You all move on, shaken somewhat by the encounter with the monstrous aberration. When you get to the east side of the bridge, you get a better view of the city on the bank of the Sullen Sea. The wide, sloping base of a massive column is built up with streets, walls, and hundreds of elaborate structures. A few glimmer with faint illumination, and here and there, lanterns shed green illumination in small pools separated by gulfs of shadow. Portions of the small city are completely collapsed and obviously abandoned, though others show clear signs of habitation and upkeep. A great wall surrounds the lowest edges of the city, and upon that edifice, hundreds of rusty spikes point toward the cavern's high ceiling. Rotting heads adorn scores of those spikes.
Theldrin frowns as he looks at the city ahead. "Not very welcoming is it... yet surely better than stil being on the bridge back there. And hopefully better than camping out here, but we shall see I suppose...." He looks at the others to see if they agree to continue with entering Pedestal.
"We certainly haven't come this far to turn back." Khessa, determined, doesn't even slow down. "Welcoming or not, this is where we can continue our hunt."
'And mine to boot' the blonde arcane warrior adds mentally, an unwavering light of determination in her blue eyes as she thinks of her family.
Coriana will stay towards the front of the group as they approach the city. She knows rough areas take a certain swagger and confidence, and she thinks she'd be better at exuding that than Xanrym right now. "I think I'll do most of the talking here, assuming they speak common, at least."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards. DM - The Old Keep
"We certainly haven't come this far to turn back." Khessa, determined, doesn't even slow down. "Welcoming or not, this is where we can continue our hunt."
Xanrym says, "Wait a moment, Khessa! According to Bruthwol Coalhauler, the city is lawless at best but a war zone at worst. A little reconnaissance is in order before we make ourselves known. If we're approaching an open battle, it would be nice to know it before were in it! Bruthwol also said that he didn't know who was manning the gates or what they would demand from us to let us pass."
As the city drew closer, Xanrym was thinking about his recent adventures. From what Bruthwol said, Pedestal reminds him of Orlane. There may be people living here who are just trying to go about their lives, but there are secret and hostile factions too. The Company will have to be constantly on guard, but they shouldn't have to fight every step of the way.
Xanrym says, "We need to find out more about Xeron's cult and Fhadheela, from the letter. And we have to figure out where Xeron's cult took the King's bones and the other treasures. We may be in Pedestal for several days, trying to track down information, so we should try to avoid making any enemies, if we can. Even if we encounter Drow Elves, agreed?" He glances at Khessa as he says that to check whether that's going to be a problem for her.
Xanrym wants The Company to enter Pedestal as quietly and inconspicuously as they can. The Company could approach to within ~100-ft of the city walls, remaining as hidden as possible for a group our size, and send one of the familiars forward to see whether the gates are manned and by whom. Or Xanrym could sneak closer and see whether there are any unguarded ways into the city.
Once they're through the gates, he suggests that they should just try to find a safe place to sleep and make contact with the Bruthwol's associate: Es Sarch. They've already made a lot of progress for one day, and they can start exploring the city and tracking down Xeron's cult tomorrow. Xanrym is also worried about the magical plague that Bruthwol mentioned, but if others are living in Pedestal, he hopes that the city will be safe enough for The Company. Once they make some contacts in Pedestal, perhaps they can learn more about the nature of that plague.
"It's good to have you back, my friend," Theldrin smiles at Xanrym then rubs his beard, intently studying the city wall looming ahead. "I agree proceeding with caution here seems best... Dusk is available for reconnaissance though perhaps one of the flyers would be more advantageous?"
Khessa nods to Xanrym: "Fine, I'll avoid 'interrogating' the drow for the first few days... but if we don't find other means to discover where the slaves (and my family) have been taken, you understand that I certainly can't leave the city without attempting to extract information, no matter how. This is the first time in I don't know how long I've finally encountered drow again. You of course understand that I can't afford to waste it."
"If you wish, I can send Anator ahead," the blonde arcane warrior offers, when someone asks for 'winged aid.' "My brother, like all bats, has no problem seeing in the dark—and that's certainly not uncommon in caves. He won't arouse suspicion."
"However," the tall adventuress suggests, "if we fear that entering the city exposes us to the risk of a clash, we could also camp outside the walls, sleep, and make our entrance tomorrow morning. That way, in the event of a clash, we would at least be completely rested."
"Yes, of course!", Xanrym says, "I understand, and I'd never think of asking you to give up that quest! Such a determined woman--I'm sure that you will find and rescue them some day if it can be done! And may the gods save anyone who tries to stop you! I'm sure that we'd all be happy to help you find and rescue your family. We aren't currently in any hurry, and once we thwart Xeron's cult, we could stay here as long as we need to investigate where the drow took your family."
Xanrym continues, "I just meant that, according to Bruthwol, someone came through that Earth Node portal yesterday and headed to Pedestal. That was either Fhadheela or someone else working for or against Xeron's followers. We may have a chance to find and stop them before they leave the city with the King's bones, and I don't want to do anything to jeopardize that chance. We should just proceed with some caution until we learn the more about the situation in Pedestal." He points out, "We don't even know whether drow guard these gates. It could be grey dwarves or svirfneblin -- the 'deep gnomes' -- or even orcs. I guess we'll soon find out." And he accepts your offer: "Yes, please send Anator to check."
Coriana agrees that that may be a good strategy, I could even cast invisibility on herself and the scouting familiar for added tactical options.
Xanrym also knows Invisibility if we need to sneak anyone inside with us for some reason. He also tells everyone that he can Calm Emotions. If there are just a few guards, and they seem hostile to the party, Xanrym could use that spell to ensure that they're more favorable to The Company.
But for now, he will go ahead and perform a ritual casting of Comprehend Languages before The Company approaches the gates. That way, he'll be able to listen in if the guards talk to each other in their own language.
Coriana will stay towards the front of the group as they approach the city. She knows rough areas take a certain swagger and confidence, and she thinks she'd be better at exuding that than Xanrym right now. "I think I'll do most of the talking here, assuming they speak common, at least."
Xanrym is happy to let Coriana take the lead if she'd like. Once the familiars report back, and The Company is ready to approach the gate, Xanrym expresses his complete confidence in her!
Xanrym grants Corianabardic inspiration. Once within the next 1 hour when Coriana fails a D20 Test, she can roll a 1d8 and add the number rolled to the d20, possibly turning into a success.
(OOC: In particular, my work schedule is very busy this week, so I'd be happy to let someone else do the talking for now.)
Alright, so let's roll a Stealth and Perception check for Anator, which I assume is using the 2024 stat block. I'll also assume someone casts Invisibility, just let me know who marked the Spell Slot:
Anator causes no suspicion withing the city as he flies overhead to get a look at the South Gate: Dark stones sag over the open gatehouse. Tile gaping arch reveals a rubble-strewn roadway, a low barricade of piled debris, and an ominous cityscape beyond, where shadowed buildings lean above sloping cobbled lanes illuminated by green light from glowing lanterns. Anator almost surmises that it is currently unguarded until he notices a couple of strange polearm weapons poling out from behind the stones. These seem to have pincers on the ends of them. Anator then flies back.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Avery concurs with letting Coriana being the diplomat, he will continue to watch for threats and the area around them. Does he see or detect anything that should give him concern using his mercenary background: investigation 11
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
You all move on, shaken somewhat by the encounter with the monstrous aberration. When you get to the east side of the bridge, you get a better view of the city on the bank of the Sullen Sea. The wide, sloping base of a massive column is built up with streets, walls, and hundreds of elaborate structures. A few glimmer with faint illumination, and here and there, lanterns shed green illumination in small pools separated by gulfs of shadow. Portions of the small city are completely collapsed and obviously abandoned, though others show clear signs of habitation and upkeep. A great wall surrounds the lowest edges of the city, and upon that edifice, hundreds of rusty spikes point toward the cavern's high ceiling. Rotting heads adorn scores of those spikes.
Welcome to Pedestal.
You're currently still a few hundred meters from the wall, do you still plan to approach and enter the city?
Theldrin frowns as he looks at the city ahead. "Not very welcoming is it... yet surely better than stil being on the bridge back there. And hopefully better than camping out here, but we shall see I suppose...." He looks at the others to see if they agree to continue with entering Pedestal.
"We certainly haven't come this far to turn back." Khessa, determined, doesn't even slow down. "Welcoming or not, this is where we can continue our hunt."
'And mine to boot' the blonde arcane warrior adds mentally, an unwavering light of determination in her blue eyes as she thinks of her family.
Avery agrees, "Not a place to take a vacation it seems, but we should be wary as we enter. We didn't go through all that for nothing."
Coriana will stay towards the front of the group as they approach the city. She knows rough areas take a certain swagger and confidence, and she thinks she'd be better at exuding that than Xanrym right now. "I think I'll do most of the talking here, assuming they speak common, at least."
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Xanrym says, "Wait a moment, Khessa! According to Bruthwol Coalhauler, the city is lawless at best but a war zone at worst. A little reconnaissance is in order before we make ourselves known. If we're approaching an open battle, it would be nice to know it before were in it! Bruthwol also said that he didn't know who was manning the gates or what they would demand from us to let us pass."
As the city drew closer, Xanrym was thinking about his recent adventures. From what Bruthwol said, Pedestal reminds him of Orlane. There may be people living here who are just trying to go about their lives, but there are secret and hostile factions too. The Company will have to be constantly on guard, but they shouldn't have to fight every step of the way.
Xanrym says, "We need to find out more about Xeron's cult and Fhadheela, from the letter. And we have to figure out where Xeron's cult took the King's bones and the other treasures. We may be in Pedestal for several days, trying to track down information, so we should try to avoid making any enemies, if we can. Even if we encounter Drow Elves, agreed?" He glances at Khessa as he says that to check whether that's going to be a problem for her.
Xanrym wants The Company to enter Pedestal as quietly and inconspicuously as they can. The Company could approach to within ~100-ft of the city walls, remaining as hidden as possible for a group our size, and send one of the familiars forward to see whether the gates are manned and by whom. Or Xanrym could sneak closer and see whether there are any unguarded ways into the city.
Once they're through the gates, he suggests that they should just try to find a safe place to sleep and make contact with the Bruthwol's associate: Es Sarch. They've already made a lot of progress for one day, and they can start exploring the city and tracking down Xeron's cult tomorrow. Xanrym is also worried about the magical plague that Bruthwol mentioned, but if others are living in Pedestal, he hopes that the city will be safe enough for The Company. Once they make some contacts in Pedestal, perhaps they can learn more about the nature of that plague.
Coriana agrees that that may be a good strategy, I could even cast invisibility on herself and the scouting familiar for added tactical options.
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
"It's good to have you back, my friend," Theldrin smiles at Xanrym then rubs his beard, intently studying the city wall looming ahead. "I agree proceeding with caution here seems best... Dusk is available for reconnaissance though perhaps one of the flyers would be more advantageous?"
Khessa nods to Xanrym: "Fine, I'll avoid 'interrogating' the drow for the first few days... but if we don't find other means to discover where the slaves (and my family) have been taken, you understand that I certainly can't leave the city without attempting to extract information, no matter how. This is the first time in I don't know how long I've finally encountered drow again. You of course understand that I can't afford to waste it."
"If you wish, I can send Anator ahead," the blonde arcane warrior offers, when someone asks for 'winged aid.' "My brother, like all bats, has no problem seeing in the dark—and that's certainly not uncommon in caves. He won't arouse suspicion."
"However," the tall adventuress suggests, "if we fear that entering the city exposes us to the risk of a clash, we could also camp outside the walls, sleep, and make our entrance tomorrow morning. That way, in the event of a clash, we would at least be completely rested."
"Yes, of course!", Xanrym says, "I understand, and I'd never think of asking you to give up that quest! Such a determined woman--I'm sure that you will find and rescue them some day if it can be done! And may the gods save anyone who tries to stop you! I'm sure that we'd all be happy to help you find and rescue your family. We aren't currently in any hurry, and once we thwart Xeron's cult, we could stay here as long as we need to investigate where the drow took your family."
Xanrym continues, "I just meant that, according to Bruthwol, someone came through that Earth Node portal yesterday and headed to Pedestal. That was either Fhadheela or someone else working for or against Xeron's followers. We may have a chance to find and stop them before they leave the city with the King's bones, and I don't want to do anything to jeopardize that chance. We should just proceed with some caution until we learn the more about the situation in Pedestal." He points out, "We don't even know whether drow guard these gates. It could be grey dwarves or svirfneblin -- the 'deep gnomes' -- or even orcs. I guess we'll soon find out." And he accepts your offer: "Yes, please send Anator to check."
Khessa sends her brother to check the gates, recommending that he behave like a common bat and not draw attention to himself.
Xanrym also knows Invisibility if we need to sneak anyone inside with us for some reason. He also tells everyone that he can Calm Emotions. If there are just a few guards, and they seem hostile to the party, Xanrym could use that spell to ensure that they're more favorable to The Company.
But for now, he will go ahead and perform a ritual casting of Comprehend Languages before The Company approaches the gates. That way, he'll be able to listen in if the guards talk to each other in their own language.
Xanrym is happy to let Coriana take the lead if she'd like. Once the familiars report back, and The Company is ready to approach the gate, Xanrym expresses his complete confidence in her!
Xanrym grants Coriana bardic inspiration. Once within the next 1 hour when Coriana fails a D20 Test, she can roll a 1d8 and add the number rolled to the d20, possibly turning into a success.
(OOC: In particular, my work schedule is very busy this week, so I'd be happy to let someone else do the talking for now.)
Alright, so let's roll a Stealth and Perception check for Anator, which I assume is using the 2024 stat block. I'll also assume someone casts Invisibility, just let me know who marked the Spell Slot:
Stealth w/Advantage: 17
Perception: 13
Anator causes no suspicion withing the city as he flies overhead to get a look at the South Gate: Dark stones sag over the open gatehouse. Tile gaping arch reveals a rubble-strewn roadway, a low barricade of piled debris, and an ominous cityscape beyond, where shadowed buildings lean above sloping cobbled lanes illuminated by green light from glowing lanterns. Anator almost surmises that it is currently unguarded until he notices a couple of strange polearm weapons poling out from behind the stones. These seem to have pincers on the ends of them. Anator then flies back.
Avery will move with what stealth as he can, also keeping an eye out for trouble: Stealth 9; Perception 20
Coriana uses the slot.
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
(OOC: Sorry for being MIA. Monday and this weekend were crazy.)
Being in agreement with the plan so far Syllen walks next to Coriana.
“With your permission I wish to keep Nav next to you. He can transfer some of my magic to you while I stay out of sight.”
If Coriana is okay with it Nav will perch on her shoulder so that Syllen can cast Guidance(Persuasion) on her from afar.
Assuming Coriana still plans to act as diplomat, she can add 1d4 to her rolls.
Avery concurs with letting Coriana being the diplomat, he will continue to watch for threats and the area around them. Does he see or detect anything that should give him concern using his mercenary background: investigation 11