Hearing the voices and then Zephyros proceed forward, Meira decides to try to move quietly forward as well. But in a direction that takes her as far from Zephyros as possible. She also tries to keep hidden - or as hidden as possible. (Stealth: 26)
Gareth moves slowly and deliberately, studying the ruins as they pass. He can't help but feel curious about this ruined settlement, wondering what sort of people used to live here and what happened to them. The job board mentioned the dwarves were on some sort of excavation. What did they discover? Hopefully, it was something less dangerous than a manticore, but the lack of response from the dwarves worries the ranger. Not to mention the figures spotted on the cliffs.
The ranger cocks his head as he hears a voice, not audible enough to make out the words yet. He glances at the others. "Someone's up ahead," he says quietly. "Hopefully it's the dwarves."
Gareth winces at Zephyros' attempt to be stealthy, his clanking armor being anything but quiet. The ranger makes his own attempt to move as silently as possible, hoping to get a view of whoever is talking up ahead without alerting them to his presence.
Yarina sighs as she catches up with the others and witnesses Zephyros' attempt at stealth. She decides to simply approach the ruins openly but cautiously as ever.
You both crouch down and quietly move in opposite directions. Meira, to the North around a pile of rubble, and Gareth to the South around a similar pile, bow at the ready. As you get closer, you hear a conversation taking place. Though you don't understand the words being spoken, you do recognize them as dwarvish. Peaking around the rubble piles you both see two dwarves resting, backs against the pile of rubble, eating some dried rations. The dwarves are covered head to toe in dust and are vigilantly watching an entrance to the temple to the East which features steps rising to a stone platform. Cut into this facade is a ten-foot-high open doorway flanked by crumbling, life-sized granite statues of cloaked dwarves. Evil grins can be seen on their weatherworn faces. A hand cart sits to the North and a rack of pickaxes and shovels sits to the South.
Zephyros, Eldrin, & Yarina,
Hearing the conversation ahead, you crouch down to quietly get closer. As you do, you hear a conversation in dwarvish...
"...you're much too cautious, Norbus. I bet we can take them down. we just have to lure them into a... Dumathoin's beard, WHAT WAS THAT!"
...but the conversation ends abruptly as you stumble on some of the rubble. You remember, a bit too late, your armor isn't designed for subtlety. You fall between the rubble piles and roll around while trying to get back up. As you stand, you see two dwarves make their way around the pile in front of you, a surprised look on their faces. "Who in the bloody hell are you, and why are you sneaking up on us like that?" The dwarf on your left asks pointedly in common, arms crossed over his thick chest. The other dwarf spots Yarina and Eldrin near the rubble-filled well and adds, "Perhaps our troubles are solved, Norbus." The first dwarf with arms crossed, glares at the other as if to shut him up.
Lyra,
You remain hidden in the ruins but are able to move with the group as they approach the two dwarves.
From her hiding spot, Lyracovers her mouth to stifle a laugh as Zephyrosstumbles. Then, she suddenly remembers that, as a follower of Tymora, she could bless either him — or Yarina—with the power to... well... make less noise! The High Priest used to say that such a blessing should be reserved for holy purposes, not for mischief. But honestly, the halfling cleric is pretty sure the Mistress of Fortune appreciates the prankful side of her blessings too! Either way, maybe not right now — the burly fighter has already made enough noise — but later, she'll definitely use her trickery blessing on one of her newfound companions.
For the moment, Lyra decides to remain silent and hidden, though she steps a little closer to hear what the two Dwarves might have to say.
(ooc: She moves toward the rightmost wall, the one to the south., So, two squares to the left of where Zephyros currently stands. The idea is that she is still partially covered, but from there, she peeks 'to get a better view.)
Eldrin didn’t so much as flinch when the dwarves appeared—he had, after all, half-expected something to emerge after Zephyros’ less-than-graceful maneuvering.
He let out a soft exhale through his nose trying not to let his irritation show. “I would hardly call that sneaking,” he replies coolly, his tone level but laced with subtle irony. "Sneaking? If your kind were any slower on the uptake, we’d have had to light a torch just to be noticed."Eldrin ponders quietly.
“We’re not here to cause trouble,” his voice calm in a diplomatic manner.
His gaze moves between the two dwarves and settles on the one who’d been silenced by the other
"You seem... surprised. Is there something we should be made aware of?"
"Well, I was doing some sneaking, to be fair," Gareth quips as he steps out from around the corner and smiles at the two dwarves. "You two must be the ones we were hired to warn about the dragon. Oh right. There's a dragon in these parts, by the way."
The ranger studies the two dwarves, noting each one's demeanor and trying to determine their intentions. "You have a problem in need of solving?" he asks.
Yarina steps closer to the dwarves, voice carrying with practiced authority. “My name is Yarina, and as my friend said we came from Phandalin to warn you—there’s a white dragon hunting in these mountains.”
She pauses, glancing between the two dwarves. “Whatever you’re dealing with, we may be able to help. But first, we need to make sure you’re safe.”
Meira sees the others interacting with the dwarves. It seems they are not a danger to them at the moment. But just to be safe, she stays hidden for now. She figures the others can handle the dwarves. Though she is curious about their 'troubles'.
You stealthily move forward and peek around the edge of the wall. You see Zephyros struggling to return to his feet as two dwarves confront the burly man.
Eldrin,
"You seem... surprised. Is there something we should be made aware of?"
You suspect their surprise regarding your arrival is genuine. The dwarf to Zephyros' right side responds, "Aye... indeed there is." Just then...
Gareth,
The dwarf closest to you gets startled as you come around the pile of rubble and announce your presence, but he quickly regains his composure. The dwarf further away says, "How bloody many of you are there? Come out and show yourselves!"
The closer dwarf listens to your words before responding, "Warn us of a dragon, huh? Well, consider us duly warned. Thanks for coming out here to tell us, but a dragon would have a hard time getting into this temple." He gestures to the opening behind himself. "Dwarven made." He adds with a sense of pride. "My name is Dazlyn..." Pointing to his companion, "That there is Norbus..." He gets cut off by Norbus, who says, "You doornob! Too quick to trust. Clearly we've been ambushed and they've come to claim the treasure for their own!"
You get the sense these dwarves are hard-working honest folk. Norbus is a bit rough and standoffish, while Dazlyn exudes a friendly, trusting demeanor.
Yarina,
“My name is Yarina, and as my friend said we came from Phandalin to warn you—there’s a white dragon hunting in these mountains.”
Dazlyn responds to you, "Hi, Yarina! Thanks again for letting us know."
“Whatever you’re dealing with, we may be able to help. But first, we need to make sure you’re safe.”
Dazyln: "Yes, if we can get this temple cleared out we can get back to work."
Norbus: "Aye..." He uncrosses his arms and looks to be warming to the idea he's not about to be robbed. "We encountered... something in the there. It's hard to describe. Some kind of jellie tried to bite me!"
Dazlyn: "It was more like a pudding if you ask me."
Norbus: "Pudding! PUDDING! You wouldn't know pudding if it slapped you in the face!"
Dazlyn: Shaking his head the dwarf adds, "Perhaps you could help clear the temple out for us?"
Meira,
You maintain your vantage point and can hear the conversation clearly. The dwarves seem oblivious to your presence. The dwarves continue bickering back and forth like brothers who have been in each others company for far to long.
As this conversation is taking place, the sun is beginning to disappear behind the party. Natural light is just beginning to dim, limiting your vision distance. With the loss of light, the air begins to get noticeably colder.
Eldrin stands silent for a moment longer, arms loosely folded as he observes the two dwarves bicker—first over the danger they encountered, and then, bafflingly, over whether it was more of a jelly or a pudding. His brow lifts by a fraction. Truly, dwarves are a marvel of misplaced priorities.
He glances past them toward the shadowed temple entrance, noting the faded reliefs in the stone.
“I note you're both still alive,” Eldrin says at last, voice cool, “so whatever it was, it wasn’t terribly efficient.”
He steps closer to the edge of the debris. “What exactly is this temple? Its age is obvious, but not its purpose.”
Eldrin's gaze flicks back to the dwarves once more. “And I’d appreciate a clearer answer than ‘pudding.’”
Zephyros gets up from the ground, a bit embarrassed as the two dwarves stare down at him. Rising to his full height, Zephyros responds to the dwarves, "Pardon me good sirs. I didn't mean to startle you." Brushing the dust off of his armor in the process he continues, "My name is Zephyros and these are my companions." The bull of a man points at each in turn and relays their names to the dwarves. Though he's at a loss for where Meira and Lyra are, he proffers their names as well. He leaves Yarina's name out as she already introduced herself to the dwarves. "I'm sure the other two are around here somewhere." Zephyros concludes.
Listening to the dwarves bicker back and forth, Zephyros wonders to himself why this dwarf, Norbus, is so rude to his companion. But as always, the burly man remains respectful and keeps his facial expressions friendly and interested in their banter.
As Eldrin asks his question of the dwarves, Zephyros nods in agreement. "Yes, I'm sure we can help, but I too would like to know more about this place."
Norbus eyes you with suspicion as Zephyros mentions two more party members not currently present, but Dazlyn doesn't seem concerned.
“I note you're both still alive,” Eldrin says at last, voice cool, “so whatever it was, it wasn’t terribly efficient.”
Norbus nods in agreement, "I suppose it wasn't, was it."
Eldrin steps closer to the edge of the debris. “What exactly is this temple? Its age is obvious, but not its purpose.”
Dazlyn answers as he walks over to the Southern dwarven statue. "We're not entirely sure. My partner here thinks it may have been a temple dedicated to Abbathor, an evil dwarven god of greed. I however, think it was a temple devoted to Norbus. Can't you see the resemblance!" He bursts out laughing as he points to the statues evil grin. Norbus glares at him.
Eldrin's gaze flicks back to the dwarves once more. “And I’d appreciate a clearer answer than ‘pudding.’”
Norbus turns his glare towards the elf. "I've never met an elf that could understand anything, let alone pudding."
Dazlyn interjects, "I'm sorry for my friend. He's not very good with people."
As Eldrin asks his question of the dwarves, Zephyros nods in agreement. "Yes, I'm sure we can help, but I too would like to know more about this place."
Dazlyn looks back to Zephyros and says, "Help us to clear out these ruins and make it safe for us and we'll give you half of what we find here. We can also give you these sending stones. They let you speak to someone over great distances. We have no need of them anymore, and if I'm being honest, I don't want to hear Norbus once I'm a great distance away from him." Norbus glares at Dazlyn once more.
Lyraappears suddenly next to Norbus, grabs his hand for an excited shake, and says, "I am Lyra. Hello! Did you say jelly?" she asks, amazed. "What flavour— I mean, colour! And what shape? Wow, that's amazing, a jelly that attacks dwarves? I want to see that! Tell me, Master Dwarf, are there any more creatures apart from jellies? Tarts, perhaps? Or pies? Pudding beasts?" She starts laughing after this. "Sorry, sorry! I had to make the joke. But really, did you see more dangerous monsters?"
At the mention of Abbathor, the little cleric wrinkles her nose. "I don't like that god's aspect very much, to be honest..."she whispers, but almost immediately brightens up, turning to the pair of dwarves. "Hey! If we're going to be the ones clearing the mines — and there are six of us and only two of you — wouldn't it be fairer if we got a little more than half of everything we find?" She beams at them, putting on her most innocent-looking face. "We do need to invest in appropriate equipment so that we keep helping people, after all!" Lyra looks at her companions with a sheepish grin, just in case she’s being unreasonable.
(ooc: Lyra is not good with persuasion. Could she give help to someone else? If we are interested in asking for more, that is.)
As Lyrasteps forward to boisterously greet Norbus, Meirafigures it best to reveal herself as well. She tries to remain quiet and inconspicuous though, moving back a bit around the pile of rubble to come behind the path the halfling had taken. She just didn't want to startle these dwarves after seeing how they reacted when Garethsuddenly showed himself. (Stealth: 18)
She listens as Lyraspeaks of trying to get a larger share for the group. She takes the opportunity to come up alongside her. "My companion speaks truly. An even share per person would mean one-fourth for you and three-fourths for us. But seeing as this is your site, maybe our group could take just two-thirds?" She wasn't really all that concerned at how much they get, but thought she should try. (Persuasion: 23, with or without HELP)
At the word “clearing,” Eldrin visibly freezes, just for a heartbeat, but long enough for any observant soul to catch it. His eyes drift toward the ruins, taking in the shattered masonry, and general sense of effort.
Then, slowly, he looks down at his own hands. Slim. Precise. Not built for hoisting debris or prying pudding off stonework. More accustomed to turning pages than turning over rocks.
He exhales through his nose, adjusts the angle of his cloak like it might shield him from the concept of manual labor, and turns slightly—just enough to indicate he's listening, barely.
Finally, he mutters, dry as sun-bleached parchment, “Ah. Yes. Lifting things. Joy.” He doesn't move, but his expression continues the thought quite clearly: I have made several terrible decisions that have led me to this moment.
Lyrablinks at Eldrin, confused. Then she exclaims, "No! I meant clearing out the monsters! Like, fighting the jelly things! And whatever else might be down there. Dessert-themed or not." The young cleric turns to the pair of Dwarves, "Because ... you meant that we fight the monsters, right? I'm really not built to lift rocks, either!"
Norbus' eyes widen for a split second as he looks down and feels a tiny hand enter his own. His expression changes to agitation as the energetic halfling talks about tasty treats. "What!?!... no, no. Oh, you're a funny one, ain'tcha." His scowl softens as he continues addressing Lyra, "I didn't see any other monsters, no. Two were quite enough to encourage a fast exit by me." However, his scowl returns as the conversation turns to Abbathor and the treasure within. However, before he can respond...
Meira walks up behind Lyra to add her two cents to the discussion. Norbus looks furious at the suggestion they give up a greater share of the treasure, but Dazlyn is the one who responds. "Listen here lassies, have you spent the last four months carting off this here rubble.." He points to the piles of rubble in the area. "...to gain access once more to that there a temple?" He points to the open temple entrance. He asks the question but leaves no time to respond before he answers it for you, "No, I didn't think so."
Norbus snorts while shaking his head in agreement with Dazlyn. "Finally, some wisdom to be had from you, " he says as he looks towards his business partner. The two dwarves call each other a few names in dwarvish before continuing the conversation in common.
"Because ... you meant that we fight the monsters, right? I'm really not built to lift rocks, either!"
Norbus looks to Eldrin and then back down to Lyra before saying, "What's that?... oh right. Yes, we meant clearing out the monsters in there. We can handle the excavation work ourselves." He looks back at Eldrin before adding, "We wouldn't want your delicate constitution damaged by some real work, now would we." Dazlyn shakes his head at his partner's derision towards the elf. Norbus adds, "It'll be split 50/50, and I still think that's too much to give up. Oh, and we don't care about Abbathor either. Dumathoin guides our pickaxes."
Hearing the voices and then Zephyros proceed forward, Meira decides to try to move quietly forward as well. But in a direction that takes her as far from Zephyros as possible. She also tries to keep hidden - or as hidden as possible. (Stealth: 26)
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
Gareth moves slowly and deliberately, studying the ruins as they pass. He can't help but feel curious about this ruined settlement, wondering what sort of people used to live here and what happened to them. The job board mentioned the dwarves were on some sort of excavation. What did they discover? Hopefully, it was something less dangerous than a manticore, but the lack of response from the dwarves worries the ranger. Not to mention the figures spotted on the cliffs.
The ranger cocks his head as he hears a voice, not audible enough to make out the words yet. He glances at the others. "Someone's up ahead," he says quietly. "Hopefully it's the dwarves."
Gareth winces at Zephyros' attempt to be stealthy, his clanking armor being anything but quiet. The ranger makes his own attempt to move as silently as possible, hoping to get a view of whoever is talking up ahead without alerting them to his presence.
Stealth - 13
Perception - 17
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
Yarina sighs as she catches up with the others and witnesses Zephyros' attempt at stealth. She decides to simply approach the ruins openly but cautiously as ever.
Perception: 6 -.-
Meira & Gareth,
You both crouch down and quietly move in opposite directions. Meira, to the North around a pile of rubble, and Gareth to the South around a similar pile, bow at the ready. As you get closer, you hear a conversation taking place. Though you don't understand the words being spoken, you do recognize them as dwarvish. Peaking around the rubble piles you both see two dwarves resting, backs against the pile of rubble, eating some dried rations. The dwarves are covered head to toe in dust and are vigilantly watching an entrance to the temple to the East which features steps rising to a stone platform. Cut into this facade is a ten-foot-high open doorway flanked by crumbling, life-sized granite statues of cloaked dwarves. Evil grins can be seen on their weatherworn faces. A hand cart sits to the North and a rack of pickaxes and shovels sits to the South.
Zephyros, Eldrin, & Yarina,
Hearing the conversation ahead, you crouch down to quietly get closer. As you do, you hear a conversation in dwarvish...
"...you're much too cautious, Norbus. I bet we can take them down. we just have to lure them into a... Dumathoin's beard, WHAT WAS THAT!"
...but the conversation ends abruptly as you stumble on some of the rubble. You remember, a bit too late, your armor isn't designed for subtlety. You fall between the rubble piles and roll around while trying to get back up. As you stand, you see two dwarves make their way around the pile in front of you, a surprised look on their faces. "Who in the bloody hell are you, and why are you sneaking up on us like that?" The dwarf on your left asks pointedly in common, arms crossed over his thick chest. The other dwarf spots Yarina and Eldrin near the rubble-filled well and adds, "Perhaps our troubles are solved, Norbus." The first dwarf with arms crossed, glares at the other as if to shut him up.
Lyra,
You remain hidden in the ruins but are able to move with the group as they approach the two dwarves.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
From her hiding spot, Lyra covers her mouth to stifle a laugh as Zephyros stumbles. Then, she suddenly remembers that, as a follower of Tymora, she could bless either him — or Yarina — with the power to... well... make less noise! The High Priest used to say that such a blessing should be reserved for holy purposes, not for mischief. But honestly, the halfling cleric is pretty sure the Mistress of Fortune appreciates the prankful side of her blessings too! Either way, maybe not right now — the burly fighter has already made enough noise — but later, she'll definitely use her trickery blessing on one of her newfound companions.
For the moment, Lyra decides to remain silent and hidden, though she steps a little closer to hear what the two Dwarves might have to say.
(ooc: She moves toward the rightmost wall, the one to the south., So, two squares to the left of where Zephyros currently stands. The idea is that she is still partially covered, but from there, she peeks 'to get a better view.)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Eldrin didn’t so much as flinch when the dwarves appeared—he had, after all, half-expected something to emerge after Zephyros’ less-than-graceful maneuvering.
He let out a soft exhale through his nose trying not to let his irritation show. “I would hardly call that sneaking,” he replies coolly, his tone level but laced with subtle irony.
"Sneaking? If your kind were any slower on the uptake, we’d have had to light a torch just to be noticed." Eldrin ponders quietly.
“We’re not here to cause trouble,” his voice calm in a diplomatic manner.
His gaze moves between the two dwarves and settles on the one who’d been silenced by the other
"You seem... surprised. Is there something we should be made aware of?"
Insight.....5
"Well, I was doing some sneaking, to be fair," Gareth quips as he steps out from around the corner and smiles at the two dwarves. "You two must be the ones we were hired to warn about the dragon. Oh right. There's a dragon in these parts, by the way."
The ranger studies the two dwarves, noting each one's demeanor and trying to determine their intentions. "You have a problem in need of solving?" he asks.
Insight - 14
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
Yarina steps closer to the dwarves, voice carrying with practiced authority. “My name is Yarina, and as my friend said we came from Phandalin to warn you—there’s a white dragon hunting in these mountains.”
She pauses, glancing between the two dwarves. “Whatever you’re dealing with, we may be able to help. But first, we need to make sure you’re safe.”
Persuasion: 15
Meira sees the others interacting with the dwarves. It seems they are not a danger to them at the moment. But just to be safe, she stays hidden for now. She figures the others can handle the dwarves. Though she is curious about their 'troubles'.
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
Lyra,
You stealthily move forward and peek around the edge of the wall. You see Zephyros struggling to return to his feet as two dwarves confront the burly man.
Eldrin,
"You seem... surprised. Is there something we should be made aware of?"
You suspect their surprise regarding your arrival is genuine. The dwarf to Zephyros' right side responds, "Aye... indeed there is." Just then...
Gareth,
The dwarf closest to you gets startled as you come around the pile of rubble and announce your presence, but he quickly regains his composure. The dwarf further away says, "How bloody many of you are there? Come out and show yourselves!"
The closer dwarf listens to your words before responding, "Warn us of a dragon, huh? Well, consider us duly warned. Thanks for coming out here to tell us, but a dragon would have a hard time getting into this temple." He gestures to the opening behind himself. "Dwarven made." He adds with a sense of pride. "My name is Dazlyn..." Pointing to his companion, "That there is Norbus..." He gets cut off by Norbus, who says, "You doornob! Too quick to trust. Clearly we've been ambushed and they've come to claim the treasure for their own!"
You get the sense these dwarves are hard-working honest folk. Norbus is a bit rough and standoffish, while Dazlyn exudes a friendly, trusting demeanor.
Yarina,
“My name is Yarina, and as my friend said we came from Phandalin to warn you—there’s a white dragon hunting in these mountains.”
Dazlyn responds to you, "Hi, Yarina! Thanks again for letting us know."
“Whatever you’re dealing with, we may be able to help. But first, we need to make sure you’re safe.”
Dazyln: "Yes, if we can get this temple cleared out we can get back to work."
Norbus: "Aye..." He uncrosses his arms and looks to be warming to the idea he's not about to be robbed. "We encountered... something in the there. It's hard to describe. Some kind of jellie tried to bite me!"
Dazlyn: "It was more like a pudding if you ask me."
Norbus: "Pudding! PUDDING! You wouldn't know pudding if it slapped you in the face!"
Dazlyn: Shaking his head the dwarf adds, "Perhaps you could help clear the temple out for us?"
Meira,
You maintain your vantage point and can hear the conversation clearly. The dwarves seem oblivious to your presence. The dwarves continue bickering back and forth like brothers who have been in each others company for far to long.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
As this conversation is taking place, the sun is beginning to disappear behind the party. Natural light is just beginning to dim, limiting your vision distance. With the loss of light, the air begins to get noticeably colder.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Eldrin stands silent for a moment longer, arms loosely folded as he observes the two dwarves bicker—first over the danger they encountered, and then, bafflingly, over whether it was more of a jelly or a pudding. His brow lifts by a fraction. Truly, dwarves are a marvel of misplaced priorities.
He glances past them toward the shadowed temple entrance, noting the faded reliefs in the stone.
“I note you're both still alive,” Eldrin says at last, voice cool, “so whatever it was, it wasn’t terribly efficient.”
He steps closer to the edge of the debris. “What exactly is this temple? Its age is obvious, but not its purpose.”
Eldrin's gaze flicks back to the dwarves once more. “And I’d appreciate a clearer answer than ‘pudding.’”
Zephyros gets up from the ground, a bit embarrassed as the two dwarves stare down at him. Rising to his full height, Zephyros responds to the dwarves, "Pardon me good sirs. I didn't mean to startle you." Brushing the dust off of his armor in the process he continues, "My name is Zephyros and these are my companions." The bull of a man points at each in turn and relays their names to the dwarves. Though he's at a loss for where Meira and Lyra are, he proffers their names as well. He leaves Yarina's name out as she already introduced herself to the dwarves. "I'm sure the other two are around here somewhere." Zephyros concludes.
Listening to the dwarves bicker back and forth, Zephyros wonders to himself why this dwarf, Norbus, is so rude to his companion. But as always, the burly man remains respectful and keeps his facial expressions friendly and interested in their banter.
As Eldrin asks his question of the dwarves, Zephyros nods in agreement. "Yes, I'm sure we can help, but I too would like to know more about this place."
Zephyros & Eldrin,
Norbus eyes you with suspicion as Zephyros mentions two more party members not currently present, but Dazlyn doesn't seem concerned.
“I note you're both still alive,” Eldrin says at last, voice cool, “so whatever it was, it wasn’t terribly efficient.”
Norbus nods in agreement, "I suppose it wasn't, was it."
Eldrin steps closer to the edge of the debris. “What exactly is this temple? Its age is obvious, but not its purpose.”
Dazlyn answers as he walks over to the Southern dwarven statue. "We're not entirely sure. My partner here thinks it may have been a temple dedicated to Abbathor, an evil dwarven god of greed. I however, think it was a temple devoted to Norbus. Can't you see the resemblance!" He bursts out laughing as he points to the statues evil grin. Norbus glares at him.
Eldrin's gaze flicks back to the dwarves once more. “And I’d appreciate a clearer answer than ‘pudding.’”
Norbus turns his glare towards the elf. "I've never met an elf that could understand anything, let alone pudding."
Dazlyn interjects, "I'm sorry for my friend. He's not very good with people."
As Eldrin asks his question of the dwarves, Zephyros nods in agreement. "Yes, I'm sure we can help, but I too would like to know more about this place."
Dazlyn looks back to Zephyros and says, "Help us to clear out these ruins and make it safe for us and we'll give you half of what we find here. We can also give you these sending stones. They let you speak to someone over great distances. We have no need of them anymore, and if I'm being honest, I don't want to hear Norbus once I'm a great distance away from him." Norbus glares at Dazlyn once more.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Lyra appears suddenly next to Norbus, grabs his hand for an excited shake, and says, "I am Lyra. Hello! Did you say jelly?" she asks, amazed. "What flavour— I mean, colour! And what shape? Wow, that's amazing, a jelly that attacks dwarves? I want to see that! Tell me, Master Dwarf, are there any more creatures apart from jellies? Tarts, perhaps? Or pies? Pudding beasts?" She starts laughing after this. "Sorry, sorry! I had to make the joke. But really, did you see more dangerous monsters?"
At the mention of Abbathor, the little cleric wrinkles her nose. "I don't like that god's aspect very much, to be honest..." she whispers, but almost immediately brightens up, turning to the pair of dwarves. "Hey! If we're going to be the ones clearing the mines — and there are six of us and only two of you — wouldn't it be fairer if we got a little more than half of everything we find?" She beams at them, putting on her most innocent-looking face. "We do need to invest in appropriate equipment so that we keep helping people, after all!" Lyra looks at her companions with a sheepish grin, just in case she’s being unreasonable.
(ooc: Lyra is not good with persuasion. Could she give help to someone else? If we are interested in asking for more, that is.)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
As Lyra steps forward to boisterously greet Norbus, Meira figures it best to reveal herself as well. She tries to remain quiet and inconspicuous though, moving back a bit around the pile of rubble to come behind the path the halfling had taken. She just didn't want to startle these dwarves after seeing how they reacted when Gareth suddenly showed himself. (Stealth: 18)
She listens as Lyra speaks of trying to get a larger share for the group. She takes the opportunity to come up alongside her. "My companion speaks truly. An even share per person would mean one-fourth for you and three-fourths for us. But seeing as this is your site, maybe our group could take just two-thirds?" She wasn't really all that concerned at how much they get, but thought she should try. (Persuasion: 23, with or without HELP)
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
At the word “clearing,” Eldrin visibly freezes, just for a heartbeat, but long enough for any observant soul to catch it. His eyes drift toward the ruins, taking in the shattered masonry, and general sense of effort.
Then, slowly, he looks down at his own hands. Slim. Precise. Not built for hoisting debris or prying pudding off stonework. More accustomed to turning pages than turning over rocks.
He exhales through his nose, adjusts the angle of his cloak like it might shield him from the concept of manual labor, and turns slightly—just enough to indicate he's listening, barely.
Finally, he mutters, dry as sun-bleached parchment, “Ah. Yes. Lifting things. Joy.” He doesn't move, but his expression continues the thought quite clearly: I have made several terrible decisions that have led me to this moment.
Lyra blinks at Eldrin, confused. Then she exclaims, "No! I meant clearing out the monsters! Like, fighting the jelly things! And whatever else might be down there. Dessert-themed or not." The young cleric turns to the pair of Dwarves, "Because ... you meant that we fight the monsters, right? I'm really not built to lift rocks, either!"
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Norbus' eyes widen for a split second as he looks down and feels a tiny hand enter his own. His expression changes to agitation as the energetic halfling talks about tasty treats. "What!?!... no, no. Oh, you're a funny one, ain'tcha." His scowl softens as he continues addressing Lyra, "I didn't see any other monsters, no. Two were quite enough to encourage a fast exit by me." However, his scowl returns as the conversation turns to Abbathor and the treasure within. However, before he can respond...
Meira walks up behind Lyra to add her two cents to the discussion. Norbus looks furious at the suggestion they give up a greater share of the treasure, but Dazlyn is the one who responds. "Listen here lassies, have you spent the last four months carting off this here rubble.." He points to the piles of rubble in the area. "...to gain access once more to that there a temple?" He points to the open temple entrance. He asks the question but leaves no time to respond before he answers it for you, "No, I didn't think so."
Norbus snorts while shaking his head in agreement with Dazlyn. "Finally, some wisdom to be had from you, " he says as he looks towards his business partner. The two dwarves call each other a few names in dwarvish before continuing the conversation in common.
"Because ... you meant that we fight the monsters, right? I'm really not built to lift rocks, either!"
Norbus looks to Eldrin and then back down to Lyra before saying, "What's that?... oh right. Yes, we meant clearing out the monsters in there. We can handle the excavation work ourselves." He looks back at Eldrin before adding, "We wouldn't want your delicate constitution damaged by some real work, now would we." Dazlyn shakes his head at his partner's derision towards the elf. Norbus adds, "It'll be split 50/50, and I still think that's too much to give up. Oh, and we don't care about Abbathor either. Dumathoin guides our pickaxes."
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.