Ghostfoot's Age of Worms (IC) Pt 2

[razorback]

As the worgs turn tail and run, Kuln surveys their surroundings as he moves towards the last remaining bandit.
"Would seem your friends have fled, leaving you to our tender mercies. Drop you weapons." says the pint-sized adventurer.

[Ghostfoot]

The remaining brigand looks resentfully at the surrounding group. A few distant screams echo through the woods but are quickly cut short and followed by faint howling as the escaped bandits are no doubt caught by worgs as they fled through the woods. "Ack, they were both murderous basterds anyway..."

The grimy man throws down his shortsword and crossbow and raises his hands "Alright, you got me. What now?"

Spoiler: next steps

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I'm a bit pressed for time today. Unless you tell me otherwise I'll assume you want to bind the bandit and take him with you to hand over to the next authorities you encounter. I'll update to that effect when I next get a moment

[Cavir]

"Let's do a quick search of the fallen. The town will have better use of the crossbows than the next bunch of brigands that come through. Someone finish off the worg in the pit? Speaking of which." Keston turns to the dwarf. "Anymore surprises we should know about?

Keston starts helping with searching the bodies, loading up the crossbows to the dogs' packs and refilling his bolt case. Before heading out he'll check the area once over with his arcane sight including the dwarf to make sure he wasn't hiding something useful to escape with.

[razorback]

As Keston prods the dwarf, Kuln gives him the dwarf the stink eye as he mumbles "Woudn't trust a word out of that rats mouth..." and he searches the area for any other traps or pits.

Spoiler

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Spot
(1d20+19)[30]

[DrK]

Kurnos

Looking at the bound bandit, Kurnos grins behind his blood splattered mask and cleans his blood soaked clothes on the leaf mulch. "We've had a fun diversion. Shall we press onto the City. Best find these wise sages and work pout hos to destroy this great evil."

[BelGareth]

Bron chuckles at the word 'fun', he had taken nasty gash to the side, and he leered at the prisoners while Keston prodded the dwarf, but the magic started to fade, shame, he had enjoyed being large, perhaps he could find some magic that could suffice?

[Cavir]

Keston casts a healing spell on himself and Susebron. "Thanks for the cover."

Spoiler: OOC

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Giving up Bless and Command for 2 CLWs
Keston: (1d8+5)[12]
Bron: (1d8+5)[11]

[BelGareth]

Bron nods to him in thanks, "Thanks for the spell, that kind of thing can come in handy." he said, smiling like a fool who just went for a ride.

[Ghostfoot]

The worg caught in the pit trap is easily dispatched. Kuln searches the area and finds another stake-filled pit trap that the bandits had dug as part of their treacherous camp. The captured brigand offers no apology for his deceit simply offering a weak "You gotta do what you gotta do to get by". The man is tightly bound and kept under constant guard as you camp for the night and then prepare to continue onward the next day.

The rest of the journey north is thankfully uneventful with no further threat of worgs. With the steep drop of the Sword Coast cliffs to the left and the tall trees of Ardeep Forest to your right the trail winds steadily north towards the great city of Waterdeep. In the five pleasant summer days of travel you don't come across another soul despite many signs of frequent trade such as wagon tracks, campsites with discarded detritus and the odd cast-off broken wagon wheel.

Mid afternoon on your final day of travel it is a relief to finally see signs of civilization ahead. The land dips down and the trail approaches a rocky outcropping above the gorge of the great River Dessarin which drains much of The North. A small double-walled castle sits atop the outcropping blocking the way across a massive squat bridge that spans the gorge and delivers caravans to the outskirts of Waterdeep itself.

Approaching, you witness a milling throng of caravans all waiting for inspection by the Waterdeep bureaucracy. The City Guard of Waterdeep stand watch, resplendent in shining chainmail and gold-trimmed black tabards. From the tower atop the small castle you are excited to see an occasional rider swoop out to patrol the surrounding countryside on the back of a mighty griffon!

Keen to avoid the tedium of waiting with the trade caravans you approach a nearby Guardsman with your prisoner. A quick explanation of the criminal's activities and you soon find yourselves in the presence of Judge Kazardun, the grizzled dwarven commander of this outpost. "Aye, you're a fearsome lot. But good of heart I sense. You've done us a service by cleaning the Trade Way of this scum. Leave him here. He'll rot in a cell for a long time which sounds a darn site better than the fate of his craven companions. You're free to pass over the Zundbridge. The City Guard patrols the next few miles to the City. You'll be safe from any more bandits or worgs in the outskirts here. Just stay away from the Rat Hills down by the shore. Those stinkin' garbage wastes ain't fer spending time pokin' around in."

The captive bandit is dragged off and the great portcullis is opened for you to pass through. You cross the massive Zundbridge and into the outskirts of Waterdeep. Many travellers are on the road here, merchants, pilgrims and all manner of other traveller. Rising ahead you see the peak of Mount Waterdeep and it isn't long before you spy the City itself, a huge glistening metropolis of buildings and spires swarming around a great harbour. Approaching, you smell before you see it the mounds of garbage near the shore outside the city which must be the "Rat Hills" garbage mounds that Kazardun warned you away from.



Eager to be within the city walls well before sundown you march with renewed vigor to the city gates. Scores of common folk, along with carts and wagons laden with wares for market, crowd the gate. As you push forward through the throng to the gate a Guardsman addresses you "Well, what do we have here? Here to spend your coin in the City of Splendor. Well, what's your business here?"

[Cavir]

Even with the prisoner in tow and the knowledge of the dangers they pursued, Keston was a great mood the rest of the trip. He felt giddy about getting to go to the famed city of Waterdeep, home of much magic! By day he was talkative, especially with getting to know their newest ally Susebron. He was curious on 'bron's life path that led to their paths crossing. Keston had plenty of time to catch him up on the details of their encounters so far, as long as the Illuskan was open to such. He also queried if anyone had been to Waterdeep before and wanted to hear those stories.

By night when not on watch nor sleeping the Dweomerkeeper spent his time pouring through the papers from Delfen and Marzena, both for the pure learning and to see if he could glean any more wisdom out of the information contained therein.

Praise Mystra, there was the city itself! His magic ensured his clothing and gear were perfectly clean. His silver holy symbol of Mystra was prominently displayed. His weapons put away. The party approached the gate and the guard queried the party. Keston spoke up with a friendly smile and voice.

"Hello. We travel from Cromm's Hold, facing beasts and bandits along the way, even dropping one off to Judge Kazardun at the Zundbridge. We'll spend some coin I'm sure in the famed City of Splendor. We also seek wisdom from the Temple of Mystra. Could you point us in the right direction to get there please?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Did Delfen tell us how to find Dagsumn?

Diplomacy (1d20+11)[29]
No bluff involved. The temple is a normal place for a cleric to want to get to, Keston wants to go there, and it would be our best lead to find Dagsumn if Delfen didn't give us that information.

[razorback]

Kuln keeps a wary eye on the dwarf as they make their path, checking his bindings everytime they stop while lecturing him about his ways.

As Waterdeep comes into view, he pauses to look upon it, one of the great cities of the known world. Appreciating the work that went into crafting it, he shakes himself out of the thoughts as he realizes the rest of the small caravan is leaving him behind, to the mirth of the others.

As they go before the judge, the gnome keeps quiet, not wanting to sway the judge one way or the other, content that justice will happen.

As the guardsman speaks, he listens to Keston speak. Knowing he is tired and hungry he keeps silent for a moment to collect his thoughts. "Aye, and a warm bed and a hot meal. Traveling food keeps the body moving but does little for the soul, eh? Some coin spent on lost or broken gear... along with an improvement to what we might have would be in order, too."

[Ghostfoot]

The guard looks you all over before nodding, not phased by the sorcery flowing around Kurnos and his hounds. "You mean the House of Wonder, where your Mystran friends meet. It's in the Sea Ward. The north of the city". Before waving you through he also gives you directions to the Elfstone Tavern where Delfen suggested you ask about for Dagsumn.

Spoiler: Map

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You are at the South Gate, in the South Ward.

X marks the spot for the Elfstone Tavern

M is the House of Wonder (Temple of Mystra)

Beyond the gates, the streets of Waterdeep are cobbled with well-worn stones and scored by deep wagon ruts. Throngs of people of all races, some bearing exotic raiment, fill the streets. The creak of wagons and neighing of horses is interrupted by the call of merchants hawking their wares and the shouts of customers haggling over prices. The air hangs heavy with the smell of civilization, the stench of sweat and refuse mixed with the aroma of fresh baked bread and fire-roasted meals.

=> Party
Where to go first?

[DrK]

Kurnos and the hounds pause, looking around in wonder. Almost cowed by the epic scope of the city around them he nods quietly to the others. "The tavern first if that's okay? I could do with a drink!"

[Cavir]

"Agreed, tavern first." Keston does his best to keep track of both sets of directions, although he is fine with asking along the way.

[razorback]

Exaggerating a dusty, dry mouth. Trying to gather enough saliva to spit and failing, he says an a fake raspy voice. "I could use something to get rid of this trail dust. Ready?"

[BelGareth]

Bron nods, happy to have his new companions lead the way. He was, after all, thirsty.

[Ghostfoot]

You make your way through the crowd, people stepping back to give the dogs (particularly Primus!) room but not running in fear like you might expect in a smaller more superstitious town. The city folk of Water deep are clearly no strangers to weird and magical beasts! Taking the first fork along the High Road you head north into the city, past various shops and many guildhalls such as the Metalmasters' Hall, The Coach and Wagon Hall, the Saddlers' & Harness Makers Hall and the Stone House. Posters advertise ongoing theatrical productions as well as the occasional more unique event such as the upcoming Champions Games.

Passing out of the South Ward and into the Trades Ward (an arbitrary distinction, there is no formal boundary) you turn into Waterdeep Way. The street leads straight to Mount Waterdeep and you have an impressive sunset-silhouetted view of the great fortress Castle Waterdeep on the lower slopes overlooking the city. Pennants and banners flutter from the battlements no doubt signifying some important event while soldiers stand guard amongst the flags with many mighty siege weapons.

The Elfstone Tavern is situated nearby, a stones throw from the Castle on The Street of the Sword. Opening the door and entering you are confronted with and old, dimly-lit, earthy-smelling tavern. Living tree trunks grow up through carefully-crafted floorboards and through the ceiling above while floating magical orbs of light bather the place in soft blue motes of light. Pale moon elf waitresses serve fine wines and platters of seafood biscuits and delicious-smelling skewers to the happy patrons as gentle pipe, harp and flute music fills the air. The clientele are mostly moon elves themselves with a scattering of humans, halflings and other ethnicities of elf.

A quiet word to the nearest waitress elicits a nod towards a gaunt alarmingly pale man in bulky blue and green robes who has just finished up a game of lanceboard. The man has reddish hair just starting to recede and piercing grey eyes which lock with yours as you make eye contact across the room....

=> Party

[Cavir]

Keston meets the waitress's nod with thanks followed by an order of wine and whatever the sage drinks. He turns and meets the sage's gaze again, smiles with a nod, then heads over.

"Greetings sir. I am Keston Tornok. If you are Master Dagsumn then we have a mutual to the south, Master Delfen. On his word we have come to seek your aid."

The waitress arrives with the drinks. Keston asks her to take the orders for the rest of the group. He raises his glass to Dagsumn. "With me here are Kurnos Blackfoot, Kuln Feltin, and Susebron."

[razorback]

As the move through the streets, Kuln keeps a keen eye out for thieves and pickpockets. He had always been wary of the underbelly of the cities, the larger the more wary and Waterdeep was known as one of the great cities. Meandering through the crowds, he tries to keep his cautious nature as best he can but his eyes are constantly drawn to new and different sights in what seems ever turn.
"A gnome could find this comfortable." he says to the group.
As the enter the Elfstone, he blanches a bit as his suspicious are proven true as he sees wine being served but, maybe because of shorter stature, not a drop of a gnomish, or even a dwarven, ale looks to be had as Keston speaks. With a sigh, he says "Whatever stoutest drink, if you please." as he looks to the red-head.

[DrK]

Kurnos trues to focus, but with so few plants and cobbles beneath his feet the dogs pant and whimper at the unfamiliar surroundings. At the inn he gesture to a stall and nods to the stable boy "Water and a haunch of meat for the dogs. Stay out the stall or you may lose a limb." With the beasts happy he follows the others inside and orders mead with the rest of them, inclining his face respectfully as Keston introduces him.

[Ghostfoot]

Introductions are made and drinks swiftly arrive delivered by the elves before the sage can make his excuses and rise. "Delfen eh?" he raises his eyebrows "I never thought I'd hear from him again." He casts his eyes over the group before addressing Keston in his obvious Mystran garb "You don't look like apprentices. Treasure-hunters perhaps? Tell me, what is Delfen the old "Yellowknife" up to these days? Still collecting old curios and obscura I suppose?"

[BelGareth]

Susebron follows along, and grunts at the quaint inn they entered. It was definitely not his scene. He smiles however to Kuln, it was true, this would be a good place for the affable chap. what in the world had come over Bron? Affable?

He shakes himself free of his own crazed thought and orders an ale as well, "the darker, the better" to follow my mood

He was uncomfortable, and ale would do well to ease his discomfort.

[razorback]

"Yellowknife? How did he come by that name? I'm sure there's a story there." he says as he takes a quaff off the drink he is offered, trying not to blanch. "Not that we are great friends or anything, more of one of a few employers over the years, iffin' you catch my meaning."

[Cavir]

Keston gave an honest friendly smile. "Apprentices? No. Treasure-hunters? Maybe for some in the past. Mystra guided me to these lands from far away. Together we've destroyed an Ebon Triad cult and foiled the plans of a dragon. Both had plans to spread the same plague throughout the land. I believe there would be other players involved. Delfen lent us his... curios and obscura that were related to the subject and hoped that, as he put it, your far sharper mind could make more sense of things. I'm not sure if we should leave more detail to a more private setting."

[Ghostfoot]

"These do sound like matters best discussed behind closed doors" says Dagsumn. "My apartment is nearby. Come, let's bid farewell to the Elfstone for the eve." The gaunt sage bids farewell to the barkeep and ushers you outside. A short walk down the cobbled streets brings you to the entrance to a fine townhouse. Rearing dragon statues in white marble flank steps leading up to gilded double doors illuminated by flickering golden lanterns.

As Dagsumn ascends the steps the doors open and a dark-haired Tethyrian woman in a simple but expensive-looking dress and jewelry greets him. They sahre a brief moment before he follows her in, beckoning you to follow "Allow me to introduce my wife, Kyrss. Darling, could you please fetch us some refreshments? We have some business to attend in the parlour."

Kyrss smiles a greeting and leaves the room. Dagsumn leads you through a grand foyer lined with suits of ancient armour and displaying a huge battle banner atop a marble staircase. Down a short hallway he takes you into a parlour lined with packed bookcases and framed by various fantastic oil paintings. One painting depicts a great road of bones, another a bustling city inside a dormant volcano, and yet another an abstract of a vast featureless ashen plain. Plenty of gilt chairs and settees with comfortable-looking plush red velvet cushions are about the room, the floor of polished wood and covered with a well-worn carpet depicting some battle between forces of good and evil.

Dagsumn bids you to sit as he makes himself comfortable. Kyrss returns momentarily with decanters of wine, water and a platter of fruits.

When everyone is settled Dagsumn enquires "So, Delfen has sent you. Cultists, dragons, plagues. Curios that confound and test the bounds of our acquaintances abilities. He must think it significant if he has sent you to me. Can you tell me more of what you have uncovered?" He looks intently at you as he awaits your response.

[DrK]

Kurnos

The druid looks around the grandeur clearly uncomfortable and obviously worried his scruffy, dirty and blood splattered armour will soil the fine furnishings. He leaves the pair of massive dogs in the courtyard, the glowing Incarnum melds fading as Kurnos heads inside.

Kurnos nods his thanks, ",My thanks, just water and fruit will suffice for now. Could my pets be given some water as well? We have travelled far. "

At Dagsumn's words he tells the parties tale. Of Cairns with ghosts but mostly the rise of the Dark Cult in the mine, the green Worms in the lizards and offers Dagsumn's the green worm in a glass tube that they have along with the papers and mad writings from the grimlock prophet and the other cult leaders. " There is a lot here Master Mage, but we are more direct and you may have more insight into what it all means "

[razorback]

Kuln listens to Kurnos explain their progress, picking up bits he didn't know before he joined, and elaborating on things he knows about.
"Yes, nasty stuff, those creatures that burrow in. Like a gangrenous limb, best to cut it off before advances far."

[Cavir]

Keston is lost in amazement as he lingers behind the rest admiring everything on display within the house. He was sure each item had its own story if not several, and he would be happy to hear each one. He couldn't help himself from making use of his Arcane Sight along the way half expecting to be blinded but Mystra's gifts, both his Sight and the magic around the house were things to be joyful for. The cleric makes it into the parlour where the others are already seated and Kurnos is telling their own story to the wizard. He was very much looking forward to Master Dagsumn's insights.

"Yes, nasty stuff, those creatures that burrow in. Like a gangrenous limb, best to cut it off before advances far."

Keston shivered with the thought of the green worm that had been crawling up the inside of his arm towards his head. "I'm glad we did what we did to get that worm out of my arm, painful as it was, rather than losing my whole arm!"

He turned to Master Dagsumn. "Yes, we were hoping you could aid us with your insight. I will be very happy to assist."

[Ghostfoot]

The sage ponders your information with two fingers raised to his lips. After some time he speaks, "Although not my area of expertise I do know a bit of what you speak and am greatly disturbed. I will look into this matter but it will take some time. There are many books to consult, and most are kept in the Great Library. I should be able to gather the information that you seek within the week.

While you wait I recommend that you stay at the Crooked House nearby? It is an excellent inn and the proprietor Tarquin Shortstone is an old friend - mention my name and he'll look after you. I shall contact you there when I have the knowledge you seek."

Spoiler: Next steps

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1. Anything more from Dagsumn?
2. Okay to head to the inn to "check in"?
3. Anything in particular that you would like to do in Waterdeep while waiting for the sage?

Feel free to chat OOC if that's easier to coordinate things.

[Cavir]

"Excellent. Thank you Master Dagsumn. Even if you do not need my help there, I very much would like to see the Great Library. I intend to attend the House of Wonder as well." Keston notes to the group: "Waterdeep is known for its magics. The perfect place to spend the black dragon's hoard."