To Hemmeth: "dont ye worry. We've come long and far. I'll be showing these lads you're good. Or showing them the broadside if me shield. They're good dwarves that have been at the hand of bad ones. Not long brother. "
To Ulfgar: "Our story is exceedingly similar to your own. We were also captives of the drow that managed to escape. We have been wandering these tunnels ever since, tracked and hounded by the drow at every turn. They are our true enemies. We are on our way to the Dureger stronghold because we believe it to be on the way to the surface, which is our ultimate destination. We have also encountered some strange and interesting sights along the way that may be of interest to you. For example, we have encountered a disturbing amount of demons and demonic influences down here lately; far more than usual. These demonic influences have been invading our minds and dreams as of late. I suspect this may have something to do with your...confused friend over there (nods towards the mad dwarf). Have you seen anything demonic in your travels thus far? And speaking of demonic topics, what do you make of this box (indicates the demon box)? It is of dwarven make, we believe. Ever seen anything like it? Any idea what it might be and what it might do? Furthermore, and stranger still, we have also encountered honest and upstanding durager in these tunnels! (reads the dwarves expressions) I know! That's what I thought! I was operating under the assumption that all durager were dickless and monstrous slavers, but it turns out that they come in a wide variety and exist on a spectrum of good and evil, just like the races of you or I. Can you believe that there may be such a thing as a decent durager?! (Persuasion check= 27)."
To Leon: "Check for demonic influences. Last time I saw that sort of vacant look it was on the faces of our comrades that were being mind raped by that evil box." I'll stand by to aid Leon with any further checks/spell casting.
To Glab: "You are easily the most entertaining member of our party, my good ooze! Way more funny than any other party member!"
Gremryl looks at Morgana, with some relief and appreciation. He had forgotten that Hemmeth also their friends too. Introducing hemmeth was a task they all had to deal with.. by moradins will he was starting to like this group!
"Fargrim fell ye say... sounds right familiar. May he feast in Moradins Hall and may he forge burn forever. (Makes the sign if moradin). Bloody well done in escaping. Like the lass said we were captured by Drow. I'm down here looking for... answers ye might say. And we are in our way to gracklstough. We've encountered one Demigorgon and another demon princess, both of which decimated the towns they were summoned in.
We'll be finding what's wrong dont ye doubt. The Lass speaks True that we have encountered duergar that aren't evil. One of them saved me and my companions life. And he follows Moradins will as his father before him. I trust him as a brother and ask ye to hear his tale too. I'll let him introduce himself "
To Hemmeth: "come on down brother. Tis be time to show our brothers then Hem and Grem duo eh!"
Hearing this, Captain Ulfgar drops whatever smile he may have once had on his face. Stands up sternly and says to Gremryl and Morgana:
Captain Ulgar - "We've suffered much at the hands of Duergers. Who you choose to keep company with is your blessing or your curse." Now directing his words towards Morgana, who persuasively tells the Captain of Hemeth's good nature. "Your words, true as I believe them to be, will not stay this hatred I have for his kin. You may have found the one Duerger in all of the Underdark who believes not the barbaric practices of the Duerger slave-trade." With a sigh, he releases the pain held in the wrinkles of his face. "We will not place the burden of his kin on this Hemeth of yours. Don't expect us to be sharing any of our fish with him though. He can get his own food."
And with that, Hemeth comes walking towards the group, as proudly as a Dwarf in his position could look. Stopping with his group and addressing the Captain directly, he says:
Hemeth - "Captain Ulfgar of clan Ironfist, I am Hemeth of clan Holderhek. What you know of the Duerger is mostly true. What Morgana and Gremryl have both said is also true. My father and I work in secret to reshape the future of our kind. We too are not without losses in that effort..." Hemeth says this with a sadness in his voice. "You have my deepest regrets for the pain you've suffered at the hands of the Duerger."
Captain Ulfgar - "Save your words, boy. They mean little but time wasted now. I believe that you may have a heart that's different than your kind...but that doesn't bring back my men. Or the fathers and sons that your kind has killed, left for dead, or sold into slavery." His voice is tense and his words are said with great conviction. "Keep your distance, Hemeth, of clan Holderhek..."
With that, an uneasy silence fills the cavern, broken only by the sound of the running water.
To The party: "Well isn't this great! We may not be one big happy family, but at least we are not spilling each others blood! Let's all sit by the fire and commiserate further!"
To Ulfgar: "Civility is all we ask, sir. I'm not gonna try to sit here and tell you how you should feel about an entire race of people, especially feeling the way that I do about the drow. Let's all just try to pass the time in peace and help each other if we can. Agreed? Now that introductions are done, back to business. What are your intentions from here? Do you intend to continue to travel the underdark and make your way back home? If so, we would be happy to assist you with knowledge of the road behind us if you would favor us with information regarding the road to the durager city. In the alternative, we are heading back the way you came. You may be loathe to return to the site of your recent tragedy, but perhaps if you aid us there may be a ripe opportunity for some...payback..." (Morgana grins wolfishly in the firelight).
To Hemeth: "You did what you could to say your peace and keep it civil. That's all you can do. Don't take anything else personally. But what's this you say about trying to institute changes in your home town? Is your clan planning an insurrection of some kind? Is your clan at war with those in power? Should we be readying ourselves for a battle or a warm welcome?"
After that I say we rest up here and proceed in the morning.
Gremryl while secretly disappointed knows it's the best he'll get. Change isn't instant.. not this type. But by Moradins will he knows it's right.
"We appreciate the camp nonetheless captain. Our cleric will do what he can. Mayhap master glabagool can tell us another joke. Hemmeth, come with me, let's see if we can snag a fish or two aye?"
Leon's Lesser Restoration doesn't seem to reduce the fear and anxiety resident in the eyes and mind of Eberk. Leon believes that whatever is afflicting Eberk may only be cured by a much more powerful spell...if it could be cured at all, he wonders to himself quietly.
Captain Ulfgar turns back once more towards Morgana and says,
Captain Ulfgar - "I've seen the toll that war takes on a mind...this isn't that. Whatever ails Eberk comes from something evil and it gets worse with time." Captain Ulfgar begins to stroke his beard in deep thought now as if recalling something from the farthest reaches of his memories. "Thinking back, Eberk did have lesser fits of...not being himself. They seem to be getting worse. At this rate, returning him home won't be the glorious return his family is surely praying for. I don't know what caused it...but I do know he's not the only one. Others slaves showed varying madness and the number of them was increasing. If I never set foot in the Underdark again, it'll be too soon." Looking away now he continues, "We won't go back to Gracklstugh, however, we can possibly be of some aid if you're heading through the Silken Paths. Give my name to the goblins who make their trade there. Remind them whose saved who. Might find your passage be a little less costly." Finally, he asks of Morgana, "Do you know how we can get to Blingdenstone? We know of trade routes to the surface from there."
"Best save that discussion for when we're clear of these Shield Dwarves. To answer your question though, changing the economy in Gracklstugh to that of an equality-based system where slavery is no longer needed is my goal. As for our reception...you will be restricted to the Darklake District since you're not a Duergar. I will provide a safe passage to my father's manse where we will discuss with my father what's happened these past months. I fear this demonic presence has reached the city..."Hemeth pauses there.
“Try to remain calm friend. You are going to need a more powerful cleric than me to help you get rid of these vision. I have done what I can to help. Try and get some rest.”
Leon telepathically calls for Stool to come down and join the group.
“We didn’t forget about you buddy. Come down and join us bud. Seems safe enough.”
Leon meets with Stool as he comes down and bring him back to the group. Leon points out Eberk to Stool and telepathically says.
”Help me keep and eye on this one. He appears to be going mad. Visions of demons in his head. I tried to cure him but I am not as powerful as I need to be to help him yet. Stay by me or Morgana in case of any danger buddy.”
To Ulfgar: "Thank you very much for your assistance vis a vie the silken paths and the information regarding this spreading demonic madness. We will be on the lookout for symptoms in the future. As for Blingdenstone, I am afraid I have no knowledge of this place. But I will check with my team to see if they have any useful information for you. In the meantime, please allow me to give you information on how to get to a fungal city and a fish city that we have passed through recently, though I must warn you, we have reason to believe they have fallen to demons as well (gives directions).
To the party: "If anybody knows how to get to a place called Blingdenstone, please enlighten the captain immediately."
To Hemeth: "What can your father do to help us get to the surface? I'm afraid that I have very little interest in politics. However, I would like to know who it is that apposes your father in his endeavors."
Morgana is ready for a long rest after that. She will spend her down time working with stool to see if she can help him develop any new types of spores.
Stool acknowledges Leon's instruction and thanks him for his introduction. Upon being given (oral) instructions from Morgana on the directions to Neverlight Grove, he looks at her with complete disbelief. He gives Morgana a puzzled look.
Captain Ulfgar - "My lady...you literally drew dots...connected by lines...on your palm. I'm umm...not quite sure cartography is your particular strength. But I do appreciate the intent." He says with equal parts appreciation and bemusement.
"My father can likely help us identify a way for you to get back to the surface via trade routes that are managed by his diplomatic relationships." He says. "The Deepking has long upheld that traditional way of politics and economic infrastructure. My father opposes that vision."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rolling a history8 check on blingdenstone
I convey what I know.
"So, how fairs the citadel? Mithrall still coming in? I miss the great halls lad I do. Again, my moradins blessings be upon ye Soldiers. Ye spoke of Goblins to Morgana, anything else of note for our travels? We was told of spiders..."
Gremryl knows about as much about Blingdenstone as the average person/dwarf does. It's a large Gnome civilization in the Underdark.
Captain Ulfgar - "Aye...it's still a sight these old eyes yearn to see again. You'd do well to return as soon as you can. We could use you back in the militia, Gremryl." Giving Gremryl a serious and knowing look that only one who's served in the Adbar army knows. "As for the Silken Paths? It was treacherous. Find the goblins. They'll be your guides for the right coin."
“Captain, ye a good Dwarf indeed. But Moradin has put me on a path. Answers lie at the end of this road and me companions and I mean to follow it. When ye reach Adbar, let them know Gremryl son of Grestonious Stonebreaker Paladin of Moradin roams the Underdark spreading Moradins blessings eh! And let them know, there’s Duergar out here who follow Moradin. While you like it not, know it be true. “
Leon prepares for his long rest. Leon keeps a watchful eye on Eberk and even a closer watch on his coin and property after the incident with Lhutz. Leon sees Stool and Morgana are training and gives them their space.
Our brave adventurers wake, after a long rest with the Shield Dwarves. Captain Ulfgar wakes his guardsmen up and they also gather their belongings to set out on their own journey.
Is there any last business between our party and the Shield Dwarves? If not, feel free to say your farewells and we'll be off!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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To Hemmeth: "dont ye worry. We've come long and far. I'll be showing these lads you're good. Or showing them the broadside if me shield. They're good dwarves that have been at the hand of bad ones. Not long brother. "
“Eberk let me try something to see I can help you”
Leon reaches forward and cast lesser restoration on Eberk.
To Ulfgar: "Our story is exceedingly similar to your own. We were also captives of the drow that managed to escape. We have been wandering these tunnels ever since, tracked and hounded by the drow at every turn. They are our true enemies. We are on our way to the Dureger stronghold because we believe it to be on the way to the surface, which is our ultimate destination. We have also encountered some strange and interesting sights along the way that may be of interest to you. For example, we have encountered a disturbing amount of demons and demonic influences down here lately; far more than usual. These demonic influences have been invading our minds and dreams as of late. I suspect this may have something to do with your...confused friend over there (nods towards the mad dwarf). Have you seen anything demonic in your travels thus far? And speaking of demonic topics, what do you make of this box (indicates the demon box)? It is of dwarven make, we believe. Ever seen anything like it? Any idea what it might be and what it might do? Furthermore, and stranger still, we have also encountered honest and upstanding durager in these tunnels! (reads the dwarves expressions) I know! That's what I thought! I was operating under the assumption that all durager were dickless and monstrous slavers, but it turns out that they come in a wide variety and exist on a spectrum of good and evil, just like the races of you or I. Can you believe that there may be such a thing as a decent durager?! (Persuasion check= 27)."
To Leon: "Check for demonic influences. Last time I saw that sort of vacant look it was on the faces of our comrades that were being mind raped by that evil box." I'll stand by to aid Leon with any further checks/spell casting.
To Glab: "You are easily the most entertaining member of our party, my good ooze! Way more funny than any other party member!"
Gremryl looks at Morgana, with some relief and appreciation. He had forgotten that Hemmeth also their friends too. Introducing hemmeth was a task they all had to deal with.. by moradins will he was starting to like this group!
"Fargrim fell ye say... sounds right familiar. May he feast in Moradins Hall and may he forge burn forever. (Makes the sign if moradin). Bloody well done in escaping. Like the lass said we were captured by Drow. I'm down here looking for... answers ye might say. And we are in our way to gracklstough. We've encountered one Demigorgon and another demon princess, both of which decimated the towns they were summoned in.
We'll be finding what's wrong dont ye doubt. The Lass speaks True that we have encountered duergar that aren't evil. One of them saved me and my companions life. And he follows Moradins will as his father before him. I trust him as a brother and ask ye to hear his tale too. I'll let him introduce himself "
To Hemmeth: "come on down brother. Tis be time to show our brothers then Hem and Grem duo eh!"
To The party: "Well isn't this great! We may not be one big happy family, but at least we are not spilling each others blood! Let's all sit by the fire and commiserate further!"
To Ulfgar: "Civility is all we ask, sir. I'm not gonna try to sit here and tell you how you should feel about an entire race of people, especially feeling the way that I do about the drow. Let's all just try to pass the time in peace and help each other if we can. Agreed? Now that introductions are done, back to business. What are your intentions from here? Do you intend to continue to travel the underdark and make your way back home? If so, we would be happy to assist you with knowledge of the road behind us if you would favor us with information regarding the road to the durager city. In the alternative, we are heading back the way you came. You may be loathe to return to the site of your recent tragedy, but perhaps if you aid us there may be a ripe opportunity for some...payback..." (Morgana grins wolfishly in the firelight).
To Hemeth: "You did what you could to say your peace and keep it civil. That's all you can do. Don't take anything else personally. But what's this you say about trying to institute changes in your home town? Is your clan planning an insurrection of some kind? Is your clan at war with those in power? Should we be readying ourselves for a battle or a warm welcome?"
After that I say we rest up here and proceed in the morning.
Gremryl while secretly disappointed knows it's the best he'll get. Change isn't instant.. not this type. But by Moradins will he knows it's right.
"We appreciate the camp nonetheless captain. Our cleric will do what he can. Mayhap master glabagool can tell us another joke. Hemmeth, come with me, let's see if we can snag a fish or two aye?"
He motions to the river and for hemmeth to follow
Hemeth to Morgana -
"Best save that discussion for when we're clear of these Shield Dwarves. To answer your question though, changing the economy in Gracklstugh to that of an equality-based system where slavery is no longer needed is my goal. As for our reception...you will be restricted to the Darklake District since you're not a Duergar. I will provide a safe passage to my father's manse where we will discuss with my father what's happened these past months. I fear this demonic presence has reached the city..." Hemeth pauses there.
Leon to Eberk
Leon telepathically calls for Stool to come down and join the group.
Leon meets with Stool as he comes down and bring him back to the group. Leon points out Eberk to Stool and telepathically says.
To Ulfgar: "Thank you very much for your assistance vis a vie the silken paths and the information regarding this spreading demonic madness. We will be on the lookout for symptoms in the future. As for Blingdenstone, I am afraid I have no knowledge of this place. But I will check with my team to see if they have any useful information for you. In the meantime, please allow me to give you information on how to get to a fungal city and a fish city that we have passed through recently, though I must warn you, we have reason to believe they have fallen to demons as well (gives directions).
To the party: "If anybody knows how to get to a place called Blingdenstone, please enlighten the captain immediately."
To Hemeth: "What can your father do to help us get to the surface? I'm afraid that I have very little interest in politics. However, I would like to know who it is that apposes your father in his endeavors."
Morgana is ready for a long rest after that. She will spend her down time working with stool to see if she can help him develop any new types of spores.
Hemeth to Morgana telepathically -
"My father can likely help us identify a way for you to get back to the surface via trade routes that are managed by his diplomatic relationships." He says. "The Deepking has long upheld that traditional way of politics and economic infrastructure. My father opposes that vision."
Rolling a history8 check on blingdenstone
I convey what I know.
"So, how fairs the citadel? Mithrall still coming in? I miss the great halls lad I do. Again, my moradins blessings be upon ye Soldiers. Ye spoke of Goblins to Morgana, anything else of note for our travels? We was told of spiders..."
“Captain, ye a good Dwarf indeed. But Moradin has put me on a path. Answers lie at the end of this road and me companions and I mean to follow it. When ye reach Adbar, let them know Gremryl son of Grestonious Stonebreaker Paladin of Moradin roams the Underdark spreading Moradins blessings eh! And let them know, there’s Duergar out here who follow Moradin. While you like it not, know it be true. “
At that rest time son! At least fir Gremryl
Leon prepares for his long rest. Leon keeps a watchful eye on Eberk and even a closer watch on his coin and property after the incident with Lhutz. Leon sees Stool and Morgana are training and gives them their space.
Is there any last business between our party and the Shield Dwarves? If not, feel free to say your farewells and we'll be off!