The Depths of the (Mega)Dungeon(5E)

[Alkerite]

The grand peaks of the Flying Range stands proud in the distance, dwarven holds clearly visible in the fading light of the twilit hours. Grand golems stand as a silent monuments to battles long since waged, and sand blasted into glass glints in the cool air. But before the path to the Gates of the Phoenix, lies the Last Chance, a humble town that dwellers and seekers of the Arcanocracy alike know well. A melting pot of money, means and magic. Exotic eggs from the depths are brought here, first, many scholars make the Last Chance their abode, choosing the safety of the foundations rather than dwelling in the dangerous, chaotic city, reborn from the Arcanocracy. However, as the fires are set, and the cold night air moves in, visibility under the Range falls to impenetrable inky blackness, and thus transit ceases. The last stretch of the journey will be made tomorrow morning, for new arrivals, and natives alike.

[Naquadah]

Kae is a townie, and insofar as much as Last Chance is part of the town, she is there at least part of the time, especially when out-of-towners arrange for her to work with them. Thus Kae finds herself in a townie bar, drinking a chilled and watered-down mug of spiced wine by a window with a view of the moon above some nearby forest in her pre-mission ritual dedicated to Sehanine Moonbow and Solonor Thelandira. Having picked up some information about the gods of her people--at least her people-as-a-whole--she feels like honoring the goddess of death and the god of the hunt are particularly apt for her skillset.

She awaits the appointed hour, reading again the note passed to her through the subagency of the City Watch that posts essentially "reverse bounties" for experienced delvers sought by newcomers to the area as guides or bodyguards. Kae heads out when the right time is at hand for meeting with the erstwhile organizer of the group, some academic or something, and she can't help but snort. "From the ivory tower to the bloody-red bird gate," she chuckles to herself.

[esorscher]

Boddynock looks over the applicants who have arrived at the tavern from his position seated at a table in the corner, looking out the window. "Is this all of us, then?" He says, concerned that the group may be a little outmatched in the upcoming expedition.

[Estralita]

A tall woman, wearing the clothes of the drow, strides forwards with purpose. While her face is stern, her eyes sparkle with anticipation. "The time for reckoning is at hand." She turns to the group. "Are you ready?"

[Naquadah]

"You're the primary, right? Wouldn't you know if this was everyone?" Kae shrugs and glances at the other people in the tavern - rather, the non-townies, those obviously clustered nearby. "And you're a...professor or something, right? What do you think or hope to find down there, and for...what? Not that it's any of my business, really, but I've been down there before. Place gets crazy, unpredictable, but...maybe if I knew, I could try to figure out how to best plan the delve."

[Fishybugs]

Prelen scans the area as he walks slowly into the building, allowing his eyes to adjust to the dimmer light. He sniffs at the tavern air, trying to use all of his senses to alert him of any potential danger. Finally assured there is safety in these walls, he stands erect and makes his way to the table and has a seat. As he sits, he takes off his weapon belt and leans his swords against the chair.

"Greetings. I take long to get here. Apologies."

[Alkerite]

And with the arrival of the fifth man, the last glimmer of daylight passed beneath the horizon, ushering in the dark. However, the town was far from sleepy, and the buzz of conversation continued in the diner, as folk discussed maps, paths, harvesting iron from slain golems, gathering dragon bones, and other salvaging plans that the drifters on the fringe of the city were known for.