trying to decide how to phrase his question without betraying the party's mission. "Of course, I've heard many stories about the disappearance of the Noldrun clan and it has always been fascinating to me - after all, there are many parallels with certain tribes suddenly vanishing from history in Xen'drik's history as well, which is my specialty. Is there any information about the disappearance that is actually grounding in historical evidence, or is it all tall tales? And what effect did it have on politics in the Holds at the time?"

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa smiles and nods, "As you say. We shall keep in touch."

[Kymme]

"It's really just a nerdy history club for rich people but I think they like pretending that it's more than that."

"Can do, Miss. Consider these lips sealed."


"A nobleman interested in little old me? Is that so?" Elena asks, raising her eyebrows with interest as she turns to the khorovar. "Well for you, Tycho, I am an open book. Ask away," she says with an alluring smile.

Tycho gets his first look at Elena and is smitten, to say the least. He turns to Gerth and grins before shooting Elena his most dashing look. "Your reputation precedes you, Miss Helmworth. Gerth has been filling me on the interesting stories that surround you, and I just want to know:" He leans in close. "Are any of them true?"

[FlamingKobold]

Arend laughs knowingly with Hammer - he's well accustomed to the general level of social cognizance displayed by most warforged. "Right you are, of course. But I fear that we haven't learned anything. If anything, the split has gotten worse in recent months. I just don't see how anyone could deny that Zorlan is the only viable choice for Baron. I mean, everyone knows Jorlanna can't be trusted to deal with other houses and Merrix..." he trails off for a moment, shaking his head. "I mean that man is a disaster waiting to happen. Seems he has his finger in every plot to reignite tensions or break the protocols of the Treaty of Thronehold. I'm just waiting for it all to come crashing down and hope those two don't take Cannith East down with them." Arend then looks up at Hammer apologetically, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be so pessimistic, I'm just worried that's all. What's your name, anyway?"

Danarrak narrows his eyes and grunts noncommittally at Nivane's question, while Uldarth turns away, thoroughly uninterested in anything that might remind him of his school days. Then the professor says, "Hm. Well you're not wrong that much of it is myth and legend, but there are some theories with varying levels of evidence. Depends on how much you want to toe the line between history and conspiracy. Me, I tend to stay away from the latter and find that scholarly work doesn't tend to lend much credence to the conspiracies. You should know that this is quite a dangerous topic of conversation, though certainly less so in this crowd."

"Thank you my dear. I do hope you have a pleasant evening and may the blessings of Aureon be with you." With that, she gives Lyssa a parting smile and slips away into the crowd.

Gerth laughs and shakes her head. "You two have fun now," she adds, patting Tycho on the arm before walking away.

Elena laughs and says, "Please, call me Elena. As a general practice I don't think it wise for a lady to grant blanket confirmation of unknown tales, don't you think? A lady never reveals all of her secrets, after all. Though knowing Gerth, she is unlikely to have lead you astray, so I will grant you qualified affirmation. If it is the accounts of Argonnessen that interest you specifically, I can certainly confirm my presence on the continent on several occasions. Of what concern is it to you, my dear?" She speaks with the indirectness that is typical of Aundairian high society or the elves of Aereni, though Tycho cannot detect an accent in her pronunciation.

[Amanil]

The level of socializing was a little unfamiliar and uncomfortable for Leianna, hence why she'd kept mostly to herself. She didn't like standing out, and here... she was the oddball. A few times she felt like she'd caught people passing her wrinkling their noses or eyeing her rugged clothing, but dwarves were a practical people so for all she knew they could have been non-verbally commenting on the craftsmanship of her blade.

She rolled her eyes a little at Hammer's strange state of over-readiness - something that always bothered her about Warforged - of all of the places on their journey, this was likely going to be the safest for a while. This particular one seemed to have developed a sense of humor, or an imitation of it, and that grated on her.

Leianna felt awkward circling the room, and awkwarder still looming near her companions like some scruffy bodyguard, so she opted to find a wall to lean against near the edge where she could survey things with relative ease. Her height compared to the dwarves made this somewhat straightforward.

"This level of hobnobbing is an oddity... lots of large egos with large voices... nothing gets done," she mused to herself, scanning the crowd. After a few minutes of this her impatience somewhat got the better of her, and she moved to find a drink. Apparently dwarves knew what that word meant, so she'd might as well avail herself of one.

She found herself passing by Lyssa, and simply gave a brief nod of acknowledgement as she wrapped up her conversation with whoever that was.

"Having fun?" she asked, rhetorically.

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"Oh yes, thank you," Lyssa replies automatically as Annakka departs and Leianna addresses her, "It's very different from the soirees in Passage."

"Where have you been, anyway? You're own investigations, no doubt."

[adso]

-----
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
The talk of conspiracy gives Nivane some pause. There's more to this than I thought. What was that about it being less dangerous in this crowd? I'll have to be careful with how I proceed. Then he puts on the air of a surprised, neutral academic and replies, "Oh? Dangerous in what way? I'm sorry, I didn't realize this was such a contentious subject. I certainly also tend to come down more on the side of scholarly pursuits, but as an academic to I feel almost obligated to inquire about such contentious issues as I'm sure you understand."




If that requires a bluff check, then [roll0]. But Nivane is legitimately curious,so perhaps that doesn't qualify as a bluff

Welcome back Amanil!

[Gunhaven]

Without a hint of sarcasm Hammer replies with a salute and a crisp "Hammer." He then thought for a moment, almost appearing to frown, before he nodded and added "Zorlan would likely be best but I do appreciate what Merrix is doing. It was an unfortunate inclusion that no warforged could be created under the Treaty." He then took another moment to think of a proper comparison before he finished with "It'd be like if no humans could be born."

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpg

"Soirees? You and I have lead very different lives..." Leianna mused, her left hand resting lightly on the pommel of her blade - a subconscious move of reassurance in an uncomfortable situation.

"Mostly trying not to walk into any important dignitaries, learned professors, or members of powerful houses," she returned, only half joking. "This is your element, not mine... I'll rely on your expertise here, what should I be listening out for, other than keeping an eye on you all?"

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"Follow Nivane's lead really," Lyssa smiles, "I tend to get distracted by the pursuit of knowledge and forget that we're trying to discover specific information. We are here for a reason. I've just spent the last hour talking about dragons and dragonmarks. I'm not sure how useful that will be to our reason for being here."

[FlamingKobold]

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance Hammer," he replies. Then Arend tips his head to the side slightly, interested by Hammer's response. "That is quite an interesting take. You don't think warforged would continue to be exploited if more could be created? This may intrigue you then: I've heard whispers that Merrix still has a secret creation forge. I'm not sure where - various reports have it being in the Mournlands, or beneath Sharn or even near Stormreach, where the Treaty of Thronehold wouldn't apply. Of course, I am saying this not in an official manner as a member of Cannith East, but those stories are certainly intensifying the political situation."

The professor briefly gives Nivane a somewhat skeptical look, but seems to accept his explanation. "Yes, I suppose I do. Well it's no secret that the Mroranan, Toldorath and Tordannon clans feuded with Noldrunhold for generations. As you likely know, those were common among the clans. But there are theories that House Kundarak harbored a grudge against Clan Noldrun as well, violating their supposed neutrality among the clans. The story goes that Kundarak conspired to eliminate Noldrun permanently. Now the mechanism for this is obviously unclear - there are conspiracies abound for how this was accomplished; everything from giants' magic to an eldritch machine to pacts with fiends of Khyber - you know how these theories go, I'm sure. But House Kundarak is not so big a fan of these stories, for obvious reasons. And those that get too vocal about it in the holds seem to encounter fatal accidents at a rather alarming rate. But of course," he adds as he gives Nivane a knowing look, "these are just fringe conspiracies with no basis on fact. And you didn't hear this from me."

[Kymme]

"Hmm..." Tycho grins playfully and cups his chin with a hand. "The Continent of Dragons is subject to a great deal of superstition and rumor, Elena. I don't have much reason to believe the old things I've heard." For a moment his mind drifts back to the days of his youth, learning about the world from elaborately illustrated scrolls and dusty books, but he calls it back. "But I do have a question for you, something I've always wanted to know."

He leans closer, keeping his voice low. "Are there Dragonmarks in Argonnessen? Not formal representatives of the houses, of course, but... outcasts? Or perhaps whole communities living in peace with the Dragons. Do... do you know if there is any connection?" His grin turns sheepish, honest, and his cheeks flush with uncharacteristic embarrassment. "Some say that the marks are signs sent from the heavens, or lingering relics of distant ancestors, and I was wondering if you... had any insight."

[FlamingKobold]

"Mmm, and I suspect that you ask this entirely from the standpoint of a neutral observer? Or do I have the pleasure of conversing with a dragonmarked member of the House of Storms?" Elena asks, giving Tycho a knowing smile. "But yes, yes there are. I am certain that there are others of which I have no knowledge, but I have heard of at least three instances of dragonmarked presence on the continent. First, there exists a Seren tribe named the Raptor Claws of whom a sizable portion manifest the Mark of Handling, presumably from some estranged Vadalis scion hundred of years back in their ancestry. Second, there is a dragon known as Kaadrenaryx who keeps a family of dwarven servants that are rumored to possess a proclivity to the manifestation of Siberys Marks of Warding. And finally, but perhaps least interestingly, a man named Morspeth d'Cannith recently lead an attempt at a trading expedition to Io'lokar, though he sadly - but of course predictably - perished in the Vast. The poor fool must have known little of the culture of dragons, else he would never have embarked on such a foolish errand," she finishes, shaking her head sadly.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpg

"Yes, this is all very... distracting," Leianna returned, casting her eyes about the room, looking for Nivane. "Perhaps it'd be better if I talked with those of a similar mind, I find that dueling with words is not my strong suit, and perhaps my experience in other fields may prove more fruitful."

Rather than speak with the guests, Leianna opted to look for someone of a more practical mindset, casting about for guards - both general, and for particular patrons - someone with their mind also not on the lengthy dialogue but who might know of local affairs, particularly regarding safety of the roads and rails. If she was to engage in a long conversation, she preferred it be with someone who she could speak on a level playing-field with.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer seemed to show an actual emotion at mention of a creation forge in operation before he returned to his normal emotional-less self. He did at least realize that what they were talking about wasn't something that was entirely in line with the Treaty and lowered his voice to an appropriate whisper. "Exploitation depends on the individual. Being ordered around was an accepted part of our creation." He paused and motioned vaguely at the party as a whole, adding "Orders were likely given in regards to this gathering. Everyone followed them as well."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"Of course, of course," Nivane replies reassuringly. "That's incredibly interesting - I had never heard of that before. Do you know of anywhere where I could read more about it? I'm curious about the strength of supporting evidence since that all sounds a bit conspiratorial to me. And what did you mean when you said that it was less dangerous around here? I'd think that Krona Peak would be one of the worst places to discuss this, truth be told."

[FlamingKobold]

Professor Dannarak chuckles. "You'd be hard pressed to find any support of this in academic papers - House Kundarak has seen to that. Ever noticed how most history texts about the Mror Holds from the past several centuries are written by a member of House Kundarak or a cadet branch of the family? It's no coincidence that's for sure. And I think this is generally a group that is interested in these sorts of theories - the odds and ends of history, as it were. Of course, there are a few Kundarak members," he concedes, gesturing subtly at two dwarves across the hall. "But by and large they likely feel more loyalty to the Aurum than their families, a common trend among dragonmarked members, you'll find."

Leianna sees Nivane across the room talking with an older dwarf male in relatively plain clothing. They appear to be speaking in a hushed tone. After scanning the crowd for a moment, Leianna notices a few individuals who appear to be more alert than one might expect at this type of party. Nearby, a young khorovar male stands beside an elderly gnome who appears to be engaged in a lively discussion with other patrons. The khorovar says nothing, but stands with his right hand across his body, as if prepared to draw a weapon. Across the hall, an group of very finely dressed and well groomed dwarves are conversing amongst themselves over pints. The odd woman out in the group is a tall elven woman wearing the traditional dress of Aerenal, quite out of place in this setting. She looks to be nominally involved with the conversation, laughing along as appropriate. However, Leianna notices that she drinks nothing and frequently scans the crowd as though keeping watch. Finally, there are two dwarves in chain armor near the door. At the beginning of the night they were standing guard at the door, however they are now conversing with the guests and partaking in ale, only occasionally grasping their halberds as if to confirm their continued presence.

The dwarf chuckles and elbows Arend saying, "See, even the warforged understands that it's not all about following the rules. Maybe you oughtta lighten up, huh?"

Arend just laughs. "I suppose so," he says before responding to Hammer. "You're right again, of course. However there does tend to be a very different power dynamic at play between voluntary invitees of a social gathering and the creation forges. I'm curious - at this point you don't see any problems with the wartime era treatment of warforged? I can't imagine that treatment of your people improve if creation resumed, especially in places like Karrnath."

[Gunhaven]

Hammer didn't wait as long as he should've as he replied "First Silver Scouts, Artificer." He gave a salute before he returned his arm to his side and added "It's what I was created to do and it's what I do. Now, though, others must seek their purpose." He seemed on the verge of adding something else but ultimately remained quiet.

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa sipped her wine and took to wandering through the groups of people, listening to snippets of conversation here and there and making polite small talk.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

With a brief nod to Lyssa as the two separated, Leianna weighed up her options. Those who seemed of interest were all engaged in a conversation, so none struck her as easy to immediately engage.

The khorovar was likely as not a bodyguard of sorts, or perhaps merely a companion of the gnome uncomfortable around by dwarves - not unreasonable for someone with elven blood; adding to that dialogue may prove the simplest, but Leianna was not sure it would be fruitful.

Finely dressed dwarves weren't exactly few and far between here, and were precisely the sort of people she was looking to avoid. The elf in the discussion, though... perhaps a little easier to engage, and maybe even someone whom she should be talking to, given that she seemed to be casting about not entirely unlike Leianna herself. She finished her scan, noting that the guards were indeed conversing with patrons in case this went nowhere, and made her way over to the group across the hall in a roundabout fashion, pausing briefly to make sure it didn't look like she'd singled them out. Odd, how this felt almost like hunting prey...

As she neared, Leianna tilted her head slightly to listen in better on their conversation, trying to get a feel as to what the topic was and for a natural breakpoint in which she could inject herself.

[Kymme]

Tycho inclines his head ever so slightly. Discreetly, he tugs up his left sleeve and shows Elena a sliver of the blue-and-silver marking on his wrist. "Ever since my Mark manifested I've been curious."

"It's a shame, what happened to the Cannith scion. Ignorance isn't a justification for death." He drifts off, unsure of how to continue.

"Thank you for answering my questions, Elena. If you've any need for a conversation partner as the evening goes on, I'm sure I'll be somewhere around here. This room is surprisingly large." And so he departs, offering her a polite bow as he goes.

Scanning the room, Tycho looks for familiar faces - he hasn't seen any of his companions in quite a while.

[adso]

-----
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"I see, that makes much more sense now. I appreciate your willingness to enlighten me about such a sensitive subject," Nivane replies, nodding to the professor. Then he smiles and adds, "It seems like there's still much for me to learn about the Holds. But I really must be going now, thank you for your time." With that he shakes the professor's hand and walks back into the crowd.

Seeing them unengaged in conversation, Nivane heads over to Tycho and Lyssa. "So, learning anything interesting?"

[FlamingKobold]

"It was wonderful to meet you, Tycho! I do hope our paths cross in the future," Elena responds with a smile. She glances once more at his left wrist before twirling back into the rest of the crowd.

As Leianna nears the conversation, it takes her a moment to understand the subject due to the high concentration of jargon. They appear to be discussing the success of the mining-related business ventures. They speak only the one another and keep the conversation at dwarf height, never even glancing up at the elf. Although Leianna doesn't catch the whole discussion, it seems that the dwarf beside the elf of interest is likely the wealthiest - he boasts the most jewelry and monopolizes the conversation.

After a few sentences, the elf seems to notice Leianna's presence it one of her regular scans of the room. She slips away from the circle of dwarves - they do not appear to even notice - and walks towards Leianna. "Blessings of Aureon be with you! Forgive me, but you appear to be different from the usual crowd at these sorts of events. What brings you here?" she asks with a lower class Aundairiana accent. Then, as though realizing this was perhaps a tad direct, she smiles, extends her hand to shake and adds, "It is nice to speak to someone without looking down. I fear that I have been in the Holds too long!"

Arend nods thoughtfully at Hammer's response and pauses for a moment before adding, "I hope this isn't too personal, but what do you view as your purpose now? With the war over and no orders to take, how do you now spend your time?"

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

"And with you," Leianna responded, not hiding her own unsophisticated Aundairian tongue, somewhat diluted as it was, with a soft smile on her face; she'd evidently made somewhat of the right choice in terms of speaking on a more level playing-field.

"Work rather than pleasure, I'm afraid; this isn't exactly my usual environment," she continued, accepting the offered hand with a gloved one of her own, before slipping briefly into elven. "And I could see you didn't much seem to be enjoying yourself either?" she rhetorically asked with what was intended to be a knowing eyeroll, though she suspected it came across a touch sarcastically.

"Leianna, by the way. No fancy house after my name, I'm afraid, but perhaps that's a refreshing change for you?" she continued. "Truth be told, I'd have rather waited outside, but needs must. You've been here a while? Perhaps you could point me towards something that a non-dwarf might find palatable to drink? Was that not to your taste?"

Leianna caught herself eyeing the woman up and down quickly as she gestured at her untouched glass - looking for any telltale hints of weapons, armor, or profession - a brief tactical analysis that was almost certainly not needed here, but perhaps with this one being a little stand-out maybe it was?

[FlamingKobold]

Leianna does not see any armor or other protective equipment beneath her dress, but as she reaches out, Leianna notices a small pouch on her belt that identifies her as an arcanist. The elf's eyes brighten when Leianna speaks in elven and she responds in kind. "I'm Mialee, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've been here for a few years now and, while I of course enjoy Turanank's company, the dwarven custom can be a bit, er, tiresome at times," she says, gesturing at the dwarves behind her before laughing gently at Leianna's last question. "You'd be surprised. One thing that you can't fault these dwarves for is their taste for fine wine. In some of the higher end establishments, you can normally find some Aundairian wines. Of course, it's not as delectable as it is back home, but I've found Iltrayan and Windshire Rainbow to be available if you're willing to pay for it. As for this party... well it appears to be nothing but ale tonight, much to my chagrin."

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

If they are an arcanist - the fact that you mentioned it makes me suspect you already are aware, but just making sure - Leianna gets +4 to any Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Survival checks that you're doing behind the scenes due to Favored Enemy.
"A few years for your kind or mine?" Leianna asked genuinely, continuing the conversation in the elven tongue. "True enough, I suppose. Things here seem to be a little more... traditional. Not that there's anything wrong with that," she added, hurriedly.

"What line of work are you in, Mialee? You don't seem the kind to be working in mining enterprises, or at least not of the stature to be seriously involved in the conversations." The inflection she put on the word "stature" was a definite hint that Leianna assumed, as far as dwarfkind goes, they saw little merit in discussing it outside of their kind.

[FlamingKobold]

Mialee laughs again at Leianna's question. "For mine. I've lived here for almost two decades now, which you may consider more than a few." She then waves her hand as if to dismiss the concern of politeness. "No, no, I understand. I have lived most of my life on Aerenal so I'm no stranger to the veneration of tradition, but I understand that it can be a bit jarring for the younger races."

"I'm certainly not a miner by trade, you're right about that. But mining can be a dirty business in more ways than one, so some of the big names hire additional protection for themselves. And I provide protective services that are more subtle than being followed around by a dwarf with a big axe, which I think my clients appreciate. But enough about me; where did you learn to speak the language of my people? I cannot place your accent."


Yep, already factored favored enemy into account

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

"Yes, two decades would be a touch more than a passing event for us," Leianna nodded, glad she'd asked. During the conversation she stood herself so as to be able to better look back over the room, trying to note the location of her travelling companions; a few had clustered together, but they didn't seem to be looking for her so she felt no need to hurry back just yet.

Leianna looked a little surprised at the fact that Mialee was, for the most part, a bodyguard of sorts. "More subtle, perhaps, but what a strange role to find yourself in. Turanank - was it? - doesn't seem like the sort to break the mold... but I suppose that's half of the point, isn't it?"

"You've a good ear," she replied to Mialee's comment on her accent. "Mostly Aundairian, but I'll confess I've watered it down since the war - we've a goodly number of your kind there, though I'm sure the culture's very different. If you spend too long around them you just end up picking it up, I suppose. I'm surprised to hear you spent most of your life on Aerenal, though; your accent could pass as Aundairian."

With the basics out of the way, she tried to steer the conversation towards something that might be of use outside of the hall. "So other than business dealings turning sour, what else do I have to keep an eye out for around here? Any troubles outside of the city?"

[Gunhaven]

Hammer pointed at each of his companions in his slow, methodical way before he spoke once more. "Currently my task is to protect those individuals. Once that's done with then I may return to mercenary work if I am no longer required." He did pause briefly as he recognizes one of his wards that he hasn't spoken to yet but decides to wait a bit longer before approaching her.

[FlamingKobold]

"Turanank, yes. It's true that he fits dwarven stereotypes, but he is nothing if not innovative - especially when it comes to his business dealings. Yes, you have a nice ear as well. I grew up in Fairhaven but my family returned to Aerenal shortly before the beginning of the Last War," Mialee explains. Leianna's last questions causes her to pause for a moment, considering. "In the past few months I have heard that incursions from the Jhorash'tar have become ever more frequent. It seems that they're getting bolder; they used to raid independent travelers and small villages, but as of late have been targeting larger caravans, mining operations and even whole villages. It's been a major concern for many of the mine owners who aren't particularly pleased about the need to hire additional protection. Cuts into profits, you know?"

"Well sounds like you're making do just fine then, that is great to hear!" Arend says, clapping Hammer on the shoulder. "What exactly are you protecting them from? I know these parties can get uncomfortable at times, but I don't think your friends are in any danger," he adds with a grin.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer shrugged once the hand was removed from his shoulder. He waited another moment before he flatly replied "I am unsure." He seemed to ponder for a moment before he added "I'd rather be present and not needed though."

[FlamingKobold]

As the night goes on, the crowd starts to thin out in the hall. It seems that the departures have not been randomly distributed across the races present and the vast majority of those left in the room are dwarves, still happily drinking.

"I suppose so, it's certainly better to be safe than sorry!" Arend replies. "That said, my body is weak, fleshy and needs to rest at some point tonight, so I had best get going. It was nice to meet you - you don't see too many 'forged around to Holds."

Don overhears the question and joins the group as well. "To be perfectly honest, I've been talking with Uldarth for much of the night and I've learned that that man can drink! I do hope that the rest of you were more productive this evening."

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

Sorry if you were waiting on me; I put a post in the OOC forum relating to what Leianna's response would be, but we can abstract this out a little I think...
"Is that so? I'd heard there might be a little work up here, maybe I'll be back this way when done with my current contract... Leianna responds to Mialee's comment about the Jhorash'tar.

She spends the next little while engaging in fairly broad-stroked conversation relating to various 'incidents' the two of them had ran into during their work - keeping clear of details relating to the clients, of course - before politely excusing herself with a handshake to make her way over to most of the rest of the group now that the room had thinned a little. She cast a quick glance around for the khorovar who'd seemed a little on edge earlier, doing her due diligence with regards to keeping an eye out for the group's safety, and rested her hand lightly on Lyssa's shoulder to note she'd returned, giving a nod to Nivanne and Tycho.

"How goes the night? Have we achieved all we meant to?" she asks the group.

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"No, not really," Lyssa replies, "I did have an interesting discussion about dragons though."

[Gunhaven]

Hammer gave a curt nod and said "It was good to talk about the creators. Be well." He waited another moment, slowly scanning the area, before eventually he settled on the last party member. He started to move, his left leg briefly seizing up when it attempts to leave it's point of conversation before he could work some life back into it, and made his way toward her. Finally he paused in front of the group and gave a sharp salute, saying "Nothing to report." He let his arm drop to his side and paused for too long before he added "I had a discussion about my creators for most of the night."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"Well I at least hope you all had a good time. Even if we didn't learn much, it's good to have a relaxing night and make some contacts in the community, though I hope we don't need to be here for long," Nivane says. "I mostly talked about current events in Stormreach, but I did have the fortune to learn a bit about the history and politics surrounding the Noldrun clan, though I'd prefer to wait until we're in a more private setting to share. I don't know that it will be particularly useful, but at the very least it's quite interest," he adds, ever the historian.

Glancing around at the emptying room, Nivane grins sheepishly and gestures towards the door, saying, "Perhaps it would be best if we went back to the inn, got some rest and met in the morning to discuss our mission in more detail? I am perhaps not in the best state of mind for strategic thinking at the moment."

[Kymme]

By the time Leianna finds him, Tycho is... moderately buzzed. The involuntary grin on his face never seems to waver and he wobbles slightly when he walks. "I've accomplished what I set out to do, but I fear that my information-gathering skills are sorely lacking. I did enjoy the company of several beautiful women, however, so I'll take what I can get."

"Might I?" He asks Hammer, before resting a hand on his shoulder for support.

He nods to Nivane as he describes his findings. "I've learned... a trifle of information about Argonnessen, if it's of any interest." After a pause he adds, "I'll put my support behind heading home, as well. Arrive late and leave early, you know?"

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane chuckles at Tycho's state and summary of his evening, though he appears to only be a few drinks short of Tycho's level himself. "Glad that you're enjoying yourself. But yes, perhaps it's best that we head back before Hammer has to carry us back," he jokes.

Before heading out, Nivane glances over the crowd to find Gerth and Uldarth. Once he finds them, he wishes them goodbye, thanks them once again for the invitation and assures them that the group will let them know the next time we are in Krona Peak. That done, Nivane returns to the party and is ready to depart.

[FlamingKobold]

Sorry! Since no one else really used the OOC thread I got into the habit of not checking it and didn't see your question! Good way to handle the situation

Upon receiving Nivane's farewell Gerth immediately rushes over to the group, the alcohol amplifying her natural personality as she slurs, "Thank you all so much for attending! Of course, if you are ever in Krona Peak and need a roof or a drink consider the Soldorak clan to be at your service and best of luck with your travels in the region!"

You are able to find your way back to the surface by following the only path still lit with torches. After climbing hundreds of stairs, you emerge onto the streets of Krona Peak. Though not as busy as upon your arrival, it is obvious that some festivities are still ongoing, seemingly with a higher concentration of the populating in traditional dwarven commencement robes. The streets are well lit by everbright lanterns and the sober among you have no issue following the route back to the Darkwood Bock.

The main room is mostly empty, save for Rorik, who is sleeping on a bench near the bar. Upon your arrival, he awakens and glances towards the door. After a brief delay, he recognizes the group and says, "Had yourselves a good night, did you? Verik sent word that he would be a bit delayed tomorrow and wouldn't be by here until mid-afternoon. Probably had a bit too much to drink tonight, knowing him," he adds with a toothy grin. "You all enjoy your rest and let me know if you need anything, won't you?"

Nothing of significant interest happens overnight. For those of you who do not rest for the full 8 hours, let me know if you want to spend time doing anything out of the ordinary. Otherwise, we can skip to however you want to spend the morning!

[Gunhaven]

Hammer doesn't stop Tycho from using him as a stable post to help maintain his balance. He doesn't speak much on the way back, helping guide the more drunken of his comrades back to the inn while doing his best to maintain a proper formation in case there was trouble. With every couple blocks his body grew more stiff and by the time he was back at the inn he was squeaking or creaking with every movement. As his comrades retired for the night he stuck around while maintaining his position before he eventually joined them for the night and took the opportunity to recondition his old joints for the next day.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

"Well, glad you folks got that out of your system," Leianna nods to the others as she adjourns for the night. "Verik may be expecting to be late,
but I have no plans to be. Try not to drag your heels in the morning, lest we'll be waking you up with a bucket of cold water, hmmm?" she notes to the others, not entirely clear as to whether she's joking or not.

Awakening refreshed, Leianna snacks on some dried fruit from her pack before heading to whatever breakfast this inn had to offer; might as well enjoy the comforts before they were on the road.

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane chuckles at Leianna's comment and responds, "Of course, of course. I think we should plan to meet in the morning to discuss what we've learned from the party as well as the texts from the train. I'll see you all bright at early!"

With that, Nivane heads off to bed. As is typical, he wakes early in the morning in order to study his notes thoroughly for several hours before heading downstairs when he hears the others awaken. After putting in an order for breakfast from Rorik he turns to his companions and asks, "How'd everyone sleep last night?"

[Kymme]

Tycho chuckled nervously to himself after hearing Leianna's comment. He nods courteously to the rest of his companions before heading off to bed.

Morning finds Tycho... not terribly unwell? He finds himself some coffee and sweet bread to eat and meets everyone with a smile on his face.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer moved down to the main dining hall proper roughly a half hour before dawn and waited in silence, his joints sounding pleasantly maintained for once. That is until he swiveled his head to acknowledge Leianna and heard the metal scraping against each other. A flash of disappointment was all he gave as he nodded to her and continued to wait for the others. He did his best to swivel his head as little as possible when Nivane and then Tycho came down to avoid the similar scraping noise before he finally said "A new day, a new spot to maintain tonight" in his typical flat voice.

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa lounges around in the morning luxuriating in the comfort of a real bed. When she does rise and join the others she smiles, "So, where are we going today? What are the plans?"

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Anxious to start discussing his findings, Nivane waits restlessly for the remaining members of the party to arrive. When they have all settled and Lyssa asks her question, he responds, "I think Verik will be around later so we can hash out the details for tomorrow when he gets here. Perhaps we can use this time to strategize for our mission as we haven't had much time to do so since the train." Seeing this as his opportunity to finally discuss some of his historical findings, Nivane pulls out a thick stack of notes from his backpack and begins to summarize in a somewhat hushed voice such that neither the other patrons nor Rorik can hear him.

"The volumes that I read contained a significant amount of information about Gratis Noldrun. All sources seemed to confirm that he was a powerful wizard, but beyond that they seem to diverge significantly, with some accounts holding him in a positive light, some indicating that he was a terrible necromancer and others taking a relatively neutral stance. Most of the works suggest that he was fond of collecting powerful magical artifacts. However, there is no account of some central repository of these artifacts that exists today; rather, it appears that he distributed them in a number of hidden locations throughout the world, which is consistent with what Professor Glimmik told us. Several have been uncovered over the years, but contemporary historians seems to think that these represent only a small fraction of his total collection."

Nivane pauses for a moment. There's more he wants to say, but he has learned over the years that most others do not enjoy studying history to the same level of detail and he therefore attempts to condense his findings to only the most salient points. He thumbs through his notes quickly, scanning for other relevant information. After stopping on the seventh or eighth page, he continues, "Two separate sources suggested that Gratis tried to hide his collection in locations of historical significance to the artifacts with one explicitly attributing this to his love of poetry, though this wasn't corroborated in any other books. So perhaps knowing more about Krigam's Pass would be helpful in determining what it is exactly that we're looking for. I confess that neither Mror history nor geography are my strong suits, and I never did ask anyone about it last night for fear of giving away our mission." With that he looks around expectantly at the others, not wanting to monopolize the conversation though fearing that he already has.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

The history side of things was something Leianna was content to leave to the scholars; she wasn't here for her ability to interpret what author's really meant when they said "his demeanour was that of a warm summer breeze".

"Logistically, we have only the vaguest of plans, which makes it hard to prepare," she added. "Anything we can do to firm up that would be worthwhile, not least of all because we may soon be in a location where information and supplies aren't so readily available. Failing to plan is planning to fail; we should be able to get by indefinitely but suffice to say that we're here to do a job so efficiency is key. What can we hit with regards to narrowing down where we need to be looking?" Leianna strategized over a cup of some sort of infused leaves.

[FlamingKobold]

Don nods at Leianna's point. Also not one for history, he was much more concerned with the logistical side of the operation. "I read that the entrance to Krigam's Pass was sealed in some way, so there must be some known entrance. Perhaps Verik knows. Lyssa, didn't you read the books about the history of the Mror Holds? Maybe there was something in there."

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa is busy scratching Olive behind the ears but looks up distractedly when Don speaks to her, "Oh yes, indeed. I took some notes."

Putting her hand into the bag at her belt she pulls out a rolled scroll that seems to magically appear. Unrolling it she begins to read before changing her mind and handing over her notes for everyone to examine.

The Life of Krigam Maris

This is a set of three dry, lengthy tomes that somehow makes the exciting life of an adventurer seem dull. They were published between the year 936 and 947 YK by the gnomish historian Preship Davandi at the University of Korranberg and recounts the life of the ancient adventurer Krigam Maris, a dwarf from what is now the Mror Holds. Krigam was a dwarf of the Mroranon clan during their exile from the undercities, living in the twenty first century before the year of the kingdom. Most scholars agree that he was born in -2083 YK, but in recent years there has been a debate with some positing that he may have been born in -2075 YK. Krigam began sailing down the Mror River when he was young, instilling in him a desire for adventure and the sea.

As a young adult he ventured throughout the Mror Holds – charting the mountain passes surrounding Mroranonhold. During his life, there were several mountains, rivers and valleys named after him, but as of today, only Krigam’s Pass still holds his name. Eventually, his desire for the sea was overwhelming; he recruited several likeminded members of his clan, changed his named to Maris (the verb for “to wander” in ancient dwarven) and set sail down the Mror River into what is now Karrn Bay. From there, he adventures far and wide – in many places, Krigam was likely the first dwarf to set foot on the land. He sailed around Khorvaire, interacting with the various golbinoid city-states gnomish cities and elven outposts along the coast. He visited the humans in what is now the Lhazaar principalities when they had only just arrived to the continent, giving them rough maps and his blessings. After several decades, Khorvaire was not enough for Krigam – he set sail for Aerenal and was a guest of the undying court before sailing for Xen’drik.

Once there, he and his crew set up a temporary outpost near modern Zantashk. From there they conducted a number of expeditions to the interior of the continent, defeating the fire giant Sharataaz in his tower atop the volcano Tempest’s Spine. It is said that Sharataaz was a master craftsman who forged a shield made of magma. During their return to the encampment, Krigam and his companions were ambushed by the Umbragen drow as they passed near the Ring of Storms. Krigam defeated the Umbragen chieftain Mir’it Altaarz in single combat and took his magical sword, said to control the wind through ancient Qabalrin magic. However, the ensuing battle, all of Krigam’s companions were killed. Victorious but alone, Krigam returned to his ship. With the power of the sword, Krigam could control the wind and so sail his galley without the need for a crew. He sailed around Xen’drik, Aerenal and Argonnessen alone for the next one hundred and fifty years, learning from the elves and dragons ancient magical secrets. He was eventually laid to rest in Io’vakas after spending the last four decades of his life on Argonnessen learning the intricacies of the Prophecy with his draconic mentors.

A Modern Geography of the Mror Holds, 16th Edition

This is a recent book, published in 990YK by Trakken d’Kundarak (son of dwarwen historian Rorik d’Kundarak) and is used as a university textbook across Khorvaire. This can be used as a useful reference textbook for almost any named geographic feature throughout the Mror Holds and includes several pages about Krigam’s Pass. Named for the famed dwarven adventurer Krigam Maris, the pass was known for its excellent view of the Talenta Plains until the site was sullied some two thousand years after his death by the magic of disgraced dwarven necromancer Gratis Noldrun. In 146 YK, Gratis returned to the Mror Holds to defile the land of his ancestors and took refuge in the caves beneath the pass for several years. To this day the caves are protected by his dark magic, with rumors of the remnants of his undead army inside. After Gratis’s death in 152 YK, the dwarves of House Kundarak sealed the entrance to the caverns under the pass to prevent both the undead from escaping and to ensure that unknowing travelers were not in danger.

The Ancient Lands of Mror

Published in 206 YK by the dwarf Grent Sartorak, this was the definitive university textbook on the subject until the first edition of Rorik d’Kundurak’s A Modern Geography of the Mror Holds, published in 436 YK. This book has some use as a basic geographic textbook, but also has many ideas that are now dismissed as fairy tales or otherwise no longer in the mainstream of Khorvairian historical societies. On the topic of Krigam’s Pass, Sartorak notes that the caverns under the pass were of interest to the great dwarven wizard Gratis Noldrun who returned briefly to the Mror Holds in 146 YK. It is said Noldrun used the site to store one piece of his collection of artifacts before sealing it with ancient and powerful giant magic.

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane looks over Lyssa's notes, eager to learn more about Krigam Maris and the pass that bears his name. He then looks up at Leianna and says, "This text suggests that there is a cavern system beneath the pass with but one entrance. But if House Kundarak are responsible for sealing and protecting the caves, then I would expect that Verik is our best bet for finding our way in." He pauses for a moment and then, mostly to himself, adds, "Perhaps this is why Professor Glimmik has us working with him despite the gnomes' request to minimize dwarven involvement?"

He pages through his own notes once more, to confirm a suspicion. "Yes, also interesting that the only reference I found to Gratis being a necromancer comes from a House Kundarak scholar and it is corroborated by neither the preceding nor the subsequent works. That could be a coincidence, but it seems unlikely to me..." he trails off. There seems to be an odd relationship between House Kundarak and this site. Particularly given what Professor Dannarak said last night about the theoretical Kundarak-Noldrun feud. Definitely something to keep an eye on. Refocusing, Nivane looks back up at the group. "I wouldn't bet on undead just based off of these claims of necromancy, but it can't hurt to be safe. Gratis was certainly a powerful wizard, so everything that goes along with that -- golems and elementals and demons and other magical protections should not come as a surprise. Either way, we need to be prepared for the caves -- plenty of food and light since we don't know just how large this system is. We can ask Verik but it sounds like these have been sealed for quite some time so I would be surprised if he knew."

[Kymme]

"I wonder if the mage sealed one of Krigam's artifacts down there. By the sounds of this," Tycho gestures towards Lyssa's notes concerning the dwarf's travels, "the man earned himself quite a panoply in his many years of exploration. "More than a thousand years of history stretch the gap between Krigam's life and Gratis' return to the Holds. That's more than enough time for this mysterious sword and other implements to have made their way into the man's hands."

He turns to Nivane. "Food is certainly going to be a precious resource, but honestly, my concerns turn towards the air down there in those caves. So far from the open sky, cordoned off by a magical seal... We'll need to be very careful. House Lyrandar has a few tricks when it comes to the condition of the air, but I think we'll have to put our faith in some dwarven method."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane nods at Tycho. "Yes, I think it is likely that something of Krigam's is under that pass, given Gratis's taste for historical placement of artifacts. The sword, the shield, or something else entirely that has been lost to history. I agree with you on the air and would expect that the dwarves have found some sort of solution for this type of problem. I have heard of explorers in Xen'drik using magical Bottles of Air, but those are quite expensive and may be difficult to procure with such short notice. Verik should know a thing or two about the dwarven methods of which you speak, we should add it to our list of questions for him this afternoon."

Pleased with the information they have uncovered but yearning to know more, Nivane is a tad anxious to start their adventure. Even a dedicated academic like himself could see that the hints they had surmised were still too vague to provide a complete picture of what they were up against -- it was time to get out of the library and into the field, as they say. "I suggest that we consult with Verik upon his arrival and do the remainder of our preparation this evening so we can set out tomorrow morning. Unless anyone requires more time in Krona Peak?"

[Gunhaven]

Hammer sat in silence as the scholars spoke so long that someone unaware of his nature could've mistaken him for a statue. At mention of more time for preparation, though, he stirred to life and slowly worked life back into his joints. Finally he said "I am ready when you all are. I'll double check that I have runes that'll help when we get closer to delving the unknown."

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

Leianna hadn't considered the potential need to actually carry out excavation, and she cast a somewhat sceptical look around her companions. With the exception of the Warforged, none looked all too suited for hard manual labour, and in truth she herself didn't relish the prospect. She looked over the notes Lyssa handed out, finding the reading rather dry and lacking in substance. There did seem to be a few likely starting locations, however, and she internally commended Lyssa's aptitude for compressing information.

"Perhaps we should look to acquire the services of someone more versed in the excavation side of things, once we're near to the site, should it be needed?" Leianna proposed. "Regardless, some equipment better-suited for a dig-site would be a sensible investment. I've a few items that should prove useful, but none suited for extended use, and mostly for traversal rather than clearing a path. I suppose there is no harm in obtaining such things closer to our destination, though. I'm otherwise ready."

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"I think that the local dwarves would be best for such work," Lyssa chimes in, "They'll also be best placed to tell us of any social faux pas that we might make if we try to explore somewhere that is forbidden. I'd hate to do something that might offend our hosts."

"I'd like to invest in some divinations, something that might narrow down our search a little. Perhaps we might even consult with a local sage. Houses Medani and Tharashk deal with ferreting out information from time to time and I've heard rumours about House Thuranni too."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nodding at Leianna and Lyssa, Nivane adds, "I agree that we definitely don't want to rely on our own expertise for any excavation. Especially with old and magical cavern systems that would just be asking for trouble. But the professor did note that the researchers at the University of Korranberg wanted to limit dwarven involvement in the expedition as much as possible. Perhaps it would be best if we explore the cavern on our own first and deal with any threats before involving external parties. It's also possible that Gratis left whatever it is that we're looking for behind magical protections rather than physical ones. I think it would be best to limit outside knowledge of our mission as much as possible since, as Lyssa alluded to, we are not well versed in the etiquette around here, particularly as it relates to the Noldrun clan."

Nivane then turns to adress Lyssa's second point. "Divinations would certainly be useful -- I myself have used the Tharashk services several times in Stormreach, but am unsure how helpful they would be when we don't know what we're looking for. Thuranni might be a better bet, if we can find an enclave in Krona Peak. Those elves always seem to know more than they should, I've found," he says with a knowing smile. "Do you have any knowledge of divinations yourself? That could certainly come in handy when we're in the caverns."

I think the only Tharashk service that would help us would be Find the Path, which might be a bit out of our price range. Nivane used to be involved in some smuggling rings and has had some tangential interactions with the Shadow Network, but doesn't have any connections to call upon, especially not in the Mror Holds.

Also, in a very non-Nivane-like OOC way I want to go fight whatever's in these caves (not that I'll be too much help in actual combat) :smallredface:

[hoverfrog]

-----
https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"Conjuration magics are my speciality but I've some knowledge of spells of the divination school," Lyssa pauses for the cat, Olive, to leap up into her arms, "If we could buy some scrolls there are some spells that I'm sure will prove useful."

[FlamingKobold]

Since Krona Peak is a large city, you will have no issues finding any standard scrolls that are within your price range. We don't need to roleplay standard shopping though, so when that occurs you can just update your character sheets as required.

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"Very well," Nivane responds. "Some magical support will likely be required for this expedition, and I expect that you'll be the best one to predict what we will require. In that case, I'll be enjoying some Kuryeva in the corner and doing a bit more research until Verik arrives." With that, he orders a drink and takes it along with his stack of books and notes to another table, settling in immediately.

[FlamingKobold]

Early in the afternoon, Verik returns to the Darkwood Bock. "I do apologize for my tardiness, and hope that you all enjoyed your celebration last night!" he says as he walks over to your table and takes his seat. "If you are all well rested, I would be delighted to show you around the city this evening. I hope that last night convinced you to stay in town a few more days and experience all that Krona Peak has to offer!" he adds with a hopeful smile.

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane rejoins the group when Verik arrives. "I think we all had a nice night, and it seems that you did as well," he adds with a wink as he pulls up a chair. He then chuckles a bit and says, "I appreciate the offer, but I think we'd like to leave for Krigam's Pass tomorrow morning, if possible. That said, we were wondering if you have any knowledge about it, since we're working off of fairly limited knowledge here. We've heard that House Kundarak were the ones who sealed the entrance to the cavern system under the pass years ago; does that mean that you know where the entrance is and can get us in? And do you know anything about the physical condition of the cave? Tycho pointed out that access to air may be limited down there."

[FlamingKobold]

Verik appears to be disappointed by the commitment to leaving tomorrow and sighs. "Yes, we can certainly leave in the morning if that's what you would prefer. I can get you into the caves, but I don't know what you'll find in there. As far as I know, no one has been in there for centuries, but I would expect that the air will be the least of your troubles, given that you're willingly entering the lair of one of the strongest necromancers in dwarven history. Lack of air isn't what's going to kill you down there," he says, still obviously disappointed by your persistence to move forward with the mission.

[hoverfrog]

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https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"I'm afraid I couldn't afford the spells I wanted but I did pick up something that will let us rest securely while we're down there. That may be more important than anything else to be honest," Lyssa had her bag packed and ready and was calmly waiting for the others, not overly concerned about necromancers or undead.

"The best way to find something out is often to go and have a look directly. We'll be quite safe, Verik, trust me."


Buy a scroll of and copy Rope Trick into my spell book DC17 [roll0]

EDIT: That was far too close.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

"Surely someone's ventured in there a little and come back with something to tell?" Leianna asked as she sipped at some sort of herbal infusion. "I find it hard to believe that curiosity didn't get the better of someone by now, and no doubt they'd have useful information about what to expect rather than tales and rumors."

Leianna nodded to Lyssa's suggestion. "Nothing quite like what your own eyes tell you, for sure. It's worth noting that we're probably not expecting to find the necromancer himself," she laughs a touch nervously. "The big thing we haven't established yet is how we're going to make sure we can see down there. We probably want a mix of mundane torches and lanterns to fall back on, perhaps with a little magic to make our reserves last?" she questioned the spellcasters.

[FlamingKobold]

"I certainly hope so," Verik says solemnly to Lyssa. In response to Leianna's question he shrugs and adds, "As far as I know, no one has ever gone into Krigam's Pass and returned alive. There have been a few instances where my House has lifted the seals to allow a party like yourselves to investigate, but none have lived to tell their tales. I think the last one was before the war, but it doesn't seem to be a high priority for most; it's primarily insane dwarves from small villages who claim to be long lost descendants of Clan Noldrun that want to 'prove their claim,' whatever that means. After all, even the most curious of adventurers tend to shy away from dangerous sites with nothing inside but the dashed hopes of those who believe in legends. I sincerely hope that I'm wrong, since you all seem quite committed; I will help you however I can."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"Well there's got to be a first for everything, right?" Nivane says cheerfully. Chuckling, he adds, "If I had listened every time someone said not to explore a site because no one had ever returned alive, I would never have had a career." Turning to Leianna, Nivane pats his backpack. "I've got plenty in here -- torches, lanterns, sunrods -- probably enough to suffice. I have enough to last us a few days at least, although I sincerely hope that we don't need that many. I think there are just a few things that I want to grab this evening, but besides that I will be ready to go in the morning."

I'll pick up a wand of cure light wounds since we don't seem to have anyone who can heal.

[hoverfrog]

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https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"We should take a couple of weeks worth of food and water each too," Lyssa suggests, "If we get stuck somewhere and need to hunker down for a while it would be awful to run out of basics."

[FlamingKobold]

Verik gives a defeated sigh at Nivane's quip. "Well, if you're sure about this then I suppose I can't stop you, can I?" he asks. "I trust that you'll be able to find what you need around here with little difficulty. So my only advice to you is to try to rest up and I'll meet you here at dawn tomorrow to head out. It will take us the better part of a day to get to the pass and I would prefer to not try to traverse the mountains at night with the lot of you being unable to see. If there's nothing else you need from me, I'll be on my way; I've still got some sleep to catch up on." With that, Verik departs the tavern if no one else has any questions for him, leaving you to plan for the departure.

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"True, better to be cautious when it comes to supplies. I reckon that we can carry a few weeks worth, at least," Nivane replies to Lyssa. Then he turns to Verik and bids him goodbye. "Thanks for all your help Verik, we'll be ready bright and early!"

Nivane will also buy about 40 days of rations and water and put it in the haversack.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer stirs for a moment and adds "I don't require food and have room to spare in my pack." It then paused and seemed to contemplate something before eventually adding "What arrows would be best against our foes?" It double checked that it had a set of normal arrows, cold iron arrows, and silver arrows.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

"Denizens of the dark are mostly vulnerable to the same as the surface," Leianna replies to the warforged. "Any remnants of the necromancer's work - the undead - could be cause for concern, as they can be particularly resistant to physical strikes, regardless of material." The common knowledge was not something she felt uncomfortable sharing

"Of course, the local fauna might be a little different, especially in areas with such a history. Having a diverse set of tools to apply to a "problem" cannot hurt. We should bring excess oil and the like, too."

Hope I didn't overstep my bounds with regards to the blanket statements above, Leianna has some of the skills needed to back that up but I haven't made rolls.

Leianna's going to go and buy a light mace (5gp) so she has some bludgeoning ability, and will get a short sword treated with alchemical silver if possible (10gp+20gp). I'm assuming she has most of a day here to do woodworking, as we're just sitting around and buying a couple of items.

General aside: 40 days of food and water is a lot. 40 lbs of rations, and 40 lots of 1 gallon of water (2 waterskins worth each), meaning 8 lbs per day or 320 lbs of water!

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane nods in agreement with Leianna. "Indeed, most arrows will be rather ineffective if these tales of necromancy are true. Though I believe your namesake will suffice," he adds with a slight smile at Hammer. "I should be able to pick up all that I need quite easily, then I'm off to bed. It'll be a long day tomorrow and I want to be well rested." With that, Nivane returns the documents to his room before heading out to purchase supplies.

:smallredface: I was just looking at the food being 1 lb/day and didn't think about it too much... Whoops.
Is it possible to get an eternal wand of create water? That would be enough for four people every day. Eternal wands are arcane only and create water is divine, but there must be some artificers/wizards somewhere who have researched an arcane version, right? :smallwink: Otherwise a wand of create water (25 days for 4 people) would be 375 gp. Seems a bit pricey for water but better to be safe than sorry I guess?

[FlamingKobold]

Verik arrives the next morning at dawn and beckons you to his cart, bidding you to hurry so you can be out of Krona Peak before the morning rush. Rather than the fine clothes to which you are accustomed to seeing him wear, Verik now sports studded leather armor with a shortsword in a scabbard on his hip. Pulled by House Vadalis magebred horses, the cart travels quickly on the dirt road. The road becomes evidently less travelled as you continue eastward, and by the early afternoon you are traversing a trail so overgrown that the cart barely fits between the trees. Throughout the journey, Verik is uncharacteristically quiet, keeping a single-minded focus on steering and responding to any questions with single words or short sentences.

The trip itself is quite picturesque, with plenty of panoramic views of the forest-covered Ironroot Mountains. Once Krona Peak is out of sight, there are no more visible signs of civilization, but it is impossible to tell whether there are dwarves inhabiting the tunnels and caves hidden by the verdant landscape. The last hour or so of the journey must be completed on foot, as the trail becomes so steep that even the magebred horses cannot climb it, though it is not particularly difficult for humanoids. Just as dusk is setting in, you come over a ridge between two mountains and find yourselves on the top of the pass — a relatively flat area perhaps 100 feet across before it begins to start sloping downwards once more on the east.

To your south, there is a massive stone door set into the side of the cliff face. At least fifteen feet tall, the door is covered in glowing blue runes that resemble the pattern of the Mark of Warding. Speaking for the first time in several hours, Verik gestures towards the doorway and say, “Here we are. The entrance to the caverns of Krigam’s Pass.” He walks over and puts a hand on the stone. Immediately, the runes fade away and the massive slab of stone serving as a door lifts slowly upwards, disappearing into the mountain above. Inside, there is a stone staircase that leads downwards into the darkness, creating an ominous ambiance in the waning light.

Verik then turns back to the group. “I know you are persistent, but I want to give you one last chance here. If you want, we can turn back now and you can lie low in the Kundarak outpost in Krona Peak for a few days. We can tell Glimmik that there was nothing there, we all get paid, and no one will be in any danger. Is it ethical? Perhaps not. But would you rather have your honor or your life?”

After a short pause, Don glances around before saying, “I think Verik is right here. From what we know, this place seems like a death trap and we don’t even know what we’re looking for. Of course, if you do make it out, I won’t attempt to claim any part of the reward. But this isn’t what I signed up for. I signed up to go find some artifact in an old cave, not sacrifice my life in some necromancer’s lair.”

Nodding at Don, but not seeing anyone else come forward immediately, Verik adds, “Anyone else? If you do choose to go on, we will wait outside for three days, but after that I will assume the worst and you will be on your own to make it back to Krona Peak.”


Eternal wand of create water seems fine to me. I’m sure some crafting wizard would have taken alternative source spell to take advantage of that market.

If anyone wants to buy anything else or do anything specific overnight, feel free to let me know at it can be done post hoc.

[Kymme]

Tycho grins broadly at the yawning mouth of darkness that lies before him. Breaking his silence during the journey, the khorovar turns to Don and claps a hand on his shoulder. "I can see reason in your eyes, along with trepidation and concern. You are a veteran of the Last War, no? I have no doubts that you've seen your share of death and darkness. Enough to last one a lifetime. I wouldn't dare insult your memories or your fears. However..." His eyes slowly turn to Verik and he lets his hand slip from Don's shoulder. "I have to refuse your offer, sir. My honor is my life, and one without the other is death to me."

He takes a step closer to the entrance, turning back to face the party with a hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "I'm ready."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Disappointed in Don's absence but not altogether surprised, Nivane simply nods solemnly in agreement with Tycho. "Verik, we truly appreciate your concern, but I will go on as well. And Don, should worst come to worst, it was a pleasure to get to know you these past few days and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors."

[Gunhaven]

Hammer remained silent during the entire journey. He didn't break it when the offer to turn back came, instead slowly getting his maul out and swinging it a couple times as he closed the distance. Satisfied with the weight of the weapon he swung it up so that the shaft rested against his right shoulder and gave Don and Verik a salute, stating simply "The job called for an exploration.". He then waited to confirm the group before heading in proper.

I'm away from books due to terrible weather. I have a feeling there's some random infusion that I'll probably need to do before we properly delve into the cave and I'd like to do that now versus waiting a minute+ right before combat.

[hoverfrog]

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https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"I couldn't possibly lie," Lyssa answers at the offer to hide out, "The reputation of my House would see me excoriated if such a ruse were ever discovered. Besides, I'm quite eager to explore somewhere that hasn't been opened up in....I don't know how many years. We'll take all precautions that we can, I assure you."

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

Leianna was less than thrilled with the suggestion that they don't go through with the job, and from her slightly measured tone was perhaps a touch insulted. "Like Tycho, I'm afraid I must decline, Verik. What may start as skipping on one task may end in others not being offered and, as I'm sure you know, brave souls with little to lose are not hard to find after the war."

She nodded at the rest of the group's sentiment. "I'm sure there are risks, but that is why we are paid. Most importantly, while we are looking to unlock its secrets, we are not doing so for personal gain, something that those before us could not claim. Our curiosity is tempered by caution, not by greed, and I think we should prove to be more than up to the challenge of a brief foray. If the going becomes too arduous, naturally we will return to the surface. If not... well... perhaps you'll speak your warning with a little more conviction to the next group foolhardy enough to head down?" she says the last sentence with a somewhat wry smile.

Stocking up on rope seems important. I looked briefly into a Spool of Endless Rope (http://eberronunlimited.wikidot.com/spool-of-endless-rope) but that's out of Leianna's budget right now, so going to just get some more silk rope to make sure they have plenty, and a spare grappling hook. 21gp for 100' of rope plus a grappling hook.

I also get the sneaking suspicion that we might be a little out of our depth down here, so, from a meta point of view, worth noting that Leianna will be intending to fall back to the surface if things go sour.

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane struggles to stifle a laugh at Leianna's forthrightness and is pleased to see that the spirit of the majority of his companions has not wavered. "Right then, after you," he says, gesturing to Hammer before turning back to Verik and Don and adding "See you soon!" with a cheery wave.

I get that suspicion as well. And Nivane is honestly not super capable offensively in combat situations, so my plan is basically going to be to turn invisible and try to shoot things with a bow. But he has pretty crazy knowledge skills so I can at least probably help identify weaknesses/strengths of almost anything we encounter, for what it's worth. Also very down for running.

[FlamingKobold]

I assume that you have some light source out, like the everburning torch or similar

As you enter through the doorway, the tunnel immediately starts to slope downwards at a steep angle and you're met with a gust of wind blowing outward. As you descend further down the winding path, the updraft gets continually stronger and the sound of the wind rushing through the tunnel makes it impossible to discern any other noises besides the sound of your own footsteps. Once half an hour has passed of walking through the darkness, the wind suddenly slows to a light draft and silence feels foreign and somehow disarming.

After descending for at least two miles, the tunnel turns and opens into a large cavern. To your left and right you can see the walls slowly curving inward, but they quickly disappear at the edge of the torchlight. The ceiling is perhaps fifty feet above you, though it appears to continue sloping upward beyond the edge of your vision. The terrain is relative uneven, with rocky debris on much of the ground and several natural-looking pillars of stone between five and fifteen feet tall rising from the ground. There is a well worn path that is cleared of obstacles from the entrance to the tunnel that heads straight into the cavern before disappearing into the darkness. There is a slight breeze in the cave, but no other movement that you can detect.

With your low-light vision, you can see twice as far as the humans and warforged. This does little good for you: the walls seem to continue to curve and you estimate that the cavern is perhaps 120 feet wide and at least 60 feet tall. About 75 feet in front of you, the path seems to briefly leave its straight path to go around a large rock.
As you enter the cavern, you hear a soft flapping noise that reminds you of bats, though maybe that's just due to the context. It's hard to place the source, but it sounds to be decently far from you, perhaps 200 feet straight ahead and up a bit.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

Safe bet. At the moment I'd assume Leianna has her everburning torch out. She likely hasn't got a weapon drawn, because she'd rather have her hand free, plus it's a long journey and swords/bows are heavy.
Leianna doesn't pick a set spot in the marching order, walking faster on occasion to get to the front of the group, and dropping back now and then. Sometimes she appears to be running the fingers of her right hand along the rock, and tests the surface for grip, boosting herself up a few feet. Oddly, unlike the social situation a couple of nights previous, she seems much more relaxed, comfortable in her stride and moving smoothly. As any in the group displayed any amount of difficulty, they'd find Leianna at their side helping them with their footing or adjusting their load.

As the group entered the caverns, she instinctively moved a little off to one side but still close enough to see the cleared path, holding her torch high to get a better look around - not that the light offered her much. She cocked her head to one side, as if listening carefully to something. "Careful, our light might startle the bats ahead." she uttered to the group, voice a little above a whisper, as she moved her torch underneath her cloak a little, shielding the light to keep the effect more localized and moving back towards the cleared area.

If able to get in front of the group for a few moments, Leianna would crouch to the ground and run her fingers over the path, not expecting to find anything but looking to confirm that no creatures had passed this way recently without Verik's knowing.

[hoverfrog]

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https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"Remember that we aren't in a hurry," Lysa warns as she tries to look everywhere at once, "So we'll take it slow and try not to fall into any pits or get a spear in our heads."


Search [roll0]
Spot [roll1]
Listen [roll2]

[FlamingKobold]

The rock all feels natural and structurally stable. The ground in the tunnel down was full of loose rubble that all shifted as you walked, creating a cascading effect that made it quite difficult to ascertain whether it had been recently traveled. However, once Leianna gets ahead of the group on the flat terrain, she is able to find several slight, subtle impressions in the loose rock in a fairly regular pattern with her trained eyes. Though the wind here is weak (and quite bizarre to Leianna —*she is used to much more stagnant air in places like this), if these stones had not been touched for centuries, then surely these sorts of semi-regular impressions would have been evened out by shifting debris. Perhaps reading too far into it, Leianna notes that the impressions could certainly fit the pattern of footsteps, although it is impossible to tell too much information. The pattern looks to start at the mouth of the tunnel and travel along the path ahead.

Lyssa hears nothing over the constant, quiet rushing noise of the breeze. It is difficult for her to see too far in these conditions, and she does not notice anything particular beyond the immediately obvious pillars, path and rubbled ground.

Also, Lyssa recognized the runes on the doorway outside as being those of a greater glyoh of warding.

Nivane recognized the runes on the doorway outside as being those of a greater glyoh of warding.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

Leianna's brow furrowed slightly as her hand lightly traced indentations that perhaps she was imagining.

"Something feels a little wrong about this place... but it's possible that there is someone, or something, ahead of us." she advised, eyes squinting into the darkness ahead. "I realise how vague that sounds, but all I can say is that, despite what we've been told, we may not be the only ones down here..." she trailed off, somewhat dramatically.

Her discovery filled Leianna with some unease; if one of their assumptions about the state of the caverns were already seemingly incorrect, what else could they have underestimated?

"Be on your guard," she warned as she stood, her left hand now resting lightly on the pommel of the short blade at her hip.

[Kymme]

Tycho keeps his cool as the party descends deeper into the earth, but he keeps a hand on his sword and his back to the party's lights - it's a bit easier for him to see out to the creases and edges of the tunnels if he doesn't have to look into a torch at the same time. When he speaks his voice is soft and measured.

"It's quite possible we might be the only living things down here, disregarding the wildlife." He exhales softly. "The wildlife might become a bit of a problem too. 'The closer to Khyber,' and all that."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
At Leianna's warning, Nivane takes out his longbow and knocks an arrow. He then nods at Tycho, adding, "I'm not sure if I'm more concerned about the living or unliving at this point, honestly." Nivane starts slowly walking forward, keeping on the lookout for movement or signs of traps, but staying to the side of the main path so as to not interfere with Leianna's tracking.

Nivane is moving half speed and constantly looking for traps. Also, if we encounter any creatures, assume that he uses his knowledge skills to attempt to identify it, specifically looking for information regarding its combat capabilities.

[hoverfrog]

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https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa mutters some arcane phrases and a field of force surrounds her for a moment before fading from sight. She continues her chanting and her eyes glow briefly, "I'll look out for obvious magical emanations and warn you in advance. It will last as long as I concentrate."


Cast Extended Mage Armour (10 hour duration) and Detect Magic.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer takes up a position in front and eventually holds the maul at the ready. He maintained an even, if somewhat slower than necessary, pace as they descended. Each time someone made mention of pausing he did so, shifting his body slightly so that those behind him could get a better view, before he continued marching ever downward. At the cavern and call for there being potential dangers Hammer gave a curt nod and whispered back "I apologize but is everyone's gear suited for the coming battles? Or do we need enchantments?"

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"My bow is not enchanted, but it has served me well so far. I think I am prepared," Nivane responds, his eyes still focused on spotting potential dangers.

I have a masterwork bow and wear no armor, so it's unlikely that there are many enchantments that will help.

[FlamingKobold]

So is anyone willing to lead the way into the cavern? Or is there anything else that needs to be done first?

[Gunhaven]

Hammer sighed slightly before he grasped the maul and began to slowly march forward. For now he didn't enter a stance, focused more on finding out what the unknown danger could possibly be before launching recklessly into his attacks. He kept his pace slow and his eyes searching for potential danger from anywhere in front or to the side of him, relying on his comrades to protect his rear.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

"Why would there be a path?" Leianna mused silently to herself. "Who, or what, is keeping it clear?"

Keeping her thoughts to herself for now, Leianna trusted her ears more than her eyes, turning her head often at any faint sound to try to better identify and locate it as she moved to a few steps behind Lyssa, keeping an ear out towards the rear of the group and an eye over the spellcasters.

"We don't know that there will be a battle, 'forged, while we should be prepared we should also not go looking for a fight. If there is trouble I would appreciate someone taking the light, or wielding their own," she requested, quietly. "I am quicker with a bow than a blade."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane follows a few paces behind Hammer, continually scanning the surroundings for traps or other items of note in the rubble as well as occasional glances beyond the edge of the light of the torch. "I'm afraid I can't be of much help there," he responds to Leianna, gesturing to the bow in his hands.

Is it possible to tie the torch to a backpack or something? Or could Lyssa carry it given that she primarily casts spells?

[hoverfrog]

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https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----Lyssa lights her bullseye lantern and directs the beam of light ahead, "I can carry a torch too but I'll need to put it down if any spells need to be cast."

She joins to group near the back, well aware that she's in no position to face a threat head on.

[FlamingKobold]

As you continue through the cavern, the wind seems to get gradually stronger as it blows against your progress. The path curves slightly around a large rock 300 feet from the entrance. Up until then, the surrounding was relatively consistent with what you observed at the start. Upon rounding the obstructing rock, the path curves back to continue its original trajectory but as it does you see a pile of still-clothed skeletons behind the rock, perhaps a dozen or so in all.

You see up ahead that the ground suddenly drops off about 90 feet past the large stone, with only the path continuing straight ahead on what looks to be a twenty foot wide natural bridge. You cannot see the other side of the chasm. The walls of the cavern slant back in and the cavern has a width of about 80 feet at the start of the chasm, centered on the path.

The skeletons are obviously dwarven based on their thickness and proportions. You see some movement up ahead in the air past the edge of the drop from dark shapes.

The skeletons are obviously dwarven based on their thickness and proportions. Without closer inspection, these bodies appear to be fairly old — at least a century based on the state of their clothing and lack of flesh. As you round the rock, the sound of wings flapping becomes more clear. The noise comes from about a hundred feet in front of you and you can tell that there are at least three sets of wings, perhaps more. The ambient whistling of the wind makes it difficult to tell the exact number.

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"Careful up ahead, there's a drop," Nivane announces to the group, gesturing directly in front of them. Then he turns and sees the skeletons. "Well, that certainly doesn't bode well. Be on your guard." With that he takes a step back and pulls an arrow from his quiver, scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement.

[hoverfrog]

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https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"Do you think it might be a trap that went off or that they are some sort of undead guardians?" Lyssa can't help but feel paranoid but concentrates on her detect magic spell in the hopes that it will reveal any magical traps.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

Leianna was not so worried about the dwarves - the dead posed no immediate threat, at least while they remained that way - and turned her attention once more to the ground. She scoured for signs of whatever creatures were ahead - droppings, scratches, shed skin - that might indicate whether they were residents or something more temporary. Hundreds of years of being home to some living creatures had a way of shaping the place.

She strained her eyes as Nivane called out the drop ahead, but nothing revealed itself for now. Perhaps he had a little elf-blood in him? It didn't matter for now, but an interesting topic for later.

While the others looked at the dwarves in somewhat more detail, she kept her eyes and ears ahead, left hand settled on the grip of her bow.

"Do they bear any house markings?" Leianna asked those wishing to look the dwarves over. "Whatever they died of, if we can discern why they were here we may be able to avoid such a fate."

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
Nivane shifts closer to the skeletons to do a more thorough investigation. If there is no immediate threat, he returns the arrow to his quiver and uses his free hand to investigate the skeletons. He is specifically looking for recognizable markings as per Leianna's suggestions, but is also interested in method and time of death, if possible.




Search check on the bodies: [roll0]

[FlamingKobold]

You detect no magic auras within 60 feet in any direction.

Strangely, there are few signs of long term presence of animal life. However, you do spot some stones on the ground near the path that look to be stained with blood. Perhaps there was a fight here long ago?

As Leianna indicated, these appear to be dwarf skeletons. They appear to have been at one point well dressed and prepared for battle. Most are wearing armor, though some appears to be ceremonial. The style also seems surprisingly dated, with metalworking and design that dates back between approximately 200 and 800 years, though it's difficult to tell more precisely than that based on your limited knowledge of Mror armorsmithing. Several of these ceremonial armors are marked with the sigil of clan Noldrun. The armor appears to be several damages and many bones have been broken as if in combat. It's more difficult to tell with the non-armored skeletons, given that the cloth has decayed over time. However, there also appear to be signs of significant trauma and burning on what remains.

[hoverfrog]

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https://i.imgur.com/QpWkIoc.jpg
Lyssa d'Orien (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=244202)

----"I'm not detecting any necromantic auras or any magic at all in the area," Lyssa reports. I think we're safe from magic at least.

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"It seems that several of these dwarves were members of Clan Noldrun. However," Nivane adds, tipping his head a bit to the side, "some of the armor appears to date from after their disappearance. It is difficult to tell exact cause of death, but whatever it was, it was definitely violent. And involved fire." He gets up and scans the periphery again, knocking an arrow and taking a few cautious steps towards the chasm. "Be on your guard, this could get dangerous very quickly."

[FlamingKobold]

You see a humanoid-shaped creature begin to stride across the bridge. The first thing that stands out about this creature is the massive sawtoothed glaive it carries. The creature’s pointed ears and moist, scaly skin mark it as an outsider. It has a long tail, clawed hands and feet, and a snaky, disgusting beard. As it continues on it raises its glaive and let's out a series of screeches and hisses. This appears to prompt the flying shapes, who start shrieking excitedly and four small creatures begin to fly toward you with unnatural speed. As they come into view, they look almost like gargoyles, but they bristle with sharp spikes and have sharp talons on their hands and feet.

You see a humanoid-shaped creature begin to stride across the bridge. The first thing that stands out about this creature is the massive sawtoothed glaive it carries. The creature’s pointed ears and moist, scaly skin mark it as an outsider. It has a long tail, clawed hands and feet, and a snaky, disgusting beard. You immediately recognize it as a Barbazu, the shock troopers, guards and sentinels of the Baatezu. Fearsome melee combatants, the wounds inflicted by a Barbazu are persistent and difficult to heal. They are resistant to weapons that are neither silvered nor holy, can teleport at will and have the ability to summon large numbers of weaker devils.

As it continues on it raises its glaive and let's out a series of screeches and hisses, the sounds of Infernal. Though your Infernal is a bit rusty, you understand this as, "As promised, they have arrived. Kill them." This appears to prompt four small creatures begin to fly toward you with unnatural speed, shrieking excitedly. Their speech is more difficult to understand, but you hear, "Taller this time!" "Yes, yes, yes!" and "A day late!" As they come into view, they look almost like gargoyles, but they bristle with sharp spikes and have sharp talons on their hands and feet — spinagons. It is a lesser baatezu and serves greater devils as a spy and messenger. Spinagons’ natural attacks erupt in flames when they hit. They can pluck spines from their bodies and throw them with the same effect as their talons. Spinagons have a small number of spell-like abilities to aid their attacks and their escapes. They reserve their most powerful abilities for when they have to flee.

+3 to hit/damage against the Barbazu and +4 to hit/damage against the Spinagons.

You suddenly hear a series of guttural screeches and hisses coming from the darkness in front of you. This appears to prompt four small creatures begin to fly toward you with unnatural speed, shrieking excitedly. As they come into view, they look almost like gargoyles, but they bristle with sharp spikes and have sharp talons on their hands and feet. Whatever they are, they are not of this world.

You recognize the flying creatures as Spinagons, a lesser baatezu that serves greater devils as spies and messengers. They do not exude magical auras, indicating that they are not summoned.

Initiatives are Leianna 19, Nivane 17, Monsters 15, Tycho 12, Lyssa 11, Hammer 4. Given the constraints of PbP, I don't care too much about the order that you post in among yourselves. So Leianna and Nivane will take a turn, then I'll go for the monsters, then everyone can go again and I will resolve actions in the order of initiative to the best of my ability. In order to make combat not take weeks/months, I will take a turn at least every 72-96 hours. If someone doesn't post by the 96 hour mark and doesn't given an indication of an expected delay (which are obviously totally fine), I'll take their turn to do the most straightforward option (generally just a full attack).

In general in combat I prefer to take a more cinematic, freeform approach. I'll describe generally where things are, but beyond that feel free to take liberties to do what you want. E.g. if there's a terrain feature that you want to use to your advantage, you can just fiat that it exists and I welcome creative uses of skills/abilities. At the start of Leianna's first round, the creatures are about 50 feet away horizontally and 35 feet in the air (so 60 feet away in 3D). They are fanned out with about 10 feet between each of them.

For saves, my default would be that I will roll saving throws but not indicate whether you passed or not and then allow 48 hours for everyone to determine whether or not they want to use an action point. Alternately, if we want things to go faster, I could just automatically apply an action point any time you are within 5 of the DC for serious abilities. Let's try the first one out for now, but we can decide later on if it's going too slow.

[Amanil]

https://i.imgur.com/js4HjuQ.jpgLeianna Talldorn

"Hells," Leianna mutters underneath her breath as the creatures approach with their freakish screams. Her feet push against the ground as she raises from her kneeled position, right hand instinctively dropping the torch, notching an arrow, and pulling the drawstring taught.

She moved to be directly in front of Lyssa, eyes scanning the darkness ahead, and consciously slowed her breathing for a moment, waiting for the first sign of whatever approached to show itself such that she could forcibly welcome it.

Guessing Leianna doesn't recognise them, from the slew of other people's spoiler tags and none for her? In either case: move at least 10' to be in front of Lyssa, ready action to attack the first nasty that appears. I'm going to pre-emptively roll here, I guess - GM's welcome to do it when the thing that triggers it instead applies if they so wish.

[roll0]
[roll1] (if relevant)
[roll2]
[roll3]

[adso]

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https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/bgtscc/images/7/79/Dq68so.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140815130720
Nivane Dekker


----
"Hells is right, these are Spinagons from Shavarath, watch out for their spines!" Nivane calls back as he steps back to get partial cover from the rock. "And there's a Barbazu up ahead that seems to be in charge. You'll need holy or silvered weapons to damage it, and its glaive is going to hurt!" he adds as he looses a silvered arrow at the Barbazu in question, assuming that others are less likely to be equipped to deal with it.

To Hit: [roll0]
Confirm Crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[FlamingKobold]

Both Leianna and Nivane's arrows fly true, with Leianna's dropping one of the spinagons out of the air with an unholy screech of pain before it disappears in a cloud of black smoke. Enraged by Nivane's shot, the Barbezu lets out a bloodcurdling scream as it charges at the first target it can see: Hammer. As it comes into view, what stands out the most is the wicked sharp glaive that it swings at Hammer, connecting with the warforged's shoulder. It has a long tail, clawed hands and feet, and a snaky, disgusting beard.

The spinagons appear to be similarly furious at the loss of their companion and all three fly overhead, still shrieking. Two pluck spines out of their bodies and throw them at Leianna in order to take revenge, while the third reaches for the ceiling and summons two additional spinagons from thin air. The spines are true to their mark as well and explode in a fiery burst on impact.

Hammer is hit with the glaive for 15 damage (After damage reduction). In addition, he is now suffering from an infernal wound that will deal two damage at the end of each of his turns (bypassing DR).

Both spines hit Leianna for a total of 4 piercing damage and 5 fire damage. Additionally, each hit requires you to make a fortitude save to resist the distraction of the wracking pain that they inflict. Your results are 18 and 7. Based on those rolls, I assume that you won't use any action points, so you take a -2 penalty to AC and a -10 penalty to speed.

[Kymme]

Tycho springs into action as quickly as he can, but not quickly enough! His companions are injured, the enemy has the upper hand.

He gestures with an open hand, calling his sword from its sheath. As soon as his basket-hilted rapier meets his hand he's beside Hammer, driving forward at the demon before him. All the pomp and circumstance has fled from his body. His movements are mechanical, efficient, and deadly.

Tycho is spending a swift action to assume Stance of Clarity, selecting the bearded devil as his target. He then uses his free action to draw his sword (its lesser crystal of return lets him quick-draw it). After that he moves up to the bearded devil and attacks.

Attack roll: [roll0]
Crit Confirm: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[FlamingKobold]

As Tycho moves in to confront the Barbazu, the devil whirls his glaive around, narrowly missing Tycho before receiving a deft strike from the Khorovar's rapier and crying out in frustration and pain.

Attack of opportunity misses but your melee attack connects.

[Gunhaven]

Hammer grunts as the blow lands, taking a second to register that he had been hit. Another second and he was gripping his maul tightly in both hands and swinging down on the demon. As the hammer falls he adjusts his stance minutely so that it feels like even more weight is crushing down upon his target before returning to a readied stance, prepared for the next blow.

Standard: Mountain Hammer strike!

Attack: [roll0]
Crit?: [roll1]
Damage:[roll2] + [roll3] and I ignore any DR it may have.