As they approached the great city of his people, Ebzer frequently stopped to gaze at it. Upon arriving at the gate, he steps forward, about to speak when the drow and the human seemingly cannot contain themselves. He sighs, and lets them do their thing., his greataxe resting upside down on the tiled road as he supports himself with the handle.
When the guard captain approaches, Ebzer sizes him up silently for several moments before answering in Dwarvish.
"I am Ebzer of clan Bonebreak. My village was raided and destroyed, and I was... prevented from dying with honor to defend it. I am not here to beg for charity, I will toil long and hard as do all our people to honor the Lords of the Forge. While prisoners to the drow, these others would not believe me as I told them of the great beauty and marvels of our city of Stone and Iron, and so I thought to show it to them to see the looks of amazement and fear on their faces. They pose no threat, they are weak and frivolous. Allow us two days at an inn, and we shall trouble you no more."
As he says this he stares at the guard unflinchingly, showing no sign of fear. When the guard accuses the others of lying, he speaks slowly.
"Friend, I must have misheard you. Or perhaps here in your pretty city you have forgotten the Old Ways. I will let your insolence pass but once. What I have to offer you is this: You get to keep your head attached to your shoulders. Do not test me."
Without turning his head, he speaks to the other duergar present.
I claim Honor Challenge by the Old Law. This one will retract his words or our axes will feed the Deep Places with blood.
Katryl is rather confused as well as the guard is clearly speaking Dwarvish and the other two respond in gibberish. She watches in silence as a second guard is brought out. At Ebzer's mention of the beauty of druegar city, she briefly adds in Dwarvish.
"It does indeed seem to be a marvel from here. I look forward to seeing more."
She then falls silent as she watches Ebzer invoke a challenge.
(OOC: Geez... Persuasion 20... and we get threatened? What would have happened with a 10? Beheaded on the spot? 😉 Really unfriendly captain)
When the duergar of the party finally speaks, he chooses to do it in dwarvish... probably a good choice - these stubborn guards might react better to a speech in their own language - but Khessa is a little worried, since she she can't be sure of what is being told... and Ebzer's tone seems no more friendly than the captain's.
She asks Buppido for a quick translation and, even if a bit puzzled by the choice of challenging the one that seems in charge, the blonde arcane warrior trusts the dwarf barbarian knows what he is doing: 'He knows their culture, their laws, their ways... He will not put us in trouble. He knows how to handle them'.
Anyway, just in case, if (and only if) things go awry and the captain orders we all killed or arrested, the tall adventuress will try to fall back to bribery: "The information we bring is worth the fate of this city itself! Just let us in, captain, and listen to us! Reporting our news, you'll be the hero who saved Gracklstugh - and as such, I guess, properly rewarded! You'll never have again an opportunity like this one".
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Traydark too is somewhat surprised to be approached by this corrupt duergar. Insight to determine if this is a ruse: 4 He is certainly not above bribery however and immediately considers offering up Eldeth as a target practice or Stool as food as Ebzer starts speaking what must be dwarvish, and it didn't sound particularly friendly. The noble drow takes a step back to not get between Ebzer and the guard captain, carefully watching what will happen next.
The duergar guard takes a moment to eye your group over, as if looking for something, but after a long moment he huffs. "Watch yer step."Even for a duergar he looks pretty put out, but he walks back inside the wall and the door closes. A moment later the gates open enough for you to pass through, but you can't shake the the feeling that you are being watched. What would you like to do? (I am giving you the revealed map since you are bringing someone who already knows the city layout.)
Khessa ascertains that her trust in Ebzer was well placed and compliments, patting him on the back: "Well done, rocky one! Now... since nobody seems particularly interested in the fact that the city runs the risk of disappearing from the face of the Underdark if some demon lord takes interest in it, I would leave the noble intention of warning them to a later moment and first of all I would say to do some buying and selling (mostly to avoid the danger that we get into trouble and we don't have the opportunity to do it later). We have precious things to sell and share the revenue - and I have something worthy the name of 'armor' to buy. Can you guide us... to a market or something Ebzer?"
(OOC: I see on the map there is a Bazaar in the northern section of the city... Khessa would like to go there for the buying and selling part, unless those who know more have better ideas)
Traydark looks both surprised and relieved when they are simply let into Gracklstugh after the apparent confrontation, nodding approvingly to Ebzer and following him and Buppido into the duergar city. It is all to much what he has expected, all functinality and no style but that is the way of the duergar. He would suggest finding accomodations after trading but he is also eager to find a place where he could finally make use of a brass brazier which he ensures would greatly benefit the group of escapees. "So, is this good bye Buppido, now that you are home again?" He asks the talkative derro, not seeming too troubled by not seeing him ever again.
At the noble drow's words, Buppido's gaze lights up and he turns to Khessa asking her: "Yeah, why not? What do you say, Khessa, let's say 'good bye' to the others and settle down here in Gracklstugh, in civilization?"
Khessa, however, busy finding her way to the bazaar and keeping her eyes open for the best place to sell gems or buy armor, doesn't seem to hear his words.
"Give her a moment to settle in and decide..." sighs the derro, addressing Tarydark "You know, the excitement of finally being here... she has other thoughts on her mind now. We might as well stay together with you for a little longer. After all, you're not so bad".
Once they are let into the city, Katryl waits for Khessa to stop patting him, then comes over to Ebzer and speaks to him in Dwarvish.
"That was quite well done. Thank you."
To Khessa and the others she then says in Common, "I agree with heading for the market first. Then lodging, I suppose. I'm more interested in how we might find someone with information about getting to the surface."
Ebzer snorts as the guard backs down, and strides through the gate somewhat contemptuously. Once out of sight of the gate, he expels a long-held breath, and slowly gives the facial contortion that is the duergar version of a smile. "I said a few uncomplimentary things, fer which I apologize," he says. "Not all of ye are frivolous." (The last word he says in Dwarvish.)
Ebzer continues, "I ain't been here before, so I leaves it to Buppido to navigate. Perhaps later, we can try to find a tavern that tolerates foreigners, and find out if anything unusual's been happenin' in the city. I may have some distant cousins here that I could try to look up, but that's a long shot..."
"Of course I'll take the lead!" is enthusiastic Buppido "Follow me, friends! Let's go all to the Blade Bazaar!" and after a few steps he adds, as an afterthought "Oh, and you can come too, of course, if you want, Traydark".
(OOC: @DM:
Unless something affects our shopping, we have at least to sell: - mushrooms collected before meeting the gnolls (some Barrelstalk, Fire lichen, Nilhogg's Nose, Torchstalk). - a strand of matched pearls worth 1,000 gp total - two bloodstones worth 50 gp each - a brown tourmaline worth 100 gp this (1200 jewelry/gems + whatever the DM gives us for the fungi) is to be shared among all four of us
Plus, Khessa would like to buy - a splint armor (usually 200gp) - a greatsword (usually 50gp) - a maul (usually 10gp) and sell - her gnoll's hide armor - her spear - her scimitar - her dagger
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"We should make an effort to keep a low profile for now, Mistress Ilvara might have eyes and ears here already waiting for us and some of us are more noticeable than others down here."The noble drow says with a wry smile, glancing up at the tall blonde arcane warrior in front of him as they make their way towards the Blade bazaar.
When they reach the bazaar the noble drow is being very insistent on finding access to a brass brazier for an hour or so. If he would come along some stylish drow made black studded leather armour he would consider buying that. He would then want to seek out an inn for rest but also to find out more about what's happening lately in Grackstugh. Perception to overhear rumors around Gracklstugh: 19
If you wish to see if your character would know more about Gracklstugh, feel free to make a History check. If you are from the Underdark you can roll with advantage.
DC 10:
Gracklstugh is well known for their smithing, particularly in weapons and armor, with great pride taken in their work. However, their demeanor tends to be as hard as the metal they work with, treating outsiders little better than the derro that also reside in the city. They are an exacting group, but also fair to their own kind at least, as rumors of what happens to those that break their laws are cruel.
DC 15:
In addition to the above statements, you might know that while a very draconian society, they are ruled by a king with the help of quite a few clans, or lairds, and several councils reside in the city as well. There is plenty of trade that comes in here, even from the surface, so it would not be unreasonable to think that there might be someone in the city who might know of a way back to the surface. You also know that one reason the duergar keep to their morals so well is the abundance of invisible guards. Even petty theft can be swiftly and suddenly dealt with because of this.
A wave of heat slams against you as an acrid smog rises to choke the air out of your lungs. The Darklake spreads out beyond a jumble of buildings and streets, reflecting the lights of countless fires burning across the city within hollowed-out columns and stalagmites.
Though the streets are crowded, you move easily within the surging throng of buyers, merchants, and slaves. You aren’t the only outsiders here, as you spy drow, svirfneblin, derro, orcs, and other races in the crowds. The shouting of people blends with the sound of distant hammering to create a constant, distracting din.
Buppido runs ahead of you after his cry to follow, but he runs a bit too fast and suddenly begins running erratically until he disappears behind a few piles of crates next to a mushroom vendor. As soon as you might get to the area, there appears to be no trace of him anymore, and just a glowering stare from the nearby vendor.
But that is not all the strangeness going on by the time you make it to the Blade Bazaar. For instance, you notice a certain fish vendor yelling and berating every customer that walks up, until they offer to buy something, and then the vendor suddenly becomes the epitome of politeness and good-will. A textile vendor is loudly discussing customer's opinions on their brother, who they claim is standing with them...but there's no one else there.
You manage to find one of several blacksmith vendors in the area with dingy but readable sign "Flint Hardmetal's Metals" and a stone cold look on the duergar's face as you approach."Ah damn, more outsiders..." He mutters in dwarvish under his breath before staring at you all again. "Well out with it then, whaddya want?"
"We should make an effort to keep a low profile for now, Mistress Ilvara might have eyes and ears here already waiting for us and some of us are more noticeable than others down here."The noble drow says with a wry smile, glancing up at the tall blonde arcane warrior in front of him as they make their way towards the Blade bazaar.
When they reach the bazaar the noble drow is being very insistent on finding access to a brass brazier for an hour or so. If he would come along some stylish drow made black studded leather armour he would consider buying that. He would then want to seek out an inn for rest but also to find out more about what's happening lately in Grackstugh. Perception to overhear rumors around Gracklstugh: 19
The brazier is easy to find (1 gold) but any duergar is insulted that you would ask about drow armor here. Currently, you don't catch any unusual rumors.
...You manage to find one of several blacksmith vendors in the area with dingy but readable sign "Flint Hardmetal's Metals" and a stone cold look on the duergar's face as you approach."Ah damn, more outsiders..." He mutters in dwarvish under his breath before staring at you all again. "Well out with it then, whaddya want?"
When Buppido disappeared, Khessa tried both to call him aloud and to ask the nearby vendor about him, not understanding what had gotten into him to sow them away... He had never behaved like this during the whole long journey in the 'Underdark to get all the way to Gracklstugh!
But failing to track him down, the blonde arcane warrior, as perplexed as she is, gets over it: "Well... maybe he'll come back. In the meantime, let's take care of what we came for".
After she enters 'Flint Hardmetal's Metals', the tall adventuress replies to the blacksmith: "I want a splint armor for myself. And possibly a greatsword and a maul too. You know, friend, they say you know how to work metal well here... and you don't know how far I've come to come and see for myself!"
"Well there he goes."The noble drow says with a wry smile as Buppido runs off. "He is back home after all." He adds with a shrug to the others.
Traydark takes note of the peculiar behaviour of some of the duergar. Much could be said about the gray dwarves but the were always rational, well Ebzer maybe being the exception. Insight to determine if there is some madness spreading in Gracklstugh: 12
"We are here to sell some valuables and buy some equipment. Personally I would need to have the use of a brass brazier if you can tell me where I can get that."The noble drow politely asks the duergar with a friendly smile. Persuasion: 12 Another roll if help action is given: 8
(Patience.... Patience)
As they approached the great city of his people, Ebzer frequently stopped to gaze at it. Upon arriving at the gate, he steps forward, about to speak when the drow and the human seemingly cannot contain themselves. He sighs, and lets them do their thing., his greataxe resting upside down on the tiled road as he supports himself with the handle.
When the guard captain approaches, Ebzer sizes him up silently for several moments before answering in Dwarvish.
"I am Ebzer of clan Bonebreak. My village was raided and destroyed, and I was... prevented from dying with honor to defend it. I am not here to beg for charity, I will toil long and hard as do all our people to honor the Lords of the Forge. While prisoners to the drow, these others would not believe me as I told them of the great beauty and marvels of our city of Stone and Iron, and so I thought to show it to them to see the looks of amazement and fear on their faces. They pose no threat, they are weak and frivolous. Allow us two days at an inn, and we shall trouble you no more."
As he says this he stares at the guard unflinchingly, showing no sign of fear. When the guard accuses the others of lying, he speaks slowly.
"Friend, I must have misheard you. Or perhaps here in your pretty city you have forgotten the Old Ways. I will let your insolence pass but once. What I have to offer you is this: You get to keep your head attached to your shoulders. Do not test me."
Without turning his head, he speaks to the other duergar present.
I claim Honor Challenge by the Old Law. This one will retract his words or our axes will feed the Deep Places with blood.
Katryl is rather confused as well as the guard is clearly speaking Dwarvish and the other two respond in gibberish. She watches in silence as a second guard is brought out. At Ebzer's mention of the beauty of druegar city, she briefly adds in Dwarvish.
"It does indeed seem to be a marvel from here. I look forward to seeing more."
She then falls silent as she watches Ebzer invoke a challenge.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
(OOC: Geez... Persuasion 20... and we get threatened? What would have happened with a 10? Beheaded on the spot? 😉 Really unfriendly captain)
When the duergar of the party finally speaks, he chooses to do it in dwarvish... probably a good choice - these stubborn guards might react better to a speech in their own language - but Khessa is a little worried, since she she can't be sure of what is being told... and Ebzer's tone seems no more friendly than the captain's.
She asks Buppido for a quick translation and, even if a bit puzzled by the choice of challenging the one that seems in charge, the blonde arcane warrior trusts the dwarf barbarian knows what he is doing: 'He knows their culture, their laws, their ways... He will not put us in trouble. He knows how to handle them'.
Anyway, just in case, if (and only if) things go awry and the captain orders we all killed or arrested, the tall adventuress will try to fall back to bribery: "The information we bring is worth the fate of this city itself! Just let us in, captain, and listen to us! Reporting our news, you'll be the hero who saved Gracklstugh - and as such, I guess, properly rewarded! You'll never have again an opportunity like this one".
(Katryl Survival: 15)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Traydark too is somewhat surprised to be approached by this corrupt duergar.
Insight to determine if this is a ruse: 4
He is certainly not above bribery however and immediately considers offering up Eldeth as a target practice or Stool as food as Ebzer starts speaking what must be dwarvish, and it didn't sound particularly friendly. The noble drow takes a step back to not get between Ebzer and the guard captain, carefully watching what will happen next.
The duergar guard takes a moment to eye your group over, as if looking for something, but after a long moment he huffs. "Watch yer step." Even for a duergar he looks pretty put out, but he walks back inside the wall and the door closes. A moment later the gates open enough for you to pass through, but you can't shake the the feeling that you are being watched. What would you like to do? (I am giving you the revealed map since you are bringing someone who already knows the city layout.)
Khessa ascertains that her trust in Ebzer was well placed and compliments, patting him on the back: "Well done, rocky one! Now... since nobody seems particularly interested in the fact that the city runs the risk of disappearing from the face of the Underdark if some demon lord takes interest in it, I would leave the noble intention of warning them to a later moment and first of all I would say to do some buying and selling (mostly to avoid the danger that we get into trouble and we don't have the opportunity to do it later). We have precious things to sell and share the revenue - and I have something worthy the name of 'armor' to buy. Can you guide us... to a market or something Ebzer?"
(OOC: I see on the map there is a Bazaar in the northern section of the city... Khessa would like to go there for the buying and selling part, unless those who know more have better ideas)
Traydark looks both surprised and relieved when they are simply let into Gracklstugh after the apparent confrontation, nodding approvingly to Ebzer and following him and Buppido into the duergar city. It is all to much what he has expected, all functinality and no style but that is the way of the duergar. He would suggest finding accomodations after trading but he is also eager to find a place where he could finally make use of a brass brazier which he ensures would greatly benefit the group of escapees. "So, is this good bye Buppido, now that you are home again?" He asks the talkative derro, not seeming too troubled by not seeing him ever again.
At the noble drow's words, Buppido's gaze lights up and he turns to Khessa asking her: "Yeah, why not? What do you say, Khessa, let's say 'good bye' to the others and settle down here in Gracklstugh, in civilization?"
Khessa, however, busy finding her way to the bazaar and keeping her eyes open for the best place to sell gems or buy armor, doesn't seem to hear his words.
"Give her a moment to settle in and decide..." sighs the derro, addressing Tarydark "You know, the excitement of finally being here... she has other thoughts on her mind now. We might as well stay together with you for a little longer. After all, you're not so bad".
Once they are let into the city, Katryl waits for Khessa to stop patting him, then comes over to Ebzer and speaks to him in Dwarvish.
"That was quite well done. Thank you."
To Khessa and the others she then says in Common, "I agree with heading for the market first. Then lodging, I suppose. I'm more interested in how we might find someone with information about getting to the surface."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Ebzer snorts as the guard backs down, and strides through the gate somewhat contemptuously. Once out of sight of the gate, he expels a long-held breath, and slowly gives the facial contortion that is the duergar version of a smile. "I said a few uncomplimentary things, fer which I apologize," he says. "Not all of ye are frivolous." (The last word he says in Dwarvish.)
Ebzer continues, "I ain't been here before, so I leaves it to Buppido to navigate. Perhaps later, we can try to find a tavern that tolerates foreigners, and find out if anything unusual's been happenin' in the city. I may have some distant cousins here that I could try to look up, but that's a long shot..."
"Of course I'll take the lead!" is enthusiastic Buppido "Follow me, friends! Let's go all to the Blade Bazaar!" and after a few steps he adds, as an afterthought "Oh, and you can come too, of course, if you want, Traydark".
(OOC: @DM:
Unless something affects our shopping, we have at least to sell:
- mushrooms collected before meeting the gnolls (some Barrelstalk, Fire lichen, Nilhogg's Nose, Torchstalk).
- a strand of matched pearls worth 1,000 gp total
- two bloodstones worth 50 gp each
- a brown tourmaline worth 100 gp
this (1200 jewelry/gems + whatever the DM gives us for the fungi) is to be shared among all four of us
Plus, Khessa would like to buy
- a splint armor (usually 200gp)
- a greatsword (usually 50gp)
- a maul (usually 10gp)
and sell
- her gnoll's hide armor
- her spear
- her scimitar
- her dagger
How much she can get for them?
)
"We should make an effort to keep a low profile for now, Mistress Ilvara might have eyes and ears here already waiting for us and some of us are more noticeable than others down here." The noble drow says with a wry smile, glancing up at the tall blonde arcane warrior in front of him as they make their way towards the Blade bazaar.
When they reach the bazaar the noble drow is being very insistent on finding access to a brass brazier for an hour or so.
If he would come along some stylish drow made black studded leather armour he would consider buying that.
He would then want to seek out an inn for rest but also to find out more about what's happening lately in Grackstugh.
Perception to overhear rumors around Gracklstugh: 19
If you wish to see if your character would know more about Gracklstugh, feel free to make a History check. If you are from the Underdark you can roll with advantage.
DC 10:
Gracklstugh is well known for their smithing, particularly in weapons and armor, with great pride taken in their work. However, their demeanor tends to be as hard as the metal they work with, treating outsiders little better than the derro that also reside in the city. They are an exacting group, but also fair to their own kind at least, as rumors of what happens to those that break their laws are cruel.
DC 15:
In addition to the above statements, you might know that while a very draconian society, they are ruled by a king with the help of quite a few clans, or lairds, and several councils reside in the city as well. There is plenty of trade that comes in here, even from the surface, so it would not be unreasonable to think that there might be someone in the city who might know of a way back to the surface. You also know that one reason the duergar keep to their morals so well is the abundance of invisible guards. Even petty theft can be swiftly and suddenly dealt with because of this.
A wave of heat slams against you as an acrid smog rises to choke the air out of your lungs. The Darklake spreads out beyond a jumble of buildings and streets, reflecting the lights of countless fires burning across the city within hollowed-out columns and stalagmites.
Though the streets are crowded, you move easily within the surging throng of buyers, merchants, and slaves. You aren’t the only outsiders here, as you spy drow, svirfneblin, derro, orcs, and other races in the crowds. The shouting of people blends with the sound of distant hammering to create a constant, distracting din.
Buppido runs ahead of you after his cry to follow, but he runs a bit too fast and suddenly begins running erratically until he disappears behind a few piles of crates next to a mushroom vendor. As soon as you might get to the area, there appears to be no trace of him anymore, and just a glowering stare from the nearby vendor.
But that is not all the strangeness going on by the time you make it to the Blade Bazaar. For instance, you notice a certain fish vendor yelling and berating every customer that walks up, until they offer to buy something, and then the vendor suddenly becomes the epitome of politeness and good-will. A textile vendor is loudly discussing customer's opinions on their brother, who they claim is standing with them...but there's no one else there.
You manage to find one of several blacksmith vendors in the area with dingy but readable sign "Flint Hardmetal's Metals" and a stone cold look on the duergar's face as you approach. "Ah damn, more outsiders..." He mutters in dwarvish under his breath before staring at you all again. "Well out with it then, whaddya want?"
The brazier is easy to find (1 gold) but any duergar is insulted that you would ask about drow armor here. Currently, you don't catch any unusual rumors.
When Buppido disappeared, Khessa tried both to call him aloud and to ask the nearby vendor about him, not understanding what had gotten into him to sow them away... He had never behaved like this during the whole long journey in the 'Underdark to get all the way to Gracklstugh!
But failing to track him down, the blonde arcane warrior, as perplexed as she is, gets over it: "Well... maybe he'll come back. In the meantime, let's take care of what we came for".
After she enters 'Flint Hardmetal's Metals', the tall adventuress replies to the blacksmith: "I want a splint armor for myself. And possibly a greatsword and a maul too. You know, friend, they say you know how to work metal well here... and you don't know how far I've come to come and see for myself!"
Traydark History: 8
"Well there he goes." The noble drow says with a wry smile as Buppido runs off. "He is back home after all." He adds with a shrug to the others.
Traydark takes note of the peculiar behaviour of some of the duergar. Much could be said about the gray dwarves but the were always rational, well Ebzer maybe being the exception.
Insight to determine if there is some madness spreading in Gracklstugh: 12
"We are here to sell some valuables and buy some equipment. Personally I would need to have the use of a brass brazier if you can tell me where I can get that." The noble drow politely asks the duergar with a friendly smile.
Persuasion: 12 Another roll if help action is given: 8
Khessa's History check: 6
Ebzer History Check at advantage 20