The old man is pleased to finally have someone interested in his mission. "You're the first group to come by and ask about it, as a matter of fact..."
He clears his throat, and begins telling a brief history of the Sunless Citadel. "It was once the site of a dragon cult, worshipping the great red dragon Ashardalon, whose rampage created the devastated barren lands known as the Ashen Plain long ago. These cultists frequently raided the town of Oakhurst. Perhaps thankfully, it was swallowed by the earth in a great cataclysm that rent the land in two, and abandoned by those who had made it. That was some hundred years ago. The abandoned site was soon taken by a tribe of goblins, who had been nothing but trouble for many years until, ten years ago, they began offering us golden apples once every year for trade, a fruit which had miraculous healing properties. They still steal our livestock, though, so tensions remain high."
"Well, let us talk more recently. A party of five adventurers left Oakhurst a month ago, looking to hunt down the great immortal dragonpriest, and has yet to return; we fear the worst. We are offering 150 gold per person returned safely, or, if that is not possible, what of their effects you can find."
He clears his throat again. "You should know who you are looking for. First, the leader of the party, a man or Pelor, the paladin Sir Braford. He carried with him his enchanted sword, Shatterspike; you will know it if you see it, as it has its name engraved on the steel. Next, the Hucrule twins, Talgen and Sharwyn; a skilled fighter and an adept wizard, respectively; they each have a signet ring with the Hucrule family crest. And then there is a gnome, a cleric of Garl Glittergold; he has a holy symbol, a gold nugget suspended on a pendant. Finally, the ranger Karakas; his longbow has a great oak tree etched into it filigreed with gold."
After coughing a few times, he says: "Head towards the town of Oakhurst; then, take the Old Road to the great rift in the earth, and you will find stone pillars marking the entrance to the sunken fortress. When you have found who or what you can, return to Oakhurst and see the mayor; he will have your reward."
”Hm, I think I understand, but I do have one question about the reward, is the reward split evenly among us, or is it 150 gold each, per person saved?”
"I shouldn't worry too much, Dwaye. Dragon Cults were known to amass some riches. If the goblins aren't terribly enterprising there may be some that remains hidden from the filthy wretches."
Heia will search her memory to see if she can recall any lore or stories related to the apples.
(not sure which you'd prefer) History 8 Religion 8
"I have heard of poisonous apples given to beautiful Princesses by a hag. And I know of three lovely goddesses fighting over an apple given by the goddess of Chaos, A personal favorite of mine. Ive even heard of a far away place where apples granted knowledge and exile from paradise. Yet never have goblins or dragons been involved."
Heia taps her chin, thoughtfully. "I guess we will just have to go look for ourselves."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Lark- Goblin Bard 2- Lost Mines Gr-A/ AC 13 HP 15, passive perception 11
Soar asks if the adventurers were from Oakhurst, and if there have been goblin raids since they disappeared.
She will also stop by any place that has a not-exorbitant supply of healing potions (how much are they?), because she does not want to follow in the other adventurers' footsteps, and if she find them, she imagines that they will need healing.
Healing potions and salves are generally sold 50 gold each where they can be found (the herbalist on Trollskull Alley sells them, for instance).
"Talgen, Sharwyn and Karakas are natives of Oakhurst, the other two are outsiders. There have been livestock killed by something, we would suspect goblins but their wounds suggest that they were mauled by something; not eaten, strangely enough, just mauled to death."
"That seems very strange. I think we may be able to help you. Let me check with my companions here and after a trip back home, we should be able to be on your way. What was your name, if we meet someone from Oakhurst and want to mention you?"
Soar stops by the herbalist and picks up two healing potions, checks in with Lif and the others, and asks who wants to set off to the Sunless Citadel. "This could be tricky so come prepared for some trouble." She heads out with whoever is game.
”Sounds good, let's go!” Dwaye says before heading out, buying two healing potions (Not that he thinks he’ll really need them, but just to be cautious) along his way our tavern to see if he could round up a few more people, then to Oakhurst (Or wherever we’re going, if not to Oakhurst)
Asmodai will also buy 2 Healing Potions on his way out with the rest of the group. "This Citadel seems intriguing, what do you think we'll find there?"
To Asmodai- "Enchanted apples, missing adventurers, and immortals; This place sounds like a childrens tale. Maybe we will find a spinning wheel that will turn straw into gold." She giggles. "Though likely we will be wading through goblin filth."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Lark- Goblin Bard 2- Lost Mines Gr-A/ AC 13 HP 15, passive perception 11
[Looks like everyone is going; Xunsilver PM'd me and told me that he's retiring Erik, and I think everyone else has been affirmative about the quest. Just give me a "We set out from Waterdeep for the Sunless Citadel" and you'll be off! : )]
You head east, out the South Gate of Waterdeep, along the High Road. You follow the directions given by the old man of Oakhurst, and turn at a milestone marker with a sign pointing in the directions of The Old Road and The New Road. You take the Old Road, and after about an hour you arrive at a ravine with stone pillars, just as the old man said.
At the road's closest approach to the cleft, several broken pillars jut from the earth where the ravine widens and opens into something more akin to a deep, but narrow, canyon. Two of the pillars stand straight, but most of them lean against the sloped earth. Others are broken, and several have apparently fallen into the darkness-shrouded depths. A few similar pillars are visible on the opposite side of the ravine.
There are carvings on the pillars on this side of the ravine you are on, they seem relatively recent compared to the stone. There is also a sturdy rope attached to two of the pillars, descending down onto a sandy ledge some twenty feet below.
"This looks fun!" Soar says, looking at the carvings on the pillars (Arcana/history 13; add 2 for religion)
She looks and listens for anything down on the ledge, looking for signs of passage, living/dead things, any sound at all. (Perception: 7)
If there's literally nothing, she offers to help anyone who might have trouble with climbing down a rope. She loops a length of rope from her pack around the base of the pillar and ties the end around her waist as a backup, leaving about 15 feet slack from the top. She'll climb down unless there's objection or a sign for caution. (Athletics: 16)
The carvings are goblin runes; they say in crude language that trespassers will be killed or worse.
Soar just barely makes it down onto the ledge safely, thanks to Kierro's guidance.
The sandy ledge overlooks a subterranean gulf of darkness. The ledge is wide but rough. Sand, rocky debris, and the bones of small animals cover it. A roughly hewn stairwell zigs and zags down the side of the ledge, descending into darkness.
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While Soar is asking questions, Heia will attempt to eavesdrop on surrounding conversations, listening for anything that might be interesting.
Perception 18
(OOC:crap) Heia will just stand disbelievingly in the corner and wonder why everywhere in this City is soo loud.
Lark- Goblin Bard 2- Lost Mines Gr-A/ AC 13 HP 15, passive perception 11
DM- Sunless Citadel PbP// Waterdeep Dragon Heist (IRL F2F)// Adventurers League (F2F LGS)
The old man is pleased to finally have someone interested in his mission. "You're the first group to come by and ask about it, as a matter of fact..."
He clears his throat, and begins telling a brief history of the Sunless Citadel. "It was once the site of a dragon cult, worshipping the great red dragon Ashardalon, whose rampage created the devastated barren lands known as the Ashen Plain long ago. These cultists frequently raided the town of Oakhurst. Perhaps thankfully, it was swallowed by the earth in a great cataclysm that rent the land in two, and abandoned by those who had made it. That was some hundred years ago. The abandoned site was soon taken by a tribe of goblins, who had been nothing but trouble for many years until, ten years ago, they began offering us golden apples once every year for trade, a fruit which had miraculous healing properties. They still steal our livestock, though, so tensions remain high."
"Well, let us talk more recently. A party of five adventurers left Oakhurst a month ago, looking to hunt down the great immortal dragonpriest, and has yet to return; we fear the worst. We are offering 150 gold per person returned safely, or, if that is not possible, what of their effects you can find."
He clears his throat again. "You should know who you are looking for. First, the leader of the party, a man or Pelor, the paladin Sir Braford. He carried with him his enchanted sword, Shatterspike; you will know it if you see it, as it has its name engraved on the steel. Next, the Hucrule twins, Talgen and Sharwyn; a skilled fighter and an adept wizard, respectively; they each have a signet ring with the Hucrule family crest. And then there is a gnome, a cleric of Garl Glittergold; he has a holy symbol, a gold nugget suspended on a pendant. Finally, the ranger Karakas; his longbow has a great oak tree etched into it filigreed with gold."
After coughing a few times, he says: "Head towards the town of Oakhurst; then, take the Old Road to the great rift in the earth, and you will find stone pillars marking the entrance to the sunken fortress. When you have found who or what you can, return to Oakhurst and see the mayor; he will have your reward."
”Hm, I think I understand, but I do have one question about the reward, is the reward split evenly among us, or is it 150 gold each, per person saved?”
The proud owner of over 8000 hours in Terraria.
Send help please"Ah, yes; I'm afraid you will have to split it among yourselves. Our town is not particularly wealthy, I am afraid."
"I shouldn't worry too much, Dwaye. Dragon Cults were known to amass some riches. If the goblins aren't terribly enterprising there may be some that remains hidden from the filthy wretches."
Heia will search her memory to see if she can recall any lore or stories related to the apples.
(not sure which you'd prefer) History 8 Religion 8
(OOC: this dice roller hates me :D)
Lark- Goblin Bard 2- Lost Mines Gr-A/ AC 13 HP 15, passive perception 11
DM- Sunless Citadel PbP// Waterdeep Dragon Heist (IRL F2F)// Adventurers League (F2F LGS)
Heia knows a story about a witch that gave a princess a poison apple.
She also knows of a golden apple that was coveted by three goddesses.
But she doesn't know any stories quite like this one.
"I have heard of poisonous apples given to beautiful Princesses by a hag. And I know of three lovely goddesses fighting over an apple given by the goddess of Chaos, A personal favorite of mine. Ive even heard of a far away place where apples granted knowledge and exile from paradise. Yet never have goblins or dragons been involved."
Heia taps her chin, thoughtfully. "I guess we will just have to go look for ourselves."
Lark- Goblin Bard 2- Lost Mines Gr-A/ AC 13 HP 15, passive perception 11
DM- Sunless Citadel PbP// Waterdeep Dragon Heist (IRL F2F)// Adventurers League (F2F LGS)
Soar asks if the adventurers were from Oakhurst, and if there have been goblin raids since they disappeared.
She will also stop by any place that has a not-exorbitant supply of healing potions (how much are they?), because she does not want to follow in the other adventurers' footsteps, and if she find them, she imagines that they will need healing.
Healing potions and salves are generally sold 50 gold each where they can be found (the herbalist on Trollskull Alley sells them, for instance).
"Talgen, Sharwyn and Karakas are natives of Oakhurst, the other two are outsiders. There have been livestock killed by something, we would suspect goblins but their wounds suggest that they were mauled by something; not eaten, strangely enough, just mauled to death."
"That seems very strange. I think we may be able to help you. Let me check with my companions here and after a trip back home, we should be able to be on your way. What was your name, if we meet someone from Oakhurst and want to mention you?"
Soar stops by the herbalist and picks up two healing potions, checks in with Lif and the others, and asks who wants to set off to the Sunless Citadel. "This could be tricky so come prepared for some trouble." She heads out with whoever is game.
”Sounds good, let's go!” Dwaye says before heading out, buying two healing potions (Not that he thinks he’ll really need them, but just to be cautious) along his way our tavern to see if he could round up a few more people, then to Oakhurst (Or wherever we’re going, if not to Oakhurst)
The proud owner of over 8000 hours in Terraria.
Send help please“I’m going, too.” Kierro says. “Let’s go save some people!”
Aruzhal - Lv 1 Tempest Cleric - Planescape: Lost
Asmodai will also buy 2 Healing Potions on his way out with the rest of the group. "This Citadel seems intriguing, what do you think we'll find there?"
Dungeon Master - Balar's Tales from the Yawning Portal
Asmodai | Feral Tiefling - Rogue 2| AC 15 HP 15| Passive Perception: 10; Passive Investigation: 12; Passive Insight: 10| Equipped: Studded Leather Armor, Rapier, Short Bow, 2 Daggers, Backpack, Quiver and Boots of Elvenkind | Wielding: Rapier and Dagger sheathed, Shortbow slung over back
To Asmodai- "Enchanted apples, missing adventurers, and immortals; This place sounds like a childrens tale. Maybe we will find a spinning wheel that will turn straw into gold." She giggles. "Though likely we will be wading through goblin filth."
Lark- Goblin Bard 2- Lost Mines Gr-A/ AC 13 HP 15, passive perception 11
DM- Sunless Citadel PbP// Waterdeep Dragon Heist (IRL F2F)// Adventurers League (F2F LGS)
[Looks like everyone is going; Xunsilver PM'd me and told me that he's retiring Erik, and I think everyone else has been affirmative about the quest. Just give me a "We set out from Waterdeep for the Sunless Citadel" and you'll be off! : )]
"We set out from Waterdeep for the Sunless Citadel"
Dungeon Master - Balar's Tales from the Yawning Portal
Asmodai | Feral Tiefling - Rogue 2| AC 15 HP 15| Passive Perception: 10; Passive Investigation: 12; Passive Insight: 10| Equipped: Studded Leather Armor, Rapier, Short Bow, 2 Daggers, Backpack, Quiver and Boots of Elvenkind | Wielding: Rapier and Dagger sheathed, Shortbow slung over back
You head east, out the South Gate of Waterdeep, along the High Road. You follow the directions given by the old man of Oakhurst, and turn at a milestone marker with a sign pointing in the directions of The Old Road and The New Road. You take the Old Road, and after about an hour you arrive at a ravine with stone pillars, just as the old man said.
At the road's closest approach to the cleft, several broken pillars jut from the earth where the ravine widens and opens into something more akin to a deep, but narrow, canyon. Two of the pillars stand straight, but most of them lean against the sloped earth. Others are broken, and several have apparently fallen into the darkness-shrouded depths. A few similar pillars are visible on the opposite side of the ravine.
There are carvings on the pillars on this side of the ravine you are on, they seem relatively recent compared to the stone. There is also a sturdy rope attached to two of the pillars, descending down onto a sandy ledge some twenty feet below.
"This looks fun!" Soar says, looking at the carvings on the pillars (Arcana/history 13; add 2 for religion)
She looks and listens for anything down on the ledge, looking for signs of passage, living/dead things, any sound at all. (Perception: 7)
If there's literally nothing, she offers to help anyone who might have trouble with climbing down a rope. She loops a length of rope from her pack around the base of the pillar and ties the end around her waist as a backup, leaving about 15 feet slack from the top. She'll climb down unless there's objection or a sign for caution. (Athletics: 16)
Bonus Guidance! 2
Kierro tells Soar to wait, then casts guidance on her.
Aruzhal - Lv 1 Tempest Cleric - Planescape: Lost
The carvings are goblin runes; they say in crude language that trespassers will be killed or worse.
Soar just barely makes it down onto the ledge safely, thanks to Kierro's guidance.
The sandy ledge overlooks a subterranean gulf of darkness. The ledge is wide but rough. Sand, rocky debris, and the bones of small animals cover it. A roughly hewn stairwell zigs and zags down the side of the ledge, descending into darkness.