Rushagorn and the others are returning to the guild from Trading with Trolls 4.

link to a message in this game


As you make your way up the elevator and into the guild undercroft,
the orcish merchant reiterates his offer of $3000 for a valid map
 connecting the Troll warrens of the Easternand western reaches.
While trade is possible via the guild elevator, the trolls, especially Ulo, would vastly prefera direct underground route.
unfortunately, the waking of the Sleeper has made the old route impractical.

Now, back in the guild you can regroup and re-equip for such an expedition.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:54, Thu 25 May 2023.

He goes outside to get some shaded sun ,real food,  replenish his travelers rations and alchemical arrows. He also looks to se what other sorts of arrows and medications the alchemist has at prices he can afford.

OOC: Did we get any undistributed loot from our last run?

Virgilio asks directions, then follows them to Spielgud's office/lab.

"Sir, I'm told that you teach spellwork by example.  This is very different from the long study I put in at the Guild Academy, but perhaps that was more suitable to those still learning other things than the casting."  He smiles, looks around the cluttered space.

"I have come today to learn Haste and Lighten Burden, if I may, and I am tempted by Fireball, but would also need to learn Shape Fire in that case.

"May one inquire into your fees for this work?"

the method is as follows

Spielgud casts the spell, rolls teaching
you roll thaumatology
and pay $20per base fp cost of spell,
do this in a PM.

Jendrich follows Virgilio, curious to see if he would have an easier time learning from Speilgud than he did with his former teacher.

Dne wants to look into buying some potions while in town.  What does he find available?

Also, can power items be upgraded?
This message was last edited by the player at 09:36, Sat 27 May 2023.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 7):

Tommy does the training he previously had in mind...

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 7):

any potions with a listed cost of $1000 or less are available, power items can be embellished with added gemstones- let me know how myuch it has and what youve got and ill tell you the necmxt threshold.

spells and skills got.

Did you get my PM, boss?

Grohm will pick up two minor healing potions ($240) and replenish his rations.  Afterwards, he attends to any maintenance that his equipment might need.

Do any of our casters know healing spells?

Virgilio will also seek a couple Minor Healing potions, if available, before finding a spot in the Guild Common Room to sleep.

Jendrich gets a first-aid kit, and an alchemical antidote.

He buys alchemy items for:
Universal antidote - $750
Healing - $120 each for 4 [$480]
Health  - $750

He also checks and updates as necessary his two alchemical arrows of fire.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:41, Tue 30 May 2023.

Once again for our casters, can any of you guys cast healing spells?

I cannot.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 16):

Yeah, a couple of healing potions might be a good idea...not a caster myself.

Tommy will get 2 minor Healing and Brunhilda one, and she will carry one of Tommy's.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:16, Tue 30 May 2023.

"Grohm, I've never met a magical healer who wasn't a priest of some kind, even at the Guild Academy -- and the instructors and administrators there are some of the most powerful and educated wizards alive.  There's a whole college of spells for that, and we learn a few of them as underlying principals of spells in other colleges, but the only ones in the Healing college that wizards can actually use are Lend Energy and Recover Energy.  Couldn't tell you why we have a whole College of spells we can't use -- maybe the Masters know that."  He shakes his head.  "Maybe things were different once, long ago."

"That said, even acolytes and novices of most religions usually learn a few basic Healing spells; it's one of their basic functions.  Which is to say, we need to recruit a priest of some sort.  I'm most familiar with Hadereans, of course, but I don't know anyone in the temple here -- I've only been in town a couple days, after all.  Otherwise, there are Vejovists, Triunists, Shevnian and Valdassyan, old Roman gods, the Sahudese and Hindi gods -- pick an ethnic group, they probably have one or more gods of their own, and where there are gods, there are priests.  In a town this size, it shouldn't be hard to find a priest who doesn't mind a little risk for a reasonable reward."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Tue 30 May 2023.

OOC: Nope.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 18):

"Rush and Ulo want us back down under in the morning.  Do you think that we could find a priest on short notice?", Grohm asked.


OOC: Grohm buys an extra minor healing potion. Total of 3.

"Nothing lost by trying.  You ask around the Guild, and I'll inquire at the Hadereum?"

Don't get that useless Acolyte Flavius, he would be a drag on the party.

"What's wrong with him?  Coward? Cheat? Incompetent?", Grohm asked.

"I'm with Grohm -- I've never met him.  Why do you object so?"

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 24):

Where are you looking for a healer?

He acts as God's gift and does nothing for anyone not of the Hadereum. To mere mortals like us, useless as teats on a Boar.

Jendrich makes an uncomfortable scowl. "Yeah, that may not be the best... Are priest really the only healers we can rely on?"

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 27):

where is this conversation taking place?

I assume in the adventurer's guild hall at a table away from the crowds.

Yes.  Guild common room.  Virgilio was looking for a likely place to bed down for the night after seeing Spielgud.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 30):

You notice a dark robed Vejovian exiting the kitchen with a bowl of hot brown.

In reply to Alice Abernathy (msg # 31):

"Isn't that one of those priests that like to help the poor?"

Rising, he walks closer to her Beg your pardon, but might you be looking for somework?

If it’s okay, I’m going to spend $11,510 to further bejewel my staff, upgrading it to 25 point capacity.

Virgilio perks up as Syvanus approaches the woman.

Dne struts back into the Guild with a feigned limp, leaning on his newly bejeweled 'pimp cane'.  He can't wait to get back to the adventurin'!

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 36):

The Vejovian, who recognizes Dne, lets out a whistle.
"That is some seriously ostentatious bling Monsieur Bird!
And Yes, I might be looking for some work."

you can detect a hint of armor under her plain robes, and an inlaid holy symbol at her throat, but she is otherwise dressed rather simply and frugally.

Well join us and let us discuss our needs and yours.  He motions toward the table.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 38):

"Talk to me. What kind of work have you got?"

"We've made some friends among the trolls below, but disturbed something that needs going around.  We need to explore deeper ways to try to find another connection from the West March to the East, where Ulo's people are, so they can trade back and forth.

"There's silver in it, and from what I'm seeing so far here in Northport likely some loot as well, but we discovered on the last trading trip that we really need a healer with us."

He nods toward Dne.  "I see you already know him.  I just met him today, but I've seen that he does okay down there.  Syvanus is good with his bow.  I'm a dropped out apprentice wizard, and I do fairly well with my crossbow and staff, though I don't have combat magic -- yet.  Tommy, as you can see, blends well in the dark and he's very quiet when he wants to be, and his friend Brunhilda is quite strong.

"We and a few others are planning to meet up tomorrow morning to go down deeper."

“I’ll do a lot better than okay now,” the elementalist says proudly, admiring his staff as though seeing it for the first time.  “Especially with you recharging me.”

He nods graciously to the mademoiselle, appreciating her noticing his new bling.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Wed 07 June 2023.

"Um... I'm Jendrich. I'm the front-line guard. Nice to meet you."

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 42):

"A pleasure. Virgilio, I  was with the crew when you were rescued from the Mageguild... it is good to see you without that rig. Now who is funding this trip, or benefitting from it? Who is Ulo and what is her place in this? I know a littleabout trolls, as Dne might attest."


occ she helped heala troll after surgically removing chains from it. it had been e slaved by the municipality of st.Remy.

"You cannot know how good it is to be rid of that scold's bridle of sky iron.  Especially for one as used to the free flow of mana as I am.

"Our direct patron is Rushagorn Brokadin.  He's been running trade between the two separated troll warrens in the Undercity.  Ulo is a trollish, um, shaman?  The representative of the East Marches he's been dealing with, anyway, assuming I remembered correctly which is which between East and West.  She has a deep seated grudge against some elf, but other than that she seems okay.

"In any case, our mission at present is mainly exploration.  We need to find a way from the region accessible via the Guild lift to the area where Ulo's remaining kin settled -- apparently they had a nice place, but were driven out of it and it seems to be occupied now.  I didn't see by who or what.  We can't use the route they traveled on the last trip, because on the way back, we stirred up something big and unpleasant.  It's been suggested there may be a way past that through deeper levels.

"I hope I speak for the group in offering a full share of the payout and of any loot picked up along the way.  I'll be right up front in saying you'll take on your fair share of the risk if you come along.  There are some very strange things down there in the dark.

"Oh, and from recent experience, be careful eating anything offered by the trolls; it doesn't always seem to agree with humans."

In reply to Alice Abernathy (msg # 43):

Tommy just smiles and nods. There is perhaps a slight purr noticed with a perception check...

A burly half-orc covered in tattoos and piercings approached the table with two pitchers of ale.  He set one down on the table before Sylvanus and Jendrich.  The other pitcher was set down in front of an empty seat which he then occupied.

"Enjoy friends. I made a nice profit on that last run. Rush really knows how to bargain with those trolls.  Hobs too.", he said in rough, accented Aralaise.  His gruff tone was a bit lighter than usual.

He drank several gulps of ale out of the pitcher and then gestured to the newcomer.

"Who's this?  A new friend?", he asked.

"Grohm, this is Alice.  She's a priestess of, Vejovis, right?"  Virgilio raises an eyebrow at Alice.  "She was with the group that got me out of a serious jam just before I came to Northport.

"Alice, this is Grohm'Tal, he was one of the guards on the last trading run and I guess he's joining us for the exploration.  I for one will be happy to have his muscle with us."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 47):

Alice nods to Grohm'Tahl and smiles before turning back to Virgilio.
"Is this Rushagorn Brodakin some kind of high ranking merchant? I am not a fan of capitalism... And you are saying that this Ulo is a displaced person seeking a way back home?"

My understanding is that the Guild sent a team to clear themout so some merchant couldstore his wines in their warrens. Ulo is a badly disfigured woman, likely not as old as hse looks, but with a huge grudge. I have heard that it was a Blue Haired Elf who led the group rat wiped out the troll families. I got a very cold reception myself, although I am inclined to favor the trolls side in this.

"I know little about Rushagorn other than that he was hiring various help for his return trip when I needed to look for a job, and seems a fair employer.  I also don't know the whole story behind the trolls' situation, though we did pass a place that I heard was the previous home of Ulo and her people, and we didn't enter that place.

"Someone was inside, and I heard them but did not see them.  They spoke Aralaise with an accent I didn't recognize -- surely not Trollish, Shevnian, Hobgoblin, or any variety of Elvish I've heard recently.  Tommy might have caught a glimpse."  Virgilio looks hopefully at Tommy.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 50):

"Looked like ogres and something else to me..." Tommy said simply.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 49):

"Merchants. Ok I am team troll for sure, I  just need to find out what kind of player Brodakin is- I don't want to work for someone who maltreats their workers."

"I've taken a few trips down below with Rush.", Grohm replied and took another drink.


"He's always been fair with me.  Doesn't ask us to do anything too dangerous.  Pays my wages as agreed and in coin at the end of the trip.  Lets us buy in at the beginning of the trip for trade goods.  We take the same profit or loss as Rush does. Probably the best that I've worked for in the last couple of years." , he added.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Fri 09 June 2023.

"All I can add to what I've already said is that after working one job under him, I won't hesitate to work another."

Dne sits by himself and handles his staff, making little zapping noises as he plans glorious castings.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 55):

the Vejovian nods.
" That doesn't sound like any ranking merchant I have heard of... by his name I take him to be an Orc. I think they face discrimination in that guild. Alright, I am in."

Welcome then.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 57):

"So our party consists of myself, Syvanus, Grohm'Tal, Virgilio, Dne, Jendrich, Tommy and their er, friend over there, we haven't been introduced, and Ulo the trollwife? Am I missing anyone?"

In reply to Alice Abernathy (msg # 58):

"Aww, me? Nobody usually notices me. I am Brunhilda..."

In reply to Brunhilda (msg # 59):

Alice looks up at the ogrekin woman.
"Are you also a warrior?"

In reply to Alice Abernathy (msg # 60):

"No, Ma'am. I just carry stuff. And cuddle pussy cats."

Dne looks about nervously at the mention of cats.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 62):

"Meoow..."

In reply to Brunhilda (msg # 61):

"Ah a good member of the proletariat.  This gets better, and I see the affection there as genuine.
Do we have rope and light sources?"

Virgilio points to his own staff, with its tip as bright as a torch.

"I can make all the light sources we could possibly want, and as bright as we like.  I don't presently have any rope, but it's a sensible thing to carry and I've just learned the magic to lighten possessions so they don't slow me down as much.  I'll go buy some as soon as we're done here.  What, a hundred feet?  Even magically lightened, I don't know that I'd want to carry a longer coil."

"There are enough of us to carry a couple of ropes.  I have a short one but another may be useful.  A thicker one that what I have.  A couple of us are pretty heavy.", Grohm added.

"How about I get a couple coils of a thirty or forty yards, then?  Or would three be better?"

Two should be good. Mine makes three but it would be a bit short.   At least one coil of heavy rope though.  Maybe some spikes to secure them if we need to.  Everybody throw in some coin to help out. , Grohm replied.  Then he dug a handful of silver ($30) out of his purse and placed it on the table in front of Vigilio.

OOC:  Heavy rope = 3/4"

Grohm is way over the 300 lb limit for 3/8" rope when geared up.  I'm not sure about Brunhilda but I suspect that she is pushing the limit too.  We could double up on 3/8" rope to save a bit of cash and weight I suppose.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Thu 15 June 2023.

He adds another $30 to the pile.

So does Dne, because that's the kind of bird he was born to be.

Jendrich adds his own $30 coins on the table. "I could carry... maybe forty yards of rope? Any more than that, and I'd have trouble keeping up."

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 71):

 Alice slides over a pile of copper coins.

"We should get aome glow vials and other non magical light. We got hit with dispell magic when dealing with those gatekeeping bastards from the Mageguild and it wiped a bunch of things."

Virgilio begins gathering up the coinage on the table.  "I'll kick in as well, I think we can probably get a couple coils of heavy rope and several of the common stuff for this.

"Non-magical lights are good -- torches are heavy, and candles blow out so easily.  I'll see if I can't find a good deal on some tin lanterns to protect candles, unless someone really prefers oil lanterns.  Candles won't soak you in oil if you get hit in the wrong spot.

"Who sells glow vials around here?  We never used them at the Academy, everyone learned light spells early on unless they had a block on that college."

"Let's get some rations, too.  Somebody in town must sell fresh worms."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 73):

"I have a little cash too. How much is needed?"

In reply to Tommy (msg # 75):

"I am not fond of Ashbury, but he dies sell glow vialsfor $30. they are good for half a day.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:06, Tue 20 June 2023.

In reply to Alice Abernathy (msg # 76):

"I like the dark. But Brunhilda may want a lantern. They will last much longer. In fact, I will get her a Light Segmented Plate Helm with a Helmet Lantern if I can find one, ...and some oil. They will last for half a day per pint of oil, and the pints only cost $2."

OOC: Light Segmented Plate Helm, $150, 4 lbs, DR3, + Helment Lamp, 5 yd beam burns for 12 hrs on 1 pint, $100, 2 lbs, so total of $250, 6 lbs, Brunhilda will wear it, Tommy will give her $200, and she has $55, so she will get 2 pints of oil to go with it. Assume all good, GM? If so, how much can she sell her Light Scale helm for?
This message was last edited by the player at 10:11, Sat 17 June 2023.

"Light?  Segmented?  Is the helmet edible, by chance?"

"For that money, I'd hope the glow vials wouldn't be needed, but it might be good to have a few in case of a situation where neither magic nor flame is advisable.

"Let's see, then.  We need two coils of forty yards of heavy rope, and a third the same length of the common stuff.  Say four candle lanterns, each with a bundle of candles, Brunhilda is covered for her helmet light, and let's call it four glow vials for emergencies -- I don't expect to actually need those, but I'd rather have them and not need them.  Does everyone have a means of making fire without magic, just in case?

"I'd say each should be responsible for their own rations; as I've recently been reminded, different people have different needs and tolerances.  I guess I'll need to get a rucksack as well, to carry rations and rope and such, and I should check in at the stable and be sure my horse is being well cared for.

"I'll take care of buying the rope and lanterns, Tommy, you're getting Brunhilda's headgear.  Let's take care of our rations and other things we think we might need, then get a good night's sleep before we take the lift down in the morning."

OOC:

Personal Basics includes a tinderbox, along with some other basic stuff we should all have.

Alchemist's matches are quicker, but a little hazardous to carry (can ignite in the tin if shocked) and don't work if they get wet (neither does the tinder in a tinderbox, though the flint will still strike a spark on the steel).  $15 and a quarter pound for a tin.

3/4" 1100 lb rope is 5 francs for 40 yards and weighs 20 lb, x2 coils is 10 francs
3/8" is 1 franc for the same length, weighs 6 lb.
glow vials 6 francs for 4 -- 1/2 lb. each
Climbing Gear isn't listed in DFRPG, but Basic has it at $20 = 1 franc and 4 lb including hammer and connectors.  Extra spikes wouldn't be a bad idea, $1 and 1/2 lb each in Basic; I'll get ten.

That's 18 1/2 francs = $370; assuming Alice pitched in $30 as well, we've got $120.  I'll cover the rest out of pocket, with the understanding I'll be reimbursed before shares are divided.

I don't see a price in DFRPG or Basic for candle lanterns and the listed candles are a single 1 lb. pillar that lasts 12 or 24 hours, obviously intended for a fixed location (Basic doesn't even have the beeswax option) -- a bundle of six or seven totaling the same weight would be the right size for a brass or tin lantern with horn or mica windows -- and ought to last about the same total time (burn rate is determined by the wick).  I'd recommend beeswax, it won't smell like food (and though it doesn't make a difference in game terms, the light is whiter and it doesn't smoke up the lantern as quickly).  We'll only need this if there's a magic failure of some kind, anyway.

The lantern style I suggested is often made to fold flat, with a wire or twine bail; ought to weigh half a pound or so, but I'm not sure what it would cost in Northport (or if they're even available, though I'd expect so -- lighter than an oil lantern, safer to carry as a backup, and if you have tallow candles they can be eaten in a starvation situation).  I've guessed it at half a franc, but I'll wait for the boss to chime in.

I'll carry one coil of the heavy rope, one candle lantern and bundle of candles, and one glow vial.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 79):

Brunhilda is able to carry Group basics too, but does not have any (Her and Tommy have $26 between them, and now have to buy rations as well). Perhaps she can get it by trading in her old helm?

OOC: How much are ‘iron rations’?

OOC: I can front enough for Brunhilda to get Group Basics -- though we should get a ruling on what that actually includes (I'd figure it as a larger cooking pot, spare tent pegs, tarp, a camp axe, a bundle of fat wood to ease fire lighting, and some light cordage for hanging rain flies and so forth -- pretty limited usefulness underground, but perhaps there's an Undercity version).

I don't see "iron rations" as such in either Basic or DFRPG equipment lists; in Old School D&D that was dried food in a waterproof container (hardtack or ship biscuit, dried meat, hard cheese, and dried fruit in waxed linen, for instance, or pemmican and jerky sewed into an oiled leather pouch, depending on culture).  What we have are regular rations (one meal in a bag, like TL3 MREs), dwarven rations (eat nothing else for a month and you get some resistance to poisons) and elven rations (three meals weighs what one usually would, lembas vs. cram).  You might have to do some running around to find either of the latter sort.

There is a spell, Preserve Food, that can be enchanted into a container to preserve even stuff like milk and fresh bread indefinitely, but enchanted items got really expensive when DFRPG came in.  The spell can also be cast by a mage, but I don't know that one -- in fact, it looks like it's not in the DFRPG spell lists for mages, druids, or clerics (game is oriented toward dungeon crawling, not general open-world adventuring).

Syvanus replenishes his rations and slips Tommy $50

He buys containers of honey with his remaining money (say 5 Francs per Quert/liter?) so 10 jars.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:45, Sun 18 June 2023.

Trail rations listed for in the book are the GURPS equivalent to iron rations.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 84):

Travllers Rations are $2 and weigh 0.5 lbs, in Basic: Characters. Elven food is lighter again.

Tommy is happy to use the $50 to buy another 25 rations for Brunhilda to carry. Stuff cats don't eat, of course...

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 79):

Grohm will double the cash he puts in the pot for gear.   I think we can get away with just one heavy rope.

OOC:

Okay, with the extra from Grohm, I'll only be owed $220 before shares.  I'd rather have a second heavy rope, just in case.  Few cases where a rope is too heavy to do the job (harder to knot, won't thread through a small opening, are the main issues in RL beyond weight), but too light can be bad.  Either Grohm or Brunhilda ought to be able to carry the second heavy coil, and Tommy or Alice can take the light one -- just to have them spread out like the glow vials and candles/lanterns.

I don't mind fronting this -- I fell into some cash recently, so I'm not hurting at all.

OOC- Okay, so if I chip in some money, can I avoid having to keep track of my own rations?  If so, how much more should I throw in?

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 88):

Dne's rations cost the same amount, but consist of millet and dried grubs.

Alice has another  four silvers, but her tithing has otherwise cleaned her out.

OOC: Boss, was there a confirmation on the cost of the tin folding lanterns?  Assuming a pound of candles costs the same whether it's a bundle of lantern size or a single pillar (should be close, anyway), that's the only thing we don't have solid pricing on.

IMO, everyone should keep track of their own rations and carry their own (except a situation like Brunhilda carrying Tommy's).  That way if we get separated or (hopefully not the case) someone gets eaten by a grue we'll know who has what.  D'ne, I don't think any of us would want your grubs and millet getting mixed up with our hard bread, dry sausage, and pear chips.

Oh, all, forgot to mention, I can refill waterskins, bottles, etc. as needed as well.  Created water only lasts 24 hours (just like Created Earth etc.), but as long as we don't try to store up a barrel full and just keep it, that won't be a problem.  Likely sensible to establish a routine of filling all the water containers as we break "camp" each "morning" since doing so won't tire me unless there's an area of lower than usual magic.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 90):

Perhaps Brunhilda can buy a 2 Gallon Barrel. This will hold 16 lbs of water, which should make distribution of created water.

By Low Tech, Containers (P34), a 2 Gallon waterproof barrel costs $68 and weighs 5 lbs empty, and has 6 HP if it matters...

A 1 gallon waterproof barrel holds 8 lbs of water and weighs 3 lbs empty, and costs $40.

However, Tommy and Brunhilda have just $1 between them.

OOC:

It's no extra trouble to fill everyone's water bottles/skins/etc. individually -- I can "turn on the tap" and folks can put their containers under the stream like filling from a running faucet or hose.  I don't see any advantage to spending the money for a barrel, or to Brunhilda carrying the weight.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 92):

collapsable anything should cost 2x the base cost. resale helm for Brunhilda should be 30% cost other purchases approved

In reply to Narrator (msg # 93):

So $80 x 0.3 = $24. Now she has $24!

OOC:

What base cost is doubled for collapsible candle lanterns, though?  The standard lantern (which is an oil lantern, with a mechanism for raising and lowering a wick, liquid-tight reservoir, and heavier material to protect against a larger flame)?  I was looking for something like this

https://garrettwade.com/produc...ln0RKnQaAl6FEALw_wcB

Here's a simpler one from a century and a half earlier, and no reason it couldn't have been made two or three hundred years before that.  http://www.colonialmarket.com/wmgatliff/sale.html

These are running anywhere from 2/3 gram to 1 gram of gold, which is probably a bit more than half a franc...

Even something like this would work: https://www.townsends.us/colle...-candle-s3278-p-1556
This message was last edited by the player at 22:55, Tue 20 June 2023.

FYI.  Grohm already has a standard lantern and 3 pints of oil.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Wed 21 June 2023.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 96):

So we have a 5' beam and a lantern, and 5 pints of oil between us. A 1 gal (8 pint) barrel may be an idea, but otherwise we should be good given it is only a backup. Continual light should be cast on the wicks as well, meaning we only have to light them is dispel magic is cast. 5 pints should give us plenty of time to recast continual light...and we have not even discussed the candles. Tommy has Night Vision to help too.

OOC: Old cave explorer's rule: three independent light sources, each with its own spare energy source etc. Back in the day (1970s) that was usually a carbide lamp on the helmet, with a can of carbide and bottle of water separate from drinking supply (cave water had too much junk in it and would clog up the lamp), a bright flashlight with at least one set of spare batteries and bulbs, and final backup was candles and waterproof matches to light them -- and this was for each spelunker, in case of separation.  These days LED battery lamps have replaced carbide and mostly halogen lamps too, and many cavers have ditched candles as well to preserve cave environments, but the overall rule still applies.

We've got Continual Light (on the wicks of things like Brunhilda's helmet lamp is a good idea, but otherwise I'd stick with things like upper shoes of staves etc. so we can leave lanterns etc. in the packs) and candles (in lanterns once we have that worked out, plus Brunhilda's helmet lamp).  That's only two independent sources, really...

Tommy, sorry to say, while your night vision offsets darkness penalties for you, it doesn't help anyone else and even you'll be blind (-9 on almost everything) if there's no light at all.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 98):

That is true in total darkness.

I have three sources of light:

- Continual light spells on various things
- Oil Lanterns, such as Brunhildas
- Candles

All are independent of each other, though the locations may be shared. If it makes you feel better Brunhilda will spend her last cash from selling her old helm on Alchemist matches, A beeswax candle and a torch. That will make 4 light sources by my count.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:57, Wed 21 June 2023.

I also got five torches, and I could get a pair of glow vials as back up. Speaking of purchase, I'll upgrade my backpack to a quick-release one. It still leaves me some spare cash, if we need more group supplies.

I bought rations.  Mmmm, dried grubs!

ooc: all of those continual light spells can be cast the night before we leave since the spell lasts for days.  Also givea the caster a chance to recover all FP before we leave in the morning.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 101):

checked a variety of sources, could not come up with an equivalent; I would place a collapsible anything at 2x times the base cost of the thing, which gives you $100 for a bullseye lantern, so priced because it has a lens *a burning glass alone is $40.
a collapsible candle lantern with the same setup would cost $200.

Now, about that carbide lamp, here is the TL3/4 version:

from Treasure tables:
Burning Stone. $250, 1 lb.
A burning stone is about the size and color of a charcoal briquette,
but when lit, it becomes something quite different. It
burns with tremendous heat, glowing with a bright, white light
for an hour. If used as a light source, it sheds a light equal to daylight
at its source, with Vision penalties for darkness increasing
by one for every two yards of distance. It can also burn through
just about anything short of stone. If held against a target, it does
4d burning damage (cyclic, per second). That kind of prolonged
contact is essentially impossible in combat; treat being struck
with a burning stone as equivalent to being struck with a torch.
The main drawback of the burning stone is that it makes a loud
hissing, sizzling sound when lit, about the same volume as a normal
conversation, making stealth nearly impossible even if the
light is covered. The heat with which it burns can also be an
issue, since it will eventually melt metal and can even damage
ceramics. It is usually carried in a mug-like stone holder ($6, 4
lbs.) and cannot be contained in a helmet lamp or shield lamp.

OOC: Grohm, I don't need to worry about resting after casting.  Alice knows about this and the trouble it caused for me, but that's enough to know for now.  My casting limitation is how big a spell I can cast, not ongoing spell fatigue.

Tommy, I agree, I'd gotten the impression that Brunhilda's helmet lamp was the only oil lamp in the group.  With candle lanterns distributed among the group and others having oil lamps or lanterns, as long as everyone has their own means of igniting fire (tinderbox in a Personal Basics kit will do this, not instantly, but people experienced with one can get a flame in 15 seconds or so if everything is dry) we're covered on light sources, then.

Collapsible candle lanterns don't have or need a bullseye or burning glass lens, just one or more flat windows of mica or horn, and the rest of the flat sides are polished metal (copper or brass, likely, but ca. 1910 they used tin plate -- see the pictures I linked above).  They wouldn't have the light range of a bullseye or even an oil lamp, but they're lighter and candles don't spill and soak your backpack in oil if you get hit or drop the pack.

I was thinking collapsible because that protects the windows better, but a simple brass candle lantern with horn windows (tougher than mica, but a little less clear) would do the job for lighting, just a little bulkier to carry when not in use.

Even a common bullseye lantern is a fairly complex piece of metalworking (reflector and shutter, wick holder/adjuster and oil reservoir, as well as the mount for the lens).  A simple candle lantern is much simpler, just a sheet metal box with windows on one or more sides and vents top and bottom, plus a handle to carry it.

If they still cost $200, I'll front for four of them, but these are last-resort backup lights, not something we'll be using all the time.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Wed 21 June 2023.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 104):

Those would be $50 each, but very delicate

Okay, that's $50 each four simple, delicate candle lanterns, just a box to protect the flame from breezes with windows on one or more sides?

I see a simple lantern (requires a hand) is $20 in the DFRPG lists -- is the $50 above a fold-flat type?  I think we're still ahead with candles; less light, but we get twice the duration for the same weight as a pint of oil minus the weight of the bottle, and less hazard.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 106):

So we good for lights? Cast Continual light and lets head off?

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 106):

Grohm has what he has.   He is bringing it and if it's useful, he will use it.   A CL spell on the inside of it would be nice to save oil until it's truly needed.

Since it looks like we need a bit more than we though to get things going, he chips in another $40 for $100 total.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:29, Thu 22 June 2023.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 108):

Do we have Group basics? Expensive Group basics (+1 CF, 2/3 weight, so $100, 13.3 lbs) would be a worthwhile investment, but I suspect Regular Group basics ($50, 20 lbs) would be a minimum, carried by Brunhilda.

OOC: Thanks, Grohm.

Haven't gotten a clarification from the Boss on the lanterns, but I'll go ahead with four at $50 -- I'll carry one of those and a bundle of candles, along with one glow vial and one 40 yard coil of heavy rope, as previously said.  That leaves three more candle lanterns and bundles of candles, three more glow vials, another 40 yards of heavy rope and 40 of the 3/8 weight to distribute among the group.

I'll pop for $50 for Group Basics; I don't see a higher level of group basics in Basic or DFRPG lists (I only have the lists of stuff, not the actual books).  That and the higher price of the candle lanterns pushes my investment here to $390.

Continual Light on anything desired, not a problem (I do need to roll the casts, just in case -- 18 is always a crit fail, after all -- so I need to know how many are needed).  My own staff already has the upper shoe as bright as a torch.  We can fill water containers at a public fountain before we descend, or I can fill them before or after the ride down in the lift.

For clarity later:

4 candle lanterns $50 ea. => $200
4 1 lb. bundles of beeswax candles (24 hours of burn time) $5 ea. => $20
4 glow vials (12 hours of light) $30 ea. => $120
2 40 yd. coils of 3/4 rope (1100 lb.) $100 ea. => $200
1 40 yr. coil of 3/8 rope (300 lb.) $20 => $20
1 Group Basics (hatchet, large cooking pot, light cordage, etc. for up to 8 people) $50 => $50

And contributions received from the group:

$30 from Alice
$100 from Grohm
$30 from Syvanus

I see $610 for equipment above, adding a share on the expenses for me, looks like I'm fronting $420 for the group.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 110):

Brunhilda is happy to carry

1 40 yd. coils of 3/4 rope (1100 lb.) $100 ea. => $200
1 40 yr. coil of 3/8 rope (300 lb.) $20 => $20
1 Group Basics (hatchet, large cooking pot, light cordage, etc. for up to 8 people) $50 => $50

However, an extra $50 for Expensive Group Basics (option from Low tech for gear) would reduce this weight by 6.7 lbs. That also still leaves a 20 lb 40 yd 3/4" rope for someone else, as well as the light sources spread around, which I understand is the idea. She has her own light source.

What containers does the oil come in? Should we get a wineskin for that? It would not be so fragile...

Her and Tommy have just $1 between them.

OOC: Do you have a page reference?  I don't see anything in Low Tech, neither in my GCS lists nor in the book index, about Group Basics, other than the generic reference to cheap vs. expensive gear around p. 14 and following.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 112):



Yes, that is it. it is applicable for such things as personal basics, and even rope...

Don't forget my contribution. I'll add 100$ total to the pot.

If we buy the lighter group kit, I could carry 7.3 lbs of it, leaving 6 lbs for the others. If I have to carry any more, I'll end up in heavy load.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 114):

As I only have low tech in hardcover I can't look that up; DF usually has cheap, good and either/or ornate and fine  instead of expensive... cheap is usually bulkier. I would roll with fine effects instead of expensive.


secondly- group basics are the requirements for surface camping. folks will be eating rations not cooking so the big cast iron pot osnt needed, but iron spikes, light sources, and water are needed.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 115):

Ah, Ok. I have only seen fine attached to weapons, armour and shields. What is the effect of fine on gadgets, such as rope or group/personal basics?

Regarding group basics, happy if it is not needed...less to carry.

OOC: Light sources and water are covered.  There's a climbing kit in Basic that includes spikes/pitons, a hammer, and clips/carabiners (1 franc, 4 lb, might be heavier at TL3 or TL4), and extra spikes are 1 bit each and weigh 1 lb.

With what Jendrich has pitched in, and not needing Group Basics, I'm down to $270 fronted, though I'll happily spring for Climbing Gear and a few extra spikes if someone who can climb wants them and doesn't have a set already.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 117):

Tommy is pretty good at climbing, and could make use of the kit though he does not have one. How much does it weigh?

OOC: The one in Basic is 4 lb., and shows as TL2, so shouldn't be heavier at our TL.  Half a dozen extra spikes would make an even 10 lb.  I'll cover you for that, and bring my front money up to $296.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 119):

Heavy for Tommy, will put it in Brunhilda's pack...thank you though.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:20, Fri 23 June 2023.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 117):

it wouldn't include carabiners, they are TL7. spikes with loops maybe but you would need knot tying skill, or a default from climbing to secure them.

OOC: Although my wallet is getting light, I’ll thrown in $100.  But let’s make sure to come home from this next adventure with some loot.

It sounds like we're getting close.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 123):

prep for this crawl is done!

you regroup after a solid night of sleep, (unless you have compulsive carousing)

And a ready to meet with Ulo and Rafik down below to seek out the Western reaches!

Feeling good, Dne does a funk chicken strut all the way to the meeting, accentuating each step with an appropriate grunt.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 125):

the guild artificer who built the elevator lowers you from the guild undercroft into the darkness in groups of 3... who is going first?

Syvanus will

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 127):

Tommy next...Brunhilda last.

Jendrich goes with the first group as well.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 129):

you descend into the darkness, where you find you are not alone...

So who or what do we see? can we stop the descnt or reverse it?

OOC: Dne walks on air.  As such, he wouldn’t put any weight on the elevator.  Could he therefore go down with the first group?

Vigilio makes sure anyone who wants Continual Light has it before they descend -- please speak up (with what you're having lit and how bright) so I can make the casting rolls.

A coin on a string at torch brightness that he can hang around his neck and cover or not as he sees the need.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 133):

Brunhilda will have the wick on her head light lit, as well as the boss of her shield.

In reply to Brunhilda (msg # 135):

Tommy will ask for a fishhook to be lit. Easy to hide or hook somewhere, and it might just attract a cave fish...

Grohm asked Virgilio to cast CL on his lantern as well as a small stone that he wraps in a piece of leather and puts in his pocket.  Both torch brightness.

Virgilio holds each item for a few seconds, speaking arcane words clearly and gesturing broadly as he casts.  Each item begins to glow as brightly as a torch flame, but with a steady white light instead of the wavering yellow of an actual torch.  He hands back each item as he completes the casting, and continues to the next until all have been lit -- and doesn't seem to be fatigued even after casting five times in succession.

Jendrich asks for the spell on a band of cloth, same strength as the others, that he ties up on his upper arm.

Virgilio repeats the same gestures and words as previously, and the armband glows.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 139):

all of this was done yesterday.

you descend with magical light into the warrens, and are greeted by Hrunting,wearing his dark glasses,
 Ulo and Rafik.
There is movement in the dark, and some grumbling- it is rude to bring light without asking for permission first.

Jendrich quickly stuffs the glowing cloth into his pouch, remembering how painful bright lights can be after his last trip.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 142):

npc'd
"Come if you are coming, but dim the lights."

Grohm closed the cover on his lantern and fell in line behind Ulo.

Syvanus, who had his coin in his tunic top, follows along.

Virgilio reaches up and quenches the light on his staff, then repeats the words and gestures from the previous evening and the upper show now glows like a candle.

"Sorry, it slipped my mind about light -- all of us need light to see, but we don't really need that much."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 146):

Tommy stows his fishhook in his pocket, where it is unseen.

Brunhilda walks near the back of the party, pointing her lights away from the trolls as much as she can. She uses the lights to provide some illumination from behind...

In reply to Tommy (msg # 147):

with much grumbling about the light, the trolls lead you toa cavern dominated by a large conic stone filter... with large gravel in the top and drawers containing finer sand and charcoal.  behind it is a narrow flight of stairs leading a long way down... this is where the trolls get their water.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:58, Thu 06 July 2023.

Virgilio goggles and cranes his neck as he passes the great filter.  "And no magic at all, then?  I guess that makes sense.  Purifying water with magic takes energy -- this just needs a source of water and gravity."  He looks again at the drawers.  "And regular maintenance, of course."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 149):

Tommy and Brunhilda restock water...

Grohm walked around the huge filter and looked down the stairs.

"Ulo.  This is where we start?", he asked.

"Pure water without magic..." Jendrich says in admiration, thinking how useful something like that could be in his village... only to sigh, thinking there's no way he could return to tell them about it.

"Right. How far down do people normally go?"

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 152):

A brilliant invention, but massive in size, nearly ten yards wide at the top and seven yards high.

Ulo nods. The steep stairs beckon downward...

Virgilio also checks that his waterskin is full.  "Easy enough to Purify or Create water, but why take the risk unnecessarily?"

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 154):

Tommy nods and heads down to scout the path down.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 154):

"Critical failure can poison the whole reservoir. This was built over two hundred years ago because of that."

In reply to Tommy (msg # 155):

the path is narrow  and steep, and it takes about twenty minutes to get to the bottom.

"How deep are we now?  A hundred yards or so below ground?

"I wouldn't have thought tunnels could run this deep so close to the sea."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 158):

Tommy continues to lead the way down, pausing only when there is a fork...

In reply to Tommy (msg # 159):

the dark narrow stair continues downward, from whence you can hear a trickle of water.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 160):

Further into the darkness he will go...leading the way cautiously.

"What do I need to see in the dark?  Let's see, Keen Vision is Mind Control, Night Vision is Light & Darkness, so are Infravision and Dark Vision.  I guess I'll have to ask Spielgud about them next time we come up."

Virgilio, talking to himself, is audible only to those within a couple yards, and he doesn't seem to expect anyone else to pay attention.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 162):

everyone is going to need to ake one DX roll at their vision penalty (0 for trolls or Infravision) and i costs everyone one fp... these are long stairs!

Virgilio steps on a shadow instead of a solid object.

Syvanus is as careful ashe can be in the poor light...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 163):

What is the penalty for lantern/torchlight?

Jendrich shuffles down, somewhat carefully...
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Tue 11 July 2023.

OOC: just looked this up last night.  It's fairly well hidden, but M110, Continual Light, has the main points -- torchlight is -3, candlelight is -5 (either of which can be offset by sufficient levels of Night Vision, or by Infravision, Ultravision, Multspectral Vision, or the Dark Vision spell).

Grohm held his lantern above his head to light the stairs for himself and his companions.  By carefully watching hos feet, he had little trouble making it down to the bottom.

OOC:
16:58, Today: Grohm'Tahl rolled 6 using 3d6.  DX roll - 14  Down the stairs.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 169):

Candle power is enough for Tommy... so he continues on with it ahead.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 164):

Virgilio takes 1 point of damage from the fall, and must make a DX roll at normal penalties to avoid sliding further into the dark







Those of you reaching the bottom find yourselves in a vast cavern where you can hear distant waterfalls and trickling of water.  The stone is black, and there is sharp rubble scattered throughout the cavern

In reply to Narrator (msg # 171):

Tommy will scout around, looking for a path.

Virgilio, unable to immediately catch himself, continues tumbling on the steep stair.

"Virgilio!" Jendrich says, taking a step to grab him, only to stop as he almost slips as well. Instead, he's left to reach into the air and watch him fall...

He quickly casts, knowing Viriglio will be heavy.

Somewhere far, far away from this campaign, Dne attempts to lay an egg as he contemplates his uselessness.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 175):

the Apportation is a success, and able to arrest the motion... likewise the levitation spell, due to the higher mana level around Virgilio, and he is both lifted from the stair and righted.

both Jendrich and Syvanus can tell they are holding the thin mage in mid air.

if either of you weren't aware of this property of Virgilio, you are aware of it now!

Virgilio uncurls his arms from around his head as he realizes he's not falling an unknown distance, but instead has been turned upright.  Once he recovers his orientation, he'll attempt to aid in getting himself back onto the stair by pushing against anything in the correct direction with his staff.

OOC: Virgilio and his equipment weigh a total of about 237 lb., for fatigue calculation purposes.

OOC: Good catch, guys.

Syvanus moves him down to stand on the stairs

Jendrich makes his way down the rest of the stairs, looking confused but relieved that Virgilio is safe.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 181):

Tommies focus is on ahead, so he missed the whole saga. He looks around carefully ahead...

"Thanks for the help, guys -- I thought I was a goner there.  I guess I should learn some more Movement spells, like Slow Fall.

"Then again, how deep is that, anyway?"

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 183):

"Not so far." She and a couple of domestic cats around her seem to be managing...she does have the helmet lamp on as well as the shield light though.

In reply to Brunhilda (msg # 184):

the stairs had descended several hundred feet, and the stream near the base of the stairs looks to be a few yards deep- enough to drown in, but probably not enough to soften the fall.

Virgilio looks into the stream as he reaches the base of the stairs.

"Yep, definitely need to learn Slow Fall."

"So, we're a lot deeper than the other path.  We need to go east from here, more or less?"  He mutters and gestures, twice, and turns in place, then points to his left.  "That way, as the tunnels permit."

"Alright, let's follow Tommy." Jendrich says, stepping to the front of the group, using the glowing cloth to see where he's going.

Perhaps we should first confer with Ulo and her people, as they have forgotten more than we know.

OOC: Am I going to participate in this game eventually, or should I return to the Guild?

Oh stick around .. it will lend a new meaning to roasting a character ;-)

It can be a slow thread, but since I run too any characters, it is a relief not to have to post here a lot.

OOC:  I thought that you were participating.   Post as much or as little as you want.

OOC: Sticking around, then.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 192):

Tommy looks around, open to any ideas the trolls might have, to finding a path.

OOC:  Did any of the trolls come down with us?

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 194):

Rafik and Ulo are with you.  When east is proposed he vigorously shakes his head.
"That way is home to Ravha kuristikku. we go west."

In reply to Rafik (msg # 195):

the massive cavern extends beyond the limits of your light sources.

beyond the stream, and the sounds of small waterfalls, you notice a lot of spiky shards of a curious black stone...


thaumatology rolls please, or hazmat magical

Syvanus shines his light that way

"What is a, um, Rava Curesticku?  Dangerous, I gather?"

Jendrich looks at the black stone, thinking it looks familiar, but unable to remember why.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 198):

"Those who came last time fought them,"

Syvanus, Jendrich and Grohm'Tahl all know that the psionic, tentacled pit creatures are ancient enemies of the trolls. to the east lies their city...


the black stone is Adamantine, magicially created Essential Stone and is nearly indestructible.  whatever it once was must have been huge... and a gross display of wizardry.  Whateverdestroyed it must have been catastrophic
.... it is also a valuable construction material, although heavy as stone

He shivers, Yes, I remember them...disgusting things.

"Right, best we avoid them, then."  Virgilio furrows his brow for a moment.  "But it's still the East March we seek?  Or did I get that crossed up?"

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 202):

npc'd
"Above us are the Eastern Reaches, we seek the Western reaches, my ancestral home.  Our last trip had us heading east to get here, but that path was lost when the beast awakened."

"Ah, then we need to seek ways to the west.  A couple more months at the Academy and I'd have been able to find the way magically, I think -- maybe.  It works better for places one has been to, anyway, but I hadn't learned that one yet."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 204):

Tommy continues to search around, heading west after hearing the conversation not so far behind him.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 205):

you are entering an area that seems to havebbeen cleared of the adamantine debris, as if it were being collected. a path 5 yards wide leads west out of the debris field toward a square opening 4 yards to a side that is dressed with what looks to be smooth adamantine, smooth except for some tool marks... what tools can damage  adamantine?

"It's said that steel cuts steel, and diamond can polish diamond.  Whoever did this either used adamantine or magic.  I'd bet on magic."

"We've already seen a mage with an Orichalcum body... and a powerful master. Could that material be used to make a body as well?"

"Given that golems can be created from solid stone or iron, neither of which would normally be able to move or flex, I'd be inclined to guess -- note the word guess -- that with the right magic, an adamantine golem is possible.  Such a thing ought to be a very durable body for a powerful mage seeking to become eternal, though likely more costly to create than one from orichalcum."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 209):

adamantine is formed from essential earth and earth to stone, supplimented with a ton of manna. orichalcum is essential earth , earth to stone(metal) and costs even more energy.
Unworked stone can be manipulated with various earth spells, worked stone at a higher cost... the doorway is worked adamantine, presumably done with orichalcum tools.

orichalcum is a more expensive material than adamantine because it is as strong but is lighter.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 210):

Not being a mage, Tommy just sees curious black stone, and searches for a path...

In reply to Tommy (msg # 211):

there is a clear path to this adamantine doorway.

Before leaving the foot of the stairs, Virgilio runs through a long and complex gesture series and incantation, then repeats it.

"That will help me remember the way back, if such should be needed."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 212):

Then Tommy will investigate the Doorway...

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 213):

Grohm watched as Tommy made it to the doorway and waited for him to wave the party closer.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 215):

Which he will do iff there is no threat.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 216):

the flooring is smooth but has two deep ruts as if a heavy wagon was dragged through here many times.
unlike the upper levels, or even the caverns of the trollfolk, the walls are smooth and largely seamless although ribbed and rippled despite there being no sign of the stone being worked.

the overall impression is a gullet of stone, with an arched ceiling and flatt floor. it is smooth enough that light reflects off of its surface, even though it is not the glossy black of adamantine.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 217):

If it is shaped like a gullet, and looks like a gullet, perhaps it is. What about touch? Is it wet? Can he stab it when he tries to?

In reply to Tommy (msg # 218):

while it is glossy and smooth, it is stone and not flesh, and scratches where youvtried to stab it.

there are veiny looking ribs of adamantine though.

Virgilio moves along the trodden path behind Tommy, going slowly to watch his footing as well as looking around himself.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 219):

Fascinating. Tommy will let others know and continue on.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 221):

you follow the slightly curving path that iscroughly 4 yds wide and high and marked by the passage of some kind of wagon and the tread of many feet.
the sound of the trickling waterfslls behind you echo here in a susserus ofwhitr noise

In reply to Narrator (msg # 222):

Tommy will continue to scout the path...the wagon tracks providing a good guide.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 223):

the tracks come to an intersection: a narrower (3yd) passage heads to the rightand left, the main passage continues ahead, curving gntly to the left and upwards.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 224):

Tommy thinks the right hand side seems about right, and tries to investigate...

Virgilio squints, then turns to the nearest troll.

"Could you tolerate brighter light?  I'm afraid my human eyes are inadequate down here."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 226):

"My eyes are shielded. Do what you would."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:37, Mon 07 Aug 2023.

Virgilio rehearses, then casts, as usual, and his staff tip brightens.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 228):

make a per check at current brightness

Virgilio looks around himself in the brighter light.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 230):

there is a cross corridor above this one that looks to be only about a yard high, starting at 3 yards up!

"Well, you don't see that every day."

"Huh? What do ya see?", Drezghl asked.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 233):

Does Tommy need a climbing roll to get up there to check it out?
This message was last edited by the player at 09:22, Thu 10 Aug 2023.

At Grohm's inquiry, Virgilio points upward to the opening of the crossing corridor.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 234):

standard climbing roll to get up there, unless lifted up.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 236):

Tommy climbs up easily...

In reply to Tommy (msg # 237):

Looking ahead you see a squarish tunnel.  At any given point, the walls, floor and ceiling form a perfect square, but they are slightly askew from each successive section of about a foot and a half, so there is an optical illusion of twisting and undulating. The yard high and wide tunnel has a couple of openings at some distance ahead but you can't quite tell how far they are.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 238):

Tommy will report back, before going ahead to investigate.

"Look for signs of traffic before you go too far, Tommy."

In reply to Tommy (msg # 239):

the area while slightly disturbing to look at for long, is relatively clean.

per roll please Tommy

In reply to Narrator (msg # 241):

Whatever it is, Tommy does not notice it. Crit fail, rolled 17.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 242):

the undulating shape of the slightly canted corridor is having a mildly hypnotic effect on Tommy, and the corridor seems to be receeding far into the distance...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 243):

Almsot drawn, Tommy continues into the cave...

In reply to Tommy (msg # 244):

the passage, being only a yard high is one through which he must travel hunched or on all fours, carries on before there is an opening to the left.

"Tommy?  See any tracks or marks?"

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 246):

Tommy will go on all fours, like a cat,to the opening.

"There seems to be an opening here..." he says softly.

"Pretty sure the trolls aren't going to use that tunnel to get from the East to the West, though.  If it's empty and doesn't look used, perhaps best you come on back."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 248):

this particular cross tunnel runs north/ south and the entrance turns west

per roll by Tommy at -2 plus vision penalties

In reply to Narrator (msg # 249):

Tommy is not particularly observant today...

In reply to Tommy (msg # 250):

anyone else taking a gander up that high... Dne?

It looks pretty tight up there for Grohm, but he will boost someone up if they want to go.

"I'll go up, if you can get me high enough.  That passage is plenty big enough for hands and knees, anyway."

He ensures his crossbow is loaded and ready, then slings it and takes his staff in hand.

"Ready?"

Grohm set his halberd against the wall and laced his fingers together.  He bent over a bit and let Virgilio step into his hands like a stirrup.

We seem to have become side tracked.

"A little, but I'm going up mainly to see what's keeping Tommy."

Virgilio steps into the stirrup of Grohm's hands and reaches up, staff positioned to bring the lit end to the opening first.

"A little higher, Grohm?"

OOC:Virgilio still weighs about 235 including equipment.  Climbing roll, Boss (hope not, it's not good)?

Grohm stood up straight and pulled his hands up towards his chin to give Virgilio another foot or so.

"Step up onto my shoulder.", the burly half-orc grunted.

Virgilio steps up as requested, slides his staff ahead of him, and looks for hand holds and places to put his feet to climb into the opening.

OOC: Am I with the party now?

OOC: Looks like it.

Dne is loathe to stick his head up a tunnel when he doesn’t know what’s at the other end of it, but seeing as how this may be the only way to complete the mission (and because he’s the only one in the party who walks on air), he does it.  But he is prepared to drop back down at the first sign of trouble.

He tries not to imagine a gigantic cat waiting for him in the darkness…

"Oh, D'ne, since you're up here, I'd welcome a steadying hand while I try to get in here."  Virgilio reaches his left hand (his right is occupied with his staff) as he looks for footholds to step off Grohm's shoulders.

Dne insists on doing one thing at a time only.  If he's to help this guy down first, he'll put off sticking his head into the unknown until he's finished.

Jendrich watches silently, ready to catch Virgilio should he fall again.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 264):

which side of the cross tunnel are you looking into? the side that Tommy climbed into or the one opposite?
please identify and make a per check with lighting penalties

both of the tunnels are squarish and warped atvthe same time.

Virgilio is working his way into the same tunnel Tommy entered.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 266):

Tommy has a light in his tunnel...

In reply to Tommy (msg # 267):

Tommy and his light seem to Virgilio t be quite a distance away; Virgilio looks to be about 5 yards from Tommy.

Virgilio continues trying to take his weight off Grohm's shoulders.

"Tommy?  If there's nothing up here, you should come back."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 269):

"Ok, but I if I can not see anything here, why not scout further?."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:30, Sat 26 Aug 2023.

"What do you mean?  I can see your light.  Just nothing there but some tunnel that hurts your head to look at?

"I don't think the trolls are likely to use that tunnel, and we're holding things up.  And besides, you're only a few yards in."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:23, Sun 27 Aug 2023.

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 271):

Ah, my bad, I misread the previous post to say ' If there is something up there to come back." modified now

Checking both tunnels.

19:41, Today: Dne Utrotare rolled 8 using 3d6.  per.

19:41, Today: Dne Utrotare rolled 8 using 3d6.  per.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Sun 27 Aug 2023.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 273):

being the first to look behind the direction Tommy and Virgilio went to, Dne spots some figures wearing striped clothing disappearing into a side tunnel on the other side.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 274):

Assuming something is said about that, Tommy will scramble out.

Dne comes down and reports his findings quietly.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 276):

the crosscut tunnels above you appear to be inhabited!

Grohm turned to Ulo.

"Do any of the creatures that Dne told us about sound familiar?", he asked.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 278):

Can Tommy go to where they were last seen to make contact?

In reply to Tommy (msg # 279):

tht would be in the opposite cross tunnel, on the far side of the main corridor.

Why? Our Job is to get back to the west side Troll Warrens.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 281):

"They may know a way, or about general dangers here, no?"

He clambers down one side and up the other...

In reply to Tommy (msg # 282):

Waiting calmly on the other side are a pair of red eyed orange complected goblins (most Northport goblins are gray-green) wearing robes striped with zigzags of orange, white and green.

They look blankly at Tommy as he climbs and stand waiting listlessly.

In reply to goblin (msg # 283):

Tommy greets them in Araliase.

"How are you?"

Once Tommy has climbed down, Virgilio looks back the way Tommy had been before beginning to back out of the cross tunnel -- lowering himself to hang from the edge by his hands before kicking his body clear of the wall and dropping the last couple feet.

"Down is so much easier than up."

In reply to Tommy (msg # 284):

the goblins look on dispassionately.
One speaks in a monotone.
"Nilgh'ri ot ymg' ephaiah' mglw'nafh."

make a per roll.

In reply to goblin (msg # 286):

Tommy has regained his senses to some degree...

In reply to Tommy (msg # 287):

the two goblins are physically alike on several levels - they have matching zigzag tunics, identical blank expressions, and matching scars on the side of their shaved heads.

In reply to goblin (msg # 288):

the troll mage casts a spell, and calls up to the goblins in what eems to be their language.

the goblins repeat themselves, and Ulo says (in her borrowed Aralaise)
"They say that all of us will die."

In reply to Ulo (msg # 289):

"Not very helpful. Do they say how or why?

“We’re all going to die… of what?  Old age?  I didn’t expect to live forever.”. Dne doesn’t sound particularly impressed.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Mon 04 Sept 2023.

"My written Eldritch is better than my spoken, but I got some of that.  Ulo has it right, as nearly as I can tell."  He looks up at the orange goblins, points at them and then where we'd been headed.

"Ah'mglw'nazh ahlag, ngnah ah'mglw'nazh geb?"

"The way they're saying it... they're not threatening us..." Jendrich looks around in worry. "Hey, the Rava Curesticku... those things had mental powers. Do you think those goblins could be manipulated by them?"

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 293):

"nilgh'ri h' ephaiah'mglw'nafh matters nafl ahagl

(all will die; where matters not)

"Ymg' c' ah'n'gha, ngnah n'ghftdrn?"  Virgilio's speech hesitates as he searches for words.

"Should have spent more time practicing vocabulary and pronunciation."

In reply to goblin (msg # 294):

calmly the goblin shrugs.
"the yar ah l' mgepkadishtu ehyenah"


(the time is known by no one)

"This is pointless.   Ask them what they want.", Grohm  growled in frustration.

In reply to Grohm'Tahl (msg # 297):

Tommy, content there is no threat, climbs back down and continues to explore the tunnel...

"I think they might be commenting that we're not immortal.  I wonder if that implies they are?  Either way, I don't think it's a threat so much as an observation, and if so, I'm pretty sure all of us were aware already."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 299):

the goblinsstare after Tommy as he climbs down, but otherwise do not act, or raise any alarms.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 300):

Tommy does his best cute cat impersonation (is like puss in Boots!)

Dne shudders, not liking anything that reminds him of nasty cats.

"They don't seem interested in interfering with us, at least.  Perhaps we should push on; we've hardly gotten anywhere yet."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 303):

the long wide corridor turns slightly as it continues.  you now notice that itbis perforated in several places with thse elevated cross tunnels.

a fair distance ahead, you can see that therevis a cross corridor running diagonally through this one.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 304):

Tommy will scout the long wide tunnel.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 305):

as you approach the intersection you experience a moment of vertigo and the sensation that the floor is disolving beneath you- make a fright check

In reply to Narrator (msg # 306):

Tommy is a bit startled...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 306):

He maintains his his senses and looks around to see what has caused this feeling

In reply to Tommy (msg # 307):

the others can see the neku boy's hair syands on end and arches his back, as he drops to all fours.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 309):

Tommy will grab the walls as to stop himself from falling.

Virgilio sprints forward to catch Tommy.

"Vertigo, just as bad whether it's real or illusion."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 311):

the rest of you see Tommy flailing about on the floor

"What? What's going on?" Jendrich asks, stepping closer. He keeps his gaze focused on the side tunnel, thinking Tommy found a threat.

Virgilio tries to grab Tommy's hand.  "Tommy, it's okay, I've got you!"

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 314):

"I'm ...I'm falling...or not?" as he notices others are just standing beside him.

He tries to regain his bearings... embarrassed a little.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 315):

the feeling fades and Tommy finds himself firmly on the floor.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 316):

He gets up, embarrassed, looking for the source of that strange feeling.

"Jendrich and I didn't have any trouble.  I suspect it was a magical trap of some kind.

"I can make you able to see magical things, if you want; that way you won't get caught by such a thing unawares."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 318):

"That is not a bad idea..."

"Unless there is some kind of hallucinogen in the air.  There are many possible explanations for this."

"You mean like a drug of some sort?  Surely such a thing would have also affected Jendrich or myself when we rushed to help Tommy."

Virgilio stops talking for a moment, then rehearses a gesture and word before casting with a touch on Tommy's shoulder.

"Okay, you should see a sort of glow around anything with an enchantment or active spell.  Won't show you the difference between a wizard and a non-mage, though, just which one has a spell on him."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 321):

Tommy gets up and looks around...

In reply to Tommy (msg # 322):

there are faint traces of magic about, as much of the area seems to have been magically shaped, but aside from Dne, Ulo, and Virgilio no active spells seem visible.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 323):

"Thank you for that. Not sure what that was, but let us continue..."

He starts scouting ahead again.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 324):

You are in the middle of a four way intersection.
The drag marks of the cart follow off into each direction.

"Let's check the side corridors for immediate hazards, and then keep on to the west."

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 326):

Tommy will check about 100 m each side, before continuing west.

Since most of the heavy hitters were up at the front of the party, Grohm made sure to hang back to make sure that Brunhilda, Ulo, and Rafik did not get separated from the group.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 327):

Tommy heads south, bit after a few minutes  approaches you from the North...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 329):

"This looks to be a look. Let's keep going West..."

He heads west...

"Wait, hold up.  Did the corridor actually turn and go back over or under this one, or did you just walk in more or less a straight line and come back here from the other way?"

In reply to Virgilio Hohlfeld (msg # 331):

Umm, GM? I feel this is a question Tommy could answer, but I can't!

Dne stretches his calves while eagerly awaiting the answer.

In reply to Tommy (msg # 332):

Tommy was walking straight and did not experience a dip or turn as hecwalked.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 334):

Could he sense anything magical?

In reply to Tommy (msg # 335):

Tommy has no magical abilities so as to be able to detect anything magical