She steps back, and looks to the rest of the group to see if they have questions....before taking a deep breath and heading down the tunnel she mentioned. Anyone close to her hears her repeating "Dasco Pickshine....Nomi Pathshutter...Dasco Pickshine....Nomi Pathshutter..." over and over under her breath.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Idle curiosity is never a good thing especially when people are summoning something that big. Sekkar glanced at the earth elemental and decided it would be better to put some distance between the party and that thing - who knows if the gnomes will be able to control it truly and to what extend. He just shook his head and followed Pax to the mines. Once they get their guide and reach the gates, they might find directions to the surface there.
Rhayna tries to calm down the spores swirling around her, and she approaches Nomi. She takes out her Journal, and prepares to log her findings. "This is fascinating. May I ask you some questions? It is purely for research purpose of course." Says the cleric truly fascinated with the summoning, as she tries her best smile, and extends her hands. "Name is Rhayna Nursk. Cleric in service of Selune. Of late, I have been a travelling scholar cataloging all the wonderful things in the Underdark. With the occasional demon lord here and there to make life interesting. Say, what is the purpose of summoning earth elementals?" Rhyana looks around to see if she can discern any pattern. "You know, I once saw a very weird summoning in this cavern at Gracklstugh. Now, this is definitely much prettier. More... Orderly."
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."
Evidently Nomi's pity for the group doesn't quite extend to full friendliness, and she refrains from accepting Rhayna's offered hand, but she does manage to at least reply politely, albeit a little impatiently. As the others slowly move away, Nomi says to Rhayna: The elementals are to bolster Bligdenstone's defenses, as well as providing labor that we cannot manage ourselves. The stone from these caverns is infused with faerzress, and produces stronger elementals, as well as more powerful control items. We of the Stoneheart Enclave are well-versed in such magics. I regret our leader, Yantha Coaxrock, isn't here to manage affairs, or I might have the freedom to indulge your academic interests. Looking around, Rhayna can see that the spellcasters comprise mainly mages and druids, but a few appear to be priests. At Rhayna's query, Nomi briefly replies that the remaining priesthood of the deep gnome gods Segojan Earthcaller and Callarduran Smoothhands also affiliate with the Stoneheart Enclave. She then excuses herself and returns to her duties.
The group travel a few hundred feet further until they find the tunnel widen into another small cavern. The elemental wranglers continue onward, but to one side there is an entrance to another large tunnel surrounded by numerous wagons and barrows. Gnomes emerge from the tunnel with barrows laden full of ore and load it into the wagons, while a dozen well-armed gnomes look on diligently. At the sight of the newcomers, half of the guards approach accompanied by four creatures that just a moment ago appeared to be ordinary boulders. A slightly tense exchange follows, with the guards challenging the group's presence and intentions, and Pax doing her best to patiently respond, with Sekkar again trying to keep everyone's nerves calmed. Nomi's referral is offered, and two of the guards leave to find Dasco Pickshine, then return with a nuggety old gnome with a limp and a palsied face. Ye be offering yerselves for escort duty then? Dasco drawls. I won't object, though I'll not be offering ye pay if that's what yer after. Do the job without any trouble and ye might find they'll be willing to trade with ye at the gate, if that's what yer after. The old gnome pauses then as if awaiting acceptance of the job or any questions or negotiations.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kaylyn looks around at the others. "That seems fair to me. We are trying to reach the gates and if there is trouble along the way we will gladly assist you as you would also be assisting us as well. Seems a fair trade for the moment, mutual aid in a time of need." She looks back at Dasco, "What kind of trouble do you need guarding from?"
Dasco rubs his chin and replies: Usually just the regular critters - darkmantles, oozes, and such. But lately there be much nastier things about. Demons and the like. Enough to give anyone the heebie-jeebies.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
A few more barrow-loads are tipped into a wagon and the convoy is ready to depart. The accompanying gnomes eye the group suspiciously for the first third of the short journey, but seem to relax a bit when they are satisfied the surfacers mean them no ill will. It is blessedly uneventful guard duty, and the slow-moving wagons, pulled by large lizards, make the trip unaccosted by the denizens of the deep.
The cavern once more widens and looming out of the darkness can be seen a wide staircase rising to a broad terrace before a large gate. The wagons divert to a small side tunnel where they are loaded onto sleds and pulled by a giant chain up a sloping tunnel, but the group are directed to the base of the staircase. At least eight armed gnomes stand guard before the gate, accompanied by several earth elementals.
Four of the gnomes descend from the terrace and silently stand before the group. One holds out a small gem (around which Kaylyn can detect an aura of divination) and waves it around wordlessly, looking not so much directly at the group as around and behind them, then turns and nods to another gnome who steps forward. State your business! he demands harshly in Undercommon.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Pax eagerly steps forward, pulling her helmet off and holding it between an arm and her body, while she uses her free hand to brush her tangled red hair out of her face. "Right. Yes. Thank you. We are travelers from the surface...obvious I guess...and we are here to seek a guide back to the surface, and also to trade...we have goods to trade." *ahem*. She clears her throat once more. "Oh...and maybe a place to rest for a bit...and...if you have baths?"
She glances around and steps back, done her introduction.
Pax:
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
The gnome captain responds curtly: Trade we can. State what you seek and I'll have the relevant merchants called. But a guide we cannot provide. Chief's orders. And no admittance to the city for outsiders except friends or invited guests of city residents. He then adds: I'm sorry.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
She seems to remember something, "Oh...oh..and we've been traveling the underdark for a while now and know valuable information. Probably stuff your chief should know. About demons and mushroom people and stuff that's going on. We'd trade the knowledge for safe haven inside your city..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
"We can be friends," interject Sekkar. "Would not say no to an invitation either. But if you refuse a guide to us - how about a direction? Though if I would want strangers to leave my place, I would send someone with them to make sure they are truly gone."
The captain contemplates Pax's words and then instructs one of the guards to fetch someone named Gurnik. The guard departs and the captain states: Many strange tales have come to us of late. Gurnik Tapfinger is our head priest and will hear your information. For that we can offer you supplies. Turning to Sekkar he responds: Your presence is not unwelcome, and you may remain here if you wish to continue to trade your goods or services for food. But you are not permitted to lodge within the city, nor can we spare any to guide you. Then turning back to Pax the captain says: Safe haven? From who or what do you seek sanctuary?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Rhayna looks around to see if she can find anyone sporting a very familiar whip...
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."
As Kaylyn answers, one of the other guards looks closer at the group. With eyes narrowed it asks: Escaped prisoners? Where did you escape from? Was there a svirfneblin with you?
Sekkar looked at the Gurnik thoughtfully, made a pause and slowly answered "There were three. We knew them as Jimjar, Topsy and Turvy. Wanted nothing more but to return to Bligdenstone. Got killed during our escape."
The gnome guards look at each other with raised bushy eyebrows, and another one hurries away as the first returns with the priest. But before any introductions are made, they converse briefly in low voices in Gnomish. The priest then approaches, looks to Sekkar with a sombre expression that is belied by a sparkle in his eye, and says with a rather comically squeaky voice:
"I am Gurnik. Jimjar was indeed one of us. I'm sorry to hear of his death. Could you share with us how it happened? For this information we would be glad to offer refreshments and one night of lodging within the city."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
After hearing Sekkar's account of Jimjar, and the little deep gnomes. Rhayna takes out her Journal, and frantically searches for something. She discreetly approaches Sekkar, and whispers to his ears. "Actually, I believe we lost Jimjar in the confusion in Sloobludop. I think that's when Demogorgon made his big entrance, and everybody went their way. As for the little ones, we lost Topsy and Turvy while escaping Velkynvelve. If my notes, and my memory serves me well, of course." Rhayna flips through some pages to make sure her statements are accurate.
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."
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Pax nods, "Thank you ma'am."
She steps back, and looks to the rest of the group to see if they have questions....before taking a deep breath and heading down the tunnel she mentioned. Anyone close to her hears her repeating "Dasco Pickshine....Nomi Pathshutter...Dasco Pickshine....Nomi Pathshutter..." over and over under her breath.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Idle curiosity is never a good thing especially when people are summoning something that big. Sekkar glanced at the earth elemental and decided it would be better to put some distance between the party and that thing - who knows if the gnomes will be able to control it truly and to what extend. He just shook his head and followed Pax to the mines. Once they get their guide and reach the gates, they might find directions to the surface there.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Rhayna tries to calm down the spores swirling around her, and she approaches Nomi. She takes out her Journal, and prepares to log her findings. "This is fascinating. May I ask you some questions? It is purely for research purpose of course." Says the cleric truly fascinated with the summoning, as she tries her best smile, and extends her hands. "Name is Rhayna Nursk. Cleric in service of Selune. Of late, I have been a travelling scholar cataloging all the wonderful things in the Underdark. With the occasional demon lord here and there to make life interesting. Say, what is the purpose of summoning earth elementals?" Rhyana looks around to see if she can discern any pattern. "You know, I once saw a very weird summoning in this cavern at Gracklstugh. Now, this is definitely much prettier. More... Orderly."
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."
Evidently Nomi's pity for the group doesn't quite extend to full friendliness, and she refrains from accepting Rhayna's offered hand, but she does manage to at least reply politely, albeit a little impatiently. As the others slowly move away, Nomi says to Rhayna: The elementals are to bolster Bligdenstone's defenses, as well as providing labor that we cannot manage ourselves. The stone from these caverns is infused with faerzress, and produces stronger elementals, as well as more powerful control items. We of the Stoneheart Enclave are well-versed in such magics. I regret our leader, Yantha Coaxrock, isn't here to manage affairs, or I might have the freedom to indulge your academic interests. Looking around, Rhayna can see that the spellcasters comprise mainly mages and druids, but a few appear to be priests. At Rhayna's query, Nomi briefly replies that the remaining priesthood of the deep gnome gods Segojan Earthcaller and Callarduran Smoothhands also affiliate with the Stoneheart Enclave. She then excuses herself and returns to her duties.
The group travel a few hundred feet further until they find the tunnel widen into another small cavern. The elemental wranglers continue onward, but to one side there is an entrance to another large tunnel surrounded by numerous wagons and barrows. Gnomes emerge from the tunnel with barrows laden full of ore and load it into the wagons, while a dozen well-armed gnomes look on diligently. At the sight of the newcomers, half of the guards approach accompanied by four creatures that just a moment ago appeared to be ordinary boulders. A slightly tense exchange follows, with the guards challenging the group's presence and intentions, and Pax doing her best to patiently respond, with Sekkar again trying to keep everyone's nerves calmed. Nomi's referral is offered, and two of the guards leave to find Dasco Pickshine, then return with a nuggety old gnome with a limp and a palsied face. Ye be offering yerselves for escort duty then? Dasco drawls. I won't object, though I'll not be offering ye pay if that's what yer after. Do the job without any trouble and ye might find they'll be willing to trade with ye at the gate, if that's what yer after. The old gnome pauses then as if awaiting acceptance of the job or any questions or negotiations.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kaylyn looks around at the others. "That seems fair to me. We are trying to reach the gates and if there is trouble along the way we will gladly assist you as you would also be assisting us as well. Seems a fair trade for the moment, mutual aid in a time of need." She looks back at Dasco, "What kind of trouble do you need guarding from?"
Dasco rubs his chin and replies: Usually just the regular critters - darkmantles, oozes, and such. But lately there be much nastier things about. Demons and the like. Enough to give anyone the heebie-jeebies.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Pax nods, and slips her helmet over her head, "Fair deal. Let's do this. Tell us which way to go, we'll take point."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
A few more barrow-loads are tipped into a wagon and the convoy is ready to depart. The accompanying gnomes eye the group suspiciously for the first third of the short journey, but seem to relax a bit when they are satisfied the surfacers mean them no ill will. It is blessedly uneventful guard duty, and the slow-moving wagons, pulled by large lizards, make the trip unaccosted by the denizens of the deep.
The cavern once more widens and looming out of the darkness can be seen a wide staircase rising to a broad terrace before a large gate. The wagons divert to a small side tunnel where they are loaded onto sleds and pulled by a giant chain up a sloping tunnel, but the group are directed to the base of the staircase. At least eight armed gnomes stand guard before the gate, accompanied by several earth elementals.
Four of the gnomes descend from the terrace and silently stand before the group. One holds out a small gem (around which Kaylyn can detect an aura of divination) and waves it around wordlessly, looking not so much directly at the group as around and behind them, then turns and nods to another gnome who steps forward. State your business! he demands harshly in Undercommon.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Pax eagerly steps forward, pulling her helmet off and holding it between an arm and her body, while she uses her free hand to brush her tangled red hair out of her face. "Right. Yes. Thank you. We are travelers from the surface...obvious I guess...and we are here to seek a guide back to the surface, and also to trade...we have goods to trade." *ahem*. She clears her throat once more. "Oh...and maybe a place to rest for a bit...and...if you have baths?"
She glances around and steps back, done her introduction.
Pax:
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
The gnome captain responds curtly: Trade we can. State what you seek and I'll have the relevant merchants called. But a guide we cannot provide. Chief's orders. And no admittance to the city for outsiders except friends or invited guests of city residents. He then adds: I'm sorry.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
She seems to remember something, "Oh...oh..and we've been traveling the underdark for a while now and know valuable information. Probably stuff your chief should know. About demons and mushroom people and stuff that's going on. We'd trade the knowledge for safe haven inside your city..."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"We can be friends," interject Sekkar. "Would not say no to an invitation either. But if you refuse a guide to us - how about a direction? Though if I would want strangers to leave my place, I would send someone with them to make sure they are truly gone."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The captain contemplates Pax's words and then instructs one of the guards to fetch someone named Gurnik. The guard departs and the captain states: Many strange tales have come to us of late. Gurnik Tapfinger is our head priest and will hear your information. For that we can offer you supplies. Turning to Sekkar he responds: Your presence is not unwelcome, and you may remain here if you wish to continue to trade your goods or services for food. But you are not permitted to lodge within the city, nor can we spare any to guide you. Then turning back to Pax the captain says: Safe haven? From who or what do you seek sanctuary?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kaylyn doesn't hesitate for a moment and answers this last question.
"The drow. We are hunted by the drow. We were taken as prisoners and escaped. Now we seek a way back to the surface, back to our own lands."
Rhayna looks around to see if she can find anyone sporting a very familiar whip...
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."
As Kaylyn answers, one of the other guards looks closer at the group. With eyes narrowed it asks: Escaped prisoners? Where did you escape from? Was there a svirfneblin with you?
There is no sign of Rhayna's whip.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Pax stands quietly by, looking to her friends for their answer. She has no idea about any svirfneblin.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Sekkar looked at the Gurnik thoughtfully, made a pause and slowly answered "There were three. We knew them as Jimjar, Topsy and Turvy. Wanted nothing more but to return to Bligdenstone. Got killed during our escape."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The gnome guards look at each other with raised bushy eyebrows, and another one hurries away as the first returns with the priest. But before any introductions are made, they converse briefly in low voices in Gnomish. The priest then approaches, looks to Sekkar with a sombre expression that is belied by a sparkle in his eye, and says with a rather comically squeaky voice:
"I am Gurnik. Jimjar was indeed one of us. I'm sorry to hear of his death. Could you share with us how it happened? For this information we would be glad to offer refreshments and one night of lodging within the city."
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
After hearing Sekkar's account of Jimjar, and the little deep gnomes. Rhayna takes out her Journal, and frantically searches for something. She discreetly approaches Sekkar, and whispers to his ears. "Actually, I believe we lost Jimjar in the confusion in Sloobludop. I think that's when Demogorgon made his big entrance, and everybody went their way. As for the little ones, we lost Topsy and Turvy while escaping Velkynvelve. If my notes, and my memory serves me well, of course." Rhayna flips through some pages to make sure her statements are accurate.
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."