You are settling in to your meal and discussion about your investigation. At the far end of the room you see a half-elf dressed in fine clothes strum a lute and announce: Brave patrons of The Dancing Dolphin! I am Iolo! Your traveling minstrel to entertain you with song and story.Settle back as we tell the tale of glory and triumph over the dark forces of evil from time immemorial....
He then gives the lute a definitive strum and it seems to spring to life. His music is both lofty and powerful. He evokes a strong bass line while at the same time delivering rapid high notes to punctuate the story.....
When our weary world was young The struggle of the ancients first began The gods of Love and Reason Sought alone to rule the fate of Man
They battled through the ages But still neither force would yield The people were divided, Every soul a battlefield…
This is the prelude to the story of the Battle of Pesh, fought in the ages before the Age of Elves. The Wind Lords of Aaqa battled against the Queen of Chaos and her greatest general Miska the Wolf-Spider. The Rod of Law was used in this battle. It is a focal point of the story. Wielded by the great hero Gilgomach, the Rod was instrumental in the defeat and subsequent imprisonment of Miska. But, in so doing it was sundered into seven parts. Each of these were scattered across the multi-verse.
Erbert looks up distractedly at the bard and says in a hurry “Yes, yes, yes, the Battle of Pesh. Anyway, now we’re getting to the meat of it.” He puts his journal on the table, moving his ale aside and starts speaking with his hands in an animated fashion. He makes a little drawing of the scene in the alleyway and the opening to the sewer system. Assuming Scampus is not sitting nearby, he says “I didn’t find anything telling there, but I agree with you, we will need to head down to find out what happened. Look, this Scampus fellow, quite a name by the way, I just… I don’t trust him. He’s not being completely honest with us. There is something more he’s not telling us. Any of you have other ideas about him?” Erbert continues to journal what is known thus far for future reference. There is a twinkle in his eye, nothing seems to motivate him more than a mystery. He sits on the edge of his seat.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
In alignment with Hoids suggestion. Gather more intel from Scampus when he arrives, then develop plan to descend into the bowels of Luskan and then execute that plan.
Iolo's story reaches its crescendo. The demon lord Miska is imprisoned in the plane of Pandemonium. He creates an effect with his lute to represent Pandemonium that seems impressively accurate. With the great victory comes a price, though. The Rod of Law is shattered and its parts scattered across the multiverse.
About this time you notice Scampus enter the Dancing Dolphin. He is working at being discreet, but failing horribly. He is shoved and accosted by most who come in range. "Bugger off you worthless git!" seems to be the most memorable statement. He slinks over to your table and pulls a stool to sit at the end of the table. As he sits he grabs the last sausage from the plate and begins to chew on it. His other hand grabs some bread and a hunk of cheese that head to a pocket. One of the serving girls brings you a new round of drinks. Gneuman intercepts Scampus as he reaches for the mug in front of the monk. The serving girl looks to the rest of you with an inquisitive look and back at Scampus. "I'll bring another...," she says.
Scampus looks about the table to each of you. He still looks agitated and nervous. His glances move about the room as well. He clears his throat the talks in a low voice. "I have....HAD...a hideaway in the sewers. You know, a place to go when things got rough.". He continues to look around and continues, "A few weeks ago, this half-orc shows up with a band of goblins and run me out. They tell me if I don't help them they will tell lies about me and get me killed," he gulps and looks to each of you pitifully. "I don't want to help them. I just want my hideaway back and for them to be gone."
The serving girl returns with a mug she plops in front of Scampus. "No trouble tonight from you, eh." He looks at her sheepishly and takes a large gulp from the mug. "I needed to see if you were smart enough to handle him, Craddock......the half-orc. You figured out what happened in the alley. That is where they took the captain everyone is upset about. Craddock and his gang have been robbing people and then they go missing. I'm sure they have a lot of treasure by now." he says excitedly. He whispers urgently, "You can have it! I just want him gone. Oh! Oh! And I know where there are some gems down there. You can have them too. I can't figure out how to get through the locked grate, but I bet you can!"
This is very good, Scampus. Let's go ahead and get you a proper meal. Any sustenance you desire. So your mind and tongue are well replenished to start our conversation fresh now that you are confident in our ability to handle Craddock.
Maybe start with who Craddock is; for instance, have you seen him use magic? And then let's hear about what sort of lies he needed help telling.
Scampus gulps down a chunk of sausage and looks to Trolkarl. “How do I know who he is?! He shows up with a pack of goblins followin’ his orders and runs me off. Tells me I better help them or he will get me hanged by telling’ lies in town. Get me in trouble, more trouble, with the authority.”
Fair enough, Scampus. Unless the others have more questions, we are good for now.
I would say to fill your stomach here at the Dolphin and not to run off too far. I am sure you will want to be nearby when it comes time to sort out the reward for Lonis.
"I can show you where the hideaway is. You will search and search. I can make a map." He looks to Erbert. "I seen you writin'. Do you have your book and pen?"
Speaking of stocking up, I'm down to one day of rations and only a candle for light. While some of you would do fine down there without, some of us are going to need some layers and oil. Once we get our plans made we'll need to do a little shopping.
Speaking of stocking up, I'm down to one day of rations and only a candle for light. While some of you would do fine down there without, some of us are going to need some layers and oil. Once we get our plans made we'll need to do a little shopping.
"Fair point. If we are going to venture down into goblin infested sewers, it may be prudent to ensure we are prepared for such an uninviting place."
Ok, if there is something open this late, let’s get it done and get moving. We probably want to be a little more specific about our plan to enter the sewers. I.e. where, when, how?
if we know it’s active, we run the risk of recklessly running into the trap without any planning.
let’s take the map that Erbert dictated from Scampus and determine a plan of investigation. Do we derisk our first foray by an initial investigation during the day?
Scampus draws a map of the sewers around his hideaway. To Erbert’s chagrin he uses an entire page from his book.
”We need to go at night,” Scampus says. “The sewer access is not very busy after dark. The sooner we go, the better. You should be able to drive them off quickly.”
Erbert gives a glaring look at Scampus when he takes his precious journal to draw in, but once he sees that map, his mood changes. “Ahhh, I see. This “band of goblins”, as you say. Do you have any idea of the number of them? And this locked grate… who might have the key?” He pauses, looking at the others around the table, “Are any of you good at getting through unwanted locks?” He locks eyes with each of you, appraising abilities through the conversation. After making some final notes on the drawing, a key and touching up the drawing, he snaps his journal closed and puts it away, eyeing Scrampus for further clues and trying to listen for any inconsistencies.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Scampus finishes scrawling out his map. Erbert has to correct some wild spelling mistakes once he is finished. When asked about how many goblins there are, Scampus starts counting on his fingers. A confused look comes across his face when he gets to his second hand. He holds up his left hand with fingers outstretched, “More than this,” then holds up his right to join the left, “less than this.” He smiles proudly.
He then gets a more serious look on his face. “If I could open the lock I would have the gems to give you now.”
He looks around the table expectantly,. “We should go soon,” he implores. “Before they can hurt anyone else.”
i don’t trust Scampus, but I cannot ignore how urgent this matter seems to him.
“Scampus, your information has been invaluable. Let us finish our meal and we can be on our way. From your description, I doubt we need to bring rations for several days. This should likely only be a few hours work “
Erbert smirks at Scampus and says “Riiiiiiight. Because you are so worried, I mean about other people, right. The children… you just want to protect the children…:don’t you?” He looks at Scampus with a solemn, serious look. “So.”
Erbert waves his hands around and then with much “to do” and hubbub, he creates a small trinket in his hand, a small compass looking doodad with an arrow that points around to various locations. “My gem detector. We will find those jewels, don’t you worry! And oh yes, save anyone who has been captured as well, don’t you worry now. Ready fellas?” He gives everyone a smile and a wink.
Scamps listens to Hoid and seems to perk up. He nods in agreement, "Yes! Yes! Let's go tonight. The sooner the better. It should not take you long. You do not need to get provisions for days."
He watches Erbert with curiosity and then amazement with the creation of the gem detector. His eyes widen and he stares intently at the device. He gulps and slowly looks away from the magical creation up to Erbert, "Yes, we can save them as well."
Scampus is ready to leave as soon as you are. After settling up with Taurik you head out into the night from the Dancing Dolphin. Scampus leads you through the city to the northern wall. He moves you back into a darkened alley when a patrol of four guards walks by, resuming your travel once they have passed. You finally get to the location Scampus was talking about. Another sewer grate. He quietly pries it up revealing a dark shaft leading under the street. Ladder rungs are set in the wall to climb down. All should fit well, except Chadwick. Looks like a squeeze for him.
Scampus looks down there sniffing the air. He looks back to you, "I will lead you down. Then, you follow the map and meet me back here. I will keep watch on the surface so guards don't get curious." He then scampers down the ladder. Hoid and Kragen follow. He points across the room you come down beside, "My hideaway is that direction." He points to the hall with bars and a closed, barred door to the right, "The room with the gems is that way. Take care of the goblins first. If you are quiet, you may be able to surprise them. They do not stand guard well. Then, come back for the gems when you can make more noise. I will wait for you on top to keep the guards from investigating." He climbs back up the ladder to the street level.
After removing the grate on the street you climb down an iron rung ladder built into the masonry of the walls. The air is dank and smells just like you would expect a sewer would. There is a 15’ square room here built of masonry walls. The chamber ceiling is about 8’ high. There are four tunnels leading from the room in the center of each wall. These are 5’ wide with a 6’ ceiling. A channel runs through the center of each tunnel that is about 2’ wide and filled with slowly flowing, filthy water. The center of the room is a circular pool of this water. The walls and floor are covered with a nasty looking slime like substance. This becomes lighter as you look up the walls to the ceilings which seem to be dry. Your footing seems to be secure. The tunnels to the north and east have vertical iron bars set 6” apart running from floor to ceiling. Each has an iron bar door with a lock. The doors are 3’ wide and 5’ high.
You are settling in to your meal and discussion about your investigation. At the far end of the room you see a half-elf dressed in fine clothes strum a lute and announce: Brave patrons of The Dancing Dolphin! I am Iolo! Your traveling minstrel to entertain you with song and story. Settle back as we tell the tale of glory and triumph over the dark forces of evil from time immemorial....
He then gives the lute a definitive strum and it seems to spring to life. His music is both lofty and powerful. He evokes a strong bass line while at the same time delivering rapid high notes to punctuate the story.....
When our weary world was young
The struggle of the ancients first began
The gods of Love and Reason
Sought alone to rule the fate of Man
They battled through the ages
But still neither force would yield
The people were divided,
Every soul a battlefield…
This is the prelude to the story of the Battle of Pesh, fought in the ages before the Age of Elves. The Wind Lords of Aaqa battled against the Queen of Chaos and her greatest general Miska the Wolf-Spider. The Rod of Law was used in this battle. It is a focal point of the story. Wielded by the great hero Gilgomach, the Rod was instrumental in the defeat and subsequent imprisonment of Miska. But, in so doing it was sundered into seven parts. Each of these were scattered across the multi-verse.
Erbert looks up distractedly at the bard and says in a hurry “Yes, yes, yes, the Battle of Pesh. Anyway, now we’re getting to the meat of it.” He puts his journal on the table, moving his ale aside and starts speaking with his hands in an animated fashion. He makes a little drawing of the scene in the alleyway and the opening to the sewer system. Assuming Scampus is not sitting nearby, he says “I didn’t find anything telling there, but I agree with you, we will need to head down to find out what happened. Look, this Scampus fellow, quite a name by the way, I just… I don’t trust him. He’s not being completely honest with us. There is something more he’s not telling us. Any of you have other ideas about him?” Erbert continues to journal what is known thus far for future reference. There is a twinkle in his eye, nothing seems to motivate him more than a mystery. He sits on the edge of his seat.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
/watching.
/waiting for you to be ready to progress
In alignment with Hoids suggestion. Gather more intel from Scampus when he arrives, then develop plan to descend into the bowels of Luskan and then execute that plan.
Iolo's story reaches its crescendo. The demon lord Miska is imprisoned in the plane of Pandemonium. He creates an effect with his lute to represent Pandemonium that seems impressively accurate. With the great victory comes a price, though. The Rod of Law is shattered and its parts scattered across the multiverse.
About this time you notice Scampus enter the Dancing Dolphin. He is working at being discreet, but failing horribly. He is shoved and accosted by most who come in range. "Bugger off you worthless git!" seems to be the most memorable statement. He slinks over to your table and pulls a stool to sit at the end of the table. As he sits he grabs the last sausage from the plate and begins to chew on it. His other hand grabs some bread and a hunk of cheese that head to a pocket. One of the serving girls brings you a new round of drinks. Gneuman intercepts Scampus as he reaches for the mug in front of the monk. The serving girl looks to the rest of you with an inquisitive look and back at Scampus. "I'll bring another...," she says.
Scampus looks about the table to each of you. He still looks agitated and nervous. His glances move about the room as well. He clears his throat the talks in a low voice. "I have....HAD...a hideaway in the sewers. You know, a place to go when things got rough.". He continues to look around and continues, "A few weeks ago, this half-orc shows up with a band of goblins and run me out. They tell me if I don't help them they will tell lies about me and get me killed," he gulps and looks to each of you pitifully. "I don't want to help them. I just want my hideaway back and for them to be gone."
The serving girl returns with a mug she plops in front of Scampus. "No trouble tonight from you, eh." He looks at her sheepishly and takes a large gulp from the mug. "I needed to see if you were smart enough to handle him, Craddock......the half-orc. You figured out what happened in the alley. That is where they took the captain everyone is upset about. Craddock and his gang have been robbing people and then they go missing. I'm sure they have a lot of treasure by now." he says excitedly. He whispers urgently, "You can have it! I just want him gone. Oh! Oh! And I know where there are some gems down there. You can have them too. I can't figure out how to get through the locked grate, but I bet you can!"
This is very good, Scampus. Let's go ahead and get you a proper meal. Any sustenance you desire. So your mind and tongue are well replenished to start our conversation fresh now that you are confident in our ability to handle Craddock.
Maybe start with who Craddock is; for instance, have you seen him use magic? And then let's hear about what sort of lies he needed help telling.
Scampus gulps down a chunk of sausage and looks to Trolkarl. “How do I know who he is?! He shows up with a pack of goblins followin’ his orders and runs me off. Tells me I better help them or he will get me hanged by telling’ lies in town. Get me in trouble, more trouble, with the authority.”
Fair enough, Scampus. Unless the others have more questions, we are good for now.
I would say to fill your stomach here at the Dolphin and not to run off too far. I am sure you will want to be nearby when it comes time to sort out the reward for Lonis.
"I can show you where the hideaway is. You will search and search. I can make a map." He looks to Erbert. "I seen you writin'. Do you have your book and pen?"
Chadwick
Speaking of stocking up, I'm down to one day of rations and only a candle for light. While some of you would do fine down there without, some of us are going to need some layers and oil. Once we get our plans made we'll need to do a little shopping.
"Fair point. If we are going to venture down into goblin infested sewers, it may be prudent to ensure we are prepared for such an uninviting place."
Ok, if there is something open this late, let’s get it done and get moving. We probably want to be a little more specific about our plan to enter the sewers. I.e. where, when, how?
if we know it’s active, we run the risk of recklessly running into the trap without any planning.
let’s take the map that Erbert dictated from Scampus and determine a plan of investigation. Do we derisk our first foray by an initial investigation during the day?
((Assuming Erbert allows Scampus to draw in his book.))
https://inkarnate.com/m/pgl56W-scampus-map/
Scampus draws a map of the sewers around his hideaway. To Erbert’s chagrin he uses an entire page from his book.
”We need to go at night,” Scampus says. “The sewer access is not very busy after dark. The sooner we go, the better. You should be able to drive them off quickly.”
Erbert gives a glaring look at Scampus when he takes his precious journal to draw in, but once he sees that map, his mood changes. “Ahhh, I see. This “band of goblins”, as you say. Do you have any idea of the number of them? And this locked grate… who might have the key?” He pauses, looking at the others around the table, “Are any of you good at getting through unwanted locks?” He locks eyes with each of you, appraising abilities through the conversation. After making some final notes on the drawing, a key and touching up the drawing, he snaps his journal closed and puts it away, eyeing Scrampus for further clues and trying to listen for any inconsistencies.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Scampus finishes scrawling out his map. Erbert has to correct some wild spelling mistakes once he is finished. When asked about how many goblins there are, Scampus starts counting on his fingers. A confused look comes across his face when he gets to his second hand. He holds up his left hand with fingers outstretched, “More than this,” then holds up his right to join the left, “less than this.” He smiles proudly.
He then gets a more serious look on his face. “If I could open the lock I would have the gems to give you now.”
He looks around the table expectantly,. “We should go soon,” he implores. “Before they can hurt anyone else.”
Hoid
i don’t trust Scampus, but I cannot ignore how urgent this matter seems to him.
“Scampus, your information has been invaluable. Let us finish our meal and we can be on our way. From your description, I doubt we need to bring rations for several days. This should likely only be a few hours work “
Erbert smirks at Scampus and says “Riiiiiiight. Because you are so worried, I mean about other people, right. The children… you just want to protect the children…:don’t you?” He looks at Scampus with a solemn, serious look. “So.”
Erbert waves his hands around and then with much “to do” and hubbub, he creates a small trinket in his hand, a small compass looking doodad with an arrow that points around to various locations. “My gem detector. We will find those jewels, don’t you worry! And oh yes, save anyone who has been captured as well, don’t you worry now. Ready fellas?” He gives everyone a smile and a wink.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Scamps listens to Hoid and seems to perk up. He nods in agreement, "Yes! Yes! Let's go tonight. The sooner the better. It should not take you long. You do not need to get provisions for days."
He watches Erbert with curiosity and then amazement with the creation of the gem detector. His eyes widen and he stares intently at the device. He gulps and slowly looks away from the magical creation up to Erbert, "Yes, we can save them as well."
Scampus is ready to leave as soon as you are. After settling up with Taurik you head out into the night from the Dancing Dolphin. Scampus leads you through the city to the northern wall. He moves you back into a darkened alley when a patrol of four guards walks by, resuming your travel once they have passed. You finally get to the location Scampus was talking about. Another sewer grate. He quietly pries it up revealing a dark shaft leading under the street. Ladder rungs are set in the wall to climb down. All should fit well, except Chadwick. Looks like a squeeze for him.
Scampus looks down there sniffing the air. He looks back to you, "I will lead you down. Then, you follow the map and meet me back here. I will keep watch on the surface so guards don't get curious." He then scampers down the ladder. Hoid and Kragen follow. He points across the room you come down beside, "My hideaway is that direction." He points to the hall with bars and a closed, barred door to the right, "The room with the gems is that way. Take care of the goblins first. If you are quiet, you may be able to surprise them. They do not stand guard well. Then, come back for the gems when you can make more noise. I will wait for you on top to keep the guards from investigating." He climbs back up the ladder to the street level.
Map of the sewers:
https://www.owlbear.rodeo/room/HPcI2Xl2lTzN/TheLushLead
(( I am assuming the dwarves will lead the way for you, with Gneuman. ))
After removing the grate on the street you climb down an iron rung ladder built into the masonry of the walls. The air is dank and smells just like you would expect a sewer would. There is a 15’ square room here built of masonry walls. The chamber ceiling is about 8’ high. There are four tunnels leading from the room in the center of each wall. These are 5’ wide with a 6’ ceiling. A channel runs through the center of each tunnel that is about 2’ wide and filled with slowly flowing, filthy water. The center of the room is a circular pool of this water. The walls and floor are covered with a nasty looking slime like substance. This becomes lighter as you look up the walls to the ceilings which seem to be dry. Your footing seems to be secure. The tunnels to the north and east have vertical iron bars set 6” apart running from floor to ceiling. Each has an iron bar door with a lock. The doors are 3’ wide and 5’ high.
I will take the lead down the top passage. If that gate is locked, I’ll go down the left.