Syllen puts his crossbow away not wanting to scare the dwarf. Wishing to determine if there have been others teleported to this exact spot before them, Syllen will search for tracks that seem to appear out of nowhere in their current location.
"Ooof... this gate comes with quite a toll it seems," Theldrin mutters as he visibly relaxes after the Mouther falls, then quickly becomes fascinated by the new surroundings. If all are in agreement he will hail the Dwarf with a typical Dwarvish greeting or similar.
If all are in agreement he will hail the Dwarf with a typical Dwarvish greeting or similar.
Xanrym agrees. Theldrin (or someone else who speaks Dwarvish) should try to talk to the Dwarf. If they find out that he speaks Common, Xanrym would be happy to talk to him for the group.
But just in case the dwarf is hostile, Xanrym will find a spot near the road where he can hide. He'd like to be close enough to the road to listen to the conversation, to help if there's trouble, and to come forward to talk to the dwarf (if he speaks Common).
Khessa agrees on the need for communication... and since there's no guarantee the newcomer (likely a native of the Underdark) speaks any surface languages, she ritual-casts Comprehend Languages while waiting for the dwarf to come within conversational range.
she ritual-casts Comprehend Languages while waiting for the dwarf to come within conversational range.
(OOC: Oh, I thought that the dwarf / wagon was much closer than that. It looks like area G1 is a little under 1 mile east-to-west. If we're closer to the west side if the area than we are to the lake, I guess the wagon at most 1/2 mile away if it has already emerged from that tunnel that leads back toward G3.)
If it looks like we have 10+ minutes before the cart will be close enough for Theldrin to hail the dwarf, then Xanrym would also like to ritual-cast Comprehend Languages since his previous ritual casting would have expired by now. It's difficult for him to be persuasive if he can't understand what anyone is saying!
(OOC: I should also mention that before he goes to hide, Xanrym will retrieve his spear, which is presumably still stuck in the Grick Ancient. His net was sadly shredded.)
(Yes the wagon is pretty close. So if you want to cast that spell you'll have to use a slot.)
The strange covered wagon pulls up at being hailed. The broad and dusky dwarf, bald but with a while beard, steps off the wagon and approaches, smiling. Unlike any dwarf you've encountered before, you recognize he must be one of the Grey Dwarves; Duergar. He wears a thick, leather coat and gloves that have gold piping. The two large gray lizards that were pulling the cart stand idly. The grinning dwarf calls out in a deep baritone in perfect Common, "Node travelers, and unless I miss my mark, surfacers too! I am Bruthwol Coalhauler, a humble merchant! Perhaps you would like to see my wares after this big fight you've had?" He looks at the fallen aberrations, clearly not shocked.
"Well met Bruthwol," Theldrin smiles, switching to Common. "Theldrin Osgard at your service... indeed my friends and I have just arrived through the Node. What type of wares do you have for sale?"
(Yes the wagon is pretty close. So if you want to cast that spell you'll have to use a slot.)
(OOC: No, Xanrym would prefer to conserve spell slots for now. The fight with the Grick, in particular, made him realize that they're facing much bigger dangers down here, and he knows that Theldrin already expended quite a lot of his magical energy for the day. Since Xanrym learned that a few members of The Company speak Dwarvish while they were sailing on Soul of Winter, he relies on them to talk to the dwarf. He's happy that he waited since he soon learns that the dwarf speaks Common...))
The grinning dwarf calls out in a deep baritone in perfect Common, "Node travelers, and unless I miss my mark, surfacers too! I am Bruthwol Coalhauler, a humble merchant! Perhaps you would like to see my wares after this big fight you've had?" He looks at the fallen aberrations, clearly not shocked.
Xanrym, still cautious and distrustful, remains hidden. He leaves it to the others to deal with Bruthwol Coalhauler for now. Xanrym keeps an eye out for danger, either new threats approaching their location or any sign of a trick or trap from this "merchant."
Khessa doesn't know whether to be more relieved or more suspicious, upon discovering that the Underdark dwarf speaks perfect Common tongue. She, however, not particularly interested in shopping at this precise moment, holds out her hand: "Nice to meet you! My name is Khessa, Khessa Cabbagefield! And you?"
The blonde arcane warrior continues: "You know? Our journey through the Node was accidental, caused by the casting of spells during the battle... but from the way you speak, it seems to me that there are many 'Node travelers' - perhaps more experienced and aware than us! Just out of curiosity... do you know who was the last one before us? And how long ago did he arrive?"
Syllen seems almost surprised by the arrival of the Dwarf having been focused on searching for tracks. Looking up quickly, Syllen addresses the Dwarf.
“Hello good sir. As you have astutely pointed out, we are not from the area. I would love to examine your wares. Also, if possible, would you be willing to tell us where you are traveling and any important information about this area?”
Bruthwal gladly let's you look at his wagon, he sells mining and dungeoneering supplied, but you could conceivably buy any Adventuring Gear up to a value of 25gp. His eyes dart quickly at Khessa when she says her name, but remains courteous and answers her questions willingly, hoping to get a sale: "You're looking for someone? Well, I came through here yesterday on my way to the outpost to the west. I saw a cloaked figure arrive just after I past the Node, a female humanoid by shape, though I couldn't discern much else. Perhaps she is your quarry? That person ignored my greetings and stalked off down toward the Oceanbridge. Be careful crossing though, wild kuo-toas and worse swim the sea's murky waters. Sometimes travelers who start out at one end of the Oceanbridge fail to arrive at the other. In fact, part of the bridge has been damaged for a while now. And if you end up heading into Pedastal be warned, the city is not an overly friendly place. Especially for surface dwellers. You're lucky you ran into me first! Bruthwal cares not for your origins, only your interest in trade supplies, and perhaps information." He says this last line with a hint of slyness.
"Ah yes, information is indeed valuable...thank you..." Theldrin gives Bruthwol a friendly smile. "As are these torches...hmmm... and maybe replacing some of the rope we left behind..." he says quietly as if thinking aloud while he carefully looks over the wares, hoping that Bruthwol will offer more info in effort to close a sale.
"You are very kind, Bruthwol!" Khessa smiles brightly "And apparently very knowledgeable too! We will try to be careful of these kuo-toas you speak of. Although..." she raises a finger to her lips thoughtfully "...I had always assumed that the Drow were the main threat in the Underdark! Are there any settlements of theirs nearby? Or have any patrols been spotted?"
Avery will look at the items, "You wouldn't happen to have a map of the area, or could draw one for us for 25gp, with some notes like those fine warnings you have provided?"
Syllen puts his crossbow away not wanting to scare the dwarf. Wishing to determine if there have been others teleported to this exact spot before them, Syllen will search for tracks that seem to appear out of nowhere in their current location.
Survival with guidance: 29
"Ooof... this gate comes with quite a toll it seems," Theldrin mutters as he visibly relaxes after the Mouther falls, then quickly becomes fascinated by the new surroundings. If all are in agreement he will hail the Dwarf with a typical Dwarvish greeting or similar.
Xanrym agrees. Theldrin (or someone else who speaks Dwarvish) should try to talk to the Dwarf. If they find out that he speaks Common, Xanrym would be happy to talk to him for the group.
But just in case the dwarf is hostile, Xanrym will find a spot near the road where he can hide. He'd like to be close enough to the road to listen to the conversation, to help if there's trouble, and to come forward to talk to the dwarf (if he speaks Common).
Hiding - Stealth: 27 (advantage from Cloak of Elvenkind)
After the encounter, Avery remains vigilant and wary
Khessa agrees on the need for communication... and since there's no guarantee the newcomer (likely a native of the Underdark) speaks any surface languages, she ritual-casts Comprehend Languages while waiting for the dwarf to come within conversational range.
(OOC: Oh, I thought that the dwarf / wagon was much closer than that. It looks like area G1 is a little under 1 mile east-to-west. If we're closer to the west side if the area than we are to the lake, I guess the wagon at most 1/2 mile away if it has already emerged from that tunnel that leads back toward G3.)
If it looks like we have 10+ minutes before the cart will be close enough for Theldrin to hail the dwarf, then Xanrym would also like to ritual-cast Comprehend Languages since his previous ritual casting would have expired by now. It's difficult for him to be persuasive if he can't understand what anyone is saying!
(OOC: I should also mention that before he goes to hide, Xanrym will retrieve his spear, which is presumably still stuck in the Grick Ancient. His net was sadly shredded.)
(Yes the wagon is pretty close. So if you want to cast that spell you'll have to use a slot.)
The strange covered wagon pulls up at being hailed. The broad and dusky dwarf, bald but with a while beard, steps off the wagon and approaches, smiling. Unlike any dwarf you've encountered before, you recognize he must be one of the Grey Dwarves; Duergar. He wears a thick, leather coat and gloves that have gold piping. The two large gray lizards that were pulling the cart stand idly. The grinning dwarf calls out in a deep baritone in perfect Common, "Node travelers, and unless I miss my mark, surfacers too! I am Bruthwol Coalhauler, a humble merchant! Perhaps you would like to see my wares after this big fight you've had?" He looks at the fallen aberrations, clearly not shocked.
"Well met Bruthwol," Theldrin smiles, switching to Common. "Theldrin Osgard at your service... indeed my friends and I have just arrived through the Node. What type of wares do you have for sale?"
Coriana will take a look at his wares, as she suspects the information will flow easier for customers.
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
(OOC: No, Xanrym would prefer to conserve spell slots for now. The fight with the Grick, in particular, made him realize that they're facing much bigger dangers down here, and he knows that Theldrin already expended quite a lot of his magical energy for the day. Since Xanrym learned that a few members of The Company speak Dwarvish while they were sailing on Soul of Winter, he relies on them to talk to the dwarf. He's happy that he waited since he soon learns that the dwarf speaks Common...))
Xanrym, still cautious and distrustful, remains hidden. He leaves it to the others to deal with Bruthwol Coalhauler for now. Xanrym keeps an eye out for danger, either new threats approaching their location or any sign of a trick or trap from this "merchant."
Perception: 25
and his original roll for hiding:
Avery will approach and see what wares the dwarf has to offer.
Khessa doesn't know whether to be more relieved or more suspicious, upon discovering that the Underdark dwarf speaks perfect Common tongue. She, however, not particularly interested in shopping at this precise moment, holds out her hand: "Nice to meet you! My name is Khessa, Khessa Cabbagefield! And you?"
The blonde arcane warrior continues: "You know? Our journey through the Node was accidental, caused by the casting of spells during the battle... but from the way you speak, it seems to me that there are many 'Node travelers' - perhaps more experienced and aware than us! Just out of curiosity... do you know who was the last one before us? And how long ago did he arrive?"
Syllen seems almost surprised by the arrival of the Dwarf having been focused on searching for tracks. Looking up quickly, Syllen addresses the Dwarf.
“Hello good sir. As you have astutely pointed out, we are not from the area. I would love to examine your wares. Also, if possible, would you be willing to tell us where you are traveling and any important information about this area?”
Bruthwal gladly let's you look at his wagon, he sells mining and dungeoneering supplied, but you could conceivably buy any Adventuring Gear up to a value of 25gp. His eyes dart quickly at Khessa when she says her name, but remains courteous and answers her questions willingly, hoping to get a sale: "You're looking for someone? Well, I came through here yesterday on my way to the outpost to the west. I saw a cloaked figure arrive just after I past the Node, a female humanoid by shape, though I couldn't discern much else. Perhaps she is your quarry? That person ignored my greetings and stalked off down toward the Oceanbridge. Be careful crossing though, wild kuo-toas and worse swim the sea's murky waters. Sometimes travelers who start out at one end of the Oceanbridge fail to arrive at the other. In fact, part of the bridge has been damaged for a while now. And if you end up heading into Pedastal be warned, the city is not an overly friendly place. Especially for surface dwellers. You're lucky you ran into me first! Bruthwal cares not for your origins, only your interest in trade supplies, and perhaps information." He says this last line with a hint of slyness.
(OOC: Can I assume that Xanrym has seen no other creatures approaching and nothing dangerous to worry about from Bruthwol or his wagon?)
That's correct. Bruthwol appears to be on the level.
"Ah yes, information is indeed valuable...thank you..." Theldrin gives Bruthwol a friendly smile. "As are these torches...hmmm... and maybe replacing some of the rope we left behind..." he says quietly as if thinking aloud while he carefully looks over the wares, hoping that Bruthwol will offer more info in effort to close a sale.
"You are very kind, Bruthwol!" Khessa smiles brightly "And apparently very knowledgeable too! We will try to be careful of these kuo-toas you speak of. Although..." she raises a finger to her lips thoughtfully "...I had always assumed that the Drow were the main threat in the Underdark! Are there any settlements of theirs nearby? Or have any patrols been spotted?"
Avery will look at the items, "You wouldn't happen to have a map of the area, or could draw one for us for 25gp, with some notes like those fine warnings you have provided?"
Coriana starts making a small pile of goods. She leaves the shmoozing to other more careful with their tongues.
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep