You look upon Themberchaud, the great Wyrmsmith of Gracklstugh, resting atop a mountain of gold. He is mighty powerful looking.
Themberchaud - "Gartokkar. Leave us. I will speak with these adventurers in private. Be warned. Any invisible lurkers will be turned to ash." He speaks commandingly and his attendings nervously acquiesce. After a moment, the Keepers of the Flame are no longer with you in the room.
Themberchaud - "Introduce yourselves as proper guests would. Your names, backgrounds and how you came to find yourselves in the Underdark...and the events that led you to Gracklstugh...and to me."
“Mighty Themberchaud, Elmo morning Elmo lightpocket! Devilishly handsome halfling and a stringy and gamey snack. Here be my companions, Leon Finks, devoted follower of Tymora. Rowland Black, ranger and protector of the underdark, and Sarrik, the drow who arranges this meeting.”
elmo Bows
“my companions and i are humbled by your audience. We found ourselves in this dark room place by poor luck. I escaped from a drow prison and have been pursued by drow and worse ever since. We bring word of something I think ye know a great deal about. The demigorgon has engaged in an unholy union and is spreading evil and corruption through out the underdark. We have seen the wedding. I also believe that myself and few others are integral for the demons plans and their drow underlings to proceed. We have come here to help do what we can to aid ye in banishing this corruption. We have seen and experienced far more of the demonic enemy than most others in the underdark. ”
elmo pauses and wipes copious amount of nervous sweat from his brow.
“Also great Wyrmsmith, we found a box that bears your proud symbol. Me mate Rowland over there said that it was his fathers solemn duty to protect the box. UnFortunately, it seems that the box has been corrupted by the Demi Gorgon As well.”
Elmo motions for Leon to present the box to the dragon.
”Mighty Themberchaud, I am Leon Finks originally from AllField but have been all over. I am a Cleric of Lady Tymora. I came to be in the underdark after being captured by a group of drow enslavers and lead down here. I was rescued by the halfling, a tiefling girl who was killed at the gates of this city and a dwarf paladin of Moradin.“
Leon produces the box
“Along the way we recover this box under heavy demonic influence. We came to this city impart to see what you knew about the box and on our way back to the surface. Now that we know if this demonic influence I believe our common goal is to stop it. We are here to ask your help as well.”
Rowland seeing the others both speaking and not wanting to offend the dragon who asked then to introduce themselves, "I am Rowland Black of the family Black. Raised by my father in the ways of the ranger in the High Forest on the outskirts of the Star Mountains. He kept this box hidden in our home and gave me this medallion to protect." Rowland produces the medallion. "He was killed by whoever's after the box and I am here to find out why."
Themberchaud - "Ahh...the demons. Lolth has her eyes set on a higher prize...and this plane is nothing more than a distraction for her to claim that prize. Bah. The odds that you are all somehow necessary for her to attain her goals is impossibly small, Elmo. You are, however, a thorn in the sides of those wishing to aid her...or forced to aid her. And that, I have a use for. Here's the deal. Become my agents in Gracklstugh and you have my protection in this city. Not even the Stone Guards or the King's lackeys will interfere with your affairs. Your mission is to do whatever the Keepers of the Flame ask you to...but report to me before you do them, do you understand?"
A momentary pause, albeit not a very long one.
Themberchaud - "Excellent. I'll have Gartokkar assigned to be your liaison, bags of gold for your expenses, and badges of gold as proof of my protection. Now...show me about this mysterious box of yours."
Themberchaud - "Rowland Black, you say? From the forests of around the Star Mountains..." he seems to recall something in his vast memories. "Your father...I am sorry for your loss. The box he was protecting is of origins that are ancient even to me, however the contents of which I am intimately familiar with. Would you like to see what's inside, young Human?"
Rowland's eyes widen slightly and he swallows a lump in his throat. Thoughts of his father suddenly flood his mind and he fights to control his emotions. He narrows his eyes and says to the dragon, "It 'would' satisfy a specific curiosity, Sir Thimberchaud. Perhaps explain some of my father's actions that I still struggle to comprehend." Rowland pauses then adds, "It would be a great service and I would owe you a debt sir."
Themberchaud takes the box from Leon confidently and inspects it.
Themberchaud - "It is what I suspected. Ranger's son, Rowland Black, Leon Finks the Cleric, Elmo Lightpocket and Sarik Mazelor, you've all done well not to have lost yourselves to the madness this box projects. You are not of Draconic blood, and could not have opened this. Rowland, your father knew this and kept it safe from those who would seek to use what it contains for grander purposes than you could ever imagine. Tell me, Ranger how would you like to meet your late father once more?"
The great dragon opens the box with ease and produces a diamond spell gem!
Themberchaud - "In this spell gem, a powerful spell was prepared...one that has the power to bring back a single person from the past. It will take considerable resources, however..." he looks around his treasure... "That is not unattainable for me to provide."he hands the spell gem to Leon, because Leon gave him the box. "Lucky that you have among you one that could cast it. Now take your leave and should you find something worthy of the cost you'll need to use that spell gem, we could make a deal then."
Lord Holderhek - "Dormo is awarded the point for this match!" The crowd once again erupts with excitement. "Now, on to our next round. This fine ale is brought to us from Blingdenstone. A rich blend of various ingredients from the surface, befitting the closest trading hub to that market of course. Contestants...on your mark...get set...GO!"
<Gremryl and Mikey - Roll 1d20 for speed and a Con saving throw please!>
Dazed and confused, Rowland stares at the gem as it's handed to Leon. This has left him with more questions than he started with. Why would his father have such a thing and why wouldn't he use it to bring back his mother?
"Sir Thimberchaud! Please sir, would you know why such a thing would be in my father's possession?"
Themberchaud - "Your father was a part of a secretive organization that eventually caught up with him. Know that it is impossible to do good without making enemies of those that would do bad. That caught up with your father it seems. This box and the spell gem within it was granted to his family long ago. A gift like this must have been earned from either a powerful wizard, or a powerful Dragon. In either case, it is something your father placed value in over his own life to keep safe...I wonder what his son will do with it..."
“Mighty Themberchaud, so Loth, the Demi Gorgon, and his bride have no interest in our party? Then could ye tell us why their servants be wanting us? I feel like, myself excluded, most of me party ain’t worth the effort. On that note, thank ye for yer protection, and fer putting yer faith in us to bother ye foes for ye. Yer wisdom is great me magnanimous Wyrmsmith.”
elmo starts to step back but stops,
“one last thing great and wise Themberchaud, we have some companions that were lost in our journeys. I was wondering if ye happened to know their whereabouts and if they be safe. They are Glabagool, a sentient and gelatinous mass and a swell mate. Stool, a wee mushroom lad that we lost at yer gates. And El Hutz, a shadow elf who was the one who brought the box to us. We owe him a bit of a fairwell. Any help ye could be locating our friends would be greatly appreciated lord Themberchaud”
Rowland gives a slight bow but remains silent not wanting to step on the others toes as they appear eager to do the talking.
Leon bows with Rowland as he pats Elmo in the pack casting guidance
Telepathically to Dawnbringer
“You getting a read on this dragon my lady? Is he as impressive as your hoped?”
“Mighty Themberchaud, Elmo morning Elmo lightpocket! Devilishly handsome halfling and a stringy and gamey snack. Here be my companions, Leon Finks, devoted follower of Tymora. Rowland Black, ranger and protector of the underdark, and Sarrik, the drow who arranges this meeting.”
elmo Bows
“my companions and i are humbled by your audience. We found ourselves in this dark room place by poor luck. I escaped from a drow prison and have been pursued by drow and worse ever since. We bring word of something I think ye know a great deal about. The demigorgon has engaged in an unholy union and is spreading evil and corruption through out the underdark. We have seen the wedding. I also believe that myself and few others are integral for the demons plans and their drow underlings to proceed. We have come here to help do what we can to aid ye in banishing this corruption. We have seen and experienced far more of the demonic enemy than most others in the underdark. ”
elmo pauses and wipes copious amount of nervous sweat from his brow.
“Also great Wyrmsmith, we found a box that bears your proud symbol. Me mate Rowland over there said that it was his fathers solemn duty to protect the box. UnFortunately, it seems that the box has been corrupted by the Demi Gorgon As well.”
Elmo motions for Leon to present the box to the dragon.
Leon responds to Themberchaud in dwarvish
”Mighty Themberchaud, I am Leon Finks originally from AllField but have been all over. I am a Cleric of Lady Tymora. I came to be in the underdark after being captured by a group of drow enslavers and lead down here. I was rescued by the halfling, a tiefling girl who was killed at the gates of this city and a dwarf paladin of Moradin.“
Leon produces the box
“Along the way we recover this box under heavy demonic influence. We came to this city impart to see what you knew about the box and on our way back to the surface. Now that we know if this demonic influence I believe our common goal is to stop it. We are here to ask your help as well.”
speed check=9
con check= 6
Rowland seeing the others both speaking and not wanting to offend the dragon who asked then to introduce themselves, "I am Rowland Black of the family Black. Raised by my father in the ways of the ranger in the High Forest on the outskirts of the Star Mountains. He kept this box hidden in our home and gave me this medallion to protect." Rowland produces the medallion. "He was killed by whoever's after the box and I am here to find out why."
Leon walks forward and presents the box
”The box attempted to corrupt our mind when we investigated it. I know you are powerful but please due be carful mighty Themberchaud.”
Rowland's eyes widen slightly and he swallows a lump in his throat. Thoughts of his father suddenly flood his mind and he fights to control his emotions. He narrows his eyes and says to the dragon, "It 'would' satisfy a specific curiosity, Sir Thimberchaud. Perhaps explain some of my father's actions that I still struggle to comprehend." Rowland pauses then adds, "It would be a great service and I would owe you a debt sir."
<Gremryl and Mikey - Roll 1d20 for speed and a Con saving throw please!>
Dazed and confused, Rowland stares at the gem as it's handed to Leon. This has left him with more questions than he started with. Why would his father have such a thing and why wouldn't he use it to bring back his mother?
"Sir Thimberchaud! Please sir, would you know why such a thing would be in my father's possession?"
Gremryl let's out a loud belch and waves his arms up gesturing the crowd to start cheering and getting them hyped up!
To Hemeth: "now this is a contest of our Kin lad!! Told ye I am after thee gold!"
He taps his mug to the table them proceeds to drink it
6 speed check
18 con check
Speed Check:
Morista: 8
Ghuldur: 6
Dormo: 18
Hemeth: 7
“Mighty Themberchaud, so Loth, the Demi Gorgon, and his bride have no interest in our party? Then could ye tell us why their servants be wanting us? I feel like, myself excluded, most of me party ain’t worth the effort. On that note, thank ye for yer protection, and fer putting yer faith in us to bother ye foes for ye. Yer wisdom is great me magnanimous Wyrmsmith.”
elmo starts to step back but stops,
“one last thing great and wise Themberchaud, we have some companions that were lost in our journeys. I was wondering if ye happened to know their whereabouts and if they be safe. They are Glabagool, a sentient and gelatinous mass and a swell mate. Stool, a wee mushroom lad that we lost at yer gates. And El Hutz, a shadow elf who was the one who brought the box to us. We owe him a bit of a fairwell. Any help ye could be locating our friends would be greatly appreciated lord Themberchaud”
speed check=3
con check=4