Udgruth, the hard-of-hearing dwarven farmer and guide leads you through a small network of tunnels to find two underground streams and the underground river they feed into.

These are the main sources of fresh water for Scardale Town, a town recently plagued with more problems than large cities ever see in a decade!

Among these problems were poisoned wells, and you have set off to find out if the cause of the poisoning is to be found here, at the source of the town's water.

"If the problem is down here, we need to search for it. This is the start but where do we go from here? I wonder how we even know that the water is pure or poison here? Any ideas?

He felt somewhat unprepared suddenly but hoped that Lathandar would show him the way. He looks about and the notion came to him that they would have to follow the stream to find the truth.

"So, which way do we go?"

[ooc: what are the choices?]

"Perhaps Lathander can give us guidance."  Vella suggested.  Closing her eyes, the pretty cleric began softly intoning a short phrase repeatedly.  "Manifestus veneno. Manifestus veneno..."  as she waved her arm slowly in an arc before her, palm flat and facing the waters.

OOC: Not sure where the new DM is, so I will run the region as much as I can until they show up to take it over.

===============================

The first stream is running a bit low and weak and there are several places where the water is a mere two to three inches deep.  Many rocks offering ways across it are apparent.

The water smells fresh and clean and the air inside the tunnel is very crisp and cool.

You hear crickets and a "ch-chik" sound every now and then, probably from some sort of cave-dwelling bird.

Vella's spell reveals the water to be pure at this point.

==============================

Moving a bit around the tunnel, you see some signs that you have not been the only visitor here in recent days.

Small prints, boots that would fit a gnome or a kobold, perhaps, line this side of the stream bed.

They look to be no more than a day old.

Before moving, Vella looked around at her companions.  "Are there any trackers among us?"  She asks, as she looks at the obvious signs.  "Someone should take a look at these before we tramp all over them."

The "ch-chk" sound stops when Vella talks, her voice filling the tunnel.

=======================

OOC: DM Ettercap, your new DM, will be taking over soon.  I'll keep things rolling 'til then.

I have filled him in on the present adventure, so there will be no lag time.

Hidari moved forward in the group.  "I have some skill in tracking," he said matter-of-factly kneeling and examining the fairly fresh tracks.

Dart follows the others just waiting for something to happen, always keeping a hand on one of his weapons. He winces a little at the notion of having to fight lots of kobolds or a couple of skilled gnomes.

You sense nothing more than what is posted about the tracks above.

============================

Deciding to move on, you head forthe next section of tunnel where the stream can be accessed.


As you go (and the going gets slow at times, due to the tunnel constricting in size), you notice several spots where the floor is very damp, and there are some places where almost a full inch of water is on the ground.

You are also aware that there is much life within these tunnels.

The sounds of crickets and other bugs, bat droppings, and even small tracks like those of voles and rats can all be seen and heard.

But in one section of tunnel there is a sign of life -- and death -- that you did not want to have to see.

A koblod has been killed and its insides have been eaten away.  Its eyes and tongue are missing and several large holes in its body show where its organs and blood were drained.

Looking around, you take in the size of the tunnel.  It is about 8 feet wide and at least that high, probably 9 feet high.

Your light reveals a deep shadow over where the kobold's body lies.

You also spot a fishing rod and a leather bag that has three rotting fish in it.  They have also been chewed at, probably by rats.

==================================================

Spot -OR- Listen checks!

Just one or the other.

Post results.

Vella stares at the dead kobold, but the shadow hovering over it interests her more.

He stops in his tracks as he spots the dead kobold. Two things seem obvious. First, there are dangers, such as kobolds, down here. Second, something killed the kobold and that was dangerous too.

"Stay alert. There's danger down here!"

Hidari stared into the darkness and tried to discern what exactly had done this to the kobold.  It was more than a little disconcerting that whatever did this to the kobold didn't care to eat the fish.

As the three of you look up, you realize that the rock overhang would make a great spot for some sort of ambush, as the kobold fisherman fisherman probably found out too late.

===============================

OOC: Just posting to your Spot results.

DM Ettercap will be getting into the game ASAP.

Darton immediatley draws his weapon but is distracted in doing so and sees absolutely nothing.

14:49, Today: Darton Von Dartington rolled 1 using 1d20-4. spot.

Other than a great ambush spot from above, you see nothing out of the ordinary, but the knowledge alone that it is there gives you the unsettled feeling of being watched. Further upstream, under the ledge, the tunnel the spring water flows from restricts again. It does look just big enough for human passage, although any combat inside the tunnel would be impossible.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Tue 28 Feb 2006.

"We should pass that spot one at a time, with the others covering."  Vella suggests.  "Then if something falls on the person passing, we can all concentrate on it - anyone volunteering for lead?"

"I'll do it." Darton sees himself as the one who would be able to take the most damage before going down.

As Darton makes his way forward, he nears the entrance of the tunnel, and sudenly realizes he is walking into fine almost invisible filaments he never saw until it was too late. As soon as he touches the strands, a figure of what looks like a cross between a Spider and a lobster leaps from the crevasse and lands Behind him. And it looks hungry.

Everyone roll initiatives.

EDIT: Had to edit due to size. Creature looks like a very large spider lobster. With a long narrow snout. Its approximitely 7' long.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Wed 01 Mar 2006.

19:07, Today: Darton Von Dartington rolled 26 using 1d20+7. initiative.

Even though she was expecting something of the sort, Vella jumped at the appearance of the - thing.

OOC:
15:03, Today: Vella Mlennan rolled 10 using 1d20+1. Initiative.

07:57, Today: Rayorr rolled 10 using 1d20. Initiative.

Okay. ROund one. Init goes as such.


Name:       Init  AC   HP
Darton:     26    17   51/51 <- You're up
Vella:      10    18   36/36
Rayor:      10    17   20/20
Cave fisher:10    16   17/17

Please post in initiative order, when it is your turn you have 24 hours to post after the player ahead of you posts, or your turn will be lost.

Dart takes a swing with his extremely large axe. He starts to feel the effects of bloodlust and starts yelling at the creature.

15:44, Today: Darton Von Dartington rolled 14 using 1d12+4. damage.
15:44, Today: Darton Von Dartington rolled 16 using 1d20+8. greataxe attack.

Vella steps forward, and wallops the thing with her staff.

18:08, Today: Vella Mlennan rolled 2 using 1d6. Damage.
18:08, Today: Vella Mlennan rolled 18 using 1d20+5. Attack.

16:38, Today: Rayorr rolled 4 using 1d20+2. attack with Long Sword.

No sense in rolling damage, eh?

 The creature is still alive, but is seriously wounded and considering a hasty retreat. In its hunger though, it lashes out at his attackers, clamping his pincers menacingly. But, due to his weakened state, he misses both Vella and Darton, and is preparing to jump for the wall and make its escape.


Name:       Init  AC   HP
Darton:     26    17   51/51 <- You're up
Vella:      10    18   36/36
Rayor:      10    17   20/20
Cave fisher:10    16  01/17
This message was last edited by the player at 13:32, Mon 06 Mar 2006.

Darton quickly takes another swipe at the creature. And if it tries to run, he will see his chance to do another swipe, and then swipe.


14:32, Today: Darton Von Dartington rolled 6 using 1d12+4. AoO Damage.
14:32, Today: Darton Von Dartington rolled 16 using 1d20+8. AoO.
14:32, Today: Darton Von Dartington rolled 14 using 1d12+4. damage.
14:31, Today: Darton Von Dartington rolled 23 using 1d20+8. attack.

I'd say it is definitely dead. With a last shuddering scream, the beast falls and lies still.
   The nearly invisible cord though, is still sticking to you, and after a second of trying to cut it off, it appears to be tougher than it looks.

Go ahead and roll a knowledge check to see if you may remember what this is.

Dart tries to remember what his tutor had said about these creatures.

15:22, Today: Darton Von Dartington rolled 19 using 1d20. Knowledge.

PM

Darton cleaves the creature then cuts the thread which continues to hold him. "Bloody bugger. Shall we continue?" Darton shrugs and motions to continue.

Vella looks up.  "There may be clues up there, from previous victims.  Clues, or more of these things."

"I'm not a great climber," he says. "but I'll try to get up there."

With that he tries to find a way up to where the cave fisher came from.

Although the walls are craggy and rocky, they also slope together at wierd angles, and Rayorr only manages to get a few feet before he slips and sees no place for extra footing or a grab hold. The ledge looks temptingly out of reach for the moment.

"Well, I guess we move on."  Vella decides, and peers ahead into the darkness.

As you head slowly into the crevice, it is apparent that the Cave fisher didn't haul his victims remains back up to the overhang, but shoved them to the narrow opening. Your toe bumps against Kobold and goblin bones, as well as bats, birds and other small and medium sized animals that had been unfortunate enough to be trapped in the cave fishers net. it seems the floor of the crevice beyond is littered with remains.

"We should search these remains. Perhaps there is something amongst these bones that we could use?"

He starts sifting through the bones searching for anything of interest.

Vella nods in agreement, but stands wathful guard instead of helping with the search.  "Good idea, I'll watch for visitors while you work."

Amongst the bones you find a few goblin arrows, a broken shortbow, a rusted suit of chain hacked down to goblin size, and three relatively good long swords, still in good shape. you find a small spattering of gold and silver, and one pretty, but uncut, gemstone.

He picks them up and shows the others exactly what he found.

"Well, this is certainly fortuitous. The long swords might serve us well and these coins and we can certainly use the coins and the gemstone."

From your viewpoint a bit deper into the crevasse, you can also see that it does not go on too much farther, maybe another twenty feet or so, befre it widens out into what looks like another cavern.

"Onward, then!  To discover the source of this foul poison."  Vella declared, movng forward cautiously, pushng the darkness back with the light of Lathander.

09:08, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Hide in shadows.
09:08, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 23 using 1d20+6. Move silently.

Quinlan pulls up the hood of his cloak as he moves further into the cave, pausing slightly at the sight of the half-eaten kobold and the slain cave fisher.

He catches up with the adventurers ahead and steps out of the shadows before adressing them quietly, "Greetings! I'm Quinlan Fairfellow, traveller and performer. I hope to join forces with you."
Gently, he pulls back the hood, and flashes a broad grin.

Quinlan's silver-white hair and oddly colored gray skin gives him a monochrome look were it not for his vivid hazel eyes. Under his dark cloak he wears a forest green leather tunic covered with dark (oxidized) metal studs. Beneath the armor you can see what looks like a very dark purple shirt, and a pair of tight-fitted dark pants tucked into expensive-looking soft leather boots.

"Hail and well met," the priest of Lathandar says. "I am Rayorr."

Quinlan peers ahead into the darkness "The light might alert cave residents of our approach. Perhaps I should scout ahead?", he suggests.

"Go for it."

Quinlan nods and draws his rapier. He then carefully slips away into the darkness.

OOC: Unless he spots trouble Quinlan will move until he finds an intersection, or until he is about 100 feet ahead, at which point he will return to fetch the others.

PM

Quinlan reappears out of the dark, a faint smile on his face.
"The passage opens up ahead, it looks like a well house, or what used to be one. About 30 by 30 feet. I spotted a kobold heading down a side passage, I guess they might be the ones causing the poisoning."
"I suggest we head down there and I'll let you inspect the water. I'll cover the other entrance in case the kobolds come back."

Vella nods, and follows the scout back to this well house.  "Lets' see if this is the source of the problem then."  She mutters rhetorically, as she investigates the room.

Quinlan takes up a position where he can cover the entrance to the room from the side passage, pulling out a few arrows from his quiver and notching one of them against (?) his bowstring. He listens intently for any noise coming out from down the passage.

OOC: in case it is needed, the diceroll:

15:25, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 12 using 1d20+4. Listen.

He follows Vella into the wellhouse. In his mind there was little chance that finding the source of the poison would be so easy. There was more to it. If kobolds were behind this then there was likely to be a more devious mind behind the kobolds.

As you enter the small room now with light, you can see that there are three seperate underground streams that run into the pool that takes up most of this room. The pool itsself is deep, and its surface in the light looks a bit slick. All around the pool are obvious prints, it looks like who or whatever has been here makes frequent trips. On closer inspection, the tracks lead unerringly to and from the only other exit in the room.

"Do you have the means to see if the water is contaminated or not? It would be useful to know wether the streams leading to the pool are poisoned as well" Quinlan asks the two clerics as he takes a defensive position covering the entrance to the room.

Vella nods, and squats near the pool, looking along the channels of each of the three inlets for the slick-looking film covering the pool.  "Yes.  I have magics that may help, but first, lets look for more mundane signs."

"I agree with you Vella.  We need to conserve our magic for when it is needed. We are only three and woe be us if we encounter a small army."

He moves towards the mouth of the tunnel that has the footprints and as he does he lifts his forefinger to his lips and says "Shhhh". He then presses his ears to the wall an listens. If someone is near, he might hear them.

 As Vella inspects the water sources, Rayorr listens intently to see if he hears anything out of the ordinary.

"Notice that filmy slick surface?  It's on the water coming from the west."  The cleric notes, and stands to face the western stream.  "Manifestus veneno!"  She commanded, casting her hand over the flowing waters and concentrating on the divine energies flowing about her.

"Hmmmm." he says in response to Vella. "I don't hear anyone up ahead but this tunnel here turns west," he says as he examines the north tunnel.

"The Kobold ran up this way when I first in here." Quinlan interjects, curiously awaiting the result of the spell.

Vellas spell completes it formation, and small robbons spreading throughout the water pool seem to dance on the surface, following the slight currents, then run together near the one stream exiting the wellhouse. the highest concentration though seems to just be coming out of the western crack in the wall.

Quinlan raises an eyebrow at the manifestation of the spell, his eyes wandering between the western crack in the wall and the tunnel ahead of him.
Rayorr, you said the tunnel ahead turns west? Looks like that is the direction to take. Quinlan adds with a slight smile.

"I agree. Vella, are we unanimous?"

Vella nods, then turns to Raynorr.  "May Lathander guide and strengthen you in the comming conclict, and protect you from harm."  "Cunctatus veneno"  She pronounced firmly, and laid a hand on the man's shoulder.  Turning to the Drow, she repeated "Cunctatus veneno", while placing her hand on his shoulder.  Finally "Cunctatus veneno", she intoned the spell one last time, placing Lathander's cloaking power over herself.

OOC:
Delay poison on all

Quinlan closes his eyes briefly at the touch of the priest. "I thankfully accept Lathander's blessing." He murmurs quietly.

"Shall I take the lead?" Quinlan offers, clearly confident that his skills will offset his lack of solid armor.

(OOC: I guess we need to come up with a marching order?)

Marching order please, the corridor is only five fet wide.

"I'll follow you," the priest said to Quilan, thus establishing a marching order. Before the started to move forward he readied himself by starting to pray. When there was any sign of trouble, be it light or sound, he we would be prepared to immediatly call for Lathandar's divine favor

Vella takes the rear guard, mace ready for trouble.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Sun 23 Apr 2006.

Quinlan draws his rapier and begins advancing carefully, carefully watching ahead for trouble and trying to listen if anyone or anything moves up ahead.

 The tunnel walls seem a bit smoother as you go, and the tunnel does indeed take a westerly turn, and meets up with the werely water supply. Following this leads you to the following area.

EDIT: It seems that uploadimages.net, where I usually upload my maps, is on the haywire again. Anyone know of any other good free hosting sites?
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:32, Thu 04 May 2006.

OOC: Photobucket is good and to my knowledge has never gone down.

This should be what you see.



This message was last edited by the GM at 13:57, Thu 18 May 2006.

Yay, it worked! What you see above is where the westerly running turn in the cavern wall leads.

Vella watches the walls and ceiling and the water, trustng those ahead to find what waits for them.

Quinlan observes the water, trying to figure out which way it is running. "we'll continue upstream" he says to his companions.

After you he says to Quinlan after glancing over to Vella.

Before arriving at the bifurcation, Quinlan pauses and tries to listen over the sound of the running water. He then signals to his companions to wait before moving silently ahead, keeping to the deepest shadows. Oddly enough Quinlan manages to trip over his cloak, tripping, and losing the grip of his rapier. The weapon hits the cave floor clattering. Quinlan freezes and peers intently ahead, listening for any movement.


Dice rolls:
08:23, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 7 using 1d20+6. Move silently.
08:22, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 8 using 1d20+6. Hide.
08:22, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Listen.

Yay, natural 20! Not so good on the others though...
This message was last edited by the player at 06:28, Fri 19 May 2006.

Regaining his composure, Quinlan risks a glance back at his companions.
"Sorry 'bout that!" He states with a sheepish grin.
With a firm grip on his rapier he attempts another silent approach to the T-intersection ahead.

09:34, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Hide.
09:34, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Move silently.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:36, Wed 07 June 2006.

"It's ok."  Vella assured him.  "Do you see anything up ahead?"

He stayed close to the other cleric and waited for a response. There was no need to have them all chatter up. Excessive talking could alert any hostiles. With the sounds of feet running echoed through the cave, he was on high alert.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:53, Sat 10 June 2006.

The sounds in the cavern ahead have diminished to the slight sound of trickling water and dark silence. other than any light sources you have with you, the air smells as if a light source has just been extinguished.

Having reached the intersection, Quinlan takes a peek south first, and unless there is anything threatening ahead, takes a second look north (towards the running water).

"Someone knows we're coming" he whispered. The priest was staying vigilant.

"Great."  Vella shifted her grip on her mace, and peered ahead into the darkness.  "Any time now, I suppose..."

Through the darkness, a voice of a Kobold could be heard. It is speaking a very rough common in a gutteral raspy voice. The great Grikgak wishes to know if the humantown will give to him his wishes in return for clean water." there is an awkward silence, and the shuffling of feet, then the voice returns again. "If Grikgrak get not what he want, then poison not go away, and humantown die or forced to move. What is humantown answer?" there is more shuffling of feet, and then silence as they are awaiting an answer.

"Grikgak can come out into the light to talk, don't you think?"  Vella called, rhetorically, then with z flick of her wrist and the word of mystic power  "Inlumino!", she called forth light on a pebble, and threw it as hard as she could toward the voice.


OOC:
Cast light on a pebble, then throw it at the voice to light them up

The half-Drow, hoping he is still hidden, looks to see who just challenged them.

OOC: Darkvision...

"Well, so much for being quiet and sneaking up on them," he whispered. It's about time that we deal with this head on anyway."

A startled shriek comes from the darkness as it is exploded into light, and before you stands a single Kobold, his hand in front of his face. In his other hand he holds a Stick which looks to have a decaying spiders head mounted on it, and around his neck is a simple necklace with two spider mandibles hanging from it. Wrapped about his waist is a ragged piece of red cloth. Other than that, he appears as a rather plain looking Kobold. He lowers his hand a bit as his eyes adjust to the light, and stands as straight and proud as a Kobold can, although you do notice his knees are shaking a bit.

Quinlan slips deeper into the shadows, attempting to keep hidden, awaiting the turn of events.

Vella calmly hefted a dagger, and ordered the kobold  "Drop the stick, and raise your hands."  Just as calmly, she lightly flipped the dagger in her grip, with a loose grip ready for a fast throw.

OOC:
Ready action:  throw dagger at the kolbold if he performs any action (any action, including speach)  except to obey


19:47, Today: Vella Mlennan rolled 4 using 1d4. thrown dagger damage(I have no crossbow).
19:45, Today: Vella Mlennan rolled 21 using 1d20+5. Crossbow attack (readied). 

He wasn't afraid of this kobold. He was afraid that the kobold had friends that were hidden from sight. These were nasty little humanoids and were known to be tricky. He took out a short, black wand and said "Magus Apperus", the words that triggered it's power and scanned the area for magic.

Quinlan trying to stay hidden, moves silently to flank the kobold, and to see if he has any friends lurking behind. He holds a firm grip around the rapier's handle, ready to strike.

08:49, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 14 using 1d20+6. Hide.
08:49, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 10 using 1d6+6. Move si.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:50, Tue 04 July 2006.

 From the light Vella has thrown out, you can see there is a large cavern wall that slopes around. there is no other sound, other than the quick breathing of the Kobold as he awaits the answer. He lets the stick fall to the ground, but other than that, makes no threatening moves.

"So who is this Grikgak, and how did he, or you, poison the water?"  Vella demanded, another spell ready on her lips as she scanned the cavern.

As Vella interogated the kobold, Rayorr motioned to the southwest so that Quinlan could see him. There was something that way and whatever it was Rayorr did not want it to surprise them.

He moved forward with Vella and stood a few feet away from her thereby flanking the kobold and said, "A tricky kobold this is. Indeed magus apperus divanatorious upon this one." To most others this might sound like gibberish but to a priestess of Lathandar this meant much. He had cast a detect magic and the kobold radiated it and the results were that some sort of divination magic was upon him.

"Also alone I doubt he is."

The kobold jumps a bit at the voice, but remains rooted to the spot. "Grikgrak is powerful leader. Speak with the power of the God. I am lowly messenger of his most high Grikgrak." he says this with almost a bit of awe mixed with fear in his voice, but his stance straightens with a bit of obvious pride at being a messenger.

"Most likely, his boss is watching us through his eyes." Vella speculated.  Then she turned to the kobold and commanded.  "Take us to your leader."  She winced at the cliche even as she said it.

Content to let the other priestess handle matters here, he started to flank the kobold towards the southwest. He wanted to see if there was, indeed, someone else there. Perhaps, if he drew the attention of the other, he would provide the hidden Quinlan a tactical advantage.

The kobold puffs up his chest for a moment, and pauses, then sighs and flaps a hand in your direction. "The Great Grikgrak will allow it. Behind me come." He starts heading off into the northwest, going about ten steps to see if you are following.

He nods to Vella that she should follow but he does not. Instead, he continues to the southwest where he detected magic.

Vella follows the Kobold along the northwest passage, keeping alert for a sneaky kobold trap.

Stealthily, Quinlan follows the four armed Kobolds.

[OOC: Did you spill the beans about the 4 armed Kobolds?]

(OOC: yeah... probably... haven't really got the hang of this message board yet. I'm sorry, will be more careful in the future)

[ooc: That's OK. Good players know not to pay attention to "spilled beans" and to play as if they didn't know.]

(OOC: I'm hoping you will disregard the spilled beans, for the above mentioned reason [grin])

 As Quinlan dissapears into the shadows of the south, and the kobold leads the party around to the SOUTH, it is obvious all to soon that there were indeed Koblods waiting in the north. Four Kobolds fall out of the shadows and in behind the party as the messenger leads them around the southern edge or what turns out to be a rather large rock. Four more kobolds, join in behind them from the west, and the messenger beckons you to follow him North, into a small room cut into the rock.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:04, Tue 18 July 2006.

Vella walks on, unworried about the multiplying kobolds, though she is ready for treachery as she watches the passing shadows.  "How much further?"

Sorry, the kobold led you SOUTH, the other four came from the SOUTH of that.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:09, Tue 18 July 2006.

Just inside the orrway, the kobold leads you to the left, and pulls a ragged dirty curtian to the side, and gestures you to enter the room. "The great GrikGrak will see you"

Hand on her mace, Vella ducked under the curtain and entered the room.

In the dark, Quinlan mulls over his next move

He continues to follow Vella and remains ready to defend himself if the kobolds try something funny. This was a dangerous situation and he was not going to trust the small humanoids. They were an evil but tricky race.

 Grikgrak, the king of kobolds, sits basically on a rickety old human chair, a sloppy half asleep guard standing beside him. He is dressed in what looks to be three layers of rags, and a single glittering amulet glares from his chest. He looks at you, and in a coomon dialect even wrse thatn his messenger, he speaks.
  "You not farmers. We expected farmer, yet you come with sharp shiny sticks and hard skins. We make deal then, no blood spill." without even awaiting a response, he continues. "For one small grasseater a day and shiny small metal discs you call gold piece, we will stop poisoning water. we no get, we no stop."

"How much tribute do you want?"  Vella asked, her tones not gentle.

Dice rolls privately to our DM:

"What's a grasseater? Do you think he means a cow?" he asks Vella.

The part of the offer that Grikgrak made that was an issue is the a day part. This was blackmail but he expected no less.

On hearing the word cow, Grikgrak shakes his head. "Smaller." And pulls out a half eaten sheep leg.

"Ahhh. I see. Unfortunately, we are not the right people to be dealing with this issue. If it were up to me, I would give you a sheep and the money, but sadly, it is not up to me. So, it is wealth that you seek?"

"I think we can work something out.  If you stop poisoning the wells, you and your tribe will survive."  Vella answered the kobold in flat tones.

While the "negotiations" continue, Quinlan stays out of sight.

OOC: Yeah! Go Vella!

The kobold thinks on this a moment, and his beady eyes watch you critically for a moment. "You would do this? Make sure a Kobold clan survives? Humans not trust kobold, kobold not trust human." He thinks a moment more, and grins a very draconic grin. "You make sure kobold clan live, we keep nasty goblins out of farmer field. We no poison water we guard water. We share water and you give wastefood. That be bargain?" He looks to you with a glimmer of hope.

OOC: LOL! Kobold logic... Guess it's up to you Rayorr, if now Vella left us. We have a bit of a trouble concerning the odds, still if we fight well... You take the lead and Quinlan will follow (probably).

"That would be a good deal for both kobold and mankind.

Although he didn't trust the kobold, he knew that this could work. The problem was that these kobolds had killed many innocent people by poisoning the water. Was there to be no punishment for them?

"I must confer with my god to see if it is an idea that he supports.

PM

23:38, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 8 using 1d20+4. Listen. 

Quinlan attempts to hear what his companion and the Kobolds are talking about, feeling unsure of what is about to happen decides to slip closer. He positions himself in the tunnel just north of the entrance to the chieftains room. With the band of kobolds apparantly busy guarding Rayorr, and following the negotiations, Quinlan hopes to land at least one sneak attack should a battle break out.

"That sounds like a fair and profitable proposition."  Vella answers.  "If you stop the poisonings now, we will go back to town, and talk with our chiefs.  Only they can agree to this alliance.  If they agree, things will be as you propose.  If they do not, what have the kobolds lost?  Only a few days time."

The head of the kobold clan somewhat nods and hands you a small flask. with that, he motions you closer, and removes the pendant from around his neck. "We finds this on a dead human on way from old home. You keep as symbol of pact. maybe you get it work better, no?" he motions to the messenger, who hands you a small stone that was attached to the staff. "They work together to spy. we no need if human friends."

"Thank you."  Vella tells the kobold, and backs out of the chamber, already wondering just who she could talk to, in the snakepit of occupied and chaotic Scarsdale city, that could and would make and honor such a deal.

Seeing that the negotiations seem to have ended on "friendly" terms, Quinlan lowers the tip of his rapier somewhat and prepares to follow his companions.

OOC: Quinlan will take up a position as rear guard as we exit the tunnels, keeping an eye out for any sneaky kobolds.

"So, we're heading back?" He asks Vella.

"Yes."  She replied, shortly.  "Though I have no idea who we can find in Scarsdale that can validate the deal."

"Maybe I can be of help, I'm not entirely at loss when it comes to finding the right person."
Quinlan replies as he falls in behind the priests. He swirls around, making note of where the kobolds are.

He does not leave nor does he agree to anything before he gets an answer to his prayer. Kobold treachery was well documented and until he knew in his heart that the course of action was appropriate, the priest was resolute.

Quinlan pauses at the sight of the praying priest.

"No need to rush back." he states flatly, and takes a look at the kobolds around him. Trying to catch the eye of one he then asks:

"Have you seen any of my kind around here?"

(edit: forgot to roll dice) Gather information roll: 9
This message was last edited by the player at 07:21, Thu 03 Aug 2006.

 At the sight of Quinlan and his point blank question, they look at each other, and the uncomfortable silence that follows is unnerving. finally Grikgrak speaks. "We meet a...few of darkies. They are why we left our home."

Suddenly interested, Quinlan presses on: "Did they force you to leave? Is it far from here?"

"Your offer seems good, on the surface. However, it is not acceptable."

The look he casts over to Vella and Quinlan is easily translated into a Do not trust them look.  "My god has warned me that that the deal you have offered is one that a fool would agree to. Do you think me a fool???" His voice rose in anger. <Blue>"Play not with me foul kobold! Many have died and a debt must be paid for those lives. Is it your blood that should be spilled to avenge those deaths? I believe so. Tell me why I should not believe that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Thu 03 Aug 2006.

"Did the darkies tell you to come here?" Quinlan asks in a soothing voice, his eyes half closed. "You haven't showed us how you do to poison the water, we need to see that before we can present kobold offer to human chief."

The Kobold chief looks at you, his eyes narrowing, darting from one to the other. Finally, his Eyes settle on Quinlan.
"Yes, Darkies did send us here. Darkies say we need to poison human waters because they not follow deals with Darkies." His posture and his eyes suddenly change, growing very menacing. "They also say no one must know of deal with darkies or never leave cave alive."

Prepare for combat.

The priest was prepared for a battle. Once his prayer to Lathandar revealed that the kobolds were not to be trusted, bloodshed had become inevitable. The prayer was already on the tip of his tongue "Arrette Homonis" he said as he called forth divine intervention to aid them today.

OOC: How are the kobolds positioned with respect to Quinlan, specifically the messenger and the chief?

Quinlan is the farthest from the chief and his lackey, being almost at the most southerly end. Four Kobolds stand between him and the rest of the group, then the group stand betwen the four kobolds and the chief and his lackey messenger.

Quinlan lashes out at one of the four Kobolds standing between him and the rest of the group, targeting one facing the chief (if any) to make use of his skills in surprise attacks.


16:38, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 2 using 1d6. Sneak attack damage.
16:34, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 3 using 1d6+1. Damage.
16:34, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Melee attack.



16:39, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 8 using 1d20+3. Initiative.