Paladin, his eyes still admiring Arr's newfound appearance, speaks up. "Rest sounds wonderful, and I have no doubt we need it. However, perhaps we should use a few hours today to figure out our next steps clarifying where we need to go. Then, tomorrow, we can set off without wasting any time." His tone is filled with determination, emphasizing the need to make the most of their time here.
Brother Coltinar adds, "I agree Paladin. We should rest in a safe place for the night and plan for our journey tomorrow."
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Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
Rylia sits back listening to the discussion of lodgings. "It's still pretty early. If we can find a spot perhaps there will be a fun club or something in the neighborhood that we could visit!"
“When do workers normally head back home from here?” Arr ask Adam to figure out if they have to wait long in case they prefer to go accompanied. “It would be best to have a local showing the way, I think.”
Arber explains that the forge has several shifts, thus allowing its workers to organize their lives outside of work. Adam says that since the canteen´s work is ending and workers are already being released.
The Upper Cogs are primarily devoted to industry. When Lord Tarkanan destroyed the old city during the War of the Mark, he opened channels to the lake of fire that lay deep beneath. This lava burns with a heat that is more than the laws of nature should allow, and it is ideal for working with difficult metals such as adamantine. However, In addition to the trades that rely on the heat and the fire, the Cogs are home to many businesses that the people on the surface don’t want to have to see, smell, or deal with—tanneries, slaughterhouses, and other unpleasant trades. Much of Sharn’s warforged population can be found in the Cogs districts of Ashblack and Blackbones, laboring in these workhouses and forges. While they are technically free, most of the warforged don’t know what to do with freedom; Unscrupulous businessmen have lured warforged into indentured servitude, and many are little better than slaves. Requiring neither food nor sleep, they toil unceasingly, day in and day out. The warforged who work at the Cannith Enclave in Ashblack are treated as equals. Lord Merrix d´Cannith secretly helped establish the Red Hammer Inn in Blackbones to help the warforged that live here.
Blackbones is located under Tavick’s Cogs, and stretched west toward the Central Cogs. In most respects it is similar to Ashblack; it is slightly newer, and the corridors are a little wider and better lit. Like Ashblack, there are a considerable number of warforged laborers in this district, and a few businesses have sprung up around these constructs.
Khyber´s Gate Residencial zone
Khyber’s Gate covers the distance between Ashblack and Blackbones. Due to the lack of lava streams, it does not have any of the heavy industry found to the east or west. For the most part, Khyber’s Gate is a tenement district, filled with tiny houses carved into the tunnel walls. Shamukaar is the largest and most successful tavern in Khyber’s Gate. The place is a safe haven for all within it, regardless of species or politics; once you make it through the door, you can breathe easy.
Lava pit is a barbecue restaurant that also serves all races. Some creatures with the highest wards come here only for the meat they serve.
There are other less popular accommodation options and taverns that we can see as we walk through the districts.
"Shamukaar tavern in Khyber's Gate sounds promising,"says Bryn. "It's relatively close and a safe-haven by all accounts. I'm sure they have some rooms to rent for the night...perhaps we should head there now and see about that? Then we have the rest of the day to explore!"
Brother Coltinar adds, "Bryn, I like what you're thinking for where we could possibly find a place of rest. My thoughts exactly. Maybe a dinner and a show. Most of all a place to rest hopefully. Once we're sure we're done here we can walk over there if it's not too far."
Brother Coltinar inquiries about directions and any concerns about walking to there from here.
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Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
"I like it! Maybe there will be some dancing?" Rylia asks hopefully, her eyes first darting to Bryn before looking at the others for anyone that might be interested. "Paladin, Arr, do you have any experience with dancing?"
After a brief absence, Adam returns with a book titled "The Dragonmarks," which he hands over to Arber. Arber gives the book to Braxiel as a gift.
Adam arrived with Crank, a warforged who works as one of the canteen cooks. Crank is welcoming and offers to accompany the group to Khyber's Gate. He mentions that he's currently staying at the Red Hammer Inn until he can find a permanent home, and Khyber's Gate is his route to travel. Crank adds that the journey on foot will take approximately 45 minutes.
With all preparations in order, the group says goodbye to Arber, along with his assistants Ada and Adam. The Master visibly emotional gives Arr a clumsy hug, wishing him well and promising to meet again soon. "Don't disappear again, okay?" the Master smiles.
Arr make a few static robotic moves when prompted to dance by Rylia, "We aren't made to dance other than in a dance for survival. That is us, us and Paladin. There might be other Warforged with different designs, perhaps there are some that actually can dance and perform. I wouldn't be surprised."
Arr embrace Arber's hug strongly, but not so much as to hurt Arber. "We will be back, we promise. We want to know more about our past and what has happened to us and our brothers, you must tell us more when we return." Arr clap on his back and turn to depart with his friends and Spark, the cook.
Braxiel will thank the Arber for the book and the moment the group finds rest, he will dive into the book and cross-reference with the drawing of his tattoo and what he is seeing in the book.
Rylia reacts with shock to Paladin's answer. "Never danced? I don't think combat dodging qualifies, although it does show you have the ability to move your body." She smiles as Arr tries out some moves. "You say not made to dance, but you can move too!" She places a hand on each of the two Warforged. "Sure, there are those who dance to entertain. But you can just dance to enjoy! You hear the music, you move to it. I don't know, it's like more than just listening." She looks earnestly at them. "If we find a spot you have to at least try dancing with me! Okay? It'll be fun!"
She then looks over at Coltinar, Braxiel, and Bryn. "That goes for all of you! Especially you Bryn!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Bryn laughs at Rylia's exuberance and replies, "Always! And not just as part of our show, either..."he winks back at the charming woman.
As they walk towards the Shamukaar tavern, the rogue watches where they go, familiarizing himself with the area. He'd never been this far down in the city...and there were lots of warforged and other humanoids whose faces and shapes he could use in the future... (Perception: 15)
As the group departs from Cannith's Enclave, you follow Crank through the labyrinthine tunnels of Cogs. For the first twenty minutes, you are surrounded by an aura of industry and hard work. You notice other warforged also exiting the forgehold and walking in the same direction as you. The air carries a heavy scent of both smoke and sulfur, making it difficult to breathe comfortably. The constant rumble of forges and foundries creates a persistent vibration underfoot, rendering conversation challenging.
The walls of Ashblack are coated with layers of ash, a hard and desolate appearance. The businesses here are engaged in massive-scale operations, processing vast quantities of raw materials.
Moving closer to Khyber's Gate, the landscape begins to change. Here is a concept closer to what you know as a city. Due to the lack of lava streams, here there isn't any heavy industry to the east or west. Homes and shops are hewn directly into the tunnel walls, forming narrow passageways that resemble streets. Compared to Ashblack, these "streets" are somewhat wider, and the ceilings rise to provide more headroom. However, while the oppressive heat of the industrial district has diminished somewhat, the air remains thick with the noxious blend of smoke and garbage.
As they traverse this area, the group notices a few intriguing sights. Goblins peer out from the shadows, their eyes tracking the newcomers with curiosity. In the distance, two ogres stumble out of a small, dimly lit bar, their massive frames barely fitting through the doorway.
Crank, ever the friendly guide, engages in conversation with the group. He shares snippets of his own story, explaining that he came to this part of the city seeking a fresh start and better opportunities. Despite the harsh conditions and the challenges of life in the Cogs, he maintains an upbeat demeanor. He asks what brings you to this part of the city and tries to answer the questions you have.
Brother Coltinar comments, "Anyone else having trouble breathing besides the warforge? I think we need something to help us while we are down here. Possibly pretty quick. We might need to look into that."
He asks the guide Clank, "Do the humanoids down here use anything to help them breath? If so, where can we get things like that. Perhap we already do and it slipped my mind."
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Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
Rylia had wrinkled her nose a bit at first at the smell. "Maybe you get used it living here?" she ventures. She watches the sights as they go.
"We just had the opportunity to visit the Cannith Enclave, so here we are," she says in response to Crank's question. She wasn't so much concerned about him, but about someone overhearing their business.
Bryn pulls an old, multi-colored linen scarf out of his bag and wraps it around his head, covering everything except his eyes. (think of the turbans in the desert...see the pictures in the spoiler!) He offers to show the others how to fashion their own masks, ranging from handkerchiefs covering only the nose and mouth to more elaborate twistings and wrappings of Rylia's scarf.
Rylia's attention quickly shifts from Crank over to Bryn as he shows off using his scarf to wrap up his head. "What a great idea! It a really good thing you bought me this scarf Bryn." She makes an attempt to arrange her scarf - perhaps a bit half-hearted. Shaking her head slightly, she glances over at Bryn. "I can't seem to make it work. Maybe you can do it? Show me how?"
Rylia's attention quickly shifts from Crank over to Bryn as he shows off using his scarf to wrap up his head. "What a great idea! It a really good thing you bought me this scarf Bryn." She makes an attempt to arrange her scarf - perhaps a bit half-hearted. Shaking her head slightly, she glances over at Bryn. "I can't seem to make it work. Maybe you can do it? Show me how?"
"As you wish." Bryn steps towards Rylia and deftly wraps her hair in the scarf, then covers her head and face with a few clever twists of fabric. It is loose and comfortable but keeps the smog and ash out of her mouth and nose. A careful observation of his efforts would reveal a gentle caress of Rylia's cheek and a deep look between them as he worked. Although only lasting the span of two heartbeats (a very short time indeed considering how Bryn's heart pounded when he was near her!) the look and touch seemed to last much longer in his mind.
With a staged flourish, the rogue takes a half-step back and bows to his lady. He straightens, smiles, and offers his arm as they continue to the tavern.
Brother Coltinar, "Fantastic idea. Uh...I don't have a scarf. Let me see if I have some extra clothing. I think I'll have to buy something from a shop to make a scarf."
Brother Coltinar looks to find a clothing shop to perhaps buy material to make a turban from.
Brother Coltinar adds, "I agree Paladin. We should rest in a safe place for the night and plan for our journey tomorrow."
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
Rylia sits back listening to the discussion of lodgings. "It's still pretty early. If we can find a spot perhaps there will be a fun club or something in the neighborhood that we could visit!"
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
“When do workers normally head back home from here?” Arr ask Adam to figure out if they have to wait long in case they prefer to go accompanied. “It would be best to have a local showing the way, I think.”
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Arber explains that the forge has several shifts, thus allowing its workers to organize their lives outside of work.
Adam says that since the canteen´s work is ending and workers are already being released.
The Upper Cogs are primarily devoted to industry. When Lord Tarkanan destroyed the old city during the War of the Mark, he opened channels to the lake of fire that lay deep beneath. This lava burns with a heat that is more than the laws of nature should allow, and it is ideal for working with difficult metals such as adamantine.
However, In addition to the trades that rely on the heat and the fire, the Cogs are home to many businesses that the people on the surface don’t want to have to see, smell, or deal with—tanneries, slaughterhouses, and other unpleasant trades.
Much of Sharn’s warforged population can be found in the Cogs districts of Ashblack and Blackbones, laboring in these workhouses and forges. While they are technically free, most of the warforged don’t know what to do with freedom; Unscrupulous businessmen have lured warforged into indentured servitude, and many are little better than slaves. Requiring neither food nor sleep, they toil unceasingly, day in and day out. The warforged who work at the Cannith Enclave in Ashblack are treated as equals. Lord Merrix d´Cannith secretly helped establish the Red Hammer Inn in Blackbones to help the warforged that live here.
Blackbones
is located under Tavick’s Cogs, and stretched west toward the Central Cogs. In most respects it is similar to Ashblack; it is slightly newer, and the corridors are a little wider and better lit. Like Ashblack, there are a considerable number of warforged laborers in this district, and a few businesses have sprung up around these constructs.
Khyber´s Gate
Residencial zone
Khyber’s Gate covers the distance between Ashblack and Blackbones. Due to the lack of lava streams, it does not have any of the heavy industry found to the east or west. For the most part, Khyber’s Gate is a tenement district, filled with tiny houses carved into the tunnel walls.
Shamukaar is the largest and most successful tavern in Khyber’s Gate. The place is a safe haven for all within it, regardless of species or politics; once you make it through the door, you can breathe easy.
Lava pit is a barbecue restaurant that also serves all races.
Some creatures with the highest wards come here only for the meat they serve.
There are other less popular accommodation options and taverns that we can see as we walk through the districts.
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
"Shamukaar tavern in Khyber's Gate sounds promising," says Bryn. "It's relatively close and a safe-haven by all accounts. I'm sure they have some rooms to rent for the night...perhaps we should head there now and see about that? Then we have the rest of the day to explore!"
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Brother Coltinar adds, "Bryn, I like what you're thinking for where we could possibly find a place of rest. My thoughts exactly. Maybe a dinner and a show. Most of all a place to rest hopefully. Once we're sure we're done here we can walk over there if it's not too far."
Brother Coltinar inquiries about directions and any concerns about walking to there from here.
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
"I like it! Maybe there will be some dancing?" Rylia asks hopefully, her eyes first darting to Bryn before looking at the others for anyone that might be interested. "Paladin, Arr, do you have any experience with dancing?"
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
"No, little Rylia! Except for my dodges combat movements, I have no experience with dance," Paladin admits with a smile.
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
After a brief absence, Adam returns with a book titled "The Dragonmarks," which he hands over to Arber.
Arber gives the book to Braxiel as a gift.
Adam arrived with Crank, a warforged who works as one of the canteen cooks. Crank is welcoming and offers to accompany the group to Khyber's Gate. He mentions that he's currently staying at the Red Hammer Inn until he can find a permanent home, and Khyber's Gate is his route to travel. Crank adds that the journey on foot will take approximately 45 minutes.
With all preparations in order, the group says goodbye to Arber, along with his assistants Ada and Adam. The Master visibly emotional gives Arr a clumsy hug, wishing him well and promising to meet again soon. "Don't disappear again, okay?" the Master smiles.
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Arr make a few static robotic moves when prompted to dance by Rylia, "We aren't made to dance other than in a dance for survival. That is us, us and Paladin. There might be other Warforged with different designs, perhaps there are some that actually can dance and perform. I wouldn't be surprised."
Arr embrace Arber's hug strongly, but not so much as to hurt Arber. "We will be back, we promise. We want to know more about our past and what has happened to us and our brothers, you must tell us more when we return." Arr clap on his back and turn to depart with his friends and Spark, the cook.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Braxiel will thank the Arber for the book and the moment the group finds rest, he will dive into the book and cross-reference with the drawing of his tattoo and what he is seeing in the book.
Rylia reacts with shock to Paladin's answer. "Never danced? I don't think combat dodging qualifies, although it does show you have the ability to move your body." She smiles as Arr tries out some moves. "You say not made to dance, but you can move too!" She places a hand on each of the two Warforged. "Sure, there are those who dance to entertain. But you can just dance to enjoy! You hear the music, you move to it. I don't know, it's like more than just listening." She looks earnestly at them. "If we find a spot you have to at least try dancing with me! Okay? It'll be fun!"
She then looks over at Coltinar, Braxiel, and Bryn. "That goes for all of you! Especially you Bryn!"
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
Bryn laughs at Rylia's exuberance and replies, "Always! And not just as part of our show, either..." he winks back at the charming woman.
As they walk towards the Shamukaar tavern, the rogue watches where they go, familiarizing himself with the area. He'd never been this far down in the city...and there were lots of warforged and other humanoids whose faces and shapes he could use in the future... (Perception: 15)
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
As the group departs from Cannith's Enclave, you follow Crank through the labyrinthine tunnels of Cogs. For the first twenty minutes, you are surrounded by an aura of industry and hard work. You notice other warforged also exiting the forgehold and walking in the same direction as you.
The air carries a heavy scent of both smoke and sulfur, making it difficult to breathe comfortably. The constant rumble of forges and foundries creates a persistent vibration underfoot, rendering conversation challenging.
The walls of Ashblack are coated with layers of ash, a hard and desolate appearance. The businesses here are engaged in massive-scale operations, processing vast quantities of raw materials.
Moving closer to Khyber's Gate, the landscape begins to change. Here is a concept closer to what you know as a city. Due to the lack of lava streams, here there isn't any heavy industry to the east or west. Homes and shops are hewn directly into the tunnel walls, forming narrow passageways that resemble streets. Compared to Ashblack, these "streets" are somewhat wider, and the ceilings rise to provide more headroom. However, while the oppressive heat of the industrial district has diminished somewhat, the air remains thick with the noxious blend of smoke and garbage.
As they traverse this area, the group notices a few intriguing sights. Goblins peer out from the shadows, their eyes tracking the newcomers with curiosity. In the distance, two ogres stumble out of a small, dimly lit bar, their massive frames barely fitting through the doorway.
Crank, ever the friendly guide, engages in conversation with the group. He shares snippets of his own story, explaining that he came to this part of the city seeking a fresh start and better opportunities. Despite the harsh conditions and the challenges of life in the Cogs, he maintains an upbeat demeanor. He asks what brings you to this part of the city and tries to answer the questions you have.
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Brother Coltinar comments, "Anyone else having trouble breathing besides the warforge? I think we need something to help us while we are down here. Possibly pretty quick. We might need to look into that."
He asks the guide Clank, "Do the humanoids down here use anything to help them breath? If so, where can we get things like that. Perhap we already do and it slipped my mind."
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
Rylia had wrinkled her nose a bit at first at the smell. "Maybe you get used it living here?" she ventures. She watches the sights as they go.
"We just had the opportunity to visit the Cannith Enclave, so here we are," she says in response to Crank's question. She wasn't so much concerned about him, but about someone overhearing their business.
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
Bryn pulls an old, multi-colored linen scarf out of his bag and wraps it around his head, covering everything except his eyes. (think of the turbans in the desert...see the pictures in the spoiler!) He offers to show the others how to fashion their own masks, ranging from handkerchiefs covering only the nose and mouth to more elaborate twistings and wrappings of Rylia's scarf.
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Rylia's attention quickly shifts from Crank over to Bryn as he shows off using his scarf to wrap up his head. "What a great idea! It a really good thing you bought me this scarf Bryn." She makes an attempt to arrange her scarf - perhaps a bit half-hearted. Shaking her head slightly, she glances over at Bryn. "I can't seem to make it work. Maybe you can do it? Show me how?"
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
"As you wish." Bryn steps towards Rylia and deftly wraps her hair in the scarf, then covers her head and face with a few clever twists of fabric. It is loose and comfortable but keeps the smog and ash out of her mouth and nose. A careful observation of his efforts would reveal a gentle caress of Rylia's cheek and a deep look between them as he worked. Although only lasting the span of two heartbeats (a very short time indeed considering how Bryn's heart pounded when he was near her!) the look and touch seemed to last much longer in his mind.
With a staged flourish, the rogue takes a half-step back and bows to his lady. He straightens, smiles, and offers his arm as they continue to the tavern.
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Brother Coltinar, "Fantastic idea. Uh...I don't have a scarf. Let me see if I have some extra clothing. I think I'll have to buy something from a shop to make a scarf."
Brother Coltinar looks to find a clothing shop to perhaps buy material to make a turban from.
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;