"We don't want any more trouble," Tarek tells the halflings. "I must admit, this story of the zomblies is quite frightening. Not one that I have ever heard before, due to the fact that the men at the temple would not have dared to tell me." He whispers to Anakis, "Maybe you should give them back the hilt."
Nicolas sits near the halflings, trying to place himself close enough to suggest a level of trust without making them nervous. "What happened to your people sounds awful, but your ancestors should be proud. You all must be very skilled warriors to have made your way through such dangerous territory," he says, trying to layer his honeyed words with as much authenticity as he can fake. (Deception: 14) "Tell me, how long have you managed to survive down here?"
Seeing Tarek whisper to Anakis, Nicolas will try to subtly catch the tiefling's eyes. If he can, he will shake his head to indicate that she should keep the hilt.
Even with your vision, Anakis, it's too dim in the recess to make out any details. Remacle, who's now done with his story, looks on, poker-faced, as you examine the recess. "What might you be looking for, dearie? Is there anything I can do to help?" he asks kindly.
Noticing Ash watching them, one of the halfings, Remacle's right hand man who carries a spear, looks up from his meal and addresses Ash, saying, "Hello, my name's Medard Brownlock. I notice you also carry a spear. A fine weapon, don't you think? Trust me, we're not the ones you should be concerned about down here. In fact, I think if we work together and trust one another, we could be good friends."
"We won't give you any trouble," Remacle replies to Tarek. "We'll just stay here while your lot goes off exploring. I'm sure a heroic sort of person, such as yourself, will have this place sorted in no time. Just report back when you're done, and then we'll come behind and collect our bit of the treasure."
As you speak, Nicolas, Remacle seems to warm up to you. "Well, we try to get by on luck and sneaking, truth be told, which we halflings have quite a knack for, not that we're not also stout warriors, every one. We arrived here just this morning, actually, after a long, difficult journey, and then chanced to meet you here, which was a bit of a surprise at first. I think if we had some assurance that we could trust you big folk, however, that our two operations could work together fruitfully. To tell the truth, I've sunk a small fortune into this expedition, so I'm hoping for a good outcome, or I could wind up penniless."
"I dun see why not, though I'm not sure what kinda treasure'd've lured ya in here." Torrent looks at the halfling crew, especially Remacle. These little folk are gutsy to be sure, but also a bit daft to come down here in this godforsaken undercity. And truth told, Torrent believes he may be as well.
(Sorry for big gap in posts. I'm working on scheduling my own life again, and we've had some serious issues. Should be good for a while)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Salazar - Human Warlock of the Fiend (1) - The Lucarcian Incident
Shepherd Torrent Brallern Water Genasi Druid (1) - Ekuepool
Celeste Belle - Air Genasi Mutant Blood Hunter (1) - Old West
Ash is surprised at the question, but answers quickly. "If you know what your doing, it is possibly the best weapon ever invented. However, if your opponent does as well, it is far too easy to close the gap, and take advantage of your clumsy defence at close range." He taps his shield "That's what this is for."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nicolas will inch slightly closer to Remacle. "Perhaps there is something we can do to assure each other of our peaceful coexistence." Nicolas will reach into his backpack and pull out a hammer and stares at it as he speaks. "My grandfather built houses for most of his life. One day, he was hired to work for a rich nobleman who was having a large mansion built. My grandfather was a fearless man and when someone needed to work on the upper levels of the mansion where there was a massive risk of falling, he leapt at the chance. My grandmother found out about it and insisted that if he would be working under such dangerous conditions, she wanted to have his tools blessed." Nicolas holds up the hammer. "This was one of those tools. Sure enough, my grandfather fell to what would surely have been his doom if this hammer, securely hooked into his belt, had not caught on a beam and stopped his fall. Ever since then, it has been my family's good luck charm."
Nicolas holds the hammer out to Remacle. "I want you to take it. We already have your hilt, your family's good luck charm. Now you have mine. While each of us has the other's heirloom, we will know that we can trust each other as allies and friends. What do you say?"
(This entire story is a complete fabrication. It's just a hammer he happened to have in his pack. Deception: 8 Then if you need it, persuasion to take the deal. Persuasion: 18)
"I use more of a two-handed technique with the spear, myself," says Medard, getting to his feet to demonstrate his grip. "If an opponent tries to come in close and get past the point, I retract it to my lead hand for close-up fighting, or else I whack him on the head with the shaft That usually does the trick." He makes a few short thrusts and slashes into the air to show that by holding the shaft just below the blade, a spear is nearly as good as a sword in a close fight.
Remacle looks at the hammer, weighing something in his mind for a second, and then takes it. "You have a deal," he says, "but first, if we're to be partners in this, there's something I need to come clean about. That hilt is no good luck charm, although it is something of an heirloom. My great great grand-ancestor dropped it here by mistake as they were fleeing from the zomblies all those years ago, and it has sat here ever since. Like I said, we missed it on the way in because we couldn't see the writing in the dark, and we thought it must be farther along.
"But it wasn't a good luck charm. It's a key to that door there," he says, pointing at the wall with the red writing on it. "The pommel and the raised rune that you can see embossed upon it, when inserted into that hole in the wall, fit into a mechanism that, when turned, opens the door. Now you can open it, and we can get on with our adventure.
"I'll hang onto this for safekeeping," he says, stowing the hammer in his backpack.
Aluzira will sit cross-legged near Anakis listening to Remacle and Nicolas while watching Medard use the spear with interest. When Remacle mentions the hilt being the key she looks back to Anakis to see if she’ll use it.
Nicolas looks over to Anakis. “You here that Little Red? It looks like we’ve already got the key to whatever’s behind that door.” He will turn back to Remacle. “So just so we’re all on the same page here, do you foresee us all moving on together from here or going our separate ways and meeting back up at some point later on to swap stories of our daring deeds and victories?”
"Our plan is to go through that door," says Remacle, "so if that's what you're all on board for, the more the merrier, as they say. Assuming this has been closed up like this ever since the old city was abandoned, which looks to be the case, I figure there's less chance of there being hordes of zomblies in there than out here and more chance that treasure that was left behind is still intact for us to find. Since the key is in your possession, I suppose you have some idea of how you'd like to split the profits?"
"Well," says Tarek, "in case there are more zomblies behind this door, I'd suppose the more people there to fight them off, the better. As for treasure-wise, considering that this treasure was owned by your ancestors, we won't lighten too much off of it. I say we split it 90-10. 90 for you and your friends, 10 for us."
Remacle looks from one to the other of you, not sure if Tarek's proposal is to be taken seriously. "Those terms sound most agreeable," he says carefully, "but if I'm going to be completely honest, I'm hoping to find more than just the wealth of my ancestors down here. Many peoples fled Ekuepool in those days, and left many things of great value behind, if the tales are true. Whilst knowledge of the key and this hidden door were passed down through my family, I'm not really sure what we can expect to find behind this wall once we get in. It's as much a mystery to me as it is to you."
"Well," he says to Anakis, "are you ready to produce the key? You were the one who last had it, if I recall correctly. Do you have any misgivings, or are you ready to try the key in the lock and to find out what awaits us within?"
Aluzira nods in agreement with Tarek saying, “That sounds fair, I think,” before fidgeting with her dagger. She was glad that everyone wasn’t fighting, and would possibly be working together.
Anakis looks around to everyone, eyes suddenly on her as the centre of attention. She turns back to the lock, the hilt suddenly back in her hand between her and the wall. She places the hilt in the recess and turns it, slowly, listening for any sounds that might indicate something other than a lock such as a trap (Perception: 12).
As first the pommel and then the full length of the grip is inserted into the recess until only its guard remains exposed by which to turn it, the irregular shape of the pommel and the rune it bears lock into place, and as it is turned, you can hear the soft grinding of a stone plate sliding inside the wall which opens where the hairline cracks were visible, pivoting around a central point and allowing you to see in or enter on either side.
The door opens onto a large room. Only Anakis can make out the far wall about eighty feet away. She can see that the room is empty, save for a patina of mold that grows along the floor and up the walls, and has a high vaulted ceiling. It appears that water has slowly intruded over time from the city above, depositing minerals that have formed stalactites that hang here and there. You can't see any exits from where you're standing outside the room.
Peering into the darkness with his torch, Remacle whispers, "Just as I had hoped, this room appears to be uninhabited. If it proves to be secure, it'll be a good place to hole up if we run into anything dangerous."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Anakis, struck in awe at the hidden room, steps through the doorway and looks around at the large room (Perception: 7). She'd never seen anything like this before, having only ever grown up on the streets. The formations on the roof looked amazing but the damp, dank smell of the fungus and mould growing was a familiar smell from the damp streets of the town on the swamp.
Aluzira nods in understanding to what Remacle had said and remains quiet, watching Anakis examine the door.
Anakis' Wisdom Check: 4
"We don't want any more trouble," Tarek tells the halflings. "I must admit, this story of the zomblies is quite frightening. Not one that I have ever heard before, due to the fact that the men at the temple would not have dared to tell me." He whispers to Anakis, "Maybe you should give them back the hilt."
Nicolas sits near the halflings, trying to place himself close enough to suggest a level of trust without making them nervous. "What happened to your people sounds awful, but your ancestors should be proud. You all must be very skilled warriors to have made your way through such dangerous territory," he says, trying to layer his honeyed words with as much authenticity as he can fake. (Deception: 14) "Tell me, how long have you managed to survive down here?"
Seeing Tarek whisper to Anakis, Nicolas will try to subtly catch the tiefling's eyes. If he can, he will shake his head to indicate that she should keep the hilt.
Even with your vision, Anakis, it's too dim in the recess to make out any details. Remacle, who's now done with his story, looks on, poker-faced, as you examine the recess. "What might you be looking for, dearie? Is there anything I can do to help?" he asks kindly.
Noticing Ash watching them, one of the halfings, Remacle's right hand man who carries a spear, looks up from his meal and addresses Ash, saying, "Hello, my name's Medard Brownlock. I notice you also carry a spear. A fine weapon, don't you think? Trust me, we're not the ones you should be concerned about down here. In fact, I think if we work together and trust one another, we could be good friends."
"We won't give you any trouble," Remacle replies to Tarek. "We'll just stay here while your lot goes off exploring. I'm sure a heroic sort of person, such as yourself, will have this place sorted in no time. Just report back when you're done, and then we'll come behind and collect our bit of the treasure."
As you speak, Nicolas, Remacle seems to warm up to you. "Well, we try to get by on luck and sneaking, truth be told, which we halflings have quite a knack for, not that we're not also stout warriors, every one. We arrived here just this morning, actually, after a long, difficult journey, and then chanced to meet you here, which was a bit of a surprise at first. I think if we had some assurance that we could trust you big folk, however, that our two operations could work together fruitfully. To tell the truth, I've sunk a small fortune into this expedition, so I'm hoping for a good outcome, or I could wind up penniless."
"I dun see why not, though I'm not sure what kinda treasure'd've lured ya in here." Torrent looks at the halfling crew, especially Remacle. These little folk are gutsy to be sure, but also a bit daft to come down here in this godforsaken undercity. And truth told, Torrent believes he may be as well.
(Sorry for big gap in posts. I'm working on scheduling my own life again, and we've had some serious issues. Should be good for a while)
Salazar - Human Warlock of the Fiend (1) - The Lucarcian Incident
Shepherd Torrent Brallern Water Genasi Druid (1) - Ekuepool
Celeste Belle - Air Genasi Mutant Blood Hunter (1) - Old West
DM for A Waterdhavian Heist
Ash is surprised at the question, but answers quickly. "If you know what your doing, it is possibly the best weapon ever invented. However, if your opponent does as well, it is far too easy to close the gap, and take advantage of your clumsy defence at close range." He taps his shield "That's what this is for."
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
Nicolas will inch slightly closer to Remacle. "Perhaps there is something we can do to assure each other of our peaceful coexistence." Nicolas will reach into his backpack and pull out a hammer and stares at it as he speaks. "My grandfather built houses for most of his life. One day, he was hired to work for a rich nobleman who was having a large mansion built. My grandfather was a fearless man and when someone needed to work on the upper levels of the mansion where there was a massive risk of falling, he leapt at the chance. My grandmother found out about it and insisted that if he would be working under such dangerous conditions, she wanted to have his tools blessed." Nicolas holds up the hammer. "This was one of those tools. Sure enough, my grandfather fell to what would surely have been his doom if this hammer, securely hooked into his belt, had not caught on a beam and stopped his fall. Ever since then, it has been my family's good luck charm."
Nicolas holds the hammer out to Remacle. "I want you to take it. We already have your hilt, your family's good luck charm. Now you have mine. While each of us has the other's heirloom, we will know that we can trust each other as allies and friends. What do you say?"
(This entire story is a complete fabrication. It's just a hammer he happened to have in his pack. Deception: 8 Then if you need it, persuasion to take the deal. Persuasion: 18)
"I use more of a two-handed technique with the spear, myself," says Medard, getting to his feet to demonstrate his grip. "If an opponent tries to come in close and get past the point, I retract it to my lead hand for close-up fighting, or else I whack him on the head with the shaft That usually does the trick." He makes a few short thrusts and slashes into the air to show that by holding the shaft just below the blade, a spear is nearly as good as a sword in a close fight.
Remacle looks at the hammer, weighing something in his mind for a second, and then takes it. "You have a deal," he says, "but first, if we're to be partners in this, there's something I need to come clean about. That hilt is no good luck charm, although it is something of an heirloom. My great great grand-ancestor dropped it here by mistake as they were fleeing from the zomblies all those years ago, and it has sat here ever since. Like I said, we missed it on the way in because we couldn't see the writing in the dark, and we thought it must be farther along.
"But it wasn't a good luck charm. It's a key to that door there," he says, pointing at the wall with the red writing on it. "The pommel and the raised rune that you can see embossed upon it, when inserted into that hole in the wall, fit into a mechanism that, when turned, opens the door. Now you can open it, and we can get on with our adventure.
"I'll hang onto this for safekeeping," he says, stowing the hammer in his backpack.
Aluzira will sit cross-legged near Anakis listening to Remacle and Nicolas while watching Medard use the spear with interest. When Remacle mentions the hilt being the key she looks back to Anakis to see if she’ll use it.
Nicolas looks over to Anakis. “You here that Little Red? It looks like we’ve already got the key to whatever’s behind that door.” He will turn back to Remacle. “So just so we’re all on the same page here, do you foresee us all moving on together from here or going our separate ways and meeting back up at some point later on to swap stories of our daring deeds and victories?”
"Our plan is to go through that door," says Remacle, "so if that's what you're all on board for, the more the merrier, as they say. Assuming this has been closed up like this ever since the old city was abandoned, which looks to be the case, I figure there's less chance of there being hordes of zomblies in there than out here and more chance that treasure that was left behind is still intact for us to find. Since the key is in your possession, I suppose you have some idea of how you'd like to split the profits?"
"Well," says Tarek, "in case there are more zomblies behind this door, I'd suppose the more people there to fight them off, the better. As for treasure-wise, considering that this treasure was owned by your ancestors, we won't lighten too much off of it. I say we split it 90-10. 90 for you and your friends, 10 for us."
Remacle looks from one to the other of you, not sure if Tarek's proposal is to be taken seriously. "Those terms sound most agreeable," he says carefully, "but if I'm going to be completely honest, I'm hoping to find more than just the wealth of my ancestors down here. Many peoples fled Ekuepool in those days, and left many things of great value behind, if the tales are true. Whilst knowledge of the key and this hidden door were passed down through my family, I'm not really sure what we can expect to find behind this wall once we get in. It's as much a mystery to me as it is to you."
"Well," he says to Anakis, "are you ready to produce the key? You were the one who last had it, if I recall correctly. Do you have any misgivings, or are you ready to try the key in the lock and to find out what awaits us within?"
Aluzira nods in agreement with Tarek saying, “That sounds fair, I think,” before fidgeting with her dagger. She was glad that everyone wasn’t fighting, and would possibly be working together.
Anakis looks around to everyone, eyes suddenly on her as the centre of attention. She turns back to the lock, the hilt suddenly back in her hand between her and the wall. She places the hilt in the recess and turns it, slowly, listening for any sounds that might indicate something other than a lock such as a trap (Perception: 12).
As first the pommel and then the full length of the grip is inserted into the recess until only its guard remains exposed by which to turn it, the irregular shape of the pommel and the rune it bears lock into place, and as it is turned, you can hear the soft grinding of a stone plate sliding inside the wall which opens where the hairline cracks were visible, pivoting around a central point and allowing you to see in or enter on either side.
The door opens onto a large room. Only Anakis can make out the far wall about eighty feet away. She can see that the room is empty, save for a patina of mold that grows along the floor and up the walls, and has a high vaulted ceiling. It appears that water has slowly intruded over time from the city above, depositing minerals that have formed stalactites that hang here and there. You can't see any exits from where you're standing outside the room.
Peering into the darkness with his torch, Remacle whispers, "Just as I had hoped, this room appears to be uninhabited. If it proves to be secure, it'll be a good place to hole up if we run into anything dangerous."
Ash holds up his hand. "Wait! I wouldn't go in without checking it first. Who knows what kind of traps could be down here?"
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
"Good idea!" says Tarek. "Why don't you go in and check?"
Anakis, struck in awe at the hidden room, steps through the doorway and looks around at the large room (Perception: 7). She'd never seen anything like this before, having only ever grown up on the streets. The formations on the roof looked amazing but the damp, dank smell of the fungus and mould growing was a familiar smell from the damp streets of the town on the swamp.