Upon seeing the men and hearing them, I immediately have my spear ready in both hands. I hold it pointing it directly at the closest man. I take an aggressive stance. After hearing Johannes, "Alright I'll. But if any of them take a step at us with those swords drawn, I'm sticking them."

I look to the men and shout, "Now stand down!".

I quickly draw my axe and hold it up, ready to defend my group."Stop! were not here to hurt anyone but we will defend ourselves if the need arises!" I lift my shield up as well and prepare to attack anyone who makes an attack on us. While I prepare my weapon I also take note of what they are wearing, and what type of combat it appears they are skilled in.

{
00:49, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 10 using 1d20+7.  Knowledge (Adventure).}

Jacqueline narrowed her eyes and took a defensive stance. She had quickly drawn her now with an arrow, but did not aim at anyone.

The two men paused their charge. "In the name of Kelden?" said one. "Kelden did say something about a group missing the boat," pondered the other. "Yes! That's us!" Imbellem desperately exclaimed. "Oh... uh... sorry." Looking foolish, they lowered their weapons.

"It's just the only way to get here is by boat. After Kelden and the others passed through, we never expected more would come – unless it was the City Guard finding us out or something." "We found passage across the bay," Herr Johannes explained. "Oh, then you guys make more sense then." Tensions eased in the room. The two men welcomed the adventurers into the outpost and closed the metal door behind them. One of the rebels had short blonde hair and said his name was Kenter. The other rebel, who had brown shoulder-length hair, mentioned his name was Cust.

With the threat of battle subsided, the adventurers could take a better look at their surroundings. Across the room were three halls continuing into the Aqueducts; two extended into the pure blackness of the underground while the middle passage alone had a lantern hanging by the entrance. Gazing farther down, the adventurers could see another lantern hanging twenty paces after that, and perhaps another even farther. Along the left side of the room, among crates and stored goods, were various tools such as hammers, rope, hooks, and iron nails. This was an unusual outpost.

"Been here a long time?" Dwalin commented, observing the state of things. "Months!" Kenter replied with pride. "It took a couple weeks to get the tools we needed here unseen, and then another three months to find a passage leading to the castle. Kelden had always suspected the Aqueducts would lead under the castle, but they're so vast that nobody thought it'd be possible to find a way. But we did!" "Yea," Cust corroborated. "Lost a few guys in the process too." "Wait, you mean they died?" asked Mikael. "Probably," he replied. "Sometimes a guy would get lazy when exploring a new passage and go off on his own, thinking he'd be alright – then he'd never come back... We'd never find him after that." Kenter tried to speak on the bright side, "But we eventually succeeded. We found a way straight to the castle dungeon and into the very halls. We installed lanterns along the route so Kelden and the others could get there."

"Where is Kelden?" pressed Herr Johannes. "How long has it been since he passed through?" "Hmm... about an hour I'd say," Kenter answered. This alarmed the adventurers. Time was running short. "But you might still be able to catch up if you hurry. They probably ran into guards in the castle and would be slowed down by that." Herr Johanes took a deep breath, rousing his determination. "Then there's no time to waste."

[Private to Herr Johannes: Herr Johannes
Examine ~ Both men are donned in leather armor and carrying longswords. They are of moderate difficulty.]

[Private to Imbellem Tueri: Imbellem
Diplomacy ~ They realized their idiocy and calmed the hell down!
Sense Motive ~ They are earnest in their speech
Knowledge Local ~ You've never head of either.]

[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer: Dwalin
Knowledge Adventure ~ Both men are Fighters of Moderate difficulty. This is the most you discern.]

Imbellem slid his shield back onto its position on his back with a bit of a frown. He once saw a fighter bowl a man clean off his feet with naught but his shield, rendering the attacker unconscious and always wanted to try it... 'there's always a next time,' he thought to himself.

Reality snapped back on him much like the string of the first bow he tried to shoot back in the day, "Woah an hour? We gotta go now!" He exclaimed, walking up to the guards and Johannes. "You guys, Cust and Kenter," he said motioning to the two men who looked over, "Time is not on our side here, would either of you have a rout to get to him as quick as possible, perhaps a map? These sewers are kinda messy sometimes... In more ways that one..." He said as the sewer fumes hit his nostrils from their last excursion."

"We need to follow him post haste, something is wrong and he must be warned." A  thought flowed though his head like a cold sweat, "-also, im sorry to ask, you dont know of us, but your lieutenant, Elora, has been drugged with some goblin goobersnooch. Would you have any potions, or some sort of anything to help eliminate the effects? She may not be the only one effected... Also we are going up into a warzone so... Any sort of things you could part with? A better mace or shield perhaps..." The last part of his sentence was said under his breath where as to not sound like a beggar.

The cleric sheepishly asked, shifting weight on his feet, "Surely this well stocked location could part with an item or two. Perhaps some form of healing potion? If its been an hour and Kelden or some of his men are wounded, Im afraid I wouldnt have the time to help them all. I am a Doctor, and a good one - but not that good."

At the men's admission of our mention by Kelden and their sudden stop in mid-charge, I am greatly relieved. "Thank God Kelden mentioned us. Good Job on responding so quickly to that. In combat fast decisions must be made, lest lives are lost. A word of advice in the future, you may want to open the door only after they make the sign and you confirm their identity. The pirates have become extremely well informed these days. Not sure if you have any way of checking before the door is opened or of any way that is quiet. Might need a rotating password or something. Anyways, {I address our group}

Good job on being at the ready men, and woman. And good job controlling yourselves. That is discipline, you make me proud that you demonstrate it. Thanks for backing my statements up with the diplomacy also Imbellem..., and yours too Dwalin, even if very brief.

{I turn back to the guards} You do have zeal, that is for sure. Good to meet you, Kenter {to man with short cut blonde hair} and you Cust {to the brown haired man}. My name is Herr Johannes, we must find Kelden as soon as possible. I would explain in greater detail, but the whole operation, even the whole city is at risk. The pirates plan to somehow use this attack to overthrow Steyus and at the same time murder Kelden or do something to take over while all the chaos ensues. We must not let that happen. The organization may be riddled with spies, be on your guard. Pirates have been infiltrating or monitoring Kelden's actions. There were 3 others in our group, but I do not think they will come by this door again today. We will likely need to band together, even with Steyus forces to fight this threat. It is a greater threat than we had imagined. Trust me, they were behind the Boar's Inn failed truce. They wanted us to fight Larlben, for together we would have been a greater threat. That is all I have time to tell you now. Good job on finding the route for all this."

[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja:
{1. I examine how old they look and
2. if they seem to believe what I am saying, and
3. if they seem to support Kelden fully, or could be a pirate spy and thus give us misleading information.}]

When they explain how long ago Kelden left a new sense of urgency hits me. We need to act now.

"We need a route to follow Kelden ASAP.
Is there any obstacles or possible enemies we should be aware of en route to Kelden? Like deep holes or underground ravines, old bridges, fast flowing aqueducts? Do we need any equipment from here to traverse them?. We must find him ASAP to prevent his death and the loss of the city.

And, as our priest said, (well spoken Imbellem).

If there is nothing else we need to know for the journey, or take with us to make the journey, we must go now. Thank you for your help and hard work Kenter and Cust.

Oh and lastly, Do you know where Kelden would have gone after reaching the castle dungeons?In the event he is far past them? This could be very important"

[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja: I ponder to myself amidst all this. So much work and preparation and even blood went into this attack and operation by Kelden, only to have us have to take Adwonus and reveal these secrets to prevent Kelden's death and prevent the destruction of the whole operation. Did we already have victory taken and now are offered destruction or retreat. These are not options I like, I wish there was a way to preserve these secrets and try again later. Is it a mistake Adwonus came with us? I suppose in this case, Kelden's life is most important, but does Adwonus presence undermine this? or was it too late when Alldyde fessed up about his plans and Kelden's attack?]

In reply to Herr Johannes (msg # 19):

Trapper looked about the rebs, annoyed but poised. Ignoring their presnence he addressed the party.
"We need to get going then. Right now."

Marcus did not raise his left hand from the hilt of his blade, even as the men stopped and introduuced themselves. He did turn from them, however, as Johannes  spoke to them. It was then he realized he had stepped between the would-be attackers and Jacqueline on instinct. He nodded to her, a weary half smile showing for just an instant. "I agree, let's keep moving."

Jacqueline nodded, and remained silent. She felt odd that someone would defend her, but then again after already losing Larlben SR, there was no chance he would lose his beloved sister. Smiling warmly, she readied herself for a brisk walk to Kelden...no matter how trepidatious she felt about what they would do the moment they got there.

Within this chamber of the Aqueducts, the air was cool and crisp. Each breath would have reminded the adventurers of autumn if it were not for the faint sour smell of the nearby sewer. Lanterns flickered and illuminated the room as they conversed.

Imbellem asked Cust if they had a map, to which he replied, "No map. The Aqueducts are too big for that. That's what the lanterns are for. Follow those and they'll lead you straight to the Castle." "What about a potion?" Imbellem asked further. "Potion?" he replied with a confused look. Imbellem was then reminded to whom he was speaking - common men; no doubt they had never seen a potion in their lifetimes.

Herr Johannes tried to explain the situation to the two rebels, but they only glanced at each other with empty expressions. "I don't know about all that," Kenter stated. Cust agreed and said, "Yea, pirates wouldn't want to overthrow Steyus. Haven't you heard Steyus is their puppet?" Kenter continued defending their operation, "And there's no way we have spies. We we're very careful." Herr Johannes soon realized it was no use explaining. They hadn't seen what the adventurers had seen. Only from the lips of Kelden would they likely believe such a thing.

Moving on to more immediate concerns, Herr Johannes asked about any possible difficulties that might arise in the Aqueducts and if they needed any equipment. "It's a mostly a smooth path from here to there," Kenter answered. "There is a river before the entrance to the dungeon, but the bridge over it is sound. The hard part is just taking the right tunnels. There were a few other obstacles in the beginning, but we removed them. Oh! Take this!" He went to the crates and pulled out a bag the size of a pillow. He handed it to Herr Johannes who heaved at the weight. "This is a bag of sand," Kenter explained. "Sometimes the bridge can get wet. Pour this on it and you won't have any trouble."

"Thanks," Herr Johannes replied, repositioning the bag on his shoulder. "Can either of you come as guide?" "No can do," said Cust. "We have strict orders to man the outpost, so here is where we'll stay. Just follow the lanterns and you'll be fine." "I understand," Herr Johannes said, respecting their diligence. "Alright everyone, let's get going." Gathering their determination, the adventurers entered the only tunnel lit by lanterns and began to move at a fast pace. This was going to be the chase of their lives.

They hustled for several minutes, their footsteps echoing in the long stone halls. After leaving the first lantern behind, they passed a second lantern, and another, and another. Before long, they soon comprehended the trial those rebels faced when searching for a route to the castle. Only in the first few minutes, the adventurers had passed by over a dozen side paths, leading in every imaginable direction – straight, left, right, slanted, upward, downward, crooked. There were no clean intersections with four simple directions, but instead an array of tunnels that resembled the inside of a bee's nest. It was difficult to maintain any sense of direction. Thankfully, every time they reached a new turn or corner, there was another lantern hanging in exactly the right spot to guide them to the next waypoint.

After about ten minutes of travel, the adventurers noticed two large and flat objects on the ground, leaning against the side of the tunnel. They were doors! They were two large doors, once a double door, that had been dismantled and laid side by side. Examining the tunnel where they were, the adventurers saw the broken hinges where the door panels once sectioned off this part of the tunnel. In the dim light of the next lantern, they could see half of a metal, bronze-colored gear etched onto one of the doors, with no doubt the other half of a gear on the other. This must have been one of the obstacles the rebels had removed. Some of the adventurers understood what this meant. Some didn't. In either case, they pressed onward all the same.

Only now they knew in the back of their minds an important fact. This route to the Castle led through part of the Old Kingdom...

The stonework became very different in this part of the Aqueducts. The walls were smooth and pristine, and a trim of swirling patterns lined the walls where it met with the floor and ceiling. Although the lanterns radiated their familiar flame, the halls here seemed to glow a gentle turquoise beneath the light, reflecting it in strange way. It gave the illusion that the adventurers were walking across the bottom of the ocean. The noise of their footsteps on cold stone reminded them of the reality.

After another five minutes, the lanterns led them to another room, an intersection. Although they had passed through many of these already, here they were forced to abruptly pause. A panic grew in their chests. In this chamber were three halls on the opposite wall – one continued in the middle while the other two continued in slanted directions to the right and left. This was a normal sight except for one problem. There was no lantern to be seen down any of them. The next lantern had gone out! And there was no time to go back...
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:47, Tue 08 Sept 2015.

"Well dang." Stated Imbellem as everyone stood, confused and concerned. He quickly looked down the dark paths. Nothing.

"Wait" he began, "We got elves and a dwarf, can any of you see anything down the hallway? Tracks, a 'light at the end of the tunnel' sort of deal or anything? Because unless we split up, we're up that smelly creek without a paddle."

Turning to look down the dark hallways, the cleric said under his breath, "And I really dont wanna separate... Its scary down here..."

another thought darted though his head, "Wait, Adwonus, you are a trapper, yes? So does that mean you can track? perhaps if I give you some illumination you could detect tracks or find where they went? You're not the only one with tricks up their sleeves afterall." He said with an overconfident grin, which would more than likely be slapped off by a comment from the orc-blood...

[Should Adwonus be able to track/need illumination, I can prepare to cast 'Cast light' on an object of my choice to help him see the ground more easily]

[Private to DM Ryan: [Private to DM Ryan:
Imbellem Tueri rolled 7 Knowledge local, correct direction to follow kelden.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 4 Knowledge dungeneering, correct direction to follow Kelden.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 20 Listen check, listen for anything down the hallways.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 12 Spot check, tracks/footprints in the paths.]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:25, Fri 11 Sept 2015.

Jacqueline pursed her lips and listened carefully, searching for any clues around them. "Shh..." she hushed Imbellem for just a second.

[Private to Herr Johannes: 12:55, Tue 08 Sept: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 18 using 1d20+8.  Search Check. (Any traps?).

12:55, Tue 08 Sept: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 24 using 1d20+8.  Listen Check.

12:55, Tue 08 Sept: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 12 using 1d20+8.  Spot Check.]

Faced with this problem I pause and consider with contemplation.
"Hmm, it seems we have reached an impasse...
There is a solution to every puzzle, a way out of every box."

After a pause to myself I turn and face the others to think together how we should proceed. I turn to face each one as I address them.
"Well first things first. Let's gather information and see what our options are.

Dwalin, does any of you knowledge of stonework or familiarity with being underground give us any insight into which way to go?

Mikael, what about your knowledge of secret doors?

Adwonus, what about your keen ability to track? Can you tell what way others went most recently?

What about all of your abilities to see in the dark?

Here, Imbellem, I can just light a torch if that is enough. They only cost 1 copper so they are cheap, and I would appreciate to reduce my load, what with carrying all this sand.
     Actually, could anyone give me a hand with this sand? It has been a while with me carrying it, and with my load already, I think it is slowing us down.

Also, Imbellem do you have any miracles involving knowledge, like direction in what way to go is best? I recall hearing of such a spell in my studies. What about you Adwonus? Any fey knowledge that could help us here?"

What about everyone's studies {knowledge skills}. Does anything come to mind that would help us here?

"Jaqueline, would you be able to help Adwonus in tracking? Or does your rogue senses indicate any path particularly? With your eagle eyes, I am sure you could look for tracks as well."

"I am not sure about a lot of your background Marcus, but perhaps you have some skills that would be applicable here?"

"Also, no one go down any of the paths until Jaqueline has been able to check the entrances for traps! And we don't want to spoil a possible trail to follow."

"Which, reminds me to ask, Jaqueline, make sure to look for traps in each of these entrances so Adwonus can look for tracks."

"I doubt there would be a trap behind Kelden. However the paths Kelden did not take, there could be a trap. This is the Old Kingdom afterall. We ought to take note of that and respond accordingly."

As I begin to chat with Imbellem I remove 2 torches from my pack. I place one in my belt and tie it around the handle there. I take the other out and light it with my flint and steel.
"Sensible. I'm more concerned as to why the torches are out in the first place."

"Good point, hopefully merely an oversight on refilling them or an equipment malfunction."

"Or they were followed and torches were put out for the sole purpose of dicking with backup."

"Let us hope it was not that, the guards did not mention anyone else other that Kelden's original group though."

"Mm true. But there were moles if you recall. Well, maybe spies. No for sures"

"Hmm, that is a good point."

"Besides the last two. They were legit."

"I can try to track. The dark doesn't blind me either."

"Stellar."

Once I have the torch lit I ask, "Adwonus, would this be enough light to track by?"


jono
I can see in the dark so I don't think we'd need a torch...

Carson Krueger

We'll be stealthily without any light. Its just you lady Jaqueline and Imbellum who can't see in the dark

(*stealthier)
Shaun La Lone
9/11, 7:51pm
Shaun La Lone

Marcus?
Isaac Huff
9/11, 7:52pm
Isaac Huff

Doesn't have echolocation, so he's even more blind than a bat in darkness.
Shaun La Lone
9/11, 7:53pm
Shaun La Lone

Wonderful. I vote torch out. If rats put the torches out, we don't need to be illuminated...

Well I don't know Marcus, could have a bit of elf. Never know. Mikael surprised me

So did Zin
Carson Krueger
9/11, 7:54pm
Carson Krueger

Oh yea. Either way we can use torches if their is a fight. Otherwise we'll be fine without em
Shaun La Lone
9/11, 7:55pm
Shaun La Lone

In the dark, I just won't move. Just don't hack my knees off.


I am lighting a torch. Marcus, Jacqueline, Imbellem and I need it.

Jacqueline needs to be able to see for traps, for all our benefit.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:49, Mon 14 Sept 2015.

{For my post, mostly see the chat, [Private to GM: with this, it exceeds 500 words...]}

After lighting the torch I redon my pack.

I consider from the depths of all my knowledge if there is perhaps a shred of something related to this situation that might shed light upon our path.

[Private to GM: I do a knowledge check with all my knowledges. I would roll them, but I thought I would just add this, because if only some would apply at all then you can roll the appropriate ones Ryan.]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:13, Fri 11 Sept 2015.

I look down the hallways, trying to see anything that would give us a clue as to where to go. I look to the rest of the group around me in between glancing down the paths. Ideas start going through my head, "Imbellem, is there any way you can cast a light at the end of these tunnels?" I pause for a moment before looking back to the group, "Is there anyway we can light up an arrow? Light it on fire or something?"

"I am out of my depth with these type of situatsituations, I'm afraid. But I will stay close to them and try to help as much as I can." Marcus carefully followed after his sister, attempting to assist her with whatever he could.

[Private to GM: Using an Aid Another check.]

Blackness in every direction made them uncomfortable. It wouldn't have been so bad if they were in an ordinary dungeon or cave, but this was the Old Kingdom. Here, a fallen world was preserved in an eternal, underground realm. Nothing could compare to the eerie and perfect stillness which lingered over everything. The stone itself seemed to glisten with memories and past life. Over a millennium ago this was once a city, and countless people roamed and lived within these halls. Now they were all dead. And not only were the people forgotten, but so too was the name of the kingdom by the people who have built their city on top of it. Only the walls remembered. They glowed the slightest blue beneath the light, holding their memories close, cherishing them like a fleeting treasure.

The adventurers stood at the intersection, bewildered and wary of their next move. The next lantern had gone out, and time was running short. They pooled their knowledge to find a way forward:

Knowledge Local & History {Imbellem; Herr Johannes} ~ Although many of the ancient tunnels beneath Herrod have been converted to Sewers & Aqueducts, a great deal are still untouched by modern men. Most scholars say that the current number of known tunnels comprise only half of those discovered thus far. Others say that this estimate is absolutely wrong – that the passages we know of aren't even a tenth of lies beneath the City...

Knowledge Dungeoneering {Imbellem} ~ Nothing comes to mind that can help you here.

Spot {Imbellem; Lady Jacqueline; Mikael} ~ Most of the tunnels seem to bend or curve a short ways down, limiting what can be seen in the darkness without going down them. Upon the ground, there is scant evidence to be found which would help determine the path Kelden took.

Listen {Imbellem; Lady Jacqueline} ~ The Old Kingdom is completely silent. There is not even the sound of mice or insects or wind. The stillness of it is disturbing after having spent such a long time in the City above. It's in the midst of this silence that a sudden sound is barely heard; it would have gone completely unnoticed if it were not for Jacqueline's keen ears. Down the left hall there was a tick tick tick, as though a nail were being gently tapped upon the stone.

Survival: Track {Adwonus} ~ Success! Adwonus placed his palm upon the floor and scanned the intersection with his trained, orcen eyes. Finding tracks amidst hard and dustless stone was difficult, but not impossible. He could see the slightest grains of rock shifted and moved, ridges that were not even higher than the width of pin. They revealed a large party of men heading down the right tunnel. This was no doubt the path Kelden took. Notably, the other paths were barren of any such signs; they had clearly been untrodden in many centuries.

[Today: DM Ryan, on behalf of Adwonus Swillman, rolled 25 using 1d20+9.  Survival. Track Kelden's Party.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:14, Sat 12 Sept 2015.

In reply to DM Ryan (msg # 30):

Trapper scanned the ground, feeling, listening, thinking. The darkness brought no hinderence to him, only help. It would make for a strong shroud. He turned to the others and whispered. "They went to the right. We need to move now, quick and quiet."
With that, the half-orc started stalking into the darkness.

"Well that took like-an hour and a half shorter than I thought it would. Amazing work Adwonus. Thats quite a skill you have." Praised the cleric with a pat on the back. "Remind me to never give you a reason to hunt me down and kill me, eh?" Suddenly he felt eyes piercing him like darts.

-cough- he removed his hand from the trappers shoulder. "So im good to go, Let get going! Johannes, do you or should you keep your torch lit? What if the one who put out the torches is still down here... Perhaps we should follow the Elves, Dwarf, and Orc?" He purposed, mood significantly brought up due to the surprising turn of events.


Imbellem Tueri rolled 23 Listen check, passageways. Danger?
Imbellem Tueri rolled 20 Spot check, passageways. Danger?
Imbellem Tueri rolled 24 using Spot check, traps
Imbellem Tueri rolled 18 using Survival check, Be wary of natural hazards, loose rock, shifting sand etc.

[Private to DM Ryan: Private to us
Imbellem Tueri rolled 7 using Speak Language, Symbols on walls, any sort of "old kingdom" speech]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Mon 14 Sept 2015.

     "Aha! Never underestimate the advantage of having a trained woodsman and tracker with you. Training and discipline in regard to our crafts should not be underestimated. We train before these events to be ready for them. We do not train with the idea of 'if', but with 'when'. Remember to practice your skills to be ready for the day of 'judgement' so to speak, the day of proving."

     "Excellent work Adwonus. I see now if you had gone with Pyrra and Zin, we would have been in some great difficulty. I am glad we can be again on the same side. We can be pleased to know that we are doing what is right for the city. Even if we found it out near the last minute."

"Alright men, ... and m'Lady, to the right it is, do not go down the other paths at all. In case of traps, this is the old Kingdom.
     Jacqueline, did you find any traps down here or sign of them?
     Imbellem, do not write anything on the wall until Lady Jacqueline confirms there is no trap there. Do NOT go down that left path, I will explain what that sound is likely as we walk.

While I talk, chat, and direct I begin to access my inventory.
"We need to leave a clue to 'repair' the broken chain of the path."
     I remove my pack and draw another torch from it and light it with my current torch. I look for the lantern nearby which would have prior illuminated the path of safety. I light it if I find it nearby or on our way down the right path, now unlit. If it is not in my immediate sight, I set my lit torch down inside the right path on the right side of the path. sitting against the stone wall. "This will at least provide light or evidence to the right path for a while."
     At the same time I drew the extra torch I draw a piece of chalk from my belt pouch. I write on the 2 walls of the right path and floor at the intersection an arrow indicating the right path. all pointing to the direction of our travel.
     At this moment I realize something important, if we could not have been able to tell the true path, the unlit lantern should still be nearby to indicate which path. If it is not, it must have been removed.
     "Be on your guard men, there may be enemies nearby as indicated by the missing lantern. Even if it went out, we should still find an unlit lantern as those placed prior or fallen from its hook. If not, something removed it."

I then quickly return to going with the group, with guisarme and torch in hand, only now, 1 torch lighter.

As we walk I talk quietly to the group about knowledge which could save their lives down here.
     "I would almost assure you that the ticking sound we heard would be either the sound of water dripping from water or aqueducts above, which are numerous, but more likely (due to the metallic quality of the sound) the sound of one of the great mechanisms still present from the old Kingdom. The one we found, Jacqueline, Dwalin and I, was like a great metallic man. Like a golem, if you are familiar with stories of old. It was quite resistant to damage, being made of metal, whether it be only to weapons of a slashing or piercing quality but not to blunt, I am not sure. It was vulnerable in 2 areas, it seemed to have difficulty standing when tripped, and it had a panel on the back which gave access to its inner workings making it vulnerable to some sort of sabotage. This sabotage would, however require one to climb onto its back and remove the panel, like removing a scale from a dragons back, all while it thrashes about. The one we faced, we destroyed it by mere force of arms, but not before Dwalin was severely wounded. If not for God's help, his arm might still be healing today!"

Remembering my parrot again, I pet him or her while on my shoulder confirming he/she is just asleep while in the dark like this. "I really need to name this fella, and determine if it is male or female. Hehe." I chuckle to myself, as the parrot replies, "rwwak, right! right! right!" being calmed by petting the bright parrot while down in these depths. Then I realize the puzzle, and I cannot but help mentioning it out loud, "I knew it! Of course we go right, remember, the righteous choose right!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Mon 14 Sept 2015.

     "...I am lighting a torch. Marcus, Jacqueline, Imbellem and I need it.

     Jacqueline needs to be able to see for traps, for all our benefit."

     "I agree, we shouldnt charge... as much as I would like to... Follow slowly behind her. Does anybody else have the knowledge to check for traps? May double our speed

     And I cant be the only one dying a little bit on the inside wondering what it was that Jaq heard... that tiny tapping? What could that be? What if someone is trapped behind a false wall or something and really really wants out?"

     "It's probably just some rats."

     "If it was a rat, don't you think we'd have heard more? Its a quiet as a crypt down here: Except for that... tick-ing...
     Trap, person, warning.
     I dunno. I guess the saying 'Curiosity killed the Cleric' exists for a reason... Just keep an eye out behind us from now on."

     "Hmm that's a good point. Yeah let's not go towards the creepy sounds from under ground..."

     "We better catch em'."

     "Uh wait. What if the same person who put out the lights trapped someone in the wall? If heard of people who can meld into stone itself... magic is strange. What if it's a person who needs help?

     And maybe it's the person who does the trapping. Being down here is bad enough, I'd rather not be inside the stone..."

{<_< >_>}

     Stone setter could be in keldens midst though. Ya know, picking off stragglers? We already know ady... whatever is efficient in magic. Maybe some of his men are too?

     Am I the only one who feels it could be worth checking? I just don't want someone suffering or... clues or what have you."

     "I don't think we have to time to check. Time is of the essence if we hope to catch up to Kelden in time."

     "Then I'm going to leave a note on the wall. Just a simple "tap tap" with an arrow if we come back this way. Unless there are any objections."

(Got my chalk)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Sat 19 Sept 2015.

Marcus nods, following after Adwonus as quietly as he can.

Lady Jacqueline kept an eye and an ear out. Not liking the idea of total darkness... She shuddered and tried to shake it off.

Three paths into darkness laid before the adventurers. If it was not for the keen tracking skills of Adwonus, they could have easily been led astray. After congratulating Adwonus on his prudent work, Herr Johannes crouched on the ground and retrieved a piece of chalk from his inventory; he drew a large arrow in the once-lost direction. Confident of their heading, they embarked down the rightmost path, hoping time was still on their side.

Herr Johannes lit a torch to help those of human eyes to see. The adventurers had traveled about thirty paces into the black depths of the tunnel when Adwonus, who was leading the way, halted their march. He gestured with his hand toward something on the ground. Herr Johannes held the torch over it and illuminated a broken lantern upon the stone. Looking a little higher, the adventurers could see the hook from which it once hung; it had come loose from the wall, pried out beneath the weight of the lantern. And more importantly, ahead of them farther down the tunnel, they could see the next lantern glowing safe and sound in the distance. The adventurers felt a great wave of relief. Not only did they now know they were heading in the right direction, but that, most likely, the lantern had fallen from pure accident, a mistake during installation. They felt their energy renewed. Herr Johannes placed his torch beside the broken lantern, to guide any who might need to come back or follow. Imbued with new trust in their skills and teammates, the adventurers then hastened their pace and continued their trek trough the Old Kingdom.

Spot {Imbellem} ~ It was very dark. The lanterns which guided the way provided the only illumination, accompanied by the light's soft teal reflection from the walls.

Listen {Imbellem} ~ To the relief of the nerves, they were no long able to hear the sound of tick-ing as they traveled farther away from it.

They passed by several more lanterns and intersecting passages. Only their footsteps made any sound in the underground realm for the next couple minutes. Then, they heard a new sound, a humming which reverberated off the walls. As they drew closer to the source, the humming became more distinct, and what's more, they knew exactly what it was – it was the sound of water.

The passage they were traveling through opened up into a large underground chamber; the room was square and nearly fifty feet across in size. In the center of this chamber was a great pit, an abyss, which plummeted deep into the world, and surrounding this abyss was a magnificent walkway of stone, or at least half of one. The opposite walkways had long crumbled away and were almost completely gone. On the opposite side of the chamber, a waterfall poured from where the wall met the ceiling, falling and disappearing into the abyss; the adventurers could not hear a sound from the bottom. No doubt this waterfall came from a broken Aqueduct and had, over many years, eroded and destroyed much of the room. This was the only part of the Old Kingdom so far in which the adventurers found rubble and debris across the ground.

Ahead of the adventurers, they could see the passage continue on the other side and turn into stairs, leading upward; at the entrance of this hung the comfortable sight of a lantern. However, to the side, at the end of the other surviving walkway, the adventurers could see a door. They entered and gazed in awe at the ancient chamber. It was a marvel to think things like this existed beneath the courtyard of Castle Herrod, beneath the feet of oblivious citizens above. Imbellem leaned by the edge of the abyss and tried to peer into the bottom. There was no railing of any kind, and Adwonus lost no time in grabbing him by the cuff and pulling him back; he scolded him with a glance.

Jacqueline meandered near the door at the side of the room and stared at it. It was a large metal double door unlike anything she had seen before. There was no handle of any kind, but instead, only a lever in the center surrounded by four openings on each side. One of these openings had a gear inside, perfectly fitted for it. The other three openings also appeared to accommodate such gears, but they were all empty...

Dwalin admired the room. Even though it had been eroded and damaged by water, the stonework still fascinated him. There was fair bit of rubble by the strange door, fallen from the ceiling – a damn shame. The opposite walkways had been almost completely obliterated; all that remained were a couple lingering platforms on the far side. He felt a moment of spite toward the humans above who unknowingly ruined such a masterpiece.

The adventurers could not help but reflect on an interesting fact: wonderful places are always found when they're least expected.


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:02, Tue 15 Sept 2015.

     "Ya know, for rushing into battle so quickly, Kelden sure covered his back quite well..."

     "You don't get this far without learning to cover your back."

     "Missing gear?... closed mechanical door? Someone closed it behind them, or its a very slow door.
Also we didn't see anyone who could have done it? You and jaq should check the stairs, I'd like this room secure 100%"

     "Wait, look again Imbellem. The lanturn hangs by the stairs. The stairs is the way into the castle. The great metal door is a gateway into the old kingdom. There is likely much more to that door than the missing gears. There could be a mechanical guard or some sort of lightning trap."

     "... that makes more sense. I'm sorry, I hate being underground. I was used to open fields and long roads before I met you guys... I'll follow and do my best to not let paranoia get the best of me."

     "The abyss before us does make me ask if there are many more levels to this Kingdom below us?
     Anyways, back to the door. We have seen doors like this before. It might be like a city gate. Like a door to go into the inner Old Kingdom instead of just be in the out skirts or courtyard.

     Sounds like you came from a blessed country my freind! One where you could truely ride. Do you know how to ride? Have you ridden much before? The art of Horsemanship is among the highest honored skills among my people. The profession of arms and horsemanship are honored skills from where I come from. Also, the craftsman are well known for their metalworking skills. Which is fitting, for the creation of these arms and armour.

     I miss riding in the fields and forests there..."

     "If by 'know how to ride' you mean 'sit on a creature while it moves and not fall off' then yes haha.
     I envy you. Being able to have a 'people'... and a land. Most unfortunately for me, my time in one location is short, and my blood... isn't as pure as I would like.
Metalworking... where are you from? I'm looking for a specific metalworker. That's actually what brought me into Herrod"

     "Hmm, so you have at least been on a horse? Many have not even that privledge!
Hmmm, so you don't find allegiance or connection to a particular people? What about a region? House? Clan?
     Have you not been in 1 place for long before this?
Oh metal workers in my country. I am not sure I know of any here specifically. The only craftsman I know in Herrod is a Dwarven male. A he dwarf? Dwarven man? I am not sure how you say it properly. He is a leather worker in this city."

     "Horse. Donkey. A bear once. I've seen it all my friend haha. I'm not even from this island. I came from a group of... nomadic priests. We were in a squabble with goblins and uh... I was forced to leave. Haven't seen the folks for years. I send money or a letter if a temple knows where they are. But they never stay in one place for long."

     "Hmm, a specific metal worker, do you know his name? Was  it him or something he could craft that brought you here?"

     "Heh... mother never spoke of her land. And father was uh. Of the sea shall we say.

     Leather? Curses....

     I don't know his name nor where he lives... dwarf though. Specializes in automatically designed artificial limbs.

     Ya know the saying 'give me a hand'? Well let's say I intend to make follow through with my promise.

     Came to Herrod in passing. Thought he could be here, or someone could point me in the right direction. 4 years, no such luck
     Tales of The Old Kingdom and their metal constructs are what brought me here. His work is similar. Giving those lacking in limbs a second chance."

     "A bear?! Never heard of a tamed bear before. Did you see the bear? or ride it?!
So your parents are with this group of nomadic preists? You mean a letter to your parents or these preists? A squabble eh? Hmm, did it end in violence? Is your group in need of men skilled in the art of war? I never want to see the innocent or good oppressed by the wicked with violence. I seek to prevent the oppression of the good and innocent where ever I find it, using my skills in the art of war."

     "Bha. No it was not tamed. Fell out of a tree on it. Bears are as fast as horses so I figured hold on or get eaten. Good story. I'll tell ya sometime.

     A letter to the parents. The groups sends reports to temples of their whereabouts on occasion. I'm often not lucky enough to send them letters though.

     Peace keepers. Met with violence... firm believers of non violence and the defacement if the cross is punishable by banishment. I faught back, and my punishment from the goblins was shared with another... the man who needs a hand heh. My father."

     "Hmm, sounds like an interesting story to be sure.

     Maybe soon, you could even see your parents in person.

     I am not sure what others have told you, but, can you consider for me a moment: Perhaps, you were banished not because of your sin, but because of your courage. You had the courage to stand up and do what was right, in the face of the wicked, in the face of those who would feign pacifism for holiness. You stood up to defend the innocent at the mercy of the tyrants.

     I know of metalsmiths in my homeland, but not here yet, unfortunately.

     So you do have a people, but you just don't know who it is. Besides that though, you are one of us. You have a place with us. 'He who stands with me shall be my brother...'
     Fascinating, perhaps his studies are in part related to the old Kingdom. I do know of a goblin shopkeeper who makes intricate toys. He could perhaps create the item you need or know the man who could?

     Sounds like a personal quest, honor bound eh?
     Perhaps this is the day you will find him? Or maybe tomorrow... whenever you get a chance to talk to the goblin I mentioned."

     "Unlikely. Im not even sure what Island theyre on these days... Ah well. One day.

     haha naw the father was a coward, and a biggot. It wasnt my fault. Nobody stood up, so i took the mantle. I take responsiblity for the loss of my fathers arm... it should have been mine. But I didnt get away unscathed, nor was my act of violence the only reason for my banishment. [removing his right glove, he held his hand up next to his face, showing the brand of a crooked, but unmistakable cross]
     See, they figured that punishment wasn't harsh enough so they removed me from my family, friends, and nearly faith.
     I know, a cross, no big deal. Should be a good thing. Note its position? Its right side up when i bend the elbow above my waist. Pity thats not how most people walk eh? [puts glove back on] Walking with your arms to your side with an inverse cross with very religious and strict folk get you kicked out of your home. Then the group, off to fend for yourself.
Its not about them or me anymore. I just need to pay back my father for his sacrifice, and maybe see them again before I die. Simple wish, but thats all I want
I dont like goblins... Sneaky, tricky, always breaking the rules to their favor... unjust... Eh, im sure theyre not all bad. they just leave an impression when something like that happens.

     My father stood up to the attackers. That was all. Didn't defend anyone, just asked them to leave... they didn't see me with a garden rake."

     "I think we should ignore the door and get moving. Kelden needs to be reached."

     "Ahem yes enough about that. Up the stairs we go. Quietly or quickly?"

     "As much as I like to kick in the door I sat we sneak."

     "Any idea how far we are from the surface? Kelden may need us."

     "Hmmm, let me check." {I will do that in my post. Dwarven ability}

     "You dwarves. Your underground abilities never cease to amaze me. Let us know and we will react accordingly."

     "Well no matter what we'll want to tell him (Kelden) about the pirate threat and convince him to focus in the pirates rather than Steyus."

     "Adwonus, can you tell me if Kelden's trail leads to that metal door? or to the stairs? I assume the stairs. Whichever way he went we need to follow. I would hope it is the stairs, because there is likely great danger behind that metal door.

     Before we go ahead, someone should listen at the base of the stairs to find if we are getting close."

     "I agree. I vote those with the pointy ears do so. Its not racist- its just an observation. Dont hit me Jacqueline...
     and we don't have a WHOLE lot of time, there could be a fight going on right now... So... I guess it doesnt matter who does what. We need to get this show on the road"

     "I always feel a little left out on stealth operations. I'm much better with an axe in my hand!"

     "Welcome to the club my stumpy friend. Just you wait until I get a better mace... then I can fix all of your boo-boos as well as crack some skulls"

     "Jacqueline's ears probably can hear your thoughts, so we should have her listen for sure."

     "You better watch your mouth! I'm short but strong."

     "No disrespect of course! I once heard of a group of dwarves who took in a run away princess. Each of the dwarves had some sort of mental disability, or emotional malfunction, but their teamwork and loyalty was very inpiriing. Ive had nothing but respect for your people sense I was a child hearing the story"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:41, Mon 21 Sept 2015.