“You mean…” Kaede exclaims, with a fair amount of trepidation in her voice, “we have to cross the chasm…using those rickety rope bridges? Isn’t flying too dangerous?”
Rum thanks Wo-Dan for translating, and then smiles at Lady Kaede.
"It does sound like we need to cross, yes Lady Kaede. I would imagine those rope bridges are used far more than we would expect, and anyway I am sure one last flight to get across and to the top of the chasm will be fine", he says trying to allay her worry without calling out the fact that she is worried.
"We have enemies in the air and enemies on the ground. I suggest we get some sleep, we will need our wits about us on the morrow. I also suggest we maintain a watch whilst we are here".
"My Lady, I do believe we will be safe enough crossing the chasm at least. If it were so dangerous to attempt I believe the Newts would have chosen somewhere else to place their bridges." He places a reassuring hand on her shoulder, then withdraws it at her glare.
OOC: Montage scene - I assume we spend the night here, amongst our new dwarven friends, and then head east across the chasm (on the rickety rope bridges) towards Garthim Cavern in "the morning"?
Jek will put away his wares, and start trying to entertain the people with his magics.
As the discussion starts, Jek will make his way over to the group and listens. To Lady Kaede's comment He'll say "You shouldn't judge an entire people so. Shirin is a Drow and, while a little gruff, he's very nice and trustworth."
Jek will respond. "Yes, the Garthim Cavern is where we need to go next, I believe. We're going to have to take the bridges. Do they have any idea of where the Storm Troopers are coming from, or which way they are headed?"
Ro accepted Kaede's invitation to share the dragon mount. He spent the flight quiet, it seemed there was a sort of peace formed between him and Kaede and he did not want to ruin it. As the others dismounted and spoke to the dwarven people, Ro took a moment to marvel at the architecture of their homes. After a moment, the illithid shuffled a bit as he tried to dismount the dragon.
He swung one leg over the saddle and began to slide off the seat. But before his feet made it to the ground, one of the many straps on his clothing caught itself between a gap in the saddle. Ro's body rotated sharply 90 degrees midair and he hit the ground with a thump. No doubt attracting a few eyes of the dwarves and potentially his own party members, the illithid swiftly got up and patted the dirt off his clothes.
He would never share it out loud, but Ro was thankful that illithid's couldn't blush from embarrassment. Else, there'd be a new meaning to the title, Ro the Red.
When asked about the Stormtroopers, the dwarves all point toward the south, in the direction of the Great Cavern, and where it is previously indicated that the masters lurk.
The dwarves were clearly too polite to notice Ro's falling down, though they're not too polite to remain warry of the tentacled monstrosity that now stalked among them.
When asked about lodging, they look nervously at Amitola and Ro, then politely accept. They lead the Ardent Remnants back into the side of the chasm, into their city, where it is revealed they live in a complex system of tunnels that lead up and down the various chambers they've carved into the rock. All of their stone work is masterful and ornate, handcrafted by competent masons and artists. Some of the rooms are huge and vaulted, sporting statues that are barely illuminated by what appears to be well kept gardens of bioluminescent fungus and small braziers, though it seems the dwarves are completely fine with living in near total dark. The statues they see carved into the walls or doubling as pillars depict these dwarves as an advanced race of artificers, each sporting smithing tools or mighty weapons and armor...
As he surveys the inside of the larger chambers and the statues depicting a proud race, Rum can't help but wonder out loud.
"Such a proud and noble looking people, it is surprising they could be subjugated by these masters. Such creations they wield".
As they delve deeper, he finds it a little disconcerting, the darkness and feeling of stone surrounding thm. He takes a few deep breaths to clear his mind and dispel such thoughts.
Unless there is some formality that is required, he will follow his usual routine of exercise and meditation before he sleeps, and conveys his wish that they remain vigilant and set watches if they are quartered close together.
Wo-Dan collects the creature cards before following the Dwarves into their city. He notices in a cursory fashion the beauty of their craftsmanship but continues his attempts to communicate with them in an effort to commit to memory their language. When all have been settled in for the night he will instruct his familiar to keep watch throughout the night and to wake him if anyone, or anything should enter the parties chambers during the night.
Jek follows along, marveling at the architecture. "Wow! Look at this craftsmanship. This is amazing! It must have taken ages to make all this. And look at this. They must have made mighty weapons and armor before. These masters must have been pretty powerful if they were able to defeat you all. But you can't understand me. That's sad. Wo-Dan, none of them can understand me right? Do any of them know deep speech? Or Celestial? That would help. But anyways. What happened to everything they made. You don't suppose they have something that could help us on our journey, right? A super powerful set of magic nunchucks?"
As they get ready for bed, Jek will spend some time practicing his magic while looking over the notes from the book that Slade stole for him.
Ro walks quietly alongside the dwarves through their complex tunnel system, marveling at their ability. He pauses and stares at the relief work of master dwarves engaging in the art of artifice. The illithid then turns to the group of dwarves leading them and speaks in Undercommon:
"From just walking your halls, I can tell that architecture and engineering flows through your veins as naturally as the blood that keeps you alive. Your very walls are filled with history, powerful history. It reminds me of my folks back at the Lonely Mountain. It seems whether it be up on the surface or deep underground, we dwarves will always have a mind for clever creation and the hands to forge it into reality.
"But you can't do much under this subjugation. My party is here in search of something. We intend to use it to vanquish the dark forces, including the ones you call Masters.
"I'm not asking for the sacrificing of your people, but could you help me and my group? You may have been stripped of your weapons and fighting spirit, but I know that the mind can wield knowledge sharper than any blade.
Jek stops his ramblings and stares at Ro. ".... You could understand them the entire time!.... Ask them if they have things that could help us. And apologize about the weapon thing, that seemed to offend them when I offered them."
Ro looks at Jek and nods before returning back to the dwarves:
"My friend apologizes for scaring you previously. They offered up their weapons with good intentions, they did not mean to offend you. They also ask if you have anything that could help us on our journey."
The little gray dwarf looks stunned, and then even more stunned, as Ro speaks to him. He becomes animated, smiling, and even gesticulating as he speaks to the Ilithid that had only been moments before pure nightmare fuel. They points south, toward the Great Cavern, as he speaks in length about...well. Something.
Ro nods in acknowledgment of what the dwarf says. Once the conversation comes to a brief pause, Ro turns to the group to relay the conversation. The illithid speaks in common:
"I told them we are in search of something to stop the dark forces, which includes the stormtroopers and Masters that terrorize these people. I asked if they could help us at all, a sort of 'help me help you' situation.
"The dwarves claim that they could be of major aid to us, though they need help first. The Masters will be here tonight. It seems they always come at night to take slaves and supplies. The Master's do this for two reasons: to bolster their own resources and to prevent the dwarves from being able to develop themselves out of this subjugation. This includes taking coal and a vital part of their forge, something called a blast-bellow. They took these things south towards the Great Cavern to make weapons for the Stormtroopers.
"The dwarf says that if we could retrieve the blast-bellow and seal the gate to the Great Cavern where the enemy is encamped, they could help us immensely.
Ro pauses to show that he is done translating the dwarf's words to the party. He then continues once more to share his own thoughts, "I think helping the dwarves here is worth our time. Judging from the architecture of their home, the history on their walls of great artificer dwarves, and just the typical craftsmanship and ingenuity I know all dwarves to hold, I believe having these people in our debt would be a great boon. It was my own dwarven ancestors from the Lonely Mountain that forged the Master Sword. Having similarly talented dwarves aiding our fight against the dark forces would be incredibly helpful."
Ro remembers something and reaches into his bag. The illithid pulls out a helmet, and hands it to Jek. "I forgot I had this, you can use it to understand the dwarves. Though they still won't be able to understand you. Perhaps you can continue to communicate with your illusion magic you used earlier."
Rum looks up from his meditation as Ro details his conversation with the dwarves.
"Helping the dwarves will gain us an ally and set back our enemy, that does sound too good an opportunity to pass up, Fellow Remnants", he says pondering a moment.
"When will the Masters and Stormtroopers be here? However many they expect, we must prepare for more, we must assume the Newts will have given us away. And how long ago was this Blast Bellow taken? Do we have a chance of catching it up, or will we have to retrieve it from the Great Cavern and the heart of the enemy stronghold? And do they know how to seal the gate?".
He looks around the others.
"The first thing to decide though, is whether to ambush tonight's visitors or simply follow them. We need answers quickly to make that decision".
Ro nods, glad his old friend Rum took to his side quickly. As the group discusses and considers their options, Ro re-engages the dwarf in conversation to obtain more information on their situation. As he speaks to the dwarf, Ro is happy to receive any other questions the party wants to ask the dwarves.
Lady Kaede, having been silent this entire time, glumly nods at the plan taking shape. Finally offering her thoughts "I believe Master Rum is correct. An ambush is likely the best strategic plan, however, the enemy likely already knows we're here based on their lizard spies."
"When facing opposing forces, one should attack the place that has not yet been secured. There is a saying of the ancients that goes, 'The man who defeats the enemy often is he who does not win by means of formation.' There is another saying that goes, 'It is the custom of our clan to simply dash in at full speed, and give the enemy no respite.'"
"I shall offer myself as bait. Perhaps the enemy knows nothing of our numbers? When they boldly assume I am the mere extent of the enemy force, they'll let their guards down and you all shall spring the trap and overwhelm them with numbers in their weakest identified location."
"I think your plan is a good one, Lady Kaede", Rum replies, "But I do not believe they will accept there is only one of us, the newts will surely have mentioned that if not exact numbers".
"We either need to have more live bait, or a way to simulate bait, I think".
"I would personally hide amongst the dwarves and keep eyes on these masters from the moment they arrive. I would like to ensure we are not being double crossed", he says, but looks doubtful. "Without being able to understand them, I will need the help of either Ro, or of Jek with the helmet".
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“You mean…” Kaede exclaims, with a fair amount of trepidation in her voice, “we have to cross the chasm…using those rickety rope bridges? Isn’t flying too dangerous?”
OOC: we want to head to Garthim Cavern, no?
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Rum thanks Wo-Dan for translating, and then smiles at Lady Kaede.
"It does sound like we need to cross, yes Lady Kaede. I would imagine those rope bridges are used far more than we would expect, and anyway I am sure one last flight to get across and to the top of the chasm will be fine", he says trying to allay her worry without calling out the fact that she is worried.
"We have enemies in the air and enemies on the ground. I suggest we get some sleep, we will need our wits about us on the morrow. I also suggest we maintain a watch whilst we are here".
"My Lady, I do believe we will be safe enough crossing the chasm at least. If it were so dangerous to attempt I believe the Newts would have chosen somewhere else to place their bridges." He places a reassuring hand on her shoulder, then withdraws it at her glare.
OOC: Montage scene - I assume we spend the night here, amongst our new dwarven friends, and then head east across the chasm (on the rickety rope bridges) towards Garthim Cavern in "the morning"?
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Jek will put away his wares, and start trying to entertain the people with his magics.
As the discussion starts, Jek will make his way over to the group and listens. To Lady Kaede's comment He'll say "You shouldn't judge an entire people so. Shirin is a Drow and, while a little gruff, he's very nice and trustworth."
Jek will respond. "Yes, the Garthim Cavern is where we need to go next, I believe. We're going to have to take the bridges. Do they have any idea of where the Storm Troopers are coming from, or which way they are headed?"
Ro accepted Kaede's invitation to share the dragon mount. He spent the flight quiet, it seemed there was a sort of peace formed between him and Kaede and he did not want to ruin it. As the others dismounted and spoke to the dwarven people, Ro took a moment to marvel at the architecture of their homes. After a moment, the illithid shuffled a bit as he tried to dismount the dragon.
He swung one leg over the saddle and began to slide off the seat. But before his feet made it to the ground, one of the many straps on his clothing caught itself between a gap in the saddle. Ro's body rotated sharply 90 degrees midair and he hit the ground with a thump. No doubt attracting a few eyes of the dwarves and potentially his own party members, the illithid swiftly got up and patted the dirt off his clothes.
He would never share it out loud, but Ro was thankful that illithid's couldn't blush from embarrassment. Else, there'd be a new meaning to the title, Ro the Red.
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
When asked about the Stormtroopers, the dwarves all point toward the south, in the direction of the Great Cavern, and where it is previously indicated that the masters lurk.
The dwarves were clearly too polite to notice Ro's falling down, though they're not too polite to remain warry of the tentacled monstrosity that now stalked among them.
When asked about lodging, they look nervously at Amitola and Ro, then politely accept. They lead the Ardent Remnants back into the side of the chasm, into their city, where it is revealed they live in a complex system of tunnels that lead up and down the various chambers they've carved into the rock. All of their stone work is masterful and ornate, handcrafted by competent masons and artists. Some of the rooms are huge and vaulted, sporting statues that are barely illuminated by what appears to be well kept gardens of bioluminescent fungus and small braziers, though it seems the dwarves are completely fine with living in near total dark. The statues they see carved into the walls or doubling as pillars depict these dwarves as an advanced race of artificers, each sporting smithing tools or mighty weapons and armor...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
As he surveys the inside of the larger chambers and the statues depicting a proud race, Rum can't help but wonder out loud.
"Such a proud and noble looking people, it is surprising they could be subjugated by these masters. Such creations they wield".
As they delve deeper, he finds it a little disconcerting, the darkness and feeling of stone surrounding thm. He takes a few deep breaths to clear his mind and dispel such thoughts.
Unless there is some formality that is required, he will follow his usual routine of exercise and meditation before he sleeps, and conveys his wish that they remain vigilant and set watches if they are quartered close together.
Wo-Dan collects the creature cards before following the Dwarves into their city. He notices in a cursory fashion the beauty of their craftsmanship but continues his attempts to communicate with them in an effort to commit to memory their language. When all have been settled in for the night he will instruct his familiar to keep watch throughout the night and to wake him if anyone, or anything should enter the parties chambers during the night.
Jek follows along, marveling at the architecture. "Wow! Look at this craftsmanship. This is amazing! It must have taken ages to make all this. And look at this. They must have made mighty weapons and armor before. These masters must have been pretty powerful if they were able to defeat you all. But you can't understand me. That's sad. Wo-Dan, none of them can understand me right? Do any of them know deep speech? Or Celestial? That would help. But anyways. What happened to everything they made. You don't suppose they have something that could help us on our journey, right? A super powerful set of magic nunchucks?"
As they get ready for bed, Jek will spend some time practicing his magic while looking over the notes from the book that Slade stole for him.
Ro walks quietly alongside the dwarves through their complex tunnel system, marveling at their ability. He pauses and stares at the relief work of master dwarves engaging in the art of artifice. The illithid then turns to the group of dwarves leading them and speaks in Undercommon:
"From just walking your halls, I can tell that architecture and engineering flows through your veins as naturally as the blood that keeps you alive. Your very walls are filled with history, powerful history. It reminds me of my folks back at the Lonely Mountain. It seems whether it be up on the surface or deep underground, we dwarves will always have a mind for clever creation and the hands to forge it into reality.
"But you can't do much under this subjugation. My party is here in search of something. We intend to use it to vanquish the dark forces, including the ones you call Masters.
"I'm not asking for the sacrificing of your people, but could you help me and my group? You may have been stripped of your weapons and fighting spirit, but I know that the mind can wield knowledge sharper than any blade.
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Jek stops his ramblings and stares at Ro. ".... You could understand them the entire time!.... Ask them if they have things that could help us. And apologize about the weapon thing, that seemed to offend them when I offered them."
Ro looks at Jek and nods before returning back to the dwarves:
"My friend apologizes for scaring you previously. They offered up their weapons with good intentions, they did not mean to offend you. They also ask if you have anything that could help us on our journey."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
The little gray dwarf looks stunned, and then even more stunned, as Ro speaks to him. He becomes animated, smiling, and even gesticulating as he speaks to the Ilithid that had only been moments before pure nightmare fuel. They points south, toward the Great Cavern, as he speaks in length about...well. Something.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Ro nods in acknowledgment of what the dwarf says. Once the conversation comes to a brief pause, Ro turns to the group to relay the conversation. The illithid speaks in common:
"I told them we are in search of something to stop the dark forces, which includes the stormtroopers and Masters that terrorize these people. I asked if they could help us at all, a sort of 'help me help you' situation.
"The dwarves claim that they could be of major aid to us, though they need help first. The Masters will be here tonight. It seems they always come at night to take slaves and supplies. The Master's do this for two reasons: to bolster their own resources and to prevent the dwarves from being able to develop themselves out of this subjugation. This includes taking coal and a vital part of their forge, something called a blast-bellow. They took these things south towards the Great Cavern to make weapons for the Stormtroopers.
"The dwarf says that if we could retrieve the blast-bellow and seal the gate to the Great Cavern where the enemy is encamped, they could help us immensely.
Ro pauses to show that he is done translating the dwarf's words to the party. He then continues once more to share his own thoughts, "I think helping the dwarves here is worth our time. Judging from the architecture of their home, the history on their walls of great artificer dwarves, and just the typical craftsmanship and ingenuity I know all dwarves to hold, I believe having these people in our debt would be a great boon. It was my own dwarven ancestors from the Lonely Mountain that forged the Master Sword. Having similarly talented dwarves aiding our fight against the dark forces would be incredibly helpful."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Ro remembers something and reaches into his bag. The illithid pulls out a helmet, and hands it to Jek. "I forgot I had this, you can use it to understand the dwarves. Though they still won't be able to understand you. Perhaps you can continue to communicate with your illusion magic you used earlier."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Rum looks up from his meditation as Ro details his conversation with the dwarves.
"Helping the dwarves will gain us an ally and set back our enemy, that does sound too good an opportunity to pass up, Fellow Remnants", he says pondering a moment.
"When will the Masters and Stormtroopers be here? However many they expect, we must prepare for more, we must assume the Newts will have given us away. And how long ago was this Blast Bellow taken? Do we have a chance of catching it up, or will we have to retrieve it from the Great Cavern and the heart of the enemy stronghold? And do they know how to seal the gate?".
He looks around the others.
"The first thing to decide though, is whether to ambush tonight's visitors or simply follow them. We need answers quickly to make that decision".
Ro nods, glad his old friend Rum took to his side quickly. As the group discusses and considers their options, Ro re-engages the dwarf in conversation to obtain more information on their situation. As he speaks to the dwarf, Ro is happy to receive any other questions the party wants to ask the dwarves.
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Lady Kaede, having been silent this entire time, glumly nods at the plan taking shape. Finally offering her thoughts "I believe Master Rum is correct. An ambush is likely the best strategic plan, however, the enemy likely already knows we're here based on their lizard spies."
"When facing opposing forces, one should attack the place that has not yet been secured. There is a saying of the ancients that goes, 'The man who defeats the enemy often is he who does not win by means of formation.' There is another saying that goes, 'It is the custom of our clan to simply dash in at full speed, and give the enemy no respite.'"
"I shall offer myself as bait. Perhaps the enemy knows nothing of our numbers? When they boldly assume I am the mere extent of the enemy force, they'll let their guards down and you all shall spring the trap and overwhelm them with numbers in their weakest identified location."
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
"I think your plan is a good one, Lady Kaede", Rum replies, "But I do not believe they will accept there is only one of us, the newts will surely have mentioned that if not exact numbers".
"We either need to have more live bait, or a way to simulate bait, I think".
"I would personally hide amongst the dwarves and keep eyes on these masters from the moment they arrive. I would like to ensure we are not being double crossed", he says, but looks doubtful. "Without being able to understand them, I will need the help of either Ro, or of Jek with the helmet".