(Thought I posted days ago, but apparently not. Sorry about the delay!)

"Such names are not known to me. But seeing as no Bugbears haven't poked their heads in over the past day, I assume that Nezznar fellow had a hand in their motivations. In which case, you have done me quite a service!" He declared, bobbing his head this way and that in excitement. "And what a relief! Did you know that it takes a terrible amount of time for the smell of burning hair to die down? And this coming from a guy without a nose anymore!" Vargimmley added with a chuckle.

"I don't recognize any clan by the name of Rockseeker. But again, its been an awfully long time, as you all have no doubt figured out by now. Regardless! If what you say is true... hmm.... I will need to speak with them before they start staking any claims. And if they should prove themselves 'less stick in the mud as your friend there-" He said, looking pointedly at Ordrin. "-then, maybe there's room to negotiate, I suppose. If not, well... so long as they aren't as RUDE as your friends there, their departure will be allowed... Mn.. Yes. Yes, it will be allowed." The skull pantomimed nodding at that. "You'll have to get rid of the other bastard for sure. Not sure HOW he's managed it in death, but his spirit has been something of a corrupting force in the mines, manipulating the dead as he pleases. To what end though, I haven't a clue. Probably somehow figured out a way to tap into the Forge though no doubt." Vargimmely huffs and shakes his head.

"Trust not a word he says should you have a mind to, uh, complete your mission. The bastard's greed knows no ends." The Flameskull than looked to the east and tipped his head in an south-easterly direction. "If you are to confront him though, you may wish to visit the Workshop. Just tell Timothy, uh.... Shoot, what was it again? Tell him... You have the permission of Vargimmley the Vast to make use of and explore the workshop -- But DON'T ask him about What's-his-face, or how he poops. Trust me, it is not worth the headache." He says plainly.

Mixum brightens up a bit when he hears the words work shop.  "Maybe we should go check it out?"

Pip offers a small bow. "We thank you Vargimmley the Vast.  We will visit the workshop and then confront this fellow you speak of.  We have met some of the undead that haunt these caves and have killed those we can.  Perhaps we can clear the rest out.  That is our plan at least.  With your permission we will pass through to the workshop."

Looking back at the others.  "Let's go, and Ordrin mind your manners."

Feeling that Vargimmley is an ally if not so friendly Pip leads the group towards the indicated workshop.

"If it wants to banish the dead then we are aligned, for now." Turning toward Vargimmley with a mock bow, "Your vastness."

Ordrin grumbles to himself as he departs with the others. "Trust it? How can I trust something I can't share a pint with? Madness."

Vargimmley hmmed and hawed before chuckling and nodding to Pip. "As you and yours may. Despite some of your more unappreciative members. Just keep my warning about Morma in mind. The bastard wasn't much of a kind soul in life, and in death its only gotten worse."  He reminds as he drifted back to settle atop the smelter, and watch the group's progress through the chamber. In a quick reminder once the group had reached the bend in the channel, Vargimmley says everyone will need to climb out of it and continue on through the eastern passageway to reach the workshop. An easy enough task given the bottom of the channel had been only 5 ft below floor level. Although the smaller of the party might need some minor assistance making the small climb.

Vargimmley cannot help but giggle when Ordrin goes to climb out. But there's no elaboration from the Flame Skull that didn't come without mocking undertones, and only if asked about his amusement. Be all that as it may, Vargimmley is true to his words in letting the group pass through the area without interference on his part. Just as he had spoke truly about most of the bodies scattered about that the  group would need to pass by on their way out. Most had been either Dwarves and Orc corpses. But a few belonged to some gnome and humans as well. Their ancient arms and armor scattered about nearby as well as rusted or broken things from disrepair. There was also the one or two bugbear corpses as well. Those smelled disgustingly still fresh and stunk of burnt fur and released bowels. No doubt the remnants of Nezzenar's scouts that ran afoul of the Flameskull in the past.

None of the dead stir in the group's passing, or at any closer inspection, if any are inclined to do so. Yet for some reason, the party would feel as if they were being watched by more than just Vargimmley.

If anyone wishes to, they may make a Perception Check(DC 15). Those that pass may look into the spoiler. Otherwise, we shall move on by tomorrow.

Perception: 11

Perception 7

Mixum perception

19

So, uh... lied about the timing, but ready to move on now!

In spite of some misgivings, nothing comes out of any glances to try and find the source of the discomfort. It soon however goes away once they has left the Flameskull's cavern, and after less than a minute's walk through a small twisting corridor, the party are soon greeted by interesting sight. Glittering minerals in the ceiling of this large cavern catch the light of Riris' light source, and send it back to create the impression of a starry night sky. Dozens of skeletons—many crushed under fallen debris—are scattered across the floor.

The cave is large enough that it contains two freestanding structures. Each of these stone buildings is proportioned for human use, as opposed to the dwarf-sized doorways and furnishings the party has seen elsewhere in the mines. Both structures have battered and blackened masonry walls, their double doors cracked and scorched. The cavern is divided by an escarpment, into which a flight of stairs has been cut. Passages lead out of this area to the north, south, and west.

To Pip: From what Pip can recall from the book, this 'Starry Cavern' was likely the place of the destructive spell battle fought in the mines centuries between the orcs along with their mercenary wizards, and that of the allied mages of the dwarves. And considering that, it was all too likely that one of the main sources of the conflict -- the Forge of Spells -- could not be far at all now.

To Ordrin: As the party might be taking a moment to study the cavern or even consider their course of action, Ordin would start to feel as if its hard to breath in the area. The shadows too beyond the light had begun to deepen to the point that even the blessed vision of the dwarves could not penetrate it.  And then, even the ground had begun to shift and ripple like water, threatening not only to pull him down, but pull him towards the far south and away from the others! However, just as things seem to be at their most dire, he hears a distant voice. Was it Firnat? His patron deity? Or perhaps something else? Whoever it was, as soon as Ordin heard their voice everything snapped back to normal.

In a possible panic, he might look to the others only to find that they seemed to not have experienced anything at all over the past few moments.

Circle=Party Locations

Ordrin stumbles and goes to one knee, dropping his hammer with a clatter. He tugs and claws at his armor to free himself of the drowning weight but it is a manic scrabbling, unfocused, and he feels like he is responding to things after they've already happened. Then physical reality falters and there is the sense of transiting. But the voice brings him back. In an instant he relocates to his body with a solidness and clarity. He grips the fallen hammer and pulls himself to a standing position. "Firnat, is that you? Where are you lass? Lead me to the evil that took you." Ordrin studies the cavern for what may have assaulted him or where the voice came from.

Perception: 6

Pip tells the others what he surmises from the text and where they may be. "The workshop must be one of these rooms.  The forge must also be close.  Keep your guard up."

He then spins around as he hears the clatter of the fallen hammer to see Ordrin on his knees.  "What is going on?" he asks "Firnat, wasn't that the one who blocked our way at the entrance?" 

 "Aye, she did. But her soul defeated the evil that took her and she is with us now. Moradin willing, I will reclaim her honor." Shame crosses Ordrin's face. "I cannot bear to face her pa if I don't."

To Ordrin: You hear no reply to your question, but do feel the lingering presence of of Firnat's spirit had grown fainter after your previous experience. However, as this weighs on both your heart and mind, you do have another revelation. When you first had that strange experience, you felt yourself being pulled closer to the south. It is only just a feeling. But, the more you think about it, the more certain you are that the source of 'The Mire' Firnat mentioned had to be in or around the southernmost building!

But then... what was in the east one?

"There is great evil in the lower chamber, that much is certain. Do we first investigate this building to avoid being surprised from behind?"

Mixum offers to help investigate the building. He is increasingly wary of surprises.

Quote from Hyakujuo >>

"There is great evil in the lower chamber, that much is certain. Do we first investigate this building to avoid being surprised from behind?"

 "Yes, I think so.  My guess is it will be where Timothy is.  Perhaps even the Forge of Spells itself!" Pips voice cracks with excitement at the prospect of finding a place called the Forge of Spells.

Without even thinking, the excitement overwhelming him, Pip moves to the double doors of the northern room and opens them.

After some discourse, the majority of the party come to the conclusion to explore the more close at hand building first. So without further adieu, Pip tries his hands at opening the doors, only to find them unwilling to part under his strength alone. Upon closer examination of the door, it is easy enough to discover that the iron hinges had been partially melted in the frame as doubtless a result of previous spell battles in the area. With a liberal application of force and combining of strengths, the group can easily overcome the problem, and eventually fell their scorched and cracked obstacle, revealing the room hidden behind it.

A smattering of various tools can be seen scattered about the room floor. Worktables taking up two corners of the room are scorched, and the plaster has been burned off the masonry walls. In the middle of the room, a stone pedestal holds a small brazier in which an eerie green flame dances and crackles. The brazier and its pedestal appear to have been untouched by the forces that destroyed this area.

But what is more likely to capture attention first is less the ruined remains of a former workshop, but a creature a ways into the room. Behind the brazier of green flame floats a spherical creature measuring roughly four feet in diameter. Four eye stalks protrude from its central mass, two on each side. In the center of the body is a large eye that stares back at the party. And as the lipless, green scaled creature smiled toothily at the group, everyone hears the equivalent of a faux cockney accent.

"Well, well, well! 'ello 'ere, ladies and gents. 'ere to get f'ings back 'n order at last? Good, good! As you know, I'll need ta 'ear 'e password 'n you can 'op right to it, loves. Simple enough, yes?"

Creature:

Circle=Party Locations

Ordrin clears his throat ceremoniously. "Uh, Timothy, I presume," he says with obvious distaste. "Vargimmley granted us permission to the workshop."

"Uh yes permission.  His exact words were tell Timothy You have the permission of Vargimmley the Vast to make use of and explore the workshop.  Is that the password, er passwords?" Pip stammers. 

"That fat 'eaded ponce Vargimmley told you that? Hahah! That 'ol bloke is playing wit' fire again, I see." Timothy laughs so hard that tears began leaking from his central eye. No matter how distracted in his amusement he became however, the four other eyes stayed unerringly focused on the party. Eventually, the creature regains some composure, and appears to study the group for a moment.

"Sorry 'bout that, loves. Lost me composure 'ere for a sec. But to answer your inquiry in no uncertain terms.... No.nnn BUT! Seeing as Divmen and Mindus haven't revoked his privileges yet, I s'pose I can allow your entry, so long as you tidy up the place prior to your departure."  With that, Timothy flew towards the back of the room to go back to... whatever it was he'd been doing prior to the parties arrival on the scene. One always on the party at all times. Other than that, you are all free to explore the workshop. Anyone wishing to try and find anything useful without questioning Timothy may make an investigation check. Upon closer examination, the party sees another door close to the northeast of the room, and only likely to lead into some kind of storage area.