Ironwall you spot a trail of blood. Drips of it dribble around near the mouth of the fissure. You spot a silvery spike in the soil. Tied to it is a silky rope. it is thin but looks fine, of high quality. It goes all the way down, dropping below the shadows. The blood stops there, and some is on a bit of the rope. Your investigation tells you this is no ordinary equipment, and you recall something about the undead ogre fight. A clump of hair and scalp in his hand. Is this the blood of Kilan Irsal?
While the rest of those following catch up, I test the strength of the rope by pulling it out of the hole a few feet, grabbing it with both hands, and giving it a tug. When I am satisfied, I offer it to Barxik. "Go, Red. I have your back."
Vappa, you are staring into the fissure and the sounds around you are drowned out. The familiar "Om" comes back to you. It vibrates in you. You focus. Meditate. Down there you will find the things you seek. If you can get through there alive, return to your swamp and your people, you will be a true hero. The wealth you can bring back will provide years of hospitality and warmth for your family. It will take all your strength and determination, though. Your lessons are cycling through your head now. You are trying to remember everything you were taught. This will be the true test.... Then you recall an old tale about your long lost lizard cousins of the underground. A tribe that descended deep below. What mysteries might they unravel if you met?
Kyu's determination and a sudden small glimmer of hope, of belonging to something again, is just enough to combine with Bartimaeus and remain hidden, and stay on track roughly.
It is hard to navigate and treacherous. The alleys and buildings seem distorted, twisted. Cyclopean architecture looms above them and on the horizon. It is as though since the fissure initially opened, more strangeness has leaked over and is having adverse affects all around you.
As you creep across streets and hide behind overturned carriages and rubbish, sometimes grabbing the cloak of one another to prevent giving away your location, you realize that in almost every window or down every avenue is a chorus of undead creatures. They are vile and morbid and seem to lurk slowly until a small mammal or unlucky survivor might pass by.
Finally, the mayor's manor is in clear view, only a small trek up 3 flights of switchback steps that overlook most of Bittborg. The manor is now pulsating with a strange aura, concentrated heavily in the tower window near the top. Last night somebody spotted some shadowy silhouettes up there and witnessed a flash of strange light. It appears much more has happened since then.
(Arcana checks would apply here to distinguish the type of situation happening with the mayor's manor. Also perception, investigation, survival to track the mayor or perhaps Kilan or other strange humanoids.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nox/"Renna"
Nox shuddered. They spoke to her. The voice was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. It was as if it was something out of both dreams and nightmares. Something that could rend her soul from her body, or grant her greatest desires, if she would just play the game. As the voice spoke she looked down into the darkness of the fissure.
Bartimaeus, as you climb the steps you notice something odd about halfway up. There is a symbol painted in dark purple on one of the steps. A few symbols actually, a phrase perhaps? It is a language you are unfamiliar with. The lights from inside pulse as though there is something very active performing magic or some other dark art. It feels like a great source of energy. Like a buzz is in the air.
Nox... You are suddenly babbling incoherently and become incapable of normal speech or spellcasting! The encounter with the voice has caused you some shock and the overwhelming evil pouring out of this fissure has acted as a catalyst for madness. (For the next 10 minutes this remains in effect).
Barxik is the first to descend. Immediately you realize this rope is some wonderful magic item. It is strong and there are knots perfectly tied throughout the length of it for grasping. Every now and then you do spot a smear of blood on the rope. All around you is darkness. It is like being lowered into a bottomless well. You move slowly and about 30' down you think you see a faint glow below you. A small grove of glowing mushrooms or other fungi perhaps. There is a natural platform jutting out of the cave wall about 90' further down. The rope must stop there. The light from the plants reveals a smaller cave/tunnel entrance not far from the landing.
Back above ground... Rotleaf is on the rooftops of Bittborg trying to keep an eye on the others. He becomes fanatic at the sight of the kobolds closing in on the fissure. They seem to have spotted the party. He glances back as Bartimaeus and Kyu advance towards the mayor's manor. They are safer there probably. He vanishes in an instant and a small furious shadow is barreling straight out of Bittborg back to the fields. Rotleaf is rushing to cause a distraction and provide an escape for the party. His instincts drive him wild as Kobold scent fills his nostrils. He starts clanging his swords together on the way through town, to attract the undead. Zombies, skeletons, ghouls... They all start to pour from the alleys and buildings and follow the sound! Rotleaf then starts whistling as loud as possible..
Everybody but Barxik is able to see some of this happen. The kobolds now turn their attention toward the halfling being chased by a horde of undead. He is headed straight toward them. The kobolds screech! All of them are now mobilizing. A small army of them begins heading directly at Rotleaf and his followers. The heat is now off the rest of the party, but you all can see a tiny ranger in tattered robes swarmed on either side by enemies. Some of you swear he is smiling.
His small voice shouts, "Kobold scum!!! I am Rotleaf! Of the Ghostwise tribe of the Wetwoods! Come meet your death!"
The kobolds chuck spears, shoot arrows, and rush in with claws and fangs as the undead lumber and voraciously rush from the other side.
Rotleaf is lost in the center, all of you lose sight of him...
Something snapped in Nox's mind. Maybe it was the pressure of the Fey's voice in her mind, maybe it was the feeling of the evil in the fissure.She started talking to herself, in a strange combination of Sylvan and Elvish, and occasionally with a little common. No matter the language what she said made little sense. "The voice, the voice. Both heard the voice. Nox and Tok and Tok and Nox. The voice, the voice, the voice. Into the pit, into the dark, into the dark we go, we go." Despite her ability to speak clearly, she still had control of her body. She moved to the rope, and cautiously began to work her way down.
I wait for the others to descend, then take hold of the rope and let myself down hand-over-hand. Poor little Rotleaf. If only he was a few inches taller. Then maybe one of us could have watched his noble demise and set the tale down for bards to sing.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ironwall:
I frown as I watch doom fall upon the filthy little halfling. "Foolish little man used my plan," I mutter. I look around for anyone else that is joining our descent. (Specifically, do I spot Vappa sneaking this way?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Vappa let's out a deep breath as he slowly opens his eyes from meditation. It had calmed him down, but he could still sense the impending doom surrounding him. He takes his bandana from his face and neatly pockets it. Slowly, he makes his way to the rope to descend. Sticking to the shadows.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kyu takes in the sights at this manor. He grumbles under his breath, "if we make it out of this situation, there is no way I'm voting for this mayor." He tries to figure out what has happened here and what that might lead to!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Barxik uses his Divine Sense and makes a good sweep of the cave's surroundings and its small entrance, checking if there are anything hiding their presence within its shadows.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ironwall:
I get to the bottom with the others and, impressed by the rope we just climbed, I consider how we might take it with us. "That's stupid," I think. "How would we get out?" Still, I examine the rope closely to determine it's properties.
Ironwall you spot a trail of blood. Drips of it dribble around near the mouth of the fissure. You spot a silvery spike in the soil. Tied to it is a silky rope. it is thin but looks fine, of high quality. It goes all the way down, dropping below the shadows. The blood stops there, and some is on a bit of the rope. Your investigation tells you this is no ordinary equipment, and you recall something about the undead ogre fight. A clump of hair and scalp in his hand. Is this the blood of Kilan Irsal?
"Not all those who wander are lost."
Ironwall:
While the rest of those following catch up, I test the strength of the rope by pulling it out of the hole a few feet, grabbing it with both hands, and giving it a tug. When I am satisfied, I offer it to Barxik. "Go, Red. I have your back."
Vappa, you are staring into the fissure and the sounds around you are drowned out. The familiar "Om" comes back to you. It vibrates in you. You focus. Meditate. Down there you will find the things you seek. If you can get through there alive, return to your swamp and your people, you will be a true hero. The wealth you can bring back will provide years of hospitality and warmth for your family. It will take all your strength and determination, though. Your lessons are cycling through your head now. You are trying to remember everything you were taught. This will be the true test.... Then you recall an old tale about your long lost lizard cousins of the underground. A tribe that descended deep below. What mysteries might they unravel if you met?
"Not all those who wander are lost."
Ok, both stealth and survival, got it
Stealth: 8
Survival: 10
*You have got to be kidding me, This is literally what I designed this character for. Sorry Kyu, we are in some shit.
No worries, we are in this together.
Stealth: 23
Survival: 9
Kyu, wants to stay together (for the first time), but doesn’t want to leave anyone behind.
Kyu's determination and a sudden small glimmer of hope, of belonging to something again, is just enough to combine with Bartimaeus and remain hidden, and stay on track roughly.
It is hard to navigate and treacherous. The alleys and buildings seem distorted, twisted. Cyclopean architecture looms above them and on the horizon. It is as though since the fissure initially opened, more strangeness has leaked over and is having adverse affects all around you.
As you creep across streets and hide behind overturned carriages and rubbish, sometimes grabbing the cloak of one another to prevent giving away your location, you realize that in almost every window or down every avenue is a chorus of undead creatures. They are vile and morbid and seem to lurk slowly until a small mammal or unlucky survivor might pass by.
Finally, the mayor's manor is in clear view, only a small trek up 3 flights of switchback steps that overlook most of Bittborg.
The manor is now pulsating with a strange aura, concentrated heavily in the tower window near the top. Last night somebody spotted some shadowy silhouettes up there and witnessed a flash of strange light. It appears much more has happened since then.
(Arcana checks would apply here to distinguish the type of situation happening with the mayor's manor. Also perception, investigation, survival to track the mayor or perhaps Kilan or other strange humanoids.)
"Not all those who wander are lost."
"So close now" whispers Bartimaeus, "Magic in the tower, Bartimaeus knows nothing of, but Kyu might"
Investigation: 17
Nox/"Renna"
Nox shuddered. They spoke to her. The voice was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. It was as if it was something out of both dreams and nightmares. Something that could rend her soul from her body, or grant her greatest desires, if she would just play the game. As the voice spoke she looked down into the darkness of the fissure.
95
Barxik gives a nod at Ironwall and climbs down using the rope he handed him, taking a good look of the grim environment enveloping the Underdark.
Bartimaeus, as you climb the steps you notice something odd about halfway up. There is a symbol painted in dark purple on one of the steps. A few symbols actually, a phrase perhaps? It is a language you are unfamiliar with. The lights from inside pulse as though there is something very active performing magic or some other dark art. It feels like a great source of energy. Like a buzz is in the air.
Nox... You are suddenly babbling incoherently and become incapable of normal speech or spellcasting! The encounter with the voice has caused you some shock and the overwhelming evil pouring out of this fissure has acted as a catalyst for madness. (For the next 10 minutes this remains in effect).
Barxik is the first to descend. Immediately you realize this rope is some wonderful magic item. It is strong and there are knots perfectly tied throughout the length of it for grasping. Every now and then you do spot a smear of blood on the rope. All around you is darkness. It is like being lowered into a bottomless well. You move slowly and about 30' down you think you see a faint glow below you. A small grove of glowing mushrooms or other fungi perhaps. There is a natural platform jutting out of the cave wall about 90' further down. The rope must stop there. The light from the plants reveals a smaller cave/tunnel entrance not far from the landing.
Back above ground... Rotleaf is on the rooftops of Bittborg trying to keep an eye on the others.
He becomes fanatic at the sight of the kobolds closing in on the fissure. They seem to have spotted the party. He glances back as Bartimaeus and Kyu advance towards the mayor's manor. They are safer there probably. He vanishes in an instant and a small furious shadow is barreling straight out of Bittborg back to the fields. Rotleaf is rushing to cause a distraction and provide an escape for the party. His instincts drive him wild as Kobold scent fills his nostrils. He starts clanging his swords together on the way through town, to attract the undead. Zombies, skeletons, ghouls... They all start to pour from the alleys and buildings and follow the sound! Rotleaf then starts whistling as loud as possible..
Everybody but Barxik is able to see some of this happen.
The kobolds now turn their attention toward the halfling being chased by a horde of undead. He is headed straight toward them. The kobolds screech! All of them are now mobilizing. A small army of them begins heading directly at Rotleaf and his followers.
The heat is now off the rest of the party, but you all can see a tiny ranger in tattered robes swarmed on either side by enemies. Some of you swear he is smiling.
His small voice shouts, "Kobold scum!!! I am Rotleaf! Of the Ghostwise tribe of the Wetwoods! Come meet your death!"
The kobolds chuck spears, shoot arrows, and rush in with claws and fangs as the undead lumber and voraciously rush from the other side.
Rotleaf is lost in the center, all of you lose sight of him...
"Not all those who wander are lost."
Nox/"Renna"
Something snapped in Nox's mind. Maybe it was the pressure of the Fey's voice in her mind, maybe it was the feeling of the evil in the fissure.She started talking to herself, in a strange combination of Sylvan and Elvish, and occasionally with a little common. No matter the language what she said made little sense. "The voice, the voice. Both heard the voice. Nox and Tok and Tok and Nox. The voice, the voice, the voice. Into the pit, into the dark, into the dark we go, we go." Despite her ability to speak clearly, she still had control of her body. She moved to the rope, and cautiously began to work her way down.
I wait for the others to descend, then take hold of the rope and let myself down hand-over-hand. Poor little Rotleaf. If only he was a few inches taller. Then maybe one of us could have watched his noble demise and set the tale down for bards to sing.
Ironwall:
I frown as I watch doom fall upon the filthy little halfling. "Foolish little man used my plan," I mutter. I look around for anyone else that is joining our descent. (Specifically, do I spot Vappa sneaking this way?)
Perception: 9
Seeing no one else, I grab the rope and descend after my brave companions.
Vappa let's out a deep breath as he slowly opens his eyes from meditation. It had calmed him down, but he could still sense the impending doom surrounding him. He takes his bandana from his face and neatly pockets it. Slowly, he makes his way to the rope to descend. Sticking to the shadows.
Stealth:19
Kyu takes in the sights at this manor. He grumbles under his breath, "if we make it out of this situation, there is no way I'm voting for this mayor." He tries to figure out what has happened here and what that might lead to!
Arcana: 23
Investigation: 19
Upon reaching the bottom, I motion with my staff and a source-less white light spreads to illuminate our new environment.
Casting Light
Barxik uses his Divine Sense and makes a good sweep of the cave's surroundings and its small entrance, checking if there are anything hiding their presence within its shadows.
Perception 12
Ironwall:
I get to the bottom with the others and, impressed by the rope we just climbed, I consider how we might take it with us. "That's stupid," I think. "How would we get out?" Still, I examine the rope closely to determine it's properties.
Arcana: 15
Bartimaeus draws Kyu's attention to the glyphs
I wander the area, looking for anything if interest and using Help to aid anyone trying to make a skill check.