Digging Up the Past

[SenbonKageYoshi]

You all meet up with Malrion outside the gates of Aellyn's Folly, and as soon as every one has arrived, the expedition departs. As well as yourselves and Malrion the expedition consists of 15 hired guards of dubious skill, 40 skilled workers (guys with shovels who carry stuff) and 5 other archeologists. Malrion sets a swift marching pace through the foothills of the nearby Dragon Spine mountains which is surprising given his obvious old age. As the sun begins to set, Malrion orders a halt and for camp to be set up.

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

The thin, gaunt man who had often ranged ahead to talk to Malrion during the trip sits down in front one of the communal fires and holds his hands out to the flames, seeking their warmth.

At first the flames seem to shrink back from his hands, but they coax themselves back into prominence and the man sighs as heat washes over him. His swept-back ash-gray hair lends prominence to his facial features, high bones visible under skin that seems a little sallow. Though his long coat obscures most of him, anyone looking can see the glint of mail underneath it.

As he warms himself he nods to anyone passing.

"Join the fire, a long march deserves a long rest."

[tonberryking]

Hilde

A tiny but separate fire pit, recently dug, stands a little ways away from the main fires, sharing its space with a single tent and a small tree. Using the last one as a hitching post for her horse, the elf called Hilde finishes the final touches on her own private base.

It's the only work she's been bothered to do this whole trip, having failed earlier to convince one of the dubious guards or skilled workers to pitch the tent for her. Indeed, while her black leathers and deadly looking bow help with graceful features to paint a skilled ranger's appearance, Hilde has been rather lazy since the trek started.

Now pausing to adjust the web of braids holding up her mane, she blinks at Vorton expectantly. "...Is it time for dinner?"

[Eternal Kanus]

A sickly boy takes his place at the fire. As he approached the blaze and his shadow began to appear, his face seemed to twitch slightly, almost unnoticeable. Hello again, Umbra.

A voice filled Zeren's head. Anyone else would not know where such a voice came from, but he knew that it was Umbra, the shadow-spirit bound to him for their mutual benefit. It's never pleasant to lose coherence. Damned sunset.

I can assume... but we'll need to limit our conversations while we're here. We can't risk being seen... I don't want someone assuming that I'm a Nagash cultist trying to find something of his or some such thing.

I know, I know... ahh... It'll be boring just watching, but I don't want you killed either. Besides, as long as you keep using my power, I'm fine.

Don't worry, I will whenever necessary. Zeren looked around at the others. The elf had been working to make her own shelter, away from the rest of them. He had seen that she hadn't done too much to help anyone else- neither had Zeren, for that matter, but in his case it's because he is far too frail to do as much as the average traveller. The human, on the other hand, intrigued Zeren. He didn't seem entirely... normal, for lack of a better word, but he still intrigued Zeren. "Hello, I am Zeren Vaul, a scholarly assistant on this voyage. Who might you be?"

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

Vorton smiles thinly as the two newcommers greet him.

"Do you mistake me for a cook, miss? I admit my similarities to the camp fry-up man are striking, but no, I've already eaten and thus have nothing to offer but company."

Vorton spends a moment regarding the boy that just sat with him. There was something about him, a difference in the way he carried himself and glanced into the shadows around them that piqued the dread necromancer's interest.

"Good meet then, I am Vorton Saul. Being somewhat of an expert in the powers of the dead, and in the escaping of their clutches, I was hired to protect and advise on and about them."

[kentma57]

Watching Zeren from across the fire, "What's wrong with you boy. We are about to see a marvel of engineering and you can't even smile." Raising a drink to his lips. "Maybe a drink would help him lighten up, right Bosk?"

[Eternal Kanus]

Zeren raises an eyebrow at Vorton upon hearing his specialty. "Powers of the dead, hmm? Hopefully we won't be dealing with too much of the kind, but it's good to know there's someone with a bit of knowledge on the kind. Hopefully this means you won't confuse me for one of them, I'm not there yet..." He then grins and turns to face the dwarf. "You just wait until we get to the ruins... it might not be a typical smile, but it'll at least be a look of awe. Then a smile. And thanks for the offer, but knowing me, a drink would do me in. Doubly so, if it's a dwarven brew."

[turbosloth]

As the group gathers around the fire, a pale, scholarly looking man walks into the group. His unusual tattooing gives him a commanding presence.

"My name is Tiberius Germanicus. If it pleases you, I would beg permission to share your fire" he says from a standing position. Despite his words being a request, his tone of voice makes it obvious that aquesence is expected.

As he sits down, a figure lurches out of the darkness behind him and takes up a standing position roughly 6 feet behind him. The figure is completley robed in black cloth, and nothing can be seen of his nature except that his is of roughly human proportions, and he carries a longsword and a shield.

[Ryuuk]

Bosk

Next to Hathor sat a pale dwarf who seems engrossed with something at his side. All kinds of craftsman's tools lay around him. The heavily armored dwarf seems to ignore most of what's going on around him.

Bosk looks up from his work, a large axe now halfway polished, only at the mention of his name. After a moments pause, his yellow eyes land on Zeren. "If he wants to stop worrying, then sure, a drink's the cure." The cloth doesn't even leave his hand, it simply takes a short lived break and continues.

A few of the comments finally get him to put it away, it would have to wait until it was quieter. "Have a seat, we don't really own it either. Your friend might as well join us too." After a moments pause, he realizes that something else was probably expected of him. "Tiberius? Name's Bosk... I'd probably be called a hired guard"

[kentma57]

"Hired guards! I think we are a little better trained than that, though I supose you were always the modest one."

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul
"And welcome to you all. It seems as if we all hold to our own areas of expertise."

Vorton shades his eyes from the fire to get a better look at the black-garbed figure behind Tiberius, squinting slightly.

"Tiberius, does your silent guardian have a name? I feel ill at ease when I do not give a person their proper credit, and to do that a name is essential."

Rolling a spot check tosee if Vorton can detect what the shrouded figure is.

[roll0]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Vorton Saul, you are unable to determine anything new about the cloaked figure behind Tiberius.

[turbosloth]

"Yorrick is my manservant, and bodyguard. The unfortunate man is both deaf-mute and horribly deformed, and is greatly distressed if anyone looks upon his skin. Please don't mind him, he'll be quiet there, after a while you'll forget he's even present."

Glancing at Vorton, he adds "As a scholarly aid here, it would seem our area's of expertise... overlap somewhat. Perhaps we could be of aid to each other."

And what are you hiding, I wonder...

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

"I would not deem to call myself a scholar, good Tiberius, merely first hand experience and happenstance have given me my knowledge. Nonetheless I would welcome the opportunity to speak at length on our mutual fields of expertise."

Him and the shadowed one, they interest me. Best to gauge their abilities soon lest they become true unknowns.

"In any case, have any of you gleaned what might await us at the ruin? Of course knowledge that has been lost for centuries is our goal, but I know very little of this keep regardless. Any light that could be shed would be most welcome."

[Ryuuk]

Bosk

"Fine, fine. Maybe mercenaries? Hired hands? Problem solver?" Bosk shrugs, taking a drink from his waterskin and putting the cloth away. "Probably problem solvers really. Bound to get our hands full with so many bookish types."

Spilling some water as he gestures, he continues. "It's why I'm hear at least, I'm simply after the coins that'll change hands when this is done. I've seen enough ruins back home, really."

[Eternal Kanus]

Zeren glanced at between the two conversations. He had been trying to follow along both, but quickly accepted that such an act would yield nothing, and turned to focus on the two humans over the two dwarves. "Ah, but that's the question, isn't it? We don't know what we'll actually find. It could be an empty ruin of an age gone by, or it could reveal the secrets of the end of Nagash's reign. Half the fun is finding out, at least in my own opinion."

Hmm... if my perceptions are correct, we have two death mages here... going to investigate what may be the last dwelling of the most powerful undead in history... heh. This could be rather interesting...

[kentma57]

"Something on your mind?"

[tonberryking]

Vorton Saul
"In any case, have any of you gleaned what might await us at the ruin? Of course knowledge that has been lost for centuries is our goal, but I know very little of this keep regardless. Any light that could be shed would be most welcome."

In response, and interrupting any reply Zeren might have had, comes the twang of a bowstring. Hilde looks up from a spot appropriated for herself by the main fire, having tightened and fitted her bow string to a bow of combined pieces of darkwood. The recurve tips at each end represent talons or claws by the look of their carving, and other than knotted inlay at either end of the grip, it's unadorned, letting the craftsmanship be the mark of quality.

Hardly fitting given the lazy look on the elf's face. "Don't know anything about the ruins, just that this may need more use than catching a late dinner," the bow is lifted lightly, T' be honest I'm more surprised by the number of us that were hired... along with the workers, but it's really the only thing I've seen that struck me as odd."

"Anyone want anything? I'm going to go catch some supper."

[Paramour Pink]

“I don't know how much you'll find out there. A group this large probably scares away wildlife,” a young voice protested to the hunter.

Cassandra Clarion had idly been listening to the conversation as she waltzed away from one group and plunked her weighted self down with a sigh. Her breastplate no longer feeling as much a burden to her, but still bothersome. “But I've got some rations if you'd care to stay and sit.”

In firelight the insignia of the Invincible deity shone that much brighter, as though her god were subtly siphoning credit for her being there. The pale-faced blond didn't want to deny it. Although the unfortunate fact she was going to be going in a dusty, dead-end tomb for no reason other than to sate somebody's curiosity was true, she wanted to help keep some kind of confidence and calm in everyone in the camp. She had spent most of the march introducing herself and letting others know she intending to see everyone into and out of the abandoned fortress alive. If nothing else, others she had spoken to were eased by seeing a knight of a holy order, especially when heading into a place of assumed evil.

Cassandra's green eyes settled on the sickly looking boy with certain confidence and an upbeat voice. “And I figure a few old bones, maybe moving around, that need to be put to rest. That's the worst we'll find down there, and I'm more than prepared to put an end to that.”

She looked around, giving everyone an idle glance, taking into stock numbers instead of faces. Cassandra was finding it impossible to remember everyone, and hated thinking of lives in terms of numbers. But she still thought a rough count would help her keep track of others.

“Look, I missed your introductions, but all you need is my own,” she grinned. “My name is Cassandra Clarion. And if anything down there so much as twitches the wrong way, tell me. There's nothing I can't handle.”

[tonberryking]

Hilde

"Ugh, no, the elf makes a face, "I'd rather try to find something that hasn't been scared off rather than eat those things, but thanks anyway. Name's Hilde.

Checking her gear over with surprisingly professional care, including a stuffed quiver of well-fletched arrows, she stands up again. "Besides, even if I can't find anything, it may let me know something about this place... Can't hurt to know the lay of things; it could be handy..."

With that, she starts to slink off away from the camp, knowing she has little time for light to be of any help for food.

Assuming she's allowed leave, Hilde's gonna try to hunt for something, and learn what she can about the area. Survival and Knowledge nature checks: [roll0] [roll1]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Hilde
No one tries to stop you from leaving the camp, though the hired guards on watch duty do look at you a little strangely. You do not notice anything out of the ordinary as you begin to hunt. Your hunting is more successful then your natural knowledge and you easily bring in enough food and water for yourself and one other person.

[kentma57]

Putting his mug down to rumage through his pack, "Well I have food to last for a while, I think I'll skill the hunting and have a drink by the fire."

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

Vorton's lips twist upwards in what might be a smile as he addresses the armor bedecked woman.

"Vorton Saul, the owner of this most precious fire by benefit of being here first," he opens his arms in an encompasing manner, as if everyone seated had entered his own home, "We have already stated our occupations on this expedition to better know each other, yet I can guess at your own. A knight, endowed with the holy energy of her patron and well-skilled in the art of the sword. A paladin, by your armor."

Vorton smiles broadly, a move that stretches the skin accross his face, highlighting his facial bones.

"Welcome then, to our disparate group."

[Paramour Pink]

Cassandra cringed at his conclusion of her position. Obviously he was overtly perceptive. If nothing else, she knew who to turn to if an astute set of eyes were ever needed in the fortress. But it was easier keeping decorum downtrodden if exact occupations where left unsaid. She knew that she naturally appeared amazing, and so it was hard to keep others from assuming the best of her. However, those that knew her paladin calling tended to feel obliged to lavish empty-handed titles on her.

She said reluctantly, “Yeah, I'm one of them. Look, lets not make any kind of big deal about that. Keep from calling me Lady and the like.

“I'm going to gag if I have to deal with anymore of that today,” she muttered. Cassandra then perked up, “But as great as it must be for you all to meet me, it's my pleasure to meet your motley bunch, Vort. Now, I'm going to throw a divine guess and say that you're an archaeologist. I'm right, right?”

[kentma57]

"Is this realy the time to talk work?" says the dwarf between gulps from his drink.

[tonberryking]

Hilde

"Nuthin' to hunt, eh?"

A short time later, Hilde returns with a large game bird in hand, and looking overly pleased with herself if she does say so herself. And she does. "Wasn't that hard to catch, really... If anyone wants some they're welcome to help me clean it,"her light-hearted tone belies an ulterior motive, "A feast before we have to...work tomorrow, let's say."

[turbosloth]

"So Vorton guessed correctley then, I see" says Tiberius languidly to Cassandra as he makes himself comfortable by the fire, almost lounging. "A paladin." But one who winces at the title. Interesting... "Well you are more than welcome here with us, perhaps you can help Yorrick protect my overly scholarly head from a trouncing..."

[Paramour Pink]

Cassandra was mildly impressed by the triumphantly returning elf hunter. But briefly she ignored her to nod to the man that had also welcomed her but not introduced himself, “Sure can. But I agree with your wise dwarf friend. Sorry for talking shop from the start – I just find it relaxing to hear about others that got to choose their own calling.”

She shrugged slightly, the action exaggerated by her armour, and stood. She yawned and stretched her hands out in front of her before approaching the woman.

“I'll clean if you can cook it. Just point out how...never had to do it myself. By the way,” she said then to the group, “Where are you all from? Anyone else born in Aesri's Glory?”

[Eternal Kanus]

Zeren's mind had been wandering- or at least that is what it appeared to most of the group. To any that chose to devote their focus- or were among the most observant people alive- might notice that every so often, his shadow would twitch separately from his own actions...

Ah hah! Two death mages! Who knows what fun may come from this journey!

Rather enthusiastic, aren't you? It's not as though they're other shadows for you to talk to- wait... are there other shadows like you?

Ah ah ah! That would be telling... wait... what was that? A paladin? Oh various gods, this couldn't get much better! As long as we stay out of this, this could be great entertainment!

Depending on how the paladin reacts to them... I mean, considering that they do not wear their title high, they may not smite someone just for studying death...

Ah, have a little heart. If this works out, it can be the most fun I've had in years!

Oh, thanks.

Zeren turned back to the conversation. "I'm from a moderately sized farming village a ways away... I've been travelling for a good few years now, more or less in a straight line when it would allow, so I'm not sure exactly where it is anymore. I'm Zeren, by the way. Zeren Vaul. Archaeological assistant, and most likely the most frail person you'll meet. At least, most frail who won't die in front of you.

[tonberryking]

Hilde

"My human grandniece threw me out of the farm, said I was old enough to take care o' things on my own now..."Hilde explains while showing the paladin how to pluck the bird at her own firepit, the elf currently busying herself getting said fire in said pit going. "Been on the road ever since with Horse over there," she points to her gray and slightly dappled horse, apparently very uncreative about naming things. "I kinda miss it. By and large, the things I shot there were more delicious than goblins or brigands..."

[turbosloth]

"Aseri's Glory? I'm afraid not, I am from Pelor's light. But where are my manners? Please, my name is Tiberius, Priest-Son of the Germanicus family." he says with a brief gesture to the holy symbol of Boccob displayed prominently on his chest. He stands to introduce himself, and inclines his head slightly to Cassandra out of politeness, as to an equal. At a gesture of his hand, however, Yorrick bows low to her before resuming his silent vigil.

[kentma57]

"From the awkward pause, I am going to guess religion is a touchy subject."

[SenbonKageYoshi]

As you all talk, an older man approaches the fire. His long silver hair reaches past his shoulders and his frail body indicate his old age, this is Malrion the sage who hired you. "Welcome friends, I see that you have all met. I just wanted to warn you that the morning come early and that we face another day of marching before arriving at the site of the ruins. Also, I am sorry that I did not have time to properly introduce myself before we left, so if you have any questions about the dig I would be glad to answer them."

[Eternal Kanus]

Zeren glanced around at the others in the group before speaking up. "Well, since I suppose this is a pertinent question, what exactly is it that you suspect to find down there that would require so many guards? It seems like more than enough guards to simply fend off bandits..."

Heh, why worry about danger when I'm here to protect you?

No offense, Umbra, but considering the amount of energy you have tied up in keeping me alive, I don't think you can fight off something that can take out all the guards.

Feh. I suppose you're right.

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

"Religion always is, my new friend, particularly in these times."

After Malrion introduces himself Vorton steeples his fingers and stares into the fire.

"Yes, we all know it to be a forgotten keep of the old empire, but was it dedicated to any particular use? Additionally, how likely are we to encounter the walking dead since that seems to be the specialty of many of us here."

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Malrion looks at Zern and says " well, about the guards you see, we were expecting a church escort, quite a few Paladins and clerics, but we received word yesterday that they had been ambushed and nearly wiped out. I thought it prudent to hire a few extra guards and set out quickly then." He then turns to face Vorton to continue "Well, this keep is special because the records show that this keep was the center of the judicial system that Nagash had instituted, a supreme court if you will. This keep was the home of many of the most respected and fair judges we have records of, and also of many of Nagash's Undead advisers. As for the amount of Undead, I don't expect that we'll encounter that many. But I do realize that the church of Pelor disagreed with me, or they wouldn't have tried to send so many troops." After this he pauses for a moment, the adds " But there is no need for you to woory about powerful Undead in the ruins, though I may be a diviner by specialty, I was an adventure for almost 50 years before I became an archeologist, I can vanquish many undead if I have to."

[tonberryking]

Hilde

"A courthouse? What's so important in there, then, that you hired all of us?" The elf looks up from her roasting meal, and not caring if she loudly calls this out. "I figured we'd have a vault or something valuable to unearth, not some place where ghouls held court..."

[turbosloth]

At Malfurion's memtion of his ability to defeat many undead, Tiberius smiles widely. "Well that is good to hear. While I'm sure Yorrick here could protect me from a skeleton or a zombie, if we encounter inteligent undead I'll be sure to stick close to those more practised in combat."

In response to Hilde, he adds "Oh, but we are going to unearth something of value. Knowledge. It is the most valuable thing there is. What did you expect? You signed on to work for a diviner sage, for a start, and to follow that up there seems to be an abundance of scholarly knowledge floating around here. Perhaps you should keep yourself concerned with hunting, and leave matters of academia to those more inte-*ahem*... qualifed among us."

[tonberryking]

Hilde

If looks could fire arrows, there'd be about five shafts sticking out of Tiberius' head, Hilde not taking the suggestion well. "Okay, that's a point for you. But if that knowledge is really all that damn important to you AND anybody else, I imagine that, surprise surprise, you'll need more than your academics to get it out of there.

[turbosloth]

Tiberius smiles at Hilde idly, resuming his excessivley relaxed pose. "Indeed, how remiss of me not to find more time in my life for hitting people with things, as stimulating as I'm sure it must be."

After this parting shot, Tiberius scans the circle once again, his eyes resting on each person in turn, seeming to weigh and measure them. He seems particularly interested by the more frail and academic amongst them, particularly Vorton Saul, with the notable exception being the long, considering glances he ocasionally throws Cassandra

The paladin could be... problematic. Perhaps I'll have to organise a little accident for her. Curses! I knew I should have brought some poison along on this venture...

[tonberryking]

Hilde

"Yeah, well, I imagine it's far easier to pick up knowledge later on than skills that can keep you alive immediately..." the elf grumbles, and takes a bit bite out of the bird once it's done, tearing the meat with more than a hint of aggression.

"...Needs salt."

[Paramour Pink]

Cassandra

Cassandra shook her head at both of them. Typical Pelor's Light person, thinking himself better than others. She was just surprised that she hadn't been the first target of that holier-than-thou viewpoint they had. There standards were impossible to attain. It occurred that she should try to diffuse the situation, but Heironeous help her, they were always ungodly annoying. She felt it difficult to stay neutral.

“Tiberius. For a man of such a holy family, it's pretty damn strange Pelor never blessed you with any manners. How about showing yourself smart enough to stay quiet when all you can think of is insults?”

As an afterthought Cassandra knew she should have reprimanded the huntress, but there was a greater issue in her head, and she truly was more for the elf at the moment. Her face couldn't keep the worry away.

Her solemn voice said, “Malrion: the entourage of paladins. Standing together, it takes a lot more than a few clumsy bandits to ambush that many good people. What can you tell about that?”

[turbosloth]

After being reprimanded by Cassandra, Tiberius shoots her a look of pure venom, but only momentarily before he gets his face under control and returns to his smooth look, flashing her a sheepish, apologetic smile. While the paladin probably misses it while speaking to Malfurion, those more observant at the fire may notice it. Afterword he falls to a sullen silence

Easy, Tiberius, easy. You didn't get this far in life to throw it all away at the end of some paladins swordpoint now. You can kill her in her sleep later... yes...

The highly observant may have noticed that as Tiberius threw his dark look at Cassandra Yorrick's hand moved slightly toward his sword-hilt. Strange for a deaf-mute who can't follow the conversation...

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Malrion sighs heavily after he hears Casandra's question. "Well, from what my spells can tell me, the bandits were lead by a sorcerer. This fell mage manged to kill the leaders of the expedition before he was killed by the rest of the paladins, and once their leader was killed the bandits fled into the mountains.Since then the remaining Paladins have chased the bandits relentlessly, refusing to acknowledge my requests to return. It seems that they have convinced themselves that this was no random ambush and that the bandits are actually evil cultists, so it is their sacred duty to hunt down and kill them. Trust the paladins of Pelor's Light to see a conspiracy behind every stroke of misfortune."

[Eternal Kanus]

Zeren stared, enthralled by the argument between the three members of the group. They're going to kill each other! Oh, what fun!

Umbra, you could at least not seem HAPPY about it... Id rather have more people capable of taking a punch. Fewer for me.

But still, come on! Look at them, if I had any money I'd place a bet with you about who will kill who first.

"It's not necessarily a conspiracy to them... they could just want that much vengeance. Anyway, if there was a conspiracy, they're doing a very poor job of it."

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

"Now, now," Vorton hold a hand between the feuding parties while unsuccessfully trying to keep a smile off of his face, "As I said before, you are all guests at my fire, and I won't be having any conflict between any of us."

Vorton turns his gaunt face back to Malrion.

"That is troubling, but not unexpected. Paladins are invested with the very powers of their gods after all. It's hard to convince them that the world does not revolve around their actions," he bows his head to Cassandra, "Though I speak only in generalities, and mean no offense. At the very least though we can now pursue academic thought and reasoning without fear of sanction."

[kentma57]

"Your gods are not my concern, I'm here to work with the ruins. Why did you come?" says the dwarf before he raises his drink to his lips again.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

The rest of the night passes quickly. Early the next morning Malrion wakes the camp and you set of. After only a few hours of travel, Malrion leads the group off the main road. Travel is slower on this path, as it winds around large hills and rock formations, but just afternoon Malrion calls a halt. "Friends, we have arrived at our destination" and starts ordering the workers around. Every one starts to look around, confused. The area seams to be right at the edge of the true mountains, a large shear cliff face with a large pile of ruble at the base. After a few seconds you quickly realize that this is no natural cliff face. The cliff is perfectly smooth, just slightly curved, and darker then the rest of the stone nearby.

The dwarfs
You two are even more confused. If you had to make a snap judgment of what material the cliff face was made of, you would say it looks like an Adamantium alloy, but that's impossible right?

[turbosloth]

Glancing up at the cliff face, Tiberius blinks a few times

"Most impressive". As he swings his gaze down to the pile of rubble, his lip curls, however "I see there is much manual labor to be done here. Me and Yorrick shall remove ourselves from your way until the workers have dealt with it" he says, his voice loaded with disdain. So saying, he excuses himself to a short distance away and takes a seat where he can see the work going on, but is well removed from it, then waits to see whether anyone will join him.

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

"Indeed," Vorton moves to join Tiberius, "I am not the most stout of body, and could do little to help any kind of excavation."

Vorton sits down near to Tiberius and talks in a low voice.

"It seems we share particular talents, my friend," he retrieves his holy symbol to Wee Jas from his pocket and spins it once for the man to see, "I would welcome the chance to speak further on our talents," he puts the symbol back into his overcoat, "But for let us just enjoy the day."

[tonberryking]

Hilde

Hilde is nowhere to be found, to the surprise of utterly no one, when grunt work is brought about.

However, more than an excuse to not do anything productive, the elf ranger decides to spend her time actually ranging, exploring the surrounding area of the dig for the most part of the morning...

Ye rolls: Survival (for scouting and hunting) [roll0] Knowledge Nature: [roll1] to learn what she can about the area. And a good old fashion search of the grounds: [roll2]

[Eternal Kanus]

Zeren looks at the others from his group avoiding the labor and feels guilty about doing the same, but he has no choice but to step aside, and he chooses to spend his time near the two mages.

"Doesn't it seem peculiar to either of you that this strange cliff is supposed to be our destination?"

[turbosloth]

Tiberius smiles knowingly at Vorton when he flashes his holy symbol.

"I don't know what your talking about, my friend. I am a Priest of Boccob, I just happen to take a scholarly interest in the undead. Never fear though, your secrets are safe with me. I know if I were to happen to have any secrets of that magnitude, I would be less than keen to share them."

When Zeren joins them Tiberius nods at him and replies to his question "I would imagine underneath that pile of rubble this 'strange cliff' is actually the entrance to an underground fortress..."

[kentma57]

After another gulp from his drink "Impressive. Now this is a fortress of old."


Craft (Structure): [roll0]
Knowledge (Geology): [roll1]
Knowledge (Engineering): [roll2]
Knowledge (Demolition): [roll3]
Knowledge (Geography): [roll4]
Profession (mining): [roll5]
Knowledge (archeology): [roll6]

What is it made of, how string is it(structuraly and physically), how much force did it take to do this damage, when was this done, how much damage was done by time, how much material could be safely mined. And so on.

ps: "Craft (Structure)" should be at +10 and None of the rolls include synergy bonuses I may have earned.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

As the workers start to shift the rubble, you realize that it will take them more then one day to clear it all away. The guards and archeologists have also begun to set up a campsite.

Hilde
As you explore the area surrounding the dig, your knowledge of nature allows you to recognize that many of the hills in the area were enhanced into earthworks many years ago, and still have not regained their original shapes. More interessting however is something you find behind one of these old earthen walls. You discover the remains of an old campsite, by your best estimate between 20-30 men were camped here not more then a week ago.

Hathor
Fist of all, you notice that the material the the workers are shifting is not the same as the strange material that makes up the cliff face. Also, you are reluctant to climb on top of the rubble while the workers are trying to move it so you can only gain superficial information about the cliff face. Taking all of that into account however, you realize that this building is at least of the same quality construction of a dwarven fortress. Now that you look closely, you can see a multitude of arrow slits and murder holes that would make attempting to force an entrance into this place a tactical nightmare. Also, from this distance you would say that the passage of time has had no effect on the strange material that make up the wall/cliff face and that the rubble that now blocks the entrance to the fortress must have been placed here on purpose (and probably with magic).

[turbosloth]

As it becomes apparent that the excavations will take more than a day, Tiberius sighs heavily

More time camping out in this damned wilderness. Not a library in sight. What on earth do these peons do to amuse themselves?

[tonberryking]

A ponderous moment or two gives Hilde to stick to her job, as well as a curious cat like curiosity enveloping the elf as she scours the land further.

...What's an earthwork? Anyway, another search and survival to see if I can find anything else out, taking ten on each, because... well, she's got the whole day, really with NOTHING else to do. :P So that makes 14 for search and 17 survival.

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

The sickly looking man chuckles at Tiberius' response before anyone else can join them.

"And likewise, I have no idea what you are talking about either. My worship of the goddess of magic and the restful dead is no secret. You shouldn't suppose what you will without any pretext of understanding my friend, why," he holds his hands out innocently, "it isn't as if either of our faiths have been outlawed under the triumvirate."

Once Zeren shows up and asks his question Vorton shrugs.

"Why shouldn't it be? Remember, we are looking upon one of the bastions of the old empire, I should expect that there will be surprises like this cliff faciing at out every turn."

[SenbonKageYoshi]

As Zern, Vorton and Tiberius gather to talk, Malrion approaches them. "I'm terribly sorry about this mess," he gestures vaguely towards the cliff face " But my divinations did not indicate that the rubble pile would be quite so large. Tonight I will prepare a selection of spells that will allow me to make short work of that rubble. We should be able to start our investigation of these ruins tomorrow."

Hilde
First, earthworks are large mounds (almost hills) of hard packed earth shaped like low, rounded walls that are used to protect thing like walls or siege weapons from (historically) bullets and cannonballs. In this instance they were probably built to deflect the power of hostile evocations away from the more delicate of siege engines. Second, On closer examination, you believe the campsite was last used 9 days ago, that the humanoids where all ruffly the same weight and size as human warriors and that there appears to be no indication of mounts or any other domesticated animals in the campsite.

[turbosloth]

"Very well. I will retire to my tent for the night. I have much to do." Tiberius says imperiously. Turning to Vorton, he adds "Master Saul, I was wondering whether you could give me a hand this evening with a particularly difficult bit of research. The one we were discussing before we were interrupted. Perhaps you could join me in my tent?"

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

"That sounds wonderful, a day of rest after that long march will do us some good."

Vorton slowly stands to follow Tiberius.

"Certainly, but don't get any ideas now, I don't swing that way. Good evening Zern, Master Malrion."

As they walk towards the tent Vorton speaks quietly to the mage.

"Perhaps your guardian should remain outside on watch, our research is not something to be disrupted, now is it?"

[turbosloth]

Tiberius nods curtly at Vorton's suggestion, and with a gesture of his hand Yorrick takes watch next to his tent while he and Vorton duck inside. Once they are inside, Tiberius reaches up to his neck and withdraws his true holy symbol (the silver one of Nerull) and flashes it once in Vorton's direction just as Vorton had flashed his, before returning it to under his robes.

"Normally I would never have been so hasty in revealing myself, but I may need some help with that damned paladin" he says, and waits to see Vortons' reaction, tensed to unleash offensive magics the moment Vorton shows signs of being shocked by the revalation.

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

For a moment after the symbol of Nerul is shown Vorton does nothing, back straight and face impassive. Then, his posture relaxes and his face splits into a grin.

"That explains much, possibly including your silent bodyguard as well."

He seems to think for a moment before giving Tiberius a serious look.

"Though my religion isn't common, it has been given the benefit of the doubt by the triumvirate. You, on the other hand, risk much by showing me that. If it's a matter of hiding your true nature, I have a spell that can fix that, but I get the feeling that you are thinking of a more permanent solution."

[turbosloth]

As Vorton smiles, Tiberius visibly relaxes. "Indeed, while a spell would be appreciated, I was thinking about hopefully the most permanent solution. Would you be willing to help? I'll understand if you'd rather keep your nose clean, the paladinic orders are not people to mess with lightly, and as you say, yourfaith is not proscribed"

I'll need some help with the paladin, then I'll have to convert him or kill him...

[tonberryking]

Hilde

Meanwhile... or perhaps later, the lazy elf finally makes her appearance known back at camp, now sharpening and maintaining sword and bow (respectively) with more care and effort than one may have seen in her all this time.

It helped her not think too much about her findings, which were damned puzzling. And while she was not normally to pay mind to that, her natural curiosity had been gnawing at her. Should she report this? Make a mention? The leader of this expedition had a right to know but had he been here before? Was he waiting for this place to run out of traps, while he was keeping adventurers in tall supply?

She didn't know, as she worked to take a nick out of her steel. The only one she even talked to was that paladin... wherever she was now... She'd have to bring it up with someone though...

[SenbonKageYoshi]

As the sun begins to set, the hired guards take up positions around the camp, and everyone else gathers at the campsite. The archeologists have all turned in for the night, but the diggers are gathered around several camp fires and are singing and drinking some obviously alcoholic beverages.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

As the sun rises the whole campsite gathers around the cliff face as Malrion approaches. For nearly a minute Malrion stands before the rubble pile, gathering magical energy, then with a powerful incantation he casts the most powerful telekinesis spell any of you have ever seen. Easily hundreds of pounds of stone and earth lift into the air and float almost 100 ft before being dump over a nearby hillside. With the ruble removed a stairway can be seen descending into the cliff face. The stair way is approximately 20 feet wide and descends at least that far before it become shrouded in shadows.

[turbosloth]

"Excellent." Tiberius says, rubbing his hands. "Let us descend, shall we? Guards first and last I assume?"

[Darkantra]

Vorton Saul

"Wonderful, it's been too long since I did some delving. Fantastic spell, by the way," Vorton gives Malrion a short bow, "I can tell that this will be an interesting show."

[kentma57]

"I would be careful, this place is of dwarven quality, and you don't want to trigger its defences. But before we go, I just need a minute to get a sample of this stone. Though I would recomend you let me finish my examination of the wall."

With that, Hathor pulls out a hammer and chisel, and takes(or tries to take) a small chunk out of the wall. After that he does a more detailed examination of the wall(now that the rubble has been moved).

[SenbonKageYoshi]

As the rubble settles nearly 50 ft away, 10 of the guards as well as all 5 archeologists gather near the newly revealed entrance way.

Hathor
No matter how hard you try to take a chip out of the wall you can not. You stop when you realize that you are doing more damage to your own tools then to the wall.
A more detailed examination of the wall reveals that the wall is indeed an Adamantium and steel alloy, though you think that this must be only an overcoat. As an interesting side note, you do not think that an Adamantium alloy can be created non magically. You also find the evidence of murder holes around the entrance as well as arrow slits farther up the wall, some of which look large enough to fit a ballista behind.

[kentma57]

How high up are these murder holes, does it look like I could fit through any of them, and how hard does it look to scale the walls?