Royan turned and saw a a half-elf women in a dark blue cloak entering the inn. Even without the comment from the innkeeper he would have known she did not belong here. Without moving toward her he dipped his head and indicated greeting. 

If she approaches he will say, “I see I am not the only visitor to the town at this time. My name is Royan.”

"Greetings Royan, I am Kaylyn.  I believe our paths may have joined.   Seems I'm saying that a lot in the last couple of hours. "  she laughs as she says it. "I understand that you may will be headed for the Citadel to seek the lost children of the lady at the inn.  I bid you join me and some others that will be headed there tomorrow.   It seems there are a few of us that have come to this town and seek the Sunless Citadel,  each for our own reasons.   We can work together on what may prove to be a dangerous journey.   We plan to meet in the morning here at the inn if you care to join us."

She looks at the man expectantly. 

"Well, the kids are gonna have to be secondary. I was actually headed that way already, looking for someone else. A Flame of the Flaming Fist who came by this way to investigate some strange goings-on. He hasn't been seen for a while. I figured if I can help find these kids at the same time, I might as well. Do favours for the right people and who knows how they might help you down the line." Royan grins at the young half-elf. "You know, it would be great to have others to work with on this. Who knows what we might find at those ruins. Let me go soak for a bit and get some rest. I will definitely meet you in the morning." Royan excuses himself and heads for his room.

The inn is simple but comfortable, and the food in the morning is hearty and refreshing. One by one you assemble in the common room, noting that four others are present – some of whom you recognise from the day before. Before long you are each aware that all intend to travel to the ruins of the Sunless Citadel, albeit for different reasons, and you agree to travel together.

Your information is that the ruins lie about 7 miles distant on the Old Road, a long-abandoned trade route extending from the south of the village. The farmland on the south side of the village extends for about a half-mile, and it doesn’t take too long to locate the remnants of the road.

The overgrown Old Road winds south through rocky downs, with stands of old-growth oak and the occasional abandoned farm scattered across the western landscape. Further west the fringes of the Wood of Sharp Teeth can be seen as a green line on the horizon. To the east, the plain is ash-black and lifeless, the result of some unidentifiable desolation.

As the morning wears on, about 6 miles out of Oakhurst the Old Road draws close to a narrow ravine on the west. Following the road parallel to the ravine for a further mile, at the cleft’s widest point, several broken pillars jut from the earth. Two of the pillars stand straight, but most lean atop sloped earth. Others are broken, and several have apparently fallen into the dark depths. A few similar pillars are visible on the far side of the ravine. A sturdy, knotted rope is tied to one of the leaning pillars on this side of the ravine.

(OOC: I’ve covered a lot here, for the sake of keeping the pace. I’ll allow some time to comment on any part of this narrative, from the inn to the journey south, further role play between characters, and intentions at the ravine.

Ireniana nods at the others gathered at the inn. "Good morning to you all. I am Ireniana and I am here on a rescue mission, similar to you. I am good with my blades. If we stick together, I think we can finish this job quickly."

In the morning Rhayna goes to meet the strangers she met yesterday in the common room, she hopes that they haven’t left to the Citadel yet. She is still wearing the matte dark purple lipstick, but she is decidedly wearing a different ensemble today.

Before leaving to the town of Oakhurst. Rhayna went to the “Adventurer’s Shop” closest to the library that she managed in Candlekeep. There, the shop owner presented her with the latest fashion in ancient shrines spelunking. Unfortunately, the shop did not carry her size for her desired color, black, so she settled for the closest size that was available. Thus, the outfit is slightly loose on her. She also has attached a chain to her spectacles. One of her greatest fears is loosing them, for she is basically blind without them. As she got closer to the table, one is able to notice that there is a cut above her chin, that it wasn’t there the previous day. She is still wearing her pendant on her left hip, but now she has a whip on her right hip. The whip, which has a red handle, does not look newly purchased, on the contrary, it looks worn, but it is still functional.

"Good morning all. It seems that we have more companions. My name is Rhayna Nursk. I am ready to depart... Whenever everyone is ready. I believe." Rhayna declares.

Kastix eyes the newcomers "Kastix. Let's getting going then. Do try not to fall back. WE want different things but we're heading in same spot right?" He pushes his meal away from himself and move to door, opening it up then holding it open for them. 

On the journey, Kastix would walk near the back to keep an eye on his traveling companions. He keeps an eye out for any signs of goblin activity as they make their way to the entrance to the Citadel. 

After looking over the site, Kastix will point out evidence of campfires "Earliest one seems to be about a month old. Rope's still here so they're probably still inside. If they're alive or not is the question with goblins around"

Royan makes his way into to the common room where he meets up with Kaylyn from the evening before. As he eats a hearty breakfast, Royan is introduced to the others. Kastix caught his attention in particular. Tieflings, while not unknown, we’re not common in this area. He did seem very efficient in his actions though and just  seemed to want to get things done. 

After the introductions and plans for the day were made, Royan found himself back on the road. The plains here were even more desolate than his trip to Oakenhurst. 

After a few hours they came across an interesting sight. The posts on either side of the ravine were either markers of some kind for what lay below, or they were the support posts for a bridge that once stood here. Either way, the signs were clear others had been here before, and had decided to investigate the ravine. 

As Kastix is talking, Royan walks over to the rope tied to the post to check it. If he is going to end up using it he wanted to make sure it was secure and that it could still carry someone of his weight. 

Perception: 5

Quote from Sixfoot10 >>

 

As Kastix is talking, Royan walks over to the rope tied to the post to check it. If he is going to end up using it he wanted to make sure it was secure and that it could still carry someone of his weight. 

Perception: 5

 It appears to be sturdy and well-tied.

After having checked the rope, Royan peers over the edge of the ravine to see if he can spot anything below. He holds on to the rope for support so he can get close to the edge. 

Perception: 15

He then heads back to the others to relay what he sees. 

Looking over the edge of the ravine, you can see the rope descending into the dark chasm. Older and weathered handholds and footholds can also be seen carved into the cliff face. About 50 feet below, you can see a sandy ledge, overlooking a subterranean gulf of darkness. 

After listening to Royan information, Kastix will give the rope a few tugs before turning to everyone asking "So who's first or should I? Those people are not going to be good shape the longer we take" Kastix will be first to climb down if no one volunteers to climb down. 

“My little tiefling, I mean no offence, but maybe Ireniana or myself should go first. If there is a threat below we would hate to lose you so soon.”

Rhayna will raise her hands. "Hummm. I will volunteer to go last... If that is OK with you folks. I shall pray to the Goddess for Guidance to our group." As whomever goes down the rope, Rhayna touchs the person as he/she starts to descent.

Ireniana nods as she turns to the rest of the group. "I can go down first." She nods at Rhayna. "Thank you for your generous prayer."

Ireniana will climb down the rope.

Athletics 15

Guidance bonus - 1

Total - 10

(OOC: This is what I get for rolling four 20's during my earlier session)

Quote from Al_the_bard >>

Ireniana nods as she turns to the rest of the group. "I can go down first." She nods at Rhayna. "Thank you for your generous prayer."

Ireniana will climb down the rope.

Athletics 7

 

(OOC: This is what I get for rolling four 20's during my earlier session)

 OOC: remember you can use guidance on the roll

(OOC: That's right - thank you. I added the Guidance bonus. A little better.)

For when it's Kastix's turn to climb down the rope. He really doesn't want to be first nor last to climb down. Kastix twitches as Rhayna touches him before climbing down the rope.

Athletics: 14

 Rhayna looks at Ireniana with apprehension as she descent into the dark chasm. "Do be careful!!"

(I will wait for everyone to go down, then I will roll. I just want to make sure someone is down there when..., I mean if, Rhayna falls.)

Royan waits until Kastix reaches the ledge and then follows him down. He thanks Rhayna as she touches him on the arm as he prepares to climb. 

Athletics: 23

Guidance: 1

Forgot to add proficiency: 2

Total = 19