Coming out of his hiding spot, Leelan rejoins the group.
"I would advise caution. Their demeanor seemed cold, if not hostile, towards our presence." The gnome scratches his chin. "It may sound rather paranoid of me, but they could be attempting to send us in an ambush. Whatever course of action we choose, we should prepare for this eventuality."
Aubrey listens to the others and nods before speaking again. "Let us continue south then through the channel and go ashore again southwest of the city wall and head north on foot to the temple mount to hopefully be better recieved there, at least gaining some more information and perhaps even a place to return to when in dire need." He suggests, ready to return to the Empress when the others are. "I would need to wait for Furvus to report back though."He adds, making his way back to the ship.
The party returns to the Golden Empress to await the scouting report from the familiar.
It is a full two hours before the raven returns.
[Sharing this for Aubrey behind a spoiler since he gets this telepathically from the familiar, but I presume he wouldn't have reason to hide any of this.]
Furvus reports that he tailed the three men as instructed. They followed the river south to near the next, destroyed bridge was located. Here, there is a wide tunnel, 30' across and 10' high, which opens in the west sea wall and leads under the old city. Many smaller tunnels, some large enough to traverse, some no more than pipes, join into this larger tunnel underground. It sounds like a sewer/storm drainage system. In some places there are stone walkways that follow the water, while in other places there are crude wooden platforms. The three men know where they are going, following turns and eventually leaving the main tunnel for one of the side branches. They sometimes hold the torch low over the water, and large shapes in the murky darkness swim away from the bright light.
Eventually they come to a heavy wooden door. Two other men and two giant rats waited there as guards. The three men talked to them for a bit before entering. They said something along the lines of, "It's an odd group, that's for sure. But they claim to be in the city to hunt and study monsters. I'm thinking... it might be worth throwing them at our problem in the west end, see if they can kill it or drive it off. We can all chat over dinner tonight. Maybe the King can make use of these lunatics before they get themselves killed elsewhere."
Passing through the doors, the three men split up and go their separate ways. Furvus spent the rest of his time wandering this area via the border ethereal. These men have a sprawling underground complex. It consists of many tunnels like the sewer passages that lead to the entrance, but there are also larger, cleaner spaces, perhaps the basements of subcellars of above-ground structures. Some of the areas Furvus found and explored:
Many, many wine cellars.
A very large stone room where drain water collects in large pools. The pools are full of juvenile crocodiles which the strangers seem to be raising.
Another large space which has been outfitted and decorated as a tavern.
An underground space with a running track, in-ground pool, and other amenities. From his description, it sounds like an elaborate gymnasium, and indeed has something that sounds very much like a racquetball court.
A workshop. A woman busied herself attaching ancient, heavy metal springs to some sort of contraption. There was also an area for tanning hides and sewing materials.
Several vaults. A few are empty, but others contain coins, gems, artwork and other valuable items. One of them was magically warded. Even though the familiar was in the border ethereal, when Furvus approached the vault door, a piercing alarm sounded. It brought many strangers running to investigate. They were quite concerned that they could not identify what set off the alarm and ordered patrols of the area.
Many more corridors and halls... miles, probably.
Wherever stairs led up, and at the end of certain passages or tunnels, the strangers had erected barricades. Some passages were completely walled off, while others had doors that were either warded, watched by guards, or both. The gymnasium for example, had great marble stairs leading down from above, but the ceiling had been intentionally collapsed to block them off. The ceiling also must have been above ground level and there were windows up there which would have once flooded they gym with natural light... these had all been bricked over by the strangers.
Most of the corridors were light by torches or left dark. The larger rooms, however, were lit by magical lighting. Elaborate, ostentatious chandeliers and enchanted crystals, obviously relocated from some noble manor, hang from the ceilings in larger rooms like the tavern, workshop and gymnasium.
Of the strangers themselves, Furvus counted a dozen, including the three who met with you on the bridge. Ten were human, including two women and an infant. Two were dwarves. Furvus did not travel down every single tunnel so there could be more. Based on their garbage, they seemed to survive on a diet of fish, bats, mushrooms and alcohol. There are more than enough weapons and armor for everyone, but most are dressed only in small clothes. They seemed to have their own private chambers in repurposed basements and utility rooms. These bedrooms are decorated with the wealth of the ancient world... paintings with ironwood frames, stacks of gold coins, and old, moth-eaten clothing that looks like it might once have sat in the closets of dukes and duchesses.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Back on the Empress, the young noble would relax in the common room with a glass of cold white wine, offering to play a friendly game of cards while the team awaits Furvus' report. As the peculiar raven returns and reports, Aubrey summons the others to the common room to explain in detail what Furvus have found out. (See post above :-) He then ponders if the owners of the wealth would have legal right to what the survivors have gathered. History (Law) : 4
"Quite an interesting and peculiar group that, and I admit I'm curious to see what the problem in the west end will turn out to be, assuming we will deal with that at some point. We have time to discuss this until tomorrow afternoon. Now let us make our way to the temple mount."He finishes and calls up to Captain Neck to proceed south through the channel and then drop the team off west of the city wall.
"Certainly a strange bunch." Grugga agrees, "but it's impressive they've survived for so long. They're certainly cunning, and probably don't give a hoot about us. I wonder why the Dwarves joined them down there... or maybe they aren't the Dwarves from the plague camp." He shakes his head, clearing it of the thought for the moment.
The Orc spends the journey to Mons Basilicae by beginning to work on the raquetball paddles with Cosette. "Are you a woodworker, Cosette?" He asks in idle curiosity while they begin working out the project with what supplies they have. "I usually only work in metal and gem," he points to his backpack, which contains "Zap," his Steel Defender, a giant metal spinning top studded with purple crystals. "But I'm excited to expand my horizons here a little." He says, referring to the project at hand.
"If they are raising juvenile crocodiles it's probably not needed to state the dark shapes in the water they warded away with torches are likely adults... Or something even worse," Raqisat states when Aubrey finishes filling them in.
"This could be a hazardous dinner invitation they intend to extend to us. They seem to think we are fools they can toss at a difficulty they are having. That we are disposable. As such we must consider our refusal to attack their problem may not be looked upon kindly. If we were to have dinner with them down below we would be at just about every disadvantage imaginable if things turned to the way of the sword. They likely have us well outnumbered, they know the area much better, it sounds like they have at least access to some pretty powerful magics..." Raqisat pauses to look around at the others but then gives a bit of a pish-posh gesture with his hand. "But if we don't accept their invitation it is likely we'll have to watch our backs for them our entire time here. Sounds like diplomacy will be the order of the night."
Aubrey nods in agreement with Raqisat. "Yes, we would likely be best off having a friendly relation with the survivors, for now at least, even if it mean possibly dealing with a problem of theirs. I don't find it unlikely that this problem might be our problem too anyway, so we might as well deal with it as a favour to those inbreeds." He says as-a-matter-of-factly, looking to Rohuzar, Leelan and Cosette for more thoughts on this new intelligence.
Leelan thinks for a moment. Raqisat’s argument is sound, but he can’t help but think that they shouldn’t get involved with those locals.
"As much as it displeases me to have to deal with these ruffians, it may be our only choice. Otherwise, we’ll have to contend with both the abberations at night and the locals by day. We wouldn’t be making any progress in our mission anytime short."
He takes off his glasses and start wiping them with a handkerchief.
"Perhaps we’ll have a better idea of a course of action once we’ve inquired with the faith expedition. They may be able to tell us more about the city since they’ve been down here longer than we.", he says, hopeful.
Rohuzar nods. "I think may be best to know more before committing. Easier to come back to this. Still, they have community. Means they might be used to bargaining. Better to bargain from position of strength. Ve should prove strength by accomplishing some of our mission and defeating a monster before ve meet them."
“Perhaps not in the traditional sense, Grugga.” Cosette admits. “While my medium can vary, I enjoy intricate work with my hands an’ can be a source of inspiration in times of need.” Reaching, she brings forward a bowed string instrument. A viol. While she was no carpenter, or woodcarver, she was very familiar with woodwind and string instruments. “Good time as any to expand horizons.” Cos agrees. Maybe she may be able to provide some insight, or structure examples, that the artificer might be able to extract theory from for a ‘simple’ racquet (ie. securing taught strings, forming the base shape). At minimum, she could play for inspiration and provide him with focus music while working. Should Grugga be able to successfully complete this project, they’d at least have a ‘peace offering’ or ‘bargaining chip’ to gain rapport with the community members.
Grugga takes Cosette's advice in design features and prepares for the work by creating some simple but frail woodworking tools from some spare scraps of wood and metal in his possession. ([Tooltip Not Found]). With the makeshift tools, he begins to carve out a simple racquet according to Cosette's suggestions. ((Would you like me to make any sort of check, DM?))
While he's busying himself in work, Grugga listens in to his companions' thoughts, plans, and concerns with the task. "Whatever we do with them, they probably shouldn't know the full extent of our mission. I don't think this "king-under-the-city" will take kindly to an imperial scout party... they might just kill us to make sure word doesn't get back." He lets his companions keep planning while he focuses on his work, listening to them and offering any advice when solicited. Grugga will only put down his project once the group is ready to disembark for Mons Basilicae.
Has Grugga ever seen a racquetball paddle? If so, make a straight DEX check with proficiency. If he hasn't seen one, then make an INT check with proficiency.
Captain Neck fires up the ship and you pull away from the upper bridge. It isn't long before you come upon the collapsed ruins of the lower bridge. The Captain takes it slow, uncertain of what hazard lurk below the surface. As told before, there is a clear channel through the broken stone and soon you are rounding the bend and past the threat.
To your left is the flooded ruins of the Newport district. The river and the sea beyond have overtaken the seawalls here. Most of the roads are under standing water and only stone buildings remain, the rest washed away by innumerable tides. A few areas remain above the water, but they are overgrown with marsh grasses. A tall tower, carved with the symbols of Ord, god of the sea, looms still on the bay side of the district. The old foreign apartments, where in days of old the delegations from distant lands held their offices and homes, remains dry, an island now in the middle of the rivermouth.
To your right is the dark, overgrown forest of Mastieri Gardens. Once the private wood and game preserve for the Princes of the city, it is anything but welcoming or regal now. The dark magic of the Breach has twisted and corrupted the trees. They gnarl and twist into unnatural shapes and long spines and brambles hang from the branches. Deep, throaty bird calls echo from deeper in the wood. They raise the hairs on the backs of your neck, but nothing takes flight from the wood as you pass. Beyond this dark forest rise the white walls of Castle Mastieri, the former seat of the Emperor's house and one of the largest castles on the continent.
The next landmark on the journey takes you past Fort Breitvasser. It is built into the base of the cliff upon which Argentum Heights, rests. A fortified port lines the riverbank and multiple tall, stone buildings remain that would have once housed the legions of Amnifortis. The fort is... strangely intact. While all else here in the city shows the wear and weight of time, the walls and towers of Fort Breitvasser are clean and unmarked, as though the legions were still maintaining them. Unwholesome coloured lights emanate from the top windows of the main fortification.
Past Fort Breitvasser rises a near vertical slab of bedrock, upon which the noble district of Argentum Heights looks down over the bay. Sitting nearly 100' above the water, you can just make out the balconies and terraces of the manors above.
Next you pass by the outer walls and Mons Basilicae looms into view, half a mile west of the ruined docks that line the shore.
Captain Neck pulls the Golden Empress to a comfortable resting spot against a sturdy looking dock and cuts the engines. Based on the sun's position it looks like 3-4 more hours of daylight at least.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"Could it not be made of metal?" Raqisat would inquire, strolling by to check up on Grugga and Cosette and peaking in on their progress. "I know nothing of this Wreck-It Ball but if it is the material giving you difficulties, how essential is the material?"
Raqisat otherwise aims to head to the rail and watch the world go by. He'll pull out a thick, old journal bound in leather and comprised of many sheets of paper, most bound into the journal itself but a good number of loose papers from various sources also stuck into various sections. Upon seeings the tall tower with the symbols of Old carved into it, and again upon seeing the oddly unblemished Fort Breitvasser Raqisat will dig through the journal and search out sections and seemingly compare what he sees to what is in the book. "Odd, is it not? The Fort being so untouched?" he asks to... himself. Or perhaps to whoever just happens to be close enough to hear the question. "Surely there must be a reason why."
But curiosity aside, Raqisat is a passenger on this journey. A sightseer. He waits to see what comes...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aubrey would nod as he listens to Leelan and Rohuzar. "I believe we need to deal with these survivors at some point, reaching some kind of agreement, hopefully one that suits the purposes of our expedition. We will see what we can accomplish until tomorrow afternoon then, aiming to negotiate from a position of stength as you suggest Rohuzar." He says, seemingly satisfied with the input so far.
Aubrey would stand on deck as the Empress steers south through the channel, watching in awe as the city pass by, Furvus keeping an eye on the surroundings from a bird's eye view. "Yes, strange indeed."He says to Raqisat as he stands beside him. "We were warned that the fort was inhabited by some very dangerous creature. We will at least wait with exploring it I think."He says with a nod. "Your tome, is it your notes on your discoveries or someone elses?"He asks curiously in a polite tone, looking at Raqisat's journal.
As the Empress reaches it's destination, the young noble would make his way to where Grugga and Cosette are crafting raquetball paddles, giving them both an appreciative nod. "Perhaps you could do us the honors by playing us something tonight." He says with a friendly smile to Cosette as he notices viol. "Time to go ashore now though, it is only a few hours of daylight left and we should get going to make it back to the Empress before nightfall." He adds to them both, then making his way by his cabin to get his gear before going ashore.
"Taking point as usual?"He asks Rohuzar as they all come ashore, also sending up Furvus to scout from above in ethreal form, but also checking the closest buildings for threats as they make their way north towards the Temple Mount.
Aubrey perception: 25 Furvus perception: 23
(Suggested marching order i needed: Rohuzar, Grugga, Raqisat, Cosette, Aubrey and Leelan.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
8
15
5
53
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Disembarking from the ship, the party takes the first cautious steps into the southwest part of the city, outside the walls.
Similar to the area north of the walls, much of the buildings and structures near the docks have been stripped or torn down for materials. A few blocks inland the structures are more intact, though easily accessible and valuable materials like glass, doors and wood trim are all missing.
The party is alert and focused, dwelling little on the eerie stillness. There is little sign of violence or danger as you slowly advance, going to block to block and checking intersections for ambush or sign of monsters. You pass a horse's skeleton lying in an alley... years old at least. Furvus flies overhead, keeping lookout for hidden dangers.
The familiar dives and lands next to something in the road up ahead. Advancing, you find the corpse of a human. He wears leather armor and the body has three arrows protruding from it. He's been dead several days or more.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aubrey would move cautiously with the others, although feeling quite confident in the team's ability to handle any threats in these parts of the ruins. Sending Furvus up to keep watch again, the young noble uses the telkinetic powers of his talisman to examine the corpse for anything interesting, if it is possible to tell if this individual was part of the expeditionary force of temple mount, also looking to see if the arrows have some markings to them.
Investigation: 14
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Coming out of his hiding spot, Leelan rejoins the group.
"I would advise caution. Their demeanor seemed cold, if not hostile, towards our presence." The gnome scratches his chin. "It may sound rather paranoid of me, but they could be attempting to send us in an ambush. Whatever course of action we choose, we should prepare for this eventuality."
Grugga nods at Cosette. "I don't work much with wood, but we could give it a go. It seems like an easy enough project."
But replying to the group in general: "But we could do that this evening after it gets dark. Should we use the rest of the day to explore a bit?"
Aubrey listens to the others and nods before speaking again. "Let us continue south then through the channel and go ashore again southwest of the city wall and head north on foot to the temple mount to hopefully be better recieved there, at least gaining some more information and perhaps even a place to return to when in dire need." He suggests, ready to return to the Empress when the others are. "I would need to wait for Furvus to report back though." He adds, making his way back to the ship.
“Sounds fair.”
just an unstable unicorn.
The party returns to the Golden Empress to await the scouting report from the familiar.
It is a full two hours before the raven returns.
[Sharing this for Aubrey behind a spoiler since he gets this telepathically from the familiar, but I presume he wouldn't have reason to hide any of this.]
Furvus reports that he tailed the three men as instructed. They followed the river south to near the next, destroyed bridge was located. Here, there is a wide tunnel, 30' across and 10' high, which opens in the west sea wall and leads under the old city. Many smaller tunnels, some large enough to traverse, some no more than pipes, join into this larger tunnel underground. It sounds like a sewer/storm drainage system. In some places there are stone walkways that follow the water, while in other places there are crude wooden platforms. The three men know where they are going, following turns and eventually leaving the main tunnel for one of the side branches. They sometimes hold the torch low over the water, and large shapes in the murky darkness swim away from the bright light.
Eventually they come to a heavy wooden door. Two other men and two giant rats waited there as guards. The three men talked to them for a bit before entering. They said something along the lines of, "It's an odd group, that's for sure. But they claim to be in the city to hunt and study monsters. I'm thinking... it might be worth throwing them at our problem in the west end, see if they can kill it or drive it off. We can all chat over dinner tonight. Maybe the King can make use of these lunatics before they get themselves killed elsewhere."
Passing through the doors, the three men split up and go their separate ways. Furvus spent the rest of his time wandering this area via the border ethereal. These men have a sprawling underground complex. It consists of many tunnels like the sewer passages that lead to the entrance, but there are also larger, cleaner spaces, perhaps the basements of subcellars of above-ground structures. Some of the areas Furvus found and explored:
Wherever stairs led up, and at the end of certain passages or tunnels, the strangers had erected barricades. Some passages were completely walled off, while others had doors that were either warded, watched by guards, or both. The gymnasium for example, had great marble stairs leading down from above, but the ceiling had been intentionally collapsed to block them off. The ceiling also must have been above ground level and there were windows up there which would have once flooded they gym with natural light... these had all been bricked over by the strangers.
Most of the corridors were light by torches or left dark. The larger rooms, however, were lit by magical lighting. Elaborate, ostentatious chandeliers and enchanted crystals, obviously relocated from some noble manor, hang from the ceilings in larger rooms like the tavern, workshop and gymnasium.
Of the strangers themselves, Furvus counted a dozen, including the three who met with you on the bridge. Ten were human, including two women and an infant. Two were dwarves. Furvus did not travel down every single tunnel so there could be more. Based on their garbage, they seemed to survive on a diet of fish, bats, mushrooms and alcohol. There are more than enough weapons and armor for everyone, but most are dressed only in small clothes. They seemed to have their own private chambers in repurposed basements and utility rooms. These bedrooms are decorated with the wealth of the ancient world... paintings with ironwood frames, stacks of gold coins, and old, moth-eaten clothing that looks like it might once have sat in the closets of dukes and duchesses.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Back on the Empress, the young noble would relax in the common room with a glass of cold white wine, offering to play a friendly game of cards while the team awaits Furvus' report.
As the peculiar raven returns and reports, Aubrey summons the others to the common room to explain in detail what Furvus have found out. (See post above :-)
He then ponders if the owners of the wealth would have legal right to what the survivors have gathered.
History (Law) : 4
"Quite an interesting and peculiar group that, and I admit I'm curious to see what the problem in the west end will turn out to be, assuming we will deal with that at some point. We have time to discuss this until tomorrow afternoon. Now let us make our way to the temple mount." He finishes and calls up to Captain Neck to proceed south through the channel and then drop the team off west of the city wall.
"Certainly a strange bunch." Grugga agrees, "but it's impressive they've survived for so long. They're certainly cunning, and probably don't give a hoot about us. I wonder why the Dwarves joined them down there... or maybe they aren't the Dwarves from the plague camp." He shakes his head, clearing it of the thought for the moment.
The Orc spends the journey to Mons Basilicae by beginning to work on the raquetball paddles with Cosette. "Are you a woodworker, Cosette?" He asks in idle curiosity while they begin working out the project with what supplies they have. "I usually only work in metal and gem," he points to his backpack, which contains "Zap," his Steel Defender, a giant metal spinning top studded with purple crystals. "But I'm excited to expand my horizons here a little." He says, referring to the project at hand.
"If they are raising juvenile crocodiles it's probably not needed to state the dark shapes in the water they warded away with torches are likely adults... Or something even worse," Raqisat states when Aubrey finishes filling them in.
"This could be a hazardous dinner invitation they intend to extend to us. They seem to think we are fools they can toss at a difficulty they are having. That we are disposable. As such we must consider our refusal to attack their problem may not be looked upon kindly. If we were to have dinner with them down below we would be at just about every disadvantage imaginable if things turned to the way of the sword. They likely have us well outnumbered, they know the area much better, it sounds like they have at least access to some pretty powerful magics..." Raqisat pauses to look around at the others but then gives a bit of a pish-posh gesture with his hand. "But if we don't accept their invitation it is likely we'll have to watch our backs for them our entire time here. Sounds like diplomacy will be the order of the night."
Aubrey nods in agreement with Raqisat. "Yes, we would likely be best off having a friendly relation with the survivors, for now at least, even if it mean possibly dealing with a problem of theirs. I don't find it unlikely that this problem might be our problem too anyway, so we might as well deal with it as a favour to those inbreeds." He says as-a-matter-of-factly, looking to Rohuzar, Leelan and Cosette for more thoughts on this new intelligence.
Leelan thinks for a moment. Raqisat’s argument is sound, but he can’t help but think that they shouldn’t get involved with those locals.
"As much as it displeases me to have to deal with these ruffians, it may be our only choice. Otherwise, we’ll have to contend with both the abberations at night and the locals by day. We wouldn’t be making any progress in our mission anytime short."
He takes off his glasses and start wiping them with a handkerchief.
"Perhaps we’ll have a better idea of a course of action once we’ve inquired with the faith expedition. They may be able to tell us more about the city since they’ve been down here longer than we.", he says, hopeful.
Rohuzar nods. "I think may be best to know more before committing. Easier to come back to this. Still, they have community. Means they might be used to bargaining. Better to bargain from position of strength. Ve should prove strength by accomplishing some of our mission and defeating a monster before ve meet them."
Paladin - warforged - orange
“Perhaps not in the traditional sense, Grugga.” Cosette admits. “While my medium can vary, I enjoy intricate work with my hands an’ can be a source of inspiration in times of need.” Reaching, she brings forward a bowed string instrument. A viol. While she was no carpenter, or woodcarver, she was very familiar with woodwind and string instruments. “Good time as any to expand horizons.” Cos agrees. Maybe she may be able to provide some insight, or structure examples, that the artificer might be able to extract theory from for a ‘simple’ racquet (ie. securing taught strings, forming the base shape). At minimum, she could play for inspiration and provide him with focus music while working. Should Grugga be able to successfully complete this project, they’d at least have a ‘peace offering’ or ‘bargaining chip’ to gain rapport with the community members.
just an unstable unicorn.
Grugga takes Cosette's advice in design features and prepares for the work by creating some simple but frail woodworking tools from some spare scraps of wood and metal in his possession. ([Tooltip Not Found]). With the makeshift tools, he begins to carve out a simple racquet according to Cosette's suggestions. ((Would you like me to make any sort of check, DM?))
While he's busying himself in work, Grugga listens in to his companions' thoughts, plans, and concerns with the task. "Whatever we do with them, they probably shouldn't know the full extent of our mission. I don't think this "king-under-the-city" will take kindly to an imperial scout party... they might just kill us to make sure word doesn't get back." He lets his companions keep planning while he focuses on his work, listening to them and offering any advice when solicited. Grugga will only put down his project once the group is ready to disembark for Mons Basilicae.
Has Grugga ever seen a racquetball paddle? If so, make a straight DEX check with proficiency. If he hasn't seen one, then make an INT check with proficiency.
Captain Neck fires up the ship and you pull away from the upper bridge. It isn't long before you come upon the collapsed ruins of the lower bridge. The Captain takes it slow, uncertain of what hazard lurk below the surface. As told before, there is a clear channel through the broken stone and soon you are rounding the bend and past the threat.
To your left is the flooded ruins of the Newport district. The river and the sea beyond have overtaken the seawalls here. Most of the roads are under standing water and only stone buildings remain, the rest washed away by innumerable tides. A few areas remain above the water, but they are overgrown with marsh grasses. A tall tower, carved with the symbols of Ord, god of the sea, looms still on the bay side of the district. The old foreign apartments, where in days of old the delegations from distant lands held their offices and homes, remains dry, an island now in the middle of the rivermouth.
To your right is the dark, overgrown forest of Mastieri Gardens. Once the private wood and game preserve for the Princes of the city, it is anything but welcoming or regal now. The dark magic of the Breach has twisted and corrupted the trees. They gnarl and twist into unnatural shapes and long spines and brambles hang from the branches. Deep, throaty bird calls echo from deeper in the wood. They raise the hairs on the backs of your neck, but nothing takes flight from the wood as you pass. Beyond this dark forest rise the white walls of Castle Mastieri, the former seat of the Emperor's house and one of the largest castles on the continent.
The next landmark on the journey takes you past Fort Breitvasser. It is built into the base of the cliff upon which Argentum Heights, rests. A fortified port lines the riverbank and multiple tall, stone buildings remain that would have once housed the legions of Amnifortis. The fort is... strangely intact. While all else here in the city shows the wear and weight of time, the walls and towers of Fort Breitvasser are clean and unmarked, as though the legions were still maintaining them. Unwholesome coloured lights emanate from the top windows of the main fortification.
Past Fort Breitvasser rises a near vertical slab of bedrock, upon which the noble district of Argentum Heights looks down over the bay. Sitting nearly 100' above the water, you can just make out the balconies and terraces of the manors above.
Next you pass by the outer walls and Mons Basilicae looms into view, half a mile west of the ruined docks that line the shore.
Captain Neck pulls the Golden Empress to a comfortable resting spot against a sturdy looking dock and cuts the engines. Based on the sun's position it looks like 3-4 more hours of daylight at least.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"Could it not be made of metal?" Raqisat would inquire, strolling by to check up on Grugga and Cosette and peaking in on their progress. "I know nothing of this Wreck-It Ball but if it is the material giving you difficulties, how essential is the material?"
Raqisat otherwise aims to head to the rail and watch the world go by. He'll pull out a thick, old journal bound in leather and comprised of many sheets of paper, most bound into the journal itself but a good number of loose papers from various sources also stuck into various sections. Upon seeings the tall tower with the symbols of Old carved into it, and again upon seeing the oddly unblemished Fort Breitvasser Raqisat will dig through the journal and search out sections and seemingly compare what he sees to what is in the book. "Odd, is it not? The Fort being so untouched?" he asks to... himself. Or perhaps to whoever just happens to be close enough to hear the question. "Surely there must be a reason why."
But curiosity aside, Raqisat is a passenger on this journey. A sightseer. He waits to see what comes...
Aubrey would nod as he listens to Leelan and Rohuzar. "I believe we need to deal with these survivors at some point, reaching some kind of agreement, hopefully one that suits the purposes of our expedition. We will see what we can accomplish until tomorrow afternoon then, aiming to negotiate from a position of stength as you suggest Rohuzar." He says, seemingly satisfied with the input so far.
Aubrey would stand on deck as the Empress steers south through the channel, watching in awe as the city pass by, Furvus keeping an eye on the surroundings from a bird's eye view.
"Yes, strange indeed." He says to Raqisat as he stands beside him. "We were warned that the fort was inhabited by some very dangerous creature. We will at least wait with exploring it I think." He says with a nod. "Your tome, is it your notes on your discoveries or someone elses?" He asks curiously in a polite tone, looking at Raqisat's journal.
As the Empress reaches it's destination, the young noble would make his way to where Grugga and Cosette are crafting raquetball paddles, giving them both an appreciative nod.
"Perhaps you could do us the honors by playing us something tonight." He says with a friendly smile to Cosette as he notices viol. "Time to go ashore now though, it is only a few hours of daylight left and we should get going to make it back to the Empress before nightfall." He adds to them both, then making his way by his cabin to get his gear before going ashore.
"Taking point as usual?" He asks Rohuzar as they all come ashore, also sending up Furvus to scout from above in ethreal form, but also checking the closest buildings for threats as they make their way north towards the Temple Mount.
Aubrey perception: 25
Furvus perception: 23
(Suggested marching order i needed: Rohuzar, Grugga, Raqisat, Cosette, Aubrey and Leelan.)
Rohuzar will lead the group, axe and shield at the ready, eyes peeled.
Paladin - warforged - orange
8
15
5
53
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Disembarking from the ship, the party takes the first cautious steps into the southwest part of the city, outside the walls.
Similar to the area north of the walls, much of the buildings and structures near the docks have been stripped or torn down for materials. A few blocks inland the structures are more intact, though easily accessible and valuable materials like glass, doors and wood trim are all missing.
The party is alert and focused, dwelling little on the eerie stillness. There is little sign of violence or danger as you slowly advance, going to block to block and checking intersections for ambush or sign of monsters. You pass a horse's skeleton lying in an alley... years old at least. Furvus flies overhead, keeping lookout for hidden dangers.
The familiar dives and lands next to something in the road up ahead. Advancing, you find the corpse of a human. He wears leather armor and the body has three arrows protruding from it. He's been dead several days or more.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Aubrey would move cautiously with the others, although feeling quite confident in the team's ability to handle any threats in these parts of the ruins. Sending Furvus up to keep watch again, the young noble uses the telkinetic powers of his talisman to examine the corpse for anything interesting, if it is possible to tell if this individual was part of the expeditionary force of temple mount, also looking to see if the arrows have some markings to them.
Investigation: 14