[[ Hope you guys had a good New Year. (Sorry for the delay, got busy with prep the day of and then sleeping off the day following. ;p) ]]

The party walks through the tunnel by the light of Dain's torch. Dust and cobwebs fill the passageway until they come to a room with a large stone coffin. Statues of dwarven soldiers stand at each side of the room. Hovering above the coffin is the ghost of a dwarf that looks like the statue from before.

"Who are you?" asks the ghost, seeming perplexed by the party's presence. "Why has my rest been disturbed?"

Dain is far from the most courteous or observant of dwarves, but he recognizes that the ghost’s countenance is identical to that of the royal statue above. This is a dwarven king, perhaps one that once ruled his clan’s land. He moves forward two squares (not encroaching past the guard statues) and drops to one knee. He speaks, not truly formally, but more reverently than he has in the past.

”Maj’sty, your tomb’s been overrun by goblins and some sort o’ dragon cult. My name is Dain Brawnanvil and these are me companions. We three were charged with investigating and putting a stop ta’ wot’s here. We have no map and did nay know you were buried here at all.”

He’s not so reverent as to avoid making eye contact with the ghost, but he remains on one knee until it addresses him. 

Impressed by Dain's reply, Finn simply stood quietly, waiting to see how the scene played out.

"Cultists defiling this place? My city, once a bustling hub of trade between the mountains reduced to a den of evil?" asks the ghostly king with a look of sadness. "No wonder I'm back." The king continues, "In life I was a warrior for our people, Dain Brawnanvil. But now," he phases his hand through stone, "I can't even pick up an axe. If you three are here hoping to put an end to these cultists, what is it you plan to do?"

[[ @all If you want to try persuasion, feel free to take advantage. ]]

“We’ve routed those controlling the gates already Sir. Sounds like their focus is a big ol’ lizard takin’ up residence. We’re ‘appy ta be your blades and put a stop ta it by dealing with that. Got this far already, we did. Do you know where in the city somethin’ like that would choose ta stay?”

He remains on his knee during this conversation.

Persuasion: 20

Finn suppressed his discomfort, all while keeping a neutral look on his face. He'd always chafed in the presence of kings and other "authorities," and dealing with the ghost of one--especially if it expected deference from him--was something he figured he'd let the others handle, if he could.

He did, however, subtly nod at Dain's claim that they'd be happy to put a stop to things.

The ghost seems gladdened and assured at Dain's words. "Blessings of the mountain upon you." the king says in thanks. The party is able to feel a wave of gratitude come over them, as if the lives of those that once dwelled in this place offer aid.

[[ @all may take inspiration ]]

"For where such a creature would be, perhaps the largest open space would be agora further beyond past the barracks. Great pillars stand to keep the high ceilings aloft. Though the buildings within are probably in ruins by now."

Zylborin's mouth which had been slack-jawed in surprise to the statue opening to his guess of the riddle, remains open as they descended into the crypt. He shuts his mouth and politely bows when the other worldly Dwarven King speaks to the group. 

He is both surprised and impressed by Dain's words, there's obviously more to this burly Dwarf.

[[ OOC: Happy new year everyone - Sorry for delay, busy start to the year]]

Dain stands and salutes the ghost before walking back to the party.

”Well lads, we’ve got a mission and a heading. Let’s be off.”

He’ll start leading back up the stairs, then taking whichever path remains to us as he seeks to exit the barracks. 

An involuntary exhale left Finn as they headed out. "Good work with the, um, ghost king," he said to Dain, trying not to stumble over the compliment. Quickly moving on, he summoned his sword and put on a stern face as they headed out to fight the rest of the cultists.

As the party heads through the passages going deeper down they come to a place where it opens up over a crevasse that then leads to a grand stairway downwards. On the bridge they can see some cracked dwarven statues but also some newer ones. A statue of a dragon, nowhere near as good as dwarven stonework, and a very roughshod depiction of a kobold. From below can be heard sounds of commotion.

[[ 
Shaded Orange: 100ft drop to the bottom.

White Lines: outlines of great pillars

Orange Lines on the top with a ruined background tiles: Stairways downwards. Each five feet is also five feet downwards. (Kinda steep for stairs, but makes the math/map easier.)

Not pictured: They'd be able to see great pillars and a large space opening up further. (Using Owlbear for making maps and the way the fog works makes it easier to keep it "hidden" for now.)
]]

“Aye, thanks Finn,” Dain replies, “Might have been a regent for my clan at some point, so I owe him the respect. Glad we got somethin’ ta work off ‘a.”

Upon seeing the new statues, he derides then. “Wot kinda shoddy craftsmanship is this? They think these can stand next ta dwarven handywork?” He chips away at the dragon statue a few times. “Remind me ta tear it down properly when we’re done here.”

Emboldened by a good rest and the encounter with the ghost , Dain is proceeding forward with no fear. 

Finn's eyes widened as Dain stepped boldly onto the bridge, then he gave a low chuckle. "Never tick off a dwarf, I see," he said as he followed. Suddenly stopping for a moment, he knelt and then peeked over the side to the region below. At first the sight of the fall had him tense up and activate his boots, and he levitated a few inches off the bridge, but then after taking in the sight he quietly stood and floated back to the others. (And for some reason, he didn't turn his flight off.)

(( If Finn sees anything of note, he'll report it to the group. If he needs a Stealth check to avoid being seen while peeking over the side, just let me know if there's advantage due to the height or not and I'll roll. ))

Quote from RodTheBard >>

(( If Finn sees anything of note, he'll report it to the group. If he needs a Stealth check to avoid being seen while peeking over the side, just let me know if there's advantage due to the height or not and I'll roll. ))

For Stealth, overall not much cover. But they also don't have a strong reason to be looking in your direction. So let's call it a flat roll but I'll give disadvantage on the passive perceptions.

Quote from VitusW >>

Quote from RodTheBard >>

(( If Finn sees anything of note, he'll report it to the group. If he needs a Stealth check to avoid being seen while peeking over the side, just let me know if there's advantage due to the height or not and I'll roll. ))

For Stealth, overall not much cover. But they also don't have a strong reason to be looking in your direction. So let's call it a flat roll but I'll give disadvantage on the passive perceptions.

(( That's fine, just wanted to see if his disadvantage on Stealth would be canceled out. Stealth Check: 8 ))

Zylborin quietly follows behind the others. Trying to keep up with Dain's pace. 

He'll keep his eyes ahead, and on the roof. In case there's anything watching from above.

As Finn approaches he sees the ruins in all their glory. The tall pillars. Amongst them some kobolds dallying around with various tasks. And some attending to a scaly green dragon near his hoard. Keeping watch from behind Zylborin isn't able to detect anything lurking in the ceiling.

[[ Red lines are some higher-standing rubble that can give half-cover. ]]

While the kobolds are oblivious as Finn approaches the dragon seems to catch the movement in the corner of his eyes. He lifts his head mildly intrigued and states, "Who granted you an audience? For their sake I hope you make it worthwhile." there seems to be a slight disdain and annoyance in the dragon's words. But then his mood seems lighten. "Or have I been gifted new playthings?"

Finn nearly jumped at the sudden booming address, as he'd been sure he hadn't been noticed. Shaking his head, he whispered, "And I think that's the green dragon I saw. Crud." Hesitating for a moment, his eyes instinctively flickered toward Dain to see if he'd slowed his advance.

Dain pauses as they’re addressed. He’s tense, every muscle fiber burning for a fight, but he’s not immune to the awe of a dragon, even a small one, staring him down. He whispers to the group.

”If either of ya want ta smooth talk us closer to it so I can get ta work, do your thing now.”

Zylborin whispers to Finn and Dain "Play along".

He clears his throat and pushes Finn and Dain in the back towards the Dragon. Gently, but firm enough to sell the bit.

"Oh great verdant wyrm of the mountain, I have heard of your masterful scheming and power, I have captured these two renowned warriors for you to keep as slaves. As a offering from a fellow scaled, but obviously lesser being."

He will try to get them as close as possible to the dragon.

Persuasion or  Performance if needed: