Rhogar smiles softly, and during the process of setting up camp conveyed Gorrah's whereabouts. "Though honestly speaking, she's more than likely to just play her new elemental friend, than anything."He said with chuckle to his voice, then sighed in exasperation. "Sometimes it makes me wonder if... eh, if the only reason Brother Vixix assigned her to me had been simply to get rid of her." He adds half-jokingly. Though granted given the Dragonborn's background and nature, the jest might be a touch harder to hear in the moment.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"It's decided then, we leave at first light." nods Krom after taking another sip from his mug. "I do not know your Brother Vixx, but I am sure that he assigned her to you knowing that she were going to be helpful in your travels. Gorrah is a valuable member of our Fellowship." says the dwarf patting the dragonborn on the back.
"I... How can you not know of Brother Vixix?!" Rhogar exclaims in very genuine surprise. Yet just as it looked as if he might add more, the Dragonborn's jaws clamp back shut at a thought. One that seems to send him on a small journey as he continued to look thoughtful for a long moment, before then letting out hearty laugh. "I cannot believe! In all this time we've known each other, it only NOW occurs to me that I've never really spoken of Brother Vixix! Referenced him, certainly, but never directly about him. Ahh~ I am sorry my friends for depriving you of such knowledge! But if you would allow me to tonight over our evening meal, I would happily share many a tale of my Brother... Well, technically more a divine grand parent than brother. But such is the closeness of our relationship that he's as much a brother to me as you all have become my closest companions in this world." He said enthusiastically.
And true to his words, if the party allots for it, Rhogar happily overtakes much of any campfire talk that evening with the many tales, stories, lessons, and so on of Rhogar's "Brother Vixix". Who he in time clarifies is a majestic, blue-skinned Kirin who yet still watched over him, granting great insights during times of rest, as well as help bolster him as Rhogar continues to undergo some kind of rite of ascension. Unfortunately, without some convincing from others, Rhogar matters of the rite are brushed aside as the dragonborn inevitably gets sidetracked by desires tell other tales about Vixixx.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Chill leads the party deftly around the village of Dougan's Hole and continues south a ways to make sure you do not get into an entanglements with the village residents. Krom sends his sending to Harpell but he receives no answer from her. He is unsure if the spell failed or she is unable to receive the message.
Setting up a camp as best as you can out of the wind you settle in for the night. Rhogar regales the group with stories of Brother Vixix. The next night he is also able to share further stories. You've bypassed the village and the following morning you set out south towards the mountains. Another cold night is spent in the mountains as you travel towards the fortress Sunblight. Soon enough, with the skill of Chill leading you, you find the pass that leads through the mountains and approach the fortress.
Beyond the snowy foothills, low-lying clouds obscure the icy peaks of the gargantuan mountains that form the Spine of the World. Eventually, you get above the clouds and behold a sheer mountain wall rising more than a hundred feet before you. Carved high on the wall are rows of arrow slits with lights burning behind them and clanking sounds issuing from them. A narrow staircase hewn from the rock leads up along one side of the wall.
Kazri looks surprised to Rhogar when he reveals that Brother Vixix is actually a Kirin. "Perhaps one of these days, we may have the honor to visit him, Mr. Nimbatuul."
Upon sighting the structure, Kazri is actually impressed. "I have to say this is one of the best, if not the best, designed structure. Defensively speaking, of course. I wonder what material are the walls made of. It will definitely be a hard fight to force our way into it." She pets Oli and check on his status.
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."
Krom is all ears as Rhogar starts telling the group about Brother Vixix. "Very very interesting indeed Rhogar. I do not think that any Firebeards had the pleasure of meeting a Kirin, so I would be my honour to be the first." adds the dwarf after Kazri's comment.
As the group travels Krom informs his companions that the wizard did not reply to his sending. "I do not like that at all. She may have been unable to reply because unconscious or worse..Last time she replied, she told us that the duergar captured her.."
"It's a well designed fortress, but nothing compared to Axeholm." says Krom to Kazri "As soon as we get closer I'll be able to get a better look at those walls, but I assume that they are made from that strange material, chardalyn, that the Duergar have been mining." The dwarf pauses to remove some snow from his beard "If we belive in the rumors surrounding that demonic material, we have to be very careful as it could warp our minds. The duergar living in that fortress and maybe even our wizard's friend may be already mad."
"Oh, I'm sure he'd like that!"Rhogar replied with a chuckle. "Though I would caution that it would be quite a journey to reach him. Once I got my bearings during our last downtime, I discovered that my own home is quite a few months of travel away. Perhaps a little shorter if we sail along the coasts, but... still! I'll be sure to pass along your thoughts!"
At Present...
With the promise of reaching their goal some time that day, Rhogar had been true in his words of summoning Gorrah. Who in turn was annoyed enough to threaten to sting the Dragonborn. But between being bribed with treats and the reminded of the challenge the group totally couldn't handle without her, the psuedodragon is sufficiently mollified enough to let things slide with just a playful nip, before ultimately taking up residence in someone's hood.
Later still, Rhogar nodded along in agreement to each point, but looked no less determined. "Let's not bank on them all being mad just yet. But rather, focus on how we might get in once we reach the entryway, which is all too likely to be guarded."He redirects. "Now as I understand it, these 'Duergar' are of some relations to dwarvenkin, yes? If so and with a bit of, of, uhm... uh..." He grimaces."-duplicity, we might at least be able to trick them into thinking you are one theirs bringing back, uh... I-I don't know. This whole trickery thing isn't my strongest suit."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Duergar are traitors to the dwarvenkin, Rhogar, their goal is to dethrone the All-Father and kill all of my kin. I will not dishonour Moradin and the Firebeard clan trying to pass myself as one of them." says Krom trying, but failing, to keep his tone as much neutral as possible. After a moment, the dwarf calms himself and apologetically adds "Sorry for my outburst Rhogar. Duergar may look like similar to dwarves, but they are not. Not anymore. We are very different now and I could not pass for one of them. We will have to find another way to enter the Fortress."
"I am open for suggestions." Kazri looks at the imposing structure. "There is always the option of knocking on their doors."
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."
Chill gazed up at the fortress looking for defenses, looking at the staircase as well. "Seems to me the staircase is the only way in that I can see. We may just have to take our chances and go up. In this darkness we'll be hard to see and they are not expecting us."
Rhogar grimaced, but had neither the heart or will to press the point. Nor had he felt he had the right in many a ways, seeing as the Dragonborn had been similarly stubborn in the past. "Hmn... Something tells me the only type of company they'll invite in, Lady Kazri, is of their own ilk or prisoners, if we're lucky. Which... is one gambit we could try in a pinch... but only as a last resort. But such aside, I'd have to agree with Chill. Even if we had the means to scale those walls or fly, it would hardly lessen the difficulty in getting inside. Though once we're closer at least, I could try to send Gorrah in ahead to scout out the interior a bit."
He snorts and starts marching for the stairs. "But first to see how close we can get at least!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Tomorrow morning I could try to open us a new entrance." says Krom to the group "I know an hymn that allows to shape stone, but I'm not sure if it will work on this Fortess as the walls may be made by those strange black crystals." The dwarf looks at the Fortress "I'll have to take a closer look at the Fortress first."
"Before heading up to the stairs, let's check the base of the Fortress first. The duergar will probably have sentinels guarding the stairs and other possible entrances, but this winter storm should shields us from them." Krom starts walking towards the base of the Fortress.
"Perhaps we can get some rest before getting into the fortress. We may need all the help that we can get." Kazri agrees with Krom.
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."
"The Fortress is made of natural solid stone." says Krom as he is able to examine it from a safe distance. The dwarf turns to face the rest of the group and with a big smile says "I should be able to create a new entrance for us. It will be a permanent entrance so we will have to choose carefully where to enter otherwise the duergar may get suspicious."
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."
(OOC: I assume then the 1st post by Krom about needing rest was semi-retconned then. x) )
(@Wolfy: Probably still safe to make any prep changes. :S)
"Unless this Hymn of yours can create a proper tunnel, I'm afraid we'll be limited in point of egress regardless, my friend."Rhogar commented while the group presumably readily trudged on towards the base of the stairs at the very least. "For without knowing the inner layout of the structure, or how thick the walls are at any given section... hmm... well, any that isn't already near a window or built up entrance, we could very well be sadly wasting precious strength in the effort!"He further espouses in grim tones.
But then a small smile began to form. "But, if willing to chance a confrontation at their front doors as it were, we could yet make our entry through there. The problem then simply remains needing to wade through no doubt tides of very determined and very, very angry duergars. Simple, no?"He snorts. "I hate to ask, Chill. But think you can take Gorrah and scout the pathway ahead. Though I doubt it, I wouldn't put it past them to at the very least booby trap the stairs to some extent."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"The hymn of stoneshaping allows me to change the shape of a section of stone 5 feet deep. As the change is permanent, I can repeat the hymn multiple times if necessary." replies Krom before adding "if we properly choose our point of entry it could be done."
"However, let's wait for Chill and Gorrah report. Then we can decide the best way to enter, possibly undeteced, this fortress. If we can find a way in, good, if not, we can make us another entrance." adds the dwarf.
(OOC)
Yes, my previous post is partially retconned as Krom already has prepared Stone Shape.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Yeah, I'll head up the steps and see what may be." Looking around a moment "Gorrah, you get in my cloak, then we can move quietly together and you can let Rhogar know what we see."
Once Gorrah is on his shoulder he pulls the cloak over his head and quietly moves up the stairs to scout the way.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“I will try to find a place where we can stay out of sight for the night.”
Survival: 22
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."
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Rhogar smiles softly, and during the process of setting up camp conveyed Gorrah's whereabouts. "Though honestly speaking, she's more than likely to just play her new elemental friend, than anything." He said with chuckle to his voice, then sighed in exasperation. "Sometimes it makes me wonder if... eh, if the only reason Brother Vixix assigned her to me had been simply to get rid of her." He adds half-jokingly. Though granted given the Dragonborn's background and nature, the jest might be a touch harder to hear in the moment.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"It's decided then, we leave at first light." nods Krom after taking another sip from his mug. "I do not know your Brother Vixx, but I am sure that he assigned her to you knowing that she were going to be helpful in your travels. Gorrah is a valuable member of our Fellowship." says the dwarf patting the dragonborn on the back.
"I... How can you not know of Brother Vixix?!" Rhogar exclaims in very genuine surprise. Yet just as it looked as if he might add more, the Dragonborn's jaws clamp back shut at a thought. One that seems to send him on a small journey as he continued to look thoughtful for a long moment, before then letting out hearty laugh. "I cannot believe! In all this time we've known each other, it only NOW occurs to me that I've never really spoken of Brother Vixix! Referenced him, certainly, but never directly about him. Ahh~ I am sorry my friends for depriving you of such knowledge! But if you would allow me to tonight over our evening meal, I would happily share many a tale of my Brother... Well, technically more a divine grand parent than brother. But such is the closeness of our relationship that he's as much a brother to me as you all have become my closest companions in this world." He said enthusiastically.
And true to his words, if the party allots for it, Rhogar happily overtakes much of any campfire talk that evening with the many tales, stories, lessons, and so on of Rhogar's "Brother Vixix". Who he in time clarifies is a majestic, blue-skinned Kirin who yet still watched over him, granting great insights during times of rest, as well as help bolster him as Rhogar continues to undergo some kind of rite of ascension. Unfortunately, without some convincing from others, Rhogar matters of the rite are brushed aside as the dragonborn inevitably gets sidetracked by desires tell other tales about Vixixx.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Chill leads the party deftly around the village of Dougan's Hole and continues south a ways to make sure you do not get into an entanglements with the village residents. Krom sends his sending to Harpell but he receives no answer from her. He is unsure if the spell failed or she is unable to receive the message.
Setting up a camp as best as you can out of the wind you settle in for the night. Rhogar regales the group with stories of Brother Vixix. The next night he is also able to share further stories. You've bypassed the village and the following morning you set out south towards the mountains. Another cold night is spent in the mountains as you travel towards the fortress Sunblight. Soon enough, with the skill of Chill leading you, you find the pass that leads through the mountains and approach the fortress.
Beyond the snowy foothills, low-lying clouds obscure the icy peaks of the gargantuan mountains that form the Spine of the World. Eventually, you get above the clouds and behold a sheer mountain wall rising more than a hundred feet before you. Carved high on the wall are rows of arrow slits with lights burning behind them and clanking sounds issuing from them. A narrow staircase hewn from the rock leads up along one side of the wall.
Kazri looks surprised to Rhogar when he reveals that Brother Vixix is actually a Kirin. "Perhaps one of these days, we may have the honor to visit him, Mr. Nimbatuul."
Upon sighting the structure, Kazri is actually impressed. "I have to say this is one of the best, if not the best, designed structure. Defensively speaking, of course. I wonder what material are the walls made of. It will definitely be a hard fight to force our way into it." She pets Oli and check on his status.
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."
Krom is all ears as Rhogar starts telling the group about Brother Vixix. "Very very interesting indeed Rhogar. I do not think that any Firebeards had the pleasure of meeting a Kirin, so I would be my honour to be the first." adds the dwarf after Kazri's comment.
As the group travels Krom informs his companions that the wizard did not reply to his sending. "I do not like that at all. She may have been unable to reply because unconscious or worse..Last time she replied, she told us that the duergar captured her.."
"It's a well designed fortress, but nothing compared to Axeholm." says Krom to Kazri "As soon as we get closer I'll be able to get a better look at those walls, but I assume that they are made from that strange material, chardalyn, that the Duergar have been mining." The dwarf pauses to remove some snow from his beard "If we belive in the rumors surrounding that demonic material, we have to be very careful as it could warp our minds. The duergar living in that fortress and maybe even our wizard's friend may be already mad."
Days before/earlier...
"Oh, I'm sure he'd like that!" Rhogar replied with a chuckle. "Though I would caution that it would be quite a journey to reach him. Once I got my bearings during our last downtime, I discovered that my own home is quite a few months of travel away. Perhaps a little shorter if we sail along the coasts, but... still! I'll be sure to pass along your thoughts!"
At Present...
With the promise of reaching their goal some time that day, Rhogar had been true in his words of summoning Gorrah. Who in turn was annoyed enough to threaten to sting the Dragonborn. But between being bribed with treats and the reminded of the challenge the group totally couldn't handle without her, the psuedodragon is sufficiently mollified enough to let things slide with just a playful nip, before ultimately taking up residence in someone's hood.
Later still, Rhogar nodded along in agreement to each point, but looked no less determined. "Let's not bank on them all being mad just yet. But rather, focus on how we might get in once we reach the entryway, which is all too likely to be guarded." He redirects. "Now as I understand it, these 'Duergar' are of some relations to dwarvenkin, yes? If so and with a bit of, of, uhm... uh..." He grimaces."-duplicity, we might at least be able to trick them into thinking you are one theirs bringing back, uh... I-I don't know. This whole trickery thing isn't my strongest suit."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Duergar are traitors to the dwarvenkin, Rhogar, their goal is to dethrone the All-Father and kill all of my kin. I will not dishonour Moradin and the Firebeard clan trying to pass myself as one of them." says Krom trying, but failing, to keep his tone as much neutral as possible.
After a moment, the dwarf calms himself and apologetically adds "Sorry for my outburst Rhogar. Duergar may look like similar to dwarves, but they are not. Not anymore. We are very different now and I could not pass for one of them. We will have to find another way to enter the Fortress."
"I am open for suggestions." Kazri looks at the imposing structure. "There is always the option of knocking on their doors."
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."
Chill gazed up at the fortress looking for defenses, looking at the staircase as well. "Seems to me the staircase is the only way in that I can see. We may just have to take our chances and go up. In this darkness we'll be hard to see and they are not expecting us."
Rhogar grimaced, but had neither the heart or will to press the point. Nor had he felt he had the right in many a ways, seeing as the Dragonborn had been similarly stubborn in the past. "Hmn... Something tells me the only type of company they'll invite in, Lady Kazri, is of their own ilk or prisoners, if we're lucky. Which... is one gambit we could try in a pinch... but only as a last resort. But such aside, I'd have to agree with Chill. Even if we had the means to scale those walls or fly, it would hardly lessen the difficulty in getting inside. Though once we're closer at least, I could try to send Gorrah in ahead to scout out the interior a bit."
He snorts and starts marching for the stairs. "But first to see how close we can get at least!"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Tomorrow morning I could try to open us a new entrance." says Krom to the group "I know an hymn that allows to shape stone, but I'm not sure if it will work on this Fortess as the walls may be made by those strange black crystals." The dwarf looks at the Fortress "I'll have to take a closer look at the Fortress first."
"Before heading up to the stairs, let's check the base of the Fortress first. The duergar will probably have sentinels guarding the stairs and other possible entrances, but this winter storm should shields us from them." Krom starts walking towards the base of the Fortress.
"Perhaps we can get some rest before getting into the fortress. We may need all the help that we can get." Kazri agrees with Krom.
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."
(You can all Long Rest as it was a couple days travel to the fortress)
As Krom gets closer to the fortress he sees that it is carved out of the mountain itself.
"The Fortress is made of natural solid stone." says Krom as he is able to examine it from a safe distance. The dwarf turns to face the rest of the group and with a big smile says "I should be able to create a new entrance for us. It will be a permanent entrance so we will have to choose carefully where to enter otherwise the duergar may get suspicious."
(Nice. :-) Are we still resting?)
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."
(OOC: I assume then the 1st post by Krom about needing rest was semi-retconned then. x) )
(@Wolfy: Probably still safe to make any prep changes. :S)
"Unless this Hymn of yours can create a proper tunnel, I'm afraid we'll be limited in point of egress regardless, my friend." Rhogar commented while the group presumably readily trudged on towards the base of the stairs at the very least. "For without knowing the inner layout of the structure, or how thick the walls are at any given section... hmm... well, any that isn't already near a window or built up entrance, we could very well be sadly wasting precious strength in the effort!" He further espouses in grim tones.
But then a small smile began to form. "But, if willing to chance a confrontation at their front doors as it were, we could yet make our entry through there. The problem then simply remains needing to wade through no doubt tides of very determined and very, very angry duergars. Simple, no?" He snorts. "I hate to ask, Chill. But think you can take Gorrah and scout the pathway ahead. Though I doubt it, I wouldn't put it past them to at the very least booby trap the stairs to some extent."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"The hymn of stoneshaping allows me to change the shape of a section of stone 5 feet deep. As the change is permanent, I can repeat the hymn multiple times if necessary." replies Krom before adding "if we properly choose our point of entry it could be done."
"However, let's wait for Chill and Gorrah report. Then we can decide the best way to enter, possibly undeteced, this fortress. If we can find a way in, good, if not, we can make us another entrance." adds the dwarf.
(OOC)
Yes, my previous post is partially retconned as Krom already has prepared Stone Shape.
"Yeah, I'll head up the steps and see what may be." Looking around a moment "Gorrah, you get in my cloak, then we can move quietly together and you can let Rhogar know what we see."
Once Gorrah is on his shoulder he pulls the cloak over his head and quietly moves up the stairs to scout the way.
Stealth 25
Perception 15
“I will try to find a place where we can stay out of sight for the night.”
Survival: 22
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."