A Monstrous Night Below IC

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Mrplphh." Sundew slowly squirms out of the hot ash in their sleep before they regain enough sense to open their eyes. "'elia...? I, uh, yeah..."

They slither over to the one intact cloak and take it, too dazed to notice that Ranchy is still wearing it. Then they assume their natural form to stretch out their injuries.

"Ahh, okay," they yawn. "Okay! I can keep going! Where- oh! He's dead! Nice? How are you two doing?"

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 17/20 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 3 / 3d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 1 / 4, 2nd: 2 / 2
Conditions: none

Xorgid puts the spellbook in his pack, knowing he needs to find some fine inks before he can make use of it. He offers the fine cloak to Celia and Sundew,

"This could be magical. It should be burnt a little like the rest of his clothes."

He then sits down and starts reading the journal, waiting for the others to get ready to keep going.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: none
Bonus Action: none
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement: none
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us - smelled of fish
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire
Lukas - dye merchant hired us to go to Thurmaster
Kuiper - shepherd on the river to Thurmaster
Broken Spire Keep - where Jelenneth is
Squire Marlen - gave us Hengest the horse

[Xihirli]

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Let's call this a short rest while you're reading, recuperating, checking on the horse.

The notes, separate from the journal, are of some interest to Celia. While not an alchemist, she's familiar enough with the concepts of her craft to identify them as... really bad. She's pretty sure that the base potion that the notes are trying to alter is totally unaffected. The final craft calls for both Rowan Root and Wool of Bat, which a first-day alchemy student could tell you just cancel one another out!

Sundew thinks the cloak smells a little bit like fish.

Ranchefus's Journal is a chronicle that has a purpose, in the beginning, of Keeping my thoughts written out. When dealing with Old Ones, it's always best not to rely on one's memory... they'll change it.
It details a bargain made with the Old Ones. One, he will be spared from their plans, and second be given access to their Btthnkor'gn'thor'mgehye, if my transliteration skills are up to the task. For the sake of ease, why don't we just call it a Potion of Domination?
Ranchefus details its properties briefly, then rants about how those fools think I would not know... this potion only gives control over the drinker to the Old Ones, not to myself. That, however, will change. If those simpleton artificers can master alchemy, it cannot be too difficult.
According to Ranchefus, he experienced success. Carlanis is completely under my control. The only flaw in this is that in perfecting the potion, I went through most of it... in fact I have only one vial left. I need more, but I will not get anymore unless I deliver the casters the Old Ones requested... I don't intend to trust the Blood Skull orcs with them, that Tanarruk will double-cross me the first chance he gets. We'll have to plan a more time-consuming expedition to find our own path. Ramor should be up to the task, though I suppose in case they find another gate requiring our Keys, Imrin and Shilek ought go with him.

He chronicles no success before that fool, Carlanis. His one task was to capture casters all throughout Haranshire unnoticed, while simultaneously maintaining the infrastructure of my bandit empire within the thornwood. Must I do everything myself?
Now he's drawn the ire of three odd travelers... from his description I believe I can ascertain a Quickling, some sort of odd Gelatinous Cube given sentience, and worst of all a Berbalang. ALIVE. UNCAPTURED. A researcher with connections in the Astral Plane and a reason to take down my operation... nothing for it. We'll have to move our inventory immediately, and destroy any evidence. No one is to unlock the secrets of these Potions of Domination but me, Ranchefus, the new god of this world...

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Rolling hit dice for healing.

(1d8+2)[8]
(1d8+2)[7]

Not spending more than two of them. If the first one gets me to 20 (so 6+ total) I won't roll the second one.

Celia squeezes Sundew's hand (or the closest approximation, in their current form). "You're good! You're good. Okay. Okay!" she says, smiling. "Let's maybe investigate this stuff not so close to the fort."

When she examines the potion, she comments "Well, at least we're not dealing with a trans-disciplinary genius. Dead dumbbutt over there clearly knows virtually nothing about alchemy." She waits a bit for Xorgid to read through the journal. Before long, she's tapping her toes, already impatient even with Xorgid's fast reading, but she keeps it quiet. She can wait.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Sundew squeezes Celia's hand back as they wrap the maybe-magic cloak over themselves. They have yet to find any clothes that shapechange with them, and their humanoid shape creeps people out if they don't at least wear something.

Spoiler: Hit Dice

Show

(2d10)[13]

They listen to Xorgid's summation of the record as the team takes a well-earned break. "So, someone gave him a bunch of evil potions, and he's... feeding them to spellcasters?"

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 17/20 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 3 / 3d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 1 / 4, 2nd: 2 / 2
Conditions: none

Xorgid shows Celia and Sundew the letter,

"He might not have known anything about alchemy, but he was quite sure of himself. It's funny. He thought I was here to take down his operation. I wasn't. But we did it anyway."

He stands back up, ready to move on. "Let's go find these orcs and see if we can rescue Jelenneth."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: none
Bonus Action: none
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement: none
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us - smelled of fish
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire
Lukas - dye merchant hired us to go to Thurmaster
Kuiper - shepherd on the river to Thurmaster
Broken Spire Keep - where Jelenneth is
Squire Marlen - gave us Hengest the horse
Ranchevus - potion of domination, pact with old ones, dominated Carlanis
Ramor, Imrin, Shilek worked for Ranchevus. Looking for their own path.
gate requiring Key
Bloodskull orcs led by Tanarruk
Deliver casters to Old Ones

[Xihirli]

The party loads up on Hengest and gets moving along the northwest roads built into the Thornwood. They're not traveling long before Celia receives a message from Tauster.
Jelenneth has informed me that she is being moved, but she doesn't know where to. There may be clues at Broken Spire Keep.

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 17/20 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 3 / 3d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 1 / 4, 2nd: 2 / 2
Conditions: none

When Celia relays the message from Tauster, Xorgid is disappointed, of course. He had hoped we could end things at Broken Spire keep. But there's nothing else to do,

"OK. Let's see if we find any clues at the keep. We should rest soon though."

As dusk arrives, Xorgid helps find a suitable place to make camp.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: help action for survival or perception
Bonus Action: none
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement: none
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us - smelled of fish
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire
Lukas - dye merchant hired us to go to Thurmaster
Kuiper - shepherd on the river to Thurmaster
Broken Spire Keep - where Jelenneth is
Squire Marlen - gave us Hengest the horse
Ranchevus - potion of domination, pact with old ones, dominated Carlanis
Ramor, Imrin, Shilek worked for Ranchevus. Looking for their own path.
gate requiring Key
Bloodskull orcs led by Tanarruk
Deliver casters to Old Ones

[JNAProductions]

In response to Tauster, Celia says "We're there-it's burning down. We'll find her-we promise."

"She's alive!" Celia says. "Okay, good. We'll make it through this. We can do it."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Long rest and the next day?

[Xihirli]

The party made camp with Hengest while Xorgid pored over the burned down keep. Luckily, the Thornwood was quiet that night, seemingly spooked silent by the flames.

However, it seems that most of the valuable information was found on Ranchefus's body.

Spoiler

Show

Bob, your inbox is full.

The next morning the journey heads out to the northwest. Sundew's acute rangery skills aid in tracking the wagon, but eventually the roads turn out of the Thornwood and onto a system of normal dirt roads, where there are loads of wagon tracks to follow.

However, most are heading north up to Milborne. It's as they're approaching that Sundew finds some wheel trails that go off-road, as if to go around the town. However, before the party can decide to follow the trail they receive another Sending.

Orcs! Jelenneth brought to the orcs in Garlstone. Makes no sense, they're peaceful. Ask Garyld all about them; he is an old friend in Milborne.

So the heroes are hit with two ways forward: follow the trail, or learn more about the Bloodskull from Garyld.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"You are very brave," says Sundew as they pet Hengest, turning into a comb to groom him if necessary. "Glad none of those archers thought to steal you."

Following a sort of sudden sleepy inspiration, they collect some not-usually-edible berries from nearby, infuse them with magic, and proceed to spoil the horsie with some Goodberry treats.

They share in Celia's excitement on the confirmation that Jelenneth is okay, and in her apprehension the next day when she reports the latest sending. Currently in the shape of a custom Celia-friendly pack saddle as the group rides, their eyes shift up from the meandering tracks on the ground to look at her as they talk.

"Makes sense that they'd want to avoid town. Wouldn't want to get caught smuggling slaves, right?" Their eyes rotate forward. "Probably shorter to cut through town anyway, and Hengest can probably use a break."

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 16 HP: 20/20 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 3 / 3d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 4, 2nd: 2 / 2
Conditions: none

When Sundew suggests going through town, Xorgid will have to trust her. He would have suggested staying with the tracks, but if Sundew thinks they can pick them up on the other side, maybe it will be best to go into town and see if we can find this Garyld.

"Let's see if we can find Garyld."

He follows Sundew into town.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: help action for survival or perception
Bonus Action: none
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement: none
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us - smelled of fish
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire
Lukas - dye merchant hired us to go to Thurmaster
Kuiper - shepherd on the river to Thurmaster
Broken Spire Keep - where Jelenneth is
Squire Marlen - gave us Hengest the horse
Ranchevus - potion of domination, pact with old ones, dominated Carlanis
Ramor, Imrin, Shilek worked for Ranchevus. Looking for their own path.
gate requiring Key
Bloodskull orcs led by Tanarruk
Deliver casters to Old Ones
Garyld, friend of Tauster in Milbourne
Bloodskull orcs have Jelennneth
Orcs in Garlstone, usually friendly, but Jelenneth is there now

[JNAProductions]

Celia goes with as well, her steps a bit bouncier than they've been lately.

[Xihirli]

Arriving on horseback draws more attention to the group than usual. In their search for Garyld, word of the arrival of the trio must have spread, for Andren approaches hopefully.

"Oh, Garyld! I can bring you to his shop, he's a carpenter here. Also a bowyer and fletcher, if any of you are interested in bows and arrows. A few members of the militia are his students."
As Andren leads you all, he clearly has some hope, though obviously was hoping that Jelenneth was with you.
"So ah... any news about my sweetheart? About... Jelenneth?"

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 16 HP: 20/20 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 3 / 3d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 4, 2nd: 2 / 2
Conditions: none

Xorgid tries to be comforting to Andren, but isn't sure how it will be taken.

"Salutations, Andren. We have information. We met Tauster and he has communicated with her. She was abducted by Carlanis and Ranchevus, who were collecting spell casters, but we have killed them. But they had already transferred her to the Bloodskull orcs, and now he thinks she's been handed over to the Gallstone orcs, which surprised him. We'd like to talk to Garyld to see if he can shed any light on this."

He looks to Celia and Sundew to take over the conversation.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: help action for survival or perception
Bonus Action: none
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement: none
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us - smelled of fish
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire
Lukas - dye merchant hired us to go to Thurmaster
Kuiper - shepherd on the river to Thurmaster
Broken Spire Keep - where Jelenneth is
Squire Marlen - gave us Hengest the horse
Ranchevus - potion of domination, pact with old ones, dominated Carlanis
Ramor, Imrin, Shilek worked for Ranchevus. Looking for their own path.
gate requiring Key
Bloodskull orcs led by Tanarruk
Deliver casters to Old Ones
Garyld, friend of Tauster in Milbourne
Bloodskull orcs have Jelennneth
Orcs in Garlstone, usually friendly, but Jelenneth is there now

[JNAProductions]

Celia gives Xorgid a smile, and murmurs "You're doing great! You got this."

[Xihirli]

"Orcs!?" Andren says fearfully. "In Garlstone? But... since when? Oh dear..."
He does his best to focus on the positives. "I'm glad she's still alive. Thank you for all of your help so far."

He takes you to the carpenter's workshop, where an aging carpenter is mending a small fishing boat.
"Andren, I've told you already, I'm too old to track down your–" Garyld pauses as he takes in the sight of you all.
"You'd be those people Capella told me were visitin' some time ago. How can I help you?"
He does not stop patching up the boat.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Still in saddle mode, Sundew tethers Hengest to a post near the local water trough and follows the team inside.

"Capella? More like Tauster sent us. We think Jelenneth's with the Blooskull orcs, he said you'd know all about them. Any ideas how we might get her back from them?"

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 16 HP: 20/20 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 3 / 3d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 4, 2nd: 2 / 2
Conditions: none

Xorgid is glad that Sundew started the negotiations. The Berbalang was getting tired talking to people and just wants to be grumpy in the background for a bit. But he nods his head at Garyld and introduces himself.

"Greetings, Garyld. I am Xorgid. This is Celia and Sundew. We are trying to find Jelenneth. Tauster recommended we converse with you."

He realizes he's being too nice and stops talking.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: help action for survival or perception
Bonus Action: none
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement: none
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us - smelled of fish
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire
Lukas - dye merchant hired us to go to Thurmaster
Kuiper - shepherd on the river to Thurmaster
Broken Spire Keep - where Jelenneth is
Squire Marlen - gave us Hengest the horse
Ranchevus - potion of domination, pact with old ones, dominated Carlanis
Ramor, Imrin, Shilek worked for Ranchevus. Looking for their own path.
gate requiring Key
Bloodskull orcs led by Tanarruk
Deliver casters to Old Ones
Garyld, friend of Tauster in Milbourne
Bloodskull orcs have Jelennneth
Orcs in Garlstone, usually friendly, but Jelenneth is there now

[Xihirli]

"Bloodskull," Garyld repeats. "Haven't heard of them. The tribe of orcs in the mines is the ah... 'Adez-Nogjat.' Though we call them the Garlstone for the sake of ease."
"Wait," Andren says. "There's a tribe of orcs in the old mines? Really?"

"Yes, yes. They were wandering, and Tauster said if they could keep quiet about moving into Garlstone, he'd keep it quiet too. Hasn't been a problem for ten years. Let's see... what to say about them. They worship Luthic, their leader is called the 'Claw of Luthic,' her name is Garundaryek. They've been quite content to keep to themselves ever since moving in, they leave the upper layers of the mine fairly deserted just so that if any kids wander in they'll hit the part where they get scared and run home before they stumble on the band."
Garyld's face becomes serious.
"If they have anything to do with that girl's disappearance, I guess they've violated the trust." Garyld shook his head. "Shame. I was starting to think that one day there could really be peace between men and orcs. Now even if it does happen... won't be in my lifetime."

[JNAProductions]

"Well, there's more to it than that-there was a mage who was working on some kind of control magic," Celia says. "If they did this willingly, then yes, they have betrayed your trust. But if they were enchanted and coerced... They're just as much victims as anyone else."

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 16 HP: 20/20 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 3 / 3d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 4, 2nd: 2 / 2
Conditions: none

As much as he'd rather just find someone to blame, Xorgid reluctantly acknowledges that Celia has a good point.

"Yes. Let's don't condemn them yet. Let's rescue Jelenneth and the others first, then we can decide the Garlstone orcs' culpability. Do you know where we are likely to find them?"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: help action for survival or perception
Bonus Action: none
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement: none
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us - smelled of fish
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire
Lukas - dye merchant hired us to go to Thurmaster
Kuiper - shepherd on the river to Thurmaster
Broken Spire Keep - where Jelenneth is
Squire Marlen - gave us Hengest the horse
Ranchevus - potion of domination, pact with old ones, dominated Carlanis
Ramor, Imrin, Shilek worked for Ranchevus. Looking for their own path.
gate requiring Key
Bloodskull orcs led by Tanarruk
Deliver casters to Old Ones
Garyld, friend of Tauster in Milbourne
Bloodskull orcs have Jelennneth
Orcs in Garlstone, usually friendly, but Jelenneth is there now

Spoiler: map of Garlstone

Show

[Xihirli]

"Enchantments, eh?" Garyld acknowledges.
"Garlstone mine, north of the current Carman Mines in use." He goes digging in his desk for a time and passes over a map. "I'm sure the orcs have expanded downward, but this is a map of it from back when it was still in operation."

Spoiler: Map

Show

Did you know Night Below came with handouts? I didn't! There was a map of Haranshire you were all supposed to have right at the start!

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 16 HP: 20/20 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 3 / 3d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 4, 2nd: 2 / 2
Conditions: none

Once he gets directions to the mine, Xorgid takes the map if it is offered, or memorizes it if Garyld wants to keep it.

"How do we get from the upper level to the lower level?"

He thanks Garyld and then turns to Sundew and Celia.

"Is there anything else you need to accomplish or acquire before we depart?"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: help action for survival or perception
Bonus Action: none
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement: none
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us - smelled of fish
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire
Lukas - dye merchant hired us to go to Thurmaster
Kuiper - shepherd on the river to Thurmaster
Broken Spire Keep - where Jelenneth is
Squire Marlen - gave us Hengest the horse
Ranchevus - potion of domination, pact with old ones, dominated Carlanis
Ramor, Imrin, Shilek worked for Ranchevus. Looking for their own path.
gate requiring Key
Bloodskull orcs led by Tanarruk
Deliver casters to Old Ones
Garyld, friend of Tauster in Milbourne
Bloodskull orcs have Jelennneth
Orcs in Garlstone, usually friendly, but Jelenneth is there now

Spoiler: map of Garlstone

Show

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"In the mines, right?" says Sundew, not quite noticing that that doesn't answer Xorgid's question. "Guess the mines must be where those tracks were pointed, if the road doesn't go that way anymore."

[JNAProductions]

"Er, I could use a little time to tinker with a new blasting stick. But I can probably do that on the way-we should hurry!"

[Xihirli]

Hengest, the best horse, is distracted being pet by a village girl. The party eventually has to pull his muzzle out of her face to get moving.

Along their way north the trio pass by the Carman Mines, which are busy with activity as ore is transported out and miners ushered back in. Some 40 miners seem to work in either mine, and outside each is a small shanty settlement of rickety wooden cabins.

The entrance to the Garlstone Mine is easily found, set back a half-mile from the edge of the hills. Around the mine entrance the vegetation is discolored from mine waste. The interior of the mine is pitch dark, and seems entirely unguarded. If what Garyld said is true, this is the defense: precious few even know of the orcs down below.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Sundew dismounts, changes into their armor, and gives Hengest one more snack as the team prepares to leave the horse up here and brave the mines.

"Entrance is on the map, right?" They look at it over Celia's shoulder as they push a coiled rope into the team backpack. "Walking in on the... 'futch of bacon?' What's a futch?"

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 16 HP: 20/20 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 3 / 3d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 4, 2nd: 2 / 2
Conditions: none

Xorgid looks at the map one more time as they enter the cave.

"What the Futch indeed? Oh, wait. I think it's Fitch. See the dot over that line. Anyway. I think we should get through the Fitch or Futch as quickly as possible, ignoring the Dream Cave for now. I can't tell how to get to the lower level, but Grand Cascade sounds promising for that."

He starts to enter the cave, moving as quietly as possible.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: sneak
Bonus Action: none
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement: none
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us - smelled of fish
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire
Lukas - dye merchant hired us to go to Thurmaster
Kuiper - shepherd on the river to Thurmaster
Broken Spire Keep - where Jelenneth is
Squire Marlen - gave us Hengest the horse
Ranchevus - potion of domination, pact with old ones, dominated Carlanis
Ramor, Imrin, Shilek worked for Ranchevus. Looking for their own path.
gate requiring Key
Bloodskull orcs led by Tanarruk
Deliver casters to Old Ones
Garyld, friend of Tauster in Milbourne
Bloodskull orcs have Jelennneth
Orcs in Garlstone, usually friendly, but Jelenneth is there now

Spoiler: map of Garlstone

Show

[JNAProductions]

"If they have bacon, I approve," Celia jokes, before her face gets serious. She moves alongside Xorgid, quietly.

Spoiler: Stealth Roll

Show

(1d20+5)[10]