This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zeke stops and checks their back trail, first attempting to hide in the brush but when his wings get caught in a small tree he gives up, and simply stands in the middle of the path, surveying to see if he can spot any signs of someone following them.
Once he's satisfied they are safe (assuming) he uses his long strides to close back in on the party - easy enough since Gundren joined and slowed them down considerably
"What kind of power?" Gundren laughs while at the same time trying to catch his breath. "Oh Mr. Ethan, surely you've heard of the Phandelver's Pact by now, the history of Wave Echo Cave, the Forge of Spells???!!!" The dwarf immediately launches into the tale of the mine, including the following points...
Wave Echo Cave is a massive cave discovered many hundreds of years ago by local miners and explores
Upon the discovery of strange magical powers within the cave even beyond the vast mineral wealth found there, clans of dwarves and gnomes founded the Phandelver's Pact to govern how they would share the mine and work together to unlock its secrets.
A dwarf named Falgrim Thunderheart was the unofficial leader of the Pact.
Falgrim and the others were able to harness the magical properties of the cave and channel the power into the Forge of Spells, or 'Spellforge' from which wondrous magical items were made.
To complete the Forge of Spells and use it to forge magical items, Falgrim and the others called upon wizards to help with the necessary arcane study. The most prominent of these wizards was Mormesk Blackcrow, who once vied for the position of Archmage of Waterdeep.
During this time, Phandalin prospered as the home of many of the families of the Phandelver's Pact and the conduit for much of the wealth extracted during this time. This is evident in the many larger, now crumbling stone foundations still seen around town, some of which buildings have been rebuilt upon.
Eventually disaster struck when the wizard Mormesk betrayed Falgrim and the rest and brought a powerful force of orcs and wizards down upon both Phandalin and the mine in hopes of securing its power and riches for themselves. The dwarves, gnomes and wizards fought back and the resulting arcane battle destroyed much of the mine.
Many factions have sought the mine in the 500+ years since this disaster, but the Pact members were thorough in keeping its location a secret, the destruction of the cavern and the death of so many who knew helping to further secure whatever might be left underground somewhere in the Sword Mountains near Phandalin.
As the party carries on and Ethan and Gundren chat about the history of the mine and what could be left there, Zeke's alert nature makes him one of the first to spot one minor change up ahead. Zeke you hear a very faint, low rumbling sound and see a bit of fog trapped around this small river a few hundred yards ahead as the group travels.
It took everything for Fae not to stop dead in her tracks when Elra would muse her questions out loud, bringing forward the discussion. She couldn't fall any more quiet, almost relieved when Gundren would pipe up. But at his boisterous emphasis on the Phandelver's Pact and the mine holding great secrets and power, she'd swallow and shift uncomfortably. Her heart rate picked up when he'd continue to add, chatting on about the detailed history. The wizard would slip, stumbling on a rock once again and put her hand out to catch herself. Her eyes would flicker black as she'd tumble forward into mud.
Quick flashback:
A vision of herself on her unscarred hands and knees staring down at a dark sticky substance up to her elbows. She looks at her own hands covered in black tar, hearing echoes of laughter and silhouettes dancing around her...
No... Fae would shake her head with closed eyes, as if shaking the thoughts from her mind. Opening them once again, violet hues had returned. They're not the same... Unlike that day, today she could pick herself back up. She'd hastily try to brush herself off, but would eventually just hold her hands out to let the rain wash it all away for her. Taking that moment to steady her breathing, the scholar would allow some thoughts to wash over her. She'd reach to her bag, hugging it close to her side, clutching it to ensure both journals were safe in their respected spaces, then exhale a deep breath.
Taking careful steps once again, Fae would move a little gingerly to catch up again. Trying to hide in the safety of her hood, she'd feel a little embarrassed if any one saw that, then again it wouldn't be the first time they've seen her fumble. But, she always got back up... Feeling something poke at her in her sleeve, she'd reach in to find a forked twig. Twirling it between her fingers, she'd have an idea. Would they be close enough?
"Ethan." Fae would break her silence, looking towards their master artificer. "I imagine you have a detailed description of the staff you gave Arvel or his original one?" She was sure she could recall them from her memory, but if she was going to propose trying this spell, she wanted to be as thorough and accurate as possible. "I've been studying a detection spell that I hope could help us locate our friend, or those who hold him captive, through an object held close to their person." She'd begin to explain. "Though, it does have a limited range." She'd confess, hence why she never suggested it sooner. Maybe now they could be getting closer? The wizard had considered trying to locate the next markers, but without her being familiar with them, she wouldn't be confident to receive a direction. Perhaps something to experiment with... With those thoughts out loud, Fae was eager to hear any feedback as they continued their route.
Tarja lets Gundren tell the familiar tales of the mine.
My family goes back to Falgrim. Those were better times than now - dwarves, gnomes, humans, all working together with the powers in the mine. More harmony, more in touch with the earth. Shame it all ended the way it did. The only ones of my ancestors who survived were those who weren't in Wave Echo Cave at the time of the battle.
If we do find the mine, I hope we can find what happened there, what really happened to Falgrim.
Hopefully we can get Arvel out before he meets the same fate!
She considers Fae's spell suggestion.
Yes, once we're close, that could point us to how to find Arvel! Perhaps that'll help us find an entrance, as well. But according to the map, we still have a ways to go - we're still looking for the second statue out of four.
Ethan listens to Gundren, his eyes growing wide with excitement.
"This is real and it all happened within the last 1000 years?! That's so strange...this is definitely something the artificers of Lantan would be super into finding...I wonder why no one taught about it at the universality...?"
Gonna go with the teachers at the university not teaching about it, because of all the young artificers who went off to search for it over the many year, only to waste so much time and even some of their lives, searching unsuccessfully.
At Fae's suggestion, Ethan smiles and is about to start describing the details of the rod when he remembers something and his expression changes.
"Oh, a that's not going to work, remember?"
Ethan taps his gauntlet as he says this.
"The impostor, he had all of Arvel's thing, or at least the rod and his cloths and other major stuff anyway."
DM, would anyone in the group be able to tell, if anything was missing from the bundle of Arvel's things, that was taken from the impostor? If Arvel managed to keep a hold on anything of his, that the group would recognise, then the spell might still be a go.
(Ethan has all of Arvel's signature items, but didn't find his backpack or the mundane items held within including his tinder box, disguise kit, water skin, forgery kit, etc.)
Zeke whips our his Horn of Silent alarm, blurting out quick alerts to Tarja, Ethan, Fae and Elra in that order. As the party comes to a halt, the tiefling moves towards the front of the column, touching Fae's arm lightly as he passes and asking her to cover their backtrail. He then whispers to Ethan as he passes 'Master Artificer, keep our good benefactor steady and safe for a moment would you?' before finally getting to the head of the column and the dwarven druid.
"Well then, what do you suppose that could be there' pointing towards the boiling fog...
His blade extended, his wings flared the barbarian is ready for action but not to go unnoticed. He's ready to spring ahead but not sure that's the best course of action....
Ethan nods understanding to Zeke, pulling out his Programmable Caster and checks the groups surroundings. Quinn flies down to hover next to Ethan's shoulder, his arm transforming into its force blaster configuration.
"Stay close Gundren, we wont let anything happen to you."
Elra thinks the fog ahead looks perfectly natural, and sees no particular reason to suspect that magic may be in play. You see no particular non-arcane threats either.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perhaps the fog shrouds the next statue? We're looking for a trickster statue, after all. Or a guardian.
Tarja shifts to wolf form to see if this area has been visited by non-magical non-spider creatures recently, intending to explore the location in a slightly more perceptive form. And one that can travel better for the next stretch as well, if there's nothing to be found here. (Smell: 24).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
When Ethan would remind her that he had Arvel's signature belongings, Fae would nod. "True." After a short pause, she'd add thoughtfully. "Though, there are the staves of Glasstaff and The Spider himself."
At Zeke's touch Fae would look over and with a sure nod she'd exchange positions to watch their rear as they all investigate the fog.
Perception: 3 To keep an eye out/listen for any one following us/threats
"While the trickster besets us with his lies..." She'd muse out loud in response to Tarja's own. Violet eyes would scan with added curiosity, keeping in mind, what would a trickster do? They'd potentially misdirect them from the true purpose. Fae would bring her finger up to pat her nose as she did when she thought. She'd essentially look around where the others weren't, keeping her back to them as she did. From her perspective of watching their backs, perhaps there was a hidden clue or the statue itself amongst the brush, or even a trap? Never hurt to investigate anyway.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zeke shakes his blade out to it's full length and begins approaching the boiling fog. Keeping his eyes peeled for any traps or deadfalls on the trail he carefully approaches the anaomly.
Zeke and the rest approach the fog and hear the roaring sound increase. Tarja especially is more confident now that it is the sound of rushing water. Soon you stand on the opposite side of a hundred foot wide, roughly round pool from a thirty foot waterfall. Looking all around Zeke sees no danger after all, nor does Tarja sniff out any recent travelers except for deer and other local inhabitants passing by.
Looking up, you notice that the terrain only one hundred feet or so higher than you here is much more rocky and open, the tree line slowly giving way to the stone facade of the mountains above. Looking at the waterfall and above, Zeke and Tarja's excellent eyes spot a tiny head peaking up, watching you from just over the edge of the fall. Peering at it for a second longer, you think it is made of stone, and similar in size and color to the first dwarven statue found, and may actually sit a good ways behind the top of the waterfall and a bit higher.
You all see that hopping rocks and the like won't do with the sharp drop of the fall, but the slope up the left side would be relatively easy to traverse if it weren't for the thick brush that grows there.
Zeke looks up the waterfall at the hint of a statue above. He looks across the pool of water and up along the overgrown slope. He then looks back at his tired, worn and chilly comrades.
'Maybe a small rest would be in order? Perhaps we light a fire and get everyone warmed up a bit? Some food in your bellies?' Turning to Tarja he whispers 'Any bright ideas on how to get everyone up there?'
Tarja returns to druid form to discuss further plans, seeing as how there was nothing to sniff out as a wolf.
Well, at least we made the right choice following where the previous statue was pointing! But this one's a trickster. who knows what that means. A trickster dwarf.
If I took a quick break, I could climb up there as a spider. Or I can cast Spider Climb on someone to get them up. I've got a lot of rope, so maybe once someone's up there, they can help the rest of us get up there.
Maybe Quinn could take a quick look up there to see what's on the ledge?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ethan comes forward with Gundren and the others and is just sitting down to take a break when he over hears Tarja mention Quinn.
"What was that?"
Ethan looks at Quinn, who is still hovering at his shoulder, looking every which way, determined to protect Ethan from danger.
Looking back at Zeke and Tarja and then up at the waterfall they are discussing, Ethan asks.
"You want Quinn to have a look up there?"
Quinn stops and spins to look at Ethan and then at the others and then up at the waterfall.
"Θέλεις να αναζητήσω τον κίνδυνο εκεί αφέντη; Θα πάω, κανένας δεν θα κρύψει από τα μάτια μου!"
"You want me to look for danger up there master? I will go, none shall hide from my sight!"
Quinn starts to fly up, but stops when Ethan waves at him.
"Just be careful, try to be stealthy and if you see something dangerous, you came right back, ok?"
The tiny homunculus nods his understanding and begins flying up, this time staying closer to the cliff face and vegetation, doing his best to not be too exposed as he heads to the top to have a look around.
Quinn is attempting to stealth his way up, but he is still flying, which means his wings are still making a droning hum.
Fae would eventually turn around when she'd hear Ethan pipe up from something Zeke and Tarja were discussing. Her eyes would follow Quinn up towards the waterfall where the others appeared to look. Reviewing the cliff that lead up to it, she'd shift uncomfortably. It couldn't be a great climb after all that rain or mist from the waterfall... and she wouldn't be that great at it. The wizard would glance around to the others, tapping her fingers together before looking back up. "Much like Quinn, maybe others can be flown..." She'd suggest quietly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
just an unstable unicorn.
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Zeke stops and checks their back trail, first attempting to hide in the brush but when his wings get caught in a small tree he gives up, and simply stands in the middle of the path, surveying to see if he can spot any signs of someone following them.
Once he's satisfied they are safe (assuming) he uses his long strides to close back in on the party - easy enough since Gundren joined and slowed them down considerably
Stealth 5
Perception 17
"What kind of power?" Gundren laughs while at the same time trying to catch his breath. "Oh Mr. Ethan, surely you've heard of the Phandelver's Pact by now, the history of Wave Echo Cave, the Forge of Spells???!!!" The dwarf immediately launches into the tale of the mine, including the following points...
As the party carries on and Ethan and Gundren chat about the history of the mine and what could be left there, Zeke's alert nature makes him one of the first to spot one minor change up ahead. Zeke you hear a very faint, low rumbling sound and see a bit of fog trapped around this small river a few hundred yards ahead as the group travels.
It took everything for Fae not to stop dead in her tracks when Elra would muse her questions out loud, bringing forward the discussion. She couldn't fall any more quiet, almost relieved when Gundren would pipe up. But at his boisterous emphasis on the Phandelver's Pact and the mine holding great secrets and power, she'd swallow and shift uncomfortably. Her heart rate picked up when he'd continue to add, chatting on about the detailed history. The wizard would slip, stumbling on a rock once again and put her hand out to catch herself. Her eyes would flicker black as she'd tumble forward into mud.
Quick flashback:
A vision of herself on her unscarred hands and knees staring down at a dark sticky substance up to her elbows. She looks at her own hands covered in black tar, hearing echoes of laughter and silhouettes dancing around her...
No... Fae would shake her head with closed eyes, as if shaking the thoughts from her mind. Opening them once again, violet hues had returned. They're not the same... Unlike that day, today she could pick herself back up. She'd hastily try to brush herself off, but would eventually just hold her hands out to let the rain wash it all away for her. Taking that moment to steady her breathing, the scholar would allow some thoughts to wash over her. She'd reach to her bag, hugging it close to her side, clutching it to ensure both journals were safe in their respected spaces, then exhale a deep breath.
Taking careful steps once again, Fae would move a little gingerly to catch up again. Trying to hide in the safety of her hood, she'd feel a little embarrassed if any one saw that, then again it wouldn't be the first time they've seen her fumble. But, she always got back up... Feeling something poke at her in her sleeve, she'd reach in to find a forked twig. Twirling it between her fingers, she'd have an idea. Would they be close enough?
"Ethan." Fae would break her silence, looking towards their master artificer. "I imagine you have a detailed description of the staff you gave Arvel or his original one?" She was sure she could recall them from her memory, but if she was going to propose trying this spell, she wanted to be as thorough and accurate as possible. "I've been studying a detection spell that I hope could help us locate our friend, or those who hold him captive, through an object held close to their person." She'd begin to explain. "Though, it does have a limited range." She'd confess, hence why she never suggested it sooner. Maybe now they could be getting closer? The wizard had considered trying to locate the next markers, but without her being familiar with them, she wouldn't be confident to receive a direction. Perhaps something to experiment with... With those thoughts out loud, Fae was eager to hear any feedback as they continued their route.
Spell: Locate Object
(oop crosspost... sorry :3 still fits with a small edit.)
just an unstable unicorn.
Tarja lets Gundren tell the familiar tales of the mine.
My family goes back to Falgrim. Those were better times than now - dwarves, gnomes, humans, all working together with the powers in the mine. More harmony, more in touch with the earth. Shame it all ended the way it did. The only ones of my ancestors who survived were those who weren't in Wave Echo Cave at the time of the battle.
If we do find the mine, I hope we can find what happened there, what really happened to Falgrim.
Hopefully we can get Arvel out before he meets the same fate!
She considers Fae's spell suggestion.
Yes, once we're close, that could point us to how to find Arvel! Perhaps that'll help us find an entrance, as well. But according to the map, we still have a ways to go - we're still looking for the second statue out of four.
Ethan listens to Gundren, his eyes growing wide with excitement.
"This is real and it all happened within the last 1000 years?! That's so strange...this is definitely something the artificers of Lantan would be super into finding...I wonder why no one taught about it at the universality...?"
Gonna go with the teachers at the university not teaching about it, because of all the young artificers who went off to search for it over the many year, only to waste so much time and even some of their lives, searching unsuccessfully.
At Fae's suggestion, Ethan smiles and is about to start describing the details of the rod when he remembers something and his expression changes.
"Oh, a that's not going to work, remember?"
Ethan taps his gauntlet as he says this.
"The impostor, he had all of Arvel's thing, or at least the rod and his cloths and other major stuff anyway."
DM, would anyone in the group be able to tell, if anything was missing from the bundle of Arvel's things, that was taken from the impostor? If Arvel managed to keep a hold on anything of his, that the group would recognise, then the spell might still be a go.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
(Ethan has all of Arvel's signature items, but didn't find his backpack or the mundane items held within including his tinder box, disguise kit, water skin, forgery kit, etc.)
Zeke whips our his Horn of Silent alarm, blurting out quick alerts to Tarja, Ethan, Fae and Elra in that order. As the party comes to a halt, the tiefling moves towards the front of the column, touching Fae's arm lightly as he passes and asking her to cover their backtrail. He then whispers to Ethan as he passes 'Master Artificer, keep our good benefactor steady and safe for a moment would you?' before finally getting to the head of the column and the dwarven druid.
"Well then, what do you suppose that could be there' pointing towards the boiling fog...
His blade extended, his wings flared the barbarian is ready for action but not to go unnoticed. He's ready to spring ahead but not sure that's the best course of action....
Elra peers around Zeke towards the fog, watching it trying to discern whether or not it's magical in nature. "Not sure yet," she says quietly.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Ethan nods understanding to Zeke, pulling out his Programmable Caster and checks the groups surroundings. Quinn flies down to hover next to Ethan's shoulder, his arm transforming into its force blaster configuration.
"Stay close Gundren, we wont let anything happen to you."
Ethan looks ahead in the direction Zeke headed,
"What is it?"
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Elra thinks the fog ahead looks perfectly natural, and sees no particular reason to suspect that magic may be in play. You see no particular non-arcane threats either.
Perhaps the fog shrouds the next statue? We're looking for a trickster statue, after all. Or a guardian.
Tarja shifts to wolf form to see if this area has been visited by non-magical non-spider creatures recently, intending to explore the location in a slightly more perceptive form. And one that can travel better for the next stretch as well, if there's nothing to be found here. (Smell: 24).
When Ethan would remind her that he had Arvel's signature belongings, Fae would nod. "True." After a short pause, she'd add thoughtfully. "Though, there are the staves of Glasstaff and The Spider himself."
At Zeke's touch Fae would look over and with a sure nod she'd exchange positions to watch their rear as they all investigate the fog.
Perception: 3
To keep an eye out/listen for any one following us/threats
"While the trickster besets us with his lies..." She'd muse out loud in response to Tarja's own. Violet eyes would scan with added curiosity, keeping in mind, what would a trickster do? They'd potentially misdirect them from the true purpose. Fae would bring her finger up to pat her nose as she did when she thought. She'd essentially look around where the others weren't, keeping her back to them as she did. From her perspective of watching their backs, perhaps there was a hidden clue or the statue itself amongst the brush, or even a trap? Never hurt to investigate anyway.
Investigation: 6
just an unstable unicorn.
"Fog's just fog," Elra chastises herself, "everyone's going to be okay." She tightens her grip on her shield regardless.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Zeke shakes his blade out to it's full length and begins approaching the boiling fog. Keeping his eyes peeled for any traps or deadfalls on the trail he carefully approaches the anaomly.
Perception 13
Zeke and the rest approach the fog and hear the roaring sound increase. Tarja especially is more confident now that it is the sound of rushing water. Soon you stand on the opposite side of a hundred foot wide, roughly round pool from a thirty foot waterfall. Looking all around Zeke sees no danger after all, nor does Tarja sniff out any recent travelers except for deer and other local inhabitants passing by.
Looking up, you notice that the terrain only one hundred feet or so higher than you here is much more rocky and open, the tree line slowly giving way to the stone facade of the mountains above. Looking at the waterfall and above, Zeke and Tarja's excellent eyes spot a tiny head peaking up, watching you from just over the edge of the fall. Peering at it for a second longer, you think it is made of stone, and similar in size and color to the first dwarven statue found, and may actually sit a good ways behind the top of the waterfall and a bit higher.
You all see that hopping rocks and the like won't do with the sharp drop of the fall, but the slope up the left side would be relatively easy to traverse if it weren't for the thick brush that grows there.
Zeke looks up the waterfall at the hint of a statue above. He looks across the pool of water and up along the overgrown slope. He then looks back at his tired, worn and chilly comrades.
'Maybe a small rest would be in order? Perhaps we light a fire and get everyone warmed up a bit? Some food in your bellies?' Turning to Tarja he whispers 'Any bright ideas on how to get everyone up there?'
Tarja returns to druid form to discuss further plans, seeing as how there was nothing to sniff out as a wolf.
Well, at least we made the right choice following where the previous statue was pointing! But this one's a trickster. who knows what that means. A trickster dwarf.
If I took a quick break, I could climb up there as a spider. Or I can cast Spider Climb on someone to get them up. I've got a lot of rope, so maybe once someone's up there, they can help the rest of us get up there.
Maybe Quinn could take a quick look up there to see what's on the ledge?
Ethan comes forward with Gundren and the others and is just sitting down to take a break when he over hears Tarja mention Quinn.
"What was that?"
Ethan looks at Quinn, who is still hovering at his shoulder, looking every which way, determined to protect Ethan from danger.
Looking back at Zeke and Tarja and then up at the waterfall they are discussing, Ethan asks.
"You want Quinn to have a look up there?"
Quinn stops and spins to look at Ethan and then at the others and then up at the waterfall.
"Θέλεις να αναζητήσω τον κίνδυνο εκεί αφέντη; Θα πάω, κανένας δεν θα κρύψει από τα μάτια μου!"
"You want me to look for danger up there master? I will go, none shall hide from my sight!"
Quinn starts to fly up, but stops when Ethan waves at him.
"Just be careful, try to be stealthy and if you see something dangerous, you came right back, ok?"
The tiny homunculus nods his understanding and begins flying up, this time staying closer to the cliff face and vegetation, doing his best to not be too exposed as he heads to the top to have a look around.
Quinn is attempting to stealth his way up, but he is still flying, which means his wings are still making a droning hum.
Stealth check: 24
As he heads up and once he crests the top, Quinn is looking around for danger in particular and anything interesting secondly.
Perception check: 23
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Fae would eventually turn around when she'd hear Ethan pipe up from something Zeke and Tarja were discussing. Her eyes would follow Quinn up towards the waterfall where the others appeared to look. Reviewing the cliff that lead up to it, she'd shift uncomfortably. It couldn't be a great climb after all that rain or mist from the waterfall... and she wouldn't be that great at it. The wizard would glance around to the others, tapping her fingers together before looking back up. "Much like Quinn, maybe others can be flown..." She'd suggest quietly.
just an unstable unicorn.