The Heroes of Flanaess

[Relkin]

The Dead Rat Inn. You've all heard of this place but haven't actually been here before. The decaying rat nailed above the door reeks from the recent Godsday that was overly humid. It seems someone had forgotten to replace the rat last week and it's been left to stink longer than it should have.

After examining the notice posted you found your way to The Dead Rat Inn over by the harbor’s west gate, which typically attracts a lot of travelers coming from the forest. From what you've heard it is kept by two human brothers, Migel and Gregor Holdfast. The beds and food are not fantastic, but the price is right at 2 sp a night.

Stepping inside your eyes take a moment to adjust to the stark contrast of light compared to outside. The dimly lit tavern has a few patrons sitting around tables and at the bar. There are a few open tables and depending on when you have made it in there may be one in particular with a few adventuring folks sitting, easy to identify from the drunks. Or perhaps there are none and you are first to arrive. It matters not, but all that does matter is that you are looking for a certain individual. All that you know is that the man will identify himself to you in the inn when the time is right.

And so here you are, ready and waiting to start your new life as an adventurer.

I'm starting you each outside of the inn. Make your way inside, posting your arrival. First come gets to pick the table :smallwink:

[ncpunkin]

Nessa covered herself in a long robe, she had experienced moments of discrimination because of her appearance. Her canines extended just out of her mouth and that was enough to prove her orcish heritage. And despite her claims of half lineage to humans she was constantly put out or even worse threatened.

Those foolish enough to do so were met with an icy cold glare and an equal threat of harm that would only befit a barbarian of the savage ice lands near the farthest stretches of the corsuk mountains.

Nessa finally pushed opened the door of the Dead Rat Inn. She looked indignantly at the hanging rat for a moment, but the warm hearth was at least somewhat welcoming. She walked across the threshold and pulled away her cloak from her face. The room was scattered with patrons, 'This is the place I'm sure of it.' She thought and moved to a table away from the crowd.

[charlesrwest]

While Anthony was starting to feel a bit desperate regarding his family's finances, that didn't mean that he was about to become sloppy. Mage armor active. Check. Anthony circled the end twice and ran a careful eye over it. There were two exits visible, a main entrance and a back door leading to a less used alley with piles of refuse (through the kitchen?). Opportunity there, if things went south with this job.

Anthony carefully entered the back alley, alert for any passerby, and got to work. A minor bit of magic (mold earth) swept a large pot hole into the center of the gravel street and swept the dirt into a mound blocking off one side of the street. A little labor split the refuse across the other side, making the alley an unappealing option to traverse. Carefully, Anthony buried a flask of lantern oil into the pile (ready to be lit a moment's notice). Lastly, he carefully set his hunting trap on the more obvious path through the rubbish. People tended not to be as careful when chasing someone past a fire, so there was a decent chance any pursue would get stuck next to a rather hot fire. He'd have to be pretty careful running through it himself though.

Anthony stepped back from the alley. He'd tried to be quick, but some things can't be rushed. Sniffing his hands, he winced. They smelled pretty strongly of the refuse that he had just moved. Well, nothing for it. Anthony cleaned himself up as best he was able with the water skin from his pack, circled the building one last time.

Anthony directed Otto to keep watch nearby to let him know about people entering and exiting the building. If this was some sort of trap, he intended to be well clear before it closed. With a word and a gesture, he conjured an invisible servant and instructed it to keep close behind him. Might be useful for tripping up any pursuit. Well, he couldn't put this off any longer. Anthony took a steadying breath and headed inside.

He'd have to figure out the way out the back door, then find this mysterious employer. Hopefully the meeting would be quick. It wouldn't do for someone to wander into the hunting trap by accident.


Hope the added detail to the scene is OK. If it is not, just let me know.
Skill checks, as needed:
Investigation: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]
Stealth: [roll2]

[FunkyMunky]

Maz entered the inn, stopping briefly to take in his surroundings before the smell hit him. With a grimace, Maz looks up, sees the rat, and with a grunt moves to sit at a table at the far wall before seeing Nessa. He has spent enough time with the "uncivilized" to know when one is not to be messed with. 'Well, time to make some friends.'

Maz pauses, then moves to sit with her.

"Place smells about as bad as it looks, eh?"

[Kio]

Elh Carver found herself standing outside of the Dead Rat Inn. She tried to tell herself that it was just like any other inn that she frequented, that inside Would be the same red-cheeked smiling faces and whooping drinking songs... but she couldn’t shake the nervousness in her stomach that this place could be bad news.

’Gods, what am I doing? This is crazy! I can just turn around and go home. Father won’t be upset. He’ll probably be relieved!’

She adjusted her backpack, and she felt the unfamiliar weight of steel on her belt. It was her mother’s rapier, hanging at her side.

Elh steadied herself.

‘No. There’s no magic at home. There’s no adventure, or wonder at home! Come on, Elh, no turning back!’

She set her lip determinedly, and stepped across the street, heading for the door. As she got closer, she squinted at the misshapen mass above the door. What was it? Some sort of sack? A waterskin maybe? But why directly above the...

‘Oh God’s, it’s an actual dead rat.’

The smell hit her, and her stomach churned. She placed her hand over her mouth in a vain attempt to keep the smell away, and she tried to correct her determined course to try and avoid the dead animal.

In her distractedness she barreled clumsily almost directly into a taller, dark-haired man who was already a step inside the inn door.

“Th-thousand pardons!” She managed to get out, bowing her head and trying desperately to move past him, trying to get away from the dead rat and the awkward situation... however her progress seemed blocked by a strange force, almost like some sort of invisible person was in her way.

[charlesrwest]

Ye gods. Not even a foot inside the door and already compromised. That was the problem with a the servant spell. They take everything so very literally. Silently, Anthony issued new orders. Maybe things could still be salvaged.

"Get inside quick and stay at least 2 ft from any person without disturbing any objects"

Next... yes. Another mental command goes out.
"Otto, stay out of sight and shriek as loud as you can! I know it hurts your throat. I'll make it up to you."

As the shriek is heard, Anthony gestures wildly. "What was that!" Hoping this stranger is distracted, he quickly checks his pockets.

Pack. Check.
Money (9 sp). Check.
Focus Crystal. Check.
Spell book. Check.

and then quickly walks inside. He has an exit to find and a mysterious employer to meet.

[ncpunkin]

Nessa watches the dwarf take his spot at her table. She leans back at his words, causing the chair to groan under her and her gear's weight, "I suppose." The door's opening and the appearance of the two new guests is the main reason for her curtness. Nessa grips a handaxe as there seems to be some confusion at the door. She relaxes a bit, "Well then, isn't that interesting?" She returns her attention to the dwarf again.

She finally leans forward and thrusts out a hand, "I'm Nessa, nice to meet you. You must have seen the flyer as well?" She shakes the dwarf's hand firmly and sits back, "I bet those two have as well." She says nodding to the door.

[Kvard51]

Ben was almost to the appointed place. The Dead Rat. Poetic.... As he approached, he did his best to remain in the shadows. It was so much easier to observe when you weren’t seen. He stopped and watched as a young man went into an alley, then out again, then into the tavern. He saw the bluster and boldness of the dwarf as he entered the bar. The uncertainty of the pretty girl was evident, but she steeled herself and made her way in. Then the loud shriek. But no one came running...

After that, no one for a time. Benaiah decided those who were coming were here and he should make his way in. In to the inn. Gods, how he hated dives like this.

As he stepped up to the door, he saw the rat. Before he could react, the smell hit him. The smell of cities. Vermin, filth, and death... He pushed open the door and stepped inside, pausing a moment to allow his eyes to adjust to the change in lighting.He slipped past the pretty girl and the paranoid fellow as he made his way to the far wall. Finding a spot where he could lean and keep his eyes on the dwarf... That’s a big half-breed he’s talking too... and the door, he settles down to wait.

[Kio]

Elh gave a start and whirled around at the screech, hand still vainly cupped over her mouth. Her eyes scanned the surroundings for a long moment. She blinked. She couldnt see anything out of the ordinary. No commotion in the street. She glanced back, but the tall man was already gone, hurriedly moving into the building.

Elh paused for long enough to be puzzled, but the carcass spurred her into motion before too long.

She passed through the doorway and looked around. From what she could detect, the place seemed... pretty normal. Perhaps a bit mellow. She considered playing some music to liven the place up, but then she remembered why she had come. She was here to meet someone!

At a table set apart from the main crowd, she noticed two people who held their stature a little higher than the others in the room... Which is to say they weren’t drunkenly slumped over their cups. That seemed like a good bet.

She headed determinedly in that direction, letting her hand drop from her face to the hilt of her rapier (More for comfort than for any hope of defense). As she got closer, she felt their eyes on her. Despite her nervousness, she straightened her back and spoke (almost defensively) “I’m here in response to the posting. Is one of you the one I’m meant to be meeting?”

[FunkyMunky]

Maz watches the spectacle unfold before turning back to Nessa.

"Aye, it is nice to meet you as well."

He turns as Elh walks up to the table.

At the sight of Elh's nervousness, Maz decided he could relax.

"It seems I follow a curious flyer and I find even more curious people, eh? No, I am in the same position as you. I am Maz, what is your name?"

[charlesrwest]

The inn was more crowded than Anthony was comfortable with. It was impossible not to have your back to someone. Still though, at least the back exit was easy to find. A door frame without a door led into the kitchen and there it was (not that he actually did more than look).

Anthony stood in the corner (for a few moments) taking in the scene. It seemed like he wasn't the only one answering the ad. Time to meet the potential co-workers?

Anthony walks up to the table and talks as if he had been part of the conversation, rather than awkwardly ease-dropping in the corner.

"I'm Anthony. Wards, security, some magic. Does anyone know what this employer is suppose to look like?"

[ncpunkin]

Nessa watches as more people approach her table and even kicks a chair out for Anthony and whistles and whirls her hand, "A round for my friends." Nessa's eyes scan the room, "He hasn't made himself known."

Nessa's other hand traces the handle of her handaxe, closed in and crowded spaces made her antsy.

[FunkyMunky]

Maz doesn't seem to be perturbed by Anthony's sudden appearance.

"Not a clue, but no need to be so professional. It seems we will be getting to know each other quite well, even while we wait for our man. Our guy is a bit unprofessional himself, it seems. Might as well make ourselves comfortable!"

Maz leans back in his chair and starts to keep an eye out for a barmaid, and notices Nessa's restlessness.

"That's a good weapon you got there, Nessa. Where is it from?"

[Kio]

When Anthony approached the table, Elh tensed, afraid he was there to reprimand her or something of the like. She relaxed a little as he mentioned also seeking the employer. So they were all here for the same thing? She wondered how many others might show.

Elh settled down into a seat, and started making mental notes of people’s names. The one she had bumped into in the doorway was Anthony. He seemed... a little stiff. His eyes were always moving, checking his surroundings with scientific insistence. And Magic? Did he say magic?! Exciting!

Elh had overheard the other girl’s name: Nessa. Elh had only ever seen two other half-orcs in person, and they had started barroom brawls on both occasions. Nessa definitely seemed like she could hold her own in a fight, but she seemed more... measured, than anything. Even with the half-orc’s hand on her axe, Elh didn’t feel threatened, the way she had around other half-orcs.

Then there was the dwarf who had introduced himself to her. He seemed the most relaxed out of all of them. His eyes were steady, not moving about like Anthony’s or Nessa’s. Maz’s eyes had the look of a soldier’s. It was a look that Elh had seen before, in the faces of the soldiers who passed through bars where she had performed. They always seemed to be waiting for something, or perhaps trying to forget...?

“My name is Elh. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you.”

Elh smiled. Sure, she was in the back corner of an inn with a dead rat nailed to the door, but her nervousness was slowly melting into a kind of cautious excitement. Was this what the beginning of an adventure felt like?

[ncpunkin]

Nessa nods and offers what could be considered a smile, but it was clear she was watching them for any sign of hostile action. She turns her head back to the dwarf and seems to be deciding on rather tell him the full truth or sugar coat a lie.

She puts the handaxe on the table and leans forward pushing it closer, "In the far North, at the base of the Corrsuk range, the warriors of the fields have taken some of your brethren." She pauses for a moment to let him view the careful workings of the weapon, "They create all the warriors weaponry so we may raid and fight amongst ourselves." She waits for the Dwarf to return the weapon and lets it fall back into the loop on her hip.

[Kvard51]

Ben watched the group gather at the half-orc's table. Clearly not the same as this other lot... He figures them to be like him, here to answer the advertisement. Time to mosey over, I reckon...

He approaches the table, six foot and wiry with a bushy beaerd and tousled hair. His leather armor is age darkened and stained. It has obiously seen heavy use. He has a staff in his hand and a wooden shield on his back. Curiously, the staff has a single twig with a leaf growing from it, just near the head of the staff. He nods as he approaches, addressing his words to the half-orc, "Well met, job-seeker. Might'n a fellow join you at your table?"

[Kio]

Elh glanced back as the man with the staff approaches the table. She looked him over curiously. It was a little strange, but for some reason, to Elh, he looked very tree-like. His ruffled hair and beard, along with his darkened armor and the faint smell of vegetation that followed him. Elh would have believed that there were roots in his boots in stead for feet.

These were some of the most interesting strangers she had ever met!

[charlesrwest]

As the others talked, Anthony closely inspects each of them. He notes Elh's multiple instruments and the tip of the quill sticking out of her pack. The new arrival's curious staff. Maz's well worn armor and holy symbol. And it doesn't take much to see Nessa's enormous great axe.

This is a dangerous and diverse group, for all that they seem friendly enough right now. Should this go badly... well, it could go very badly indeed. On the other hand, what sort of job could require all this?

And what could it pay?

[Relkin]

After about an hour each newcomer has finally reached the tavern and made an acquaintance of one another. You all sit there chatting freely enough but as the time dwindles on you seem to grow a bit antsy. You didn't come here to make friends with random strangers... No you came here for a job and a new life of adventure.
Another hour comes and goes and soon hope begins to seem lost, but right as you began to think to leave the door to the tavern swings wildly open! The danger sense you have come to rely on kicks in and each of you turn towards the doorway, prepared for a fight! What you find though is not as alarming as you had originally thought.

In walks an elderly man dressed in dark clothing. From his first steps into the room the observant can easily notice a limp, and the trained eye would follow that up by catching the sound of a wooden leg hitting the floorboards. Producing a cane from behind him the man steps into the room, straight for your table. Any signs of protest or comment are ignored by him as he slowly pulls a chair over, not putting the effort in to lift it or calm any noise the dragging may make. Once he reaches the table he turns the chair around to face the group, hanging his cane on the chairs back, and then plops himself down into it. He lets out a heavy sigh before finally looking up at you all. He stares at each of your faces, one by one.

"So, you must be the adventurers." He speaks in a raspy voice, flashing a toothy grin when he finishes.

[charlesrwest]

Despite his twitchy nature, Anthony doesn't so much as twinge when the stranger enters the end (Otto had given him a head's up). He carefully observed his potential employer and... discovered that he has absolutely no idea who this man is. Not knowing what to do, Anthony reverts to his default way of introducing himself to clients.

Anthony awkwardly holds out his hand and says:

"Anthony. Wards, security, some magic. I've heard you might have a job for us?"

[Kio]

Elh was enjoying listening to the reserved chat happening amongst the strangers. Time had worn on, though, and her nervousness came back in waves. Eventually, when the door flew open, she stared at the haggard looking figure who entered. She knew enough to keep her guard up, especially around people such as this.

Before she though about it too much, she spoke “Yes. Well... I’m not sure about adventurers quite yet, but at the very least, we’re all interested in helping you with your posting.”

She looked around to the group to make sure she had spoken correctly. Then back to the man.

“Could you possibly elaborate on the specifics of the work? The flyer was quite vague.”

[ncpunkin]

Nessa was on her third ale by the time the man approached them, "Yes, yes, yes...we are what you need, if the pay is well and the spoils ours." She slams her mug down after draining it and raises the tankard, "ANOTHER!" She cries to the barkeep, "And one for..." She stops, "Who are you again?" She says slamming the tankard down and leans close trying to catch the old man's words.

[Kvard51]

The humble approach had always worked for Ben. He decided to give it a try here.
"I don't know about adventurers, but we are here in response to your flyers."

[FunkyMunky]

Maz takes a moment to process what Nessa said. 'To the north? I wonder if I have fought, or fought with, some of her kin?'

At the sound of the door slamming open, he turns around, more curious than anything, to see who would barge into the inn like this. He takes in the old man and chuckles. 'Who is this guy?'

With a nod of his head, "Ho there, you know how to make an entrance, eh? We've waited enough and as the day grows longer, I grow drunker! Let's get down to business!"

[Relkin]

The older man gives you all a once over again as you introduce yourself. He seems to ignore your questions as he makes his inspections. "Yes good good this will do. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Thansurk Riztorf Dunkin the 4th." He waits a moment before continuing, "I have come into the possession of a journal detailing a hidden vault. Within it's halls holds vast untold treasures." He again pauses, the dramatics getting the better of him.
"I will give you these journal pages letting you have access to any and all items within, save for one." Mr. Dunkin holds up a single finger, on a hand missing 2. "A magical relic of untold beauty. The Sryixx. It is a tiara outlined with multicolored gems. You will know it when you see it." The man begins to eagerly pull out the pages from his tattered cloak. "In addition to any loot you find I will also reward this party a grand total of 200 gold pieces!" His excitement is barely contained from uttering such a thing.

"So, do we have a deal?"

[charlesrwest]

Anthony leans back in his chair.

"That's a generous offer. A very generous offer. Let me ask, though, why do you need us? Is there something guarding this vault? Are there deadly traps? Powerful magic?"

[Relkin]

The old man leans forward over the table inching every so close to Anthony's face. He stares at him with a raised eyebrow for about 30 seconds before finally speaking, "Boy did you not see the peg leg that I hobbled in on?" He leans back finally but then bends over a bit reaching for something. You all hear an audible pop followed by the man slamming a wooden leg onto the table. "The vault is located a ways from here and would prove a very difficult trip for me to make. Even so I would have a hard time navigating the halls. I am not an adventurer such as yourselves so I seek out to hire one." He picks up the leg and jabs it in Anthony's direction, pointing at him, "Any more questions boy?"

[charlesrwest]

Anthony's thoughts flick back to the 9 silvers in his pocket which are is entire fortune and his siblings back home. (Interally)... not for you.

"I am satisfied, sir. I accept this commission. May I see the notes?"

[ncpunkin]

Nessa laughs at the man's bluntness and continues to gulp her ale, "Well said, well said." She puts down her third empty mug down, "I'll leave it to the 'boy' to read the fine print, so long as we all get a fair share."

She smiles at Anthony, sits back and plays with a bear claw on her necklace, "One more question before we proceed, What does this 'Syrixx' do?"

[Kvard51]

Watching the man fumbling with the papers, Ben began clearing a space on the table. Here you go, Mr Dunkin. Spread those out where we can all see them. I'd like to see what we are in for.

[Relkin]

Anthony responds flatly to the mans insults, "I am satisfied, sir. I accept this commission. May I see the notes?"

Watching the man fumbling with the papers, Ben began clearing a space on the table. Here you go, Mr Dunkin. Spread those out where we can all see them. I'd like to see what we are in for.

Old man Dunkin waves his peg leg, more of a prop at this point, back and forth as if you didn't say the magic word "Not until you all agree to the job. These notes stay in my hands until then."

After giving Anthony a smile Nessa leans back and presses for a bit more information, "One more question before we proceed, What does this 'Syrixx' do?"

The old man puts down the leg, after waving it about like a child with a new toy, and stares sternly at Nessa. For a moment he appears serious, opposite than the impression he had been giving off earlier, but that quickly disappears and his unusual aloof old man demeanor returns "You needn't worry yourself with that. The rest goes to you and the Syrixx to myself."

[FunkyMunky]

Maz gets a gleam in his eye. 'I probably can't trust this old badger as far as I can throw him (granted that's pretty far!), but this sounds like a good opportunity for me.'

He leans back, crossing his arms.

"This "Syrixx" must be pretty important to you, huh? Either way, I'm in. I am curious to see what else we might find in here! What says the last of our little gang?"

[Kio]

Elh thought deeply about this proposition.. and about the man giving it. When he produced his wooden leg and started waving it around, she had to suppress a small laugh. The gravity of the situation mingled with the strange image of it all in her mind to produce a sort of grim humor.

Elh did a bit of quick mental arithmetic. 200 gold pieces split five ways... She felt her heart thump. Fourty gold? A small fortune! Enough for an entire flock of sheep, and to keep her well fed for over a year! It was also enough to fund her travels for some time...

She looked around at the others, meeting the dwarf’s eyes for a moment, and decided to go for it.

“I’m in!” she said with a smile, and forced confidence.

[Relkin]

A smile creeps onto the mans face once everyone agrees. He grabs the leg from the table and pops it back on. Getting up he takes the journal pages, and places the 3 of them onto the table before straightening his back and looking at the group, "I'm happy we have come to an agreement. Find your way to the waterfalls named Razorfall north west of here and follow the instructions on the journal." He gives you all one final look over, "I will meet you all back here one to two weeks time. Best of luck to you all." With that he turns on his heels and exits the tavern.

[ncpunkin]

Nessa puts her mug down and with a quizzical look stares the old man down. When he mentions the timeframe she nods, "Agreed..." Once the old man had left them she turns to Anthony, "What do you make of this?" She starts to create a list of different items, listens to the other's ideas and eventually stands walking to the bar keep, "I need these items, where is the general store?" Once she gets an answer; Nessa drops a silver on the bar, "The ale was watered down....this is fair, agreed?"

Nessa makes her way out of the tavern and to the general store. Once she gets everything on her list she rejoins the group, "I suggest we get underway before nightfall; two weeks maybe a long time but best to keep moving." She waits for the others and hefts her newly purchased equipment and lets one of the 'smarties' take point.

[Kvard51]

Ben nods his head. "Two weeks. We'll be back by then with your treasure. One question, though. Do you have any idea what is said in the center section here, where the words are smeared?"


"I have everything I need, so I am ready to go, Nessa. Now, does anyine know WHERE we are going?" Ben smiles at the group, humor evident around his eyes.

[charlesrwest]

Anthony puts up a hand. "Friends, let us not be too hasty. We have two weeks time and while the treasure seems bountiful, so does the danger. I, for one, would not wish to wander into a deathtrap unprepared. And there is the matter of this 'Sryixx' object which is guarded with such care. I wish to know more about the man that gave us these notes before handing over an artifact of great power. Not only that, I do not know off hand where the Razorfall is located. I suggest that we prepare and investigate for a day or two before heading out."

With a silent mental command, Anthony asked Otto to follow their eccentric employer and see where he went (returning back once he seemed to have settled in a location).

[Kio]

Elh poured over the pages again and again, fascinated by the words passed from father to son. The more she read, the more she knew how dangerous the task ahead would be, and how critical it was to be properly prepared.

Every time her eyes passed over the ink-blotched area on the page, her jaw tightened with frustration. She held the page close to her face, trying in vain to discern the specifics hidden beneath the blotch.

Eventually an idea occurred to her.

“Um... Excuse me...” she said to the group nervously, “do you think that before we go, we could possibly bring this mussed page to my father at the bindery? He is a master at the restoration of books and manuscripts. It’s possible he has some way of revealing to us what is beneath this ink stain.”

[Kvard51]

While I think your idea is an excellent one, Elh, I do not believe I can stand more time in "civilization". I will set up a camp on the outskirts and prepare for the morrow.

Ben nods to the group and heads out to freedom.

[charlesrwest]

Anthony quickly scribbles out a note and uses mage hand to float it after Ben. "Very well, then. Let's do that and meet up at the road on the edge of town in the morning. Nessa can get her shopping, Elh can take the page and I will be doing some checking up on this employer of ours. Good day."

Anthony sees himself out and then sends his servant to activate/retrieve the trap, oil and do clean up. He then wanders about seeing if he can did anything more up about this mysterious employer. Death or riches, adventure awaits in the morning.

[ncpunkin]

Nessa returns to find Ben mentioning heading towards the city limits, "I'll join you...the countryside is far more welcoming than the hanging rat, far less cramped, too." She nods her goodbyes to Elh and the others,"Besides it is wiser to have strength in numbers if bandits happen upon your camp." Nessa heaves her pack and repositions her giant battle axe, "Do you already have a place in mind?"

[Kvard51]

Smiling at Nessa, Ben motions for her to join him, "I don't, but it shouldn't be too hard to locate a good camp spot." He looks at her intently, "Perhaps you would like to tell me of where you came from?"

[Kio]

Elh smiled when the others seemed to agree with her idea. She watched Ben and Nessa go.

“Right then. I’ll be taking this page to my father tonight. Who knows how long it will take him to do his work, or if he even can. He’s very busy these days. Would, um... would you two like to meet him?”

She directed the question at Anthony and Maz. She had spent some time with these people, and her father met all kinds of people every day for business affairs. She doubted that there was any harm in introducing him to a couple of her co-adventurers.

[Relkin]

The night comes and just as quickly the sun rises once again. The group reconvenes at the tavern and prepare to trek out. Elh shares that unfortunately her father was unable to clear up the ink without destroying the fragile notes, and even then was a gamble he could.

Setting off the five trek through the wilderness. After two days you finally begin to see the base of the mountain and start to hear the roaring of a waterfall. Plodding along through the forest at the base of the mountain is an absolute chore; mud grabs at the soles of your shoes with every step and your pace is slowed further by overgrown brush and bramble. Finally, the tree line breaks, and a majestic waterfall dominates your view, tumbling down the tops of the mountain and crashing into a pool of clear water before you. You can see a ledge protruding from behind it. The water clears the side of the mountain by a good 10 feet.

Drawing closer your move towards the lege. Moving behind the waterfall isn’t difficult, though the stony ledge is slippery and there’s no avoiding the spray of water that clouds the approach. Soon enough, you have curtains of water and stone on either side of you. You can see a cave come into view, carved within the mountainside, as you draw closer. It’s dark and silent, any noise from it drowned in the roar of crashing water.

[Kvard51]

Murmuring words in Druidic, Benaiah raises a cupped hand and a flickering flame appears. He looks at the others and begins walking towards the dark opening.

"Might as well see what's in there, right?"

[charlesrwest]

"STOP RIGHT THERE!! This is an UNKNOWN area with UNKNOWN defenses that are designed to kill and maim unauthorized intruders! That's US! Friends don't let friends get murdered by traps. Lets take a moment and work this out."

Anthony ritual casts alarm on the ledge ("so we know if there is an ambush force coming in behind us.") He then ritual summons an unseen servant and has it go 20 ft in front of the party, dragging a river rock. He then enters after casting mage armor, alert for traps.

[Kio]

Elh shivered under the weight of her wet clothes. It had been a long trip, and her feet aches from moving. She slumped against the wet edge of the dark cave. She blinked at a sudden light, then her eyes went wide when Beniah made a flame from seemingly nowhere.

She recovered quickly from the fatigue of travel, and the shock of sudden magical feats, and remembered the papers. She took them out from where she had them double-wrapped inside her small leather writer’s pouch. She unwrapped them carefully, and was careful to shield them from the spray of the falls.

She had plenty of time to read while Anthony spent time casting, and while he feverishly casted protection spells, Elh mumbled aloud the words... “To find your inheritance my son, slip past Razorfall into a cave you can only see once you’re behind it. Walk to the back of that cave and to the darkness speak ‘I seek what is mine.’ Then... you’ll hear your father’s voice”

She read it aloud a few times while Anthony worked away. Then she gazed around, squinting at the darkness of the cave. “What do you suppose he meant by... ’you can only see it once you’re behind it?’”

[ncpunkin]

Nessa sits just outside the cave on a small natural ledge, enjoying the cool water breeze splashing back against them. She notices the magic users going about their typical sneaky magic tricks. She hefts her axe and follows Anthony closely behind him. She waits until they are in the cave's mouth and pokes Anthony, "Find any traps yet?"She says jokingly. Though as they progressed further it was obvious her eyes were peeled for the same aspects that Anthony feared.


Roll: [roll0]
Disadvantage {if required}: [roll1]

[Kio]

When Elh sees Nessa heft her axe, and Anthony casting some serious abjuration on himself, she choose to re-fold the paper and pull out her rapier instead.

Anthony’s sharp words had shaken her. It was dawning on her that they truly were going in. Despite the obvious danger, they were going in. Her heart started beating faster. Was she ready? Maybe she should stay outside.

“W-wait! Maybe this is a bad idea. I mean, Anthony is right, we don’t really know what we’re walking into here. Isn’t there a way we could get the artifact without going in? Anthony, could we send your magic servant in to get it for us? We have a map...”

The rapier in her hand felt strange, and held little comfort against the threat of traps and magic. This was hardly like the duels that she and her friends had held in the streets with sticks. The blade in her hand was real, and the enemy in-knowable.

[Kvard51]

"I suspect we could have already been rich if it weren't for Anthony's delicate disposition. Buck up Elh, we have our part of the map. Certainly we can figure out the rest between us."

Druidic words fortify the flame in Ben's palm as he again walks toward the cavern entrance. "It's time to get started before we are stuck out on this ledge in the dark."