Kaylyn spends some time pondering the gem, and is intrigued to learn that it somehow has been imbued with the Witch Bolt spell, and that she can use the gem to cast the spell a single time. She also learns that attuning her magic to the gem will allow her to imbue other simple spells into the gem once empty.
The group spend the better part of the day at the markets buying and selling, and meet together at the inn in the late afternoon.
Sekkar and Rhayna have agreed to go with Zeno in search for the shifty derro. Would that be this afternoon/evening, or wait until tomorrow?
Kaylyn and Joetaro seem to want to remain at the inn.
What about Kastix?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kastix will retreat to the inn for at least illusion of safety.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Rhayna is used to the quiet and serene halls of Candlekeep's libraries. Which now seems like distant memories. She is having a hard time getting used to the drowning sounds of the city's forges. At the end of the day her head feels stuffed, and she has a slight headache from the sensory overload that the city brings. Still, she has to wait for Hemeth's return, so she makes the best out of the situation.
She goes to visit the Blade Bazaar with her companions. As she shops around, she notices that most of shopkeepers speak Dwarvish, and she thinks to herself why she never bothered to learn such an important language. She shakes the thought away, for that would be something she would have to learn another time. She uses her Undercommon whenever is applicable. Walking around the bazaar, she marvels at the different people that lives in this city. One can say that Rhayna is having a culture shock, and she never thought that she would ever see a giant in her life.
She notices that some of her companions purchase an Explorer's Pack, so that was her first order of business. She remembers that she still has to take Stool to Neverlight Grove and that she might be taking the little fellow by herself. She decides that it is prudent to gear herself up for the travel as best as she can. She also decides to purchase better clothing, to replace what she has been wearing for Goddess knows how long. After purchasing the equipment necessary for the travel, she concentrates on the other essentials.
It took her some time, but she was able to finally find a vendor that had a whip at the very end of his shop. The vendor had a wide smile when Rhayna purchased the item. He was probably happy to get rid of such thing that has been sitting in his shop for like forever. She was glad that it was all black. She also purchased a mace from the same shop, just in case.
Next, it was time to purchase a better armor. It seems that if there is one thing this city did not lack is a great assortments of armor for purchase. While perusing the bazaar's armor smiths, one particular item caught her attention. She saw a jet black scale mail that looked very similar to the one that Mistress Ilvara wore back at Velkynvelve. She had to adjust her thick glasses, for she could not believe in her eyes that it even had the same patterns. Hate boiled over her, and it took Rhayna sometime to calm herself down. The memory of the torment suffered at the hand of the drow priestess came back, and it was almost like she was relieving that day again. She had to hold on to something for she started to hyperventilate. After what felt like an eternity, she was able to calm herself down, and she decided that she would wear the enemy's armor in order to overcome her fears. She requested that Selune's symbol be engraved over the chest piece. She even had to show her pendant to the armor smith for he wasn't very familiar with the Goddesses' symbol. (If it takes a couple of days for the armor to be engraved and fitted, Rhayna will wait.) Satisfied with her preparations to be complete, she searches for Zeno. “Are you ready to hunt some ghosts?” (For all intent and purple, Rhayna is still wearing the studded leather for now.)
The next time Rhayna meets Hemeth, she will ask him if he knows the directions to Neverlight Grove and how long does it take to get there from Gracklstugh.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
OK, so we are splitting up at this point. I don't mind if you are aware of the other groups activities, but for the time being I'll put the two groups' narratives in spoilers to avoid confusion about what is happening to whom. The threads might become a bit disjointed depending on how fast each one progresses.
Sekkar, Zeno, Rhayna
Sekkar, Zeno and Rhayna agree to go and look for the mysterious derro seen in the bazaar. As they head up the stairs, Sarith runs to join them, saying he wants to see more of the duergar city. With the bazaar closing up for the day there are less people thronging the streets, but they are conscious that the ever-watchful Stone Guard could be anywhere invisibly watching. Making their way back toward the market, among the constant clanging of the forges, another sound is heard, followed by a sight most frightening.
A heavy whooshing of air grows louder, and turning to see the source of the sound, through the thick smoke and shimmering heat haze, the four travellers see a huge red dragon circling the city. It lands on one of the buildings not too far away, and breathes fire down through a chimney-like structure, before lifting off and flying to the next building. Incredibly, none of the local seem to pay it more than the most casual glance, suggesting that this dragon is a known and regular feature in the city, and seems to be maintaining the forge fires throughout the city. At one point it lands on a building very nearby, and after breathing fire down another chimney, the dragon appears to look directly at the four watchers. But a moment later it lifts off again and flies deeper into the city.
Searching through the market area, no certain trace can be seen of the derro, which is not surprising given the crowds that were here earlier. The last Rhayna saw of the creature, it was nearer to the docks, so they decide to search more in that direction. Unlike surface docks, the boats on shore of the underground lake don't bob up and down from wind and wave, but sit stationary on the surface of the dead-calm lake. The docks seems to be currently vacant save for a single male duergar standing at the end of a pier a short distance away (about 100 feet).
Suddenly, two duergar appear beside him and start to stab him viciously with glowing swords. The assassin's faces are masked and hooded.
Kastix, Kaylyn, Joetaro
Kastix, Kaylyn and Joetaro bid the others take care as they decide to remain at the inn. The same patrons are seen as before, now including the two hobgoblins who keep to themselves in the corner. Some of the deep gnomes are new, and others from the night before are now absent. The lone drow remains in the corner, watching all the others. The three travellers either keep to themselves in the dining room (cave) or retire to their rooms.
After about an hour, a small commotion is heard in the entry-room where the clerk sits. Six duergar have arrived and speak with the voice of authority to the clerk, then make their way through the inn. Most of the other 'outsiders' seem to know something of them, as they hush their voices and look down at their plates and cups, trying not to meet the gaze of the duergar. They appear to be some form of cleric, carrying maces and hammers, and wearing chain armour and cloaks fastened with a mithril pin depicting an arrow breaking on a shield.
The clerics appear to know exactly who they are searching for, and spread through the inn until they locate Kastix, Kaylyn and Joetaro, demanding that they come with them. Like most duergar in normal circumstances, they look like they mean business, but these ones in particular have an aura of authority and seem accustomed to being obeyed. After a thorough search of the inn, one of the cleric asks in Undercommon: Where are the other four?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Hummm... Guys, do you see that??" Says Rhyana fairly alarmed by the scene. She reaches for her pendant, just in case it is needed.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Kaylyn grabs her stuff and follows the others as they are ushered together. She looks blankly at the one who seems to be demanding something by the tone of his voice. She replies in common "I don't understand what you are saying."
(It looks like everyone speaking Undercommon or Dwarven left the inn, though)
"Yes, I saw it too. Felt as if dragon looked right at us," agreed Sekkar. "Pretty sure I never met one before, why a sudden attention?"
"Oh, you are about the dwarf. Local politics, bad thing to interfere with. Even worse to be near by when guards find out. Especially if he is someone important - you help him and assassins come for you, you do not help - and blamed for the murder."
"Ohhh!!!" Rhayna's bookworm eyes open wide behind her thick glasses. "Of course... Of course. I, hum... I kinda knew that." She lets her pendant rest next to her, and quietly follows Sekkar. She tries not to look at the gruesome scene.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
(due to changing subclass, Kastix lost draconic langauges)
Kastix looks at his companion and just shrug, "I know that is something I shoulder undestand but I don't get any of that," After getting a translation, "Ask them if there's a problem?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
“Glowing swords? What kind of assassins....” Zeno trailed off and ducked behind a stack of crates by the docks. “The merchant described a band of thieves. But she did mention calassabrak, outcast Duergar. I wonder if that jives with these guys. We could try and follow them?”
"Better than staying here, let's do it." Rhayna's new armour was not meant for stealth actions, but one girl should not look too suspicious, might as well shift attention from Sekkar and Zeno, keeping to the sides and shadows.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sekkar/Zeno/Rhayna:
Sarith agrees whole-heartedly that they should avoid becoming involved in local matters. Sekkar moves stealthily forwards, with Zeno, Rhayna and Sarith following. It is scarcely necessary to tread lightly with the constant hammerfalls echoing constantly through the city, but they try to keep hidden behind dockside boxes and mechanical lifts, staying within the shadows cast by the red glare from the city forges. It is easy to see the glowing swords of the bandits as they finish their grisly task, and the victim's body slumps to the pier. As the three try to draw closer, the sound of heavy boots can be heard going past, running toward the scene of the murder, although no figures can be seen. The bandits look up from their prey and turn sharply, appearing to have heard the footsteps also, and they suddenly vanish from sight. A moment later several duergar guards appear out of thin air, running toward the pier, and they fan out in an attempt to apprehend their invisible quarry.
All three make a Stealth check (Rhayna with disadvantage), and also a Perception check, all with disadvantage.
The duergar cleric spokesman turns to Kaylyn, and gives her a look that although still stony with authority seems also a little less threatening than before. We are the Keepers of the Flame, he says. Our leader, Gartokkar Xundorn, has noted your presence in the city, and has summoned you to appear before him. You are not accused of anything at this time. If your companions are not present, then you will accompany us for now.
You can make an Insight check if you want to try to read his intentions.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kastix Insight: 21
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Although Kastix can't actually understand the duergar cleric's words, he reads in his face that his intent is non-hostile. It's just typical duergar stoicism, pragmatism and contempt for all non-duergar races.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rhayan Stealth: 5 / Perception: 24
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sekkar stealth: 14 perception: 8 (if for any reason it is counted as a Favourite terrain - not sure it can be applied to settlements, but technically this is all Underdark then +2 to each check)
Kaylyn spends some time pondering the gem, and is intrigued to learn that it somehow has been imbued with the Witch Bolt spell, and that she can use the gem to cast the spell a single time. She also learns that attuning her magic to the gem will allow her to imbue other simple spells into the gem once empty.
The group spend the better part of the day at the markets buying and selling, and meet together at the inn in the late afternoon.
Sekkar and Rhayna have agreed to go with Zeno in search for the shifty derro. Would that be this afternoon/evening, or wait until tomorrow?
Kaylyn and Joetaro seem to want to remain at the inn.
What about Kastix?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kastix will retreat to the inn for at least illusion of safety.
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneExplorer's Pack 10gp
Traveler's Clothes 2gp
Whip 3gp
Mace 6gp
Chain Shirt 60gp
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
OK, so we are splitting up at this point. I don't mind if you are aware of the other groups activities, but for the time being I'll put the two groups' narratives in spoilers to avoid confusion about what is happening to whom. The threads might become a bit disjointed depending on how fast each one progresses.
Sekkar, Zeno, Rhayna
Sekkar, Zeno and Rhayna agree to go and look for the mysterious derro seen in the bazaar. As they head up the stairs, Sarith runs to join them, saying he wants to see more of the duergar city. With the bazaar closing up for the day there are less people thronging the streets, but they are conscious that the ever-watchful Stone Guard could be anywhere invisibly watching. Making their way back toward the market, among the constant clanging of the forges, another sound is heard, followed by a sight most frightening.
A heavy whooshing of air grows louder, and turning to see the source of the sound, through the thick smoke and shimmering heat haze, the four travellers see a huge red dragon circling the city. It lands on one of the buildings not too far away, and breathes fire down through a chimney-like structure, before lifting off and flying to the next building. Incredibly, none of the local seem to pay it more than the most casual glance, suggesting that this dragon is a known and regular feature in the city, and seems to be maintaining the forge fires throughout the city. At one point it lands on a building very nearby, and after breathing fire down another chimney, the dragon appears to look directly at the four watchers. But a moment later it lifts off again and flies deeper into the city.
Searching through the market area, no certain trace can be seen of the derro, which is not surprising given the crowds that were here earlier. The last Rhayna saw of the creature, it was nearer to the docks, so they decide to search more in that direction. Unlike surface docks, the boats on shore of the underground lake don't bob up and down from wind and wave, but sit stationary on the surface of the dead-calm lake. The docks seems to be currently vacant save for a single male duergar standing at the end of a pier a short distance away (about 100 feet).
Suddenly, two duergar appear beside him and start to stab him viciously with glowing swords. The assassin's faces are masked and hooded.
Kastix, Kaylyn, Joetaro
Kastix, Kaylyn and Joetaro bid the others take care as they decide to remain at the inn. The same patrons are seen as before, now including the two hobgoblins who keep to themselves in the corner. Some of the deep gnomes are new, and others from the night before are now absent. The lone drow remains in the corner, watching all the others. The three travellers either keep to themselves in the dining room (cave) or retire to their rooms.
After about an hour, a small commotion is heard in the entry-room where the clerk sits. Six duergar have arrived and speak with the voice of authority to the clerk, then make their way through the inn. Most of the other 'outsiders' seem to know something of them, as they hush their voices and look down at their plates and cups, trying not to meet the gaze of the duergar. They appear to be some form of cleric, carrying maces and hammers, and wearing chain armour and cloaks fastened with a mithril pin depicting an arrow breaking on a shield.
The clerics appear to know exactly who they are searching for, and spread through the inn until they locate Kastix, Kaylyn and Joetaro, demanding that they come with them. Like most duergar in normal circumstances, they look like they mean business, but these ones in particular have an aura of authority and seem accustomed to being obeyed. After a thorough search of the inn, one of the cleric asks in Undercommon: Where are the other four?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Hummm... Guys, do you see that??" Says Rhyana fairly alarmed by the scene. She reaches for her pendant, just in case it is needed.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Joetaro turns to the duregar. "Why should we come with you?"
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Kaylyn grabs her stuff and follows the others as they are ushered together. She looks blankly at the one who seems to be demanding something by the tone of his voice. She replies in common "I don't understand what you are saying."
(It looks like everyone speaking Undercommon or Dwarven left the inn, though)
"Yes, I saw it too. Felt as if dragon looked right at us," agreed Sekkar. "Pretty sure I never met one before, why a sudden attention?"
"Oh, you are about the dwarf. Local politics, bad thing to interfere with. Even worse to be near by when guards find out. Especially if he is someone important - you help him and assassins come for you, you do not help - and blamed for the murder."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Joetaro, Kaylyn, Kastix:
(Oops - I thought at least one of you understood Undercommon)...
Seeing that neither of the three appear to understand his question, the cleric repeats it in Draconic. Kde sú ďalšie štyri?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kaylyn gives a bit of a look of confusion.
"The others? I don't know, they left a little while ago."
"Ohhh!!!" Rhayna's bookworm eyes open wide behind her thick glasses. "Of course... Of course. I, hum... I kinda knew that." She lets her pendant rest next to her, and quietly follows Sekkar. She tries not to look at the gruesome scene.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
(due to changing subclass, Kastix lost draconic langauges)
Kastix looks at his companion and just shrug, "I know that is something I shoulder undestand but I don't get any of that," After getting a translation, "Ask them if there's a problem?"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDone"They are asking where the others have gone." Kaylyn tells Kastix in common.
Turning her attention back to the questioners
"May we ask who you are and what is going on? We have done nothing but spend our coin here. We have caused no trouble."
“Glowing swords? What kind of assassins....” Zeno trailed off and ducked behind a stack of crates by the docks. “The merchant described a band of thieves. But she did mention calassabrak, outcast Duergar. I wonder if that jives with these guys. We could try and follow them?”
"Better than staying here, let's do it." Rhayna's new armour was not meant for stealth actions, but one girl should not look too suspicious, might as well shift attention from Sekkar and Zeno, keeping to the sides and shadows.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sekkar/Zeno/Rhayna:
Sarith agrees whole-heartedly that they should avoid becoming involved in local matters. Sekkar moves stealthily forwards, with Zeno, Rhayna and Sarith following. It is scarcely necessary to tread lightly with the constant hammerfalls echoing constantly through the city, but they try to keep hidden behind dockside boxes and mechanical lifts, staying within the shadows cast by the red glare from the city forges. It is easy to see the glowing swords of the bandits as they finish their grisly task, and the victim's body slumps to the pier. As the three try to draw closer, the sound of heavy boots can be heard going past, running toward the scene of the murder, although no figures can be seen. The bandits look up from their prey and turn sharply, appearing to have heard the footsteps also, and they suddenly vanish from sight. A moment later several duergar guards appear out of thin air, running toward the pier, and they fan out in an attempt to apprehend their invisible quarry.
All three make a Stealth check (Rhayna with disadvantage), and also a Perception check, all with disadvantage.
Sarith: Stealth: 10 Perception: 11
Joetaro/Kastix/Kaylyn:
The duergar cleric spokesman turns to Kaylyn, and gives her a look that although still stony with authority seems also a little less threatening than before. We are the Keepers of the Flame, he says. Our leader, Gartokkar Xundorn, has noted your presence in the city, and has summoned you to appear before him. You are not accused of anything at this time. If your companions are not present, then you will accompany us for now.
You can make an Insight check if you want to try to read his intentions.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kastix Insight: 21
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneKastix:
Although Kastix can't actually understand the duergar cleric's words, he reads in his face that his intent is non-hostile. It's just typical duergar stoicism, pragmatism and contempt for all non-duergar races.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Rhayan Stealth: 5 / Perception: 24
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Sekkar stealth: 14 perception: 8 (if for any reason it is counted as a Favourite terrain - not sure it can be applied to settlements, but technically this is all Underdark then +2 to each check)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice