Mender gives you a sidelong look Hitticus and then shrugs, “I was going to dump that lot over the side if you wouldn’t mind doing the honours.” He points toward a large crate of broken objects near the door.
Mercwri most of the crew have no idea about matters magical, several of them suggest you speak to the Rune Shaper or the Captain. So it is that you find yourself interrupting Hitticus as he stands talking to Mender. The gnome greets you with a friendly smile. “What can I do for you?” He asks.
While all this is going on- Uldran retires to his room after the funeral for the crew and Salvas. It is hard to see the wisdom in the circle of life when it takes so many so young. Easier for him to say the words than to be okay with what happened. Drawing a deep breath and releasing it he sits crosslegged on the floor of his room with several small trinkets and other items that represent the caverns of the dwarves, namely some dried fungi and bits of lichen, dried insects that he has collected and spreads them around in front of himself. He stays this way for over an hour while he searches for guidance from the spirits of the rock and lava found here on the ocean. When he is finished he rises and gathers the trinkets and gets cleaned up some to go and meet the captain.
Mender gives you a sidelong look Hitticus and then shrugs, “I was going to dump that lot over the side if you wouldn’t mind doing the honours.” He points toward a large crate of broken objects near the door.
Mercwri most of the crew have no idea about matters magical, several of them suggest you speak to the Rune Shaper or the Captain. So it is that you find yourself interrupting Hitticus as he stands talking to Mender. The gnome greets you with a friendly smile. “What can I do for you?” He asks.
“Hi Mender, I am trying to figure out how the drow were able to conceal their presence from everyone on the ship. It seems something is not right.” Mercwri shakes his head. “I am missing something, and that bothers me.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
Freak goes to seek Torg and see if he's alright. He'll try to joke: "Looks like there were bigger things to hunt than rats. The bucket was too small, so I tried cutting them in pieces."
Mercwri as you reach the cabin Hitticus bustles out past you carrying a crate of damaged items. In response to you question Mender considers for a moment and then answers;
"Well for a start magic detection and the like does not work on the ship on account of our friend downstairs. It's like trying to listen for a fart in a hurricane. That and the drow did not cast any real magic until the last. Potions are not generally easy to sense and invisibility potions and dammed near impossible. True sight is beyond the ability of anyone on this ship, even Salvas gods rest him. I think she sensed them," again he points below deck, "That's why she's been so restless."
He sighs, "As I see it, they dropped down with the goblins, hid below deck and struck when we least expected, maybe the Captain can fathom more."
Hitticus you make your way to the upper deck and settle down to sift through the crate before dumping it over the side. Most of the items in here are broken beyond value or use but you do manage to salvage a few interesting items. A lock pick, a small hexagonal puzzle box and 5 gold coins tucked into the bottom of a burned shoe.
Freak you find Torg in the crew quarters nursing a flagon of ale. He is silent for a moment following you joke and then his eye twitches and before you know it you have a face full of ale as he spits it out in a torrent of laughter. "Sit! Drink!" he bellows throwing you a towel. "Then we go see the Captain."
You all enter the Captains quarters to find it arranged for a standing meeting. She waits at the far side of a round table her hands folded across her chest. Mugs of ale already await you and several tapped kegs sit to the side ready for refilling. The lamps burn brightly sending flickering shadows across the room and you all filter in to take your place.
Looking down you see the large broken collar of the dragon laid out near the Captain and next to it a smaller version sits unbroken with what looks like a solid bronze hoop designed to fit around a wrist. In the centre of the table you see a large map of your destination laid out with weighted stones.
"Tomorrow we arrive in Duragath and before then we have much to discuss." The Captain takes a long draught of her ale and waits for you to speak.
You are finding the puzzle box somewhat addictive as you click, twist and pry at it. It remains closed for now but you will figure it out. Mender notices that you have it and raises an eyebrow and gives you an odd smirk but says nothing.
She purrs into your mind and you feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. "The pretty neckband looks interesting, a means of control I believe. Could be useful...could be." You feel a tingle around your burned palm. "We must do something about this, I do not like it. It is unexpected."
"Captain, just stating the obvious here, Duragarth is an island. We have no way of knowing how long our business here will take and I'd not be up for swimming. Will you be staying for a time? Who do we talk to about passage to wherever our next stop reveals itself to be? Also, which of these buildings contains the Baldenvelt Embassy?"
Blackfire nods at your words Randrak, "And answers we will give you, if we have them."
At your offer Hitticus she gives you a doubtful look remembering your less than genuine approach from earlier in the day. She then listens to Uldran before making her reply,
"Duragath is a fortress port on the eastern edge of the Isle of Guldroth. Our goblin prisoner indicated the Isle would be the next target for the invasion, which makes sense given that is contains the largest population of our people after the High Rock region itself.
With thousands of refugees fleeing south and north out of Baldenvelt the goblins will find it slow going trying to pursue in either of those directions. They have lost the element of surprise and they will have to bleed for every step they take. Strategically it makes sense for them to hold High Rock and make a swift strike across the ocean at Guldroth. All they need is a way to make the crossing... you can ensure that the Isle is warned and ready.
The Firehook will not remain at Duragath I am afraid. They fleet must be warned and I will not risk conscription if the High Lord heeds your warning and makes ready for war. You will find the Baldenvelt Embassy in the Shield Hall upon the docks."
Looking around the room at everyone while he is speaking, "I don't think that the High Lord will have a choice in the matter. War will find Duragath whether they make ready or not."
Looking over at Randrak- "Were there any rumors or evidence that the Drow were involved in the assassinations before the attack on Baldenvelt? I have been traveling for months** and not been in contact with my family but my home is near to the drow territory and I am concerned that they may be in danger if the drow are mobilizing for war."
(** I am not sure how long it would take to travel from Darrowmord to Baldenvelt but it looks like it would take months)
(based on response below- I probably left home 1.5-2 yrs ago)
"Aye well lets be sure the old bastard believes you then." Torg mumbles.
"The temple will know what has happened." Torvin interjects, "We have methods of communication that travel faster than this ship even. Moraghel* will have sent word I am sure."
"There will have been arcane warnings also." Mender offers, "Though they will perhaps lack the ear of the state."
Randrak roll a straight intelligence check to see if you recall any details that would relate to what you now know.
*The Temple Stronghold of Moradin
OOC: From Baldenvelt to Duragath we will have travelled for just under four days at approximately 40 Knots, covering a distance of around 3471 nm. Eranon to the Black Maw (gates of Darrowmord is around the same distance. You will have most likely travelled on foot through the northern reaches to high rock a journey of around 9000 miles. It would take you about one year on foot. However, there are a few methods of travel that could speed up the journey up to around 4 to 6 months.
After listening to the various points of discussion, Mercwri shakes his head. "Here I was just trying to get along in life and all of a sudden there are enthralled dragons, demented goblins eager to die, dastardly drow who want to murder stone ships that have dragon hearts, not to mention folk that have issues with other peoples doors," he casts a mischievous eye at Randrak. "Voyages of thousands of miles on a sea of boiling stone and , now, here we are about to strand ourselves on an island amid the same. If you would have asked me about this last week I would have said you were nutty as a fruit cake. But there it is. Why don't we seek out the instigator of all this commotion and do away with them?" He looks around. "Any ale left?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
"Aye, and plenty." Torg laughs as he pours you another pitcher.
"If you have a mind to do more beyond warn your kin of the approaching danger then that sits well with me." the Captain nods approvingly, "...but we do not stand you on some lonely rock at the heart of the fire. Guldroth spans a hundred leagues east to west and is home to three great Dwarven strongholds, not to mention the Corellos academy. If not for the High Rock accord it would be a kingdom in its own right. Should you need to leave there will no doubt be other ships, though none so fine and there are other ways of crossing the fire to the north and south at need."
OOC: Someone roll a History check with advantage to see what memories this stirs amongst you.
Blackfire lifts the broken collar from the dragon and looks around the group. "You should take this as proof of your tale. It may also aid you in searching out the cause of this invasion. As it stands these collars remain a mystery. The smaller I will keep as I may need proof of my own down the line."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mercwri will take the collar, and turning it over in his hands look at it closely, wracking his brains for any hint as to what is involved in this thing; where it might have come from; who might have the magical ability to make something like this, either an individual or a group be it ritual, tribal, racial, religious or what have you.
History check for a magical item 22 OCC this is only in regard the collar.
"This has to have with in some voice that'll tell us something, metaphorically speaking to be sure, some sort of dweomer that tells those who can her of itself. No magical thing could help to not do so. Captain, could I see the bracelet also please." He will study this one as well. Taking a piece of parchment frm his backpack he will carefully copy the symbols on both the collar and the bracelet.
Mender gives you a sidelong look Hitticus and then shrugs, “I was going to dump that lot over the side if you wouldn’t mind doing the honours.” He points toward a large crate of broken objects near the door.
Mercwri most of the crew have no idea about matters magical, several of them suggest you speak to the Rune Shaper or the Captain. So it is that you find yourself interrupting Hitticus as he stands talking to Mender. The gnome greets you with a friendly smile. “What can I do for you?” He asks.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Hitticus nods and collects the items
(And rifle through it of course)
While all this is going on- Uldran retires to his room after the funeral for the crew and Salvas. It is hard to see the wisdom in the circle of life when it takes so many so young. Easier for him to say the words than to be okay with what happened. Drawing a deep breath and releasing it he sits crosslegged on the floor of his room with several small trinkets and other items that represent the caverns of the dwarves, namely some dried fungi and bits of lichen, dried insects that he has collected and spreads them around in front of himself. He stays this way for over an hour while he searches for guidance from the spirits of the rock and lava found here on the ocean. When he is finished he rises and gathers the trinkets and gets cleaned up some to go and meet the captain.
Uldran Sporebringer | Lvl 2 Dwarf Druid | Stonebound
Allorian Silverfin | Lvl 1 Rogue | Gillesburg
“Hi Mender, I am trying to figure out how the drow were able to conceal their presence from everyone on the ship. It seems something is not right.” Mercwri shakes his head. “I am missing something, and that bothers me.”
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
Freak goes to seek Torg and see if he's alright. He'll try to joke: "Looks like there were bigger things to hunt than rats. The bucket was too small, so I tried cutting them in pieces."
Mercwri as you reach the cabin Hitticus bustles out past you carrying a crate of damaged items. In response to you question Mender considers for a moment and then answers;
"Well for a start magic detection and the like does not work on the ship on account of our friend downstairs. It's like trying to listen for a fart in a hurricane. That and the drow did not cast any real magic until the last. Potions are not generally easy to sense and invisibility potions and dammed near impossible. True sight is beyond the ability of anyone on this ship, even Salvas gods rest him. I think she sensed them," again he points below deck, "That's why she's been so restless."
He sighs, "As I see it, they dropped down with the goblins, hid below deck and struck when we least expected, maybe the Captain can fathom more."
Hitticus you make your way to the upper deck and settle down to sift through the crate before dumping it over the side. Most of the items in here are broken beyond value or use but you do manage to salvage a few interesting items. A lock pick, a small hexagonal puzzle box and 5 gold coins tucked into the bottom of a burned shoe.
Freak you find Torg in the crew quarters nursing a flagon of ale. He is silent for a moment following you joke and then his eye twitches and before you know it you have a face full of ale as he spits it out in a torrent of laughter. "Sit! Drink!" he bellows throwing you a towel. "Then we go see the Captain."
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Captain Blackfire
You all enter the Captains quarters to find it arranged for a standing meeting. She waits at the far side of a round table her hands folded across her chest. Mugs of ale already await you and several tapped kegs sit to the side ready for refilling. The lamps burn brightly sending flickering shadows across the room and you all filter in to take your place.
Looking down you see the large broken collar of the dragon laid out near the Captain and next to it a smaller version sits unbroken with what looks like a solid bronze hoop designed to fit around a wrist. In the centre of the table you see a large map of your destination laid out with weighted stones.
"Tomorrow we arrive in Duragath and before then we have much to discuss." The Captain takes a long draught of her ale and waits for you to speak.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Is there anything you want to ask? Otherwise I'm going to let the others lead.
Hitticus will be fiddling with the hexagonal puzzle.
You are finding the puzzle box somewhat addictive as you click, twist and pry at it. It remains closed for now but you will figure it out. Mender notices that you have it and raises an eyebrow and gives you an odd smirk but says nothing.
She purrs into your mind and you feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. "The pretty neckband looks interesting, a means of control I believe. Could be useful...could be." You feel a tingle around your burned palm. "We must do something about this, I do not like it. It is unexpected."
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Randrak studies the map trying to memorise as much of the information as he can.
"Well, I'm all ears. Though I do have a few questions about Duragath," he says as he turns his attention to Blackfire.
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Hitticus casts a sidelong look at the collar. "I might have a contact that could track down exactly where that came from."
"Captain, just stating the obvious here, Duragarth is an island. We have no way of knowing how long our business here will take and I'd not be up for swimming. Will you be staying for a time? Who do we talk to about passage to wherever our next stop reveals itself to be? Also, which of these buildings contains the Baldenvelt Embassy?"
Uldran Sporebringer | Lvl 2 Dwarf Druid | Stonebound
Allorian Silverfin | Lvl 1 Rogue | Gillesburg
Blackfire nods at your words Randrak, "And answers we will give you, if we have them."
At your offer Hitticus she gives you a doubtful look remembering your less than genuine approach from earlier in the day. She then listens to Uldran before making her reply,
"Duragath is a fortress port on the eastern edge of the Isle of Guldroth. Our goblin prisoner indicated the Isle would be the next target for the invasion, which makes sense given that is contains the largest population of our people after the High Rock region itself.
With thousands of refugees fleeing south and north out of Baldenvelt the goblins will find it slow going trying to pursue in either of those directions. They have lost the element of surprise and they will have to bleed for every step they take. Strategically it makes sense for them to hold High Rock and make a swift strike across the ocean at Guldroth. All they need is a way to make the crossing... you can ensure that the Isle is warned and ready.
The Firehook will not remain at Duragath I am afraid. They fleet must be warned and I will not risk conscription if the High Lord heeds your warning and makes ready for war. You will find the Baldenvelt Embassy in the Shield Hall upon the docks."
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Looking around the room at everyone while he is speaking, "I don't think that the High Lord will have a choice in the matter. War will find Duragath whether they make ready or not."
Looking over at Randrak- "Were there any rumors or evidence that the Drow were involved in the assassinations before the attack on Baldenvelt? I have been traveling for months** and not been in contact with my family but my home is near to the drow territory and I am concerned that they may be in danger if the drow are mobilizing for war."
(** I am not sure how long it would take to travel from Darrowmord to Baldenvelt but it looks like it would take months)
(based on response below- I probably left home 1.5-2 yrs ago)
Uldran Sporebringer | Lvl 2 Dwarf Druid | Stonebound
Allorian Silverfin | Lvl 1 Rogue | Gillesburg
"Aye well lets be sure the old bastard believes you then." Torg mumbles.
"The temple will know what has happened." Torvin interjects, "We have methods of communication that travel faster than this ship even. Moraghel* will have sent word I am sure."
"There will have been arcane warnings also." Mender offers, "Though they will perhaps lack the ear of the state."
Randrak roll a straight intelligence check to see if you recall any details that would relate to what you now know.
*The Temple Stronghold of Moradin
OOC: From Baldenvelt to Duragath we will have travelled for just under four days at approximately 40 Knots, covering a distance of around 3471 nm. Eranon to the Black Maw (gates of Darrowmord is around the same distance. You will have most likely travelled on foot through the northern reaches to high rock a journey of around 9000 miles. It would take you about one year on foot. However, there are a few methods of travel that could speed up the journey up to around 4 to 6 months.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Int check: 3
"No," Randrak replies. "I don't remember anyone mentioning that Drow were involved in the assassinations."
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
After listening to the various points of discussion, Mercwri shakes his head. "Here I was just trying to get along in life and all of a sudden there are enthralled dragons, demented goblins eager to die, dastardly drow who want to murder stone ships that have dragon hearts, not to mention folk that have issues with other peoples doors," he casts a mischievous eye at Randrak. "Voyages of thousands of miles on a sea of boiling stone and , now, here we are about to strand ourselves on an island amid the same. If you would have asked me about this last week I would have said you were nutty as a fruit cake. But there it is. Why don't we seek out the instigator of all this commotion and do away with them?" He looks around. "Any ale left?"
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
"Aye, and plenty." Torg laughs as he pours you another pitcher.
"If you have a mind to do more beyond warn your kin of the approaching danger then that sits well with me." the Captain nods approvingly, "...but we do not stand you on some lonely rock at the heart of the fire. Guldroth spans a hundred leagues east to west and is home to three great Dwarven strongholds, not to mention the Corellos academy. If not for the High Rock accord it would be a kingdom in its own right. Should you need to leave there will no doubt be other ships, though none so fine and there are other ways of crossing the fire to the north and south at need."
OOC: Someone roll a History check with advantage to see what memories this stirs amongst you.
Blackfire lifts the broken collar from the dragon and looks around the group. "You should take this as proof of your tale. It may also aid you in searching out the cause of this invasion. As it stands these collars remain a mystery. The smaller I will keep as I may need proof of my own down the line."
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Mercwri will take the collar, and turning it over in his hands look at it closely, wracking his brains for any hint as to what is involved in this thing; where it might have come from; who might have the magical ability to make something like this, either an individual or a group be it ritual, tribal, racial, religious or what have you.
History check for a magical item 22 OCC this is only in regard the collar.
"This has to have with in some voice that'll tell us something, metaphorically speaking to be sure, some sort of dweomer that tells those who can her of itself. No magical thing could help to not do so. Captain, could I see the bracelet also please." He will study this one as well. Taking a piece of parchment frm his backpack he will carefully copy the symbols on both the collar and the bracelet.
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
"Well, that's answers my questions," Randrak replies to Torg. "I was wondering what lay beyond those gates."
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax