"Great t'see ya - head on in. Great to see you. Nice to meet y - ooh, good grip there, son. Save a little for the mines, now, that's it. Good to see you."
After travelling for some days on the wide dwarf roads that burrow through the hills and low mountains of Lesser Seboria, you all have at last reached the relative calm and safety of Base Camp #3 - a bustling refinery and logistics center for several of DRI's operations running in this region. It is summer, now, and the lands around you flourish with snowmelt and recently stirred creatures, frantically hunting in preparation for the blistering winds of winter, set to return in a few short months.
The dwarf before you is a stranger, but you recognize the large runic sigil on his pin as that of a Recruitment officer, not dissimilar to one you noticed during your initial recruitment interview, some weeks before. He greets you with a broad smile from behind curly blond whiskers, bright green eyes flashing beneath unusually bushy eyebrows as his Craterpeaks drawl seasons his words with unexpected syllables. You suspect he might be bald underneath his light leather cap.
Gesturing you inside a low, squat longhouse, you all, and a good score more of dwarves besides, take a seat in the amphitheater-style seating indoors, and after a few moments the officer takes the center stage and taps a stone-tipped boot politely for your attention:
"Good morning, kin. I trust you are all well rested this good day. I am Donavan Retief! Welcome to Deep Rock Incorporated. Rock and Stone!" He raises a fist in the air, eyes slightly teary with company motto. The room responds in predictable, but heartfelt chorus.
"I'll get right to it. You all have demonstrated more than adequate skills to contribute to a new expedition, but some ground rules must be covered before we proceed.
Rule #1: We are Kin-owned and Kin-run. If you have a problem with your Kin, stuff it away, because this is your family now. If you discover that you have a problem with someone on your team, and you cannot resolve the issue with words or a friendly brawl, you will kindly sober up and report it to your superior.
Rule #2: No Kin left behind! In every operation, there's always a chance for sh... for unexpected consequences. Ideally, you will all learn the appropriate skills and awareness needed to keep company property safe and to watch out for each other, but sometimes a choice has to be made. It is D-R-I Policy," he says, plosively spelling out the acronym of the company, "that personnel are to be preferred to riches. We develop our employees to grow and be more successful, and productive. Ye cannot do that if yer dead in a mineshaft because yer kin abandoned ye. That's not the DRI way, and so you will rescue your kin even if it means losing a haul of the greatest treasure." His stare hardens as he finishes this rule, making strong contact with each of you to impress the importance of this policy.
"Rule #3: Watch each other's backs. Where we are, here in Lesser Seboria, there's not too much risk in going below. But DRI's new expansion operation into Hoxley's Range is another beast alltogether. We can keep you supplied, but only you can keep each other safe.
Without further ado, allow me to introduce Mr. Hoxley himself!"
With a bit of a shock, and several loud whispers, a tall human in a weathered looking travel uniform steps onto the stage. You realize that you all saw him as you walked in the room, but that somehow this didn't register consciously in any meaningful way. It's as if he blended into the background of the room, only seizing your attention when it pleased him. His drawn, gray face holds a dour expression, and notably his lank, silvered hair falls over an eyepatch ringed by large scars. In short, he looks like the toughest explorer you've ever imagined in your wildest dreams.
His terse voice is soft, but subtly powerful, commanding respect. "I am Mr. Hoxley, Chief Exploration Officer for Deep Rock Incorporated. My subordinates have spent the better part of the last two years mapping the region you will now be tasked to exploit. We have done the best we can, and it is woefully little. Region HX-44 refers to this," and a subtle gesture summons an illusory map before your eyes. A highlighted crescent-shaped bulge of rather stark peaks stands out in relief, towards the northernmost reaches of the illusory picture, "range of mountains here. Don't be fooled. Yes, HX-44 lacks the picturesque peaks of our own Greater Seborians, nor does it feature the daunting presence of our corporate rivals, as do the Goldmounts, Firepeaks and the Snowknife Range. At least, not as of yet. Rather, HX-44's challenge lies in its remoteness from our regular supply lines. The Exploration Teams have established a rudimentary system of bases running from the base of the mountain range all the way along its curved spine, tracing a glacier-fed river system that we can use for transport. This will be your lifeline. Aside from logistical hurdles, however, keeping your teams alive in this region is going to be a challenge. Unpredictable weather patterns will be a serious problem, and various species of megafauna-"
"Mr. Hoxley!" Interrupts Donavan, your host from before, "The good news, please! There's always room for the bad after we've had some training! Not to worry, lads - you'll be more than equipped for anything those rocks can throw at you!"
Various cheers and jeers fill the room for a moment, while Mr. Hoxley looks on with a look that can only be defined as disdain.
"Yes, sir. As you say, there is some good news. The river system is a consistent avenue for transport, when it isn't frozen over, and more importantly, HX-44 has perhaps the highest density of rare minerals that I've seen in 40 years as CEO. We noted sizable veins of platinum, visibly gleaming from several miles away. We noted traces of electrum in the river system, runoff from the surrounding peaks. Naturally occurring cave systems run through the whole region, and our auguries even detected traces of Mithril deep underground, alongside several other high-value minerals in large amounts."
Excited murmurs buzz through the room. "We're rich!" somebody prematurely exclaims from the back.
"For all the risks involved, it's a forgone conclusion that this operation will net a profit, assuming we can get the stuff back to civilization for refining..." Mr. Hoxley trails off, thoughts clearly still on the substantial dangers ahead for the crowd of greenbeards before him. "I wish you luck. The Exploration Office will provide what support we can." Without another word, he exits the stage, leaving through a side door across from you to scattered applause.
"Alrighty, kin. Let's get to training. You all should have already submitted forms two through nineteen as you arrived, and received your identification pins. Please locate the others in your group designation now, and introduce yourselves. Light refreshments are provided in the back!"
The warm smell of mulled cider and fresh pastries take on palpable significance, and veritable stampeded hits the food table, groaning under the weight of its calorific burden. In the aftermath, various teams assemble around the amphitheater seating, and you find yourselves together.
Introductions are made, descriptions noted. Please introduce your character's name and appearance. When you are done, roll a D20 + your highest ability score modifier.
(The highest roll will have seniority in the group as its leader! Second highest will play as the second-in-command!)
(I will give out a point of inspiration to the one who establishes the most an organic-feeling and fitting introduction to your character.)
A relatively young dwarf woman stands near the back of the gathering during the speech, tugging on her braided hair a bit and trying not to show her nervousness. While she looks hardy enough, if a bit on the skinny side, her merchant's cloak and the elaborately decorated spellbook under her arm seem rather out of place for a mining operation. She hesitates for a moment as the speech concludes and the various teams split off. What is she doing here? She knows next to nothing about mining. Maybe she should just leave now while she still can.
But then, she thinks about why she's here, of the family that depends on her, and resolve fills her brown eyes. She may not be the toughest person in the room, and she certainly isn't the strongest, but she has her own talents that she knows will prove invaluable to her new companions. That's why she was hired, after all! She stashes her spellbook away and approaches her new teammates with a smile, doing her best to put on an air of casual confidence.
"Howdy, uh... 'kinfolk,'" Dhara says. "The name is Dhara, and it looks like I'm gonna be working with you boys."
(I thought we were going to do that after all the intros since you said you were going to give out Inspiration to the best intro... but I guess I misread it.)
Best ability is tied between Constitution and Intelligence, so here goes nothing: 8
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A dwarven man of average build approaches, wearing a suit of heavily modified scale armor that covers every inch from his neck down to his feet. He has a large metal shield strapped to his back and a leather bag slung over his shoulder that shift as he walks with a slight limp on his right leg. The pale, ruddy skin of his face is marked with burn scars. Running a gauntleted hand through his greasy, shoulder-length brown hair he inspects his new companions' gear with an appraising eye.
In a deep, raspy voice, "G'mornin. Name's Branmar." Assessing the quality and condition of everyone's armor while making little effort to make eye contact, "Branmar Thunderfist, master craftsman."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
You can't help but notice the Dwarf who steps forward, because he stands a full head taller than average, and wears a well, worn cloak of treated, dark brown leather with a dark red inner lining, The cloaks hood is pulled forward and his nose and eyes are hidden by its shadows, His dark brown beard is braided on each side with bands of dark red leather tying it off. He wears an old coat of scale mail, that seem to have been shortened for his size. Curiously, he carries a polished oaken staff made from a tap root, with a short hafted, twin bladed battle axe resting on his left hip, and a long dagger on his left, with another in this worn leather boots. He carries a pack by its handle over this left shoulder, where a short handled pickaxe is strapped to its outside,
"You may call me Austrig," he says in a deep, reverberating voice. "I am an archeologist by trade, and learned in myths and legends. I hope my skills there will be of great use. I also, thanks be to Dugmaren Brightmantle, have a touch of arcanum to bring to the group."
Stationed at the front of the group stands a young, slim gnome, with silver-white hair and pale grey skin. Throughout the debrief, she stands there with one hand on her hip and the other picking something from her teeth, golden-grey eyes focused on the speaker. It's clear that part of the reason she's standing in the front row, is so she can see who's talking. The gnome stands a full head shorter than the average dwarf and because of this, may have gone unnoticed by those kinfolk standing towards the back. She wears fur-lined leather armor, with hide trousers and tall boots, and carries a wooden shield and a Yklwa on her back. She does not seem bothered in the slightest that she is the only non-dwarf who was recruited for this job. In fact, she seems almost oblivious to it. She grew up below the surface, and anyone who lived a similar life would be more than comfortable around dwarves.
When Dhara states, "looks like I'll be working with you boy's," The young gnome clears her throat and turns to address the speaker. "I am here as well, my fellow female. So I believe the correct statement would be WE will be working with those boys." She doesn't sound particularly angry, her voice being more on the playful side. She blinks when Austrig introduces himself, "Oh? You are an archeologist as well?" She grins at him, "We'll have to talk more of our adventures sometime. I would be extremely interested to know what treasures you've discovered." Once the others finished introducing themselves, the gnome addresses the group. "My name is Raven, Raven Terrafell. And I have many skills that I am sure will be useful on our missions. Do not underestimate me for my small stature OR the fact that I am no dwarf."Though her words have a slight threatening tone, she says all of them rather sweetly. Putting a finger to her cheek she giggles, "As for what those skills are...well I think I'll leave them a mystery for now. Hmm, let's just say I can get in and out of places far easier than the rest of you, and I don't rely on brute strength to get things done."
Ability score modifiers are tied four ways. (I spread my points out a bit odd lol) so I will go with the highest score. Wis: 15 (rolled in game log)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A dwarf of average height with a lean muscular build and greasy black hair and beard, Thondor leans on his heavy maul while the introductions are being made. His skin is a full shade darker than the other dwarves and his chain mail armor rattles every time he shifts his weight. Between the maul, the war pick on his hip and the various other weapons and tools that he carries, he looks equally capable of crushing rocks or skulls as the circumstances may require.
"The name be Thondor Bonebreaker," he states bluntly. He scrutinizes the other crew members as he continues, "Tis not me first excursion into the gods forsaken belly of the mountains," then as his gaze settles on the gnome he adds skeptically, "and hopefully it'll no be me last."
Standing at the back, leaning against a pillar, wearing dark leathers, a dark cloak, hood pulled up coving his head his head is a rather average looking dwarf. His dark red beard, braided in a three pronged style, is quite long, well oiled and orderly. He is slowly drawing from a long white ivory pipe as he listens to Donovan what's his name. When the speaker, going over the rules, is locking eyes with individuals in the crowd and lands on this particular dwarf he notes how deep emerald green they are and sees a slight smile curl on his lips.
When Hoxley takes the stage, the dwarf closes his eyes, not because he isn't listening, but because he is trying to take in the information the human is relaying. When Hoxley is finished speaking and leaves, the dwarf's eyes snap open, he pulls the pipe from his mouth and taps it out and makes his way over to his group.
He throws his hood back, revealing dark, shoulder length auburn hair pulled back and held in place with a bit of twine. His face, rather plain, has no real distinguishing marks outside of the eyes. He speaks with a voice a smooth as good whisky and says with a slight bow, "Hello my new friends. My name is Ebgrun Bitterforge. You may call me Eb if you wish. I look forward to working with you." Eb moves to sit down and stands up suddenly, blurting out awkwardly, "Rock and stone." Embarrassed he pulls his hood back over his head.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Looks like a tossup between Ebgrun Bitterforge and Thondor Bonebreaker. I will roll here to determine which of you is the leader of the group. The other will be the second-in-command. 1-10 = Ebgrun, 11-20 = Thondor! 9)
(Raven Terrafell gets the inspiration point this time around - there will be opportunities for more! It was a near tossup between several of you!)
The meeting will continue with another post from me in an hour or so!
After a brief round of refreshments and introductions, you all settle back to your seats. Glancing around, you notice that Hoxley has returned, standing a little menacingly in the corner.
Donavan raises his hands, and after what feels like a too-long interval, the room quiets down enough for his voice to be heard over the rumblings of the assembled dwarves.
"I know you all have questions, but there will be time for that on the clock. Now that you've met your teams, we'll move out to the Mouth, and I'll show you our training course."
With a usual amount of grumbling, the assembled teams move out to the mountain face, whiskers stiffening slightly in the crisp morning air. Gathering on a small rise, you just barely look down into a yawning hole in the face of the mountain, aptly dubbed the "Mouth," where constant streams of dwarves and equipment go rattling and rumbling into the dark in a ceaseless train.
"This is the main operation of the Lesser Seborian range!" Announces Donavan Retief. "The pride of Deep Rock Incorporated! Just wanted to give you a look at what we're working towards!"
Off a ways to the side, several far more humble holes in the mountain extends in a different direction from the main operations. Well lit, with a well-worn path leading towards them, the sign over the nearest entrance reads "Training Course #2" in simple dwarf script.
"Alright, Kin!" You hear as you all shuffle forwards. "This training course is for group HX-449891... under a... Bitterferg! Bitterferg, where are you? Take your team and get on Training Course#2! Everything you need is just inside - I'll check in on you all when I'm done situating the others, or just start when you feel ready!"
Cheerful and chipper, Donavan heads off down the trail, leading the rest of the dwarves towards a few of the other holes. The six of you are left standing out in the open, the familiar sounds of minework echoing off the peak face across the valley from you. Just outside the cave, you can make out a couple of marked crates stacked neatly.
Branmar rolls his eyes in exasperation as Donavan marches off and grumbles in a low, harsh voice, "The man's name be BitterFORGE. Details matter."
Looking around at the group he speaks up, "Brothers. Sisters. You can always count on my shield at yer side, I look forward to working with ya." Then to Ebgrun directly, "Lead the way, boss. Let's see what they got in store fer us." Staring off towards the entrance of Training Course #2, Branmar stretches his arms over his chest one at a time then rotates his shoulders to limber them up.
Raven follows Donavan with a curios expression. Once she sees the Mouth she grins. That is one big mouth. The thought makes her giggle quietly as she continues forward. Outwardly, she appears almost disinterested in the gaping holes marring the mountain. Inwardly? She is awestruck. She's never seen a tunnel made specifically for mining that was this large before. Caverns yes, but dwarven made tunnels? Not so much. Not any that see the light of day anyways. However, she will not let the others see her awe. She will not gape at these incredible tunnels. No. That will only make her look like she doesn't belong, and she can't have that can she? She continues following Donavan, with a smile on her face.
Once the group approaches training course 2, she purses her lips and glances towards Bitterforge. Why did he get to be leader? How is that fair? Oh well. It's not like she actually wanted to be leader or anything. No, she's perfectly fine as a simple worker. For now anyways.
Putting her hands behind her back, she smiles sweetly at Ebgrun. "Well Boss? What will you have us do?"
Eb hears the name Bitterferg and starts to look around, a quizzical look on his face when he hears...what was his name again...Bran something or other...correct Donavan, albeit only loud enough for the group to hear, and starts moving towards where training course#2. Eb sees the little one...Raven was it?...walking several paces ahead of Bran...Branmar I think...and follows quickly, attempting to overtake the lead with some thought of catching up to Donavan to correct his mistake.
Seeing that the Donavan has moved past their training course, Eb shrugs his shoulders, Bah name isn't that important can correct him later. Pulled back to what his is supposed to be doing by Raven speaking to him...This one seems enthusiastic..., he investigates the training area for any indication as to what they are to do and says, "Well, let's see if they left us some instructions and go from there."
He sees Branmar and says, "Thanks for back there, thought Donny boy might have meant me, but never can be too sure."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As the others prepare, Austig removes his cloak and rolls it up before tying to the straps below his bedroll. Shouldering his pack and laying his staff over his shoulder, he follows along humming in his deep voice, while keeping his head down.
Perception: 6
OoC: As a DM do you prefer in post rolls or in campaign log rolls?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Donavan finishes, Thondor gives an audible, "Hrumph..." as he stomps forward with the little one and Bitter-whatever, his heavy armor clinking with every step. He is here to work and to make sure his crew makes it out alive, he is not interested in leading and he doesn't particularly care who signs his timesheet at the end of the day. Using his Superior Darkvision (120' range) he scans the area ahead looking for any occupational health & safety violations or any indication of what they are supposed to do next.
"Didn't Donavan just give us instructions?" the small gnome puts a finger on her chin and looks as if she's thinking hard. "Ah yes, He said you are in charge. And that you need to take this team and get on training course 2." Looking back at Eb she grins and clasps her hands behind her back again. "Yes. I think those are the instructions. This is a training course you know. It's supposed to be as close to the real thing as possible. Are you expecting instructions for every expedition? I certainly hope not! If you are, you will be disappointed!" She giggles.
After a couple minutes of waiting, she sighs and walks forward. "Well, if out brave leader, or any of you other tough dwarves, won't make the first move, then I suppose I will have to."Walking forward and into the tunnel of training course 2, Raven casually looks around. With the tunnel being well lit, there is no need for her darkvision. Hmm. Why is this training course starting them with lights? She doubts many mines they will traverse in the future will be this well lit. More than likely, they will be carrying the only light those tunnels will ever see. She pauses a few paces into the tunnel and looks back. "Well? Are you all coming or are you just going to let little old me wander on alone?"
Perception: 19
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"Great t'see ya - head on in. Great to see you. Nice to meet y - ooh, good grip there, son. Save a little for the mines, now, that's it. Good to see you."
After travelling for some days on the wide dwarf roads that burrow through the hills and low mountains of Lesser Seboria, you all have at last reached the relative calm and safety of Base Camp #3 - a bustling refinery and logistics center for several of DRI's operations running in this region. It is summer, now, and the lands around you flourish with snowmelt and recently stirred creatures, frantically hunting in preparation for the blistering winds of winter, set to return in a few short months.
The dwarf before you is a stranger, but you recognize the large runic sigil on his pin as that of a Recruitment officer, not dissimilar to one you noticed during your initial recruitment interview, some weeks before. He greets you with a broad smile from behind curly blond whiskers, bright green eyes flashing beneath unusually bushy eyebrows as his Craterpeaks drawl seasons his words with unexpected syllables. You suspect he might be bald underneath his light leather cap.
Gesturing you inside a low, squat longhouse, you all, and a good score more of dwarves besides, take a seat in the amphitheater-style seating indoors, and after a few moments the officer takes the center stage and taps a stone-tipped boot politely for your attention:
"Good morning, kin. I trust you are all well rested this good day. I am Donavan Retief! Welcome to Deep Rock Incorporated. Rock and Stone!" He raises a fist in the air, eyes slightly teary with company motto. The room responds in predictable, but heartfelt chorus.
"I'll get right to it. You all have demonstrated more than adequate skills to contribute to a new expedition, but some ground rules must be covered before we proceed.
Rule #1: We are Kin-owned and Kin-run. If you have a problem with your Kin, stuff it away, because this is your family now. If you discover that you have a problem with someone on your team, and you cannot resolve the issue with words or a friendly brawl, you will kindly sober up and report it to your superior.
Rule #2: No Kin left behind! In every operation, there's always a chance for sh... for unexpected consequences. Ideally, you will all learn the appropriate skills and awareness needed to keep company property safe and to watch out for each other, but sometimes a choice has to be made. It is D-R-I Policy," he says, plosively spelling out the acronym of the company, "that personnel are to be preferred to riches. We develop our employees to grow and be more successful, and productive. Ye cannot do that if yer dead in a mineshaft because yer kin abandoned ye. That's not the DRI way, and so you will rescue your kin even if it means losing a haul of the greatest treasure." His stare hardens as he finishes this rule, making strong contact with each of you to impress the importance of this policy.
"Rule #3: Watch each other's backs. Where we are, here in Lesser Seboria, there's not too much risk in going below. But DRI's new expansion operation into Hoxley's Range is another beast alltogether. We can keep you supplied, but only you can keep each other safe.
Without further ado, allow me to introduce Mr. Hoxley himself!"
With a bit of a shock, and several loud whispers, a tall human in a weathered looking travel uniform steps onto the stage. You realize that you all saw him as you walked in the room, but that somehow this didn't register consciously in any meaningful way. It's as if he blended into the background of the room, only seizing your attention when it pleased him. His drawn, gray face holds a dour expression, and notably his lank, silvered hair falls over an eyepatch ringed by large scars. In short, he looks like the toughest explorer you've ever imagined in your wildest dreams.
His terse voice is soft, but subtly powerful, commanding respect. "I am Mr. Hoxley, Chief Exploration Officer for Deep Rock Incorporated. My subordinates have spent the better part of the last two years mapping the region you will now be tasked to exploit. We have done the best we can, and it is woefully little. Region HX-44 refers to this," and a subtle gesture summons an illusory map before your eyes. A highlighted crescent-shaped bulge of rather stark peaks stands out in relief, towards the northernmost reaches of the illusory picture, "range of mountains here. Don't be fooled. Yes, HX-44 lacks the picturesque peaks of our own Greater Seborians, nor does it feature the daunting presence of our corporate rivals, as do the Goldmounts, Firepeaks and the Snowknife Range. At least, not as of yet. Rather, HX-44's challenge lies in its remoteness from our regular supply lines. The Exploration Teams have established a rudimentary system of bases running from the base of the mountain range all the way along its curved spine, tracing a glacier-fed river system that we can use for transport. This will be your lifeline. Aside from logistical hurdles, however, keeping your teams alive in this region is going to be a challenge. Unpredictable weather patterns will be a serious problem, and various species of megafauna-"
"Mr. Hoxley!" Interrupts Donavan, your host from before, "The good news, please! There's always room for the bad after we've had some training! Not to worry, lads - you'll be more than equipped for anything those rocks can throw at you!"
Various cheers and jeers fill the room for a moment, while Mr. Hoxley looks on with a look that can only be defined as disdain.
"Yes, sir. As you say, there is some good news. The river system is a consistent avenue for transport, when it isn't frozen over, and more importantly, HX-44 has perhaps the highest density of rare minerals that I've seen in 40 years as CEO. We noted sizable veins of platinum, visibly gleaming from several miles away. We noted traces of electrum in the river system, runoff from the surrounding peaks. Naturally occurring cave systems run through the whole region, and our auguries even detected traces of Mithril deep underground, alongside several other high-value minerals in large amounts."
Excited murmurs buzz through the room. "We're rich!" somebody prematurely exclaims from the back.
"For all the risks involved, it's a forgone conclusion that this operation will net a profit, assuming we can get the stuff back to civilization for refining..." Mr. Hoxley trails off, thoughts clearly still on the substantial dangers ahead for the crowd of greenbeards before him. "I wish you luck. The Exploration Office will provide what support we can." Without another word, he exits the stage, leaving through a side door across from you to scattered applause.
"Alrighty, kin. Let's get to training. You all should have already submitted forms two through nineteen as you arrived, and received your identification pins. Please locate the others in your group designation now, and introduce yourselves. Light refreshments are provided in the back!"
The warm smell of mulled cider and fresh pastries take on palpable significance, and veritable stampeded hits the food table, groaning under the weight of its calorific burden. In the aftermath, various teams assemble around the amphitheater seating, and you find yourselves together.
Introductions are made, descriptions noted. Please introduce your character's name and appearance. When you are done, roll a D20 + your highest ability score modifier.
(The highest roll will have seniority in the group as its leader! Second highest will play as the second-in-command!)
(I will give out a point of inspiration to the one who establishes the most an organic-feeling and fitting introduction to your character.)
A relatively young dwarf woman stands near the back of the gathering during the speech, tugging on her braided hair a bit and trying not to show her nervousness. While she looks hardy enough, if a bit on the skinny side, her merchant's cloak and the elaborately decorated spellbook under her arm seem rather out of place for a mining operation. She hesitates for a moment as the speech concludes and the various teams split off. What is she doing here? She knows next to nothing about mining. Maybe she should just leave now while she still can.
But then, she thinks about why she's here, of the family that depends on her, and resolve fills her brown eyes. She may not be the toughest person in the room, and she certainly isn't the strongest, but she has her own talents that she knows will prove invaluable to her new companions. That's why she was hired, after all! She stashes her spellbook away and approaches her new teammates with a smile, doing her best to put on an air of casual confidence.
"Howdy, uh... 'kinfolk,'" Dhara says. "The name is Dhara, and it looks like I'm gonna be working with you boys."
(Don't forget to roll a D20+your highest ability score modifier!)
(I thought we were going to do that after all the intros since you said you were going to give out Inspiration to the best intro... but I guess I misread it.)
Best ability is tied between Constitution and Intelligence, so here goes nothing: 8
A dwarven man of average build approaches, wearing a suit of heavily modified scale armor that covers every inch from his neck down to his feet. He has a large metal shield strapped to his back and a leather bag slung over his shoulder that shift as he walks with a slight limp on his right leg. The pale, ruddy skin of his face is marked with burn scars. Running a gauntleted hand through his greasy, shoulder-length brown hair he inspects his new companions' gear with an appraising eye.
In a deep, raspy voice, "G'mornin. Name's Branmar." Assessing the quality and condition of everyone's armor while making little effort to make eye contact, "Branmar Thunderfist, master craftsman."
9
You can't help but notice the Dwarf who steps forward, because he stands a full head taller than average, and wears a well, worn cloak of treated, dark brown leather with a dark red inner lining, The cloaks hood is pulled forward and his nose and eyes are hidden by its shadows, His dark brown beard is braided on each side with bands of dark red leather tying it off. He wears an old coat of scale mail, that seem to have been shortened for his size. Curiously, he carries a polished oaken staff made from a tap root, with a short hafted, twin bladed battle axe resting on his left hip, and a long dagger on his left, with another in this worn leather boots. He carries a pack by its handle over this left shoulder, where a short handled pickaxe is strapped to its outside,
"You may call me Austrig," he says in a deep, reverberating voice. "I am an archeologist by trade, and learned in myths and legends. I hope my skills there will be of great use. I also, thanks be to Dugmaren Brightmantle, have a touch of arcanum to bring to the group."
Const: 5
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Stationed at the front of the group stands a young, slim gnome, with silver-white hair and pale grey skin. Throughout the debrief, she stands there with one hand on her hip and the other picking something from her teeth, golden-grey eyes focused on the speaker. It's clear that part of the reason she's standing in the front row, is so she can see who's talking. The gnome stands a full head shorter than the average dwarf and because of this, may have gone unnoticed by those kinfolk standing towards the back. She wears fur-lined leather armor, with hide trousers and tall boots, and carries a wooden shield and a Yklwa on her back. She does not seem bothered in the slightest that she is the only non-dwarf who was recruited for this job. In fact, she seems almost oblivious to it. She grew up below the surface, and anyone who lived a similar life would be more than comfortable around dwarves.
When Dhara states, "looks like I'll be working with you boy's," The young gnome clears her throat and turns to address the speaker. "I am here as well, my fellow female. So I believe the correct statement would be WE will be working with those boys." She doesn't sound particularly angry, her voice being more on the playful side. She blinks when Austrig introduces himself, "Oh? You are an archeologist as well?" She grins at him, "We'll have to talk more of our adventures sometime. I would be extremely interested to know what treasures you've discovered." Once the others finished introducing themselves, the gnome addresses the group. "My name is Raven, Raven Terrafell. And I have many skills that I am sure will be useful on our missions. Do not underestimate me for my small stature OR the fact that I am no dwarf." Though her words have a slight threatening tone, she says all of them rather sweetly. Putting a finger to her cheek she giggles, "As for what those skills are...well I think I'll leave them a mystery for now. Hmm, let's just say I can get in and out of places far easier than the rest of you, and I don't rely on brute strength to get things done."
Ability score modifiers are tied four ways. (I spread my points out a bit odd lol) so I will go with the highest score. Wis: 15 (rolled in game log)
A dwarf of average height with a lean muscular build and greasy black hair and beard, Thondor leans on his heavy maul while the introductions are being made. His skin is a full shade darker than the other dwarves and his chain mail armor rattles every time he shifts his weight. Between the maul, the war pick on his hip and the various other weapons and tools that he carries, he looks equally capable of crushing rocks or skulls as the circumstances may require.
"The name be Thondor Bonebreaker," he states bluntly. He scrutinizes the other crew members as he continues, "Tis not me first excursion into the gods forsaken belly of the mountains," then as his gaze settles on the gnome he adds skeptically, "and hopefully it'll no be me last."
Strength : 14
Standing at the back, leaning against a pillar, wearing dark leathers, a dark cloak, hood pulled up coving his head his head is a rather average looking dwarf. His dark red beard, braided in a three pronged style, is quite long, well oiled and orderly. He is slowly drawing from a long white ivory pipe as he listens to Donovan what's his name. When the speaker, going over the rules, is locking eyes with individuals in the crowd and lands on this particular dwarf he notes how deep emerald green they are and sees a slight smile curl on his lips.
When Hoxley takes the stage, the dwarf closes his eyes, not because he isn't listening, but because he is trying to take in the information the human is relaying. When Hoxley is finished speaking and leaves, the dwarf's eyes snap open, he pulls the pipe from his mouth and taps it out and makes his way over to his group.
He throws his hood back, revealing dark, shoulder length auburn hair pulled back and held in place with a bit of twine. His face, rather plain, has no real distinguishing marks outside of the eyes. He speaks with a voice a smooth as good whisky and says with a slight bow, "Hello my new friends. My name is Ebgrun Bitterforge. You may call me Eb if you wish. I look forward to working with you." Eb moves to sit down and stands up suddenly, blurting out awkwardly, "Rock and stone." Embarrassed he pulls his hood back over his head.
21
(Looks like a tossup between Ebgrun Bitterforge and Thondor Bonebreaker. I will roll here to determine which of you is the leader of the group. The other will be the second-in-command. 1-10 = Ebgrun, 11-20 = Thondor! 9)
(Raven Terrafell gets the inspiration point this time around - there will be opportunities for more! It was a near tossup between several of you!)
The meeting will continue with another post from me in an hour or so!
(Awesome! Looking forward to it!)
(If it matters Eb would rather be 2nd)
(Up to Eb and Thondor to sort it out - for now, Eb's been given seniority.)
After a brief round of refreshments and introductions, you all settle back to your seats. Glancing around, you notice that Hoxley has returned, standing a little menacingly in the corner.
Donavan raises his hands, and after what feels like a too-long interval, the room quiets down enough for his voice to be heard over the rumblings of the assembled dwarves.
"I know you all have questions, but there will be time for that on the clock. Now that you've met your teams, we'll move out to the Mouth, and I'll show you our training course."
With a usual amount of grumbling, the assembled teams move out to the mountain face, whiskers stiffening slightly in the crisp morning air. Gathering on a small rise, you just barely look down into a yawning hole in the face of the mountain, aptly dubbed the "Mouth," where constant streams of dwarves and equipment go rattling and rumbling into the dark in a ceaseless train.
"This is the main operation of the Lesser Seborian range!" Announces Donavan Retief. "The pride of Deep Rock Incorporated! Just wanted to give you a look at what we're working towards!"
Off a ways to the side, several far more humble holes in the mountain extends in a different direction from the main operations. Well lit, with a well-worn path leading towards them, the sign over the nearest entrance reads "Training Course #2" in simple dwarf script.
"Alright, Kin!" You hear as you all shuffle forwards. "This training course is for group HX-449891... under a... Bitterferg! Bitterferg, where are you? Take your team and get on Training Course#2! Everything you need is just inside - I'll check in on you all when I'm done situating the others, or just start when you feel ready!"
Cheerful and chipper, Donavan heads off down the trail, leading the rest of the dwarves towards a few of the other holes. The six of you are left standing out in the open, the familiar sounds of minework echoing off the peak face across the valley from you. Just outside the cave, you can make out a couple of marked crates stacked neatly.
What do you do?
Branmar rolls his eyes in exasperation as Donavan marches off and grumbles in a low, harsh voice, "The man's name be BitterFORGE. Details matter."
Looking around at the group he speaks up, "Brothers. Sisters. You can always count on my shield at yer side, I look forward to working with ya." Then to Ebgrun directly, "Lead the way, boss. Let's see what they got in store fer us." Staring off towards the entrance of Training Course #2, Branmar stretches his arms over his chest one at a time then rotates his shoulders to limber them up.
Raven follows Donavan with a curios expression. Once she sees the Mouth she grins. That is one big mouth. The thought makes her giggle quietly as she continues forward. Outwardly, she appears almost disinterested in the gaping holes marring the mountain. Inwardly? She is awestruck. She's never seen a tunnel made specifically for mining that was this large before. Caverns yes, but dwarven made tunnels? Not so much. Not any that see the light of day anyways. However, she will not let the others see her awe. She will not gape at these incredible tunnels. No. That will only make her look like she doesn't belong, and she can't have that can she? She continues following Donavan, with a smile on her face.
Once the group approaches training course 2, she purses her lips and glances towards Bitterforge. Why did he get to be leader? How is that fair? Oh well. It's not like she actually wanted to be leader or anything. No, she's perfectly fine as a simple worker. For now anyways.
Putting her hands behind her back, she smiles sweetly at Ebgrun. "Well Boss? What will you have us do?"
Eb hears the name Bitterferg and starts to look around, a quizzical look on his face when he hears...what was his name again...Bran something or other...correct Donavan, albeit only loud enough for the group to hear, and starts moving towards where training course#2. Eb sees the little one...Raven was it?...walking several paces ahead of Bran...Branmar I think...and follows quickly, attempting to overtake the lead with some thought of catching up to Donavan to correct his mistake.
Seeing that the Donavan has moved past their training course, Eb shrugs his shoulders, Bah name isn't that important can correct him later. Pulled back to what his is supposed to be doing by Raven speaking to him...This one seems enthusiastic..., he investigates the training area for any indication as to what they are to do and says, "Well, let's see if they left us some instructions and go from there."
He sees Branmar and says, "Thanks for back there, thought Donny boy might have meant me, but never can be too sure."
As the others prepare, Austig removes his cloak and rolls it up before tying to the straps below his bedroll. Shouldering his pack and laying his staff over his shoulder, he follows along humming in his deep voice, while keeping his head down.
Perception: 6
OoC: As a DM do you prefer in post rolls or in campaign log rolls?
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
As Donavan finishes, Thondor gives an audible, "Hrumph..." as he stomps forward with the little one and Bitter-whatever, his heavy armor clinking with every step. He is here to work and to make sure his crew makes it out alive, he is not interested in leading and he doesn't particularly care who signs his timesheet at the end of the day. Using his Superior Darkvision (120' range) he scans the area ahead looking for any occupational health & safety violations or any indication of what they are supposed to do next.
Perception: 13
Investigation: 9
"Didn't Donavan just give us instructions?" the small gnome puts a finger on her chin and looks as if she's thinking hard. "Ah yes, He said you are in charge. And that you need to take this team and get on training course 2." Looking back at Eb she grins and clasps her hands behind her back again. "Yes. I think those are the instructions. This is a training course you know. It's supposed to be as close to the real thing as possible. Are you expecting instructions for every expedition? I certainly hope not! If you are, you will be disappointed!" She giggles.
After a couple minutes of waiting, she sighs and walks forward. "Well, if out brave leader, or any of you other tough dwarves, won't make the first move, then I suppose I will have to." Walking forward and into the tunnel of training course 2, Raven casually looks around. With the tunnel being well lit, there is no need for her darkvision. Hmm. Why is this training course starting them with lights? She doubts many mines they will traverse in the future will be this well lit. More than likely, they will be carrying the only light those tunnels will ever see. She pauses a few paces into the tunnel and looks back. "Well? Are you all coming or are you just going to let little old me wander on alone?"
Perception: 19