You finish your drinks and food and after a democratic vote you have decided to head to the conglomerate to seek a way to earn your living. You head out of the establishment, with a growing tab, but Mejin seems nice enough so you feel like you needn't worry. You head back towards the towns entrance square and pass the Fire & Brimstone forge and head toward the mountain looming over the crumbling mess of a city. On the way there you also get closer to the shifting spire. After a while you hear a loud banging, seemingly coming from the base of the tower itself. As you pass the tower Ravi and the Cycle both notice massive, humanoid shapes moving around the tower, each movement is followed by a loud THUMP.
Nevertheless you follow you path towards the winding stairs that lead up the mountainside. Wooden steps are built and a chain railing is all that protects you from crashing down the steep mountainside and into the ruins below. When you reach the top of the stairs, maybe 3- or 400 feet above the city itself you reach a plateu. The plateu is filled with minecarts, small tents and miners and here and there you spot a giant goat tied to a large iron post. At the other end of the open stretch of rocky ground is a fortress. The stronghold is built into the mountain itself and two armoured guards stand in front of massive stone doors, maybe 30 ft tall. This must be Fjeldborgir.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ignoring the enormous shapes moving around the tower (for the moment), Ravi stands to the side. Rich folk make the dwarf uncomfortable- he'll let the others do the talking here.
(Perception: 8 Anything out of place around the gate?)
The area around the gate is, like most of New Oyjan an amalgam of seemingly ancient ruins and modern culture. The gate itself is no different. The stone doors themselves are as far as you dwarven heritage tells you really old, but you notice that the wear and tear of time has made them crack in places and the conglomerate have patched it up with molten silver. The result of these repairs make the doors rather beautiful in the light of the afternoon sun with the silver repairs shimmering in the light with the dark, slate gray rock behind almost absorbing the lights. The guards posted at the gate look like the run of the mill guard from back in the empire, steel armor with a maroon sash tied around their waste and a ribbon from the same material tied to the end of their sword pommel.
As the group stands there in the middle of the field taking in the scenery one of the guards, a broad shouldered woman, walk from their post at the gate and up to you. "Excuse me, you are on Conglomerate grounds. If you don't have any particular business here I am afraid I'll have to ask you to leave.", her question is directed straight towards The Cycle, as they're the one who stands out the most among the group.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of Guilds
The Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & Ruffians Eira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors Expanded
Roland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
At the word 'business' Tovar's eyes suddenly brighten. "Yes. That. We are here for business. For services needed in exchange for goods. Business." Tovar smiles to himself, letting the word ring out on his rich baritone voice. "Gate is beautiful. My friends and I merely take moment for to admire. No need for alarm."
The guards gaze rests upon The Cycle for just a bit longer before turning to Tovar. "Alright then, what's your business then? Looking to mine some adamantine? Or are you up for the merc job the mistress has put out there?" She turns and nods to the other guard as you continue your conversation.
The Stonecunning check: (for Ravi)
The gate is definetly not dwarven, human or elven in making, being some of the most prominent architectural styles in the empire. You've also seen some of the other common humanoid races styles of masonry at the docks in your shipwright days and it you can tell that it isn't gnomish, halfling or orcish and if it was it would have to be so ancient that the architectural style has developed so far it has become a completely new style in and of itself.
You also note that the craftsmanship is incredibly good and the creators of the gate must have at least average intelligence. You can also see the traces and remnants of what may be runes or pattern carvings, but they're so faint you have trouble discerning what they might mean.
Ruby frowns at the female guard, not entirely trusting authority figures, especially those sporting the maroon sash. She bites her tongue at the guard's comments and says nothing, especially as Tovar appears to diffuse the situation.
"Ah, yes. I believe it is to be in the latter line of work we are seeking. And you, my friend," Tovar shoots the Cycle a glance behind a broad grin, "are already one. You simply may not know it yet. However, I believe it may also be to the interest of my shorter companions here to investigate the first offer as well. That is for them to be deciding."
The guard waves you along and starts walking towards the gate. "Come along then. I'll show you to the mistresses' office and she will debrief you on what needs to be done." She signals the other guard left at the gate and they in turn signal someone apparently above themselves. While you wait the guard speaks some more. "If you want to do mining work you have to go through a month of training. I suppose none of you are familiar with diving equipment, and the fact that the mining process in and of itself is dangerous requires us to take the security measures of making you go through a longer training course. This can also be organised through the mistress." It takes about a minute of you waiting, but finally the enormous doors go inwards as two giant goats pull them open. The ceiling in the hallway inside is almost 10 ft higher than the door and those without darkvision can barely see it in the dim traces of torchlight that manage to reach it. The ceiling looks like it has caved in places though and you have to walk in a long slow swaying serpentine between giant pieces of rubble strewn across the floor as you progress inward for another 200 ft. The guard stops and points to the first door you pass on your right. They signal for you to wait and knock on a wooden door, this one is actually normal sized. The wooden frame is built into what looks like another tall, stone door, but has probably been hewn into the original structure to make things easier for the common person.
"WHAT, I am a really busy woman!" A hoarse voice can be heard from the other side of the door. "V-v-visitors, mistress. Here about the problem, mistress." The guard doesn't even wait for an answer, she just pats Tovar on the shoulder and almost lightly jogs down the hall back towards the main entrance. "Just enter, you're on your own now!" She says over her shoulder as she rounds the first pile of rubble.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of Guilds
The Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & Ruffians Eira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors Expanded
Roland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
In for some silver, in for some gold. Ravi swings open the door and, grinning, gestures for Tovar to take the lead. Assuming that the others walk past him into the room, he mutters in Ruby's ear, "Just remember: we're here for work, not favors. Back straight and eyes dry- amazing what a little stoic silence can do for a first impression."
Tovar, about to step forward, steps back as he is cut off by Gunnar. He takes off his hat, smoothes out his lightly oiled black hair, and enters meekly after the forward arcano-mechanist.
You step into a small, well lit office. The walls are covered in tapestry in the colours of the conglomerate, one of them even has the gold stags head, the royal symbol of Uvonia, in the middle of it. By a heavy oak desk sits a hunched over figure. Long horns point backwards from her head and white hair lies across her shoulders. The "mistress" is currently writing something on a paper with a large, grey feather pen. As she dips it in her inkwell she looks up at Gunnar, who is the first to walk in. "So.." She makes a quick signature at the paper in front of her and puts at the top of a growing pile at the corner of her desk. "You're here to take care of the monster problem?" She gets up and pushes the chair back under the desk and starts pacing around the room. "We are in need of capable fighters because of the current inhabitants of the caverns further in. We want to do it ourselves, but since most of my guards are PATHETIC!. She pushes her chair back under the desk. As she has been speaking and all of you have entered her chambers she has been walking up to the door and shouts the word pathetic down the hall before turning back to you again. "We have barred the doors leading further in, but this can be fixed if you are up to the task."
"I thought you were the professionals here. I don't know. I can only tell you what the workers saw. Large spiky, chitinous monsters with multiple legs. That is all they told me before they had to be taken to the infirmary. Apparently they shoot these spikes too." She cringes and straightens the collar of her shirt.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of Guilds
The Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & Ruffians Eira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors Expanded
Roland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
"We can, perhaps, examine these 'spikes' before we take care of your problem? Indeed, our skills will be magnified by any amount of information you can be giving us. Furthermore, while I am not for to being so bold as to suggest payment, in advance, I wish note that, given the size and composition of mercenary capabilities, some reconnaissance may be needed. While our blades are for hire, lives are worth more, and we will not throw them away so readily. Still, let us discuss the information aforementioned, our contractual obligation, costs for to be defrayed, medical care in event of injuries, and, of course, remuneration. I have suggestions for contract if you do not have one prepared, or use template format for hiring of mercenaries."
(Ravi just stares wide-eyed at the unexpectedly loquacious Tovar)
Shaking off the surprise, he sketches a small dwarven bow and says, "Forgive us, madam. We are indeed professionals. I am Ravi, originally of the Deephallow dwarves. While my compatriot examines the monsters' spikes, I would speak to your wounded- I have some skill in healing."
You finish your drinks and food and after a democratic vote you have decided to head to the conglomerate to seek a way to earn your living. You head out of the establishment, with a growing tab, but Mejin seems nice enough so you feel like you needn't worry. You head back towards the towns entrance square and pass the Fire & Brimstone forge and head toward the mountain looming over the crumbling mess of a city. On the way there you also get closer to the shifting spire. After a while you hear a loud banging, seemingly coming from the base of the tower itself. As you pass the tower Ravi and the Cycle both notice massive, humanoid shapes moving around the tower, each movement is followed by a loud THUMP.
Nevertheless you follow you path towards the winding stairs that lead up the mountainside. Wooden steps are built and a chain railing is all that protects you from crashing down the steep mountainside and into the ruins below. When you reach the top of the stairs, maybe 3- or 400 feet above the city itself you reach a plateu. The plateu is filled with minecarts, small tents and miners and here and there you spot a giant goat tied to a large iron post. At the other end of the open stretch of rocky ground is a fortress. The stronghold is built into the mountain itself and two armoured guards stand in front of massive stone doors, maybe 30 ft tall. This must be Fjeldborgir.
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
Ignoring the enormous shapes moving around the tower (for the moment), Ravi stands to the side. Rich folk make the dwarf uncomfortable- he'll let the others do the talking here.
(Perception: 8 Anything out of place around the gate?)
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
The area around the gate is, like most of New Oyjan an amalgam of seemingly ancient ruins and modern culture. The gate itself is no different. The stone doors themselves are as far as you dwarven heritage tells you really old, but you notice that the wear and tear of time has made them crack in places and the conglomerate have patched it up with molten silver. The result of these repairs make the doors rather beautiful in the light of the afternoon sun with the silver repairs shimmering in the light with the dark, slate gray rock behind almost absorbing the lights. The guards posted at the gate look like the run of the mill guard from back in the empire, steel armor with a maroon sash tied around their waste and a ribbon from the same material tied to the end of their sword pommel.
As the group stands there in the middle of the field taking in the scenery one of the guards, a broad shouldered woman, walk from their post at the gate and up to you. "Excuse me, you are on Conglomerate grounds. If you don't have any particular business here I am afraid I'll have to ask you to leave.", her question is directed straight towards The Cycle, as they're the one who stands out the most among the group.
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
At the word 'business' Tovar's eyes suddenly brighten. "Yes. That. We are here for business. For services needed in exchange for goods. Business." Tovar smiles to himself, letting the word ring out on his rich baritone voice. "Gate is beautiful. My friends and I merely take moment for to admire. No need for alarm."
(Quick history check on the doors (Stonecunning)- What does Ravi know about the people who once lived here? 10)
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
The guards gaze rests upon The Cycle for just a bit longer before turning to Tovar. "Alright then, what's your business then? Looking to mine some adamantine? Or are you up for the merc job the mistress has put out there?" She turns and nods to the other guard as you continue your conversation.
The Stonecunning check: (for Ravi)
The gate is definetly not dwarven, human or elven in making, being some of the most prominent architectural styles in the empire. You've also seen some of the other common humanoid races styles of masonry at the docks in your shipwright days and it you can tell that it isn't gnomish, halfling or orcish and if it was it would have to be so ancient that the architectural style has developed so far it has become a completely new style in and of itself.
You also note that the craftsmanship is incredibly good and the creators of the gate must have at least average intelligence. You can also see the traces and remnants of what may be runes or pattern carvings, but they're so faint you have trouble discerning what they might mean.
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
Ruby frowns at the female guard, not entirely trusting authority figures, especially those sporting the maroon sash. She bites her tongue at the guard's comments and says nothing, especially as Tovar appears to diffuse the situation.
"What is... merc? This one does not know this word."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Ah, yes. I believe it is to be in the latter line of work we are seeking. And you, my friend," Tovar shoots the Cycle a glance behind a broad grin, "are already one. You simply may not know it yet. However, I believe it may also be to the interest of my shorter companions here to investigate the first offer as well. That is for them to be deciding."
The guard waves you along and starts walking towards the gate. "Come along then. I'll show you to the mistresses' office and she will debrief you on what needs to be done." She signals the other guard left at the gate and they in turn signal someone apparently above themselves. While you wait the guard speaks some more. "If you want to do mining work you have to go through a month of training. I suppose none of you are familiar with diving equipment, and the fact that the mining process in and of itself is dangerous requires us to take the security measures of making you go through a longer training course. This can also be organised through the mistress." It takes about a minute of you waiting, but finally the enormous doors go inwards as two giant goats pull them open. The ceiling in the hallway inside is almost 10 ft higher than the door and those without darkvision can barely see it in the dim traces of torchlight that manage to reach it. The ceiling looks like it has caved in places though and you have to walk in a long slow swaying serpentine between giant pieces of rubble strewn across the floor as you progress inward for another 200 ft. The guard stops and points to the first door you pass on your right. They signal for you to wait and knock on a wooden door, this one is actually normal sized. The wooden frame is built into what looks like another tall, stone door, but has probably been hewn into the original structure to make things easier for the common person.
"WHAT, I am a really busy woman!" A hoarse voice can be heard from the other side of the door. "V-v-visitors, mistress. Here about the problem, mistress." The guard doesn't even wait for an answer, she just pats Tovar on the shoulder and almost lightly jogs down the hall back towards the main entrance. "Just enter, you're on your own now!" She says over her shoulder as she rounds the first pile of rubble.
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
In for some silver, in for some gold. Ravi swings open the door and, grinning, gestures for Tovar to take the lead. Assuming that the others walk past him into the room, he mutters in Ruby's ear, "Just remember: we're here for work, not favors. Back straight and eyes dry- amazing what a little stoic silence can do for a first impression."
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
Gunnar, being the businessman of the group, will enter first.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Tovar, about to step forward, steps back as he is cut off by Gunnar. He takes off his hat, smoothes out his lightly oiled black hair, and enters meekly after the forward arcano-mechanist.
(is Gunnar's boar with him?)
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
... Gonna say it’s outside.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
You step into a small, well lit office. The walls are covered in tapestry in the colours of the conglomerate, one of them even has the gold stags head, the royal symbol of Uvonia, in the middle of it. By a heavy oak desk sits a hunched over figure. Long horns point backwards from her head and white hair lies across her shoulders. The "mistress" is currently writing something on a paper with a large, grey feather pen. As she dips it in her inkwell she looks up at Gunnar, who is the first to walk in. "So.." She makes a quick signature at the paper in front of her and puts at the top of a growing pile at the corner of her desk. "You're here to take care of the monster problem?" She gets up and pushes the chair back under the desk and starts pacing around the room. "We are in need of capable fighters because of the current inhabitants of the caverns further in. We want to do it ourselves, but since most of my guards are PATHETIC!. She pushes her chair back under the desk. As she has been speaking and all of you have entered her chambers she has been walking up to the door and shouts the word pathetic down the hall before turning back to you again. "We have barred the doors leading further in, but this can be fixed if you are up to the task."
Madam Stringent AKA The Mistress:
P
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
"What creatures are these... inhabitants?"
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"I thought you were the professionals here. I don't know. I can only tell you what the workers saw. Large spiky, chitinous monsters with multiple legs. That is all they told me before they had to be taken to the infirmary. Apparently they shoot these spikes too." She cringes and straightens the collar of her shirt.
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
"We can, perhaps, examine these 'spikes' before we take care of your problem? Indeed, our skills will be magnified by any amount of information you can be giving us. Furthermore, while I am not for to being so bold as to suggest payment, in advance, I wish note that, given the size and composition of mercenary capabilities, some reconnaissance may be needed. While our blades are for hire, lives are worth more, and we will not throw them away so readily. Still, let us discuss the information aforementioned, our contractual obligation, costs for to be defrayed, medical care in event of injuries, and, of course, remuneration. I have suggestions for contract if you do not have one prepared, or use template format for hiring of mercenaries."
(Ravi just stares wide-eyed at the unexpectedly loquacious Tovar)
Shaking off the surprise, he sketches a small dwarven bow and says, "Forgive us, madam. We are indeed professionals. I am Ravi, originally of the Deephallow dwarves. While my compatriot examines the monsters' spikes, I would speak to your wounded- I have some skill in healing."
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder